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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

Viral War: A Fairytale of Perfect Women by Josephine deBois AuthorHouse book review by Gabriella Tutino "And now, perfect women; yes, but we always managed to make women perfect." In New York City, Samuel, an ordinary traffic cop, manages to thwart an attempted kidnapping. This sets him on an investigation like no other. He befriends Sohee Suh, the acclaimed Korean singer who was almost kidnapped. Sohee's DNA carries a secret that Samuel works to uncover, exposing a complex plot involving sex trafficking, government coverups, and biological warfare. ... (read more)

• Adventures of Zippy and Elly, The by Peggy Bankston
• American Enterprise Party, The - Volume I by Jerry Rhoads
• Animals You’ll Learn to Love by Benessa Harrison
• Apapa Six, The by John Berryman
• Argentina: The Beautiful Land by Donald L. Lawrence - RECOMMENDED
• Arise, Rossiya by Marcus Papadopoulos, Ph.D. - RECOMMENDED
• Art Proverbs by Richard Delgado
• Bible Understanding by J. Harvey Hames
• Bruised Purple Hearts by Jerry C. Blanton - RECOMMENDED
• Caught in the Enigmas of the Enchanted Forest by Ne'zz Amar
• Chasing the Darkness by Cassie Sanchez
• Children of Violence by Luke Gherardi
• Christian Poems, Prayer & Inspirations by Patricia Offerman - RECOMMENDED
• City of Falling Bronze by Capslock Spellcheck
• Class A Member by Gary Allen Shann - RECOMMENDED
• Conversations with G by C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D.
• Death in the Family, A by Mark Pifher
• Diabetic Journey, A by Donald Clifton Levy
• Doc, Willie, and the Pack by Linda Harkey
• Dustoff One Zero by Joseph S. Jablecki
• Edward’s Xlibris Best by Edward R. Levenson
• Ejituru's Dream by Nwanganga G. Shields - RECOMMENDED
• Election 2016 by Mark Jabbour - RECOMMENDED
• Embracing Autism by James E. Strode - RECOMMENDED
• Escape from The Front by Erwin (Erv) Krause - RECOMMENDED
• Everybody Pees! by Justine Avery
• Face of God, The by Brian Ray Brewer
• Family Skeletons by Elayne Gilliam
• Flower in the Dark by Ewin Genghis - RECOMMENDED
• Girl in the Toile Wallpaper, The by Mary K. Savarese
• Gothica, The by Patrick C. DiCarlo - RECOMMENDED
• Healing by Linda L. George, Ph.D. - RECOMMENDED
• Healing from Personal Traumas by Claudette Betty
• Hickory Doc's Tales by Linda Harkey
• Hidden: Nistar by Batya Casper - RECOMMENDED
• Hide and Seek by Neel Burton - RECOMMENDED
• Human Condition, The by Bob Yari - RECOMMENDED
• Illuminating Family by Alberto P. Ràfols
• Inclusive Leader, The by Dr. Artika R. Tyne - RECOMMENDED
• Insomniac by Joe Kilgore - RECOMMENDED
• Invisible by Day by Teri Fink - RECOMMENDED
• It's a Perfect Day for a Duck by Paula Abare
• Joe’s Alamo Unsung by Lewis E. Cook
• Joey by Joe Aliberti
• Journey to Work from Home During COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown, A by Dr Sulaiman Baputey, Ph.D.
• Keeper of Light, The by Timothy Brown
• Keepers of the Contingent World, The by Cliff Ratza
• Lamentations of the Heart by Marti Wells-Smith
• Manhattan Swindle, The by Jay Perin
• "Meeting" Anne Frank by Tim Whittome, ed. - RECOMMENDED
• Mr. Dalton's Christmas by Robert A. Valle
• No Names to Be Given by Julia Brewer Daily
• Noble Tigress, The by E.L. Walker
• Only You by Elena
• Parents, Teachers, Home Schools, Classrooms, Preschools by Beverly Marie Nelson
• Passionate Spirit by Sandy Shores
• Porter's Magic Apple Pie by Debi Moon - RECOMMENDED
• Prodigal Father, The by Forrest Hutter - RECOMMENDED
• Rejoice by Mary Angeline Bell - RECOMMENDED
• Rejuvenaging by Dr. Ron Kaiser - RECOMMENDED
• Remarkable Story of Willie the Crow, The by Linda Harkey - RECOMMENDED
• Rising by Jackie Ng
• Salupo's Groceries by Nick and Laurel Salupo - RECOMMENDED
• Saxophone Sits Alone by Jay C. Peterson - RECOMMENDED
• Secret Tomb Omega by Michael Raphael Thomas - RECOMMENDED
• Sermons with Insight by Roland Zimany - RECOMMENDED
• Shooting Out the Lights by Kim Fairley
• Sister of the Bollywood Bride by Nandini Bajpai - RECOMMENDED
• Snack-Time Mystery, The by Tina Boggs
• Supersized Lies by Robert J. Davis, Ph.D. - RECOMMENDED
• Tales of a Mormon Missionary by Sarah Bjork
• This Song’s for You by Amie Templeton
• Time and Curses by Loretta Elaine Jones
• Unwinding the Serpent by Robert Paul Blumenstein
• Vector Zero by Bryan McBee
• View from Kings Point, The by Edward R. Levenson, Editor - RECOMMENDED
• Walking Free by Gregory Oliver
• What The Fasnarf? by Roger Marjadsingh
• Who Is Jesus Christ: 2nd Edition by Abraham Howard, Jr.
• Who Needs Nappies? Not Me! by Justine Avery
• Wild World by Peter S. Rush
• Your Father has Something to Tell You by Dave Riese

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Featured Book Reviews

 

The Unspoken

This cathartic, eye-opening account of the tragedy that 9/11 bestowed upon the United States transports readers to Ground Zero, where ash and debris fall, where loved ones disappear, and where for years to come, the day’s physical, emotional, and psychological scarrings refuse to disappear, let alone fade. In this haunting collection, the poem “By the Numbers, 6000” reduces humanity to “body parts recovered, sorted / into segments small enough / to fit in a test tube.” Readers find themselves face-to-face with a wife who “buries her face in her workbook, lowers her eyes” as she confesses the potential loss of her husband and the consequences his disappearance bestows upon her and her daughter’s future in the poem “The Lesson.” Meanwhile, toxic xenophobia permeates American society and shocks readers to their cores as they experience it for themselves in the poem “The Physics of Ripples.” ... (read more)

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Secrets & Bonds

Highlight Review Your Father has Something to Tell You by Dave Riese Flying Heron Publishing book review by Mari Carlson "Only now do I find the empty space inside me where he had always lived." Mark returns to Massachusetts from Chicago-land on short notice and during a stressful work period to visit sick parents. He and his sister worry they've started drinking again, a habit they promised their kids years ago that they had quit for good. After the visit, when Mark is passed over for a promotion, he finds new work around Boston. As his parents deteriorate over the next few years, Mark laments the dwindling time he has with them and revisits haunting childhood memories. . ... (read more)

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Evocative Prose

In her second book of collected poetry, the author has organized her musings and insights into six categories. Each chapter follows the themes of home, animals, places, riddles, caffeine and wine, and family respectively. The home chapter is the most explored, following memories of homemaking and raising children with all the energy and chaos they can bring. The chapter on animals considers the impact of family pets and wonders what life would be like in animal form. The chapter on places recalls old residences and other colorful memories of location. When writing on the theme of riddles, the poet considers things that are somewhat contradictory or mysterious about life. Not surprisingly, the chapter on caffeine and wine is a treat for the sense of taste, using language to express flavor. Finally, when exploring the topic of family, Goka revisits the endless tasks of homemaking, as well as considering her dual role as both mother and child. ... (read more)

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The Unexpected

Highlight Review Mom's Gone Missing: When a Parent’s Changing Life Upends Yours by Susan A. Marshall HenschelHAUS Publishing book review by Michelle Jacobs "Working with someone whose mental capabilities are compromised is a constant exercise in patience and acceptance." When Susan Marshall gets the phone call from her brother telling her that her mother is missing, she is shocked to find that her mother is descending into dementia just months after her father has succumbed to Alzheimer's. Marshall finds herself wholly unprepared to face the myriad of decisions that arise as she navigates the health, financial, and legal issues that come with caring for her mother. In addition, she must untangle the frustrations and expectations of her siblings when they lose both parents within ten months of each other. Exploring aging, dying, and caregiving issues, Marshall shares her singular experience as a daughter coming to terms with the past and all its choices, forking paths, and a future without her parents. Her account movingly connects to universal truths and familiar tribulations that offer readers comfort and support. Marshall views her writing and reflection as "a hand extended," which is a fitting gesture that matches the words and revelatory stories in this memoir. This honest story of caring for her mother is truly an offering to those seeking another's experience of preparing for and watching a parent slowly diminish from dementia or Alzheimer's. ... (read more)

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Social Scene

Kirchner paints a bleak, highly controversial picture of humanity's future in his debut novel that is reminiscent of other dystopian masterpieces like The Matrix. Kirchner places the reader in the mind of its protagonist, Tommy (or "TeePee" as his raving fan base calls him), to ponder whether privacy and independence are more important than a constant connection with others on a level that is beyond words. Like The Matrix's Neo, Tommy is metaphorically "unplugged" from the technological world he has been rooted in and forced to make a difficult choice: join a band of independent thinkers, known as the Ketchen, who dream of a revolution that will free the minds of all, or re-integrate himself back into the Hive, to be embraced by the love and adoration of eight million people. ... (read more)

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Wisdom

Highlight Review Harnessing the Power of Grief by Julie Potter, MSW, LCSW MSI Press book review by Barbara Bamberger Scott "Exploring the many ways grief may manifest helps you to accept what you are experiencing as normal and to accept the experience of others." With her background in coordinating hospital-based bereavement programs, author Potter presents a depth of information for anyone in the midst of grief, anticipating grieving circumstances, or looking back on the intensity of loss and reacting to that memory. She examines the way different cultures, past and present, accept and incorporate grief. She presents four "tasks" for the grieving person to follow: accepting the reality of loss, experiencing the pain, adjusting to the world without a loved one, and embarking on a new life that will include rituals and reminders of the departed. Variables include whether the death is sudden or expected, whether the grief begins with a gradual loss (as in the case of a partner with Alzheimer's), how the death changes our routines of life, and factors impacted by our particular psychological make-up. Potter also provides suggestions for friends of the bereaved and reminds readers that though a grieving person often feels isolated, "we are all in this together alone." ... (read more)

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The Christian Experience

Christian artist and musician Harjo has constructed a thorough, thoughtful treatise focusing on the ideal relationship between human beings and God. She begins with a basic view of that relationship, questioning the reader in clear, rational terms. Do we worship the stars or God who made them? Do we believe that worldly knowledge can save us, or must we look beyond, to an "authoritative Truth that cannot be compromised"? In what do we base our identity? What is our ultimate, utmost purpose? By this means, the author stretches the mind beyond its usual realms of spiritual examination. She is not eclectic but selective in her guidance towards leading a God-centered life. She decries some televangelism as a kind of religious "junk food" and suggests that certain sorts of worship emphasize apparent miracles and wonders rather than their source. She warns that one can be a "nominal" Christian who simply takes in a few spoonsful of religion on a regular basis with the appeal of elaborate rituals, a phenomenon she calls "churchianity." ... (read more)

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Rapid-Fire

Highlight Review My Book of Revelations: Stories that burst the bubble of believability by Gerry Burke iUniverse book review by Kate Robinson "Who represents the typical American psyche more than Homer Simpson?" Fans of the twisted and quirky will embrace this compendium of tales that range from fan fiction to fractured fairy tales to alternate history, then emerge at the end with undampened enthusiasm for the brilliance that almost masquerades at times as kitsch. With an impressive collection of published novels, short stories, and essays to his credit, Australian humorist Burke has practiced his craft thoroughly before penning this award-winning volume. In addition to the fantasies, magical realism, and the downright weird noir, Burke also presents numerous parodies of popular literary and film characters as well as real-life celebrities. Even the story subtitles, much like the intertitles of silent movies, will leave readers in stitches. ... (read more)

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Liberation From Self

Demonstrating the dichotomy between a life lived in two entirely different worlds, Jones holds nothing back in describing her own journey and providing a pathway for others to achieve the same level of peace. At its core, the narrative is an opportunity to experience authentic introspection and tackle heavy topics like anger and resentment head-on. ... (read more)

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Top of His Game

Highlight Review And Throw Away the Skins by Scott Archer Jones Fomite book review by Joe Kilgore "All things on earth, both good and bad, last only a little while." Good books have advantages over good friends. Like friends, they can provide diversion, comfort, and the sharing of a plethora of emotions; but unlike friends, you don’t need to take their feelings, needs, or desires into account. You can gobble them up in massive chunks or simply nibble at them now and then, returning only when you decide to do so. Good books never feel slighted, nor do they ever take offense. Yes, good books have their advantages, and Scott Archer Jones writes good books. This is one of them.... (read more)

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Not Said

Willow Stewart's spirit is as fiery as her curtain of red hair. Hers is the hardscrabble existence of a lifelong Appalachian in the early 1920s. She can't speak and has never made a sound in her fifteen years. Her brother Briar was banished fifteen months ago. Then her newborn brother dies, her mother falls ill enough to do likewise, and she must summon a traveling preacher from town and send a message to Briar inviting him to return, considering the circumstances. ... (read more)

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Circular Paths

Published posthumously, Natale's work is a roadmap teaching readers to use love and compassion as armor against limitations like fear, conventional thinking, and numerous other vulnerabilities, ultimately stressing that knowledge on the mental, physical, and especially spiritual level is locked within us. True self-discovery is the best teacher. While the text is imbued with valuable lessons, it is the combination of the author's willful sharing of his own authentic experiences, such as growing up in Brooklyn and an innate ability to simplify complex topics (especially death, energy meditations, and the transformational rites of passage) that makes Natale's work both universally relatable and highly applicable. ... (read more)

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Dark & Sinister

In this dark, psychological collection, readers visit the fringes of terror and the darkest depths of the human psyche. Murdering husbands thrive on revenge regardless of the consequences. An anonymous voice possesses the power to brainwash a nation and forever transform the American landscape. A mysterious woman walks her cat in Paris and reveals a sinister secret to a questioning passerby. Readers also find stories of rogue assassins ready to turn their lives around, only to find that karma has different plans for them, and enter realms in which a person's preference in wines is a measure of their character. By the book's end, readers have traveled to the past, where the laws of the Wild West reign supreme, and independent men are tested not only by the harshness of nature but also the hostility that grows with the slightest provocation between fellow humans. ... (read more)

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Command of Language

Probing into the deepest recesses of the mind uncovers the utter monstrosities that are in an ever-present tug of war with human goodness, virtue, and morality. This madness is on full display through the lens of protagonist Alyssa Brown, a newly minted psychologist. Genghis uses the trio of philosophy, religion, and psychology to explore the depths of the human mind. What ensues is a thrilling and thought-provoking masterpiece, a commentary on what it means to know the dark side of humanity and still live with hope. ... (read more)

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Irreverent, Hysterical

From the initial disclaimer to the end of the book, this is an extremely funny book that examines life's vulgarities while focusing on a near-death experience (NDE) the author had as a young woman. She considered herself, as a non-practicing Jew, to be a "Closet Agnostic." When she died for eight minutes, she experienced a feeling of floating, going through a tunnel with white light, and having a very interesting and confusing conversation with God after doing a few too many 'shrooms and heroin. ... (read more)

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Evolution

This collection of papers tries to scientifically and evolutionarily explain how humans biochemically became the intellectuals they are. Written for those interested in tying together multidisciplinary sciences, this compilation fills a niche that needs filling. ... (read more)

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Full Engagement

This novel is a highly imaginative romp through a world made of mediums, necromancers, werewolves, werebears, and naga-snakes. Then there is the sidhe, or faerie folk, who it seems are very ancient, very opulently attired, and given to petty court intrigues amped up to a ten. The heroine is Zoë Delante, a young female medium who "sees" murder victims and, therefore, can help police solve cases. A phone call from a snake-man (like a werewolf but changes into a snake) named Seth causes Zoë to shake off some of the grief that the death of two of her police colleagues some time before. Seth has Zoë fly to Sierra Vista in Arizona to investigate the sudden appearance of her dead father's body. Only her father has been dead for a long time, and his body looks twenty years younger. However, her appearance in Sierra Vista has kicked off an enormous host of paranormal beings intent on killing her. ... (read more)

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Transformation

In this epic novel of historical proportions, readers enter the often brutal world of the Ostrogoths, Visigoths, and Romans. Among these groups are a band of refugees. With their homes decimated, these refugees search across Europe for a new home, and some are even forced to fight in the ranks of the Roman army. Among the refugees is Alaric, a bold and defiant boy who will eventually rise to one of the greatest roles in history—the first king of the Visigoths. Readers also follow the tumultuous histories that ultimately shaped the modern world and are quickly lured into one of the most fascinating periods of history. As the rise of violence and the desire for peace and unification rise, they learn not only the intriguing tale of Alaric's rise to power but also the rarely heard stories from the everyday people who lived behind the scenes of those who ruled. ... (read more)

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Unraveling

Though the story takes place in 2044, it spans six decades, commencing with a unique encounter in Provincetown, Massachusetts, between Joe Tink and Beth Sturgess, a sixteen-year-old who has run away from home and makes a living as a prostitute. Progressing through time and the vantage point of multiple characters, Danenbarger's time-bending novel explores the depths of darkness in the human mind, taking readers through the backstories of the pertinent characters in an effort to help audiences understand the experiences and circumstances that create the litany of flawed characters. In the midst of all the darkness, however, is a beacon of hope, highlighted by a seemingly magical and timely note that comes to Joe: "We dream of the better times. If we did not believe this, life would be unbearable." ... (read more)

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Certain Grace

Rarely do the secular and the spiritual so smoothly intertwine. In this collection inspired by radio favorites and cross-genre hits, readers discover a musical world where songs by some high-profile musical stars that many would not associate with the spiritual or the religious encourage an introspective narrator. The narrator looks inward, examines life in correlation with the Bible, and recites verses that reveal personal hardships and unexpected survival. ... (read more)

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True Roots

Not many can trace their family back to the late fourteenth century. The Ràfols-Insenser family will fascinate readers as they learn how the family moved from Catalunya, Spain, to Cuba and the United States. The whole family exemplifies talent, tenacity, and a dash of terrestrial restlessness.

The author considers studies on immigrant successes in general. He notes that audacity, a touch of insecurity, and patience are all components of immigrant success stories. This evokes interest about how this applies to all readers' immigrant relatives. Ràfols himself is an immigrant success story, as a world-class pianist with a doctorate in music. But the story gets even richer as he details his roots. ... (read more)

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Unforgettable Story

Lost and adrift in the foster care system, Eban retreats to the ocean, where he is drawn to a pod of bottlenose dolphins that he discovers swimming near his coastal town. Initially, he connects to the patterns of sounds coming from the dolphins. As he spends more time with the pod, he begins to see these amazing animals as the family that has eluded him all his life. In a lovely twist on the coming-of-age tale, Eban joins the pod of dolphins and escapes into a world he chooses rather than remain to suffer in the human world that leaves him sad and disconnected. Growing up with the dolphins as his family, Eban becomes a beautiful bridge and healing force for animals and humans. With a deep knowledge of the oceans and the needs of dolphins, Eban is able to channel his experience into environmental activism, and his life becomes an inspirational call to action for all young people. ... (read more)

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Emotionally Charged

Candelaria is one of many women in this story. She discovers her true self, and the power to thrive, after surviving multiple traumas: the loss of her family's home and parents when she was a child and, later, the loss of her husband as well as her feeling of responsibility for a difficult son. Ultimately, she rejoices in her Mexican and Native-American heritage and a rare ability to tell stories. Those epiphanies, as well as positive relationships with her daughter, Rosa, and a determined woman named Esther, Candelaria's good and bad memories of her past, a spiritual counselor, a connection to her mother that transcends death, and other major transitions help Candelaria to develop a life that is liberated from rage and fear, a life that becomes personally empowering. ... (read more)

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Original Portal Fantasy

A bright young man named Tyler Charles accompanies his aunt Meg on a trip to Italy when the camp he had planned to attend is closed unexpectedly. Once there, though, he is sucked through a portal into the past and meets a girl named Lyly, who has been trapped in a two-dimensional landscape within the titular wallpaper for over two hundred and fifty years. Lyly explains that she was imprisoned by a magician named Joroku at the behest of a rich noble, the father of the boy to whom she had been engaged. In defiance of her parents, Lyly had fallen in love and run away with a boy named Patrick, who has spent the past couple of centuries in the form of a cat, seeking to be reunited with his beloved. Tyler must find a way to restore the pair and return to his own time. ... (read more)

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Ancient Beliefs in Modern Times

Using what he has learned in his thirty years of travel in the study of archaeological sites around the world, Kreger offers a comprehensive work that traces the origin of many of our holiday traditions to Neolithic beliefs. The author constructs a "Wheel of Time"—"a complete and concise model of all the special days of the year observed by our ancestors and what they might have meant to them." He discusses ancient sites across the world erected to mark the changing of seasons by following the movements of the sun and moon. Such sites as Stonehenge, Kokino Observatory, and Machu Picchu are discussed, as are places in North America. Many illustrations of the wheel which emphasize and explain his premise are included. Kreger also refers to literature, such as the writings of Julius Caesar, the Venerable Bede, and the various legends of King Arthur to further expound upon his conclusions. ... (read more)

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Epic Journey

In this novel of fantastic proportions, readers follow the mysterious Azrael, also known as the Angel of Death. As Azrael learns about his true identity and reckons with his teacher, Drexus, readers join him in a divided world, where all who possess unique gifts must decide whether or not they use their gifts for good or evil. Azrael makes a life-changing and identity-altering decision: he undergoes a procedure that gives him magic. Soon, he finds that the original group who accepted him, the Hunters and the Watch Guard, are now against him. Readers see Azrael develop into something he never imagined he could be—a being with a conscience. Azrael goes on his journey of the self, where the people he once vowed to kill are now his closest friends. ... (read more)

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Box Turtle Tale

A bashful and humble turtle overcomes the powerful temptation to retreat into his shell and shares a gift he did not know he was capable of giving in this new book by children's author Bate. Santa Fe Tom, a Desert Box Turtle, wakes up one morning in sunny New Mexico, ready to arise from hibernation. He becomes alert quickly as he hears a summons from other desert dwellers Ray Roadrunner, Quincy Quail, Molly Mockingbird, and Paul Prairie dog. It's time for them to get moving, as they are preparing a big birthday surprise for someone who lives in Critter Town. ... (read more)

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Light in Darkness

Opening with elegant photographs that detail the contrast between the darkness and the light, this book immediately transports readers into a meditative realm. As readers travel from poem to short story and photograph to photograph, they enter a world where image and word triptych work together to form a visual and verbal poetic experience. The poem-short story-photograph combination allows readers to choose which experience they desire, and the reader also has the power to decide when the experiences merge. That in itself makes this collection a standout from others. ... (read more)

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Mormon Trials

Gabriel Romain is a young doctor among the Mormons who began relocating to the city of "Far West," Missouri, taking refuge after the church's financial speculations in Kirtland, Ohio, had failed. By 1838 there were more than four thousand Mormons in Far West. This novel joins Gabe and his sister Marie, escaped slave Eb, his friend Nathaniel, and others as they re-orient themselves in this new place. Tension builds again between believers and other Missouri citizens, culminating in Governor Boggs's infamous "exterminating order" after mustering 2,500 militia troops to put down the "Mormon rebellion." Joseph and Hyrum Smith negotiated a surrender by October of 1838, and the body of believers once again forfeited their property and rights to gain safe passage to Illinois. Most of the novel concerns Gabriel's wedding to Bethia, who seems to suffer from depression, and his encounter with the rapidly changing circumstances of life in Nauvoo, Illinois. ... (read more)

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Role Reversal

Love's ability to transcend the most difficult of circumstances and persist is best exemplified by this heartwarming story of Matthew and Carol Crane. While the story opens up with Matthew on a flight to Aruba, his sixteenth trip there, the entire story is narrated as a flashback to another passenger who happens to be a clinical psychologist. The Cranes' love story is decidedly central to the novel's progression. However, when Matthew falls into a seemingly unbreakable slumber, the exploration of the scientific and metaphysical is equally intriguing. ... (read more)

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Positive Ways

Dr. Ron Kaiser, director of psychology at the Jefferson Headache Center at Thomas Jefferson University, brings his enthusiasm and expertise to bear in this small gem of a self-help book. It can easily be read in one sitting and is a valuable library resource to refer to again and again. Though aimed primarily at an audience of aging readers by an octogenarian author, people of all ages will find inspiration in Kaiser's personal life and his embrace of proactive elements that can easily be applied to strengthening the mastery of maintaining a positive mindset, developing strengths to overcome adversity, and creating authentic joy and a zest for life. ... (read more)

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Russian Dilemma

Readers enter the esoteric world of Russian society, beliefs, and national and international politics in this relevant and insightful book. In an in-depth overview of the Russian people's perceptions of Gorbachev and Yeltsin, the author explores the incidences and legislation that have led to Vladimir Putin's current rise to power in modern-day Russia. The book also transports readers through Russia's relationships with Cuba and Serbia, and it carefully examines the fall of the Soviet Union and the consequences of that fall. The author also explains why many modern-day Russians perceive Vladimir Putin as a capable leader. Lastly, the narrative places Russia on the international stage, a place where few readers may think Russia has a great sphere of influence. The book documents Russia's role on this stage in correlation to countries like America and Britain. ... (read more)

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Next Step

Young readers discover that bodily functions are not so taboo in a colorful exploration of human life and the natural world. Children learn that everyone from newborn babies to grandparents, and every creature from dogs and cats to seagulls and fish, pees "Every single day. Just like all of us do." Whether it's in toilets, litter boxes, in the sea, high up in the trees, or "underground where nobody sees," this playful book asserts that everyone on the planet pees. After showing young readers that the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, and even Santa Claus pees, the book ends on a positive note: "Just..like…YOU! And I'm so very proud of you!" ... (read more)

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Touching Self-Help

Along life's every corner, Betty has experienced a seemingly never-ending cycle of traumatic events that threaten to completely absorb her essence, her light. While the text itself is a short read, there are numerous points where the reader must simply stop, take a deep breath, and imagine how terrified the author must have been as life dealt her blow after blow. Nevertheless, amidst all the darkness and trauma of the content is embedded a promise of hope and light, that regardless of how difficult one's circumstances get, we can rise to greater heights with the right mindset. t ... (read more)

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Confessions

What does God look like? In this novel, sculptor Martin Drake hasn't had any reason to wonder until a billionaire commissions him to sculpt the face of God for an orphanage and school in Brazil. A New York artist, Martin has grown cynical over years of wining and dining with rich people who buy the art he conceives but doesn't make himself. Father Manoel, the priest in charge of the creche in Brazil, helps Martin face the situation he's made for himself and inspires him to create once again. ... (read more)

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Adoption Challenges

In this thought-provoking novel, readers enter the lives of three women tied together by one life-changing place, the Magnolia Home Hospital. Though their stories, backgrounds, and upbringings differ greatly in some cases, these three unwed women are pregnant during a time when unwed mothers have few options. As readers encounter a society that forces such women to return to their home lives as though nothing ever happened, they find themselves embroiled in a decades-long battle against the expectations of society. A web of forced secrecy threatens to unravel a Kennedy-esque political family on the American stage. Readers will also find themselves engaged in moral and social conversations that demand reform for one of the most conflicted, misunderstood, and controversial areas of American social and family life: adoption. ... (read more)

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Remembering the Alamo

Rosana is the lovely and eligible youngest daughter of wealthy plantation owners Phillip and Rosemary Cato. To young schoolteacher William Travis, she seems like the perfect potential wife. Anxious to please his new in-laws, William begins to print a newspaper, a job he hates. But flirtatious Rosana is more experienced with men than any debutante should be. Marriage and motherhood soon bore her, and she has an affair. William must flee after killing a man in a case of self-defense related to Rosana's honor after a dalliance leaves her pregnant for the second time. ... (read more)

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Changing Times

A young man's journey from intellectual observer to committed participant is explored in this chronicle of America's chaotic times in the early 1970s. As the Vietnam War becomes more involved and less popular, its effects begin to change lives in the United States as well as Southeast Asia. College campuses become hotbeds of dissent and protest. Then, when four students at Kent State are shot and killed by the National Guard, one individual is forced to look within himself to determine whether his approach to life will be simply cerebral or as real as it gets. ... (read more)

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Vietnam Retold

Twins Matt and Max Conklin are mesmerized by the depictions of the Vietnam War broadcast from their television set in 1963. As in many families during this time, they have vastly different ideas from their World War II veteran father concerning the morality and legality of the war. Seniors in high school, they receive deferments to attend college. Though they are twins and have doubts about the feasibility of a continued American presence in Vietnam, they take very different steps in dealing with their dilemma. Max joins the ROTC to join the military as an officer after college and work as an enlisted journalist. Matt, on the other hand, pursues his interest in the arts and majors in English education. Ever the romantic, Matt marries his college sweetheart, a manipulative, self-centered woman whom he finds less and less intriguing. After college, Max goes to Vietnam as a journalist while Matt takes a draft deferment to teach in an impoverished school district. Though their lives are completely different, they find a common element in their increased dislike of the war and distrust of the government's handling of the conflict and its rhetoric to the American people. ... (read more)

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Practical Advice

Tyner's reference book serves as a comprehensive primer on the benefits of inclusive leadership, as well as a practical handbook for leaders in any organizational setting aiming to achieve, in real terms, greater diversity, equity, and inclusion. The volume is set into four primary sections, including developing core leadership competencies, team-building strategies, creating an inclusive workplace, and leadership as social justice. Tyner characterizes inclusive leaders as ones "who are aware of their own biases and preferences, and actively seek out and consider different views and perspectives to inform better decision-making." Here, leaders recognize "diverse talent as a source of competitive advantage" and inspire people to initiate "organizational and individual performance towards a shared vision." Arguing that outdated metaphors and oversimplification of the idea of "diversity" are no longer sufficient, Tyner instead presents a fresh perspective, beginning with assessing one's own leadership story, then offering tools for cultivating diverse talent while addressing such negative factors as implicit bias, privilege, cultural taxation, and micro-aggressions. ... (read more)

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Struggles & Rejoice

In his eye-opening and thought-provoking memoir about his autistic son, Jimmy, Strode has put an incredible effort in not only inspiring parents but also building a bridge between those who don't have a good understanding of autism. Born in 2007 and diagnosed in 2009 with autism, Jimmy was surrounded by a plethora of resources and love, but that didn't mean raising him would be easy for Strode and his wife. Initially, the shock of his diagnosis was overwhelming, but they were able to move past the initial misconceptions of autism and embrace their son for who he is. Along the way, Strode learned that, more often than not, the advice he received from experts was not as effective as what he figured out worked for Jimmy. It wasn't that expert advice on such matters should be ignored, but rather that it wasn't foolproof. As this narrative proves, parents are often the ones with the expert opinion due to their personal experiences with their offspring and the most qualified to meet their child's needs ... (read more)

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Prayer & Release

In this vibrant collection of poems and other approaches to her deeply held faith, such as prayers and gentle reminders, writer Offerman examines the many ways that people's relationship with God can affect their lives and the lives of those around them. In some cases, the poet "speaks" in the voice of God, as when one is reminded to "ask and I will supply fresh manna like the morning dew" or prodded with questioning such as "Do you not realize that I am all you need?" More often, Offerman is exploring her own faith in its many guises. She sees herself at times "living in horrible sin" or, in a more mundane mode, wondering how to have joy "when problems haven't changed." Her experience ranges from the exhilaration of sacred moments of feeling God's presence to her recognition of how easy it is to squander one's time when one should instead be glorying in every precious moment of life. ... (read more)

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Deferred Dreams

Pifher, a retired lawyer and world traveler living in Colorado, effectively depicts the story of Tom O’Brien, a journalist who has lost his wife to cancer. The author uses the literary device of a shared narrative penned by a daughter, Katherine (or Katie), who is twenty-one, and her dying father, who is fifty-seven. Hardly a cheerful book, strained family relations emerge as well as a chain of deaths, a murder conviction, the realization of a sure death in prison, unemployment, cerebral palsy, a fifteen-year-old losing her mother, and other tragic events, such as sexual harassment and assault in a congressional office and exposure of hidden secrets and vulnerabilities. ... (read more)

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Coming of Age

Through high school student Padmini "Mini" Kapoor, Bajpai has done a commendable job of capturing the essence of the Indian (Punjabi) culture, from its incredibly high societal expectations for children and often utter disdain for marrying out of "caste" to the bangle-wearing, sindoor-donning new bride and the all-out marathon "dhol-dhamaka" that is the Indian wedding. Though the story centers on Mini's unyielding resolve to organize a Bollywood-esque wedding for her sister, Vinnie, it digs several layers deeper, revolving around the numerous relationships in Mini's orbit. ... (read more)

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Treat All Well

At its core, Harrison's children's story is heartwarming, both in the rhythmic nature of the writing and the dazzling illustrations. Split into two parts featuring Lynn and Bully's unexpected union and the story of Thumbelina, the cat who yearns to go outside, the narrative digs deeper than just a stirring story. It touches on many essentials, such as building a strong understanding of animal welfare and ensuring that they are treated with unconditional love and respect. The reason these are so important is because many animals are entirely dependent on humans. ... (read more)

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Unique Genre Offering

The year is 2157, where the opening narrator declares in an anti-Melville tone, "Please do not call me Electra." From there, life and adventure unfold as Eve, Nari, and Electra (also known as Irani) navigate professional lives and an ever-changing, pandemic-ridden world. Readers follow Eve through a brutal attack that leaves her struggling in silence, fearful of sharing her experience with anyone. The book also heavily examines philosophies important to Western society, including those of philosophers like Kant. Meanwhile, the world grapples with the X-virus, and the heroic crew shuffles through the I-vac development process, which political connections have the power to expedite. By the book's end, readers have traveled through a multitude of evolving situations, where individual needs vie against the collective good, and the power of friendship and loyalty prevail. ... (read more)

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Novel Times

The concept of working from home has existed since at least 1973 when that year's oil embargo severely limited automotive travel. From then until 2019, it remained almost exclusively a perk for those high on the corporate ladder. Then the COVID-19 pandemic overtook the world, and, for many of those who didn't lose their jobs outright, working from home became the only option to keep businesses running. It allowed caregivers to stay home with their dependents, for example, but it also led to distraction from work by responsibilities at home and to increased isolation and depression among quarantined or socially distanced workers. Corporate culture has broken down as solitude has fostered feelings of professional isolation and personal loneliness. The home, once a place of respite from office worries, has also become an extension of the workplace. Are improving air quality and cleaner water sufficient incentives to continue this trend when COVID-19 ends? ... (read more)

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Loyalty & Harmony

In this entertaining story for elementary school students, the narrator, a dog named Doc, first impresses the reader with his eccentric pedigree. His "family tree can be traced back to a sapling in Germany." He then charms them with his leadership qualities, adventures, and misadventures in hunting and as a member of a pack of five siblings. Through their cooperation with and care for one another, the German shorthaired pointers, as their breed is called, and a Labrador retriever work together to survive various experiences. Attempted dognapping by a human named Big Bad Carl introduces the adventures. The definition of a family becomes more of an emotional rather than a strictly genealogical group, as the family includes Zeke, the Labrador, with the pointer siblings and their offspring. ... (read more)

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Action-Packed

Willie is a unique young crow. He is learning to fly, but not without some challenges. It is during one of his practice flights that he meets Doc and Patch, two hunting dogs. Crows and dogs do not normally interact, but this is no ordinary crow. He begins spending time with this family of dogs. Patch, still a puppy, loves to chase Willie. They learn about each other as they play. However, Patch’s Uncle Zeke is not thrilled with this new friendship. One day, Patch gets into a dangerous situation. Willie is frightened but jumps into action. He calls her dad and brother to rescue her. They all must work together—even Uncle Zeke— if they are going to save her. ... (read more)

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Instruments Alive

Saxophone is being left out. Woodwind instruments do not want to play with her because she is made of brass and looks different. The brass instruments do not want to play with her because she does not have a brass mouthpiece. In despair, she finds Piano in the corner. Piano is also having a hard time finding someone with whom to play. Although they are different, the two instruments decide to try to play together. They realize that together they make a new sound. As the other instruments hear this new sound, they start partnering with different instruments and discover they can make new sounds too. They soon all realize that each instrument is unique and different and, by joining their differences, none of them need to be alone. They can create distinct sounds together. ... (read more)

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The Eyes Have It

A story for early learners, this book is not only a nice introduction to the five senses but also a good mystery. It begins with a biblical quote regarding love. The tale then introduces Gil, a little boy who is late to school and misses having a snack with his classmates and teacher. Because he knows he wants to be a detective when he grows up, he decides to use his sleuthing skills to solve the mystery of what the classmates ate for their snacks. He does this by asking his teacher and peers what they tasted, smelled, saw, heard, and felt. The reader is then invited to help Gil figure out what everyone in the class ate. In the end, the questions are answered, and the reader is congratulated for helping to solve the mystery. ... (read more)

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A Masterful Job

On the surface, what appears to be a text delving into the perfect storm that was the 2016 presidential election is far more. Weaving in philosophy and psychology, Jabbour delivers an ideal balance of observation, analysis, and research to grab readers' intrigue irrespective of their political affiliations. ... (read more)

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Pleasant Read

The adventures of Willie the Crow and the Lazy Dog Hacienda continue in this collection of short tales between the loyal but stubborn pack run by Doc and the selfish but well-meaning schemes of the near-sighted Willie the Crow. Willie's current obsession is getting in through the dog door, so he can snack on the dog food without being detected. But his plans are constantly foiled by the chaotic and energetic dogs of the pack. Determined to make peace, Willie offers Doc some shiny wrappers as a truce. However, this leads to the dogs finding out about the treats Willie earns from their master by pecking on the fridge. The secret exchange is given away when a local news crew comes out to film Willie's trick and make him a bit of a local celebrity. ... (read more)

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Stripping Away Confusion

In this simplified yet substantial version of the Bible's virtues, Hames provides the opportunity for people of all walks to experience an awakening by learning to break through limiting beliefs. At its core, the work is a roadmap for humanity to transition from the human physical world to God's spiritual one, an antidote of sorts to humanity's ailments. ... (read more)

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Insightful

A dedicated Lutheran minister offers an enlightening look at scripture and the life of Christians from earliest times to the present day. Zimany opens his book in the section entitled "The Church Year," with an exploration of the meaning of Christmas. He asserts that it isn't sufficient to be and feel friendlier, more giving, at that season. People must be like the grain of wheat described by Jesus: as a dead and useless thing, it could only prosper and bear fruit when it was willing to "give up being what it was" and allow itself to be planted and thenceforth productive. Also included in Zimany's examination of the church year are sermons concerning Advent, Epiphany, Lent, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter, and Pentecost. The author parses all of these time-honored commemorations for intensified meaning that takes into account their history and original purpose. He presents an unusually frank position, holding that many of the treasured stories that Christians cherish are, as in the case of the three wise men who visited the baby Jesus, simply "legendary material" meant to promote symbolism, and indeed, to put finer focus on concepts beyond the limited celebration of the birth of Jesus. The star that guided the Magi, for example, can signify "that the Lord of the Universe" has come—a far more powerful message than can be conveyed in the "sentimentality" of many common Christmas routines. ... (read more)

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Real & Gentle

Tom Davis is a decent, well-intentioned man of faith plagued by loss, grief, and alcoholism. After the funeral of his son, Eli, Tom begins to tell a retrospective of his life to a woman, Deb, who has attended the service. Tom is questioning his value as a man and whether or not he has been anything but a failure in his relationships with his children, Eli and Jess, and his late wife, Emily, whose death years before during a storm left Tom foundering, questioning, and drinking. ... (read more)

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Emotional Density

Two dozen poems fill the pages of this book of poetry and photography written to create an immediate connection between the poet's heart and those of her readers. Familiar subjects of poetry like unrequited love or the encapsulation of a moment with a young child that one wants to freeze and preserve forever sit alongside topical reflections on global pandemics or loving a soldier called to serve in hostile, faraway lands. Each piece is brief but wastes no time in directly addressing the most jubilant or painful emotions, recording them in a distinct and confident voice. Offering up her personal and private thoughts onto the page for all to read, these poems are intense in their emotions but uplifting in the many avenues for love they illustrate in just one poet's life. ... (read more)

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Contemporary Poetry

In self-admissions and deep confessions, readers find an honest voice in every poem of this collection. As readers enter each section of the book, they enter a new conversation with the speaker. In pieces like "A Liberating Death," readers discover the healing power of poetry and the reckoning it can bring to one's past: "For the rhymes in these lines bring light to their crimes." In other poems like "I Stand Before You with Love (Part 3)," the speaker establishes an identity in prayer-like, humble confessions of the heart. Other poems such as "Bleached Equity" make a social and political declaration relevant to modern-day America: "I was appointed by my ancestors, / Anointed with the blood of fallen protestors." ... (read more)

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Adapt & Change

People, in general, tend to explain away some of their worst decisions or actions as human nature, human behavior, or with the expression, "I'm only human." In this book, the author describes that humanity is not defined by these instinctual, reflexive choices but rather by the ability to learn, adapt, and define a sense of self and rules to live by through observation, reflection, and contemplation. Chapter by chapter, big existential questions are examined through this lens, whether driven by faith or logic. The key to happiness is so frequently tied with liberty, and a strong case is made in this book that it is through one's own agency that a person can find room for improving their life and making the most of each moment and opportunity granted. ... (read more)

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Frank Portrait

Twenty authors share their heartfelt essays of connection with Anne Frank, the young diarist who, for many people, is their first connection with the horrors of the Jewish Holocaust. Compiled by Anne's father from her diary, Anne Frank: Diary of a Young Girl, as it is known in English, has become a familiar classic. Anne, who aspired to be a journalist, received a diary on her thirteenth birthday on June 12, 1942, and almost immediately began to record her thoughts and the details of her family's and other residents' daily lives in "the annex," as they called the three-story apartment over her father's business where they hid during 1942-1944. ... (read more)

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A Life Trajectory

Memoir, poetry, essay, and story converge in this anthology from a Florida writers group. With multiple selections from each contributing member, the collection works as a body of evocative personal writing and also as the story of a dedicated, structured writing community committed to its craft, the revision process, and the benefits and challenges of committing to and participating in a group. ... (read more)

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A Music Environment

The face of music education in this country has changed many times over the years, whether due to budget constraints or standardization of curriculums. The changes are perhaps the most pronounced in the modern era, with more children being homeschooled or engaged in distance learning through computers and broadband internet. The E-Z Notation Through Rhythm Method introduces basic musical concepts like the notes on a scale, basic sheet music, and time signatures using several simple exercises, do-it-yourself instrument creation, and even colorful puppet characters. Children can quickly pick up the fundamentals of music and even songwriting using this simple color-coded and mnemonic system and open a door to understanding music regardless of budget, classroom size, or school structure. Teachers of children of any age can use these lessons as the groundwork for introducing children to the foundations of all music and composition. ... (read more)

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Working Through

Two stories of young girls encountering life-changing experiences in the same enchanted forest comprise this book. In the first, a petulant, somewhat spoiled girl named Shaylee (a.k.a. "Miss Grumpy Shaylee") is taught a lesson in maturity via the effects of selfishness on personal perceptions and development and its impact on the larger society. A dwarf entices her into the belief that her dearest wish will come true, but only if Shaylee is able to rid herself of selfishness. Shaylee's subsequent lessons are dramatic and, finally, instructive.... (read more)

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Life Well-Lived

Aliberti writes torrents of fast-moving, colorful prose. He sprints and soars, propelling the reader through the lives of Italian immigrants in California and then through a mishmash of the families, precarious living situations, odd jobs, schools, illnesses, wheeling and dealing of savings and loans, construction projects, businesses, and sports teams of their firstborn. The author makes one thing perfectly clear: how in all the scramble, the innocence of youth is very easily and early lost. Joey seems to grow up in a couple of sentences, not just a couple of chapters. By the time his wife dies suddenly of an unexpected coronary event, the reader is also in the throes of shock, as Aliberti has so minutely recreated the traumatic experience. ... (read more)

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Mental Health

This book opens with the unique question, "At what age does one become a mystic?" It then examines why beings such as fairies and angels appear to certain individuals and why mysterious events happen to others. From there, the reflections in this book take a personal, almost confessional turn that incorporates experience and self-reflection. The book then introduces readers to Buddhist and mystic philosophies and the power of Vedic astrology, which redirects the narrator onto a different, unexpected life path. At its core, readers discover Shealy's true intent—to fuse spirituality and medicine. This is because, as the author advocates, "there is no life without the spiritual, mystical component!" In 1984, however, the author's life changed after meeting Caroline Myss, a woman who claims to be able to make diagnoses without knowing the patients. Shealy then met G, and a mystical, spiritual journey subsequently unfolds, inviting readers to follow the light and the guidance these pages have to offer. ... (read more)

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Story Within a Story

In this cheerful and colorful children's picture book, a little, yellow, striped zebra named Zippy and his best friend, Elly (a blue and polka-dotted elephant) travel along in their imagined adventures in Rhyme Time. One friend makes up a line of a story, and the other responds with a sentence that rhymes. Zippy is excited to teach Elly the game, and soon the two are reciting, on the spot, a story about a "man named Bill" who "lived on the side of a hill." Their silly character "liked to go into town" and liked to "play like a clown." Bankston's picture book is, in actuality, a story within a story. On one level, readers are experiencing the friendship and fun of the rhymed storytelling created by Zippy and Elly. At the same time, that same story they make in unison—about the man named Bill who loved chewing bubble gum—takes on a life of its own. And it is the latter that is sure to engage pre-readers, emerging readers, and early readers alike, focusing on the fun of making sound-alike rhymes. ... (read more)

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The Jersey Scene

The first appearance of the Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show in early 1964 set off a cultural earthquake in America that would reverberate through the rest of the decade. Thousands of young people picked up guitars and started their own bands, dreaming of fame and the glamour of the rock n' roll life. As teenage consumers grew more sophisticated, the late 1960s witnessed an explosion of complex, experimental music from the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Sly and the Family Stone, and Led Zeppelin. The simple love songs of the early British Invasion gave way to baroque pop, psychedelia, and heavy metal. But at the same time, American culture and politics were beginning to fracture under the strain of war, assassinations, and racial division. A rift was forming between teens and their parents over the growing aggression, sexuality, and drug use of rock n' roll. ... (read more)

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Ancestors

Growing up in a tiny Sicilian village was idyllic. Carolina loved the spectacular vistas, close-knit community, and the back-breaking work for everyday needs. She never really imagined any other life until she met a tall, mysterious stranger. How peculiar it was to have her perfectly content existence interrupted by a flood of new thoughts and feelings. The young couple began to bond as Nicolo prepared to report to the war front. He promised to return and marry Carolina. ... (read more)

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Dynamic Family

From all outside appearances, Joanie is living a glamorous real-life Cinderella story. She grew up poor in South Carolina. After finishing her law degree, she married James. He is the eldest son in a prestigious wealthy family. They have everything—houses, vacations, cars. It soon becomes evident that behind the façade, Joanie and James never loved each other. She is in love with another man: his brother Bobby. While they dive into a lustful affair that creates endless complications to their already messy lives, James occupies himself with building an empire. He fuels his self-destructive streak with nameless women and drugs. ... (read more)

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Scholarship

Prolific poet, essayist, and humorist Levenson has selected from each of his previous books published by Xlibris, adding to that amalgamation here. The result is remarkable for its range from pathos and life's ponderous events to irony, puns, and occasional near-slapstick comedy. He boldly asserts that laughter can be found even within Hebrew scripture (the Tanakh), characterizing the Book of Esther, surprisingly, as "the funniest book in the Bible." A lengthy, fair-minded critique of "A Poem for Grieving Friends and Loved Ones," composed by his son Judah, shows that there is always room for wider perspectives within a close-knit family. His brother Rob, daughter Aliza, and wife, Reva, are among the other family contributors, offering poems, reviews, memories, and general commentary. Levenson notes that the 2020 COVID restrictions have brought him closer to Reva, allowing them more time together. ... (read more)

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Work & Home

Expatriates who fled from Western Europe to Argentina during World War II—and who also own many shares in their new country's mining industry—attempt to manipulate the Argentine beef business. One long-standing ranch family, the DeCavalieres, stands up to these foreign tycoons, risking their lives to protect the family and Argentina from outside control. With the same tenacious spirit, the next and sixth generation of DeCavalieres confronts neighboring ranchers tempted to follow the expats' greedy example. The seventh generation defeats a gang of insurance scammers. Amidst espionage, kidnapping, and showdowns, romances flourish, and the family prevails. ... (read more)

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Magic of Love

In this depiction of a grandmother's wisdom, a three-year-old boy learns to mix, chop, and bake by the magic of love. Porter wants dessert, so Grandma suggests that he help her make an apple pie to be shared with his parents, using special magic that she will teach him. First, he learns the magic of the stepstool. By climbing up on it, he is suddenly at the right height to help at the kitchen counter. As he helps mix the ingredients, he is encouraged to think about how much he loves his parents and his little sister. That is how much magic he can put into the pie. The magic of cleanliness is found in washing his hands. When it's time to cut the apples, Grandma lets Porter use a sharp knife after warning him of its dangers. Crinkling the dough on top of the pie will seal in the love that Porter has put into his work. The pie even smells magical. Porter is proud to help Grandma deliver the pie to his parents. ... (read more)

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Skillful Writing

Melanie Chambers was born in South Carolina in the early twentieth century to a wealthy family. She lives in a breathtaking traditional mansion that her ancestors built as they arrived in America. Living in the house is not the only family tradition she keeps alive. The women in her bloodline are said to have a way of "knowing" things. Fortunately, they also kept their thoughts in detailed diaries. Another, more peculiar legacy is the regular presence of a ghost—that of her grandfather (many times removed), Josiah Jackson. He is a cousin of the more famous General Stonewall Jackson. Stranger still is the female relatives' ritual performance of spectrophilia with the ghost. ... (read more)

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Rythmic Words

In this very short book for young children, the author notes that she wrote and drew this while awaiting the birth of her grandson. His birth was "truly a perfect day for Grandma!" The story is about having a perfect day with the narrator being a duck who goes on various outings all day long. In a rhyming style, the little duck enjoys listening to the chickens, watching corn being shucked, watching the feed truck be filled, and splashing in the rain with a friend, Huck. The duck enjoys eating corn, playing with a turtle friend, flying around and not getting stuck in traffic, buying flowers, and giving the flowers to a loved one. ... (read more)

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Dream Fulfilled

In this children's picture book, the main character is a young boy named Rob who finds himself in a most unusual predicament. He keeps seeing a big, red, furry monster with two horns and sharp claws attempting to attack people in his life. When he tells his school counselor, she sends him to Doctor Ross, who calmly asks him to describe everything. ... (read more)

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A Stint Abroad

Often, knowledge is gained from study and experience from travel. Readers are the fortunate beneficiary of both in this informative memoir. Author Berryman recounts his travels to West Africa as a university student in the mid-1960s, but he doesn't stop with a chronicle alone. He also provides historical background that enriches his tale with both illumination and perspective. ... (read more)

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Quips & Concerns

At first, readers might think they are about to read something along the lines of a Kerouac or Kesey road chronicle. Then one wonders if it's about to turn into a Child or Connelly thriller. By book's end, it's been a bit of both, and readers are equally satisfied and entertained for having spent time with particularly interesting characters and an author they would be happy to revisit. ... (read more)

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Sense of Hope

In 1998, after some years of enduring increasingly painful headaches gradually accompanied by extreme nausea, thirty-two-year-old author Ng was diagnosed with a brain tumor requiring surgery immediately. Despite being told the surgery had been a success, her recovery included the inability to move any part of her body except for one hand, double vision, and the inability to speak except very slowly. For someone who had graduated from university with honors and navigated a complicated corporate career, these disabilities resulted in reclusiveness and depression. Slowly, Ng began to try to overcome her limitations with exercise. The best motivation came from joining a cadre of disabled people in deep-sea diving and snorkeling. She is now an ardent walker and even helps care for her aging mother. ... (read more)

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Living Well

In Levy's autobiography, the reader will get an authentic account of the peaks and valleys that life inevitably brings across one's lifespan. Levy narrates how he battled through measles and mumps at the age of three in 1942. But being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, especially considering that modern medicine was not nearly as advanced in the 1940s, was life-altering. More than anything else, Levy's work is a testament to not allowing any limitation, no matter how severe, to prevent one from living a wholesome life and controlling what one can. ... (read more)

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Two Novellas

Author Casper has created two novellas in one volume, linked by sentiment and constructed in complex skeins of familial connections. The first one is set in Israel in the 1960s. A little girl is growing up in a caring but dysfunctional family environment. Tikvah lives with grandparents Baruch and Pnina Lazamof. Yet, the reader knows from the outset that Baruch will die by plunging down the stairs after visiting a closed room where a mysterious occupant, Hannah, needs meals delivered outside her door on the upper floor. However, Hannah is never seen. Baruch's death follows that of Pnina, who had been the main caregiver for young Tikvah. Pnina was a spirited woman who had developed a love of the ocean and beaches of their country as an adventurous teen. It was she who told Tikvah about the faces in old family photographs and informed the curious child that her parents were "buried in the desert." Tikvah's life had been unusual but safe, sequestered in a small and dwindling village. Now, bereft of her caring grandparents, Tikvah seeks to find out who Hannah really is. ... (read more)

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A Quick Read

The king and queen of Figoldia have three sons. The law of the land deems that the next king will be the one most worthy, regardless of age or rank. The three sons make plans to see the kingdom "in disguise." One of the king's most trusted men, Jacob Stone, is entrusted to watch the princes and keep them safe while reporting on their travels. The boys will meet various people on their journey, but none will be more influential to the princes and Jacob than Bella Andrews, daughter of the notoriously cruel Sheriff Andrews. Bella has taken over the job of raising the sheriff's illegitimate twins. One of the princes has designs to make the throne his own through any means necessary. The sheriff sees this as an opportunity, and he offers Bella to the prince as a mistress to earn the prince's favor. ... (read more)

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