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Able Greenspan's Bookshelf
Firsthand
Keith Gandal
University of Michigan Press
www.press.umich.edu
9780472076956, $65.00, HC, 300pp
https://www.amazon.com/Firsthand-Literary-Mystery-Learned-Disorder/dp/0472076957
Synopsis: "Firsthand: How I Solved a Literary Mystery and Learned to Play Kickass Tennis while Coming to Grips with the Disorder of Things" by CCNY creative writing professor Keith Gandal is an exploration (both suspenseful and comic) of the creative process in research writing.
"Firsthand" takes the reader through the ins and outs of a specific research journey, from combing through libraries and archives to the intellectual challenges involved with processing information that contradicts established ideas. More fundamentally, it addresses the somewhat mysterious portion of the intellectual process: the creative and serendipitous aspects involved in arriving at a fruitful research question in the first place.
Professor Gandal combines this scholarly detective story with a comic personal narrative about how a midlife crisis accidentally sent him on a journey to write a research monograph that many in his profession (including at times himself) were dubious about. While researching how Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Faulkner faced their forgotten crises of masculinity, Gandal discovers that his own crisis is instrumental to his creative process.
Incorporating stories from Gandal's comic romp through the hyper-competitive world of middle-aged men's tennis, adopting pitbulls, and discussing Michel Foucault, "Firsthand" gives readers an inside look at how to acquire accurate knowledge -- about the world, about history, and about oneself.
Critique: Of special relevance to readers with an interest in research writing, and descriptively insightful writers-on-writing biographies and memoirs, Professor Keith Gandal's "Firsthand: How I Solved a Literary Mystery and Learned to Play Kickass Tennis while Coming to Grips with the Disorder of Things" from the University of Michigan Press is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for community and college/university library Author Memoir and Writing Reference collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists of students, academia, aspiring authors, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Firsthand" is also readily available in a paperback edition (9780472056958, $24.95) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $23.70) as well.
Editorial Note: Keith Gandal (https://english.ccny.cuny.edu/keith-gandal) is Professor of English with a Joint Appointment in American Studies and Creative Writing at The City College of New York.
Vietnam by Chinook
Edward Corlew
McFarland & Company
https://mcfarlandbooks.com
9781476684178, $19.99, PB, 391pp
https://www.amazon.com/Vietnam-Chinook-CH-47-During-Offensive/dp/1476684170
Synopsis: Like many other young men during the Vietnam War, Ed Corlew enlisted in hopes of having some influence regarding assignment -- safety and training. Instead he found himself in the dangerous helicopter door gunner position and, soon after, the crew chief aboard a CH-47 Chinook, 15 miles from the DMZ in 1967 and 1968.
Assigned to the famed 1st Cavalry Division, Corlew was shot down three times: in the Battle of Hue, the Battle of Quang Tri, and the A Shau Valley. "Vietnam by Chinook: A CH-47 Crew Chief During the Tet Offensive" is Corlew's personal wartime memoir that began both as a journal and as counselor-recommended therapy for PTSD.
He earned four bronze service stars for his service (an estimated 1000 flying hours) during the war's bloodiest year, enduring enemy mortar and rocket attacks. Engaging, frank, and full of action, Corlew describes his many combat experiences as well as the emotional effects -- all through the lens of his Christian faith.
Critique: Informatively enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of an Introduction, an Epilogue, a two page listing of Military Service History, two pages of Chapter Notes; and a three page Index, this paperback edition of "Vietnam by Chinook: A CH-47 Crew Chief During the Tet Offensive" from McFarland & Company is a welcome and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Vietnam War History, Biography & Memoir collections. It should be noted for students, academia, and military history buffs that "Vietnam by Chinook: A CH-47 Crew Chief During the Tet Offensive" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99).
Able Greenspan
Reviewer
Diane Donovan's Bookshelf
The Reluctant Reckoner
J. Lee
www.jleethrillers.com
Moonshine Cove Publishing LLC
https://moonshinecovepublishing.com
9781952439797, $18.00 Paperback/$6.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Reluctant-Reckoner-J-Lee/dp/1952439795
A cryptic message in his email inbox leads accountant Mark Richter on a journey of discovery when his abilities are called into question and a mystery arises that seems to paint him as incompetent at best or an embezzler at worst.
Mark is floored. His professional reputation for accuracy has never been called into question before:
"The notion that he was even connected to such a discrepancy, much less Larry's not-so-subtle implication that he was responsible for it, was overpowering."
His initial reaction is: what the hell is going on! It's a response that will be mirrored in events that unfold to reveal that missing company money is only the tip of the iceberg - and Mark's problems.
J. Lee evolves a diabolical plot that opens with a mysterious email which subsequently vanishes, a dedicated accountant determined to clear his reputation, and a conundrum that keeps expanding like origami to embrace other elements of the protagonist's personal and professional life.
Mark has never been tested in this way before. He then falls into association with equally mysterious new 'best friend' Tom, who promises answers but only delivers more intrigue. Readers will become engrossed in a plot that shimmers with tension, revelation, unexpected twists and turns, and a foray into strange questions, dubious answers, and tests of trust.
Memorable passages throughout Tom's journey into a very different world and life give pause for thought and fodder for book club discussion groups looking for a meatier read than intrigue alone:
"...filth meant hunger, hunger meant desperation, and desperation meant negotiable."
As Tom leads Mark on a journey that both entangles and challenges him, Mark's mission expands to not just solve the mystery and access the money, but save himself. Chance, luck, and foolproof plans play a big part in Mark's efforts, adding healthy doses of emotional interplays and confrontations into the evolving conundrum.
A host of characters are drawn into Mark's plot to get the money back - including the FBI, which has its own objectives and (potentially unethical motivations). Sandwiched between two organized entities (one of which is supposed to protect him) that both care more about their own missions than Mark or his family, he's forced to work both sides as criminal and informant; partner and competitor. The question is: will he be alive when all is said and done?
Mark's encounter with participants such as Jason introduces ethical questions into the picture. These, again, will spark philosophical discussions among book club audiences:
"I commit crime to prevent crime. My atrocities, if you want to call them that, prevent genocide over time. I'm a utilitarian. I care about the greater good."
The result is a rollicking ride through business pursuits both legal and illegal, underworlds and everyday life, and revised perspectives on purpose and reality. All will delight the classic beach reader looking to be entertained with a great mystery/suspense novel, libraries seeking multifaceted stories of intrigue, and readers seeking more than intrigue alone from their reading choices.
Argren Blue
Ross Hightower & Deb Heim
Black Rose Writing
www.blackrosewriting.com
9781685131982, $18.95 Paperback/$4.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Argren-Blue-Spirit-Story-Trilogy/dp/1685131980
Argren Blue is a prequel story from the Spirit Song Saga that shifts the viewpoint from the characters of Minna and her sister to rebel Alar, who, as the story opens, is struggling to free his fellow countrymen with Lief in a struggle that places him firmly in the movement to resist the Empire.
His initial belief that they are making an impact is shaken when he realizes that, despite their forays and battles, it's more likely the Empire considers them but a mote in its wide-ranging, powerful eye.
It will take something exceptional to really make a difference, so it's good timing that Alar falls into some special abilities that give him an edge over a seemingly all-powerful foe.
However, it will take more than extraordinary powers to step completely into the role of hero, and so Alar faces tests of his future and convictions that reveal deadly consequences for their choices and impacts he never saw coming.
Ross Hightower & Deb Heim have created a satisfying prequel story to the Spirit Sight series that featured Minna and her sister, expanding upon themes and clashes to embrace other perspectives and lives in a manner that ultimately expands the look and feel of this entire world.
Moments of comic relief pepper a story which unfolds with the same vigor and power of the main series, but adds different characters and dimensions of experience backed by the moral and ethical conundrums many of the characters face as their convictions are tested and shaken.
Hightower and Heim create a vivid saga that once again expands the intentions, politics, and personal objectives of this world as they delve into a journey that contrasts the microcosm of individual growth and experience with the macrocosm of empire-building (or destroying) moments.
These currents of change, backed by an environment embracing Inquisitors and others created in the previous series titles, will prove especially attractive to readers who enjoy the juxtaposition of personal and political struggles in an epic saga of sweeping change.
Libraries that saw popularity with Hightower's main series contributions will find the new characters and odyssey that is Argren Blue to be just as involving, revealing, and hard to put down as Minna's adventures in previously published books, contributing to the series as a whole. Fantasy and new adult readers, in particular, will find this epic journey a major attraction.
Busy Bunnies
Margie Blumberg
MB Publishing
www.mbpublishing.com
9780991364688, $14.95
Picture book readers who enjoy bunnies and rhymes will be in for a treat with Margie Blumberg's third book in the Carrot Cake Park Tales series, Busy Bunnies. It's October 31, and siblings Millie and Jimmy are looking forward to a full fall day of fun.
Tammie Lyon's delightful drawings (based on the prior work of June Goulding, who illustrated the first two bunny books in the series, Breezy Bunnies and Sunny Bunnies) capture the world of Carrot Cake Park. It all begins with getting dressed for the day: Pick a color - / Gold or red? / Raise your arms / Above your head. / We wear sweaters for a reason... / Fall's a crisp and snappy season!
Blumberg's language is positive and uplifting: A "happy, zippy yellow bus" takes the young bunnies to school. Jimmy's class is filled with "toys and paints and books and blocks - kindergarten really rocks!"
After school, more happy adventures begin: School is out, / And that was fun... / Honk-honk! / But we're not quite done. First, there is a visit to Bartlett's Farm in search of produce and pumpkins. Then home again, Millie and Jimmy help their mother bake a pumpkin pie. And finally, it's time for Halloween: One more ding-dong / On our street. / Say it loudly... / Trick or treat!
Adults and lending libraries who add Busy Bunnies to their read-aloud collections will find the delightful rhymes, the appealing illustrations, and the little bunnies' positive encounters a fun reflection of fall's offerings. Readers of all ages will appreciate this uplifting seasonal story and its sweet-as-pie ending.
Snowy Bunnies
Margie Blumberg
MB Publishing
www.mbpublishing.com
9780999446379, $14.95
All about seasonal celebration and fun, Margie Blumberg's Snowy Bunnies is the fourth and final entry in the Carrot Cake Park Tales rhyming picture book series. This time out, the bunny siblings, Millie and Jimmy, experience winter in Carrot Cake Park. A hearty breakfast and special clothing for snow prepare them for the changed world outdoors: it snowed overnight!
Illustrator Tammie Lyon adopts the style of previous series illustrator June Goulding (Breezy Bunnies and Sunny Bunnies). Lyon's illustrations capture not just the winter activities, but the taste, touch, and sight of the new season. The young bunnies participate in snowman-building (Use your mittens - / Pat, pat, pat./ Who knew you could build like that?), ice skating, feeding birds (Feed the birds / A tasty treat. / "Thanks," they say / With a tweet, tweet, tweet!) and trying new things, like sledding (Jimmy, it's a gentle hill...) The attention to detail is beautiful and encourages kids to get out and explore, experience, and embrace the season's unique wonders.
The range of wintery fun presented here is a big attraction - a blending of playful encounters and sibling fun and sharing. Snowy Bunnies, which demonstrates an appreciation for the everyday adventures of life, is a fine choice for reading aloud.
Libraries interested in acquiring seasonal picture books that focus on the relationships of family and friends, as well as the bigger picture of exploring the outside world, will relish Snowy Bunnies for its lively rhymes and its illustrations of winter's opportunities for play and togetherness.
The Current Fantasy
Charlie Haas
Beck and Branch Publishers
www.beckandbranch.com
9798988550549, $14.99 Paperback/$4.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Current-Fantasy-Charlie-Haas/dp/B0DJ1TJV82
The Current Fantasy is a novel set in the early 1900s, when a group of counterculture Germans take off for the promise of America (specifically, the woods in California's San Bernardino area), where they envision living a life of freedom devoid of constraints. Their construction of the Sunland community will not only change their lives, but the lives of those around them as they create a new lifestyle, new dreams, and revised ideals.
From its opening lines (in 1914 Berlin), Charlie Haas captures the fantasy and hope of a unique brand of dreamers:
Look at that, Anna thinks - after all this time, a little hope. Only a flicker, but in the current climate you'll warm your hands around anything.
War is predicted. It's obviously time to leave Germany.
One note about the descriptions is that they incorporate not only original 'you are here' detail, but embrace a wry undertone of ironic humor:
Four phony antique clocks strike five. Anna puts her ladle in the rinse, rubs her cramped arms and goes to see a friend in the veal department who gives her a bag of cutlets too odd-shaped to sell. At the lockers in back she unlaces the dirndl, breathes as if she swam here underwater, puts on her own mercifully shapeless dress, moves the letter to its pocket and goes outside. The sidewalks are crowded and the sunset's red with factory smoke. Anna squeezes onto a streetcar full of soldiers, all shouting at one another through her head. Maybe the war started while I was at work, she thinks. God knows they all seem happy enough.
Haas creates a host of characters who satisfyingly enhance Anna's perspective and experience as all embark on a journey that embraces family, friends, and new possibilities.
The sentiments, hopes, and incarnation of a utopian, counterculture lifestyle 'back in the day' comes to life under Haas's pen, not only introducing readers to a historical milieu which feels realistic and hopeful, but bringing them into the daily lives and experiences of community-building.
Also especially notable are the ways in which ideals and reality clash:
There's the tarpaulin, back by those trees. Lilli lifts it, uncovers the bicycle, walks it through the field and looks over at Sunland. Our safe, special place, she thinks, except for the guns, secrets, fighting, and people pushing over each other to get what they want. You can have all that anywhere, and some places the baths are hot.
As Sunland and the era unfold, violence looms even far from German soil, forcing the community and those outside of it to acknowledge hard truths about what they are attempting and how it impacts the world around them - which is closing in.
A masterful set of insights into the era and its political and social transformations is offered to readers. Excellent characterization and an attention to atmospheric details cement a sense of the times that brings readers directly into these lives and their motivating visions.
Libraries that choose The Current Fantasy for all these facets and more will find it easy to recommend to a wide range of patrons, from historical novel readers with a special interest in utopian communities and the intersection of German and American cultures to general-interest novel readers looking for a powerfully compelling story of personal and societal growth.
Tender One
G. Gazelka
Finishing Line Press
www.finishinglinepress.com
9798888386002, $17.99
https://www.amazon.com/Tender-One-G-Gazelka/dp/B0D7T3HJJC
Tender One's poems represent a storyteller's observations of magic, hope, and discovery. Paired with black and white photos that capture their underlying mood, influence, and connection with nature, these pieces explore legend, life, and the world. They adopt a compelling voice that leads readers on journeys both internal and celestial.
Take 'Magick Hope and Sacred Moons,' for example. Its three-part journey to the stars is filled with metaphysical and metaphorical description:
Now Elektra, her passions sparked by merely a laugh,
laughs with the Light and everything beautiful inside her, too,
and embraces Avalon, and they laugh together again
and once more laugh. And walking along the shore,
Avalon adorns Elektra with a starfish necklace,
so she will not miss her old place in the stars as much.
The concluding observation is a joyful surprise that will resonate with readers with not just experiential enlightenment, but a sense of fun.
In contrast is 'Shakti', which describes a spiritual crisis and alluring attraction in a "coiled energy" which represents feminine spiritual power at its finest.
The sensual allure of 'Bathsheba' portrays yet another aspect of the collection that equates unconditional love with a psychological attraction that adds to and enhances the spiritual and sensual enlightenment of the works as a whole.
In effect, G. Gazelka creates a contrast between stories that explore vulnerability, queer awakening, spiritual and nature connections, and love. Its compelling meditations on guidance, survival, spirit, and attraction are delivered with a literary prowess that considers inner peace, energy, and vulnerability ("we all seek places where who we are is enough...").
Libraries and readers seeking succinct, hard-hitting free verse poetry replete with contrasts of celebration and sorrow will find in Tender One a sense of spiritual awakening which unfolds like an attractive rose to reveal the scents and perceptions of growth, realizations, and the forces that weave personal identity and lives together:
I laid my headstone to rest in the empty nothingness beneath it all, and beneath it all, it's my voice I hear and it's an indiscernible noise, a quiet I can't silence, a clarity too brazen for a generation fixed in vagaries, and it is truth more audacious than stain-glass nudes perpetually shattered by insatiable longing.
The Trial of William Shakespeare
Robert Boog
THS International
https://www.thsint.se
9781736512135, $15.88 Paperback/$8.88 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Trial-William-Shakespeare-Love-Story/dp/1736512137
The Trial of William Shakespeare is subtitled "A Love Story," but readers expecting the passion of romance will find its incarnation largely surrounds court proceedings and AI-enhanced discoveries. In this milieu, unexpected love is the added value and influence to a story that toes the line between sci-fi, legal thriller, and contrasts between different times.
Not only is Shakespeare on trial (for plagiarism), but so is his timeless reputation and his personal life. These elements unfold under courtroom probes and with the aid of modern technology's ability to raise literary figures from the dead in order to answer unresolved questions.
From the hologram Shakespeare's first arrival in the courtroom, the first-person narrative captures both the wonder of being in the presence of a timeless legend and the process of prosecution in a literary court that will decide whether the Bard is an innocent genius or a guilty word thief.
Edward de Vere (the 17th earl of Oxford) is the plaintiff, with the time travel machine revitalizing both his case and his opponent. Narrator Michael McKenzie represents him against the defendant's lawyer's maintenance that the accusation "...reeks of the works of conspiracy theorists and flat-earth believers. It is an absolute refusal on the part of some people to accept factual evidence, and it is based on snobbery and ignorance."
One of the intriguing aspects of Robert Boog's AI-generated characters is that they arrive immersed in modern cultural norms:
Sitting at the desk of the defense, the digital figure of William Shakespeare, the immortal bard, wearing a gold ring in his left ear, defiantly extends his middle finger to me.
Yes, he certainly knows our modern culture, I decide.
The intersections between time machines, technological marvels, and literary struggle and scholarship surrounding Shakespeare's life and times creates a satisfying interplay between characters past and present. This proves absorbing and often surprising in its twists and turns.
When the programming is reversed to allow Michael to step into the Bard's life in search of the truth, unexpected connections. Developments on romantic, literary, and legal levels keep readers engaged and on their toes as intrigue evolves both within and outside of courtroom proceedings.
As Edward confesses to an inner darkness being one of the motivators for his writing, readers receive an evolving story of love and loss which touches upon incentives for creativity, literary fame, and personal redemption:
"Here's a secret I've never shared with anyone before. Writing serves a purpose, you see. It helps me understand the world around us, but more importantly, it helps me heal what is ailing inside myself."
Readers will find especially intriguing the contentions of how authorship is claimed and proven, the courtroom jousts between literary figures of the past, and the impact and influence of love on the entire scenario and historical legacy.
Libraries interested in novels which take poetic license into the courtroom with intriguing interplays between characters and emotional, literary, and political motivators will find The Trial of William Shakespeare embraces all kinds of historical, and psychological elements.
Its depiction of a future courtroom scenario in which history's mysteries come to life via a court hearing where Shakespeare's authorship controversy is challenged by modern AI technology makes for a thoroughly engrossing read. It's especially recommended for fans of sci-fi and legal fiction, who will find the contentions and processes of AI-enhanced legal arguments to be a major attraction.
Fallen Spirits
Diane Hatz
https://dianehatz.com
Whole Healthy Group LLC
9798986282367, $19.97 Hardcover, $14.99 Paperback, $3.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Fallen-Spirits-Mind-Monsters-Diane/dp/B0DBM54CD8
Fallen Spirits is the second book in the Mind Monster series. It doses its plot with rollicking adventure, humor, and insights into distressing behaviors and situations that could impact sensitive readers... especially those adverse to ongoing descriptions of bodily functions.
Diane Hatz covers further experiences of Alex (the main character of her first book, Rock Gods & Messy Monsters) as Alex continues her perhaps-futile search for happiness while confronting messy situations that immerse her not in joy, but in dangerous, challenging situations. Having lost her fiance and her job, Alex finds herself on a road trip from hell with a woman she calls Crystal and involved in the unlikely scenario of an underground network attempting to return wayward spirits to their dimension.
Crystal and Alex no sooner form uncertain new bonds than circumstances threaten to tear them apart.
Many characters enter the fray to affect her pursuit of happiness. One is super-billionaire Jackson Thomas Wilson (known worldwide as 'JT'), who is not only fixated on controlling the world, but threatens everyone around him with his relentless pursuit of power and money. The global kingpin may be powerful - but that doesn't translate into an effective leader. JT can't even break up with a girlfriend without a crib sheet of notes in hand.
As villainous as he is, JT also struggles, in a manner eerily similar to Alex, to understand the world and his place in it... especially when it comes to women, who only seem to covet him for his wealth. JT hates weakness in others and in himself - but his betraying body and uncertain ability to achieve trillionaire status indicates that he may ultimately not be able to effectively control everything around him.
Alex's involvement with JT and the revelations that stem from this association lead her deeper into both an inner journey of growth and a disconnection between what she really wants, and her ongoing experience of feeling frustrated and lost. Meanwhile, JT dances between power and egotistical pursuits.
His involvement with inter-dimensional travel and confused spirits introduces more angst into his life, muddying the waters of his goals as he teeters between success and complete disaster.
With wry satirical social commentary steeped in Alex and JTs psychological and spiritual development and Crystal's true identity, the story moves into realms of speculative fiction in a novel way. Each character proves flawed and desperate - but likeable in sometimes-odd ways... even villain JT.
This will delight readers seeking stories that are difficult to neatly fit into a given genre. This multifaceted tale offers many twists and turns most readers won't see coming, defying any inclination to bill it as sci-fi, a thriller, or anything else easily defined or narrow in scope.
While it rests upon the history and experiences of Alex's previous encounters, this zany romp requires no prior familiarity with Rock Gods & Messy Monsters. Fallen Spirits will thus captivate newcomers as well as prior fans... but, be prepared for a wild ride as personalities clash.
Libraries should consider acquiring and recommending Fallen Spirits to a wide audience of readers seeking creative stories packed with satire, intrigue, and adventure. Book clubs, too, will find Fallen Spirits lends to debates over many issues, from billionaires and lovers to spiritual matters as Alex struggles with disparate forms of monsters.
When dreams morph into nightmares, how is rebuilding possible? By honing attempts to discover what is truly valuable in life and self.
(Spoiler: the story's cliffhanger ending requires readers and libraries to make the third book a 'must have' acquisition.)
Number 12 Rue Sainte-Catherine
Roberta Hartling Gates
Running Wild Press
www.runningwildpress.com
9781960018908, $19.99 Paperback/$9.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Number-12-Rue-Sainte-Catherine-Stories/dp/1960018906
Number 12 Rue Sainte-Catherine: and Other Stories offers nine stories of historical fiction centered around the life, actions, and impact of Gestapo chief Klaus Barbie (known as the Butcher of Lyon), who ruled Lyon, France from 1942-44.
Readers who anticipate these works will recap his life will be intrigued to learn that Roberta Hartling Gates chooses a less predictable (and eminently more satisfying) focus. She considers the influences that led to his infamous popular moniker, exploring what might have happened to him after the war ended.
Each story is designed to probe these questions in disparate manners that encourage readers to think about history, biography, and the events of the times in different ways.
Take the opening story 'Mama's Boy,' for example. Set in 1920s Germany, it reviews Klaus's family relationships, the stigma of being a 'mama's boy,' his uncertain relationship with his unpredictable, ever-cross alcoholic father, and his notion that a perhaps-unhealed wound could be causing the family anguish.
The moment that Klaus solidifies the results of his father's experience and influence is starkly and intriguingly portrayed, sparking food for thought among readers interested in how legacies of war translate through generational experiences:
The man was a walking pustule, an ogre who carried contagion with him like a cloud. And he was that man's son. He might not be acknowledged, might never be able to inherit, yet somehow, he knew that his father's stink would always be with him. Even now, he could feel it being transferred to him, inexorably seeping into his clothes, his hair, his skin. And in that moment, it came to him, not in words or as an actual idea, but as a truth he no longer resisted, that this - and this alone - would be his inheritance.
In comparison, the short story 'The Making of a Martyr' documents Obersturmfuhrer Klaus Barbie's return to Lyon in 1943, where he hones terrible skills that will ultimately make him infamous:
Klaus will prove it because no matter what anyone thinks he's good at his job. And he knows how to make people talk. It's like springing a lock: just apply the right pressure and almost anybody will open up.
As layers of Klaus's personality and perspective are presented, readers receive an unprecedented opportunity, within the marriage of fiction and historical fact, to better understand his evolution, logic, and terrible impact.
Libraries seeking stories about Nazi personalities which are delivered with the high drama of fiction, supported by historical fact, and devoted to exposing the psychology and nature of evil's evolutionary growth in human choices and affairs will find the tales comprising Number 12 Rue Sainte-Catherine to be attractive and thought-provoking.
Book clubs interested in creating dialogues that embrace the long-term impact of social and political angst, in particular, will find these stories powerful in their characterization and moral and ethical portraits. They are wrenching in their details about matters of the heart gone dangerously awry.
Welcome to Opine
Matthew Marullo
Marullo Publications
www.matthewmarullo.com
9798218055233, $7.59 PB, $2.99 Kindle, 291pp
https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Opine-Matthew-Marullo/dp/B0BL4SW1LD
Welcome to Opine is a satirical, literary sci-fi display. It presents the conundrum of a revitalized humanity 2.0 that inhabits their new home of Opine, embracing the notion of eliminating selfishness through a new genetic therapy.
Idealistic goals aside, the comic elements that permeate a story considering the roots of humanity, inhumanity, and efforts to overcome human folly with technological advancement makes for a rollicking read filled with satisfying high-tech twists and turns.
The tale opens with an elementary school morality play replete with bloody irony for added value and insight:
...what good is any morality play about the Fools without the comic element? Laughter was the undisputed panacea for all social stresses in Opine. Laughter was the catharsis through which the Fool's Bane was lampooned. The social, mental, and physical benefits of laughter were true way back then, billions of years ago, for the Ancients, as they were now.
The comic elements this play incorporates transforms history and reader perception alike as proud parents laugh about human follies of the past, convinced that their revised environment today is nowhere near as primitive and thoughtless. Think again.
As the Opines confront their own social follies, readers are treated to ongoing philosophical and social inspections which encourage discussion and debate:
A sustained utopia is impossible because the universe is mutable. The cosmos is wired to evolve according to the laws of thermodynamics, and the biological world is wired to develop itself through natural selection. Neither the cosmos nor the biological world can ever achieve a perfect stasis, as the law of entropy commands everything to tend towards disorder, and for the biological world, disorder means evolving, or changing. While the Opinions attained great strides in overcoming disorder through their political system, educational philosophy, and employment of the Self Suppressor, there will always be anomalies, or ripples in the fabric of Contentment. Anomalies, in the form of mental illness, and crime.
Outbursts, anguish, and high drama evolve as the proposed therapeutic remedy hits a roadblock which seems to require either the sacrifice of a piece of humanity or the aid of a long-buried genius.
Readers who choose Welcome to Opine for its sci-fi elements will find so much more happening as the tale evolves that it's actually a disservice to peg it as a sci-fi saga alone, despite its futuristic setting.
Matthew Marullo is skilled at contrasting and playing out the social and psychological elements of society which clash under vastly revised environments and conditions. He evolves a philosophical perspective on events that encourage readers to not only absorb a dramatic story of 'hidden faces,' but debate the ultimate question of what constitutes humanity itself.
Libraries that choose Welcome to Opine for their collections will thus wish to highlight its special strengths of social and philosophical inspection for readers and book clubs.
Audiences will be interested in considering and debating questions of what constitutes paradise, hell, and the human condition that wavers between the two as long-suppressed desires return to the limelight. These raise perhaps-unanswerable questions about humanity and its ultimate direction, making Welcome to Opine thought-provoking satirical social inspection at its best.
Passion Struck
John R. Miles
Post Hill Press
www.posthillpress.com
9798888451403, $19.70 Hardcover/$29.86 Audio/$14.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Struck-Powerful-Principles-Intentional/dp/B0C8G5R5FZ
Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life advocates routines designed to transform the reader's life from ordinary to extraordinary. It encourages behavior shifts that will prove especially attractive and enlightening to those willing to undertake the work to make the most difference in their personal growth, life progressions, relationships, and perceptions.
The requirement of an engaged, open mind is rewarded with clear insights and reviews of where passion originates, how it's either tamped down or supported, and the idea that "...the most important things in life are not represented by a financial statement or balance sheet. Rather they are represented by confronting the fear of doing what you truly are meant to do."
This and other concepts receive engaging analysis that connects life stories and case histories with keys to understanding how the "passion-struck" reader can become a leader (or transform into being a better one) through a series of life adjustments. These can prove as simple as developing humility and then applying it to reflecting on setbacks and listening to others.
The difference between Passion Struck and similar-sounding guides also lies in the fact that its principles and concepts don't stem from John R. Miles alone. They are developed from programs influenced by such celebrities as Oprah Winfrey, Square creator Jim McKelvey, and even the leadership experiences and contentions of the Honorable Keith Krach, former Under Secretary of State.
Having these renowned influencers contribute their own insights and experience into the bigger picture mix gives Passion Struck an authority and applications that are reinforced by the experiences of these respected individuals, making the book relevant to readers across various stages of life, from young adults navigating their purpose to seasoned professionals seeking growth.
This is why libraries will find Passion Struck a standout in not only the self-help and self-improvement sections, but also among young adult readers, professionals, and leaders. It's ideal for book clubs, study groups, and anyone interested in exploring the practical steps for real, transformative change.
Blindsighted
Rich Christiansen
Mountain Grabbers Press
9798989799817, $19.95, Paperback
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBKHLLDJ/?tag=foreword-reviews-20
Blindsighted: A Journey of Identity, Faith, and Healing is a story of identity reconciliation, genetic surprises, and family legacy that Rich Christiansen hopes will be passed down between generations for enlightenment and keys to healing pathways.
He opens with the story of a rare eye cancer (retinoblastoma) that his father struggled with, leaving him partially blind as a baby and totally blind by age four, before moving into the impact of a condition that hit his father in the 1930s, when there were few services or support systems for the blind.
Readers who anticipate, from these opening chapters, that this memoir will focus on physical blindness will find that Rich Christiansen delves into very different territory when his foray into a fun ancestry test reveals devastating family truths that shake his family history, perceptions of his place in the world, and ideals and influences.
As events unfold, readers will learn that blindness and being blindsided sometimes walk hand in hand. Christiansen surveys the possibilities of his own eye health as he confronts a reality he never saw coming.
From notes about hereditary conditions to issues of broken trust and families and the rigors of healing that emerge from such experiences, Blindsighted traverses issues of faith, family, and connection with an astute observational style and candid exploration that will draw all kinds of readers.
From genealogical researchers considering the psychological impact of ancestry discovery and difficult truths to legacies of family health and secrets, Blindsighted offers a lesson in adaptation, discovery, and healing that will especially appeal to book club discussion groups.
Libraries that choose Blindsighted in the interests of acquiring a memoir that embraces more than issues of blindness and family legacy will find it easy to recommend to patrons who look for thoroughly engrossing, candid stories that unfold on not one, but many different layers of discovery and recovery.
A Terrible Guilt
Bob Rothman
www.bobrothmanauthor.com
Black Rose Writing
www.blackrosewriting.com
9781685134754, $22.95 print / $5.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Terrible-Guilt-Bob-Rothman/dp/1685134750
A Terrible Guilt will delight legal thriller audiences on the hunt for more and better writing. It opens with the case of a temperamental busboy accused of killing the owner and the chef of a restaurant. The case closes quickly upon the mercurial presentation of a D.A. up for re-election and interested in garnering as many convictions as he can. This seemingly open-and-shut case is just what he needs, despite pleas for him to wait until further evidence is assembled.
Two Atlanta lawyers who have observed these proceedings decide to step in and conduct their own investigation... and that's where matters become complex. Their bid for representing now-convicted felon Owens involves not just remaking a legal case in court, but formulating an appeal that can win against all odds.
As the case becomes more convoluted, the capital murder case's impact (both political and psychological) expands to affect not just the courts and justice system, but society as a whole.
Unlike most legal thriller writers, Bob Rothman is especially adept at charting not just one case's progression, but its wider-reaching impact. His focus on special interests, intriguing motivations both evident and often below the surface of acknowledgement and actions, and characters whose lives are upended by decisions and actions beyond their control makes for riveting reading.
The ethical concerns that swirl around legal matters are neatly summed up in dialogue that continually questions and challenges not just legal precedent, but the decision's influences:
"A man's life is on the line here, and you want me to cut corners? When did you lose the compassion, the sense of that special obligation of lawyers to serve the public good we learned about in law school? Is law now about nothing but making more and more money, about increasing profits per partner, so that our partner distributions can go beyond their already astronomic level?"
The story opens with a profile of the murder victims on their typical (and last) day of work. The racial components of references and actions also enlighten readers as to the influences of the murder on the story's progression. The twists and turns that take these elements into surprising new territory sets the action apart from more predictable legal thrillers.
All these elements add depth to the story, while the mystery and intrigue components are covered in a manner that allows readers to absorb the psychological underlay almost seamlessly as they become riveted by courtroom and personal proceedings.
The suspense and impact of the murder trial are captured in realistic scenes that spice whodunit questions with deeper-level inspections of whydunit. The challenges of accepting pro bono legal work, the working relationship between Greg Williams and Elena Samuels, and the news media reports and investigative quandaries that emerge from them all contribute to a riveting plot packed with unexpected events.
Libraries seeking legal thrillers that hold the qualities of being thoroughly engrossing, complex in their moral, ethical, and legal presentations and outcomes, rich in character special interests, and well-developed in suspense and mystery arenas will find A Terrible Guilt engaging and thought-provoking.
As a special recommendation for book clubs and reading groups interested in debates and discussions revolving around legal proceedings and social impact, A Terrible Guilt is a clear standout in its genre.
In the Time of Coronavirus
Janet Zinn, LCSW
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9798891322141, $17.99 Paperback/$8.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Time-Coronavirus-Janet-Zinn/dp/B0CXCY837D
In the Time of Coronavirus: Reflecting on the Past to Embrace a Joyful Future chronicles the experiences of a social worker tapped to do damage control for the survivors of 9/11. These experiences created a baseline of trauma and loss insights and effective approaches to handling the pandemic, which are detailed here.
Through the weekly blog she produced during these years, Janet Zinn created a powerful account of being confronted with a new reality that demanded a revised paradigm for daily living, viewing past, present and future, and identifying and addressing underlying fears.
In many ways, the routines and trauma of the pandemic mirrored the societal disconnects and tendency to view others with suspicion and fear that remains prevalent today. Through Zinn's eyes, personal experiences and reflective moments prove enlightening keys to moving forward by better understanding these impulses:
While in the park, I found unpopulated paths and was happy to enjoy the brisk, sunny day on my own. Yet, when leaving the park, there was a group of younger people spread out on the walkway and the road. I had to take a wide circle around them to maintain the six feet dictum, certain that others in the park also felt put upon by the group's enjoyment of their time together. It was at that moment that the measures I had taken to stay safe were challenged, and I quickly saw the small clique as my enemy.
Zinn's ability to pinpoint why COVID was so uniquely traumatic documents not just personal experience (as so many emerging memoirs about these times do), but its translation into social arenas of dysfunction and fear:
In the past, pre-COVID-19, there was a freedom we all shared. Most of us could make choices about where we went or who we saw. We could stop to talk to neighbors or hurry along so we wouldn't have to listen to others. Those choices are not available to us in the same way now.
Through this conjoined lens of personal and social reflection, understanding emerges about the lasting impact of this worldwide alteration in viewpoints and why it ripples so strongly through societies around the world.
More so than most COVID memoirs, Zinn's ability to embrace this bigger-picture thinking provides readers with thought-provoking insights perfect for book club discussion. These reach into groups centered not only on the COVID years, but the lasting psychological trauma and changes they introduced - and what new choices may be made to mitigate impact and adopt better modes of thinking, reacting, and living.
Libraries seeking a powerful reflective journey that holds broader impact and implications than the usual memoir of the times will find that In the Time of Coronavirus is head-and-shoulders above many similar-sounding books. It promises enlightenment and positive new pathways to resolving PTSD, promoting self-care tips that mitigate the division and fear COVID injected into the world.
The Death of Clara Willenheim
Charlotte Lesemann
www.charlottelesemann.com
The Gothic Literary Society, LLC
https://gothicliterarysociety.com
9798990237315, $17.99 Paperback/$24.99 Hardcover/$9.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Death-Clara-Willenheim-Charlotte-Lesemann/dp/B0DHC32R94
The Death of Clara Willenheim is a work of gothic fiction that captures all the flavors of the genre. It revolves around teen Clara, who is a prisoner in her family's castle in 1800s Bavaria. Her only path to freedom lies in entering the catacombs beneath the castle; there to confront the ghosts of family history and long-buried secrets.
The first note about this story lies in author Charlotte Lesemann's powerfully evocative, atmospheric approach, which injects compelling drama into the story from its opening sentences:
Every house is an extension of its occupants. It absorbs their secrets, clouding its windows over time, in an attempt to veil the hypocrisy and lies. Bricks and stones grind against selfish ambition and settle under the weight of apathy. But in the end, no house can withstand its own history. The larger the house, the greater the fall.
Many gothic novels slowly develop a compelling draw, but The Death of Clara Willenheim's portrait of darkness and danger from its opening salvo portends a read that is emotionally supercharged by castle life and the ghosts of history which reach out from the past's grave to influence Clara's life.
Mystery and intrigue rise, along with the ghost of a long-dead aunt whose mandate injects Clara's objective to escape and survive with further complex juxtapositions of vengeance and discovery.
Lesemann employs all the strengths of history, psychological tension, and motivation to reflect her young protagonist's drive for survival and freedom. This emerges with special attention to the moral and ethical quandaries revolving around justice, redemption, and freedom of choice.
The plot features many satisfying twists and turns, as one might expect from a gothic novel. But it's the attention given to psychological and atmospheric build-up that gives The Death of Clara Willenheim an especially satisfying "you-are-here" aura, making for a standout story.
Readers will find the powerful characterization creates a story impossible to set aside, while the secrets and threats that emerge profile satisfying blindsides that even the most seasoned gothic enthusiast won't see coming.
All these features are why libraries building strong gothic novel collections should consider The Death of Clara Willenheim an exemplary foundation acquisition. It's worthy of high praise and recommendation to any patron who seeks vivid stories, moral and ethical reflections about justice and redemption, and the added value of intrigue that concludes in a manner that's unexpected and supercharged with drama.
The Stories We Cannot Tell
Leslie A. Rasmussen
https://www.lesliearasmussen.com
Van Royen Press
9798988971214, $32.99 Audio/$14.99 Paperback
https://www.amazon.com/Stories-We-Cannot-Tell-Novel/dp/B0CN463MCF
The Stories We Cannot Tell is a novel that contrasts the emotional journeys of two very different pregnant women, dovetailing their experiences in such a way as to explore issues of not just motherhood, but family and interpersonal connections.
Readers who enjoy emotional tales replete with humor, inspiration, and thought-provoking dilemmas will relish this novel's ability to capture and contrast characters in such a way that life-changing decisions become studies in choice and consequence.
Rachel and Katie face impossible decisions in different ways. After numerous miscarriages, Rachel and Brent face the possibility they will have to adopt to achieve their goal. Meanwhile, devoutly religious Katie finds her faith and determination tested. In her thirties, she is still alone and unmarried, surrounded by congregations of expanding families. Nobody in Los Angeles knows the truth she is hiding from herself as well as others.
As chapters shift between viewpoints and experiences, readers receive powerful studies in psychological development that stem from Katie and Rachel's evolving friendship.
Leslie A. Rasmussen is particularly astute at embedding her story within the timeline of these two pregnancies. Chapters detail experiences and changes as the weeks go by. This adds an element of progressive growth as unmarried Katie develops a relationship with social worker Daniel and discovers that being single and pregnant does not preclude new emotional ties and opportunities.
The attention given to contrasting these two characters and the extent of their motivations, interests, and challenges over pregnancy and family-building results in a heady mix of personal and interpersonal revelations that will lead readers to not just appreciate the disparity in Rachel and Katie's lives, but celebrate the differences that force them to make different difficult decisions.
Libraries seeking novels replete in emotional discovery, insights on pregnancy, opportunity, and revised options, and stories of women whose different lives become conjoined from their experiences will find The Stories We Cannot Tell delightfully revealing, emotionally driven, and an excellent recommendation to patrons and book clubs interested in exploring the forces and choices that alternately divide and unite men and women.
GoldenRuleism: Living A GoldenRuleism-Guided Life
Craig Cline
MindStir Media, LLC
http://www.goldenruleismcan.org
9781962987615, $6.99 Print/$.99 Digital
https://www.amazon.com/GoldenRuleism-Living-GoldenRuleism-Guided-Craig-Cline/dp/1962987612
GoldenRuleism/Living A GoldenRuleism-Guided Life advocates for sweeping global change through embracing compassion, justice, and a form of community-wide humane thinking that Craig Cline calls "GoldenRuleism."
The concept is heady; especially when applied to large segments of humanity rather than the kernel of community thinking - but nobody ever promised that transformative experiences would involve simple mindset adjustments.
Cline's short treatise (nearly a booklet, at under fifty pages) synthesizes the ideals, concepts, and avenues of enacting GoldenRuleism, condensing all these facets into two simple sentences designed for easy memorization and equally succinct applications. These are:
Do for all others, both directly and indirectly,
what you would want done for you.
Don't do to any others, either directly or indirectly,
what you wouldn't want done to you.
Cline then applies these traditional thoughts to modern-day events and considerations, reinvigorating them with modern thinking and challenges and considering the various incarnations they may take when overlaid with contemporary social, psychological, and political conundrums.
Seemingly simple choices thus receive more thoughtful processing via this approach:
GoldenRuleism does not only have a few more words attached to it, its meaning delves deeper into who we are and how we should interact with ourselves and others. GoldenRuleism upholds the values and moral and ethical precepts that are at our core as humans.
From various "isms" that GoldenRuleism intrinsically rejects to the importance of including and understanding "indirectly," readers receive thought-provoking moral and ethical food for thought that is worthy of book club reading and classroom debate alike.
Readers who have grown up with the ideals of the Golden Rule, but then discarded them due to the challenge of applying them to modern circumstances, will want to revisit the concept in GoldenRuleism: Living A GoldenRuleism-Guided Life.
It's worthy not only of classroom assignment for students of moral, ethical, and sociological circles, but of library acquisition and recommendation to patrons seeking more options for transforming their own lives and communities. As an added bonus, this book is published in both English and Spanish.
Confessions of a Rock 'n' Roll Name-Dropper
Laurie Kaye
Fayetteville Mafia Press
https://www.confessionsofarocknrollnamedropper.com
9781949024586, $14.70 Paperback/$7.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Confessions-Rock-Roll-Name-Dropper/dp/194902458X
Confessions of a Rock 'n' Roll Name-Dropper: My Life Leading Up to John Lennon's Last Interview is a unique rock music memoir. It stems from the pen of rock journalist Laurie Kaye, who was the last to interview John Lennon hours before his death. Even more thought-provoking is that Kaye encountered the gunman as she was leaving Lennon's abode, but failed to recognize the threat he posed.
As much as this event drives her story, the meat of this memoir lies in vivid recollections of growing up in Los Angeles, moving into the world of radio, reporting, and writing about musical and cultural icons, conducting interviews with an array of famous musicians from Paul McCartney to David Bowie and Mick Jagger, and fine-tuning her writing art. She captures these lives and the evolving history and culture of rock 'n roll in such a way that future generations will live these times vicariously though her descriptions and experiences.
Confessions of a Rock 'n Roll Name-Dropper reads as much like a juicy gossip column as a memoir. Even though Kaye's life is intrinsically tied to the subjects she interviews, their lives and efforts to promote their art receive just as much attention as her own constantly-shifting career, which led her into unexpected areas of discovery.
The confessional and eye-opening style of Confessions of a Rock 'n Roll Name-Dropper enhances the stories and encounters she reveals, contributing a 'can't-put-it-down' atmosphere of intrigue and revelation that will especially delight readers of cultural history and music world encounters.
Even more fascinating than the scope and style of her encounters are the diversity of individuals Kaye interviews. These range from actor Arnold Schwarzenegger to punk rock group the Ramones, who discuss the origins of punk rock and its influences in a compelling manner that even non-punk followers will find accessible, enlightening, and riveting:
I had to ask the one question that's still hotly debated to this day: who came first, British or American punk rockers?
"It started in New York three years ago," Dee Dee emphasized, "and we were the first group they started calling punk rock. And we went over to England and were really big there already, before we even had an album out! Groups there started after they came down to see us, and now it's popping up all over, but we find New York more unique. The groups in England have a lot of similarities among each other - like they all had the same influences - us, New York Dolls, Stooges."
The result is elevated beyond a memoir alone by its diversity of interviews and insights, yet remains connected to the author and her readers through descriptions of bosses and work that draw important connections between Kaye's ongoing musical world encounters and the myriad of jobs she takes on as she moves through life.
Libraries seeking a vivid, exceptional, thoroughly immersive cultural experience from books that capture the excitement and impact of rock 'n roll will find that Confessions of a Rock 'n Roll Name-Dropper stands head and shoulders above similar music exposes, in part because Kaye doesn't just report on events. She lived them.
The Reluctant Pioneer
Julie McDonald Zander
St. Helens Press
www.sthelenspress.com
9781963467017, $16.99 Paperback/$9.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Reluctant-Pioneer-Inspired-True-Story/dp/B0DGWW3GCP
In 1847, a woman crossed the Oregon Trail with her husband and four young sons. The Reluctant Pioneer chronicles her journey and represents historical fiction writing at its best. It details the trials and tribulations of their journey in such a way that readers seeking a vivid, compelling saga will welcome the opportunity to ride alongside Matilda Koontz as the now-elderly pioneer takes a walk down memory lane with a reporter who is interested in her experiences.
From long walks and participants who moved along the Oregon Trail to the struggles facing a young woman whose husband decreed they move far from family and friends in Missouri to the unknown wilds and opportunities of the West, Julie McDonald Zander captures not just experience, but the motivations and relationships that impacted Oregon Trail riders:
"...the farm isn't big enough to divide among four boys. We can have 640 free acres out west. Free! Why wouldn't we go?"
Matilda bit her lip and stepped to the wood stove. She hated arguments. Discord unsettled her, tightening her midsection. Especially when she knew they'd likely go west no matter what she said.
Zander is as adept at capturing the details of all kinds of family structures and relationships before the Trail experience as she is during and after it:
Morning brought the moment Matilda dreaded. Saying goodbye. . Oh, if only she could fly like an eagle, soaring over the mountains and prairies, swallowing the miles between them whenever she missed home. As she did every morning Philip's house slave, Ophelia, fixed her master and his guests a hearty breakfast of eggs, ham, fried potatoes, and fresh bread with peach preserves. Matilda climbed the stairs to fold and put away the quilts but found a young slave girl already doing so.
The intensity of the 'you are here' feel only expands as readers join Matilda on her life-changing journey, traversing hardships and discoveries while experiencing the challenges of shifting relationships along the way.
Zander's attention to interpersonal, geographic, and historical details creates a special, vivid interest over events that will attract even readers who do not usually choose historical novels or stories about the West.
Many women were not keen about the pioneer option and experience - certainly not as keen as the husbands who usually dictated that the family be uprooted for new opportunities in undeveloped land.
The romance and revised relationships which enter and change Matilda's bigger picture will prove fascinating to readers who may have previously seen the Oregon Trail history as solely involving Indians and rugged travel hardships.
This is why libraries and book clubs and reading groups alike will want to make The Reluctant Pioneer an acquisition. It's a worthy addition to a collection or reading list, appropriate for debates in school and women's reading circles about the promise and transformative opportunities the Oregon Trail held for women who would otherwise have stayed in one place with their families.
Camel from Kyzylkum
Lara Gelya
https://laragelya.com
Life Journeys Books
9781737787808, $14.99 Paperback/$4.99 eBook/$0.00 Audiobook (with membership)
https://www.amazon.com/Camel-Kyzylkum-Memoir-Life-Journey/dp/1737787806
Camel from Kyzylkum: A Memoir of My Life Journey deserves attention not just from memoir readers, but armchair and would-be life adventurers interested in a story replete with excitement, drama, insights, and immigrant experiences.
It chronicles Lara Gelya's concurrent journey from Ukraine to the Kyzylkum Desert in Uzbekistan, then from the Soviet Union to Austria, into Italy, and eventually to America - but to view this as a travelogue alone would be to do Gelya's effort a grave disservice.
The story opens unexpectedly, with Gelya's arrival in Florida. She looks forward to a retiree's life of beaches and relaxation - a far cry from her status thirty years earlier, when she landed in New York City in 1990 as a broke refugee, knowing no English.
Her memoir chronicles not only physical but psychological and ideological insights and experiences as she faces battle after battle to free herself from the Soviet Union and create a new life in America.
Readers expecting that Camel from Kyzylkum's experiences will mirror many other immigrant memoirs would be, paradoxically, both right and wrong. Gelya's story is spiced with contrasts in immigrant lives and small kindnesses that emerge to combat the unexpected trials she encounters in not just getting to America, but becoming part of its melting pot.
Vivid insights create moving, thought-provoking moments throughout her saga:
...the Black, African woman from the flight kindly invited me to spend a night with them. Since I had no other options, I accepted. We arrived at an old two-floor house with many Black families inside. Each family had a room, and they shared the kitchen and the bathroom of the house. A lot of small kids were running around. They were all refugees from some African country. The house, inside and outside, was in pretty run-down condition. It surprised me, as it was not at all what I expected to see in the United States. But I was thankful that they gave me a corner where I could put my head down after a very long and thrilling first day in America.
As she details evolving relationships, includes color photos of her changing situation and surroundings, and chronicles the experiences of an immigrant who moves into America's cultural mix while experiencing the trials and tribulations of life, Gelya produces a chronicle that is ultimately an uplifting story of adaptation, goal achievement, and success:
As a camel from Kyzylkum, I plan to keep going through my life journey, swaying like a ship on the waves of time - the high temperature of life's hardships and troubles makes me stronger.
Her powerful voice and personal insights craft a memoir perfect for assignment and discussion among reading groups and classrooms interested in immigrant experiences and the process of formulating, realizing, and changing one's dreams.
Libraries will find Camel from Kyzylkum's inspirational benefits make it highly recommendable to patrons finding their own paths through life's challenges and experiences.
My Beloved Thessaloniki, Greece: 1940-1944
Dr. Jennie DiBartolomeo
Palmetto Publishing
https://www.palmettopublishing.com
9798822940079, $32.99 Hardcover/$22.99 Paperback/$9.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/My-Beloved-Thessaloniki-Greece-1940-1944/dp/B0D7YRMPNC
While My Beloved Thessaloniki, Greece: 1940-1944 may sound like a memoir, it's actually a work of historical suspense spiced with elements of a thriller that rests firmly on events surrounding the outset of World War II in Greece. It ultimately considers how these affect and change one family.
Young father and university student Alexandros never anticipated that he could become involved in espionage, political plots, and dangerous resistance activities. But the Nazi threat immerses he and his family in a struggle to save everything they love.
From the start, Dr. Jennie DiBartolomeo crafts a saga replete with a personal reflective overlay of her own family connections to Greece. These are introduced in a preface which confesses "I probably would have been born in Greece if it weren't for the occupation of Greece during World War II..." It was an event that diverted her family, their lives, and their intentions - and ultimately separated future generations from their homeland.
Why the focus on Greece? Family connections were not Dr. DiBartolomeo's only incentive for exploring its history. Equally motivating was her desire to illustrate how this small farming nation served as a beacon of resistance and hope for the rest of Europe, and her interest in illustrating the power of religion and faith in overcoming oppression against all odds.
Using her family members' experience to flush out characters and bring Greek history to life, Dr. DiBartolomew appeals to a much wider audience than a nonfiction memoir could have achieved. She illustrates the daily lives, social and political trials, and suspense of actively working against the Nazis with a passionate hand to drama, history, and well-developed tension.
These elements bring to life not only the resistance movement, but Greek psyche and convictions, as well as underlying religious connections that helped the Greeks not just survive the Nazis, but employ effective widespread efforts to quash their power.
Added value lies in the experiences of Greek immigrants to the U.S. and the challenges they faced both in a new country and in maintaining concern and connections in the old country. Given the dialogues on immigrant experiences today, the experiences of Greeks in the 1940s is especially relevant and important to any discussions about assimilation, homeland connections and roots, and why immigrants to America bring with them important strengths to add to its melting pot.
Being fictional, My Beloved Thessaloniki, Greece both expands upon personalities and adds dramatic touches to embellish history so that readers will become immersed in characters and conspiracies. (Note: Those particular about historical accuracy will want to fact-check before taking all the events in My Beloved Thessaloniki, Greece as real.)
Another plus about My Beloved Thessaloniki, Greece lies in its focus on feelings, emotions, and the complexities of personal and political struggle. Throughout the story, these insights flush out the characters and their motivations, adding depth and interest to evolving events. From empathic connections to logical presumptions and conclusions, the story explores the points of view of characters such as Katerina, Alexandros, and others who face their deepest fears and threats to their loved ones.
As the story follows hard decisions, choices to flee and begin anew, and debates over democratic possibilities in Greece, readers receive a full-bodied account that simmers with intrigue, struggle, difficult decisions, and new opportunities both in America and at home in Greece.
Libraries seeking historical fiction steeped in the realistic portraits of ordinary Greeks caught up in events that challenge not only their psyches, but their survival as individuals and as a nation, will find My Beloved Thessaloniki, Greece an important collection addition.
It will appeal widely, reaching readers with Greek roots and broader interests in how religion bolsters survival efforts, and general-interest audiences with a special interest in World War II history.
Louis Pasteur Condemns Big Pharma
Stephen Heartland
Quill
c/o Knight Publishing, LLC
9798990472112, $18.50 Paperback/$8.50 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/author/stephenheartland
Louis Pasteur Condemns Big Pharma: Vaccines, Drugs, and Healthcare in the United States blends topic of healthcare politics and processes, medicine, science, and history into a survey that will attract both healthcare providers of all ilk and general-interest readers. It calls modern American healthcare on the carpet (as so many other books do), but with a difference. The added insights gained from biographical sketches of wisdom.
The author is neither a doctor nor a healthcare worker, but an interested observer whose acute research skills lend to a study that is packed with author opinion and conclusions that will lend to book club and healthcare participant debates and discussions.
The first thing to note about Louis Pasteur Condemns Big Pharma is its immersion in pro- and anti-vaccine debates which kicks off the revelations with astute analytical assessments that requires readers to conduct their own individual analysis of the wellspring of their attitudes towards vaccines:
We know who we are, and we know our thoughts on the matter, but why is it that we think as we do? Could it be that some external forces have led us to believe as we do, such as the news or other forms of media? Have we experienced vaccine damage personally, and understand this subject on a personal level? Do we know someone who has suffered from vaccines, and have seen and dealt with what comes after, be it death or the long suffering of vaccine related injury or disease? Or do we look with scorn upon others and their claims of vaccine damage and/or injury, and suspect they are part of some strange cult which is against one of the very foundations of modern science and medicine? How can these two sides be so far apart?
Indeed, the crux of many perceptions and realities is shaped by media and outside influences. Stephen Heartland makes these contentions from a foundation of researched history and personal approaches to better understanding, leading readers into the heart of argument about what a healthcare system is, how it evolved, and how it's managed and perceived in modern times.
Many of Stephen Heartland's condemnations about Big Pharma can also be applied to general big business interests in connecting marketing with control:
If you can go to the grocery store and look at the ingredients on the side of the product packages, then you should be able to do the same at the pediatrician's office. After all, vaccination can cause deaths and injuries, so it would be prudent to be careful when considering these vaccine products. Why isn't the information concerning the ingredients easily available to us? Because Big Pharma wants to hide this information from us. They do not like transparency. An ill-informed public is a more easily exploitable public.
From corruption in pharmaceutical and media arenas to the emergence of activist efforts and educational insights that promote critical thinking, Heartland tackles the foundations of exploitative efforts which lie as much in encouraging public ignorance as in manipulating data and spinning it to create compliance or confusion.
This is why, ideally, Louis Pasteur Condemns Big Pharma: Vaccines, Drugs, and Healthcare in the United States will reach into and beyond audiences interested in medical issues to address and expand the potential for dialogue in circles exploring related issues of social manipulation and control.
Libraries that choose Louis Pasteur Condemns Big Pharma: Vaccines, Drugs, and Healthcare in the United States will want to highly recommend it for readers interested in developing further critical thinking skills, as well as insights into how medicine is marketed and manipulated.
Beyond the Flames
Gregory Lee Renz
www.glrenz.com
Three Towers Press
c/o HenschelHAUS Publishing, Inc.
https://henschelhausbooks.com
9781595989994, $18.95 Paperback/$29.95 Hardcover/$8.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Flames-Gregory-Lee-Renz/dp/1595989994
Few novelists are in a position of capturing the drama, decisions, and danger of firefighting as Retired Milwaukee Fire Captain Gregory Lee Renz. His background blended perfectly with a flare for vivid reporting in his prior novel Beneath the Flames, and here continues in Beyond the Flames, which explores the psychological and physical challenges of fighting fires in buildings and hearts alike.
Readers needn't be familiar with firefighter experiences or his previous book in order to enjoy this story. Renz places his audience within the flames of daily experience with his 'you are here' touch, covering personal relationships between firefighters as well as the actions they undertake to save lives.
The story opens in 1956, with two young friends who are playing (literally) with fire. The conflagration they create is chronicled from different perspectives, from the firefighters called upon to contain and stop it to the horrified kids and adults whose lives are impacted by what they've created.
Renz weaves realistic descriptions into his story, derived from his own experiences:
"These old houses don't have firestops in the walls. A fire anywhere in the house can spread to the attic in seconds." The captain slapped Merle's hand away. "Those idiots were up there to open a hole in the roof to ventilate the smoke and flames in that event."
Lee, the boy who started the fire, observes all these interactions and sets aside his dreams of becoming a pilot, replacing them with the vision of being a firefighter when he grows up.
Themes of domestic abuse are graphically described, which may prove triggers to some readers. Those who persevere will find Beyond the Flames a powerful story of redemption, discovery, and growth that moves from these childhood traumas in 1956 into adult experiences in the 2000s.
Chapters flow between Lee's perspectives and those of Mitch (whose personality drove events in Beneath the Flames), who loves fighting fires but finds his real passion in farming.
As Mitch and Lee move beyond fighting physical fires and into even more dangerous realms of subterfuge and violence, confronting a group called Hells Disciples, readers enjoy a vivid story that takes many satisfyingly unexpected twists and turns.
By continuing many of the elements portrayed in Beneath the Flames, Beyond the Flames sparks an intense, interesting read that juxtaposes the fire of passion with other conundrums. These range from money laundering discoveries to intrigue that sparks violent reactions not just on the parts of perps, but the flawed heroes themselves.
Libraries interested in stories rooted in firefighting, but which expand beyond these borders into the passion of confronting threats and danger, will find motivating moral and ethical factors as strong a draw as the nonstop action, and will want to recommend Beyond the Flames to both fans of the prior book and newcomers who will appreciate this story's standalone status.
In Vietnam, there were times when the fighting was so fierce, he was sure he wouldn't survive. His team's one-word motto was "endure." His die-hard refusal to give up saved his ass and others. He had made a promise to Alexus, and by God, he was going to keep it. There was no accepting any other outcome.
The Shutdown List
Sharon Dukett
SharKen Publishing
https://sharondukett.com/where-to-buy
9798989947904, $17.95 Paperback/$4.99 eBook
The Shutdown List will appeal to thriller readers seeking nonstop action, strong female characters with a proclivity for problem-solving and proactive thinking, and stories that sizzle with political and social conundrums surrounding issues of environmental justice and climate change.
Anita Forester is at a protest with her husband Julian when he is dragged off into custody and vanishes. The impulse to flee and protect herself runs headlong into her determination to find her husband and confront the forces bent on separating them. After her son Stephen's death in a fire, she can't lose him, too.
Sharon Dukett evolves a rich tale which interlocks climate activism with special interests which clash and coalesce upon Anita's life. Many of her reflections will resonate with readers also stuck between a rock and a hard place when it comes to juggling the difficult personal choices of action and inaction:
She knew doing nothing had consequences, but she was exhausted: the kind of exhaustion that hovered around her like a shroud.
Whether tackling issues of greater good or personal survival and redemption, Dukett's mesmerizing story fluctuates between personal and political survival tactics. This approach proves thoroughly engrossing as Anita navigates unfamiliar territory replete with challenging new revelations.
Perspectives shift between Mike (whom she meets in a bar, and who seems able to help her) and Anita. Chapter headings would have more instantly clarified these changing viewpoints, but Dukett's writing makes it fairly clear who is the focus in each chapter. Anita's gut says one thing while her intellect considers the new possibilities Mike offers:
A hint of a smile showed on Mike's face, like he'd tricked her into admitting something she shouldn't have. Her stomach muscles clenched together. This was wrong. Her gut told her.
These insights lend atmosphere and realistic drama into the story, which will especially be appreciated by readers who like their characters' psyches well developed.
The result is a highly recommended thriller steeped in twists and turns surrounding activism, betrayal, subterfuge, and corruption. It will delight climate fiction and thriller audiences alike, making The Shutdown List particularly attractive for libraries looking for memorable, action-packed books recommendable to their patrons and book clubs alike.
Being. Belonging. Becoming.
Ema Thurairajah
Praxis Press
https://redletterspp.com
9781068909238, $17.99 Paperback/$9.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1068909234
Being. Belonging. Becoming: Know Yourself. Better. is a survey of self-discovery that begins with a basic foundation question: if knowing yourself is paramount, then what's the definition of that 'self'?
Science and philosophy blend in the journey that follows, which involves a deconstruction of the concept of self, discussions on individuality and identity, and links between feelings, memory, and conscious expereince.
These, in turn, lead to questions and insights that not only revolve around human identity, but contrasts humanity with other living things, including animals:
...do animals question their identities, their subjective experience, as humans do? Or do they ponder their existence in a manner that is unique to their kind? Is it even possible without language? These are yet more unanswered - and perhaps unanswerable - questions. Whether or not they engage in self-reflection, it is now generally accepted that most, if not all, animals are conscious.
Integrating research from diverse fields and thinkers, Ema Thurairajah paints a unique portrait of human existence using physics, biochemistry, psychology, sociology and philosophy. He connects developing a sense of self with purpose, community, and growth in a much broader way than most books about any of these subjects.
Readers might not expect a history of the human race to appear in a self-help book, but the value of this exploration lies in unusual approaches to delineating not just individuality and its pursuits, but the psyche of homo sapiens as a whole.
The result is a highly impactful survey that is surprisingly easy to access despite its emphasis on research, history, and science. It offers readers a solid exploration of the definition and roots of being, pathways which lead to self-knowledge, and the process of expanding compassion and other traits to better connect and contribute to human endeavors.
Libraries seeking a book that goes beyond the usual approach to understanding self and others will find Being. Belonging. Becoming. an excellent study in transformative thinking. It is also highly recommendable to book club and psychology reading groups interested in considering an approach that moves beyond individuality to tackle social concerns ranging from stereotypes to human rights.
Nightwatch
James Garrabrant
Independently Published
9798218456368, $14.00
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D7R177MH
Nightwatch was first published in Swedish in 2021. Its focus on darkness, guarding, and light is delivered in the form of succinct observational phrases and thought-provoking insights that may alternately be considered as a poetic, philosophical, or historical discourse. Identifying this collection as any of these alone would be correct, however.
The writings aren't just about life in Sweden, though they do include some reflections as:
To live in Sweden today, one lives separate from today's Sweden.
Some of the works are poetic reflections on nature:
Give us spindling leaves. Give us windowglass melting
through the centuries. Give us in the moonlight the shadow images of the crossbeams.
Others comment on social or political subjects:
When today's politician looks into our eyes it is eerie. This person cannot live without us. We are their everything. They have nothing to offer. Fat with empty words and malnourished, they beg for our scraps.
Broad subject matter and a wide scope mark a collection that holds both literary and analytical value, juxtaposing complimentary natural observations with considerations of the heart and mind.
By couching these simple observations in succinct paragraphs that are easily digested, James Garrabrant creates a dialogue that ultimately supports the book's title, Nightwatch, by pursuing and outlining the metaphors pertaining to shifting boundaries and historical precedent.
Libraries that choose Nightwatch will be delighted by its multifaceted ability to present literary, philosophical, ethical, historical, and psychological matters in a form that is not only accessible to a wide audience, but lends nicely to discussion and daily meditations.
City At My Feet
Thomas More
www.thomasmorewriter.com
Mannahatta Press
9781942947240, $17.99 Paperback/$19.69 Hardcover/$6.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/City-At-My-Feet-Mannahatta-ebook/dp/B0BHPM3J3R
Young adult fantasy readers are in for a treat with the first book in the Mannahatta series, City At My Feet. Here, a parallel world filled with magic also holds a young wannabe warrior woman, Sakima Tamanend, who discovers that her brother-in-law is involved in a campaign of terror in the other world that is New York City.
Sakima's coming of age coincides with forces that impact her entire family. The theme of her growth and new possibilities creates a compelling draw from the story's opening lines:
Sakima Tamanend paused in the middle of her bedroom, silently saying goodbye to her childhood. She sighed deeply as she scanned the room, as if she were studying a museum recreation of her life. It was time for her to leave now, to prove herself, to be on her own. Despite everyone telling her that being herself was the wrong thing to be.
As she undertakes missions that challenge her abilities, future, and soul, Sakima leads readers into a vibrant milieu where the Spirit World is alive and well. Family interactions and relationships create satisfying interplays between home and bigger-picture environments, while Sakima's strong, proactive characterization is thoroughly realistic, absorbing, and layers action with personal revelations.
Thomas More is adept at pairing a quest with experiences that involve Sakima's entire family, considering the influence of spirit world connections and the intersection between Native American and fantasy elements:
What kind of magic is this? Sakima thought. Is this Iroquois? Mohican? Worse? Someone has made a pact with Mahtantu, the devil. That is the only way to explain such impossible physic.
As two worlds collide and young people on both sides become embroiled in a conflict they have no experience to fight, the action-packed energy provides young readers with plenty of thought-provoking, thoroughly engrossing moments.
Libraries and teens seeking fantasy stories replete with not just coming-of-age themes, but added value from Native American wisdom and changing family relationships will find City At My Feet an excellent choice. Its power to attract young adults who are interested not just in fantasy, but in stories of growth, power, and spiritual influence makes City At My Feet a winning melting pot of pleasurable reading and pointed lessons.
Draakensky
Paula Cappa
CL Publishing
https://www.crystallakepub.com
9781964398204, $13.99-$14.99 Paperback
https://www.amazon.com/Draakensky-Supernatural-Tale-Magick-Romance-ebook/dp/B0DCKBVQTV
Draakensky: A Supernatural Tale of Magick and Romance is a novel steeped in the rich dual attractions of Gothic romance and ghosts. Set in the rural town of modern Bedford, New York, it blends more than a touch of fantasy into its ghost story, promising to reach a much broader audience than fantasy, supernatural fiction, or romance alone could attract.
The story opens with a murder, a first-person confession, and a spirit that tells how he was conjured up, residing in an uncertain milieu between life and death. Paula Cappa does an excellent job of injecting atmospheric intrigue into her story from the start. This approach will capture reader attention almost instantly with a literary descriptive voice that is alluring:
I came forth at the conjuring with my jazzy voice in autumn of 2021. I have no taste for gray magick. Fleeing to safer avenues is my preference. I am no legendary figment or Victorian in a black cloak who has trumped death. I don't swipe at chilly shoulders or snap at faces. I remain thin as a toothed elm leaf absent its green color. When the village people see me, they veer away and twist their mouths. Since the calling on that dreary night, I learned to attach to earth and weave myself into daily existence. Only then can I fling my voice, words shivering in the air.
The introduction moves into third-person descriptors and action as Charlotte Knight enters Draakensky to become involved with its ghosts, shadows, memorials, and a new relationship with owner and barkeep Marc Sexton, who lives in a renovated barn in the woods "chock-full of owls and wild geese."
As their relationship and events progress, Charlotte feels confident in the foundations she is building with Marc. But she is less confident about her future in Bedford, and the impact Draakensky has on her life.
The story's continual lure lies in Cappa's ability to follow Charlotte and Marc's footsteps using powerful literary descriptions that keep their evolving relationship and encounters firmly rooted in Bedford's rural countenance:
Robed in blue, coffee mug in hand, she walked barefoot on the cold earth, its heartbeats drumming against her soles, toes curling the soil. Wintergreen, bearded moss, and peat perfumes filled her. Dew rested on the grass. If she were a butterfly, she would spread her wings and float from tree to tree.
The more deeply Charlotte ventures into heady waters of transformation and spirit-driven encounters, the more her romance developments juxtapose with forces that buffet her life, provoking change and danger.
Libraries interested in acquiring a modern Gothic mystery that incorporates fantasy elements into its romance and ghostly encounters will find Draakensky exceptional. Its ability to build intrigue and attraction makes it a powerful recommendation not only to patrons interested in Gothic fiction, but also to book clubs seeking contemporary Gothic stories with unpredictability and twists usually not seen in the formula writing that tends to permeate the Gothic novel genre.
Aurora and the Whispering Jewels
Ed Morykwas
Independently Published
https://southpolechristmas.net
9798991539913, $9.95 Hardcover/$7.95 Paperback/$5.95 eBook and Audio
https://www.amazon.com/Aurora-Whispering-Jewels-South-Christmas/dp/B0DJKBMMD5
Ed Morykwas's Aurora and the Whispering Jewels: A South Pole Christmas Story is a Christmas picture book story enhanced with vivid illustrations by Phoebe Cho.
It opens with a letter from Santa Claus to the children of the world. Santa explains that, the rest of the year, he enjoys observing life on earth. This is how he comes to inspect and present the life of Aurora Periwinkle, who lives with her parents on an Australian farm.
They live in poverty and work very hard, yet Aurora dreams of becoming a scientist one day, harboring a scientific curiosity about the world that is based on her love of solving puzzles. Her childhood interests grow even stronger as she becomes a young woman, moves to the South Pole, and reaches for her dreams against all odds.
Aurora's story is presented in a series of succinct chapters. This will invite either adult read-aloud or the reading abilities of kids just moving from picture books into chapter books.
The benefit of adult read-aloud participation also lies in the story's ability to unfold over numerous reads, offering various insights and themes parents can explore with the very young.
Elementary-level libraries and parents seeking a very different Christmas tale that holds other elements of discovery and growth will welcome the disparate facets that shine in Morykwas's Aurora and the Whispering Jewels, making it a standout in Christmas stories for the young.
Crossing the Blue Ridge
L.E. Denton
Independently Published
9798218477189, $15.99 Paperback/$2.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBDVQQNR
Crossing the Blue Ridge: A Tale of King's Mountain will appeal to historical fiction readers harboring a special interest in the American Revolutionary War. It brings to life the atmosphere and personalities driven and called upon to participate in a bid for freedom, following the raging river of change which impacts narrator Caleb Anders, who grew up under harsh conditions and then became a force to be reckoned with.
From the beginning, L.E. Denton brings this character and his times to life. She captures Caleb's growth, coming of age, entry into manhood, and the political forces which changed his course in 1774, catapulting his life in an entirely unexpected direction as he fled his father's home to enter a tumultuous adulthood.
Deserving of high praise is how Denton weaves political events into Caleb's life and growth. Caleb's insights about situations he'd once thought quite different from his experiences and interests are nicely presented:
I thought a moment, and then remembered Jacob telling me about the Boston Tea Party while we were on one of our hunts. I had paid little attention to it at the time, being caught up in my own cares and concerns. I had little idea then that such an incident would spark a fire that could not be contained.
A wagon train journey sparks new encounters and revelations (including insights about the disparate backgrounds of the early melting pot of cultures that comprised the times). Readers will be engrossed by the diversity of Caleb's encounters, which provide many unexpected moments of contemplation.
From the stopover at Shelby's Fort, Virginia to threats of Indian uprisings, Denton takes the time to build not just disparate characters, but insights into their political and social foundations:
"My father was but a mere lad during the Uprising in '45 in Scotland. Now, he and his family were no Jacobites. We are all good and decent Protestants. But after the rising, times were made difficult for our people, even though they had no hand in going against the King. The English came down hard on all Scots, no matter what allegiance they had. They took lands, handed out harsh sentences, raised taxes, did away with the clans. Many were bitter over the high-handed way the British abused the Scottish people."
This focus lends much richer (and more insightful) realizations than most historical novels centered on the American Revolution, creating a backdrop of special interests and heritage that, in turn, enhances understanding the political currents that buffeted the new America.
Embedded within these insights are reflections that could apply equally well to modern times:
"The younger generation cannot fully appreciate the hardships and deprivations we suffered to make the life they now so easily enjoy. My oldest now attends Blount College in Knoxville, blithefully ignorant of the hazards we endured to make the life he now knows. I suppose it is the same with all generations. Retelling what occurred rather than suffering through it cannot produce the same results. At times I shudder to think what the future will hold for our fledgling country. Hard times are quickly forgotten, I fear."
As Nate, Caleb, Captain Shelby and others venture into unfamiliar territory (both geographic and political), readers attracted to historical fiction surrounding these times will be pleased by the care Denton takes to fully develop the atmosphere and influences of all sides and different special interests.
The result is a vivid retelling of American history that will attract libraries and reading groups interested in a story that not only is built on political facts familiar to many, but explores emotional and cultural undercurrents of the times.
Powered by a journey both physical and soulful, Crossing the Blue Ridge is a highly recommended book that will find its audience not only in those looking for plots set in Revolutionary times, but in general-interest readers who need not know an excessive amount about the times in order to readily enter and absorb their nuances and influences.
Deadly Secrets
Nancy Stancill
Black Rose Writing
www.blackrosewriting.com
9781685135249, $19.95
https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Secrets-Annie-Price-Mystery/dp/1685135242
Deadly Secrets is the third Annie Price mystery in Nancy Stancill's series, but newcomers will find it as attractive as prior fans. Here, Annie faces new conundrums when North Carolina splits into two states and she follows her reporter's investigative nose into trouble.
The story opens with a literal bang as a "godly mission" achieves its explosive goal. The self-appointed justice duo who call themselves The Westcarolina Righteous Action Committee comes from a mega-church whose secretive mandate for change challenges both individuals and social and political systems with proactive, sometimes violent responses.
Issues of pro-life beliefs and politics coalesce as opening chapters swirl around the church's clandestine plan to rid America of medical abortions. The evangelical church's setup of Westcarolina and its fostering of a new era of both terrorism and active pro-life beliefs translate to a sticky situation that investigator Annie finds immersive and dangerous.
Stancill takes her time to fully portray this futuristic community in the first two chapters before introducing Annie, a Houston Times reporter newly back on the job after a medical hiatus. During her recovery from her last assignment, her newspaper has vastly changed its scope and audience. At age 42, she's in the uncomfortable position of contemplating new work and starting over.
As she reviews news of the explosion and considers the ongoing impact the secession of Westcarolina has had on America, she finds her expertise on the subject applied in different ways as she's drawn to move to Charlotte during the course of her latest inquiry.
There, she uncovers not only political subterfuge, but mounting murders, and fraud cases that test her ability to quietly report the truth.
Stancill excels at juxtaposing the divergent perspectives of church with a quest for justice, capturing the attitudes and intentions of all players in this complex scheme and futuristic setting:
"...we'll do our best to ignore a news industry that exists to put us down and kill the dreams of a God-centered state."
The conflicts, idealism, and murderous events coalesce in a whirlwind of violence and realizations which will keep readers riveted - especially since many of the political scenarios presented here aren't far from present-day possibility.
Annie's personal life comes into play with emotions and reflections that also provide a satisfyingly realistic contrast to the murder mystery itself.
Libraries and reader seeking a story set in a fictional, yet familiar, near future where religious, psychological, social, and political interests intersect will find much to appreciate in Annie's character and focus in Deadly Secrets.
Book clubs, too, will find it an unexpected opportunity to discuss a variety of subjects about church, state, women's issues, and the price of proactive thinking and behavior on all sides.
In short: Deadly Secrets is powerful in its characterizations, astute in its political extrapolations, unexpected in its action and twists and turns, and hard to put down.
Wash Your Brain
Donna Debs
WanderWonder Books
(Also available on IngramSpark)
9781737422112, $15.99 Paperback/$7.99 eBook
https://amzn.to/3WcKOSk
Humor and essay books abound, but Donna Debs's Wash Your Brain: Stories. Laughter. Yoga. Life. takes a novel approach to both as she explores a life vividly lived, chronicling the ironies and mishaps embedded in such a ride.
From the beginning, Debs exhibits a remarkable ability to marry yoga and mindful insights in fun stories. Thus, chapter headings such as 'Blundering,' 'Coping,' 'Tolerating' or 'Reconciling' place each personal experience within the broader context of not just humor, but thought-provoking analysis.
Take 'America Needs a Nap,' for one example. What begins as a survey of the importance of daytime napping turns into a political examination that moves from the personal to national applications. Debs wields these thoughts with an attractively gentle hand that doesn't bludgeon with admonition and advice, as too many mindful approaches do, but tempers insights with appealing language and a blend of fun and honesty:
It's time to take our heads out of the sand and put them on a pillow. Napping in this country, as sleep-deprived zombies know, is often belittled as the slacker's Achilles heel, the dark cave of the unemployed sloth. Embarrassing. Sluggish. Weak. But that's old school. Today the nap is increasingly touted as the darling of intellectual and artistic types, doctors and scientists, business tycoons who say small sips of dead-to-the-world is a smart way to boost your focus, brighten your mood, and pump up those creative juices so you don't sit there staring into space researching topics like naps.
As Debs presents her case for self-care and national napping on many different levels, readers will not just learn, but laugh. It's hard to say which is more important, given the rigors of modern living; but one thing is for certain - her gift for insight is delivered in a compelling manner that makes readers not just understand, but thoroughly enjoy:
I'm building a case for a national nap proclamation. With perhaps unanimous voter support, I state the following: In an age when things we never thought possible have been possible - gay marriage, legal marijuana, a reality show president - let's give up the illusion that a full day without a period of stone-cold unconsciousness is good for us.
Subjects embrace wide-ranging life experiences from Botox to old boyfriends, bucket lists (described in 'Kick the Bucket List'), cat-cleaning, zucchini possibilities, and more. The shear breadth and scope of these topics might feel chaotic, but solid chapter placements and ultimate conclusions keep the stories and fun on track for deeper revelations that are delivered in not just a painless, but a compelling manner.
All these reasons are why Wash Your Brain is very, very highly recommended for a variety of library collections (and readers), from those interested in self-help and new age thinking to readers who would flavor their own life experiences and mishaps with bigger-picture thinking.
Rarely is such a joining delivered without pain. Wash Your Brain is not only painless, but its unusual blend of jolly information represents a sterling example of how effective literary humor works, reaching creative writing groups and classes interested in extraordinary examples of such effectiveness.
The Bag Called Hope
Stefanie Rowland and Jessica Shackelford
Hopeful Bag Co.
www.TheBagCalledHope.com
9798988104704, $TBA, HC, 32pp, Ages 1-10
https://www.amazon.com/Bag-Called-Hope-Christmas-Tradition/dp/B0DGRTM3YM
Elementary-level libraries and parents seeking picture book Christmas stories with a colorful twist will find The Bag Called Hope just the ticket for a plot that stands out from the holiday crowd.
More than a story of Christmas, it creates a foundation for discussing holiday sharing and fostering a program for giving, opening with a boy's observation that he and his sister enjoy "lots of toys."
Franco Caro Revuelta's colorful illustrations pack the pages with appealing portraits of kids, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and elves who participate in a novel effort to bring gift-giving and generosity to a new level.
Underlying the adventure of this process is a powerful message about sharing and kindness which read-aloud parents will find especially appropriate for the holiday season. Discussions centering on how such impulses may translate to actionable choices help kids understand that Christmas should be about more than amassing or hoarding gifts.
Libraries, young readers, and read-aloud adults seeking informative, engrossing tales to share and discuss with the very young will welcome the uplifting message and efforts represented in The Bag Called Hope - especially since it imparts a positive, concrete message during times of angst and feeling powerless.
Stories My Father Told Me
Dvora Treisman
Independently Published
9798224632169, $15.99
https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Father-Told-Kazakhstan-Dominican/dp/B0D2DQJ13L
Stories My Father Told Me: From Warsaw, Moscow, Algeria, Siberia, Kazakhstan, Dominican Republic is based on a memoir Dvora Treisman's father (Rafal Feliks Buszejkin) wrote, plus stories told around the dining room table. These outlined his experiences in early 1900s Poland and various nations, from Russia to Algeria and France.
Jewish roots and heritage permeate these tales of achievement, adaptation, and ongoing movements between cultures and experiences. This will especially intrigue and delight libraries strong in Jewish memoirs that are interested in motivating forces of change and the influence of social and political currents on the choices and opportunities presented Jewish people during these times.
Dvora Treisman captures her father's stories in a manner that all readers will appreciate. One needn't be either Jewish or familiar with the early 1900s in order to appreciate tales that explore a life well-lived, filled with shifting challenges and cultures.
The many family moments woven into these bigger-picture experiences create connections and generate interest in readers as events move into 1919 Warsaw. One example of this personalization lies in the details of how the family not just moved and adapted, but found joy in small events and unexpected encounters in their new abode:
They winter-proofed the windows as they had done in Russia and left one, the lufcik, a small horizontal window meant to be used for ventilation, that could be opened for fresh air. One day a pigeon flew in though the lufcik and sat on the 9-foot tall white tiled furnace. They started to leave him food on the table after meals when they left the table, and eventually he made the rounds while they ate. He became a member of the family...
The warm embrace of family, achievement, and adaptation spice many of these stories with a personal 'you are here' atmosphere which is embedded into the coalescence of personal and political growth.
These, in turn, will inspire and educate readers interested in how different cultures and communities changed in Europe during these times. These juxtapositions of interests and heritage emerge at unexpected junctures in her father's journey:
The kolkhoz VIPs were all party members, but the indoctrination didn't seem to have soaked in. One day Dad was riding with six of the leaders from one of the kolkhozes when the others asked Dad to ride ahead and they would catch up. Dad rode slowly and when he turned to see what they were up to, he saw them all down on their knees, bowing in front of the ruins of a building.
The result is a collection of experiences that holds many possibilities for discussion among Jewish book clubs and readers, history groups seeking personal perspectives, experiences, and general-interest readers seeking a series of engrossing experiential scenes and insights.
The Mango Chronicle
Ricardo Jose Gonzalez-Rothi
https://gonzalezrothiauthor.com
RIZE
9781960018199, $19.99 Paperback/$9.49 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Mango-Chronicle-Ricardo-Jos%C3%A9-Gonz%C3%A1lez-Rothi/dp/1960018191
The Mango Chronicle tells the life story of Cuban refugee Ricardo Jose Gonzalez-Rothi, who journeyed to America during the Cuban Missile Crisis, only to discover different forms of identity and racial crisis emerging from his new American life.
From the start, his identity as a refugee dictates his perspective and colors his life:
One never stops being a refugee. I still mend my socks when they get a hole. I do not leave any food on my plate. When something I own breaks, I either fix it, or re-purpose it. Nothing is disposed of that could be usable. I still fret with anxiety when going through customs in or out of the country.
As a chronicle of assimilating the American way of living, Gonzalez-Rothi creates a compelling saga of not just survival, but thriving and overcoming much to create a rich life in a new land.
From his family's early arrival in New Jersey to political barriers that separated Cubans from their U.S. brethren, this memoir does more than detail one refugee's experiences. It chronicles the methods and impact by which political decisions and situations enter into and divide families that live on either side of barriers to unity and love.
The shifting perspectives of child to adult offer a wider-ranging series of cultural impacts and events than most Latino memoirs, while the story's adventure components (whether they be cockfighting or stealing a rowboat) represent added value for readers seeking both experiential 'you are here' reading and vivid action.
As unusual as it is to deem a memoir 'action-packed', this descriptor certainly applies to The Mango Chronicle. It's steeped as much in adventure and thought-provoking cultural encounters as it is in individual experience.
Whether he's describing physical or mental battles, the descriptions are delivered with a one-two punch of insight and atmosphere:
I don't know if there is a word to say how one feels when anger and pity crash with each other. I came hard from behind the boxes, head first at Rique. I felt my neck crack as the top of my head hit the lower part of Rique's back and he flew across the room into Cuca's door. His face smashed into the wood frame.
Libraries and readers seeking to add vivid memoirs to their Latino collections and reading lists will find The Mango Chronicle powerfully hard-hitting. It's as highly recommended to book clubs looking at Latino experience and literature as it is to general-interest audiences attracted to thoroughly engrossing experiential reads.
Double Takedown
Kevin G. Chapman
www.KevinGChapman.com
First Legacy Publishing, LLC
9781958339213, $26.99 Hardcover/$17.99 Paperback
https://www.amazon.com/Double-Takedown-Mike-Stoneman-Thriller-ebook/dp/B0DCH2CZCN
NYPD homicide detective Mike Stoneman and his partner Jason Dickson are on another case with Double Takedown. This focuses on an actor's murder, where the play's director is fingered by the duo as the perp. They would testify in court as to the evidence pointing to his guilt - but would they be right?
Kevin G. Chapman introduces the murder, the trial proceedings, and the dilemma Mike and Jason uncover as they put their own perceptions and beliefs on trial, only to conclude that the director might actually be innocent. In that case, they'd have put an innocent man behind bars, leaving the real perp free to pursue his interests.
A seemingly open-and-shut case thus needs re-opening when new evidence emerges that sends Mike and Jason into a tailspin.
Embarking on an unauthorized investigation is never a good idea; particularly when it reveals numerous avenues of discovery. These place Mike and Jason in tenuous positions, both personally and professionally.
Chapman excels at creating an atmospheric story rich in not only investigative processes, but matters of the heart. Quandaries accompany acknowledgement that their preconceived notions may have colored the judicial process's ideal of fairness. This forces both characters to reconsider their own methodology, which has proven successful in the past, but now appears to obstruct the truth:
"But let's not rule anything - or anyone - out until we're finished. No tunnel vision this time. Right?"
Readers seeking a powerful blend of mystery and police procedural spiced with intrigue and thriller components overlaying interpersonal relationship quandaries will find the back-and-forth discoveries Make and Jason make to be unpredictable and completely engrossing.
Chapman's attention to building strong characters whose depth marries nicely with their relationship outside courtroom and police headquarters gives added value to the mystery, while the progressive intrigue building the story rests on the powerful survey of a perp who almost got away with the perfect crime.
Libraries and readers seeking either another Mike Stoneman mystery or a stand-alone read that operates as a finely tuned inspection of judicial and ethical processes will relish the depth Chapman creates and serves up in Double Takedown, a winning a mystery that stands more than a cut above other genre choices.
Rose Island
Zander Hatch
Izzard Ink
www.izzardink.com
9781642281118, $24.95
https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Island-Novel-Zander-Hatch/dp/1642281115
Rose Island's special brand of military thriller places it in a category of high-octane action paired with secrets and espionage cat-and-mouse games. It will especially delight readers interested in adventure stories delivered with the sizzle of strong characterization, complex weavings of personal lives and political interest, and a setting that has been so well erased from the world's maps and attention that it might as well not exist.
At the heart of these interactions is a secret group known as The Team. Their names, presence, objectives, and work to make the world a safe place are top secret. That doesn't mean its members are entirely invisible, however. The story opens with an eye on Madi, a Marine Corps captain recruited to join one of the most elite forces in the world.
Tapped to join a mission to a region that's not on any map (or even in top military knowledge bases), Madi's plane falls under unexpected attack as they near the island, and they crash. But not before a distress message is sent to The Team, alerting them that Rose Island's force is far greater than they imagined.
From this infusion of military presence and battle emerges a team committed to not only rescue, but uncovering and nullifying the danger of Rose Island.
The Team's characters emerge from the flames of this crash as proactive, creative thinkers and fighters able to apply out-of-the-box analysis to impossible situations. This lends their efforts and insights a touch of extraordinary ability to keep readers both engrossed and guessing about outcomes.
Fans of military fiction, in particular, will appreciate the novel's structure and realistic interactions, whether on the battlefield or in the hearts of characters forced to react and engage far beyond their training.
Zander Hatch's ability to succinctly and powerfully portray these emerging combatants gives his story a vivid countenance:
Of average height with salt and pepper hair and matching facial hair, Henderson had a fierce work ethic, little patience for bullshit, and a commanding presence whenever he entered a room.
Within the fiery scenes of confrontation lies a deeper wellspring of psychological tension that clearly depicts the motivations and perceptions of each character on The Team, building a story as vivid in its interpersonal engagements as its battles.
Few military thrillers offer such a strong juxtaposition, which translates to a superior, action-packed, character-driven read which ices its cake with intrigue and mystery to keep readers guessing about ultimate outcomes.
Libraries seeking an exceptional military thriller for their holdings will find that Rose Island stands out from the crowd with insights that marry action and reaction with solid military training tactics:
While on deployments in Syria or Somalia, his teammates relied on one another to make timely decisions under pressure and to put their emotions aside, to find a way to win.
This meld of character, setting, and intrigue is a special blend that should not be missed.
Seeking Fairness at Work
Hanna Hasl-Kelchner
Smart Direction Press
c/o Business M.O., LLC
9798990029903, $24.95 Hardcover/$18.99 Paperback/$4.99 eBook/$13.64 Audio
https://www.amazon.com/Seeking-Fairness-Work-Engagement-Satisfaction/dp/B0D1GRWKZH
Seeking Fairness at Work: Cracking the New Code of Greater Employee Engagement, Retention & Satisfaction comes from the president of Business M.O., who explores workplace politics and underlying assumptions that belie notions of fairness, promoting behaviors and responses that are anything but just.
Her focus on organizational behaviors, dysfunction, and interactions between employees and employers creates a thought-provoking analysis of the fine lines of corporate culture that, while often undiscussed and unacknowledged, trickle down to impact everyone in the business.
Plenty of business books tackle the heady subject of unfairness at work, but the proof of an effective study lies in how it is addressed. The meat of Hanna Hasl-Kelchner resides in strategies for not just identifying, but mitigating and overcoming unfairness in the workplace. Examples emerge from all levels of corporate structure.
From promoting a self-awareness that leads to better interpersonal interactions and relationships to devising a standard of accountability that deletes underlying assumptions, prejudices, and expectations from the formula of success, Hasl-Kelchner creates a measured study that discusses moral and ethical injury as well as healing and redemption processes.
Business readers may not expect such subjects to emerge within the context of a solid business analysis, but their presence and examination represents core value revisions and considerations that are essential for confronting the bigger picture of corporate fairness and accountability.
Fairness is about mitigating dangers that can cause moral injury.
This process is no easy task. Case history examples from all kinds of businesses and structures illustrate various facets of the challenges involved in remedying dysfunctional business relationships, patterns, and approaches.
Business leads that choose Seeking Fairness at Work should be prepared to do the work necessary to analyze their own contributions to unfairness, consider applied solutions to common corporate problems, and encourage a workplace that operates on a deeper level than job descriptions and assignment fulfillment alone.
'New age' ideals such as gratitude and a growth mindset are among the many tools that can be applied to such efforts, so business leaders should be flexible enough to consider how these ideals translate into concrete daily functions.
Libraries seeking a solid business revision acquisition that marries lofty ideals with practical, everyday business approaches will find Seeking Fairness at Work a practical, specific, solution-oriented approach to workplace health that can be highly recommended to business patrons seeking to revitalize their own operations.
Prelude
Susan L. Alandar
Apropos Press
9798990057609, $16.99 Paperback
https://www.amazon.com/Prelude-Prophecys-Daughter-Book-1-ebook/dp/B0D951JJZQ
Prelude, the first book in the Prophecy's Daughter fantasy series, introduces a world in which humanity faces a ruined world, with its demise presenting an ugly mix of political, ideological, and scientific struggles. Rather than working together, too many factions are busy attacking and blaming one another.
Cop Shandiin's encounter with an alluring stranger leads her to discover a scientists' network which is devoted to preserving humanity by fleeing this ruined world. The last thing she'd envisioned was fleeing her world and her duty, but this effort makes complete sense to her.
After all, her mandate to uphold the law and justice is being increasingly tested by a flurry of new laws she will not stand behind, which test her own moral and ethical ground:
"There is no law in effect allowing you to arrest someone for being genetically enhanced. I am telling you to let him go."
What isn't immediately apparent to her is the notion that they will be bringing humanity's unresolved problems and prejudices to the stars.
Susan L. Alandar creates a powerful, proactive character in Shandiin from the start. This allows readers an entry point to this dystopian world which resonates not just with an end-of-days feel, but a beginning of new opportunities and struggles with old mindsets.
As Shandiin encounters new situations, people, prejudices and repressive attitudes, she formulates a survival strategy that digresses from her values yet again as the colonists confront a planet already inhabited by others whose lives do not include taking in or being controlled by invaders.
It's no light feat to marry the viewpoints, perspectives, and survival choices of two very different peoples and cultures, yet Alandar's story embraces a sense of discovery and transformation that juxtaposes rebuilding with revisionist thinking about goals, methods of survival, and processes of integration.
The problem is that Shandiin and her group are immune to the magical influences of their new home. It's a force that the planet's residents wield powerfully and actively, and so one of the main governing choices that dictate their actions and belief systems is all but invisible to the new arrivals. This also means they lack the ability to fear it, which may be a problem as events unfold.
Alandar wields strong personalities with a deft precision that successfully conjoins the seemingly disparate governing guidelines and insights of two very different groups. Their backgrounds, encounters, and influential forces thus assume a realistic countenance as survival efforts on all parts take very different forms.
Her ability to present a cast of characters whose lives and intentions dovetail in unexpected ways, inducing growth and confrontation on many different levels, makes Prelude a full-bodied reading experience which appeals on emotional, dystopian, and action-packed levels all at once.
Libraries and readers seeking a fantasy that builds on dystopian foundations, yet moves the survival mandate far beyond initial chapters that build strong characters, will appreciate Prelude's ability to attract and hold attention with unexpected twists and turns and disparate world-building efforts.
Bunker Mentality
Copernicus Paul
www.copernicuspaul.com
Mount Wilson Publishing
9798989934706, $18.95 Paperback/$7.99 eBook/$30.95 Hardcover/$25.00 audiobook
Bunker Mentality is a novel about the Cold War, underground bunkers, and one Roy Chisolm, who is sent to such a facility in the course of his duty, only to find that the bunker isn't well-ordered, logical, or calm, but a chaotic mess.
The author's introductory note is especially appropriate for setting the stage and mood of events:
History, alas, occurs only once, yet is often interpreted thereafter in a thousand different ways. My depiction is but one of those ways. This is an artifact of a moment in time, cast as an adult story.
Few other fictional considerations of these times holds such a powerful ability to capture the sense of duty, urgency, and fear as this story, which delivers bursts of attention-grabbing insight from its opening salvo:
Confidence permeated the unyielding world I was leaving in Strategic Air Command, or SAC as we called it. One might find it hard to associate peace with the constant threat of imminent annihilation, but better this tenuous position than a life of totalitarian Soviet thought or control. At SAC, survival and freedom were the result of childhood "good versus evil" allegories taken to a real-world logical extreme. Those entrusted with America's thermonuclear arsenal existed in this extreme.
As life within the Bunker and cultural changes outside of it are explored, Copernicus Paul crafts a heady blend of insight and emotional motivation that not only captures the politics and psychology of the Cold War era, but brings them to life through the first-person perspective of a military man who moves into civilian life with a boatload of baggage from his service.
The influence of bunker life and relationships on shifting political and military perspectives creates especially thought-provoking scenes as Roy interacts with others and finds his own convictions being shaken and shattered on levels he'd never anticipated.
Paul's focus on this process successfully dovetails the politics and experiences of military men in powerful positions, creating a story that is especially important for present-day and future generations to thoroughly read and understand.
Also present are elements of irony, examinations of the nature of courage and efforts to save the world (or, at least, democracy), and considerations of flourishing debates and conundrums which emerge from the bunker to permeate individual lives and the outside world.
Any reader interested in a fictional pursuit of the atmosphere and challenges of the Cold War era needs to take a look at it through protagonist Roy's eyes and experiences in Bunker Mentality.
Worthy of library acquisition and recommendation, it is equally highly recommended to book clubs interested in novels well steeped in thought-provoking moments which even hold relevance to modern-day conundrums and considerations:
I deliberated "us" - Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit. The big ones. I was killing myself trying to reconcile the difference between what I wanted out of life and what others would make of it. Falling into this abyss, unable to grasp any tether to climb back out to what was home, could be only one thing - my penance for some sin of which I yet did not know, but for which I was going to make good. But why? Always why? And then it came to me, this game. Everyone works god-awful hard to make something of it. But they, them, those bastards never give up.
Schroeder
Neal Cassidy
M&S Publishing
9798218471163, $6.99 eBook/$13.99 Paperback
https://www.amazon.com/SCHROEDER-Neal-Cassidy-ebook/dp/B0DBL5F4GV
Schroeder is a literary thriller that focuses on the sudden emergence of a brutal executioner who moves from ordinary man to a killer on a mission one morning, bicycling from house to house with murder on his mind. How can such a monster emerge virtually overnight from an ordinary life?
Combine five nights of poor sleep with a lifetime of disappointments as Schroeder has absorbed all he can take of humanity's follies and failings for some degree of initial insight into his latest deadly choices.
The first note to make about Neal Cassidy's road trip through life is that many of its descriptors could be identified as run-on sentences by grammatically staid readers. However, others who appreciate stream-of-thought presentations will recognize, in these passages, a series of jumps and connections that mirror real-life abilities to take impossible leaps between subjects, experiences, hopes and dreams, and reality:
The air is noticeably hotter on the street, out of the shade, the Sun exceedingly brighter than when I arrived, and, after checking my phone and barely registering a text advertising gutters and a phone call I missed almost an hour ago from an eight-seven-seven number, I wonder why I didn't switch it to silent the instant I place it back in my pocket, but I don't bother in case of I don't know what, and deciding to walk my bike to the path in the woods instead of hopping on, I happily visualize that aged gardener's futile attempts to escape the suffocating wet mud and soil in all that darkness, his afternoon plans, which most likely included sipping on lemonade in one of those metal chairs and admiring his years of sweat and dedication, laid to waste.
The result of such long-winded reflections represents a process of realization and experience that more thoroughly absorbs readers into the moment than a properly spaced paragraph could have provided.
Another observation about this novel is its ability to trigger sensitive readers with specific details of murder. Those who avoid descriptions of violence should look elsewhere, because these moments are an intrinsic part of the story and, though appropriately placed, are still powerful indicators of the death through narrator Schroeder's eyes.
As the protagonist winds through the slums and suburban wealth of his urban environment, readers will appreciate the thoroughly engrossing ride that carries them through a day's wonders, challenges, violent intentions and possible redemptions.
Neal Cassidy creates a compelling antihero in Schroeder, whose observations and intricate involvements in his world impact it in more than in predictable ways. This process offers much food for thought for book clubs and psychology groups, in addition to the story's target audience of horror and thriller readers. Schroeder's literary components defy pat genre labels and limited audience assignment, expanding it to groups the typical thriller does not attract.
Libraries that choose Schroeder for their collections will appreciate its wide-ranging immersive trip into a surprisingly likeable killer's mind and his impact on the world as his greatest secrets come to light:
I know that life is truly a gift I should cherish, one where if we only knew food and sun and water and shelter, that's all we'd need, it's beautiful if you think about it, and I'm well aware that when the public learns of this, even after the content of my diaries has been revealed on the news, online, and in the papers, a great number of people will still emphatically express their opinions, saying, "He should've just skipped to the end," that my apathetic, unforgiving obligation to involve the victims was unwarranted, and an insignificant, weak man like me not only destroyed the lives of the deceased, but the families as well, and I'd considered that multiple times, and there could have been a reality in which that was the case, except that didn't seem fair.
South End Syndicate
Anthony Arillotta and Joe Bradley
Hamilcar Publications
www.hamilcarpubs.com
9781949590760, $34.99 Hardcover/$21.99 Paperback/$9.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/South-End-Syndicate-Genovese-Springfield/dp/1949590763
South End Syndicate: How I Took Over the Genovese Springfield Crew brings an edgy historical flavor to the true crime biography genre, embedding it with the personal experience of a police officer in a Mafia town. When Anthony "Bingy" Arillotta, head of a Genovese crime family in Springfield, becomes personally and professional entwined with police officer and writer Joe Bradley over the effort to document Arillotta's experiences in a book, an uncommon friendship emerges on both their parts.
Very different worlds collide in the face of this developing relationship, which offers much more than a singular biography, but documents the rising connections, Mafia interests, and concerns of a family whose power ranges from Springfield to New York City and beyond.
The story of Arillotta's rise in the Mafia is one steeped in not only clashes and internal politics, but powerful associations and history that follows his move from a common street criminal to becoming the head of a group whose influence embraced the extent of Western New England.
From legal systems to criminal enterprises, Arillotta's story juxtaposes personal, legal, and big crime operations with the descriptive hand of fiction and the authoritative approach and facts of nonfiction.
This marriage between the two results in vivid reading. Gang clashes and cop involvements come to life:
In the end, Freddy put bullets in three guys, and one of them was ours. He accidentally shot one of my crew during the melee. Ty stabbed three guys, including one in the chest who was in critical condition. Several others were beaten badly and taken to the hospital for concussions and lacerations requiring stitches. A couple of our guys had to go for treatment, including our guy who Freddy shot in the head. Luckily, he was just grazed, and it didn't cause any lasting damage. It was a wild and exhilarating night that I'll never forget. But it wasn't over - the Manzis would begin plotting their revenge.
Even more absorbing are the thought-provoking inspections of crime family and gang politics and interactions. More so than most true crime scenarios, Arillotta's account brings these mean streets and their connections to life. This approach is designed to educate and inform a wide audience, from leisure readers seeking vivid crime story insights to those involved in justice system and social issues.
Anthony "Bingy" Arillotta pulls no punches in candidly exploring the evolutionary process of his life, decisions, involvements in murder and crime, and the special challenges of being a Mafia boss.
Libraries and readers interested in true crime Mafia mob stories written by bosses themselves will find South End Syndicate an exceptional acquisition and read.
Diane C. Donovan, Senior Reviewer
Donovan's Literary Services
www.donovansliteraryservices.com
Gary Roen's Bookshelf
The Last One At The Wedding
Jason Rekulak
Flatiron Books
www.flatironbooks.com
c/o Macmillan Publishers
https://us.macmillan.com
9781250895783, $28.99 HC / $14.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Last-One-Wedding-Novel-ebook/dp/B0CPWT13KW
"The Last One At The Wedding" was billed as a suspenseful read but shortly into it something happened with the writing that is easy to lose interest. It begins with a wedding invitation to a father who has not communicated with his daughter for many years. He views this as a way of making peace with her, to begin a new relationship, for both. Shortly into the work I had a problem with the overuse of the word and numerous times in many paragraphs on each page to where I just lost interest. It is sad author and editors do not think to use a thesaurus to eliminate that problem. Other readers I am sure will have no problem with "The Last One At The Wedding." Because they are not as technical as I am.
Tales Of The United States Space Force: 24 Stories & Mythbusting Articles
Edited by C. Stuart Hardwick
Baen Books
www.baen.com
9781982192815, $18.00 pbk, $8.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Tales-United-States-Space-Force/dp/198219345X/re
The newest branch of the military is the subject in "Tales Of The United States Space Force." We learn in articles the progression of the newest force, the inspiration for the logo, its function like the other services and a lot more as well as may different fictional stories by some of the best writers of science fiction today. "Tales Of The United States Space Force" is an educational and entertaining collection for anyone interested in the newest Armed Forces division.
Collapse: Clash Of The Aliens Book One
M.B. Wood
Word Fire Press
www.wordfirepress.com
c/o Baen Books (distribution)
www.baen.com
9781680570212, $15.99 pbk / $3.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Collapse-Clash-Aliens-M-B-Wood/dp/1680570218
"Clash Of The Aliens Collapse" begins a great science fiction series that is for anyone looking for a new author to read. Fanatical terrorists release something that takes out every kind of techno device we use every day. Now the grid is gone as people must learn how to live without the things we have been comfortable using. We are a crippled society open for any group to take over. As the characters begin to adapt to the new society there is alien race preparing to leave the planet they inhabit in search of another one to populate. "Clash Of The Aliens Collapse" is a tense nail biting story that races along to its end.
Death Of The Black Widow
James Patterson and J.D Barker
Grand Central Publishing
c/o Hachette Book Group
www.hachettebookgroup.com
9781538753095, $17.99 pbk / $6.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Death-Black-Widow-James-Patterson/dp/153875309X
"Death Of The Black Widow" is another page turner Patterson thriller. Walter O'Brien a cop of Detroit PD jumps into the violent world of death on his first night of duty when he is one of the cops called to a murder scene where he encounters a strange female suspect. While escorting her to the station, she escapes. Years later as a detective he encounters her again then becomes obsessed with her where it affects everything in his life. "Death Of The Black Widow" roars off the page like a rollercoaster out of control to the final page.
Haunted Ever After
Jen Deluca
Berkley
c/o Penguin Random House
www.penguinrandomhouse.com
9780593641217, $18.99 pbk / $10.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Haunted-Ever-After-Jen-DeLuca/dp/0593641213
"Haunted Ever After" is not your normal romance novel,. Instead, it's a lot more. Cassie Rutherford has a nice life in Orlando, but something is missing for her. She decides to look for somewhere else to live, still in Florida. She ends up in Boneyard Key a small beach town, on the Gulf side of the state. She learns it's a place where the major attraction is the many ghosts who inhabit different locations, including the home she purchased. She meets Nick Royer who owns a nice coffee place that also serves food. Forced to go to his place because something causes her laptop computer to not charge. preventing her from being able to work It is really the encounters she has with the spirits in her home, and for Nick the one he has living in his residence upstairs, that makes the story so much fun. As well are the references to popular movies, Publix supermarket and a sub, Cassie loves. "Haunted Ever After" is a perfect read for the Halloween holiday period for anyone looking for a fun excursion into the spirit world
Finch House
Ciera Berch
Margaret K. McElderry Books
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
https://www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781665930543, $17.99 HC / $7.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Finch-House-Ciera-Burch/dp/1665930543
October is a perfect month to discover creepy reading and "Finch House" fills the bill fairly well. Eleven-year-old Micah enjoys living in her grandfather's house with her mom. A perfect life, of a loving family, until her mother tells her they are moving to their own home. One day while taking a bike ride near a vacant home named the Finch House, Micah meets a boy named Theo, who tells her he lives there. She is intrigued about him, his family, and the place they live. At home she talks to grandpa and mom to be told not to go there again. Disobeying their order changes her world from then on, bizarre situations begin where she meets peculiar people all caused by the old residence. "Finch House" is easy reading, well written prose that take readers into a strange realm of existence, believable characters from the settings described. The story quickly moves along to its final revelation that seems to be out of left field. All in all though "Finch House" is great for Halloween time fare for all ages.
Bedtime Blitz!
Matthew Van Fleet
Paula Wiseman Books
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
https://www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781665958295, $24.99 HC / No Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Bedtime-Blitz-Matthew-Van-Fleet/dp/1665958294
Getting ready for bed is fun in "Bedtime Blitz" Different animals do the things we all prepare for going to bed, later in the evening. Some of things are, taking a bubble bath, putting on pajamas, brushing teeth are some of the things deal with. "Bedtime Blitz" is a unique, fun title because some of the pages have pullout sections add enjoyment to bring a smile and laugh to whoever reads it.
Marvel After-School Heroes: Miles Morales Untangles A Web
Terrance Crawford, author
Dave Bardin, illustrator
Simon Spotlight
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
https://www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781665959056, $5.99 pbk / $5.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Morales-Untangles-Marvel-After-School-Heroes/dp/1665959061
Anything Spiderman is always fun, and "Marvel After-School Heroes: Miles Morales Untangles A Web" fits in nicely, for anyone to enjoy, no matter their age. While attending art class, Miles Morales learns the computers of the community center have been hacked. He and friends research the clues to confront the culprit. Also helping is Spiderman who deals with the individual as only Spidey can. "Miles Morales Untangles A Web" is for fans of the classic comic book character.
Mousetronaut Saves The World: Based On A Partially True Story
Astronaut Mark Kelly, author
C.F. Payne, illustrator
Paula Wiseman Books
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
https://www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781665910224, $19.99 HC / $10.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Mousetronaut-Saves-World-Based-Partially/dp/1665910224
Astronaut Mark Kelly tells another story of Meteor who NASA tells him he is needed for a mission in space once again. He is accompanied by Newton and Nova two scientific experts from Mousetronaut Advanced School of Aeronautics. The complicated mission is to move an asteroid a few degrees off its present course so it does not crash into earth. Any good story has conflict and there are plenty of them that move the story along. The author also has written a wealth of information for anyone to learn about some of the things of the space program. "Mousetronaut Saves The World" is a beautifully told story for any age to enjoy.
Mabel Wants A Friend
Ariel Bernstein, author
Marc Rosen illustrator
Paula Wiseman Books
c/o Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
https://www.simonandschuster.com/kids
9781665940405, $18.99 HC / $10.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.ca/Mabel-Wants-Friend-Ariel-Bernstein/dp/1665940409
"Mabel Wants A Friend" is a beautifully told story for many to learn from. Mabel has always done what she wants thinking only of herself. Later she meets Chester who has an instant friendship until Mabel does something he will not tolerate. Alone again she resorts back to her old ways but something nags at her. "Mabel Wants A Friend" is filled with lots of subtle messages to kids on many things of everyday life that adults can profit from to lead better lives
Gary Roen
Senior Reviewer
Helen Dumont's Bookshelf
The Art of Cosplay and Creative Makeup
Chris Peck (aka Rainbowskins)
Rockport Publishers
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartoknows.com
9780760389089, $24.99, PB, 144pp
https://www.amazon.com/Art-Cosplay-Creative-Makeup-Incredible/dp/076038908X
Synopsis: With the publication of "The Art of Cosplay and Creative Makeup: Create Incredible Looks with Simple Techniques and Affordable Materials", aspiring and practicing Cosply fans can learn the secrets of stunning transformations with the help of cosplay superstar Chris Peck --also known as Rainbowskinz on social media.
Peck shares invaluable techniques for aspiring and experienced cosplayers alike, including:
Accessible methods for elevating costumes using affordable makeup and other techniques
Insights into product usage and savvy application techniques
Practical tips for facial contouring, scar simulation, prosthetic application, and more
Advice for creating your own social media content
QR code links to videos that further demonstrate techniques
Whether you attend comic, anime, sci-fi, or other conventions, or want to elevate your Halloween look, or even want to showcase your own transformations on social media, "The Art of Cosplay and Creative Makeup: Create Incredible Looks with Simple Techniques and Affordable Materials" is a complete DIY course of instructions that will show you everything you need to know to make your cosplay dreams come true.
Critique: This large format (8.5 x 0.36 x 11 inches, 1.4 pouinds) paperback editon of "The Art of Cosplay and Creative Makeup: Create Incredible Looks with Simple Techniques and Affordable Materials" from Rockport Publishers is thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation with its illustrated step-by-step instructions. Highly recommended for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Costume/Make-Up Crafting collections, it should be noted that this paperback edition of "The art of Cosplay and Creative Makeup" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $23.74, Amazon) as well.
Editorial Note: Chris Peck, known as @rainbowskinz on social media, is a creative shape shifter with a makeup brush. Based in London, UK, but with a global audience, he creates amazingly creative and entertaining videos that showcase his creative makeup and body painting skills. As an influential face in the cosplay/creative makeup world, Chris has worked with brands such as PlayStation, Amazon Prime, Paramount+, Genshin Impact, and Saints Row to create sponsored cosplaying advertisements for new releases and also collaborated with the band Gorillaz. He can be followed on: TikTok: @rainbowskinz, YouTube: @Rainbowskinz, and Instagram: @rainbowskinz
Preserving: Pickling, Fermenting, Freezing, Drying, Curing and Canning
Katie Caldesi & Giancarlo Caldesi
Kyle Books
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781804192405, $24.99, HC, 256pp
https://www.amazon.com/Preserving-Pickling-Fermenting-Freezing-Canning/dp/1804192406
Synopsis: Throughout human history, preserving is that to make the most of seasonal abundance and creating foods from scratch at home -- and is very on-trend in these modern times.
Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi embarked on a two year-long journey to discover the different methods of conserving food, from smoking fish in Scotland to drying chillies in Sri Lanka, and this book collects their favorite recipes and invaluable advice on equipment, timings and ingredients.
Covering Italian cured charcuterie inspired by Giancarlo's family recipes, jams and chutneys evoking Katie's memories of cooking with her mother to pickling, fermenting, freezing and pressure canning they combine traditional tried-and-tested methods with a thoroughly modern perspective.
This edition of Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi's "Preserving: Pickling, Fermenting, Freezing, Drying, Curing and Canning" from Kyle Books is comprehensive DIY guide to conserving ranging from jams and chutneys to cures and smokes, and includes all the essential technical information you need to make perfect preserves every time.
Critique: Informatively enhanced for the kitchen cook's benefit with the inclusion of a five page Introduction, a one page listing of Suppliers, a five page Bibliography, and a seven page Index, "Preserving: Pickling, Fermenting, Freezing, Drying, Curing and Canning" is an ideal and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Food Science & Preservation collections. It should be noted that this edition of "Preserving: Pickling, Fermenting, Freezing, Drying, Curing and Canning" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.99).
Editorial Note: Katie and Giancarlo Caldesi (www.caldesi.com) own London's Caffe Caldesi as well as Caldesi in Campagna in Bray. They co-authored The Gentle Art of Preserving and Around The World in Salads which was nominated for the Andre Simon Food Book Award and the Guild of Food Writers' Cookbook of the Year award. They have both appeared on Saturday Kitchen. Katie is also the author of The Italian Cookery Course.
Love Is for the Birds
Diane Owens Prettyman
https://dianeowensprettyman.com
She Writes Press
www.shewritespress.com
9781647427801, $17.99, PB, 304pp
https://www.amazon.com/Love-Birds-Diane-Owens-Prettyman/dp/1647427800
Synopsis: The Texas Gulf is beautiful yet unpredictable.
A beach town destroyed. Her mother's candy store swept away. This is what Teddy Wainsworth faces when she returns to Bird Isle.
Meanwhile, Jack Shaughness, owner of a popular barbecue restaurant chain and widower still grieving the death of his wife, receives permission to cross over to the island with a smoker full of brisket to feed hurricane survivors. Soon after arriving, he meets Teddy and immediately finds himself drawn to her -- which makes him feel he is betraying his wife.
When the two find a lost dog, Jack convinces Teddy to take it home while they attempt to find the owner, creating a bond that brings them closer.
In the wake of the hurricane, Bird Isle residents fear the Arkansas Wildlife Refuge will not be ready for the whooping cranes' annual migration south. Seeing that Jack has important connections and a love for the island, they enlist him to help restore the habitat of the endangered cranes before they fly to Padre Island for the winter. With their rescued dog always nearby, Teddy and Jack work side by side to rebuild Bird Isle for the return of the whooping cranes.
But Jack is harboring a secret that may ruin everything he and Teddy are creating -- and he won't be able to keep that secret forever.
Critique: An original and deftly crafted novel that will have a very special appeal to readers with an interest in contemporary southern women's fiction, author Diane Owens Prettyman's "Love Is For The Birds" from She Writes Press is an enjoyably fascinating and emotionally compelling read from start to finish. While an especially appropriate pick for community/library Contemporary General Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Love Is For The Birds" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.99).
Editorial Note: Diane Owens Prettyman (https://dianeowensprettyman.com) is the talented author of the romantic adventure story "Thin Places" and the twentieth-century historical novel "Redesigning Emma". She is also a frequent contributor to the Austin American-Statesman. She stays true to her belief that every story has a happy ending, though perhaps sometimes, maybe even often, one has to wait for the perfect finale.
Helen Dumont
Reviewer
John Taylor's Bookshelf
The Fall
Albert Jaskula
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9798891320277, $22.99, PB, 500pp
https://www.amazon.com/Fall-Albert-Jaskula/dp/B0CNZL2W3N
Synopsis: Regrets are like birthdays -- they keep coming, each one a new scar slowing you down and dragging you closer to your grave.
Ariel Fall, a seasoned private investigator, knew this well. After the devastating loss of his wife and young daughter, Ariel attempts to forge ahead, leaving behind the painful memories that threatened to ensnare him. But his quest for redemption proved more elusive than anticipated, and his entanglement in a series of harrowing investigations were proving rather useless, only serving to expose the darkest corners of humanity's nature and the enigmatic depths of the human mind.
Haunted by the relentless pursuit of truth, Ariel embarks on a treacherous journey, encountering a seductive femme fatale and an enigmatic "guardian angel" along the way. As he delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Lavender Killer, the League of Damned, and the notorious Dirty Joe, he discovers the pervasive corruption lurking within the very heart of the London police force.
In a world where rules and morality blur, Ariel is forced to confront his own limitations and question the validity of conventional approaches. Struggling with the weight of his decisions, each one seeming to lead to his downfall, he realizes that true impact requires bending and even breaking the rules. With the specter of failure looming, Ariel must navigate treacherous waters where every choice feels like a waking nightmare.
A skillfully crafted, original, and simply riveting read from start to finish, "The Fall" by novelist Albert Jaskula will hold a very special appeal to readers with an interest in Private Eye style murder mysteries filled with unexpected plot twists and memorable characters. While readily available for the personal reading lists of dedicated suspense/thriller fans in a digital book format (Kindle, $7.99), this paperback edition of "The Fall" from Atmosphere Press is especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Contemporary Mystery/Suspense/Adventure collections.
Editorial Note: The writing career of Albert Jaskula began in a very unusual way. When he became a co-author of a children's book he realised what a joy it was to write. He soon realised that children were not his intended target. His writing style being appropriate for a more mature audience. (https://atmospherepress.com/interview-with-albert-jaskula)
Sleep Tight
J. H. Markert
Crooked Lane Books
www.crookedlanebooks.com
9781639108732, $29.99, HC, 336pp
https://www.amazon.com/Sleep-Tight-J-H-Markert/dp/1639108734
Synopsis: Father Silence once terrorized the rural town of Twisted Tree, disguising himself as a priest to prey on the most vulnerable members of society. When the police finally found his "House of Horrors", they uncovered nineteen bodies and one survivor - a boy now locked away in a hospital for the criminally insane.
Nearly two decades later, Father Silence is finally put to death, but by the next morning, the detective who made the original arrest is found dead. A new serial killer is taking credit for the murder and calling himself the Outcast.
The detective's daughter, Tess Claibourne, is a detective herself, haunted by childhood trauma and horrified by the death of her father and the resurgence of Father Silence's legacy.
When Tess's daughter is kidnapped by the Outcast, Tess is forced to face her worst fears and long-buried memories. With no leads to follow, she travels back to Twisted Tree to visit the boy who survived and see what secrets might be buried in the tangled web of his broken mind.
With captivating prose and an old-school horror flair, Sleep Tight is a must-read, haunting tale from a true master of the genre.
Critique: Simply stated, "Sleep Tight" by author J. H. Markert is a novel best read with the lights full on. An emotionally engaging suspense thriller of a read from start to finish, with "Sleep Tight" Markert has raised a 'whodunnit' to an impressive level of literary excellence. An original and deftly crafted story that will ling in the mind and memory of the reader long after it has been finished and set back upon the shelf, "Sleep Tight" is a riveting and recommended pick for community library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Sleep Tight" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone Audio, 9798228001183, $45.95, CD).
Editorial Note: James Markert (https://jamesmarkert.com) has a history degree from the University of Louisville and won an IPPY Award for The Requiem Rose, which was later published as A White Wind Blew. Markert is also a USPTA tennis pro and has coached dozens of kids who have gone on to play college tennis in top conferences like the Big 10, the Big East, and the ACC.
John Taylor
Reviewer
Mary Cowper's Bookshelf
Panic Proof: The New Holistic Solution to End Your Anxiety Forever
Dr. Nicole Cain
https://drnicolecain.com
Rodale Books
c/o Penguin Random House
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
9780593582572, $19.99, PB, 432pp
https://www.amazon.com/Panic-Proof-Holistic-Solution-Anxiety/dp/B0CPXPWRXS
Synopsis: With the publication of "Panic Proof: The New Holistic Solution to End Your Anxiety Forever", Dr. Nicole Cain offers a holistic approach to dealing with panic disorders, amounting to a personalized path to freedom for the millions of people who have had panic attacks.
While other books have focused on the thoughts that contribute to panic, "Panic Proof" is the first to teach the body that it's safe in order to prevent panic before it attacks, with remedies ranging from probiotics, herbal remedies, and adaptogens targeted for your anxiety type to healing practices for releasing trauma stored in the body.
In a warm and approachable style, Dr. Cain shares her personal story of managing panic, examples from the patients she's helped, and her science-based protocol derived from a decade of working with clients to manage their own panic disorders. Guiding you through the nine types of anxiety that Dr. Cain has identified, the book includes quizzes, worksheets, and self-reflection checklists to guide you along your journey to panic freedom.
"Panic Proof" covers:
How to shift from asking "what's wrong with me?" to "what is my body telling me?"
How your endocrine system may be a root cause of your panic, and how shifting one hormone may affect your entire mind and body.
How to retrain your stress responses by recalibrating your autonomic nervous system so that it is primed for calm, not panic.
The latest research into holistic supplements, herbs, and psychobiotics for stopping panic and creating calm.
With its research-backed, body-based solutions for preventing panic, "Panic Proof" will guide you to decode what your panic is trying to tell you and help you resolve the root causes so that you can finally achieve deep healing.
Critique: Of particular relevance to readers with an interest in holistic medicine and its applications to panic attacks, "Panic Proof: The New Holistic Solution to End Your Anxiety Forever" by Dr. Nicole Cain is comprehensive in scope and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation. An ideal and 'real world practical' DIY course of study, "Panic Proof" is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Alternative Medicine & Anxiety/Phobia relief collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for students, academia, medical practitioners, and the non-specialist general public with an interest in the subject that "Panic Proof" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.99) as well.
Editorial Note: Nicole Cain (https://drnicolecain.com) is a pioneer in integrative approaches for mental and emotional wellness. With a degree in clinical psychology, training in EMDR, and a license as a Naturopathic Physician in the state of Arizona, her approach to mental health is multidisciplinary: medical, psychological, and holistic.
I Hate You (A Love Letter to My Mother)
Suzanne Manser
https://suzannemanserphd.com
Independently Published
9798989520701, $27.99, HC, 226pp
https://www.amazon.com/Hate-Love-Letter-Mother-Intergenerational/dp/B0CT9RY5S2
Synopsis: Suzanne Manser spent most of her life hating her narcissistic mother and trying not to. Now a Harvard-trained psychologist, she grew up desperate to be seen, taken seriously, and chosen over her mother's next drink. Every day felt like a battle for her existence, and she always lost. Each loss was like a paper cut -- painful and invisible. The cuts evolved into a festering wound that engulfed her and shaped who she became.
Trying to be worthy, lost behind her perfect, people-pleasing smile, Suzanne hid sexual abuse, bullying, a violent boyfriend, and most of herself. And then she made a decision that changed everything. Slowly, she learned how to create a life centered on her, not on her shame or the pain of being her mother's child.
After her mom died, Suzanne was able to see how their shared lineage of pain had robbed her of the mom she needed and nearly robbed her of herself. She discovered the brute and brutal power of the wounds her mother passed down, and she finally understood why she had never been enough.
Suzanne's story bears witness to any child who was disregarded and lights the path to healing. The psychological wisdom she weaves throughout her story shows us how our parents hurt us, how that hurt shapes us, and how we can reshape ourselves. Her experience-based description of the mother wound validates not only her pain, but ours. "I Hate You (A Love Letter to My Mother): Healing Paper Cuts, Mother Wounds, and Intergenerational Pain" is so much more than just a memoir - it is also a kind of 'how to' guidebook to becoming an active creator in your life, living with less pain and much, much more fulfillment.
"I Hate You (A Love Letter to My Mother)" is a love letter to all of us. It was written for anyone on their own journey of understanding and changing their relationships with their parents and themselves.
Critique: Emotionally engaging, resonating, fascinating, insightfully candid, "I Hate You (A Love Letter to My Mother): Healing Paper Cuts, Mother Wounds, and Intergenerational Pain" will hold a very special value for readers with an interest in mother/daughter family dynamics and psychology. While also readily available in a paperback edition (979-8989520718, $16.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.99), "I Hate You (A Love Letter to My Mother" is a compelling read from start to finish and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Contemporary American Biography/Memoir collections, and supplemental Popular Psychology/Counseling curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: Suzanne Manser, PhD (https://suzannemanserphd.com) is a licensed psychologist and author. She specializes in helping people cultivate self-acceptance and create fulfilling lives. She uses her decades of experience as a therapist, her knowledge of psychological development, and her own healing journey to illustrate how our mothers impact us in deep, enduring ways and how we can reclaim ourselves.
Seasons at Lakeside Dairy
Lizzetta LeFalle-Collins
University Press of Mississippi
www.upress.state.ms.us
9781496852090, $28.00, HC, 240pp
https://www.amazon.com/Seasons-Lakeside-Dairy-Black-Owned-California/dp/1496852095
Synopsis: Opened in 1907 in Shreveport, Louisiana, by Lizzetta LeFalle-Collins's grandfather, Black dairy farmer Angus Bates, Lakeside Dairy was a rarity in the post-Reconstruction South. The dairy thrived despite the time's challenging, racially oppressive, and hostile social and political climate. While Lakeside Dairy closed in 1943, Angus's life and work legacy was to echo through the Bates family for generations.
With the publication of "Seasons at Lakeside Dairy: Family Stories from a Black-Owned Dairy, Louisiana to California and Beyond" author LeFalle-Collins structures her narrative around familial creative storytelling heard as a child, supported by family ephemera about the dairy and the family's social and community engagement.
These documents directed her historical research as Seasons at Lakeside Dairy tracks life on the farm through the year, showing how the family worked, lived, and cooked and how they made a sustainable living in a climate of pervasive racism.
Survival in the farming community was mainly due to the influence of George Washington Carver, who disseminated innovative recommendations for farmers, and Booker T. Washington, who advocated for Black entrepreneurs to remain and rebuild the South to make it their own.
Angus Bates passed in 1935, and his spouse Carrie D. Bates, who had always been the dairy's partner and financial manager, rebranded the dairy in her name with her sons until closing. Realizing Shreveport held few opportunities for her children, she encouraged them to move west, a migratory route followed by many Black Louisianans.
Family members' voices are interwoven into each chapter with direct quotations, creative storytelling, historical contexts, ephemera, and healthier recipes based on family favorites. Seasons at Lakeside Dairy offers unique insight into their persistence, sustainability, self-sufficiency, and joy. Migration tales also open a window into the complex history of race and identity, continuing as they became homeowners in the West.
Critique: Raising a complex family history to an impressive level of literary elegance, "Seasons at Lakeside Dairy: Family Stories from a Black-Owned Dairy, Louisiana to California and Beyond" is an extraordinary African American history and biography. Of immense relevance to readers with an interest in Black American Genealogy, Biographies, and Memoirs, "Seasons at Lakeside Dairy: Family Stories from a Black-Owned Dairy, Louisiana to California and Beyond" is a very special and unreservedly recommended addition to community and college/university library collections. It should be noted for personal/professional reading lists that "Seasons at Lakeside Dairy: Family Stories from a Black-Owned Dairy, Louisiana to California and Beyond" is also readiy available in a digital book format (Kindle, $25.00) from the University of Mississippi Press as well.
Editorial Note: Lizzetta LeFalle-Collins is an independent art curator and founding staff curator of visual arts at the California African American Museum in Los Angeles, California. Her work has been published in such journals as Print Quarterly, Black Renaissance Noire, Journal of American Studies, and Nka: Journal of Contemporary African Art. She is also a passionately creative writer. (https://mesarefuge.org/people/lizzetta-lefalle-collins)
Mary Cowper
Reviewer
Micah Andrew's Bookshelf
Hope after Church Hurt
Joe Dobbins
Chozen Books
c/o Baker Publishing Group
www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
9780800772659, $48.45, HC, 234pp
https://www.amazon.com/Hope-after-Church-Hurt-Dobbins/dp/0800772652
Synopsis: "Hope after Church Hurt: How to Heal, Reengage, and Rediscover God's Heart for You" was written by Pastor Joe Dobbins for anyone wounded in a Christian place of worship, and unsure how to move forward in their faith. This powerful book is an insightful and honest guide into eight unique types of church hurt -- and how to heal from them.
Having helped thousands move from anger, distrust, apathy, and heartache to safely reengaging in their faith (and local church) Pastor Dobbins offers compassion, wisdom, and practical advice to help you: Understand why church hurt is so potent and hard to address; Break free from bad beliefs, self-defeating patterns, and cycles of pain; Discover the way to inner healing; Release your pain and reframe your story; Find the courage to reengage in a faith community; Protect yourself in the future.
The pain of church hurt is real. But so is the hope of healing -- and that healing can begin today.
Critique: "Hope after Church Hurt: How to Heal, Reengage, and Rediscover God's Heart for You" by Pastor Joe Dobbins is a timely and much needed source of help and counsel -- especially given that every year seems to bring to the public's attention fresh instances of the betrayal of their Christian duties by members of the clergy -- as well as the political divisiveness that has so fiercely infected so many Christian congregations today. While especially and unreservedly recommended for family, church, community, seminary, and college/university library Christian Self-Help, Pastoral Counseling, and Christian Social Issues collections and reading lists, it should be noted that this hardcover edition of "Hope after Church Hurt: How to Heal, Reengage, and Rediscover God's Heart for You" from Chosen Books is also readily available in a paperback edition (9780800772642, $18.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.35).
Editorial Note: Joe Dobbins (www.JoeDobbins.org) is the lead pastor of Twin Rivers Church. A popular speaker, leadership coach, and strategic thinker, he serves on multiple executive boards for global ministries and universities.
Growing Up Catholic
Richard Etherton
Palmetto Publishing
https://www.palmettopublishing.com
9798822953994, $18.99, HC, 116pp
https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Catholic-Philly-During-Controlling/dp/B0D9MQ9ZJD
Synopsis: With the publication of "Growing Up Catholic, in Philly, During the 50s and 60s With a Very Controlling Mother", Richard Etherton takes us on a poignant journey through his tumultuous childhood. This compelling autobiography paints a vivid picture of a young boy's life, navigating the harsh realities of a Catholic school and the relentless interference of his overbearing mother.
The narrative unfolds in the backdrop of the 1950s, a time when the Catholic Church's influence was pervasive, and the nuns were notorious for their strict discipline. Richard's experiences are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of relentless physical and emotional torment. His mother's constant meddling and her unfulfilled desire for him to join the priesthood add another layer of complexity to his already challenging life.
As the story progresses, the reader is introduced to Richard's adult life, where his mother's influence remains as potent as ever. Her intrusive presence in his marriage and the upbringing of his children is a stark reminder of her incessant need for control. Richard's candid portrayal of his mother's argumentative nature, her addiction to smoking and drinking, and her penchant for creating discord offers a stark contrast to the few cherished memories of his youth.
The narrative takes a poignant turn when Richard recounts his mother's funeral. The priest's words about her contentious nature and its incompatibility with the tranquility of heaven encapsulate the essence of her character. This autobiography is not just a tale of survival but also a testament to the indomitable spirit of a man who navigated his way through a challenging childhood to emerge stronger.
Critique: An inherently fascinating read from start to finish, Richard Etherton's "Growing Up Catholic, in Philly, During the 50s and 60s With a Very Controlling Mother" will prove of immense interest to readers concerned with Parent/Adult Child dynamics and Christian Social/Familial issues. and the influence that the Catholic religion had upon 20th Century American family and societal norms and expectations. Especially and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library Contemporary American Biography/Memoir collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that this hard cover edition "Growing Up Catholic, in Philly, During the 50s and 60s With a Very Controlling Mother" from Palmetto Publishing is also readily available in a paperback edition (9798822954007, $9.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Editorial Note: Richard Etherton, a Philadelphia native, began his career as a toolmaker apprentice at the Budd Company. He later pursued Mechanical Engineering at Drexel University's evening division. His dedication to service led him to the U.S. Navy, serving in Aviation Patrol Planes, both active and reserve duty, reaching the rank of E6. Post-military, Richard worked as the Principal Manufacturing Engineer for a local Defense Contractor, retiring after 34 years. A family man, he has been happily married for 55 years, with two children and two granddaughters. His memoir reflects his experiences growing up Catholic in Philly during the 50s and 60s.
Micah Andrew
Reviewer
Michael Dunford's Bookshelf
Let Me Try Again
Matthew Davis
Arcade Publishing
www.arcadepub.com
c/o Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.
www.skyhorsepublishing.com
9781648210747, $27.99, HC, 288pp
https://www.amazon.com/Let-Me-Try-Again-Novel/dp/1648210740
Synopsis: Ross, twenty-three, isn't nearly as clever as he thinks he is. His brilliant idea to break up with his girlfriend, Lora Liamant, in an attempt to show her how terrible other men are and how empty life would be without him, has backfired spectacularly. Within weeks, he discovers she's moved on with the brother of a famous network TV actor. In the midst of his heartbreak, Ross's parents die tragically - in a helicopter crash at an all-inclusive resort in Turks and Caicos - leaving him with millions of dollars and custody over his teenage sister.
Traumatized, ruminating, and rich, Ross plots scheme after scheme to show Lora he's changed into a responsible adult, even as she shows no indication of wanting that. Everything he does seems to make matters worse, as his misguided mission of self-transformation only leads to Lora's confusion and dismay.
Let Me Try Again is an electric picaresque charting a young Jewish man's spiral of neurotic pride and self-improvement within a culture that only caters to his worst impulses. Brimming with vitality and crackling with wit, Matthew Davis's dynamic debut illuminates the absurdities of twenty-first-century life with ecstatic flair.
Critique: "Let Me Try Again" by software engineer and novelist Matthew Davis can only be described as 'a romantic 'tragicomedy' of faith, family, and folly'. A fascinating, original, and deftly crafted read from start to finish, "Let Me Try Again" is a compelling and memorable work of fiction raised to an impressive level of literary excellence. While also available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99), this hardcover edition of "Let Me Try Again" is a solid and unreservedly recommended pick for community/public library Contemporary Literary Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Matthew Davis is a software engineer whose work has been published in The Verge, Hobart, Forever Magazine, and Heavy Traffic, among other publications. He lives in New York City.
A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders
John Elledge
The Experiment LLC
https://theexperimentpublishing.com
9781891011573, $24.95, HC, 368pp
https://www.amazon.com/Brief-History-World-Borders-Surprising/dp/189101157X
Synopsis: People have been drawing lines on maps for as long as there have been maps to draw on. Sometimes rooted in physical geography, sometimes entirely arbitrary, these lines might often have looked very different if a war or treaty or the decisions of a handful of tired Europeans had gone a different way. By telling the stories of these borders, we can learn a lot about how political identities are shaped, why the world looks the way it does - and about human folly.
From the Roman attempts to define the boundaries of civilization, to the secret British-French agreement to carve up the Ottoman Empire during the First World War, to the reason why landlocked Bolivia still maintains a navy, this is a fascinating, witty, and surprising look at the history of the world told through its borders.
Critique: A fascinating and surprising history of the world told through the simple lines people have drawn on maps creating borders between countries, "A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders: Surprising Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps" is enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of twenty-two B/W Maps, a fifteen page bibliography listing of Further Readings, and a ten page Index. Taking a unique and fascinating approach to history, "A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders: Surprising Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps" is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Historical Maps/Atlases collections and supplemental World History curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for students, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "A Brief History of the World in 47 Borders: Surprising Stories Behind the Lines on Our Maps" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99) as well.
Editorial Note: Jonn Elledge's previous books include The Compendium of (Not Quite) Everything and Conspiracy: A History of Boll*cks Theories, and How Not to Fall for Them. At the New Statesman he created and ran its urbanism-focused CityMetric site, spending six happy years writing about cities, maps, and borders. He lives in London. Find a complete listing of his books to date at https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6425663.Jonn_Elledge
Michael Dunford
Reviewer
Paul Vogel's Bookshelf
The Kingdom of the Poor: My Journey Home
Charles Strobel, author
Katie Seigenthaler, editor
Vanderbilt University Press
www.vanderbiltuniversitypress.com
9780826507365, $29.95, HC, 178pp
https://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Poor-My-Journey-Home/dp/0826507360
Synopsis: As Charles Strobel, beloved Nashville priest and champion of the unhoused, reached the end of his life in 2023, he began to contemplate the last message he wanted to leave his family, friends, and community. With the help of his niece, Katie Seigenthaler, and his colleague, Amy Frogge, Strobel began to dictate "The Kingdom of the Poor".
He wrote, "Mark Twain, the great American folk hero and writer, has said, 'The two most important days of your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.' The following pages help to explain why I was born."
The "why" of Charlie Strobel's life, which was devoted to helping those without support systems and homes to call their own, was a simple belief that we are all poor and we are all worthy of love.
"The Kingdom of the Poor" is the story of the people and experiences that led him to this understanding and inspired him to live his life accordingly.
Critique: Candidly fascinating, eloquently articulate, inspired and inspiring, with a life message that is both timely and timeless, "The Kingdom of the Poor: My Journey Home" is a fitting memorial and testament to the life and service of a genuinely good man. While also available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99), this hardcover edition of Charles Strobel's life story is especially and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library American Biography/Memoir collections.
Editorial Note: Katie Seigenthaler, the niece of Charles Strobel, is the co-author with Dr. Alex Jahangir of Hot Spot: A Doctor's Diary from the Pandemic, published in 2022 by Vanderbilt University Press. She is a managing partner with FINN Partners and a former journalist with the Chicago Tribune. (https://www.finnpartners.com/bio/katie-seigenthaler)
The Ultimate Protest
Ray E. Boomhower
High Road Books
c/o University of New Mexico Press
www.unmpress.com
9780826365705, $34.95, HC, 344pp
https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Protest-Malcolm-Photograph-Stunned/dp/0826365701
Synopsis: With the publication of "The Ultimate Protest: Malcolm W. Browne, Thich Quang Duc, and the News Photograph That Stunned the World", Ray E. Boomhower examines how the most unlikely of war correspondents, Malcolm W. Browne, who became the only Western reporter to capture Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc's horrific self-immolation on June 11, 1963. Quang Duc made his ultimate sacrifice to protest the perceived anti-Buddhist policies of the Catholic-dominated administration of South Vietnam's president Ngo Dinh Diem.
Author and biographer Ray E. Boomhower's "The Ultimate Protest" deftly explores the background of the Buddhist crisis in South Vietnam in the spring of 1963 that led to Quang Duc's self-sacrifice as well as the worldwide reaction to Browne's photograph, how it affected American policy toward Diem's government, and the role the image played in the violent coup on November 1, 1963, that deposed Diem and led to his assassination.
"The Ultimate Protest" also delves into the dynamics involved in covering the Vietnam War in the early days of the American presence and the pressures placed on the journalists to stop raising doubts about how the war was going. Browne and his colleague David Halberstam shared the 1964 Pulitzer Prize for international reporting for their work in Vietnam.
Critique: Impressively well written, exceptionally informative, thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "The Ultimate Protest: Malcolm W. Browne, Thich Quang Duc, and the News Photograph That Stunned the World" is an invaluable and extraordinary contribution to the growing library of Vietnam War histories and biographies. While a critically important and essential addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library collections and supplemental Vietnam War History curriculum studies lists, it should be noted for students, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "The Ultimate Protest: Malcolm W. Browne, Thich Quang Duc, and the News Photograph That Stunned the World" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $28.71, Amazon).
Editorial Note: Ray E. Boomhower (https://rayboomhower.blogspot.com) is a senior editor at the Indiana Historical Society Press. His books include The Soldier's Friend: A Life of Ernie Pyle, Dispatches from the Pacific: The World War II Reporting of Robert L. Sherrod,and Richard Tregaskis: Reporting Under Fire from Guadalcanal to Vietnam (UNM Press).
Paul T. Vogel
Reviewer
S.A. Gorden's Bookshelf
Dark Angel, A Letty Davenport Novel
John Sandford
G.P. Putnam's Sons
c/o Penguin Random House LLC
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
9780593422434, $10.99, 437 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Angel-Letty-Davenport-Novel/dp/0593714814
Dark Angel is an action/thriller. This time Letty is assigned a task for the NSA. She is to be the protector for an overweight computer nerd who is assigned to find a hacking team that brought down the Russian rail system.
Letty becomes friends with Cartwright, another female operative. Cartwright introduces her to a group of powerful women who have formed a gun club and more. As she makes new friends, she is given a new assignment protecting a computer nerd who is going undercover to find a group of computer hackers. During the briefing for the assignment, both Letty and the nerd know they are not being told the whole story about the assignment.
When the pair get to LA, they soon find that someone is killing hackers. Putin has put out a kill order on the hackers. The NSA doesn't want it to be known they are working to find the hackers so Letty can't get direct help from the local FBI while the Russian operatives have no such restrictions.
Dark Angel is easy to recommend for anyone who enjoys the action/thriller genre. Unlike many contemporary thrillers, the logistics and plot is an easy fit to the reality of the world today. The real world framework makes it easy to get lost within the storyline. A nice aspect of Sandford tales is that the endings are strong. There are details that can be used in followup stories but nothing important is left hanging.
Twisted Truth (An Amy Rush Suspense Thriller - Book 1)
Ava Strong
https://avastrongauthor.com
Privately Published
9781094396941 $7.99
B0CRZC1HRD $2.99 ebook, 149 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Twisted-Truth-Rush-Suspense-Thriller-Book-ebook/dp/B0CRZC1HRD
Twisted Truth is a fast thriller. The main protagonist is a strong fish & wildlife agent working her first murder investigation. Since the murder takes place in a federal wilderness, she is in charge of the investigation, pushing the FBI to second place. The killer is stalking anyone who travels across the territory he has claimed.
Agent Amy Rush is investigating her first major case of two young women killed. The murderer is a crazed serial killer who is hunting anyone he meets in the woods. Amy is a good investigator and tracker and soon crosses into the killer's territory. Can the she and the agents she is leading all survive the encounter?
Twisted Truth is a fun fast paced thriller. Unfortunately there are significant problems with the storytelling. If the reader can ignore the problems with the tale, it is a fun vacation type read.
My biggest problem with the story is that Strong has repeatedly confused crossbows with actual bows. Crossbows don't use arrows but bolts. At first glance, bolts and arrows look similar but there are huge differences. Crossbows are easier to use than bows but take much longer to load with a fresh bolt to shoot. Strong keeps calling the bolts arrows and has the timings between the firing of bolts impossibly fast. To load a new bolt in a crossbow powerful enough to kill a man at distance, you first have to pull the string back and lock it into the trigger assembly -- this is usually done with a foot stirrup and pulling the string back with both hands or using a lever device. Actual bows can be fired quickly with only seconds between shots. Anyone who is as skilled as the fish & wildlife agent Rush would have to know the difference. This glaring problem pulled me out of the story every time Strong mixed the different characteristics between two weapons.
S.A. Gorden
Senior Reviewer
Suzie Housley's Bookshelf
The Guatemala Reader: Extraordinary Lives and Amazing Stories
Mark D. Walker
Million Mile Walker LLC
https://millionmilewalker.com
9798990236622, $9.99 PB, $2.99 Kindle, 192 Pages
https://www.amazon.com/Guatemala-Reader-Extraordinary-Amazing-Stories/dp/B0D38JVM4S
Synopsis: Guatemala is a country with a complex history, rich culture, and diverse political landscape. This exciting book offers you a unique perspective to explore this country's unique tapestry of everyday life through descriptive words and passages.
Throughout the pages, this book showcases the diverse and vibrant aspects of Guatemala's culture and history, and our latest addition to our collection will particularly intrigue you.
This author brings in-depth facts and pictures that provide a comprehensive introduction to Guatemala's history, culture, and politics. It includes the opinions of politicians, activists, and scholars, poems, songs, plays, jokes, novels, short stories, recipes, art, and photographs that capture the diversity of everyday life in Guatemala.
If you want to truly immerse yourself in Guatemala as a place where people experience joys and sorrows that cannot be reduced to the conflicts of resistance and repression. These curated experiences offer many perspectives on the violence that has shaped Guatemala's history but also portray Guatemala as a country entire of life, love, and culture.
Critique: Are you looking for a way to experience the beauty of Guatemala without leaving the comfort of your home? Look no further than The Guatemala Reader, a collection of stories and essays that bring this exotic land to life.
Embark on a journey of a lifetime as you delve into the pages of The Guatemala Reader, penned by the exceptional author Mark D. Walker. With his seasoned writer's perspective, Walker understands the transformative power of exploring exotic destinations that leave an indelible mark on your soul. His vivid descriptions, along with those of local authors and historians, bring to life the vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of Guatemala.
The Guatemala Reader offers a unique and insightful perspective on this mesmerizing country, promising to transport you to a world of wonder and enchantment. Whether you are planning your next adventure to Guatemala or simply yearning to learn more about this captivating destination, The Guatemala Reader is your key to unlocking the secrets and treasures of this remarkable land.
Prescription Without Pills: For Relief from Depression, Anger, Anxiety, and More
Susan Heitler, Ph.D.
https://prescriptionswithoutpills.com
Morgan James Publishing
https://www.morgan-james-publishing.com
9781630478124, $29.50, HC, 280pp
9781630478100, $12.14 PB, $7.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Prescriptions-Without-Pills-Depression-Anxiety/dp/1630478105
Synopsis: In her work, Prescription Without Pills, Dr. Susan Heitler, Ph.D., provides a comprehensive, practical, and empowering guide for individuals seeking non-pharmaceutical methods to manage and alleviate their emotional distress. Her unique approach, distinct from traditional solutions, stands out in the self-help genre due to its applicable, yet empathetic nature of managing psychological challenges.
Dr. Heitler's methods are a practical toolkit for navigating the emotional distresses that often accompany many life situations. Instead of focusing solely on biochemical imbalances, she explores how the trials of everyday life shape our emotional health. The book is divided by chapters into examining integral factors of psychological well-being, such as anger, anxiety, and depression, before suggesting exercises for practical application, as well as insights into family dynamics and integration with other therapies.
Critique: Prescription Without Pills: For Relief from Depression, Anger, Anxiety, and More is a guide to alternative remedies that can transform your life. The book serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to take an active role in their emotional health without immediately resorting to medication. It largely critiques the over-prescription of psychotropic drugs for conditions that might be better managed through therapeutic interventions, an approach grounded on Dr. Heitler's extensive clinical experience.
Dr. Susan Heitler's writing style is engaging and accessible. She uses a conversational tone that makes complex psychological concepts understandable for readers. The numerous case examples and personal anecdotes help to illustrate the effectiveness of the prescribed techniques and make the book relatable.
Imagine embarking on a journey where each page becomes a step toward personal empowerment and health transformation, feeling motivated and engaged. Having devoted my college thesis to the advantages of alternative medicine, I can attest to the quality this book has to offer.
Edged in Purple
John W. Feist
Winter Wheat Press
9798990430006, $14.95 PB, $1.99 Kindle, 169 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Edged-Purple-John-W-Feist-ebook/dp/B0D496CJ5F
Synopsis: Imagine a world where the paths of mythological hero Orestes and Shakespearean character Perdita intersect in a captivating tale of love and adventure. In a unique twist of fate, these two iconic figures find themselves entwined in a love story that transcends time and challenges fate.
Orestes, amid his ill-fated original story, falls forward in time into a Brigadoon-like sheepfold, only to be drawn to the enchanting Perdita. However, tradition and societal expectations test their love, leading them to defy all odds and choose a path that takes them into uncharted territories.
Orestes and Perdita test their bond as they navigate a world filled with modern-day dilemmas and historical obstacles. Will their love stand firm against royal opposition?
Critique: Edged in Purple explores a world where Shakespearean charm meets the allure of Greek mythology. The creators meticulously craft this enchanting experience to transport you to a realm where the lines between fiction and reality blur, creating a truly magical journey like no other.
John W. Feist brings a new twist of Greek and Shakespeare lore as Edged in Purple offers a unique blend of storytelling that promises to immerse you in a world of wonder and fantasy, leaving you spellbound at every turn.
This book promises to ignite your imagination and leave you with long-lasting memories even after you turn the last page. It offers a twist to two periods in history.
Mortal Flip: A Home Renovator Mystery (Book 5)
M.E. Bakos
Independently Published
9798986788913, $14.95 PB, $4.99 Kindle, 224pp
https://www.amazon.com/Mortal-Flip-Home-Renovator-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0D92SPN8J
Synopsis: Welcome to the charming little town of Crocus Heights, Minnesota, where life is usually as sweet as a slice of homemade pie! In this tight-knit community, Katelyn has always found her happy place in the art of renovating houses. It's more than just a hobby; it's a passion that weaves her into the fabric of her neighborhood. Recently, she took on a delightful two-story home on Thrush Street, envisioning cozy evenings and the laughter of friends echoing through its halls.
But as Katelyn immerses herself in her renovation dreams, an unsettling revelation shakes the tranquil hum of Crocus Heights: the eager seller of her beloved home has a connection to a high-profile murder case! Suddenly, tension and uncertainty cloak the quaint streets that once felt like a warm embrace. As Katelyn finds herself tangled in a web of intrigue, she must navigate the unsettling dynamics of her neighbors, including a chatty confidante determined to share her theories about the seller, his wife, and, of course, the enigmatic Sheriff Don Williams, who adds a dash of charm amidst the chaos.
With her ex-husband Eddy stepping in with his sleuthing skills and her best friend Myra by her side, every corner turned reveals another mystery. Katelyn's life has transformed from being filled with paint colors and renovation plans to being filled with suspense and unexpected twists. And when she thinks she has a handle on it all, the pre-wedding jitters kick in, leaving her yearning for clarity. Enter the famed psychic Gabriella - will she bring light to Katelyn's tangled journey, or will the mystery deepen?
Critique: Mortal Flip is a heart-pounding tale of friendship, courage, and the undeniable thrill of discovery. So, dear reader, as you sip your coffee and immerse yourself in Katelyn's world, let her story inspire you to seek your adventures.
M.E. Bakos is a talented author whose humor and mystery intertwine to create a delightful reading experience! Bakos' fun-filled book features zany characters, each bringing unique flair and charm to the narrative. As you journey through the pages, you'll find yourself wrapped in a plot that entertains and inspires the spirit of adventure.
Editorial Note: Mortal Flip is the fifth book in A Home Renovator Mystery series. To learn more about past titles, visit the author's website: https://mebakos.wixsite.com/author
He Died Two Days Ago
John Posner
https://www.johnposnerbooks.com
Golden Echo Books LLC
9798989335459, $22.95 PB
9798989335442, $8.99 Kindle, 354 pages
https://www.amazon.com/He-Died-Two-Days-Ago/dp/B0D8M9KT9C
Synopsis: Prepare to plunge into a whirlwind of thrills with He Died Two Days Ago. This gripping tale introduces Pierce Savage, the embodiment of a ruthless mobster kingpin who controls an army of assassins with a mere gesture. When Tony Cowen, seizes Sylvia, his beloved gun moll, Savage unleashes pandemonium, triggering a series of events that escalate into a cosmic conflict.
In a jaw-dropping turn of events, the assassins mistakenly target Tony's innocent twin, Nick, unveiling a mysterious world of the Ephemerals, an enigmatic alien race that feeds on the emotional turmoil of its hosts.
As Nick's destiny intertwines with these extraterrestrial beings, Earth becomes a battleground for rival Ephemeron clans. What happens when their 1,000-year political cycle clashes with their 300-year biological clock? Will their society crumble, unleashing chaos among the Ephemerals?
As our three Earthlings strive for justice against Savage and his ruthless henchmen, they find themselves caught in a web of alien intrigue and human emotion. Will they break free from this alien grip while navigating through explosive confrontations and forming unexpected alliances?
Critique: He Died Two Days Ago is not just a thrilling tale of revenge and survival; it embodies the spirit of camaraderie, adventure, and unforgettable experiences.
Prepare to embark on a pulse-pounding journey as we celebrate the release of John Posner's latest sci-fi thriller! This book overflows with action, mystery, and intrigue. This captivating book promises to transport the reader to a world where every page in turn ignites your imagination and keeps your heart racing.
The Sorcerer and the Necromancer: A Tale From The City of Magic - Book 3
Susan Ann Walker
https://susanannwalker.com
Golden Echo Books LLC
9798989335459, $11.99 PB, $4.99 Kindle, 335 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Sorcerer-Necromancer-Tale-City-Magic-ebook/dp/B0D8XHMZY1
Synopsis: Imagine a world where courage meets magic, where every choice can tip the balance between survival and destruction. Meet Daric, a young swordsman with a secret that could change everything. Growing up in a secluded enclave of wizards, he learned to fend for himself with nothing but his sword and wits, often labeled as "blank" by those around him. But fate had other plans, and his courage would soon inspire many. The story follows Daric's journey as he discovers a forbidden power, navigates the challenges of harnessing it, and ultimately fights to protect his city from a looming threat.
At just seventeen, Daric stumbles upon a hidden Gift - a forbidden power that allows him to siphon mystical energy from others. Fear grips him as he realizes this newfound ability could endanger those he cares about most. Yet, our brave swordsman does not let adversity deter him. He is determined to harness his powers and protect his beloved city from the encroaching darkness, a testament to the power of determination and courage.
Guided by a sagacious mentor and bolstered by unwavering friends, Daric embarks on a truly metamorphic journey. Together, they unravel the nefarious schemes of a renegade necromancer who prey on the vulnerable and prophetic dreams of a cataclysmic firestorm that threatens their very existence.
Amidst the swirling rumors and escalating panic, Daric realizes that true strength lies not just in his sword or newfound magic, but also in the bonds of friendship and the power of teamwork. Will he be strong enough to overcome those who seek his destruction?
Critique: The Sorcerer and the Necromancer is a spellbinding narrative that intertwines beloved characters and heart-stopping action, beckoning readers to lose themselves in a realm where magic meets revelation.
As you turn each page, let the thrilling escapades spark your wanderlust and ignite your imagination for extraordinary journeys that await beyond the horizon.
Susan Ann Walker's latest is a literary gem! In her masterfully crafted book, Walker invites readers on an extraordinary journey that promises to outshine the competition. Each meticulously crafted scene evokes feelings of joy and suspense, drawing you into a world where every page turns with excitement and wonder. The joy of discovery and the suspense of the unknown will keep you turning the pages, eager to uncover what lies ahead.
Birdie & Mipps
Barbara Gruener, author
Wasel Ahmed, illustrator
https://barbaragruenerauthor.com
Road to Awesome, LLC
9798990530539, $14.99 PB, 52 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Birdie-Mipps-Barbara-Gruener/dp/B0D6QD7PQV
Synopsis: In a world where our names hold immeasurable significance, the story of a young Mippers and his sister, Birdie, beautifully encapsulates the essence of understanding and respect in personal relationships.
As Mippers grapples with the fear that an unwanted nickname might have jeopardized his friendship with Patty, he seeks solace in his favorite serenity spot. But it is here that his sister Birdie steps in, ready to guide him on an enchanting walk-through of nature.
This enchanting stroll becomes more than just a walk; it transforms into a journey of self-discovery and healing. With her caring demeanor, Birdie gently reminds Mippers of names' power.
Each name tells a story, reflecting individuality and our depth of connection. Their conversation flows as naturally as the breeze, emphasizing the importance of kindness and respect in addressing those we cherish.
Critique: Birdie & Mipps is a beautifully illustrated book that takes readers on a delightful journey through the essence of friendship. This enchanting tale not only captivates with its charming visuals but also emphasizes the vital role of respect in nurturing meaningful connections. Like the characters in the story, the bonds we create enrich every journey we embark on.
Barbara Gruener is a remarkable author whose unique storytelling style captivates audiences far and wide. Her characters, rich in depth and substance, invite readers to embark on enchanting journeys that resonate long after the last page is turned.
With each tale Gruener weaves, we find ourselves not just observing her characters but genuinely connecting with their emotions and adventures. This book echoes the warmth and connection of the bond of friendship, evoking a deep sense of empathy in the readers.
Editorial Note: Birdie & Mipps, a Moms Choice Gold Award Winner, is a testament to its quality and the impact it can have on readers.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches from Outer Space
I.S. Noah
Fulton Books
https://fultonbooks.com
9798887316918, $18.95 PB, $9.99 Kindle, 256 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Peanut-Butter-Jelly-Sandwiches-Outer/dp/B0CZ7NVZQF
Synopsis: Picture this: a sun-drenched afternoon where laughter echoes through the trees, and the thrill of adventure hangs in the air like the sweet scent of pine. With her heart full of hope and a hint of trepidation, Violet Wilson embarks on what she believes will be a simple hike with her two brothers and her best friend, Pamela Edison.
Little do they know that this expedition will spiral into a whirlwind of cosmic chaos, as they find themselves entangled in a battle between two alien species! As they wander deeper into the enchanting forest, curiosity leads them to a hidden cave, where a mysterious flying saucer awaits. The moment six-year-old Willys takes a daring bite of the alien sandwich, the ordinary transforms into the extraordinary, igniting a cascade of delightful surprises.
As Brad's frantic imagination runs wild, conjuring images of alien parasites and superpowers, the girls navigate the zany world of extraterrestrial encounters and unexpected allies - including a three-hundred-year-old parrot and a Sasquatch! This whimsical tale is not just about the thrill of discovery; it's an invitation to embrace the unexpected twists that keep the reader intrigued.
Critique: Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches from Outer Space introduces a cast of charming characters who embark on an extraordinary journey filled with laughter and mystery, making it a delightful read for all.
I.S. Noah is an exceptional author who has written a magnificent book! Step into a world where the extraordinary meets the charming as we invite you to explore the enchanting narrative.
This delightful tale weaves captivating characters and mesmerizing paranormal phenomena, creating an experience that captures the imagination and warms the heart.
Finding New Life After the Death of My Son
Mark Bodnarczuk
https://markbodnarczuk.com
Breckenridge Press
9781963461206, $34.95, HC, 408pp
9781963461213, $20.00 PB, $9.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Finding-New-Life-After-Death/dp/1963461215
Synopsis: In the heart of every parent lies an innate desire to protect their children from the world's harsh realities. Yet, for many, unimaginable circumstances test this instinct.
Mark Bodnarczuk's poignant memoir, "Finding New Life After the Death of My Son: Grace and Forgiveness in the Age of Counterfeit Pills and Fentanyl Poising" offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the depths of grief that follows an unspeakable loss - the sudden death of his eighteen-year-old son. Navigate through the pages of his narrative and experience a profound sorrow that envelops a family torn apart by tragedy.
Through his heart-wrenching account, Bodnarczuk not only recounts the harrowing moments that led to his son's untimely death, but also bravely opens up about the emotional turmoil that ensued.
Critique: Finding New Life After the Death of My Son: Grace and Forgiveness in the Age of Counterfeit Pills and Fentanyl Poising is a story of anguish, confusion, and the struggle to find meaning in a world that seems irrevocably altered. Yet, amidst the pain, Bodnarczuk illuminates the transformative power of love, resilience, and hope, inspiring us with his courage.
Mark Bodnarczuk takes us on a profound journey through the depths of human emotion, illuminating the heartbreaking experience of a family grappling with the unimaginable loss of a child. His story resonates with anyone who has faced the raw, unfiltered pain that accompanies grief, particularly the shock that comes with losing a loved one to the dark crime of fentanyl poisoning.
This poignant exploration not only sheds light on the struggles of coping with such a devastating loss, but also emphasizes the importance of connection and support during our darkest times.
Getting a Life
Kathleen S. Schmitt
https://justiceworks.ca
Luminare Press
https://www.luminarepress.com
9798886792485, $14.95 PB, $3.99 Kindle, 96 pp
https://www.amazon.com/Aunt-Bettys-Surprise-Sally-Sockwell/dp/B0CN54KDZH
Synopsis: In her latest novel, Schmitt takes us on a poignant journey through the life of Hildie Vasquez, a sixteen-year-old girl whose world's shattered when her cruel uncle abandons her on the unforgiving streets of Vancouver.
Hildie's journey is not merely a tale of survival, but a profound exploration of what it means to find one's place in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty. After being left to fend for herself, she seeks solace among a group of young settlers, only to be thrust into a new nightmare when a friend is murdered, and she becomes the prime suspect. As she grapples with the dangers of drugs and violence, Hildie also carries the weight of her past - the tragic loss of her parents during a Salvadoran revolution.
Schmitt's portrayal of Hildie is not just relatable; it's authentic, capturing the essence of loss and displacement many experiences in times of upheaval. Her struggles, which mirror countless individuals' challenges, seeking connection and understanding in an unfamiliar landscape, are sure to evoke a strong sense of empathy in readers. This narrative speaks to the heart.
Critique: Getting a Life is an emotionally packed book. Through the lens of Hildie's struggles, explore themes of grief, resilience, and the deep-seated yearning for belonging that resonate with us all, striking a deep emotional chord.
Kathleen S. Schmitt has poured her heart and soul into a compelling book that promises to whisk readers away on a journey filled with rich characters and an intricately woven plot. Schmitt storytelling immerses readers in vibrant settings and relatable emotions, ensuring that every page resonates with the heart and soul.
Aunt Betty's Surprise
Sally Sockwell
Luminare Press
https://www.luminarepress.com
9798886792485, $14.95 PB, $3.99 Kindle, 220 pp
https://www.amazon.com/Aunt-Bettys-Surprise-Sally-Sockwell/dp/B0CN54KDZH
Synopsis: Life with Aunt Betty and Aunt Jane is a delightful whirlwind of laughter and unexpected escapades! When Emily enters their world on a vibrant trip to Mexico-dangerously, she becomes entangled in a comical and chaotic adventure.
Imagine the surprise when two friendly dogs, Mojito and Margarita, turn out to be charming rats that have cleverly smuggled themselves across borders hidden in the aunts' luggage!
With a talent for charm and a flair for business, these clever little creatures are on a mission to become model citizens in their new home. As Emily and her aunts rally to support their new furry friends, they navigate a series of hilarious hiccups: from the tense moments of a veterinary inspection that reveals the truth to unexpected run-ins with immigration law and even a detour to visit the Amish community.
As Aunt Betty and Aunt Jane dive headfirst into this delightful mess, they stir up trouble that even the Secret Service can't ignore! With a blend of humor and heart, the story unfolds into a tapestry of connections, showcasing the importance of friendship and the joy of shared experiences.
Critique: Aunt Betty's Surprise offers a delightful and implausible plot. Each moment sparks the reader's curiosity and ignites their imagination.
Embark on a delightful journey with the charming tales of Sally Sockwell, where laughter and learning go hand in hand! This captivating narrative invites readers to join Emily in her whimsical escapades filled with humorous moments that will tickle your funny bone.
But it's not just about giggles; as you flip through the pages, you'll also pick up useful Spanish vocabulary, navigating the complexities of immigration law, and exploring the fascinating world of Amish culture. This unique blend of entertainment and education is the perfect addition to anyone's library.
Editorial Note: Sally Sockwell's Aunt Betty Horns In won the New England Children's Book Review award for the best chapter book in 2016. Recommended ages 6-10 years old.
Bad Company
Lester Bleich
Luminary Legends
9798990688025, $17.99 HC, 403pp
9798990688018, $10.99 PB, $2.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Company-Lester-Bleich-ebook/dp/B0D7CBPHWY
Synopsis: Have you ever found yourself caught in the web of a thrilling adventure, where every twist and turn keeps you on the edge of your seat? Meet Jonah Mark, an ordinary finance professional whose journey takes a dramatic detour into the world of corporate espionage!
What begins as a dull job at a prestigious high-tech weapons manufacturer takes an unexpected turn, quickly spiraling into a nightmare of intrigue and danger. Beneath the polished surface of balance sheets and profit margins, there lies a sinister international weapons smuggling scheme that puts Jonah - and perhaps even national security - at risk.
As Jonah navigates this treacherous terrain, he discovers that the excitement of his beloved spy novels pales compared to the reality he's facing. With eyes watching him both in the office and on the streets, he realizes that the stakes have never been higher. Initially dismissed as just another mystery-obsessed dreamer, Jonah's world flips upside down when a shocking murder, more brutal than anything he's read in his novels, brings the gravity of his situation to light.
Critique: Bad Company is a captivating tale of courage, camaraderie, and the relentless pursuit of truth echoes the spirit of exploration and adventure.
Dive into Lester Bleich's captivating world, where every page is brimming with high-octane action and a dazzling array of characters that will keep you on the edge of your seat! This thrilling tale engages readers with its relentless pace and introduces a diverse cast that adds depth and intrigue to the storyline. Each character brings a unique flair, creating an unforgettable tapestry of personalities.
Nauset: A Personal Legacy
Mary E. Daubenspeck & Tim Daubenspeck
Keeper's House Press
https://www.nausetlightkeepershouse.com
9798218416430, $29.95 PB, $9.99 Kindle, 242 pp
https://www.amazon.com/Nauset-Light-Personal-Timothy-Daubenspeck/dp/B0D7W6B13B
Synopsis: Before her passing in 2001, Mary Daubenspeck's life was a tapestry woven with remarkable experiences that resonated deeply with the spirit of Cape Cod. Her significant moments, such as the poignant relocations of the Nauset Lighthouse in 1996 and her beloved Keeper's House in 1998, were not just historical events but reflections of her connection to this cherished area.
As a gifted writer, Mary meticulously chronicled these events in her real-time journal and through her thoughtful contributions to the Keeper's House Logbook. Her writings, with their unique and intimate perspective, offer us a privileged insight into these historical occurrences, capturing them from the viewpoint of an eyewitness who was profoundly involved in the journey.
Mary's dedication to preserving the legacy of the Nauset Light Keeper's House was not just a personal endeavor; it was a profound expression of her love for Cape Cod. Her selfless donation of this cherished property is a lasting tribute to her unwavering commitment and passion for the area, a connection that resonates deeply with the spirit of Cape Cod.
Tim Daubenspeck, her brother and co-author, invites us to explore the depth of her impact and the vibrant stories that shaped her life and the landscape of Cape Cod. Her actions continue to inspire awe and admiration, shaping the very fabric of this cherished area.
Critique: Nauset is more than just a lighthouse; it is a beacon of hope, resilience, and the power of the human spirit, beautifully encapsulated through Mary Daubenspeck's life. As we delve into her heartwarming story, we find a remarkable woman who dedicated her final days to the relocation, reunification and preservation of the Nauset Light landmark -- including the Keeper's House, Oil House and the Lighthouse, the latter a symbol of guidance and safety for countless mariners.
The combined voices of Mary and Tim Daubenspeck create a powerful tapestry of storytelling that resonates deeply with anyone who cherishes the power of personal narratives. In their beautifully crafted tale, Mary's reflections offer a voice from the past, rich with experiences and emotions that have shaped her life. Tim fervently intends to share her story with the world, complementing this and ensuring that her journey is not only remembered but celebrated. Their shared narrative becomes a force that cannot be ignored.
This dynamic duo invites readers to explore the nuances of their experiences, allowing us to glimpse into their hearts and minds. Their words become a mirror, reflecting our own desires for connection, understanding, and the longing to leave a legacy. In this shared narrative, we find a sense of belonging, a connection to the rich history and culture of Cape Cod.
Parker The Homeless Dog - Book 1
Bob Merz, author
Debbie J. Hefke, illustrator
Parker Publishing Company
https://parkerthehomelessdog.com
9798989977505, $3.99 PB, $.99 Kindle, 403 pp
https://parkerthehomelessdog.com/books
Synopsis: In a world where every furry friend deserves a loving home, Parker, a sweet little puppy, faced the harsh realities of life on the streets. With only a dirty patch of pavement under a car as her bed, Parker's dreams of belonging and love felt like distant stars.
As she scavenged for food in dumpsters, passersby met her with disdain, seeing her as just another stray unworthy of compassion. Children's laughter at the playground pierced her heart, each giggle a reminder of her isolation and longing for a family.
But hope arrived as Miss Jean, a kind-hearted teacher who saw beyond Parker's scruffy exterior. With a warm smile and an open heart, she rescued Parker from the animal control officer's clutches, offering her a name and a chance at a new life filled with love and adventure.
This transformative moment marked the beginning of Parker's journey. Parker stepped into a world where she would learn, grow, and thrive, inspiring hope and a sense of possibility.
Critique: Parker the Homeless is not just a book; it's a heartfelt journey that resonates with anyone who has ever experienced the joy of connection. This adorable little dog, with his soulful eyes and unwavering spirit, has the unique ability to capture hearts and inspire readers to embrace the beauty of life's adventures.
Step into a world where storytelling meets stunning artistry, brought to life by the talented Bob Merz. His enchanting narratives, paired with exquisite illustrations, invite you to experience the poignant journey of a homeless dog - an embodiment of hope, resilience, and the unconditional love that transcends all barriers.
Imagine a book that not only fills your shelves but also warms your heart - a delightful addition to your home or local library. Parker's sweet disposition shines through every page, inviting readers into a world where kindness and adventure intertwine. This enchanting narrative is more than just a story; it's an opportunity to foster community connections and create shared experiences that resonate with all ages.
Star People: Mystery of the Hologram - Book 1 of the Star People Trilogy
James Schwartz
Sword and Dragon Press
https://www.starpeopletrilogy.com
9798990487703, $16.99 PB, $9.99 Kindle, 358 pp
https://www.amazon.com/Star-People-Hologram-James-Schwartz/dp/B0DCLB9KJG
Synopsis: Imagine the summer of 1964, a time bursting with excitement and wonder, when the air is thick with the scent of adventure and the skies are alive with mystery. It's a season that evokes a sense of nostalgia and curiosity, a time when anything seems possible.
Imagine a small New England town where extraterrestrial beings awaken Scott Harrison with a dazzling encounter one fateful night. A hologram flickers to life on his bedroom window, unveiling cryptic runes and images that hint at a difficult journey ahead.
This is just the beginning of an extraordinary adventure that will take Scott and his best friend, Christina Rivera, to the enchanting pyramids of Egypt and the secretive caves of Easter Island while they evade the dark force known as Zarco.
Will they be strong enough to survive the evil forces of Zarco? Or will they be putting themselves in the pathway of destruction?
Critique: Star People: Mystery of the Hologram is a thrilling adventure that promises to captivate your imagination and ignite your curiosity as we explore the enigmatic tales and magnetic mysteries surrounding unidentified flying objects. Get ready for an adrenaline-filled journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
James Schwartz's talented pen has created a promising addition to a captivating series that will surely resonate with paranormal lovers! James Schwartz's talented pen has created a promising addition to a captivating series that will surely resonate with paranormal lovers! Dive into this enchanting narrative and explore the lasting impressions it leaves behind.
Editorial Note: Star People-Mystery of the Hologram is a recommended reading for ages 12-18, offering an adventure that will captivate young minds and keep them on the edge of their seats.
A Matter of Mercy (10th Anniversary Edition)
Lynne Hugo
https://www.lynnehugo.com
Amphorae Publishing Group LLC
https://amphoraepublishing.com
9781943075850, $16.16 PB, $4.99 Kindle, $21.83 Audio, 358 pp
https://www.amazon.com/Matter-Mercy-Lynne-Hugo/dp/1943075859
Synopsis: Welcome to the enchanting shores of outer Cape Cod Bay, a unique setting that serves as a character in itself, where award-winning novelist Lynne Hugo invites us into a world brimming with life and authentic human emotions.
In her latest riveting drama, we meet Caroline Marcum, a character whose struggles and triumphs come back to haunt her. She thought she had left behind the greatest mistake of her life. Yet, as she returns to her childhood home to care for her ailing mother, she cannot escape the past and is compelled to confront it.
Joining Caroline on her journey is Ridley Neal, a character who believed he had left his past and his prison term behind when he took over his father's oyster and clam farm. Their paths, once distant, intertwine amidst the chaos of a fierce chaos, setting the stage for a tale woven with deep emotional currents.
As they navigate the stormy waters of their pasts, a lawsuit threatens Rid's livelihood, and an unexpected encounter with a woman Caroline's wronged leads to chaos and mistrust.
Will Caroline and Rid's newfound love stand the test of time and be strong enough to survive? Or will the obstacles that enter their pathway be strong enough to separate them?
Critique: A Matter of Mercy is a captivating narrative that beautifully encapsulates the universal themes of forgiveness and second chances, inviting us to reflect on our own lives. This story is a call to create fresh memories, embark on new adventures, and embrace the beauty of life's second chances.
Step into the mesmerizing world crafted by Lynne Hugo, where the heart of human experience unfolds against the backdrop of a gripping 1996 lawsuit. This story is more than just a narrative; it's an emotional tapestry of conflict, resilience, and profound connection that will tug at your heartstrings.
The setting serves as a vibrant canvas, enhancing the drama that unfurls, inviting readers to immerse themselves in a tale that resonates with the complexities of life.
My Teeth Become Weapons
Daniel Bishop
Lisbeth & Luna Publishing LLC
ASIN: B0D85PNS2M, $6.99 Kindle 305 pages
https://www.amazon.com/TEETH-BECOME-WEAPONS-Daniel-Bishop-ebook/dp/B0D85PNS2M
Synopsis: Set in the unique rural landscape of conservative Anthem, Tennessee, seventeen-year-old Ilya Burkhart grapples with the challenges of growing up in a world that often feels alien to him.
While his tight-knit community provides a sanctuary of solace, the surrounding landscape is shifting. When his best friend returns from Revival Church Camp with a newfound distance, and tragedy strikes the community with the sudden death of a classmate, Ilya finds himself at the center of a decades-long conspiracy that threatens to unravel everything he holds dear.
Ilya's journey is not just about uncovering secrets; it's a courageous quest for truth in a world of suspicion and fear. His bravery in the face of bigotry and corruption is truly inspiring.
As tensions rise and people point fingers at the local pastor, Ilya and his friends, who play a crucial role in his journey, venture deeper into the metaphorical and literal woods. They discover that the path to truth is fraught with challenges and unexpected allies.
Critique: My Teeth Become Weapons is a gripping young adult mystery resonates with themes of friendship, courage, and the importance of community during a time of crisis.
Daniel Bishop's writing resonates with a powerful voice and undeniable passion. His ability to weave intricate mysteries and profound narratives into the fabric of his work is nothing short of genius. This book invites readers to embark on thrilling adventures they will find hard to forget once they turn the last page.
When Mama Grows With Me
Rebecca Wheeler
https://www.rebeccawwheeler.com
Belle Isle Books
https://www.belleislebooks.com
c/o Brandylane Publishers
https://www.brandylanepublishers.com
9781958754641, $12.57 Paperback, $25.60 HB, 32 pages
https://www.amazon.com/When-Grows-Rebecca-Wenrich-Wheeler/dp/1958754641
Synopsis: Welcome to a delightful adventure in When Mama Grows with Me, where the bond between a mama and her son blossoms just like the vibrant flowers in their garden!
This heartwarming tale not only invites families to join in a journey of discovery but also educates, showcasing how a few tiny seeds can transform into a breathtaking display of colors and life. As they cultivate their garden, our duo learns about pollinators' vital role in keeping our earth healthy while meeting the charming critters that call their garden home.
What makes this experience even more remarkable is the playful incorporation of yoga poses inspired by nature. With each stretch and pose, young readers can connect their physical movements to the beauty surrounding them, all while having fun and learning the invaluable lesson of patience.
Critique: When Mama Grows with Me is an interactive journey that fosters family bonding and enriches experiences we cherish. The book highlights its interactive nature by including a step-by-step guide to each yoga poses, encouraging families to engage together. This reinforces the idea that growth, both in the garden and within ourselves, takes time and care.
Rebecca Wheeler's enchanting storytelling makes learning fun and encourages children to explore their emotions through the lens of the natural world, making the learning process exciting and enjoyable.
So, gather your loved ones, roll out your mats, and embark on a joyous adventure celebrating nature's magic and the strength of family connections! Being a long-time yoga student, this book spoke to my heart and soul.
Love In Country: A Novel Based on the Feature Film
Richard R. Gayton
https://www.richardrgayton.com
YourBookTeam
https://yourbookteam.com
9798330259311, $21.99, HC, 422pp
9798326352071, $16.99 PB, $9.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Prompting-Happiness-Guide-Worth-Living/dp/B0D6L1SHP1
Synopsis: In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, the power of love shines brightly as a beacon of hope. Delve into the poignant story of Ian and Reese, two remarkably courageous spirits navigating the harrowing landscape of the Vietnam War in 1968.
As the holiday approaches, their squad of combat soldiers stands at the crossroads of danger and desire, ready to embrace a fleeting moment of respite from the horrors surrounding them.
Set against a troubled Phoenix Mission, Ian and Reese, both highly skilled Army Rangers, find comfort and strength in each other. Their bond, forged in the fires of combat and fortified through the shared trauma of war, becomes a vital lifeline amidst the turmoil, especially as their Captain struggles to maintain his humanity. With the ever-present shadow of sacrifice looming large, the couple bravely confronts the physical dangers of war and the emotional complexities of acceptance and rejection within their squad.
Like Ian and Reese, we believe that every journey, whether through the turmoil of war or the joys of exploration, should fill with connection and discovery. Just as they find comfort in each other amidst chaos, while feeling safe and supported.
Critique: Love In Country, a heartwarming tale, serves as a reminder that love often blossoms in the most challenging of circumstances. This cinematic gem beautifully illustrates how, even in the face of adversity, connections can form, and hearts can unite.
Richard R. Gayton has transformed his beloved movie into an astonishing book that captures the charm and vibrancy of the original story. As you flip through the pages, you'll find that they shine just as brightly as the film did on the silver screen, immersing you in a world of captivating characters and unforgettable moments.
This literary transition invites you to experience the narrative in a new light, allowing you to dive deeper into the themes and emotions that made the movie so special.
Prompting Happiness: A Guide to Prompting A Life Worth Living
Nimrod Vromen
https://www.promptinghappiness.com
YourBookTeam
https://yourbookteam.com
9798326352071, $9.99 Kindle, $16.99 PB, $21.99 PB, 421 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Prompting-Happiness-Guide-Worth-Living/dp/B0D6L1SHP1
Synopsis: In a world brimming with uncertainties, significantly as AI expands, Vromen stands at a pivotal moment in his life, grappling with the challenges that arise during a midlife crisis.
Yet, rather than letting these trials define him, he embarks on a remarkable journey of self-discovery. Inspired by trailblazers like Elon Musk and the unyielding spirit of Michael Jordan, he seeks balance and positivity amidst the chaos, all while reflecting on the complexities of his past, including the haunting memories of conflict in the Middle East.
As he traverses the intricate tapestry of life filled with the joys of parenthood and the challenges of relationships, he finds an unexpected ally in AI. Instead of fearing this technology, he embraces it, using its potential to foster a positive mindset and enact transformative changes in his life.
Critique: Prompting Happiness contains candid reflections and heartfelt stories that reveal how AI serves as a tool and a catalyst for profound personal growth, helping navigate the obstacles that once seemed impossible.
In a world where every obstacle can feel insurmountable, Nimrod Vromen's insightful exploration of the transformative power of AI offers a refreshing perspective that resonates deeply with our desire for meaningful experiences.
Vromen's compelling narrative invites us to reflect on how technology can be harnessed to navigate life's challenges, opening doors to new adventures and unforgettable memories. Join us in discovering how the insights from this book can spark your journey of transformation.
Choo! Choo! Choo! The Train at the Zoo
Kathleen Welton, author
Tamara Joubert, illustrator
https://www.kathywelton.com
Blue Balloon Books
9781962202237, $3.99 Kindle, $10.99 PB, 26 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Choo-Train-Zoo-Peg-Pig/dp/1962202232
Synopsis: Get ready to embark on a delightful journey that will have you singing and giggling! Join Peg the Pig and her enchanting crew of zoo animals on a whimsical train ride through the wonders of the animal kingdom. We invite you to be a part of this delightful journey that will have you singing and giggling!
Picture this: the engine on the train goes choo, choo, choo, while Peg calls out, "All aboard!" as lions, tigers, monkeys, and, of course, our beloved pigs hop on for a day filled with laughter and discovery.
Imagine yourself alongside your favorite zoo friends, spotting each creature and mimicking their unique sounds while you sing to the familiar tune of "The Wheels on the Bus." With "Choo! Choo! Choo! The Train at the Zoo," young readers are not just passengers but part of a joyful adventure that ignites the imagination and creates precious, cherished memories.
Critique: Choo! Choo! Choo is an enchanting train ride and is not just about the journey; it's about you and your loved ones creating unforgettable moments that you will treasure forever.
Kathleen Welton is a remarkable author. I felt thrilled when this book came into my life. In owning a travel business, I'm planning a Fall Foliage Day trip in October, and I want to incorporate this book I the theme of my tour.
This entertaining book will allow you to embrace the joy of exploration and let your imagination run wild as you hop from one exhibit to the next, surrounded by the vibrant sounds and sights of the zoo.
Picture yourself wandering through lush pathways, where the laughter of children and the calls of exotic animals create a symphony of excitement. Each corner you turn reveals a new wonder, from the majestic lions basking in the sun to the playful monkeys swinging overhead. This book is the perfect addition to any library.
Editorial Note: Recommended Reading: Ages 4-8 years old.
The Translation of Julian Yu
Ezekiel Lee
All Tongues & Tribes Press
9798990045606, $16.99, PB, 576pp
https://www.amazon.com/Translation-Julian-Yu-Novel/dp/B0D7Q34VGT
Synopsis: "Hey You, Julian Yu!' That's how 18-year-old Julian Yu's peers relentlessly mock him. If only he could hide away and read, left alone as an irredeemable nerd. With desperation mounting as his junior year draws to a close and young adulthood looms on the horizon, will Julian ever escape the torment?
Will he decipher those enigmas called relationships, whether with his enviably popular older brother who's Ivy League bound, his elegant English teacher with a mysterious Japanese past, or his Jewish classmate turned potential love interest?
Will he reconcile his Taiwanese heritage and broken Chinese with his American upbringing and impeccable English?
And more than anything, will he finally relinquish his innate cynicism for something akin to hope?
Critique: "The Translation of Julian Yu" is a coming-of-age novel for our fractious times about a young Taiwanese-American's confrontations with race, culture, and language, and his search for an identity that transcends it all. His debut work of fiction, first time author Ezekiel Lee raises his novel to an impressive level of literary excellence. "The Translation of Julian Yu" deals with the very real subject of being a teenager trying to understand where he belongs in the scheme of things. An emotionally engaging read from start to finish, "The Translation of Julian Yu" is especially and unreservedly recommended for highschool and community library Teen & YA Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Translation of Julian Yu" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $5.99) as well.
Editorial Note: Ezekiel Lee (https://ezekiellee.com) was born and raised in New York. He currently lives in the Mountain West with his wife, son, and two cats. He practices as a speech-language pathologist and teaches Chinese and Japanese on the side. He also has worked as a Chinese and Japanese translator. When he's not doing speech therapy, teaching foreign languages, or writing, he may be found fiddling away (literally), refining his Korean, or reading on the couch with his family (both human and feline).
A Psychic Bedside Reader
Wayne Martin
Independently Published
9798990218307, $19.95 PB, $9.99 Kindle, 415 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Psychic-Bedside-Reader-Meditations-Experienced-ebook/dp/B0CW1BZ7LS
Synopsis: Have you ever found yourself in a cycle of attracting the same challenging relationships, feeling overwhelmed at work, or needing to retreat to catch your breath? If you're nodding your head, you're not alone. Many of us, especially those who identify as psychics, empaths, mediums, or healers, experience these feelings. But what if I told you that mastering your energy is the key to breaking free from these patterns?
This isn't just about feeling better; it's about thriving. With the guidance of "A Psychic Bedside Reader: Tips, Techniques, Meditations, and Healings for the Novice and Experienced Reader and Healer", you can integrate these energy management techniques into your life, allowing the calm and clarity of meditation to flow into every moment, whether you're at home or exploring distant lands.
Picture a future where you feel empowered, vibrant, and fully present, regardless of your journey. The benefits of our program extend beyond just enhancing your daily life and relationships.
Critique: Enter the enchanting world of "A Psychic Bedside Reader: Tips, Techniques, Meditations, and Healings for the Novice and Experienced Reader and Healer", where the realms of intuition and empathy come alive! This captivating book provides transformative experiences, as it encourages readers to explore the world around them and the inner landscapes of their souls.
Wayne Martin, an author known for his captivating storytelling and insightful explorations, has unveiled his latest work, a mesmerizing dive into the new-age world of psychic experiences.
This book invites readers to embark on a journey beyond the ordinary, offering a unique perspective on the unseen forces that shape our lives. Martin illuminates the profound connections between our spiritual selves and the universe through engaging narratives and thought-provoking insights.
In this remarkable book, readers will discover the mechanics of psychic phenomena and the transformative power of embracing intuition and spiritual awareness. Martin's writing resonates with the essence of exploration and personal growth.
Essays on Cinema
Robert K. Beshara
Independently Published
9798327506190, $20.00 PB, $9.99 Kindle, 169 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Reviews-Essays-Cinema-Robert-Beshara/dp/B0D66LC9GR
Synopsis: Essays on Cinema is a heartfelt collection of essays and film reviews encapsulating a transformative exploration and learning period. Written between 2010 and 2017, this book invites you into the vibrant world of film through the eyes of a passionate graduate student navigating the intricate landscapes of both independent film and psychology.
Here, we delve deep into the heart of the Toronto International Film Festival, where cinema's magic unfolds and diverse filmmakers' stories illuminate our shared human experience.
Each essay provides a window into the festival's dynamic atmosphere, offering detailed critiques of an eclectic range of films, from eye-opening documentaries to gripping dramas. The insights shared go beyond mere reviews; they reflect a journey of understanding the filmmaking process; the hurdles faced in getting films onto the festival circuit, and the vision of creating spaces celebrating marginalized voices in cinema.
Critique: Essays on Cinema emphasizes the power of storytelling, the artistry behind the lens, and the technical prowess required to craft unforgettable narratives. By intertwining personal reflections with professional critiques, this book celebrates the art of film and inspires readers to embrace their own stories of exploration and discovery.
Robert K. Beshara is a remarkable author whose storytelling prowess offers readers a unique, intimate glimpse into the intricate behind-the-scenes elements of the film industry.
Beshara's writing illuminates the artistry and dedication that fuel the magic of cinema and weaves emotional connections that resonate deeply with his audience. His ability to transport readers into the heart of filmmaking fosters an insatiable curiosity, making the world of movies feel accessible and enchanting.
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Elizabeth Boyle
https://elizabethboyle.com
Privately Published
9781958714812, $9.99, Kindle,
9781733676595, $34.99, HB, 614 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Little-Town-Bethlehem-Elizabeth-Boyle-ebook/dp/B0D9J5LT8L
Synopsis: In Elizabeth Boyle's enchanting tale, Madeline Drake is a spirited woman on the brink of fame whose life takes an unexpected turn when a snowy accident catapults her into Bethlehem's quaint, whimsical town, a place unlike any she has ever known.
Here, time bends, and the currency is not coins but wishes and second chances. With the clock ticking towards Christmas Eve, Madeline is in a desperate race against time to prove her mettle and escape back to her contemporary life.
Yet, her journey is not solely about her own liberation. As she traverses this unique town, she crosses paths with Ninny Minch, the town's esteemed postmistress, and the emotionally reserved Savannah Clarke, a widow grappling with her past.
Together, they form an unexpected trio, united by the shared experiences of heartache and hope. In aiding these two women in unraveling the falsehoods that have ensnared them for years, Madeline learns that the most extraordinary adventures often lie not in our own desires but in the lives, we impact along the way.
Critique: O Little Town of Bethlehem reminds us of friendship's profound magic. This heartwarming story celebrates Christmas' joy and illustrates how genuine connections can transform our journeys. The characters will warm your heart as they share their story with warmth and comfort that soothes the soul.
Elizabeth Boyle is a name that resonates with many of us who've lost ourselves in her enchanting narratives. Having grown up with her stories, it's a privilege to be chosen to delve into her latest masterpiece.
Boyle's characters are not just figures on a page; they leap to life with such vividness and depth that they linger in our hearts and minds long after we've turned the last page.
DOE Run
Sean Jacques
Shotgun Honey
https://shotgunhoney.com
9781956957303, $17.95 PB, $5.99 Kindle, 244 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Doe-Run-Sean-Jacques/dp/1956957308
Synopsis: In the heart of the Ozarks, as the deer hunting season approaches, the quaint town of Doe Run, Missouri, is buzzing with excitement and preparation. Yet, beneath the surface of this idyllic setting lies a tale rich with emotional depth and complexity.
Enter Pen Cullen, a drifter returning to his roots after thirteen years. His journey back is not driven by nostalgia, but by the shadow of a family, an inheritance lost to the reckless hands of his late father. It's a journey that will test his resolve, challenge his beliefs, and ultimately lead him to a deeper understanding of himself.
As Pen navigates his hometown's familiar yet changed streets, he encounters the heart-wrenching stories of those he once held dear. Tara Hawkins, his first love, now grapples with the heavy burden of grief after the tragic loss of her young son, her solace found in faith amidst heartache.
Meanwhile, Pen's childhood friend Byron Tisdale spirals into despair, drowning in alcohol and the ghosts of what could have been. Their intertwining fates reveal a tapestry of shared pain and unresolved emotions, illuminating the complexities of love, loss, and the powerful, ever-present quest for redemption.
Will Pen discover that his friends' issues are better left in the past? Will he help them out of their black hole of despair or look the other way at their faults?
Critique: DOE Run is an emotional journey alongside a man who returns to his roots after years away, only to be met with the stark realities that have unfolded in his absence.
The warmth of home, once a sanctuary, now bears the weight of challenges that penetrate his closest friends. Each obstacle they face is not just a personal struggle but a testament to their bonds' resilience and the community's spirit.
Sean Jacques' poignant words reflect and remind us of the profound emotional journey that unfolds when we step outside our familiar surroundings for an extended period. The characters have unique voices, and their stories are haunting and fascinating, making it a compelling reading experience.
After Italy: A Family Memoir of Arranged Marriage
Anna Monardo
https://annamonardo.com
Bordighera Press
https://bordigherapress.org
9781599542164, $22.00 PB, 224 pages
https://www.amazon.com/After-Italy-Family-Arranged-Marriage/dp/1599542161
Synopsis: Every journey is not only about the destination but also about the stories that shape who we are and the memories we create along the way. Enter into a captivating memoir that beautifully intertwines themes of family, love, and cultural heritage: After Italy: A Family Memoir of Arranged Marriage.
This heartwarming narrative explores marriages across three generations, beginning with a union facilitated by the bride's and groom's parents to aid the couple's emigration from Southern Italy to the vibrant steel town of Braddock, PA, during the tumultuous times surrounding World War II. It's a journey filled with love, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Critique: After Italy: A Family Memoir of Arranged Marriage is a profound exploration of intergenerational stories. It not only invites readers to reflect on their own family histories but also encourages a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage that shapes our identities, fostering a sense of connection and reflection.
As you immerse yourself in the words and their meanings, consider how they can deepen your understanding of your family's narrative. This book, like a rich tapestry of experiences, can unveil the hidden connections we share with our ancestors and the traditions that define us, sparking personal reflection.
Anna Monardo, with her exceptional writing, offers a unique perspective of her family's history. Her narrative invites us into a world where familial legacies and personal histories beautifully intertwine, echoing the essence of exploration and connection.
This book is a poignant reminder of the stories we create with our loved ones, the shared experiences that shape our identities, and the memories that linger long after the journey ends. Monardo's narrative not only encourages a deeper understanding of one's family history but also evokes a range of emotions and memories.
Cave of Secrets
Lynne Golodner
https://lynnegolodner.com
Scotia Road Books
https://scotiaroadbooks.com
9798987650141, $17.95 PB, $5.99 Kindle, 325 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Cave-Secrets-Lynne-Golodner/dp/B0D3FKTK2P
Synopsis: Imagine the Scottish Highlands, a place of rugged beauty and untamed wilderness. Picture the soft patter of rain against the lush green landscape of Loch Lomond, the air infused with the earthy scent of damp moss and pine. In this enchanting setting, Eve Waldman embarks on a hike that will change her life forever.
When she stumbles upon a journal in a hidden cave, she opens the pages and ventures deeper into the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands. Inside, she finds a perfectly preserved journal that unveils a passionate yet forbidden romance between two Jewish lovers, a love that defied all odds and societal norms, echoing the heartbeats of history and the weight of familial expectations.
At the core of this story is Mac Monteith, a man caught between the legacy of his Highland aristocracy and his yearning for a simpler life behind the bar of his family pub. When Eve enters his establishment, she ignites a flame within him that he thought had long been extinguished. Their connection blossoms, but the shadows of the past loom large as Eve traces the journal's origins to Mac's lineage, unearthing long-buried scandals that threaten to unravel everything they have built together.
Critique: Cave of Secrets is a story that beautifully weaves themes of love, history, and the complex choices we face in pursuing truth. It invites us to reflect on our journeys and the memories we create.
The book's exploration of the characters' struggles with societal expectations and their own desires is poignant, making it a compelling read for those interested in complex relationships and themes.
Lynne Golodner's enchanting romance is a captivating tale that beautifully captures the delicate dance between mending the past and embracing the promise of the future.
This story follows two young lovers who navigate the tumultuous waters of their growing affection while facing the challenges that life throws their way. As they strive to keep their love alive, we witness their journey filled with passion, hope, and the occasional leap of faith that jeopardizes their lives, making us root for their love and feel their pain.
Suzie Housley, Senior Reviewer
https://housleysliteraryservices.com
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
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