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September 2023

Book Reviews

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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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Focus Review
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Tales of a Spiritual Sun
by Paul Kiritsis
Olympia Publishers

"What idiocy had possessed him to suggest meddling with something that had terrified him out of his wits."

This collection of short stories takes the risk of exploring Greek myths undergirding the collective unconscious. Inspired by Narcissus, Cupid, and the Fates, among others, the stories show the myths’ themes—self-love, passion, and jealousy, to name a few—as they replay across time and space. Some stories refer to the Greek characters directly, while others connect with the myths more obliquely. But all throw a spin on the ancient tales, using them to ask the brazen question of contemporary readers of how far society has come from the times when these gods ruled the world. ... (read more)

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Science & Religion

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4th Origin: Refuting the Myth of Evolutionism and Exposing the Folly of Clergy Letters
by Michael Ebifegha
Leavitt Peak Press


"The truth about our human origin is presented as a story in Genesis and classified as a law in Exodus."

For the longest time, two major camps have existed. One camp believes that scientific explanations, such as the Big Bang theory, give answers to the origin of the universe. Meanwhile, the other camp adheres to the teachings of Christ and the scriptures, with a strong focus on creationism. Ebifegha vehemently rebukes the theory of evolution, calling it a direct contradiction to God’s foundational law. Throughout, the author demonstrates the strength of his research and his attention to detail, making his work stand out from many of its peers. His book comes across as an unbiased review of evolutionism that shows why those promoting it are creating a pathway to increased atheism and straying away from the biblical creationism stories. ... (read more)

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Tropic Intrigue

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Deep Waters of Destiny
by Pete Carlson
Calumet Editions


"The aqua blue water shimmered in the morning sunlight, and pelicans circled above dozens of yachts. In the distance, the Destiny dwarfed all the other boats."

In award-winning author Carlson’s third novel to date, readers are thrust into the midst of a powerful, burgeoning drug empire. A collaboration between the Sicilian and Russian mobs and the ruthless Columbian cartel brings a whole new level of danger. Haunted by his Vietnam past, Gunner is the trusted captain of the Destiny, a 300-foot mega yacht owned by his Sicilian mob boss. While Gunner knows his boss has good intentions at heart with his not-so-secret business dealings, he’s less than enthusiastic about the plan to join forces with the Russians and Columbians, making him a part of this criminal underworld. But Gunner is smart and relies on his war training and experience on the waters to get through the most difficult of situations. ... (read more)

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Transformations

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The Next Evolution: a Blueprint for Transforming the Planet
by Jack Reed
Community Planet Foundation


"If powerful forces stand to lose, they would rather sacrifice our health and the environment."

Undoubtedly, the world is on a myriad of wavelengths when it comes to perceptions of what will be a fix-all for the planet. While each plan has its merits, it also comes with inevitable flaws and pitfalls. In Reed’s blueprint, he has developed a foolproof plan to bring everyone together and transform the planet. At its root, this plan is predicated on oneness, the common good, irrespective of all the differences that manifest themselves through division, be they through politics, demographics, class status, etc. Written for the average person to awaken and be inspired, the work predicts a futuristic society in 2020 that is rife with issues stemming from sociological and ecological problems. What is perhaps most intriguing is that many of the issues proposed herein, such as food shortages, came to fruition during the pandemic. ... (read more)

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Are We Losing

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Mindless War Two
by John D. Trudel and General Paul E. Vallely (Ret)


"We face a new type of war. Americans are entering uncharted, revolutionary territory. The traditional bedrocks of the American system are dissolving."

Written to make their previous collaboration, Reality Prism, more accessible, this new offering covers many topics in the media today, with a large part of the focus being on a failing America and the rise of the New World Order. The book argues that the causes stem from people who have lost faith in God and are taking direct actions to manipulate America with an agenda promoting China and a global government. Crime and drug use in America, Covid-19, fake elections, and mind control of the population through social media and pharmaceutical companies are all part of this long-term, global plan of abolishing democracy and liberty and giving power to a few elites. The book also talks about the events on January 6, 2021 and how select branches of the government turned a peaceful protest into a labeled insurrection. The book presents several arguments for its claims, and the authors use some of their own social media research as support. Also, the book gives a brief overview of what a "mind war" is and how it is manipulating the truth and the American people. ... (read more)

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Life Above

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The Aerospace Professor: The Man and The Brand
by Jeffery Battle


"Breaks and opportunities often come at unexpected times, and when they do, those are the times to shine."

Battle’s new book is an autobiographical look at his life from the time he was a small boy watching crop dusters in North Carolina through his military service and work history. However, it is also an introduction to his brand, The Aerospace Professor. Battle faced racism and mistreatment as he worked his way through school. He then found those racial tensions would follow him into the Air Force. Despite this, Battle performed exceptionally well as part of the flight crew for many of the Air Force’s top fighter planes. Also, although it took Battle a bit longer as he was raising a family, he always believed in the importance of his education and earned a BS and MBA. After an honorable discharge from the Air Force, the author worked technology jobs, mostly for the government. Here, he witnessed the abuse of power and continued racism in America. ... (read more)

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Pschological Thriller

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Devil’s Night
by Thomas Stacey
Outskirts Press


"Larry saw a body of a person leaping off the overpass. That was all his mind registered before it went black and vacant."

Devil’s Night is a night of mischief occurring on Halloween Eve. Georgie and his group of friends decide to up the ante in their stunts by stealing a scarecrow from a neighbor’s home. They plan to hang it over an expressway to jolt passengers below, but the scarecrow falls, and a motorist and his wife are killed in a violent crash as a result. Georgie and his friends flee and establish alibis, unaware of the consequences of their tomfoolery. Mickey Lesko is the surviving victim of the accident, and his life, along with that of his older sister, Rosemary, has been irrevocably changed. As time goes on, Mickey has suspicions about the kids behind the accident and has his eye on Georgie. Despite the carnage he caused, Georgie becomes obsessed with Mickey and his remaining family. Meanwhile, Aunt Anna finds a late-in-life love affair that is tied to the other key character—a Doberman Pinscher named Lucifer. Lucifer is Georgie's nemesis and determines the end of the story. ... (read more)

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Unique Message

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Margaret Anne: Child of the West Wind
by Ronan James Cassidy
Xulon Press


"Miss Meara Calhoun now understood why the soulless lords of her witchery had coveted the girl far beyond that of her own wants."

In this expansive book, readers follow Margaret Anne, the daughter of a wealthy Carolina businessman and a Haitian woman. Though her parents’ love is forbidden, and the resulting child of their union is ultimately born in secret, the girl proves to be a light to others. Readers follow Margaret Anne as she navigates growing up and existing as a woman in a society in which women have few options. By the summer of 1880, Margaret Anne leaves her Southern colonial roots and establishes herself as a mother in Vermont. There, she stays busy raising her three children and longing for “the days spent with Mr. Virgil O’ Keefe out in their beautiful field of summer cotton.” Meanwhile, readers traverse the decades and a well-to-do family’s lineage through the Civil War and eventually into the early 1920s, where Margaret Anne’s story continues unfolding. ... (read more)

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Depth & Intrigue

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Diary of a Robot
by Lewis Jenkins


"I’m more an inventor than a soldier… I’ve invented since I was a boy. And I… don’t like to lose people."

Can a future AI achieve a level of sentience and morality that exceeds even the capacities of mankind, its creator? Dr. Maynard Little, as a child, held onto this hope like a stubborn child refusing to relinquish his lolly. One fortuitous event, being fired by TLC—and subsequently being hired by essentially another branch of the same company—opens up a pathway for his rebellious spirit to rise to the surface and push the limits of possibility ... (read more)

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Engaging Life

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In the Typhoon’s Eye: A Story of Childhood and Leaving Home
by Bles Chavez-Bernstein
Outskirts Press


"I was seeing signs all over that I must get away, far away, from where I was."

Author Chavez-Bernstein was born in the Philippines and expertly recalls her childhood, her coming of age, and the weighty decisions she was forced to make at various junctures in this dynamic tale. Adults in her family carried haunting memories of surviving Japanese occupation, resistance, and war. Her parents endured cramped financial circumstances but moved upward and persisted whenever opportunities for small increments of improvement offered themselves. Her mother had a strong, beautiful singing voice, and the author inherited her singing talents and a gift for dramatic presentation that earned her first prize in a radio competition at age five. Coached by her mother, she gave a performance remarkably enhanced with real tears. She excelled in her academic endeavors, beginning first grade a year early and proving herself by gaining many honors. ... (read more)

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Shared Loved

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Falling Off Horses: A Memoir
by Karen Donley-Hayes
Milspeak Books


"If you’re going to ride, you’re going to fall."

Karen and Lash meet as teenagers and begin a friendship that shapes them in countless ways as their lives intertwine through youth and into adulthood. Bonded together over their mutual love of horses, Karen and Lash spend hours together riding and competing. When Lash and her husband buy a farm, they convince Karen to buy the adjoining acreage, and their lives continue to thread together until Lash receives a diagnosis that proves fatal. As they share everything in life, they also share the grief and sorrow that comes with death. This moving memoir is a testament to their shared commitment to each other’s lives and to the rewards that come from friendship. This book spans more than twenty years and takes readers through the whirl of adolescence, the solidity of settling down, and the sadness of losing a best friend. ... (read more)

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Revolutionary

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The Auction
by Elci North


"Are you telling me The Auction wasn’t designed to strengthen the American family?"

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)

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Resilience

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Blue By You
by Larry B. Gildersleeve
BookLocker.com


"Daniel had loved two women. One was taken from him; the other left him. One wasn’t his fault; he wasn’t certain about the other."

Daniel Collins lives in the small Colorado town of Three Oaks with his dog, Blue. He has withdrawn from society after the tragically young death of his wife and childhood sweetheart, Mallory. One day a female stranger named Paula gets lost on her way to a writers’ seminar and winds up at his doorstep. A mixture of witty repartee, country hospitality, and bubbling chemistry leads the two of them to end up spending an entire week together. For Daniel, Paula represents someone that moves his heart in an honest way that he has shut out since the loss of his wife. For Paula, Daniel is an opportunity to feel a passion that has been missing in her marriage since her current husband decided to join the seminary. Though the two immediately hit it off, Paula and Daniel go their separate ways when the time comes. ... (read more)

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Stark Assessment

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The Vanishing Glaciers of Patagonia: 100 Years in Retrospect
by Martin Sessions
Inspiring Publishers


"Wherever mankind occurs in nature, they come like intruders. As such, we arrived at this pristine valley to stay there for the shortest time."

In this exciting and necessary book, readers initially unearth the little-known history of Swedish explorers Nils Pallin and Allan Backman. In 1922, Pallin and Backman accompanied Professor Otto Nordenskjold, a famous explorer and geographer, to some of the most remote parts of South America. During their expedition, the explorers would also visit and explore the terrain of Chile’s Patagonia. As the book concludes, readers join the book’s author on subsequent expeditions to the same area first traversed by the Swedes in 1922. They encounter a landscape constantly in flux due to ever-increasing global temperatures and nearly irreversible climate change. This is an exclusive, firsthand account of climate change’s true consequences on priceless environments whose flora and fauna can never be replaced once they are lost. ... (read more)

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The Price is Right

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Street Pricing: A Pricing Playlist for Hip Leaders in B2B SaaS
by Marcos Rivera
Pricing I/O


"You have to cut through the theory and rely on the practical to make things work."

Many SaaS businesses focus their energy on developing a product to meet the needs of consumers but struggle to capture the value of the product through effective pricing. Rivera’s lifelong experience as a pricing consultant and strategist has helped him master the art and science of monetization. In this entertaining and engaging book, he explains how to capture value and land on the best pricing model. Designed as a playlist with chapters as tracks, Rivera connects his expertise to hip-hop music through lyrics and through the lives of the artists creating the music on which he grew up. The result is a bold, decisive guide that will keep readers engaged and highly informed with its clarity, examples, and explanations. ... (read more)

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Deceitful Appearances

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The Weaver of Blackheath
by Bronwyn Rodden


"Well, people like that, they do good works to make up for the rest I reckon."

Detective Senior Constable Ros Gordon and her partner, Detective Constable Leighton, investigate the death of an unidentified woman. She was found dead on a train with no ID on her. The detectives cannot determine if she died of a drug overdose or natural causes. Ros later discovers that Tristan Worthington died in a car accident. Coincidentally, she had met him at a party hosted by Scott and Patricia Weston-Smith. Tristan worked as an aide to David Polaris, a politician. So Mr. Worthington's sudden death comes as a shock to Ros. The detectives must figure out if it is a simple car accident or if there is more to the story. ... (read more)

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Fervent Appreciation

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The Force of Art – A Life for Painting: Biography of a Vietnamese Artist: Van Den 1919–1988
by Juhani Murros
Austin McCauley Publishers


"By removing needless details in pursuit of perfection, Van Den followed in the footsteps of many great artists, writers, composers, and painters."

Juhani Murros made an unexpected discovery during his visits to art galleries when he worked for an organization in Ho Chi Minh City in 1990. A small still life in an unobtrusive gallery commanded the Finnish physician’s attention. “It was an unpretentious oil painting, yet its dark, mysterious colors and the emotional tension of its disciplined composition set it apart.” Thus began a long journey of discovering the art and life of Van Den, a frugal and kind Buddhist of mixed Chinese and Vietnamese ancestry who studied in Paris for less than two years during 1950-52, a volatile period during the first French Indochina War. ... (read more)

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Men & Angels

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Viila and the Doomsday Affair
by Roger Danchik
Atmosphere Press


"He knew his path; he just didn’t know the ending, and no magic could see through that veil. 'As long as it’s kosher,' he replied."

An inbred rabbi, his disappointment of a son, an eternally beautiful but demonic vampire, and a pickled and preserved head that has witnessed history walk together into the most holy territory known to man. It sounds like a joke, but the fate of the universe and all eternity is at stake, and this unlikely band is all that stands in the way of a more unscrupulous outcome. Rabbi Benjamin belongs to a secretive sect, one of dozens that are awaiting the end of time so that they can follow their holy instructions and reshape the world in their image. As the signs of apocalypse appear, his affable yet beleaguered nature makes him fast friends with Viila, a ravenous beauty in more ways than one who wants little more than to put an end to her immortality. Their unlikely alliance begins a strange and hilarious journey to the end of the world. ... (read more)

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Meaning & Morality

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Works of Art: A Novel
by Ben Chambers
Kieran Publishing


"What sort of lowlife robs an old woman of everything she holds dear? What sort of son allows it to happen?"

Andrew (Andy) Ceraldi is your ordinary citizen, a family man with a cheery disposition, deeply committed to his “Garden Goddess” wife, Peggy, and his thirst for the next story that would blow his literary agent, Chaska, out of the water. Meanwhile, much of Andrew’s family (cousins, sister, etc.) is determined to send his ninety-year-old mother, Henrietta Sage, into assisted living. Holding the power-of-attorney (or at least a copy of it), Ceraldi is pretty much all that separates his mother from assisted living, and this is what sets the stage for the dynamic plot that is about to unfold. ... (read more)

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Important & Timely

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The Future of Smart: How Our Education System Needs to Change to Help All Young People Thrive
by Ulcca Joshi Hansen, PhD, JD
Capucia Publishing


"As a result of these relational changes, all students will have stronger ties to their communities as a whole, and community organizations and business will invest more concertedly in local education."

In this groundbreaking book about one of America’s biggest societal flashpoints, the author discusses “an education system that entirely misunderstood children, treating each child as an identical blank slate ready for the impress of knowledge.” In these pages, readers discover alternative ways to define what it means to be successful and educated. The book also challenges them to rethink their basic assumptions about education in order to begin transforming not only it but also society. Additionally, the book takes a careful look at how students have disengaged from school settings over the last fifteen years. Its research correlates the rise in increasingly evident disruptive behaviors with this disengagement. Meanwhile, the book examines paths forward, such as lab schools which offer students and educators alike a rapid transformation in their learning. ... (read more)

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True Sabbath

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Satan’s Shadow in Abrahamic Religions
by Michael Ebifegha
The Media Reviews


"First, why would God classify a commandment that is supposed to be temporary among a set of moral commandments that are everlasting?"

Author and instructor Ebifegha here arrays a nearly encyclopedic range of corroborations, both historical and biblical, to bring his powerful theme to full light. God ordained the observance of the Sabbath as the seventh day, which is Saturday as taught to and observed by the earliest Israelite peoples, but a gradual shift to a Sunday observance of God’s holy day of rest and remembrance—the work, the author asserts, of Satan—has weakened both the beliefs and the faith of its followers. Ebifegha utilizes his own term for the most sacred day of the week, calling it GCSD (“God’s Creation Sabbath Day”), further emphasizing the biblical truth that after creating the world—its lands, seas, animals, plants, and its human occupants—the Lord designated a day of rest, set aside for contemplation and worship. This designation was underscored powerfully from its position as the cornertone of the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses. Therefore, it is as significant and demanding of true obedience as the other nine in what is often called the Decalogue. ... (read more)

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Covenant

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Shep the Sheep: The Lost Sheep
by Dave Jacoby
Xlibris


"Have no fear. You are not alone. The Good Shepherd has already gone before you."

The idyllic village of Sheepfold is where many sheep live peacefully under the watch and care of the Good Shepherd. Despite having all his needs met, Shep the Sheep wants to go out, see the world, and discover new opportunities as a rock and roll star. Upon leaving, Shep meets both the Prince of Darkness (a.k.a. Mr. Bob) and Al Mundi, the mayor of a city called Carnal Vestige, where it appears that dreams can come true. All is not as it seems, however, and even though Shep’s dreams come true and he records a hit song, he feels an emptiness he doesn’t know how to fill. Realizing that Shep may want to leave this lifestyle behind and return to Sheepfold, they begin to offer him temptations and distractions, all while a rescue effort is being led from Sheepfold to bring Shep back to the flock. ... (read more)

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Smart & Riveting

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Reminiscences of an Accidental Embezzler
by Howard E. Hallengren
Xlibris


"For me the great joy was being free of the threat of being found out, and of ruining my career at the bank."

Kurt Wenner is a successful banker and investor in Zurich when he is lured into his first embezzlement scheme in 1965. With his insider knowledge and desire for wealth, he embarks on a risky, illegal transfer of money that leads him down a scheming path of financial fraud, hiding from authorities, and planning out his next big move. With each embezzlement, he barely escapes and must reinvent his life every few years in new places with new people who don’t know his past. He travels to exotic locales, jet-setting with clients, building relationships and networks that then become his targets for embezzlement and fraud. He is motivated by money but also excited by the risk and the escape. ... (read more)

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Riveting Journey

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The StarWriters Club
by Mary K. Savarese
Indignor House


"You will deliver The Plan... His Plan to all the stars within His universe where they will be transmitted to the new souls."

In this second book of the author’s trilogy, Savarese showcases an uncanny knack for worldbuilding and character development as she delivers a fantasy adventure revolving around twelve recruits to the heralded StarWriters Club. The author highlights the story of the selected just as they meet their demise. Interestingly, each recruit exhibits unique traits like unconditional selflessness, resolve, and self-sacrifice. As the StarWriters’ essence from the material world dissolves and they become free from suffering, readers are exposed to the full scope of what led to their deaths, such as a traumatic school shooting, a heart-wrenching decision to give one’s heart to her twin at birth, a valiant battle with cancer, and a boating romance gone wrong, among others. What is consistent, however, is that all twelve were young and displayed incredible promise in their earthly forms. ... (read more)

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Relatable Human Drama

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The Town That Shot Itself in the Foot
by Judy Gail Krasnow


"Everyone has a story. Even the monsters and there is no place one can learn more about the human condition than in prison."

When Miami becomes too expensive for the single, almost-retired performance artist, Rachel, an old penitentiary in Michigan being turned into an artists’ residence, The Hatchery, seems the perfect affordable housing option. Artists are promised studio space and support in turning their crafts into businesses. For Rachel, the prison itself becomes a source of revenue. She turns stories of ghosts of prisoners past, ex-prison workers, and living ex-cons into tours through the complex, as well as through a working prison. As her venture grows, however, so does the town officials’ animosity against her and other artists. The home that was once the answer to Rachel’s prayers becomes her own prison. ... (read more)

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First Peoples

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Indigo
by Latrell E. Mickler
PageTurner Press and Media


"It’s a jungle, Rafael,” Caterina said, as she slapped at hordes of hungry, black mosquitos."

Looking to find a better life for himself and his wife, Caterina, Rafael Reyes indentures himself and Caterina to the New Smyrna Plantation of Dr. Andrew Turnbull. Though excited about their prospects in this new world, their dreams are dashed when they realize Turnball, a cruel master, has no intent to honor the contract specifics. In fact, they find themselves starving, sick, and without shelter after landing on Florida’s east coast. As the situation on the plantation becomes dire, Rafael and Caterina know they must escape the cruelty of their situation. ... (read more)

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Multiple Perspectives

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Diva
by Joseph Kinnebrew
BookSide Press


"The puppeteers are simply coincidence and consequence; it was she who created the stage and the theater, the lights the action. I feel no guilt nor should you."

Little does Diva know or care that the vitriol she inflicts upon everyone she encounters will come back to haunt her. The book begins as one of her scorned lovers unloads his years-long experience with Diva to a therapist. He and Diva are first attracted to each other as lonely divorcees looking for companionship. Despite reasons to leave her that pile up as he shares a home with her periodically, travels with her, and meets Diva’s friends and drug-dealing son, he sticks around because he feels compassion for her in a time of ill health and wants, if possible, to help her improve. A trained doctor and observer himself, he recognizes that she fulfills every symptom of a sociopath, including a lack of genuine interest in others, compulsive spending, shallowness, and an obsession with sex. He is not her only observer, however. Subsequent sections of the book are narrated by Diva and the spouse of another of her lovers. ... (read more)

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Interesting Journey

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Musical Chairs: A 76-Year-Old’s Quest to Learn Every Instrument in the Orchestra
by James Mitchell
Bookpress Publishing


"We had been quiet for a while, enjoying the piñon country of New Mexico, when I blurted out, 'Here’s an idea…."

At the age of seventy-six, the author, feeling the need for a project, finds inspiration while driving from Tucson to his home in Colorado. “Suddenly, without warning, it came to me in a rush, completely formed, amidst that desolate New Mexico landscape: I would play all the instruments in the orchestra.” This begins his journey to take lessons in eleven instruments of the orchestra and become competent in each. He would attempt to take twelve lessons on each chosen instrument, with the goal being to “play excerpts from the classical music repertory with a high degree of fluency, tone, and interpretation, in a reasonably listenable fashion.” Each instrument is allotted a chapter in which the author relays its history and his progress in achieving his goal. With three months given to each instrument, the book takes almost three years to complete and encompasses his experience with each instrument and its procured teacher. ... (read more)

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An Engaging Take

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Farewell to Darwinian Evolution: Exposition of God’s Creation Patent and Seal
by Michael Ebifegha, Ph.D.
Book Savvy International


"Every seal designed by human beings consists of matter. But matter can wear out; it can be tempered with, destroyed or defiled. Only time meets all of the above requirements for a seal on creation."

Initially, this book opens with a discussion of the various studies which have debunked Darwinism. It introduces readers to the idea that, despite humanity’s vast knowledge, humans have no idea about how they came into existence. The book takes a biblical stance regarding creation, and it gives a strong overview of the Judeo-Christian evidence which refutes Darwinism. Carefully organized and well-detailed outlines also help readers navigate the author’s various discussions regarding this often controversial topic. Additionally, readers discover intriguing, philosophical discussions about time and how “time made holy remains intrinsically and perpetually holy.” ... (read more)

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End of Times

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The Coming: Footpath to the End of the Age
by David Heeren
URLink Print and Media


"Everything was different, despite the official mantra that nothing had changed."

In Heeren’s eerie yet inspiring tale, Charles Morgen and his wife, Vera, are approaching New York City in 2027. That venue has become the seat of the US government, dictated by its new president, Adam. Charles, a devout Christian (and the previous president), has disturbing visions of what is happening to his suddenly altered, once free, nation—visions based on biblical prophecies of the end times. He and Vera set out from Florida in one of the few automobiles in use after gas prices have risen astronomically in the name of protecting the environment. Of course, Adam and his ilk travel freely in limousines and private planes. ... (read more)

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The Facts

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Nurse Florence, What Is Heat Exhaustion?
by Michael Dow, RN, MS, MHA, MSM
Dow Creative Enterprises


"Maybe it's an opportunity for the world to unite and solve something big together so we wouldn't fight so much...""

Students are concerned as they have just left a class where their teacher spoke about climate change. They worry about the effect it will have on them and the planet and wonder what they can do to be prepared. They sit with Nurse Florence at the lunch table and share their distress. They ask questions, and Nurse Florence shares information about some common sense ways to care for themselves and others. As the temperatures are continuing to rise around the world, Nurse Florence leads the children through a gamut of complications from exposure to heat that can become deadly if not taken seriously. Her explanation of heat exhaustion includes the symptoms and signs to watch for and provides ideas for care that include knowing when to get professional medical help. ... (read more)

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Life & Thought

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True Stories of the Philosophical Theater
by S. Yerucham
Xlibris


"Sometimes imagining I could somehow swing myself around, out of the realm of perception and, paradoxically, really perceive the world."

When philosophy and life experiences intersect, the result is often a purposeful endeavor to understand what it means to be a human from the myriad lenses available. Yerucham embodies this outlook in nearly every way en route to providing an intriguing insight into many cultures, regions, and much more. To call his work comprehensive would be an understatement, yet the depth to which he goes and the care with which he describes all his experiences (and the meaning derived from each) will undoubtedly prove meaningful to audiences. ... (read more)

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Dynamic

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Ghost Daughter: Alice MacDonald Greer Mystery Series
by Helen Currie Foster
Stuart’s Creek Press


"I just want you to know that Ellie had you on her mind, but she died before we could meet–to make any decision."

This seventh installment in the author's mystery series is a dynamic whodunit novel that has the perfect blend of character development and plot engagement. True to form, Foster’s work takes Alice from the comfortable confines of her Texas Hill country ranch to the mystique of Santa Fe, New Mexico, as she works to unravel one mess in a series of dysfunctions that highlights the main character’s ability to thrive even in the most pressure-packed of situations. ... (read more)

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Empire Alive

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The Year of Five Emperors
by Robert Eckert
BookSide Press


"Then let each do his duty, as the gods give us light to see our duty."

At the dawn of 193 AD, political factions in Rome—the Praetorian Guard, the City Legion, and the Senate—vie in a virtual civil war as various nations surrounding the Empire present their own unique challenges. The murder of the controversial Emperor Commodus on New Year’s Eve 192 by Laetus, commander of the Praetorian Guard, is the first of the bloody murders to darken the halls of the royal palace or Senate, and the remaining narrative is focused upon this everchanging center of power. The death of the morally bankrupt Commodus is an almost celebratory affair, and the Senate immediately elects Pertinax to the throne. However, he soon falls into disfavor with his thrifty state spending cuts. Pertinax is soon dispatched, and Didius Julianus buys his emperorship from the Praetorian Guard. Julianus’ hold on power is tenuous, and he is soon followed by Pescennius Niger, Septimius Severus, and Clodius Albinus. ... (read more)

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Many Joys

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Sonnets of Love and Joy
by Paul Buchheit
Kelsay Books


"Sensations pleasant, proud, return to me: again I share the finest company"

Divided into sections based around themes of finding joy in loved ones and nature, this poetry collection harkens back to the times of Shakespeare by using the sonnet as its main poetic form. In fact, there are sixty sonnets found throughout the work, each one accompanied by classic paintings (largely from the late nineteenth century to the early twentieth century) or photographs. The text progresses from pieces celebrating the finding of true love to spending a life marveling at life’s wonders to the wonders that come from raising children. Each sonnet also strives to pay tribute to the historical era in which Shakespeare composed his plays and poems by recreating the same vivid and unique portrayal of the language known from that period. ... (read more)

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New Series MegaStar

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Born Torn: Kiara Noir Mother Nature Series
by Suz Eglington


"If I fudged this up, then there would be severe consequences. It was absolute power. I was the monopoly."

Kiara Noir is turning sixteen-and-a-half years old soon, and her wanderlust is getting the better of her. Kiara and her mother are transplants living on a Native American reservation in Colorado, far away from most other people. Independent and strong-willed, Kiara routinely butts heads with her mother about wanting to see the world and go to college while her mother, Willow, insists that they must stay where they are. Kiara is filled with questions about her father, their life, and her mother’s folksy knowledge of herbs and rituals, adding to Kiara’s frustrations. On the exact day between her previous and next birthday, Kiara is given permission to go out into the wild and take pictures with her new camera lens. Suddenly, her reality comes crashing down around her. ... (read more)

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Personal & Symbolic

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Time 4 Healing: Make It Make Sense
by Jasper “Mr. Horse” Manning
ReadersMagnet


"I haven’t forgotten what it took
To be where I am today."

Within an array of 151 works offered here, poet and philosopher Manning seeks to remind readers that they are not alone and that their suffering is known, shared, and can be healed. His book is arranged in four parts, initially guiding his audience to “See the Healing.” This segment opens with an exposure of “The Great White Lie,” a reminder that Jesus, according to the Bible, had “hair of wool, skin of bronze.” Yet white people have gradually found means of “lightening his skin, straightening his hair” and portraying Jesus as one of them. Manning compares the needed healing process for fellow Blacks and anyone in need of it to the tears of angels who “weep for us all.” Subsequent chapters emphasize “The Healing Touch” and invite readers to smell and taste the healing. He depicts “The Best Sleep in the World” in a variety of possibilities, such as on a sandy beach or in a car while someone else is driving, with the best being the sleep of children that is “without worry or care.” ... (read more)

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Narratives

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Poetic Beauty: An Abstract Encounter in Black
by John Thomas Qua
PageTurner Press and Media


"The ground began to shake, as the foundation of time began to slip away, grain by grain."

Steeped in faith and candidly personal, these poems celebrate a life well-lived and in service to the Lord. The speaker confesses to being “fearful of another long season of excessive hurt and pain.” However, the speaker acknowledges that overcoming those fears and worldly temptations is part of one’s earthly and spiritual journey. Other poems celebrate spiritual beings such as angels and remind readers that “If this is fact or fiction, no one actually knows.” “Graciousness from a Loving Friend” is a testament to the life-changing power of a good friend who leaves a lasting impact, even long after they are gone. As the collection concludes, poems like “Time to Remember” emphasize the necessity of moving forward from grief and regrets and embracing the gift that each new day offers. ... (read more)

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Hypnotizing Narrative

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God Forgives Outlaws
by Mark Barrile
PageTurner Press and Media


"Being an Outlaw meant to me and is supposed to mean to others the same thing: Brotherhood."

An Outlaw with faith in God is a strange mixture for someone living the patched lifestyle. But Barrile, a former chaplain, recounts his time as an Outlaw, leaning on the church while maneuvering the edges of lawlessness. He recalls the years traversing across Australia and Europe, joining associated Outlaw motorcycle clubs in search of connection, camaraderie, and brotherhood. One goal in writing this book is to disprove Daniel Wolf’s The Rebels, an instruction manual for motorcycle club wannabes, which presents a methodology Barrile finds unsound. His response is this unflinching examination of motorcycle club membership, drawing upon his own storied experiences. ... (read more)

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Seeking Peace

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

God’s Grace, Not My Disgrace
by Claudette Inglis
Writers’ Branding


"It feels amazing when I look back and see the plan the master had in store for me."

This inspirational nonfiction work tells the story of the author’s troubled childhood of neglect and abuse and her rise from the depths of despair. Through her grandmother, Inglis learns the teachings of Christ and the importance of prayer, which help her to heal and overcome past abuses. She states, “Having been a past victim of abuse and molestation and having had a history of personal withdrawal and isolation tendencies, no one but the Trinity and the blood of the Son Jesus Christ could have helped me overcome that dilemma in my life.” ... (read more)

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Life & Death

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The Penny Mansions
by Steven Mayfield
Regal House Publishing


"I can see it now. A home in Paradise can be yours for only one penny."

Paradise, Idaho, was another byproduct of the boom and bust atmosphere that typified the gold rush of the mid-1800s. The town’s population soared with the discovery of the valuable mineral. However, as of 1918, the town’s population has dwindled considerably and is on the verge of becoming unincorporated as a town. A group of locals, including brothel proprietor Maude, cantankerous war veteran/prospector Goldstrike, and the beautiful teacher Bountiful Dollarhyde meet to discuss a plan. They plan to advertise affluent available real estate for pennies to lure in potential residents. The plan is to get enough mansions sold to upstanding individuals who can be counted for the next census. However, if Lt. Governor Gerald Dredd has anything to say about it, the town may be destroyed in the process. ... (read more)

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Gripping Thriller

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Cult on the Hill
by D. L. Waterhouse
PageTurner Press and Media


"The only reason I’m here now is because there are three dead girls in the morgue."

Lou Worley is called in to help with a murder investigation after a third body is found, and suspicions abound that a serial killer of young girls may be on the loose. As Worley begins investigating, he finds a sinister religious cult that may be responsible for the murders. The cult preys on abandoned children who are never adopted from orphanages and fall through the cracks of a crumbling system. With his persistence and precision, he follows a complex trail of human trafficking, abuse, and twisted religion to track a murderer and a cult leader. As a Christian, he offers up forgiveness and restoration with Christ as he confronts criminals and sees his Lord wash the evil from men’s hearts and souls. He is a witness to the work of godly servants of Christ and is sometimes the catalyst for these conversions. ... (read more)

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Alaskan Wild

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Alfred Creek
by D. L. Waterhouse
PageTurner Press and Media


"My long-anticipated vacation adventure had become a turning point in my life and, I might add, the lives of my whole family."

Lou Worley heads out on an adventure in Alaska that sends his life careening in new directions that provide wealth and danger as well as opportunities to change the lives of those he encounters. Worley finds gold in Alaska, a vein worth millions and one that funds a new life in a new community. Once he relocates his family to Alaska, he becomes involved in many high-profile adventures involving a drug cartel, illegal hunting, and a diamond hunt. He also engages with the needs of people suffering in his newfound home state by providing resources and support to help with the drug epidemic. Additionally, he connects on a more personal and individual level by helping people turn their lives around. Overall, he uses his life to impact others in positive ways and never turns away from a challenge or difficulty. ... (read more)

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Justice

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The Wrong Side of Bravery
by Marshall Ginevan
PageTurner Press and Media


"We're a team. Let's work together. Help each other."

Mike Marshall loses his father during the Vietnam War. He has made a promise to him that one day he will become a Marine officer. His father's death motivates him more than ever to achieve this goal. During every summer break while in college, he volunteers to go to Vietnam for his Marine Reserve duties. His hard work and dedication impress Mike's superiors and his squad. After several years of training and experience in the field, he finally reaches his goal and becomes a Marine officer. Because of his work ethic, many want to work with him, so he accepts a position as a DEA agent. However, during one of his investigations, Mike shoots and kills a drug dealer in self-defense, but the evidence says otherwise. He is put on a trial and must now prove his innocence. ... (read more)

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Gospel Discovery

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Grace, Grace to It! The Gospel from God's Point of View
by D.L. Waterhouse
PageTurner Press and Media


"The human race is full of opinions about the origin of evil that exists in the nature of humanity."

Author Waterhouse presents his diligent study of the Holy Bible and his conclusions based on that scriptural exploration. He opens his narrative with the fable of a safe, friendly little town where children could roam the streets without fear. Then a teenage boy in a new car drives through, running into and killing a deaf boy on a bicycle. The incident has far-reaching consequences, as the town begins to institute regulations, with those in power often riddled with corruption. ... (read more)

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Poignant Account

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Ending Wars on Uganda’s Children
by Dr. Barbara M. Panther-Gibby
PageTurner Press and Media


"Young children were forced to become soldiers, many times no more than seven or eight years old."

Author Panther-Gibby began her explorative and constructive visits to Uganda in 2004. Joined by family and friends, she felt a need to improve conditions there, especially for children. What they knew in advance of the trek was shocking, an impression more deeply etched as they saw real conditions in the country—the odors, the lack of sanitation and clean water, beggars everywhere, and the prevalence of disease. Panther-Gibby and her friends made small but significant strides, hosted by a minister named Moses Mbuga, who believed the Americans could provide realistic assistance for Uganda’s many orphans. ... (read more)

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What Cannot Be Taught

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Lessons of Nature: From a Modern-Day Shepherd
by Don F. Pickett
PageTurner Press and Media


"By studying His physical creations that we can see, we can better understand His spiritual creations we cannot see."

Author Pickett here advances his well-considered thesis that by approaching the natural world alone and without modern distractions, one can appreciate and absorb the truth that lies beyond the realm of formal education and science. The humble, hard work of the shepherd provides a pathway into this higher comprehension. Just sitting on a rock and watching the flock graze, a shepherd will see and experience a wide variety of natural happenings that are not generally available to the naked, physical eye. These simple observations can lead to profound ideas. Away from the electrified city, a shepherd will observe the orderly movements of the earth in relation to the stars. Trekking with the flock reveals the variety God has planned: animals, flowers, rocks, soil, and raw, unsullied beauty. These lessons comprise what Pickett wishes to convey—that the Creator directs his creation so that his created ones will perceive and be grateful for their place in it. ... (read more)

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Invisible Nature

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The Book of Care
by DeAnna LoCoco
PageTurner Press and Media


"My restful focus is in the Silence of meditation. I take time to take time to consciously restore. It’s as close as one conscious breath."

Author, grandmother, businesswoman, and activist LoCoco says her own journey to inner peace begins with a “tranquil heart,” and her life’s work seeks to foster change not only on a personal level but for greater humanity. “Life is a verb, and motion is its essence,” writes LoCoco. The vast nature of that motion—or energy—is explored here in a fascinating fashion, touching on an extraordinarily wide array of interconnected key concepts. Beingness, illumination, gratitude, authenticity, radiance, karma, the ego, peace, consciousness, harmony, and balance are but a few examples of key elements scattered, like shining gemstones of wisdom, throughout LoCoco’s work. Each individual “gemstone” is set on its own new page, titled, and contains only a few lines of nuanced, poetic thought. It is precisely this minimalist, carefully curated fashion in which the author has crafted the book that enhances the subject matter and proves to be its greatest strength. ... (read more)

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Life in Verse

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Artists and Vagabonds: How I Escaped My Mother’s Narcissistic Personality Disorder
by Lorena Sikorski
Page Publishing


"I noticed that the farther away I could get from my mother, the more my life was improving."

This poignant memoir features a woman escaping not only a narcissistic mother but generations-old toxic family dynamics. Sikorski begins her story by going back through the last 150 years of her maternal ancestry. Her family’s history is full of the titular artists and vagabonds. Most of her relatives have been self-styled “ecclesiastical artists.” They repainted and refinished church statuary, decor, and furniture. With only so many churches in any single area, the artists had to become itinerant. They would pack their families and belongings into trailers and travel around the country. ... (read more)

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Back to Basics

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Plant-Based Whole Food Recipes: Healthy Homemade Meals Made Easy
by Yu-Shiaw Chen, Ph.D.
Outskirts Press


"You get all the goodness of balanced nutrition without spending a whole lot of time working in the kitchen."

This slim volume contains almost one-hundred recipes for easy, healthy plant-based dishes. The author refrains from referring to her book as a cookbook, as she wants to emphasize the importance of including raw foods in a balanced diet. Instead, she refers to it as a “recipe book,” though even that might be a misnomer. The majority of the recipes here are so simple as to require only a set of suggested guidelines and ingredients for each dish, allowing infinite variations and customizations based on readers’ preferences. ... (read more)

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Listen & Pray

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God Says Yes 91 Times
by Mary Ardissone


"Praising and thanking God is a crucial part of prayer life."

Author Ardissone presents an enlivening collection of incidents from her personal prayer life in which God answered her requests and/or brought to reality her intuitions about numerous scenarios involving herself or others. Attributing these occurrences to persistent religious faith, she offers guidance for others based on her experiences. Her compilation began when, having been granted what she sought through prayer, she vowed to God to begin to compile specific examples for the benefit of others. ... (read more)

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Conquering Fear

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Constant Courage: Martin Luther King, Jr. and Jesus Christ
by Tracy Emerick, Ph.D.
BookSide Press


"Success, triumph, even power, is sweet when it is inspired and motivated through the Cape of Love."

Through Emerick’s work, audiences get a chance to internalize the true meaning of courage and experience their own abundance and growth. In a capitalistic society that revolves around wants and indulgences, the social narrative almost exclusively revolves around the self, often at the expense of others in one’s orbit. Attempting to change this mindset, Emerick uses the lives of Jesus Christ and Martin Luther King, Jr. to demonstrate what it means to lead an exemplary life that goes beyond one’s own wants and needs and focuses on a common, greater good. ... (read more)

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Heart People

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Nifty Neighbors: Mister Rogers and Jesus Christ
by Tracy Emerick, Ph.D.
BookSide Press


"Nifty neighbors are people whom you shared fond memories with and who showed you the best qualities of a neighbor."

Author Emerick sets his sights on two well-known “nifty neighbors” in this absorbing narrative. Fred Rogers, in his widely watched television persona as “Mr. Rogers,” is effectively compared with Jesus Christ with his millions of followers. The faith Jesus initiated is still the largest worldwide. Meanwhile, Mr.Roger's legacy of quiet compassion continues in the lives of those he influenced. ... (read more)

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Grounded in Faith

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Good Life as a Catholic Author: With God Almighty and Things to Do Here
by SherAnne Shey Jubelirer


"I will rejoice
For love and doing of good,
For simple pleasures
And strength of reasons making faith
Within me grow "

Part of what makes faith such an attractive proposition for so many people is that it strengthens the believer in both good times and bad, imbuing them with a sense of purpose and a belief that anything is possible and better days are to come. In this brief volume of poetry and prose, the author reflects on the many different ways that faith enhances her life and looks for ways to continue to develop and live as a better Catholic example. As the author deals with addiction, the struggle to make ends meet, and following her passion for writing and inspiring others, even the darker or more challenging moments are bolstered by an unwavering belief system and worship circle. ... (read more)

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Returning

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Homeward Bound: American Veterans Return from War
by Richard Taylor
URLink Print and Media


"It changed the demographics of society, distributed wealth more evenly, and made the United States a land of opportunity again: veterans supplied the energy."

The quote above refers to the G.I. Bill of Rights that was drawn up shortly after World War II to meet perhaps one of the greatest numbers of veterans needing federal assistance in America’s history. It was certainly an improvement over the government’s response to the veterans of World War I, who faced over 200 infantrymen with armed rifles and fixed bayonets led by General Douglas MacArthur when they camped out in Washington to demand the pensions that they had been promised for serving. Discrimination against Korean War veterans for “losing” the war coupled with a McCarthy-era suspicion of them being “brainwashed” by communists shows how political and social climates can influence the treatment of returning veterans. Of course, the Vietnam War is perhaps one of the country’s most politically polarizing conflicts, with many veterans facing social ostracism and alienation upon their return. ... (read more)

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Rich Storyscape

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Dead Man’s Pose: Yoga Mat Mysteries
by Susan Rogers and John Roosen


"History is like water: very fluid. It is subject to change with a pebble thrown into the stream."

Ric and Elaina’s investigation into the sudden death of Mario, one of Elaina’s yoga students, is a dive into Sydney’s shark-infested waters. Elaina and her student, Ric, team up to ease Elaina’s mind about what happened to Mario and how she’s involved. They enlist homeless men, professors, and bouncers, among other informants, and travel by ferry, bus, and car all over the city, tracking clues into Mario the accountant’s life. However, the more they find out, the more they become targets themselves. ... (read more)

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Fast-Paced

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Year of Our Lord: What Would Jesus Do Today?
by David Heeren
URLink Print and Media


"They made no important decisions for one year without asking themselves this question: ‘What would Jesus do?’"

When Rev. Charles Morgen approaches his prayer group of six with the idea of agreeing to live for one year with the intention of acting as Jesus would, he has no idea of the challenges the upcoming year will include. Members of the group will be faced with unimaginable obstacles over the next twelve months. For instance, one will be arrested for her participation in the anti-abortion group she leads to picket one of the town’s leading abortionists. On the heels of this will come false accusations of child abuse, with an overzealous worker for Florida’s Department of Family Services removing her children from the home. ... (read more)

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War Poetry

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

A Tomb Guard Remembers
by Pasquale with Jen Gordon
AuthorHouse


"I have come to the borders of sleep."

In this expansive anthology, readers encounter the works of Edward Thomas, Hillaire Belloc, Ella Wheeler Wilcox, and other poets who adeptly captured the World War I experience in verse. These poems communicate the personal and universal conflagrations war developed during this time period. Readers encounter works they may already be familiar with, like Owen’s “Dulce et Decorum Est.” They also find other familiar poets, like Amy Lowell and her poem “A Ballad of Footmen.” ... (read more)

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A Comprehensive Study

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

The Only Authentic Book of Persuasion: The Agenda-Spin Method 7th Edition
by Richard E. Vatz, Ph.D.
Authors Press


"Persuasion affects all people and all interests, and can be local, national, and/or international."

This insightful study of persuasion begins by addressing two schools of thought on the subject. Published in 1968, “The Rhetorical Situation” by Lloyd Bitzer “argued that reality presents us with an agenda with inherent meaning and significance.” In other words, the language and symbols of the situation drive the “actions the situation demands.” The author labels this approach to persuasion the “situational perspective.” Vatz states, “I read through the article, absolutely captivated by what I regarded as its irresponsible theoretical take on persuasion.” Vatz countered Bitzer’s argument in “The Myth of the Rhetorical Situation,” written shortly after Bitzer’s article was published. This article set the groundwork for Vatz’s nearly four decades in the field of rhetoric and persuasion. Rather than defining rhetoric as situational, Vatz defines it as follows: “Persuasion is the struggle for chosen agenda and the subsequent effort to infuse spin strategically into the established topic for chosen audiences.” In other words, this rhetorical perspective concludes that persuasion is primarily about the persuader and his or her choice of topics for a particular audience and how these topics are used to establish an agenda or spin. ... (read more)

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Love & Loss

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

What a Tale My Thoughts Will Tell: Words Not to Be Forgotten
by John Edwards
Bookside Press


"It’s hard to be human… more importantly, understanding how the family unit provides the warmth, shelter, care, love, and long-lasting bonds that shape our evolution."

There comes an inflection point in life where one decision will literally shape the outcome of all subsequent occurrences. In Edwards’ memoir, readers are privy to a genuine and authentic reflection of his life experiences that encompass the highest highs and lowest lows. While the purpose of a memoir is to be an open book, being as candid and vulnerable as Edwards often is about his personal life—versus highlighting only the great parts—is a difficult and commendable undertaking. ... (read more)

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A Treastise

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Seven Skyes Under: The Complete Spiritual Journey
by Manuel Skye
Balboa Press


"We can all connect with the divine, for we all have consciousness."

Author Skye has assembled a storehouse of spiritual information drawn from many religious and sectarian fields. He includes revelations gleaned from his personal life with a mother who nurtured other-worldly insights and led him to the understanding of universal truths and connections from an early age. Skye’s work contains humorous, entertaining touches, such as the impact he felt as a young teen from what he calls his “Madonnatism,” referencing the popular singer whom he regards as a muse. ... (read more)

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Gut-Wrenching

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A Hard Decision
by Westley Thomas
AuthorHouse


"So, as the thought remains in your mind, you are also dead."

William and Zera Dickenson are newlyweds with their future ahead of them. They are expecting a child and are ready to build their lives. However, William is soon shipping off to Vietnam, and Zera is understandably nervous. Steve Rogers is an American serviceman being held in a Vietcong prison, where he has attempted numerous escapes. He views his captors with intense scorn. After being shot down during a mission, William faces similar circumstances and peril. The unknowns as to William’s whereabouts lead to the military declaring him killed in action. Zera is distraught, but soon her grief is compounded upon suffering another loss. Time goes on, and Zera must move on with her life. She is living a pleasant life with her new family when the past comes knocking on her door. ... (read more)

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The Natural World

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Marcus - King of the Dandelions
by L. Malungu
Balboa Press


"’You have a wonderful mind, my son.’"

This book for older children is just one of a series that focuses on Marcus and his life adventures. It begins with a preface for adults regarding their influence on children and the importance of learning. The story ensues, beginning with Marcus’ mother in the kitchen preparing for the day by making breakfast and doing laundry while five-year-old Marcus is visiting Farmer Wyatt. He makes his mother a dandelion necklace and also makes himself a dandelion crown. She teaches him about perennials and the importance of dandelions, which are considered weeds by many people. When told that mowing the dandelions causes them to grow more blossoms, Marcus tells her he’s going back to Farmer Wyatt to ask him if he can mow his lawn. The book ends by discussing the different vowels and how to decode them. ... (read more)

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Where's the Pooch?

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Doodle Noodle
by Kate Seng
Archway Publishing


"Mazie was starting to fret. Where is Noodle?"

A young girl named Mazie wonders how to find her missing dog, Noodle, in this imaginative children’s book. Mazie brainstorms the best way to seek Noodle and runs through a list of the adults she knows whose jobs would help in her search. Her first thought is of a police officer, but she realizes that someone might need to “doodle Noodle” first. Her mind turns to people she knows in various artistic careers. Mazie considers asking a baker, a painter, an artist, and a mosaic maker, all of whom she deems suitable for having the skills to draw her missing dog. Just as she realizes her father is also missing, he arrives, having just picked up a fresh-scented Noodle from the groomer. ... (read more)

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Respect

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The Amberwood Estates: The Seniors’ Diaries: Predicting a Brighter Future for the Elderly
by Salma Hamid Hussain
Partridge Publishing Singapore


"What we realize—too little, too late—is that there is no substitute for events."

Afshin has recently arrived in Karachi from Kuwait. She is aghast over her mother’s deteriorating state. Her mother lives with her brother and sister-in-law and is seen as a nuisance and generally neglected. Afshin decides to act in order to make her mother’s golden years pleasant. Shehzad is a fellow senior citizen who is mistreated by his offspring and longs for a change. He is informed about The Amberwood Estates, a senior living facility that is noted for its excellent staff, care, and facilities. The facility has become the envy of investors who desire to know the company’s business model. The men and women who soon flock to the facility are able to shake off the gloom from their lives and enjoy the latter days of their lives. ... (read more)

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Keeping Calm

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Facing My Feelings
by Jenny Quintanilla
AuthorHouse


"The way you feel today is okay!"

This storybook for young children explores a child’s way of dealing with life situations and the feelings related to them. It acknowledges that feelings aren’t right or wrong but that they just exist, such as feeling happy, sad, or mad. And it lets the child know that she may not understand why she feels a certain way. The book gives examples of times that a child might feel nervous, such as going to school or feeling sad that he didn’t clean his room as asked. It also addresses other feelings, such as being happy, excited, relaxed, and grateful. Each of these feeling states is described along with a short story. The narrative ends with information about keeping calm, such as taking deep breaths and staying positive. ... (read more)

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Catching Trouble

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The Lethal Elixir
by Dennis Ross
Archway Publishing


"’If you don’t stop that, I may think you’ve had a respiratory arrest and have to perform CPR,’ she joked."

Maggie Hamilton is an infectious disease specialist. When two mysterious cases of Ebola show up in Chicago, Maggie is tasked with controlling the situation. She is quickly partnered with Mack, a handsome FBI agent, who is trying to find the source of the outbreak and determine if there has been an intentional release of the virus. As the two work to control the virus, the web of those who are connected to the case increases in size. It isn’t long before more cases emerge in other parts of the country. ... (read more)

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Viky's Plea

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Womb For Rent
by LJ Smith
AuthorHouse


"I'd be in a room full of people and feel totally alone."

Carrie Sansone is an alcoholic, but she refuses to admit it. She applies for a job as a surrogate for Ken and Vicky White. She interviews with them, and they choose her to carry their child. Carrie is excited and happy because this job pays very well, and she will no longer rely on her parents to help her pay her rent. On top of that, Carrie feels that she has found her purpose in life to help the Whites expand their family. It makes her feel important. She wants others to see that, too. Carrie goes through the embryo transfer, and the procedure goes well. A few weeks later, though, Carrie finds out that she is pregnant with twins, and one of them is hers. Throughout this journey, Carrie will fight to keep her baby while struggling with her drinking problem. ... (read more)

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Get to Bed

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While Their Parents Were Sleeping…
by Patti Pavolko
Xlibris


"And I will love you forever and ever… no matter what."

Kinley is an energetic little girl who doesn’t like going to bed. She is so full of wonder at life that she worries about wasting a single moment of it. But one day her Grammy tells Kinley to repeat a saying right before going to sleep related to how much they care for each other. When Kinley does, it is like a magical spell. Her Grammy comes, and they have adventures together in a vast forest while Kinley is dreaming. Over the course of several short stories, Kinley makes friends with forest creatures and wakes up each morning to evidence of her dream exploits. Other members of her family even manage to join in on the adventures as well. Asleep or awake, Kinley is thus able to stay active and have fun. ... (read more)

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Breathtaking Color

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Quaran Team
by Linda Kohler Barnes
Xlibris


"Stockpiling scare goods
Thinking they’re the smart ones."

Using vibrant, nature-themed watercolors and witty haikus, this book explores the Covid-19 quarantine experience. It takes general pandemic experiences, such as hoarding groceries and necessities, and presents them in a humorous manner. Both the poems and the artwork remind readers of the pandemic’s dramatic ups, downs, and in-betweens. A rhino stands as the symbol of self-reliance. A coiled rattlesnake wearing a mask reminds the public about the need for social distancing, and a pair of masked platypuses become the representatives of a resilient generation “born into crisis.” Other creatures, like the yellowjacket, seek “sticky, sweet nectar” and are “frantic to be out.” Meanwhile, the blue-footed booby maintains hope that “one day this will end” and looks toward a brighter future. ... (read more)

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Action-Packed

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

A Story about a Man Called Ants Once a Cowboy
by Gary E. J. Kain
Xlibris


"When Ants descended from his lookout point in the morning, the two mustangs were busy eating mesquite beans. Strange, he thought, that mustangs were the only animal he knew that not only ate but enjoyed the bitter beans."

This is a story that takes the ever-popular cowboy and Indian tale on a turn for the better. Beginning with the story of an unjust killing of a native and the cowboy's desire to seek justice for the innocent, the stage is set for a whirlwind of adventures with the man who lives under the alias "Ants." Even though Ants is a fictional character, his adventures are interwoven with historical events, including a mission given by President Abraham Lincoln. ... (read more)

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Impact

Book Reviews - US Review of Books

Blinded by False Love: An Inmate's Wife for Life
by Adynah Yah
Xlibris


"All I know is that I'm still here, still enduring this imprisonment, mentally, and physically."

Chelsey is married to Curtis. He is an incarcerated inmate, but Chelsey believes she has found her Prince Charming. However, she soon realizes that she was wrong about him. One minute, he is the sweetest guy on the planet, and the next minute, he is taking out his frustrations on her. On top of that, they have not consummated their marriage because Curtis made sure to sabotage family visits by misbehaving. As a result, Chelsey’s family visits are denied. At this point, Chelsea realizes that Curtis is just using her for the money and that he does not love her as she does him. Throughout this journey, Chelsey must break free of Curtis’ hold over her before it is too late. ... (read more)

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