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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

Fathom: An Uncovering Of Trauma by Lisa Dart Ortus Press "And I will learn my story, like most stories, is half-truth, half-imagined." Imbued with a distinctively Dalian surrealness, Dart’s work is rooted in a blurred reality at the center of a traumatic event that the main character, Jenny, has been trying to process for the better part of her life. The fragmented pieces of one’s identity suppressed deep into the recesses of existence exist nonetheless. The author probes this notion to its deepest levels within the therapy context. ... (read more)

• Advanced Career Intelligence by Ray Blasing - RECOMMENDED
• Afternoon Rebecca by Mike J. Kizman
• Air Force Blue by Gregory Marcel
• Appy Retires by Dennis WC Wong
• Armageddon 2029 by Martin Elsant - RECOMMENDED
• Bellosio by John F. Shekleton - RECOMMENDED
• Better is the End by Curt A. Canfield
• Beyond Fear by Karen Chrappa - RECOMMENDED
• Billion Blue Wildebeest, A by Catherine MacLaine - RECOMMENDED
• Birds Still Sing, The by Grace Tallman - RECOMMENDED
• Bobby Takes the Train by Jeffrey Lodge
• Call of Abaddon, The by Colin Searle - RECOMMENDED
• Children of Saturn by John Neeleman - RECOMMENDED
• Coffman Collection, The by Larry Coffman
• Course in Old and New Geometry, A: Volume V by Franz Rothe
• DeInception by Sarena Straus - RECOMMENDED
• Delaware at Christmas by Dave Tabler - RECOMMENDED
• Direct Democracy by Joseph Jenkins - RECOMMENDED
• Disconnected by Eleanor Vincent - RECOMMENDED
• Dream Begun So Long Ago, A by Jacqueline Annette Sue - RECOMMENDED
• Errors of Mankind, The by Curt A. Canfield
• Fostering and Us by Caroline Rejdak - RECOMMENDED
• From Madness to Mad Pride by T. Kudla - RECOMMENDED
• Gambare Hiroshima—Don't Give Up! by Larry Fumio Miwa and Stephen Hiroshi Miwa
• God's Hidden Places by Patricia Gallagher
• Goode Vibrations of the Wresting Place by Amy Safford - RECOMMENDED
• Halley’s Gathering by William Overstreet
• Hive (Madders of Time Book 1) by D. L. Orton
• Investing in Stocks, Bonds, ETFs and Mutual Funds by Shyam Bahadur
• Journey to Spiritual Wholeness, The by Yvon Milien
• New Gospel of the Kingdom According to Saint Mark, The by Bennie Earl Jenkins
• Kingdom Bible, The by Terry Kashian
• Kingdom of Wisdom, The by Yankai Shi - RECOMMENDED
• Many Adventures of Donnie Malone, The by Paul Doutrich
• My Son, the Doctor by Dale J. Block, MD, MBA, DABFM - RECOMMENDED
• No One Is on the Line by Mohsen Mohamed - RECOMMENDED
• On Two Legs and Three Wheels by Cary D. Lowe - RECOMMENDED
• Our Desperate Hour by John F. Andrews - RECOMMENDED
• Overcoming Obstacles by Emmanuel C. Nwamah - RECOMMENDED
• Path to Power, Road To Ruin by John Kavanagh - RECOMMENDED
• Pieces of Mind by A. A. Winston - RECOMMENDED
• Pope Paul VI and His Quest for Peace: Volume One by Rev John F Tuohey, PhD. - RECOMMENDED
• Presidential Spirit by Gina S. Scheff
• Privilege by Megan Wobus - RECOMMENDED
• Puppy Prophet, The by David Cary Lane - RECOMMENDED
• Radical Paper by Lynn Sures and Michelle Samour - RECOMMENDED
• Radio Stations and Record Stores by Larry Coffman
• Reclaiming Vitality by Samantha Keen, M.A. - RECOMMENDED
• Red Valley: Journey to Mars by Michael Reuel Teller - RECOMMENDED
• Resilience and Renewal by Robert S. Littlefield, Ph.D.
• Ribbons and Moths by Laura Rodley
• See Me by Rhoda Berlin - RECOMMENDED
• Sophia's Gift by Karen B. Kurtz - RECOMMENDED
• Splinter – A Novel in Verse by Betsy O’Neill-Sheeha
• Stolen Histories by B.R. Michaels
• Stroke Survival - Against All Odds by Robert Castleberry
• Tab's Terrible Third Eye by Isaac Thorne - RECOMMENDED
• Tale of the Disappearing Tail, The by Tricia WB Jordan - RECOMMENDED
• They’re Coming for Your Elders and Your Inheritance by Léonie Rosenstiel - RECOMMENDED
• This Side of the Law by Tamar Anolic - RECOMMENDED
• Thoughts on My Thoughts V by Dr. Walter R. Hoge, DVM
• To Be a Rose by E.B. Mason
• Transitioning Your Federal Resume to Private Industry® by Kathryn Troutman
• Trashed or Treasured? by Glenn Bryant Havumaki, D. Min.
• Visible Speaking, This by Kathryn Winograd - RECOMMENDED
• When Black Panthers Prowled Amerika by Dr. Alvin Pam
• Who's Driving the Bus? by Linda Graves
• Wintersfall by M. G. Claybrook
• Wrong Again, Doglips by Roger Austin - RECOMMENDED
• Words Left Unspoken by J.A. McGovern
• Wounded Sky, The by Ray Strong
• Your Army of Dollars Coloring Book by Luisa Tennant
• Your Creator Matrix by Cathleen Beerkens

Read the US Review of Books Previous Edition

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Featured Book Reviews

 

A Graceful End

Highlight Review They’re Coming for Your Elders and Your Inheritance: Ways to Protect Your Family, Mitigate the Damage, and Change the System by Léonie Rosenstiel Dayspring Resources book review by Barbara Bamberger Scott "Regardless of the shifting finances of the elder care industry, you are impacted now and will continue to be as you worry about your elders." Author Rosenstiel presents a panoramic view of the problems and perils that can beset families who have not thoroughly examined and planned for the care of their elders. Although the legal system has been gradually finding ways to protect itself at a general level, current circumstances have created a growing crisis due to inflation, higher healthcare costs, and the methods by which elder care facilities will extract payment. Problems may arise due to the chaos and often depression and general confusion that may affect family members in dealing with parents or other relatives with serious physical ailments and the increasing occurrence of dementia. ... (read more)

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Western Excitement

Growing up in a contentious family, twelve-year-old Anabel feels invisible and isolated from her parents and younger brother. Little does she know that her life is about to change when she meets her father’s mother, Macedonia "Maisy" Kline, for the first time. Relegated to a nursing home by her son, with whom she shares an antagonistic relationship, Grandma Maisy is sassy, opinionated, and sharp, much like Anabel herself. As Grandma Maisy says, "You want to make up your own mind. Some people get itchy when girls think for themselves." Recognizing a kindred spirit, Maisy opens up to Ana during her recurring visits and tells her full life story for the first time. ... (read more)

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Dragons' War Continues

Highlight Review The Wounded Sky by Ray Strong Impulse Fiction book review by Joslyn Vann "A few of us believe we are suffering because we forgot our past. And so we cannot build something greater but only repeat our failures." The world of Juro is divided into multiple culturally diverse regions, many with power-hungry leaders intent on expanding their territories and spreading the cruel brutality of slavery into the free world. Hidden agendas and secret alliances conjure a nest of vipers that make for a formidable foe. Astria Sannfjaer is all too familiar with the challenge of fighting against this evil. Having lost all the family and friends she held dear, she is desperate to find a cure for the Quarajii curse that is threatening her life and that of her beloved dragon Zephyr. Hunted by her enemies and haunted by the memory of the Quarajii warrior-prince who cursed her, Astria follows the advice of the village seer. She and her old friend, the dragon Vandrare, travel to the south seeking the Singers and a cure. ... (read more)

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Metamorphosis

While searching for a meaning or a purpose in life has always been of chief concern to people throughout the ages, modern society and consumer culture create a different quest entirely. How do we live up to the people we admire and strive to be like? What kind of status, purchase, or career can give us a sense of worthiness and contentment? And what steps can we take to move past the noise into a place of real actualization and meaning? In this book, the author shares his own journey, from the values and goals he set for himself in childhood to a transformative experience with a shaman in Brazil and every step of his self-discovery afterwards. Each truth and realization about life that is uncovered is given context through the author’s own experiences and shared with the reader. ... (read more)

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Excellent Pacing

Highlight Review Hive (Madders of Time Book 1) by D. L. Orton Rocky Mountain Press book review by Mark Heisey "But the same message is being repeated everywhere: Take shelter. Don’t panic. The President will address the country in a few minutes." While burying his best friend in the last surviving biodome on an island pounded by raging seas and under the constant threat of a dangerous hive of drones conceived to replace the diminishing bee population, Diego and Isabel ponder humanity’s end. Isobel knows her cancer has left her with days, possibly hours, and she makes plans with the AI Madders, built from the consciousness of the scientist Matt Hudson. They plan to use the last of their energy resources, including that which powers the AI, to send Diego through a wormhole in an attempt to change humanity’s trajectory and avoid the fate they are currently living. Diego declares that he would rather spend the last moments with Isabel, but he is finally convinced that he should take the risk to alter time and try to save humans from extinction. When Diego returns to the past on an alternate Earth, he quickly learns that time never plays out the way it is expected, and he must adapt his plans to help the alternate Isabel, Diego, and all humanity have a chance of survival. ... (read more)

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In Nature

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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Reaching for Peace

Highlight Review Gambare Hiroshima—Don't Give Up! by Larry Fumio Miwa and Stephen Hiroshi Miwa Legacy Isle Publishing book review by Mark Heisey "He [Colonel Seki] took his responsibilities very seriously. It would take someone like that to become so distinguished to successfully crash his own aircraft into his target." Larry Miwa was born in Hawaii in 1931. His family moved to Hiroshima, where he lived from the age of two to fifteen. During the summer of 1945, while about to turn fourteen, Miwa and a group of students relocated to a village approximately twenty-five miles from Hiroshima to contribute to the Japanese war effort by continuing their education and helping the country increase its agricultural production. Miwa was given a student diary, which he kept from July 7 through September 10 of that year. His entries detail the hard work and absolute dedication the students and teachers displayed as they cleared land and planted crops. The country and the emperor were first in the minds of this group. This steadfast loyalty and nationalism bordered on fanaticism, and thoughts of the individual and/or family were looked upon with disappointment. Miwa's entry on August 6 mentions witnessing B-52s flying over. This date was when the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. Miwa's diary mentions concern for family and a hatred of the enemy. The next day, Miwa writes about reports of his city being “burned to ashes by a bomb.” The diary goes on to cover Miwa returning to Hiroshima and being overwhelmed by the destruction, as well as miraculously finding his family and the aftermath of the bomb. ... (read more)

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Inspiring Vitality

What does it mean to follow one’s passion, to take the reins of one’s life and create a truly amazing existence? How can a person find the key point where their interests and talents align with the world’s greatest needs? Which skills are most essential to cultivate as one travels along the road toward a fulfilled destiny? Speeth’s work takes the reader on a journey to find these answers, to meticulously cut through the noise and carve out a unique, beautiful path of one’s own. ... (read more)

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Engaging & Moving

Highlight Review Armageddon 2029 by Martin Elsant book review by Kat Kennedy "Light two candles in a dark corner of the dining room every Friday night." Isabel Tarongi works as a nurse in Mallorca, Spain, at the time of the fascist takeover of the island in 1936. When she garners the unwanted attention of one of General Franco’s Nationalist officers, she is in danger of being assaulted. She escapes Mallorca to find refuge with her Aunt Caterina and Uncle Juan in Barcelona. When she is finally able to safely return home, Tia Caterina gives her the two candlesticks that Isabel has observed her light every Friday night as she chanted the ancient prayer of her distant Jewish ancestors. Though Isabel’s aunt and uncle are Catholic, they still hold onto this tradition passed along for generations. Isabel embraces the tradition and passes it on to her daughter, and in turn, to her granddaughter Leonor. ... (read more)

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Beautiful Mind

Estes has collected, edited, and arranged the poems and letters saved by her grandmother and written by her great-grandfather, John Barrons Richards. He was born in Wales in 1867, and after graduating from the fourth grade and getting a job in a mine, he moved with his family to America in 1881. He married in 1889, and the couple had three children. He worked in mines and as a minister and spent much of his free time, especially as he grew older and worked less, taking adult classes and furthering his interests in literature, among other pursuits. He wrote numerous poems over the years, and his letters to his children provide keen insight into not only his interests but also the American spirit during the years between the world wars. Most of the book contains his poems, clearly inspired by Thoreau and Emerson, while the last section has several of his letters. ... (read more)

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Coming of Age

Colton Bowman finds his brother embarrassing. Austin has never spoken. His parents suspect that he might be autistic, though he lacks a formal diagnosis. He enjoys watching the rain through the windows and has demonstrated some remarkable artistic talents. Colton—a very ordinary young man who dreads school, enjoys video games, and has a volatile temper—snaps at Austin one day after a friend calls him a vile word. That same day, Austin steps outside and disappears into the rain. For years, there has been no trace of him. ... (read more)

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Deft Examination

Jason Masters is a junior at Niagara County High School. He wants to fit in with the other guys, but he often feels undermined and effeminate. His best friend is Timmy, and Jason thinks about him every night. One day, Jason gathers the courage to confess his feelings to Timmy, but it doesn't go well. Timmy struggles with Jason's confession, and as a result, their friendship ends, leaving Jason hurt. Meanwhile, Zeus Vasiliadis, a billionaire who owns Zeus Universal Group, offers Jason a chance to become the face of the House Ganymede for an advertising campaign, which includes changing his name to Ganymede. Jason accepts the opportunity. Later, Jason and Timmy reconcile. When Jason tells Timmy about his new job and the name change, Timmy expresses concern, suggesting that the mythological significance of Ganymede could be a warning about Jason's new role. ... (read more)

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Nuanced Examination

An American-born daughter of Vietnamese refugees, Amy Nguyen struggled with depression, anxiety, and familial trauma and was open about going to therapy for her issues. Her therapist, Jackie Kessler, the daughter of Korean refugees, began seeing Amy when Amy was fifteen, and is now being sued for malpractice by Amy’s family. With a lawyer who doesn’t seem to be on her side and the media already convicting her of causing Amy’s suicide, Jackie sets out to find a murderer. Consulting with her three therapist friends, she uses them for supervision, which gives the reader insight into Amy, her poetry, and her songwriting and why Jackie thinks Amy was murdered. ... (read more)

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Countercultural Romance

Jeff and Rebecca agree to meet after finding one another on a Christian dating website. Jeff drives a truck professionally and has long since abandoned his dreams of being a famous musician. He has a habit of stammering during tense moments. Rebecca is a twenty-six-year-old sporty woman who works in youth ministry and has recently ended a long-term relationship. Both have a fondness for contemporary Christian music. The book recounts their dinner at Fred’s Fine Dining, during which each attempts to assess whether the other is spiritually and emotionally compatible. ... (read more)

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Complex

The apt title of this historical novel mirrors the intensity of the bloody, tumultuous French Revolution. The scenario is revealed through the well-researched but dramatized characterizations of three primary figures: radical journalist and politician Camille Desmoulins, statesman and politician Joseph Fouché, and English-American philosopher and political activist Thomas Paine. Author Neeleman successfully distills the complexity of the era through the perspectives and actions of these men and the equally dynamic women—wives and paramours—who loved them and shared their beliefs. The decision to narrate the story through the eyes of these men and women is a wise one, as it limits the scope and helps make sense of this long and complicated era. ... (read more)

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From Tragedy

A chance encounter between two former co-workers leads to a confession of romance and a marriage neither expected. Realizing that this man is her perfect match, the author builds a life with her new husband that ranges from small-town farm life to experiences meeting presidents as her husband serves as Flight Chief for Air Force One. This biography and memoir of the author’s late husband details his rise through the Air Force to one of its most important positions and the struggle of caretaking for him after he develops a rare and dangerous cancer. David’s health continues to fail, but the couple’s love for each other makes every day a special gift. True to her promise to him, the author recounts her husband’s life story and the tale of their romance in this narrative of dizzying highs and unimaginable lows. ... (read more)

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Inspiring

The COVID-19 pandemic threw every shred of normalcy and routine in the world into disarray as businesses and borders closed, and citizens globally were instructed to stay in their homes as much as possible. For an organization like Lions Clubs International, which exists to serve and support people in communities around the globe, this mandate presented both a total disruption of its functions and a prime opportunity to excel in its mission. In this book, the author interviews several members of Lions International at every phase of the organization and recounts the decision-making process during those turbulent times, which required prudent decisions and visionary leadership. Each interview reveals how their organization not only faced a massive challenge but also offered a chance to make a tremendous impact and difference, exiting the pandemic in an even better position to thrive in their mission. ... (read more)

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Colorado Unveiled

This wonderful book evolved as the author grappled with loss and grief during the COVID-19 pandemic. Winograd's motivating desires to reflect, feel, and think combine with her author's voice and artist's vision to create a masterpiece. Simple and profound, the images and words are woven together to create a witness to life's unexpected joys and ever-renewing beauty, as well as its calls to experience spiritual perceptions. A truly magnificent opus, the work, winner of The Book Excellence Award, is a feast of ethereal and visual qualities in nature and humankind. The author's text and photographs reflect her spiritual, emotional, and physical journeys as she finds life and renewal amid her feelings of personal and global brokenness. ... (read more)

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Souls in Repair

This articulate historical novel explores the ideological underpinnings of war and challenges popular, patriotic narratives about the moral superiority of capitalism. Will, a Vietnam veteran, grapples with the epigenetic trauma passed on by his emotionally distant father. His father’s disastrous experience during WWII leaves him ashamed and unable to emotionally support his son. This lack is magnified by Will’s first childhood hunting experience, and later, his distress as an enlisted Marine during the final, controversial months of the Vietnam conflict. Will’s post-war life becomes shadowed by “the beast”—a struggle with anger and PTSD. ... (read more)

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Rock History

In this comprehensive and detailed history of rock and roll, the author highlights the songs and artists that defined a generation. Coffman also discusses the influence radio had on individuals and society as a whole. The book examines the undercurrents that have ebbed and flowed through rock music throughout the decades. The author provides an overview of what songs placed on what charts, as well as an in-depth outline of the artists’ lives and careers. Most of all, music lovers learn about the diverse history of rock and roll music since its inception. ... (read more)

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Influences

Coffman is back with another large collection of mostly early rock tunes by influential artists. Using thematic chapters, Coffman pairs several songs with the theme and provides brief explanations of the artist(s) who recorded the song, the circumstances surrounding the recording, and a breakdown of the lyrics. His chapters encompass various styles and subgenres, including country rock, surf music, Christmas classics, teen tragedies, and garage rock. Most of the songs and artists will be familiar to avid music fans with a broad range of listening exposure. However, as many of the biggest songs were listed in Coffman’s first collection, the reader may find that this collection will focus on a few more one-hit wonders and B-sides. Still, major bands, musicians, and some of the world’s most popular music are represented. Much of the focus is on early rock hits, primarily from the 1960s, but there are also representatives from pre-rock eras and hits from the 2000s. Coffman’s entries are typically about a page and a half, making it an easy book to pick up and put down around a variety of time constraints. ... (read more)

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Message of Love

Author Tuohey has compiled a unique, scholarly, and clearly heartfelt biography of Pope Paul VI, who served the Catholic Church and humanity as pope from 1963 to his passing in 1978. Tuohey presents a concentration, in this first volume, on the man’s slow rise to prominence and acceptance among his peers. There was some reluctance to choose him for the religion’s highest office, and indeed one of the most esteemed global occupations, because as priest and later bishop, Montini (his surname from birth) had proved he was unafraid to speak frankly about international conflict, warfare, and the treatment of the lowly and the oppressed wherever found. ... (read more)

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Another View

On the surface, this is a novel about the confident and beautiful Black woman Nefertiti LaReine who navigates a journalism career amid complex relationships. Underneath, it is a compounded story of identity, misogyny, deep-rooted racism, and political activism. ... (read more)

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Relevance

Throughout human history, world leaders and influential figures have shaped the opinions of the masses by promoting ideologies that foster self-pride while also sowing distrust and discord towards other groups. State institutions and religious figureheads have used this to great effect to rally public opinion and acquire buy-in toward heinous, inhuman acts of invasion, subjugation, and genocide. These methods work time and again because they tap into our primal psychology and need to feel important, valued, and significant. In this examination of regimes and authorities that have exploited ideologies to further their own personal gain, Kavanagh reveals the propaganda methods used to gloss over the atrocities and inequality that always follow in their wake so that his audience will not fall under the manipulative spell that justifies things that should never be done in good conscience. ... (read more)

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On Track

When young Bobby’s parents decide to travel by train to see his grandmother, he doesn’t see how it could be better than going by car. Trains used to seem exciting, but some time has passed, and he is unsure if they will still have the same magic for him. However, his parents stress that it will be a good experience, so Bobby decides to give it a chance. When they arrive at the station and board the train, his family gets a train car all to themselves for the duration of the trip. Bobby takes note of the spaciousness of the train car, the way the scenery flows past outside, and the distinct sounds made by the train as it moves. They enjoy a wonderful meal in the dining car, and Bobby takes a nap when they return to their train car. By the time they reach where his grandmother lives, Bobby has a newfound appreciation for train travel. ... (read more)

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Being Positive

Appy is an apricot who overcame adversity and became an engineer. He and his wife, June, now have a beautiful family consisting of their twins, Aprio and Apria, as well as their adopted son, Barry, and adopted daughter, Anana. Appy and June are committed to instilling in their children the importance of hard work and dedication. They also strive to make sure their children have the parental support, quality time, and resources necessary to succeed. During a family picnic, Appy shares his history as the son of farmers. He dreamed of becoming an engineer. He tells his children how he persevered through bullying in school and worked diligently to graduate at the top of his class. ... (read more)

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Hopeful

In this colorful, fun tale, an underwater adventure unfolds. As he swims and plays with his fishy friends, Ted the tadpole realizes that he is distinctly different from them. He has no fins! Ted is also a risk-taker. He is not afraid to break the rules, which upsets his friends. One day, he dares to break the water’s surface and take a peek at the world above him. He meets Jumper, who informs Ted that Ted cannot jump if he does not have legs. Meanwhile, Ted returns to his underwater world, where he begins to change and to grow legs. Nonetheless, despite his transformation, Ted still cannot jump, and his fishy friends call him names like “Freak!” One day, however, Ted’s situation changes, and he returns to the surface and to the world above in order to fulfill his destiny. ... (read more)

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Grief Pathways

Author Tallman candidly reflects on personal struggles and helpful strategies for improvement in this spirited guide, combining emotive memoir with expert exploration into the realms of depression and discovery. The book opens with her traumatic experience during the birth of her third child, during which trauma arose out of what had been planned by the author as a completely natural event. Having had two previous childbirths, she was determined to “do it right,” as she had been taught in her Lamaze classes. Yet nothing went as expected: the pain was unbearable, she could not push powerfully enough, and as the agony increased, it seemed hope was lost. Yet, after hours of trying and crying that she had no more strength to keep pushing, the empathic doctor said, “Yes, you can!”—and her beautiful daughter was born. But as she sweetly cuddled the newborn, she shouted inwardly to God, asking why she had been made to suffer so. ... (read more)

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Reflections

In this informative and well-detailed book, the author shares his experiences of living in and escaping some of Africa’s most war-torn regions. The author details life in a large family, and he documents growing up without his father after his father is killed in a car accident. He also shares interesting details about how life continued after his father’s death, which gives insight into a culture many do not know about or understand. Eventually, village life gives way to city life, and then city life—and war—return the author to his village. From there, the book unfolds into a refugee’s story, with the harsh realities of refugee camps and a life vastly reshaped by separation and destruction at its center. ... (read more)

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Hyperbolic

The rules of hyperbolic geometry seem to contradict and fly in the face of immutable truths, and yet its principles help us understand the world and can be physically created in front of our very eyes. This textbook aims to explain the principles, propositions, and proofs necessary for a foundation and understanding in the growing field of geometry. First, Rothe introduces the groundwork laid by ideas from mathematicians such as Henri Poincaré, Nikolai Lobachevsky, and Carl Friedrich Gauss. He also provides a significant explanation of the axioms and theorems of David Hilbert. From here, the divergence between Euclidean geometry and hyperbolic geometry is explained by proving the key difference that the former requires but not the latter: the parallel postulate. Each chapter introduces more concepts and formulas that will make the reader fluent in this specific area of mathematics. ... (read more)

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More Ponderings

This work is a collection of about thirty informational pieces, with occasional insights and inspirational messages included by the author, covering a vast range of subjects. Topics range from cannibalism and anesthetics to donkeys and myopia. The author uses his years of work as a DVM and his unceasing scientific curiosity to choose his topics. His enthusiasm finds its way into the work, and the subjects are well researched, varied, and interesting. The subjects can be a bit obscure to those not well-versed in scientific research and jargon, but Hoge does a nice job of explaining information and terms in everyday language. He also brings his unique perspective both as a scientist and a man of faith, often incorporating these in a manner meant to be both uplifting and motivating. ... (read more)

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Heartfelt

Brewen is turning eighteen and about to leave the most stable foster home she has had out of many. Her best friend, Destiny, is also leaving. Destiny is going away to college on a hard-earned scholarship. When Brewen causes a fire the day before her birthday, she flees to the comfort of Destiny. Destiny hides Brewen, and they formulate a plan to have Brewen secretly stay in the dorms with Destiny. The demands of college and Brewen’s necessary job keep the two from spending as much time together as they would like. Destiny is engaged in her studies and interested in the boy in the green shirt, who is in one of her classes. Brewen doesn’t trust him but doesn’t have a good way to express this. When Destiny tries to spend more time with the boy at a party, Brewen sees something happening that causes her to feel she needs to intervene. ... (read more)

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God in Her

This memoir about a lesbian Episcopal priest follows her journey to God, beginning in childhood when she wanted to be a Catholic priest. Gallagher's concise book explores the author’s diverse paths in seeking herself and her own truth through her soul work. The introduction begins with poetic words, and the chapters begin with her journey at the age of eleven and her yearning to be closer to God as she attended Catholic school. Her path included learning about other belief systems, serving as a priest or minister for three different types of churches, and exploring topics such as science and religion, quantum physics, channeling, psychic phenomena, and mystical connections. As a married mother of three, she realized she was a lesbian. She divorced, came out, and became active in the LGBTQ+ community, including a church ministry. She realized she was an alcoholic and a drug addict and began a process of recovery. She also developed and ran a spiritual center for LGBTQ+ individuals and worked in hospice care. ... (read more)

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Restore

Author Keen draws on her personal experience with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and related conditions to inform and support others through a well-informed and satisfying series of practical techniques, authentic examples, and spiritual introspection. In her younger years, Keen, then a noted and highly ambitious journalist, suffered from CFS, often unable to stay awake during working hours. The CFS, as she would later discover, was, among other detriments, stifling the flow of creativity and inner freedom offered by healthy sleep. Desperate, she took healing routes such as detox, dietary, and lifestyle changes, but to no avail. However, during a trip to her birthplace in Malawi, Africa, she began to sense a revelatory opening. The exigencies of travel and her recognition of the dire straits of the people she encountered resulted in “more breadth of being.” Once she returned to London, she was less afflicted for a time. But it would take her felt need to meditate and her search for guidance in that discipline to evince true recovery for what she deems a “crash” or “burnout,” terms that fellow CFS sufferers will readily grasp. ... (read more)

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Reflection & Insight

Chrappa’s book sits somehwere between memoir, spiritual guide, and call to action for women seeking to reclaim their inner authority. The author traces her journey through three locations of Manhattan, Peru, and New Mexico, with each place serving as the backdrop for different phases of her transformation. As a somatic therapist, healer, and writer, she brings a deep respect for the body to her spiritual exploration, blending ancient wisdom with personal experience. Each location offers something specific to her growth. New York's intensity fosters ego dissolution, Peru's ceremonies offer direct mystical experiences, and New Mexico's open landscape facilitates integration. This geographic approach feels refreshingly honest about how transformation isn't a one-size-fits-all process, and different phases of growth need different conditions to flourish. ... (read more)

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Rich in Concepts

Although the developments of modern society and a changing social and technological landscape present unique challenges, ancient philosophical and spiritual wisdom can provide the critical thinking and objective reasoning that can guide a person through any situation. This book compiles a series of essays on the subject of common sense as it relates to self-actualization and intention, beginning with simply agreeing to move towards a new way of being. Readers are not expected to be practiced ascetics or deep thinkers; they are only expected to keep an open mind and consider the paths others have walked before them to arrive at the same place. Establishing a foundation of principles and a goal in mind, from there, the true examination of self, the world, and the relationship between these two things begins. ... (read more)

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Endurance

After being arrested and incarcerated in the aftermath of a student demonstration, the young author of this collection of poetry began to write, finding a strength and resiliency through the creative process that would help him survive his sentence. The blend of rhythm, Egyptian slang, and spiritual and literary references intertwine and intersect to create a coded speech and a glimpse into the isolation and segregation from the outside world that a prisoner feels. Dozens of poems give center stage to the grief-like process of dealing with a life from behind bars, and readers will also see the poetic tradition inherited and shared by the author and its impact not just on his own ability to cope but to inspire and create something for others like him who are locked away from the world. ... (read more)

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Vulnerable

Labels can be haunting, and few are as crushing as the “crazy” label. In Kudla’s thought-provoking memoir, audiences peer into mental illness in its rawest form. Contrary to what many cultures chalk up to “taboo” and “weakness in character,” mental health is as real as ever, and the author does an exemplary job of conveying how one’s thoughts mount an attack and create a new identity that revolves around defensiveness and vulnerability. ... (read more)

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Coming of Age

Nearly forty years after leaving her childhood home in Africa, the author of this memoir returns, intent on bringing home a rescue cat. The story toggles between Dar es Salaam in the 1970s and 2017, when she meets Stan the cat, transports him back to Virginia, and attempts to diagnose his aggression toward another of her cats despite his otherwise sweet, but wobbly, disposition. Chapters, beginning with quotes from letters sent to her father in Canada and other literature, are discreet vignettes of memorable moments. Many—about the family’s pet mongoose, mispronounced Swahili words, and pranks—are humorous. Some, about MacClaine’s beloved family and friends or getting to know Stan and his needs, are tender. Toward the end, the chapters turn serious as the author contends with the deaths of animals and children on a large cat rescue farm she visits several times. ... (read more)

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Existence

In this poetry compilation, Winston demonstrates how every encounter and every experience contributes to our identity, showing that, in a way, mankind is one fabric, one tapestry of the universe. Whereas his earlier work, Growth, captured nearly four decades of his life, it also became the catalyst to the current piece, sparking the voice that fearlessly speaks on a world in flux, acquiescing to the whims of greed and indulgence. The authenticity with which he speaks on any and all topics allows audiences to create an instant connection with Winston while gaining unique insight into the chaos of current events, from topics as wide-ranging as politics to as specific as heartache and mortality. ... (read more)

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Overcoming

Too often, society lives in a “it can’t happen to me” bubble. Yet when it does, lives are thrown into chaos and uncertainty. Experiencing a stroke is arguably one of the major chaos-inducing conditions simply due to the varied nature of a stroke and the palpable fear that will naturally arise. In Castleberry’s fusion of memoir and guide map, he demystifies many of the confusing elements that plague unsuspecting families of loved ones that are learning how to pick up the pieces and provides, perhaps most importantly, a path of hope that illustrates how even a new normal can be fulfilling and provide a strong quality of life. ... (read more)

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Circumstances

After writing a book about his experiences with a distant family member and an eclectic group of diverse individuals loosely associated with him, Will still feels something driving him forward. A review of his book after it is published forces him to question the parts of his past and his psyche that he has both buried over time and lost touch with following a stroke. Using the principles and tenets of Alcoholics Anonymous as a way to take inventory of the people he may have hurt, he makes a startling discovery that his ex-wife gave birth to a son shortly after he left her. With this shocking revelation, Will examines both his time spent in the Marines as well as what the road ahead holds for him as he tries to reconcile with those he has hurt, those who hurt him, and the person he used to be. ... (read more)

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Skillfully Woven

Ab Johnson is an Army man through and through. When his son, Jack, joins the Marines to go fight in WWI, the two men have a heated argument about Jack’s choice of service. Later, Ab realizes those may be the last words he has with his son. To reconcile, the aging Ab volunteers to return to the Army and go to France. He promises his wife he will stay far from the front and work in a supply position. However, he is soon on the frontlines, witnessing the chaos around the Battle of Belleau Wood, the Army’s poor attitude towards Marines, and the incompetence of some French commanders. In addition, the story follows a medical corpsman trying to keep the wounded alive, a Marine eager to get into the fight rather than serve as an officer’s assistant, and an arrogant Navy surgeon who thought he was coming to conduct research, not work on casualties. ... (read more)

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Wisdom & Parables

In this inspiring collection, Austin gathers his educational, amusing, and often profound sermons to share with his readers. The subject matter is far-reaching and entertaining, all while focusing intently on God—whom Austin designates most often as “G”—and God’s son, called “J.” This unusual substitution has a deeper meaning than might be supposed, since Austin is addressing not only Christian congregations but also those who have not yet accepted the truths offered through the Holy Bible. ... (read more)

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Unique Work

After being attacked by a creature in the woods, nine-year-old Tab Beard's life changes dramatically. He develops a bump on his left temple that eventually becomes an eyeball, visible only to him. Additionally, he begins to see a man with no eyes hiding in his closet. Tab's parents, Tim and Sandra, believe these visions are merely figments of his imagination, while his brother, Jeremy, mocks him for it. Concerned about Tab's mental health, Sandra takes him to see Dr. Clifford, who suspects he may have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Tragically, the family is shattered when Tim dies in a tractor accident. Eventually, the man in the closet, named Roy, reveals himself to Tab as his real father. He confesses to having had an affair with Tab's mother during her marriage to Tim. ... (read more)

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Utopian Nightmare

In the wake of a second civil war in the mid-twenty-first century, the United States government used a brain rewiring technology called ReInception, ostensibly to reestablish national unity. By 2126, technology is king. Nanobots perform security sweeps. Innovative inventions mimic the earth’s natural processes to combat climate change. Cutting-edge medical equipment creates sterile environments for disease control, and nanites accelerate the healing process. Implanted communicators provide a constant stream of information. Modifications allow people to alter the color of their hair, eyes, and skin. ReInception now offers the opportunity to eliminate unwanted desires, addictions, and criminal tendencies. Such miraculous advancements seem like the foundation for a utopian society. ... (read more)

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Overcoming Obstacles

Author and adventurer Lowe has assembled an enthralling collection of recollections from twenty years of travels with his companion and wife, Trish. Their enthralling saga began in 2002 as the two trekked along the canyon walls of California’s Anza-Borrego Desert. There, Trish fell several times, afterwards revealing to Lowe that she had for years been battling multiple sclerosis (MS). The two then daringly and lovingly resolved to face the future together. Since Trish’s disability particularly affected her legs, Lowe studied with her the potential obstacles that their traveling might entail. Thus, while investigating history’s mysteries in Czechoslovakia, where Lowe’s family had roots, Trish would use a cane while holding tight to his steady arm as together they observed grim reminders of the Nazi regime. ... (read more)

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Harsh Realities

Portland, Maine native Pennie Goode wakes up on her thirtieth birthday with a hangover and refrains of regret. The lingering sense of foreboding continues later in the day, and while skiing with her cousin Tita and friends Dani and Mali, a horrific accident lands her in the hospital. As she recovers, she begins to have unusual premonitions: she senses the presence of her recently deceased dog, Boone, and foretells a health scare in her uncle. “Things had shifted inside… the world was somehow sharper and more vibrant and different.” ... (read more)

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Photo Artist

Through firsthand memories and professional photographs, the story of David Johnson is revealed in this engaging memoir. Johnson has tragic and humble beginnings, but his story culminates in various honors, merits, and gallery showings. Through his work ethic and desire to help his struggling adoptive family, he takes on simple jobs and develops a keen interest in photography. After serving in World War II and feeling somewhat restless back in his hometown, the opportunity of a lifetime presents itself to study under the great Ansel Adams at the California School of Fine Arts. Heading out to California on his own and fueled by his passion, Johnson learns a great deal about his artistry and himself as he tackles various jobs and starts a family of his own. ... (read more)

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Healthier Cells

Many people are living healthier lifestyles, or attempting to do so. This book explores the interconnectedness of health with one’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. In this debut work, Beerkens draws upon new scientific research and her own experiences with integrated healing, both as a practitioner and a recipient. The author discusses the Earth’s quantum shift, which she believes will bring a new collective awareness to those living on the Earth. The book comprises thirteen chapters that explore various subjects, including manifestation, the subconscious, personality types, quantum physics, perception, cellular health, and the interplay between mind, body, and spirit. Chapter summaries provide valuable recaps followed by references, and the author presents plenty of sources for increasing understanding of the book’s concepts. ... (read more)

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Art & History

Colored paper pulp is an art medium that many are likely unfamiliar with. The first half of this mammoth book explains not only what exactly the medium is but also begins in the late 1940s with one of its "godfathers"—papermaker Douglass Morse Howell (1906-1994). Howell began experimenting with and creating two- and three-dimensional art using colored pulp. There is also an interview with his daughter, Elisabeth King, who shares an intriguing story about how, when Howell was a child, he lived in Florence, Italy, and had the chance to actually hold old drawings by Renaissance masters Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. ... (read more)

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Working Relationship

In this powerful and intimate memoir, the author shares her journey through a marriage tested by her husband’s autism. The author also discusses the potential challenges of late-life romance, dating, and marriage. The backdrop to the author’s story is the COVID-19 pandemic and a cancer diagnosis, both of which cause the author to fight even more for her marriage. However, due to her husband’s reluctance to engage with helpful programs and goals that could not only help him personally but also strengthen their marriage, the author continues to watch her marriage crumble. As the marriage disintegrates, the author is forced to reconsider her definitions of love and happiness, and she must also determine her own future, as well as her own versions of self-care and self-preservation. ... (read more)

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Joyful

This collection of poetry is a spiritual and emotional adventure into the environments, minds, and souls of diverse dogs. Each chapter has the name of a different dog and a brief description of each, such as "Dennis: The Doubting Doberman" and "Rosie: The Reserved Rottweiler." Each dog, one in each of the twenty chapters that describe canine interactions during the final days of the wise "Dumpster Daisy," voices questions, shares experiences, and arrives at some conclusions that reveal its awareness of the intangible complexities of life. The verses and illustrations—the latter done beautifully by Patrick Atkins—reflect well-known human philosophies, as well: "You don't need to be perfect; you don't need to be successful. Be You. And try your best to be kind, honest, and helpful." ... (read more)

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Friendships

This eclectic collection of poems covers child-friendly topics ranging from animals to nature to everyday life. Young readers will be thoroughly entertained by Rodley’s clever rhyme schemes and use of literary devices such as personification, metaphors, similes, and imagery. “Grace” initially appears whimsical with its depiction of a squirrel blessing its food. But upon further reflection, it raises the thought-provoking question of nature’s understanding of the divine. Rodley manages to infuse a touch of magical fantasy into the ordinary. Milkweed pods become “little canoes” filled with fairy wings. Elves tickle rabbits and ride on the backs of fleeing cats. The author’s fun, quirky style further shines through in “Food From the Kitchen Table as Told by a Puppy” and “Bad Habits,” both written from the canine perspective. Vivid language paints delightful pictures of onyx-eyed raccoons, thick-coated ponies, and furry, cuddly rabbits. ... (read more)

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Travel Code

In late September 2028, the adventure that seventeen-year-old Michael and his sisters, Meital and Shirel, have spent most of their lives preparing for finally begins as they embark on a ten-month-long spaceflight to Mars. Traveling with them on their habitat ship, the Providence, are their mother, Dana, their friends Denver and Omar, and four other families. Michael’s father was among the first to colonize the Red Valley on Mars, although Michael’s excitement at their impending reunion is overshadowed by his father’s ongoing illness and steadily weakening state. However, Michael is quickly swept up in the busyness of life aboard ship. Each passenger, from adults down to the youngest children, has a unique and critical role to play, and follows a strict daily schedule with responsibilities divided amongst themselves. As the days progress, Michael learns that even the simplest daily activities, such as washing dishes, cooking, exercising, and using the bathroom, are complicated endeavors when done in zero gravity. Despite the challenges, he initially embraces this new life with gusto, taking to his tasks with the same enthusiasm he shows for his advanced studies in science and religion. He finds his place within this small community, as they come together to celebrate holidays, share meals, and impart wisdom to one another. ... (read more)

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Epic Tale

Overstreet has created a sweeping saga that is not only quite well-researched but also emotional and fascinating. The author’s novel takes place on the verge of a new dawn for the Old West. It’s 1910, and the world is changing. This novel, which moves from the past and present, follows Julia Halley, an owner of the Many Springs Canyon Trading Post on the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico, and her “gathering.” Each character gets to have their story told in great detail: not just Julia, who is herself complicated, courageous, and independent, but also the other characters are developed, such as Harry Whitaker, Toya, the siblings Clement and Johanna Yazzie, and Owen Rouse. ... (read more)

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Mystical

The planet Bellosio consists of three intelligent and industrious primate species: the Wati, the Crivien, and the Vidogs. The Cog is the entity that intervenes with life on Bellosio through acts that the natives call miracles. Now, some doubt the Cog’s power, and others don’t believe in it at all. The Wati emperor Gazidja, in a ten-year despair since his two sons were killed by a Crivien war party, has handed much of his power to Count Selwin, who plots against him. His daughter, Danaba, is heir to the throne and in mortal danger as factions move against the emperor. Threatened from within and without, the Watis pray the Cog’s power will be with them. As these warring factions begin to implement their offense against the emperor, Danaba must reach deep within to find the strength and courage to fight back. With the help of her warriors, her allies, and the Cog, she prepares to defend her kingdom. ... (read more)

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Beyond Hype

Jenkins takes the meaning of “we the people” to the ultimate level by proposing a shift in how society and government operate, leading to collaboration and mitigating greed and bias within the judicial system. The end goal, as he reiterates throughout the work, is the implementation of a better democracy, one that is not susceptible to political gamesmanship and the power of the almighty dollar. At the core of Jenkins’ work is a fervent desire to truly execute on the phrase, “represent their constituents,” and spark an evolution of the United States government that does what it set out to do back in 1776: serve the people. ... (read more)

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Beauty for Ashes

Young Sophia Strauss’ parents are Jewish Confederates who own a store in Culpepper, Virginia, during the American Civil War. With Sophia’s father absent because of the war, and the cost of goods steadily rising, Sophia and her mother are struggling financially. When a beautiful German-made porcelain doll standing over two feet tall arrives in the store, Sophia knows her family cannot afford for her to keep it. Still, she longs for the doll and names it after Grace Horsley Darling, a legendary British heroine. ... (read more)

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