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Able Greenspan's Bookshelf
The Book of Coffee: A Philosophy
Julian Baggini with James Hoffmann, authors
Mariya Suzuki, illustrator
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781846016387, $19.99, HC, 176pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Book-Coffee-philosophy-James-Hoffmann/dp/184601638X
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-book-of-coffee-julian-baggini/1149064343
Synopsis: Julian Baggini has long been fascinated by the philosophical underpinnings of how we eat and drink, and a chance encounter with an old, battered copy of The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura led him on a journey to explore our relationship with coffee.
Coffee is the ritual that begins and gets us through the day, whether chugged thoughtlessly on the long drive home, or artfully and ritualistically brewed as a moment of morning meditation. Coffee not only fuels us but has shaped the very fabric of modern life. Our cup of coffee allows for a moment of deeper connection, both with oneself and others, through attentive preparation and consumption. A moment to embrace life's absurdity with joy and alertness.
Co-authored by philosopher Julian Baggini and coffee expert James Hoffmann, "The Book of Coffee: A Philosophy" (nicely enhanced with little illustrations by artist Mariya Suzuki) is an ultimately enriching and life affirming little volume -- an elevation of the everyday and a pleasure to read, creating a treatise on how we can infuse the seemingly mundane with moments of mindful attention and meaning. It will appeal not only to coffee lovers but to anyone intrigued by the intersections of culture, philosophy, and everyday life.
In tracing the deep roots of coffee in our imagination, "The Book of Coffee" reveals why this humble drink remains a profound and lasting symbol of life itself.
Critique: Original, fascinating, thoughtful and thought-provoking, "The Book of Coffee" by the team of philosopher Julian Baggini, coffee expert James Hoffmann, and artist/illustrator Mariya Suzuke is an original, deftly crafted, and simply fascinating read from start to finish. Certain to be of immense interest to coffee-drinkers everywhere, and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library Humanist Philosophy, Mediation, and Coffee Culture collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "The Book of Coffee" from Mitchell Beazley is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.99).
Editorial Note #1: James Hoffmann is the co-founder of Square Mile Coffee Roasters, a multi-award-winning coffee roasting company based in East London. He is also the World Barista Champion 2007, having won the UK Barista competition in both 2006 and 2007. He has a YouTube channel with more than 2 million subscribers, where he makes videos about anything and everything to do with coffee and an instagram following of more than 700k. He is the author of The World Atlas of Coffee (first edition 2014, second edition 2018, third edition 2025) and the Sunday Times bestseller How to Make the Best Coffee at Home (2022).
Editorial Note #2: Julian Baggini is a philosopher, writer and journalist whose work encompasses a wide range of interests and styles. Julian was awarded a Ph.D. from University College London for his thesis on the philosophy of personal identity in 1996. He then went on to found The Philosophers' Magazine with Jeremy Stangroom, supporting himself with a portfolio of jobs that included teaching and, increasingly, journalism and writing. Julian writes articles for The Guardian, BBC News Online, Prospect, Times Educational Supplement, the Observer and New Humanist, among others. He makes regular appearances on national radio and television. Julian has published numerous well received books about philosophy and its intersection with other spheres. Julian's most recent book, How the World Eats, was published in October 2024 by Granta.
Editorial Note #3: Mariya Suzuki is an artist currently based in Tokyo. She was born in Nara and studied illustration in Long Beach, California. She has contributed her work for many musicians, food professionals, and books and magazines from around the world. In addition to printed media, she also collaborates with interior designers to draw murals. Aside from work, she enjoys going around town to draw subjects whose shape or story catches her attention.
Able Greenspan
Reviewer
Diane Donovan's Bookshelf
The Chemistry of Life
Bhaskar Venepalli
Indus Source Books
9769385509957, $TBA
Indus Source Books
https://www.indussource.com/collections/bhaskar-rao-venepalli
The Chemistry of Life is written by an Indian chemist entrepreneur. His review of science is supplemented by an attention to how various forces in his life led him to unexpected paths of discovery.
Blending memoir, science, and philosophical reflection, The Chemistry of Life moves from a childhood in the small rural village of Hyderabad to becoming a chemist, then leading a global venture that joins the U.S. and India.
Readers of autobiography will find Bhaskar Venepalli's journey particularly fascinating as he captures rural Indian life because it highlights a sense of bygone years and atmosphere:
...the village seemed to exist in a time warp, untouched by progress, its days defined by the rhythm of the sun and the seasons. It was a world where survival took precedence over ambition, where dreams were considered luxuries most couldn't afford.
From his marriage and child-rearing to his professional evolution, Venepalli captures the trials and flavors of these years through descriptions that are haunting reflections on adaptation and adversity:
Milk powder, an essential yet expensive commodity, was available through ration cards. So, I often stood in long queues, sometimes for hours, just to buy milk powder and kerosene, two of our most pressing necessities. It is difficult to imagine now, in an age of convenience, but back then, it was our reality.
As his social circle evolves into unexpected connections with the U.S., Venepalli continues to forge new ground in his career and family choices that lead to personal and professional advancements he once never would have dreamed possible.
Readers of immigrant accounts that reflect on changing life and its serendipitous influences will be especially attracted to the many pivot points in Venepalli's life and career which influenced his moves around the world and led to unexpected moments. These were not without their costs, but posed unique problems and solutions:
In April 1983, Jyothi joined me in New York. Her presence brought a renewed sense of stability, a feeling that our life was taking shape, even amidst the constant changes. This time, we made the difficult decision to leave both our daughters in Hyderabad so they could continue their education without disruption. We had planned to return to India after two years, but as life often does, it had other plans.
Readers interested in memoirs that explore how achievement is envisioned and defined and the life forces that draw seemingly disparate cultures and interests together on an entrepreneurial and scientific playing field will find The Chemistry of Life an involving saga.
Libraries looking for accessible, compelling surveys of Indian/U.S. relationship-building and entrepreneurial efforts will find The Chemistry of Life worthy of collection acquisition. It promises and delivers a heady mix of personal and social reflection that ultimately connects all kinds of efforts in ways that open doors to new possibilities.
As an inspiring story of change, The Chemistry of Life deserves recommendation to book clubs and reading groups holding a special interest in scientific entrepreneurship and the community-building results evolving from supportive perspectives on life.
In a nutshell:
...true success lies not in personal achievements alone, but in the ability to create meaningful change in the lives of others.
When the Forest Dreams
Andrea Ezerins
https://andreaezerins.com
She Writes Press
https://shewritespress.com
9798896363101, $17.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/When-Forest-Dreams-Andrea-Ezerins/dp/B0FWZXGTXC
When the Forest Dreams is a novel about love, growth, and dreams of extraordinary days that become all too ordinary and real. It all starts when narrator Emma's neighbor Jake requires help in guiding a semi-conscious woman into his apartment, which reeks of money in contrast to her own sparse abode, which she shares with her family.
The story soon becomes one of contrasts between new American arrivals and old-school money as Emma's parents, fixated on achieving the American dream, worry enough about mishaps to want Emma to play safe and avoid danger. And Jake seems to define trouble. This latest event only solidifies her parents' concerns about their neighbor and their place in America:
My parents worry about getting caught in some misdeed or illegal activity they didn't understand, and because of a minor mistake or misunderstanding, they lose their tenuous hold on the American dream. They know they can try their hardest and do all the right things but still get caught up in something that results in it all going up in smoke which would be the ultimate affront to my grandfather's perilous journey from Poland and the death to every other Jablonski that remained.
As Emma's life unfolds, from "vulgar kisses" from Danny to her rescuer Jake, romance takes some unexpected turns in a novel replete with change, adaptation, and lessons about life and choice. At many different junctures, Emma faces new possibilities. She builds a "happy bubble" of expectations and experiences which not only deviate from her cautious parents' lives, but place her in sometimes-uncertain positions as she loses a job, finds a better one, and struggles to adapt to Jake's family, who reside in a privileged class that feels alien to her.
From family undercurrents that leave as Emma unbalanced as though she's "walking on quicksand" to surprising truths about Jake's identity, readers are treated to a love story that contains inviting undercurrents of revelation, self-inspection, relationship quandaries - and a love of birds.
Andrea Ezerins' modern interpretation of L. M. Montgomery's classic romance The Blue Castle weaves a host of themes together, from women's empowerment to pursuits of nature study and reflections on how nature, especially birds, can reach out to conjoin seemingly disparate interests and personalities.
Libraries seeking evocative romance and relationship development tales that incorporate themes of growth, class status, immigrant issues, and family ties will want to highly recommend When the Forest Dreams for its warm, contemporary romantic explorations and characters that come to know the true impact of human folly - and love.
The Green Beret Way: Leading Elite Teams Under Extreme Conditions
LTC Robert W Schaefer (Ret.)
First Redwood Publishing
https://thegreenberetway.com
9780980239577, $22.95 Paperback/$9.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Green-Beret-Way-Leading-Conditions-ebook/dp/B0G9BWCPSQ
The Green Beret Way: Leading Elite Teams Under Extreme Conditions is a study in leadership and is the first book in the 'Special Forces Principles' series. Its roots in military service translate well to civilian business and leadership efforts alike, creating a unique program of opportunity that opens with an important message:
There's a perception that average people can't do what special operations personnel do. That's not true. And this book is about the fact that almost everyone can learn how to lead like Green Berets because almost all special operations personnel start off as normal people who get put into extraordinary systems.
Robert W Schaefer's approach is unique because no other book models its principles on the Green Beret system. It draws important connections between military systems and how these approaches can translate to effective management in civilian life.
Chapters teach and employ the principles of Special Forces leadership with an attention to key takeaways of these approaches and how they can work in all kinds of leadership efforts.
This precision blends the experiences of a memoir with the advice of a leadership guidebook and the impact of a military life:
Green Berets cannot perform their most important missions without learning the languages of the countries they work in. Green Berets are 100% responsible for communication; there is never any expectation that the people that we are working with will learn English or provide translators. Moreover, you must take on the added responsibility to communicate in the way that they want to hear it - otherwise it "cuts their ears" and they turn you off.
The Green Beret Way will be a major attraction to Green Berets, military service people, business leaders, and anyone interested in applied leadership principles or Green Beret experiences.
Libraries looking to enhance their memoir, military biography, or leadership collections will find The Green Beret Way's special ability to absorb and reflect all three lends to a much wider audience than the usual leadership or military handbook, offering new opportunities for reflection that will also lend nicely to book club recommendation.
The People United
Chris Pickett
chrispickettauthor.com
Hop On Publishing
9798994024003, $19.99 Paperback/$7.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/People-United-Memoir-Resistance-During-ebook/dp/B0GHPFWR99
Some readers might think that The People United: A Memoir of Hope and Resistance During Trump's First Term is another testimony to battling Trump; but those seeking a wider-ranging history of democracy in action will find this "we were here" chronicle of resistance especially engaging as Chris Pickett chronicles the paths of protest that accompanied Trump's initial and second election.
The paths by which ordinary individuals step up to participate in extraordinary movements during amazing times are introduced from the outset as Pickett succinctly delineates his personal and political transformation:
Leader. Activist. Firebrand.
These words describe me now, but they didn't three years ago. Back then, I was more accustomed to husband, father, and policy specialist. The 2016 election changed that. Donald Trump's ascension to the presidency and the imposition of his bigoted views on the country required a nationwide, grassroots response. I stepped up.
Pickett was not a community leader before that election. He is now. He was not a protester, but a family man. The People United chronicles how he embraced both:
Becoming an integral part of the nationwide resistance to the Trump administration meant weaving this work with my responsibilities to my family. Sometimes that meant keeping resistance time and family time separate. Tonight, it means packing a picnic dinner and bringing the family to a nighttime rally to support impeaching a corrupt leader.
History, blueprints for enacting change and resistance, and the memoir of a father who became more deeply involved in democratic processes and beliefs than ever before in his life make for a thoroughly compelling saga. The People United inspires, educates, and follows Pickett's process of establishing the Indivisible Montgomery group and other organizations committed to preserving democracy in America.
The integration of personal and political life rarely receives such marked detail as in this memoir, which holds the potential to reach nonpartisan sectors of the country and individuals who may believe their actions (or inaction) have little effect on the nation's choices and progression. In fact, they do - and Pickett outlines the how, why, and when of democratic resistance movements and personal engagement.
Especially notable are the events and processes which lead to overall reflections on protests and power plays:
Republicans rallied to Trump's side. It seemed like every member of the GOP found their own reason to excuse Trump's use of the powers of the presidency for personal political gain. It was telling that they had no real defense, because even the people closest to Trump couldn't agree on the best cover story. Just rank leader worship. It would have been embarrassing if it weren't so awful.
Obviously, this is an anti-Trump saga - but beneath the surface of these movements and experiences lies the beating heart of individual engagement and democracy in action. It's these features, combined with Pickett's personal involvement and reflections, which make The People United such a powerful documentation of struggle and hope.
Librarians and readers who are cautious about their Trump-related reading need to make The People United a cornerstone in their collections. Its experiential moments, footnoted historical references, personal insights and impacts, and efforts to refute and reject toxic leadership processes makes The People United not just a top recommendation for discriminating library collections, but an important pick for book clubs and reading groups interested in stories of how ordinary individuals step up to become effective forces in democracies.
The ICE Murders
Geoffrey M Cooper
https://geofcooper.com
Independently Published
9798992426168, $15.95 paperback, $4.99 ebook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHN12NC5
The ICE Murders is the tenth book in the Brad Parker and Karen Richmond mystery series, injecting its murder mystery with new political intrigue to both expand the investigative duo's challenges and create a new story ripe with intriguing, realistic twists.
Researcher Dr. Abina Owusu is arrested by ICE despite her protests of innocence. When she is then murdered, Lieutenant Karen Richmond and her husband, Dr. Brad Parker, are called to investigate a case replete with political and judicial challenge. When they discover that Dr. Owusu's murder isn't the only one that has occurred under similar circumstances, their mandate moves from solving a singular crime to becoming involved in a dangerous political game where even murder is on the table.
The novel's prologue creates a fine reader attraction to the doctor and her murder, setting the emotional stage for an investigation which moves between the viewpoints of Brad and Karen as their small-town Maine life is buffeted by bigger-picture politics.
Brad faced his own dilemmas over funding his research institute even before murder entered the picture:
My professional life, like those of my colleagues, had been upended by the deep cuts in federal support for science and education, and I was struggling to figure out how to cope with the present situation. As well as how to help the several hundred scientists and students who worked under my watch at the Maine Translational Research Institute.
Now the effort has taken an ominous turn as he comes to realize that more is at stake than funding sources and ICE operations.
One reason why Geoffrey M Cooper's The ICE Murders is a standout is because its scenarios are all too realistic. Its political involvements are engrossing as a governor and a newly assigned executive assistant present Brad with the vision of an alternative Maine Science Foundation, and the evolution of these relationships contributes a compelling personal angle to the well-developed tension.
A myriad of contemporary influences come into play, from cryptocurrency and social media to ICE operations, murderous intentions, and special interests. These meld with Brad and Karen's discoveries to create a story immersed in intrigue, possibilities, special interests, and unexpected developments.
Whether or not libraries have acquired Cooper's previous mysteries, The ICE Murders stands nicely alone as a powerful draw for enthusiasts of investigative fiction firmly rooted in not just mystery, but social and political change.
With its nicely developed characters, fast-paced events, and space for readers to methodically absorb the challenges Brad and Karen face as events draw them into unexpected new ventures, The ICE Murders is a story that's hard to put down. It will also offer book clubs plenty of fodder for discussion about political and social change and motivations that may run counter to accountability and ethical choice.
Between Breath and Memory
Neena H. Brar
www.neenahbrar.com
Penguide Books
97817758073, $24.99 Hardcover, $19.99 Paperback, $3.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Between-Breath-Memory-Neena-Brar-ebook/dp/B0GRK77ZF4
Between Breath and Memory's literary poetry collection will appeal to those who enjoy contemporary narrative reflections of family, culture, and experience. It explores warmth, kinship, daily practices and joys, and indulgences that translate to evocative, literary works about heritage and transformation.
Take "Saffron Mornings," for example. Here, Neena H. Brar offers memories of her maternal grandfather, infused with sweetness of food and another culture:
I remember his hand,/ warm and real, holding mine/ as we walked to buy jalebi/ in the early light of Kolkata,/ syrup falling in saffron-bright/ ribbons from the fryer...
"Sweetness Itself" is another muse that arrives studded with memories:
Those long summer days,/by the time our rickshaw,/rattling its way through heat and dust, delivered us home...
Each poem captures a moment in time, a special place or personality, and the impact of distance, isolation (during Covid's early years), and change. Each represents a life "threaded with gold" - the gold of history, connection, and ancestral places and figureheads.
The rituals of childhood also come to life in passages which will universally appeal:
...we children, dizzy with the slow drift/toward sleep, would lie back and count/stars out loud, louder still when one/seemed to wink at us, until the numbers/slipped from our mouths and we fell/away into dreams, as if the sky itself/had rocked us to sleep...
Replete with reflective, literary moments of appreciation and contemplation, Between Breath and Memory will reach a wide audience, from librarians seeking contemporary poetry to add to their collections and recommend to literary book clubs to individuals attracted to free verse steeped in the warm tea of life.
A Quick Nine Before Dark
Bill Fields
Tatra Press, LLC
www.tatrapress.com
9781732222793, $29.00
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Nine-Before-Dark-Memoir/dp/1732222797
A Quick Nine Before Dark: A Life in Golf is a memoir of coming of age in 1960s and '70s in Pinehurst, North Carolina, the "golf capital" of America, where Bill Fields was introduced to golf at an early age. If readers anticipate this memoir will be filled with golf strategies and insights about the game, they will be pleasantly surprised to find much more is involved than play-by-play memories.
Fields delves into the culture of golfing, providing an insider's view into its evolution, its fairways and experiences, and encounters with such golfing celebrities as Tiger Woods. The saga opens with the unexpected closure of the golfing powerhouse publication Fields worked for, Golf Illustrated, reviewing his collaboration on golfing books and his interview with a young Tiger Woods, which offers as much insight into the player as his winning moves:
Tiger's yearning to constantly improve - which spurred him to make major overhauls to his swing when he was in his twenties and had become an established star - was already conspicuous in 1991.
Other famous people encountered while golfing or interviewing pair with accounts of how Fields became a golfing pro and learned his craft at an early age:
The green fee was just a few dollars. There weren't many kids around there when I began playing in the winter of 1970, which meant plenty of golf with adults.
These are enhanced by a peppering of black and white photos of golfers in action which drive the story of not just the author's encounters with pros, but the shifting culture and meaning of golf itself.
Embedded within these pages of contemporary insight are historical references that further enlighten readers about golf's upward swing:
Harlow formalized the circuit and brought some continuity to how events were conducted week to week. He preached to golfers that they were as much entertainers as sportsmen. Harlow's talents and energy were instrumental in keeping the tour afloat during the Great Depression.
All these features contribute to an enlightening, vivid story that rests on the foundations of a memoir, but moves nicely into historical, social, cultural, and sports reflections essential for any in-depth understanding of where golf was and what it is today.
Fields returns to personal experience with some blow-by-blow insights that will impart to his fellow golfers important lessons on growth, achievement, and movement:
I had enough golf worries without distractions that come with wheels and girls. I cocked my wrists to the inside on my take-away. My left knee seemed to have a mind of its own, moving much too far to the right on the backswing. At the top, I had a flying right elbow and, just past impact, I was about as chicken winged as physiologically possible. I experimented with lots of swing thoughts and listened to advice from too many people.
Librarians and readers seeking golfing accounts that go beyond strategy to probe all angles of the sport's attractions will welcome how A Quick Nine Before Dark delivers its insights with authority, warmth, and evocative description.
The Greatest U.S. Opens
David Barrett
Tatra Press
www.tatrapress.com
9781732222779, $22.99 Hardcover/$9.99 eBook
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-U-S-Opens-Challenging-Championship-ebook/dp/B0DHL8V3TK
The Greatest U.S. Opens: High Drama at Golf's Most Challenging Championship comes from a renowned golf journalist whose probe into the history and high points of the U.S. Opens offers avid golfers a glimpse into the events of some twenty U.S. Opens, from 1913 to 2021. By closely examining and contrasting these experiences, David Barrett also charts the sport's evolution and the exceptional golfers at different competitions that made sports history via extraordinary games.
Readers wondering how only twenty games were selected for profile amidst so many U.S. Opens experiences will discover that Barrett chose them for their underlying drama, exceptional experiences, underlying influences that often operated below the public's observational radar, and lasting impact on the sport.
The competitions open in 1913 with the blow-by-blow experiences of Vardon, Ray, Ouimet, and others, both American and English, who fielded drenching weather to participate in the golfing competition of a lifetime.
Readers will need prior familiarity with golfing terms, lingo, and processes in order to appreciate the specific "you are here" feel of being on the green alongside these players:
The round went from bad to worse with another double bogey on the par-three 10th. The conditions were a factor. In an attempt to avoid lofting a high shot to the soaked green and risk the ball plugging in its own pitch-mark, he took more club and tried to hit a low shot. He couldn't properly execute the finesse shot, however, topping it well short of the green, and then three-putted.
Those more than lightly familiar with golfing will relish how the in-depth descriptions of events juxtapose with strategy concerns that drive the choices and extraordinary achievements of the players.
Each section offers a contrast in place, effort, players, politics, and golfing prowess. Each creates important connections between U.S. Opens history and achievement goals which, in turn, educate golfers about the controversies and possibilities that made each U.S. Open experience unique.
Libraries and readers seeking vivid accounts based on U.S. Open history, flavored with the moment-by-moment options and choices of the game's most notable participants and matches, will find The Greatest U.S. Opens succeeds in capturing the sport's drama in a way most golfing histories miss, making for an exceptionally compelling survey.
i wish i was worse
Shirin Delalat
sdinsd publications
https://www.iwishiwasworse.com
9798991881555, $19.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/i-wish-was-worse/dp/B0FM43BC12
i wish i was worse (the title is all lower-case) documents a woman's life in a memoir that defies the usual pat appearance and presentation of autobiographical reflection. While it does fulfill the definition of a self-reflective piece, there is nothing traditional or pat in how Shirin Delalat exhibits the fire of her life experiences, as is evidenced in the memoir's opening lines:
The polite thing would be to ease you in gently. Tell you this gets dark but there's light at the end. I'm not interested in being polite. And there's no light. Just different kinds of fire.
That introduction also comes with a cautionary note:
This isn't a story about healing. It's a story about remembering. About the versions of myself I exiled.
The loud one. The selfish one. The angry one. I unleashed them.
In unleashing her rage, Delalat injects passion into reflections which are stark, thoroughly engrossing, and raw to the point of ripping off the Band-Aid of propriety and tearing at emotions to reveal their underlying layers of anguish and pain:
Brutal honesty without filters becomes your native language when you've stared down mortality while everyone else was building careers and starting families. Cancer teaches you to build connections knowing they might be temporary, to value authentic moments over sanitized sentiments. To recognize that some bridges aren't meant to be burned because life might torch them for you anyway.
Now, this might prove heady reading for delicate sensibilities - but so many memoirs already smooth that surface of revelation and angst that it's thoroughly refreshing to experience one which is delivered with a fervent push towards brutal honesty.
From the impact of others on her life to her reactions to adversity, trauma, pain, and change, Delalat's special brand of ardor and introspection pulls no punches, making it one of the more powerful memoirs this reviewer has seen in recent years:
I keep a running list on my phone. Not groceries. Not tasks. Names of people I no longer speak to. Thirty-seven entries and counting. Thirty-seven people who once had access to me. Who I loved, trusted, gave pieces of myself to. Who taught me that disappearing isn't cruel. It's curated.
Librarians seeking a memoir on fire that transmits its flames to readers in the form of attention-grabbing reflections and descriptions that will resonate with a wide audience of literary readers will want to not just acquire i wish i was worse for their collections, but highly recommend it to patrons and book clubs seeking words on fire.
The delivery isn't via the methodical skim of a laser delving into surface emotions and events. It's made with the slash of a knife, the scream of a survivor, and the passion of a writer who falls into traps and then climbs out of them with a renewed vitality for life.
Ryder Cup Rivals
Hank Gola
Tatra Press
www.tatrapress.com
9798992215007, $32.00 Hardcover/$8.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Ryder-Cup-Rivals-Fiercest-Battles/dp/B0DRN1NB3Q
Ryder Cup Rivals: The Fiercest Battles for Golf's Holy Grail is a study in golfing competition clashes that operate on the Ryder Cup's international arena, where golf contestants playing for country over personal acclaim.
Journalist Hank Gola brings to the table an insider's perspective about the sport and its participants as he surveys the Ryder Cup's most notable moments, golfers, and challenges over the decades.
Why did Gola choose the Ryder Cup for special profile over other notable and perhaps more familiar (to outsiders to the sport) golf competitions? It's because the Ryder cup ...is the most electrifying event in golf. It's because I hear it loudly and clearly from those normally indifferent to following golf. Even the majors don't guarantee the drama that seizes international viewers every two years. I liken it to the Olympics, which I've also been fortunate to broadcast over three decades. Both attract a wide viewership because they "look and sound" so spectacular and unique.
The Cup competition is marked by high drama, international face-offs and national pride, and powerful encounters between not just pro golfers, but their fans. Gola's attention to capturing the competition's different milieus adds value to the focus by exploring how fans as well as golfers adapt to and participate under different conditions in new environments:
Muirfield Village resembled Augusta National's hospitality in another way. Its galleries behaved more like proper Masters patrons than the student section at the Ohio State Horseshoe. They poured through the gates to blow away US Ryder Cup attendance records with twenty thousand per day (and twenty-seven thousand on Sunday), but they hardly provided the kind of partisan noise that the Americans found so annoying, if not intimidating, at The Belfry. In fact, European tour groups brought over between two and three thousand leather-lunged supporters who booked twelve hundred hotel rooms and were often louder than the home fans. It was almost like a home game for the visitors.
These types of insights are rare in sports examinations that typically narrow their focus to competition participants alone, but are essential for understanding the underlying atmosphere, impact, and meaning of the Ryder Cup in particular as players and observers interact on and off the field.
From understanding how the Ryder Cup was won under varying circumstances over the years to audience makeups, golfer psyches, and the clash and intersection of special interests and personalities, Ryder Cup Rivals reads with a vivid, descriptive touch only an insider to the sport could adequately describe:
The day after Padraig Harrington's victory, Azinger relaxed in the Edinburgh Airport lounge, shooting the Scottish breeze with a group of American golf writers. But it wasn't Harrington who was occupying his thoughts. Sergio Garcia, the volatile Spaniard who'd been spending his Ryder Cups inside the heads and under the skins of his American opponents, had laid bare the dark side of his psyche.
While Ryder Cup Rivals is highly recommended for libraries and readers with an in-depth interest in golfing history, it also can (and should) reach beyond these audiences to those who may hold only a casual interest in the sport, but who appreciate solid sports writing that brings the inherent drama and talent of competition to life.
Anyone with any familiarity with or interest in the Ryder Cup will find Ryder Cup Rivals a huge draw. It's a "must have" acquisition for any serious sports collection in general and golfing libraries in particular.
Angel and Outcast
Tess Manchester
https://www.tessmanchester.com
Shotover Press
9781966920144, $5.99 Paperback/$2.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GDS2MFTN
What if the ultimate system had a loophole? What if the worst villain exploited the gap?
Angel and Outcast: A Short Story Supernatural Thriller tells of Raven Close, a deceased thief tapped by a demon after her death to lure a celebrity influencer to the dark side, taking her millions of followers along for the ride. For this, Raven is promised an escape from Hell.
But not if she comes up against would-be archangel Seraphina Wright who is, ironically, tapped on the side of good to influence that same celebrity to bring her followers to the light. If Seraphina succeeds, she will gain the archangel status she so covets.
The classic good-versus-evil clash thus involves more purpose than the usual overt battle, takes place on supernatural grounds as well as in the minds and hearts of those who become the focal point of each side, and evolves into an intriguing story as the two sides face each other's greatest hopes.
Better editing would have smoothed some minor grammatical errors, as in the following passage. But the short story contains strong characterization, an intriguing premise, and confrontations that are unexpected and engaging, despite minor snafus:
"She has to believe she is shunned, first by her parents, then by those closest to her. She'll be so miserable, she'll harm others. After that, she must die, and her soul cast to Hell."
"Do you not hear yourself?"
Raven tapped her glass against the table. "You're angelic ways charm others, but I see through you. What do you get out of this?"
"I serve God's purpose. Once I complete this mission, I'll become an archangel and serve in greater ways."
The admission hung between them. This wasn't only about an influential soul. The outcome of Sage's soul stood between her place in the heavenly hierarchy.
The result is a lesson about influence, intentions, lessons in humanity, loopholes, and vulnerability that will offer intriguing discussion points for book clubs and reading groups, whether they come from spiritual or supernatural intrigue interests.
Readers seeking short stories that are thought-provoking, quick reads will find Angel and Outcast intriguing and unexpected as its dilemmas play out.
Out of the Loop, Into the Algorithm: How I Finally Made Friends with AI
Wanjiku Kamau
TealVoice
https://makingfriendswithai.com
9798993162607, $24.99 Hardcover/$19.99 Paperback/$9.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Out-Loop-Into-Algorithm-Finally/dp/B0FVXVT2V9
Out of the Loop, Into the Algorithm: How I Finally Made Friends with AI is highly recommended for anyone leery of artificial intelligence. It documents the journey of Wanjiku Kamau, who discovered upon her layoff that she was sorely lacking in information about new technology, from ChatGPT to methods of querying new technology for best answers.
Her exploration and discoveries provide essential research and usage clues to readers struggling with their own AI education.
Why will this book resonate for so many? Because Kamau's discoveries impart essential tips for utilizing AI in more effective ways:
I'd moved from asking AI "What should I do?" to "Help me think through this specific situation with these specific constraints and goals." The shift from "give me the answer" to "help me brainstorm" changed everything. I wasn't just getting better information - I was getting better at thinking through problems myself. AI has become less like a search engine and more like that friend who asks the right questions that help you figure out what you actually want.
In addition to helping readers better understand the practical applications of AI in all kinds of endeavors, Kamau makes the surprising contention that AI can ultimately improve human intelligence (if the user allows this):
The thing is, AI wasn't doing the thinking for me. By asking me questions I wouldn't have thought to ask myself, it pushed me to develop my own understanding. I was learning and grasping things at a rapid pace, not because of the information it gave me, but because of how it challenged me to think deeper than I could alone.
The blend of social and philosophical reflection, personal experience, tips on how to approach AI from a different angle, and information about work and leisure time in this new world creates an account that is compelling reading on more than one front.
Readers used to the usual "AI good or bad" coverage will find the middle ground tackled by Kamau to be revealing and important, going above and beyond most other AI discussions, which tend to be either too technical or too emotionally embedded with reactionary statements.
In charting her own journey through new language, concepts, and applications, Kamau returns reasoned thinking into the bigger picture of evolving new patterns, creating a dialogue that not only educates and engages readers through personal reflection and experience, but tackles unexpected quandaries and questions about how AI can ultimately improve and impact life.
Kamau should know. She eventually became an AI teacher as she moved from little knowledge to many important strategies she could employ to help others not just adjust to AI environments, but tap its full potential.
Librarians and readers seeking a different kind of AI discussion that lends nicely to book club and group discussion in a wide range of circles will want to keep Out of the Loop, Into the Algorithm: How I Finally Made Friends with AI at the top of their "highly recommended" list. It's that important.
Their Village, Their Fortress
Dylan Madeley
Independently Published
9798337908779, $10.00 paperback/$3.99 ebook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Their-Village-Fortress-Dylan-Madeley/dp/B0DFTTWM6H
Their Village, Their Fortress is a military fantasy that revolves around the fall of a main fortress and its ensuing invasion, which ripples danger and threats into surrounding villages that depended on the fortress for protection. Despite its importance to their lives, the army decides to retreat and save itself rather than informing the villagers that they are now vulnerable to attack.
One soldier, Oleksiy, defies orders and sets out on a mission to alert his home village and others that they need to take up arms and defend themselves. His actions change lives and his own perspective, even though at first it appears that his initial motivations were personal rather than political in nature.
Dylan Madeley crafts a vivid saga of battles, new purposes, urgent threats, strategies, and revised choices as invaders clash and choices are redefined.
As other characters enter the fray, from former soldier archer Denys to Vitaliy's ideas for defending the village, the story probes misfortune, threat, and the costs of war through vivid passages and encounters that bring the entire milieu to life:
"You brought us a warning and called us to action. He understood better than most that this was never a game. He knew what mattered to him and what he would risk to defend it, and he made his choice. We may have lost him, but we haven't lost what he gifted this community. Nor the time he spent with us, nor our memories of him..."
Librarians will find Their Village, Their Fortress's focus on empowerment, survival strategies, and living with the consequences of war, honor, and rebellion makes for a fantasy that will appeal well beyond genre readers. It will prove a fitting title for book club discussion and debate about military service, personal choice and honor, and individual and collective struggles, bringing to life the possibilities and challenges of not just a village under siege, but worlds that shift over responsibilities, expectations, and outcomes.
I Dreamt I Was a Red Knight's Squire V. 1
D.S. Newman
D.S. Newman Publishing
https://dsnewmanpublishing.squarespace.com
9780991108916, $14.99 Paperback/$7.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Dreamt-was-Red-Knights-Squire-ebook/dp/B0GCVDFHLD
I Dreamt I Was a Red Knight's Squire V. 1 will attract teens interested in sword and sorcery fantasy with a manga-inspired cover and a story replete with contemporary high-tech dilemmas.
Evan Vancouver is transported to another world when he listens to a mysterious audio track from an internet forum. There, he encounters a female knight who begins to teach him the rules of this strange world - until the alarm clock chimes, returning him to his mundane reality.
It turns out that his visits to this kingdom at night translate to an unusual alter ego which operates, however uncertainly, in a milieu of magic, mayhem, and humor:
"How did he die?"
"Well, I killed him."
"You killed him?!" I spat, as I fell backwards in horror. Though she didn't seem too bothered that it happened.
"Yes, but only because it turned out he was an assassin sent to kill me. Unfortunately, it's how these things go and one can never be too careful," she reiterated while poshly eyeing the cuticles of her fingernails.
It's rare to find such wonderfully wry inspections in adult fantasies, let alone those for young adults, making I Dreamt I Was a Red Knight's Squire V. 1 exceptional.
The thread of humor that runs through Evan's experiences is a delightful adjunct to the vivid encounters which test his ability to be versatile, adaptable, and an effective squire - even if his liege at times seems more concerned with fashion statements than outfitting him for battle:
"If you're the Red Knight, then why am I wearing blue? Shouldn't I match you? Or is it part of your battle strategy?"
"Ha," she laughed. "That's a sensible question. But isn't it obvious? It makes me stand out better if my squire is in a contrasting color."
Nice to know she was no stranger to vanity, despite being a badass.
Black and white illustrations pepper the story, adding value with visual attraction as battles, new realizations, difficult lessons, and thought-provoking action unfold. Teens seeking tales that sizzle with high drama combined with unexpected reflections will find nothing staid or predictable about I Dreamt I Was a Red Knight's Squire V. 1. It laces adventure with satisfying contrasts between worlds, purposes, and perspectives.
From king's castles and an unexpected sense of order to the alternate world's processes and the impact of evil sorcerer Mordrake, female knights who clash in an arena of physical battle, and Evan's ultimate confrontation with his escapist tendencies and their impact, I Dreamt I Was a Red Knight's Squire V. 1 offers intriguing lessons in gender roles, violence, and middle-age women warriors. This will not just entertain, but delight teens.
Librarians seeking top sword and sorcery recommendations for young adults that are steeped in action and gender roles turned upside down will want to make I Dreamt I Was a Red Knight's Squire V. 1 a part of their collections. It will attract not just fantasy readers, but those interested in stories that reflect out-of-the-box thinking about shifting abilities and milieus.
Chewed Up By the Jungle
Ann Charles
http://www.anncharles.com
Independently Published
9781970349009, $18.99 Paperback/$8.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Chewed-Jungle-Dig-Site-Mystery/dp/197034900X
Chewed Up By the Jungle is an archaeological mystery that delves into romance and fantasy as Dr. Angelica Garcia pursues ancient secrets in a Yucatan Peninsula dig.
Her boyfriend Quint Parker has joined her to make sure she is safe, but becomes embroiled in the questions that arise from her efforts and findings - which only lead to further puzzles.
The juxtaposition of an ancient Mayan curse, an archaeological dig, a simmering romance, and a jungle backdrop makes for reading akin to an Indiana Jones adventure. It embraces the steamy romance of a couple facing relationship dilemmas as well as professional challenges.
Ann Charles embeds the history and culture of the ancient Maya civilization with a tone that moves from intriguing and thought-provoking to playful as the banter and dialogue between the couple supplements the discoveries they make about themselves, each other, and the mystery at hand:
"You want to sneak back to the tent with me and I'll show you how much."
"Of course, but I have this silly dig site to run."
"Just my luck. Where's my kimi when I need him?"
"Probably off gallivanting on your unicorn." She turned to stare at the wall, her forehead lining. "So, Dr. Fernel was alone talking to himself in his tent. That's not really that odd, Parker. I do it all of the time."
"I know, but it's cute when you do it. Plus, you don't tap your fingers together while peering evilly down at a map as you froth at the mouth in your malicious glee."
These interpersonal interactions enliven the tale, injecting a personal touch that explores the psychological flavors of difference and dissidence as events embroil the lovers in new possibilities.
Quint's notes are also lively supplements to the evolving plot, adding an extra dimension of delightful revelation:
More freaky-ass bat shit in my immediate future.
If the Maya are right and reincarnation is legit, I must've been a real dickhead in my past life.
Why should he bother writing notes? Because:
He was utilizing the ol' pen-on-paper therapy to keep his worries about the grim reaper at bay.
And the death-bat god.
These explanations create realistic and fun insights into each character's reactions. The suspense builds as forays into legends involving sacrificial offerings develop.
Librarians looking for solid jungle adventure stories cemented by strong personalities and characters whose motivations and ambitions become part of a bigger picture of action-packed revelations will appreciate how Chewed Up By the Jungle creates vivid reading.
Replete with action, reaction, historical insights and mythological analysis, Chewed Up By the Jungle is more than an adventure story or historical novel. It's a mystery which embeds its findings in real-world romance and issues surrounding digs, rare artifacts, and relationships. Its passion and purposes translate to a multifaceted read that will attract a wide audience, whether or not they have a prior interest in Mayan history or archaeological intrigue.
Pa'lante: The Long Way Forward
Elvis Rivera
www.elvisrivera.com
Independently Published
9798994272312, $19.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Palante-Long-Forward-Elvis-Rivera/dp/B0GK5R1Q1N
Pa'lante: The Long Way Forward represents a lifetime of experience coming to America as an immigrant, building community connections, and honing life encounters into a guiding blueprint of fourteen principles for purposeful living. It will attract self-help readers looking to solidify and incorporate such ideals into their own lives.
The blend of memoir, philosophical and social reflection, and self-help guidelines creates a story replete with powerful (and empowering) messages:
I come from a country scarred by civil war. I come from a family that faced circumstances many people don't survive. I come from a lineage of resilience, sacrifice, and stubborn hope. And the truth is: acknowledging that didn't limit me. It grounded me. Our beginnings are not curses - they're context. And context is power.
Boxed, large-print headlines of ideas and applications make it easy to absorb the contentions and main points, while each reflection is accompanied by actionable ideas for reinforcing those principles in one's own life.
The impact of Elvis Rivera's philosophical and social analysis cements all these points into a vivid account that will hit thinking readers hard:
Coming from where I come from, I can't separate my own success from the conditions that shaped me. I can't ignore the communities I grew up in, the people I watched struggle, or the barriers that once made the simplest opportunities feel out of reach. Success that only benefits you is not legacy - it's isolation.
Suffice it to say that Pa'lante: The Long Way Forward's guiding light is needed today more than ever. Its ability to connect the dots between personal experience, community advocacy and action, and the impact of opting for safety by remaining silent offers rarely-seen opportunities for book clubs and reading groups to debate some important points about becoming more socially connected and involved:
Growing up undocumented, you learn early that silence is safety. You learn to observe rather than speak. You learn that attention can be dangerous, that visibility can have consequences.... But every time I silenced myself, a piece of me stayed small. I didn't fully understand the power of my voice until I used it to advocate for others - for my community, for young professionals of color, for immigrants, for families who lacked access, for people whose stories mirrored my own. I realized my voice wasn't a risk - it was leverage. It created movement. It opened doors. It shook the rooms that needed shaking.
Librarians should consider Pa'lante: The Long Way Forward not just an essential collection addition, but one which can be highly and repeatedly recommended for patrons seeking discourses on community empowerment.
Elvis Rivera's unique ability to delineate the path forward away from fear, repression, and victimization makes Pa'lante: The Long Way Forward not just a standout, but a call to action and personal transformation.
Character Revolt: Characters Behaving Badly
Hank Quense
Strange Worlds Publishing
9798989116379, $19.99 Paperback/$3.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Character-Revolt-Characters-Behaving-Badly/dp/B0FV83RYK5
Character Revolt: Characters Behaving Badly places author Hank Quense in the middle of his own fantasy world in a humorous madcap race through a kingdom of his characters. Many threaten the good author for his failure to pen enough value and purpose into their descriptions.
The story romps between Camelot and alien forces with an existential attention to the objectives of leaders, invaders, and despots who each harbor their own desire for Quense to alter their worlds and how their lives operate.
The wit permeates these characters' intentions via unexpected encounters and decisive decisions that belay the novel's Camelot setting and its underlying idealism:
"Let's burn the place down," Gawaine said. "Are ye mad," Kay said. "This place is worth a fortune with all the farm land, the house, barns and stable. Let's seize it and sell it. It'll bring a lot of coins for KRT Inc." "Good idea." Lancelot pointed to another knight. "There's a town a few miles up the road. Go there and fetch the bailiff. We'll make the seizure all legal like. Maybe we can use this place to run an inn. I'll bet we can make money from it."
Guinevere hates to be called Gwen and defies old age and the person who brings both charges to her door - just one example of delightfully wry encounters that emerge from this blend of fantasy and fun:
"How kind of you to wait outside to greet us." She gave Guinevere a radiant smile. "I know how you old folks hate the cold." Guinevere couldn't believe her ears. The Saxon slut had insulted her! In her own castle! And she wasn't even that old. She was only thirty-one!
Aliens navigate the threats in wormholes and meeting one's creator with equally novel concerns:
Sam monitored the hailing frequencies just to have something to do. The idea of meeting the author put her nervous system on edge. Imagine actually talking to your creator. What would she say? How would she act? Would the author approve of his creation or decide to eliminate her from future stories?
The entire story is unexpected, entertaining, and takes seeming familiar scenarios such as Camelot and an alien spaceship and turns intentions, characters, and plot progression upside down for a delightful foray into worlds replete with situations readers won't see coming.
Librarians seeking a fantastically creative, thoroughly entertaining, always unexpected story of sci-fi fantasy, absurdity, and adventure will welcome how Character Revolt: Characters Behaving Badly excels in the unforeseen.
The story will reach a wide audience - especially readers who enjoy novel plots that reach for the stars to emerge with action and ironic inspections.
The Bone Nest
Shanessa Gluhm
Lost Meridian Press
9798218757670, $8.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Bone-Nest-Shanessa-Gluhm-ebook/dp/B0GF8XVLN3
In The Bone Nest, 1986 was the year a serial killer destroyed lives in the small town of Bluesummer, Texas. Four lifelong friends who spend their last summer together before college find themselves at the heart of events when one of their own is murdered - and the suspect might be a kindred soul.
Fast forward thirty years. Troy Terrell awaits execution on death row for his crimes, facing a final appeal before the end. Attorney Joaquin Ramos becomes convinced of Troy's innocence. As one of Troy's old friends, Greer, joins forces with Troy's lawyer, the dangerous outcome of their investigation shows that the real killer may still be free.
Shanessa Gluhm crafts a powerful saga that rests its pace and attraction on evolving relationships that stem from youth and blossom under the mantle of adulthood. The dialogues and interactions between special interests build intrigue not just about past events, but present-day outcomes:
"Let me help," Melrose said, tugging the phone from his pocket.
Joaquin shivered at her touch. "Check it for me? The Outlook app."
"I need your thumb," Melrose replied.
Joaquin removed his hand from the steering wheel, and Melrose took it, pulling it toward her. Was it his imagination, or did she hold on longer than necessary to unlock the phone?
From revelations about whom was last involved with their friend to motivations, drugs, relationships, and DNA testing, The Bone Nest circumvents matters of the law and heart in an astute dance. It presents three-dimensional characters whose beliefs and purposes intersect in realistic, sometimes dangerous ways.
The plot builds up connections, creating a compelling juxtaposition of personalities and actions that will keep readers thoroughly engaged and guessing about outcomes and motivations.
Librarians and readers seeking a tale of justice, truth, redemption, and friendship will find The Bone Nest a formidable, gripping saga that cements action and reaction in characters whose lives are not only realistic, but engrossingly unpredictable.
The story promises to ripple out from the murder mystery crowd into circles that base their reading pleasure on the strength of personalities and investigations that embrace growth, revelation, and connection.
Misery Cove
Jan Rydzon
www.janrydzon.net
Wild Rose Press
https://wildrosepress.com
9781509264049, $22.99 Print/$5.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Misery-Cove-Jan-Rydzon-ebook/dp/B0G26QJCJB
The strength of Misery Cove lies in characters that find their connections shaken and stirred by murder. Erin Brady's estranged mother drowns under suspicious circumstances, forcing Erin to return home to confront a storm of accusations, innuendos, and possibilities. These lead her into a rabbit's warren of other damaged family relationships which each inject forms anguish and angst to her life.
Who needs this? She does - because if Erin is to reconcile her past and comprehend the truth about her mother's death, she first has to navigate impossible routes of connection to delve under the surface of barely-patched relationships.
Jan Rydzon creates a murder mystery notable for its engaging, atmospheric backdrop as Erin faces not one, but a series of unexpected deaths that rock her world:
She went to the back porch. The girls wandered along the shore. The day was one of the perfect ones - sunny, faint breeze, temps in the mid-seventies, the water an especially brilliant blue. A day where it seemed impossible that anything bad could happen.
Accidents, murder, and intentional distancing come into play as Erin absorbs the tangled relationships surrounding her mother's life and her own past, uncovers the source of daughter April's nervous reactions, and faces an onslaught of sudden deaths that feel dangerously connected.
Readers will find Erin's dilemmas and observations thought-provoking, the outcomes and choices unexpected, and the truth a hard-hitting answer out of left field as the story unfolds a delightfully unexpected route.
Librarians seeking mysteries which center upon family interactions and angst will welcome how Misery Cove creates a well-balanced examination of love and pain and how its search for a clever killer comes to embrace all that Erin holds dear, evolving a quiet reverberation of circumstances which explode into hard-hitting discoveries.
Jan Rydzon creates a murder mystery notable for its engaging, atmospheric backdrop. Replete with insights and the unexpected, Misery Cove is more than a whodunit, but a thoroughly engrossing mystery that's hard to put down.
The Meaning of Fear
Laura Hulthen Thomas
https://laurahulthenthomas.com
Regal House Publishing
https://regalhousepublishing.com
9781646036783, $20.95 Paperback/$9.99 eBook
Regal House Publishing
https://regal-house-publishing.mybigcommerce.com/the-meaning-of-fear
The Meaning of Fear allows readers to taste the fear of abuse, hidden secrets, and the ugliness that resides under the veneer of propriety and attractiveness. Surely this novel will be a trigger for those who have suffered abuse as children - but just as surely, it offers powerful reflections that simmer with imagery that leaps off the page:
Shouldn't he be ugly after the ugly thing he did? They did. Maybe that was why he was still so good looking. Maybe he wouldn't appear ugly to the world if she'd sort of gone along.
In 2008, behavioral researcher Lea struggles to heal post-traumatic stress syndrome in others while saving her marriage. The possibility that she can heal her own trauma stems from her expertise, which is called into question by that very intelligence which tries to tackle emotional injury with logic and even legal recourse when she confronts her childhood assailant.
As she probes her husband's secrets and those in her own past, Lea is forced to consider the progression of healing in a new way. This moves past her chosen profession and training in a dangerous foray into the past.
Lea isn't the only one embarking on such a journey. Other characters join her with their own considerations of what sparks fear, repression, and withdrawal:
"What's the nature of the concern here?" Nowak leaned over his desk with his phone pressed to his cheek. The morning check-in with his family. Anne would be herding the kids to school, asking Nowak about his night. Nowak's replies would be noncommittal, calm, project ing a night like any other, a night she shouldn't worry about. Rilke's tick of jealousy was another facet of blame he could lay at Jules's heartless outlook on The Marriage.
"That he'll..." Mrs. Johnson's breath lapsed, then quickened. Nowak snapped his phone shut. "That he'll come back."
One might wonder what one of the story's central themes, a deer cull, has to do with the emotional issues of the humans involved in it. But this event, paired with animal rights issues that consider the impact of humans not only on each other, but the wider world at large, injects appropriate and powerful considerations into the tale. These expand the singular experience of a woman whose life blossoms to embrace many other unexpected connections.
In studying the fear response, Lea ultimately studies not just her own past, but human impacts on the world.
The strength of Laura Hulthen Thomas's novel lies in its astute juxtaposition of characters and concerns against the backdrop of childhood and adult traumas. As events pit characters against not just one another, but their own repressed nightmares, readers are drawn into a story of suburban dreams and danger. The process of facing fear and eradicating, or embracing it, propel Lea, Rilke, Gary and others in new directions.
Librarians seeking novels with vivid imagery, powerful emotional content, and connections which challenge as well as heal will find The Meaning of Fear replete with moments of discovery and heartache. These elements make it highly recommendable to readers seeking emotionally connective works.
As hard as it may be for some to digest this progression, notes of positivity flavor Lea's life and trajectory to an extent that the end result is a compelling, contemplative act of rebellion and change that ultimately offers hope alongside a warm sense of resolution and achievement.
The Everling and the Child of Sacrifice
J. Christie
Wastrel Books
https://www.wastrelbooks.com
9781969056017, $17.99 Paperback/$9.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Everling-Acid-King/dp/1969056010
The Everling and the Child of Sacrifice is the second book in the Everling fantasy series, returning the mad professor Aris Kepler to a new adventure which opens with Veronica literally having a meltdown just as she espies an immortal everling.
She reawakens to Doctor Tiz'n's promise that she will recover and things will return to normal - but what she's seen during the process of her treatment won't leave her mind. She also faces some terrible choices about her healing and the future:
"Would you trade the cybertronics to get your own limbs back? If you could."
A strange look came across Doctor Tiz'n. "Who says I can't get them back?"
Veronica closed her eye, feeling the tears well up. She breathed in shakily. "So, I choose which way to do it?"
"You choose," Doctor Tiz'n repeated. Then Doctor Tiz'n turned and drifted back to her storage.
Veronica shuddered as she watched her go.
Events unfold to involve everling Chezzy (the main character in the first book The Everling and the Acid King), who develops a relationship with Veronica. Together, they tackle new scenarios at their school, Balefire. Situations challenge them, from the missing Fever May and what team to choose for Minerocket to gifts of access codes that come with a hidden price.
As access is granted to portals which portend further changes and challenges, the story heats up with stormy relationships, new discoveries, everling challenges, and monsters that threaten everything.
Librarians seeking an action-packed fantasy adventure that will especially appeal to teens both familiar with the first book or new to the series will find The Everling and the Child of Sacrifice a rush of heady adventure that proves easy to highly recommend because it's hard to put down.
Newcomers will quickly absorb the story's intersection of tech and nightmare, and will join Veronica and Chezzy in examining this world's darkest secrets.
Replete with thoroughly absorbing characters and twists even prior fans won't see coming, The Everling and the Child of Sacrifice both neatly concludes this segment and leaves the door more than ajar for more series adventures as Aris brags, "I can turn into all sorts of monsters" - and does so.
The Myth of Aldez
Steven Trifiletti
Independently Published
www.themusclecode.com
9798277730096, $12.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Myth-Aldez-Steven-Trifiletti/dp/B0G5HRFLS2
The Myth of Aldez will attract middle-grade readers interested in stories about fantasy heroism. It describes what happens when twelve-year-old Aldez steps into his dreams to confront good, evil, and what it means to really be a hero.
Steven Trifiletti adds a circle of characters whose concerns and countenances support Aldez's situation, beginning with the Marquis of Montrose's realization that a series of strange events are actually being controlled by one meddling woman.
The next scenario reveals a "mythical statue in human form" that serves as a chilling spiritual icon to her people as Sheeva rules over a "quaint little empire" that holds the power to shake the world.
As deities, myths, conflicts, and karmic goals involving defending princesses become all too real, Aldez serves in a new role as he wields his Hero Sword in unexpected ways and comes to know the real costs of battle.
Trifiletti excels in building a kingdom whose inhabitants, wonders, demands, and expectations infect the young boy with a sense of duty, wonder, and experiences he'd never imagined for his future. Trifiletti also embeds this world with learning opportunities which Aldez absorbs even as he fields uncertain new realities.
Librarians seeking a fantasy coming-of-age saga that focuses on the making and breaking of heroes will find The Myth of Aldez an excellent leisure read recommendation. It's also well suited for classrooms and reading groups seeking discussion material about revised judgments and expectations and growth opportunities.
Anyone interested in a tale of how dragons are faced and fears tackled will find The Myth of Aldez engrossing, thought-provoking reading.
Travelers on the Apocalypse Trail
Paul H. Hughes
Independently Published
9798218832407, $19.99 Paperback/$3.99 eBook and audio/$29.99 Case Laminate hardcover
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Travelers-Apocalypse-Trail-Paul-Hughes/dp/B0FWHSMSVC
In Travelers on the Apocalypse Trail, the world does not end by an outside force, but by the human hand itself. This premise is as interesting as how the novel starts - not with a worldwide cataclysm, but with an individual's effort to take back his power in a nursing home.
This near-future scenario doesn't remain in one individual's hands, however. It's a story of survival, of giving up, and of adapting to climate change - but it's also a saga of seeking a safe haven:
There was nothing anyone could do about what was coming. There were no shelters capable of withstanding another major storm. There was nowhere people could go to be safe.
From raiding parties and kidnappers to the turbulence of a divided nation and peoples, many of the dilemmas of modern times receive augmentation and exploration in this futuristic world, part of the self-created apocalypse that emerges slowly albeit inevitably.
Regimes rise from the ashes, tribes of humans become self-isolating, and rebellion and threats mark their days as the characters in Travelers on the Apocalypse Trail experience quite different possibilities than at any other time in human history.
Paul H. Hughes crafts an engaging, startling story replete with circumstances akin to our own, filling the novel's pages with likeable characters that are each just struggling to survive in different ways. Embedded within the story are lessons on adaptation, resilience, hope, and perseverance even when circumstances seem at their darkest - good lessons for modern times.
Librarians and readers seeking a different form of apocalypse story which emphasizes the connections between choice and consequence will find Travelers on the Apocalypse Trail not only highly recommendable for fans of dystopian survival studies, but for book clubs interested in thoroughly engaging stories about adaptation, struggle, and often self-imposed afflictions, big and small.
Hindu Myths: A Modern Retelling
Blake Praharaj
https://thewordsofblake.com
Independently Published
9798993243474, $15.00
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Hindu-Myths-Retelling-Blake-Praharaj/dp/B0FSYKC2RV
Readers already familiar with Hindu mythology will be especially delighted at the path Blake Praharaj takes in Hindu Myths: A Modern Retelling, as it goes beyond retelling these classics, adding a focus on weaving them together to form a dialogue about Hindu history and culture.
The stories are placed in thematic chapters ("Love and Decapitation," "Eggs and Milk," "Pouring and Partnership") designed to encourage discussion among readers and book club participants, connecting the stories to modern life in an unusual, compelling way. These stories are classics translated to bedtime stories and changed yet again for modern audiences. They inject social reflection, cultural history, and philosophical inspection into the master plan of weaving an appealing yarn, resulting in a collection at once thought-provoking and unexpected.
Throughout each story lie the nuggets of wisdom embedded in Hindu experience:
"But my brother, this sounds like a nearly impossible task! I mean... what string is large enough to move a mountain? I have created many great threads, but all of them would break under the strain of this great work," asked Brahma.
The stories are diverse and offer clear messages for modern thinkers:
You were hurt so bad, and so we blessed you even more to heal you, we hoped you had learned your lesson. But some still worried so they set up a test, a test I see now you could have never passed, and when you failed and stole the fire again the curse was placed on you. A pause so you could grow more without risk until you learned enough to handle your power, it would make you forget what you were until someone told you the truth.
Here lie the fundamentals of life lessons, Indian culture, and the literary and life philosophies which form the heart of these teachings. Here is a book librarians will want to highly recommend to anyone interested in Hindu folklore, mythology, culture, and modern applications of literary inspection.
Replete with reflective topics that will attract book clubs, Hindu Myths: A Modern Retelling can be placed at the fingertips and in the minds of anyone interested in retellings that reflect basic themes accessible and of interest to all cultures.
Ya Gotta Eat!
Catherine Ring Saliba
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9798901740446, $41.99 Hardcover/$28.99 Paperback/$8.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Ya-Gotta-Eat-Collection-Recipes/dp/B0GGM7QXBN
Ya Gotta Eat! A Collection of Family Recipes and Stories is a warm gathering around the table of life that embraces not just recipes, but the fine art of sharing food and celebrating its wealth. Here lies the inspiration for not just cooking, but becoming independent, self-supporting, life-affirming adults.
The recipes appear in chapter headings that include a healthy dash of personal experience, inviting readers not just into the kitchen, but into Catherine Ring Saliba's home:
Raw Kibbeh or Kibby is a familiar dish for anyone of Syrian or Lebanese descent. I always worried when my husband and oldest daughter (both loved it) ate it... hence the cross, I guess, for protection. I used to go to a special butcher who knew why I wanted the meat. I would tell him to use the very freshest meat and not to use a grinder that had been used for pork or fish. Kibbeh can be baked also, but oh no. My family liked it raw!
All the ingredients for more than a cookbook are here, including color photos peppered throughout which illustrate the dishes as well as the family circling the table.
Inviting descriptions of each recipe's appeal lend to cooking with sometimes-unexpected vignettes, such as that accompanying a recipe for Potatoes Arlie:
In New Hampshire, the antique dealers used to sniff out these out-of-the-way barn sales in the blink of an eye, so if one were hunting for a valuable bargain in this arena, forget it. The professionals knew what they were doing and each year as I presented myself at these events, it became increasingly apparent that the "good stuff " would be grabbed quickly. But ha ha! Go for it, you pesky antique dealers! I am not interested in your "fool the old farmers and get rich quick from their old and unbeknownst to them valuable possessions" schemes. I am looking for cookbooks. Old, very much used, cookbooks. This potato recipe came from one of my finds...
The result is far more warmth and personalization than the usual cookbook approach, flavored with an inviting atmosphere for comfort food, trying new things, and joining Catherine Ring Saliba's cooking discoveries and family life.
Librarians will find Ya Gotta Eat! an engaging collection that will especially appeal to literary readers seeking more than a recipe gathering alone, but stories of warmth and discovery.
City In My Eyes
Thomas More
www.thomasmorewriter.com
Mannahatta Press
9781942947158, $4.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/City-My-Eyes-Mannahatta-Book-ebook/dp/B0GKYVJHJ3
City In My Eyes is the third book in the Mannahatta series and returns survivor Sakima Tamanend, former temporary queen of Mannahatta, to readers. She faces not only the loss of her family, but being kidnapped by aliens and sent to a horrifying prison light-years from her beloved home.
Banished to Taturåkis along with strangers who are not her people, Sakima is forced to confront matters of her own mortality as she struggles to use the prison's exercise time to become a newly empowered person with a special goal in mind:
Perhaps more important, she did it to build a bigger and much more intimidating version of herself.
Other characters interact, from Nimat Tamanend, the new leader of Mannahatta who lacks guidance from the spirit world (or any other place) and regrets the seeming loss of Sakima, who was always in touch with other worlds, to prince Gårvok Mub. The prince is a teenaged future king who becomes involved with the Fearless Protector of Women as his father, King Mub, faces the growing killer instincts of his wife:
Mub, as a pro-torture, pro-execution royal figure, had no problem with the concept here. Only that his wife had recently become obsessed with how to fatally or near fatally attack Taturåkee prisoners. Including those from other planets, other galaxies, other universes.
Royalty, special interests, imprisonment and power plays, and Sakima's efforts to free her man (and herself) interact in a world where empowerment is self-driven and sometimes tenuous.
Thomas More's expansion of Sakima's life from what she endured in City in My Hands to her newfound knowledge of what it really means to step into the role of hero and savior creates a satisfying adjunct to the second book. This will attract prior fans with even more depth and discoveries.
Libraries seeking series science fiction stories for all readers will find City In My Eyes a thoroughly compelling vision of what it means to survive and prosper even under impossible conditions and repression.
Filled with epic adventure and the insights of a woman who chooses a new and uncommon path for world-building, City In My Eyes is a captivating work that ties the survival of a kingdom to the efforts of a leader to grow and change.
All Told
Mel Kenne
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9798891328488, $28.99 Hardcover/$16.99 Paperback/$7.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/All-Told-Mel-Kenne/dp/B0FRV929GR
All Told contains poems that deconstruct life, serving as a narrative of experience that cuts like a knife and carves out relationships, encounters, and reflections: The beans are simmering in the pot./The cornbread's browning in the pan./I'm cooking up all the things I can./If you're not too hungry, stick around./But if you can't wait, then please move on./I've been in your place, now you're in mine.
Each poem represents a documentary of life's ebbs and flows, capturing in succinct, hard-hitting imagery the currents of history, personal encounters, and candid self-analysis. The latter process even admits: I have no clear idea/of what I'm trying/to do artistically./Thank God for that!/Otherwise, I'd/be an exemplary/Western poet, which/I'm, happily, not...
Some of the poems offer hard-hitting judgments and assessments of others, as in 'How Hard Can You Fall?': Until you hit something or until something strikes you./Then we may say your fall is broken./Or else we may say you're broken by your fall.
Others provide personal reflections that delve into themes of responsibility, joy, and reactions to life.
Librarians and readers seeking poetry collections that grasp the bigger picture of life encounters with a philosophical, social, and personal twist will relish All Told's thought-provoking contrasts in perspective. These promise to prompt much reflection and even book club discourse in literary circles.
Moon Strike
Cary Allen Stone
Wild Books
9798243392518, $9.99 Paperback/$1.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/MOON-STRIKE-Cary-Allen-Stone/dp/B0GG6KXW45
In Moon Strike, the future of space is now. The moon is covered with international bases and operations for mining and taking the most possible for the investment in its development - but something is going wrong. A series of accidents threatens to destabilize the base, causing the AI overseeing human safety to conclude humans are a threat.
The Master and the dream of moon colonization is buffeted by high-tech clashes between AI, robots, and a storm that leads to but the world (that is, the moon world) falling apart, melding perfect with modern-day concerns about an AI takeover - but from a different, more unexpected source than its sentient evolutionary process.
Cary Allen Stone's rip-roaring adventure traverses space and human engagements in a futuristic story set in 2035. It opens with the promise of education ("knowledge is what makes the difference between success and failure. The more you have, the better your chances of survival."), then descends into a clash between the tenacity of cooperative leaders and international efforts on the moon and on Earth to keep the misguided AI from taking over.
The "why" of these events is nicely embedded in swift action, surprising outcomes, and turns of events and personalities readers won't see coming - one of the many delights in Moon Strike. Issues of cooperative effort, perceptions of intelligence and its influences, and ideals of man and machine becoming 'one' on some level are addressed in thought-provoking ways that will involve present-day readers concerned about AI development and ideals.
Another big plus lies in Stone's descriptive prowess, which provides "you are here" moments that add atmosphere to the story:
Astral Station was a gleaming wheel of steel and glass that floated above the swirling white cloud fronts stretching like brushstrokes in the deep blue skies of Earth.
Meld these attributes with a peppering of thought-provoking color images and equally contemplative intersections between warlords, high tech, and futuristic opportunities and conundrums for an action-packed moon odyssey. This will appeal to readers seeking drama and depth from their sci-fi choices.
Librarians interested in acquiring and recommending books filled with hard science and lunar development surprises will find Moon Strike teeters on the edge of military sci-fi reading, but preserves enough psychological tension and strong character contrasts to place it far above most battle engagement military sci-fi focuses. It operates in a space opera category of its own.
Miranda's Garden
Johnnie Mazzocco
https://johnniemazzocco.com
Dark Moon Lilith Press
9798998911217, $28.00 Hardcover/$18.00 Paperback
Author's Website
https://johnniemazzocco.com/mirandas-garden
Miranda's Garden is a novel of new beginnings, unexpected endings, magical realism, and a garden that holds the key to many things.
Len and Miranda are going back to nature for inspiration, solace, and a different life in the remote mountain town of Tyler, Colorado. But when choices take an unexpected nose dive into disaster, Miranda finds herself with more than she can handle alone.
Chapters titled with the waxing and waning of the moon move through the seasons, linking Miranda's revised life to nature in many different ways.
The story's magical realism stems from the unexpected transformations Miranda witnesses in the outside world around her and in herself, sparking imaginative reflection:
A green background with white spirals. In the center, an oval-shaped frame encircled two women. One was younger with brown curly hair. She was lying under a blanket, her head on a pillow, as if she was tired or ill. The other was an older, grayhaired woman holding a cup of steaming tea in one hand, the palm of her other hand resting on the younger woman's forehead. Behind them was a nature scene of a deer drinking from a lake, surrounded by trees and flowers, a hawk soaring overhead.
"Which woman are you?" Therese asked.
Neither. Therese was pounding on the door of the secret clubhouse, unwelcome. "I don't know," Miranda said. "Maybe I'm the hawk. Or the deer. Or the cup of tea."
Such philosophical insights pepper the saga as Miranda finds a new circle of hope and possibility in unexpected encounters both human and in nature, gaining solace from both and in "letting people tend to her." Engaging with the world is difficult, but forms the nexus of a story about far more than grief and gardening.
Johnnie Mazzocco's reflective work captures the rhythms of life and the allure of creating new patterns:
She also liked the idea of starting her own traditions that came from her new and burgeoning belief system.
The story's insights, interactions, and engrossing growth dilemmas will reach literary audiences interested in accounts of psychological and social growth and the entwining of seasons, moons, and magic.
Libraries seeking ultimately uplifting novels that can serve as book club discussion material and panaceas for modern angst will find it easy to highly recommend Miranda's Garden to a wide audience, from readers struggling with their own grief or isolation to those who need a reminder of connections between humans and nature, and how simple acts such as gardening can marry them both.
The Book of Unforgivable Sins
Rod Vick
www.rodvick.com
Penmore Press
https://penmorepress.com
9781957851686, $20.50 Paperback/$5.50 eBook
Author's Website
https://www.rodvick.com/store/p/the-book-of-unforgivable-sins
The Book of Unforgivable Sins is the third volume in the Five Ancient Elements series, traversing a world in which immortality, Indiana Jones-style adventure, and murder challenge Ricky Crowe, the protagonist from the previous series titles.
Sorceress Cessair is dead - but that doesn't mean her wide-spreading threat is over. Her immortal mentor seeks control over the world, centuries later. The only thing stopping him is a whispered reference to an arcane library and unforgivable sins by a dying woman.
Ricky's quest for a vital book, the clues to its whereabouts having been provided by a beloved friend killed in ancient Egypt, assumes an aura of threat and mystery as she pursues the secret incantation that will unleash the power of the five ancient elements. She struggles with the guilt of her own survival, knowing so many others have died in the pursuit, confronting new threats from past and present.
Time-travel elements weave into mysticism and ancient evil forces as Ricky also faces the ultimate promise and threat of a force that can change her life - and the world:
"Imagine not having to worry about aging or disease. Imagine no fears about whether you have met the standard for a pleasurable afterlife. This is the dream of humankind. It is a dream we have made a reality, and we wish to gift it to the world. But it comes at a price."
Rod Vick crafts a powerfully alluring, action-packed story best digested by prior fans of the first two books in the series (The Book of Invasions and The Book of Devils). This is because the complexity and progression of Ricky's life in this story deserve to rest on knowledge of the battles that have led her to this point.
Each book builds upon the other, but departs with satisfying twists and turns of plot that turn concepts of good and evil upside down. Ricky faces an arduous journey that tests all of her knowledge, objectives, and values.
Readers who enjoy action-packed sagas replete with vivid plots, unexpected plans, and aftermaths and costs of discoveries and different forms of treasure will find these connections to past events dovetail nicely with what and how Ricky faces in this latest adventure:
"When you battled Cessair, there must have been a point where you realized that you couldn't stop. You had to keep going, because there was no one else who could do it."
Librarians seeing popularity with the prior series titles should consider The Book of Unforgivable Sins a "must have" acquisition that expands upon past events while developing new possibilities for Ricky's future.
Yes, The Book of Unforgivable Sins may prove a shelving challenge. Its special blend of science fiction adventure, mythology, adventure, and mystery places it in a class of its own - and that's a powerful position for any book to assume.
Swimming with Manatees
Bill Bennett
Billbenn Books
www.billbenn.com
9781970628128, $27.99 Hardcover/$13.99 Paperback/$4.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Swimming-Manatees-Large-Martinez-Mysteries/dp/197062812X
Detective Ava Martinez wasn't trained in ecological sabotage. She is equipped to investigate murder. When a "morning that begins like any other" serves up a healthy portion of death and intrigue, Martinez steps up to the challenge - only to find herself thoroughly immersed in not just a mysterious Florida drowning, but a biologist's revolutionary premise and findings that could change everything.
The first strength to note about this story is Bill Bennett's descriptive prowess. Readers will become engrossed in Ava's observations because their underlying motivations, processes, and approaches are nicely rooted in psychological inspection:
Ava stepped back, scanning the scene again, seeing it now through Dan's eyes - what he noticed, what he feared, what he didn't have time to say.
Emotional connections blossom as Ava confronts others in her life who provide different forms of support and grief therapy:
Ava exhaled slowly. "He was the one person who could pull me back when I got too deep in my own head. Now it's just - noise."
Rick's voice softened. "Nothing about this is easy, Ava. But you're not carrying it alone."
For the first time since Dan's death, something in her chest loosened - just a fraction, but enough to breathe.
The emerging environmental threat buffets Ava's emotional well-being with issues of corporate corruption, murder, and relentless conflicts. How does one heal when in the depths of ongoing confrontations and waves of grief? Slowly.
Swimming with Manatees brings to the table everything a mystery reader could want: an emotionally vulnerable, proactive detective whose investigations are reasonable yet dangerous; a pursuit of truth that many characters never stop chasing; and a sense of determination that rests as much upon personal physical and emotional survival as a determination to see justice emerge from the fray.
Librarians seeking an eco-thriller that is delivered with many emotionally connecting moments throughout will find it easy to highly recommend Swimming with Manatees to a wide audience of leisure readers, from women who enjoy proactive, strong female characters to thriller readers who like deeper emotional connection to events.
Filled with Florida atmosphere and culture, intense dialogues and unexpected surprises, and a sultry Florida backdrop that both highlights and sometimes obscures Ava's search for the truth, Swimming with Manatees is a powerful, emotionally driven story of confrontation and redemption that traverses emotional and conspiracy landscapes with equal depth and attraction.
Borealis
Bill Bennett
Billbenn Books
www.billbenn.com
9781970628166, $14.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Borealis-Secrets-Sabotage-Arctic-Cadence/dp/1970628162
Borealis is the second book in the Ava Martinez mystery series, picking up where Swimming with Manatees left off to expand the story of Ava's recovery from her partner's death and the events that changed her life. While no prior familiarity is required for this continuation of her life, those who already have enjoyed Swimming with Manatees will be especially attracted to this follow-up.
Ava has sojourned to Alaska, as far from Florida as she can get, to recover far from the too-familiar triggers of her last case. There, she is pulled into a very different eco-mystery surrounding mysterious signals beneath the Arctic ice.
Her new partner in the investigation is very different from her last - ex-soldier Cole Stratton, who brings to the table a military man's eye for potential disaster and insights about international intrigue and possible rogue operatives who may be involved in a deadly plot.
Most thrillers at this point would delve into battles and confrontations. Readers won't expect - and will be delighted by - the ecological connections which emerge from realizing these signals may represent connections to the Arctic wilderness that offer an unprecedented opportunity for either power or peace.
Readers walk not only in Ava's shoes, but in her mind as she treads through Alaska's icy environment. Cole, also, receives a central focus as his turbulent past influences his decisions. The emotional overlay Bill Bennett injects into both of his characters makes them likeable, interesting, and understandable:
Her voice echoed in his memory: Hold the line, Keller. The land speaks, but we listen.
The memory flickered, slipped away. Keller rubbed the scar on his wrist - Elena pulling him from the wreckage after a failed op, her laugh cutting through static, grounding him when nothing else could.
For a moment he was back in the desert - heat shimmering off broken stone, radio static crackling in his ear. Through it all, her voice cut through the panic with nothing more than a breath and a word.
More so than in Swimming with Mantees, the philosophical and ethical components are expanded upon and nicely developed, here. Readers will find themselves as completely absorbed by Ava and Cole's evolving connections to one another and the land as in the mystery that grows over the signal's ultimate meaning and impact.
Librarians seeking a standalone eco-thriller that is thoroughly immersive, easy to highly recommend, and filled with psychological and philosophical reflections will find Borealis a top recommendation. Think Tom Clancy, but with better emotional development. Think James Rollins, where history and mystery intersects with the added value of spiritual and ecological connection.
Think an outstanding thriller that is also suitable for book club discussions over ecological, individual, and ideological pursuit.
Seeing Joy
Alexandra Grabbe
https://alexandragrabbe.com
Koehler Books
https://www.koehlerbooks.com
9798897470372, $27.95 Hardcover, $17.95 Paperback, $9.95 Ebook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Joy-Alexandra-Grabbe/dp/B0G54BDP67
Seeing Joy: A Story of Life, Death, and What Comes Next is a daughter's account of her mother's end time, but it goes beyond the usual memoir about the rigors of coming death and the challenges of caregiving for an elderly parent, exploring further notions about death and afterlife.
As Alexandra cares for her ailing mother Bea, they enter a period of time in which Bea claims that deceased relatives and friends are visiting her. She holds tea parties in her room and entertains these "invisible people," drawing her daughter into a series of encounters and conversations that unexpectedly enriches both their lives while providing much food for thought.
These encounters are detailed in a memoir of not just endings, but new beginnings. The challenges of trying to run a business and care for an adult are only part of this story, opening the saga with many routines and trying times that fellow caregivers will all too readily relate to:
Sleep through the night? Think again. Laughter soon rang out. I raised my head from the pillow and grimaced. According to my watch, it was one o'clock. Pitch black outside. Rain pouring down.
"We'll meet up at Grand Central Station," Bea told someone in a light-hearted manner. It took but a moment for her sparkling eyes to notice me at the bedroom door. "Oh, here you are," she said with immense pleasure. "Care to join us for lunch?"
"Geez Louise! It's the middle of the night," I hissed. "Please go to sleep."
At that precise moment, she seemed more like a performing monkey than a human being who required my attention.
As unacknowledged family ties and secrets emerge within the course of these months, Alexandra is confronted with new ideas about her past, present, and future which receive the overlay of Bea's newfound encounters:
Was she interacting with the spirits of deceased friends or merely reliving memorable events from her past? One detail challenged the "merely memories" theory. If true, why exclude Nancy Macdonald, who had died in 1996? Nancy never appeared at any of the bedroom parties. Not once. And Nancy had been her best friend.
The explorations and discoveries that drive Seeing Joy offer many reflective insights about new opportunities, giving the memoir a rich embellishment not typically seen in caregiver accounts.
This is why libraries and readers will want to make Seeing Joy not only part of their reading and acquisition lists, but part of a book club or group discussion, whether it be about spirituality and afterlife, caregiving, or unexpected new connections formed only in end times:
"I will miss you so," I whispered, soft and low. I stroked her hair, breathed in her musty scent with its hint of green apple. The last time the two of us shared such closeness was when I was the child, fifty-nine years ago.
The enlightening process of finding and seeing joy in these experiences proves as priceless to the author as it will be to those who read her book and follow in her footsteps.
Making My Way
Damaris Melo-Gyasi
Journeyline Publishing LLC
9798218878498, $24.95 Hardcover/$18.95 Paperback/$9.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Making-My-Way-Story-Grace-ebook/dp/B0DR795R6G
I am not who anyone in my hometown expected me to become.
With its opening lines, Making My Way: A Story of Grit and Grace provides compelling reasons to imbibe and remain reading the progression of Damaris Melo-Gyasi's life journey.
The memoir chronicles the Brazilian author's dreams and realities as she crosses borders and perseveres against all odds that come her way - but most of all, it offers a lesson in socioeconomics, social expectation, prejudice, and determination that readers would do well to absorb into their own life philosophies.
Many memoirs document achievement or immigrant experiences. What sets Making My Way apart from those is its added value of candid social inspection that pulls no punches in revealing the obstacles this author (and many like her) faced in setting and achieving goals.
These experiences are delivered through evocative, literary reflections that are thought-provoking and hard-hitting:
Inner-city, South American Black girls did not attend renowned universities or build architectural careers in the United States. Achieving that alone sounds like success. But more noteworthy is how I moved through a process that repeatedly threatened to undo me - and the steady formula that carried me as I navigated it.
The rites of passage that accompany her evolutionary process provide inspiration and lessons throughout as the memoir traverses other countries, reflecting moral and ethical lessons learned at an early age that translate into important life strategies as an adult.
Again - the descriptive phrasing captures the intricate balance between choice and consequences as Melo-Gyasi constantly reevaluates her rationales and challenges:
The hard reality of what I'd done was scaring me in ways I didn't have adequate answers for. Who commits to living six thousand miles from home on a different continent without family, with very little money, and a foreign language catalog of just eight phrases? WHO DOES THAT? I'd never thought to ask myself this until the panic hit and now I was going around with a banshee in my brain.
The result is a story of determination - just what is needed to lead by example. Even though it likely wasn't the author's intent to inspire - she has.
Librarians seeking uplifting accounts of achievement can highly recommend Making My Way to a wide audience, from reading groups debating the process of moving to an alien land with gratitude for opportunity as well as acknowledgment of prejudices, to women seeking positive stories of growth, and immigrants looking for examples of coping methods for new pathways in life.
Its many reflections are simple, reflective, and especially important for modern times:
When you can't see anything coming through for you, get up and move.
Painting Grace
Mary Hester
Silent Clamor Press
https://www.silentclamor.com
9798993393568, $19.99 Paperback/$9.99 eBook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Painting-Grace-Mary-Hester/dp/B0G58CNF2V
Painting Grace is a novel about art history professor Dr. Miriam Johnson, who lives a life of regret and isolation after her husband's death. Her stable but distant life changes upon a diagnosis of terminal cancer. Forced to acknowledge that she needs help, she hires nineteen-year-old Camille Caillouet to be her caregiver, inadvertently opening the doors to connection, friendship, and possibilities she'd thought forever lost.
Mary Hester crafts a story whose timeline flows between the days of Miriam's marriage and the present, forming connections via inspections of the past, and contrasts with the present. This allows for rich considerations of relationship quandaries and progression:
She didn't want to live without Tom either, or to see failure dull and rust his potential, or for him to be trapped in a life where he woke dreading each day. But wasn't it magical thinking to believe that by leaving, he could break an evil spell and find happiness?
A focus on art weaves the story together, providing equally compelling force and connections as it links the process of creation and redefinition with life challenges.
Miriam's astute ability to realistically consider her life, Camille's place in it, her past and future, and the sometimes-unwelcome impact of the most well-meaning of family creates many moments of intimacy and insight.
Libraries interested in women's fiction that crafts resonating portraits of choices and their long-term impacts will find Painting Grace a warm story of friendship, reconnection, and reevaluation.
Book clubs seeking discussion material about women's friendships, the nature of family and revised approaches to life, and the weight of survivor's guilt will find much fodder for discourse in Painting Grace's progression.
This Isn't New: Women's Historical Stories
Cynthia Swanson
https://cynthiaswansonauthor.com
Columbine York
9798990807457, $13.99 paperback/$4.99 ebook
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/This-Isnt-New-Historical-Stories/dp/B0GTS9SVDT
Author's Website
https://cynthiaswansonauthor.com/this-isnt-new
This Isn't New: Women's Historical Stories is a short story collection about women's lives and experiences that are set in different times from the late 1800s to the early 2000s. Each woman in these nine stories tackles a different issue that reflects the struggles of women in those eras.
The collection opens with "In This World As In the Other," in which Methodist minister Francine "Sometimes lives in a world where people take her ministry seriously." One example lies in the story's opening lines, which take place on the Easter Sunday after the Great Chicago Fire of October 1871, during which she entreats neighbors to demonstrate their faith by helping one another and spreading the notion that God is still alive, purposeful, and relevant to their lives.
Her ministry and leadership will guide her encouragement to others, her own religious questions, and her contrasting life in another world very different from the first.
Contrast this inspection with "The Unlived," in which Claire Miller is broken by her fifth pregnancy, the death of all of her male babies, and a doctor's advice that she stop bearing children.
As the story swirls around abortion, punishment, redemption, and a woman's mandate to be a mother at any cost, it creates an important connection between Claire and another mother in a different situation, who consider that another force may be at work in determining their futures:
Stella frowned. "I don't believe in God but I do believe in karma."
Claire, who did believe in God but sometimes questioned His motives, said, "I don't know what that is."
"Karma," Stella repeated. "The idea that everything happens because of something we do." She met Claire's eyes. "The idea that our choices determine our fate."
Spiritual, cultural, and gender issues arise in each woman's life to influence its direction, introduce new concepts, and lead readers to think about the disparate roles women choose for their lives and in those around them.
Libraries seeking literary women's short stories that hold much contrasting material for book club discussions about beliefs, gender, and our ability to affect our future will find This Isn't New: Women's Historical Stories a thought-provoking, engaging collection.
Diane C. Donovan, Senior Reviewer
Donovan's Literary Services
www.donovansliteraryservices.com
Helen Dumont's Bookshelf
The Illustrated Dictionary of Japanese Food: Ingredients, Preparations and Culture
Richard Hosking
Tuttle Publishing
www.tuttlepublishing.com
9784805320006, $19.99, PB, 248pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Illustrated-Dictionary-Japanese-Food-Preparations/dp/4805320001
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-dictionary-of-japanese-food-richard-hosking/1120132636
Synopsis: Now in a newly updated edition, "The Illustrated Dictionary of Japanese Food" by Richard Hosking will help food lovers from around the world to understand all the intricacies and nuances of Japanese food ingredients and culture. Definitions of Japanese food terms found online and in standard dictionaries are misleading and often simply wrong. Richard Hosking eliminates this problem by giving each term a concise English definition with rich cultural and historical notes.
This new and expanded edition has 240 color photographs along with 100 black and white drawings for easy identification. These allow readers to identify everything from abura-age fried tofu to zeusai red-bean soup. A series of fascinating appendices address critical elements of Japanese cuisine -- from how miso and sake are made to the key components of a Japanese meal.
Newly typeset and featuring a foreword by cookbook author Debra Samuels, this new edition of "The Illustrated Dictionary of Japanese Food" will enable food lovers and visitors discover the wonders of one of the world's truly great cuisines.
Critique: Profusely illustrated throughout with color photos of various Japanese dishes, this new edition of "The Illustrated Dictionary of Japanese Food: Ingredients, Preparations and Culture" by Japanese cuisine expert Richard Hosking is an extraordinary culinary reference resource for cooks and consumers of every conceivable form of Japanese cooking and dining. Authentic, comprehensive, expertly organized and presented, "The Illustrated Dictionary of Japanese Food: Ingredients, Preparations and Culture" is an essential and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, and community library Japanese Culinary Reference collections.
Editorial Note: Richard Hosking holds an M.A. from Cambridge and was Professor of Sociology and English at Hiroshima Shudo University. He lived in Japan for many decades and lectured on Japanese food at the Oxford Symposium on Food and Cookery, the Symposium of Australian Gastronomy. (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/350275.Richard_Hosking)
Japanese Ikebana: A Year of Seasonal Arrangements for the Tea Ceremony
Hiroshi Toda and Atsushi Kobayashi, authors
Tuttle Publishing
www.tuttlepublishing.com
9784805320365, $29.99, HC, 160pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Ikebana-Seasonal-Arrangements-Ceremony/dp/4805320362
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/japanese-ikebana-hiroshi-toda/1148639316
Synopsis: Ikebana ('arranging flowers' or 'making flowers alive') is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. The origin of ikebana can be traced back to the ancient Japanese custom of erecting evergreen trees and decorating them with flowers as Yorishiro to invite the gods. Later, flower arrangements were instead used to adorn the tokonoma (alcove) of a traditional Japanese home. Ikebana is counted as one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement, along with kodo for incense appreciation and chado for tea and the tea ceremony. (Wikipedia)
With the publication of "Japanese Ikebana: A Year of Seasonal Arrangements for the Tea Ceremony", the true spirit of Japanese ikebana as revealed by two great masters -- Hiroshi Toda and Atsushi Kobayashi.
Readers will be introduced into a world of quiet beauty through the floral artistry of Japan. Written by the director of a renowned Osaka tea utensils shop and an ikebana master, this richly illustrated book celebrates the harmony between nature, art, and ritual.
Each of the twelve chapters corresponds to a month of the year, with reflections on the changing seasons, personal stories of flowers and vases, and poetic insights into the spirit of chabana -- the art of tea flowers. Alongside these lyrical essays you'll find practical advice to guide you in the subtle art of selecting, cutting, and placing flowers.
Lavishly illustrated with over 187 full-color photographs, "Japanese Ikebana: A Year of Seasonal Arrangements for the Tea Ceremony" offers a rich visual journey through the sensual beauty of tea ceremony flower arrangements, including the vessels, tools and painted scrolls used to complete each display. More than just another guide, "Japanese Ikebana: A Year of Seasonal Arrangements for the Tea Ceremony" invites readers see the world more deeply in a new way -- one flower at a time.
Critique: This large format hard cover coffee table style edition of "Japanese Ikebana: A Year of Seasonal Arrangements for the Tea Ceremony" is gorgeously illustrated in full color that are accompanied by succinct and informative commentaries and captions. A beautiful and inspiring volume to simply page through one inspiring page after another, co-authored by Tea Ceremony master Hiroshi Today and Ikebana master Atsushi Kobayashi, "Japanese Ikebana: A Year of Seasonal Arrangements for the Tea Ceremony" will prove a highly prized and enduringly appreciated addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Japanese Gardening, Flower Arrangement, and Home Decorating collections. It should be noted that "Japanese Ikebana: A Year of Seasonal Arrangements for the Tea Ceremony" from Tuttle Publishing is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $29.99).
Editorial Note #1: Hiroshi Toda is the 13th-generation head of Tanimatsuya Toda Shoten, a venerable Osaka-based tea utensil dealer with a history spanning three centuries. An expert in both classical tea ware and contemporary art, he studied in the United States and apprenticed at Tokyo's Yayoi Gallery before joining the family business in 1976. Known for bringing a modern sensibility to the ancient art of Chado, the "Way of Tea", he served as president of the company before passing the torch to his son, although he continues as chairman.
Editorial Note #2: Atsushi Kobayashi is an ikebana master who has worked for Tanimatsuya Toda Shoten since 1998, he is known for his deeply intuitive and expressive approach to the art of floral arrangements for the tea ceremony. Drawing inspiration from traditional aesthetics, contemporary art, and the rhythms of nature, Kobayashi treats each arrangement as a singular moment of creation - improvised, imperfect and deeply felt. This book is a reflection of his belief that true artistry lies in trusting one's instincts, embracing imperfection and finding quiet joy in the everyday act of placing flowers.
Helen Dumont
Reviewer
John Taylor's Bookshelf
Latino Police Officers in the United States: Practice, Policy, and Leadership, second edition
Valentina Urbina and Martin Guevara Urbina, authors
Charles C. Thomas, Publisher
https://www.ccthomas.com
9780398094812, $41.95, PB, 290pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Latino-Police-Officers-United-States/dp/0398094810
Synopsis: Now in an updated and expanded second edition and co-authored by Valentina Urbina and Martin Guevara Urbina, "Latino Police Officers in the United States: Practice, Policy, and Leadership" explores the evolving landscape of Latino officers in American law enforcement.
"Latino Police Officers in the United States" covers crucial topics that includes the needs, roles, experiences, and future prospects of Latino officers across US law enforcement agencies. Through detailed analysis, it examines historical challenges, cultural dynamics, and structural forces affecting both Latino police officers and community residents.
"Latino Police Officers in the United States" also offers valuable insights into issues like racial profiling, police practices, and community relations, supported by empirical studies and theoretical frameworks.
With contributions from various experts, "Latino Police Officers in the United States" provides essential reading for law enforcement administrators, criminal justice educators, civic managers, criminologists, and sociologists. It concludes with actionable policy recommendations aimed at developing a more effective police force for the twenty-first century.
Critique: This new and comprehensive second edition of "Latino Police Officers in the United States: Practice, Policy, and Leadership" from Charles C. Thomas Publisher is informatively enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of two pages of Notes, a six page listing of References, and a fourteen page Index. A thoroughly 'reader friendly' work of meticulous scholarship, this trade paperback (10 x 7 x 1 inches, 1.25 pounds) edition of "Latino Police Officers in the United States: Practice, Policy, and Leadership" is an indispensable resource for understanding and improving modern policing in America's diverse communities and is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, police academy, and college/university library Law Enforcement collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.
John Taylor
Reviewer
Mary Cowper's Bookshelf
Astrological Ages and the Galactic Center: Ancient Wisdom for This Time of Transition
Heather M. Ensworth, PhD
Bear & Company
c/o Inner Traditions International, Ltd.
www.innertraditions.com
9781591435556, $20.00, PB, 256pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Astrological-Ages-Galactic-Center-Transition/dp/1591435552
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/astrological-ages-and-the-galactic-center-heather-m-ensworth/1147859949
Synopsis: We are approaching the end of a 24,000-year precessional cycle and, according to ancient traditions, on the cusp of a new age. While this time of transition can lead to an evolutionary leap for humanity, it can also bring inevitable challenges for those who resist.
With the publication of "Astrological Ages and the Galactic Center: Ancient Wisdom for This Time of Transition", astrologer and clinical psychologist Heather Ensworth shows that we live in a sentient universe where the energies of the cosmos are guiding us through this transition and into new paradigms of thought, new ways of being, and higher levels of consciousness. By embracing these changes we can navigate the turmoil of transformation into a new age of love, harmony, and a greater awareness of our interconnectedness.
Ensworth suggests that the precessional motion that causes the astrological ages is not due to a wobble in the Earth's axis but to the possibility that our sun is part of a binary star system, which astronomers have found are more common in the Milky Way galaxy than previously believed. The author also teaches us how to realign with the galactic center (our source) by becoming centered within and harmonizing with the changing cosmos to bring us a deeper sense of meaning and stability.
The transition into a new age does not need to be a dramatic change that simply happens to us. "Astrological Ages and the Galactic Center" shows how we can remember our origins, find our center, and navigate this changing age with clarity and intention.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Astrological Ages and the Galactic Center: Ancient Wisdom for This Time of Transition" by Heather M. Ensworth will have an extraordinary appeal and value for readers with an interest in astrology, metaphysics, and channeling. Informatively enhanced for the reader's benefit, "Astrological Ages and the Galactic Center" includes a two page listing of Acknowledgments, six page of Notes, a six page Bibliography, and a seven page Index. While an highly recommended pick for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Metaphysical Studies collections, it should be noted that this paperback edition of "Astrological Ages and the Galactic Center" from Bear & Company is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.99).
Editorial Note: Heather M. Ensworth, PhD, is an astrologer and clinical psychologist with a background in cultural anthropology. She is committed to exploring and teaching ancient wisdom and healing practices for our evolution and for healing the Earth. Her YouTube channel features astrological teachings about our current time of transition and transformation. Heather lives in the Boston area of Massachusetts. (https://risingmoonhealingcenter.com)
This Far Country
Joseph Bottum
South Dakota Historical Society Press
https://www.sdhspress.com
9781941813683, $14.95, HC, 32pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/This-Far-Country-Anniversary-Independence/dp/B0GN61Q72V
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/this-far-country-joseph-bottum/1149463351
Synopsis: Celebrating the United States Semiquincentennial in 2026, Joseph Bottum's epic poem "This Far Country" highlights four of South Dakota's quintessential symbols and themes (the meadowlark, chokecherry jelly, the homestead, and the river) in a lyrical distillation of the state's history and culture.
Turning to the events of 1776, Bottum ties South Dakota to the streams of thought, belief, and practice welling at the country's founding to form "a swelling moment, a time that history starts to flood," one that would eventually extend to the prairies and plains of South Dakota, "where liberty found a place."
Of special note is the inclusion of beautiful woodcut-style illustrations by Jeanne Bowman that accompany Bottum's poetry.
Critique: Eloquent, exceptional, and beautifully illustrated by illustrative artistry of Jeanne Bowman, is simply extraordinary, "This Far Country: South Dakota Lines on the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence" from the South Dakota Historical Society Press is a deftly crafted compendium of four brilliantly presented story poems by Joseph Bottum. Also featuring three pages of Noes, this slender and elegant volume will be a treasured addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library American Poetry collections.
Editorial Note: A native of South Dakota, Joseph Bottum is one of the nation's most widely published writers, and author of over a thousand essays, reviews, poems, and short stories. With a Ph.D. in medieval philosophy, he has written four books of poetry.
Mary Cowper
Reviewer
Micah Andrew's Bookshelf
Public Land: 1,000 Western Wonders
Michael Joseph Oswald
Stone Road Press
https://stoneroadpress.com
9781621280804, $40.00, HC, 393pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Public-Land-000-Western-Wonders/dp/1621280802
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/public-land-michael-joseph-oswald/1148035397
Synopsis: Whether you are looking to travel to the sites atop everyone's bucket lists like Glacier and Zion National Parks or yearning to put the crowds in your rearview mirror and enjoy similarly spectacular scenery without a reservation or ultra-competitive parking, "Public Land: 1,000 Western Wonders" by Michael Joseph Oswald will prove to be an exceptionally informative guide offering precisely what you seek.
"Public Land" goes beyond public knowledge into the depths of public land, our nation's National Forests, Bureau of Land Management holdings, and State Parks. Featuring hundreds of stunning full color images, "Public Land" will inspire you to gas up your car or book a plane ticket to set off on an adventure to some of the finest nature you'll find on this planet.
"Public Land" explores:
Iconic landscapes like Grand Teton and Yosemite Valley
More than 100 wondrous waterfalls, including hidden treasures like Oregon's Proxy Falls and Washington's Walupt Creek Falls
Familiar features like the Grand Canyon and Mount Rainier
Small crowds at magnificent mountains like Montana's Bitterroot Range and Utah's Uintas
Superlative settings like the Wind River Range's highest peak in Wyoming to the deepest river gorge in North America, Hell's Canyon on the border of Oregon and Idaho
And plenty of desert oases and alpine lakes, so you'll always have the perfect destination, any time of year!
Critique: Showcasing 11 States and 390 million acres of publicly held land, "Public Land: 1,000 Western Wonders" by Michael Joseph Oswald is a coffee table style volume that will prove to be an armchair traveler's delight and a 'must' for the adventurous, as source of unlimited ideas for memorable and scenic adventures. The large format (9.5 x 1 x 11.25 inches, 3 pounds) hardcover edition of "Public Land: 1,000 Western Wonders" from Stone Road Press is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for personal, family, community, and college/university library American Travel Guide & Reference collections.
Editorial Note: Michael Joseph Oswald is a Wisconsin author. A listing of his books is online at Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5828102.Michael_Joseph_Oswald
Micah Andrew
Reviewer
Michael Dunford's Bookshelf
How I Make Comics
Kim Deitch
Fantagraphics
www.fantagraphics.com
9798875001673, $24.99, HC, 192pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/How-Make-Comics-Kim-Deitch/dp/B0FDZNV9VD
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-i-make-comics-kim-deitch/1147696104
Synopsis: "How I Make Comics" is not just about how Kim Deitch makes comics, but about how comics made him. The book pinwheels between real autobiography and imagined comics history, but it begins in 1952 with a true story of eight-year-old Kim Deitch appearing in the audience of the Howdy Doody Show with eight-year-old Donnie Trump. Following Donnie's attempt to rig an election among the audience (no kidding!), Deitch relates a famous newspaper account of a diminutive wife who valiantly defends her equally diminutive husband in court, who just happens to be the inspiration of Harold Gray's Little Orphan Annie.
Periodically, Kim asks his own wife for her critique and advice of the stories he's told so far, which he takes into account for future tales that include revenge-driven circus performers, fairytale mural painters, sordid comic book lore, comics readers creating real-life superheroes, impossibly old cats issuing supernatural judgments and inhabiting the bodies of humans, culminating in the real-life story of Kim's mother hitchhiking across country and being picked up by none other than Forrest J. Ackerman, the sci-fi, fantasy, and monster aficionado, who takes her to a convention where she meets a teenaged Ray Bradbury.
"How I Make Comics" is a creatively kaleidoscopic, non-stop exploration of how Deitch's imagination turns ideas, influences, and irritations into comics in his inimitable style. Snippets of behind-the-scenes explanations of his notes and sketches expand into cascading short stories. Each section goes freewheeling from notion to notion, quietly building themes and reveling in its own wild-eyed imaginative capacities across 180 pages to form both an intimate graphic memoir and an eye-popping graphic novel.
One of the most prolific artists of his generation, Deitch enters his 60th year of cartooning more inventive than ever and showing no signs of slowing down.
Critique: An absolute 'must' for the legions of Kim Deitch fans and devotees of the underground comics of the 60's, "How I Make Comics" is a fun and informative read from start to finish. Laid out in a graphic novel style, "How I Make Comics" is an extraordinary blend of fiction and fantasy -- making it a unique and unreservedly recommended pick for personal, community, and college/university library collections. It should be noted that this hardcover edition of "How I Make Comics" from Fantagraphics is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $17.99).
Editorial Note: Kim Deitch is an American cartoonist who was an important figure in the underground comix movement of the 1960s, remaining active in the decades that followed with a variety of books and comics, sometimes using the pseudonym Fowlton Means. His books include The Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Shadowland, Alias the Cat, and The Search for Smilin' Ed! (https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/188440.Kim_Deitch)
Michael Dunford
Reviewer
Paul Vogel's Bookshelf
Hidden in Plain Sight: The Untold Mysteries, Myths, and Marvels of the World's Most Popular Landmarks
Ronan O'Connell
Harper Celebrate
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
www.harpercollins.com
9781400251469, $29.99, HC, 256pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Plain-Sight-Mysteries-Landmarks/dp/140025146X
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hidden-in-plain-sight-ronan-oconnell/1147732299
Synopsis: Curated by the relentlessly curious travel journalist and National Geographic regular contributor, Ronan O'Connell, "Hidden in Plain Sight: The Untold Mysteries, Myths, and Marvels of the World's Most Popular Landmarks " is a stunning and informative photographic tour of the world's most popular landmarks showcasing the most mystifying, intriguing, and jaw-dropping stories from all the places on your bucket list.
"Hidden in Plain Sight" is a compendium of 20 popular landmarks, including:
Bali's Uluwatu Temple, which overlooks a sea of demons in the Indian Ocean.
The Edinburgh Castle, where a supernatural stone (most recently incorporated into King Charles's coronation ceremony) resides.
The Berlin Wall, where MLK Jr. quietly passed across its border under the dark of night.
Amsterdam's Dam Square, where tourists stroll at the spot "witches" were once burned at the stake.
The reader will learn all the stories and marvels that a knowledgeable tour guide would provide -- and all without leaving the comfort of your own home. Featuring over 150 full photographs, "Hidden in Plain Sight" is a truly spectacular coffee table style book that would make the perfect gift to give to the history lovers, globetrotters, and armchair travelers.
Critique: Enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of an informative Introduction, a one page listing of Acknowledgments, and eleven pages of Notes, this large format (7.25 x 7.25 x 10 inches, 2.17 pounds) hardcover edition of "Hidden in Plain Sight: The Untold Mysteries, Myths, and Marvels of the World's Most Popular Landmarks" by journalist and photographer Ronan O'Connell is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, community, and college/university library Contemporary General Travelogue collections. For students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in Photography, Sacred Architecture, Landmarks, and Monuments, and beautifully illustrated guide books for the dedicated armchair traveler, it should be noted that this hardcover edition from Harper Celebrate is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Ronan Patrick O'Connell (www.ronanoconnell.com) is a regular contributor to National Geographic and a former columnist for National Geographic Magazine. A travel journalist and photographer with 20 years of experience, Ronan writes and shoots for major media outlets across the world and has visited more than 60 countries in pursuit of intriguing and compelling stories. O'Connell has contributed stories and photography to National Geographic, CNN, BBC, Washington Post, Smithsonian Magazine, Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler, The Guardian, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Toronto Star, Forbes and more.
Paul T. Vogel
Reviewer
S.A. Gorden's Bookshelf
The Great Catsby (A NOLA Tail Mystery Book 1)
B.K. Baxter
Star Key Press
9798650853022 $9.99 paper
B089G8NYZN, $0.00 ebook, 206 pages
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Great-Catsby-NOLA-Tail-Mystery-ebook/dp/B089G8NYZN
The Great Catsby is a fun cozy mystery with a great take on how an animal can help solve the crime. The cozy plot is not that different than a multitude of other cozies but the narration and animal twist makes the story stand out.
Librarian, Jade, inherits a plantation house in a small town in Louisiana. Jade is originally from big city Baltimore. Her cat, Sir Chonksworth the Bold, and herself have to adjust to both the climate and a more rural life.
Jade decides to start a book club but one of its members is killed after the first meeting. Jade feels responsible and decides to find the killer when one of her new friends is accused of the murder. Can she survive the intricate investigation with the help of Sir Chonksworth the Bold?
The Great Catsby is an easy mystery recommendation. The investigation is well done. The characters are quirky and there is a nice mix of tension and humor. The twist at the end will surprise most readers.
Sea of Death (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 8)
Mark Nolan
Independently published
9798344921297 $14.99
B0DLFX6YL4, $2.99 ebook, 322 pages
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Death-Jake-Wolfe-Thrillers-Book-ebook/dp/B0DLFX6YL4
Sea of Death is an action/shoot-em-up. The narration is sound but Nolan's definition of a shoot-em-up is a story that requires a killing or assault every few pages. The Sea of Death pretends to be a contemporary tale but is dated. The setting would be a bit more accurate if it was placed twenty years ago.
US Marshal and covert operative Jake Wolfe cruises into the Sea of Cortez with his retired war dog, Cody and veterinarian girlfriend. His assignment is to stop the smuggling of arms and narcotics using a narco submarine. The investigation is an international joint investigation with Mexican and US law enforcement. In the first few pages, the first of dozens of murders occur. Jake is portrayed as an outside savior to the locals and this immediate imbalance harms the storyline. You will need a tally book to count the number of dead by the end of the story.
Sea of Death is only recommended for action junkies who like to read between John Wick movies. The story does have a solid introduction into the environment surrounding the Sea of Cortez. When not dodging bullets, it would make a great travel log for the region.
S.A. Gorden
Senior Reviewer
Suzie Housley's Bookshelf
Breaking Up with Patriarchy: Decolorizing Our Lives and Returning to Kinship Worldview
Susan L. Herrmann with Laura B. Fox
Open Spiral
9781965101155, $17.95 PB, $9.99 Kindle, 162pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Breaking-Patriarchy-Decolonizing-Returning-Worldview/dp/1965101151
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/breaking-up-with-the-patriarchy-four-arrows/1149167063
Synopsis: In Breaking Up with the Patriarchy, Susan L. Herrmann and Laura B. Fox presents a thoughtful and introspective exploration of how deeply rooted societal structures influence personal identity, relationships, and self-perception. Rather than approaching the subject with confrontation, Herrmann adopts a calm and reflective tone, guiding readers through a process of awareness and personal discovery.
At the heart of the book is an examination of how cultural expectations - often absorbed without question - shape the way individuals understand themselves and engage with the world. Herrmann's approach is accessible and inviting, allowing readers to recognize familiar patterns in their own lives without feeling criticized or overwhelmed. This measured delivery creates a safe space for meaningful self-reflection.
Critique: What distinguishes Breaking Up with the Patriarchy is its steady, contemplative voice. Susan Herrmann skillfully balances personal insight with broader societal observations, presenting complex ideas in a manner that remains clear, relatable, and engaging. There is no insistence on agreement; instead, the author offers readers the freedom to reflect, question, and arrive at their own conclusions.
Particularly compelling is the author's reframing of the concept of "breaking up." Rather than suggesting rejection, she positions it as a process of growth - an intentional movement toward greater self-awareness and authenticity. This perspective adds a sense of empowerment to the narrative, encouraging readers to view change as an opportunity rather than a loss.
From a reviewer's standpoint, this work stands as a meaningful contribution to the conversation surrounding personal development and social awareness. It will resonate strongly with readers who appreciate thoughtful, introspective writing that invites quiet consideration rather than forceful persuasion.
Breaking Up with the Patriarchy is a reflective and engaging read - one that offers insight without pressure and perspective without pretense. It leaves readers not with definitive answers, but with meaningful questions that linger long after the last page
Cracking the Shell of the Egg: A Memoir of Spiritual Experience
Craig Philip Staufenberg
Independently Published
9798218657727, $9.73 PB, $2.99 Kindle, 66pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Cracking-Shell-Egg-Spiritual-Experience/dp/B0FC2RV523
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/223909216-cracking-the-shell-of-the-egg
Synopsis: There are books that tell a story -- and then there are books that allow you to feel a life. Cracking the Shell of the Egg: A Memoir of Spiritual Experience is one of those rare collections that gently draws the reader into a deeply personal journey shaped by illness, faith, and quiet resilience.
The author uses heartfelt poetry to show readers a glimpse into his life, which has faced challenges for decades. Struck by a mysterious illness at twelve, he endured a twenty-five-year battle that would challenge not only his physical strength but also his emotional and spiritual foundation. What emerges from this experience is not simply a story of suffering, but one of reflection, awakening, and the search for deeper meaning.
Critique: Cracking the Shell of the Egg: A Memoir of Spiritual Experience is a compelling book that showcases sincerity. There is no pretense here -- only honest expression. Each poem feels like a moment shared rather than performed, allowing the reader to walk alongside the author through seasons of uncertainty, fear, and perseverance. It is this quiet authenticity that gives the work its emotional pull.
I wanted a bit more variation in the delivery. The emotional tone remains steady throughout, which reinforces the theme, but occasionally causes individual pieces to blend. A greater range in structure, rhythm, or stylistic approach would elevate the collection and allow each poem to leave a more distinct impression.
There are also instances where the language leans toward familiar phrasing. While the emotion behind the words is genuine, refining the imagery and introducing more unexpected or vivid language could deepen the reader's connection and make certain moments even more memorable.
Spiritual elements, which the author thoughtfully wove throughout, clearly serve as a cornerstone of the author's journey. These reflections are meaningful and heartfelt; however, expanding them to touch on more universally shared experiences could broaden the book's reach while still honoring its personal nature.
What remains undeniable is the heart behind this work. This is a collection born from lived experience - one that speaks to endurance, reflection, and the quiet strength it takes to keep moving forward when life feels uncertain.
Cracking the Shell of the Egg is a gentle yet powerful reminder that even in life's most difficult chapters, there is space for growth, understanding, and renewal. With additional refinement and variation, this collection has the potential to resonate even more deeply with a wide range of readers.
I recommend this book for those who appreciate poetry that is reflective, heartfelt, and rooted in real-life experiences.
Start and Grow Your Faith-Based Nonprofit: Answering Your Call in the Service of Others
Jill C. Esau
Jossey-Bass
c/o Wiley Professional Trade Group
www.wiley.com
9780787976729, $33.00 PB, $26.00 Kindle, 256pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Start-Grow-Your-Faith-Based-Nonprofit/dp/0787976725
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/start-and-grow-your-faith-based-nonprofit-jill-esau/1112841077
Synopsis: In Start and Grow Your Faith-Based Nonprofit, Jill C. Esau presents a thoughtfully organized and highly practical guide for individuals and churches seeking to transform a faith-driven calling into meaningful service within their communities. Written with clarity and purpose, this resource is especially well-suited for grassroots ministries that may be rich in vision but uncertain about the steps required to bring that vision to life.
Drawing upon her professional experience, Esau breaks down what can often feel like a complex and overwhelming process into manageable, clearly defined stages. Her approach is both accessible and grounded in real-world application, making it an invaluable starting point for those new to nonprofit work. The guidance provided helps remove much of the hesitation that can accompany launching a ministry-based organization.
Critique: Start and Grow Your Faith-Based Nonprofit is both informative and encouraging, providing readers with the confidence to move forward with purpose. It is a recommended resource for faith-based leaders, church communities, and individuals seeking to make a lasting difference through structured and compassionate outreach.
Particularly noteworthy is the book's thorough attention to essential operational components. Esau addresses key areas such as building church partnerships, organizing and sustaining volunteer efforts, securing funding through grants, and understanding regulatory and compliance requirements. With careful consideration, the author presents each topic, offering readers a dependable framework to follow as they develop their organization.
The author also places strong emphasis on stewardship, highlighting the importance of responsible financial management, collaborative partnerships, and maintaining integrity throughout the organization's growth. This balanced focus ensures that readers not only understand how to establish a nonprofit but also how to sustain it in a way that reflects their mission and values.
My Die-Cast Life
Dan Vado
SLG Publishing
https://slgpubs.com
9781593623302, $25.00 HC, $12.95 PB, $5.00 Kindle, 90pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/My-Diecast-Life-Dan-Vado/dp/1593623305
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-diecast-life-dan-vado/1148691469
My Die-Cast Life
https://slgpubs.com/products/my-diecast-life
Synopsis: My Die-Cast Life is a nostalgic and quietly reflective collection of personal stories that uses die-cast toy cars as a lens through which the author revisits his childhood. Rather than focusing on the cars themselves, Dan Vado invites readers into a series of vivid memories from the late 1960s and early 1970s - moments shaped by friendship, family, and the simple joys of youth.
The narrative unfolds through a series of short, engaging vignettes, each tied to a specific toy car but ultimately centered on the experiences surrounding it. From neighborhood gatherings and imaginative play to family dynamics and cultural identity, the stories capture a time when creativity filled in the gaps that modern technology now occupies. What begins as a recollection of toys gradually becomes something deeper - a reflection on growing up, letting go, and the way memories shape who we become.
Blending humor with heartfelt sincerity, the book offers readers a window into a childhood that feels both specific and universally familiar. It is less about the objects themselves and more about the meaning we attach to them.
Critique: There is a gentle authenticity to My Die-Cast Life that makes it immediately appealing. As someone who has spent many years reading memoir-style works, I found this book to be both disarmingly simple and unexpectedly meaningful.
What stands out most is the author's conversational tone. It feels as though you are sitting across from someone who is sharing stories over coffee - stories that wander a bit, double back, and occasionally surprise you with their honesty. That unpolished quality is, in many ways, the book's greatest strength. It mirrors the way memory actually works: imperfect, emotional, and often tied to small details that carry great significance.
The structure, built around individual cars and the memories attached to them, is both creative and effective. Each vignette functions as a snapshot in time, yet together they form a cohesive portrait of childhood. The author handles the recurring themes of friendship, belonging, and identity with a light touch, never feeling overly sentimental or forced.
I particularly appreciated the author's ability to balance humor with reflection. There are moments that are genuinely funny - often rooted in childhood misunderstandings or family quirks - but these are balanced by quieter passages that carry emotional weight. The reflections on family, especially those tied to the author's upbringing and cultural background, add depth and texture to the narrative.
The pacing is intentionally relaxed, which may not appeal to readers looking for a fast-moving or plot-driven story. However, for those willing to slow down, there is a richness here that rewards patience. This is not a book meant to rush through - it is one to sit with, perhaps even revisit.
In the end, My Die-Cast Life is a heartfelt and quietly resonant work that reminds us how the smallest objects can carry the greatest emotional weight. It speaks to anyone who has ever looked back on their childhood and realized that what mattered most was never the things themselves, but the moments they represented.
Margery and Me
Maryka Biaggio
Regal House Publishing
https://regalhousepublishing.com
9781646036868, $20.95 PB, $9.99 Kindle, $35.95 Audio Book, 353pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Margery-Me-Maryka-Biaggio-ebook/dp/B0DJM1BYDH
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/margery-and-me-maryka-biaggio/1147552828
Synopsis: Margery and Me is a richly imagined historical novel inspired by the real-life story of Mina "Margery" Crandon, a controversial psychic medium in early twentieth-century Boston. Told through the spirited and often humorous voice of her deceased brother Walter, the novel blends family drama, romance, and the intriguing world of spiritualism into a compelling narrative.
Walter, who dies tragically young, continues to observe - and influence - his sister's life from beyond the grave. Through his watchful perspective, readers follow Mina's transformation from a strong-willed farm girl into a determined woman navigating marriage, motherhood, social expectations, and ultimately, notoriety as a medium. As she rises within Boston's elite circles, she becomes entangled in a cultural moment where seances fascinate the public and divide skeptics and believers alike.
Set against the backdrop of post-war America and the height of the spiritualist movement, the novel explores ambition, independence, and the personal cost of living between two worlds - both literal and societal. Mina's journey is as much about self-definition as it is about the mysterious forces that seem to surround her.
Critique: There is something undeniably captivating about a story that dares to blend history with imagination, and Margery and Me does so with both confidence and charm. As a longtime reader of historical fiction, I found myself immediately drawn into this novel - not only because of its unique premise, but because of the voice that carries it.
Walter, the narrator, is an absolute delight. His tone is witty, observant, and surprisingly tender. It is not often that a story told from beyond the grave feels so grounded and human, yet here it works beautifully. His perspective adds both humor and poignancy, especially as he reflects on his sister's choices with a mix of protectiveness and frustration.
Mina herself is a fascinating character -- strong-willed, intelligent, and at times, impulsive. What I appreciated most was her complexity. She is neither entirely admirable nor entirely flawed, but a woman shaped by her circumstances and determined to carve out a life that feels meaningful to her. Watching her navigate an unhappy marriage, societal expectations, and her eventual rise into a more independent and unconventional life was deeply engaged.
The author particularly rendered the historical setting well. The author brings early twentieth-century Boston to life with vivid detail, from its social hierarchies to its fascination with spiritualism. The author seamlessly weaves the tension between science and belief, skepticism and wonder, into the narrative, giving the story both substance and intrigue.
I also found the emotional undercurrents of the novel especially compelling. At its heart, this is a story about relationships - between siblings, spouses, and society at large. The bond between Walter and Mina provides a steady emotional anchor, even as her life becomes increasingly complicated.
In the end, Margery and Me is a thoughtful, engaging, and often enchanting novel that lingers in the mind long after the final page. It is a story about ambition, identity, and the unseen forces - both emotional and mysterious - that shape our lives. For readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of the extraordinary, this book is well worth the journey.
Curve Balls & Second Chances - Book 1 of 2: Pickwick Pirate Queens
Susan Boles
Argent Ocean Publishing
9780999386842, $15.99 PB, $4.99 Kindle, 213pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Curve-Balls-Second-Chances-Pickwick-ebook/dp/B0FPDL48R4
Synopsis: Curve Balls & Second Chances introduces readers to the charming yet emotionally layered world of Pickwick Bend, where small-town life, women's softball, and unresolved pasts collide. At the heart of the story is Rose McAllister, a strong-willed softball coach determined to lead her team - the Pickwick Pirate Queens - to victory. Her life is steady, structured, and carefully built... until the unexpected return of Acen Wheeler, the man who once broke her heart, disrupts everything she thought she had under control.
Set against the vivid backdrop of Southern summers - complete with humid ball fields, cicada-filled evenings, and close-knit community dynamics - the novel explores themes of love, betrayal, forgiveness, and second chances. As Rose navigates the emotional turbulence stirred by Acen's return, a new arrival in town introduces yet another layer of possibility, forcing her to confront not only her past but the future she truly wants.
Susan Boles combines romance, humor, and heartfelt reflection to create a story that captures both the sweetness and the sting of returning home and facing what was left behind.
Critique: Curve Balls & Second Chances delivers that warmth while also offering a deeper emotional undercurrent that resonates long after the final page.
The dynamic between Rose and Acen is where the novel truly shines. Rose and Acen's shared history layers their interactions with unresolved tension, unspoken questions, and emotional scars that feel genuine rather than contrived. The author does an excellent job of revealing their past gradually, allowing readers to experience the same push-and-pull that defines their present interactions. This is not simply a story of rekindled romance - it is a story about whether trust can ever truly be rebuilt once someone has broken it.
What I appreciated most was the balance between emotional depth and lighthearted moments. The camaraderie among the women on the softball team adds a vibrant energy to the narrative, providing humor, friendship, and a sense of community that grounds the story. The dialogue feels natural, often witty, and reflective of genuine relationships rather than scripted exchanges.
The setting is worthy of particular recognition. The author brings Pickwick Bend to life with sensory detail - the heat of a Southern afternoon, the rhythm of small-town routines, and the familiarity of places where everyone knows your name. It is the setting that feels lived-in, not merely described.
If there is one observation to be made, it is that the emotional tension occasionally simmers rather than boils. Readers who prefer fast-paced, high-drama, romance may find the story unfolds at a gentler pace. However, for those who appreciate character-driven storytelling, this slower rhythm allows for a more meaningful connection to the characters and their journeys.
Ultimately, Curve Balls & Second Chances is a thoughtful and engaging novel about growth, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to open one's heart again. It reminds us that life rarely follows a straight path - and sometimes the most meaningful moments come from the unexpected turns along the way.
For readers who enjoy heartfelt romance with strong female leads and a sense of place that feels like home, this book is well worth the read.
The Alchemy of Blood: Poems
Richard LaBrie
Wealtown Press
https://www.wealtownpress.com
9798993474601, $19.00 PB, 116pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Alchemy-Blood-Poems-Richard-LaBrie/dp/B0GSX66LBG
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-alchemy-of-blood-richard-labrie/1149710612
Synopsis: The Alchemy of Blood is a deeply introspective and emotionally charged collection of poetry that explores the human condition through the lens of transformation. Structured around the classical alchemical stages - Nigredo (darkness), Albedo (rebirth), Citrinitas (awakening), and Rubedo (wholeness) - the collection takes readers on a psychological and philosophical journey through despair, reflection, and ultimately, a fragile sense of understanding.
Drawing from his background as a clinical psychologist, Richard LaBrie presents poems that examine trauma, identity, societal dysfunction, and the quiet, often unsettling truths of inner life. The work oscillates between raw vulnerability and intellectual abstraction, inviting readers to confront uncomfortable realities while searching for meaning in chaos. As noted in the preface, both personal and collective experiences shape the poems, particularly those of recent years, offering a candid and unfiltered reflection of modern life.
Critique: The Alchemy of Blood showcases a kind of emotional intensity that refuses to be softened for the reader's comfort. As someone who has spent decades reading and reviewing literature, I can say this is not a collection one simply "enjoys." It is one that lingers, unsettles, and demands engagement.
LaBrie's voice is unapologetically direct, often bordering on confrontational, yet it carries an undercurrent of sincerity that makes even the most jarring passages feel purposeful. His professional background in psychology is evident throughout, particularly in poems that dissect human behavior with clinical precision while still maintaining a deeply personal edge. Pieces such as those exploring therapy, trauma, and societal decay reveal a writer who has witnessed the complexities of the human psyche firsthand and is unafraid to present them in their most unvarnished form.
What struck me most is the structural ambition of the collection. Using alchemical stages as a framework is more than a stylistic choice - it provides a thematic backbone that mirrors the emotional evolution within the poems. The early sections, steeped in darkness and fragmentation, gradually give way to moments of clarity and reluctant insight. This progression feels earned, not imposed, and reflects a mature understanding of transformation as a nonlinear, often painful process.
That said, this is not a collection for every reader. Some poems contain stark content, and the language can be deliberately abrasive. There are moments where the intensity borders on overwhelming, and readers seeking lyrical beauty or traditional poetic cadence may find themselves challenged. Yet, I would argue that this discomfort is precisely the point. LaBrie is not writing to soothe - he is writing to awaken.
There are also flashes of dark humor and self-awareness woven throughout, offering brief but welcome reprieves from the heavier themes. These moments reveal a multidimensional voice - one that understands the absurdity of life even while grappling with its weight.
In the end, The Alchemy of Blood feels less like a collection of poems and more like an emotional excavation. It asks the reader to sit with discomfort, to question assumptions, and to recognize the messy, often contradictory nature of being human.
For those willing to engage with its depth and intensity, this book offers a powerful and thought-provoking experience. Readers will not easily forget the book, which might be its greatest strength.
Infinite Paradise: Witnessing the Wild, a Memoir
Dianne Ebertt Beeaff
She Writes Press
www.shewritespress.com
9781647429324, $17.99 PB, $12.99 Kindle, 312pp,
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Infinite-Paradise-Witnessing-Wild-Memoir/dp/1647429323
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/infinite-paradise-dianne-ebertt-beeaff/1146445980
Synopsis In Infinite Paradise: Witnessing the Wild, Dianne Ebertt Beeaff invites readers into a deeply personal memoir that unfolds across the seasons on a sixteen-acre property in rural Southern Ontario. The narrative begins with the author's childhood memories of first encountering the landscape that would become her lifelong sanctuary, a place she simply calls "Paradise." From that historic moment of discovery, Beeaff's reflections weave together memory, ecology, history, and philosophy.
Organized through the rhythm of the natural year - spring, summer, fall, and winter - the book traces the subtle transformations of land, wildlife, and weather. Along the way, Beeaff blends lyrical observations of birds, plants, rivers, and forests with thoughtful discussions of environmental stewardship and humanity's relationship to nature. Historical insights about the region and its Indigenous past enrich the narrative, grounding the personal story within a broader cultural and ecological context. The result is both an intimate memoir and a meditation on the enduring importance of wild spaces in modern life.
Critique: Infinite Paradise stands out for its quiet grace and sincerity. Beeaff writes with a reflective voice that feels both contemplative and deeply grounded in experience. Her descriptions of the natural world are vivid without ever becoming overly ornate, allowing readers to feel the texture of the land - the hush of snow-covered fields, the slow thaw of spring rivers, and the delicate presence of wildlife returning after winter's retreat.
What impressed me most is the author's ability to balance observation with meaning. This is not simply a nature diary. Instead, Beeaff gently guides readers toward recognizing how landscapes shape identity and memory. The passages exploring the environmental and historical dimensions of the region add richness and depth, reminding us that the land carries stories long before we arrive and will continue long after we are gone.
The memoir also offers a quiet but powerful environmental message. Beeaff never lectures; rather, she illustrates through lived experience how attention and respect for nature can renew our sense of wonder. In an era increasingly dominated by screens and constant digital noise, the book feels like an invitation to slow down and rediscover the restorative power of the natural world.
Readers who appreciate reflective nature writing in the tradition of authors such as Annie Dillard, Barry Lopez, or Henry David Thoreau will likely find much to admire here. Infinite Paradise is thoughtful, beautifully composed, and emotionally resonant - a book to savor slowly rather than rush through.
Overall, Infinite Paradise: Witnessing the Wild is a graceful and contemplative memoir that celebrates the enduring connection between people and the landscapes they love. It is a rewarding read for lovers of nature writing, memoir enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a reminder that moments of stillness and wonder still exist in our rapidly changing world.
Jefferson's Spy: The Secret Life of Meriwether Lewis (Volume 1)
Tony L. Turnbow
Independently Published
9781736260838, $35.00, HC, 512pp
9781736260852, $9.99 PB, $9.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Jeffersons-Spy-Secret-Meriwether-Lewis-ebook/dp/B0GD971RJL
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jeffersons-spy-tony-l-turnbow/1149223922
Synopsis: Jefferson's Spy: The Secret Life of Meriwether Lewis invites readers to reconsider a familiar American historical figure from a fresh perspective. Although many remember Meriwether Lewis for co-leading the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition, Tony L. Turnbow offers a broader and more complex portrait of the man behind the legend.
The narrative follows Lewis from his early upbringing in Virginia through his rise as a soldier, explorer, and trusted associate of President Thomas Jefferson. Turnbow explores the deep relationship between the two men and proposes that Lewis's responsibilities may have extended beyond public service into the realm of confidential assignments carried out on Jefferson's behalf. Through careful examination of historical context, political rivalries, and scattered documentary evidence, the author suggests that Lewis may have played a quiet but significant role in gathering information during a time when the young United States faced constant threats from European powers competing for influence across North America.
The book also revisits the circumstances of Lewis's untimely death in 1809, an event that has puzzled historians for generations. By reviewing existing evidence and presenting alternative interpretations, Turnbow prepares readers for a deeper exploration of the mystery in the next volume of the series.
Critique: Tony L. Turnbow shows that balance throughout this engaging narrative. Rather than simply repeating familiar interpretations, he carefully examines historical clues and invites readers to consider a distinct possibility about the life of Meriwether Lewis.
One of the book's strengths lies in its ability to place Lewis within the political realities of the early American republic. The nation was young, its borders uncertain, and foreign powers remained deeply involved in North American affairs. In such a climate, trusted individuals who could gather intelligence and report discreetly were invaluable. Turnbow argues that Lewis may have served in such a role, presenting this argument with measured reasoning rather than speculation.
Equally effective is the author's portrayal of Lewis as a complex individual rather than merely a heroic symbol from schoolbook history. The reader encounters a man shaped by ambition, loyalty, and the expectations placed upon him by powerful mentors. This human dimension makes the historical narrative feel both approachable and compelling.
Turnbow also deserves credit for his careful handling of the long-standing debate surrounding Lewis's death. Instead of insisting on a single definitive answer, he acknowledges the uncertainties within the historical record and allows readers to weigh the possibilities themselves. This balanced approach adds credibility to the author's broader investigation.
Overall, Jefferson's Spy offers a thoughtful and engaging look at a pivotal figure in early American history. Readers interested in historical mystery, political intrigue, and the formative years of the United States will find much to consider in this well-researched and readable account.
The Legacy of a Lie
Ron Elcombe
https://ronelcombe.com
Windy Ridge Publishing
9798993066707, $18.95 PB, $9.99 Kindle, 314pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Legacy-Lie-Ron-Elcombe/dp/B0GP9N2D5F
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-legacy-of-a-lie-ron-elcombe/1149470349
Synopsis: The Legacy of a Lie by Ron Elcombe is a thoughtful work of contemporary fiction that explores how secrets passed through generations can quietly shape the lives of those who inherit them. The novel centers on the complicated legacy of Maarit McDonough Malone, a once-gifted opera singer whose past decisions ripple outward long after she made them. Her daughters - Kay, an accomplished mezzo-soprano, and Anna, a composer still struggling with her sense of identity - must grapple with the emotional aftermath when truths about their mother surface.
As the story unfolds, a small circle of individuals - a journalist, a lawyer, and a priest - each hold pieces of a past that remained buried. Set against the striking landscapes of Minnesota's river bluffs and the North Shore of Lake Superior, the narrative examines the emotional inheritance families pass down, whether or not intentionally . What emerges is a story about the price of silence, the consequences of deception, and the difficult courage required to face long-avoided truths.
Critique: The Legacy of a Lie succeeds in this regard by offering a layered narrative that balances personal introspection with generational storytelling. Ron Elcombe shows a clear understanding of how secrets, even those kept with the best intentions, can create emotional fault lines that echo across decades.
One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its character development. Elcombe presents his characters not as simple heroes or villains but as deeply human individuals circumstance, fear, and love shape their choices. Maarit is a particularly compelling figure - flawed, ambitious, and tragically aware that she cannot easily undo the consequences of her decisions. Her daughters, Kay and Anna, provide contrasting responses to their mother's legacy: one outwardly successful yet vulnerable to scandal, the other quietly searching for personal validation.
In addition, the author shows a remarkable skill in employing setting as an emotional backdrop. The landscapes of Minnesota are not merely decorative scenery; they mirror the tone of the narrative. The rugged beauty of Lake Superior and the quiet expanses of the Mississippi River bluffs reinforce the themes of reflection, distance, and passing time.
Elcombe's pacing is deliberate rather than hurried. Readers who appreciate character-driven fiction will probably find satisfaction in the gradual unfolding of the story's central mystery. The novel invites readers to consider not only what secrets the characters reveal, but why the characters hid them. In doing so, the narrative touches on universal questions about forgiveness, identity, and the possibility of redemption.
What ultimately distinguishes The Legacy of a Lie is its emotional sincerity. Rather than relying on sensational twists, the novel builds its impact through a thoughtful exploration of family relationships and the fragile balance between truth and protection. It is a reflective work that will appeal to readers who enjoy literary fiction grounded in human experience.
For readers who appreciate multi-generational storytelling and nuanced emotional landscapes, The Legacy of a Lie offers a compelling and contemplative reading experience. Ron Elcombe has crafted a novel that gently reminds us that while lies may shape the past, the truth - once faced - has the power to reshape the future.
The Daphne Project
Jacqui Lents
Shifting Sands Media, LLC
https://www.shifting-sands-media.com
9781877272788, Paperback, $18.99, 326pp
9781877272808, Kindle, $5.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Daphne-Project-Jacqui-Lents-ebook/dp/B0FF2KWKYQ
Synopsis: Daphne has spent much of her life living under the careful watch of an overbearing mother who has shaped, directed, and quietly controlled her choices well into adulthood. At thirty years old, she is desperate for change. When an unexpected opportunity takes her to a small town in Maine connected to the mysterious "Daphne Project," she begins a journey that forces her to confront her past, her insecurities, and the emotional limitations placed upon her since childhood.
Through layered storytelling that weaves present-day struggles with formative childhood memories - particularly her time with her unconventional Aunt Florence - Daphne slowly untangles the threads of identity, independence, and courage. Along the way, secrets surface, relationships shift, and Daphne must decide whether she will continue to live cautiously within the expectations of others or finally claim the life she truly wants.
Critique: The Daphne Project is one of those quietly compelling novels that grows stronger with each chapter. Jacqui Lents shows a keen understanding of emotional nuance, particularly the complicated dynamic between mothers and daughters.
What struck me most is how authentically Daphne's internal struggle unfolds. Lents does not rush her transformation. Instead, she allows readers to sit with Daphne's doubts, fears, and minor victories. That patience makes the eventual growth feel earned rather than manufactured.
The childhood chapters involving Aunt Florence are effective. They add warmth, texture, and emotional contrast to the rigid upbringing Daphne experiences at home. These scenes breathe life into the narrative and give readers insight into the seeds of resilience planted early in her life.
The prose is accessible yet thoughtful, with moments of humor woven naturally into heavier themes. I also appreciated how the author explores independence - not in dramatic, sweeping gestures - but in the quiet bravery of everyday decisions. That realism gives the story its strength.
If there is any criticism to note, it is that readers who prefer fast-paced, plot-driven fiction may find the novel more reflective than action-oriented. However, for those who value character-driven storytelling and emotional depth, this book will resonate beautifully.
The Daphne Project is ultimately a story about reclaiming one's voice. It reminds us that it is never too late to rewrite the narrative others have written for us. Mature readers, book clubs, and anyone who has ever struggled to step out from under expectation will find much to discuss here.
Jacqui Lents has crafted a thoughtful, heartfelt novel that lingers long after the final page. I look forward to seeing what she writes next.
Looking Again
Jerald Balasingh
Notion Press
https://notionpress.com
9798900899831, $10.99, PB, 42pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Again-Jerald-Balasingh-ebook/dp/B0G5GM675Q
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/looking-again-jerald-balasingh/1148849587
Synopsis: Looking Again presents a series of brief, reflective stories that encourage readers to rethink how they interpret everyday moments. Each chapter focuses on a familiar theme (kindness, love, happiness, or meaning) yet approaches it from an angle that reveals how easily first impressions can be misleading.
Rather than offering clear-cut answers, the author leaves space for interpretation. These narrative snapshots invite readers to slow down, reconsider their viewpoints, and recognize how perspective shapes what we believe to be true.
Critique: Looking Again provides a thoughtful and quietly engaging reading experience. What I found most compelling was the way the author reshapes ordinary situations, prompting a second look at what initially seems obvious.
While the stories are straightforward, they carry deeper significance as they unfold. Each one reveals how quickly we form conclusions without fully understanding the circumstances.
The author's measured and unforced writing style allows ideas to develop naturally and avoids over-explaining. I appreciated the unhurried pace, which gave me time to reflect on each chapter and consider its relevance beyond the page.
A notable strength of the book is its restraint. It does not rely on complexity to make its point, nor does it reduce its message to something overly simplistic. Instead, it maintains a steady, reflective tone that encourages patience and awareness.
This is a book best suited for readers who enjoy thoughtful, idea-driven writing rather than fast-moving narratives. Those willing to take their time with it will find meaningful insights within its pages.
In the end, Looking Again gently reminds us that our initial perceptions are often incomplete. It encourages a more mindful approach to understanding the world -- one that favors reflection over quick judgment.
The Lost Ballerina
Deanna Lynn Sletten
Independently Published
9781941212967, $14.99 PB, $5.99 Kindle, 250pp
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Ballerina-Deanna-Lynn-Sletten-ebook/dp/B0G2N45MC5
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-lost-ballerina-deanna-lynn-sletten/1149209133
Synopsis: The Lost Ballerina draws readers into a captivating blend of coming-of-age storytelling and subtle mystery, set against the backdrop of a quiet lakeside community. The novel follows Madison "Maddie" Carlson, a seventeen-year-old navigating the complexities of responsibility, relationships, and self-discovery after a life-altering mistake forces her to take on unexpected obligations.
What begins as a simple summer job mowing lawns leads Maddie to a grand, somewhat mysterious home occupied by two elderly women, Eva and Ginny - figures long misunderstood by the town and surrounded by whispers of superstition. As Maddie spends more time with them, what once seemed intimidating slowly transforms into something far more intriguing. Their home, their past, and their connection to something deeper - particularly hinted through references to a hidden "story" and the elegant, almost theatrical presence of Eva - unfold layer by layer.
Through Maddie's developing relationships (with her family, her troubled boyfriend, and the two enigmatic women) the novel explores themes of maturity, truth, personal accountability, and the quiet ways in which the past shapes the present. At its heart, this is a story about seeing beyond assumptions and discovering unexpected connections that alter one's path forward.
Critique: There are a warmth and quiet charm to The Lost Ballerina that immediately drew me in, but what kept me turning the pages was the deeper emotional current running beneath its surface. I found this story both comforting and thoughtfully layered.
Maddie is a wonderfully relatable woman. She is not perfect (far from it!) and that is precisely what makes her so believable. Her struggles with responsibility, her complicated feelings toward her boyfriend, and her gradual awakening to the surrounding realities all feel authentic. I appreciated how the author allowed Maddie to grow naturally rather than forcing a sudden, unrealistic transformation.
The relationship between Maddie and the two elderly women is the true heart of the novel. Eva, with her graceful demeanor and almost ethereal presence, contrasts beautifully with Ginny's more blunt and grounded personality. Their dynamic adds both depth and a touch of quiet intrigue, particularly as hints of their past surface. There is something almost magical - not in a literal sense, but in tone - about the way their story is slowly revealed.
The setting is another strength. The author vividly brings to life the lakeside environment, which combines small-town familiarity with subtle mystery. From the overgrown lawns to the detailed interior of the women's home, the descriptions create a sense of place that feels both real and inviting. It is the setting that becomes a character in its own right.
I also found the exploration of teenage relationships refreshingly honest. Maddie's interactions with Caden reflect the emotional confusion and misplaced loyalty that often accompanies young love. Rather than romanticizing it, the author presents it with a level of realism that adds credibility to Maddie's journey.
In the end, The Lost Ballerina is a heartfelt and quietly compelling novel about growth, perception, and the unexpected people who shape our lives. It reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful stories are not the loudest ones, but the ones that unfold slowly, revealing their truths with patience and grace.
The Girl Who Came Back to Life
Craig Philip Staufenberg
CreateSpace
www.createspace.com
9781497532731, $14.95 PB, $2.99 Kindle, 182pp
Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Girl-Who-Came-Back-Life-ebook/dp/B00JQRR0JM
Synopsis: The Girl Who Came Back to Life is a hauntingly imaginative fairytale that explores grief, love, and the enduring bonds between the living and the dead. The story follows Sophie, a young girl suddenly orphaned and left to navigate a world that feels both unfamiliar and unforgiving. In this unique narrative, the dead are not immediately gone - they linger in a distant, frozen place known as the City of the Dead, waiting for a loved one to release them with a final goodbye.
Refusing to accept her parents' passing, Sophie sets out on a perilous journey north, determined not to say goodbye - but to bring them back. Along the way, she encounters a series of individuals and experiences that shape her understanding of loss, resilience, and what it truly means to love someone enough to let them go.
Blending elements of fantasy with deeply human emotion, the novel unfolds as both an adventure and a quiet meditation on the process of healing. It is a story that feels timeless, yet deeply personal, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences with grief and hope.
Critique: The Girl Who Came Back to Life is a book that reveals itself gradually, much like the slow unfolding of grief itself. As someone who has spent many years reading stories that attempt to capture loss, I found this one particularly affecting - not because it overwhelms the reader with emotion, but because it allows those feelings to surface naturally and with sincerity.
Sophie is a compelling and believable protagonist. She reflects the confusion and determination of a child trying to make sense of something far beyond her years, rather than being written with exaggerated innocence or forced wisdom. Her decision to journey north is both heartbreaking and understandable, and it sets the stage for a narrative that is as much internal as it is physical.
What impressed me most was the author's ability to create a world that feels symbolic without ever becoming inaccessible. The concept of the "Sending," where a simple goodbye allows a soul to move on, is both elegant and deeply meaningful. It serves as a powerful metaphor for closure -- something many readers will recognize as both necessary and difficult.
The pacing of the novel is deliberate, occasionally even quiet, but this works in its favor. Rather than rushing from one event to the next, the story takes time to linger in its moments, allowing readers to fully absorb the emotional weight carried by each step of Sophie's journey. Encounters along the way (particularly those tied to kindness, hardship, and personal growth) add depth without feeling excessive.
There is also a subtle beauty in the writing itself. The language is clean and thoughtful, often carrying a reflective tone that feels almost meditative. The narrative reads like a parable, offering gentle insights into life, loss, and passaging time without becoming overly instructive.
If there is any limitation, it is that readers seeking a fast-paced, plot-driven fantasy may find the story unfolds more slowly than expected. However, those willing to settle into its rhythm will discover a story rich with meaning and emotional resonance.
In the end, The Girl Who Came Back to Life is not simply a tale about death - it is a story about love, acceptance, and the courage it takes to move forward. It lingers in the mind long after the final page, offering a quiet reminder that sometimes the greatest act of love is learning how to say goodbye.
Lily Firehands and the Secret of Warmth: The Adventures of Lily Firehands Book 1
Craig Philip Staufenberg, author and illustrator
Nova Stardust, illustrator
Independently Published
9780578692395, $16.51 HC, $2.99 Kindle, 52pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Firehands-Secret-Warmth-Philip-Staufenberg/dp/0578692392
Synopsis Lily Firehands and The Secret Warmth introduce readers to a young girl whose life begins in isolation and uncertainty. Born aboard a frozen boat and abandoned by her royal parents at a very early age, Lily grows up surrounded by mystery, hardship, and unanswered questions. Nicknamed "Princess" by the crew, she struggles to understand her past while learning to survive in a harsh, unforgiving environment.
Despite their strained relationship, Alekzander Dimitrikoff, the ship's Grand Protector, strictly trains Lily to defend herself. Lily becomes determined to uncover the truth when supplies of wood, essential for warmth and survival, begin to mysteriously disappear.
Her search leads her to an unexpected culprit: Mother Fox, a clever and elusive creature gathering wood to keep herself and her young alive. Faced with a tough decision, Lily must determine whether to trust the fox or protect the limited resources of the ship - knowing that either choice carries consequences.
Critique: Lily Firehands and the Secret of Warmth is a thoughtful blend of survival, identity, and moral conflict. What resonated most with me was Lily's quiet strength. The author portrays her not as fearless, but as a young girl whom loneliness, responsibility, and a deep desire to understand her place in the world have shaped. That emotional undercurrent gives the narrative a sincerity that feels both grounded and relatable.
The relationship between Lily and Alekzander adds a layer of complexity. Their tension feels authentic, reflecting a dynamic where care is present but not easily expressed. His role in her development is significant, even when it is difficult, and it subtly reinforces the idea that growth often comes through challenge rather than comfort. Introducing Mother Fox is where the story truly shines.
Rather than presenting a simple "right versus wrong" conflict, the author invites readers to consider perspective. The fox is not a villain, but a survivor - mirroring Lily in ways that are both striking and meaningful. This parallel creates a powerful moment of reflection: sometimes what appears to be a threat is simply another being trying to endure.
The writing style is straightforward yet effective, allowing the themes to emerge naturally without overwhelming the reader. There is a gentle pacing to the story, giving space to absorb Lily's emotions and the weight of her decisions. I found myself especially drawn to the quieter moments -- those scenes where Lily reflects, observes, and questions what she has always assumed to be true.
Lily Firehands and The Secret Warmth is more than a tale of mystery and survival - it is a story about trust, compassion, and the courage to see beyond appearances. It reminds us we often need to look deeper to understand. It also reminds us that we can find warmth in unexpected places, even in the coldest environments.
This book will appeal to young readers who enjoy character-driven stories with meaningful life lessons woven into the narrative. It is a gentle yet impactful read that lingers in the mind long after the final page.
Editorial Note: Recommended ages 6 years and up.
Big, Hairy and Kind of Scary: A Monster-Sized Tale of Loss and Love
Michael Cioffi, author
Wayne Oram, illustrator
Drops of Joy Publishing
9798995144809, $12.99 pbk / $TBA Kindle, 28 pp.
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Big-Hairy-Kind-Scary-Monster-Sized/dp/B0GVVYFCVT
Synopsis: In Big, Hairy and Kind of Scary, presents a heartfelt and imaginative story that gently guides young readers through the difficult experience of loss. At the center of the story is Louie, a spirited young boy whose world revolves around the simple joys of childhood - family, fun, and especially the deep bond he shares with his beloved grandmother, Ruby.
When Louie faces the heartbreaking reality of losing his grandmother, his emotions take shape in unexpected ways. One night, his grief manifests as a collection of strange, larger-than-life creatures - each representing a different emotion tied to loss. Though they appear intimidating at first, these "monsters" slowly reveal themselves as companions helping Louie understand what he is feeling.
Through vivid storytelling and expressive illustrations, the book transforms complex emotions into something children can see, relate to, and ultimately process. By the story's end, Louie learns that grief is not something to fear, but something to move through - with love, memory, and healing leading the way.
Critique: Big, Hairy and Kind of Scary is a remarkable book with the ability to take a heavy, often overwhelming subject and present it in a way that feels approachable, honest, and deeply compassionate. As someone who appreciates books that meet readers where they are emotionally, I found this story to be both thoughtful and beautifully executed.
Cioffi does not simplify grief or rush past it. Instead, he allows it to unfold naturally - messy, confusing, and even frightening - just as it does in real life. Introducing the "grief monsters" is especially effective. Each creature embodies a different emotional response, giving children a visual and imaginative way to recognize feelings they may not yet have the words to express. This is a powerful storytelling choice that adds both depth and accessibility.
The illustrations, as seen throughout the book, bring an additional layer of meaning to the narrative. From the vibrant, whimsical imagery of Louie's everyday world to the darker, more intense depictions of his emotional journey (notably the scenes where the creatures first appear), the artwork captures the shifting tone of the story with great sensitivity. The visual storytelling works hand-in-hand with the text, reinforcing the emotional arc without overwhelming the reader.
I also appreciated the gentle guidance the author offered toward the end of the book, where they reframed grief not as something to "fix," but as a journey to understand. With sincerity and care, the author conveys the message that love continues through memory, leaving readers feeling comforted rather than sad.
If there is one strength that truly defines this book, it is its respect for a child's emotional world. It does not talk down to its audience. Instead, it invites reflection, conversation, and connection - making it an excellent resource for families navigating loss together.
Big, Hairy and Kind of Scary is a meaningful and emotionally resonant children's book that offers both comfort and clarity during one of life's most difficult experiences. With its creative storytelling, relatable characters, and compassionate message, it stands out as a valuable addition to any child's library - particularly for those facing grief for the first time.
This is more than just a story - it is a gentle guide, a conversation starter, and a reminder that even in loss, love remains.
Editorial Note: Recommended for ages 6-12.
Suzie Housley, Senior Reviewer
https://housleysliteraryservices.com
James A. Cox
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