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Able Greenspan's Bookshelf
The Art of Randomness
Ronald T. Kneusel
www.rkneusel.com
No Starch Press
www.nostarch.com
9781718503243, $49.99, PB, 400pp
https://www.amazon.com/Art-Randomness-Using-Randomized-Algorithms/dp/1718503245
Synopsis: "The Art of Randomness: Randomized Algorithms in the Real World" by Ronald T. Kneusel is a hands-on guide to mastering the many ways you can use randomized algorithms to solve real programming and scientific problems. You will learn how to use randomness to run simulations, hide information, design experiments, and even create art and music. All you need is some Python, basic high school math, and a roll of the dice.
An expert in machine learning, Ronald Kneusel focuses on helping you build your intuition so that you'll know when and how to use random processes to get things done. You will develop a randomness engine (a Python class that supplies random values from your chosen source), then explore how to leverage randomness to: Simulate Darwinian evolution and optimize with swarm-based search algorithms; Design scientific experiments to produce more meaningful results by making them truly random; Implement machine learning algorithms like neural networks and random forests; Use Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods to sample from complex distributions; Hide information in audio files and images, generate art, and create music; Reconstruct original signals and images from only randomly sampled data.
Scientific anecdotes and code examples throughout illustrate how randomness plays into areas like optimization, machine learning, and audio signals. End-of-chapter exercises encourage further exploration.
Whether you are a programmer, scientist, engineer, mathematician, or artist, you will find The Art of Randomness to be your ticket to discovering the hidden power of applied randomness and the ways it can transform your approach to solving problems, from the technical to the artistic.
Critique: Exceptionally well organized and presented, "The Art of Randomness: Randomized Algorithms in the Real World" is an ideal introduction to the creation and application of algorithms and an unreservedly recommended pick for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Data Modeling/Computer Science collections and supplemental Chaos Theory/Stochastic Modeling curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that "The Art of Randomness: Randomized Algorithms in the Real World" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $29.99).
Editorial Note: Ronald T. Kneusel (www.rkneusel.com) is a computer scientist, an expert in machine learning, and a lover of fine craft beers. Kneusel has been working with machine learning in industry since 2003 and completed a PhD in machine learning from the University of Colorado, Boulder, in 2016. He's the author of four other books with No Starch Press: How AI Works (2023), Strange Code (2022), Practical Deep Learning (2021), and Math for Deep Learning (2021).
JavaScript Crash Course
Nick Morgan
No Starch Press
www.nostarch.com
9781718502260, $49.99, PB, 376pp
https://www.amazon.com/JavaScript-Crash-Course-Nick-Morgan/dp/1718502265
Synopsis: With the publication of "JavaScript Crash Course: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming" from No Starch Press, software engineer and Java expert Nick Morgan provides a fun, effective, fast-paced introduction to programming with JavaScript.
Dive right in and you will be writing code, solving problems, and building working web applications and games in no time. You will start by learning fundamental programming concepts, such as variables, arrays, objects, functions, conditionals, loops, classes, and more. Aided by engaging examples and hands-on exercises, you will build on this foundation and combine JavaScript with HTML and CSS to create interactive web applications that you can run right away.
Then you will put your new skills into play with three substantial projects: a Pong-style game with a virtual opponent, an app that generates electronic music, and a platform for visualizing data fetched from an API.
Along the way, you will learn how to:
Update web pages in real time by manipulating the Document Object Model
Trigger functions in response to events like key presses and mouse clicks
Generate graphics and animations with JavaScript and HTML's Canvas element
Visualize data with the D3.js library and scalable vector graphics (SVG)
Make electronic music with Tone.js and the Web Audio API
If you've been thinking about digging into programming, "JavaScript Crash Course" will get you writing real programs fast.
Critique: This large format (7 x 0.86 x 9.25 inches, 2.31 pounds) paperback edition of "JavaScript Crash Course: A Hands-On, Project-Based Introduction to Programming" is thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, making it an ideal pick for personal, professional, community, and college/university library JavaScript Programming instructional reference collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that "JavaScript Crash Course" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $29.99).
Editorial Note: Nick Morgan is a software engineer. He started on the web team, writing JavaScript to help to build the main twitter.com website, before moving to writing Scala for the backend Tweets service, where he helped design Edit Tweet and the change from 140 to 280 character tweets. (https://bocacode.com/candidates/software-engineer/nick-morgan)
Able Greenspan
Reviewer
Diane Donovan's Bookshelf
Dead Sure
Jerry Masinton
Anamcara Press
https://anamcara-press.com
9781960462305 $22.99
https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Sure-Millie-Henshawe-Novel/dp/196046230X
Wrong Man Down introduced the character of Millie Henshawe, a gay ex-GI whose sassy approach to mysteries, life, and survival tactics created a memorable saga of murder, assassination, and a wacky cast of characters whose worlds are permeated with dark humor and wry irony.
Dead Sure returns Millie to reader attention, but requires no prior familiarity with her brazen history in order to prove accessible and compelling to newcomers to her world.
Even hit women experience "one of those days," sometimes:
"It had started out as a simple hit. Millie had a contract to whack one guy in Kansas City - that was it. But things got complicated, one thing led to another, and before you know it she'd had to take out two guys in Des Moines, three in Brooklyn, and one more in Kansas City."
Only, this time turns out to be more than even Millie bargains for, between a contract on a possible dead guy, questions about her dubious career of choice ("But you worked your way through Harvard. You could be making a killing. Oops! I mean, a lot of money."), and a rabbit warren of complexity that leads her to confront thugs, shootings, and Russian affairs.
Jerry Masinton crafts a compelling saga that weaves through investigations, personal life conundrums, and the savvy responses of a hired gun who finds her chosen profession leading her in unexpected, challenging new directions.
His ability to highlight swift action with intrigue that swirls around secret accounts and hidden motivations lends to a story powered by Millie's strong take on her abilities, choices, and their consequences.
Sheila's Rule is that nobody leaves the firm, once they enter. Will Millie be the exception?
Masinton's ability to intersect the stories of characters whose lives dovetail in unexpected ways makes for a brilliant tour de farce that toys with notions of conventional intrigue, powering its tale with a proactive and determined woman whose strategy is based on confrontations and revelations.
Libraries and readers looking for outstanding blends of murder and social inspection topped with a sense of hardboiled detectiving will find Dead Sure just as compelling as its predecessor, as striking in its twists and turns, and equally hard to put down.
Again and Again Back to You
Andrea Ezerins
https://andreaezerins.com
She Writes Press
https://shewritespress.com
9781647427481 $17.95 Paperback/$12.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Again-Back-You-Novel/dp/1647427487
Again and Again Back to You is a novel that comes from a business executive who never thought she'd wind up writing fiction. Good thing she did, because this story of young love, breakup and distance, and hindsight that comes from independence and growth is one that deserves a place on any library shelf. It will attract patrons seeking vivid accounts of what happens when a woman is presented with the opportunity to change her past.
The prologue opens the story, set in 1964 Sri Lanka . Young Cholan's flashback to the past in the midst of a fire that burns him is a portent of the time-traveling elements of the story that emerge in different places, bringing to life the close proximity of past and present in a vivid scenario of prayers answered and painful life.
Fast forward to the magic of first love, which young Marta experiences in 1976 Brunswick, New Jersey . Even as kids, "She knows she will always be connected to this boy sitting next to her, no matter what."
Her realizations about love, connections, and relationship growth evolves as Kevin uncovers more of who she is, and both come to realize the potential of change to both solidify and erode their blossoming romance.
Andrea Ezerins takes the time to describe this process as the years go by and Kevin and Marta move from youth to adulthood. Daydreams and destiny coalesce as Cholan also grows and moves away from his youth, tapping into a channeling process that belays his terrible burn injuries and disfigurement to offer an unusual form of healing that holds the potential to reach into the audiences he attracts in the future.
Ezerins uses clearly defined chapter headings to trace these concurrent journeys of time and character. This allows for smooth transitions between themes and lives as the story unfolds. Her ability to capture serendipity as Cholan and Marta meet against all odds, where Marta contemplates an extraordinary journey and opportunity, translates to a story packed with vivid psychological, spiritual, and metaphysical impact.
The contrasts between reality and Kevin and Marta's involvement with a channeler who lets them revisit and transform their experiences and connections are vividly presented from both their perspectives as Kevin, too, considers the possibilities and consequences of revising history: "Maybe this channeler can overpower those gods all those years ago and have them make a difficult call."
The result is a novel that depicts the past, present, and future of three characters who uncover unusual connections and revised life purposes that could change them all.
Again and Again Back to You will appeal to a broad audience, from fans of romance stories and time-travel experiences to book clubs interested in discussions which can emerge from a powerful blend of fate, revision, and shared extraordinary connections.
Libraries will find Again and Again Back to You a unique, compelling acquisition.
Blue-Ribbon Radishes
Kimberly Derting and Shelli R. Johannes, authors
Kristen Humphrey, illustrator
Picture Window Books/Capstone Publishing
https://www.capstonepub.com
9781484679838 $6.99 Paperback
https://shop.capstonepub.com/Shop/s/product/detail/01t4z00000Add6XAAR
Book 1 of the picture book Farm Friends series by Shelli R. Johannes and Kimberly Derting, Blue-Ribbon Radishes, combines a chapter book of adventures with large-size, bright color illustrations by Kristen Humphrey as it follows young third-person narrator and farm girl Poppy's reflections about her life on the farm.
She lives there with her family and her best friend, Vincent Van Goat. He tries to help her with farm chores, but too often gets in the way, and just wants to play.
The first-person intro is followed by fun stories presented in the third person as Poppy investigates the case of the missing cucumbers and works on winning a blue ribbon prize for her gardening efforts.
Kids receive an absorbing account of not just farm life, but proactive problem-solving and thinking as young Poppy tackles projects and issues and her mother imparts some powerful insights into her efforts:
"Sometimes you have to celebrate the work you do," Mom said. "Not focus on what you win."
These insights drive the story with bigger-picture thinking. They are a strong reason why Blue-Ribbon Radishes is highly recommended for read-aloud adults and young readers alike. Its focus on not just reaching for a prize, but understanding its real value makes Poppy's story especially compelling and revealing.
Finding Ricky
Terrence Poppa
Demand Publications
9780966443059 $14.95
https://druglord.com/thrillers-by-terrence-poppa
Finding Ricky is a thriller that operates on the playing field of psychological undercurrents and intrigue, and portrays a crime-busting father challenged by the task of recovering his son, a runaway living on the streets.
Further irony and confrontations emerge as Cowboy's role as a deep cover agent is threatened by his pursuit of his son.
Terrence Poppa's strength lies in exploring the lives, motivations, and consequences of hard life choices that each character makes. His descriptive character names ("Cowboy," "Awesome," "Scorpion") add an extra layer of insight and interest to the story, solidifying the personality of each character as events unfold.
When Cowboy finds his different avenues of investigation shutting down over his search for Ricky, he begins to question his abilities and the methods by which he solves problems:
Cowboy stretched out on the bed. He stared for a long time at the ceiling thinking about Ricky. "Where are you, Ricky?"
Because his son's fate becomes entangled with other jobs (such as an assignment to take out two bad guys which he suddenly feels ill-equipped to handle), Cowboy enters a surreal realm of introspection and challenges which force him to confront his role in his son's escape from life.
Another strength Poppa cultivates here is an attention to contrasting the usual proactive thinking of the protagonist with bigger-picture insights about heroism, trust, and questions over split personalities and dubious emotional ties.
The intrigue and thriller elements dovetail nicely with these issues and questions, lending to an atmosphere in Finding Ricky that juxtaposes different worldviews and approaches to solving problems.
As a supervisor ("the Soup") becomes involved in helping Cowboy consider the nature and impact of his perspective, actions, and reality, readers receive a multifaceted story that operates as strongly in psychological revelations as it does in exploring a mission gone awry.
Libraries and readers interested in stories that are gripping and hard to predict will appreciate the many fine threads of discovery and revelation that make Finding Ricky a solid story of not just finding a lost son, but a renewed sense of self.
Rem's Chance
Dave J. Andrae
Kaji-Pup Press
9798893721560 $9.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Rems-Chance-Dave-J-Andrae-ebook/dp/B0D3187CC5
Mix a cross-generational romp through music and morality, flavor it with the reality of a midlife crisis, punk band politics, and leftover pandemic nightmares, and inject a healthy dose of romance and what do you have? Rem's Chance.
Dave J. Andrae's novel embraces so many subplots and subjects that its allure actually lays not so much in a predictable linear progression as in its series of literary and social reflections. These embrace the psychology of aging and life meaning, contrasting these insights against the values and observations of an also-aging society.
Andrae is adept at depicting the politics of racial relationships, whether it be between an Arab man and a white woman or the nefarious intentions of a stalker who has Gene Pawlus in his crosshairs for Gene's role in his brother's undoing.
Relationships breed more relationships as Rem's friendship with Gene's sister Julie leads to an unexpected romantic development that moves from friendship and philosophical waxing into something more.
Wry tongue-in-cheek humor flows through these events which will especially please astute readers of satire and irony, as in the scheme evolved by a member of PonziTech Industries.
Musical references drive the plot, which simmers with talent and unresolved dreams that motivate Rem and those around him to make novel choices in the interest of musical creativity. Music is one of the redemptive forces affecting Rem's course in life, introducing facets of achievement, success, and new revelations that push him through his middle-age crisis and into new opportunities.
Andrae ultimately portrays not one, but four lives transformed (Gene, Nadine, Rem, and Julie). His attention to building each character as individuals whose clashing and dovetailing goals intersect to add high drama and growth to the plot, results in a compelling vision of change that's hard to put down.
Libraries interested in fiction immersed in psychological and literary strengths will find Rem's Chance a powerful, compelling acquisition.
The Traveler: Quest for the Twins
Frank Schutz
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9798891322608, $16.99 Paperback/$24.99 Hardcover/$8.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Traveler-Quest-Twins-Frank-Sch%C3%BCtz/dp/B0D46RXHTG
Aylon has enjoyed an isolated yet acceptable life in the Western Mountains, so what could force her to embark on a journey to the lowlands? The disappearance of her aunt and uncle. The Traveler: Quest for the Twins covers not only her journey, but the growth process which accompanies it as Aylon faces not just a new environment, but questions that shake her notion of who she is and her standing in the wider world.
The sleepy village of Trail's End is an introductory backdrop to her journey and efforts, inviting readers to follow her evolving discoveries as she struggles with resolving the kidnapping of her cousins and the unexpected opportunities that lie within the kingdom.
Hollin is introduced to riches beyond her ken but also faces the cruelty of imprisonment, while Georg's nightmares about their fate drives his angst and worries about their ultimate futures. Their psychology and concerns receive vivid observation and thought:
I could see in her eyes and hear in her voice that she wanted to hurt me. What is wrong with her? How could anyone enjoy hurting people? What about Georg? Where are you, my brother, my friend? I have never needed you more! What awful things are they doing to him? I don't think I ever really knew what it meant to hate before now! She was only just beginning to understand it.
From history between individuals that rises above long-held secrets to buffet relationships with new information, to reflections by each character about the moral and ethical consequences of their choices, Frank Schutz creates a vivid series of psychological-enriched observations that nicely compliment the story's action:
I never thought of this! I don't want this. At least I hope not, my body seems to want it! This is not how I was raised, it's wrong! This is not really a reward. It's a test. Oh no. My desire is showing. What can I do? If I do this, I will have taken a big step into their world. If I refuse, they will know I'm not really with them. I have to think!
All these facets contribute to a vivid sword-and-sorcery story that also will attract young adults and anyone interested in coming-of-age sagas couched in bigger-picture thinking, making The Traveler: Quest for the Twins perfect fodder for book club discussions and young adult reading.
Libraries and readers seeking sagas that go beyond an adventurous quest and spirited character will find the added value of Schutz's attention to psychological detail, interplays, and atmospheric richness creates a story that operates both within and above and beyond the typical action-packed sword-and-sorcery scenario.
My Dark Secret
Dawn Hemmings
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9798891322783 $15.00 Paperback/$7.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/My-Dark-Secret-Dawn-Hemmings/dp/B0D2R17FFP
My Dark Secret is a thriller that delivers the lure of a suspense story, the attraction of a psychological dive into obsession, and the multifaceted promise of a saga that traces a secret's incarnation, progression, impact, and ultimate resolution.
The subject under consideration is librarian Isla, who cultivates a secret interest in true crime and the motivations for criminal actions. Isla begins her journey rooted in the reference ambitions of a staid librarian, but soon crosses over to the dark side as her interest turns into a fascination with the geography and roots of evil.
Dawn Hemmings's choice of rooting the story in the first person lends both an authenticity and psychological draws to the tale which prove irresistible:
The metamorphosis was unmistakable. Outwardly, I remained the same - an unassuming figure in society's vast tapestry. Yet, in the shadows, I transformed into a mastermind, wearing the cloak of normality during the day, while at night I was the puppeteer of my sinister design. My head was constantly awash with all this information.
Thriller readers looking for nonstop action will need to be satisfied by some of this action component coming from self-realizations and insights; both of which are exquisitely detailed:
The feelings of guilt and trepidation had given way to a chilling detachment. A transformation had occurred, rendering me unrecognisable, capable of executing this dark deed. The realisation that I had crossed a line from where there was no return was both terrifying and liberating.
As a study in not only good and evil, but the evolution of a psyche that enters into and becomes mired in the dark side of secrets and events, My Dark Secret eschews one-dimensional thinking, character construction, and action in favor of a deeper, richer vein of revelation. This focus will particularly attract book clubs interested in the psychology and evolution of a perp.
This is why libraries seeking a thriller that is embedded in psychological discovery, and readers willing to replace singular action with the suspense of a secret's evolutionary process, will both find My Dark Secret a satisfyingly superior venture into the soul. It stands head-and-shoulders above the normal mystery or thriller read.
Call Me Adam
Jo McCarty
https://jomccarty.com
Crazy Pages Publishing Co.
9781941175019, $16.99 paperback; $3.99 Kindle Unlimited; $25.99 hardcover
https://www.amazon.com/Call-Me-Adam-Jo-McCarty/dp/1941175015
Call Me Adam blends dystopian fiction with dark fantasy as it surveys the post-COVID world of rural Michigan in general and the dilemma of protagonist Louie in particular. He literally can't die. And, ironically (in contrast to most humans who struggle), he actually doesn't want to live.
So begins an existential dilemma in which Louie surveys the possibility of ending his life, only to be reincarnated again and again while the world around him struggles to survive.
Louie's personal drive towards demise is altered when he meets Katherine, who is equally determined to survive against all odds. Whether they live or die proves the least of their problems as the world intrudes its own mandates for change and challenge.
From this description, readers might anticipate that Jo McCarty's story will be yet another predictable read filled with romance, transformation that stems from interpersonal connections, and social change. Embrace surprise; because the twists and turns reflected in this process are anything but predictable.
For one thing, there are insights on suicide, "dumb ways to die," and world-ending signs that both characters either ignore or are convinced they can alter.
McCarty's special talent lies in traversing the ins and outs of not just a society under siege, but individuals similarly in conflict. Louie and Katherine come to realize that their uncommon connection changes everything and is, indeed, something to be not just cherished, but tapped for strength and support:
When she could finally speak, she whispered into her lap, "I was so scared, Louie. I thought you were crippled, or worse. I thought, How will I ever do this alone?"
As Louie reflects on his many suicide attempts and remembers his penchant for relentlessly surviving against all odds, he also comes to realize that there is a penance and price to pay, which is delivered in the acknowledgment of his many transgressions and poor choices.
McCarty's slow revelations of these moments of discovery may serve as triggers to readers who have also struggled with suicide and its aftermath, but is ultimately a novel exploration of the issues and costs of survival, that spins a fine yarn.
"Dystopian fiction" thus receives a makeover in a redefinition of individual purpose and relationships to the planet that injects bigger-picture thinking into the story, which feels at once alien and too close to modern-day truths.
Libraries seeking dystopian fiction that stands a cut above others in its genre will relish Call Me Adam's focus on old patterns, new beginnings, and revised ways of thought. These strengths make it especially appropriate for book club recommendation and discussion.
Lincoln's Angel
DL Fowler
www.dlfowler.com
Harbor Hill Publishing
9798988964032, $29.95 Hardcover/$19.95 Paperback/$5.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Lincolns-Angel-Rebecca-Abraham-Stories/dp/B0CQLWYTXV
Continuing a historical novel series centered on nearly-forgotten Abe Lincoln events is Lincoln's Angel: The Rebecca Pomroy Story, a survey of Rebecca Pomroy's daily journal, letters, and recollections that comes rooted in real people and events.
The 'Abraham Lincoln's Lost Stories' series thus receives a vivid addition to exploring the lesser-known history of his times and experiences, focusing on an individual who, at first, may seem to be a tertiary adjunct in Lincoln history.
In fact, Rebecca Pomroy, a Civil War army nurse, ultimately confronted and cured the underlying anguish carried by President and Mrs. Lincoln. Her efforts not only moved them from despair and self-doubt to hope, but cemented the future of America during the course of her healing efforts.
DL Fowler draws compelling, strong connections between not just Pomroy's life and Lincoln's new government, but the threads of PTSD, despair, and struggles that permeated these times and thwarted attempts to rebuild and recover, on many different levels.
Even more importantly is the attention Fowler gives, in his conclusion, to just why many of these figures and facts have not received their due attention:
There are reasons for the gaps in our knowledge about Rebecca Pomroy. She was viewed by people around the Lincolns as a household servant. Nurses of that day were generally considered to be merely changers of chamber pots and soiled linens and washers of mangled flesh.
This attention to detail, finely tuned and enhanced by the real-life contribution of Pomroy's writings, creates a story that will prove even more vivid and thought-provoking for its intersection of fictional drama and nonfiction facts:
Rebecca visited the President's House infrequently over the remainder of March. During that period, Mrs. Lincoln grew restless from languishing in bed and her vitality increased. But with renewed mobility, she came face to face more often with reminders of happier times. Each such encounter prompted her to redouble her defenses against thoughts of the idolized one. She refused to enter the Green Parlor where Willie's coffin had been displayed. Neither would she venture into the Prince of Wales Room where he grappled with and succumbed to that wretched fever.
From Mrs. Lincoln's failing physical and mental health to Rebecca's own struggles with aging and nursing, Fowler creates a compelling saga that is not just highly recommended for libraries strong in historical fiction, but a 'must' for collections interested in lesser-known figures and events of Civil War post-reconstruction efforts.
These audiences will find Lincoln's Angel outstanding not just for its compelling portraits, but for its solid roots in real research and its gift for exposing and returning to historical circles the lesser-known experiences of Lincoln's life.
Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t?
Rebecca Block and Grace Edwards
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9798891322905 $17.99 Paperback/$8.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Can-You-Help-Me-Give/dp/B0D3FXSPJN
Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t? Unlocking Teen Motivation in School and Life is a guide to life engagement. It offers concrete, thought-provoking insights about the educational process and how educators, families, and teens can collaborate to make learning more meaningful and attractive.
Keys to building student interest involve providing more choices, building student abilities in a different, supportive manner, and encouraging peer relationships that enhance studies.
Rebecca Block and Grace Edwards point out that students quite often can't engage with typical study plans and rote methods of learning. A different approach is suggested, here - one that encourages close relationships between students and teachers, blending family involvement into the bigger picture of assuring that lessons are not just relevant to modern learners, but exciting.
Case histories of these types of routines, engagements, and approaches that inject this aura of excitement into study pinpoint the experiences and options involved in creating discourses that are not just relevant, but cognizant of the underlying social prejudices that too often erode the learning process, as well as peer relationships.
As chapters survey all these influences, both subliminal and overt, teacher reflections also cement the sense of discovery and self-analysis about teaching options:
When I was a new writing professor, and I was struggling to understand why some of my students just didn't seem to get seemingly basic things about writing, no matter how often I talked about them, my advisor explained this to me as the difference between "implicit" and "explicit" learners. She came from a family of engineers and said she would have been one herself if she hadn't been born at a time and place where women going into engineering just wasn't a thing, where the assumption was that if she was going to go into an academic field, it would have to be English. But her brain worked more like an engineer's brain, and she worked hard to make all the implicit expectations of writing become explicit so she could learn it. Later, this meant she was very effective at teaching it to students who found writing more confusing than science and math. If I hadn't worked closely with her, I may not have ever realized how many of my expectations for what good writing looked like were tacitly woven into my beliefs of what it meant to be a good student who was capable of, and interested in, success.
Another strength to this discourse comes from its collaborators (educator and parent Dr. Rebecca Block and undergraduate student Grace Edwards) and their mission to interview teens across the country to get a better sense of how educational systems succeed or fail.
Any library strong in topics of education, teaching, and learning need to make Can You Help Me Give a Sh*t? a key part of their collection. It ideally will attract book clubs and discussion groups centering on teen engagement, education, and revised opportunities for all kinds of learning, and is a powerful consideration that deserves reflection and real-world enactment.
And She Was Never the Same Again
Natasha Pryde Trujillo, Ph.D.
Violet Echoes Press
9798989544301 $17.95 Paperback/$7.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D28P8T67
And She Was Never the Same Again takes the memoir form and turns it upside down, pairing a psychologist's experiences and insights with the life lessons to be gained from losses that come outside of death.
Trigger warning: the contents of this book are emotion-driven and can provoke psychological angst and self-reflection that, at times, may feel overwhelming. That's why this book should not only come with a caution sign, but the advice that it should be read and digested slowly, in bits and pieces, so as to mitigate any impact and allow time for recovery and revelation, which go hand in hand in these pages.
Multiple losses come in various ways and throughout a lifespan. They result in unexpected strengths, often-unwelcome (at the time) transformations, and soul and character-altering conditions that not just prompt, but force one to go in new directions.
The collection of narratives is disparate, personal, and insightful. In probing her family (both biological and chosen),
Natasha Pryde Trujillo places her own experiences in the limelight of close analysis and examination. Undoubtedly, this approach led to a birthing experience that was challenging and powerful; because its impact on the reader assumes similar proportions of pain and discovery.
There are many unexpected moments in Trujillo's journey and in her reader's eyes. Take, for example, the experience of playing sports:
Getting accustomed to the life of high school sports also meant addressing the losses suffered at the end of each season when the seniors graduated and moved on. Each year, there was a predictable reshaping of the team that introduced grief, particularly at the beginning of a new season as we became accustomed to the changes. Our relationships, roles, strengths, and weaknesses shifted collectively and individually. We had to cope with the longing for things we missed from past seasons while also relishing in the joy and optimism we had for what our new team could achieve. Basketball stopped being fun and became a burdensome job between my sophomore and junior years.
As she reviews the pivot points of loss and change that buffet her life, so readers will be encouraged to consider their own losses and underlying influences on their life choices and paths.
These vignettes and revelations elevate And She Was Never the Same Again from a personal memoir to the status of a self-help guide to navigating life.
Libraries and readers seeking memoirs that go above and beyond a narrative life experience to probe the deeper psychological and philosophical impact of these events will find And She Was Never the Same Again thoroughly absorbing. It will not only compliment other self-help memoirs, but should be directed to book club and reading groups interested in the mechanics of loss, redirection, recovery, and change.
Origin Story
Jendi Reiter
Saddle Road Press
https://saddleroadpress.com/jendi-reiter.html
9798987954157 $25.00 Paperback/$7.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Origin-Story-Jendi-Reiter/dp/B0CZ4FQHGG
Origin Story is a novel set in the late 1990s in New York and is steeped in political and social gender issues. It follows the life of Peter Edelman, whose creation of a comic-book hero mirrors his own convictions about good, evil, life, and the process of rescuing others.
His work in a group foster home has led him to his co-author and artist, genderfluid teen Tyler "Tai" Wick. Together, they pose a formidable creative force whose conjoined efforts confront established beliefs. Peter and his boyfriend, fashion photographer Julian Selkirk, help the youth navigate a foster care system that tries to get Tai to repress their female side in order to be more adoptable. But Peter's creative process also brings up unexpected traumatic memories that challenge his understanding of his own family.
Though Origin Story is honest and explicit about the sexual atmosphere pervading the lives of these young gay men, the novel is about much more than their erotic inclinations. Jendi Reiter evolves a story whose nitty-gritty comes from not just the sexual advancements and advances of its characters, but from their emotional and political ties and clashes.
As Peter, Tai, and Julian fine-tune and promote their comic-book creation, The Poison Cure, its metaphors and impact are injected into atmospheric confrontations and realizations that are vividly represented:
At a table so minimalist that the appetizer platter made it tilt ominously, Marco slurped on chicken wings while locking eyes on my boyfriend's mouth. He was around thirty, with olive skin and gelled dark curls that tumbled in a fake-messy way over his forehead. I let him buy us vodka shots as well as my usual one bottle of beer on the wall. I ordered stuffed jalapeņos just to make a "poppers" joke. I was breathing fire. A half hour of flirty bullshit later, during a lull in the disco noise, Marco got down to examining my color xeroxes of our first "issues" of The Poison Cure. No way I'd let the originals within range of alcohol spills. Call me OCD but I firmly believe there's no excuse for having only one copy of anything. "Huh, hmm, very edgy, really different," he talked to himself while skimming the pages. "Ooh, we could get some hot complaints about that one." A sweep of blue light from a rotating strobe showed me he was at the scene where Pharmakon assaults the anti-gay priest.
This passage illustrates how deftly Reiter moves between character and creation, capturing the underlying impact and wry satirical humor of not just the comic book The Poison Cure, but the origins of its idea, ideals, and creators.
Whether tracking thoughts of suicide when there's nowhere to run, or considering family interactions, recovery from the death of a child, or queer attractions and identities, Reiter creates satisfyingly complex dialogues:
"Love?" That ambiguous clucking sound again. "I loved who he seemed to be. The future he was going to give me. Women didn't have many choices, in my generation. Not like you. Never settle - don't be star-struck by someone who's going to keep you in his shadow."
"It's okay, Mom. I'm not a spotlight-seeking kind of guy."
The result is a novel that both embraces and challenges the boundaries of gender, love, and sexuality.
Readers interested in a novel that fully embraces the pitfalls and promises of creative effort, social and political obstacles, and interpersonal relationships and growth will appreciate the atmospheric, revealing psychological overlay that gives Origin Story such a marked sense of realism and discovery.
That Was Then
M.K. Tod
www.mktod.com
Heath Street Publishing
9781068831102 $1.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/That-Was-Then-M-K-Tod-ebook/dp/B0D3K8SPFB
As thrillers go, That Was Then takes the cake for its unexpected pursuit of trouble and truths. It immerses its readers in an especially rich, colliding world of politics, journalism, and sexual assault.
The latter topic will prove a trigger point for those who have struggled with sexual assault's aftermath (especially future threats of repeat circumstances), but the notable draw of That Was Then is that Andrea Larson is not only set on escaping past trauma, but confronting its future incarnation in her life and, with a bow to bigger-picture thinking, in the world.
Like too many rapists, Brad Greiner moves on to not only repeat his devastating predatory ways, but hone them from a further position of power - politics, beginning with a bid for being the Governor of Massachusetts.
Unable to stay quiet about her experience, Andrea decides to pursue justice with the aid of her twin sister, setting up a scenario in which Brad's true nature comes to light.
The trick lies in not just exposure, but cleverly creating a scenario which keeps Andrea and her twin safe while forcing Brad into a type of limelight he'd never envisioned or wanted.
Andrea's decision to not run from Brad, but infiltrate his inner circle, introduces a dangerous game, indeed - one which she is well cognizant of:
Every hour that passed without finding information to expose Greiner was an hour that might expose me instead.
The stakes are high, but ideals of a greater good compels Andrea to not only risk herself, but her twin as the two edge closer to another truth that introduces further challenges and revelations.
M.K. Tod is a master at building character, tension, and unexpected developments. This powers the story with a sense of immediacy and discovery as Andrea and Emma confront dangerous political and personal challenges.
Another technique that reinforces the compelling characters is the juxtaposition of first- and third-person usage between Andrea and Emma. While chapter headings would have clarified these viewpoints even better, it's fairly evident whose perspective is being presented as the story evolves.
Libraries and readers seeking engaging thrillers that juxtapose political with psychological tension will welcome That Was Then's ability to draw upon multiple levels of action, entertainment, and thought-provoking questions of moral and ethical challenges.
The Devil's Crossroads
Alexis Brunet
Rhymes Junkies
9798218362355 $15.95 Paperback/$4.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Devils-Crossroads-Adventures-Musings-Hitchhiking/dp/B0D4GJ17XK
The Devil's Crossroads: Adventures and Musings Hitchhiking the Road of Life is a literary reflection/memoir of music, memories, life experience, and crossroads of change. It comes from a musician/surfer/husband/father who pinpoints many of the crossroads in his own life which forced him into unexpected directions, for better or for worse.
The lyrical pen of Alexis Brunet is evident from his opening lines:
The Devil is a cruelly brilliant architect. Calculated and practical, his brutish designs mock the holy curves of every gilded archway and treasure-adorned shrine that strains to elicit worship and inspire blind faith. If I have learned anything, it's that the guilty go to church and the desperate bargain with this fallen draftsman.
If, by this opener, readers anticipate a blend of spiritual, philosophical, and psychological form of autobiography, they would not be far off. But, woven into this fabric of opportunities and experiences lies a sense of literary and social reflection that translate the seemingly mundane into bigger pictures and higher-level thought.
Take Brunet's experience of researching blues music history and his approach of dovetailing this interest with the intersection of his own life. Call it a memoir or a musical piece, as you will, but the strength of this special blend lies in its ability to move from the Mississippi Delta's blues origins to topics of family dysfunction and broader life experience.
Brunet moves through the world powered by his love of music and life. This sentiment is echoed by words that capture both as he engages in unexpected opportunities, from becoming a stock operator to the contrast between his origins as a homeless kid in Morocco to "wining and dining in some of the best restaurants in New York, sipping on five-hundred-dollar bottles of wine."
From voluntarily assuming his parents' mortgage payments when they retire without adequate planning to defining his own morals, values, and definitions of healthy versus unhealthy patterns of behavior ("I never thought any of this was unhealthy. I assumed it was my responsibility to provide for those who had failed or were unable to provide for themselves."), The Devil's Crossroads traverses constantly-shifting ground as Brunet navigates the influences of his past and the possibilities of creating a different future.
Libraries and readers interested in life journeys which lead to the development of gratitude, responsibility, revised values, and honesty and respect will welcome the opportunity, in The Devil's Crossroads, of learning just how these life values develop and are influenced by interests, objectives, and change.
Many a book club will also find The Devil's Crossroads the perfect choice for discussing life transitions as well as the influence of music and culture on these pivot points and choices.
Manifest It! Action Planner
Nakeya T. Fields
Atmosphere Publishing
www.atmospherepress.com
9798891322202 $16.99 Paperback/$9.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Manifest-Action-Planner-Nakeya-Fields/dp/B0D48GLGGF
Manifest It! Action Planner's manifesto is clear: it's designed "to support the development and implementation of healthy wellness routines." But, what does this look like in real-life terms? This is where Nakeya T. Fields shines, because this is a step-by-step self-help guide with a difference.
Fields has created charts, discussion points, and tools for self-assessment that tackle common barriers to tapping personal power, including the types of perceptions and assumptions that influence the nature and incarnation of this strength.
As chapters delve into the foundations of empowerment, limitations, transformation, and potential barriers to overcome, a program is presented that includes plenty of workbook fill-ins, inviting readers to undertake the journey of self-realization.
These encouraging fill-in-the-blanks may preclude library lending, to some extent, but it is absolutely perfect for group discussion as well as individual endeavors. The goals presented aren't just lofty ideals, but in-the-minute admonitions to enact changes, from identifying and addressing potential barriers to forming weekly 'action steps,' creating a communication plan, and celebrating achievements.
If all this sounds daunting, be advised that Fields has actually taken the guesswork out of the growth process, lending it a structure, flexibility, and direction that lets readers embark on a journey specific in its descriptions and purposes.
For example: just one week's activity assignment includes identifying 'scarcity beliefs', challenging them (by examining the evidence that supported them and reconsidering whether these are presumptions, assumptions, or based on real facts), and, finally, practicing gratitude as an antidote to scarcity thinking.
No step is unsupported. No step is unessential. And no self-help reader truly interested in change should be without Manifest It! Action Planner, which takes the guesswork out of transformation. It only requires an inquiring mind and a determination to enact concrete, positive changes not just in lifestyle, but in one's thinking patterns and beliefs.
While Manifest It! Action Planner may feel individual-driven, it also will prove an exciting collaborative effort when applied to psychology, self-help or reading groups interested in not just reading about, but actually enacting real change.
The Secret Truth
Barry Finlay
www.barry-finlay.com
Keep On Climbing Publishing
9781068837104 Print: $16.50/ebook: $4.99
https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Truth-Jake-Scott-Mystery/dp/1068837101
The Secret Truth adds to the Jake Scott mystery series, immersing Jake in yet another challenge that tests his problem-solving acuity. In his past two books, Barry Finlay placed Jake in novel situations that tested not just his methodology, but his heart and soul. The Secret Truth represents yet another twist in Jake's life and approaches to removing obstacles to truth.
Jake is a Canadian living in Ottawa who enjoys control. Indeed, his entire life has been spent in one community. In the opening paragraphs of this story, Jake plans to spend his day leisurely killing time. He has his goal half-right, because killing quickly enters the bigger picture to, once again, challenge Jake's investigative prowess.
First, a calm and pleasant day concludes by someone trying to run him down. As if that weren't enough, when he limps down the street to his temporary housing, it's to see the building erupt in a fireball explosion that rocks not only the block, but his brain.
What could so completely destroy a building in minutes? And why, despite its being his temporary residence, should Jake become involved in an investigation already headed by the police and fire department?
One reason is that he's like a bulldog with a bone - he just can't sit back and let others do the hard work. Another reason also becomes clear to him:
...he needed to plunge into his own investigation until the fire investigator proved conclusively the blast was an accident. Either that or try to forget about it altogether. The second option was not in his DNA. He needed answers for himself and to honor the victims.
Thus emerges a new case which spirals Jake into increasingly murky waters as he navigates a new situation with friend Dani, makes lists of who holds motivations and special interests, and finds himself up against an impossible adversary.
At every step, Finlay flushes out his character's psyche, motivations, methodology, and purpose with daily life encounters that go beyond supporting the investigation to delve into life choices as Jake comes to realize that he is being stalked.
His pursuit of the truth turns into fielding personal threats, finally entering the realm of confrontation with deadly forces.
Fine tension is created throughout, but the real notable force of The Secret Truth lies as much in the care Finlay takes to fully develop his character, motivations, and approaches to life as in the underlying secret and mystery that link a seemingly-disparate group of individuals.
Readers familiar with mysteries that largely focus on methodical investigations will appreciate the psychological and social undercurrents which keep this story firmly rooted in realistic scenarios and clues to the psyches of all involved.
Tension is exquisitely developed, Jake's prior fans will enjoy the further embellishment of his life and perceptions, and newcomers will relish the 'you are here' feel as his dilemmas and life unfold.
This is why libraries looking for strong series mysteries that either stand nicely alone or complete the series as a whole will find The Secret Truth a superior choice, recommendable to a wide range of patrons who love a good investigative piece powered by astute psychological revelations.
Keep That Day Job!
David H. Lewis
BearManor Media
www.BearManorMedia.com
9798887714837 $38.00 Hardcover/$28.00 Paperback
https://www.amazon.com/Enjoy-Chasing-Showbiz-Without-Going/dp/B0D93WVBL6
Keep That Day Job!: How to Enjoy Chasing Showbiz Without Going Mad contrasts with numerous other books about artistic pursuits, in that it narrows the focus to show business and maintains that keeping a steady job on the side can take the panic (and potential poverty) away from one's endeavor. Thus, art returns to the status of a joyful pursuit without the pressure of having to make a living.
David H. Lewis weaves accounts of his passion for show business and his own life experiences as he enacts that passion. For some, Keep That Day Job! may feel like more of a memoir than a how-to guide. Those who believe this from the story's opening pages will be delighted and surprised with the many personal details that cement the business and art realities Lewis gleaned from his approaches to work.
As he moved through different kinds of jobs and gained experience in workplace politics, processes, and perspectives, Lewis also explored the industry he loved, experiencing similar revelations about its business underbelly and artistic contrasts:
I also spoke with local sponsors, a critical key in communication. At the time, American circuses were heavily dependent upon them, for this justified their setting up phone banks (boiler rooms) and pitching blocks of free kids' tickets to local merchants. The appeal turned on a deceptive promise of the proceeds going directly to a "worthy "cause, be it a children's hospital, veterans fund, or distressed Indonesian worms sanctuary. Now, if the sponsor happened to be a police or fireman's league, how could any merchant dare turn down the appeal? Thus, the show might be able to sell thousands of advance tickets, most of which ended up in waste baskets or ignored at grocery and drug store check-out counters. Worse still, the "sponsor" would be left with a pittance of the haul, while a criminally high percentage of it (up to 90%) slipped anonymously into the dark deep pockets of phone men and circus owners.
Lewis navigates a wide range of jobs, creates musicals, and lives his 'real life' off hours while fueling his passion with work. This alternates between satisfying and challenging as his story becomes one of identifying what supports artistic endeavors and what detracts from them... and what creates personal satisfaction.
Whether he's temping or doing supplemental jobs, Lewis stays the course on also realizing his artistic dreams. This approach gives Keep That Day Job! a thoroughly engrossing countenance replete with changes, challenges, and success.
Libraries seeking memoirs that fully embrace the dichotomy of work life and artistic pursuits will find Keep That Day Job! not just an excellent, inspirational recommendation for struggling artists, but perfect fodder for book club discussions where art and work opportunities and experiences are being juxtaposed and examined.
Counted With the Dead
Peter O'Keefe
Grendel Press
9781960534118 $12.99 Paperback/$3.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Counted-Dead-Peter-OKeefe/dp/1960534114
Counted With the Dead is a horror/crime thriller that poses the dilemma of exactly when a seasoned hit man can retire. The answer is: usually never. But in Jack Killeen's case, that answer is too simplistic, because Jack finds himself drawn into an extraordinary milieu in which his particular area of expertise must be applied in a different manner... to monsters.
Killeen's last victim has risen from the dead thanks to a mad scientist's efforts, and is hell bent on destruction. There's no recourse with either the Mob or the police; both of which are out for his blood. Even his priest won't help him when he goes in search of absolution. To further complicate matters, Killeen finds himself skirting the treacherous territory of love.
In order to dovetail all these undercurrents in a logical manner, Peter O'Keefe must walk a fine line in capturing all kinds of influences, circumstances, sources of angst and pleasure, and wellsprings of confrontation and challenge.
With so many subplots and influences emerging, in lesser hands, the story might prove cumbersome or confusing. However, O'Keefe creates just the right flavor of insights versus engagement in Killeen's character, seasoning rapid back-to-back action scenes with the spice of psychological developments as Killeen discovers that his motivations, intentions, and outcomes are changed by monsters that arrive in different forms to confront him.
A delicate sense of "you are here" immediacy is provided by O'Keefe's deft employment of the third person, present tense to capture narrator Killeen's experiences.
O'Keefe is equally adept at depicting a range of mercurial and challenging relationships as Killeen finds his support list diminishing and is forced to team up with his estranged brother Marty, whose coming out as gay had previously driven them apart.
O'Keefe ramps up the tension in a believable, methodical manner as Killeen finds himself stalking an unbelievable monster through late-90s Detroit. He's accompanied by dubious help and equally questionable motivations and convictions which are constantly being challenged by situations beyond his experience and control.
The psychological ebb and flow proves particularly engrossing when Killeen is forced to re-examine his stormy relationship with Marty at the same time as he faces his deepest nightmares.
These juxtapositions of action, relationship insights, and psychological suspense, tempered with forays into crime worlds and supernatural influences, set Counted With the Dead apart from the usual crime thriller's tendency towards formula writing. All these pluses make this story highly recommendable to not only thriller and horror audiences, but those who normally eschew predictability.
Libraries and readers will find Counted With the Dead comes packed with surprising twists and turns and equally strong in psychological revelations which drive events into directions even seasoned thriller readers won't anticipate.
The Mighty Sixty-Ninety (690)
Alexander Hamilton Cherin
Independently Published
9798989467204 $19.99 Paperback/$9.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Mighty-Six-Ninety-Alexander-Hamilton-Cherin/dp/B0CPPD6VPL
The Mighty Sixty-Ninety (690) is inspired by real events, and embraces a treasure hunt (for adults), baseball, and broken dreams rejuvenated by new possibilities.
Spanning the 1970-1980s in Southern California, the tale opens with four strangers who, carrying shovels, independently arrive at a baseball stadium without the goal of viewing or participating in a game (not that of baseball, anyway). Upon the hallowed playing field of the Los Angeles Dodgers, a final event unfolds that represents the culmination of events which began in 1980 (which the proceeding chapters return to).
Alexander Hamilton Cherin injects just the right amount of intrigue and possibility into his opening chapters, rather than immediately depicting the heart of the hunt's special purposes - the identity and involvement of the Mighty 690 station and corporate efforts to save a failing (but popular) radio world, which prompts their radio-sponsored contest.
The participants in this manufactured treasure hunt are all desperate for the redemption and are lured by the promise of big bucks. Less obvious to them is the concurrent draw of peace and security which underlies their passions.
Cherin takes time to build the characters and individual anguish of a number of disparate contestants, from single mother Sally Long (who struggles with her job as a bank teller and the concurrent job raising her nine-year-old son) to Danny Baker (to whom motorcycle racing is everything) and Michael Kingman (who drums up the contest notion, and is in charge of where the money will be buried and how many of the events will play out).
In the process of following these special interests, the radio world and pop culture of the 1980s comes to life, flavored by attempts to piece together a puzzle that moves from corporate to personal special interests surrounding redemption and discovery.
Clues provided to the contestants arrive with the feel of "subtle destiny" as Sally and her peers employ all their deductive skills to win a prize that will change each of their lives. What they don't realize is that the real prize involves much more than a wad of cash or efforts to retrieve it.
Cherin is adept at building atmosphere, tension, and characters in such a way that the story becomes grippingly unexpected. It reviews the fates of entwined lives and the ironic involvements that emerge from these new associations:
Sally allowed herself to dream a bit of what-ifs. The irony that the man who was singlehandedly going to bury her was also the man who gave her a clue to help cover her tracks was not lost on her.
The Mighty Sixty-Ninety (690) forges new roads in revealing radio station management, survival tactics, and the creation of a contest that blows back on its creators in unexpected ways, producing as much promise for the station's future as it does for the contestants. It proves an adventure hard to define, firmly rooted in real-world events and equally difficult to put down.
Libraries and readers interested in topics of financial, corporate, and psychological redemption will find this tale packed with revealing moments and discoveries which reaches far from its radio roots to embrace all manner of Southern California culture.
This is why The Mighty Sixty-Ninety (690) also deserves top recommendation to book clubs, who will find its pointed creation of a milieu of promise and discovery to be utterly compelling and worthy of many different types of discourse over a contest that prompts new alliances, friendships, and connections that transform both individual and radio worlds.
Stories I've Been Meaning to Tell You
Andy Romanoff
BookBaby
9798350907261 $29.95 Paperback/$9.99 eBook
https://store.bookbaby.com/book/stories-ive-been-meaning-to-tell-you
Stories I've Been Meaning to Tell You is a memoir that embraces a wild ride through coming-of-age adventures and confrontations. It will delight readers interested in absorbing a character who journeys on the darker path of reaching adulthood, and reflects the avid "you are here" feel of a storyteller who certainly knows how to spin a good yarn.
Whether he's stealing motorcycles, being thrown out of yet another school, or dabbling in the dubious film industry, Andy Romanoff's vivid experiences portend only one thing - the unexpected.
These adventures come to life in a manner that proves that the allure of the memoir genre lies not just in life events, but how they are depicted. Stories I've Been Meaning to Tell You also embraces facets of identity, Jewish connections and upbringing, and the rituals of family of origin, family of making, and the family of God, which doesn't work for the narrator in earlier years when he actively spurns every aspect of religion:
Time passes. For the next thirty odd years I am Jewish, but only if you ask me what I was born. I am drugged or busy and share the universe with other living beings - not dead ones. I marry, have children, a wife. She is Darcy, born questioning. She is the one who finds kinship among the Jews, and becomes one. I am her reluctant partner in this. She teaches me about ritual, and over time I experience it. I learn the importance of repetition, and slowly I submit. God doesn't hear, but it doesn't matter. Being reminded of what is important; chanting with the others, resetting the course is enough.
Lovely color photos pepper these accounts, bringing to life the places and atmospheres Romanoff traverses in the course of his journey. Set in Chicago (where "Schools were giant machines, 3 - 4 - 5 thousand kids in a single building, busy learning the post-war skills they would need to be part of the economy, the world"), the candid and unexpectedly wry observations Romanoff makes not only document the world around him, but admit to personal psychological failings (as evidenced in the vignette 'Stupid People I've Been Along the Way').
As Romanoff moves from job to job and through life experience to life experience, the nature of his world and ways comes to life in a journey that moves from Chicago to Miami, London, and various world locales before he winds up in Los Angeles.
Readers seeking a rollicking ride through cultural confrontations and experiences, whether they be Jewish identity, Southern California filmdom, or personal growth processes, will find this memoir revealing.
Libraries seeking memoirs that are immersed in the flavors and experiences of yesteryear will find Stories I've Been Meaning to Tell You's interconnected vignettes to be especially attractive to patrons who want life stories served up with succinct power.
Black Men and Racial Trauma
Yamonte Cooper
Routledge
https://www.routledge.com
9781032554112 $170.00 Hardcover/$35.96 Paperback/$31.69 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Men-Racial-Trauma-Interventions/dp/1032554118
Black Men and Racial Trauma: Impacts, Disparities, and Interventions is a survey that moves far beyond the usual identification and definition of racism to enter into the realms of healing and recovery.
As such, its focus both compliments books already on the market and elevates the reader's knowledge of racial trauma and its lasting, wide-ranging impact on Black men. Even more important, however, is its approach to recovery processes. As Yamonte Cooper, a licensed clinical counselor, navigates the milieu of racial bias and its deep-rooted wellsprings and impact, so he creates opportunities for dialogue and discovery that go above and beyond rote theory.
The first chapters attend to defining racism, mental health, racial trauma, and the coping mechanisms Black men have traditionally employed to overcome a rigid and relentless social paradigm that has not just ruled their lives, but shaped their reality.
Cooper creates many novel approaches to his subject, first identifying the physiological and mental impact of racism on Black men:
Black Americans experience earlier deterioration of health than whites. The inherent stress of living in a racist society that stigmatizes and disadvantages Black men may cause disproportionate physiological deterioration that may manifest the morbidity and mortality that would be typical in a significantly older white individual.
As Cooper chronicles the many impacts of racism, his concurrent attention to the equal possibilities of healing creates a discourse on racial profiling, disparities, and history that moves between subjects of developing Black capitalism and mindset to social techniques employed to undermine Black male agency. These sometimes arise from unexpected places, such as feminist efforts.
Eye-opening and certain to be controversial, Cooper's analysis, contentions, and revelations are firmly rooted not just in psychology and mental health, but in social and historical analysis. This creates a powerful set of insights not to be found in any other book on black males, their psychology, or social analysis.
The clinical eyes of mental health professionals working from various disciplines are incorporated into an analysis that interrogates gender constructs, with footnoted references accompanying scholarly insights:
Blackness ruptures Western ideas of gender but the complex lives of Black people who don't fit into the universalist accounts and narratives of grand theories such as Black feminism, queer theory, or Marxism are censored in order for these theories to remain legitimate. There is no empirical evidence to support the idea that race, class, and gender are defining aspects of interactions between groups.
Between group dynamics, ideological worldviews and politically driven assumptions, and depictions of groups, Cooper's wide-ranging discussions offer important food for thought for not just psychologists, social workers, and healers, but college-level classrooms discussing racial bias, racism's history and impact, and new methods of addressing repression.
The result is a powerful discourse highly recommended for libraries interested in scholarly works about racism and healing; for book reader discussion groups debating history, precedent; and for clinicians working directly with Black males and populations, who will find invaluable such insights as:
Anti-Black misandry manifests in beliefs that Black males are not victims of societal sexual violence but perpetrators, which denies them of the ability to be victims of sexually predatory acts. It is not unlikely that untreated Black male victims of sexual violence are living with trauma. Therefore, it is imperative that clinicians provide compassionate and
responsive care in order to afford them the opportunity to heal and not be consumed by the wound of trauma.
In short: any collection covering cultural anthropology, racial bias, clinical healing, or trauma recovery should not only make Black Men and Racial Trauma a mainstay, but should keep it prominently displayed for recommendation to any patron interested in a deep analysis and applied mental healthcare that moves from individual experience and circumstance to broader racial concerns.
The Midnight Rose
Catalina Paris
www.catalinaparis.com
Crimson Rose Publishing
9780645956306 $15.99 Paper/$3.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Midnight-Rose-Catalina-Paris/dp/0645956309
The Midnight Rose will reach young adult readers interested in fantasy stories and coming-of-age dilemmas. It follows sixteen-year-old alchemical apprentice Leo through his unexpected foray into the Realm of the Fey.
There, he encounters romance, threats, and myths as he forms new alliances with unlikely compatriots - including a warlock, a witch, and a fairy.
Catalina Paris keeps her story fast-paced, satisfyingly unpredictable, and packed with not just intrigue, but an evolving cast of characters (Lucien, Flora, and Lisandre, to name but a few). Their individual special interests and concerns dovetail with Leo's proclivity for both helping and getting into trouble.
The fantasy elements replete in The Midnight Rose revolve around alchemy and the juxtaposition of unexpected worlds and encounters as four new friends find connections and special challenges in their shared quest for magical talismans that can solve all problems.
Strong character development and situations which bind a seemingly disparate group together create satisfying ebbs and flows of action and psychological entanglements as royalty, commoners, and would-be heroes step up into their abilities and strengths.
As the halls of the Midnight Palace are traversed and traitors and lovers face condemnation and vastly revised lives, readers become immersed in the politics and fantasy of a world threatened by the growth of an unstoppable power.
The rationale behind not only the quest, but character directions and choices, becomes thoroughly engrossing as the story unfolds.
The result is a vivid interplay between changing interests, characters, and uncertain outcomes that creates a compelling story of magic and evolving friendships.
Libraries and readers seeking young adult fantasies that embrace psychological growth as well as action will find The Midnight Rose an excellent contrast between romance and world-changing efforts.
The King of Italy
Kent Heckenlively
Arcade
9781956763959 $32.99 Hardcover/$18.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/King-Italy-Novel-Kent-Heckenlively/dp/1956763953
The King of Italy: A Novel is a wide-reaching historical fiction debut introducing young man Vincenzo Nicosia, who harbors a resentment against Duke Alesandro de Leone for imprisoning his father.
This leads him to become associated with Benito Mussolini, who plots to wrest control of Italy from the Duke's hands in a bid for power that attracts Vincenzo on more than one level.
The problem is that dictators can't always be trusted. Perhaps predictably, Benito betrays Vincenzo after the young man performs his agreed-upon duties, forcing Vincenzo to flee Italy for San Francisco, where he faces new challenges that provoke his buried, inherently violent nature.
The start of World War II brings new opportunities for revenge (and, perhaps, redemption) as Vincenzo's attempt to forget about the past backfires, involving himself and his family in contemporary political conflicts abroad.
Readers follow Vincenzo's growth into middle age as he transmits wisdom to younger generations and reflects on the impact that life and politics have held on his values and efforts:
"Consider it a challenge," said Vincenzo. "I'm turning forty next week, and it's making me think about a lot of things. Everything feels right. Do you know how that feels? He immediately felt foolish for asking such a question. How could his nephew possibly know?
Kent Heckenlively excels at not just following, but explaining thought processes, emotional motivations and choices, and how life events intersect with serendipity to influence future decisions:
He thought of all the lives that had to intersect for this atrocity to take place. He thought of the Italian soldiers with the courage to defy Mussolini and who were imprisoned for their principled stand.
From insights on why communism is a popular concept and choice for ordinary citizens to how Mussolini betrayed trusts and changed the psyche of a nation, Heckenlively personalizes the political with powerful psychological insights that are revealing and captivating.
Employing the form of a sweeping epic family story that embraces nephew Alex's increasing involvement in Italian affairs provides added benefit, in that different layers of intergenerational angst and relationships are also explored.
The result is a historical novel that will attract even readers usually reluctant to undertake history-based adventures, and those who may hold relatively little background in Italian or World War II history.
This is why the novel's special brand of intrigue, when added to explorations of events often overlooked in broader historical coverages, will prove so enticing. Libraries seeking novels that shine with compellingly rich notes of discovery will find The King of Italy a top acquisition.
The King of Italy is also highly recommended for reading groups interested in how historical fiction can educate and entertain simultaneously. This group will find much food for discussion, in this story.
Through the Veneer of Time
Vera Bell
www.VeraBellAuthor.com
Timebound Publishing
9798989612406 $23.99 Hardcover/$15.99 Paperback/$4.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNQ8162V
Through the Veneer of Time is the first book in the 'Always and Forever' series that places a mural artist, Siena Forte, in the crosshairs of solving a serial killer case... which is usually her FBI husband's bailiwick.
Siena comes with an added ability that no amount of investigative prowess can match - she's been reborn in this century, complete with the talent of astral projecting to her past life. This uncommon gift allows Siena to go where no woman has gone before, drawing connections between her visions and past and present events. These give rise to a forgotten vow for revenge that she must address in order to stop the killer.
Convoluted? The plot may sound complex and challenging, but Vera Bell's ability to tap Sienna's past life to change her present world drives the story with psychological dilemmas and attractions. These pair past life regression with resolution tactics in an entirely novel manner.
(Ironically, it was author Bell's own efforts to get in touch with herself that resulted in such an emotionally attractive read, here.)
Siena's moves between past and present place her in very different milieus requiring different concessions, choices, and actions. Disparate atmospheres are wonderfully captured in a story that evolves many surprises about her lives, her husband, and the killer's course.
Astute dialogues between characters reinforce their natures and relationships:
"I mean to have a rest from talk of war today, a rún. All talk and no action are fit to drive a man mad." He massaged his neck. "'Rein it in,' you said yesterday, your wee hand on mine. A brave soul, are you? I'm not myself when I'm in that state."
I let my gaze rest on him. "It's a weakness to let them see you this way."
"A dainty lass of eighteen to lecture me on proper conduct?
You've more mettle than is your rightful share."
As well-developed as the time travel and romance components of the story are, the driving force behind Siena's character lies in her proactive abilities and sense of discovery. These strengths drive her choices into disparate directions as she navigates the treacherous territories of emotional and historical landscapes in an effort to not only survive, but better understand herself.
Against the backdrop of love, hate, and a killer's threat lies the attraction of a thriller's fast pace and heated twists and turns which will keep readers guessing, surprised, and moving between the urban milieu that is Washington D.C. and the wild world of Ireland.
Libraries seeking fantasy explorations that contain more depth and thought-provoking discoveries than the majority of books billed as either time travel, thriller, or romance genres will find the combination here to be absolutely enthralling.
Book clubs seeking multifaceted reads that open a series will find much to discuss in Through the Veneer of Time's characters and plot.
Into the Lure of Time
Vera Bell
www.VeraBellAuthor.com
Timebound Publishing
9798989612437 $24.99 Hardcover/$16.99 Paperback/$5.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CZT76BST
Book 2 of the 'Always and Forever' time-travel/romance trilogy, Into the Lure of Time, gives newcomers and returning fans a run for their reading money. It returns to the scene of Through the Veneer of Time to focus on Siena and Ryan's evolving dilemmas as they continue to struggle with past and present influences.
The medieval timeline here is rooted in two historical scenarios: the events preceding the English crown's plantation of Ulster; and the real life of legendary Irish hero (and adversary of Elizabeth I) Shane O'Neill.
As in the previous story, historical elements both enhance the believability of situations and choices and expand character personalities and efforts, drawing readers into a vivid series of dilemmas powered by realistic events.
Siena and Ryan live their lives mirroring many of these past trends and choices. This lends their efforts and options an added dimension of thought-provoking revelation as they survey not only outward manifestations of struggle, but inner resources shaken by discoveries which change their notions of historical precedent, each other, and themselves.
Vera Bell spices history with romance and psychological developments, giving her tale a multidimensional feel as the story expands from the introductory experiences and settings of Through the Veneer of Time to embrace deeper-level themes of domestic conflict and psychosexual struggle.
More so than the first book, these new elements at first may not only prove surprising, but triggering, to some readers. All these facets are reinforced by a first-person exploration that brings thoughts, emotions, reactions and quandaries to life.
The allure of forbidden fruit is adeptly described as the tale unfolds and Siena confronts her own morals and values through the lens of her past life:
"Can I say something and...please, I don't mean to offend. But your husband must be very sure of himself to leave a woman like you alone in D.C."
I shivered in the silence that fell, traces of deja vu whirling around me in a confused flurry. "I don't know what you mean." I pushed against the stool, gaining an inch.
Her encounters in 1565 Ulster, Ireland are no less demanding:
How could he not know this meeting was our last? "Will you come willingly then - " he murmured into my hair, oblivious, "or shall I bind you like a captive - the loveliest anyone has ever seen?"
In contrast to the first book, Siena's emotional undercurrents are even more vividly portrayed as evolving dilemmas force her to field political and psychological matters with revised dreams of what her present and future can be in two very different lives:
I'd rip this new indignity from my mind. And when the time came, I'd ride fast as the wind. Home, home, home.
The result is not only a satisfying continuation of Siena's growth process, but a story that simmers with intrigue, passion, historical insights, and thoroughly engrossing revelations.
Hard to put down and impossible to resist, while Into the Lure of Time can serve as a stand-alone read, it's best imbibed by Bell's prior fans, who will enjoy the added value and treat of a second book that builds wonderfully complex insights and attractions from the first title's foundations.
Libraries and book clubs will relish the opportunity to acquire and recommend Into the Lure of Time.
Freeman's Challenge
Robin Bernstein
University of Chicago Press
https://press.uchicago.edu/index.html
9780226744230 $27.50 Hardcover/$26.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Freemans-Challenge-Murder-Americas-Original/dp/022674423X
Readers interested in the judicial system, legal proceedings, and true crime and prison history will find Freeman's Challenge: The Murder That Shook America's Original Prison for Profit of special note and interest. It fills a gap in the literature of prison management and history by covering a ground shaking event that changed the ideals and face of prison-for-profit management processes, but goes beyond these topics to educate students of racial history and conflict.
Despite its chronicle of events that occurred many decades ago, Freeman's story will also serve as a strong classroom discussion point for students interested in modern prison system issues and reform processes.
Those who operate largely ignorant of how incarceration works on a day-by-day level may be surprised at Robin Bernstein's opening salvo:
American prisons are worksites. Of the 1.2 million Americans currently incarcerated in state and federal prisons, two-thirds have jobs. They cook, scrub floors, wash laundry, or maintain buildings. Beyond the prison, they fix roads or fight forest fires. Some raise crops or work in factories. Unlike their free counterparts, incarcerated workers do not have the right to refuse to work, and almost none earn more than one dollar per hour. In many states, prisoners earn nothing at all. Yet every year they produce more than $2 billion worth of commodities and $9 billion in services.
This immediate connection between imprisonment and free labor may not outrage those who believe that, by their very act of imprisonment, prisoners have no rights. However, the point Bernstein drives here forms the crux of an entire paradigm that equates prisoners with not just free but lucrative, profit-making labor. The history and discussion is one not to be passed over, even by those who believe that their very actions and incarceration makes prisoners justifiable fodder for exploitation.
New York State's Auburn state prison was a model example of profiteering at its best and worst (depending on what side of the coin one's belief falls on). Its money-making efforts went far beyond making the prison profitable and ultimately enriched the entire town of Auburn... all on the backs of a quasi-slavery not just condoned by New York, but celebrated by authorities and fellow justice systems everywhere, who viewed it as a model approach to incarceration management.
It took the efforts of one William Freeman, a young Black and Native American 1800s teen convicted of horse theft and incarcerated in Auburn for five years, to challenge that system against all odds, winning against great odds before tragedy concluded his efforts. William's story more than deserves to be told. It sets an example for resonating and sweeping changes to viewpoints on prisoners, prison management, and profit-making ventures that hold impact and relevance to this day.
Freeman insisted that he was not a prison slave, but deserved equal rights as a citizen and a worker. His revolutionary contentions resulted in violence and turmoil, both against and around him. Ultimately, Freeman then stunned the world further by committing a quadruple murder, cementing his permanent status as a prisoner.
In order to do this story justice, Bernstein presents it in three distinct parts. The first section focuses on the history, ideals, and growth of the Auburn State Prison system, providing much background into not only its development, but the driving forces that sent it in unique directions.
The second part focuses on Freeman and his motivations and perspective for confronting a system which, to outsiders, seemed a model of proper prison system management. In this section, connections to personal experience and racial overtones of the times are analyzed in an effort to place Freeman's actions in light of American society in general and prison system culture in particular.
The third part ties together these sections with a vivid portrait of how one man's determination spread not just enlightenment, but violence among Blacks and whites around him, sparking revolutions in thought and management systems that resonate to this day.
In taking the time to create this history on several different levels, Bernstein produces a remarkable blend of passionate observation and historical fact that not just engages his readers, but forces them to reflect on contrasts between past and present prison system management and attitudes towards incarceration. This effort will succeed in probing underlying beliefs about white supremacy and racial profiling:
...white Auburnites rose so adamantly against Freeman because he successfully threatened the Auburn State Prison. The threat was effective not only because it took the form of violence, but also because the Auburn State Prison had preexisting vulnerabilities due to the misjudgment, amorality, and ineptitude of its white leaders. In other words, the white people who made the prison strong simultaneously made it weak - a fact that Freeman's actions had the potential to expose. White Auburnites responded to this threat by collectively contriving the larger-than-life Black criminal - an early moment in the making of this national myth. In short, a devastating formation of white supremacy was, at one point of origin, essentially defensive: white people criminalized African Americans to avoid confronting their own shortcomings.
This and other revelations is why Freeman's Challenge is very highly recommended not just for students of judicial history, but for anyone reviewing the records of racism, prejudice, and worker rights in America.
Libraries seeking scholarly, footnoted references that are firm in documentation roots, yet highly accessible to non-scholar audiences, will find much to like and recommend in Freeman's Challenge - especially to book clubs tackling the heady subjects of labor, prisoner, and human rights issues.
Lost Family
Katherine Williams
www.katherinewilliamswriter.com
Atmosphere Press
https://atmospherepress.com
9798891322776 $17.99 Paperback/$8.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Family-Katherine-Williams/dp/B0D2HHTYC2
Lost Family combines historical fiction and a World War II setting with romance as it traverses past and present. It opens in 2020, seesawing back and forth in time to build a multifaceted story about a doppelganger experience that leads Ben Griffiths to realize that his look-alike really exists - in France.
In 1939 France, teen artist Amelie Maurois struggles with the Nazi occupation and resistance efforts. These lead her to become involved with a British agent. Shunned by frightened neighbors and those who would expose her deepest secrets, Amelie goes into hiding, feeling relatively powerless to change anything - much less help herself.
As the story moves between 1940s France and the 2020s, readers receive a powerful set of connections that move between two individuals, two romances, and settings ranging from Wales to France.
Family connections evolve in unexpected ways that keep readers connected to the history and events, lending Lost Family a realistic, psychologically-driven strength that will attract even those not usually given to reading historical novels, much less World War II history.
Katherine Williams's intense focus on daily living under Occupied rule gives readers a solid sense of discovery, bringing history to life as the two characters field challenges in their lives and find their romances and family connections dovetailing between past and present events.
As Ben confronts Sian with the fact that her love may be unrequited, Amelie becomes involved in a hijacking that broadens to include her own stolen heart.
Central to the story are revelations of how each character came to make choices outside their influences and comfort zones:
"Bruno had to shoot the driver of the bus - he was so young. But we had no choice; if we'd let him go, he would have recognized us." Amelie reached out and touched her hand, remembering how she'd felt when she'd seen a soldier kill the old man in the street. "That's horrific. Seeing someone killed is something you'll never be able to forget." Her bottom lip trembled. "How has it come to this?"
The result is a gripping saga that brings history and hearts to life in an especially compelling way. Libraries seeking World War II historical fiction that, more so than most, centers on navigating daily life within and outside of the war, and which covers the resonating impact of that war decades later, will find Lost Family worthy of acquisition and patron recommendation. Referral to book clubs interested in supercharged World War II scenarios driven by emotion, growth, and new revelations about the world provides an added plus to its enjoyment.
Molly's Milestone
Marlys Beider
https://marlysbeider.com
Wheatmark
97988874716 $18.95 paperback/$28.95 hardcover
https://www.amazon.com/Mollys-Milestone-Marlys-Beider/dp/B0D3XV4LHZ
In Molly's Milestone, an accident at age four has erased Molly's memories and led to her being raised without her mother. Surrounded by Mateo and Marco Miraldo (her grandfather and father, who have emotional difficulties and harbor secrets), Molly's life has always been one of turmoil and mystery.
Fast forward to her thirties, where a mysterious phone call recalls the puzzle of her lost mother and twin brother, hinting that they are somehow alive, against all odds.
Who wouldn't then embark on a journey to find them? Be careful what you wish for, because an unexpected result of Molly's newfound probe reveals a tangled web of deceit and danger orchestrated by her father and grandfather, portending involvements she would do best to avoid.
What was a quest for missing links becomes a lesson in discovery, recovery, and survival as Molly navigates new truths about a world she thought she knew well, finding herself in jeopardy, as a result.
Marlys Beider does a superb job of building unexpected twists and turns into Molly's story. This drives a sense of discovery that keeps readers not only engaged in Molly's newfound dilemmas, but interested in how she absorbs and deals with them.
Readers already well versed in mystery and thriller genres will find that this psychological component of Molly's investigations lends to a strong, believable, likable character. Uncommon dilemmas and pursuits fuel the action with notes of insight and intrigue, keeping readers not only guessing but thoroughly involved and invested in Molly's outcome and possible resolutions.
Adjunct characters such as Mateo Miraldo, Miggy and Ursula receive their own strong depictions and complex involvements as their lives dovetail with Molly's, raising further questions of intention, purpose and connection.
Family connections and quasi-love are shaken in the course of truths that come to light, only to offer dubious forms of comfort, redemption or resolution.
Molly loves surprises. But not this one!
Molly also loves to challenge herself. As repressed memories emerge to pose frightening new questions, readers will especially delight in the dialogues and interactions (including therapy sessions) that spark these new revelations, presenting new problems for Molly:
"Molly? What's wrong?"
"I think I'm remembering something from my past."
"Do you need a break?"
"Absolutely not!"
Such dialogues also reinforce the story's realistic, engrossing aspects of discovery, creating a fine supportive juxtaposition between action and reaction as Molly moves towards understanding impossible truths about her family and life.
While thriller readers will appreciate the investigative prowess of this story, it's the enthusiast of family ties and psychology who will especially appreciate Molly's evolving discoveries and their impact.
Beider exhibits a dual strength in character-building and plot development. This serves her well as she creates Molly as a three-dimensional figure worthy of reader affection and support.
Libraries that chose Molly's Milestone for its mystery and thriller components will find so much more to appreciate and recommend in this novel.
In Deep and Far Out
Richard G. Opper
www.RichardOpper.com
Konstellation Press
9798990818125 $14.95 Paperback; $3.95 e-book
https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Far-Out-Mona-Oakheart/dp/B0D88J5V3K
Richard G. Opper's first book, The Body in the Barrel, was set in 1970s San Diego and represented Opper's debut appearance as a hard-boiled mystery writer.
Book II in the trilogy, In Deep and Far Out, continues the intrigue and attraction with a story that simmers with tension. It opens with Tina's first-person experience of a phone call that threatens to pull her from her successful Los Angeles life back to Guam, where trouble and danger loom.
Tina is determined not to be pulled back ("There's no trouble at my door; I left and I'm not coming back."). But even though she thought she moved far enough away, Foghorn (aka Judge Scraggins)'s threats force her to return to a dire situation she apparently can never quite escape. The fact that her mother is a cop, and that she has secrets to keep hidden (which Foghorn knows and uses against her) forces her hand. Can Tina escape her past, protect her mother, and preserve her future by "taking away his power by owning up?" Not likely.
Richard G. Opper switches points of view frequently, from Tina and Foghorn to pornography film producer Mona and her new beau, harbor policeman Gary. Grief drives motivations and choices and introduces a host of new possibilities as seemingly-disparate characters move into different milieus they are ill equipped to navigate.
Scenarios also are fluid, moving between Los Angeles and Guam to a child from Vietnam who is found on a Point Loma beach, where he's spent the night.
As cops and lawyers, specters of horror from the past (that show up in judges' robes with a perp's proclivity for blackmail and horror), and new possibilities buffet Gary, Tina, and the people around them, readers of The Body in the Barrel will enjoy the same attention to psychological drive and detective intrigue that made Opper's first book so notably compelling.
Both San Diego culture and Gary's prowess and personality evolve from his first appearance. This lends to a story that operates as both a stand-alone tale of intrigue, and as a complimentary story expanding the growths of urban area and individual alike.
Between inherent craziness in environment and special interests and a slow simmer of growing romance, In Deep and Far Out proves an attractive story that deftly contrasts different personalities, perspectives, and motivations.
Libraries and readers seeking stories immersed in not just cat-and-mouse plays, but survival tactics that expand to embrace bigger-picture thinking (such as the presence and impact of Vietnamese refugees) will find In Deep and Far Out as thought-provoking and engrossing as it is entertaining.
Strip: A Memoir
Hannah Sward
hannahsward.com
Tortoise Books
9781948954679 $17.99 Paper ($14.40 on Amazon)/$7.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Strip-Memoir-Hannah-Sward/dp/1948954672
Strip: A Memoir presents the life challenges of Hannah Sward, who was abandoned by her mother, lived with her poet father on an isolated island devoid of cars or stores, was kidnapped and molested at age six, and (unsurprisingly) then became a drug-addicted stripper and prostitute (although she tried drugs during that time, her active addiction didn't manifest until later).
The memoir's opening presents the gritty, matter-of-fact tone which swings from a bewildered child's eidetic memory of loss to an adult's observational analysis:
My mom left when I was two. While I was in her belly and my dad was standing on his head to find a poem, she'd met a sculptor, Paul. After I came out of her belly, she fell in love with him and didn't want me anymore.
This unique sense of personality and purpose gives Strip the feel of candid assessment that blends personal and analytical eye in an unusually compelling, literary manner. This belays the usual experience of such a background as being fodder for analytical exploration rather than emotional connection.
By incorporating both into her presentation, Hannah Sward creates an inspection that stands out from the plethora of memoirs about addiction, abuse, and recovery.
As Sward explores making money working for Madame Ava and interacting with fellow women in the sex trade, the milieu shifts to reveal many underlying issues and answers as to why and how women fall into such circumstances.
Sward attends to juxtaposing sometimes-surprising elements of past history and present-day experience in a manner which will prove a satisfying allure to her readers:
I wore one of the suits I had saved from my days with the Madame. I had kept it in the back of the closet in a plastic suit bag, the kind with the zipper on the side that always reminded me of a corpse bag. I bought an alarm clock and stockings like the ones my mom had worn when she had worked at Burdines. I kept hearing her voice when I looked at all the varieties at the department store. "The worst two years of my life."
Readers (and libraries) should anticipate explicit sex scenes that come to light alongside efforts to at first hide from her past, then escape it, then confront it. These facets lend Strip an extraordinarily intimate tone of realism that reaches for personal empowerment while describing lures and influences of the past that often emerge at unexpected points of recovery.
All these elements mean that Strip is not just highly recommended for memoir readers, but for book club and psychological group discussions where topics of sex industry processes, recovery, and personal empowerment are of special interest. Libraries that choose to recommend Strip to these audiences will find its candid literary tone embraces both controversy and revelation, making it perfect for debate and discussion.
Haunt
Nichole Calabrese
Unearthly Stories
9798989871902 $12.99 Paper/$3.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Haunt-Book-One-Nichole-Calabrese-ebook/dp/B0CW1CKW42
Young adults interested in ghost stories that embrace coming-of-age events will find this first book in the Haunt series introduces compelling characters and scenarios that nicely support the specters of ghosts and growth alike.
First-person narrator Gemma LeClair has a secret. She can see, hear, and speak with ghosts. This and other factors defy her interest in leading a normal life, especially since said ghosts are both trapped in the places they died in, and are desperate for attention.
Gemma's move to live with her grandfather offers new possibilities; but as it turns out, her high school is even more haunted than her past... and the chief ghost there proves to have no record of dying.
As Gemma comes to realize the small town holds secrets equal to or greater than hers, she is drawn into a mystery that leads her to confront not only spirits, but her own assumptions and growth.
The mystery evolves a satisfyingly creepy feel as Gemma comes to acknowledge that the inherent threat from ghostly friends and enemies alike is more than she can handle - especially in her revised roles at home and at school.
Under another pen, these events would either have come across as mystery alone, or supernatural thriller. Nichole Calabrese's strength lies in walking a delicate line between the two, in which her protagonist faces not only reality and death, but her own role and future.
This drives a story that is creative, engrossing, and thought-provoking as Gemma is forced into a limelight she keeps trying to avoid at all costs:
I didn't want to try. I wanted to not be publicly humiliated by vindictive math teachers. I wanted to go unnoticed, be left alone. I felt my anxiety mounting, as it had too often lately.
Buffeted by psychological insights, trauma, new revelations about her abilities and their dangers and the process of trying to reinvent her world and perspective, Gemma's story will prove as satisfying to readers attracted to tales of psychological growth and revelation as to those who just seek a thoroughly, satisfyingly spooky tale.
That's why Haunt is highly recommended reading for teens and should be on the bookshelves of libraries catering to them, who will find its allure translates to book club recommendation, as well.
Holidays in Trees: Christmastide
Cammy Marble
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9798891322851 $14.99 pb/$24.99 hardcover/$8.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Holidays-Trees-Christmastide-Cammy-Marble/dp/B0D4SGGWDL
Holidays in Trees: Christmastide is the fourth book in the Holidays in Trees picture book series. It follows the creatures who reside in the Black Walnut Ridge Resort as they celebrate Christmastide - for twelve days.
Community-wide and family celebrations come to light as the creatures acknowledge and rejoice over the birth of the Sun Child, and the seasonal snow that appears around this time.
The tale is narrated by Chester Scamper and his wife Autumn, who lend a chatty, fun tone to observations of how different creatures contribute their skills and findings to the holiday experience:
Before Christmas, Jay and Flappy Feathers bring in a supply of fragrant cedar boughs with pinecones, jolly holly, and pumpkin-orange bittersweet from The Ridge for anyone who wants to use it for decorating.
The result is a winning, appealing picture book celebration that will engage kids and read-aloud adults with an animal-centric sense of joy and community involvement that's perfect for either the holiday season or year-around reading.
From a house-wide treasure hunt for gifts and the myth of a Santa Claws to family gifting traditions, Holidays in Trees: Christmastide paves the way for adults to introduce and discuss family engagements and traditions with the very young, who will appreciate the bright animal characters and warm descriptions of cooperative celebrating.
Elementary-level libraries that choose this book for a different kind of Christmas message will welcome Cammy Marble's attention to whimsy alongside underlying serious messages about what makes for a celebratory, special atmosphere both within and outside the home.
Adriel Peregrine
Michael G. Tavella
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9798891323032 $27.99 Hardcover/$18.99 Paperback/$9.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Adriel-Peregrine-Michael-Tavella-ebook/dp/B0D4W2WB3M
Historical fiction readers who settle upon Adriel Peregrine: The Tale Of A Wanderer Who Becomes A Pilgrim will quickly discover that the tale is of a man of faith who loses his belief, falls into the world of drugs and depravity, and finds himself clueless and rudderless in an era recovering from the Civil War's atrocities and soul-bending conflicts.
In an effort to disengage from both the past and his present-day choices, Adriel becomes a nomad searching for his soul. His story brings to life the dual dilemmas of a faithless existence as he confronts the deepest layers of truth and loss within him in an effort to not only survive, but recover his sense of self.
Michael G. Tavella filled his story with memorable encounters, thought-provoking moral and ethical choices, and excursions undertaken in the late 1800s. These transform him from a young man to a passionate adult, luring readers with passages reflective of the vivid events of the times.
The atmosphere and sense of place that introduce Adriel's character are particularly fine introductions that create invitingly realistic discourses of time and observation:
The beautiful Pennsylvania countryside was an elixir that stimulated Adriel's imaginative inclination. It was a formula that invigorated his young life. He took the land into himself
as a restoring potion. Love of the nearby inspired his thoughts of the far distant. He exulted in the panorama of his home that lent to his appreciation of the faraway and exotic. Both worked together to give ecstatic vision to his young mind.
The fact that the action does not stay rooted in Pennsylvania (or, even, in America) does not detract from this strong story, which displays the extent of Adriel's ability to observe his surroundings and consider his place in the world.
Tavella continues to juxtapose this sense of place and self with the world-wide travels this wanderer undertakes in search of spiritual, psychological, and moral redemption:
Adriel learned these Buddhist principles from a sailor from Ceylon whom he encountered in Hong Kong and a Chinese sailor on the Sea Wind who practiced the Chan (Zen in Japanese) form of the religion. His wanderings exposed him to many ideas and ways of looking at things that, at home, he would never have entertained.
From the opium dens of London to revelations provoked by Adriel's openness to many things (Adriel's life was changing, and he was changing with it), readers receive a fine contemplative journey that invites them to walk alongside Adriel as he opens up the world and considers new possibilities for himself.
Readers won't anticipate that murder and love will play a part in these adventures - but, they do.
The result is a story of faith, deliverance, and darkness. It is especially highly recommended for libraries seeking historical novels that simmer with psychological growth and tension, readers that enjoy compelling accounts of spiritual struggle, and book clubs that look for vivid reading and issues perfect for debate and discussion.
Replacement Parts
Marc Dickinson
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9798891321786 $17.99 Paper/$9.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Parts-Marc-Dickinson/dp/B0CY5Q6W5R
The haunting literary short stories of Replacement Parts embrace a sense of place (Dexton, Iowa), character purpose (all want to escape their hometown roots in one form or another), and events that compromise the characters' ability to either truly get away from or form a new connection with Dexton's culture and history.
Each story in this collection focuses on a very different person, contrasting ages, attitudes, and angst. They are delivered in varying tones and styles to reinforce the idea that these residents who share one thing in common also share a compulsion to recreate a sense of community in a milieu firmly mired in precedent and history.
Marc Dickinson dovetails these lives via vignettes that tastefully ramble through life events and outlooks with an attention to exploring the jurisdictions of precedent and control that overlay each experience.
As ordinary as many of the characters may at first appear, there is much that is extraordinary about their perspectives.
Most of the stories open with a bang. Take the title story 'Replacement Parts', for one example:
Madeline Davis-Dempsey entered our second-grade class with magic hair.
The compulsion to continue, on the reader's part, is rewarded by a tale packed with magical observations of Madeline Davis-Dempsey, the "girl next door" whose ability to capture attention, captivate, and inject her unique ability into Geoffrey's elementary school (and life as a whole) creates a passionate draw of magic and possibility:
...she already knew what notes were called in music class. How she played piano while we were just beginning to puff on recorders. In gym, while jumping rope, Madeline taught us double-dutch, the hypnotic chants stuck in our heads all afternoon. The day we learned to count in Spanish, Madeline whispered something under her breath, and Mrs. Hoover made her repeat it, like maybe it was a dirty word. But when Madeline spoke again, using sounds that weren't really words except to Mrs. Hoover, we all sat slack-jawed - as if the girl's voice had suddenly become possessed by some invisible spirit. So though we tried, nobody could forget her name. She was impossible to ignore.
As the mysterious Madeline works on transforming those around her, she injects a special form of magic into her classmates that introduces bigger-picture philosophical thinking into one young man's life.
Dialogues and discourses reveal far more about Maddy than her neighbor and classmate could fathom - including the wellsprings of her magic:
...it's why people always get cursed at the end of the story."
"Because everyone always gets what they deserve?"
"No. She said because it's an act of selfishness. To give up on the gifts you've been given. But maybe you're right," she said, tears cracking her voice. "In other religions, it's just another way to punish. Or repent."
Such small-town signs of life and transformation also take place in adult Jack Dunbar's story in 'Down the Line,' where aging and ability rapidly progress into unfamiliar territory, forcing him to reinvent both his life and his vision of the future.
Each short story adds another dimension to the changing milieu of Dexton, Iowa.
Libraries seeking literary short stories steeped in a sense of place and individual character circumstances, that dovetail in unusual ways, will find Replacement Parts highly attractive for not just literary audiences, but general-interest short story readers. All will appreciate this collection, which builds atmosphere and cultural revelation through seemingly-disparate yet entwined lives, embracing Iowa culture in the process.
Remnant
Katie Sweeting
www.katiesweeting.com
Resource Publications
c/o Wipf and Stock Publishers
https://wipfandstock.com
9798385203710 $26.00 Paperback/$2.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Remnant-Katie-Sweeting/dp/B0D1K1J6JT
Remnant will be especially welcomed by any library strong in developing Black and African-American fiction. It presents readers with a story steeped in Olu's experience of being kidnapped from her Nigerian home to become a slave in America, forced to work on a South Carolina rice plantation in 1753 while harboring dreams of escape.
In contrast to her life is that of Joanna Vassa, a biracial orphan whose knowledge of her Aunt Olu is sorely lacking.
Katie Sweeting dovetails these two lives in a manner that creates appealing, unexpected contrasts between different forms of racism which may have changed, in some ways, over the years, yet remains the same in too many forms.
In 1753, Olu is eleven, her kidnapping already a memory that happened "many suns ago." Her recollection of this experience introduces the first surprise: a female was involved in her abduction.
As she and her younger brother pass from hand to hand, sold and in servitude, Olu moves from being a happy, contented child to one haunted by violence and uncertainty.
Sweeting takes the time to describe all the events that proceed to impact Olu's young life before turning to Joanna, who has her own struggles being a young woman of color, which white society doesn't understand:
"She's practically black." Miranda hastened out of the parlour like a dark cloud, taking her negative energy with her. An awkward silence ensued. I looked down at my practically black hands folded in my lap. I wondered, can I not be practically black and English? Oh, how I wish my mama or papa were here. Uncle John was wonderful, but we didn't speak about these things. He had no idea what it was like to be a young woman of colour in England. In this initial foray out into the world - I had led a sheltered life thus far - I encountered attitudes and opposition I didn't expect and didn't know how to deal with. Where did I fit in? How did others view me? Was I English or African, and are those mutually exclusive?
Sweeting reviews social changes and turmoil that range from abolitionist efforts and movements to how each girl adjusts to and impacts the world around her.
As political and social battles come to light, past and present dovetail in ways that will undoubtedly spark debates and interest among audiences that will find that these two girls are excellent examples of different forms of racism, historical precedent, and methods of handling prejudice.
The healing process embraces others' attitudes, reactions, and changes, as well. This introduces further threads of social and psychological examination as the early 1800s come to life. Even when Sweeting's character explores romance, strong connections to underlying themes of choice, consequence, and action are included, creating thought-provoking moments and bigger-picture reflections:
I believe we don't know how we really feel until a choice is offered, and we accept or decline.
The result is a novel steeped in the experiences of two women who make headway in confronting prejudice, assumptions, racism, and empowerment (or the lack thereof) in their lives.
Libraries seeking historical fiction that is highly recommendable to general-interest readers as well as book clubs holding special interest in themes of recovery and transformation from social strife and struggle will welcome the opportunity to acquire Remnant for their collections.
Not the Same River
W.A. Polf
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9798891323056 $26.99 Hardcover/$17.99 Paperback/$9.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Not-Same-River-W-Polf/dp/B0D4757G9D
Not the Same River harbors a literary countenance, its short stories reviewing the nature and impact of time and individual choice. It will attract audiences that have a special interest in short stories filled with psychological depth and inspections replete with a sense of place and growth opportunities.
Take the short story 'Lunch at the Dahesh', for example. Here, Collin once again joins Glenda for lunch at the Dahesh (late, as usual), and together they face the end of old patterns and attractions and the beginnings of new things.
A love of art bonds them - yet less apparent (initially) but equally compelling is their shared love for the art museum Dahesh that once served as the mainstay of New York's artistic community (and their relationship), capturing moments of 'suspended tension' that reach from art observation into life experience.
As academic debate and expression coincide with personal shifts, W.A. Polf invites reader into a world which began as set on a foundation of shared experience, and has evolved into something more:
He began to feel uneasy, unsure why. Nothing seemed different; they had been in this very place many times before. Yet the situation seemed changed, as though he had shifted his position and now saw "The Water Girl" from another perspective.
Contrast this with 'The Elephant Train,' in which an elephant train tour at the zoo reflects scenarios of loss and transformation in which the characters... lay there silently, their world dissolving around them, the new one not yet fully formed.
Routines interrupted by adversity and surprise receive prominent display and attention in a story that surveys the irony of a kill-or-be-killed world and a microscopic situation.
Each scenario plays out against a very different backdrop. Each short story operates as a tale of individual revelation that, when viewed as a group, relates different versions of choice, impact, closure, and recovery.
Libraries and college-level professors seeking literary works that vary widely in their atmospheres, sense of place, and psychological calls and responses will find the diversity in Not the Same River satisfying. It reflects a deeper attention to revelation and growth which deserves not only individual recommendation, but can serve as appealing fodder for classroom and book club discussions.
The Road to Courage
Roy Taylor
https://roytaylorauthor.com
Koehler Books
https://www.koehlerbooks.com
9798888243763 $26.95 Hardcover/$19.95 Paperback/$7.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Road-Courage-Adventures-Americas-Frontier/dp/B0D43SV5PT
The Road to Courage: A Boy's Adventures on America's Last Frontier documents the life of Roy Taylor as he journeyed to and experienced Alaska in his childhood. Sounds idyllic? It was - but the exploration also held challenges that Roy (and, vicariously here, his readers) unearths and navigates in the course of documenting the wilderness and culture that is Alaska.
At this point, it should be noted that this memoir is as much about family dynamics and faith as it is about the Alaskan backdrop that shaped them.
As young Taylor and his brother labor alongside their parents to help construct a church in Valdez, encounters with bears, moose, and matters of the heart form a continuous loop of action that moves from Alaska's external challenges to internal matters of the heart.
From the opening lines of the story (which sets its roots in 1950s Cincinnati) to the adventures that follow, Taylor demonstrates an ability to enliven nonfiction with the high-octane drama of fictional description:
The bird hurtled through our open window on the same day the letter arrived. The letter that would hurtle us into the unknown. Like a treasure map, it lured us into a world of peril and adventure and changed my life forever. Given the importance of the occasion, one might have expected a more auspicious omen. Perhaps a messenger pigeon, a mourning dove, a quail, or a pheasant. But no, it was a simple city pigeon. We ate it anyway. When you're hungry, everything looks like fair game.
As he recreates first-person dialogues to reinforce relationships and interactions, weaving in a child's-eye view of Alaska's rich natural wealth, readers will delight in the 'you are here' feel of events, which is a powerful attractor, reinforcing an overall sense of urgency, drama, and insight:
To our right, Valdez Glacier curled out of the mountains onto the plain like a colossal winter dragon. Gray, silty water spilled from its massive jaws and slithered to the sea, a sinuous tongue passing close enough to taste the town. I shuddered. What if the dragon awoke?
As they struggle to raise the walls of their church in the short season before Alaska's famous winter sets in, the dynamics of their attempts come to life in gripping passages of wonder and new skills, from hunting to coping.
All these facets make The Road to Courage highly recommendable to a wide audience, from memoir readers who enjoy the overlay of fictional drama and vivid descriptions to reading groups that will appreciate material suitable for discussions about upbringing, faith, and different forms of courage.
Libraries that include The Road to Courage in their collections will find all of these attributes thoroughly attractive to patrons.
Starman After Midnight
Scott Semegran
Mutt Press
9798218415945 $14.99 Paperback/$4.99 eBook
https://bookshop.org/a/152/9798218415945
Starman After Midnight: A Novel-in-stories is a literary collection of small-town characters and situations. At their nexus are the lives of neighbors Seff and Big Dave, opposites who are attracted by the mysteries and puzzles that permeate both of their lives.
Their very different worldviews lead to meteoric clashes over diverse approaches to life and their own small pieces of it, creating an atmosphere of inquiry and discovery. This will especially attract readers interested in surrealistic settings, dark influences, and intriguing solutions to threats and possibilities.
The first attribute to note about Scott Semegran's approach is his immersive language. He captures these vignettes of daily challenges through dialogues that are astute and packed with interest:
"How did you come up with something like that?" I said.
He finished the last of his beer. "Fox News. Beer me."
I finished my beer and put a new beer in his outstretched hand. "Fox News isn't news," I told him.
"What do you mean it ain't news? It's in the title. Fox News."
"That's ridiculous."
"Is it? It ain't no more ridiculous than a naked bear in the woods flashing its pecker at a choir of gophers."
"Huh?"
"You heard me. A spy, dammit. A gosh-dern-naked Russian-voting-system spy. Son of a biscuit."
The scenarios which contribute to the greater whole and crux of the story aren't what you'd anticipate from a pair of beer-guzzling buddies who hold such disparate attitudes about the evidence and circumstances that revolve around them.
Indeed, elements of psychological and social surprise that are woven into each tale create milieus which both stand nicely alone in individual chapters, yet are indicative of the strong outcome of these entwined experiences and mysteries.
Throughout them all, Semegran's language ties together these oddballs and oddities in a manner that will especially please creative writing teachers seeking modern examples of powerful character-building devices:
The next afternoon, I was hot-to-trot in the writing department and finished a pivotal chapter in my zombie family novel, one where the father questions his existence and begins to wonder if he's actually living his "afterlife" rather than his "real life."
Humor juxtaposes nicely with serious reflection about community and individual involvements as the story unfolds in a series of picture-in-picture moments.
The tale is, quite simply, utterly compelling, fun, and attractive. Starman After Midnight will reach audiences interested in humor, puzzles, interpersonal relationship quandaries, and community challenge. It will also delight libraries looking for accessible, modern literary works that sizzle with originality and delightful surprises.
Spirals of Stardust
Diane C. Jerome, Ed.D.
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9798891322547 $14.00 Paperback/$7.99 eBook/$22.00 Hardcover
https://www.amazon.com/Spirals-Stardust-Diane-C-Jerome/dp/B0CZJ8T53L
Young adults looking for evocative fantasy reads have plenty of reading options, but Spirals of Stardust should be added to the top of the list for those seeking evocative, memorable characters whose perspectives on life are moving and engrossing. Protagonist Jill is the epitome of such an attractor:
I'm in a pickle. Teachers are talking to me in a foreign language. It would be so much easier if they just spoke to me the way my family talks. They look at me like I'm some kind of beast. It would help if my teacher would stop with those frowns every time I do something. I know I can't be wrong 100% of the time! Why aren't my answers ever in the answer choices on these tests? I know I know what I'm supposed to know. If every test is going to be like this, then I'll be more than in a pickle. I'll be in a jar with a tightly squeezed lid, soaking in pickle juice, picked up by outside gawkers who glare at me like I'm radioactive or something.
The surprise is that she's not human. Humans went extinct during the Great Shift in the 23rd century, after a gene-changing event from space returned them to their wild roots.
Earth had long lost its rainforests... or so it was believed. So when orangutan explorers Orly and Adir discover Jill's home, it's with an excitement that portends planetary healing and recovery for the future.
Diane C. Jerome moves back in time to explain and explore the roots of this revised Earth, deftly creating a foundation of history before returning to Jill's dilemmas over shifting bonds with family and friends.
The line between human and animal blurs in an innovative, thought-provoking manner as Jill immerses her audience in her life and its many changes.
Human-centric concerns, such as getting an education or losing a father, juxtapose with fantasy elements of futuristic endeavors, influences, and situations. This encourages young adults to think about not just this extraordinary setting and scenario, but questions about human and nature connections.
The poetic reflections that permeate and drive the plot are especially notable:
How could I put myself in such a situation like this? I feel in over my head, like I'm drowning. There's knowledge up above the surface of the water. It comes in the form of sunrays. It's warm. It's inviting. It's peaceful. It's helpful. But I'm drowning farther and farther down. Into the depths of the wide ocean of water I fall. I'm descending. My heart is pounding. My chest feels heavy. I can't breathe. I can't see farther than right in front of myself.
As suitable for classroom assignment and book club reading group debate as it is for individual entertainment, Spirals of Stardust crafts a milieu that is more complex than the usual young adult fantasy story - but, thus, potentially much more inviting.
Our Earth
Jane Calame
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9781639888870 $13.99 Paperback/$17.95 Hardcover/$7.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Our-Earth-Jane-Calame/dp/163988887X
Picture book readers and their read-aloud parents will find the rollicking rhymes of Our Earth lends especially well to verbal exploration as author Jane Calame works with illustrator Daniela Frongia to reinforce a celebratory introduction to the world, starting with a child's birth.
The "little mystical child" is treated to an overview of all the natural and human wonders the world contains in a survey that not only creates an anticipatory delight of life's pleasures, but includes the cautionary note that such delights involve stewardship and sensitivity to nature.
Thus, the meat of the story lies in "tips to help befriend and protect" the planet. What can a young child do? Plenty, as it turns out.
Calame reveals approaches to living that embrace family and personal choice, from being mindful of water conservation to choosing a sweater when it's cold inside the house, over turning up the heat.
The entire family can get behind these tips, which embrace the underlying message of the importance of conservation and respecting resources. Daniela Frongia's good-sized illustrations reinforce interest and colorful examples.
This is why Our Earth is highly recommended for elementary-level library collections and read-aloud adults interested in imparting the basics of resource management to the very young.
Of Aragon
Caroline Willcocks
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9798891323162 $16.99
https://www.amazon.com/Aragon-Caroline-Willcocks/dp/B0D8Y53GJ6
Of Aragon opens as a letter from a mother to her daughter, setting the story in 1500s Elizabethan times as it reveals Kat Cooke's fascination with Henry VIII's Queen Katherine of Aragon.
Kat's opportunity to enter their Tudor court gives rise to new insights about royalty, politics, and the shifting roles of women in quasi-positions of power as she absorbs not only the realities of Katherine's life, but makes headway in resolving the questions surrounding her own birth and heritage.
Caroline Willcocks represents this era and the daily lives of subjects both within and outside the court with a sense of 'you are here' realism. She covers both the pomp and circumstance of politics and the realities that unfold behind the scenes as servant girl Kat narrates her experiences:
I cheered myself by thinking of the Queen. At last, after weeks of spectacular show, intrigue and courtesy, she would soon be back in her chambers. Back, with the familiar ritual of court life, so magnificent and splendid, but yet with the ability to withdraw into a private space where she was a woman as well as a queen.
These insights about women's lives and statuses during this era lend to the story's feel of immediacy and historical appreciation that will prove especially inviting to young adult readers not ordinarily attracted to historical novels:
"Do not talk to me of love. If you loved me, you would release me. But instead you cannot bear to let go! I am kept a prisoner by my so-called wife!" His face was flushed red, and his hands were balled into fists.
"But your Majesty..." she attempted, but he cut her off.
"How many times do I have to tell you, Madam? You are not my wife. You never have been. I do not love you."
Adults, too, will welcome the opportunity to consider these times in more depth, and with more connection than any nonfiction survey of Tudor times could achieve. The emphasis on psychological and social developments creates a delightful interplay between personal ambition and political realities that educate and entertain, simultaneously.
Given its compelling 1500s setting, its attention to rich details and atmospheres of the times, the inclusion of notes of intrigue and romance that lie in unexpected directions, and its ability to enchant with vivid clashes and characters, Of Aragon should be on the top of the reading list. It will appeal to young adult and adult audiences interested in Tudor times in general and the shifting positions and perceptions of (and contrasts between) women residing at very different places on the socio-economic ladder of Tudor times.
The Wayward Mage
A.S. Norris
www.asnauthor.com
Independently Published
9798985459302 $19.99 Paper/$0.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Wayward-Mage-Adventures-Jack-Wartnose/dp/B09WQ4S6XN
The Wayward Mage: The Adventures of Jack Wartnose is the first book in a series charting the exploits of a novice mage who finds himself grappling with issues that lie in unexpected territory outside of his goals... including marriage.
Heroes usually don't take their families on dangerous quests and adventures, but Jack is forced to do so, honoring a promise that places them all in danger as he struggles to locate the legendary artifact, the Tome of Time.
All the elements of an exciting fantasy are present, from a dangerous world-changing search to petty squabbling between family members and those who join Wartnose on his mission.
Humor abounds, related through character dialogue and interactions which are especially intriguing (and often unexpected):
Caught off guard by the rude answer and accusatory language used against her husband, Muriel indignantly cried, "How dare you accuse my husband of slacking in his duties!"
"Muriel, dear, please," her husband reached over and gently touched her arm, "I can defend myself. Thank you, though." Returning his attention to Skully, he continued, "Alright, I agree to your demand. The first day I go to the library, I will take you and Brien there as well. In fact, let me take everyone! Maybe with more eyes looking through these books and charts and other papers, we could more quickly find some answers."
Now it was Skully who was caught off guard. He did not expect his companion to call his bluff. Looking like a fool, he could only manage an indignant, "Fine!" back at Wartnose. Having no other objections, Wartnose concluded that subject.
It's rare to find an action-packed adventure fantasy that arrives with the overlay of ironic confrontations and situations, but A.S. Norris cultivates an atmosphere replete and ripe with twists and turns of character, perspective, and objectives that many a reader won't see coming.
From assassins and monsters to threats from within the group that is supposed to support him, Wartnose receives more than his fair share of adversity and personal challenge as he rises to the demands of romance and world-saving alike.
Libraries seeking fantasy stories replete with fun, thought-provoking moments will find much to recommend in The Wayward Mage: The Adventures of Jack Wartnose as Jack navigates relationship snafus, the possibility of financial ruin, and the quips of frustrated thief Skully, who keeps Jack on his toes.
Book clubs seeking vivid fantasies that embrace a different flavor of discovery and the definition of an adventurer will find much to enjoy from the discussions certain to arise from reading The Wayward Mage.
The Second Convention: America, 2036
Douglas E. Congdon
www.dougcongdon.com
Independently Published
9798324665524 $3.99 ebook; $9.99 paperback
https://www.amazon.com/Second-Convention-America-2036-ebook/dp/B0D154Z4L8
The Second Convention: America, 2036 is a novel that mirrors current political events, but goes a step further in predicting and depicting future impact and outcomes.
Tom Powell, as a patriot and leader of the Revolutionary Party, is willing to battle for democracy and radical political change. His actions have already incited a riot as the country teeters on the brink of civil war and ineffectively struggles with climate change impacts and other social, political, and economic challenges.
Sound familiar? But this story is set in 2036, so it extrapolates beyond present-day scenarios and convictions to envision a Second Constitutional Convention and how to heal a nation so divided that its complete collapse seems inevitable.
So far, there are few surprises... but the delight of this story lies in how Tom's convictions and underlying biases are brought to light, forcing him to confront the mechanics of a changing democratic ideal and matters of his own heart.
Douglas E. Congdon excels at intersecting social and political concerns within the experiences and perspective of one individual whose passion for change translates to evolving conundrums.
His creation of powerful, reflective dialogues between characters both cements issues and introduces touches of wry ironic inspection from the novel's opening lines:
"Need I say it again?" Abby Powell said at the end of breakfast. "They're coming for you tomorrow."
Tom Powell drank the last of his coffee. "I know."
"So, what do we do?"
Tom chuckled. "Disappear?"
"You always laugh at the wrong times."
"I know that, too."
As readers trouble themselves over the specter of Tom's bid for enacting change at a Second Constitutional Convention which may not happen before the nation falls, elements of transformation and political analysis contrast the efforts of those who would purposely tear a democracy apart in order to properly build it back, albeit much differently.
The various ideals, methodology, and challenges in such an effort will certainly give rise to vivid classroom and book club discussions as Tom and his fellow patriots face murderers, anarchists, military operations, and confrontations both within and outside their ranks.
Readers who are more than casually interested in the directions America can go, today, will find the novel's astute insights and thoroughly engrossing action to be both realistic and thought-provoking.
This is not to belay the story's entertainment value. Tom is a thoroughly believable, likeable character whose dilemmas, actions, and reactions mirror many of the complexities of modern political and social efforts.
The plot is replete with satisfying twists and turns that many won't see coming, holding the ability to draw not just through its political focus, but from characters that confront their own struggles and ideals in the face of an increasingly fluid America.
This is why libraries will want to welcome The Second Convention: America, 2036 into their collections, highly recommending it to patrons interested in the legacy and milestones of democratic process who are willing to think about and reconsider the role and methods of revolution and revision in the democratic process.
What does it take to ratify a new Constitution?
Read The Second Convention: America, 2036 to consider the possibilities and perils of vast social and political transformation.
Quick and Quirky Stories and Photos
Lorin Lee Cary
Independently Published
9798990057104 $10.99 Paper/$2.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Quirky-Stories-Photos-Lorin/dp/B0D67VVTK7
Quick and Quirky Stories and Photos represents the concept of flash fiction at its best, synthesizing life experiences into vignettes of under 1,000 words. This will especially appeal to modern audiences whose attention spans or schedules limit their ability to digest longer works, but it also highlights a literary device in which the most can be said in the least amount of words.
In Lorin Lee Cary's case, the focus on diverse characters and disparate situations contributes to the surprises readers will experience as each story unfolds.
Take 'The Key' for one example. The one-page story succinctly documents the discovery of an unusual key, the finder's fantasy about the story behind it, and a reality which surprises.
In contrast is 'Superhero,' in which an uncommon occupation is stymied by a medical condition which challenges the superhero patient in an unusual manner. As the physical and emotional prowess of a superhero is inspected, readers receive a delightful interplay of wry humor and thought-provoking encounter.
Each story delivers a punch of uncommon development that will especially delight those seeking surprises in their reading. Each promises and delivers observations and revelations that enhance both the short story individually and the collection as a whole.
Cary is particularly gifted at building extraordinary conclusions from seemingly common (and also uncommon) scenarios, wielding the flash fiction's potential for excellence in a manner that modern literature or creative writing classes will also find attractive.
The black and white photos which liberally pepper these stories add their own special brand of attraction and, often, surprise that encourage readers to think.
All these factors play into Quick and Quirky Stories and Photos being a top recommendation for a wide audience of short story and flash fiction readers, from those looking for entertainment value to others who will appreciate the sense of wry humor that often permeates these adventures and experiences.
Mom Equals Dad
Raymond M. Patterson Jr.
Little Life Skills
9781963959000 $TBA
Picture book readers have a growing number of life skills and psychology insight books to choose from, and Mom Equals Dad should take its place at the top of this list. Adults who choose it for read-aloud will find the story incorporates many discussion points and opportunities for dialogue as it follows an annual elementary school's 'Donuts With Dads!' celebration - an event that seems to leave out young Larry, who has no father to attend.
His concerned friends want to help (after all, they all love donuts), but how can they?
As the story unfolds, Juan and Steven receive lessons in friendship, support systems, and the importance of both mothers and fathers in a family.
Even though Larry well knows his hard-working mother does everything she can to assume both roles in their household, the event only reinforces his lack of a father figure.
How can his friends and his concerned mother fill such a big gap?
Although its approach is whimsical, the real subject of absent fathers is presented in an inviting manner which will encourage young readers to begin dialogues with adults and peers for better understanding all around, between those who have fathers and those who do not, for whatever reason.
The characters interact over their mutual attraction to donuts in a manner that reinforces ideas about friendship and life meaning, giving kids an outstanding reference point for absorbing how kindness and thoughtful actions make a difference.
Elementary-level collections seeking simple-appearing picture books with big, colorful drawings and big, appealing ideas to back them will want to add Mom Equals Dad not only for its donut attraction, but for delivering a strong message about accepting and being a support system to others.
The Running Club
Ben Gross
https://www.ben-gross.net
Moonshine Cove Publishing
https://moonshinecovepublishing.com/index.html
9781952439827 $20.00 Paperback/$4.99 eBook
https://a.co/d/0bV7WKTY
Mystery genre readers well know the levels to which the sub-definitions have gone, from cozy mysteries to psychological whodunits. Now add 'comic mystery' to the options, because Ben Gross's creation in The Running Club takes genre definitions into a satisfyingly different realm.
Part of the reason why The Running Club may resonate so strongly with the younger, active reader in particular is that its author mirrors many of the physical challenges and efforts that play out in his story. Even the short author bio which precedes the tale reflects the special blend of achievement and humor as Gross maintains that he is "...a fifteen-time Boston Marathoner who hikes, runs or skis every day of the year, mostly with his three dogs and sometimes with his reluctant teenagers. Long time ago he went to football games at Penn State and emerged with a degree in Political Science." Not everyone can also add that they were "briefly mayor" of a small town.
From the introductory subtle note Adam makes about an unlikely possible runner who sports frame like the Hulk to a detective's investigation which receives the unexpected culinary reference, Gross is adept at placing description and characters within the realm of the exceptional:
Custer procured a pen from his jacket pocket and probed the bloodstained ribbon wrapped around the dead man's neck, like he was fishing for the last shiitake mushroom in a bowl of udon noodles.
Quirkiness abounds, whether it's in characters, descriptions, or setting, as a Utah running club sets its eye on murdering a disgraced Mormon convert acquitted of human trafficking. Said club doesn't consist of seasoned pros in any realm... they are amateurs just testing the waters of not-so-divine retribution.
As Mitch the Red, Kate, and a host of characters come into play and toss their running skills in the same pot as their ability to exact justice, instructions on success emerge, from how to actually kill a victim to winning a bigger game.
The Running Club is not your usual singular cop-investigator piece, but a close consideration of group dynamics and personalities who join together in a cause far outside their original attractions or objectives.
Again: the comic relief that runs through even crime scene descriptions injects irony and satire throughout unfolding events, giving the story an edge that other murder mysteries don't embrace:
Neighbors, runners and cyclists stopped and took selfies in front of the Police Line Do Not Cross tape. An off-leash dog ran under the tape and returned from the backyard with a large bone, causing several onlookers to scream until someone figured out it was deer leg.
Investigator Custer enjoys being the object of media attention... as long as he actually can finger the perp in a timely manner. Evidence indicates he's dealing with a pro, but a surprise lurks in the wings of everyday experience that adds a twist to his theories about motivations and perp profiles.
As the culture of runners unfolds against the backdrop of uncommon pursuits, the finish line looms replete with many surprises mystery fans will find refreshingly original.
Fast action, strong and diverse characterization, and quirky twists paired with humor... what more could a mystery genre reader wish for; especially those more than tired of formula writing who seeking something truly different.
Libraries that choose The Running Club for these qualities will find it easy to recommend outside the usual genre-reading patron, to anyone interested in running, problem-solving, and just plain fun.
Seasons of Four Faces
Benjamin Kwakye
https://www.benjaminkwakye.com
Cissus World Press
www.cissusworldpressbooks.com
9798988974598 $TBA
https://www.amazon.com/Seasons-Four-Faces-Benjamin-Kwakye/dp/B0DBSTGSZX
Seasons of Four Faces adds to Ghanian lawyer and novelist Benjamin Kwakye's lineup with a vivid, wide-ranging story of Africa presented in four parts. It incorporates a good deal of history; yet due to Kwakye's self-admitted 'tampering', it should not be viewed or quoted as a historical novel completely, as its fictional components have been enhanced to dramatize and increase its allure.
As the Asante nation and Ghanian perspective and politics unfold, Kwakye creates a moving and intriguing story as accessible to Westerners who may hold little prior familiarity with Ghana events and people as it is to African readers who will relish the familiar backdrops and attention Kwakye injects into his saga.
Surprise lies in not only the turns of events, but the inclusion of poetry and prose excerpts from previous writings, which support and enhance the overall atmosphere and focus of this story.
The novel opens with the reflections of a woman facing death. From its opening lines, it's evident that Seasons of Four Faces also embraces a literary reflective format that melds philosophical musing with its insights, which will prove a satisfying feature to fiction readers looking for as much literary prowess as entertainment value from their pursuits:
It was one thing to know that death would come some day and another to face it. In the stifling inner chamber, she looked through the window, but the darkness was as dense as death itself; and she was thick with regret that found twinship with her fear. At the same time the darkness soothed her with the deceit that she would survive.
As the woman faces her maker with all the "metaphoric representation that she could negotiate," readers are immersed in an end-of-life experience that morphs into the next scene, where Pharaoh Hatshepsut searches for relaxation in a secret getaway that requires she journey at night. Other characters enter the picture to clarify the fact that she wields her power and image with the authority not of a strong female, but with the look and feel of traditional male leadership - a fact which rankles some:
One of them, the only woman among them, was offended in particular by the way Pharaoh had depicted and ordered herself to be depicted in statues and paintings as a male pharaoh, with a beard and large muscles. What was she trying to convey with this portrayal? What was she saying to the couple of female Pharaohs who had come before her or those that might come after her?
Despite its vivid depictions of this time and place, and the powerful women who reside in it, the story evolves very different threads of discovery as characters emerge to transform the world of the Nile, with its wars, male privilege, plots, and evolving romances.
Kwakye casts wide his net of characters and events as the saga unfolds, moving through treacherous times and changing lives as Sharifa, a healer and child of the Nile, finds herself unexpectedly very far from everything familiar. His ability to capture these characters' emotions with depth and discovery lends an exciting feel as the story progresses away from Africa:
...she felt like she was being separated from so much, as if a knife was cutting through the finely wrought tapestry that had been her life in Egypt.
As Sharifa and army leader Tiempo move forward both independently and with one another, the psychological and social connections that stem from their shared roots stretch to embrace and influence their revised lives.
Readers also may not expect the influence of Christian values to emerge from their lives and experiences, but the inclusion of Jesus, Moses, and other figures central to so many cultures and lives moves the novel into unexpected territory as these peoples and experiences evolve.
These spiritual reflections also add an extra dimension of contemplation and discussion to the historical, social, and literary journey Kwakye undertakes:
"But isn't this Christianity a religion of the white man? They are after all the ones who brought us the Bible in exchange for our land."
"I have heard that said many times. First, just because something comes from outside, even if from an oppressor, does not automatically render it bad. We must assess it for ourselves. Second, it is not true that it is the religion of the white man. Moses was not a white man. Jesus was not a white man, although many have depicted him as such."
Libraries seeking African-authored literary fiction that embeds its drama with spiritual, psychological, historical, and cultural insights suitable for book club and reader group recommendation will find the multifaceted journey of Seasons of Four Faces to be compelling. It promises much more connectivity and accessibility to its audience than many fictional pursuits of African experience, placing it heads and shoulders above many similar-sounding literary ventures.
Me and the Missouri Moon
Nancy Stewart
Monarch Educational Services
https://monarcheducationalservices.com
9781957656670 $24.99 Hardcover/$15.99 Paperback/$9.95 ebook
Fifth grader Scarlet Burnes is faced with a moral dilemma in Me and the Missouri Moon: she was in the car with her father when he hits a bicyclist and doesn't stop, changing her life forever when he, afraid of going back to jail, insists that she can't tell anyone.
His charge makes her an unwilling accomplice in his actions, resulting in a situation that draws her ever deeper into lies and subterfuge as a police probe moves closer into her school and life.
Nancy Stewart injects realistic and compelling notes into her story from the start, making Scarlet a likeable girl whose relationship with her father already embraces many quandaries because of his actions:
"Yeah, well that person was stupid to be out in this weather without a light on their bike. Who'd do such a thing? Somebody real dumb, that's who. This ain't my fault."
His words ricocheted around the car, loud and clear. I squeezed my seat belt strap tighter than I thought possible. My mouth shut up. But my brain didn't. And my heart didn't.
What's wrong with you? kept playing over and over in my head. But I knew. I already knew. Everybody in town loved to hate my daddy, and he usually gave them good reason. But he was my daddy, and I had to love him. Sometimes he made it awful hard to do.
The rich dialogues employed from the start involve readers of all ages in Scarlet's life and observations. She can't even tell her mother about the accident, which fairly well isolates her until a new friend at school introduces further conundrums that challenge her mandate of silence.
Astute in her thinking, Scarlet represents a good girl whose ideals of the right thing are shaken by adult emotional situations that test her ability to stay good:
How could everything go on normal as pie when my whole world had changed forever?
A savvy mother imparts advice and wisdom to her troubled child without really knowing the entire situation ("You and Billie? I want you girls to be able to make the right choices in
life, even if they're hard ones. But they need to be the ones that are good for you. Ones that'll move you forward to where you want to go."), but ultimate Scarlet feels alone and heavily challenged in her ability to make the right choice when it involves her beloved father, a flawed but important leader in her life.
Can she trust her father to step up and do what is right, himself? Can she trust friends and matters of her own heart when it comes to family and moral values?
Stewart introduces many bigger-picture moments and revelations in the course of presenting Scarlet's life, creating compelling and thought-provoking events and connections that will prove thoroughly engrossing, covering subjects not usually approached in fiction for young readers ages 8-12.
These elements of discovery and contemplation not only give Me and the Missouri Moon a sense of realism missing from many stories for this age group, but invite book club and classroom discussions on all kinds of topics, from flawed family relationships to bigger realizations about parental choices and actions in the world outside the family home.
These elements are why libraries will find Me and the Missouri Moon a special acquisition, not only for its inviting leisure read that stands out from other books, but for its deeper layers of inspection and subjects which widely lend to all kinds of dialogue.
Diane C. Donovan, Senior Reviewer
Donovan's Literary Services
www.donovansliteraryservices.com
Gary Roen's Bookshelf
On His Majesty's Secret Service
Charlie Higson
Ian Fleming Publications Ltd
www.ianfleming.com
9781915797117, $19.00 pbk / $12.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/ON-HIS-MAJESTYS-SECRET-SERVICE/dp/1915797071
From time to time through the years, I check to see if there is a new Bond work, coming or out that I did not know about. I reviewed in hard cover last year "On His Mafesty's Secret Service," that was an enjoyable Bond thriller. The paperback version is even better with several rewritten portions in the first and last chapter. I am sure it has been done by other authors through the years, but the only one I can remember is Richard Matheson's "What Dreams May Come" that changed the ending from the hardcover copy to the paperback. An additional bonus, is an interview, with Higson on how he was chosen to write it, as well as his insight into the character of Bond, Ian Flemings works and Bond universe, that add so much to the enjoyment of this excellent novel. Pretty good, for a Bond story, I did not have high hopes based on his YA series of Bond books that were not very impressive. Surprisingly, Higson is in the class of, Anthony Horowitz who wrote three fantastic Bond adventures. Higson captured the Fleming style like few of the Bond authors. His masterful descriptions worthy of Fleming, a virtuoso of the printed word add so much to the story. The plot centers around the coronation of Charles to be King of England in May sixth 2023 and a madman who believes he is the heir to the throne, and a crazy plan to take it over or so it seems. As it unfolds until it is revealed its even more sinister. Bond is as fresh in the present as he is the only thing that stands in the way, "On His Majesty's Secret Service should be recognized as the celebration book of 70 years of James Bond Thrillers as Fleming began the world's most famous secret agent in Casino Royale in 1953. All in all On His Majesty's Secret Service is a great title that celebrates Bond in so many ways including the play on the original Fleming On Her Majesty's Secret Service one of the best in book and film. Some people may find length of On His Majesty's Secret Service to be a bit short for a novel. The paperbacks from the 1960's, now collector items, were about the same length. We can hope Higson is asked back, to write more new missions for Bond James Bond 007.
The Damagers
Donald Hamilton
Fawcett
c/o Penguin Random House
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
9781785654886, $7.95 pbk / $6.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Matt-Helm-Damagers-Donald-Hamilton-ebook/dp/B01JEJFD1S
Matt Helm is sent to investigate the mysterious deaths of three captains of a beautiful yacht. He tangles with a crew of dangerous women, an Arab terrorist, squad, and an elite organization of death dealing specialists led by a psychopath Matt has encountered once before. Matt Helm novels are always a sure bet of good adventure reading and "The Damagers" shows why the novels of Donald Hamilton are so much fun to read.
Gravity's Angels
Michael Swanwick
Tachyon Publications
https://tachyonpublications.com
9781583940297, $16.95 pbk
https://tachyonpublications.com/product/gravitys-angels
https://www.amazon.com/Gravitys-Angels-Michael-Swanwick/dp/1583940294
"Gravity's Angels" is a collection of 13 short stories gathered in one anthology. Through the years they have appeared in major science fiction publications, some are outstanding. The tales show that Swanwick can write chilling works covering a wide range of subjects in the genres of horror, fantasy, and science fiction. "Gravity's Angels" is an older collection but it gives readers an insight into to see his evolution as a writer.
Gold: The Final Science Fiction Collection
Isaac Asimov
Harper Voyager
c/o Harper Collins Publishers
www.harpercollins.com
9780060556525, $15.99 pbk / $10.22 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Gold-Final-Science-Fiction-Collection/dp/0060556528
The author of over 500 titles went out in style with "Gold: The Final Science Fiction Collection." There are 13 fiction stories while he also wrote pieces on plot, character, irony, plagiarism, symbolism and reviewing. This only touches the surface as the good doctor also delved into many other aspects of the subject of science fiction. "Gold: The Final Science Fiction Collection" exemplifies why we are so lucky that Isaac Asimov came through this life and left such a great body of work over a long period of years. There is no question, he is greatly missed.
I Am An Angelic Walk-In
Claire Candy Houch
Angel Healing House
www.angelhealinghouse.com
9780981857640, $18.95 pbk $9.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Am-Angelic-Walk-Autobiography-Angel/dp/098185764
I tried to read "I Am An Angelic Walk In" to find it not my cup of tea, even though Houch's last two works were so enjoyable. The story in "Behind The Veil of Forgetfulness" was fascinating as the main character moved through many past lives over so many centuries in various places in the world. This time the author makes a connection between her character in the last work and her own self that at times is confusing. Maybe other readers will not have a problem with "I Am An Angelic Walk In" as I did.
Go With Angels
Mary Brotherton
bUneke Publishing
bUneke.org
9798986914602, $15.00 pbk
https://buneke.org/shop/ols/products/go-with-angels
In many books and movies there have been protectors to individuals during negative situations. "Go With Angels" reveals many different conditions where someone was looking out for a person under difficult circumstances that many would say are miracles because they are just so incredible how people were protected. In many cases the person met someone who appeared then completely disappeared apparently their mission completed. Some will not consider, any of this, because they have a closed mind, while others have no problem believing these fascinating encounters with what can only be classified angels. "Go With Angels" is easy enjoyable reading that exposes a little know world many would not admit they have ever dealt with.
A Journey With Angels
Mary Brotherton
bUneke Publishing
bUneke.org
9798986914640, $15.00 pbk
https://buneke.org/shop/ols/products/a-journey-with-angels
"A Journey with Angels" is a common-sense approach of how we all deal with angles who are here to help us through many situations. There are so many people who do not believe in angels and the good things they have done for many of us. For those of us who trust they are real there are lots of exercises to do to get ready when there is involvement for whatever reason. There are many different named ones who have special functions to guide and protect us in our journey of life "A Journey with Angels" is an educational tool to be ready when we encounter one of our guardians.
Sally's Heart
Mary Brotherton author
Jayashree Sadasivan
bUneke Publishing
bUneke.org
9798986914657, $14.99 pbk / $4.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Sallys-Heart-Mary-Brotherton/dp/B0D2VSLG86
"Sally's Heart" is another beautifully told story, for kids and adults alike. Sally is a young girl who likes to climb trees and all the other things little girls love to do. Sally grows a bit older and still open to experiencing other things in nature. She believes in helping others until one day something happens to her that alters everything. "Sally's Heart" shows, out of negative, circumstances, comes positive that is thought provoking for everyone to learn from.
Voices of the Earth
Kristin Farquhar, author and illustrator
Privately Published
9780963286406, $7.95 pbk
https://www.amazon.com/Voices-Earth-Environmental-Everglades-Creatures/dp/0963286404
"Voices of the Earth" is the first of a series of books that tells about the different animals who co-exist with the residents of the state of Florida. Written for children adults can learn as well about the subjects the author writes about. To also enhance the enjoyment Farquhar also has presented artwork that individuals can color themselves. "Voices of the Earth" is a fun book for all ages to learn and enjoy.
Old Turtle Questions
Douglas Wood, author
Cheng-Khoe Chee, illustrator
https://douglaswood.com
Pfeifer-Hamilton Publishers
https://www.pfeiferhamilton.com
9780439309080, $17.95 pbk / $13.99 Kindle
https://douglaswood.com/product/old-turtle
https://www.amazon.com/Old-Turtle-Questions-Heart-Lessons/dp/043932111
Readers are touched in "Old Turtle" by the author's symbolism as they were with Richard Bach's "Jonathan Livingston Seagull." "Old Turtle" is an enchanting fable, like the Oz books, written for children but also for adults. The story concerns and promotes a deeper understanding of the planet and our relationships with all the beings who inhabit it. "Old Turtle" is one of those rare titles that is inspiring to all ages.
Gary Roen
Senior Reviewer
Helen Dumont's Bookshelf
The Complete Guide to FamilyTreeDNA. Y-DNA, Mitochondrial, Autosomal and X-DNA
Roberta Estes
Genealogical Publishing Company
www.genealogical.com
9780806321288, $37.50, PB, 264pp
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-FamilyTreeDNA-Mitochondrial-Autosomal/dp/0806321288
Synopsis: FamilyTreeDNA, founded in 2000, was the first (and is still the only) company to offer three kinds of vital DNA testing for genealogy: The Family Finder autosomal DNA test; the Mitochondrial DNA test; and the Y-DNA. test For Both New and Existing Customers!
With the publication of "The Complete Guide to FamilyTreeDNA: Y-DNA, Mitochondrial, Autosomal and X-DNA", Roberta Estes explains each kind of test and how to incorporate the results into your genealogy.
Estes provides clear, step-by-step instructions for understanding each test and how to deploy them together. If you've already tested at FamilyTreeDNA, this instructive reference work will help you to understand and use your results most productively.
If you're a newcomer, you will learn which test(s) to start with, then upgrade later as warranted, and how to fine-tune your results.
Just a few of the topics covered in "The Complete Guide to FamilyTreeDNA" include: The science behind DNA tests (written for everyday people); Y-DNA - Your Father's Story (types of markers and how to use your results); Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) - Your Mother's Story (matches and what they mean) Autosomal Family Finder Tests (matches to all your family lines); X-DNA (your secret tool that's included with Family Finder); Ethnicity percentages from around the world; Finding, joining, and utilizing Group Projects; Creating your own DNA Pedigree Chart. Plus an extensive glossary explaining the vocabulary associated with DNA testing.
Critique: This large format (8.5 x 0.63 x 11 inches, 1.37 pounds) paperback edition of Roberta Estes' "The Complete Guide to FamilyTreeDNA: Y-DNA, Mitochondrial, Autosomal and X-DNA" from the Genealogical Publishing Company is exceptionally informative, well organized, and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in presentation. Simply stated, "The Complete Guide to FamilyTreeDNA: Y-DNA, Mitochondrial, Autosomal and X-DNA" is a fundamentally important and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Genealogy Research collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: Roberta Estes (www.nativeheritageproject.com) writes the popular blog www.DNA-eXplained.com. She is a scientist, a National Geographic Society Genographic affiliate researcher, a Million Mito team member, and a founding pioneer in the genetic genealogy field. An avid genealogist for the past 40 years, Roberta has written over 1,600 articles about genetic genealogy and provides consulting to major publications and organizations. Additionally, Roberta's book, DNA for Native American Genealogy, complements her website, the Native Heritage Project. Roberta took her first DNA test in 1999 and hasn't stopped.
Cow Hug Therapy
Ellie Laks
New World Library
www.newworldlibrary.com
9781608688685, $19.95, PB, 264pp
https://www.amazon.com/Cow-Hug-Therapy-Animals-Everything/dp/1608688682
Synopsis: With the publication of "Cow Hug Therapy: How the Animals at the Gentle Barn Taught Me about Life, Death, and Everything in Between", Ellie Laks recounts the extraordinary journey that started with her first teacher, Buddha -- not the religious figure, but a rescued miniature Hereford cow.
One evening Buddha wrapped her neck around an exhausted and upset Ellie and transferred a singular form of healing and comfort with an incredible impact. Understanding that this was something to be shared with others, Ellie developed Cow Hug Therapy, a groundbreaking approach to emotional healing that has proved effective for trauma, illness, disabilities, addiction, grief, and stress.
"Cow Hug Therapy: How the Animals at the Gentle Barn Taught Me about Life, Death, and Everything in Between " offers the reader a colorful and compelling narrative that introduces the healing mavens of the barnyard, each with a unique story of being rescued from trauma and treated with love and respect.
In their new role at Ellie's Gentle Barn sanctuaries, these animals have transformed lives and ignited breakthroughs and newfound purpose for visitors including a young mother who lost her baby, a suicidal teenager, a wounded serviceman, an open-heart-surgery patient, and many more. A testament to empathy and the mission to heal animals, people, and the planet, "Cow Hug Therapy" serves as a beacon of hope for all seeking healing and connection.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Cow Hug Therapy: How the Animals at the Gentle Barn Taught Me about Life, Death, and Everything in Between" by Ellie Lks is a unique, unusual, fascinating, insightful, and invaluable addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Counseling/Therapy collections. Of immense interest to readers involved with the Animal Rights movement or who are dealing with the loss of an animal companion of their own, "Cow Hug Therapy: How the Animals at the Gentle Barn Taught Me about Life, Death, and Everything in Between" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Ellie Laks (www.GentleBarn.org) is the founder of the Gentle Barn Foundation, a national organization that rescues and rehabilitates unwanted animals and heals people with histories of trauma. She is an animal communicator, TEDx speaker, educator, and author. Ellie lives at the Gentle Barn's California location with her partner, Jay Weiner, who runs the organization with her. They have three children and hundreds of animals.
Menopause and Beyond
Kate Hartwell
Independently Published
9789083330327, $14.99, PB, 178pp
https://www.amazon.com/Menopause-Beyond-Emotions-Gracefully-Confidence/dp/908333032X
Synopsis: Nights spent tossing in sweat-soaked sheets. Hot flashes that feel like you've stepped into an oven -- even with the Air Conditioning on full blast. Brain fog is crashing right in the middle of a crucial work meeting. Unpredictable moods that shift from laughter to tears in a heartbeat. Stubborn weight that refuses to budge no matter how often you hit the gym.
These are only some of the real, day-to-day experiences of women going through the biological phenomena of menopause.
As tough as those physical challenges can be, it is the emotional depth of menopause that catches you off their guard the most. A sense of loss, mostly unspoken but deeply felt. A mourning for the woman you once were -- your youthful vitality, the predictability of your body, and the certainty of your place in this world.
It's strange how menopause affects half the world's population, yet it's still shrouded in so much mystery. Why, in this modern era of we all still tip-toeing around the subject?
It's time to bring this natural transition into the light, embrace its challenges, and celebrate the wisdom and grace it brings. With the publication of "Menopause and Beyond: How to Control Emotions, Beat Hot Flashes, Achieve Restful Sleep, Lose Belly Weight, and Age Gracefully with Confidence", Kate Hartwell illuminates the path of menopause, offering insights, understanding, and hope. By transforming the conversation around this phase from more symptom relief to holistic self-discovery, "Menopause and Beyond" redefines menopause as a promising chapter filled with potential.
Critique: Impressively and comprehensively informative, exceptionally well written, organized and presented for the non-specialist general reader with an interest in the subject, "Menopause and Beyond: How to Control Emotions, Beat Hot Flashes, Achieve Restful Sleep, Lose Belly Weight, and Age Gracefully with Confidence" by Kate Hartwell is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Women's Health/Menopause collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that this edition of Menopause and Beyond" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.99).
Editorial Note: Kate Hartwell an author committed to enhancing women's health and well-being. With a focus on empowering women through various life stages, Kate brings a wealth of insight and compassion to her book. Drawing from personal experiences and a dedication to holistic health, her work provides practical guidance and support for women seeking to navigate life's transitions with confidence and vitality. Embrace a journey to wellness with Kate Hartwell's empowering and informative writings on women's health.
Helen Dumont
Reviewer
John Taylor's Bookshelf
Under the Dome
Alan M. Hantman
Georgetown University Press
www.press.georgetown.edu
9781647124243, $39.95, PB, 232pp
https://www.amazon.com/Under-Dome-Politics-Architecture-Capitol/dp/1647124247
Synopsis: The domed US Capitol Building is recognized around the world as America's most iconic symbol, the forum for representative democracy, and the physical stage for the transfer of executive power. As the United States grew in size and complexity, the Capitol was built, rebuilt, enlarged, and extended many times under the direction of the few who have served as Architect of the Capitol. This official heads the agency dedicated to preserving and upgrading this magnificent structure, and all the buildings and grounds of Capitol Hill.
With the publication of "Under the Dome: Politics, Crisis, and Architecture at the United States Capitol", Alan Hantman (the Architect of the Capitol from 1997 to 2007), provides a personal account of how the Capitol works as a physical space; who runs it, how and why decisions are made about the security of the Capitol and the people who work there, and how politicians think about the Capitol Building.
Hantman also recounts security threats to the Capitol during his tenure - including the 1998 shooting murder of two police officers and the Capitol evacuation on 9/11 as a hijacked airplane approached -- that underscore one of his greatest challenges as Architect. The tension between securing the Capitol and opening it to the public drove the design and construction under his direction of the Capitol Visitor Center, the largest expansion of the Capitol in its history, increasing its size by 70%.
Critique: The large format (8 x 0.75 x 10 inches, 1.4 pounds) paperback edition of "Under the Dome: Politics, Crisis, and Architecture at the United States Capitol" by the Georgetown University Press is a unique, informative, and fascinating read from start to finish. Offering a true insider's perspective, "Under the Dome" is a very special and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/library U.S. Capital Building Architecture/History collections. It should be noted that "Under the Dome" is also available as a complete and unabridged audio book (Tantor Media, 9798874856656, $45.95, CD).
Editorial Note: Alan M. Hantman (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Hantman) was nominated by President Clinton, and confirmed by the Senate, as the tenth Architect of the Capitol for a ten-year term in 1997. Prior to serving as Architect of the Capitol, Hantman was vice president of planning, architecture, historic preservation, and construction at Rockefeller Center in New York City. In 2000 he was elected to Fellowship in the American Institute of Architects.
Milk Into Cheese
David Asher
Chelsea Green Publishing Company
www.chelseagreen.com
9781603588874, $75.00, HC, 496pp
https://www.amazon.com/Milk-Into-Cheese-Foundations-Cheesemaking/dp/1603588876
Synopsis: Cheese is the destiny of milk. With the publication of "Milk Into Cheese: The Foundations of Natural Cheesemaking Using Traditional Concepts, Tools, and Techniques" by David Asher, cheesemakers at every scale will learn to produce a broad range of traditional cheeses, entirely naturally.
An experienced educator, activist, and celebrated natural cheesemaker, in "Milk Into Cheese" David Asher introduces the reader to the cultures and practices of cheesemakers, the role our agricultural practices play in making cheese, the biological evolution of cheese, and the transformation of milk into cheese through fermentation.
A perfect companion to David's early book, "The Art of Natural Cheesemaking", "Milk Into Cheese" expands the cheesemaker's tool kit through an exploration of cheesemaking styles from around the world. These natural cheesemaking processes are made simple, in contrast to the complicated, controversial, and confusing world of industrial cheesemaking, with its reliance on freeze-dried cultures, chemical additives, and ever-expanding use of expensive technology.
"Milk Into Cheese" also celebrates the world's most delicious seasonal hand-made cheeses, including alpine, blue, and milled cheeses. Through gorgeous photography and detailed recipes, David prepares the reader for their own journey into traditional natural cheesemaking. He also shares simple recipes for fermented foods that complement and help us understand cheesemaking better, including pickles, sourdough bread, butter, and salami.
For home, small-scale, and larger-scale cheesemakers, "Milk Into Cheese" also delivers a sophisticated look at the biological science that informs (and the ecological principles that guide) natural cheesemaking.
Critique: Showcasing DIY recipes for making over 80 natural cheeses and complimentary ferments, this large format (8 x 1 x 10 inches, 2.31 pounds) hardcover edition of "Milk Into Cheese: The Foundations of Natural Cheesemaking Using Traditional Concepts, Tools, and Techniques" is groundbreaking, comprehensive instructional reference volume that guarantees DIY high-quality results and perfect flavors for every season. Profusely illustrated with full color photography throughout, and also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $45.49), "Milk Into Cheese: The Foundations of Natural Cheesemaking Using Traditional Concepts, Tools, and Techniques" by David Asher is a seminal and unreservedly recommended pick for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Cheese Making instructional reference collections.
Editorial Note: David Asher (www.milklab.ca/david-asher) is a natural cheesemaker, bringing the traditions of dairying, fermentation, and coagulation back into this age-old craft. A former farmer and goatherd from the west coast of Canada, David now travels widely, sharing a very old but also very new approach to cheese production with his Black Sheep School of Cheesemaking. Through teaching about the use of in-house starter cultures and natural rennet from calves and kids, David helps cheesemakers around the world reclaim their traditional cheeses. He also explores the connections between all fermented foods and the important role of small-scale and traditional food production in our modern world.
John Taylor
Reviewer
Mary Cowper's Bookshelf
The Windsor Conspiracy
Georgie Blalock
William Morrow & Company
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
www.harpercollins.com
9780063339842, $18.99, PB, 368pp
https://www.amazon.com/Windsor-Conspiracy-Novel-Crown-Duchess/dp/0063339846
Synopsis: American Amelia Montague defied her family five years ago to marry the man she loved, but that decision cost her everything. Disowned by her family, and left a penniless widow after her husband's death, Amelia becomes her cousin Wallis Simpson's private secretary in France. With no other prospects available, Amelia has no choice but to succeed, and under their Aunt Bessie's direction, hopes to have a positive influence on Wallis and the Duke of Windsor.
During the next two years, Amelia realizes that not everything with the Windsors is glittering happiness. Beneath the facade of the besotted couple simmers Wallis's rage at her stunted ambition, and the couple soon reveal themselves to be self-centered Nazi supporters who pursue their own interests at any cost.
When the Germans invade France, and the Windsors leave Amelia to escape the Gestapo on her own, Amelia finds herself in position to work for the most unlikely of employers: MI5 and the FBI. Convinced to work undercover, Amelia joins the Windsors in Nassau and soon realizes that Wallis's treachery extends far deeper than the US and British government even knows...
Critique: Especially and unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists and community library historical fiction collections, "The Windsor Conspiracy: A Novel of the Crown, a Conspiracy, and the Duchess of Windsor" is Georgie Blalock's deftly crafted and original novel that explores the lives and experiences of two women who, while being opposites in every way, must make harrowing and difficult choices if they are to survive both war -- and each other. It should be noted that "The Windsor Conspiracy" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone Audio, 9798874629557, $41.99, MP3-CD) .
Editorial Note: Georgie Blalock (www.georigeblalock.com) is an amateur historian and movie buff who loves combining her different passions through historical fiction, and a healthy dose of period piece films. When not writing, she can be found prowling the non-fiction history section of the library or the British film listings on Netflix. Georgie writes historical romance under the name Georgie Lee.
This Used to Be Us
Renee Carlino
The Dial Press
c/o Penguin Group USA
https://www.penguin.com
9780593729281, $18.00, PB, 384pp
https://www.amazon.com/This-Used-Be-Us-Novel/dp/0593729285
Synopsis: After twenty-two years together, Danielle and Alex are getting a divorce. Once fiercely in love, they can barely stand the sound of each other's voice. Instead of shuttling the kids between two broken homes, Alex and Dani decide to share a nesting apartment while swapping days with their two teenage boys at the family home.
In the apartment, Dani and Alex, on their own, begin to reflect on the last two decades -- why they fell in love and why the marriage fell, spectacularly, apart. With the newfound space and time, they are given a chance to rediscover their autonomous selves again. They both get back in the dating pool. Dani finds major success at work as a showrunner on her own TV project, while Alex faces the challenges of a new relationship.
Still, they find that they just can't stay away from each other, and somehow, the distance allows them to remember (for the first time in years) what each used to love about the other. When a family crisis draws them back into each other's orbit, Dani and Alex are once again put to the test, which leads to a dramatic conclusion that will have readers caring deeply about the final outcome.
Critique: A truly memorable and emotional read from start to finish, "This Used To Be Us" showcases author Renee Carlino's undeniably impressive and narrative driven storytelling skills. Original, entertaining, engaging, thought-provoking, "This Used To Be Us" is the stuff of which Hallmark Movies are made and a truly welcome addition to community library Romance Fiction & Family Life Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "This Used To Be Us" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99).
Editorial Note: Renee Carlino (www.reneecarlino.com) is a screenwriter and the bestselling author of Sweet Thing, Nowhere But Here, After the Rain, Before We Were Strangers, Swear on This Life, and Wish You Were Here, which was optioned for film with Julia Stiles directing.
The Success Guidebook
Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino
Health Communications, Inc.
https://hcibooks.com
9780757324802, $15.95, PB, 240pp
https://www.amazon.com/Success-Guidebook-Visualize-Actualize-Amplify/dp/0757324800
Synopsis: Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino, is an author, a master life coach and the founder of The Best Ever You Network. She has long espoused that we must redefine success for our authentic selves -- a one-size fits-all-concept is not only outdated but unworkable. Success is so much more than data or the dollars in our bank account. True success is reflected in the smiles that brighten our faces and the peace that settles in our hearts. It's the gratitude we seek in all things and the intention and actions being our very best in each moment.
With the publication of "The Success Guidebook: How to Visualize, Actualize, and Amplify You", her readers will find inspiration, motivation, and a pathway to live their best, most fulfilling life. By implementing Elizabeth's unique Ten Factors of Success (the behaviors consistently exhibited by people who stand out and behave with world-class excellence) readers will learn how to finally overcome the stubborn obstacles that have stood in their way and harness the power to move forward with clarity, a renewed purpose, and the personalized confidence to build a life of bold, brave, and infinite possibilities.
Included are profiles of 20 people who exemplify these principles. Here's the secret: You don't need to be on a national or international platform to be world-class. You can have it right in your own home, to be and feel successful in each and every moment of your life.
"The Success Guidebook: How to Visualize, Actualize, and Amplify You" will help you learn how to tap into world-class behaviors and get the results you desire -- at last.
Critique: Featuring written exercises, and presented in a throughly 'reader friendly' organization and presentation, "The Success Guidebook: How to Visualize, Actualize, and Amplify You" by Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino is an ideal (and effective) DIY 'how to' manual that is especially and unreservedly recommended for anyone seeking to improve, enhance, enrich their lives and achieve success and happiness goals for themselves personally and professionally. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Success Guidebook: How to Visualize, Actualize, and Amplify You" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Tantor Audio, 9798874762216, $39.99, CD) narrated by the author.
Editorial Note: Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino (www.elizabethguarino.com) is the founder of The Best Ever You Network and cofounder of Compliance4. Through these companies, she has helped individuals and organizations around the world be their best and achieve world-class excellence with gratitude-based behavior and belief systems. She is one of America's foremost personal and corporate development consultants specializing in mindset, strategy, leadership, and taking action. Elizabeth is also the author of the award-winning personal development book Percolate-Let Your Best Self Filter Through and multiple children's books as a contributor and author.
Mary Cowper
Reviewer
Micah Andrew's Bookshelf
Surviving War, Oceans Apart
Yanek Mieczkowski
McFarland & Company
https://mcfarlandbooks.com
9781476692104, $39.99, PB, 224pp
https://www.amazon.com/Surviving-War-Oceans-Apart-Teenagers/dp/1476692106
Synopsis: With the publication of "Surviving War, Oceans Apart: Two Teenagers in Poland and Japan Destined for Life Together", Yanek Mieczkowski takes his readers to two countries ravaged by World War II, Poland and Japan, recounting the wartime experiences of teenagers Bogdan and Seiko.
Bogdan's family abandoned its home in Bydgoszcz, Poland, and fled to Warsaw, where Bogdan fought for the Polish Home Army in the 1944 Warsaw Uprising. During this brutal conflict, as Poles tried to oust occupying Germans, Bogdan sustained severe injuries, and after the Germans crushed the Uprising, he endured seven POW camps.
On the other side of the globe, in Hokkaido, Japan, Seiko's country went to war against the U.S. With school suspended, Seiko worked in a wartime factory. Her older sister died during the war, while her older brother trained as a kamikaze pilot.
Once the war ended, both Bogdan and Seiko immigrated to the U.S. to pursue educational opportunities. In bustling postwar New York City, they met, fell in love, and then started a family. Bogdan and Seiko's story is one of hope, symbolizing recovery from war's devastation and immigrants' dreams of new lives in America.
Critique: Illustrated with occasion B/W historical photos, "Surviving War, Oceans Apart: Two Teenagers in Poland and Japan Destined for Life Together" is enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of an informative Introduction and Conclusion (The War Never Left Them), a two page listing of Sources for Further Reading, and a seven page Index. An exceptional story of two exceptional people, this paperback edition of "Surviving War, Oceans Apart" from McFarland & Company is a highly recommended pick for community/public library World War II & Emigrant Biography collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Surviving War, Oceans Apart" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $25.99).
Editorial Note: Yanek Mieczkowski is the author of three previous books, has worked as a writing fellow for Oxford University Press and has written more than 40 biographies for The American National Biography. He was a professor and history department chair at Dowling College until its 2016 closure. He now teaches at the Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne.
Last Entry Point
Joe Friedrichs
Minnesota Historical Society Press
www.mnhs.org/mhspress
9781681342863, $19.95, PB, 224pp
https://www.amazon.com/Last-Entry-Point-Stories-Boundary/dp/1681342863
Synopsis: Paddlers and hikers planning an excursion into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park (that storied region along the Minnesota - Ontario border made up of rock, water, and pine) usually conjure visions of sunny days, pleasant breezes, and starry nights. Though every guidebook advises being prepared, most adventurers escaping to these remote areas assume that all will be well.
But even those who are thoroughly prepared (who wear their life jacket and scrupulously map their route and scan the skies for impending weather) may still encounter the unexpected. And in those cases, being ready for anything can mean the difference between a memorable trip and a life-changing, or life-ending, event.
With the publication of "Last Entry Point: Stories of Danger and Death in the Boundary Waters", experienced paddler and longtime regional journalist Joe Friedrichs gathers tales that involve tragedy or near-misses, interviewing people who confronted danger and walked away, as well as those whose loved ones died in the wilderness. He talks with search and rescue teams to learn what goes into finding those who go missing or who experience a medical emergency miles from help. In his explorations he considers what it means to step into the wilderness, to calmly troubleshoot problems as they present themselves, to survive a rapids or extreme weather when others in your party do not, and to be left behind when an adventurer in your life does not return home.
These narratives of tragedies and hazards may seem calculated to warn BWCA enthusiasts away from their dreams, but in fact they are meant to encourage all paddlers and hikers to think through what could happen, and to be prepared for all contingencies so that, ideally, they return with their own tales that are memorable for only the best of reasons.
Critique: Simply stated, anyone contemplating or planning a trip of any kind to the Boundary Waters area should give Joe Friedrichs' "Last Entry Point: Stories of Danger and Death in the Boundary Waters" a careful reading. Impressively informative, exceptionally well written, thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "Last Entry Point" from the Minnesota Historical Society Press ie expressly and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Hiking/Camping American Travel Guide collections. It should be noted that "Last Entry Point" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Journalist Joe Friedrichs lives near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. He founded the WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast, which earned the Edward R. Murrow Award in the best podcast category in 2020. He is also the author of Her Island: The Story of Quetico's Longest Serving Interior Ranger. His writing has appeared in Backpacker, the Star Tribune, and the Boundary Waters Journal.
Micah Andrew
Reviewer
Michael Dunford's Bookshelf
Hiding in Plain Sight: What Language Says About Being Human
Serghei Sadohin
Iff Books
c/o Collective Ink Books
https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com
9781803415970, $16.95, PB, 168pp
https://www.amazon.com/Hiding-Plain-Sight-Language-About/dp/1803415975
Synopsis: With the publication of "Hiding in Plain Sight: What Language Says About Being Human", author Serghei Sadohin provides the reader with an inherently fascinating exploration of the intricate relationship between language and the concealed order of human existence.
Drawing on existentialist philosophy, literature, poetry, etymology and historical analysis, Sadohin delves into the hidden significance of everyday words and the powerful impact they have on our understanding of the world and our place within it. Journey into the heart of language to reveal its power in shaping our existence and perception of reality.
Critique: Of special and particular interest to students of existential philosophy, logic/language, and cultural anthropology, "Hiding in Plain Sight: What Language Says About Being Human" is a genuinely thoughtful and thought-provoking read from start to finish. While also available for the personal reading lists of students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99), "Hiding in Plain Sight" is a high value and solidly recommended pick for community and college/university library Contemporary Psychology/Anthropology collections and supplemental curriculum lists.
Editorial Note: Serghei Sadohin is an author, columnist and communications professional. He has published for outlets and journals such as Brussels Times, New Eastern Europe and Open Democracy among others.
Crash Course
Ricardo Jimenez
https://crashcoursethebook.com
Forefront Books
https://www.forefrontbooks.com
9781637632963, $26.00, HC, 320pp
https://www.amazon.com/Crash-Course-Founders-Journey-Startup/dp/1637632967
Editorial Note: Nine times out of ten, the passionate, well-educated, semi-cocky entrepreneur with dreams of taking the market by storm... fails.
Whether it's a quick crash and burn within the first year or a longer struggle over several years, the result is usually the same: an exhausted, confused, financially broke, and emotionally broken startup failure.
We love to hear stories of lean-and-mean startups that bootstrap their way to a hard-fought victory. But what about the other 90 percent? What about the startup founders who were chewed up and spit out by potential investors, dirty-dealing partners, and fickle customers? What about the ones who dared to give their dream wings... only to watch it crash on the runway?
Don't we have as much or more to learn from them as we do the lucky few who actually make it?
With the publication of "Crash Course: A Founder's Journey to Saving Your Startup and Sanity", entrepreneur Ricardo Jimenez crawls out from under the wreckage of his own failed startup and forces himself to explore how his best-laid plans went so terribly wrong. With surgical precision, Jimenez explores every decision, meeting, step, and misstep that turned his once-promising international toy company into an expensive lesson in how not to succeed in the highly competitive global marketplace.
Putting pride aside, Jimenez puts his whole story on display (the good, the bad, and the terrible) with the hope that the next generation of startup entrepreneurs can learn from his mistakes and take a pain-free shortcut to the important lessons he had to learn the hard way.
Critique: Candid, fascinating, informative, and a 'must read' pick for all novice entrepreneurs and aspiring businessmen, "Crash Course: A Founder's Journey to Saving Your Startup and Sanity" by Ricardo Jimenez is an invaluable and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, corporate, and college/university library Business/Entrepreneurship collections and supplemental MBA curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that "Crash Course" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.99).
Editorial Note: Ricardo Jimenez is a Spanish-born writer, entrepreneur, and active angel investor. Since 2014, he has performed direct investments in over thirty tech projects, including the Ethereum token launch. In most recent years, his investment scope broadened into other industries and geographies, such as investing in a gold mine in Paraguay, a logistics company in Pakistan, and a financial solution for Gen Z in the Middle East. He is a founder supporter of Yo Elijo, a not-for-profit that supports children and families in socio-economic stress in Colombia in choosing a different path in their lives. Jimenez currently lives in Puerto Rico and Barcelona.
Michael Dunford
Reviewer
Paul Vogel's Bookshelf
Good Judgment
Richard Davis
Harper Business
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
www.harpercollins.com
9780063293670, $29.99, HC, 240pp
https://www.amazon.com/Good-Judgment-Business-Decisions-Personality/dp/0063293676
Synopsis: Psychologists widely agree that five key traits define our personalities are intellect, emotionality, sociability, drive, and diligence. Unlike emotions, which are transitory in nature, these traits determine our behaviors, including our motivations, social inclinations, reactions to crisis or complexity, patterns of thinking, and more.
Organizational psychologist Dr. Richard Davis is an expert in assessing personalities. He has spent decades advising business leaders and evaluating executives from some of the world's biggest companies, including Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Under Armour, Meta, Starbucks, Nike, LVMH, and the NBA. Over the course of his career, he has helped numerous executives make tough, highly consequential hiring calls based on personality. A company's board might want its next CEO to be decisive, focused, and a strong communicator. Investors backing a start-up might want a leader who is not only a visionary but also a team player who doesn't retaliate when given constructive feedback. That's where he comes in.
As a result of his life's work, Dr. Davis has developed not only a unique perspective on what human personality is, but an indispensable toolkit for analyzing it, and using the information effectively.
With the publication of "Good Judgment: Making Better Business Decisions with the Science of Human Personality", he brings his expertise to you as Dr. Davis explains what the science of personality is and how it works, and how all of us can use it to improve our working relationships, careers, and lives.
Whether you're a novice manager looking to hire your first assistant, a board member in need of the ideal CEO, an angel investor trying to choose between two different startups, or a new parent selecting a pediatrician, understanding the science of personality and how to utilize it is the key to exercising good judgment -- at work and in life.
Critique: Especially commended to the attention of corporate executives, business managers, MBA students, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject, "Good Judgment: Making Better Business Decisions with the Science of Human Personality" by Dr. Richard Davis is seminal and ground-breaking study that is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for personal reading lists, as well as community and college/university library Business Management & Interpersonal Relations collections and supplemental MBA curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that "Good Judgement" is also readily available in a paperback edition (9780063423718, $15.00) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $15.99).
Editorial Note: Dr. Richard Davis is an organizational psychologist and managing director at Russell Reynolds Associates. He has extensive experience advising CEOs, including those leading Fortune 100 companies or otherwise in the public eye. Clients include Under Armour, Best Buy, Target, Endeavor (WME Entertainment), the National Basketball Association, Canada Goose, Redfin, RBC, LCatterton, and Maple Leaf Sports + Entertainment.
He has also assessed senior executives and board members from companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Nike, Starbucks, Amazon, General Motors, Walmart, Home Depot, United Health, and Google. He is author of The Intangibles of Leadership and Good Judgment, has appeared on national television and radio and in print media, including the Wall Street Journal, CNN Money, BusinessWeek, Globe and Mail, CNBC, and Harvard Business Review.
Salty Urbanism
Jeffrey Haber
ORO Editions
www.oroeditions.com
9781957183756, $39.95, PB, 300pp
https://www.amazon.com/Salty-Urbanism-Design-Manual-Adaptation/dp/1957183756
Synopsis: Salty Urbanism is a concept that refers to the ways in which cities and urban areas will respond and adapt to rising sea levels and the accompanying increase in salinity of coastal and near-coastal land. This phenomenon is caused by a combination of factors, including global warming, sea-level rise, and human development along coastlines.
Salty Urbanism can have a significant impact on urban infrastructure, such as roads, buildings, and water supply systems. As saltwater infiltrates freshwater sources, it can damage pipes and other infrastructure, leading to costly repairs and maintenance.
In response to Salty Urbanism, urban designers are exploring new strategies to adapt and mitigate the effects of rising sea levels and saltwater intrusion. These strategies include elevating buildings and infrastructure, implementing green infrastructure to absorb excess water, and developing coastal ecosystems to act as buffers against storm surges and flooding.
Overall, this edition of "Salty Urbanism" by Jeffrey Haber highlights the urgent need for cities and urban areas to adapt and prepare for the ongoing and future impacts of climate change.
Critique: A timely and critically important study of the impact that climate change is having on coastal urban areas and zones, "Salty Urbanism" by Professor Jeffrey E. Huber is exceptionally well written, organized and presented -- and unreservedly recommended as a core addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Costal Ecosystems, Urban Land Use Planning, and Architecture collections and supplemental Climate Change curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: Jeffrey E. Huber (https://brooksscarpa.com/jeff-huber-aia) is a principal at Brooks + Scarpa and manages the firm's South Florida studio. Huber is also an Associate Professor of the School of Architecture at Florida Atlantic University in downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Paul T. Vogel
Reviewer
S.A. Gorden's Bookshelf
Deep Dark Secrets (Deep Lakes Cozy Mysteries Book 1)
Joy Ann Ribar
https://joyribar.com
Wine Glass Press
9781959078050 $17.95 paper
B0CSXNXVD5, $2.99 ebook, 282 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Deep-Dark-Secrets-Lakes-Mysteries-ebook/dp/B0CSXNXVD5
Deep Dark Secrets is a cozy mystery dominated by baking. It even has a few recipes at the end of the story.
Francine "Frankie" Champagne runs her own small town businesses. A divorcee she has, with her family and friends help, her own bakery, wine shop and vineyard. Before she married and had her two daughters, she had gone to college for journalism. As a part-time job, she freelances articles to the local papers. When she delivers items for a church fundraiser, she hears that the pastor has been killed.
Frankie decides to investigate and write an article about the murder while still operating her various other businesses. The local newspaper reporters don't want her investigating and the police and friends try to hold her back from the story.
Deep Dark Secrets is a nice reporter procedural with rich details. If you are interested in a slower paced mystery with many local details the story is a very easy recommendation. If you are interested in baking, it is a must read with its various recipes.
The Horoscope Writer
Ash Bishop
CamCat Books
9780744309300 $17.99 paper
B0BZBM7XNK, $4.99 ebook, 472 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Horoscope-Writer-Ash-Bishop/dp/0744309301
The Horoscope Writer straddles the mystery/thriller genres. The characters are flawed but believable and the story logistics are close to reality. The story is much better than the cheesy title implies.
Bobby Frindley is an ex-Olympic athlete who has fast-talked his way into an entry-level position at a dying newspaper as a horoscope writer. Unknown to Bobby, he has started the job the same day a serial killer decides to use horoscopes to taunt the police and the public. Bobby takes on the taunting killer and dives into the investigation surprising everyone from his editor to the killer. Unfortunately for Bobby, this puts him in the crosshairs of the killer.
The Horoscope Writer is good mystery/thriller that is easy to recommend. The pacing is solid, the characters are interesting and the logistics aren't pushed too far past reality. This combination is a little unusual for contemporary thrillers. The tale is also recommended for those are considering exploring beyond their normal reading genres. It is a fast enough and light enough read not to bog down the first timer in this reading niche.
S.A. Gorden
Senior Reviewer
Suzie Housley's Bookshelf
All Money Ain't Good Money: Book 1 - A Jinx Curry Mystery
Tracey Lampley
Tralam Publishing Company
B0CW1DW3SX, $9.99 Kindle, 282 pages
https://www.amazon.com/All-Money-Aint-Good-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CW1DW3SX
Synopsis: Jinx Curry, a private investigator, has a unique perspective on her career. Her journey from a novice to a seasoned professional yearning for more significant challenges is one that readers can connect with, making her a relatable character.
When someone hands Jinx a high-stakes missing persons case involving a congressional representative's granddaughter, she seizes the opportunity with fervor. The promise of a substantial fifty-thousand-dollar bonus not only fuels her determination to crack the case but also serves as a lifeline to ease her financial burdens and escape a relentless creditor, a situation that many readers can empathize with, making Jinx a sympathetic character.
As Jinx delves deeper into the investigation, she encounters unforeseen dangers and mounting costs that push her to her limits. A mysterious stalker in a black Corvette adds a chilling dimension to the case, forcing Jinx to make tough choices, including sacrificing her relationship with her daughter to ensure her safety. The danger Jinx faces will keep readers on the edge of their seats, feeling the suspense and thrill of the story.
Will Jinx be able to navigate the treacherous path ahead, locate the missing girl, and outsmart her relentless stalker? Or will this assignment be her most challenging yet, potentially marking the end of her career?
Critique: Tracey Lampley is a wonderful author who has kicked off an electrifying series that promises to captivate and enthrall! With Jinx Curry stepping into her most daring case yet, brace yourself for a rollercoaster of suspense, intrigue, and unforeseen twists. This is just the beginning of a series that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Wave Makers: How to Become an Ocean Superhero
Gabrielle Raymond McGee, author
Anastasiya Halionka, illustrator
More Lemonade
9798989797707, $27.99 HC, 41pp
9798989797714, $16.99 PB, $9.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Wave-Makers-Become-Ocean-Superhero/dp/B0D2LPPC6B
Synopsis: Step into a world where the sea is teeming with superheroes as Dr. Sylvia Earle, the renowned oceanographer, scientist, and explorer, mesmerizes a classroom full of students with tales of extraordinary marine life.
With a vibrant palette and infectious enthusiasm, Halionka, the book's illustrator, brings to life the wondrous creatures that inhabit our oceans. Halionka, the book's illustrator, celebrates each marine marvel for its unique capabilities, from the humble oyster to the elusive octopus and the mystical starfish.
As Dr. Earle delves into the crucial role, these creatures play in maintaining the health of our oceans, she implores the audience to become guardians of the sea. The students, depicted as a diverse group with smiles and wide eyes, hang on her every word as she stresses the urgent need to protect these oceanic wonders. She warns that the more we interfere with their habitat, the less they can protect us, highlighting the delicate balance between humanity and the marine world.
In this captivating presentation, Dr. Earle inspires the students to become Wave Makers, who will champion the cause of ocean conservation and ensure a brighter future for our aquatic allies. Join this thrilling journey into the ocean's depths, where every creature, no matter how small, plays a vital role in the intricate tapestry of marine life.
Critique: Wave Makers is an exceptional book that beautifully captures the uniqueness of sea creatures and skillfully relates it to the diversity of human personalities. Embark on a captivating adventure where you'll discover the profound connections between the residents of the sea and ourselves.
Gabrielle Raymond McGee is a remarkable author whose latest book overflows with a treasure trove of essential life lessons. Through her captivating storytelling, McGhee reminds us that each human or creature possesses unique qualities and strengths.
Join in celebrating the profound insights and creativity found within the pages of her exceptional book.
Editorial Note: Recommended reading age 3- 8 years old.
The Puzzle Piece
Andrea Mendoza-Vasconez, author
Rita Nilson, illustrator
Wholesome Children Books LLC
9798988022992, $18.99 HC, 124pp
9798988022985, $13.99 PB, $1.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Puzzle-Piece-Childrens-Authenticity-Self-Love-ebook/dp/B0D36LT6P6
Synopsis: Embark on a journey of self-discovery and embracing your individuality. Like pieces of a puzzle, each of us holds a unique shape and color that contributes to the beauty of the whole picture and gently nudges children to ponder their place in this vast world, encouraging them to stay true to themselves amidst societal pressures to conform.
In a world that often pushes us to change to fit in, this book serves as a powerful reminder to listen to our inner voice, our intuition, guiding us to where we truly belong. Its core message is about embracing our authenticity, finding our rightful place in the grand puzzle of life, and unlocking the door to sharing our exceptional gifts with the world.
So, take a moment to imagine yourself as a vital piece of this intricate puzzle, envisioning the unique contribution only you can make. This book is a powerful tool that not only inspires children to embrace their individuality but also fills parents and educators with hope for the future. It will guide them to find their space in this world, creating lasting memories and meaningful connections along the way.
Critique: The Puzzle Piece is a beautifully crafted book that not only highlights the traits that make us unique but also celebrates the diversity that enriches our world. This book beautifully captures the essence of uniqueness and the joy of celebrating our differences.
Andrea Mendoza-Vasconez, is a remarkable author whose book beautifully captures the essence of individual uniqueness and how it intertwines with the world. She shows how the world is filled with a unique blend of personalities and backgrounds that make it a better place.
This beautifully crafted book is recommended for children aged 4-8 years old, and a perfect choice for parents and educators who want to instill the values of individuality and self-acceptance in their young ones.
The Courtesan's Secret: A Venice Beauties Mystery
Nina Wachsman
Level Best Books
https://www.levelbestbooks.us
9781685123482, $5.99 Kindle, $16.95 PB, 342 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Courtesans-Secret-Venice-Beauties-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0C887MQWV
Synopsis: Step into the captivating world of Venice, where secrets, treasures, and intrigue await! Belladonna, the elite courtesan, navigates a dangerous path to protect her mysterious origins. A New World envoy stirs up a thrilling adventure as Belladonna becomes entangled in a quest for an exquisite treasure pursued by relentless enemies. The suspense is palpable, drawing you deeper into the story.
As the envoy vanishes, the spotlight shifts to Belladonna, forcing her to flee her lavish lifestyle and seek refuge in the Ghetto alongside her friend, Diana, the rabbi's daughter. Amidst the shadows of the Ghetto, Belladonna must unravel the mystery, confront her past, and make heart-wrenching decisions to secure her future.
Critique: The Courtesan's Secret is a tale of sacrifice, love, and resilience as Belladonna grapples with her deepest desires against Venice's enchanting landscape. This emotional journey allows you to feel every twist, turn, and unforgettable moment that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Nina Wachsman captivates readers who love mystery and adventure with her masterful storytelling skills, ensuring that every page of this book is filled with excitement and intrigue. The quest you will embark on through these pages is bound to leave you enthralled and eager for more.
Editorial Note: This book is part of the Venice Beauties Mystery series, a collection of thrilling novels set in the captivating world of Venice. Learn more about the other titles in this series by visiting her website: https://venicebeauties.com
Love and Nature - Amor y Naturaleza
Abraham Garcia
Garcia Publishing Company
https://www.garciapubco.com
9798892280693, $12.99 PB, $.99 Kindle, 70 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Love-Nature-Amor-y-Naturaleza/dp/B0CWN7B3P2
Synopsis: Love and Nature is a unique collection of poetry that captures the essence of nature and love uniquely and heartfeltly. This poetry book is not just a compilation of verses; it's a journey through the beauty of nature intertwined with the complex emotions of love and self-discovery.
Each poem in this book reflects moments spent in nature, drawing inspiration from the serene and wondrous beauty that only the great outdoors can provide. The author draws inspiration from the gentle rustle of leaves to the vibrant colors of a sunset, crafting every line in the book with love and admiration for the natural world.
These poems delve into the depths of human emotion, exploring the intricacies of love in all its forms - be it love for another person or love for oneself. The metaphors woven into the verses beautifully articulate the profound impact that love can have on our lives.
Critique: Love and Nature have a unique ability to connect with readers on a deeply personal level. As you turn the pages, you'll find yourself not just reading, but feeling understood and seen, finding solace in the shared experiences of love and nature.
Abraham Garcia is a poet with transformative power. His verses are not just words, but a brush that paints the beauty of the world. His words have a way of creating vivid landscapes and capturing the essence of unforgettable moments.
The Inhabitants
Beth Castrodale
Regal House Publishing
https://regalhousepublishing.com
9781646034963, $18.95 PB, $6.49 Kindle, 256 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Inhabitants-Beth-Castrodale/dp/1646034961
Synopsis: Nilda Ricci is a portrait artist whose life takes a fascinating turn when she inherits a shadowy Victorian mansion with a mysterious past.
As Nilda settles into her new home, she discovers enchanting surprises. Nilda discovers enchanting surprises as she settles into her new home, from the sudden appearance of a devoted housekeeper to the charming chemist neighbor whose herbal tonics spark her creativity. However, as Nilda delves deeper into her revengeful painting pursuits, strange occurrences within the house leave her questioning the true nature of her surroundings.
Is the mansion haunted, or are darker forces at play stemming from the architect's enigmatic designs? And what secrets lie behind the facade of Nilda's seemingly helpful neighbor and his elixirs of inspiration?
Critique: The Inhabitants is a spellbinding tale that presents a transformative journey, where unexpected alliances, spectral whispers, and unforeseen revelations come together to create a narrative that will inspire and stay with you long after you finish reading.
Beth Castrodale masterfully weaves mystery and intrigue into her stories. She meticulously designs scenes that will captivate you and immerse you in an unforgettable adventure. Her writing made a substantial impact on this reviewer. I feel the literary world should celebrate this creation!
Circle of 6 Volume 1: Welcome Home
William Butler & Aaron Strongoni
Independently Published
K 13 Media
www.K13media.com
9798883997074, $29.88 HC, 93pp
9798883995995, $24.44 PB, $3.12 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Circle-Graphic-Serial-Vol-Welcome-ebook/dp/B0CWB5X8NW
Synopsis: Step into the world of Ashley Gibson, a woman grappling with personal tragedy who unexpectedly inherits an old house on the outskirts of Salem. Little does she know; this seemingly peaceful abode conceals a dark past and eerie secrets that will challenge everything she thought she knew.
As Ashley delves deeper into the town's history, she uncovers a chilling connection to the infamous Salem witch trials and the vengeful spirits that still haunt the night. Will she find solace in her new surroundings or become entangled in a web of supernatural forces beyond her control?
Join Ashley on a journey where reality merges with nightmares and the line between the living and the dead blurs in a spine-tingling tale of mystery and suspense.
Critique: Circle of 6 explores the mysteries of Salem's witch trials of the past. This chilling book will keep you on the edge of your seat, with suspense lurking on every page.
William Butler and Aaron Strongoni have crafted a unique and captivating book. Immerse yourself in a world where suspense and intrigue intertwine. Embark on a journey to uncover the enigmatic secrets of the Salem witch trials, a narrative that sets Circle of 6 apart from other books in its genre.
Prepare for an exhilarating experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat, craving for more. Engage in this thrilling adventure and let the pages of this exceptional work transport you to a realm of uncharted mystery and fascination, where every turn of the page brings a new revelation.
Everywhere I Look
Ona Gritz
Apprentice House Press
www.ApprenticeHouse.com
9781627205078, $32.99, HC, 238pp
9781627205085, $18.99, PB, $6.49 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Everywhere-Look-Memoir-Ona-Gritz-ebook/dp/B0CTHX315P
Synopsis: Step into the captivating world where the poignant story of Angie Boggs unfolds. In 1982, tragedy struck as Angie, her husband, and a hideous murder senselessly took her infant son away.
Delve into the depths of emotions as Angie's sister, Ona, bravely embarks on a journey of unraveling the past thirty years later. From feelings of shame to the quest for truth, this memoir encapsulates the essence of sisterhood, longing, true crime, and the complexities of family dynamics.
Join this compelling narrative that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you reflecting on the enduring power of love and loss.
Critique: Everywhere I Look is not just a book. It's an immersive experience that will stir your heart and mind. Surround yourself in the pages brimming with unfiltered emotions and enthralling narratives that will hold your attention from the very first page to the last.
Ona Gitz is a masterful author, has crafted a book that is a testament to the power of storytelling. Prepare to be captivated by the depth of human emotions as you embark on this literary journey. Immerse yourself in the world of Everywhere I Look and discover the transformative power of a well-told story.
Editorial Note: Readers' Choice Gold Award for Best Adult Book.
God Bless The Child: The Woman of Paradise Country
Anne Shaw Heinrich
Speaking Volumes
www.SpeakingVolumes.us
9798890221438,$17.95 HB, $7.99 Kindle, 290 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Bless-Child-Women-Paradise-County/dp/B0CZVVCZHR
Synopsis: Step into the captivating world of Mary Kline and Pearl Davis and her daughter Elizabeth, where a journey of love, secrets, and redemption unfolds. Mary's deep-seated desire for connection and family leads her to make life-altering decisions, intertwining her fate with that of Pearl in unexpected ways.
Through a tumultuous path marked by hidden truths and unspoken pains, their story delves into the complexities of relationships and the enduring bonds that tie generations together, making you feel part of a larger narrative.
Join this emotional rollercoaster ride and explore the intricacies of Mary and Elizabeth's intertwined lives, filled with moments of joy, heartbreak, and resilience. Discover the power of love and the impact of past traumas as their family navigates through the shadows of their shared history.
Critique: God Bless The Child is a captivating book that touches your heart and leaves a lasting impression. This beautifully crafted story will deeply resonate with you emotionally, as its characters will leave a lasting impression. The book crafts each character in a way that draws you into their world and makes you feel part of their journey.
Anne Shaw Heinrich is an exceptional author. This book is not just a mere collection of words; it's a profound emotional journey that will tug at your heartstrings and linger in your thoughts long after you finish the last page.
Embark on an exclusive storytelling experience showcasing narratives' transformative power and ability to touch lives in profound ways. Through the trials and triumphs this book offers; you'll find yourself immersed in a world where every emotion is palpable and every moment is unforgettable.
Fake News in Contemporary Science and Politics - A Requiem for the Real?
Keith Moser
Palgrave Macmillan
https://www.palgrave.com/us
9783031561795, $44.99, HC, 224pp
9783031561801, $11.64 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Fake-News-Contemporary-Science-Politics-ebook/dp/B0CVZF96BZ
Synopsis: Welcome, fellow adventurers of truth and seekers of authentic experiences! In a world where alternative facts cloud our perceptions and reality seems ever more elusive, it's vital to embark on a journey of discovery.
This book delves into the profound repercussions of living in a post-truth era, where misinformation runs rampant, blurring the lines between fact and fiction.
Join as we navigate through the complexities of climate change denial, the anti-vaccination movement, and the unsettling events that have shaped our recent history. Together, we'll uncover the gravity of the infodemic plaguing our society, where distinguishing reality from misrepresentation has become daunting.
Let's challenge ourselves to unravel the threads of truth woven into the fabric of our world. We can create meaningful connections and lasting memories by exploring different perspectives and seeking the essence of authenticity. Embark on a quest to uncover the truths that shape our reality and redefine our understanding of the world.
Critique: Fake News in Contemporary Science and Politics is a revelation in this pivotal election year. This book meticulously uncovers media outlets' deceptive practices, shedding light on the misleading information they disseminate to manipulate public opinion.
Keith Moser is a fascinating writer. Prepare to be captivated by this masterful storytelling by a true artisan of the written word.
Brace yourself for a sensational unraveling of misinformation intricacies that will challenge your perceptions and ignite your curiosity. This book delves deep into questioning, exploration, and enlightenment. Are you prepared to embark on this thrilling journey of discovery?
White Doe
Maria Williams
Saddle Road Press
https://saddleroadpress.com
9798987954171, $7.99 Kindle, $18.00 PB, 78 pages
https://www.amazon.com/White-Doe-Maria-Williams/dp/B0CY8RZHC6
Synopsis: White Doe is a poignant exploration of dementia. The story unfolds in a snowy tundra of fragmented memories. Witness the profound journey of forgetting that leads to profound self-discovery.
Accompany the speaker and her father as they navigate the disease's intricate effects on language and family dynamics. Immerse yourself in the wonder of a world that exists momentarily yet eternally.
Experience the beauty of resilience and introspection as you traverse the evocative landscapes painted by this compelling tale.
Critique: White Doe's lyrical poetry illuminates the shadows of dementia. Each carefully crafted word is a beacon of hope, offering a new perspective on this challenging disease.
Maria Williams is a remarkable author whose words deeply touched my heart. Having dealt with dementia in my family, I can appreciate the emotional it has in its readers. I believe it will bring peace and comfort to those who are experiencing dementia in their own lives.
Through her writing, Maria brings a sense of solace and profound understanding of this difficult journey. I am grateful for her heartfelt contributions and the enlightenment they bring to those in need.
Editorial Note: White Doe is the winner of the Verse Daily Prize.
Guardians of the Latte Stones
M.K. Aleja
Taotao-ta Press LLC
9798990039001, $14.99 PB, $4.99 Kindle, 377 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Guardians-Latte-Stones-M-K-Aleja/dp/B0CTV4ZYBS
Synopsis: Amid hardship and tragedy, Takeshi and Yuki's story takes a gripping turn as they navigate life's challenges in Sasebo. Following the loss of their parents, Takeshi's determination to improve their circumstances leads him to enlist in Japan's Imperial Army, setting the stage for a journey filled with loyalty, sacrifice, and unforeseen challenges.
As Takeshi grapples with the harsh realities of war, he discovers that the tropical paradise he envisioned is far from peaceful, with invisible enemies and a mysterious illness haunting the soldiers.
Dive into the depths of a jungle where something dark and powerful challenges the mighty Imperial Army. As reports of invisible enemies and a mysterious illness spread among the soldiers, Takeshi uncovers a truth far more sinister than imagined.
Takeshi's quest for survival and redemption reaches new heights as the looming American invasion, a threat that adds to the gripping suspense, draws near. Join this riveting journey where every moment counts; every decision could mean the difference between life and death.
Critique: Guardians of the Latte Stones is a captivating book that will sweep you away with the first page. This exceptional literary masterpiece promises an adrenaline-filled adventure, where every scene leaves you on the edge of your seat, eagerly awaiting what comes next. It's a book that will keep you engaged and enthralled throughout.
M.K. Aleja is a fantastic author who has penned a thrilling journey filled with masterfully crafted scenes and well-developed characters. Dive into the world of Aleja's storytelling and discover a captivating experience that will leave you spellbound.
Youtopia - Book 1
Joseph Rein
Evolved Publishing
www.EvolvedPub.com
9798890250636, $36.95, HB, 224pp
9781622535767, $17.95 PB, $5.99, Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Youtopia-Techno-Thriller-Joseph-Rein/dp/B0D184K67Q
Synopsis: Immerse yourself in the compelling world of FBI Special Agent Anabel Downer as she delves into a mysterious murder case. Assigned to the task, Anabel navigates through the realms of Youtopia's ardent supporters and skeptics, unearthing clues that lead her to the darker facets of Immerser's life.
Anabel unearths clues that lead her to the darker facets of the killer's life, forcing her to confront her haunting past and blurring the lines between reality and illusion.
With the madman's sinister actions escalating, Anabel finds herself not only facing the most challenging case of her career but also battling her inner demons. Join this captivating journey of suspense, intrigue, and self-discovery, a character that will truly captivate you as she unweaves the twisted mind of a killer that takes her back to her troubled past, leaving you intrigued and eager to follow her story.
Critique: Youtopia is an exhilarating journey that showcases a formidable heroine determined to solve a sinister murder case. Get ready to immerse yourself in a gripping narrative filled with twists and turns, where our protagonist's courage and intelligence shine brightly.
Joseph Rein is a master storyteller whose work has captivated readers and garnered prestigious awards. The first edition of his highly anticipated series is set to make waves in the literary realm, promising a thrilling journey that will leave you on the edge of your seat, excited and engaged.
Get ready to be swept away by Rein's brilliance in storytelling as he unveils a masterpiece that is bound to captivate readers everywhere.
Editorial Note: Youtopia is a winner of the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award - Best Techno-Thriller.
The Power of S.A.D. - Mariposa Lane Book 1
Maggie Lynch
Windtree Press
https://windtreepress.com
9781962065283, $4.50 Kindle, $14.00 PB, 248 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Power-S-D-Mariposa-Lane/dp/1962065286
Synopsis: In a poignant tale of strength, determination, and resilience, Akna Sales's life takes an unexpected turn after losing her grandparents. As she and her sisters navigate the challenges of foster care, Akna embarks on an emotional journey that leads her to a new sense of family and belonging with the Bohns at Mariposa Lane.
Despite her fears of losing her real family, Akna embarks on an emotional journey of self-discovery. She learns to embrace her past and create a promising future. Through the support of her teacher, a newfound friend, and the love of her foster family, Akna finds the courage to welcome goodness back into her life, proving that even in brokenness, there is room for healing and growth.
Will Akna find a new loving family in her foster parents, or will memories of her birth family will haunt her? This pivotal decision adds a layer of intrigue to the story, keeping the readers engaged until the end.
Critique: The Power of S.A.D. is a heartwarming tale that celebrates the power of unity. Readers will embark on a journey with a courageous young girl and her family, navigating through challenges and embracing resilience in the face of adversity. Uncover the profound messages and heartfelt narratives woven into this remarkable story of strength and determination.
Maggie Lynch's poignant storytelling explores individuals' heroic choices amid life's chaos. Get ready to be inspired and uplifted by the remarkable narrative of hope and unity that awaits in this captivating work of art. This book brought out emotions I didn't expect to feel. This book is one that comes highly recommended.
Editorial Note: Reading ages 11-15 years old.
Hidden Treasures
Kathleen Buckley
The Wild Rose Press
www.wildrosepress.com
9781509257850, $21.99 PB
9781509257867, $5.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Treasures-Kathleen-Buckley-ebook/dp/B0D92Q3KT
Synopsis: Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Regency London, where Allan Everard, an earl's illegitimate son, embarks on a new journey after a sudden dismissal. His inheritance of a former coaching inn sets the stage for a captivating tale filled with unique characters and a series of unexpected twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Meanwhile, a mysterious cousin thrusts Rosabel Stanbury and her younger sister, two spirited young women, into uncertainty as they become wards. Fearing his hidden motives, the sisters embark on a daring escape to London, seeking refuge with a women's charity. As their paths intertwine, Allan, a determined and resourceful young man, and Rosabel navigates a web of challenges, with Allan's inn attracting unwanted attention from nefarious elements.
Set against the bustling city, alliances form in unexpected places, uniting Allan with a diverse cast of characters. Amidst danger and intrigue, a timeless romance blossoms, weaving together the threads of fate in this captivating tale of resilience and love. The characters' resilience in the face of adversity is a theme that will surely inspire and resonate with readers.
Critique: Hidden Treasure is a beautiful book that will sweep you off with its sweet romance set in the Regency period. Enjoy a journey filled with charming characters and heartwarming moments that will leave you yearning for more.
Talented author Kathleen Buckley beautifully captures the essence of the Regency period. Prepare to be swept away into a world of sophistication and romance as you delve into the enchanting pages of this literary masterpiece.
Buckley's work is a true gem that shines with beauty and grace, offering readers a delightful escape into a bygone era. Embrace the magic of the Regency period and immerse yourself in a story that will not only warm your heart but also captivate your imagination, leaving you enchanted by its beauty.
Four Teens on Everest
Linda LeBlanc
Ama Dablam, Inc.
9780978535377, $9.99 PB, $2.99 Kindle, 235 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Four-Teens-Everest-Linda-LeBlanc-ebook/dp/B0D29ZX6FM
Synopsis: Embark on an exhilarating adventure as four determined teenagers brave the treacherous journey to Mount Everest, all for a noble cause. As they confront their inner fears, doubts, and family conflicts, each must make profound choices that will alter their lives forever. Battling blizzards, avalanches, and the unforgiving elements, they face the looming threats of altitude sickness and frostbite at every turn.
Amidst the challenges, tensions rise between the group and a rival Brazilian team, leading to explosive confrontations fueled by hidden truths and jealousy. Romance blossoms in the thin mountain air as Jaya, a member of the American team, draws herself to their charismatic Sherpa guide, sparking a cross-cultural teenage love story that adds a layer of complexity to their already arduous journey.
Will these courageous teens overcome their struggles and reach the summit of Everest? Can they withstand the adversities that test their resilience, unity, and friendships? Join this gripping expedition as we witness the triumphs, trials, and a series of unexpected twists that await these young adventurers in their quest for personal growth and the greater good.
Critique: Four Teens on Everest is a heart-pounding book about four brave teenagers who embark on a daring mission to conquer the majestic Mount Everest. In a world where courage, unity, and resilience are more important than ever, this book serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit's ability to triumph over adversity.
Linda LeBlanc is an exceptional author who weaves a captivating tale filled with courage, determination, and the spirit of never giving up. The powerful message within these pages is a beacon of inspiration, sure to uplift and motivate readers of all ages. Get ready to embark on a journey that will touch your heart and soul.
Conquering Your Fears - My Journey to Empowerment
Maria Rice
Independently Published
9798323213412, $14.99 HB, $7.49 PB, $2.99 Kindle, 124pp
https://www.amazon.com/CONQUERING-YOUR-FEARS-Journey-Empowerment/dp/B0D3XPZV42
Synopsis: Join a transformative journey into the profound teachings of yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, karma, and past life connections through the eyes of Maria Rice.
In her enlightening pilgrimage trips to India and Nepal, Rice unravels timeless wisdom that resonates deeply with the challenges of today. Through her exploration of Astro philosophy and quantum psychology, she guides us on a path to unlock our inner revelations and delve into the depths of our unconscious minds.
Rice's personal experiences serve as a beacon of hope as she shares practical techniques that helped her navigate through depression, fear, and neurosis. Her candid memoir offers a fresh perspective on overcoming life's obstacles, drawing from her journey as a resilient woman raising two children amidst the complexities of immigration.
Critique: Conquering Your Fears is a remarkable book not only offers profound insights but also provides a sanctuary for readers to connect with shared experiences and embark on a transformative path of self-discovery.
Maria Rice is an exceptional writer, and her first book is nothing but a masterpiece. As someone who wrote my college thesis on alternative medicine methods, I can attest to the profound importance of the wisdom found within these pages.
Prepare to embark on a transformative journey as you delve into this book and discover the empowering insights that will help you conquer your fears and unleash your true potential.
Don't Let Me Keep You
Kathie Giorgio
Black Rose Writing
www.blackrosewriting.com
9781685134884, $19.95 PB, $5.99 Kindle, 230 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Let-Me-Keep-You/dp/1685134882
Synopsis: Meet Hildy Halverson, a remarkable individual who defied societal norms to empower her children to forge their destinies. Instead of conforming to the expectations of a male-dominated field, Hildy embraced the beauty of life by marrying young and nurturing a loving family, a choice that had a significant impact on the surrounding society.
Despite her best efforts to remain neutral, Hildy's influence subtly shapes her children's paths, each encouraged to pursue their passions. As we delve into the intimate moments between Hildy and her newborns, we uncover a poignant tale of resilience and acceptance, tinged with the lingering sorrow of loss, a journey that will resonate with every reader.
Critique: Don't Let Me Keep You is a heartfelt journey that celebrates the legacy of a mother who believed that greatness lies in following one's heart.
Kathie Giorgio is a gifted author whose writing captivates readers with its profound depth and insight. Through her compelling narratives, Giorgio 's characters exude a powerful voice that resonates with the desire to spark societal change.
Journey to Everland Bay - Book 1 Everland Bay
Lynne Shaner
Black Rose Writing
www.blackrosewriting.com
9781685134044, $16.95 PB, $5.99 Kindle, 252 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Journey-Everland-Bay-Book-ebook/dp/B0CQPB2328
Synopsis: Uncover the enchanting tale of Jemma Avalon, a young woman who confronts a dilemma between her mundane life in the museum world of Washington, D.C. where magic is nearly forbidden, and the irresistible call of her deep connection to her magical ancestry.
Join Jemma on a thrilling, adrenaline-filled adventure as she navigates the challenges of embracing her heritage and defying the wishes of her father to unlock her true potential. Follow her as she embarks on a quest to return to Everland Bay, a mystical realm hidden within the Great Lakes region, where her destiny awaits at the renowned magical research institute.
Enter a world of dark-arts mages and violent sieges as Jemma and her allies fight against all odds to protect everything she holds dear. Experience the magic, the danger, and the courage in this captivating journey of self-discovery and resilience.
Critique: Journey to Everland Bay is not just another fantasy novel. It's a unique blend of high-action drama, magic, and the paranormal, creating a mesmerizing tale that stands out in the genre.
Lynne Shaner is an exceptional author. She expertly crafted characters who bring their own unique strengths to the fight. These characters promise an engaging and thrilling journey filled with wonder and excitement.
Journey to Everland Bay beckons you to immerse yourself in its mystical charm, where every page unveils a captivating narrative that will intrigue and captivate your imagination. Get ready to lose yourself in the magic of Everland Bay and experience a story that will leave you craving more.
Danny's Boy
Charley Heenan
BQB Publishing
https://bqbpublishing.com
9781952782763, $17.95 PB, $5.99 Kindle, 298 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Dannys-Boys-novel-Charley-Heenan/dp/1952782767
Synopsis: Join the gripping narrative of Tommy Dunleavy and his friends as they navigate the tumultuous revelation of their trusted pastor's dark secret. Shock and guilt test their once unbreakable bond, as the haunting question of innocence or guilt tears the community apart.
As Tommy stands firm in his conviction of the truth, witness the resilience and hope that drives him to seek justice and restoration in the face of adversity. Be prepared for a riveting journey of betrayal, friendship, and the unwavering pursuit of redemption in the heart of northeast Philadelphia.
Critique: Danny's Boy is a riveting tale that delves into the intricate dynamics of a church community shattered by the profound weight of a pastor's guilt. Journey through faith, redemption, and betrayal as we explore the deep impact of one man's actions on an entire congregation.
Charley Heenan delves into the profound theme of life's unpredictable nature. Brace yourself for a riveting journey through the pages of this book as it unravels the captivating story of how a single moment can alter the course of one's life.
Get ready to be captivated by the unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat while exploring the intricate dynamics of loyalty and forgiveness. Immerse yourself in this gripping narrative that promises to challenge your perceptions and ignite your imagination, leaving you eager to uncover the story's secrets.
Stone Creek
Kate Brandes
https://katebrandes.com
Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing
9781954332522, $16.95 PB, $6.99 Kindle, 276 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Stone-Creek-Kate-Brandes/dp/1954332521
Synopsis: In Stone Creek, Tilly Stone's life in rural Pennsylvania uniquely blends past and present. At 13, her life takes a drastic turn when her eco-terrorist father disappears, leaving her to grapple with the aftermath of their shared actions.
As she strives to build a new life in a quaint town, the sudden return of her father threatens to unravel everything she has worked so hard to establish. The story tests the bonds of love, loyalty, and home, forcing Tilly to confront tough decisions that will shape her future.
Experience Tilly's emotional journey, where the consequences of her father's actions echo through time, leading her on a poignant journey of self-discovery and choice.
Critique: Stone Creek is a heartwarming tale about a young girl's life transformed by adversity. Tilly's unwavering strength and determination, faced with trials and tribulations that shatter her world, pave the path to a new beginning, inspiring us all.
Kate Brandes is a remarkable author who has crafted a story that is a testament to the power of resilience and hope. In this inspiring journey, Brandes shares a story of courage and perseverance that fills us with optimism and determination for the future.
Counterblow Clemency
Naomi Shibles
Golden Storyline Books
https://goldenstorylinebooks.com
97989891388215, $8.99 PB, $6.99 Kindle, 154 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Counterblow-Clemency-Naomi-Shibles/dp/B0CT8BPQG9
Synopsis: Step into the electrifying world of Promo City, where danger lurks at every corner! Meet sixteen-year-old Bjorn Bear, whose carefree days dramatically turn deadly when he becomes the target of the city's deadliest assassins.
Join Bjorn and his eclectic friends as they navigate a web of challenges - from evading a vengeful crime boss to confronting genetically engineered mini hippos. As the clock ticks, Bjorn races against time to unmask his mysterious assailants, while grappling with the shocking revelation about his own family.
Prepare for an adrenaline-pumping journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations in this gripping tale of courage, friendship, and self-discovery!
Critique: Experience the thrilling world of Counterblow Clemency, where every page bursts with heart-pounding action and mind-bending drama. This sci-fi masterpiece is a dream come true for fans craving a story that defies the norm.
Enter the extraordinary world of renowned author Naomi Shibles, where sci-fi mastery meets unparalleled storytelling. With a pen that weaves magic on every page, Shibles invites you to join a thrilling journey filled with heart-pounding action and characters that will resonate in your soul.
Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of emotions as each twist and turn grips your imagination tighter, refusing to let go. Get ready to lose yourself in an adventure that transcends boundaries and leaves an indelible mark on your very being. Shibles' work is not just a story; it's an experience waiting to be embraced.
My Year of Casual Acquaintances
Ruth F. Stevens
Black Rose Writing
www.blackrosewriting.com
9781685134846, $23.95 PB, $6.99 Kindle, $23.95 PB, 322 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Year-Casual-Acquaintances-South-Bay/dp/168513484X/ref
Summary: Enter the captivating realm of Mar Meyer as she begins a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth. After her husband's departure, Mar leaves behind her old life and embraces a fresh start filled with casual encounters and unexpected connections.
Through encounters with diverse characters, Mar learns valuable lessons about life, love, and the importance of opening oneself up to happiness. Each one of these new acquaintances brings a new perspective to her life.
Join Mar as she navigates the emotional rollercoaster of her new life, filled with laughter, loneliness, and the promise of a fresh start.
Critique: My Year of Casual Acquaintances is a deeply heartwarming tale that will leave you both smiling and reflecting on the beauty of new beginnings, offering a comforting embrace in its pages.
Ruth F. Stevens is a wonderful author who has penned a heartwarming journey that will leave you with a smile and the belief that new chapters in your life are achievable.
Immerse yourself in beautifully developed stories and characters that touch your heart. Experience the pleasure of reading as we celebrate the talent of this amazing author.
Controlled Conversations
Karol Lagodzki
Milford House
9798888192061, $19.95, PB, 228 pages
https://www.amazon.com/Controlled-Conversations-Karol-Lagodzki/dp/B0D2YDBH14
Synopsis: Step back in time in 1982, amid Soviet-controlled Poland, where suspicion and mistrust loom large over the town of Zygmuntowo. Join Emilia on a gripping journey as she grapples with the decision of risking imprisonment or worse for her self-respect and unexpected love.
Emilia, a diligent telephone station switchboard operator, finds herself caught in a web of secrets when she overhears a mysterious coded conversation. Amidst her growing unease, she discovers forbidden feelings for her best friend, Kalina.
Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Frombork, Antek, a shipyard engineer and Solidarity labor union treasurer, escapes from prison and embarks on a mission to recover the union's funds, leading him to Emilia's town.
In the bustling city of Gdask, Roman, a secret police major, harbors ambitions of seizing the money and fleeing to the exotic beaches of Rio de Janeiro. As the daughter of a local Communist Party figure, Emilia finds herself at the crossroads of loyalty and love in a world fraught with danger and intrigue.
Critique: Controlled Conversations is a remarkable book that immerses you in palpable tension, blossoming romance, and unfolding suspense.
Karol Lagodzki illuminates the shadows of the Soviet-controlled era. Lagodzki's illuminating narrative transports readers to a time of political turmoil, where every page overflows with intrigue and intense emotion.
Get ready to embark on a journey where love defies all odds and suspense lingers in the air, captivating your every sense. Lagodzki's storytelling prowess shines through, promising an unforgettable reading experience that will leave you spellbound.
The Tunnel
Tripp Friedler
Trost Publishing
9798218342425, $29.99, HB, 288 pages
9798218342432, eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Tunnel-Memoir-Tripp-Friedler/dp/B0CVR3YS5Q
Synopsis: In The Tunnel, a poignant memoir by a father who navigates the turbulent waters of mental illness within his family, we embark on a profound journey through the struggles, triumphs, and heartaches that the Friedler family faces.
Through the eyes of Henry, the son battling his own mind and societal stigmas, we witness the raw and emotional turmoil that comes with serious mental health challenges.
Set against the backdrop of Uptown New Orleans, this tale sheds light on the complexities of how society perceives and deals with those grappling with mental health issues. It is not just a story of love and fractured relationships, but a testament to the unyielding resilience of a family, a man, and a marriage.
Critique: The Tunnel is a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, there is always a glimmer of light waiting at the end of the tunnel. It's a story of raw emotion, one that will touch the heart.
Tripp Friedler deserves commendation for his exceptional work in crafting a poignant book that delves into the intricate dynamics of a family affected by mental illness.
Through his writing, Friedler skillfully navigates the complexities of how mental health challenges can affect familial relationships, offering readers a profound insight into the human experience. I commend Friedler for his insightful storytelling and his ability to shed light on such an important topic with sensitivity and depth.
Olaf and Essex
Patti Calkosz
Pretty Cool
9798990143371, $12.99 Paperback, 372 pages
9798990143357, $5.99 Kindle, 372 pages
9798990143388, $5.99 EPUB, 372 pages
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9C2R83C
Synopsis: In a twisted version of New York City, where witches face marginalization and persecution, the story takes a dark turn as Mabel Blackthornudder and her husband, Harvey, become the central characters. Their plan to kidnap the Chief Magic Detector's infant daughter for ransom in Central Park goes awry when a bear named Olaf unexpectedly enters the scene. As Olaf forms a bond with the baby, driven by his tragic past, Mabel's intentions unravel as she discovers the true power of the child.
Caught in a whirlwind of magic and mayhem, Mabel's desires shift from rebellion to personal gain, leading to unexpected consequences. The once disgruntled witch now grapples with newfound powers and a moral dilemma. As the tale unfolds with twists and turns, the line between right and wrong blurs, leaving us questioning the true nature of power and desire.
Dive into this enchanting narrative where the unexpected takes center stage, and prepares to be spellbound by the captivating journey of Mabel Blackthornudder and the amplifier baby.
Critique: Step into the enchanting realm of Olaf and Essex, where the paranormal comes to life in a truly captivating way.
This delightful adventure introduces you to a cast of characters that are not just intriguing but masterfully crafted to draw you in deeper with every page.
Join this extraordinary journey to unravel mysteries and explore the unknown in a narrative that will leave you spellbound.
Patti Calkosz, stand up and take a bow! Your skill as an author is unsurpassed, and we recognize you masterly as an author. Readers will discover where the setting becomes more than just words on a page, but a vivid landscape that captures hearts. Having visited New York City 19 times, I can appreciate this book as it brings back fond memories of that beloved area. This book is a treasure trove of familiarity and discovery, one that will make a dramatic impact on the literary world.
Suzie Housley, Senior Reviewer
https://housleysliteraryservices.com
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
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