search engine by freefind

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.

Recent Reviews Focus Review Featured Reviews US Review Blog   Tweets by @USReview

Recent Book Reviews

 

Focus Review

The Trailing Ghost by Roberto de Haro Gatekeeper Press "His skills as a trained assassin, bodyguard, investigator, and counterterrorist were impressive." James Bond and Jack Ryan have nothing on Dale Lipinski, law school grad, special ops/black ops soldier, and former LASD detective. Suave, cool, and tech-savvy, the ladies' man glibly captures his female colleague's hearts while frequenting intel circles as a specialist for U.S. and Israeli intelligence operations and as a freelance crime-busting vigilante. When a sinister international syndicate steps on too many toes while engaging in the sale of street drugs, weapons, human trafficking, and partnering with corrupt criminal dictatorships, Lipinski circles the globe, visiting major international cities to bring down their operatives. In the process, he is advised by experts in intelligence gathering, hacking, and cybercrime. As the story comes to a deadly conclusion, the backdrop morphs into the familiar territory of a serious new virus emerging from China that threatens to engulf the world in a deadly pandemic. ... (read more)

• 8 Frog Street by Rezaul Khan
• Abigail’s Exchange by Kathryn Den Houter - RECOMMENDED
• Adventures of Angel, The by Ross Alan Hahn
• Afterlife Experience, The Bud Megargee - RECOMMENDED
• All I Want For Christmas Is...A Family by L.P. Randolph
• Along Came Hell, or So I Thought by Lois Young
• Apogee by Lou Earle
• Bag of Tricks, A by Peter Leibert
• Blood of Words, The by Shane Stone - RECOMMENDED
• Café Rendezvous by Gerry Fraser Bryant
• Chasing Death by James Rozhon - RECOMMENDED
• Child of Sorrow by Gloria Weinberg - RECOMMENDED
• Death of Wisdom The Rise of Folly, The by Dr. Arnold O. Thompson
• Do Nothing by Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr.
• Dragon’s Zenith, The Jason F. Boggs - RECOMMENDED
• Every Story Is a Miracle by Gary Wilson
• Faulty Friendship by Ugochukwu Ikwuakor
• Fingerprints of God by Melanie Burgess - RECOMMENDED
• Fix Your Back Like an Architect by Marian Jodlowski - RECOMMENDED
• Fried Oyster Sandwich by Lloyd Gross
• God’s Home, My Heart by Walter A. Wheat, M.A.
• Guilty of Nothing by Kevin King
• Haunting Pasts by Trevor Wiltzen - RECOMMENDED
• He Is the Light the Lord the Love of My Life by Arlene M. Wood
• Heaven Is Amazing by Carolyn T. Linn
• Homicide in Hooker's Point, A by Gloria Taylor Weinberg - RECOMMENDED
• Human Paradox, The by Gilbert E. Mulley
• Inside My Ugly Mind by Jacob Gallegos
• Inspirational Devotions of Hope During America's-COVID Pandemic by Leda Rafter
• It’s About Time by Mickey Bridges - RECOMMENDED
• Johnson Place, The by James Willis
• Journey of Karoline Olsen, The by Ann Hanigan Kotz - RECOMMENDED
• Last Lumenian, The by S. G. Blaise - RECOMMENDED
• Later When the Tide Comes In by David Lasswell
• Looking for Africa in America by Ike Okwuono
• Loving a Beautiful Mind by Carolyn T. Linn
• Lundie’s Stories by Lundie Thayer and Karen King
• Message in a Bullet by Owen Thomas - RECOMMENDED
• Mr. Bob’s Corny Jokes by Cynthia Dewindt
• My Journey to America by Aj Rasih
• Name I Choose, The by Holly Brough - RECOMMENDED
• Nicky, A Boy’s Furry Companion by Bonnie Lou Schreiner
• On Learning to Heal by Ed Cohen - RECOMMENDED
• Opening the Pandora’s Box of Religion by Anthony Newman - RECOMMENDED
• Pacifica by Richard C. Deason
• Package, The by Patrick Power
• Place for No One, A by James Rozhon - RECOMMENDED
• Play Nancy Spain by Tony Cassidy
• Reckoning from the Shadows by Puja Guha - RECOMMENDED
• Replacement Cell by Forrest Glenn
• Russian Doll, The by Owen Thomas - RECOMMENDED
• Sara Bell: Life on the Farm by RP Wood
• Socrates Option, The by James Rozhon - RECOMMENDED
• Soul Searching and Spiritual Warfare by Dr. Belinda Ball
• Squeaky and the Green-Eyed Lizard by Sarah Cash - RECOMMENDED
• Strange Stories by Sarala Kunhambu
• Symphony of Logic from the “Basket of Deplorables”, A by Cornelius Van Blyderveen
• Things I Wish I’d Known at 13 by Sonja Reynolds
• This May Be Difficult to Read by Claire N. Rubman, PhD
• Through the Dark Looking Glass by Garret Godwin
• Viral War by Josephine deBois
• Volunteers by James Rozhon
• Walk, The by Gordon Bostic - RECOMMENDED
• When Love Abides Broken by Aidan Brezovar
• Women of the Word: Vol. 1 by Melissa Joy Parcels

Read the US Review of Books Previous Edition

back to top

Featured Book Reviews

 

Learning to Read

Highlight Review This May Be Difficult to Read: But You Really Should (For Your Child’s Sake) by Claire N. Rubman, PhD Education & Parenting Matters book review by Barbara Bamberger Scott "Children construct knowledge from the world around them. If we provide the ideal tools, we need only leave the construction up to our children." Author, educator, and parent Rubman has gathered a bounty of research and personal experience focused on helping children learn to read. In doing so, she explores and puts to rest many “myths” regarding this process, with the purpose of guiding her audience to the best, most potent methods available. The concern that prompted her to bring these issues to light is simple, straightforward, and undeniably disturbing: statistically, as many as 67% of American eighth graders can’t read as well as required, and a surprising number of college students must enroll in remedial reading classes in their freshman year. It is notable, too, that nearly half of those included in the collected data come from middle- and upper-class home environments. ... (read more)

back to top

Revolutionary

The Handmaid’s Tale meets 1984 in this timely, captivating, alternately hilarious and infuriating dystopian novel that presents a plausible scenario in a future USA. The right to terminate a pregnancy is a small facet of any woman’s worries, with birth control banned and babies the primary source of government income. The most genetically fit babies command the highest prices at auction, and no couple keeps their biological children after giving birth. Worse, there’s no right to decide when to have a child or even whom to marry. Women are forced to marry their rapists or other unsuitable mates during the thirty-eight-year-long administration of President Boyce, who declares the 1950s and 1960s to be the “Halcyon Days.” In fact, the only television options available to Americans are mid-twentieth-century programs and films that reinforce Boyce’s philosophical gaslighting. ... (read more)

back to top

Brilliant Struggles

Highlight Review The Last Lumenian by S. G. Blaise Lilac Grove Entertainment book review by Jennifer Hummer "We are made of light, and we will return to Lume at the end of our time. We are made of light…" The author tells an engaging story about a headstrong nineteen-year-old heroine—Lilla, a princess and rebel of the Seven Galaxies—who chooses to go against her royal father's wishes and fight with the rebels seeking justice. Lilla's epic journey includes battling the dark gods while also struggling against her own inner demons. In this gripping novel, family loyalties are tested, and betrayal and bravery are two dominant themes. In a work that is part science fiction, part fantasy, and part romance, By expertly weaving together these genres into one storyline, Blaise succeeds in keeping the reader's interest piqued throughout the book. ... (read more)

back to top

Historical Adventure

This book is the third installment in the A Pyrrhic Victory trilogy. In it, readers gain even more insight into the ancient military commander respected still today. Readers follow Pyrrhus through his barring from Rome and the rejection of his peace terms. Pyrrhus accepts an invitation to lead the powerful Greek cities in Sicily against the ruthless invaders, the Carthaginians. Pyrrhus then gains their support in the war he wages against Rome. This book is not only a careful look at Pyrrhus’ military greatness but also an insightful glance at who he was as a person as it incorporates a fictionalized portrayal of his relationship with Bircenna and Hellenistic faith, which was part of his existence. As it concludes, the book focuses on the small circle of individuals who made sure Pyrrhus’ remains were cared for with the utmost respect. It also briefly examines how Pyrrhus’ death set the stage for the next major turn in history—the beginning of the twenty-three-year-long struggle for control of Sicily: the First Punic War. . ... (read more)

back to top

Human Warriors

Highlight Review The Afterlife Experience - How Our Association with Nature’s Elements Shapes the Outcome Bud Megargee KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) book review by Barbara Bamberger Scott "I believe the key to human curiosity is having the ability to silently pause and think about the secrets that torment us." Author Megargee, a seeker of metaphysical, spiritual, and simple human truths, has devised a means of conveying his quest that is largely told through the format of conversation. In much of this far-reaching narrative, the reader follows talks between the author, or “B,” and a character named Laz, or “L,” whom he introduces as his “personal soul guide.” Laz’s revelations slowly evoke the author’s understanding of the human connection to the four elements—water, fire, air, and earth—and are balanced and enhanced by observations from a Buddhist source, Khenchen. While Laz offers didactic reasoning, Khenchen takes a mystical approach. This combination will stimulate Megargee to fashion ideas that relate to his individual experience and help him to face life more fearlessly and with greater compassion. ... (read more)

back to top

Innovative

This innovative book blends fiction and fact to address what the authors see as a Marxist takeover of America. The chapters are written as distinct types of prose: normal narrative or general reading; non-fiction discussions of threats, such as a New World Order and The Great Reset; action or suggestions to regain freedom, prosperity, and safety; and heroic fiction in which the authors' theories are presented as a predictive thriller. Throughout the non-fiction portions, the authors expound on the current state of American politics and what is seen as an effort by the liberal wing of the Democratic Party to change America into a Marxist state. This theory is reinforced by the fictional part of the book, which tells a terrifying story of the assassination of a sitting American president. ... (read more)

back to top

Action & Suspense

Highlight Review A Town Called Why by Rick Lenz Chromodroid Press book review by Joe Kilgore "Most people, even those who can bear almost everything else, have very little tolerance for humiliation. Humiliation is across-the-board rejection." In this contemporary thriller, all sorts of strange things are happening to the inhabitants of a small Arizona town. There’s mayhem, murder, and mysticism galore, along with heavy doses of classical psychoanalysis sprinkled liberally with Native American lore. The result is a rip-roaring read for those who like slam-bang physical as well as insightfully intellectual literature. ... (read more)

back to top

Graceful & Profound

Cuban-American author and radio talk show host of The Cure, Aimee Nikolov, examines the continual, decades-long abuse she suffered, lessons learned, and the almost insurmountable odds of recovering from it. As a survivor’s tale, this affecting memoir is both a revelation of the author’s life-long wounds and a testament to her steadfast faith in God and belief in love’s powerful healing. For some, this will be a difficult book to read. It will anger and move the reader, and Nikolov leaves nothing to the imagination in her portrayal of the malicious physical and mental exploitations thrust upon her. All that Nikolov endured deeply impacted and shaped her life, from childhood to adulthood, but ultimately it did not stop her from persevering through the molestation, suicidal ideations, drug addiction, poverty, and a near-death encounter. ... (read more)

back to top

Rich Realism

Highlight Review Abigail’s Exchange by Kathryn Den Houter Mission Point Press book review by Michelle Jacobs "The Women’s Exchange was hailed as giving women the magic to turn tears into smiles and stones into bread." Abigail is living a contented (though imperfect) life in Baltimore in the 1880s with her parents and sisters. She helps her father with his candy store and contends with a burgeoning independence that puts her at odds with her impending marriage to Avery, a strong-willed man prone to violent outbursts. Once married, she must make difficult decisions to maintain peace at home with her husband. When tragedy strikes, her financial life is left in ruin, and she turns to the Women's Exchange for support. Here, buoyed by enterprise and opportunity, she rediscovers her lost independence and regains her financial footing. The Women's Exchange, a philanthropic endeavor, has established a way for women to sell their sewing and embroidery and earn a living outside the home. Women who have so little autonomy apart from their fathers and husbands can support themselves through the organization when life takes unexpected turns. Abigail benefits from the second chance she finds through this community of women. With vivid historical detail, the post-Civil War era comes to life through Abigail's story. ... (read more)

back to top

The Journey

Using a blend of historical fiction and poignant truths, the narrative delivers a spirited discourse on conservation, our environment, oneness, and, chiefly, the concept of coming full circle. With authors whose credentials speak for themselves and their commitment to Mother Earth, the beauty of this book lies in how easily it is brought to life for audiences. Titlow, whose background in natural history and photography, and Tinger, who helps future leaders fuse business with sustainability at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, leave no stone unturned in delivering a truly comprehensive commentary on the origins and imminent threats our planet faces. ... (read more)

back to top

Godly Choices

Writer and pastor Henry has composed this lengthy treatise to share with others the truths he has gained in a life of Christian exploration. His title references the great blessing left to all humanity after the earthly death and miraculous resurrection of Jesus—the gift and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Henry makes numerous points through his conveyance of passages from the Holy Bible, such as using scripture to demonstrate that this gift existed even before "man or even the earth had form." ... (read more)

back to top

Intelligent, Engaging History

In this well-researched, informative book, readers gain a deeper understanding behind not only an empire that shaped a significant part of the Middle Eastern region but also King Solomon, the man responsible for an empire’s rise and dissolution. The book details Solomon’s family origins. It also gives information on significant historical events like the end of King David’s powerful reign, Solomon’s consolidation of power, and even Solomon’s focus on the arts and sciences. As the book concludes, readers gain advice about balancing worship and faith in the current era’s demands for worldliness, understanding how real life merges with the end times, and how to live a life in balance with the needs of others. ... (read more)

back to top

Sound Advice

Falling in love is easy. Swept up in emotions and the excitement of something new is like a rose-filled wave that lifts lovers to dizzying heights and sets them off on shore to find their way. Then the hard work begins, and sometimes that work demands the help of the experts. With over forty years of experience, Mary Giuffra offers resources and practices to empower couples to build and maintain long-lasting relationships. Filled with practical advice, insightful revelations, and candid examples, this guide will inspire couples to transform their relationships. Strategies are thoughtfully designed and thoroughly explained, so the hard work feels manageable and the results within reach. ... (read more)

back to top

Complex Structures

Spanning Korea, Italy, London, and New York, this book takes readers on a Gattica-like adventure. Samuel is a New York traffic cop assigned to what should have been an easy case. However, after the brutally violent death of Sine, a woman in Samuel’s custody, Samuel’s law enforcement career takes a sharp and drastic turn. Samuel finds himself in a world of murder plus biological and scientific manipulations leading to mass extinction, with only those of a certain kind protected from the impending doom and disaster. Meanwhile, Samuel is tested personally and professionally, and along his journey, readers meet an alluring cast of characters that will forever reshape the remaining days of the protagonist’s life. ... (read more)

back to top

Good Pets

In this colorful children’s book, young readers meet ten-year-old Stevie. As Stevie walks towards the library, he hears whimpering and whining from some nearby bushes. After a library assistant and animal control help Stevie rescue the little dog, Stevie’s life changes after he and his mother visit the local animal shelter where animal control takes the canine. Young readers accompany Stevie as he and his mom adopt the dog, which they name Nicky. Young readers also learn how pet adoption is a commitment and the processes shelters use to make sure animals find good homes. As they follow Stevie and Nicky’s journey to becoming best friends, children embark on their own journey to becoming responsible pet owners. ... (read more)

back to top

Fear Not

Literally and figuratively, Stone's poetry pushes the boundary of thought to unveil darkness's raw and vulnerable underbelly. Sin manifests itself in many forms, but the most well-known is the fall of Satan. Using the namesake poem to set the tone for the rest of the collection, Stone uses all the tools in his arsenal, from vivid imagery to scintillating metaphors, to create a surreal, Dalian-type reality that studies the roots of evil from a mixture of philosophical, metaphysical, biblical, and material entanglement angles. ... (read more)

back to top

Better Back

A Polish architectural engineer brings his professional expertise and experiences with a “bad back” to bear in this medical handbook exploring the human musculoskeletal system. The book is suitable “not only for medicine, rehabilitation or sports professionals, but also for ordinary people looking for tips on how to stay healthy and fit for many years.” At fifty-five, the author experienced a herniated disc that caused sciatica, shooting pains in the lumbar region of his back. He soon found that the main treatment consisted of prescription painkillers and muscle relaxants. While he pursued the prescribed therapy, he scoured the Internet for more information, finding that modern medicine mostly lacked non-surgical interventions for his condition. Jodlowski found a therapist who treated spinal and motor organ issues with therapeutic exercises that border upon kinesiotherapy. ... (read more)

back to top

Fast-Paced, Quirky

Since tragically losing his wife and then his job as a homicide detective, Raymond “Mack” Mackey has retreated into a life of seclusion that he mostly shares with his cat, Philippa, or Phil for short. His law-enforcement career ended after internal affairs wrongly accused him of secretly working for a local crime boss. Now, he spends his days attempting to write crime fiction based on his past cases—unsuccessfully so far. Mack also struggles with an unusual psychological disorder that gives him the ability to observe himself as if he is a separate person. It makes picking up the pieces of his shattered life even more difficult. However, life isn’t done punishing him. When an investigator from Mack’s former department shows up at his front door with new questions and accusations, the former homicide detective has had enough. He launches his own investigation in order to clear his name. ... (read more)

back to top

Mack Continues

The second book of the Raymond “Mack” Mackey mystery series does not disappoint. Mack, a former homicide detective, is back at work with the Internal Affairs Division of the Chandler Police Department near Chicago. He is still mourning the loss of his wife and, when he is not at work, still leads a mostly solitary life. He has his cat Philippa and Old Forrester bourbon for company. His unique psychological condition is also still with him. It allows him to observe himself from a distance as if he is a separate person. His condition does not take away from his investigative skills. Nor does it lessen his ability to get into hot water. Although he is on the search for bad cops as an IAD investigator, Mack decides to help a beautiful woman search for a Russian nesting doll, which lands him in the middle of two murder investigations. ... (read more)

back to top

Pull Up a Chair

Dedicated to his seven grandchildren, this hefty collection of more than 580 pages of poetry reflects on faith in the Christian tradition, the words and meaning of the Bible, blessings to be found in everyday life, lessons on how one should treat fellow human beings, and also pays special tribute to fellow Vietnam veterans. Wheat has filled the pages of this monumental collection of poetry with remembrances, spiritual meditations, personal anecdotes, and fierce devotion to God in such a way as to inspire any Christian who, upon soaking in these hundreds of individual pieces of rhymed verse, seeks to understand better the meaning of living a life dedicated to faith in Jesus. The author seems to pour his absolute heart into the writing of the poems with these pages, and his love of life, Christ, his fellow man, and much more comes across as vivid and true as any reader could imagine. ... (read more)

back to top

Deep Legacy

Clarence Dalen is raised on his grandfather’s Norwegian tales of their ancestry. Admittedly, he isn’t particularly interested in them as a teen but does enjoy the outdoor adventures he and his grandfather go on together. His above-average intellect, athleticism, and good looks help him fit in well while studying at UCLA. When the draft takes him to Vietnam, it proves he has the abilities and instincts of a warrior, but it also makes him distrustful of power and those who hold it. ... (read more)

back to top

Great Storytelling

Readers discover charming stories and verses bearing a distinctive, observant voice in this book. Strong narratives and memorable characters carry readers through a variety of places. They also meet memorable animals like “The Cat,” with its quirky ideas about cats and what they contribute to their owners’ lives. Other poems like “Sugar Maple” wax nostalgic and bear a sense of longing. Stories like “Miss Covington” share a tender memory about the joys of missing too many dance classes. At its conclusion, readers meet the author, who gives a humorous, sentimental account of marriage and the word “devotion.” ... (read more)

back to top

The Transition

After the death of her husband, Linn is certain that he is in heaven and wonders what it might be like. She believes deeply in Jesus Christ and that she, too, will go to heaven upon her death. In this heartfelt book, Linn hopes to share with others how she has prepared for her journey to heaven so that her readers can do the same. By beginning the ultimate journey while still on Earth, Linn believes that God will come to dwell within and thus make the encounter in heaven much more beautiful. ... (read more)

back to top

Civil Discourse

In this “critique of contemporary western society,” conservative Cornelius Van Blyderveen examines various issues from a biblical perspective and incorporates his own personal experiences that have shaped his political ideology. The author explores many important hot-button topics, including abortion, critical race theory, and the Trump presidency. He also wades into economic policy and globalism. Van Blyderveen is from Canada, so he spends some time analyzing the role of residential schools in the lives of First Nation Canadians and the official apology to the indigenous people from the Canadian government. The author’s intent is to generate dialogue, inspire critical thinking, and defend the social contract as a biblical covenant. ... (read more)

back to top

Biblical Accounts

Writer Wood has composed a wide-ranging paean to the wonders and benefits of following God’s ways—wonders and benefits she has personally experienced and wishes for others to share. Her work is a combination of scripture, mainly taken from the New Testament of the Holy Bible, her lively narrative, and some meaningful short poems. One of her oft-repeated phrases is “My Daddy is so God,” referencing her heavenly father. Though she briefly recounts her childhood influence as her parents took her and her siblings to church, her reflections probe in greater depth into what she considers the most meaningful connection she has now with God. ... (read more)

back to top

JadeAnne Continues

JadeAnne Stone, an investigative journalist whose main interest is human trafficking, is being hunted by the devious Anibal and ruthless cartel members who wish to retrieve her and fifteen-year-old Lily after their escape. With the help of JadeAnne’s biological father, Quint, the two females are hiding out with an array of security. However, how can one know who to trust in a country where law enforcement is easily bought off, and even government agents may not be trustworthy? Though the two are American citizens, they find no help from the American Embassy and must find another way to return to the States safely. The handsome Dr. Dylan Porras and his family become involved as he and JadeAnne begin a budding romance. With the help of friends and colleagues, they eventually create a feasible but dangerous escape plan. However, the question remains: Who can they really trust? ... (read more)

back to top

Better Late Than Never

The issues facing young women today are vast and overwhelming. Many decisions made in adolescence have lifelong consequences, and many patterns developed when young are difficult to break. As teenage girls confront daily life issues, guidance and support can lead to paths of positivity and empowerment. This comprehensive guide for teenage girls specializes in helping young women by offering advice on a wide range of topics. Using anecdotes, personal experience, and hard-won wisdom, this guide aims to be the voice of hope and help on the challenging journey to womanhood. Reynolds serves as a stand-in older sister, aunt, or mother figure determined to lead teenage girls on a path of discovery and personal fulfillment. The topics cover some of the following: hygiene, grooming, body issues, relationships with others and with the self, finances, problem-solving, and effective communication. Some chapters are about shifting one’s mindset, while others are about developing skills. Every chapter includes questions and prompts for self-reflection. ... (read more)

back to top

The Mission

Silas Fox was an intelligent and hard-working young man who graduated from the University of Idaho. After a year of working for a nationally recognized company, he talked to his father about what he should do with his life. His father suggested the military. Silas joined the Marines and served for six years, saving a good deal of money during this time. He decided to relax for a few months after his discharge and spent that time in Seabeck, Washington. After sending money to an organization named Providers, their human resource director, Blake Tate, invited him to a ten-day seminar, all expenses paid, in Florida. Silas accepted and was soon enthralled by the company. Through professional diplomacy and education, the company was working to combat poverty around the globe. Due to his great academic record, public-speaking background, and Marine training, Silas was offered a job with a nice salary. Several others attended the seminar and were also offered jobs after showing themselves to be exemplary. ... (read more)

back to top

Peaks & Valleys

In a comprehensive biographical rendition, Wilson delivers one coherent message: pour as much energy into life as you can because the show must go on. From the outset, there is a strong understanding that it's not so much about what happens to us as it is how we respond to life events. More specifically, the author emphasizes that everyone has a story that is a byproduct of literally every single decision made from the time they're on the clock (birth). The sheer existence of man is a miracle in itself. This mantra carries over throughout the narrative as audiences follow Wilson's life and excursions, covering everything from childhood to career and, of course, love. ... (read more)

back to top

Not Like Before

The clever literary conceit that wisdom is a passenger on the “train of time on a collision course with destiny” ignites this journey through a biblical landscape that earnestly exhorts travelers to keep wisdom alive “before we are all lost in our own folly.” Thompson, a long-time pastor and theological writer, tackles the spiritual problems of today with the metaphor of a runaway train hurtling through modern life, where wisdom takes a back seat. ... (read more)

back to top

Tenderness & Affection

This collection contains several short prose pieces and numerous poems. It covers a variety of topics, including early rock and roll, the 9/11 bombing, roadside bombs, and the experience of visiting nightclubs. However, most of this work is romantic. Many of the pieces cover love or romantic longing, while a few focus on heartache and loss. The longest selection, from which the book’s title is derived, deals with the beginnings of a relationship. The two main characters share witty dialogue as they quickly fall for each other. It is one of the most interesting pieces, yet it ends abruptly as the relationship is just beginning. The close of the book offers a few excerpts from well-known writers, often with the author’s comments interspersed. Much of Bryant’s writing is in rhymed verse. ... (read more)

back to top

A Testament

In this biographical narrative, Rasih, the youngest of four children, details his journey from growing up in Laos and studying engineering in Thailand to becoming a naturalized US citizen and then an ordained Christian minister. With proficiency in French, Laotian, and English, among others, Rasih is multilingual to his core. As a recipient of the Asian Heritage Award in Literature, Art, and Philosophy, the author’s experiences and accolades are a clear testament to the resolve he had in escaping to Thailand following the fall of the Royal Lao government and ultimately making his way to the United States. ... (read more)

back to top

Sweet Love Song

Set in the 1980s in Northern Ireland, this is the story of a recently divorced single father working to rebuild his life. Tom’s marriage and his job have both ended. Faced with the daunting task of starting over, his interest in education motivates him to enroll at Ulster University as a mature student studying psychology. Suddenly, he is trying to juggle his busy academic life, which crosses into his personal life, with his desire to spend as much time with his young daughter as possible. ... (read more)

back to top

Common Sense

This wonderful work describes and reflects the actions—and realizations to motivate the actions—that humans must accept and take to survive as a species and begin to heal the Earth. Mulley repeatedly states that people are unique in themselves, the same as every other human. That's the paradox. If humans expect to survive as a species, they must care about themselves and others. People must think and act cooperatively, collectively, and honestly while conserving the resources they need by recycling materials and investing in environmentally sound energy and lifestyles. The author states that humans live in three worlds: "The ethereal world, the 'human-made' world, and the 'me' world." ... (read more)

back to top

A Good Witness

In connecting his cognitive and behavioral perspectives centered around a career in psychiatry, Curtis provides a nuanced and insightful understanding of the dos and don’ts to succeed in court. However, what separates his work from countless other technically dense literature is his ability to weave the plethora of case studies within a storytelling concept. There’s just the right amount of humor and personality to keep the book from turning into a “Who’s Who” of criminal law. ... (read more)

back to top

Paradise?

This lengthy thriller combines visionary and dystopian science fiction set in the near future and told in an articulate, philosophically driven narrative. After the United States has splintered into politically distinct commonwealths and republics, a radically new nation arises in the western Pacific with the prime agenda of personal freedom based on the American republic's former constitutional ideals. It is headed by corporate CEO and chief political executive David Ryan, who is publicly deemed a terrorist threat by the powerful Commonwealth of East America. ... (read more)

back to top

Faith-Based

In Rafter’s inspirational devotions, themes of loss, grief, faith, and unyielding determination are intricately intertwined with the boundless love of the Lord in order to help the modern era of mankind understand that even through the darkest times, God and the Word light the way. To thoroughly examine the devastating effect of the pandemic on morale and mental health, the author shifts the paradigm by referencing biblical stories that arguably rivaled and exceeded the devastation of Covid-19. Each devotion sheds light on what it means to be human and how to battle through adversity, yet Rafter’s own experience with loss spearheads the empathetic quality of her work. ... (read more)

back to top

Motivations

Based on an actual case, the narrative covers two centuries of history highlighting Rappahannock County, Virginia, and the coveted Johnson farm boasting over 300 acres. Capturing the progression of the Johnson family, including James Johnson’s personal ambitions, the work sheds light on the life and times of the era through the depiction of one individual’s story. Featuring an abundance of family secrets and moral dilemmas, the plot unravels at breakneck speed, delivering constant action mixed in with a steady dose of character development, particularly in the morality department. ... (read more)

back to top

Steady Measures

Ira Ellingsworth has just lost his bid for district attorney and his wife. Now, he must work for Fred Rollins, the man who defeated him. Fred is an evangelical conservative with visions of political greatness. He will do anything to further his career and standing with the far right. Ira knows the only way to keep his job is to follow Fred’s lead and share his opinions. Ira even visits with and occasionally attends the mega-church Fred promotes. When three war protesters are arrested outside a federal building, Fred sees this as an opportunity to make a name for himself. He instructs Ira to take the case and throw the book at the accused. After some digging by the FBI, the legal team learns they can press for felony charges. However, their exuberance catches the interest of Homeland Security, and they take the case from Fred and Ira. One suspect in particular, Luke Peter, is being accused of multiple charges related to helping terrorists. Ira begins to see how the man is being unfairly prosecuted and, from the ACLU, finds ways to aid Luke’s defense team. This eventually gets him fired, but the people at the ACLU like his work and hire him. As a result of his involvement in this government case, Ira begins to be under surveillance. He will continue to take cases counter to the US government and fight against the infringement on personal freedoms. ... (read more)

back to top

Searing Images

In an example of narrative poetry at its finest, this collection is essentially an epic poem where all the individual pieces flow into each other, telling one cohesive and spellbinding story of the Walk. Interestingly enough, in many ways, the vision of the work combines the atrocities of Stalin’s gulags with the competitive, man-eat-man-type phenomena of Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games. The one common theme that permeates both is the spirit of the human will, an unyielding quest for survival as darkness descends in its many heinous forms. ... (read more)

back to top

Quick Read

This novella-length story follows Bill Eck, who is accused of a string of murders he did not commit. Once a college baseball player, Bill’s life settles into the ordinary after he injures his arm, stops his baseball career to focus on college, and meets the woman he ends up marrying. But the mundanity of his life changes when, at a horse racetrack where he frequently wins bets, killings begin happening. Unbeknownst to him, his reputation for winning may have gotten him on the radar of a serial killer, one who decides to plant evidence on him for revenge. ... (read more)

back to top

Supernatural Intrigue

This fictional work, inspired by the author's experiences while living in the Philippines, tells of the life of Chinese immigrant Lee Chan through the eyes of his neighbor Richie King. King rents a house from the ultra-rich Chan and is faced with the prospect that the house at 8 Frog Street is haunted. As King begins to unravel the house's mysteries, he learns of the fascinating life of Chan, who started his life in the Philippines as a poor boy of ten and rose to the heights of a wealthy businessman. However, was his rise to riches helped along by a ghost? ... (read more)

back to top

Darkness & Light

Part memoir, part devotional, this book candidly covers thirty years of the author’s life, mostly told through selected entries from her journals. Linn describes how she and her husband, Maynard, anticipated the perfect life ahead of them when they married in the 1960s. Linn worked as a schoolteacher until the birth of their children, while Maynard went to graduate school to become a preeminent professor of philosophy. All of their plans went awry when Maynard started exhibiting disturbing behaviors. The young family struggled for more than a decade with getting Maynard diagnosed and treated for what they would discover was paranoid schizophrenia. ... (read more)

back to top

Farm Cat

In this book for middle-grade readers, a farmer and his wife return from a winter vacation in the spring to find that their cat, Mamakitty, has given birth. Her kitten, Angel, is snow white with blue eyes. While the farmer and his wife usually find new homes for Mamakitty’s offspring, Angel is so beautiful and sweet that they decide to keep her. Over the course of the year, Angel learns about the world and gets into many adventures along the way. She meets and plays with the farm’s barn cats, rides in the car, and in true kitten form, sticks her nose and tail anywhere she can. ... (read more)

back to top

Ha-Ha's

What did the tube of toothpaste say to the other tube of toothpaste? “There’s always something brushing up against me.” What did one clock say to another clock? “It’s about time!” Or, how about this: What did one book say to another book? “You need to stop telling stories.” These silly—and quite corny—jokes are just some of the hackneyed one-liners a most eccentric, enthusiastic Mr. Bob thoroughly enjoys asking his wife, Ms. Carol, and their son, BJ. In fact, Ms. Carol is quick to recognize “that special look in Mr. Bob’s eyes” which always tells her he is in his “funny bone mood,” and their house will be anything but quiet. After these frequent one-liners, all Bob can do is grab his belly and laugh and laugh at his own witticisms. However, Ms. Carol appreciates being married to a man who works “so hard to make her laugh,” and she simply would not have it any other way. ... (read more)

back to top

Brighter Future

When the author, a Catholic priest, leaves his home parish to spend some time with his mother after her recent health crisis, he reckons to stay at Lavaro Ranch for a short while. But that brief visit, meant to offer practical aid and familial comfort, will turn into long years fraught with a stream of familial predicaments. Zoe, a charming, responsible, and honest woman, speaks freely with her son, confiding fears and despair over her marriage to the author’s stepfather, Al—an acerbic, manipulating character apparently determined to run her life and ruin her relationships with all but him. As Zoe confides more openly with Brezovar, they become convinced that a divorce is the best path to the peacefulness she has earned over the years. The tangled threads of that decision, mixed with the author’s attempts to maintain contacts within the officialdom of his religion and the wish to somehow reconcile with an estranged brother, will occupy the coming years, as the author and his mother still pray together for mutual healing. ... (read more)

back to top

Confessional

In this unique, artistic poetry collection, readers discover the fine line where the everyday world collides with pain, depression, and solitude. In these raw verses, readers encounter walls placed in deserts, a speaker fully aware of their brokenness, and empty days where one’s loneliness resounds loudly. Poems like “Iron Butterfly” remind one that life is a strange mixture of pain, pleasure, and happiness. “Antidote” is a gentle reminder that everyone carries their own secrets. Other poems like “Etched” serve as a testimony to those people who briefly enter one’s life but leave a lasting impression. Accompanying the poems are blank pages that are the perfect space for readers to experiment with their own writing and drawing. ... (read more)

back to top

Compelling Drama

Set in nineteenth-century Spain, this novel depicts a young woman’s struggles to make her own destiny in a male-dominated society. As a teenager, Amalia learns that her parents have sold her into service to work for a wealthy family. Her employer is alarmingly forward with her and makes mysterious references to her family’s past. As his behavior escalates, Amalia begins to fear for her safety. She spends as much time as she can away from the estate and falls in love with a young nobleman. Amalia’s tryst turns sour as her lover abandons her, and she discovers she is pregnant. ... (read more)

back to top

Experiences

Author Young created this chronicle after what could certainly be called hell on earth, yet through her experiences, she found a closer bond with God. It began one quiet evening when her grown, married daughters accused her husband of having molested both them and then his granddaughters. His admission was the beginning of a long, harrowing journey for the author. After resigning from his prominent church leadership, her husband turned himself in, was given lie detector tests, and was put in jail to await trial for child rape. Despite some rational support from his children and others, he was sentenced to prison—ten years to life. ... (read more)

back to top

Inspirational Read

Young readers meet Shirley James, a young girl who always prays by her Christmas tree. One evening, as Shirley prays, the star on the Christmas tree speaks to her. The star’s presence confuses Shirley, and she quickly escapes to her bed. Young readers will be enchanted as they follow the story of the Christmas star, who reveals to Shirley’s mother that it wants a family to call its own. The star grows sadder and sadder, and Shirley’s mother wonders if she will have to discard it. However, an accident causes the tree to collapse and changes Christmas for everyone. ... (read more)

back to top

Rhyme & Detail

This religious children’s book explores how God’s fingerprints are a creative force in the world. This is shown through the words and the detailed drawings throughout the story. In the telling of the story, the question quoted above examines the fingerprints in the stars and the moonlit sea, a sunset, bear cubs playing, wild horses in a poppy field, in the mountains, on the wings of eagles, within a starfish or an owl in a tree, in a rainbow, a monkey or a Jesus lizard, or in a coral reef. An additional question asks the reader if they could see “God’s fingerprints in a mirror of you and me?” God is everywhere, and this question engages the reader in seeing themselves as part of creation, for everything is seen as creation. ... (read more)

back to top

Engaging Souls

Author Parcels explores spiritual truths as embodied in the lives and experiences of women written about in the Holy Bible. Hagar, the Egyptian servant of Abraham and Sarah, provides the first story for contemplation. Wishing impatiently for offspring, Sarah offered Hagar to Abraham as a surrogate mother for his child, without waiting on God’s intervention, which would come later. Parcels shows how both women sinned and both, in time, atoned as God uses their actions for a higher purpose. A similar story of frustrations regarding childbirth is that of Hannah, who would, with God’s blessing, give birth to the great leader Samuel. A missionary named Claudia is cited by Paul in a letter from prison, the only woman to be so honored. In contrast to these righteous women, Jezebel “had a strong hatred for righteous people” and suffered the consequences of her evil behaviors. ... (read more)

back to top

Evil Afoot

In this book of fifteen tales, each story examines an aspect of the paranormal. The stories have different plot lines, but they all deal with darkness and evil and how this darkness creeps into everyday life. From a knife chopping off a man’s head to people being possessed, the offerings include haunted houses, murders and suicide by tortured souls, the devil, an exorcism, a woman being killed for trying to interfere with an evil spirit, a child spirit who plays with a real-life girl, and other haunted and haunting encounters. The stories reveal the horrors of dark paranormal activities in vivid and scary detail. Sometimes there is healing through the work of shamans, priests, one’s own focus on the power of goodness and God, the power of prayer, or chanting a mantra while focusing on faith. Each story ends with a short note from the author about the tale. ... (read more)

back to top

The US Review of Books is dedicated to fair and honest coverage for all books. We are a leading book review site, often visited for professional book reviews examples.