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The US Review of Books connects authors with professional book reviewers and places their book reviews in front of subscribers to our free monthly newsletter of fiction book reviews and nonfiction book reviews. Learn why our publication is different than most others, or read author and publisher testimonials about the USR.

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Recent Book Reviews

 

Focus Review

This Thing of Darkness
by Lisa Dart
Ipbooks

"A man is walking across a bridge. One hand on either side of his head. On his neck he is holding his sawn-off head"

Half the fun of reading experimental fiction is figuring out what the author means. The other half is admiring the way she does it. Dart tackles the issue of words themselves—the “language-game” whereby reality is shaped by the words we use. Words seek to bridge the unbridgeable gap between what can be expressed in language and what can only be expressed in nonverbal ways. To help the reader understand, Dart sprinkles Wittgenstein's quotes throughout, using his philosophy as a protective bumper, a soft shield between her experience of a childhood tragedy and her memories of it. Like words, memory can be a tricky tool, and sometimes philosophy, psychoanalysis, and remembrances from other family members are needed to make sense of events and remove doubts. ... (read more)

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Featured Book Reviews

 

Metaphysical History

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The Riddle of Alchemy
by Paul Kiritsis
Mantra Books


"Alchemy’s ambition to perfect Nature, to make gold of detritus and dust, has certainly contributed to its quixotic appeal."

In the present day, Alchemy is held in the realm of the occult and fantastical, portrayed in fiction as a Daedalian pursuit of the logically impossible. But its rich and storied history, combined with its influence on modern thinking and science, provides an unexpected roadmap that touches on some of the most influential philosophers and scientists from across time and the globe. The first section of this book deals with that history, how the traditions and legends were passed along, and how different parts of the world interpreted them differently. The second section focuses on alchemy’s links to modern psychology and the connection between alchemical principles and one’s personal experiences. The third and final portion concerns the scientific side of the things that alchemy aims to accomplish, and whether or not such things could hold truth. ... (read more)

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Revisiting South Korea

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South Korea: The Price of Efficiency and Success, Second Edition
by John Gonzalez and Young Lee
John M. Gonzalez


"Modern Korea is a land of contrasts. It is a blend of traditional cultural norms, cutting-edge technology, democracy, and capitalism."

In this book, readers discover South Korea from an intimate point of view. The author opens the text with a personal insight into the country, including its usage of technology. The book then outlines the cultural values that allowed South Korea to transform its economy. The author traces this economic transformation to the Korean War. Along with these types of historical insights, the book also provides an examination of the Confucian and Daoist values that have shaped Korean society. The complexities of modern Korea also receive significant attention, especially where these complexities cause “disharmony and imbalance.” The US influence on South Korea, as well as the distinct differences between the two countries, are also dissected in a manner that is easy for readers of all backgrounds to understand and appreciate ... (read more)

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In Nature

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The Camp Clovis Chronicles 1969
by M. Chris Polo
Printed Page Press


"It is our fears that cause us to abandon our humanity."

It is 1969, and Chris Polo has taken a job as a counselor at a Christian camp, Camp Clovis, for the summer, working with boys and a few girls. Along with Polo's fellow counselors and other staff members, the book takes us through the daily activities of a camp, such as arts and crafts, ropes course, swimming in the lake, camping, hiking, skits, Camp Olympics, horse riding, and other activities. The book describes the campers and counselors, and the reader gets a nice understanding of the individuals and their relationships to one another and the camp's culture. Of course, ongoing hijinks are part of the camp culture. This is also the time of the Vietnam War, and the novel takes us through the thinking of the time as well as the beliefs and concerns of the young men who are affected by the war. ... (read more)

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Whimsical & Radiant

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Words
by Katherine Davis-Gibbon
Riverlet Press


"Some words are the best of friends, like Tick and Tock. Zig and Zag. Cupcakes and Sprinkles."

“Words are a lot like people,” Davis-Gibbon writes in her delightful children’s picture book. Each one is “awesome,” the author declares, “just as it is.” Words of all kinds—all shapes and sizes—are celebrated and likened in wondrous ways to the special qualities found in the diversity of people all around. Each word has something unique only it can say, shining its “special light” into the world. Words are like children playing, joining hands to create new things. Some words are friends, the author explains, while others may disagree. Words, like boys and girls, can sometimes be shy, angry, or even scary. However, young readers are reassured that words are patient, always understanding, and—like people—love being given second chances. Words that hurt can also heal, and while choosing truthful words takes courage, it is always worth it. ... (read more)

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Altered States

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LoveVortex and the Drakor’s Curse
by Pekka Harju-Autti
Amazon KDP


"Julius knew the island held secrets he had yet to understand fully."

Julius Hawthorne, a renowned ship’s captain in 1751 Glasgow, has faced storms, mutiny, near-starvation, and devastating personal losses in his years at sea. However, none of these experiences have prepared him for the adventure of a lifetime when Duke Thomas Pelham-Holles requests that he voyage to the Andaman Islands to expand Britain’s trading interests. Julius, his son Peter, their cat Michi, and a fifty-man crew set sail on The Heaven’s Voyager to explore this distant land. ... (read more)

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Terror Town

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Extreme Malice
by J.T. Tierney
Curtiss Street Press


"The spirit of cooperation in the public square has withered, replaced by a polarization so fierce it tears families apart."

Amy Wilson has found herself at the center of a firestorm that threatens her life, her family, and possibly her town. Amy serves on the local school board, and the board’s policies regarding mask mandates and vaccines in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have sparked outrage within the community. The school board meetings often devolve into chaos as irate parents tear into both the board’s advocation of strict COVID policies and their perceived woke politics. Amy begins to fear for her safety and her teenage son’s when she is accosted by an upset parent outside the school. While Amy relays her concerns to her father, Marty Stauffer believes his campaign of disruption has only just begun. Marty is an independent political operative who believes the town of Mesa Vista is ready for a change at the local level, and he will pull out all the stops to accomplish his objectives ... (read more)

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Putt Consistency

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Putting by the Numbers: A Quantitative Method of Lag Putting
by Bob Labbe
Bob Labbe Books


"The execution of a good putting stroke is the difference between success and failure in lowering your overall score. Creating an accurate, reliable, and reproducible putting stroke takes practice."

Lag putting is basically a long putt utilized by a golfer to get the ball as close to the hole as possible to have an easy follow-up put. It is essentially a strategy formed to avoid three putts. This book walks the reader through a series of steps to determine how to best hit lag putts logically. First, the golfer must determine their individual power factor (IPF). This is the length the putt will travel based on how many inches the putter has been pulled away from the ball before striking. Building consistency on one’s swing is key. Once this is known, the golfer can make adjustments based on the terrain, the speed of the greens, and the distance. The key is to always spend time before a round on the practice green to determine the conditions of play that day. Once a golfer has these tools in hand, they can determine the strike distance from the ball based on a quick calculation of the range and the information gained during practice. It is a mathematical approach based on being consistent in one’s putting force and understanding the changing factors that can affect each putt. ... (read more)

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Entertaining & Introspective

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A Good Day and Other (Mostly) Humorous Stories and Lists
by Radu Guiaşu
FriesenPress


"Experience life and take some chances. The will to live really comes through when you’re tested."

At the heart of Guiaşu’s work is a free-spirited nature that is meshed with a penchant for humor en route to tackling pertinent topics. An academic through and through, the author has included works that span the spectrum of his educational journey from elementary school to his doctoral experiences and professorship. In each of the short stories, the signature humor is only complemented by the uncanny relatability that pervades the work, beginning with “A Good Day,” which is rooted in an exploration of the immense challenges that career academics have in finding a job after earning their doctoral degree. ... (read more)

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Stimulating Conversations

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Starlight in the Dawn: The poetic priestess who chose to fight
by Naveen Sridhar
KDP Amazon


"Fate and faith are like friends who fail. Yet Enheduanna remained faithful to her faith, her only friend."

Set on the banks of the Euphrates in 2286 BCE, Sridhar's narrative is driven by compelling worldbuilding and character development. While the novel revolves around Enheduanna, the high priestess of the Temple of Ur, each character has a well-developed backstory that is instrumental to bringing the intricate system of government, politics, and power (and often the abuses of each) to life. Through the narrative, audiences will gain exposure to age-old questions such as the constant clash between church and state. ... (read more)

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Danger Afoot

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The Case of the Stolen Goddess
by John Amos
River Grove Books


"A missing artifact, a murder, and a curse. Clearly, we need some expertise in the provenance of these things."

Long-time friends Thomas Pettigrew and Flinders Petrie run a detective agency together. Lately, their business has not thrived, so they have taken on second jobs to supplement their income. Pettigrew works as a physician, while Flinders is a curator at the British Museum. E.A. Wallis Budge, the head curator of the British Museum, hires Pettigrew and Flinders to find a small statue of Aphrodite that has been stolen from the Elgin Collection. Normally, Budge would have sought out the missing artifact, but he is swamped and wants the duo to take on the task. Pettigrew and Flinders accept the job, but as they delve deeper into the investigation, the case becomes increasingly dangerous. ... (read more)

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Education Today

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Rooted Educational Toolbook: This book serves as a modern "New Organon" an innovative framework to redefine universal education
by SAMO
Amazonian


"Study of Five Illuminating Wisdoms… is not merely a methodology but a comprehensive educational philosophy that challenges conventions, embraces inclusivity, and aims for the ultimate goal of human flourishing."

The preamble of this book describes a world with stagnant educational systems that have historically ignored enlightenment, wisdom, and virtues in favor of the single-minded acquisition of knowledge. The result is that global educational systems desperately need innovative transformation. Societal and technological advancements have resulted in subsequent educational revolutions and reform movements that have significantly contributed to the progression of human intellect. Despite these advancements, humanity has yet to fully satisfy the two foundational principles of education: promoting goodness and expanding human intelligence, reasoning, and understanding. Against this backdrop, the Study of Five Illuminating Wisdoms “emerges as a revolutionary framework…capable of transcending cultural, geographic, and philosophical boundaries. It bridges ancient wisdom and modern practice, offering a holistic and adaptable model for education.” ... (read more)

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Immersive

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Yen for Murder
by Jeanne Burrows-Johnson
Artemesia Publishing


"As the images of this chilling vignette fade to the sepia tones I know too well, I release the breath I have been holding."

This is the fourth book in the Natalie Seachrist Hawaiian Mystery series. It is a mix of mystery, history, and the supernatural. The story follows Natalie Seachrist, a former journalist with an unusual gift: she has visions of the past and future. When she and her partner, Keoni, attend a Buddhist temple luncheon, they expect a peaceful afternoon. Instead, they stumble into a murder mystery when a wealthy donor is found dead under suspicious circumstances. As Natalie’s visions start piecing together cryptic details of the crime, she and Keoni are pulled into an investigation that stretches beyond Hawaii, touching on Asian history, art, and politics. ... (read more)

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Smart Thriller

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Store in a Cool, Dry Place
by Gary Bolick
Solstice Publishing


"With Nautilus, we hope to instill in Man a sense of bond and purpose, create an artificial instinct for survival."

Raised by an uncle and a beloved nanny after WWII, Harlan never knew his mom, Fanny, and two fathers, Silas and Alfred, before they died. He is a mystery to himself and to the wife he left to answer a telegram summons to Black Mountain to learn his origins. What he finds reveals more than Harlan ever wants to know. Together, in Black Mountain in the 1930s, his parents created Nautilus. It is more than a machine. Instead, it is an encased unconscious working through space and time on the people attached to it. As it develops, it is meant to save the world from the devastating effects of war. But does it serve its intended purpose? ... (read more)

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Slown-Burn Mystery

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Jade Rooster: An Asiatic Fleet Thriller
by R.L. Crossland
Open Road Distribution


"This time 'rooster' was linked to “jade” and it disturbed him."

Sabatelli has his work cut out for him with his latest case involving the whereabouts of a sailing vessel christened Jade Rooster. Sabatelli works as a shipping agent and hopes to be able to locate the ship and its cargo, but the future appears bleak when news is relayed about the ship being hijacked by hostile parties. The bad news is compounded by the discovery of four decapitated heads belonging to the crew and passengers of the longboat. Sabatelli needs the assistance of a veteran sailor, and he is soon assigned to a Navy quartermaster named Hobson. As Sabatelli and Hobson inquire into the missing ship, Sabatelli is irked by Hobson’s extensive knowledge of these ships, boats, and the open seas. However, the pair learn interesting information with each witness they question, including the possibility of weapons being shipped and the vessel being seized by Chinese pirates. ... (read more)

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Better Value

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A God's Game
by Andrew Whyte
AuthorHouse


"As weird as this may sound, the strongest bonds I have are with all of you."

The gods are embroiled in an epic battle to determine who will claim glory and earn the title of God of Games. The game they are competing in is called Warterria, a high-stakes contest where the outcome can mean life or death. Miguel Diaz, a skilled warrior with a dagger, is determined to help Bograv secure victory in Warterria. He is prepared to eliminate every opposing game piece on the enemy teams, showing intense devotion to Bograv. Meanwhile, on the opposing team, Rift is still mourning the loss of his close friend, Greg. Rift was forced to kill Greg after he attempted to harm one of their teammates, Jamal, out of revenge for the death of his brother. Throughout this journey, Rift will do whatever it takes to protect his teammates, whom he considers family. ... (read more)

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Outrunning the Past

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The Moth
by Scott Archer Jones
Fomite Press


"His detractors nicknamed him the Moth. His afro, his bad teeth, his eyes hidden behind big square glasses. Molly hated moths."

This story is not only an interesting crime thriller but also a human drama of one man known as “The Moth.” The way that the author tells the story of this man, whose real name is Frank, goes by the year (not counting the first chapter in 2010) from 1955 to 2015. Each chapter examines Frank’s life and how he became a pawnbroker with his morals always in question. His life is sometimes sad, such as in his sketchy relationship with his parents, especially his mother, and sometimes iconically funny. ... (read more)

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Enduring

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Yankeeland
by Lacy Fewer
Koehler Books


"A Waterford crystal chandelier hung in pride of place above the dining table, a wedding gift from Ireland.... It all seemed like a grand hotel."

Newly married couple Ben and Brigid leave their home in rural Ireland in search of a better life in America. Ben toils at an aluminum factory in upstate New York while Brigid dreams of having a child. Her brother James, meanwhile, heads to the West Coast and labors as a freight handler for the Southern Pacific Company. ... (read more)

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Growing Bonds

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Charlie's Friendship Garden
by Andrea M. Zeddies Ph.D
Archway Publishing 


"Despite his disability, he had a special gift not many people had: a green thumb."

Diagnosed at the age of three with polio, Charlie has been homeschooled up until this year. His parents decide to enroll him into third grade at the local school. Even though polio is rampant in America at the time, the children at Charlie’s school still see him as an anomaly. Charlie decides to take up gardening during recess while his classmates run around playing baseball and tag. At first, gardening helps him not feel so alone during recess, but later, it also helps him connect with those around him. He amazes his classmates with his green thumb. They want to be like him and learn how to grow the bright orange California poppies, the purple hyacinths, and the Texas bluebonnets. ... (read more)

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Human Care

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The Leviticus Rats Experiment: A Thinking Person’s Science Fiction Story
by Michael Grossman
AuthorHouse


"There were 2,860 of them packed so tightly together that they could not stretch their extremities more than a centimeter."

In this science fiction story, readers embark on a strange journey. They encounter “unfortunate souls” who “because they had no religion” cannot pray and ask for mercy. Meanwhile, they meet Professor Simona Gupta, one of the world’s foremost medical researchers. Readers also encounter a strange healing method, handwaving, that seems to cure even the worst afflictions. However, the strange energies and even stranger experiments unite a variety of characters. Meanwhile, the development of a new insulin has the power to revolutionize science, medicine, and everyday life. The advances further establish Simona Gupta as a revolutionary researcher. More so, readers embark on a journey that asks them some important questions about their own existences and purposes. ... (read more)

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Restoring Dignity

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Lili's Caregiver's Guide
by Lili Udell Fiore
Balboa Press


"Always treat people well and with the highest degree of respect even if they have not earned it."

Fiore leverages her extensive experience as a caregiver to present a comprehensive guide for caregivers and their loved ones. She recounts the initiation of her caregiving journey, which began with her aunt and subsequently extended to her parents. Through these experiences, Fiore undertook thorough research and consulted knowledgeable individuals, enabling her to provide optimal care to her relatives. Despite the challenges of balancing her personal and professional responsibilities, she remained dedicated to ensuring quality care for both herself and her loved ones, demonstrating her adept multitasking skills. Furthermore, she obtained certification as an end-of-life doula.This guide is a valuable resource for individuals seeking to navigate the complexities of their own caregiving journeys. ... (read more)

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Heartwarming

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The Battle Cry for Freedom
by Mary Beth Allen
LifeRich Publishing


"The Salvatorans rejoiced as the smoke from the factory cleared away and they could see the beautiful reds, oranges, and yellows of the sunrise for the first time in decades…."

The sequel to The City of Mystery, this beautiful story follows Michal the human girl, Petra the unicorn, Flyby the eaglet, and Zyon the little dragon as they embark on an adventure to fulfill a prophecy and save their city. After discovering the Firsts (the first human, dragon, unicorn, and eagle) and receiving wisdom from these elders, they discover that the key to saving their city of Salvatore is belief in the god Tuhan and his son Tungal. They plan to bring home this peace-giving knowledge in addition to carrying supplies of food and seeds to combat hunger and poverty. ... (read more)

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Carrying Forward

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Return to the War on the Plaine des Jarre
by Fred M. Apgar
Milan Book Publishing


"It was an awesome privilege, a wonderful gift, and humbling experience to have been given the opportunity to serve with such courageous warriors."

During the Second Indochina War, Apgar served as an air intelligence officer in the U.S. Air Force. He was deployed for a yearlong tour in Laos as part of the “secret war.” Officially, the United States wasn’t involved in Laos. Primarily, Apgar flew in a command plane receiving transmissions from ground troops of the L’Armee Clandestine, mostly comprised of Hmong fighters and Laos troops who were fighting against the Communists. His group also received tactical information from the many other reconnaissance and fighter planes in the area. With this information, those aboard the command plane would direct gunships, bombing runs, and guided strikes to assist those on the ground. ... (read more)

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Who's Laughing?

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Fool’s Gold Folly
by J.D.R. Hawkins


"Sure’n ye can’t take it with ye…. But ye can certainly enjoy it while ye’re here!"

In a story set after the Civil War, readers meet Patrick, a man who wants the best for his family. His parents died when he was a child back in Ireland. When he comes of age, he emigrates to America, works on a farm in Pennsylvania, and meets the love of his life, as well as his best friends. But a controversy on the farm convinces him that he could fare better out West. In Colorado, he joins a group of Irish gold miners. Silas, an outlier of the group, takes Patrick under his wing and into his confidence. ... (read more)

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Out of Israel

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Revelation of God: Book 4 Nations and End of Days
by Anthony Lyle
Authors' Tranquility Press


"It was mentioned that the 7 days of creation were figurative to the work of HaShem over a 7000 year period. This is now finished."

Comprehensive and detailed, Lyle’s work is an intriguing opportunity for biblical scholars to dive deeper and uncover hidden gems that are sometimes lost due to their various translations. Fusing narrative and commentary with scripture, the author creates an educational work that is derived from research, one that seeks to provide ultimate transparency and clarity for those seeking to study the Bible at the highest level. The material sourced and referenced within Lyle’s work is a strong blend of contemporary insight and wisdom from ancient texts and artifacts, which lends itself to being a much more complete work suitable for all. ... (read more)

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Brave & Defiant

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Unseen Scars
by Martin Terrell
Explora Books


"Calloused as an eagle’s talons,
Putrid scars, pus-encrusted and mean,
Seared at birth, and scarred forever,
The birthright and legacy of the unseen."

This poetry collection examines many aspects of society, justice, and personal life. It addresses socio-political events like the January 6th Capitol riots, and it also addresses the justice system’s oppressive policies. The book also places a poetic magnifying glass over America’s issues with race and how American society has never truly been racially equal, despite society’s claims. These poems dissect America’s fascination with and reliance on police forces and address how law enforcement is an extension of America’s racial oppression. In other poems, a speaker shares their prison experiences: “Six years at the Chillicothe Correctional Institution / For a crime that I didn’t commit. / That’s the first thing that hit me, / And it knocked me off balance.” As the collection concludes, the speaker celebrates the places where they can be themselves and experience a freedom that they cannot find anywhere else. ... (read more)

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Quiet Romp

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Peaches and Jake Celebrate Christmas
by Paula Bailey
1derfulife Publishing


"After a while, Mommy called them into the living room to show them the toys that Santa had left for each of them."

Jake and Peaches, two lovable dogs, get woken up on Christmas morning by their Mommy to see the gifts that Santa Claus has left for them. They each receive a big bone treat, with Peaches taking a cue from her older brother, Jake, on how to chow down on it. The biggest gifts of all are a plush moose and fox. Jake instantly claims the moose, but Peaches is less certain about what to do with her new fox toy. However, with help from her Mommy, Peaches learns that Foxie makes a wonderful sleeping companion. After her nap, Peaches joins Jake in playing with Moosie, and before the day is done, the plushie has already started to fall apart from their fun. It does not take long for Moosie to become more like fragments of fabric, but Jake still enjoys the toy. Foxie, however, remains fully intact to this day. ... (read more)

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Cleaning Up

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Litter Lady Leads: in a Litter-filled Land
by Martha Goldner
Xlibris


"She can’t help it. Litter Lady likes to clean up."

Litter Lady loves to clean up litter wherever she goes. She does such things as using the pointy end of her cane to pick up trash from the ground, grabbing gum wrappers off seats on the bus, recycling cans and suntan bottles at the beach, gathering paper plates and plastic utensils found at the swim club, and donating used but still functional appliances for other people. The vacuum is her favored tool. On top of it all, she finds time to hand out cookies. She is a hero in her community. However, it is a tough job for her to do alone, so her friends help with the cleanup efforts, and together, they make the world a cleaner place to live. ... (read more)

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No Worries

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Will My Haircut Hurt?
by Martha Goldner
Xlibris


"I don’t want a haircut."

A young child does not want to get a haircut. Since it is his first time, he does not know what to expect. He worries that the scissors cutting his hair might hurt because of his previous experience with scissors while at the hospital and that he might need bandages afterward. He fears that his hair might bleed. He worries that the process might be like having his hair cut with blunt nail clippers or sound like the noisy electric razor used by his father in the mornings. As these worries mount, he considers not getting a haircut and just letting his hair keep growing or even being bald, but his mom convinces him otherwise. And when he finally goes for the haircut, he learns it doesn’t hurt at all, and that the ones doing it are very friendly. So, he gets over his fear by the end. ... (read more)

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Work & Struggle

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A Single Life
by Judy Bishop
Page Publishing


"But no matter what your problems are, there are always things to be thankful for in your life. Look for them."

From humble beginnings on a middle-American farm in the forties and fifties to world travel and self-discovery, this author’s memoir details a life holding its fair share of challenges while also presenting exotic and varied opportunities for adventure. With her father away at war, the author’s mother was responsible for raising three young children and maintaining the family farm, which led to the children being instructed to play outside. Imaginative rural games and farm activities gave the author a bit of a tomboyish attitude and a streak of independence that served her well as she matured into adulthood, college, and a career of her own in teaching, yet created schisms in her roles as a wife and mother. Though things were not always stable and happy, she found ways to take care of herself and her loved ones while also moving forward on her own path. ... (read more)

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Scripture & Verse

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Poems of Divine Power II
by Annielean
Xlibris


"The King of kings shall arise, riding on a white horse, glistening in righteousness"

This poetry collection is based on scriptures from the Holy Bible. For example, the poem “The Cord of Awareness” references Psalm 119. The author’s original works, which are mixed with religious texts, are interesting concepts. It’s almost like a personal Bible study. The reader gets an insight into what these passages mean to the author personally. ... (read more)

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Accessible

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

The Caterpillar Gets Its Wings
by H.P. Folk
Archway Publishing


"Munching on everything
Until it becomes part of you,
Until you’ve taken in so much
You can no longer feast."

In these poems, the seasons and nature’s inhabitants that make those seasons unique come alive. Fall is a “time unlike any other” in which “the rich harvest gives way / to an unrelenting cold.” Those seasons mirror a myriad of human emotions, including a season of tears and seasons of seemingly lost connections. Readers encounter rejection, grief, and the strangeness of a numbness “that inhabits” an individual and consumes them. Other poems celebrate the cleansing power of nature as the speaker stands in the middle of a storm, waiting for it to overtake them and cleanse them of their troubles. Even more of the poems celebrate “the mightiest of oaks” and even “grains of sand,” which harness nature’s awe, destruction, and rejuvenating forces. ... (read more)

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Effortless

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Blessed Memorial: Imaginings from Lectio Divina
by Paul Martin
Citi of Books


"Some miracles are dazzling, like a shower in the sun on a hot afternoon turning into cold wine in the evening. Other miracles are less obvious…"

After thinking about it overnight, Thomas Strongtree, a retired woodworker, decides to return to the flea market and buy the folder full of fingerprint cards with mugshots and personal details he can’t stop thinking about. They are all twenty to thirty years old. The records don’t say anything about the charges these mostly teenage kids faced, but the fact that they are in such a public place piques Strongtree’s interest. He was never one to break the rules and begins to wonder what happened to all these kids who did break the rules. Strongtree dismisses the advice from a lawyer who told him not to go down this rabbit hole and hires a private investigator to find out where these people are now. He learns that a few of them have passed away but gets contact information on the group. Strongtree feels a strong pull to learn about these people's lives and will find himself surprised by the common connection these people share and moved by their personal stories. ... (read more)

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Vested in Life

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Echoes of My Son
by Eugene H. Strayhorn Jr


"Paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling infused the interior with a pale yellow glow. On the walls, oversize hand-drawn portraitures depicted ancient Chinese warriors in heroic poses."

In 2017, Reid and Allison Scott’s only son, Connor, receives an acceptance letter from Stanford University, his father’s alma mater. Reid became a tech titan in his youth after inventing a method for compressing text messages, and Connor seems poised to emulate his success. But that same night, Connor is found dead in a public park, a bullet embedded in his forehead. ... (read more)

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Danger & Laughs

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

The Yellow Agent from Hong Kong
by A Frank Corso Mystery
Archway Publishing


"“I think this Yellow Agent, if he exists, could be the key to understanding what happened to your daughter."

Frank Corso knew ending his relationship with Christine would prove tough, but he didn’t think the situation would spiral so quickly. Frank is newly engaged to Maggie and moving on with his life. During a business trip to Hong Kong, he has a brief layover in Los Angeles, where he will be able to see Christine and end things. Despite a seemingly amicable parting, Frank is aghast when Christine sits down beside him on his flight and is flummoxed when she pleads for him to pose as her fiance to placate her demanding father. Frank acquiesces to the charade but is ensnared in a larger problem when Christine goes missing. Frank must collaborate with Christine’s father in unraveling a kidnapping plot with connections to organized crime or possibly the Chinese Communist Party. ... (read more)

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Aliens Afoot

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Ultimatum: The Visitors
by Jason Elkins
Archway Publishing


"Meeting the president of the United States would normally have been intimidating, but now there were two giant alien beings looming just behind him."

When an enormous ship of unearthly origin visits Earth, the citizens and nations are extremely wary. After a brief wait to see what action these visitors might take, Russia decides to try to board the ship. Its operatives are lethally repulsed. Eventually, Russia tries again, attacking with nuclear missiles. This time, the visitors stop all the missiles and blow up the bases they originated from, along with sending two asteroids to crash into Russia’s biggest cities. This immediately lets the rest of the world know the visitors have the world entirely outmatched. ... (read more)

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Trying Times

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Can AI Be Humorous?: Exploring the Lighter Side of AI—Laugh and Learn
by Tom G. Anderson
Xlibris


"I got much better at the elusive art of input writing in the sense of precisely and exactly targeting what I wanted the output to be."

With a few basic phrases, anyone can request an AI chatbot to write them a story. This is exactly what Anderson’s book does. Anderson has spent his career working in Silicon Valley and has always been interested in technology. Also, Anderson loves humor. When he heard about AI, he immediately began putting the two together. Most of Anderson’s book follows a basic setup, with a few exceptions. ... (read more)

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Reaching Goals

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Keep It Moving: Meditations on Overcoming Obstacles and Living Your Best Life
by Paula Rainer, PhD
Archway Publishing


"These meditations include philosophy, wellness, and spirituality narratives."

This book of one-page insights begins with an introduction and prologue and then focuses on the themes of goals, seeking positive energy, development of the personality, God’s reach, and relationships. These are followed by notes, which are a listing of six goals to individuate designed to help individuals realize their talents and callings. The overarching theme is about moving towards inner peace, joy, acceptance, love, and unity through psychological well-being, specificaly through a connection with God. Each page gives ideas, then says to “keep it moving.” This encouragement is followed by ways to move on. Such ideas include finding one’s purpose through listening to one’s soul and trusting God, having one’s own positive narrative, following a God-given pathway, sitting in silence, listening to God, and utilizing healthy communication skills. ... (read more)

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