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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

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)

• Acedia by Dave MacQuarrie, MD PhD - RECOMMENDED
• Acts of Max by Garry Olson
• Adventures with Bobbie Bee by Megan McFarlane
• All the Hits All the Time by Larry Coffman - RECOMMENDED
• Belly Acres by Renate E. Hamer and Erika Hamer
• Bounce, The by Ronald D. Walters
• Building Fjords in the Great Deserts by James Michael Matthew
• Captured by their Past by Miguel Arrufat Millan
• Cherish Your Memories by Pamela Breaux Hall
• Cornero's Gold by Larry O'Brien - RECOMMENDED
• Crossings by Marsha Carow Markman
• Detective Hannah by Natalie Hannah - RECOMMENDED
• Do Butterflies Sleep? by Lanet Sawyer
• Down to the Sea by Brian George - RECOMMENDED
• Empirical Evaluation of Renewable Energy Projects for Sustainable Development by Tony Kealy - RECOMMENDED
• Green Hill by Jonathan Paxton - RECOMMENDED
• Guru Nanak Dev Ji by Bhag Bhullar
• Health and Wealth by Woody Stieffel - RECOMMENDED
• Higher Power by Michael D. Schmitz, Rev.
• HOGGS II: Prison Journals by Terol McCullar
• I Choose The Moon by Jonea Mounsey
• Indelicate Deception by V.S. Kemanis - RECOMMENDED
• Interstellar Roaming by Yank Shi
• Into a Gale’s Full Fury by Christopher J. McMahon, Master Mariner - RECOMMENDED
• Inventor's Journey, The by Steven Smith
• Invincible Spiritual Weapons of Power by Apostle Ray Lang
• Iranian Connection, The by Bill Relf
• Islam in the Heartland of America by Imam Omar Hazim - RECOMMENDED
• It's Not Complicated! by Ramona Jackson-Woods
• Killer Who Lost His Mind, The by Matthew A. Knorpp - RECOMMENDED
• Kings' Despair, The by Ed Cannon - RECOMMENDED
• Last Scroll, The by James Fricton
• Laughter at Dawn by Jo Ellen Capps-Layne - RECOMMENDED
• Lawyer and the Astronaut, The by Jerry Lucas
• Miri and the Honeybee by N J Lujan - RECOMMENDED
• My Three Human Lives by Yank Shi
• Nephi’s Wife by Madelyn S. Palmer
• Opening Act, The by Christine Hamer-Hodges
• Pandora's Box, The by L.S. Franco
• Parable of the Coal, The by Matthew Swan
• Poetic Heaven or Hell by Donald Seick
• Power of a Flower, The by Annmarie Hannon
• Quest to Overthrow Heaven, The by Bolko Zimmer
• Reclaiming A Christian Moral Compass by Thomas Fitzhugh Sheets
• Red Boots Adventures by Heather Bradrick
• Red Lines by James Bultema - RECOMMENDED
• Reflections by Nancy Harper - RECOMMENDED
• Rehtaf – Father of the Fatherless by Manoj Joy - RECOMMENDED
• Rivers, Pickups and Friends by Sid Spurgeon - RECOMMENDED
• Romance with the Exotic Madrona, Alias of the Arbutus, A by Roy W. Martin, Ph.D. - RECOMMENDED
• Searching... A Peek into the Invisible World of Energy and Healing by Donna Linn and Suzan J. Wells
• Silence by Julia Park Tracey - RECOMMENDED
• Sin of Angels, The by William Winchester Nivin and Jody A. Riddle
• Sleeping with Ghosts by Jennifer Payne
• Sodium Haze by Jonathan Paxton - RECOMMENDED
• Stigmata, The by Deacon Albert E. Graham
• Tabor – A Christmas Tale by Betsy Wallace
• Tearing Up the Avenue by Dale DeLong - RECOMMENDED
• Thief Among Friends, A by Carol Vallario
• Things I Can’t Explain by Lucy Geddes
• Thoughts of Empire by Bill Relf - RECOMMENDED
• Tower of Light by P. G. Badzey - RECOMMENDED
• Tragedy of My Masterpiece, The by Tyrell Simon
• Unequal Justice by James M. Porfido
• Unshackling the Truth by Keith Tyrone Bush - RECOMMENDED
• Untamed by James Pavlakis - RECOMMENDED
• Valuing Health in Practice by Douglas McCulloch
• We Have Met the Pharisee and He Is Us by Duane DeBruler
• Will’s Adventure to the Candy Mountain by Dr. Gerry Haller - RECOMMENDED
• Win-Win Workplace, The by Angela Jackson - RECOMMENDED
• Words by Katherine Davis-Gibbon

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Featured Book Reviews

 

Comprehensive

Highlight Review The Hollywood Unicorn: Empowering Women of Color in the Corporate Arena by Christine Birch The Hollywood Unicorn book review by Joslyn Vann "You need an insider's playbook, a guide on navigating the often treacherous dynamics of business environments that weren't created with you in mind." A native of Jamaica who immigrated to the United States at age three, Birch demonstrated remarkable intelligence early on. She taught herself to read and write and skipped kindergarten entirely. Her academic prowess continued throughout high school, culminating in her acceptance to Dartmouth College, where she received an Ivy League education, earning a bachelor of arts degree in English language and literature with a minor in psychology. Accordingly, her early career included positions at New York publishing powerhouses Scholastic and Random House. She then took the entertainment industry by storm, embarking on an award-winning career and earning distinction as the first and only woman of color to ever head marketing departments at three different Hollywood studios. ... (read more)

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Your First Book

This fun and colorful children’s book is personalized to a specific child's name. In this case, readers meet Olivia on her first birthday. Olivia receives a beautiful cake and many wrapped presents. She even receives balloons! Readers see her friends and family gather to celebrate her on her special day. Nonetheless, a mystery unfolds. Olivia’s friends and family cannot find her! As readers venture through the book, they see Olivia’s friends and family search for her under the bed, in the kitchen, and in the garden. They cannot even find her playing with her toys. Finally, Olivia’s friends and family find the little girl, and it becomes time to celebrate. Her friends and family gather around and sing “Happy Birthday!” and remind Olivia that her presence in their lives brings them much joy and happiness. ... (read more)

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Engaging

Highlight Review Miri and the Honeybee by N J Lujan MindStir Media book review by Nicole Yurcaba "Thank you for stopping by to read my story and learn about me, Miri, as my humans called me. And boy, let me tell you, it was the paw-fect name because it truly was a miracle that I was found and learned that not all humans are scary." Miri, who grew up with other Yorkies, was caged and used only to produce litters of puppies. As Miri guides readers through kennel life, they learn about the loveless and inhumane environment of puppy mills. They meet the ruthless kennel owners, Judith and Wayne, who view the Yorkies as not animals with feelings and lives but merely as a means of income. Another interesting character, Queenie (a resident honeybee), emerges. Queenie acts as a guiding force for the dogs harmed by Judith and Wayne’s greed. Readers watch as a series of events leads Miri to the love and comfort of a new home and a new family that restores Miri’s spirits and offers her a new life. They also see that justice holds a place for animals too. ... (read more)

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Rich Plot

British sensibilities and the romantic longings of English and Middle Eastern literature permeate this action-adventure mystery thriller as detectives Flinders Petrie and Thomas Pettigrew seek to find excitement in their lives once again. Penned by an American scholar and lawyer, the novel draws upon his life experiences that range from the California coast to various Middle Eastern nations. This title is the latest in a series that riffs upon Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective duo, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. In fact, detectives Petrie and Pettigrew also live in a flat on Baker Street in the pre-World War I era and aspire to compete with and emulate their two successful but beleaguered heroes while running a more modern international detective agency. ... (read more)

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Orwell Reshaped

Highlight Review Reality™ 2048—Watching Big Mother by Derek Cressman Poplar Leaf Press book review by Mark Heisey "You must build your reality, your core, upon more than your sights and more than your thoughts, for those can betray you." Vera works for the Department of Information where her job is to research verifiable claims, not necessarily truthful, that can be part of a two-minute news blurb for the public. She is finding that her work and her life feel hollow. Still, she knows she needs to be careful about what she might search on her implanted internet chip because everything is recorded, and if a person strays too far from reality television programs and product endorsements, one might be given an early upgrade. ... (read more)

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Worthy Struggles

On paper, Sarah and Adam have the perfect American dream marriage: college sweethearts, married and living with their two children in Sarah’s dream Queen Anne Victorian home. They celebrate holidays with their parents, are active members of the community, take great interest in their sons’ education, and work together to remodel their home. So when Adam comes home inebriated late one night, the last thing Sarah expects him to say is, “I just don’t feel like I love you…” This simple declaration, which Adam goes on to waver about, completely changes the trajectory of Sarah’s carefully planned life. In a way, Adam’s admission—and, as the reader comes to discover, his history of infidelity—actually opens Sarah up to realize how suffocated she feels in this marriage. She now has the chance to find true love of her own in a wholly unexpected circumstance. In the process, she discovers depths of strength and courage within herself that she never knew she had. ... (read more)

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Loss & Redemption

Highlight Review Silence: A Novel by Julia Park Tracey Sibylline Press book review by Mark Heisey "I have been silenced for a year. My crime was in voicing my broken heart, my distraught spirit; and they called my boldness a sin for questioning God’s will." Silence Marsh appreciates her life. She is a Puritan woman from a loving family who marries the town constable. She has questions now and then about the harsh Separatist doctrine of her church but quickly shuts down such thoughts. However, after a series of tragic events take many of her loved ones from her, Silence lashes out in her grief during a church meeting. Calls of blasphemy soon have Silence on trial in front of the leering magistrate Fellows. Her sentence includes a day of torture and humiliation, and Silence must remain silent for a year. ... (read more)

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A Better Path

This guide enthusiastically encourages readers to live positive, meaningful lives, redeem themselves, and turn a negative or challenging trajectory around. The narrative provides ample personal details from the author’s life to model how to create a positive life, a positive exit from life, and a legacy that leaves family members and friends in an emotionally secure state. ... (read more)

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A Teacher Speaks

Highlight Review Things I Can’t Explain: I Know in My Heart, God Played a Part by Lucy Geddes Peter E. Randall Publisher book review by Barbara Bamberger Scott "Ever since I was a little girl, I could feel God’s presence." Geddes successfully demonstrates in myriad examples the mysteries and mysticism of life as she has experienced it, filled with a series of unique occurrences that would seem impossible if not examined as a totality through the eyes of a sensitive observer. The collection opens with memories of the author’s grandmother, hospitalized for blood pressure issues, during which she smilingly expressed her love for her granddaughter. The following day, urged by some inner voice, Geddes felt compelled to go to the hospital, and there learned of her beloved grandmother’s passing. ... (read more)

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Entertaining & Introspective

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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A Great Question

One of the most foundational and intriguing concepts of philosophy is that of free will. Does it exist, and what does it mean to either have or lack it in the face of tragedy, success, or any mixture of the two? The concept of free will is popular because it is self-deterministic, appealing to both secular and religious thinkers for its themes of empowerment and explanation for the maladies and majesty of human accomplishment. But what if it is actually an illusion? What if free will isn’t quite as cut-and-dried a concept as we make it out to be, as a thing to be either had or devoid of? In this book, the author promotes his concept of procirclism, which indicates that everything from our reflexive automated behaviors down to making (or not making) a choice on a matter is the result of a biological and learned process rather than a conscious choice. ... (read more)

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Reaching

After a friend encourages Mounsey to write a memoir, how she evolves over the course of her narrative is a result worth sharing. The book starts with a synopsis of events proving to Mounsey that challenge is her modus operandi. For example, she leaves a domineering husband despite many risks. She pursues nursing as a career to support her four children on her own and moves to a different state. When the kids are self-sufficient, she takes a nursing position in Iraq. ... (read more)

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Connections

Delicate Soul Robertson, also known as Caty, has been raised by her father, Roy. At nineteen years old, Caty is a firefighter and an EMT at the Berkeley Fire Department. There is one piece missing in her life, though—her mother, Leonore Marie Whitaker. Caty never met her as she left her when she was a baby. She never knew why she left her and her dad, nor does she know where she is now. She has reached out to family members, but no one seems to know. All she has are the memories her dad has with her mother. He would talk to her about her mother's moments they shared. He also does not know where she is. Sometimes, Caty feels like her dad is not telling her the whole truth about her mother. Caty has decided to take charge and to look for her mother herself. ... (read more)

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Rock'n'Roll

Coffman effectively shows that he has a deep respect for rock-n-roll music and its evolution and drops some impactful hits in his latest book. The information in this volume is both intriguing and thought-provoking. For instance, the origins of a song can begin with a simple chord or words that resonate with the writer. The power of the airwaves and fate determine whether a song becomes a chart-topping hit. The love of music can unify anyone at any time. The appreciation for certain songs, regardless of genre, grows over time. ... (read more)

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Innovate

In his innovative book, Smith offers readers practical and useful advice for succeeding in the world of inventing. Whether trying to make a career out of invention or simply bring a product to market that will help people and simplify their lives, walking the path of the inventor is something that defies a lot of conventions and can make a person’s most cherished ideas vulnerable. Though there are plenty of companies and individuals who claim to be able to help and keep their client’s best interests at heart, not all of them are scrupulous and worthy of being trusted. But as a solo entrepreneur, how is it possible to figure out who is looking to help and who just wants to scam a quick buck? Though the signs can be hard to see at first, especially when there is a genuine excitement to create something for the masses, concrete examples and suspicious emails are provided in Smith's book to give readers an unambiguous playbook of what to watch out for. In this helpful guide, the author shares his personal experiences getting inventions to market, using his own missteps and less-than-ideal outcomes as examples of what to look for and what to avoid, helping to create more of a community watch for fellow inventors and keep the bad actors from sinking anyone else’s dreams. ... (read more)

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Long Dead

The story opens on a “moonlit night in July of 1939,” as the gambling ship SS Rex is infiltrated by a small band of robbers. The thieves make a quick getaway only to have their boat go up in flames. The SS Rex was hiding a secret: carried on board was over a million dollars worth of gold from the Sicilian mafia, the loss of which placed a target on the backs of ship’s owner Tony Cornero and mobster Jack Dragna, setting into motion a series of events that would unravel over the next few decades. ... (read more)

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Delightful

In this colorful children’s book, young readers join Will on a very sweet adventure. From his grandmother, Will learns about a special place called Candy Mountain. Candy Mountain is especially pleasant for good boys and girls. Young readers embark on the grand adventure to Candy Mountain with Will and a special conductor who guides a magical train decorated with gingerbread people. On the journey, Will makes new friends, and readers enter a new land where the buildings are constructed from gingerbread and candy. However, Will and Will’s new friends cannot stay on Candy Mountain for too long. Their journey quickly ends, but the memories of Candy Mountain that Will and readers have are sure to last a lifetime. ... (read more)

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Emotional Foundations

Happiness is something that many people feel eludes them. Most would be more than willing to have more of it in their lives. From work stresses, difficulties at home, or just a lack of understanding of one’s place and purpose in the world, there are lots of problems borne of perspective or experience that keep all of us from reaching our full potential happiness in life. The author’s thirty-day program gives readers a regular, brief activity of reflection and study of their emotions in order to better understand where they come from, how to manage those emotions, or, in the case of negative ones, reprogram them to become positive affirmations that serve a more realized purpose. With just a few minutes a day, readers can learn to reframe their thinking and let go of negative or self-defeating habits. ... (read more)

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Past Images

Payne’s latest collection of poems, musings, and artwork is a bouquet of balloons—lovers, friends, and moments she could let slip away but that she keeps close through her writing about them. Grouped around seven (plus a final) ghost and a few intermediary themes, the poems are arranged and curated. Each section features a title page with artwork that spills over into the succeeding pages, creating both distinct moodscapes and an overarching synthesis. The poems are of a variety of lengths and styles. Few rhyme, some are one-hundred-word prose poems, and one about a necklace aptly curves down the page. Along with the whimsical illustrations, the song lyrics that several poems reference set an overall lively tone. ... (read more)

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Biblical Truths

This study of what is known as “prosperity or health and wealth gospel” attempts to answer some of the most profound and perplexing questions concerning God’s relationship with humanity. The author’s concern about what he sees as a nation concerned far more with acquiring monetary wealth than spiritual treasures is the impetus for his treatise. In eleven chapters, Stieffel addresses some burning questions that many believers ask: Does God want me to have the best? What did Jesus and the apostles teach about wealth? May a Christian be rich? To what extent am I my brother’s keeper? Does God have preferences as to who he heals? The author uses both Old and New Testament references to reveal the biblical answer to these questions. Though the questions and concepts are at times difficult, Stieffel presents answers that are thoughtful and comprehensive as well as assessable to modern readers. ... (read more)

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Mind & Body

Every year, more and more people turn to more holistic or traditional styles of healing for both physical and emotional maladies. Whether through ancient wisdom kept alive through shamanistic teachers or new forms of meditation and developing schools of thought on the natural healing powers of the human mind and body, these methods are growing in popularity as a supplement or alternative to Western medicine. Readers looking to get started and explore this world on their own or are continually searching for new experiences and opportunities to grow and flourish will find a directory and introduction to dozens of approaches here. No matter what the target priority is or what preference of activity and approach a person might have, there’s something in this book that will help them move forward on their personal journey. ... (read more)

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Growing Warm

When he moves to a small town, Steve gets off on the wrong foot with his new neighbor, Edgar. Understandably, he balks at his church’s request to invite Edgar to church. Steve’s apology, though, along with a parable, softens Edgar. In the parable, Steve likens Edgar to a cold piece of coal that has fallen out of a fire, easily handleable by anyone, even Satan. Deciding of his own accord to go to church, Edgar would be like a hot coal, Steve tells him, sharing the same source of heat as the whole fire, a heat which warms and also protects him from Satan’s grasp (or Steve’s). ... (read more)

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Relentless Pursuit

Willie finally lives his American dream, leaving his family and girlfriend in Ireland. He works as a police officer in Philadelphia. However, he receives heart-wrenching news from his mother: his girlfriend, Mae, has gotten married. Heartbroken and shocked, Willie eventually manages to move on. He meets Mary, and they get married. Soon after, Mary becomes pregnant. At work, Willie is assigned to a case involving the murder of a red-haired girl who bears a striking resemblance to Mae. She was strangled, and Willie is determined to seek justice for her death. Tragically, three more murders of red-haired girls follow, with the last victim being the daughter of one of Willie's colleagues. This prompts the police department to take the case seriously in their quest to find the killer. One day, Willie returns home to discover that Mary has disappeared. ... (read more)

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Changes

Albert Lucky, the hero of this quirky, narrative-driven tale, is a man stuck in his ordinary and often dismal life, defined by his mid-management job stocking shelves at Magnificent Maurice’s Discount Drug Emporium #23, a Midwestern retail chain. As the title suggests, Albert experiences a profound level of spiritual transformation, triggered in part by building displays of Real Cola cans “in such a way that it would so entice the cola-consuming public that they would feel negligent if they were to leave the Emporium without a twelve-pack of the darkly colored, carbonated sugar water to suck on.” The dialogue-lean, magical realism of the story is reflective of similar works by Kurt Vonnegut and Haruki Murakami and is also reminiscent of Wes Anderson’s whimsical films. The setting in northeastern Ohio also plays a vital role, as events at the discount store are tied to the location’s indigenous cultural past and to settlers who later populated the area. ... (read more)

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A Rewarding Life

Eastern and Western spiritual wisdom are celebrated in this debut biographical novel. The compelling narrative successfully shines a light on child marriage, domestic violence, and child abuse in 1970s India. Young Leela is packed off to a distant town where she believes she’s to attend a church event, only to discover she’s actually being given in marriage to Yacob, son of Eliamma. The wicked woman is interested more in the bride’s dowry than in the welfare of her son. Held captive by Eliamma because the couple is too young to consummate the marriage, Leela serves as a housemaid as is customary for new brides. After she is raped one night by Yacob’s brother and later by a group of men, the family blames Leela to quell gossip. At first, Leela’s young husband is protective of her and tolerant. But the family’s constant badgering breaks Yakob’s resolve, angering him so deeply that he begins to abuse Leela. ... (read more)

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Good vs Evil

The Grey Riders have been triumphant in the violent conflicts they have faced, and three have been crowned as leaders in some of the kingdoms, but there is more to do to secure peace. Potential menaces are threatening, and the Riders must liberate occupied territories from the enemy People's Republic of Torosc. Evil forces, old and new, are plotting to kill the monarchs and secure Torosc's power. The War of the Dark Wave may have been won, but the evil that remains in society can grow, find allies, and triumph unless it is thwarted effectively by beings who care deeply enough to do so. ... (read more)

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Consequences

As this friendship drama opens in June 1977, four teens go out on the town to celebrate their recent high school graduation. But only three—Sue, Gail, and Donna—have dreams and goals with a semblance of normalcy. Carol shows her true colors at the bar, stealthily stealing cash and valuables from unwatched bags. Her appalled friends cut off their friendship and don’t see Carol again until 1982. Rumor has it that Carol has found success as a business executive, but the rumor is far from the truth. In the meantime, the tale turns to Carol’s exploits in various jobs, where she embezzles funds by day and steals from unsuspecting men she meets in bars at night, resorting to a lifestyle shored up with the ever-abundant alcohol and cocaine of the era. While Carol’s friends meet the loves of their lives, marry, and have children, Carol’s sociopathic approach to life attracts men on the same level who use and abuse her liberally. ... (read more)

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Lovely Siblings

Young Sue enjoys spending Sundays doing yard work with her three older siblings, who are often busy throughout the rest of the week. She helps wherever possible. One day, her siblings announce their intention to create a pond area, which makes Sue especially excited. She looks forward to having some fish friends in addition to her pet dog, Sunny. The siblings work together to create the foundation of the pond, and over the course of several weeks, they put in the sand, water, and other elements appropriate for that environment. Sue learns about capillary action from her brother, used in moving the water about, and before long they have a nice fishpond. There is an occasion when Sue seeks to clean out the pond all by herself and accidentally sucks a fish into the hose in the process. However, she comes to the rescue just in time, and everyone laughs about it later. The project brings their family closer than ever. ... (read more)

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Perfect Partner

Young Taylor Rose receives a teddy bear as a favor while attending her best friend’s birthday party. She names him Mr. Bear, and they become almost inseparable companions. Mr. Bear is a constant source of comfort for Taylor and even comes with her on trips throughout the world. As time goes on and Taylor grows older, they spend more and more time apart. However, Mr. Bear is always patient as he rests on Taylor’s bedroom shelf, waiting for the day when she will return for him. And one day, that patience is rewarded. Taylor, now married and with her own little girl on the way, comes to retrieve Mr. Bear for the nursery in their new home. Meanwhile, Mr. Bear looks forward to meeting and watching over the child in the future. ... (read more)

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Overcoming Depression

Twins Belle and Chloe were best friends who shared the same interests, hobbies, and friends. They were virtually inseparable until Belle was horribly burned during an accident. Belle spent many months in the hospital, isolated from outside visitors due to the risk of infection. Her pain and bandages prevented her from being able to even feed herself. When Belle was finally able to return home, she still needed a level of care that required nearly all of her parents’ energy and attention. Happy to have her sister home, Chloe made every effort to make life easier for Belle. Chloe brought home her sister’s school assignments and helped with her homework. When she heard Belle crying in the middle of the night, Chloe would comfort her sister with snuggles. But as Belle’s fears and insecurities over her scarred appearance grew, the twins began to grow apart. ... (read more)

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No Hurtful Words Please

Young Gabby the Gator is feeling sad and self-conscious as friend after friend criticizes her appearance. Hattie the Hippo finds fault with the look and texture of Gabby’s scales, calling them ugly, hard, and tough. Zennie the Zebra disparages the sharpness of Gabby’s teeth, recommending that Gabby alter or hide them. Fannie the Flamingo compares Gabby to herself and finds her friend sorely lacking. Fannie disapproves of the color of Gabby’s skin, finding it drab. She suggests that Gabby should be a grand color like pink instead. Understandably disheartened, Gabby shares her friends’ hurtful criticisms with her father as he tucks her into bed that night. Daddy Gator tells Gabby to be proud of who she is and to ignore the painful words of her friends. He then explains to Gabby the beauty and advantages of each of the characteristics that her friends so carelessly maligned. ... (read more)

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Treasure Trove

In this book, readers find a treasure trove of life insights and funny observations. They also discover fond memories of family chickens and family poetry readings. Other poems celebrate one’s individuality and purpose in life. Even family vehicles receive a celebratory nod in poems like “Once there was a Chevy Coupe.” Pets also play an integral role in the collection. Everyday objects like an old Singer sewing machine—a treasured family heirloom—provide meaningful, reflective moments. In other poems, readers discover how the simple act of planting beans can be a worthwhile, life-brightening experience, even when nature’s other inhabitants get in the way. Nature plays an important part in these poems, and readers sense that gardens, the outdoors, and animals are a grounding force for the speaker. The arts and the community they provide are vital to the collection as well. ... (read more)

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Danger & Politics

This novel is the third in a trilogy by the author. Similar to other works that might be defined as psychological, albeit fictional, the book's characters are well-developed, as are their relationships and motivations. These include Queen Margatha of Ilicia and her brother, plus a multitude of old, new, and often ambiguous characters. Some are allies, some former allies, and there are others who seek revenge for murders and other crimes committed in and on the periphery of war. Two distinct characters are Sillik, from a rival city, whose father has been murdered. Consequently, he wants to prepare for a violent conflict against Ilicia. Then there is Juliane, who is grieving the death of her husband. In the midst of grief, change, and conflict are the emotional reactions and political maneuverings of others who seek alliances. ... (read more)

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Compelling

This collection of over fifteen stories contains fantastic and supernatural tales. There are aliens and ghosts, but more often than these, there are instances when characters slip through the cracks and alleyways of time and find themselves, or those they love, to be suddenly somewhere or "somewhen" else. More than anything, these stories are concerned with the decisions people make that can completely alter outcomes. Their choices come in different types: there are those that are regretted, those made from impulse or whimsy, and those whose choice seems to be made for them. These are stories where everyday people find their reality suddenly crossed with another reality, most often one that has already passed but becomes present again. ... (read more)

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The Natural World

This illustrated children’s book describes the unique sleeping habits of several creatures from around the world. There are examples, such as birds and squirrels, who rest during the night and spend most of each day getting food or going about their business. Then, there are nocturnal creatures like skunks and raccoons. And there are yet others, such as zebras and sheep, who might sleep or nap for periods during the day and night, oftentimes standing up as they do so. Many of them rest while huddled together for warmth, including butterflies and pigs, and because it makes them feel safer. The locations where these sleepers enjoy a respite are also touched upon in the book, from high up in trees to underneath houses. As further examples, ducks sleep atop the water, while herons might stand in water with one leg sometimes uplifted. ... (read more)

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College Suspense

Nearing the completion of his senior year as a psychology major, Ky feels that things are going well. He has top marks in all his classes, visits his aunt in the mental hospital when he can, and has made great progress over the three years of therapy visits. In fact, his professors and friends all tell him he needs to slow down and enjoy this last semester. When this same plea comes from his old flame, Emery, he decides to take their advice and attend a party with her. ... (read more)

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Hidden Motives

Jenny Collins is a twenty-nine-year-old police officer on a week-long vacation. During this time, she encounters Matthew Campbell, who works with seniors. It quickly becomes clear that Matthew is interested in Jenny, but his real objective is to determine if she witnessed a crime that occurred the previous day. He invites her out for drinks and probes her about a man who fell from his balcony. Jenny, however, did not witness anything. Later, while at home alone, Jenny notices that something about Matthew does not sit right with her. Trusting her instincts, she asks her dad to investigate him further. After looking into Matthew's background, her dad uncovers information that confirms her suspicions: Matthew has been lying to her. ... (read more)

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In the Trees

In a thorough and loving portrait of the Arbutus (madrone or madrona) tree genus, the author brings readers along on the adventure of a lifetime. His passion for the madrona tree takes him around the world in search of these trees, from Canada and the Americas to Israel and the Canary Islands. Packed full of educational passages interspersed with amusing life experiences and historical contextualization, this work treats readers to a detailed depiction of each species’ unique characteristics. The author brings the reader along on his adventures while providing parallel stories of the trees’ history, detailing the events that occurred to spread their population to different corners of the world. ... (read more)

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Clever Twists

Carter joined the military but received a dishonorable discharge. Everyone in his hometown learned about what happened to him during his time in the service. Embarrassed, he decided to relocate, moving from Los Angeles to New York City. In New York, his immediate supervisor is Todd, a banker who is also a close friend. However, the bank serves as a cover for their meetings and money laundering activities. Carter regularly visits Todd to provide updates and collect payments. Carter finds himself in a serious predicament after he protects a jeweler from two gangsters. He fought them off, but now they are after him, particularly their boss, Anastasia. As a result, his life begins to spiral out of control, and he must find a way to regain control. ... (read more)

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Changes Required

Climate change, melting glaciers and ice caps, and rising ocean levels present a catastrophic risk for so much life on this planet. While the danger has been known and solutions are continuously proposed and developed, nothing has taken the role of the answer just yet. In this book, the author lays out a multi-tiered approach to cool the planet by reintroducing land-based water sources, pumping ocean water into areas of the western United States that have become dry basins, and building an economic and rehabilitative program to maintain and reclaim both land and water while simultaneously reducing global temperatures. Inspired by the fjords of Norway, the idea of restoring groundwater and not just desalinating but depositing ocean water into vast tracts of dry, unused land creates land value, job value, and opportunities for both ownership and reduced stress on the resources throughout the country. ... (read more)

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Star of Hope

In this emotive Christmas tale, author and artist Wallace invites readers to the birth of Jesus seen through the eyes of a curious, adventurous young camel, Tabor. He lives with his camel parents in the pleasant confines of Omar’s Trading Post, where travelers on their way to Bethlehem often stop for supplies. One day, Tabor notices that the trading post is unusually busy and learns that multitudes are heading to Bethlehem for a Roman census. Among these travelers Tabor starts a conversation with a beautiful girl camel, Trina, who wears a veil over her face. As they chat, the wind blows her veil away. Trina is suddenly terrified because no one is allowed to see her beautiful face. She asks for Tabor’s prayers that she might escape the punishment for disobedient camels—harsh labor in the sand pits. Tabor’s prayers are answered in a special way. He travels to Bethlehem with the Magi, guided by a bright star, meets up with Trina again, and learns of the birth of the world’s new, spiritual king. ... (read more)

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Small Town, Big Crime

In the small, idyllic town of Whetlow, England, everyone knows each other’s names and business, creating a tightly knit community. Some of the residents begin to feel ill with migraine-like symptoms, their only commonality being recent proximity to a quiet but intense old man. Meanwhile, across the country, grizzly but precise and surgical murders of some seemingly random characters begin to unfold, with the killer leaving clues at each of the scenes. As the police try to discover the killer’s identity, they also learn more about the victims and their own illicit and deviant behaviors. The evidence points to a trained professional of some kind, but the lingering riddles and clues suggest something else entirely. As the mystery unfolds, the trail leads to a tragic history and vengeance that nobody would expect. ... (read more)

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Cooking Up a Life

The world has changed so much in the last century that it can be hard to stop and really take stock of how much daily activities have changed in one lifetime of any length. In this memoir, the author looks back on her life growing up in the town of Addis, Louisiana, in a large family but a small community. Reflecting not just on time spent with her brothers and sisters and pets but also with first loves and community groups, Hall excels in her ability to convey with clarity the details of these memories, pulling readers right into a world that may be relatively close to them in time and space but that still feels somewhat distant. With its emphasis on people and moments, the narrative delights its audience with first-hand snapshots that come to life with cherished fondness. ... (read more)

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Call to Service

The opportunity to be of service as a Catholic priest after serving over a decade in the Air Force created a chance for the author of this book to turn his life around and make a meaningful contribution. In this look back at important moments and interesting times in his own life, the audience is allowed to look in and share in triumphs as well as learn from mistakes so they need not be repeated. Readers will learn about faith, growth, and even creativity, like when the author combined his current vocation of preaching with his childhood dream of becoming a clown. Uplifting and honest, this book provides a clear window into the reverend’s past and develops an immediate rapport, expressing its message directly and on a relatable level instead of coming off as sanctimonious. ... (read more)

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Navigating the Storm

Ever since he was a boy, Christopher McMahon knew that he wanted to go to sea. When young, he puzzled his parents by avoiding more athletic activities and reading classic seafaring novels like Mutiny on the Bounty. During a voyage from Southampton to New York, he fell in love with the experience of being on a boat. After a brief stint aboard a C-4 freighter during the summer before his final year in high school, he enrolled in the United States Merchant Marine Academy. As a merchant marine, he and his crew were responsible for safely transporting cargo across the waters, an experience that left him vulnerable to rough seas and drunken captains but also granted him access to port cities like Houston, San Francisco, and Caracas. ... (read more)

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The Mission

An unidentified drug links three men: Frank, an Allied spy sent to abort the delivery of a shipment to German soldiers during WWII; Billy, a teenage outsider in the late 1950s, about to consummate his relationship with his soulmate, Patricia; and Jack, a detective investigating a series of 1990s murders. Billy and Jack suffer from recurring nightmares so real they feel they’ve lived them. With the help of Helen, a pathologist who is also his colleague and romantic interest, Jack uncovers the source of his pain. ... (read more)

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Quiet Lessons

Josephine Wilkins was born in 1896. In 1967, her granddaughter realized the significance of the history Wilkins had seen and began asking her questions about her life. Her grandmother told many stories about life as one of ten kids, many of these adventures taking place while wearing her red boots. She spoke of milking cows, making butter, and becoming too attached to a pig she raised. ... (read more)

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Facts & Figures

Every day, in hospitals and clinics worldwide, healthcare providers have to somehow make decisions in treatment that balance risks and rewards and try to save lives. Additionally, funding for expansion, drug research and trials, and even where to place healthcare services are decisions whose long-term effects dictate which people are able to be seen and treated. But how are these decisions made? How can people reach conclusions with lives hanging in the balance and feel like those decisions are measured and considered appropriately when practicing medicine itself can feel unpredictable? This book demystifies the decision-making process by explaining the various formulas and methodologies used to determine which conditions to treat, which side effects to live with, and which emergencies receive priority treatment. ... (read more)

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Deep Case Studies

Porfido, both a successful public prosecutor and private defender with thirty-five years of service in New Jersey, renders his verdict: the criminal justice system is broken. Trials consume too much time and taxpayers’ money. Courts are overcrowded and constipated. Pre-trial incarceration periods are so lengthy that defendants jump at unfair plea bargains (a cost saver for the state) just to get out of jail. Justice delayed becomes justice denied until the defendant runs out of money. ... (read more)

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Sweetness

Bobbie Bee Apiary lives with his family in the little town of Beeville, located on Sunny Downs Farm. One day, Bobbie Bee develops brown spots, which are later diagnosed as an indication of Varroa mites. He must stay in bed and rest while treated with propolis and pollen. Eventually, it is revealed that Bobbie Bee caught Varroa mites from another young bee named Amelia, who he had helped free from a muddy bog near some reeds. Bobbie Bee kept it a secret since his parents had told him never to go near there. However, his sister Tiffany had followed Bobbie Bee and his friends, and she told on them to their parents. Their mother and father scold Bobbie Bee and Tiffany for keeping the truth from them, but Bobbie Bee feels good after telling the truth. He strives to make a greater effort to place more trust in his family. ... (read more)

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Changing Light

Olson has constructed a biography of his father, Max—a dynamic figure whose love for his son and other family members was expressed in unusual ways. The author and his twin brother were very young when his parents separated and would become visitors and boarders with Max and his new wife. This uncomfortable situation was ameliorated when the two were allowed to accompany Max on his fishing expeditions, using equipment including spear guns and learning to scuba dive. Max was “a dutiful father, if not an affectionate one,” exacting strict punishments when his sons disobeyed him and only once, drunkenly, announcing his love for the boys. ... (read more)

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