March 2021 Review Issue
Fantasy & Sci Fi Mystery & Thrillers
Above
Sea Level
Douglas E. Congdon
Independently Published
9781672354028
$6.99
Paper/$1.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Above-Sea-Level-Douglas-Congdon-ebook/dp/B081SQXJC5/
Above
Sea
Level
weaves a post-apocalyptic story and an investigative piece. Set in a
future in which an environmentally wrecked America consists of small
communities linked by the internet, the mayor of a small Midwestern
town, Plato
McFaul, is murdered by a robot.
When
an investigation fails to turn up a concrete lead, his son, Daniel
McFaul, is tasked with probing his father's death, setting a trap to
catch the
killer that relies on a beautiful, dangerous woman's participation in a
plan
that could backfire.
Daniel
has inherited his father's talents, in many ways. He's also
inherited trouble, which deepens as his journey leads him into
unpredictable,
questionable territory: "How much of it was even real?
Difficult to
tell these days, but Daniel always assumed the worst, at first. Sally
called it
paranoia, but he liked to think he was just being careful. He learned
that from
his father, who would sometimes say “evil often smiles” when lecturing
Daniel
on how much he could trust others."
Is
there a better way of catching a killer than making himself the bait
in a trap? If so, Daniel can't think of one.
As
his murder probe winds through a world where truth is measured by
internet protection devices and yet still remains elusive, Daniel
discovers
many truths about his father, a man "ahead of his time and out of place
in
Dodge City." As he pieces together perceptions and information from
disparate sources, Daniel edges ever closer to a realization not just
about his
father's position and demise, but secrets that will shake society's
foundations.
Above
Sea
Level
isn't just about survival in a much-changed America. It's about
romance and ethics (as Samantha seems steeped in a conspiracy that
surrounds
her); it's about choices and consequences (as Daniel goes beyond the
process of
law enforcement to dig out the truth about his father's life as well as
his
death); and it's about friendship, justice, and political and social
transformations alike.
Readers
who like their post-apocalyptic worlds to contain more than
just survival goals will find the mystery and intrigue components in Above
Sea Level to be top-notch and thoroughly engrossing.
Return to Index
Finding George Washington: A Time Travel Tale
Bill Zarchy
Roving Camera
Press
978-0984919123 $14.95
Paper; $4.95 ebook
Website: findinggeorgewashington.com
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0984919120/
Readers
of time
travel, alternate history, and military sci-fi stories alike will find Finding
George Washington: A Time Travel Tale
a vigorous investigation of the past. Here, George Washington vanishes
from his
era in 1778 and journeys forward in time to the summer of 2014, where
he
encounters a puzzling future.
When
the General wakens from having been literally swept off his feet
during a moonlight walk, he discovers a world of "very fast riding
machines" and incomprehensible wonders. It's also a world in which he
doesn't belong.
Unlike
many time travel stories, time continues to pass in his era, and
his absence causes ripples of change that threaten to destabilize time
itself
unless George Washington can be returned to his own era.
Two
young men from Berkeley become involved in this dilemma and the
impossible challenges of manipulating time as they face a baseball
season in
San Francisco like no other. Their encounters with him, narrated in the
first
person, provide a satisfying alternative perspective on time travel and
history.
It
should be noted that there is a great deal of baseball lore wound
into the story as it unfolds. This will especially delight fans of the
sport,
who will find the game history and experiences make for involving
reading.
The
adventure is fast-paced, with action
predictable at times and surprising at
others, and the characters all come alive as Washington faces perhaps
the
biggest challenge of his life...returning to it.
Dialogue
and reflections are quite realistic, as one of George’s new
friends who doesn't believe in time travel is forced to accept
Washington's
appearance as genuine and recalls American history—which means that if
Washington isn't around to help win the War of Independence, his life
will
become very different.
As
the story evolves against the backdrop of the Giants playoff games
and San Francisco fog, readers receive a fine blend of thriller
intrigue and
California atmosphere in a time travel tale that creates many gripping
moments.
Readers
of alternate history or time travel stories, especially those
who hold a prior affection for either Washington or baseball, will find
the
story delightful as Washington explores the wonders of a very different
world
and contemplates what he will bring home with him—if ever he can return.
Action
and adventure readers, too, are in for a treat!
Return to Index
Forgive
Us
E.T. Gunnarsson
Bragi Press
9781736377338
$9.99
Paper, $2.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R2X9C52
Forgive
Us
covers three
distinct time frames: 2099, when a loner is determined to rebuild
civilization
(perhaps single-handedly); 2154, when emerging nations face dangerous
feuds
that could destroy them; and 2185, when a space station survivor faces
a
revolution. Each scenario presents struggles for the survival of
humanity and
selects a few lone individuals who follow their own courses of assuring
that
mankind and its society lives on, however altered by past events.
Each
protagonist is a refugee in his own world. E.T. Gunnarsson crafts
each story as a separate yet connected scenario in which their complex
dystopian environments are threatened by forces that are linked to past
events.
Under
another hand, having such free-flowing time streams and four
major characters who move through each world might prove confusing.
However,
Gunnarsson includes time frames on each chapter heading and solidifies
events
by linking these disparate times at pivot points where the characters
have
successfully changed both their personal and their world's
self-destructive
trajectory.
Oliver,
for example, is focused not just on rebuilding, but making
sense of relics from the past; while next-generation London strives to
make the
world better place for his adopted daughter Rose, against seeming
insurmountable obstacles.
Between
Peacekeepers to prisoners and struggles for freedom which keep
changing both its nature and the characters' efforts, Forgive
Us excels
in crafting complex futures that rest firmly on solid characterization
and
scenarios that test the mettle of individuals and societies alike.
The
progressive buildup of tension and history is excellent, leading to
an unpredictable conclusion that comes full circle in a surprising way.
Readers
seeking a solid work of social evolution, technological
advancement, and dystopian power struggles will find Forgive
Us a
compelling piece that draws the reader with realistic characters and a
satisfyingly complex series of subplots.
Return to Index
Guardian
Susi Wright
Independently Published
9798581999240
$4.99
Website: www.firechronicles.weebly.com
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/Guardian-Book-4-Fire-Chronicles-ebook-dp/B08M9KQR4P
Book 4 of the Fire Chronicles fantasy
series, Guardian, continues the
epic
prophecy that unfolded in prior books and is especially recommended for
readers
who found these stories compelling. It documents the ongoing struggles
faced by
Lady Elite Espira, whose personal mission is to eradicate the forces of
evil in
her kingdom.
Given her soul mate at her side and her
powerful position, one would think this would be a relatively easy goal
to
meet, but in a war-torn land filled with threats and the dangerous Fire
she and
her dragon Ra must wield, nothing is set in stone.
Readers who anticipate a neat or pat ending
to her adventures will find Guardian
vividly
portrayed and filled with satisfying twists.
As the dragonrider leads her army against
forces of darkness and considers her own darkness within her, readers
will
enjoy an epic chronicle of confrontation and struggle that excels in
compelling
examinations of dubious allies and magical clashes. As noted by an
ancient
mage, "...nothing comes free in war,
not even death."
This and other truths shake Espira's own
courage and determination as she finds her decisions clouded by pain
and
bitterness and pays the price for channeling extreme magic even with
good
intentions.
Susi Wright unfolds another compelling story
about choices, consequences, and the heavy price to be paid for being a
powerful leader.
The moral, ethical, and psychological trials
and challenges which haunt Espira's decisions make for
thought-provoking
reading that nicely enhance the story's action-packed magical clashes
and the
sometimes-mercurial sides of good and evil.
Guardian is
about more than physical and mental battle. Ultimately, it's about the
healing
process and how much Espira is willing to sacrifice for her people.
Suitable for ages 14 years and up, many an
adult fantasy reader will find this story compelling and hard to put
down.
Return to Index
Leatherfoot
Bob Jenkins
Independently Published
978-1733865340
$17.99 Paper/$7.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Leatherfoot-Daughters-Kali-Yuga-Jenkins/dp/1733865349
This third book in the Daughters of Kali
Yuga fantasy series is set fifty years after the cataclysm that has
decimated
the planet and tells of Leatherfoot, a nomad girl whose life revolves
around
eluding her demon father Kali as she explores what's left of Western
America.
Kali's attempt at total destruction has not
been successful, as people remain who could resurrect civilization once
again,
and Leatherfoot is an active part of this world's efforts.
Set in 52 A.K. (After Kali) in Oregon, in
the Shiva Puri village featured in previous series titles, the story
opens with
a powerful scene of a woman creeping, camouflaged, and an internal
dialogue
that reflects an altered language which has changed over the years ("Could it be done? Perhaps, by someone
with astonishing speed and baffling sneakery. Don't matter if I get
ketched, do
it? My village, ain't it? But being ketched would spoil the prank.").
She's regarded as a roughneck and more, but
as she falls from the sky into the village where her mother Janabai
Shepherd
lives, readers realize that any preconceptions about Leatherfoot's
place in the
world is not as simple as they might have expected from her
introductory
observations.
At this point, given the changing
perspectives and scenarios, it's evident that Leatherfoot
is not your usual staid dystopian scenario. From the
village of Shiva Puri and its powerful women and survivors to the
long-term
effects of a demon who has changed the world (but not quite succeeded
in his
ambitions to destroy it), there are many subplots and personalities
wound into
this survival saga that set it apart from other dystopian tales.
Changing points of view are an intrinsic
device Bob Jenkins employs to fully explore the motivations,
personalities, and
attitudes of all the characters. These range from mother Janabai's
relationship
to her strange daughter Leatherfoot to Kali's ongoing presence in and
influence
on the world. Much as Janabai wants to assure her daughter that her
father is
dead, she knows this is not true, and that dangerous challenges remain.
As Kali builds a new Corps with Marine
gunnery sergeant Lucia Guererro ("Gunny"), a host of powerful new
characters are introduced that ultimately challenge Leatherfoot's
relationships
and future.
Leatherfoot's personal recitations, as well
as the reflections and descriptions of those around her, are identified
in
chapter headings which make it easy to move between characters and
events.
It's especially refreshing to have these
different perspectives because they not only lend alternating
viewpoints about
unfolding events, but serve to neatly frame Leatherfoot's colloquial
language,
which would have been harder to digest had the entire story been
presented in
her words alone.
Profiled as they are, these observations
become an intrinsic, interesting part of a story that presents its
changing scenarios
through a diverse set of voices.
Leatherfoot's courage, abilities, and
journey will entrance a wide audience—especially prior readers of the
Shiva
Puri village's struggles to survive.
As the story of love, courage, survival, and
transformation evolves, fantasy readers will relish the unique
post-apocalyptic
scenarios and lives that move through the seasons and ultimately
celebrate
humanity ("In this hard world, you
take comfort when it's offered.")
as Leatherfoot faces a journey that takes her away from her life
purpose and
into unexpected territory.
Fantasy readers are in for another treat as
Bob Jenkins expands his original, compelling world with an
unforgettable,
powerful character who finds and confronts her place in it.
Return to Index
Let
There be
Dragons
Janet Post
Tell-Tale Publishing Group
978-1952020063
$25.00 Paper/$4.95 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Let-There-Dragons-Janet-Post/dp/1952020069
In the post-apocalyptic world of Let
There Be Dragons, dragons, elves,
vampires and demons are in a war over control of the Earth.
In this world, dragon rider Annabelle
(Belle) is
on a mission to rescue her sister from the demon Slygon. Saving the
world is
actually the second task on her list.
The first-person protagonist who opens this
story is Jackal, the half-breed elf progeny of an orc rape who has been
sent
away for safety (elves are racists, and don't believe in mixing blood)
to a
small mountain village in what was once Arkansas, to be raised in
relatively
safety (if any safe havens exist).
As Janet Post walks readers through this
world, many familiar names of former human abodes are presented, such
as New
Orleans—but with different landscapes and new reputations for danger.
This
lends to a story that feels both familiar and unfamiliar, in many ways,
creating
a backdrop that keeps readers on their toes as this revised society
comes to
life.
A host of characters evolve; from Belle, who
holds the threatening ability to draw evil to her and thus is treated
differently by nuns and hated by her peers until she's ready to enter
the world
as a warrior, to fairies and mythical creatures who join in her rescue
mission.
The changing viewpoints and first-person
inspections of this universe bring it to life and create a fast-paced
adventure
story. In it, Belle comes to learn new truths about Jackal and her
newfound
friends, as well as her widening mission beyond her sister's well-being.
Replete with battles, identity crises and
self-examination, and stories of courage and adaptation, Let
There Be Dragons captures the imagination. Scenarios develop
that embraces prejudices, cultural differences, city Magic and Gifts,
and
Belle's fierce anger, which drives her mission and leads her to
confront elf
games and prejudice alike.
As this disparate group of heroes interacts
with and changes the world around them, readers will enjoy bracing
clashes and
adventures that drive each character to grow beyond their original
vision of
their purpose in life.
Can loving a half-orc place the entire elf
kingdom in disarray? How can prejudices be set aside if values are
intrinsically tied to their existence and, thus, to the attitudes and
lives of
entire races?
Janet Post creates a compelling story that
holds not just nonstop action and clashes, but interpersonal
transformations
that hold powerful implications for the continued existence of the
world.
Fantasy fans will find the many underlying
themes of confrontation and adaptation in Let
There Be Dragons makes for a compelling, thought-provoking
story that takes
action and adventure into realms of psychological, philosophical, and
ethical
examination.
Return to Index
Scorched Earth
Kathleen McFall & Clark Hays
Pumpjack Press
978-1-7345197-2-3
$15.95 Paper/$4.99 Kindle
www.pumpjackpress.com
Book 2 in the space mystery Halo trilogy, Scorched Earth, is set in 2188. It
presents an Earth abandoned by the wealthy Five Families, who are
building a
very different world on Mars thanks to the advanced AI Halo.
It only takes one man to change this status
quo, and that man is labor cop Crucial Larsen, whose discovery on the
red
planet empowers him in a way he rejects—until ex-lover Melinda draws
him back
to the planet with a plea to clear her fiancée of a murder charge.
The dual lures of a career choice and the
possibility of patching up a relationship gone awry lead him to
confront this
closely-held secret's possibilities for changing scenarios both on Mars
and
Earth. In the process, Crucial's journey leads him to impossible
decisions and
dangerous new worlds.
Other sci-fi books have attempted to blend
the genres of an investigative detective piece with sci-fi, but few
achieve
such a seamless integration as do Kathleen McFall and Clark Hays.
Sci-fi
readers will appreciate the attention to hard science and futuristic
backgrounds, while those who enjoy detective stories will find the
back-and-forth political and investigative games to be engaging and
absorbing.
These different aspects of the story receive
solid inspection and presentation: "Coverly
is the crazy genius coder who developed the nanites. He’s dead. That
seems to
happen to a lot of people I meet. The difference with him is that he
took his
own life so Halo wouldn’t get suspicious that he forced the nanites
into
me."
Between Crucial's observation of the
negatives in the systems he operates in to his worry that nanites are
'messing
with his brain' and causing his emotions to go awry, the personal,
political,
and social issues create a Mars story that is thoroughly absorbing.
The philosophical and emotional components
presented as Crucial struggles with romance and bigger-picture thinking
are
very nicely explored: “Crucial, life is
short, mostly painful and often ends in disaster. The most anyone can
hope for
is to be loved, here and now, in the present moment, before something
else goes
wrong.” She touches my cheek and I feel like I’m the one in the crib
and she’s
looking down at me. “It’s okay to live again, even if that means
abandoning the
best part of the past.”
Crucial's struggle to not only stay alive
and solve a mystery but come to grips with his own decisions and their
consequences blend nicely with this AI sci-fi story of the future: "Turns out doing good feels a lot like
winning." These newfound realizations create a compelling
saga
recommended not just for the sci-fi audience it will likely attract,
but
detective readers looking for something edgy and different.
Return to Index
The Treason of Robyn Hood
D. Lieber
Ink & Magick
978-1-951239-12-1
$4.99 ebook; $14.95 paperback; $24.95
hardcover
Website: www.dlieber.com
Ordering: https://amzn.to/2V7Jn8K
Cover art usually isn't mentioned in a
review, but The Treason of Robyn Hood holds
a particularly notable cover that attracts attention and interest—a
young
hooded woman holding a bow, with the walls of a city and a motorcycle
behind
her.
Robyn Loxley finally has a meeting with
Warden James Weldon of the Midshire War Relocation Center, after months
of
writing to him. It's a meeting that goes awry as Robyn is turned down
with no
explanation.
This story isn't set in England's distant
past, but in the quasi sci-fi modern times of 1942, where Robyn is a
ward of a
family that lives a comfortable life. Her greatest challenge lies in
not being
able to see her best friend, who is in a Japanese-American
concentration camp,
and her frustration dovetails with her discovery of Jon Little and a
band of
Sherwood residents who live in one of the few untouched shanty towns
left. They
reveal to her the truth about her foster family and her privileged life.
Her decision to err on the side of justice
sends her on an unexpected journey that moves from a singular obsession
with
Will's fate to broader social and political concerns in a sharply
divided
society.
Urban fantasy readers usually don't receive
stories that include the trappings of an alternate history and updated
steampunk themes, but The Treason of
Robyn Hood's ability to incorporate both into its story of
social justice
and confrontation creates an atmosphere both familiar and alien at the
same
time. Thus, the original Robin Hood becomes an exploration of a feisty
female's
determination and abilities, whether it is in battle or political
cat-and-mouse
games.
Robyn may be charged with being impulsive
and not always thinking things through, but these qualities serve her
well as
she foregoes her large, comfortable room in the Lacklands' mansion for
more
modest accommodations accompanied by the serious addition of a newfound
purpose
to life.
With her new friends Tuck and Jon at her
side, Robyn undertakes the impossible, carrying readers into a story
replete
with social inspection, battles, the possibility of a romance with Guy
Gisbourne (despite their different alliances), and a more deadly
relationship
with the Lacklands.
After a satisfying romp through this world, The Treason of Robyn Hood leaves the
door open for more adventures. Unlike other sci-fi books, it doesn't
portend to
be 'Book 1 of a series', and this adds to its delight as a story
complete unto
itself without the artificial-feeling anticipation that more books are
coming
without the first having proved itself viable.
The Treason of Robyn
Hood follows
a determined young woman's probe of the world underlying the privilege
she'd
once taken for granted, and makes for a compelling urban fantasy
adventure that
readers will find thoroughly engrossing.
Return to Index
The
Lifer and the Lawyer
George Critchlow
with Michael Anderson
Cascade Books,
an imprint of Wypf and Stock
978-1-7252-7837-0
$46.00
Hardcover; $26.00 Paper; $9.99 Kindle
Website: https://georgecritchlow.com
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/Lifer-Lawyer-Punishment-Penitence-Privilege/dp/1725278375
The
Lifer and
the Lawyer: A Story of Punishment, Penitence, and Privilege is a true crime
biography that probes the criminal justice system and the impact of
justice and
injustice on all sides. It provides a close inspection of Chicago
African
American Michael Anderson, whose life of neglect and abuse led to his
becoming
a violent criminal.
Incarcerated
for his crimes for over forty years in the aftermath of a
violent crime rampage in the 1970s, Anderson has aged in the system,
but
develops a friendship in the most unlikely of places—with the affluent
white
young lawyer assigned to defend him from over twenty felony charges
connected
to his violence.
George
Critchlow
was focused on legal issues when he accepted a complex case that delved
into
matters of race, culture, and inequities within the justice system
itself. He
never expected to evolve a relationship with a convicted felon that
would last
for decades, much less come to question how the justice system worked.
Their
shared
story comes to life in a survey that also adds Christian elements of
reflection.
The collaborative nature of this survey, which includes inspections of
moral,
ethical, philosophical, and psychological attitudes, makes for an
intriguing
read recommended not just for those already well aware of cultural
influence
and social inequities, but readers who may choose this book with a
preconceived
mindset about guilt, innocence, punishment, and redemption.
Critchlow
brings
with him a decidedly educated inspection that raises many
thought-provoking
points from the start: "We imagine
our paths are freely chosen. But there is a need to account for biology
and
history, the random intercession of other people, culture, race, and
the
mystery of the transcendent.
The
variables make it difficult to predict the course of any individual
life even though
there are those who claim expertise in such matters."
The
feel of the
story assumes the guise of fiction, with its dramatic overlays and
narrative
style, but is grounded in fact. This makes the tale lively, readable,
and
engrossing as readers move through the crime spree that led to
Michael's
downfall and the system that deemed him too dangerous ever to go free
for the
rest of his life.
The
addition of
other cases which graphically pointed to discriminatory practices
within the
judicial process, presented in the first person, round out Michael's
experiences and make an even greater case about judicial inequities.
One such
case dealt with racial discrimination in real estate sales. Following
an
unfavorable verdict for his African American clients, Critchlow tells
us: "Two jurors shared with me how their
deliberations led to a verdict of discrimination, but no damage. The
explanation went something like this: “Well, yes, the developer did
discriminate, you proved that. But you should remember, this is Pasco,
and we
just felt that your clients were better off and happier living with
their own
kind rather than forcing themselves into a community that did not want
them.
So, since your clients were better off, not worse off, we just didn’t
see any
damage.” ...This statement of the jurors’ sense of justice may be the
most
succinct and forthright declaration of white privilege and racial
paternalism I
have ever heard...My dad instructed me to send the legal fees to our
clients.
The incongruity of the outcome was just too much for him."
All
these
elements create a hard-hitting, thought-provoking examination which
uses
personal experience to reinforce details about legal process and true
justice.
It's
a powerful
read that will leave law students, African American civil rights
followers, and
general interest readers scratching their heads. Michael Anderson's
story
concludes with a bow to the power of God and the challenges that will
face him
whether he dies in prison or is released to begin a new life.
The
Lifer and
the Lawyer
is very highly recommended reading and should be in the libraries of
any collection strong in racial or criminal justice issues.
Return to Index
The
Places Left
Unfilled
M.C. Cauley
Independently Published
979-8679312494 Paperback:
$12.99/Kindle: $3.99
https://www.amazon.com/Places-Left-Unfilled-Memoir/dp/B08KTFL9FB
The Places Left Unfilled: A Memoir presents child Morgan's struggles to come
to terms with her family situation, and her search for her birth
father. More
so than most such stories, The Places
Left Unfilled documents the impact of a struggle to find a
place to call
home and a kind of love Morgan never fully received in her childhood,
and
reaches out to readers interested in the foundations of child abuse and
healing.
As
Morgan's
search for an older father figure in her childhood leads to failures,
including
her birth father's lack of involvement when she does locate him, she
begins to
seek her ideals and goals in other places—eventually, in the form of
relationships with much older men.
Kidnapped
not
once but twice by her mother's fiancée Greg, who offers her a temporary
refuge
from her mother's erratic behaviors, Morgan falls into in a
life-changing
situation at age fourteen. Thus, she finds even her seemingly positive
life
influences and choices fraught with repeated challenge and predictable
patterns
of response to it.
"How
are
my feelings nothing?" Constantly
finding herself in situations where she is forced to mirror unhealthy
influences in her life by engaging in sexually abusive relationships
with older
men, Morgan leads a secret life hidden from her peers, always afraid
and craving
the kind of affection she doesn't know how to find.
Few
books capture the domestic and child abuse cycle and patterns as The
Places Left Unfilled,
a powerful documentary of what happens when a child struggles to fill
emotional
gaps she barely understands.
The
onus of any
relationship with a child lies on the adult participant. More than most
books,
Cauley's experiences illustrate the dangers of what can happen when
adults with
their own agenda and emotionally broken systems become inappropriately
involved
with the young.
Throughout
the
story, Morgan is tasked with either finding a way out, or mirroring her
mother's footsteps and passing the legacy of abuse to another
generation.
Gripping,
sad,
edgy, and raw, The Places Left Unfilled
is a memoir that will leave its readers with newfound recognition of
the
effects parental choices and psyches have on a child's life. It is
recommended
reading for health, psychology, and general-interest collections alike.
Return to Index
Pop Smoke
Bill Lindsay
Palmetto Publishing
978-1-64111-973-3
$24.99 Hardcover; $19.00 Paper; $4.99 Kindle
Website: www.PalmettoPublishing.com
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/Pop-Smoke-Platoon-Vietnam-Learned-ebook/dp/B08QQ8D2C4
Collections strong in memoirs by Vietnam
vets will find Pop Smoke: The Story of One Marine
Rifle Platoon in
Vietnam; Who They Were, What They Did, What They Learned follows
the
experiences of a Marine rifle platoon commander during the Vietnam War,
providing an emphasis on Marine operations and platoon commander tasks
that
bring readers into Vietnam with a 'you are there'
feel.
This is not the typical presentation about
war and combat. The focus here is on the men, who they were
and what they
experienced each day. These insights are important to
understand as one
considers all the components of the Vietnam war. As the
author points out
“The combat Marine did not serve in Vietnam, he became
Vietnam”. And,
“for all of us in the infantry our packs were our homes.”
Descriptions of the terrain and accompanying
vegetation, parts of actual radio transmissions, and
a wealth of
specific detail about operations and daily challenges are presented in
a manner
that not only describes encounters, but the nuts and bolts of Marine
activities: "When I told the fireteam to dig a second
hole, it was
not met with expressions of joy and excitement. To make the point that
I was
not crazy and a slave driver seeking vengeance on them for something, I
had
them leave their flak jackets in the first hole, sticking out of the
top of the
hole, with their helmets on top. Our flak jackets were made of a series
of
fiberglass plates that were great for stopping incoming rounds or
shrapnel. It
also meant that they would literally sit up tall, without support, when
positioned as such. Sure enough, as darkness approached two
hand grenades
were thrown from the closest bamboo grove and landed in the first hole.
The flack
jackets and one helmet were ruined.”
Technical details such as this give
non-military, non-Marine readers enough background to absorb the logic
behind
maneuvers and strategies, and enough insight into the equipment,
routines, and
decisions of platoon leaders to understand the logic behind their
actions. This is not the side of Vietnam often depicted in
movie or other
books.
This, in turn, provides a foundation of
knowledge that supports reactions, perceptions, and the Vietnam
experience as a
whole. More so than most Vietnam memoirs, even those coming from Marine
participants, this story reviews both the process of Marine troop
organization
and deployment and the challenges leaders face, from new equipment to
how men
react under fire.
The insights about the men, the
conditions they faced and their strategies and battle tactics
fill in many
blanks that other memoirs often pass over, presenting them in vivid
recollections that bring the Vietnam experience to life: “None of the
men sat
while we waited (for the helicopters). Their gear made it too
hard to get
back up if they reclined. So there we stood, hunched over
from the weight
of our equipment, waiting. Although it was night, it was
already 85
degrees and humid.”
From squad leader interactions to battles
and bouts with malaria, Vietnam comes to life. Readers who choose this
memoir
will find it filled with accounts of what it was like for an
eighteen year
old to fight in impossible terrain under challenging
conditions.
Pop Smoke is especially
recommended
for future generations seeking to understand the Vietnam War from a
military
leader's perspective.
Return to Index
Roller Rink Starlight: A Memoir
William Hart
Epigraph Books
Paperback: 978-1-951937-78-2
$16.95
Ebook:
978-1-951937-79-9
$ 7.99
www.amazon.com
Roller Rink Starlight:
A
Memoir is reconstructed from William Hart's
memories of events that took place between ages fourteen and eighteen.
It
blends the lives of those around him with the story of a speed skater's
birth
and evolution on and off the rink.
From what skating taught Hart about life in
general to the evolution of his prowess as part of a very successful
coed
racing team representing his local rink, Roller
Rink Starlight captures not just skating events, but the
process of coming
of age and involvement in a sport that incorporates and imparts life
lessons.
Hart writes with a sense of humor, providing
insights into the maturity process: "A
young ape’s progress toward manhood is sometimes interrupted by
dismaying
regressions." From
high school
studies and peer relationships to skating's special challenges, Hart
uses
roller rink scenarios to trace one young man's coming of age.
The writing and adventures that form these
lessons and growth are vividly recollected and presented using a "you
are
there" first-person style. This invites readers into Hart's special
world,
reflecting the thoughts and reactions of young men who are finding
their places
in the world on many different levels.
His observations of the history and
evolution of these new relationships are particularly revealing: "Today I think Lauren and her mom were
using the same technique to snare a husband that Mrs. McCabe had
deployed a
generation earlier to inveigle one of the most eligible young bachelors
in
Clayton, Nebraska into an unhappy union. Her strategy may have been
handed down
by her mother, who may have received it from her mother. For the scheme
to
produce, one or more guys had to compete with the target for the same
girl,
triggering basic male instincts. Lauren’s equal opportunity dating
behavior
seen in this light looks less like promiscuity than a way to keep me
chasing
her with blinders on. She and her mom were playing the game by the
rules of the
day, and skillfully. I was the inept one, several moves behind and
oblivious."
Readers with an affinity for skating or
coming of age memoirs will find Roller
Rink Starlight an involving,
fun,
thought-provoking read that delves deep into this young man's head.
Return to Index
The Story of
Ervin James
Bernette Sherman
Mount Hope Media
978-1-954-636-00-2
$18.99
Paper/$9.99
ebook
Website: www.TheStoryofErvinJames.com
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1954636008
The Story of Ervin James tells of Bernette Sherman's
great-great-great grandfather, whose extraordinary resilience created a
legacy
that not only was passed down through his family, but is revitalized
here, in
Sherman's account of her family history, inspired by her
research.
Born
a slave,
James left a legacy of freedom and determination for generations that
followed
him. His story embraces the lingo, customs, and voices of the times,
changing
timber and tense to capture these special moments of the past.
Those
who
strictly adhere to the English language's usage rules may chafe at such
poetic
license, but it serves to capture the times and people much more than a
contemporary correctness would have allowed for, bringing the story to
life in
a special way: "I wished there was
more men who thinked like that but in South Carolina there wasn’t. Even
though
it was the twenties nothing changed. Things seemed to be getting worse
in fact.
They wasn’t bringing in slaves from across the ocean but it was busy at
the
ports. I seed more at church and not just babies and the ones born
here. They
was coming in from other places like I’d been."
As
he and Lilly
face being parents after losing one baby, only to have tragedy strike
again,
the challenges of their times come to life as James embarks on further
journeys
with questions about freedom, love, and what is worth fighting for: "He was my friend but even he ain’t
knowed my heart. He ain’t never been nothing but free. He ain’t never
had
somebody he love taken away by man and by God. He had faith in a God
that done
let everything be taken from me, one after the other."
As
the story
evolves, Ervin James builds family and connections in many different
ways and places.
Slavery looms over these decisions and objectives, but despite it all,
the
times are a-changing.
Sherman
is
especially skilled at building bigger-picture thinking between
characters that
come to life in their conversations as they age and adapt to new times:
"Nora wrap her fingers round mine after
dinner and look me straight in the eye. She told me, We deserve this
and we
done worked hard for it all our lives. Well we ain’t getting no
younger. Our
time done passed, I sighed heavy like cuz seem like wasn’t nobody
thinking bout
letting no negro buy land in them parts. No, Ervin. Our sons and
daughters
deserve it and they sons and daughters. It ain’t about us no more
Ervin. You
right. We getting old. We gotta do this for them. If we don’t do it who
else
gonna do it? Who else can do it?"
The
result is a
vivid story of slavery's impact, social changes, and one family's
legacy that
succeeds in changing the hearts, minds, and experiences of those who
follow
generations later.
Sherman
has
created a vivid story of her ancestor's growth and world. It's a story
that
needs to be shared in Black communities and families around the
country,
teaching not just about the past, but approaches to adversity,
survival, and
growth that offer their own legacy to future generations.
Very
highly
recommended, it's the lingo and sentiments of the times that make The Story of Ervin James remarkable, and
a standout.
Return to Index
Curve
of the Dragon Curve
of the
Dragon: Episode 1 - Chasing Shadows is an espionage adventure that will appeal to
thriller readers interested in complex cat-and-mouse scenarios. While
the cover
art's comic book-style drawing might initially lead some to think that
this
book is intended for young adults, its audience is decidedly adult in
nature. Randall
awakens in a strange room with no memory of how he got there or
who the strange voice is, who informs him she is his doctor...a
physician he
doesn't remember. Directed to a meeting that includes a gun and threat,
Randall
finds he is only one pawn in a larger spy game that quickly assumes the
feel of
a James Bond adventure. Events move to a missing sister who turns out
to be a
spy, a brother determined to locate her against all odds, and
operatives
Jackal, Scorpion, and Mastiff, who are involved in violent
confrontations and
nefarious deeds. As
determined brother Will follows his missing sister's trail and
uncovers the truth about the underground criminal group Fractal and its
deployment of brainwashed foot soldiers (like Randall) who attack
targets
around the world, readers become deeply immersed in a world of
international intrigue, dubious political alliances, terrorism, and
danger. Matt
Stokes excels in crafting a deliciously tense thriller packed with
nonstop action and satisfying twists and turns that even seasoned genre
readers
won't see coming. Embassy
attacks, explosions, and multiple encounters keep readers on
the edge of their seats with back-to-back action and danger: "Looking
at the case, Will weighed his options. He could go in and try to sneak
the case
out, but Carter or the Fractal agent would probably hear him. He could
also try
to wait until they left, but every second he was out here increased his
chances
of getting caught and locked back in his chair." As
the characters take uncertain steps to uncovering a strange truth,
readers enter a world of intrigue that holds all the appeal and draw of
a good
James Bond-style spy episode. If
Curve of the Dragon: Episode 1 - Chasing Shadows is
any
indicator, the other books in this series will be just as vivid.
Certainly,
this first book is cause for applause with its powerful
characterization and
mercurial, satisfyingly complex plot.
Matt Stokes
Time Egg Studios
978-1-7359509-0-7
$2.99
Kindle
Website: www.seemattwrite.com
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PBBQVR9?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tkin_0&storeType=ebooks
Return
to Index
The Dead Daughter The Dead Daughter
is the first volume in the Lee Callaway series, which revolves around a
character first introduced casually in The
Rose Water. No prior familiarity with this book is needed
because, here,
Lee receives his own top billing in an adventure set to propel future
books
into the limelight of a P.I. mystery reader's world. The story opens not with Lee but with Sharon
Gardener's discovery of the bloody body of her daughter. The next
chapter
introduces Detective Gregory Holt, who is tasked with investigating the
death,
and who loves his job. When a husband falls under his inspecting eye,
the case seems
fairly straightforward, in some ways. Lee Callaway doesn't appear until the fourth
chapter, but he's not the savvy, successful P.I. one might expect. He's
an
investigator who is down on his luck until he lands a case that may be
his
ticket to better fortune. It turns out that Lee was at the residence
the night of the murder, tailing Sharon, who was having an affair. His
inadvertent involvement in this murder case brings him into conflict
with
evidence that seems cut and dried as he probes the case despite its
apparently
clear conclusions. As Lee becomes involved in a puzzle with
many pieces, some of them begin to come together. Others remain
elusive, even
though they are right under his nose. His probe of Kayla's life and
secrets
become a matter of life and death as he fights to reveal the truth
despite the
fact that he is not a cop, and his connection to the case keeps
changing. Lee's long had a reputation for being
unlucky, in many ways. His luck is about to change—but only if his
persistence
can remain unshaken by perps and fellow investigators alike. The Dead Daughter
provides an excellent story that draws its strength from both an
unusual case
and an unusual hero determined to prove the innocence of a father who
seems
irrefutably guilty. As his investigations lead into political circles,
readers
receive many surprises about the characters, their motivations, and the
ultimate outcome of Lee's efforts. Mystery readers who enjoy good P.I.
procedurals with satisfying twists and turns will find Lee Callaway a
likeable
character, the case intriguing, and the results unexpected in a story
that
stands out from the P.I. novel crowd.
Thomas Fincham
Independently Published
979-8588071208
$12.99 Paper/$3.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Daughter-Private-Investigator-Suspense/dp/B08RGZHB2S
Return
to Index
Deadly
Little Angel Kris
is thrilled with her new job as a journalist...until her efforts
cause a murder. And it's one thing to write about it, but quite another
to
actually touch a dead body. Deadly
Little
Angel
opens with an intriguing draw: "I didn't have much experience
dealing with bodies, but I thought I should empty his pockets. Isn't
that what
they do when dumping a victim?" After this, the story
becomes an
intense series of confrontations and challenges that proves difficult
to put
down. Kris emerges as a determined investigator who connects a
modern-day
killer to a decades-old secret that unleashes a killer into the
community of
Silver City. The
provocative prologue introduces Kris's life and connections in a
cozy mystery that admits that Kris is not often one to be part of a
community: "My
aunt is a wise person. Whenever something ends in trouble or
disappointment, my
usual plan is to pack up and move to a new town. With Milly, of course.
My life
sometimes seems to be one disaster after another, though I prefer to
reframe
them as adventures. This time, the move brought me to Silver City, and
I was
excited to spend a season here." Her
job and choices and their consequences lead her into this newfound
role at a pivotal point in her life. Kris discovers not only clues
about a
small wooden angel and its role in a killer's modus operandi, but
insights
about her own changing nature. Cozy
mystery settings are meant to be comforting, not frightening. Deadly
Little Angel's title and prologue may sound as though the
mystery portion
will feel threatening, but it is not. Kris is a savvy young woman just
beginning to settle into her skills and abilities without running away
from
them. Her latest job feeds this desire, evolving a sense of community,
family
ties, and camaraderie that support the murder mystery with a firm sense
of
place and new possibilities for living a different life. When
she faces the dichotomy of a lovely man who might also be a
murderous fiend, Kris discovers that perceptions and preconceptions are
part of
the problem in not just identifying this killer, but dealing with her
own
approach to life. Dana
Kilpatrick's cozy mystery is thoroughly engrossing. It provides
insights that are delightful and intriguing as Kris wonders if she's
living in
a terrible dream, an alternate universe, or a mixed-up series of events
that
portend more difficulties in her own life. Kris
can't predict the outcome of her actions...and neither will her
readers, who will enjoy delightful twists and many compelling moments
in this highly
recommended cozy tale.
Dana Kilpatrick
DK Success Publishing
978-0-9888392-6-7
$2.99
ebook, $7.99 paperback
Website: https://danakilpatrick.com
Ordering link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08S36RD3J
Return
to Index
Evolution Evolution
is
the second
book in The Devolution Trilogy and will especially be appreciated by
prior fans
who will find that this sequel (which takes place two years after
original
events) offers a satisfying continuation of Michael Dolan's exploits. A
prologue, 'What Came Before', recaps the characters, premise, and
past experiences to bring newcomers up to date. Dolan has been
recovering from
his trials during Operation EXCISE. It's time for
him to return to the
job of thwarting terrorists. They've
already launched a deadly bioweapon in the Middle East with a
virus attack that is running rampant, but Dolan is determined that his
sacrifices in Berlin won’t have been in vain. In that mission, the
CIA’s plan
required him to exploit past associations that were rooted in personal
tragedy—resulting in a mind-bending tangle of treacherous but
ultimately
successful efforts to take out a terrorist cell bent on murdering
thousands of
Americans with a horrifying weapon of mass destruction. This
time, he's ready for action in a different way. As thriller
readers enjoy his exploits in the international arena, Dolan and the
SCALPEL
team return to take on a significantly more lethal and complex threat.
Same
players, different game. The
first thing to note about Evolution is that it
lives up to
its title. Not only has Dolan healed and evolved, but so has his
team...and his
enemies. As
he and his black ops unit are briefed about the Marburg virus (which
is 90 percent lethal), Dolan finds out that one of the terrorists may
be
targeting him specifically. In this, John Casey creates a dilemma which
is
absorbingly immediate even as it links past trauma to the latest
unfolding
threat: "Dolan felt a chill as well, and not from the breeze
off the
water. Just as he’d found balance in life and some semblance of peace,
disquieting vestiges of his past he thought he’d reconciled long ago
came
roaring back.” The
terrorist peril juxtaposes nicely with Dolan's efforts to carve a
different kind of life for himself, avoiding past mistakes even as his
skill
set leads him deeper into ongoing danger. The
blend of psychological insights combines with a spy story that
keeps readers tense and wondering, delighting thriller fans who want
more than
nonstop action or political drama in their reads. Dolan's
growth processes, his determination to craft a different
outcome that doesn't come with such a heavy price, and the requirement
that he
set aside his blossoming academic career for something far more
challenging
(and dangerous) creates a compelling story. Newcomers
receive easy access to the tale via a recap prologue that
won’t spoil Devolution for those who read
Evolution first, while
those who have finished Devolution will find
Evolution just as,
or even more gripping than its prequel. Evolution is a riveting
story that pits a powerful and ruthless international enemy against a
small
team of CIA field operatives, and in the end it is Dolan’s talents and
determination that prove to be the difference between success and
failure. Evolution
deserves top billing in any thriller or
espionage fiction collection.
John Casey
Adelaide Books
978-1-953510-67-9
$22.30
www.adelaidebooks.org
Return
to Index
Kings
and Killers
Kings
and
Killers
is a novel about Leatherneck Marines, a troop of friends, colleagues,
and fighters, and is a tale of vengeance and confrontation that hooks
readers
with a military opener before moving into civilian life. The
timeline of events moves back and forth and is clearly defined by
chapter headings, so readers receive a fine interplay between past
events and
present-day concerns. As characters become involved with the Mayan
Kings gang
headed by Nero (son of the Bravo Cartel leader known as El Rey),
connections
evolve between closely-held secrets, murderers, and a military
brotherhood of
comrades who embark on dangerous confrontations that hold life-changing
ramifications for each group member. As
bodies pile up and the Kings wreck their own special brand of havoc,
romance and kidnapping challenge each character's perspective and
struggles.
And as the Devils embark on raids in LA's slums, the battle becomes
personal in
a way that military service as Raider platoon members has well prepared
them
for. Thriller
readers who enjoy the changing milieu of a military
brotherhood recast in urban American streets will relish the
confrontations,
adversity, and challenges of Devils and Killers alike. Their streetwise
exploits come to life in action-packed, gritty chapters. From
the narrator's sibling codependence to his evolving powerful group
and their confrontations with a deadly gang of seasoned killers, Kings
and
Killers excels in presenting a fast-paced story and
especially in its
descriptions of the challenges of a brotherhood fostered abroad,
brought home to
continue evolving on the streets of LA. Its powerful series of escapades are especially
recommended reading for
those with a prior affinity for the Marine oath of fealty to lasting
brotherhood and loyalty.
EJ Liston
Independently Published
ASIN: B08TJ5FW2C
$2.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TJ5FW2C
Return
to Index
Magicide Magicide
enters the world of magic tricks and entertainment with a bang when
famous
magician Maxwell Beacham-Jones is killed in a Las Vegas roller coaster
escape
stunt. At first this seems a predicable outcome for a new and dangerous
trick,
but Las Vegas Metro Police detective and single mom Cheri Raymer and
her quirky
vegetarian partner, Tony Pizzarelli, happen to realize that many a
fellow
magician has had it out for Maxwell. Suspecting that the death was a murder, the
two embark on an investigation that leads them into the underworld of
the Vegas
entertainment industry in a riveting thriller that takes magic to a new
level. From a DVD of Maxwell performing a magic
ritual on Sunrise Mountain which may hold a clue the perp doesn't wish
revealed
to white magic, black magic, and hidden motivations, the investigation
is
intriguing and savvy. So are the forays into the world of magical
performance: “Maxwell was a very
knowledgeable magician.
He studied the history of the magic arts in depth—white magic, black
magic, but
magic is a theatrical profession. We don’t turn stones into gold.” C.V. Hamilton appears to well know the
milieu of the Vegas entertainment industry, magic shows, and how to
craft the
special overlay of a murder mystery set in this environment. Her
attention to
weaving humor into the story of two savvy investigators who interact
with a
host of other characters with their own special interests creates a
vivid
murder mystery with many satisfying twists and turns. The secrets revealed aren't always apparent,
to even the seasoned mystery reader, which makes Magicide
stand out from more predictable stories. Tight writing
keeps readers both thoroughly engaged and happily off-balance about
evolving
relationships, motivations, and underlying angst. Anyone who has been to Vegas or seen a magic
show will be especially captivated by the realistic backdrops of both
environments, and will find Magicide
an engrossing mystery of discovery and deadly truths.
C. V. Hamilton
Swift House Press
978-0990966418
$17.95 Paper/$3.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Magicide-Carolyn-V-Hamilton-ebook/dp/B00HP40DA6/
Return
to Index
Memories
Live Here Josh
Brodsky's work in AI is cutting-edge and on the verge of making it
possible to bring back the dead in an unusual way in Memories
Live Here...that
is, until hackers get into the system and thwart the greatest AI
science to
date. Now
Josh must deal not only with the dead and the promise of high
technology, but his troubled brother Donny and a mystery that surrounds
their
relationship: his father's mysterious death decades ago. When
their mother's friend Maggie reveals to Donny the presence of
diaries that hold a key to both this mystery and the future of AI,
mystery
blends with sci-fi elements to attract both audiences to a different
kind of
adventure. Maggie
knows more than she's revealing, but the diaries hold all the
clues...if they can uncover them and use them well. In the course of
their
investigation, both brothers discover newfound connections and answers
to
mysteries which have long plagued both their lives and shadowed their
achievements. Memories
Live
Here
is much more than an AI story, and more than a thriller. Its ability to
navigate the fine line between psychological and social inspection
offers
insights and tension that will appeal to both audiences as it stands
out from
the usual storyline. Maggie's
own memory challenges result in changing connections between
them all that come with a special brand of wisdom: “Just
leave the past
alone,” she said. “You won’t find what you’re looking for. Those are
not
memories you want to dig up.” Donny's
search for diaries that hold answers involves solutions he may
ultimately not wish to confront, couched in different realities about
the
living and the dead: "Josh and Louie wanted him to believe in
whatever
this was, and that it, or someone, was watching them. Someone who had
obviously
not only read their mother’s diaries, but who had also memorized them,
internalized them. Become one with them. This could not be his mother,
he kept
reminding himself. He had seen her body at the funeral home, watched as
her
casket was lowered into the ground....What had Josh done? She was
different in
one stark way. His real mother had been a keeper of secrets, the
biggest being
the truth behind his father’s death. But now the depth, and brutal
honesty,
that this version was willing to share was jarring..." The
most likely audience for this story will be sci-fi readers with a
special interest in AI or supernatural themes. However, to describe Memories
Live Here as appealing to these genre categories alone would
be to do it an
injustice. Embracing
thriller and investigative realms as well as being a psychological
inspection of family secrets and relationships, Memories Live
Here is a
savant of several different genres. It will appeal to a wider audience
interested in fresh, original writing, strong characterization, and an
overriding mystery that delves into the heart of AI, addiction and the
memories
that cement family relationships and interactions.
Marc Sheinbaum
Independently Published
9798552235629
$10.99
Paper/$2.99 Kindle
Author website: www.marcsheinbaumbooks.com
Return
to Index
Qisas Qisas
adds to the adventures of Sam and James, and will appeal to thriller
audiences—especially
those who have appreciated the approaches and interactions of the duo
in prior
books in the series. Armed terrorists have staked out a Texas
church, but James Coppi has arrived ahead of them. The Middle Eastern
terrorists' efforts is only the beginning of the struggle in Qisas as James and Sam continue to face
encounters with princes, terrorists, and a personal vendetta from an
adversary
who, defeated twice, has become even more determined to place the duo
in his murderous
crosshairs. Where is the justice for the victims of the
church shooting? Can James overcome his neophyte status in this strange
milieu
of domestic and international terrorism in time to thwart another
planned
bloodbath? While newcomers to Sam and James will find Qisas accessible, it's the prior reader
familiar with their initial encounters in the Middle East with princes
and this
particular adversary who will find Qisas
an excellent, logical follow-up to events that offers the ongoing
saga's next
chapter. As in the past, the action is tense and
nicely depicted. The evolving relationships, confrontations, and
tension is as
strong as the psychological pulls and plays between the characters.
This
creates a compelling story filled with twists, turns, and unexpected
surprises that
even seasoned thriller enthusiasts won't see coming. As a Russian plot in Afghanistan plays out,
James finds himself at a pivot point not only in his own life, but in
the
broader world arena. And he has no plans to back off, even if it means
that a
president is disgruntled by his choices. The blend of political and social intrigue
is satisfying and absorbing, making this story not just a riveting
expansion of
the Sam and James milieu, but a compelling addition to adventures that
continue
to challenge James' most valuable asset of all...Sam. Prior fans are in for another treat!
A.A. Freda
Iuniverse Inc
978-1663212207
$31.99 Hardcover
https://www.amazon.com/Qisas-Another-Thriller-Award-winning-James/dp/1663212201
Return
to Index
Rites
& Wrongs What
is a top-notch investigator to do with his career when he's
already solved a high-profile mystery? In Rites &
Wrongs, Santa Fe
police detective Pascal Ruiz is tired of his return to routine
investigations.
When his captain asks him to undertake a private investigation
involving the
disappearance of his niece's boyfriend, this feels far more exciting
than the
daily rituals of police work. Complicating matters, he's not only tired
of his
job, but his New Mexico home. Holly
Harrison's ability to capture a sense of place and atmosphere
during the story brings many subtle nuances to life, making Pascal's
investigation as much one of personal direction as a story of intrigue:
"Pascal
hated the winds. He had suffered them most of his life, but each
spring, he
swore it would be his last. The winds clogged his head and dried his
nose until
it bled. His lips cracked painfully no matter how much balm he used.
His eyes
stung as if packed with tiny particles of glass." Employing
his astute abilities, Pascal quickly finds the missing young
man...alone and unconscious in a pueblo, dressed like Jesus and tied to
a
cross. As Bobby's girlfriend was attempting to write an expose on the
religious
cult, the Penitentes, before his abduction, the cult is a prime
suspect. But,
as the crime has taken place on Indian reservation land, tribal police
take
over the case. As
Harrison's investigation evolves into a political cat-and-mouse game
between vying jurisdictions, he arrives closer to a strange truth. This
pits
him against San Felipe tribal investigator Ortiz, who is just beginning
to
prefer the challenges of a job that takes him away from his usual desk
work and
into the field of new possibilities and problem-solving
techniques...that is,
before he runs afoul of the perps and is shot and left for dead. As
his friend Gillian becomes involved in an increasingly explosive
situation, events heat up in a series of encounters not only between
law
enforcement agencies, but a group that has nefarious intentions beyond
a simple
kidnapping. Holly
Harrison's ability to bring New Mexico's culture and landscapes
to life lends the added value of a realistic background to her story. Fans
of mysteries that look beyond swift action for three-dimensional
characters with lives and concerns beyond police routines alone will
find Rites
& Wrongs a compelling story of jurisdictions that
clash in the name of
justice and criminal investigations.
Holly Harrison
Golden Word Books
978-1-948749-73-2
$14.95
Paper/$9.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Rites-Wrongs-Holly-Harrison/dp/1948749734
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to Index
Standing on a Whale Standing on a Whale
is a psychological mystery that opens with an intriguing epiphany: "My life had been in danger before, so
I was used to it. I stood perfectly still and waited." Dr. Lance Stavros is not yet fifty, but is
contemplating suicide when he received a mysterious invitation to
become the
personal physician to a strange spiritual teacher who resides in Greece. He never expected to fall not only under the
spell of this mystical leader, but into the bad graces of authorities
who
dislike the message and the group's evolution, and who seek to
neutralize it. Long used to cultivating a superficial
perspective about life and others that keeps him at a safe distance,
Lance
finds himself unusually immersed in a situation that calls upon his
skills both
as a physician and as a survivor. Even newfound friends remark on the
influence Hadden has had upon his attitude towards life: “The
man has absolutely had an influence on you,” she admitted
reluctantly. A gentle breeze swept several strands of her hair across
her face.
She recovered them and tucked them behind her ear. “You’re different
somehow.
More tranquil.” I was certain the wine was helping that, but I smiled
anyway. “I
do feel something has changed in me.” Lance used to believe in a personal god. Now
he views spirituality as more of an energy force in life—one that has
brought
him into a novel world and demanded of him new approaches to handling
adversity
and adventure. With this comes a different kind of fear not
for himself, but for his mentor: "I
couldn’t tell her about the pain I carried inside every day from
knowing that
at any moment Hadden could vanish." To call B.J. Tiernan's work a mystery alone
would be to do this story's depth an injustice. It's a spiritual and
psychological thriller that moves into realms of transformation and
discovery, juxtaposing
its intrigue with evolving relationships and new ways of approaching
life. The result is a multi-faceted thriller that
blends New Age philosophy and spiritual concepts into the story of a
physician
who not only finds himself, but heals himself and those around him in
an
intriguing, often dangerously different manner. Thriller readers as well as those who enjoy New
Age intrigue will find Standing on a
Whale an engrossing story of standing on the precipice of
change and danger
alike.
B.J. Tiernan
Independently Published
9781499296600
$14.99 Paper/$2.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1499296606
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A Time for Monsters A Time for Monsters
provides a tense serial killer thriller that centers on two powerful
components: an emotionless female murderer who only experiences
feelings when
she hears music; and a detective who is at a low point in his career,
who is
tasked with finding her before she kills again. The interplay between these characters and
the depth of psychological inspection Gareth Worthington employs in the
course
of their cat-and-mouse game creates a story that excels in a gripping
'you are
there' atmosphere as killer Reyna Blackburn carries out her deadly
revenge: "Heart’s “You Ain’t So Tough” played
on
repeat at nearly full volume through the wireless earbuds wedged into
her
conchae. The familiar lyrics were sung so powerfully by Ann Wilson, and
that
strong drumbeat ignited Rey’s neurons and made her chest swell. That song combined with the acrid
scent of cigarettes clinging to his skin. Rey’s overloaded senses
ignited her
memory, transporting her right back there
again. The thought pressed home her purpose." Powerful connections between music and
murder are drawn through an internal play list of songs Rey reviews as
she is
driven to her deadly purposes: "Familiar
piano notes echoed in her ears followed by Don Henley's voice. That
first word,
the title of the song, made the hair on the back of her neck stand on
end.
“Desperado” by The Eagles. A song covered by so many others, but it had
to be
this version—the original, the one her mother had given her." Readers who find their lives similarly
spiced with song will relate to Rey's music-driven world on many
levels, and
will find compelling the link between her past, her present-day
choices, and
the music that drives her actions. Arne Huakaas seems the least likely
investigator to get at the heart of this perp savant. Arne has lost
everything,
from his family to his career. This last mission is about the only goal
he has
left—to redeem himself. And Rey knows too much about it: "She’d
seen the detective’s life. Unlike her other victims who
either plodded happily along beating their wives or had moved on to a
new life
and suffered no consequences for their actions, Arne Huakaas’s life was
quite
pitiful—alone and detached from people who once loved him, living in a
shit-filled rabbit hole. Rey escaping, getting away with her plan,
would be a
death blow for Arne that would last much longer." Set on a particular form of vengeance and a
special brand of redemption, Rey and Arne's purposes clash in a last
dangerous
game that tests both of their life perceptions and resolves. Thriller readers will find the interplay
between two disparate, deadly, pitiful forces to be psychologically
astute and
thoroughly engrossing. Who is the monster and who is the hero? Both
characters
are driven by the horrors they have perpetuated in their lives, and by
the
consequences of choices that continue to resonate in the lives of
others. As Worthington builds his story towards an
unpredictable conclusion, the emotional strings of heartbreak,
heartache, loneliness,
and the driving forces behind serial killers and those who would stop
them contributes
to a powerful account. Can either character find peace or
redemption through their actions and interactions with one another?
This
international crime story is simply riveting as it edges towards its
unexpected
conclusion and an unlikely semi-heroic final action from the ultimate
anti-hero.
Gareth Worthington
Vesuvian Books
978-1-64548-069-3
$17.95 Paper; $9.99 ebook
www.vesuvianbooks.com
Return
to Index
The Tree of Knowledge Albert Puddles isn't a criminal
investigator. He's a mathematics professor—and the last person who
would likely
be involved in solving a murder mystery. The
Tree of Knowledge places not only this tenured Princeton
University
professor but his colleagues in the hot seat of problem-solving beyond
the
classroom when his knowledge of order and method becomes key to solving
a campus
murder. Readers who like their investigators to come
from other than law enforcement circles will appreciate the links
between the
math professor's psyche, methodology, and knowledge. The involvement of
colleagues and campus personalities who also lie far outside the usual
detective's milieu add an extra dimension of intrigue to the plot. The Tree of Knowledge
relies on all kinds of knowledge bases coming together in a conflict of
ideas
and discoveries. These include the Book Club, which has worked with
esteemed
cryptologist Professor Turner, a Princeton savant, to develop the Tree
of
Knowledge that is key to solving this impossible situation in a premise
that
has turned deadly: "...life is
nothing but a series of goals and actions, and so if you can understand
those
goals and anticipate the actions of individuals, then you can
manipulate
them." As math and ulterior motives combine and
bona-fide detectives find their best efforts thwarted, Daniel G. Miller
builds
a riveting story. Professor Puddles moves out of the classroom and
world of
theories and into bars and the consequences of applying these theories
to
real-world scenarios involving women, booze, and murder. As it becomes apparent that anyone who has
even glimpsed the Tree is in danger from Turner and his disciples,
Christina,
Eva, and a wide circle of characters find themselves not in supportive
roles,
but in deadly danger. The Tree of Knowledge
is a thoroughly engrossing story of power gone awry. It is compelling
and
unpredictable right up to the end. This special brand of suspense lends
to its
recommendation for men who look for clean action, suspense, and
thought-provoking Christian themes surrounding knowledge, politics, and
evolving new causes.
Daniel G. Miller
Houndstooth Books
978-0-578-75320-1
$3.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Tree-Knowledge-Daniel-G-Miller-ebook/dp/B08SQ6KKZF
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Unethical Thriller
readers who choose Unethical for their daily dose
of
tension will find a fine blend of personal and professional conundrums
in this
story. Here, a San Diego lawyer struggles to care for an ailing father
with
Alzheimers while simultaneously fielding her work. Enrolling
him in a clinical study at an institute at first appears just
the solution for simultaneously caring for him while she does her job,
but when
questionable medical processes arise during his treatment, Josephine
finds
herself embroiled in a case that strikes too close to home. Medical
ethics demand that Dr. Adrian Kessler sacrifice the most
important part of his examination to let nature take its course with
sufferers
at the end of their lives. Experimental protocol demands that this
process be
artificially manipulated for the sake of the greater good in developing
an
effective treatment. And so he errs on the side of science, entering
into a
gray area that places his career and Josephine's life on the line. Think
the style of a Robin Cook medical investigation, but with more of
a focus on ethical conundrums faced by science and the law as the story
evolves. Add suspense and intrigue as Josephine draws too close to a
truth that
ultimately challenges her own ethical foundations. Add a dash of hope
as she
faces her father's miraculous recovery and suspects that much more is
involved
than a successful research project. Unethical excels in its
ability to introduce ethical challenges throughout the course of the
story as
different discoveries affect and reinforce the positions of all
involved. This
focus lends a psychological and philosophical depth to the inspection
that questions
the ultimate motivations of researchers who operate both for the
greater good
and their own scientific acclaim. What
is worth the price of seeing a loved one return from the living
dead? Jo is about to find out as she questions whether justice applies
to
seeming miracles that come at a high price. In a world where
investigations
assume the guise of subterfuge and the fine line between good and bad
guys is
mercurial, what side should Jo choose? As
her own father becomes entangled in the web of truths and lies, he,
Jo, and others struggle to do the right thing as the situation spirals
out of
control. A
wonderfully tense thriller evolves, offering legal and ethical twists
and turns that should appeal to fans of Robin Cook's medical
investigative
pieces and John Grisham's lawyer dramas alike.
Marla L. Anderson
Wolfheart Press
9780996324977
$12.89
Paper/$3.99 Kindle
www.mlandersonauthor.com
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The
Accidental
Suffragist The Accidental Suffragist is set in 1911 and follows New York factory
worker Helen Fox, whose life trajectory is consumed by the Triangle
Shirtwaist
Factory fire. This event brings with it a newfound political awareness
and
participation in the blossoming Suffragist movement. This, in turn,
results in
estrangement from her husband, prejudice from former friends and
existing
neighbors, and tough decisions surrounding putting politics ahead of
family. Throughout
World
War One, as the story progresses, Helen finds her activism and revised
purpose
in life receives steady opposition, bringing with it many dangers
beyond that
of confronting the authorities and status quo. Galia
Gichon
does more than recap well-known historical events. Her novel delves
into
Helen's quandaries and mind as she steadily moves into the Suffragist
world
that brings with it an acknowledgement of her role in past suffering
and events
to come: “Did we let her go to work too
easily? Remember when she came to us and told us about the job?” Helen
asked.
“Helen, we barely had enough for food,” Albert reminded her. “Besides,
other
girls in the building were going to the factories, too.” “We didn’t
even put up
a fight. Not every family sent their twelve-year-old daughter to the
factories.” Helen's
personal
calling is to gain women the freedom to vote, for reasons of her own.
When she
faces a pregnancy in the midst of her efforts, life threatens to change
and
come crashing down around her once again. For
many, the
Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire opened the door to not just new ideas
about
labor and women's rights, but personal conundrums over how their roles
and
lives were changing not just for themselves, but for their daughters
and
generations to follow. As
her activism
moves from personal environment to trips to Washington and associations
with
high-level Suffragists, Helen discovers new ways of decision-making and
thinking that hold opportunities for revised freedoms not only for her
and
fellow women, but for the men around them. Readers
interested in a story that does more than recap the sad events
surrounding this
era's labor and women's movement relationships will find The
Accidental Suffragist brings to life the impact and changes
on
families and marriages that were sparked by the Triangle Shirtwaist
Factory
fire. More
so than
most fictionalized accounts, The
Accidental Suffragist holds a compelling and intriguing
approach that
readers will find enlightening and involving. It's highly recommended
even for
those well aware of the changing politics of the times, early women's
rights
movements, and the factory fire's lasting impact.
Galia Gichon
Wyatt-MacKenzie
978-1-948018-96-8 $15.94
softcover/$4.99
ebook
www.wyattmackenzie.com
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to Index
And
the Wars
Went on Without Him And the Wars Went on Without Him features historical fiction vignettes that
open in 1918 and are based on family stories about World War I through
World War II and beyond. It provides
stories of Angelo's journey from childhood to his marriage to Carmella
and the backdrop of a world he never takes
the time to appreciate for its beauty. The
collection
may begin and evolve through his years, but it continues past his
experience
into 1944, when another war looms and another life is changed. Against
the
backdrops of a shifting Italy, two major conflicts, and the
interactions between
invaders, prisoners of war, ordinary citizens, and lasting nightmares
about war
even in its aftermath, readers slowly absorb the forces that batter and
change
relationships, lives, and the psyche of a nation. Couples
find
their relationship challenged to the point that they feel like
strangers while
battlefield experiences and war encounters follow combatants home to
change
their lives and everything around them. And
the Wars Went on Without Him presents a variety of characters
who are all
affected by conflict and nation-changing in different ways. As
Angelo moves
from Italy to Toronto, the ghosts of the past are never far behind.
Those who
do leave Italy and Europe discover that not only does conflict go on
without
them, but it also lies within them and their families. As
readers move
between countries, individuals, and the wars, they receive a powerful
commentary that blends individual life experiences with the overlay of
social
and political change. Freedom, appreciations of life, and basic beliefs
about
how that life is valued and lived change under wartime conditions. Few
other
books present these dilemmas as powerfully as in this juxtaposition of
individual life forces and events that challenge them. And the Wars Went on Without Him is about Italian culture and heritage, but
it's also about survival, individual empowerment, the consequences of
war and
peace decisions, and the lasting impact of those who live through and
under the
shadow of war and transformation. Readers
interested in historical fiction that comes to life in the personal
experiences
of various characters will find And the
Wars Went on Without Him a compelling read.
Jeffrey Pacitto
Outer Edge
978-1777532703
$14.99
Paper/$4.99 Kindle
Website: www.outeredge.co
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1777532701
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Chokecherry Girl Life in a late 1950s small Montana community
is anything but staid, as three females find through very different
relationships with males and each other. Bobbi is a teen who has a crush on an Indian
basketball player. Patsy is attracted to Bobbi's father, even though
he's
married. And Mary Agnes is an alcoholic Indian woman who cleans houses
and is
estranged from her son. These three disparate individuals find their
lives joined not only by fate and their gender, but by the community's
own
growing pains in Chokecherry Girl.
The story centers on Bobbi, but includes the lives of these two other
adult
women as influencers on her perceptions and choices. Barbara Meyer Link's injection of local
1950s Indian women's lives and issues into the overall story of a white
Montana
community's evolution is nicely done. It's surprising because few
novels about
this era include Native American issues and community references in
small-town
explorations. In a world where hidden desires become too
possible, the events that transpire around a stolen car and illicit
love
juxtapose these very different women in unusual ways, making for a
story that
is satisfyingly involving and unexpected in its growth. This is an environment where growing young
women face challenges from adults, as in this scene, where young Patsy
is
accosted by a man she thinks could be the family's 'pretend dad': “Come on, young lady; no more bar for you.”
Audrey pushed Patsy out the door. “You’re going home. And you’re
staying home.”
Patsy comes of age in a milieu where beer is "That
great stuff that kept her parents away from home every
night." Patsy turns fourteen in the spring of 1944,
a time when everything is changing, both personally and politically.
Patsy
feels stuck, with limited choices she doesn't want to consider. Mary
Agnes, in
contrast, is far more repressed. Her situation evolves in quite a different
(almost alien, in feel) milieu, reinforcing the idea that she is also
stuck
(but in a very different way) between the white man's world and her
Indian
ways. Bobbi, the next generation, turns to Patsy.
Her world, too, feels limiting and puzzling: "Her
mom hadn’t asked all the annoying questions. Where are you
going? What time will you be home? And who is going with you? It was as
if she
was someone else’s child. Everything felt weird today. Her stomach felt
heavy,
about to fall between her knees. She wanted so much to go to Williston
and
drive that bitchin’ car, except she’d just die if she got found out." From Mary Agnes's struggle to reclaim a lost
son who considers another woman his mother to Patsy's reunion with Ord,
who
promises her something different than they'd struggled with in their
past
relationship, Link provides an evolving story of three very different
lives
that become caught up in a scandal that changes each. Bobbi is challenged with revealing a
difficult truth, and so readers of women's fiction will find this
multi-leveled
tale filled with insights about big dreams, coming of age, and evolving
new
realizations about tribal relationships and interactions with the white
man. Readers looking for an intriguing story of
growth and self-realization will find in these three different lives
much food
for thought, focusing on growth in an era of both new possibilities and
closing
doors of familiar opportunity.
Barbara Meyer Link
Acorn Publishing
978-1-952112-19-5
$12.99 Paper; $17.99 Hardcover; $7.99 Kindle
www.amazon.com
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to Index
Clouds
Above Readers
quickly become involved in a realistic scenario that traverses
the planet from D.C. to India and the Himalayas with hidden
experiments,
security secrets, and dangers that affect the world’s water supply. Thompson
brings to life this plausible world in such a way that readers
will not only be engrossed in the outcome of an elaborate situation but
will
find the science of climate manipulation thoroughly intriguing—even
vital to
our survival.
Michael Hicks Thompson
Shepherd King Publishing LLC
978-0-9976556-0-5
$30.00
www.michaelthompsonauthor.com
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Confessions of a Gay Curmudgeon Fifty-year-old Viktor is trying to get back
on his feet after the breakup of a 12-year relationship. A lot has
happened in
the gay dating world during those years, and Viktor feels ill-equipped
to
navigate not only these new opportunities but the new physical barriers
of
aging and the psychological obstacles to entering into another
relationship. Told
by his shrink to write down his
feelings about this process, the journal in Confessions
of a Gay Curmudgeon is
the result—a lively self-inspection of
candid honesty that explores fading sexuality and thwarted dreams alike. Readers
should be prepared for sexually explicit language. Confessions
of a Gay Curmudgeon pulls no punches and doesn't beat around the bush
as the grouchy Viktor admits his personal failures and limitations and
inspects
the revised world of gay dating during his advancing years. As
group sessions for "getting in touch with anal feelings"
and insights from others begin to change his perspective, this gay
curmudgeon adapts
to a revised form of openness that involves inspecting and letting in
feelings
he'd never quite considered before. These involve not only his
sexuality and
relationships, but his immigrant family roots and influence and the
lack of
appealing partners in his age group. Readers
interested in a graphic discussion of middle-age sexuality and
obstacles to re-forming lasting relationships during this period of
life will
find Confessions of a Gay Curmudgeon is as
hard-hitting as its narrator
is grouchy. Those
looking for candid, realistic-feeling inspections of mid-life
crisis and changing sexuality will find this story absorbing,
thought-provoking, nicely steeped in contrasts between the elderly, the
middle-aged, and the young. Confessions
of a Gay Curmudgeon should be in every LGBTQ collection interested an
absorbing story of late-life change.
Andy V. Ambrose
Nine Star Press
978-1-951057-34-3
$15.99 paperback/$5.99 ebook
www.ninestarpress.com
Return
to Index
The
Cougar Candidate The
Cougar
Candidate
may sound like a nature exploration, but this is a work of political
satire and tells of ex-governor Patty Pitypander, who is still sulking
about
her defeat five years later, when she is tapped to run for President. Her
bid isn't the usual approach to politics. It embraces a wry sense
of humor and observation that leads to some unusual arguments: "It’s
not 1776 anymore. Most of us live in cities, not on farms. To serve our
needs
today, government’s role must be expanded, not rolled back. We must
ensure not
only that our citizens can pursue happiness, but that they actually
catch it.
To that end, the Pitypander administration will propose the creation of
a special
department—a Department of Happiness. Its mission will be to bring
happiness to
everyone, not just the super-rich. It will be empowered to intervene in
any
situation causing you unhappiness you might call or email about." How
Patty moves from licking her wounds to assuming a newly powerful
role in a floundering country by promoting a fresh new vision that
holds both
irony and impossibility is one of the themes Will Worsley excels in
crafting in
The Cougar Candidate. Between
Patty's navigation of a dangerous political world, her
attraction to men younger than her husband, and a young reporter's
inadvertent
press on the button of romance when he pursues the truth about a sordid
secret
in her past, The Cougar Candidate takes many
unexpected turns as it
juxtaposes Patty's conflicting drive for both love and political power. The
satirical commentary on American politicians and political
relationships is wonderfully written, as is a woman's reach for a
better
position of power both in different facets of her life and American
society. Readers
who look for novels replete with political commentary and
satirical observation will find The Cougar Candidate
achieves its goals,
from its title to its romp through political process and a savvy
woman's spunky
encounters with the highest echelons of power: “I’ll be
damned. It’s the
Diva of the Downtrodden,” said the president. “You’re the last person
on earth
I expected to hear from. What do you think you’re doing, Governor?
First your
ads turn me into a pervert, then you slime me with that tired old crap
about
Newton and Copeland. Next I guess you’ll be painting me as a pervert in
a
raincoat. You think I’m gonna just sit back and let you smear me,
lady?” “Those
aren’t smears, Mr. President. The videos speak for themselves. They’re
perfectly fair.” Funny
and thought-provoking, powered by a woman who skirts the edge of
legal relationships in a widening playing field, The Cougar
Candidate is
a top recommendation for those who enjoy stories about power plays,
romance, and
forbidden fruit. Readers will find Patty's social and political
interplays and
introspections delightful, whimsical, and revealing.
Will Worsley
Hedgeland Press
978-1-7356652-0-7
$16.95
paperback, $3.99 Ebook
www.willworsley.com
Return
to Index
Darling, All My Love Historical romance readers are in for a
treat with Darling, All My Love, a
1930s romance that takes place in the Midwest. Lily Vanderhoof is part of a struggling
Catholic family. Her destiny in Hub City seemed to be set as she was
betrothed
to farmer Ira, a staid man she knew for years, before she found out
about his
cohort Bessie, a woman he 'knew' before they were engaged just two
months
prior. It's a situation that never seemed ideal even before her
newfound
knowledge and its impact on their future. So when she unexpectedly
falls for
the affluent and handsome Benjamin Claussen at her best friend's
wedding,
dangerous new possibilities emerge. Benjamin's life also has been decided by his
parents—he's on a trajectory to inherit the family business and follow
in
successful footsteps. The last thing he expected was to fall for a
strange girl
well below his class. The last thing he needed was to incur his
parents' wrath. Between Lily's situation with Ira and the
lack of work in their small town as her family struggles with poverty,
Lily
needs something different and positive to change her life. Benjamin
might be
just the ticket, if their choices don't upend their families and
everything
around them. Lori Oestreich crafts this first book in a
series with a strong description of the Depression years, different
economic
forces and strata, and the evolution of romance between a Catholic girl
and a
Presbyterian boy. Benjamin's mother has always "been one
to look out after my son's best interests." Will she challenge a
bright,
albeit different, possibility for them both? From evolving and changing relationships to
the issues that arise between them due to socioeconomic differences, Darling, All My Love thoroughly embraces
not just the couple's dilemmas and interactions, but the milieu of
their
Midwestern roots and the times. Oestreich creates an absorbing read that
moves between family perceptions and duties to community interactions,
cementing romance with a historical backdrop that is realistic and
nicely
described. Darling, All My Love
will attract both romance readers and those who like closer inspections
of both
historical influences and social change. Will Benjamin's support of
Lily result
in marriage? The story is compelling on different levels, and
especially
recommended for those who like their romances firmly rooted in a bygone
era of
Midwestern atmosphere.
Lori Oestreich
Cattail Marsh Publishing
978-1736140017
Website: https://www.lorioestreich.com/
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1736140019?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860
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Ernestine Ernestine's historical backdrop lies in 16th century
Spain, where Ernestine finds herself in a dangerous political position
after
having become a nun, following her life as an conartist. What
does an
olive orchard, a king who needs money to fund his wars, and an abbey's
involvement over a document that could change the power structure in
Europe
have to do with Sister Ernestine's new calling? Plenty,
because
her story revolves around prayers, struggling nations and religious
orders, and
the inadvertent involvement in a single woman who finds herself at a
pivot
point in time, holding the ability to affect not just her life but
those around
her. Kate
Reynolds
does an outstanding job of capturing not just social and political
dilemmas,
but the sights, sounds, and environment Ernestine moves within. Her
descriptions embrace and entwine these elements for maximum impact: "Ernestine rolled up her sleeves, eager
to clean and stock the cellary. Mother had been right. Fruit had
spoiled,
cheeses turned moldy, barrels needed a good scrubbing. Ernestine would
use her
time alone wisely. Down in the cool cellary, she didn’t need to think
about
Montague or Edicts of Grace, or the parchment secreted in her room, or
the mad
woman Fé, or children burning in fires. Or about any of the other
matters that
preyed on her mind. There, alone, Ernestine could avoid thinking." One
of the most
powerful moments in the story is Ernestine's first-person narration of
her past
and the influences that brought her to this period in her life. It's
particularly strong because of its added reflections on the values and
morals
fostered by family circumstance and life experiences: "I
was born in Great Snoring, a town in Norfolk. Papa was
unfortunate in business, so he, Mama, and I had barely enough money to
live on.
And some of his businesses were less than principled. I don’t mean Papa
was
dishonest; he intended to be a good man. Mama always said he leaned
strongly
toward integrity and compromised his convictions only when more seemly
alternatives miscarried. With a bit of luck, Papa could have been a man
of
great character, and if he’d been born wealthy, he would have had
scruples to
spare." As
Ernestine
also comes to question and adjust her perceptions of ethical behavior
and
personal ambitions, readers become part of a colorful world where her
actions
translate to either preservation of the abbey refuge or its destruction
(depending on her decisions about honor and ethical choices). Facing
fears
takes courage—courage Ernestine doesn't think she has. From
powerful
priests and Mothers who confront them to the little Abbey of Saint
Francis's
role in political power plays and the value of strategy that
compromises much
for the sake of survival, Ernestine
is a compelling story. It will attract historical fiction readers with
its
powerful blend of purpose and politics, cemented by a young woman's
changing intentions
and approaches to life both within and outside the abbey refuge. Ernestine is highly recommended reading; especially
for those with a particular interest in 16th century European
backdrops, which
come alive here in all their social and political complexity.
Kate Reynolds
Independently
Published
979-8657426823 $16.99
paperback; $2.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Ernestine-Kate-Reynolds/dp/B08QWBXXYK
Return
to Index
Five
Times Lucky When
ex-Hollywood actress BunnyLee Welles returns to town for her
friend's wedding in Five Times Lucky, it is to a
notoriety she'd never
expected. Fame is no longer at the top of her list of desires now that
she is
older and away from Hollywood's influence. But fame is what she faces,
albeit
in an unexpected way. As
the psychology of transference takes place and BunnyLee, Buck, Jadé,
and others find their lives and fortunes unexpectedly entwined, P.
David Temple
adds a wry brand of humorous inspection that injects irony and satire
into the
tale. It's a combination of modern American road trip ala Kerouac
(albeit with
a Miniature Labradoodle puppy in tow) and romance that revolve around
Buck
LeGrande, whose exploits lead to puppy mills and attention-getting
stunts. When
opposites attract, they can do so in an explosive manner. Such is
the case with BunnyLee and Buck as they (and Puddles) navigate a
strange new
world and face adventures and ironies they never wanted to confront,
both
independently and with one another. From
Hollywood to a 4H exhibition with a gun-totin' Puddles, both
BunnyLee and Buck meet their match and come out on top in this
rollicking romp
through Hollywood, disparate supporting characters, and America.
Ironically,
each finds their roles challenged by Puddles, who also did not have
acting fame
in mind, but who is cast into that role in an unexpected (some might
say
bizarre) manner. P.
David Temple's story provides numerous laugh-out-loud moments. Its
special blend of humor, philosophy, romance and adventure will keep
readers
involved and guessing about the outcome to the end, which concludes in
both an
anticipated and yet also an unexpected manner. The story ultimately
questions
the price and goal of fame and fortune, using a tongue-in-cheek
observational
style that is simply unforgettable.
P. David Temple
Chelsea Press
978-1735981604
$15.95
Paper/$6.95 Kindle
www.chelseapress.com
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to Index
Gotcha! Readers
of satirical fiction will find that
the political, social, and literary commentary of GOTCHA!: Inside Trump’s 2020
Campaign—A Novel crafts
a
compelling and fun read that is politically and socially astute. Even
those who
have tired of absorbing Trump discussions will find this novel's format
and
employment of parodies, exaggeration, and ironic observation to be
fresh and
intriguing. Unlike
some
satires, this work is intended for amusement value; not for the loftier
goal of
ethical commentary alone. Given how many Trump-themed writings do focus
on
moral reflection, it's evident that GOTCHA!
is a horse of another color, providing the comedic angle missing from
most
other examinations of the man and his era. Not
only Trump
but Barr and all his associates are included in the countdown of events
that
took place during his term in office. Tongue-in-cheek dialogue captures
the
ironic twists in which more sensible and reasoned men assess their
connections
to Trump: “Such language. For a
President.” “He’s upset because Bolton wrote that Trump said Finland
was part
of Russia.” “What a nitwit.” “I know. But he’s our nitwit,” said Barr
in that
understated way of his." As
events from
his administration, including a firebombing at Trump Towers, are
reviewed and
recapped, the humor continues to play out: “Lobby’s
scorched black. But the elevators still work. Nobody’s allowed in since
it’s
been These
moments,
captured in a macabre review of how facts are manipulated to present
different
public images, are both thought-provoking and satirically compelling as
the
reality of Trump's four years in office is captured for future
posterity. Even
future
audiences in this distant era who have no personal familiarity with
these Trump
years will find GOTCHA! a hallmark
production. It explores political manipulation and chaos, capturing an
atmosphere that feels impossible, but is lifted from daily news and
events. Perhaps
future
generations will discover more value in this fictionalization than
those close
to these experiences today, who may be too familiar with the processes
and
parodies of the Trump administration to find it entertaining even when
recapped
with a satirical overlay. After all, these last four years have been
presented
with this same sense of outrageous irony. And,
of course,
it should be noted that any true believer in the Trump administration
will
likely find GOTCHA! intrinsically
offensive, as it attacks an icon revered in such circles. Yes,
it's those
who want a recap of present experience (and, more likely, future
generations
who wonder how some of this could have come to pass) who will best
appreciate
the lasting value of Ed. Weinberger's solid satirical examination of
how power
is manipulated, tailored, and presented to the public on a gold plate
bordered
with a pig's lipstick. These
audiences
will find refreshing and delightful the subtle and not-so-subtle jabs
and
follies of the last four extraordinary years of American history that
are
deftly captured in GOTCHA!
Ed. Weinberger
South Street Books
978-1-64704-233-2
$17.99 Paper/$32.45 Hardcover/$9.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/GOTCHA-Inside-Trumps-Campaign-Novel/dp/164704233X
designated a crime
scene.” “Don’t let anyone
clean it up. I want it left just the way it is.” “Sure, Pop, but why?”
“I’m
thinking it’d be good to show up with the White House Press Corps and
address
the violence in our cities.” “Great idea, Pop. It’d be like Churchill
visiting
bomb sites in World War II.” “The only difference is Churchill never
made a
really great speech.” “And you know what else would be neat?” said Don
Jr. “If
you carried that gun the NRA gave you. You could talk about how you can
carry
it legally in Florida but not in New York. The guys at the NRA would
love you
for it. And I think we could get another couple million out of them.”
Return
to Index
A
House Full of Windsor A
House Full
of Windsor
has its roots in a modern TV reality show (unseen by this reviewer)
and revolves around the family life and scandals of the Windsor family,
who
relocated to America from England in search of new opportunities. Daughter
Sarah Percy has seen much success in television, but her show
is losing popularity. Her mother Debbie is fixated on royalty and is a
hoarder...a family secret Sarah has taken great pains to hide from the
public
eye she's so much a part of. Dirty secrets are swept under the family
rug, and
it's her role to do this, and keep them there. But
it's not her brother's job to carry on this family tradition, so
when he fosters a TV series about hoarding, there would seem to be no
better
subject than what is happening right at home, even though exposing
their
secrets will change the public's perceptions about their lives. As
family living becomes more and more complicated, romances and family
connections become entangled and challenging. Readers
receive a delightful exploration of an unconventional family's
secrets and 1980s drama in a story filled with passionate explorations
of both
sides of the pond. The first-person narration brings readers into the
dilemmas
faced on all sides, and the mistakes in communication that lead to
them: "A
fun, girly afternoon just wasn’t in the cards, exactly like my day of
relaxation wasn’t, either. And now I had a flight to pack for, too. Who
thought
I’d be making two trips across the pond in the matter of a few weeks,
let alone
with my family? It didn’t even occur to me to ask Will if he was okay
with the
trip." Readers
who like family dramas in general and the media focus swirling
around royal events and preoccupations with the British monarchy in
particular
will find A House Full of Windsor an outstanding
romp through both
different social strata and cultures and romance. As
family secrets come to light, the story becomes fully absorbing; its
dilemmas nicely woven into the backdrop of evolving love. Women,
in particular, will find this story replete with humor and
ironic inspections of life in the UK and US. The family is torn asunder
by its
adult children's decisions, exposés, and avid desire for new beginnings
not
just for the prodigies, but the parents who find their world changing
anew. Women
who like interpersonal dramas, soap operas, and intercultural
mixes will especially appreciate A House Full of Windsor's
attention to
changing family relationships and influences.
Kristin Contino
Wyatt-MacKenzie
978-1-948018-99-9
$15.95 Softcover/$4.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/House-Full-Windsor-Kristin-Contino/dp/1948018993
Return
to Index
A Matter of Course Marigold Winter is headed to a destination
that she prefers not to think about. She's moved back home with her
mother
after her breakup with Pete because her once-strong mother Zi needs
her. This
destination may be their final journey together, but Mari soon
discovers that
when one door closes, another opens, as she encounters new
possibilities for
her life in the unlikeliest of places. Mari's encounters on the train with Lark and
old woman Norma leads her into Lark's artistic world, which in turn
leads him
to rethink the course of his own life. There, she discovers new talents that her
mother had tried to teach her, taking up the camera she'd once eschewed
and
literally walking in her mother's shoes into unexpected new adventures
and
perspectives. Her efforts involve not only a crash course in
photography, but
encounters with very different people as Mari's trajectory introduces
Jeannie
and husband Dean (who, like Mari, also likes to focus on the little
details of
life around him), who are both struggling with despised jobs and a
rocky
marriage. Jody Wenner creates a gentle journey through
disparate lives connected by chance and circumstance in A
Matter of Course. As the novel evolves, so do characters who
refuse to give up. They confront the changes sparked by one man's
discovery,
which connects their disparate lives on the Orange Line they all rode
at the
same pivotal moment in their lives. As the story moves between characters and
from personal opportunities and transformations to slides and setbacks,
Wenner
creates a fascinating interplay between chance meetings and
life-changing
events for all the characters involved. A number of characters' lives are explored
and juxtaposed, as well, which could feel confusing to some were it not
for the
clear chapter titles which make it easy to move between the lives and
perspectives of Mari, Lark, Jason, Ed Fleek, Robert Andrew Davis, and a
host of
others involved in making new discoveries about themselves and the
world they
want to live in. Contemporary fiction readers looking for an
intriguing story of disparate individuals will find A
Matter of Course an excellent study in differences. It also
blends a touch of romance and mystery into its strong story of life's
ironic
intersections. As a piece especially suitable and
recommended for fiction book club reader debate and discussion, A Matter of Course provides much food
for thought.
Jody Wenner
Independently Published
979-8701211535
$4.99 ebook; $11.99 Print
https://www.amazon.com/Matter-Course-Jody-Wenner/dp/B08VBS3XRG
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to Index
Punk Punk
blends women's literature with a coming-of-age story about Delia
Elliott, a
junior in high school who explains how she came to travel back in time
to 1932
with the aid of a family member's diary. These circumstances connect
her
fumbling, short life with her great-grandmother Didi's failed romance
and her
own mother's struggle with being a single mother in a relationship. Barred from all connections with friends,
Delia's discovery of the diary unlocks not only the past, but keys to
making
better decisions in the present as she absorbs her family's hidden
heritage and
comes to understand its impact on her own choices. Narrated in the first person for young adult
readers, Punk assumes an air of
rebellion and confession as it adopts a tone that will prove
immediately
accessible to young readers. It blends a sarcastic, witty view of
Delia's
mother's approaches to life and child-rearing with insights on her life
and its
trajectory: "I’m thinking how great
you’ve been lately—sort of on a roll. I mean, you’ve managed to finish
your
junior year with halfway decent grades, you’re finally done with that
boy, not
to mention the fallout from the incident with that boy. You haven’t
snuck out
of the house in at least, let’s see, three weeks. You haven’t stolen
cash out
of my wallet (as far as I know). You haven’t been wearing my
clothes—although
that is my T-shirt if I’m not mistaken—please put that back! And you
haven’t
broken curfew. I was beginning to think things were looking up.” She
paused for
effect and concluded with, “But I should have known better, shouldn’t
I have?”
As she was getting more animated, I noticed the most fascinating
thing—this vein
in her neck grew large and throbbed, almost as if some type of alien
lived
there. I began to imagine it would pop its head out and start talking
to me.
“Hello, Delia. I’m the alien living in your mom’s jugular. I come in
peace.
Please feed me." It's this spunky, sassy tone which offers
both a unique voice and a major draw into the events that unfold as
Delia puts
together the pieces of three generation of women who face similar
dilemmas in
very different eras. Young adults may read other books that attempt
to appeal to their age group, but few stories pull off the spunky tone
and feel
of Delia, whose frustrations over her life will mirror many a teen's
relationship with their family. Under Amy Q. Barker's hand, both parents and
kids hold their own very different perspectives, which appear in diary
form and
in the way Delia begins to understand her own situation (and her
mother's) in a
different way. The diary entries that hold a different tone are just as
compelling as Delia's own first-person insights: "He was
trying to be
kind (and firm) with me and said, “Didi, I want you to make your own
life, and
if it can’t happen with this boy, we’d rather you be on your own,
living with
us, until the right boy comes along.” I cried a little and told him I
didn’t
want another boy. Sometimes life is so hard. I tried to explain Paul’s
circumstances — not having a father and relying on his mother’s
initiative to
keep the family afloat. He said, “Yes, this is noble and worthy of
praise. She
must be a strong woman to manage that counter and raise those two boys
on her
own, but acknowledging that, we must also look at the big picture.” The changing perspectives and narrators
could prove a bit confusing, at first, even though Barker does clarify
these
changes in the first paragraphs of each chapter. Chapter headings
defining
these might have clarified the mercurial narrators. Another strength to the story is that the
different insights of each generation are covered in detail, cemented
by life
experience and descriptions that don't 'talk down' to young adults: "Sometimes I wondered if many of
Delia’s troubles stemmed from the divorce. It had been seven years
since
Johnston and I had split up, but I still had a lot of guilt, and I also
realized that no matter how good or bad any divorce is, these type of
childhood
traumas tend to linger. She was seventeen now, and I foolishly thought
with
maturity would come a sort of grace and understanding, but that was
naive of
me. I think those feelings of confusion, abandonment, and displacement
never
truly go away. I should know." Though Punk
will gain its major audience from teens, it will also reach adult
readers
interested in an absorbing contrast between three generations of women,
and
shouldn't be limited to young adults alone. Its insights on divorce, the impact of
decisions, and the long-term ramifications of family patterns is
absorbing and
involving, and will please women's fiction readers and young adults
alike.
Amy Q. Barker
Independently Published
978-1-7353581-1-6
$11.99 Paper/$2.99 Kindle
www.amyqbarker.com
Return
to Index
Rogue
River
Heaven Rogue River Heaven cultivates a wry sense of humor and
impropriety as it opens with a confession that sets the tone for the
story to
follow: "I fell in love with a woman
whose hair was as scarlet as her profession. So if you are a
line-drawer, or a
person who needs to have everything in neat little boxes, or if you are
sanctimonious, don’t read another word. Close my book and find one more
respectable." Beginning
with a
compelling prologue, the reader is drawn into a love story and
coming-of-age
mystery on the banks of Oregon's Rogue River. Seventeen-year-olds on a
wilderness picnic, Troy and Monica, who have loved each other from age
twelve,
consummate their love, only to have it vanish when Monica disappears.
Despondent, Troy meets Maggie, the prostitute he has been spying on for
years.
Between the two, they seek revenge after slowly unraveling the mystery. For
one thing,
Troy is seeking to understand how he moved from an all-American boyhood
to an
adult life fraught with the unexpected, beyond the social norms one
might
expect of a college professor. His
path to this
point is well detailed, including rural encounters with cows, close
friends,
and adventures in the outdoors and growing up. Eventually, Troy becomes
a
voyeur. As he spies on Maggie and learns about life, he absorbs new
ideas and
obsessions that begin to deviate from the norm as he observes Maggie's
s&m
world of sex and cultivates the life and fantasies of a peeping tom. As
a teenager,
Troy is devastated by the disappearance of his girlfriend, Monica,
which is
linked to the disappearances of other young women in Washington and
northern
California. Little does he realize how close he is to solving these
tragic events. As
they defy the
law and the impact of abuse and he becomes entwined in her nightmare
world,
readers receive a series of shocking developments as Troy's habit
ventures into
the murky realm of death and revenge. Roger
E. Carrier
moves from a picture book childhood in many ways to a young man's
coming of age
and adulthood, which becomes burdened by an unexpected foray into
depravity and
the mind of a killer. Many twists and turns carry him into a
life-changing
experience with two different women before the story takes a final,
satisfyingly unpredictable twist to a firm resolution. In
many ways, Rogue River Heaven
mirrors the evolution
of an American society that grew from simpler times to absorb numerous
threats
from the minds of ordinary men, provoking caution and constant
perceptions of
danger in Americans throughout the nation. Readers
seeking
a riveting blend of suspense, social inspection, and murder and romance
will
find Rogue River Heaven just the
ticket for an absorbing, revealing probe into the mind and experiences
of a man
who chooses many unexpected paths during his life.
Roger E. Carrier
Independently
Published
978-1-6641-4586-3
$13.99
www.xlibris.com
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to Index
Rue Readers of contemporary women's fiction will
find Rue a compelling piece,
indeed.
It features an unusual protagonist in Rue Cavendish, a lounge singer
who has
been blind since birth, and who is singing in a San Francisco bar when
she
meets Josh. Rue has always cultivated her independence
against all odds. And she holds some decided feelings about the idea of
romance
and relationships: "She wondered
absently what that must feel like – to be on the verge of something
new, the
precipice before you fall, the edge of a cliff – trying with all your
might to
put your best foot forward. And then she thought of the duplicity of
people.
Was it natural, an innate instinct, to put on that mask when you meet
someone
new? The facade: say the right things, listen politely, be interesting
and interested.
Then what happens later when you reveal your true self – the one with
all its
selfishness, inner demons, foibles, flaws?" Rue has long prided herself on successfully
navigating the sighted world, but in the process of cultivating her own
life,
she's fallen behind in exploring matters of the heart. This changes as she not only becomes
involved with Josh, but experiences further insights about couples and
love
through Kevin Warren and his wife Alyssa, who are experiencing many
challenges
in their marriage and perceptions of what they want both in life and
from each
other. As Rue experiences passion, explores her
sexuality and a new relationship, and lets down some of her barriers,
she
expresses many emotions women will readily relate to, as in this
aftermath of
intimacy: "She should have savored
that moment. She should have sat there letting it sink in. She should
have
basked in the glory of what had just happened. But instead, the moment
he
stepped out of the bathroom, the full force of reality hit her like a
ton of
bricks. She began to cry uncontrollably. What had she done? What had
they done?
It was a marvel! But was it wrong? She hardly knew him! What must he
think of
her? What did she think of herself? Was she just like all of the other
girls
who came to him? How many others were there? Were they easy, vapid,
unscrupulous? Was she? She felt cracked open like an egg, with no power
to stop
her insides from pouring out." She wonders if Josh is nervous about
including her in his world, and if he's really ready to date someone
like Rue.
She also wonders if she is ready for more than she's already carved out
from
life. From taking risks to understanding
differences between love and friendship and surviving emotional
devastation
when life goes awry, Rue grows emotionally throughout this story,
carrying
readers into both her life and the possibilities of women in and out of
love. Rue
is a compelling novel of a blind woman who begins to see her life in a
different way. Its tour of accountability, relationship-building, and
changing
perceptions not only invites readers into Rue's life, but adds the
perspectives
and objectives of others on their own paths to better seeing the
opportunities
and desires in their lives. Women who like contemporary novels about
already-strong women taking the next step in their evolution will find Rue realistic, absorbing, and packed
with relationship insights.
Amy Q. Barker
Independently Published
978-1735358109
$11.99 Paper/$2.99 Kindle
www.amyqbarker.com
Return
to Index
The Sky
Worshipers Historical novel
readers looking for a story steeped in the politics, culture, and epoch
of
Genghis Khan will find The Sky Worshipers a
powerful, sweeping saga that
focuses on the role and influence of women who change the trajectory
and
strength of Khan and his Mongol warriors. This unique focus
will especially appeal to women who want their histories to include not
just
the mention of women as auxiliary characters, but that place women's
lives,
perspectives, and influences at the forefront of the story rather than
in the
background. Fantasy and
speculations blend with known facts about the Mongol invasions of Asia,
Middle
East, and Eastern Europe during the thirteenth century and beyond. F.M.
Deemyad
reconstructs these events, bringing readers a taste of the power and
approach
of sky-worshiping conquerors who demanded of their new people that they
change
their lives and perspectives to be more in sync with Mongol culture. A nonfiction
introduction sets the stage for this story and segues nicely into the
tale,
presenting not only a historical foundation for the events, but the
rationale
behind why Deemyad's studies revealed the likelihood of a "secret
history": "...the children of Genghis and his sons were
probably
reared or were influenced by the well-educated women from other
civilizations
who were kidnapped or taken as prisoners of war and brought to the
Mongol
court." With these
studies and this premise in mind, readers are treated to a passionate
story of
women not just kidnapped and imprisoned, but who are determined to
change the
structure and psyches of their captors through their relationships with
them. To depict the
entire sweeping era of Mongol invasions under one cover is, in and of
itself,
no light achievement. Deemyad's attention to the fictional drama,
tension,
character interactions over the efforts of a princess who both comes of
age and
is captured contributes to a powerful series of dramatic confrontations. Deemyad captures
the sights, smells, and sounds of the times to bring them, as well as
her
characters, to full life: "Petals of rose, a flower grown and
revered
for centuries in Persia, filled the surface of the pool, and the scent
of rose
oil added to the water, infused the bathhouse with an intoxicating
aroma. After
all, few were the times when the old royal family visited the place.
Princess
Reyhan’s chambermaids washed her hair with an aromatic potion of green
lotus
powder called sedr, which made it the color of ripe dates. Thus, she
got
prepared for the next day’s ceremony of applying henna paste to her
hands and
feet in elaborate designs as required by tradition." The focus on three
princesses who marry three generations of invaders contributes nicely
to the
timeline. It follows not only the progress and interactions of the
Mongols over
decades, but presents the changing perspectives of those they conquered
as each
woman faces different ways of changing her peoples' lives and conquest. The effects of
history and consequences of choices that affect generations is outlined
in
passages that reflect on the ongoing impact of not just conquerors, but
those
who acquiesced to them: "The manuscript has triggered
something within
her. It is that she feels guilty for all that was done; not only of the
massacre of so many people by the Mongols but what her own
father-in-law,
Tamerlane, as the last Mongol conqueror committed, cutting down large
populations in order to expand his
territories.” “Well, Tamerlane took pride in the fact that
he was a
Mongol ruler although many dispute that claim.” The Hakeem said, and
added as
if thinking out loud, “He was one of the most brutal conquerors ever to
rule
this land.” Any reader with
an interest in Mongol history in general and the changing roles and
perspectives of women caught up in their conquests will find the
complexity and
attention to detail in The Sky Worshipers makes for
engaging reading. It's not a light
coverage (those who want shallow drama need look elsewhere), but a
powerful,
fact-based novel that highlights undercurrents of the lasting legacy of
Genghis
Khan and his people on an entire region.
F.M. Deemyad
History Through Fiction, LLC
9781732950863
$29.95 Hardcover;
$17.95 Paper; $6.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Sky-Worshipers-F-M-Deemyad/dp/1732950881
Return
to Index
Surviving
Carmelita Surviving
Carmelita
will attract women who enjoy Christian fiction. It provides the
compelling story of mother Josie, who finds many ways to appreciate the
daily
joys of life: "As for me, no swing is necessary. The autumn
sun warms
my face, Carmie’s laughter fills the air, and my kids are excited about
the fun
night ahead. Challenging days will ebb and flow, so I am savoring this
little
slice of paradise." Josie
soon faces a life-changing situation which holds no precedent for
comprehension: a killer of little girls, a grief which strikes her
heart, and a
world that moves beyond life's pleasures to probe challenges and
paradigm-changing belief systems. If
only she can undo the past and the grief her own actions have caused
others! If only Josie can reconcile herself over a past that keeps
haunting her
present! There are many choices to mull over as events unfold; not the
least of
which has been her distant relationship with God and the new
possibility of
forging a different spiritual connection: "The pastor’s name
eludes me.
Not sure I’d even recognize him if we bumped carts at Target. Twice a
year I
hear him talk about a God who wants to have a “personal relationship”
with the
people He created. He talks of salvation and unconditional love, but
none of
that resonates with me. Not that I’m anti-God, I just didn’t grow up
with Him
in the mix." Josie's
changing relationship with and perception of God's influences
and actions drive a story in which she reconsiders many of the
interactions
she'd had with Him in the past: "I was praying for her—a
sweet, loving,
pregnant Christian girl. This time would be different. I would be
seeking
healing from the same God who let it happen, who could have pushed her
out of
the way with a blink." As
she becomes more involved with Preacher, who is helping her heal at
last, she slowly comes into a different series of realizations about
her life,
choices, and God...until her discovery about Preacher's secret changes
everything yet again. Susan
Miura crafts a compelling story of a loving mother who has many
skeletons in her closet and many spiritual hurdles to overcome in the
course of
coming to grips with past and present realities. Her journey
vibrantly
demonstrates how the presence of God and the devil and lies and secrets
intersect to provoke transformation and change. Surviving
Carmelita
is a compelling story not just about survival, but about coming to
terms with life and death. Its quietly convincing protagonist involves
readers
in her life, choices, and awareness right up to a revelation that
brings with
it a new nightmare, new truths, and possible redemption.
Susan Miura
CrossRiver Media
978-1-936501-57-1
Author website: http://susanmiura.com/
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to Index
Welcome to Brookville Welcome to Brookville's
unique brand of Gothic stories provides a series of horror encounters
which are
linked, yet stand alone as intriguing reads for those who especially
enjoy
unsettling scenarios. From a man taken prisoner in a secret lab
that forces him to confront his darkest fears to an actress who
discovers that
her role mirrors life in a frightening manner, Welcome
to Brookville is about capturing and releasing the
underlying ironies and horror in everyday life. It creates a feeling of
fascinating
horror in readers who will find themselves as attracted to the macabre
events
as spectators to a car wreck. While this might sound less than desirable
for leisure reading, the horror genre holds a special brand of
fascination with
dangerous life circumstances and eerie possibilities that readers find
especially appealing. This production is no exception and, indeed,
mirrors this
focus on life's uncanny twists and turns. Take Sarah's singular life in 'Glass', for
one example of this flavor. Sarah accepts her limited one-room life,
living in
the moment and memories of a very different world: "She
might have been in a small room where the sun never shone,
where the weak, cold breeze had a mysterious origin, and where the only
light
came from a fluorescent tube above her head. But once upon a time, the
sun had
warmed her clothes and the wind had blown them around. She could still
bring
those happy times to mind." Fascinated by a bathtub full of turtles, her
only pastime, Sarah has made a refuge for them (and herself) in the
bathroom.
How can she escape a world where someone else (an unseen observer)
knows what
is best for her...a place she has come to view as a safe haven? After
all, "Punishment was all that mattered in
life, and this was hers." Kelly Ennis excels in weaving psychological
inspections into the background of horror. Observations of disparate
personalities who exist in the town of Brookville's quiet version of
horror spark
each story with a tension and series of revelations that bring both the
protagonist and the town to life. Often, the act of observing changes
everything, as when Maria scans the whole town through the different
lens of a
powerful telescope and discovers more beneath Brookville's surface than
it
appears: "Everything looked calm and
peaceful, though there was plenty of human activity. The silence made
it all
seem like a movie rather than real life. But as she looked at everyone
going on
with their days, driving here and there and walking in and out of
stores, it
all seemed strangely beautiful." Still waters run deep. So do the
undercurrents of horror that permeate many of the residents of
Brookville...a
special brand of reflection that translates to a disturbingly good read
where
the extraordinary that flows beneath the surface of everyday life is
closer
than readers might think. Welcome to Brookville is
the perfect choice for horror readers who like their stories steeped in
strong
psychological profiles of town and residents alike. It's especially
recommended
to those who can't resist looking over their shoulder for the sense
that
something may lay in wait just behind them (in this case, a
frighteningly good
read).
Kelly Ennis
DartFrog Books
978-1-951490-78-2
$11.99
Paper/$2.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Brookville-Kelly-Ennis/dp/1951490789
Return
to Index
Artistes of Colour Artistes Of Colour; Ethnic Diversity And
Representation In The Victorian Circus is highly recommended for performing arts and
ethnic history libraries
alike, offering a solid study of Victorian-era circus makeup that
probes the
achievements of notable Victorian-era circus performers of color. From
African
rope dancers and jugglers to Chinese and Japanese troupes, chapters
cover
family origins and history, offer extensive quotes from research and
source
materials, and provide many inspections of circus performing art
history: "When you think of a juggler today
you
probably think of an individual, who by repeated practice and skill,
can keep
several objects in motion simultaneously; balls, clubs, and rings to
the more
extreme fire torches, knives, and even chain saws! But juggling as we
recognise
it is only a relatively modern discipline." This history nicely juxtaposes with racial
reflections
and insights that takes source material writings and analyzes them with
an
astute eye to outlining the intrinsic racial perceptions in white
Victorian
society. One example of this approach lies in this analysis of an 1809
journal
passage describing the exploits and culture of Indian jugglers: "High praise for the Indian Jugglers,
but tinged with British xenophobic patronisation. Of course the
‘natives’ were
ignorant and superstitious. How could they be anything other – they
were not
British. There was an ever present tension between the dominant British
social
structure and the Indian underclass. The fascination with the exotic
was
juxtaposed with racial bigotry, underpinned as it was with a sense of
imperial
superiority. Yet there was the desire to bring these entertainers to
Britain to
present them to the public, to be exploited for profitable gain." These close inspections of source materials
provide a foundation for understanding Victorian prejudices, performing
arts
history, and the intersections of prejudice and achievement that often
layered
observations with an intrinsic attitude about other races and cultures. Fans of circus history as well as those
interested in the presence, exploitation, and perception of performers
of color
in Victorian-era society will find much to appreciate in this
well-detailed
narration. Black and white reproductions of advertising
and illustrations from the times add visual embellishment key to
understanding
representations of these people, while the autobiographical sketches of
selected key performers gathers much material about their individual
histories
and achievements. Anyone
interested in performing arts
history, Victorian-era cultural interactions and relationships, and
ethnic history
examinations will find Artistes
Of Colour a unique
and powerful reference highly
recommended for readers who want a scholarly yet spirited approach to
circus
history and ethnic issues.
Steve Ward, PhD
Modern Vaudeville Press
978-1-7339712-7-0
$25.00
www.modernvaudevillepress.com
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to Index
Black & White: Healing Racial Divide Black & White:
Healing
Racial Divide delivers an assessment of racial strife in
America which moves from a history of changing racial issues (from Jim
Crow
experiences to modern times) to a survey of insights and solutions
focused on
reuniting a deeply divided country. In the process, it explores facets
of the
divide that rarely receive attention in similar-sounding approaches,
such as
Biblical references, discussions of assimilation approaches and
underlying
attitudes, bias, and more. The story opens with a family picture of the
author with his two high school teachers and leads to what looks to be
a memoir
reflecting on the birth of his daughter. This becomes a reflection on
George
Floyd's murder and why African Americans remain disenfranchised and at
high
risk in American society: "Truthfully,
the breathlessness of African Americans is not a new phenomenon. Their
four-hundred-year struggle to breathe began during the middle passage,
increased during slavery, extended beyond post-civil war
reconstruction, and
remains even until the writing of this book in 2020. Obstructions to
African
American airways now take the form of white supremacy, systemic racism,
bias,
injustice, unequal treatment, and lack of access to products, services,
and
resources." While he admits that every problem in the
community isn't due to racism, C. L. Holley's discussion traces many
facets of
seemingly diverse issues to not just racist attitudes, but issues of guilt and lasting resentments, which stymie any possibility of a
healing conversation. As chapters consider the inherent racism and
repression in everything from housing and communities to economic
opportunities, they draw together statistics, studies, and researched
information to support observations about the many faces of repression
in
American society: "Where a person
lives and the condition in which he or she lives can determine the
health and
wellbeing of not only that individual but other members of the family.
And
those effects can linger from generation to generation." Unlike other discussions, both black and
white barriers to change receive the laser beam of Holley's attention
and
contentions. The new foundations of racial healing opportunities
receive close
inspection as he draws together possibilities for both sides to
meet—but only
after considering their own inherited attitudes towards race,
communication,
and attitudes, which erect walls on both sides. Anyone interested in how all races can
participate in the broader win-win effort of defeating racism will find
Black & White: Healing Racial Divide
an excellent starting point for discussion and change. It's highly
recommended
reading not just for collections already profiling racial issues, but
high
school to adult classrooms who might consider debating and absorbing
its
lessons, which offer opportunities for re-envisioning America and the
values
about equality which this nation purports to hold.
C. L. Holley
Independently Published
979-8677373954
$8.99 Paper/$2.99 Kindle
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Q26U7V8
Draft2Digital: https://books2read.com/u/4XLxxg
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to Index
Confessions of a CIA Spy - The Art of Human
Hacking Confessions of a CIA
Spy - The
Art of Human Hacking comes from a CIA career spy whose lifetime
of experiences led him to form the Counterintelligence Institute, which
addresses security and intelligence issues in individual and company
lives. As such, readers might expect a series of
spy stories from this book, but it offers so much more. Herein lies the
opportunity to understand the presence, effects, and processes of
disinformation, hacking, and other intelligence hacks in daily
citizens' lives.
Confessions of a CIA Spy excels in
identifying these problems and how to overcome them. Information is a powerful tool. It can be
successfully managed or artfully mismanaged, and the latter can be
compromised
more easily in this era than at any other point in human history. Confessions of a CIA
Spy reviews
this process, and is especially powerful in its assessments of
organizational
security and implementing protections to address situations which at
first
might not seem to pose opportunities for disaster: "While
an entity may aggressively use social media to help promote
their products and services, an unintended consequence can be the
leakage of
information, which can be invaluable to social engineers. This exposure
results
in the creation of vulnerabilities for the organization. Company
employees will
often upload photos or videos of themselves in the workplace to social
media
sites, providing social engineers with insight into their physical
workspaces." The insights on how social engineers and
information gatherers often don't even have to produce a bona fide hack
to gain
access to company data and details is positively frightening—as well as
enlightening. By understanding the extent and processes of
hackers and how ‘social engineers’ manipulate both loopholes and
emotions,
companies and individuals who look to improve their security measures
will find
the many layers of hacking approaches intriguing. This will
allow them to
uncover gaps in company safety processes which they may not have
considered
previously, going beyond the usual emphasis on cybersecurity firewalls:
"The social engineer may place pressure
upon the target by implying that refusing to assist will be seen by
others as
socially unacceptable...These influence techniques can be used in a
variety of
situations, including brief one-time interactions with a target." The wide-ranging, authority-backed
discussions of various forms of hacking make Confessions
of a CIA Spy - The Art of Human Hacking a key
acquisition. While those who wanted true-life spy stories may be
disappointed,
ultimately, the focus on the extent of human hacking operations is both
invaluable and intriguing, exposing scenarios of vulnerability that
many will
not have thought of before. No cybersecurity or social issues collection
should be without Confessions of a CIA
Spy.
Peter Warmka
Independently Published
979-8-554614-5-45
$9.99 ebook; $14.99 Paper
https://www.amazon.com/Confessions-CIA-Spy-Human-Hacking-ebook/dp/B08QYZJ13K
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to Index
Cruising from Boston to Montreal Cruisers seeking guide books that address
the practicalities of cruising through different locales around the
world may
already be well aware of Sunny & Al Lockwood's books on the
Mediterranean
and other areas. This audience will well know their style of combining
the
chatty feel of a travelogue with the practical destination-oriented
advice
essential to anyone who would duplicate their efforts. Cruising from Boston to
Montreal: Discovering Coastal and Riverside Wonders in Maine, the
Canadian
Maritimes and Along the St. Lawrence River ventures through the
region from
Bar Harbor, Maine to Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and beyond. It
explores
the coastal areas of the U.S. and Canada with an eye to helping fellow
would-be
visitors learn about their attractions and the process of navigating
the
region. The first thing to note about this guide is
its focus on low-cost cruising opportunities. This makes it the perfect
book of
choice for seniors seeking trips that don't break the budget. The Lockwoods undertook the cruise to expand
their knowledge of our neighbors to the north, absorbing not just
scenic
attractions, but the culture and nature of Canadians as a whole. Their
book
invites armchair readers to experience the cruise through their eyes
while
providing would-be visitors the nuts and bolts of how it felt to visit
the
areas and interact with the locals. From detailed descriptions of meals and
financial planning to assessing energy levels and budgeting for ability
as much
as income, readers receive in-depth reviews that enables them to
understand the
pros, cons, and attractions of cruising in general and through this
region, in
particular. The first-person descriptions read with the
drama of fiction and the excitement of journal writing as everything
from food
flavors to discussions of cruising's attractions is provided: "If this sounds like a feast, believe
me it is. The food keeps coming and coming. The flavors are amazing,
things
I’ve never tasted before, but which I will definitely want to enjoy
again. Wine
is provided for those who want it. Al has a coke. I have water, one of
my
favorite beverages. The couple sharing our table say they travel all
the time.
They’ve been to Israel, South Africa, throughout Europe and the west
coast of
the U.S. I ask what their motivation is and the wife says, “We just
want to see
new places.” Al mentions that we have taken a couple of cruises across
the
Atlantic and the husband sticks his finger in his mouth as if he’s
going to
throw up. I say, “I take it you don’t like sea days?” “Can’t stand
them. I’ve
got to be on the go,” he says. “In fact, I got up this morning and got
in six
miles.” This approach serves to impart not just the
authors' perceptions and experiences, but those of those they encounter
on
board and on land. This travelogue is highly recommended
reading for two audiences: those who would undertake a cruise to
Canada's
eastern seaboard themselves, and others who look for lively
moment-by-moment
"you are there" descriptions of the adventure. Concluding with a note about COVID-19's
effects on travel in general and the cruising industry as a whole,
perhaps
there's no better time to enjoy Cruising
from Boston to Montreal than now. It may well be the only
cruise experience
to be had, for a while.
Sunny & Al Lockwood
Front Porch Publishing
Paperback: 978-1-942016-57-1
$14.95
Ebook: 978-1-942016-60-1
$ 3.99
www.pisgahpress.com
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to Index
The Man Who Beat Death Valley The Man Who Beat Death
Valley's
full-color graphic novel format will appeal to teen and adult audiences
interested in historical fiction. The tale is based on the true story
of
William Lewis Manly, who helped rescue two families from the Death
Valley
desert, journeying through the treacherous valley three times on his
missions
of mercy. In 1849-50, it took Manly and his friend
over a month to lead four adults and four children out of the notorious
desert. Deborah A. Fox's colorful illustrations
bring this story to life in a way printed words alone could not have
achieved. The combination of astute history, drama,
and vivid images highlights the real strength of the graphic novel in
this
genre, especially, bringing history to life in a dramatic, compelling
manner. The dialogue is replete with action-packed
words ("Roarrr! "Look OUT! Get
to shore QUICKLY!"), assuring that action isn't just visual
alone, but
is reinforced by language that captures the adventure and drama of
constant
challenges to surviving the Death Valley desert. Recommended for young adult to adult history
readers, especially those who like true adventure and California
settings, The Man Who Beat Death Valley
is a top
recommendation not just for graphic novel collections, but libraries
and
educators interested in visually enhanced historical fiction for all
ages.
Deborah A. Fox
Independently Published
9780578720227
$19.99
debfoxdesign.com
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Mom,
Dad…Can We
Talk? Mom, Dad…Can We Talk?: Helping our Aging
Parents with the Insight and Wisdom of Others is recommended for
any adult facing the
prospect of difficult talks with parents about their aging,
independence,
abilities, and daily living requirements. It should be part of any
general-interest, health, or psychology collection covering elder care
issues. This
revised
edition of an earlier book makes for an important addition or
replacement of
the first book because it considerably expands the topics of its
predecessor.
This edition includes topics of grandchildren involvement, pandemic
complications in elder care choices, families simultaneously coping
with
special needs kids and aging parents, and more. Perhaps
the
central cornerstone of this discussion verses other books about elder
care and
aging parents lies in its inclusion of numerous case examples that
illustrate
exactly how conversations between family members should take place, for
maximum
benefit to all. Numerous
books
tell readers to have such discussions without exploring exactly how
this can
happen. By addressing this step, Mom,
Dad…Can We Talk? fills a gap in the literature with many
real-life examples
that illustrate such discussions and their possible potholes. From
how to make
sure a conversation is caring to how adults and older children can
share proximity
and benefit from each other, how to properly assess a situation before
leaping
into something that holds different problems, and cultivating a
"benevolent conspiracy" of observers that offer and support input on
a parent's needs, Mom, Dad…Can We Talk?
is packed with much-needed specifics that most eldercare books lack. A
discussion
guide at book's end recaps this book's core concerns and contentions
and helps
reinforce all of its case history examples and focuses. Anyone
facing
changes in an elderly family member's needs who wants clear advice on
how to
approach and best tailor resources to suit these fluid changes will
find Mom, Dad…Can We Talk? an
essential
manual for communication and positive change. It assesses the pros,
cons, and
possibilities for all ages, from grandkids to grandparents and everyone
in-between.
Dick Edwards,
with Mike Ransom, Ruth Weispfenning, Mia Corrigan and Jane Danner
Cresting Wave
Publications, LLC
978-1735413501
$19.95
https://amzn.to/2NHZjxO
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Self
Belonging Self Belonging: Embrace The Wisdom Of Soul
And Science And Live Your Best Life considers the foundations of happiness and how it
gets hijacked by
relationship expectations and life challenges, and is highly
recommended
reading for self-help audiences. It's
based not
just on admonitions and life wisdom, but Luann Robinson Hull's own
experiences,
from an emotional rollercoaster reunion in a rekindled romance to
questions of
how individuals twist each other into knots and why they allow this to
take
place: "Why did Richard affect me in
similar ways? How could I let him twist and torque me around like a
pretzel?
How had two intelligent women allowed themselves to be reduced to a cat
fight
over a man, when we could have been focusing our energy in far more
productive
ways?" Becoming
a
conscious game changer by examining old patterns of interaction and
attraction
is not an easy move, but Hull demonstrates how this can happen. Her
approach
combines examples with poetry, philosophy, and spiritual reflections
from
others, from Rumi to Meister Eckhart
and the Hindu Bhagavad Gita. "I
admit
to many times when I most certainly felt like a victim. In
doing a
rewind of the “Richard reel,” I can see in living color how patterns
and
bloodlines played an important role in how things unfolded between us.
Also, if
karma is factored into the mix, who knows what I was attempting to resolve from
other lifetimes with this man and others." Hull
closely examines the history and methods of women's subjugation
and juxtaposes reflections on courage and resilience with examinations
of
adaptation and self-actualization programming routines. Readers receive
a
well-balanced blend of autobiography, psychology, philosophy, and
spiritual
insight into women's issues and power. Her
years of research led to breakthrough insights on brain functions
and how to reprogram them by applying a mix of science and spiritual
insight. Women committed to personal growth who look for the
foundations of
neuropsychology tempered by new age and spiritual examination will find
much to
like in Self Belonging, which empowers readers to
process their own
patterns, paths, and options to embark on a better course in life.
Luann Robinson
Hull, MSW, LCSW, D.MIN
Top Reads
Publishing, LLC
978-1-970107-04-3
$18.99 Paper/$7.99 ebook
www.topreadspublishing.com
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My
Dog Can Preach My
Dog Can
Preach: 40 Lessons of God's Love Unleashed maintains that
God's voice can be found not only through church interpretations, but
in events
and circumstances in the wider world. A case in point is offered in
this book,
in the messages Roxanne Worsham received from actions of her dogs,
Scout and
Arrow. These
teachings assume the form of some 40 vignettes that use these
dogs as examples of the presence of God in daily life. Take,
for example, the chapter 'Give Us This Day'. Worsham's
treat to her dog evokes a thoughtful consideration of the
power of daily communion and her ability to link her pet's enthusiasm
with her
own passion to more regularly receive God's blessings: "What
if I was
as eager to receive the Lord’s cup as my pup is to receive from me?
What if I
was as excited about that special treat from the Lord as Arrow was
about his
special treat? The act of communion is a great gift that we get to
participate
in as we remember the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. The
Bible says
that we are to do it often, and as we do, we are to remember Him." Another
example of these strong connections between pets, people, and
spirituality lies in 'Dance in His Presence', about spontaneity and
celebration: "What if we could dance like David, or turn in
circles of
joy like my dog? Dancing in the Bible was often used as a way to
worship and
express praise to God. Inside, I want to worship like that. My heart is
so full
of gratitude and thanksgiving that I want to express it somehow, but
how could
I let my guard down and act as happy as I feel? “I am a grown woman,”
or so I
tell myself and make an excuse to act dignified. One morning, I let my
guard
down and danced with my dog. He began to dance even more! The
jubilation was
overwhelming, and I began to feel so alive and so free. Sometimes we
need to
just let loose and release the inner child in us. We just need to dance
like no
one is watching!" This
collection of Christian reflections and celebrations uses animal
relationships as a starting point for absorbing lessons about listening
to and
celebrating God's presence in daily life. Dog
lovers who enjoy devotionals and spiritual reflections will find My
Dog Can Preach a treasure trove of inspiration on how better
to connect
with not just one's dog, but God.
Roxanne Worsham
Roxanne Worsham LLC, Publisher
978-1-7364370-0-1
$21.04 Hardcover/$8.99 Kindle
www.MyDogCanPreach.com
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to Index
A
New Now A
New Now:
Your Guide to Mastering Wisdom Daily, Achieving Equilibrium, and
Empowering
Your Nobler Self gives self-help spirituality readers an empowering
approach to awakening their higher consciousness, and is recommended
reading
for those who look for applied strategies rather than ethereal promises
for
reaching this goal. Many
a new age book admonishes readers to tap their inner awareness and
develop a better spiritual connection, but fewer provide the nuts and
bolts of
exactly how to do so. Here, nuggets of insights along with clear,
practical,
and inspiring guidance direct readers on how to achieve both wisdom and
equilibrium. The
first section focuses on the idea of equilibrium and its
importance, with subsequent chapters providing the meat of the 'how to'
of ‘The
Ten Keys to Achieving Equilibrium.’ Three chapters cover the ‘Treasure
of 33
Wisdoms’—including the 11 Loving Wisdoms, the 11 Guiding Wisdoms, and
the 11
Evolutionary Wisdoms, and these are revealed in digestible sections
('The Wisdom
of Thanking', 'The Wisdom of Attention', 'The Wisdom of Discipline',
among
others). From
achieving clearheadedness and considering how belief systems play
into expectations and patterns of behavior and anticipation, to
understanding
the role and influence of karmic debts that move
from life to life as
communication with God enters into play, these sections pair
admonitions and
insights with strategies for reaching specific wisdom levels and goals. Even
more important is the overall application of how to live life as
an awakened, aware individual. The benefits of wisdom, awareness, and a
renewed
sense of purpose are discussed in the course of weaving these
strategies into
new approaches to daily living. A
New Now is
not a treatise
for those who would remain unenlightened. It is a blueprint for readers
already
on the path to self-improvement, better spiritual connections, and
further
enlightenment. It provides this audience the tools necessary to achieve
all
these states of mind, linking them to familiar and ordinary life events
everyone can readily understand. Anyone
seeking to take better control of their life and destiny, who
wants to integrate a renewed spiritual focus with enlightenment steps,
will
find A New Now the perfect item of choice for
taking that first step
into a new life.
Michael Goddart
Clear Path Press
c/o Epigraph Books
978-1-951937-73-7
$18.95
Paper/$26.95 Hardcover
www.epigraphps.com
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Orthodox
Theology and Technology Orthodox Theology and Technology: A
Profoundly Gifted Autobiography will attract two different kinds of
readers: those interested in
orthodox theology and its intersection with technology and personal
life, and
autobiography readers (especially those with some prior familiarity
with CJS
Hayward's weighty, expansive writings and reflections). It includes the
kind of
work that has drawn from prior readers responses of, "When I read it, I
was stunned." At
a little over
a hundred pages, this presentation will prove especially inviting for
busy
readers with only a cursory interest in Orthodoxy or Hayward. Orthodox Theology and Technology opens with Hayward's musings about his life
and work. His retrospective on life is explored in a 'Dear Reader'
letter that
moves from his teachings about math's simple beauty to how he has
struggled
"to become more human" in his approaches to (and perception of) life,
theology, and everything in-between. It
will
immediately become evident to readers that although Hayward's musings
are quite
accessible, they are also filled with observations that embrace
philosophical,
psychological, and theological reflection. Thus, they are weighty
reading even
when they strive for language and descriptions to attract a casual
reader.
Furthermore, they offer a unique encounter with the kind of mind that
most
readers encounter only in books written
long ago and far away. Orthodox Theology and Technology is no light collection of life encounters,
but a deeply personal inspection of self and the spiritual works that
drive
relationships with God. Hayward is candid about his admittance of
successes and
failures in both arenas, as well as the impact of such writings on
those who
seek wisdom and faith: "I believe
there is some merit in these pieces, but not that much: if they say
something
that needs to be said, they are limited to winning an argument.
Theology can
win an argument and some of the best theology is meant to win an
argument, but
the purpose of real theological writing is to draw people into the
presence of
God. These pieces may say something valuable, but they do not really do
the job
of theology: beckon the reader to worship before
the throne of God."
The effect is, at times,
mesmerizing. It's
important
to note that this survey of Hayward's life focuses on his scholarly and
spiritual revelations at different points of his studies. This is no
light romp
through childhood and adult years, but a thought-provoking examination
of the
major influences on and developments of his intellectual pursuits.
There is
something here for everyone to take away, and the reading is meant to
be
rewarding to many different kinds of readers. As
such, it's a
critical discussion of his involvement in mathematics and Orthodoxy
that
juxtaposes "a mathematician’s approach to relating" with broader
inspections of college studies, interactions with professors and peers,
and the
overall contributions of his evolving psyche and scholarly studies on
the
foundations of life perceptions which translated to his writing a
series of
books inspecting Orthodoxy's place in his world. This may seem very
esoteric,
but the book offers a real, live glimpse into such a world of mysticism
and brilliance. Some
might deem
these discussions wide-ranging ramblings; but for those truly
interested in the
foundations of Orthodox thinking and the influence of education on the
pursuit
of God and character, Orthodox Theology
and Technology offers a window into how this passion and
pursuit evolved
against different kinds of obstacles. Readers looking for wonder will
find many
wonders are to be found in these works. Additionally,
as the end of the
cyber-quarantine increasingly draws near, this book offers exceptional
food for
thought about “Do we really want to live this way?” Anyone
with an
interest in Orthodoxy in general and Hayward's influences in particular
should
begin with Orthodox Theology and
Technology before pursuing his other works. It is
fascinating, providing a
foundation for understanding, and a sense of his voice that will prove
keys to
a better appreciation of his writings.
CJS Hayward
CJS Hayward Publications
979-8584713522
$7.99 Paper/$.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Orthodox-Theology-Technology-Profoundly-Autobiography/dp/B08R4FTXH5
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The Silver Thread of Life The Silver Thread of
Life:
True Accounts of Spiritual Interventions collects true stories
contributed by those who experienced spiritual events that changed
their lives.
It covers a wide range of topics, from spiritual intervention and
communication
with spirits to evidences of spiritual forces in daily life. These experiences traverse various belief
systems, from karma and reincarnation to spirit connections between
family
members, soulmates, and friends. Such a wide range of spiritual topics are
touched upon here that some might think the collection too
wide-ranging. It
opens, for example, with an introductory example about the miracle of
the
transmission of pain from one person to another and moves into broader
topics,
with individual experiences fueling discussions of their spiritual
components. Evidence
is reviewed about how each encounter represents spiritual forces at
work and what
this means for better understanding the spiritual foundations
underlying daily
life. While the variety and scope of these case
histories create a diverse inspection, Philip Chute weaves together
these
seemingly disparate experiences into a unified observation of diverse
spiritual
directions and their evidence in life. This approach reinforces the
notion that
there is more than one way that God injects his presence into peoples'
worlds. As readers absorb both Chute's experiences
and the process of collecting these connected spiritual encounters,
they
receive a powerful testimony to how spiritual forces appear in life, in
many
different ways. The lives affected by these revelations and
interventions are compellingly presented, enhanced by Chute's attention
to
their interpretation: "It seems I
have always been on the path of danger and my spirits were there
constantly to
save me. Some would call it luck, but I believe the term for this event
is
“miraculous intervention”." The result will cross new age and
traditional spiritual boundaries alike, revealing the processes by
which God
and spirit influence everyday life circumstances to effect change,
contemplation, and support. Religious collections will find The
Silver Thread of Life a powerful
testimony to this process.
Phillip Bruce
Chute, EA
Independently Published
978-1-7328855-2-3
www.phillipbchute.com
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American Stonehenge American Stonehenge
is the first book in 'The Adventures of Jimmy & Andrew' series
for young
readers. It pairs full-page, engaging color drawings by Anil Baydir with an intriguing story that begins
from a newborn puppy's
perspective. But, is this sentient animal really a puppy? The
second
chapter offers the normal specter of a boy excitedly leaping from bed,
anticipating his ninth birthday and the pleasures it will bring to the
day...including a new pet, which his parents have finally agreed to.
The last
thing he expected to find at the humane society is an immortal
telepathic
companion and a newfound mission. Jimmy's
rescue
of Andrew is only the opening in an adventure that embraces his
archaeologist
parents' discoveries, travels, a strange site in Washington which is a
fully
intact duplicate of Stonehenge in England, and a history that draws
Jimmy and
Andrew into strange mysteries. As
the two have
adventures and experience exciting, tense moments, advanced elementary
to
middle grade readers receive a gripping story in which the two new
friends
encounter a woods filled with non-human entities and other forest
people. Baydir's
black
and white line drawings and gorgeous color illustrations compliment the
story
line and bring it to life. Filled
with
historical facts, mystery, and sci-fi elements, this story of a boy and
his
extraordinary animal companion is refreshingly original, vivid, and
hard to
predict. There is love, there are life-and-death moments, and there are
puzzles
to solve that introduce Jimmy and Andrew to worlds far beyond what
either of
them believed possible. American Stonehenge's
ability to wave mystery with strong characterization and sci-fi
elements lends
it a genre-busting strength that sets it apart from most adventure
stories for
this age group. It's a compelling weave of circumstances and characters
that
will prove hard to put down.
Mike Goldstein
J&A Ventures,
LLC
978-1734110609
$24.95 Paper/$2.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Jimmy-Andrew-Book-Stonehenge/dp/1734110600
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to Index
Black
Girl Magic Black
Girl
Magic: A Book About Loving Yourself Just the Way You Are will appeal to
picture book readers ages 5 and up. This audience receives a lesson on
self-acceptance and empowerment through the experiences of young
Kaelyn, a
little black girl who faces second grade, with its promises of
opportunity. Kaelyn
is excited about entering elementary school! Big,
bright, colorful drawings of a diverse environment created by
illustrator Jose Nieto accent this story of a challenge to Kaelyn's
vision of
new possibilities. Paulo is a boy who teases her before class even gets
going,
and involves the other boys in mocking her looks. Suddenly,
Kaelyn's first day of school is a nightmare as the boy leads
her to question her worthiness. Her
mother thinks she is 'divine and magical', but her mother's
reassurance does nothing to change Kaelyn's view. After this
experience, her
self-confidence is shaken. How can she regain her positive vision of
the world
in the face of such an unprovoked attack? Zahra
Bryan provides a realistic story of positivity, developing grit
and resilience, facing cruelty, and overcoming feelings of being
inadequate as
Kaelyn questions the good things people have said about her in the
past. When a
key question comes up during her journal-writing, Kaelyn finds the
courage to
devise an answer that moves beyond pat parental reassurance and comes
from her
own heart. The
message of self-discovery and self-awareness in this uplifting
story of courage couldn't be clearer, and is one that all young people
need to
absorb at an early age. Black
Girl
Magic should
be an early read-aloud choice reinforced by regular consultation
throughout childhood, and is highly recommended for parents who would
instill
independent thinking and self-confidence in their child.
Zahra Bryan
Arhaz Nyleak Books
978-1-7361445-1-0
$17.99 Hardcover/$9.99 Paper/$5.99 Kindle
www.arhaznyleakbooks.com
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Caroline & Mordecai the Gand Caroline &
Mordecai the
Gand provides ages 8 and older with a fantasy
novella about grief, recovery, and amazing journeys as it focuses on
young
Caroline, who has recently lost her father in a car accident. A year after her father's death, she's still
struggling, until she discovers a mysterious window in a lake, which
leads her
into another world inhabited by Mordecai the Gand, a traveler who
promises to
help her get home. Caroline has never been good about
decisions. They always seem to lead her into trouble. This time,
however, she
embarks on a journey that adds new possibilities to her life as she
considers
her impact on those around her and how this different focus can pull
her out of
the despair and trouble she's fallen into. Does she really want to return home to a
life of sadness, or should she stay in a world where she now has a
purpose in
life? Caroline has never been good about making
the right decision—and this one will change everything. In the guise of a light fantasy for young
readers, Jeff Gunhus crafts a lovely story of moving forward and
discovering
one's purpose in life. Caroline has many adventures that involve
dragons, new threats, and evolving the courage to make better
decisions. These
experiences change her perspective and broaden her realizations about
the world
and her place in it: "For the first
time in her life, she considered, truly considered, that she might not
live.
That all the tomorrow’s she’d imagined for herself would be gone. That
places
she wanted to go would go unseen. The things she wanted to do would go
undone. The
people she wanted to see again would be out of reach. Forever." Readers of all ages who look for ethereal,
haunting stories of recovery and courage will find Caroline
& Mordecai the Gand may hold the trappings of a
fantasy adventure; but inside there is so much more. Make the right
decision,
to read this!
Jeff Gunhus
Seven Guns Press
Ebook: ASIN: B08GKYJ426 $3.99
Paperback: 979-8593036094 $9.95
www.JeffGunhus.com
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Daisy Moves to America Daisy Mae was born in the UK, and loves her
life there with her family. But when her mom gets a good job in the US,
the
family moves. Daisy faces not just a new home, but a new culture in Daisy Moves to America. Part of what makes this move seem both
easier and more challenging, in comparison with other immigrant
experiences, is
that the UK and America share the same language (mostly), and many
things...but, often with a difference. Daisy's new class in Buffalo finds much to
tease her about, from her British accent to how she pronounces words
and how
some of her words differ from American meanings (such as 'TV' versus
'telly'). As the land of opportunity becomes one of
cruelty and teasing, Daisy is advised by her wise parents on how to
adjust her
approach and attitude to not blend in, but encourage others to help
celebrate
her differences. Daisy Moves to America
offers fine lessons on family support, assimilation, and confronting
bullying.
By making Daisy a character from a very similar yet singular country,
Elyssa
Nicole Trust explores a different facet of the immigrant experience
than most
picture books. From mustering courage to cultivating a
revised approach to life, Daisy Moves to
America provides picture book readers with a different
perspective on
adaptation and meeting adversity and cruelty with a specific strategy
for
change. Large, size, colorful drawings by Alvin Adhi
complete the appeal of the story of how a little girl gains a spunky
attitude
about her differences. The story is highly recommended for any picture
book
collection about immigrant experience, assimilation, or better
approaches to
adversity.
Elyssa Nicole Trust
Independently Published
9781736354513
$12.99 Paper; $17.99 Hardcover; $6.99 ebook
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08W21DTJ3
Website:https://www.elyssanicoletrust.com/writer#childrens-book
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The Day I Lost My Wings Picture book readers ages 2-10, as well as
read-aloud parents seeking a gentle story about perseverance, will find
The Day I Lost My Wings an
enchanting
read that tells of Mochi, who comes from the stars to observe Earth;
there to
fall in love with its environment and people. When Mochi lived in the stars, she was
naughty and playful, even though she is a little angel. The more she
learns
about humans, the more she longs to be among them. The Day I Lost My Wings
holds appealing drawings and a perspective that is invitingly
different, and is
recommended for young picture book readers and read-aloud parents
interested in
stories of spunky, determined personalities.
Litzi Y. Umana
BookBaby
978-1-7362256-0-8
$28.00 Hardcover/$9.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Day-Lost-My-Wings/dp/173622560X
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to Index
The Delicious Shadow Her mother is a doctor, her father a singer,
and her uncle a mechanic. The family list of talents goes on and on,
but
Stickle doesn't want to explore any of them. What is a lazy, fame-seeking squirrel to do?
She needs to discover something magical. And easy. Akansha Krishnan provides warm, whimsical,
colorful illustrations to profile Stickle's dreams and dilemma. Parents with kids who dream too big while
wishing for those dreams to come to them easily will find many lessons
provided
in The Delicious Shadow as it
explores new ways of gaining achievement and self-recognition. Adults looking for a fanciful journey that
overlays a life lesson with an adventure will find The
Delicious Shadow a fine choice for either read-aloud or young
reader pursuit.
Srividhya Lakshmanan
Independently Published
9798576272815
Ebook-$2.99; Paperback-$9.99
https://www.andbooks.in/the-delicious-shadow
Stickle the squirrel lives in a mango tree with her family. She has a
good,
simple life playing, collecting berries, and sleeping—but she longs to
be
famous, even though she's inherently lazy.
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Does Grandma Remember Me? Does Grandma Remember
Me?
comes from the observations and perspective of a little girl who
reviews her
grandmother's many skills (such as cooking a dish from memory, without
a
recipe). Perhaps the greatest of all is her devotion to her
granddaughter and
her ability to make the young narrator feel special: "When
she smiles back at me, Grandma makes me feel like I’m the
only little girl on Earth. Grandma is proud of me for everything, even
when I
do something small." But, something has changed. Her grandmother
is confused, sad, and sometimes angry and desperate. Worst of all...the
narrator suspects that sometimes her grandmother doesn't even remember
who she
is. Grandma has dementia. Even though she was
informed about this medical condition, the young narrator can't quite
comprehend why her beloved grandmother has changed so much, and why
their
connection now seems so tenuous. What can a granddaughter do? Evita Sherman
shows kids how to step out of their own disappointments and fears to
craft a
giving response even while facing adversity. Where other picture books might focus on
defining dementia, Does Grandma Remember
Me? provides an emphasis on the opportunity to be strong,
giving, and redefine
the grandmother/granddaughter relationship. With so many families and children facing
similar diagnosis and dilemmas, Does
Grandma Remember Me? assumes an even greater importance in
showing
youngsters not just how to accept or understand, but how to change their responses to regain connections
and love that appear to be lost. This teaches kids about empowerment,
choice,
and opportunities to be found even under adversarial circumstances. The approach not only sets Does
Grandma Remember Me? apart from the
usual children's book on the subject, but makes it a positive, unique,
highly
recommended choice over others.
Evita Sherman
Mascot Books
978-1-64543-529-7
$15.95
www.evitasherman.com
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Dream
Catchers Dream
Catchers
represents the seventh volume created by the high school members of
POPS the Club, and is an anthology of poems, prose, and art that
captures the
milieu and experience of the prison system—an environment that readers
might
not expect teens to be intimately familiar with. The
collection opens, surprisingly, with a letter reflecting the
perspective of not a teen writer, but a POPS Club advisor, who provides
a
passionate pro/con perspective of the members of this group and why
their
writings are important: "We absolutely hate that you are
here. We
loathe it, actually. We detest that anyone as awesome as you ever has
to walk
through our doors carrying the burden of “tough stuff.” It’s not fair.
You know
it and we know it. We both wish things could be different. We want to
come into
your lives armed with a magic eraser and get rid of all the mess you
have to
deal with. We don’t want to have to run a club for students affected by
incarceration. We like art and flower arranging clubs—heck, even clubs
about
motorcycles and sports are better than clubs about prison, right? But
in the
same breath, we love that you are here. Your smiles, your
participation, and
your resilience astound us." With
this introduction, plus a poem and a piece of art, readers may
sense they are in for a treat, because the blend of poems, reflections,
and
painted images cementing them offer raw, emotionally candid portraits
of
incarceration and life challenges. Take
'Mind, Body and Paint' by John Rodriguez, for example, which
appears early in the collection. In this nonfiction treatise, Rodriguez
reflects on a walk through Inglewood, California with spray cans in his
backpack, intent on reaching a wall he can use as a billboard for his
message. The
exact steps of his efforts are detailed in explicit
moment-by-moment descriptions that lend a 'you are here' feel to his
story: "I’m
spraying away, letting my hand guide itself, letting it go free. The
paint
comes out, getting a right grip on the wall, leaving a trace of fine
lines. I’m
rotating the can as I write, getting the perfect flare and thickness of
the
line. While I’m writing, my body purifies itself—relieving itself of my
stress
and helping me forget my worries. No more getting screamed at by my
mother. No
one is telling me what to do. There is no better feeling than this. I’m
in
another world. Nothing bothers me. It’s just me, the wall, and the can,
doing
what I do best." As
the poems and writings evolve, readers will find their anticipation
about what incarcerated teens think about the world and their place in
it may
be quite different than they anticipate. The
literary strength of these reflections, their intimate glimpses
into not just experiences beyond the law but the rationale behind how
these
young people choose to interact with the world, and the diverse
artistic
formats translate into evocative works urban teens will find unusually
compelling. Another
example of such unique writing is Maricela Romero's rap/poem
piece 'Living in Los Angeles'. One almost walks the gritty streets with
her: "Living
in LA wasn’t always the best. You see, life through/my eyes would scare
a
square to death./Poverty, violence, murder, never a moment to rest./Fun
and
games are few but treasured like gold." What
does it mean to be a teen grappling with adult concerns in a
milieu of challenge and inconsistency? Dream
Catchers
here provides a powerful survey of life inspections, questions, and
answers. It is particularly strongly recommended as a teaching tool for
reaching young adults who don't normally relish anthologies of literary
writings. This audience, especially, will find much to like and wonder
over in
this powerful gathering of works by peers who found themselves on the
opposite
side of the law.
POPS the Club
978-1-952197-06-2
$17.95
Paper/$7.95 Kindle
Out of the Woods Press
www.outofthewoodspress.com
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to Index
E is for Elephant: An Animal Alphabet from A
to Z Young picture book readers who love animals
are in for an early learning treat with E
is for Elephant: An Animal Alphabet from A to Z, by Kjersten
Faseler. The
primer uses a child's inherent love of colorful drawings and animals to
reinforce alphabet basics. Nifty Illustration provides a whimsical
animal line-up to accompany each letter. 'A' features a smiling
alligator, 'Q'
shows Quincy the quail, and 'U' is for Uri the urchin, who lives in the
sea. Each one-line description describes a very
basic setting or ability for each animal, while the range of birds,
beasts, and
sea life is satisfyingly diverse. Read-aloud parents looking for large-size,
bright drawings and a fun animal theme for basic alphabet learning will
find E is for Elephant an
inviting, easy
approach.
Kjersten Faseler
Little Beaver Publishing
9781734825626
$14.99 Hardcover/$9.99 Paper
Website: https://www.kjerstenfaseler.com
Ordering Link: Amazon
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The
Fragrance of a Girl’s World The
Fragrance
of a Girl’s World is filled with inspirational admonitions for
girls, and promotes concepts and approaches to life that is geared to
young
female readers on the cusp of coming of age. Chapters
organize these inspirational observations by subject (modesty,
integrity, family, natural beauty, and downtime, to name just a few),
making it
easy for girls to easily browse the book for enlightening insights. Parents
expecting a conservative viewpoint will be delighted by the
contemporary observations that many of these seemingly traditional
chapters
embrace, such as the section about natural beauty, which offers pointed
discussions on makeup: "Makeup can assist a girl by helping
her bring
out her natural beauty. Emerging makeup is natural makeup with fewer or
no
chemicals that help to nourish the skin and help to enhance rather than
hide,
cover up, or transform. If makeup transforms the way you look
naturally, then
that makeup helps to deceive and does not show the real you." Likewise,
the section on 'If You Leave Life, Life Will Leave You'
provides wisdom on how to deal with overall life challenges: "Everything
you do and say should have a purpose. Pick flowers and not fights./Do
not
ignore kindness. Punctuated
by colorful flower drawings throughout and promoting good
physical and mental health and a greater understanding of what it is to
be
uniquely female, The Fragrance of a Girl’s World
offers insights on
values, life goals and focus, and choices that emphasize kindness,
graciousness, and a deeper understanding of how one's perspective
changes
outcomes for self and others. The
Fragrance
of a Girl’s World is the perfect item of choice to gift a young
woman coming of age, but its inspirational message will reach for all
ages as
it surveys the foundations of building a positive life and maintaining
a
purposeful focus on different choices and their consequences for
building that
world. Girls
can grow up to be 'flowers' in a world filled with
'weeds'. This book shows them how.
Donna Kristine Manley
Christiana Press, LLC
978-0-9777835-8-8
$19.99
http://www.resumesforchildren.com
If you do not
run from trouble, trouble will run after you./Look for goodness in
everything
and you will find it. Handle your Scandal."
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to Index
Guardian
of the
Groceries Guardian of the Groceries, a picture book written by Michael Albanese
and illustrated by Laura Kirkland, follows young Henry to the grocery
store.
He's bored and wants an adventure which seems to preclude his more
mundane
itinerary, until his clever mother informs him that "Anything
can be an adventure if you just use your
imagination." After
that,
Henry discovers a world of possibilities in this simple chore,
attaching his
dreams to reality when he's charged with 'guarding the groceries' as
his mother
shops another aisle. This duty produces marvels when a colander helmet
sends
him into the world of the Marketsphere, where he faces the dreaded
Cereal
Monster. Whimsy
is
unbridled during the course of the adventure in which Henry battles a
"grainy giant" capable of hurling boxes of cereal "like
cardboard rockets." Parents
who
choose Guardian of the Groceries
for
its read-aloud action value will find events compelling and fun as
Henry faces
not just one but a series of intruding grocery monsters and challenging
missions, such as confrontation with the dreaded Broccolisaurus. Food
and
nutrition insights are carefully woven into this story in a manner
designed to
both entertain and educate. Laura Kirkland's very simple drawings could
have
been produced by a young person, and will appeal to youngsters who love
drawing
and who dream of becoming an illustrator. This
action-packed, imaginative food exploration holds appeal on many
different
levels.
Michael Albanese
The Weight of
Ink
978-1732898714
$10.99 Paper/$17.99 Hardcover
www.guardianofthegroceries.com/
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to Index
How
to Cure a
Whiny Werewolf How to Cure a Whiny Werewolf gives young picture book readers an
age-appropriate version of Miss Manners advice as it covers behavior
norms for
the very young, from babies to six years of age. Geneviève
Viel-Taschereau provides large-size, fun drawings to accompany the
story of
scientist Evie, who is tasked with finding out why kids are turning
into whiny
werewolves. She needs the reader's help to solve the problem and affect
a cure. Parents
who
choose How to Cure a Whiny Werewolf
for read-aloud will find its approach engaging and inclusive. Kids are
invited
to help troubleshoot the problem by first identifying what constitutes
whining,
then identifying how to stop the habit. The
difference
between requesting and whining, and understanding how whining "ruins a
day", are important keys to teaching the very young about responses and
the impact of these choices on others. Parents
who look
for an early, easy way to make these connections will find How to Cure a Whiny Werewolf the perfect
starting point for
understanding how word choices hold different effects on the recipient,
leading
to either desirable or less desirable responses. The
engaging
drawings and approach lends to better understanding and attitude
adjustment
potentials for a wide age range, making this story more than just
entertaining.
Brittany Plumeri
Once Upon A Page Press
9781734657364
$12.95
Paper/$17.95 Hardcover/$3.99 Kindle
Website: www.authorbplumeri.com
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08P13P877/
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to Index
Marvellous
Macey: The Delightful Days What
makes life
fun in Marvellous Macey: The Delightful
Days? It's singing, dancing, and a rollicking rhyme that
follows an active
child through the delights of daily living, presenting a clear message
about
how Macey is personally committed to making sure every day is the best
day
ever. From
exploring
textures, colors, and fun animal companions to a zesty attitude about
new
experiences that makes every day special, Macey runs through her life
with an
enthusiasm that is appealing. Parents
who
choose this lively story for its example of how individual attitudes
can affect
life perceptions and experiences will find that Macey offers the
perfect
example of empowerment and positive choices. Csongor
Veres
provides large-size, lively drawings of young Macey's hop, skip, and
jump
through life in pages which reveal her action-packed days. They support
the
point of the story: that all ages can emulate behavior that not only
cultivates
a personal celebration of life, but then expands that positive attitude
to
reach out to others in various ways. This
early
lesson in positivity cultivates a good approach to life at an early
age, and is
especially recommended for parents who want to transmit the message
that living
a fulfilled life goes beyond self and into the community at large. Marvellous Macey is very highly recommended for its
compelling, uplifting message of how personal approaches lead to a
better
world.
Caitlin Bangsund
Independently
Published
9781775160908
$11.99
www.caitlinbangsund.com
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to Index
The Place Beyond Her Dreams When Ona's grandfather suddenly dies, Ona
finds herself journeying to the land of Luenah; there to discover her
powers as
an Eri, tasked with a mission beyond personal desire in The
Place Beyond Her Dreams. Young adults who choose Ona's adventure for
its foray into magical realms will find its theme of personal
empowerment an
added bonus to an adventure story that follows Ona's exploration of her
abilities and place in the world. Ona finds herself in the middle of a war, where
palaces and kings enter into her worldview of her place in a greater
scheme of
things. As The Place Beyond Her Dreams evolves,
young readers will find that Ona's true destiny lies beyond political
conflict
and blossoming abilities, affecting her perceptions of her future
course. Set to marry Albert, Ona finds that her real
task lies elsewhere. Even though her safety and that of her family lies
in
making these ties, there is a greater purpose at large which changes
her
destiny. Ona's actions may have created a mess, but she's determined
not to
involve her family more than they already are, and thinks she can fix
things
herself. But, can she? The Place Beyond Her
Dreams
blends magic with real-world issues of cultural interactions, abuse,
and
tragedy. It will attract both fantasy and contemporary readers by
blending
these two scenarios, adding Ona's first-person perceptions about her
changed
circumstances and her role in transforming them: "I
now considered my life as being separated into two sections; life
before Okem and life after Okem. Before Okem, was carefree, fun, and
glorious.
After Okem, was constrained, dreary, and violent." The story's unique combination of forays
into self and the wider world create compelling scenarios in which the
determined young woman must achieve the impossible to set things right
and
regain her life. Young adults ages 13 and up will find The Place Beyond Her Dreams an inviting,
thought-provoking adventure that surveys family, communities, and the
power and
consequences of personal decisions.
Oby Aligwekwe
Éclat Books Ca.
978-1-7751064-4-9
$14.99 Paper/$5.99 Kindle
www.obyaligwekwe.com
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to Index
ResQ Takes On The Takhi ResQ Takes On The Takhi
is a new Wheaton adventure for ages 9-12 and takes place on
the Mongolian
frontier, where he and cousin Stowe undertake another rescue
mission—this time,
to rescue wild horses in Mongolia. Alexa Lindauer provides lovely black and
white animal drawings that bring to life not just the wild horses but
the
eagles and other creatures that live in Mongolia. As the rescue mission evolves, tensions
rise. Eva J. Pell captures these efforts in fine detail: "The
tent flies off like a parachute in reverse and Stowe screams.
“I thought you said the weather was going to be good for the next 36
hours.”
“It was,” I yell back. “Not like I can control some random cloud. And
who
staked down the tent, Missy?” This isn’t all my fault." From dangerous snow-driven storms that
threaten not just their efforts but their lives to the plight of the
wild
horses if they can't succeed in their mission, the action and dilemma
are
vivid. Pell takes the time to capture the natural environment of
Mongolia in exquisite
detail, down to the chervil plant that might calm a skittish foal. The nature history embedded into the action
brings this tale to life and nicely supplements its adventure
component,
teaching all ages about the backdrop of Mongolia as well as the
struggles
facing wild horses who are protected in national parks. ResQ Takes On The Takhi
is a natural history adventure that achieves the dual goal of
entertainment and
education with a rollicking good story about interactions between
animals and
people in a far-distant country. It encourages young conservationists
and
animal lovers to better understand relationships between man, nature,
and
animals.
Eva J. Pell
Tumblehome Learning
978-1-943431-56-4
$13.95
https://www.amazon.com/ResQ-Takes-Takhi-Saving-Animal/dp/1943431566
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Saygar
the
Superhero Saygar the Superhero presents the story of Joseph Mateo, an
ordinary El Paso boy who never expected to befriend an ant, much less
acknowledge that the ant is Saygar the Superhero, who moves from tiny
to human
sized. As
if his
show-and-tell project isn't under enough fire, Joseph faces more
trouble, which
causes him to break a sacred promise from four-year-old cousin Julia,
who
enters his life with a whirlwind of trouble. The
day after
Joseph leaves his friend at his anthill, the irrepressibly cute Julia
moves
into his neighborhood and changes everything, thwarting both his
promise and
his plan to save Saygar. As
the story
evolves, humor ramps up as Julia keeps interfering with Joseph's plans
to save
Saygar, his relationships, and his carefully structured, amazing life. The
more Joseph
tries to do what is right, the more trouble he gets into. The story is
told
from Joseph's first-person perspective, giving it a warm feel of
desperation as
good intentions go awry. Another
satisfying aspect to this story is that there is no 'good guy/bad guy',
here.
Julia is trouble, but she doesn't mean to be so. Her age precludes the
wisdom
that nine-year-old Joseph cultivates and the concern he has over broken
promises and challenging situations. Kids
who choose Saygar the Superhero for
its action will
find the added bonuses of humor and unexpected personality clashes
makes for a
superhero story like few others. It's engaging, original, and embraces
sub-themes of self-acceptance, courage, loyalty, and friendship which
elevate
it beyond an adventure tale alone.
Elizabeth Jurado
Wind Rock Press,
LLC
978-1-7356348-0-7
$8.99 Paper/$18.99 Hardcover/$2.99 ebook
https://www.amazon.com/Saygar-Superhero-Books-Book-ebook/dp/B08NLK5CQK
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Skills
for Big Feelings Finally:
a workbook specifically directed to kids that teaches mindful
techniques and relaxation skills at an earlier age than most receive! Skills
for Big Feelings: A Guide for Teaching Kids Relaxation, Regulation, and
Coping
Techniques offers a wide range of strategies for identifying
emotions, introducing
concepts and routines of mindfulness to the young and showing them how
to
cultivate a positive mindset. This
workbook is for adults working with children who want to teach
coping and relaxation skills to kids in an engaging manner. Its
routines cover
both individual instruction and group participation, addressing the
root causes
of anxiety and providing exercises that have been proven to mitigate
stress. The
routines are intended to address both mental and physical
requirements of the "whole" child, providing a cognitive theoretical
framework supporting 'Feeling-Breath-Thought-Skill' (F-B-T-S). From
initial treatment plan objectives and clear passages that help
adults formulate both goals and guidelines for measuring their
achievement to
activities such as Mindful Moments, Casey O'Brien Martin provides not
just
outlines of exercises, but discussions of the kind of language adults
may
employ to reach out to kids: "Mindfulness means paying
attention, on
purpose, to what is happening in the present moment—right here, right
now—without judging it as being good or bad. It means just observing or
noticing, and paying attention to what is happening, both inside and
outside of
you. That’s why, when we do a Feelings Check, I ask you to think about
how you
are doing right now in this very moment. When we check-in on how we are
right
now, that is being mindful." The
step-by-step communiqués and processes of imparting this
information and evaluating the results of various exercises lends to a
practical workbook that all adults can use successfully—even those with
little
training in psychology or mindfulness. The black and white
illustrations
throughout can be used to reinforce lessons. From
how to identify and turn unhelpful thoughts into helpful ones to
connecting mindful reflection with gratitude, this workbook is a 'must'
for any
adult who wants to transform a child's anxiety impulses by redirecting
that
energy into forward-thinking paths of renewal and rejuvenation. There's
no other workbook quite like it on the market, making Skills
for Big Feelings a winning holistic approach backed by solid
pediatric
references and studies that prove these strategies actually work.
Casey O’Brien Martin, LMHC, REAT, RN
Whole Child Counseling
978-1-7355177-2-8
$24.99
https://www.amazon.com/Skills-Big-Feelings-Relaxation-Regulation/dp/1735517720
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Third
Earth Third Earth is the third book in the Arch Mage series
for young adults and continues the story of Agnes, whose magic has been
twisted
by a curse, and whose new role as Arch Mage portends either salvation
or
disaster for her planet. Agnes
appeared
to have saved the world in the prior book, but here it turns out that
the
threats are ongoing. Secret radicals have emerged to cause strife,
unless her
unreliable magic can expose their plot and quash it. Dragon
Menneth
has gained her support, but neither expect the depth of the evil forces
they
face. These pick away her allies one by one, leaving Agnes in the scary
position of facing threats alone instead of with the confidence of
friends and
magical abilities, as she had in the past. The
heart of
this story lies in how she moves from working within a support system
to
finding her powers independent of outside forces or even an ability
which has
always been unreliable. Cami
Murdock
Jensen excels in crafting the kinds of first-person observations that
cement
her protagonist's evolving sense of her place in the world: "I’d better tell Odric. He’d want to
know about all of this. I shook off my internal panic attack to go
speak to
him, but for some reason, everything around me was dark. I glanced
upward and
saw the golden circle of the Jent Path close above me. When did I fall
into the
Jent Path? Dang it! I was so busy freaking out reality moved on without
me." Agnes
Ann
Cavanaugh may be the Wielder of Truth, but she's also a heroine facing
a
greater wickedness that holds immense powers that seem far above her
own. As
she faces
personal conundrums, from a dead father to her role as a world-saving
wizard
rather than an ordinary girl, Agnes confronts "a different kind of
hard" in worlds that change and challenge her perspectives. Ultimately,
these give her ammunition from powerful new wellsprings of strength. Agnes
learns
much new information about her abilities, her heritage, and the lives
of those
around her: "Mom lived in grief and
regret? I never knew. She always seemed happy and in control." These
lessons eventually give her the power to form her place in the world
and
consider what constitutes a greater accomplishment than heroism: “Your greatest accomplishment happens every
day. When you wake up in the morning and keep trying. It’s not about
winning or
perfection. It’s about trying, every day, to be better.” The
underlying
psychological and philosophical revelations Agnes experiences in the
course of
this fantastic journey sets Third Earth
apart from other magical adventures for teens. Its compelling story is
driven
as much by the young character's personal discoveries and evolution as
her
ability to confront the evil forces in her world. While
Third Earth can be read as a
stand-alone, its real value lies in its addition to the series. Here, a
progressive approach follows Agnes as she not only grows into her
abilities,
but into adult perceptions of the world and her place in it. Third Earth is very highly recommended for teens
looking for magical adventure paired with personal revelations.
Cami Murdock
Jensen
Value Publishing
LLC
ASIN: B08R334R97
$3.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Third-Earth-Fantasy-Adventure-Dragon-ebook/dp/B08R334R97
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Vegetable
Chatter Vegetable
Chatter creates
whimsical vegetable drawings by Tom Edwards that pair perfectly
with a rollicking series of encounters between them by Mommy Moo Moo.
It's a
board book perfect for read-aloud and early discussions about
vegetables. Parents
will find the contrasts in language and description
("Tomato/Tomahto"; "Lettuce pray for onions and for leeks")
to be fun ways of describing vegetables and involving the very young in
the
attractions and attributes of different vegetables. As
the vegetables growing in the garden are contrasted and their lives
explored, board book readers will appreciate the humor in these bright,
personable vegetable interactions. Parents
looking for a vegetable introduction that is whimsical and
attractive will find few better than Vegetable Chatter,
which holds
added value for linguistic wordplays that parents can use to explore
humor and
language with the very young.
Mommy Moo Moo
Damara Publishing
978-0-9831584-3-1
$9.99
www.mommymoomoo.com
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War
at the Ice Cream Store War
at the
Ice Cream Store: Mustachio Pistachio vs Bully Vanilli provides picture
book leisure readers ages 4 and up with a Frank TL Frog and Friends
adventure
whimsically and colorfully illustrated by Sarah Krogman, Dave Gibson,
and Jay
Petsko. Ice
cream character Vanilli is a bully, even though his vanilla
countenance might seem to indicate blandness. Mustachio Pistachio and
his
friends are intent on teaching Vanilli a lick or two about kindness,
but it's
ice cream scooper and taste tester Frank TL Frog who bears the brunt of
King
Bully Vanilli's rule over the frozen flavors he offers. Mustachio
Pistachio is the least liked by the children who enjoy the
ice cream shop. How can he have any influence over the much more
popular Vanilli's
perspectives on life and treatment of other ice creams...especially
since he
bears the brunt of Vanilli's bullying? He
might win the day with a little help from his fellow flavors, but
everyone feels bullied by Vanilli. Will Mustachio be left to melt in
his own
bucket? It
takes a savvy milkshake to see the light and change everything. Adults
who read this story aloud will find plenty of value within the
tale, from its puns and wordplays to its insights on how to handle
bullying. Mixed
into the delicious ice cream story is a psychological inspection
that will appeal to the very young on many levels, providing read-aloud
adults
with tools for imparting some basic lessons about kindness, group
support, and
methods for thwarting abuse and bullying. War
at the
Ice Cream Store is highly recommended reading for a wide audience
of picture book leisure readers.
Cheryl DaVeiga and Dave Gibson
Waterhole Productions LLC
978-1736395110
$11.99 Paper/$17.99 Hardcover/$3.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/War-Ice-Cream-Store-Mustachio/dp/1736395114
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We
Are Akan We
Are Akan:
Our People and Our Kingdom in the Rainforest — Ghana, 1807 will appeal from
middle grades to high school with a special brand of historical fiction
centered in Africa, in the Asante Kingdom. Three
special boys, Kwame, Kwaku, and Baako, face the challenge of
becoming leaders in their kingdom, learning the physical rites of
passage of
coming of age and the political workings of the broader kingdom beyond
their
home, which includes selling prisoners as slaves. When
this practice hits them personally, change is in the air as the
Akan people and this younger generation struggle with kidnapping,
rebellion,
and a long established slave trade. Black
and white maps and illustrations by James Cloutier enhance an
appealing saga about new ideas, new changes, and three boys challenged
by a
kingdom on the edge of a new era of social and political strife. The
African world of early Ghana and the people who reside in its
rainforest come to life as the story unfolds; bringing with it many
inspections
into customs, cultural processes, sophisticated interactions, and a
frightening
confrontation that emerges when a chief is arrested. The
juxtaposition of boyhood concerns and play with the very adult
world of events that threaten them and change everything is very nicely
done,
with many passages illustrating the daily trappings of Akan culture,
perceptions, and life. As
the children grow and change, so do readers who may have held
preconceived notions about Africa's early kingdoms. We
Are Akan
is at once a
coming-of-age story, a cultural exploration, and a survey of not just
changing
individual lives and perceptions, but the transformation of a nation. Young
readers interested in absorbing the milieu of early 1800s Africa
through the eyes of children who will grow up to inherit a kingdom will
find We
Are Akan nicely detailed, replete with historical and
cultural inspections
that provide a full-faceted flavor of Ghana at a pivot point in its
history.
Dorothy Brown Soper
Luminare Press
978-1-64388-068-6
$19.99
Paper/$8.50 Kindle
www.luminarepress.com
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Why Can't Relationships Be Like Pizza? Book 3 of 'The Pizza Chronicles' for teen
and young adult readers continues the story of RV, who is now in his
sophomore
year of high school. RV finds high school holds good and bad facets. He
feels
sad about his growing distance from his good friend Bobby, who is busy
enough
that their friendship seems to be taking second place; and his friend
Carole,
who seems smitten with a summer romance that occurred in Paris. Although his parents have gotten their
citizenship, they too seem distant and involved in other matters. At least he can always count on the steady
Joe's Pizza, a major force in his life. But in this third book, all of
RV's
reliable support systems appear to be under fire. As in the other books, RV's coming of age is
explored from different angles, from his emerging sexuality and
mercurial
relationships to his immigrant parents and their desires for his
future: "The pressure to succeed is so
important to Mom and Dad. It’s always there. I can see it in their
eyes. And I
know what they’re thinking. “We moved here for a better life. Not just
for us.
But for you kids. Especially for you kids.” If Ray and I screw up, just
a
little bit, they get upset. That’s the bargain, isn’t it? We get a
better life,
but we better not screw up. We better be winners. Not mediocre." When a crisis surrounding Bobby takes
precedence over most other concerns in his life, RV faces revised
decisions and
perspectives on what is important as he tries to support his friends in
new
ways while making his way through sophomore year's other challenges. Fans of the prior Pizza Chronicles series
titles will be the best audience for this story because it adds to the
ongoing
coming of age process that continues to move RV from his singular world
to
greater concerns. These readers will find much to like in RV's
latest story, which takes some unexpected turns as he faces some of the
biggest
challenges of his young life, continuing to expand his relationships
and their
quality. Calm Brain Powerful Mind: Abolish Stress to
Unleash Your True Potential is a self-help program for abolishing stress using
brain power. It is
recommended for readers who would adopt strategies presented as a
series of
'journeys' that range from sitting in silence and conscious breathing
exercises
to understanding the science and art of applied meditation techniques. Aziz
Velji
focuses on the nuts and bolts of both creative survival processes and
applied
brain science research, pairing everyday examples with bigger-picture
thinking
about life: "We want life to fit
into our framework of beliefs, our parameters. We want it to flow
according to
our plan, based on our experience. We try to use logic and rational
thinking to
understand life, but we don’t succeed, because life is not logical; it
is not
rational. It does not flow in a sequence of events. Life is uncertain,
unpredictable, multidimensional, and chaotic—everything is happening at
the
same time, so logic and rational thought can never understand the
complexities
of life." Many
books about
stress reduction or meditation border on being idealistic and
impossible. Velji
presents proven, tested techniques, moderating these presentations with
an
acknowledgement of their difficulties: "We
have worked out flight paths, gravitational pulls, trajectories for
space
crafts and landed man on the moon with precision, but we haven’t been
able to
solve the problem of stress—our mental suffering. Yes, our
materialistic
thinking can come up with all sorts of phenomenal drugs to counter the
effects
of stress, but this way of thinking cannot help us eliminate it. Stress
is a
problem that the thinking, rational mind will never be able to solve
because
the intellect on its own cannot help us calm our fears and anxieties
which
create stress—we can medicate ourselves, but we can’t think our way
through
fears and anxieties." This
practical
approach will appeal to those who find the usual meditation advice too
simplistic or idealistic. It not only acknowledges the difficulties
posed by
the brain's interactions with daily life, but the challenges involved
in applying
mitigating techniques that work. Its
explanations
of why these approaches succeed where others fail are clear and
informative: "Conscious breathing stops the
mind—one
cannot simultaneously breathe consciously and think. When your mind
calms down,
the right course of action is revealed. Otherwise, you are just
reacting to the
crisis, that will continue to smolder and occupy your mind." Pragmatists
not
usually drawn to self-help books about empowerment will find much
supporting
evidence and a concrete focus on not advice, but why the techniques
work to
mitigate life stress. The only prerequisite for successfully using this
guide
is an openness to considering its exercises and their effectiveness. Readers
will
find Calm Brain Powerful Mind
offers
a solid bridge between pragmatic and holistic approaches. Its
observations and
tips will appeal to disparate audiences with useful approaches that
blend
scientific understanding with applied techniques.
Andy V. Roamer
Nine Star Press/SunFire
978-1-64890-171-3
$14.99
paperback/$4.99 ebook
http://thepizzachronicles.com/
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Calm
Brain
Powerful Mind
Aziz Velji
Paper Lantern
Publishing House Inc.
978-1-9990144-0-7
$17.99
Website www.azizvelji.com
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/author/azizvelji
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to Index
COVID 19...How to Overcome the Anxiety and
Stress Ever since Covid
arrived to change the world, writers have been commenting on various
aspects of these changes. The emotional/psychological impact from Covid
is fast becoming more widespread than the pandemic itself. Even more
importantly, the duration of the mental issues is predicted to survive
even after the virus is brought under control. Although we are deluged
day after day with statistics on deaths, new cases, hospital resources,
vaccine progress...on and on...there has been little advice and counsel
on how to cope with the fear, stress, anxiety and depression we’re
experiencing.
Bruce Sherman
Publisher: Independently Published
9781935821564
$9.99
Articles and reports offering ways to combat the
negative emotions that are starting to appear. The problem is that one
would need a long reading list to find them. To solve that concern,
Bruce Sherman
has done an exhaustive search to find material
relevant to mental issues. From that list, he has selected over 70
pieces he considers the most valuable for inclusion as foundation
references. In order to avoid violating the copyright law, the articles
are listed using their titles...which aren’t covered by copyright law.
Bruce
Sherman's booklet offers resource listings that range from CNN reports
such as a lead, key article about kids in the pandemic world, 'Helping
Your Child Manage The Emotional Impact Of Corona Virus' to the Stanford
Center for Aging's article 'Taking Care of Your Emotional Wellbeing during a Pandemic.'
No
website links are given, but this list of the article or report title
and its originating source will allow readers to easily locate and
absorb each piece. Some might think that it might have been easier to
locate these pieces with one click had Sherman included website links,
but too often, web links charge. By providing just the title and
source, it's just as easy to cut-and-paste the reference into a browser
to access the articles, videos, and presentations.
This is a
diverse list of resources, from how humor can help alleviate pandemic
fear to the different experiences and concerns of youth and the aged,
and how to volunteer to help. Each resource offers a unique opportunity
to grapple with larger issues in a personal manner that helps not only
individual life, but holds potential to impact people outside one's
bubble group or home.
A concluding collection of articles
about 'Understanding the Dying' offers especially important, relevant
tools for coping, understanding, and mental health during a period of
time when there is so much loss taking place.
It's not
impossible to locate articles about Covid—anyone with a computer can do
so. What is special about this booklet is that Sherman has already done
the legwork in selecting the most relevant, action-oriented, revealing
works surrounding Covid, placing his bibliography in one document for
easy access.
All the reader need do is select the title of
interest and download it into tablet or computer to have access to the
complete piece. This book belongs in everyone’s library...and in
public libraries. The price is a lot more manageable than sessions with
a psychiatrist!
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Fast and Low Fast and Low: An
Engineer’s
Approach to Health by Systematic Adoption of Low Carb Diet,
Intermittent
Fasting, Exercise, Meditation and more with Metrics and
Self-Experimentation
is recommended for dieters who have tried diet after diet, only to
continually
fail to achieve or maintain their weight loss goals. Its approach differs from competitors in
that it blends scientifically proven strategies with metrics that offer
a focus
on not just weight loss alone, but overall healthier living. This blend into a strategy recommended not
for weight loss seekers who would choose a formula for what to eat and
when,
but for those serious about making lasting lifestyle changes and
priorities
that support overall better health—which includes weight management. A step-by-step, scientific perspective is
adopted in Fast and Low which
builds
a foundation of action and insight. The study first skims these
building
blocks, making them easy to absorb and follow. It's neither a
dauntingly
in-depth survey of each, nor a routine that selects one step and makes
the
emphasis all about it. Because Nasir Khan is an engineer, he
defines his goals in numbers. This translates to a treatise that
emphasizes not
ethereal ideals, but measurable goals, and will be pleasing to those
who look
to supportive numbers to indicate progress and success. Tools of measurement and monitoring are key
to this operation, this book, and the process of adopting a 'fast and
low'
strategy that affords regular opportunity to analyze and understand
weight loss
and better health achievements. Every person is different. That's why there
is no singular path that guarantees success, and why there are so many
diet and
lifestyle books on the market that some swear by, that others say
didn't work
for them. Khan acknowledges this disparity as he provides his insights:
"All through this book I’ve mentioned
how each person is unique and that what works for me may or may not
work for
you. While we will rely on some scientifically established starting
points for
lifestyle changes, I will not prescribe rigid rules. I’ll instead lay
out a
framework for incorporating the lifestyle changes that work for you
based on a
very scientific and experiment-driven approach. Next, we dive into
another key aspect
of a healthy lifestyle: intermittent fasting, with an emphasis on what
works
for you personally and how you can approach it." Something is better than nothing in making
an effort, whether it is a focus on healthful diet habits,
inertia-busting
exercise, or understanding how overall health is influenced by
improving bodily
functions. Fast and Low
is packed with achievable goals, lifestyle insights, and discussions of
various
types of choices readers can consider in the pursuit of overall better
health
and supportive lifestyles to achieve this goal. Its focus on measurable results and how to
understand them will especially appeal to those looking for more than a
simple
routine or diet regimen. Fast and Low
is highly recommended as a better-considered alternative for health
success
based on finding, measuring, and monitoring goal and action metrics and
then
conducting scientific self-experimentation.
Nasir Khan
FourFold, LLC
ASIN: B08SBTL4T1
$3.99 Kindle
Website: https://www.fastandlow.app
Ordering: https://www.amazon.com/Fast-Low-Engineers-Approach-Wellness-ebook/dp/B08SBTL4T1
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The Golden Ratio Within the Human Face and
Breast The Golden Ratio Within the Human Face and
Breast: A Plastic Surgeon's Method of Analyzing Beauty
analyzes connections between
human physical beauty and objective measurements, and comes from the
eye of a
plastic surgeon who has dealt with not only altering bodies to fit
ideals of
beauty, but who has created innovative facial and breast grids to
identify,
test, and solidify these ideals in a quantitative way. While most might consider the concept of
beauty to lie in the beholder, Dr. Hayduke shows that it actually
resides in
objective measurable standards of symmetry and body arrangements as
guided by
the golden ratio, the subject of his discussion. His many facial and breast anatomic test
grids support this concept, using his patented beauty analysis
methodologies as
both clear definitions of these points and road maps for achieving
visually
pleasing plastic surgery results. The Golden Ratio Within the Human Face and
Breast is
not a casual probe of beauty ideals, but a technical medical focus that
blends
science, anatomy, art and ideology. This study goes beyond merely
defining
human physical beauty, considering the golden ratio's presence and
effectiveness in other disciplines and systems, from art, architecture,
graphic
arts and even nature. From what facial and breast features
translate to a beautiful youthful appearance to labeling images with
markers as
a guide for subsequent surgical transformation, The Golden
Ratio Within the
Human Face and Breast will
prove
weighty reading for those who anticipated a lighter review of plastic
surgery
processes or just a brief overview of facial and breast beauty testing.
It's
especially highly recommended for medical students, plastic surgeons
and
medical professionals interested in state-of-the-art, objective,
in-depth
analyses that apply the golden ratio to human anatomical beauty
assessment.
Andrew J. Hayduke, M.D.
Ivory Crown Press
9781735918006
$18.95 Paper/$26.95 Hardcover
https://www.amazon.com/Golden-Ratio-Within-Human-Breast/dp/1735918008
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Natural Healing for Animals Energy Medicine
Workbook Natural Healing for
Animals
Energy Medicine Workbook: The TAOSHEBA Technique
comes from an energy healer who embraces the idea that animals can
receive
healing through natural energy just as humans do. Here, she presents
her
personal encounters with a variety of animals that validate her
perception of
their powers. Over thirty years of spiritual and natural
healing contribute to a workbook of information about animals that's
supported
by a wealth of new age thinking and energetic applications, but Anna
Abraham is
not a medical provider per se. Her personal experiences and opinions
drive
these stories about animals—that, and a fondness for all creatures and
their
wellbeing. She maintains: "Energy
Medicine has it own unique healing powers and compliments traditional
care, as
well as, other natural healing modalities but it does not replace
veterinary
medicine for serious medical issues." As chapters unfold the foundations of her
animal connections and their growing importance in her life, readers
receive an
uplifting assessment: "Tao came by
magic and brought the magic with him. He taught me more about Energy
Medicine
than any other source. Tao was in command of his intelligence, his
energy and
way of being in the world with the exception of fireworks." Each animal that enters her life touches and
changes her, and each story builds stepping stones into understanding
how
concepts of Energy Medicine apply in the animal world: "When
we share Energy Medicine with our animal friends, they
intuitively know when they have received enough energy. You don’t have
to be
concerned about too much or too little. They will move or walk away
when they
have as much as they need. Respect their intelligence. Energy Medicine
continues to work even after you finish. The body uses the energy to
continue
the healing process. The innate intelligence of all life-forms and the
power of
Energy Medicine are truly amazing." Stories by others who have experienced
amazing changes in animals through Energy Medicine applications are
incorporated into discussions of some of the basics of Energy Medicine
and how
it can lend to assuring the daily health of animals. Black and white photos throughout accompany
clear directions on how to tap into and transmit this special form of
energy
healing to various creatures, from large and small dogs to horses. Readers already versed in the concept of
energetic healing who want an animal-based workbook filled with case
history
examples of applications and success will find Natural
Healing for Animals Energy Medicine Workbook appealing and
specific. It takes natural healing concepts to a new
level by applying them to not just to the generalities of daily living,
but the
specifics of maintaining good health in one's animal companions. Natural Healing for
Animals
Energy Medicine Workbook should be on any new
age (and many a
general-interest) library reference shelf as an invitation to absorbing
alternative medicine possibilities in general and Energy Medicine in
particular.
Anna Abraham
Regenerate Inc.
978-1-7355043-0-8
$19.99
Website: www.naturalhealingforanimals.com
Return
to Index
Transcending
Depression Transcending Depression: Quest Without a
Compass
chronicles
almost fifty years of the author's mental illness, using journal
entries to
trace its progression and evolution through the years. This
approach
differs from others by its longer viewpoint of the experience of
struggling
with mental illness long-term. It moves beyond the usual clinical or
self-help
approach to document what helped alleviate pain, what didn't work, and
how
Larry Godwin lived through it all. Another
difference between his story and books that might sound similar is that
Godwin
presents his experiences as not one long chronicle, but a series of
succinct
vignettes that will prove more accessible to those with short attention
spans
who may be challenged by the large tracts of information provided in
the usual
book about depression. Strong
personal
insights evolve over a period of years, as in this 1994 entry: "Jenny's just a normal baby but I can't
abide her interruptions, crying fits, and independent contrariness. I
hate
myself when I yell at her. I'd wager Mother couldn't put up with my
disruptions, either. I must have learned my reactions from her." In
addition to
observing issues of inherited reactions and perspectives on life,
Godwin
includes the daily challenges of staying alive: "Tonight
my life has little meaning. I feel suicidal like in
Durango in 1979 before we met and in May 1980 before Cathy came to live
with
me. Actually, I don't want to live and I don't want to die. If only
there were
a way to suspend life awhile." Anyone
who has
struggled with depression will recognize these feelings, and will
appreciate
Godwin's focus not on miracle cures and pat answers, but documenting
the flow
of life into, within, and through depressive cycles. This charts the
path
within and through depression to not only provide thought-provoking
reading to
those on a similar journey, but much understanding for loved ones
accompanying
them and trying to offer support. And
yet, Godwin
also points out the power of working through depression: "I
believe I have transcended my illness in the sense of coming to
terms with it and rising above it.
Although coming upon a cure seems unlikely, I have reached
a comfort
level that allows me to tolerate depression, live with it, and function
acceptably much of the time, interspersed with periods of contentment,
happiness, and even joy." Readers who seek concrete tools for
achieving this will find them in Appendix II, 'Depression Survival
Guide',
which provides a collection of insights that can readily be applied to
daily
life. Readers
who want
to get a sense of how life is lived long-term with depression that ebbs
and
flows will find Transcending Depression powerful,
highly recommended reading for health, self-help and psychology readers
seeking
enlightenment.
Larry Godwin,
PhD
Independently
Published
9780578694917
$12.95
www.larry-godwin.com
Return
to Index
Continuum:
A Short Story Collection Readers
who enjoy tension-building excellence in their short stories,
especially those who appreciated the special brand of edge-of-your-seat
reading
that comprised the early Alfred Hitchcock short story collections, will
find Continuum:
A Short Story Collection of similar ilk, but with more
expansive settings
and literary allusions. Take
the opening short story, 'End of the Earth'. It's a survival piece
set in the time of mammoths that will appeal to readers of Clan
of the Cave
Bear with its story of Leda, who finds herself the sole
survivor of her
clan's massacre, alone in the wilderness with her infant. She
finds herself questioning the "small head" peoples who
killed them, and their needs, which are vastly different from her
tribe's
simplicity: "As she walked along the desolate steppe, she
wondered why
such a big place didn’t have enough land for everyone. Why did the
small-faces
need so much?" Her
journey in a wilderness just as unforgiving as this tribe changes
her life as she discovers that being the last of her tribe, rooted in
and
carrying their stories, may be the one thing that ultimately gives her
a
different kind of life. In
contrast, the tale 'All Aboard' is set in a future where a pregnant
journalist on Mars stumbles into a story that she cannot ignore—one
which
threatens to both illuminate and change everything in that world. "Data
is
everything in our modern techno-state. People base their diets and
careers,
even choose their spouses and embryos, on what algorithms tell them." But, has data
replaced humanity? The future seems bright until the narrator's firm
worldview
is changed by new discoveries that hold dangerous implications and
consequences
due to choices made both in the present and long ago. Each
story provides a succinct vignette of life-changing experiences.
Like Hitchcock's works, they excel in slow buildups of tension and
revelations
that lead into unexpected conclusions. Unlike Hitchcock's writings,
though, the
settings and characters often reflect interests and social inspections
beyond
the world of individual experience alone as societies evolve and
introduce
questions of maintaining moral and ethical values. Often
ethereal and otherworldly, Continuum is a short
story
collection designed to challenge perceptions of life and its
trajectory. Its
literary collection of suspense pieces probe the dark psyche of the
soul and
the evolutionary process that brings humanity and individuals to their
knees,
only to arise with new possibilities. It's highly recommended reading
for
literature readers who enjoy diverse settings and characters facing a
wide
range of challenging circumstances.
Chad Lester
Independently Published
979-8695009163
$4.99
Paper/$2.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Continuum-Short-Collection-Chad-Lester/dp/B08KQ1LRML
Return
to Index
No Birds Sing Here No Birds Sing Here
gives literary readers of satirical fiction the story of Beckman and
Malany,
who embark on a quest for finding new meaning in life, art, and the
trappings
of daily living. Not only satire but irony permeates the
story, creating many moments of raw insight and reflection about the
rituals of
work and leisure alike: "At moments,
when feelings of revulsion swept over him, he deliberately, with eyes
open,
reached into the nearest full garbage can and squeezed between his
fingers the
raw materials of his livelihood." The novel journeys through disparate
experiences, from Beckman's dishwasher job to his reflections about
possible
other incarnations, which are evocatively portrayed: "Beckman
believed that, if it had not been for the paved highway,
strictly divided and regulated by white and yellow lines, and for the
trash
deposited along the grassy shoulders,
he
could have been in some medieval forest, populated with knights,
magicians and
beautiful ladies in long gowns and veils suffering some quiet distress
of the
heart." These reflections inject his vision with
something more than mundane observations, adding a level of possibility
and
fantasy that juxtaposes nicely with real-world events. The dialogue between Beckman and Malany is
intriguing, documenting how changing circumstances constantly challenge
their
choices and provide new consequences for their actions: “You
see how quickly things can change, how ironic life really is. A
few minutes ago, we were running for our lives. Now we’ve saved the
very person
who was pursuing us.” From changing prejudices and
responsibilities to life encounters that add satirical overlays of
inspection
into what evolves to be a loveless life, Daniel V. Meier, Jr. uses
these two
characters to play off the inherent ironies of appearances and life
circumstances. The observations of others and their
situations are also nicely presented: "The
struggling poetess trying to make it on her own, rejecting the good and
warm
things of life so that she could write. Beckman had respected her for
that
above all else. The sincerity, the self-denial, the radicalism and the
determination had all been an illusion that she had called, with
conviction,
“reality.” No Birds Sing Here's
special blend of literary observation, satirical commentary, and
philosophical
examination flows through the lives of a group of disparate characters.
This
makes for thought-provoking reading which is especially recommended as
a
powerful example of the power of satire and irony in literary fictional
approaches. College-level students, especially those who
enjoy representations of these devices paired with a flavor of
discovery
reminiscent of Jack Kerouac's On the Road,
will find No Birds Sing Here a
commendable creation, indeed.
Daniel V. Meier, Jr.
BQB Publishing
978-1945448959
$16.95 Paper/$8.49 Kindle
https://amzn.to/3qU0sSh
Return
to Index
SIS SIS
is a poetry collection directed to women connected by female
perspectives on
survival and life's meaning. It provides free verse inspections
designed to
appeal to those seeking inspirational admonitions. SIS
promotes self-love, the love of God, and provides a positive,
achievement-oriented
approach to life that acknowledges challenges and successes alike: "As soon as she was ready/to embrace
change,/the fireworks of her soul/blazed throughout her/life and her
dreams
exploded/into her reality." Readers who anticipate the usual poetic
structure and flow will find that these pieces fall more into the
inspirational
side of the literary world than poetic forms per se. Each provide succinct reflections designed
to be both informational and uplifting, and each offers reflections on
hope, courage,
resilience, and some of the other cornerstones of not just survival,
but
building and reinforcing a positive mindset and approach to life. At times, the works are not just prophetic
or inspirational, but analytical and thought-provoking as they reveal
why
women, in particular, tend to become stuck: "You’re
suffering where you are sis/because you think making/a change will be
painful./Taking a leap of faith won’t hurt as/much as wallowing in that
pit." Women interested in fighting for themselves
and their dreams will find these poetic admonitions to be inspiring,
especially
suitable for daily inspirational reading and reflection.
Kelisha Lopez-Shealey
Independently Published
978-0578590516
$5.99 Paper/$3.99 Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/SIS-Mrs-Kelisha-Lopez-Shealey/dp/0578590514