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The US Review of Books connects authors with professional book reviewers and places their book reviews in front of subscribers to our free monthly newsletter of fiction and nonfiction book reviews. Learn why our publication is different than most others, or read author and publisher testimonials about the USR.

Recent Reviews Focus Review Featured Reviews Author Spotlight US Review Blog   Author Spotlight Robin Carole Grandma's Bucket of Mercy is a heart-warming, nonfiction children's book centered on themes of kindness... (read more) Author Spotlight Alexandra Rogers Your Journey to Successful Parenting: Ages 2-11 is the first of a series of parenting ... (read more)

Recent Book Reviews

 

Focus Review

The Man on the Bench by Hy Conrad Mason Hill "Do you know why some homeless man would be carrying your name around in his pocket?" A reporter for the Austin Free Press, Callie McFee, sometimes compares notes with her brother, State McFee, the youngest homicide cop in Texas history, recently assigned as lead investigator of a homeless man's murder. By chance, Callie had encountered Barney on her daily runs through a waterfront park and felt compelled to chat with him. The quiet but charismatic man became a popular fixture among city residents for his ability to listen to their problems without judgment. His death seems to be a random street crime, but as Callie and her brother dig deeper into the facts, it seems that Barney may not be who he claimed to be. ... (read more)

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Featured Book Reviews

 

Deceit & Cuning

Highlight Review Murder: Another Complete Defense by Ronald W. Shipman Dorrance Publishing Company book review by Mihir Shah "He still could not explain the stove ceasing to provide heat and spewing deadly gas fumes instead." In a novel derived from his own career as a trial attorney, Shipman delivers a poignant fusion of murder mystery and courtroom thriller that adds an impeccable glimpse into the anatomy of a case. When Howard Graves enters the office of prominent attorney Garret Cole, he brings along a seemingly unsolvable conundrum: to investigate the coroner's ruling of suicide on his father's death certificate. On the surface, this appears to be an easily correctible error on the part of the coroner, but as Cole dives deeper into the case, two things become distinctly clear: nothing is as it seems, and there is a far greater conspiracy brewing. ... (read more)

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Hidden Ancestors

This masterpiece of historiography through genealogy traces many stories of multiple generations of the author's ancestors and current family members. Compiled as eight books, the chapters entwine significant portions of the history of Jewish culture, tradition, and transitions with historical explanations of families' and communities' actions. For example, younger sons were sometimes fostered out to relatives so they would not be impressed into service. Their older brothers remained at home, exempt from military service. The book shifts seamlessly from micro to macro examples (and back again) of Jewish life and migration. Book I introduces the author and his family. Subsequent pages tell stories that predate the Exodus out of Egypt to the author's piecing together his family's history through name and location changes, translations, naturalization records, photographs, and Milavetz's recollections of the stories that were told by some of his dynamic family members. ... (read more)

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Mysticism & Adventure

Highlight Review The Chronicles of Chad Ryker: Supernatural Justice by R. E. Chard Archway Publishing book review by Amanda Hanson "Something was wrong at St. Ignatius, and he needed to know what." Chad Ryker lives with his parents, Jonathan and Emily, and his younger siblings, Ben, Sadie, and Joachim. Chad is anxious about starting as a freshman at St. Ignatius College Preparatory High School, a prestigious Jesuit institution. However, he knows he won't be alone because his best friends, Leo and Kara, will be there with him. The first day of school has finally arrived, but Chad notices strange shadows around the school and suspects that something might be wrong. He begins to hear whispers and sees more shadows, leaving him unsure of what is real and what isn't. It feels as though he is losing his mind. Chad confides in his friends about his experiences, and they agree to help him uncover the mysteries surrounding the school. ... (read more)

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All Stops Pulled

Vengeance can drive one to great lengths, especially when fueled by a deeply personal loss. Meanwhile, being entrusted with the survival of an entire nation supersedes vengeance and prompts one to restore order and safety by any means necessary. This dichotomy spurs the tug-of-war between nefarious terrorist al-Sadr, who is fuming after losing his brother in a surprise military invasion, and the tag team of CIA stalwart Tom Parker and Army brigadier Jack Hayes. Although the two teamed up in Vietnam years ago, this is an entirely different challenge: stopping a vindictive terrorist whose bloodlust will only be pacified by slaying as many innocent Americans as possible. ... (read more)

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Speaking to God

Highlight Review What to Say When You Pray: Step into Bible stories; step out with bold prayers and courageous faith! by Ginger Hertenstein Conley WestBow Press book review by Jennifer Soper "Many times I find that when I read my daily Bible there's a verse, story, or word that speaks to the need of the day." Conley offers a devotional that walks readers through a year of prayer and reflection, shaped by her own experience praying for a friend with cancer. The book blends scripture, personal stories, and written prayers into weekly entries. Instead of giving formal instructions, it shows how prayer can take shape in ordinary life and during moments of great difficulty. ... (read more)

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Beyond Story

Madden's work sheds light on the mythologies of cultures and civilizations worldwide. More than that, though, it establishes how myths have always acted as the language of understanding, a means to articulate the way the world worked before any other mode of communication existed. From the origin stories of the natives to the myths that define the world's continents, Madden showcases his impeccable research, especially in identifying myth patterns across commonly observed cultures throughout history. ... (read more)

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True Gifts

Highlight Review The True Meaning of Christmas by Thomas Christopher Grimm Archway Publishing book review by Mihir Shah "'I'm just so happy my whole family is home together for Christmas,' I said, sighing. 'It's all I could ever want.'" Eight-year-old Maddie cannot contain her excitement as Christmas is just around the corner. However, hearing Harper, her younger sister, cough through the night worries her that the extravagant Christmas she has envisioned might be ruined. Grimm's work is highly plot-driven, with dynamic character arcs, providing ample opportunities to develop strong readers at the primary level. Overall, the fusion of an engaging storyline and resplendent colors in the illustrations captures the spirit of the season. ... (read more)

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Honoring Legacy

Author Carole captures the recollections and understandings of her youthful self as, beginning at age ten, she visits with her grandmother, whose skills at cooking delicious meals and managing daily chores are underpinned by deep qualities of generosity and mercy. She is fond of pronouncing simple yet significant "rules" for living�é�é╜primary among them the admonition to her granddaughter not to be in such a hurry to grow up that she might "jump over the lilies and land in a cow pie." These wise and folksy exhortations give the girl rich food for contemplation. ... (read more)

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Credible Essays

Highlight Review From Retroeconomics to Sanctionomics: Essays on Unconventional Economics by Vladimer Papava iUniverse book review by Shelby Brooks "Naturally, the question arises as to whether it is possible in principle to stop the Hot War with the methods of the Cold War." In academia, economics is the study of how best to meet people's needs within the context of limited resources. But this topic doesn't operate in a vacuum. Quite the opposite, economics intertwines so closely with the social and political environment that it requires an interdisciplinary approach. These essays go beyond classical economic theory to seek answers to real-world economic challenges. Books on classical economic theory are classics for a reason, forming the foundation of conventional economics. However, problems arise when economic theories fall short, such as during atypical economic crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Unconventional economics, charting the dark corners of this map, attempts to address today's most pressing issues, such as sluggish economic growth, increasing inflation, the climate emergency, rising nationalism, and barriers to global cooperation. ... (read more)

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Enduring

The term "red-pilled" is associated with the blockbuster movie The Matrix and how, by taking the pill, one awakens from their slumber and becomes aware of the harsh truth in reality. In the same year that The Matrix was released, Schenck experienced an awakening of her own when she read The Biggest Secret by acclaimed conspiracy researcher David Icke. The shocking information in the book called out a globalist cabal intent on enslaving humanity, and while some might be inclined to ignore the warnings, Schenck plowed headfirst into the world of conspiracies and deep state skullduggery. As the years passed, events in the United States became more alarming, with the attacks on September 11, 2001, which occurred with possible foreknowledge of members of the United States Government in conjunction with foreign intelligence agencies. ... (read more)

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Improving Justice

The United States is approaching its 250th anniversary, and the country's progress has come with more than its share of growing pains. The country has prospered from its eclectic population, yet for a lengthy duration of its existence, a variety of minority groups were marginalized and subject to inequalities, whether it be with respect to rights and/or livelihood. The courtroom often reflected the stark disparity between the privileged and the disenfranchised. The criminal justice system in the United States has evolved over time with the iconoclastic rulings of the Warren Court and the passage of civil rights legislation, but the preceding period was marked by numerous miscarriages of justice. ... (read more)

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Getting Stronger

Setting forth a sound, substantial thesis, author Gitagia here explores the ways in which one can and should pursue one's Christian faith, avoiding the ever-present temptations to immerse oneself in earthbound limitations and ignore or withdraw from well-established biblical tenets. In a brief introductory segment, the author includes a compelling quotation from the Holy Bible that underscores her book's major theme: "Lazy hands make poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth" (Proverbs 12:24). The referenced wealth, Gitagia asserts, is spiritual identity, an essential ingredient that is diligently developed through an underpinning of unfailing faith. This will require one's continual connection to God and his son Jesus, and will allow believers to walk with God, avoid the evil schemes of Satan, and inherit the heavenly conclusion that the Bible so clearly promises. ... (read more)

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Uplifting

Through this book, young readers will be made familiar with the incredible story of Thea Bowman, a cheerful, caring, and devoted woman who defied the odds of segregated America to become a nun, a teacher, and an inspiration to generations of students. From a young age, Thea's dedication was apparent as she set her mind to goal after goal and pursued them without wavering. Moving away from home, finishing school even after contracting tuberculosis, joining the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, and beginning a teaching career at age twenty-one were all just inevitable steps in her journey of faith and service. Though there was initial pushback to an African American teacher in some of her early schools, even as a nun, she was able to change minds by demonstrating her passion for education and support of children. ... (read more)

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Visceral Big Easy

This book clarifies the history of cornstalk fences in the US. It debunks the tale of a homesick bride from Iowa whose husband had the fences built in New Orleans to help her feel at home. The histories of the fences, like the development of New Orleans itself, are significantly more complex and conflicted, and they involve other places, people, opportunities, and motives. An example of this is the name of the designer of the first cornstalk fence: George Washington Mordekee, the son of a good friend of the first president of the United States. ... (read more)

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Culture of Change

Founder of Innovinco and an award-winning innovator himself, Pullen distills his wealth of experience into an actionable blueprint filled with mini-missions and powerful anecdotes like the Airbnb origin story that resonate. Innovation is a prerequisite for both adapting and thriving in these ever-changing times, a cultural change agent that lies between thriving and becoming obsolete. The author's knack for explaining complex topics with succinct simplicity delivers literature that will undoubtedly stand the test of time and remain relevant in any market or industry. ... (read more)

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History & Intrigue

At the heart of Terrill's intriguing story are two parallel mysteries that converge across centuries. Beginning in 1950s New York, violin dealer Thomas Barlow reluctantly agrees to appraise a rare and beguiling Italian cello. The request comes from his old friend, with whom Barlow has a fraught and complicated history. However, Barlow is uncertain about the assertion that the cello originates from Andrea Guarneri, "the paterfamilias of the Guarneri violin-making family." Before long, Barlow is drawn into a maddening, obsessive quest to determine the cello's true maker as he grapples with his haunted past, buried secrets, and crimes. ... (read more)

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Monster Spirit

In darkness, one often makes out the shapes of hulking monsters. If we see their outline, then they must be there. The first book in the Holiday Spirit series tips this idea on its head. Rather, it is the darkness that masks a mystery, not a so-called monster. Children in the town of Killington, Vermont, go missing. Unlikely heroes rise up, including Saul Frankenstein, Dr. Ralph Ellison, the werewolf Aoife, and Count Dracula. These "monsters" battle a witch to keep the townsfolk safe, the opposite of what one familiar with their past histories would expect. ... (read more)

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Poignant Passages

This mother-daughter memoir features alternating chapters in which the two authors reflect on their lives and their relationship with each other. Though both mother and daughter have faced substantial trials, even a separation, they credit their strong Christian faith in helping them survive. Both suffered abuse as children, and they use these personal stories to illustrate to others the power of God to heal the broken. Each author reflects on shared memories, revealing two unique views. Throughout the book, both mother and daughter stress the importance of their faith and provide scripture passages to emphasize lessons they've learned or Bible quotes which have given them comfort. Not only is this the story of two lives and their connection through the mother-daughter relationship, but it is also the testament of the power of God in one's life. ... (read more)

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Gripping Drama

Janet Ryan inhabits a new kind of America, a country ruled by fear. When her parents confide in Janet about their plans to flee to a place off the grid, she is dumbfounded. Her father explains how he helped the government keep its citizens confined in a variation of a "fifteen-minute city." But now he has reached the age of fifty-five, an age of redundancy where the only use the government has for you is as test subjects in a retirement community. While stunned by her parents' departure, Janet reunites with an old friend who tells her of an activist group that seeks to learn the unvarnished history of the United States. Janet agrees to meet with someone from the group and is soon off in uncharted territory, speaking to elders who live on a reservation, showing her a world she was unacquainted with. However, Janet is unaware that Homeland Security agents are aware of her atypical behavior and are making plans. ... (read more)

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Fast-Paced

"The Black Pagoda," the first tale in the book, begins with a strange phone call from an old friend's wife. Brig Ellis, the main character, was friends with Walter back in their army days. Now, Walter has gone missing. Ellis agrees to search for his friend, but soon discovers a mysterious mark known as the Black Pagoda. The second tale, "Asphalt Sonata," follows Ellis, a San Diego private investigator (P.I.), once again, but on a matter of security. Ellis' cousin Lisa needs his help as the security detail for a rather eccentric figure. What starts out as seemingly clear-cut leaves Ellis often with more questions than answers, such as being detained by a ranger. ... (read more)

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Pilgrimage

The act of going on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land is a tradition that dates back almost two thousand years. Members of the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faiths all convene in the land where temples stood, Jesus walked, and Mohammed ascended. Though the practice is longstanding and well-established, many tour packages and guides are available, and no option is a true one-size-fits-all solution. This book is written with the pilgrim in mind, offering a summary of the history of the land, its people, its conflicts, and its glory, as well as offering spiritual guidance to help pilgrims get in the right mindset to receive the most from a truly incredible journey. While other books will help with the practical side of traveling to Jerusalem, this book is designed to maximize the profound impact of every sight and destination along the way of a life-changing pilgrimage. ... (read more)

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Tour de Force

Even in the womb, Marthe Adler loved music. At age four, the little Jewish girl from Köln learned violin at her father's knee before his sudden death crumbled her world. Left with a non-musical mother, a bratty little sister, and poverty, Marthe abandons her dream of attending Köln Conservatory until a scholarship comes her way in 1906. Now a woman in a man's world, she spends her next four years navigating heights and depths as she is befriended, persecuted, ostracized, accepted, worked to the bone, and taught what is important in life. ... (read more)

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Literacy

One of the major conversations taking place amongst educators, booksellers, reporters, and social media influencers alike is concern for literacy in the United States. Inevitably, the conversation boils down to pointing fingers: parents are not doing enough, teachers cannot do more, screens are perpetually in the way, and the statistics on both adults and children are flabbergasting. What is really needed are solutions, and Hajek's book offers one. ... (read more)

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Battle Scenes

The Gaia team is dedicated to stopping the illegal elephant hunts that result in the indiscriminate killing of the large beasts to harvest their valuable ivory. Gaia's core consists of journalist Emily Rosen, former Army Ranger Jake Spinner, helicopter pilot/mechanic and former Army Cavalry pilot "Snake" Robideaux, and former Navy SEAL sniper Oliver Sweet. Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the team is struggling with the lack of park rangers to help survey and protect wild game. Stationed at the Tarangire National Park in Tanzania, they find the illegal killing of wild game is increasing with this shortage of rangers. Adding to that, arms dealer Kinyonga has teamed with Colonel Fortunatus Jawari, the notorious commander of the Somalian terrorist cell al Shabaab. They are engaged in the lucrative trading of blood ivory to finance their terrorist and gun trading activities. ... (read more)

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Classic Horror

DeGuire's third volume in his Holiday Spirit series opens eerily and mysteriously. A dark rider finds himself in a land of Yetis and woolly mammoths. Count Dracula announces his presence. Only one month before, an explosion had destroyed most of the structures on Dr. Moreau's island. The count had survived an abundance of violence thanks to a few unlikely friends. As the story unfolds, other characters—such as Count Dracula's werewolf contessa wife, Aoife—emerge and reveal their own horrifying stories. Even Dr. Ralph Ellison, the invisible man, has a role in the new life that Dracula and his wife pursue in an unlikely place—America. However, as evil threatens to engulf the globe, the "monsters" realize they must take an unlikely role in protecting the world. ... (read more)

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Tough People

Founded in 1847, the City College of New York had a unique mission statement: to admit students who would not have been accepted at that time by standard universities. At first, these students were only males, but women were allowed to attend in 1930. All were welcome. CCNY wanted students of "industry, good conduct, and intellect." Goldsmith's book includes biographies of many of those people who were and are artists, photographers, entrepreneurs, politicians, entertainers, and human rights advocates. ... (read more)

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Dangerous Adults

To Doley, he and Levi are fillers of the holes that adults, particularly his dad and Levi's parents, dig with their deceit. Levi spies Doley with a woman in distress, in the woods near the house he's just moved into. Levi is leery of the older boy at first but also drawn to him. They become friends. Doley's bullying makes him a prime suspect in the town's case of a girl found unconscious in the woods. Roles reverse, though, when Levi stands up to his alcoholic, abusive dad. As he and Doley plan their hole-filling revenge, Levi learns the truth about the girl and his origin. ... (read more)

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Down in the Canyon

In the mid-1800s, disowned from the family farm in Missouri, young Billy travels west. He tries town life, river life, and Native American living. Finally, he adopts the free trapper lifestyle. He makes friends (of both genders and many nationalities) and enemies (namely thieves and a pedophile). He has lots of sex but falls in love with redheaded Rebecca, with whom he ventures to Yellowstone. ... (read more)

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Talk to the Boss

This book is like a business ownership test drive. Friendly for those new to starting a business, the topics range from what it's like as a business owner to tips worth knowing later on, to the author's personal story. Sections discuss transferring employees' skills into entrepreneurship, whether that means starting a side hustle, buying an existing business or franchise, taking over a family-owned enterprise, or starting from scratch. It also addresses the personal element of entrepreneurship and includes a chapter for partners and friends—what to expect from a business owner's life. There's also a section on building a business owner's business plan, a guide to help new business owners make good choices for the long term, not just in the startup phase. Taking common elements of a business plan, it adds real-life elements that can be critical to ensuring success. ... (read more)

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The End

Author Brown interweaves the significance of the biblical Book of Revelation with his personal, intuitive exploration of Scripture. As a Sunday school teacher, he had been grappling with visions and prophecies conveyed by the apostle John. Beginning his study, the image given of a seven-headed beast, a virgin woman, and a child swept him into a reverie and convinced him that he had seen these beings. The virgin, perhaps Mary, or symbolically the nation of Israel, will, after being threatened by the beast, give birth to a son who will become the leader of all nations. Brown felt stirred to share his investigations with others, especially those who choose to "deny God's word if it conflicts with their traditions or teachings." ... (read more)

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Better Bedtime

This children's book is a warm and imaginative bedtime story that guides young readers from the excitement of daytime activities to the gentle rhythm of nighttime rest. Throughout the story, children are shown all the things they can do while the sun is up�é�é╜running, playing, exploring, and moving through their day with energy and curiosity. But once the sun goes down, the narrative shifts, reminding readers that sleep is not the end of fun but the beginning of a new kind of adventure. When children close their eyes, the Sandman arrives, sprinkling his dream dust so the night can unfold with magic and possibility. ... (read more)

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Colorful & Vibrant

In this book, young Erica teaches the book's audience some very important lessons. Erica is five years old, and one day, her father promises a day of doing all her favorite things—reading books, going swimming, and playing with animals. Despite her excitement about the upcoming day, another question fills Erica's mind: "Can you touch a butterfly?" Her father explains that to touch a butterfly, one has to be very patient and wait for a special moment. At the pool, Erica and her father make a new friend—a fluttering butterfly. The butterfly lands on Erica's father's arm, and then it allows her father to touch it. The butterfly gives Erica's father a special gift—the faint colors from its wing. Erica knows that the encounter is special, and she takes the memory of it to bed with her that evening, leaving her dreaming of her new, colorful friend. ... (read more)

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Encouraging

In this colorful, wondrous work, youngsters meet Wendy Magpie. Wendy greets each new day by exploring the wilderness around her. Her adventures lead her to her best friend, King Kookaburra, and Cottee Koala. The three friends discover a bright, beautiful garden, and Wendy's sweet melody seems to make the garden's flowers even brighter. Wendy's song even brings a baby wallaby into the fold. As the day closes, Wendy and her friends sing to the sunset, and as one day ends, Wendy is left dreaming of the next one and all the adventures it holds. ... (read more)

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Persistence

Author Flanagan, supported by her co-author and niece Orlowski, presents a vibrant memoir focusing on a deeply significant visit to her parents' Italian homeland. Eighteen years after a migration to America from Italy, her family sailed back to explore the region's possibilities for their future. The author was immediately immersed in the charms of the culture of Bari, a settlement on the southeast coast, with its time-honored language, customs, and wisdom. She was amazed by her parents' former homeplace—a virtual mansion. Through their eyes, by contrast, she came to understand that the homestead had been destroyed by years of warfare and neglect. Still, grandmothers cooked delightful indigenous foods, and many heartwarming gatherings were initiated by the extended clan. ... (read more)

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Loss & Recovery

Writer Beechum recounts the years spent with her daughter Cheryl and the years she endured after Cheryl's passing, melding motherly grief with admirable family cohesion. Cheryl Jean was her fourth child, with an older sister and two older brothers. There were striking aspects to the young girl's life, including her many hobbies and her wish to be in the limelight of entertainment and group activity. ... (read more)

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The Diagnosis

Written by a reluctant biographer in the hope that the story may be helpful to others, the book describes the relationship journey of the author and his wife, Janey, who fell in love when they were teenagers, married at twenty, and lived in a variety of homes—one of which Janey truly considered "home." Jack completed his degree with Janey's emotional and financial support. They raised a family, and then Janey was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease, and their event-filled lives assumed another dimension. The reality of the story is that of a loving couple who have loved each other since age sixteen. They will not forsake their commitment after forty-plus years. ... (read more)

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Challenges & Triumps

Author Grayson offers a deep, often distressing memoir of her captivity—emotional, financial, and physical—by someone using her solely for his own selfish purposes. His abuse began in her late teens and plagued her for many years, with appeals to the legal system offering scant assistance. As vividly depicted in this harrowing saga, a casual first date was transformed by rape and repeated beatings from Chazz, a noted local sports figure. The episodes escalated, marring her worldview and scarring her conscience. ... (read more)

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Never Easy

Jumper's memoir is one about identity and forgiveness. Jumper was born on the Hollywood reservation of the Seminole Tribe, but at just six months old, her parents divorced, and she was whisked away to her grandparents' house. It wouldn't be until she was a teenager that she would meet her father and a sister she never knew about. ... (read more)

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Erudite

Editors Brock and Zehyoue present thirteen thought-provoking essays by fifteen writers, philosophers, and intellectual activists exploring societal, political, and personal resistance through a panorama of possibilities, strategies, action, and potential reaction. An introduction centers on paintings by Francisco de Goya depicting opposition against tyrant Napoleon Bonaparte. Contributor Yannick Marszalek touches on fears of death and their transformation into life's affirmations. Saumya Sirothia and Aditya Gupta emphasize spiritual transcendence as a path to resistance. Casey Rentmeester examines, through current and time-honored upheavals, the purity that freedom embodies. Cristian Gonzales Arevalo portrays the poles of resistance inherent in sexual qualities of sadomasochism. Bjorn Larsen and Martin Burop offer guidance to "real-world solutions for civil disobedience." Christina Sikalopoulou arrays utopian imagery infused in the works of twentieth-century theorists. Feminist Maelle Roussel propounds collective resistance to aid those unfairly marginalized. ... (read more)

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Ambitious

This is an unconventional and challenging work that blends memoir, political speculation, and apocalyptic fiction into a single narrative. Pérez writes with an unmistakable intensity, moving through decades of his protagonist's life with a voice that is both direct and unfiltered. The book opens with Christian's traumatic childhood and follows him through college, military service, government work, and ultimately into a world undone by climate change, disease, and political collapse. The scope is undeniably ambitious, and readers will recognize the author's commitment to exploring how personal history intersects with national and global events. Pérez's willingness to move across genres and timelines shows a desire to capture the full chaos of Christian's experiences, even when those shifts feel abrupt. ... (read more)

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Funny & Insightful

This book begins as a sort of Jean Shepherd romp with fictional Tom Colozzo recalling his often funny and more than occasionally chaotic childhood, one significantly impacted by undiagnosed attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The narrative then inexorably pulls the reader into the maelstrom of alcoholism and despair that grips Colozzo as an adult, balancing his decline against the ADHD-infused confusion of pre-adolescence and the angst of his teenage years. ... (read more)

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Against the Tide

Damon Richardson has worked at Watson Advertising for almost three years as a junior associate. In an unprecedented move, his boss, Ms. Norton, assigns him the responsibility of developing an advertising campaign for a new potential client. As the vice president of project acquisition and management with over twenty years of experience at the firm, her decision puzzles Damon. Despite the unusual circumstances, Damon delivers an impressive presentation, and his boss expresses her intention to promote him to senior associate and give him a raise. Ultimately, Damon discovers the truth: he was not chosen for his exceptional presentation, but rather because the client specifically requested that an African American manage her account. ... (read more)

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In the Navy

Derek Draygon joined the Royal Navy after college and served for sixteen years. After leaving the military, he pursued a career as a photographer for an animal magazine. In reality, however, Derek took on the role of an Animal Guardian, dedicating himself to rescuing animals from cruelty and seeking justice for those who harm them. Derek's best friend from college is Lee, and Derek later met Lee's sister, Amelia, through him. They began dating, eventually got married, and welcomed a daughter together. Tragically, Derek was killed by a man named Stephen Strangler, who sought revenge for his godson's death. Stephen believed Derek was responsible because the godson died during one of Derek's animal rescue missions. Though Derek has passed away, the threat posed by Strangler continues to loom over Derek's family. ... (read more)

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Deep Therapy

The novel is set in Southeast Michigan in 1996. Psychoanalyst Dr. Ivan Weiss is coping with a variety of issues: he thinks his wife is having an affair; his daughter Sonya has moved back to Ann Arbor after being raped while living in New York; and he has a new job as the director of the University of Michigan's Psychology Clinic. Also, he has an issue with a young analyst who has a problem patient and who, along with her stepfather, is threatening Weiss. Meanwhile, his best friend's son is harassing Weiss' daughter while the friend, also a psychoanalyst, is jealous of Weiss. But on the bright side, Weiss has a fascinating new patient whom he is excited to be working with. Additionally, he and his wife, Dana, are looking to go on a cruise, and Dana is excited about her work with horses. Sonya seems to be doing better and is developing her interior decorating practice. ... (read more)

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Passionate Narrative

Fargotstein documents her discovery, appreciation, use of, and journey with acorns and their lore in this tribute. In addition to being the seeds from which oaks grow, the nuts have nutritional and medicinal value that some European cultures that settled in the US overlooked, but Indigenous Americans appreciated. Oak trees have been regarded as sacred in many cultures, including the Greek and Nordic. The trees are considered to symbolize such qualities as wisdom, interconnection with nature, and divinity. In addition to their use by Indigenous Americans for religious practices, acorns and other products from the trees provide nutritional and medical benefits, such as reducing inflammation and blood sugar, once the acorns have been processed. ... (read more)

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Dreamlike

This is an imaginative and ambitious story that blends tooth fairy lore with environmental awareness. At its heart is Chlory, a young tooth fairy learning the responsibilities of his role and the deeper connection between fairies, forests, and the natural world. The book's strongest element is the relationship between Chlory and Grandpa One, whose guidance shapes both the narrative and the message. Through their conversations, readers learn what it truly means to be a tooth fairy: protecting nature, honoring tradition, and understanding the delicate balance that keeps their world alive. ... (read more)

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Loving Tribute

Lena Alma Allen (1862-1935) was an extraordinary, in some ways notorious woman. Like Scarlett O'Hara (with whom she has drawn comparison), she rose from obscurity to become a titan of business, managing the mining empire founded by her second husband, Edward G. Stoiber. She married four times and provoked scandals that made her a darling of the press, was (wrongly) accused of being a whore, and enraged neighbors by constructing "spite fences" around her properties to block them from view. She wrote one husband out of her will after learning that he had enjoyed an affair with her closest friend. She lost another in one of the twentieth century's greatest disasters. ... (read more)

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Story Magic

Even though Offae's just a young boy, he's allowed on his tribe's hunt at a time when food is scarce. He's no copy of Tark, the tribe's chief hunter, spear held surely in hand, stride confident. What sets Offae apart are his bright blue eyes with sparks of gold, as a deeper type of sight develops within. But an enchanted forest envelops Offae, cutting him off from his tribespeople on the hunt. From the underbrush emerges a huge saber-toothed tiger, later known to Offae as That Cat. Time stretches around the boy's encounters with this tiger, as his long travel days are only a few days in his tribe's camp. Yet, the more that landscapes and creatures shift around Offae, the stronger his determination to arrive safely home to his love, Letty, even if it means parting with members of Camelot. ... (read more)

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Endearing

For sixth-grader Pam, the holiday season is full of so many events that there's hardly time to catch her breath. The school Christmas play, her older brother and cousin coming to visit, the town's winter carnival complete with an ice-dancing competition, and plenty of playing outside with her best friend, Mary, her younger brother Craig, and her husky dog, Princess, all vie for her energy and attention. Complicating matters this year is an anonymous note from an older boy letting her know that he's her secret admirer, despite her not being ready for a boyfriend. The festive yet packed schedule also comes with miscommunications, hurt feelings, and social challenges for the kind Pam who earnestly wants to do her best for the people around her, especially during the season of gifts and love. ... (read more)

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Dark Thriller

The assassination attempt on President Lee has left the country shaken, particularly as the plot has been connected with an Iranian-backed terror group. Lee is wounded but unbowed as he addresses a joint session of Congress, where political rival and potential successor Congressman John Black gauges his adversary. Black is an aspiring presidential candidate with wealth and influence undergirding his run, yet there is a shadowy group that wants to ensure his run for the top spot goes unimpeded. Black's father, Lord Black, is connected with a cabal that will utilize blackmail and murder to achieve their ambitions. The election is getting closer, and the plotting is only escalating, but there are those who refuse to be intimidated by the subtle and not-so-subtle manipulations of those backing John Black's campaign, and they pose the greatest threat to their power grab. ... (read more)

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Senseless Tragedy

Brian's dreams have forewarned him of the trouble he faces. He is being chased by a serpent-like entity intent on consuming him. A teenager living in Chicago and raised by a single mother, Brian is a relatively good kid aside from the occasional adolescent mischief. He strays too far from home one night and is caught in the middle of a gang-related shooting. While he initially believes he is okay, his spirit floats above his corporeal form, and angels guide him into the kingdom of Elohim. In the immediate aftermath, the demons who have been targeting young Brian throughout his life rejoice at their success, while Brian's bereft mother struggles to come to terms with losing her only child. As Brian adjusts to his new environment, he is introduced to angels such as Barakiel and the majestic King Adonai, who inform Brian of the battle being waged between angels and demons for those still on earth, like Brian's mother. The city of Chicago is the battleground for an engagement unlike any other. ... (read more)

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Impressive

The author of this memoir looks back on his life in a way that tells his personal story while also framing the different chapters of human existence as lessons that tie into the values and calling of a Christian. Personal lessons about sharing childhood toys and selflessly changing his child's diaper reveal deeper truths about service, sacrifice, and the joy of acting in another's best interest. By traveling along with the author's own spiritual journey, opportunities for growth and familiar challenges and circumstances are natural reflecting points, and regardless of a reader's level of faith, they can ask themselves the same questions and examine any difference in conclusion. This autobiography is neither a spiritual how-to guide nor an indulgence of self-importance, but makes a compelling argument for choosing faith in the face of life events that feels holistic, personally relevant, and reasoned. ... (read more)

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Well Thought Out

Viras has put her heart and soul into this collection of original poetry. The themes of these poems include love, religious devotion, fear, loss, grief, and the familiar journey toward peace. There are poems in which Viras thanks her parents, while another mourns the loss of a friend. No two poems are alike. For example, the fifth poem, "Make Me Free," is written as if it were from the pages of a book from the eighteenth or nineteenth century. It's reminiscent of the poems from great Romantic poets like John Keats or William Blake. Then there is poem seven, "Golden Chains," which goes back to a modern tone of writing. The words flow naturally, and nothing feels forced. ... (read more)

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Accusations

This story of violence against women revolves around Anna Grace, accused of killing six men, and a young journalist, Iris Jene, who gets the story of a lifetime when called to interview Anna. Set in Iowa during the summer of 1982, the book examines Iris' childhood history, her father's drinking and abuse, her current job as a journalist, and being fired from this position, which is a key component of the story. She meets Anna at her new job, and Anna wants her to write the story about the commune she has developed, the women who live there, and about abuse. Iris is assigned a security officer, Officer Rusty Walker, to protect her after Anna is arrested for homicide and put in jail. There is fear that Anna's supporters could be dangerous. ... (read more)

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Getting Through

In this book, youngsters meet Jack, Lily, and Sam who live quietly with their parents in a quaint and quiet town. One day, as the threesome are playing, the sky darkens, and dark clouds fill the sky. Thunder booms and scares the young trio. As fear fills them, they take shelter with their parents. Their parents promise to keep them safe from the storm. The children's fear leads the entire family to a great adventure. The adventure includes popcorn and a blanket fort. The fort becomes yet another shelter that protects the family from the storm. When the storm ends, the children run outside and discover many more adventures, including puddles and flowers that bring a vivid brightness after the storm. ... (read more)

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Closer to Jesus

Mary and Joseph were the parents of Jesus. As a child, Jesus experienced many of the same things that other children go through. His mother rocked him to sleep and softly sang to him when he was a baby. As he grew, he learned to walk, talk, and eat, just like any other child. He also learned to read and write. This connection is significant because children can relate to Jesus from an early age, understanding that he did things similar to themselves. The story of Jesus as a child shows how he learned to pray to God, emphasizing that they, too, can pray. Because Jesus went through the same early developmental stages as any other child, he understands their experiences. ... (read more)

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Bedtime

As young creatures around the world get ready to fall asleep for the night, the narrator shares the sweet wishes that all parents want to bestow on their way into dreams. What follows are hopes that these children will remember how much they are loved. In fact, they are loved more than all the other natural wonders in the universe or the places frequented by their parents. Regardless of where their families live and what environment they are familiar with, the sentiments are the same. All the parents represented over the course of the story want their children to stay safe and to sleep well, because nothing is as precious as the special bond between them. ... (read more)

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Safety & Trust

In the Eastern Cape of South Africa, there is a friendly elephant named Elna who has a friend named Mavuto, but they affectionately call him Mo. Elna also has a human friend named Neo, although her animal friends are wary of him. For example, when Melisiwe and Thulani, two of Elna's friends, see Neo approaching from behind Elna on their way to the watering hole, they become scared and run away. At the watering hole, Elna and her animal friends—Khaya, Amahle, and Jabulani—start discussing their past encounters with lions, cheetahs, and poachers, which had frightened them. Throughout this journey, Elna is determined to help her friends accept Neo, despite their initial fear, and to feel safe around him so that they can ultimately trust him. ... (read more)

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Quick & Quirky

This cozy mystery begins with Edgar Eldridge, who posts a beautiful sea captain's house for sale in Cape Cod. He talks to Hannah, a ghost who scared off the last owners. Besides the ghosts, there is also a curse. Rachel sees the ad, and she and her husband, Ryan, visit the house. Rachel is enamored, and they buy it, ghosts and all. But Rachel finds out Ryan isn't the man she thought she married. When Ryan has to go on the run, Rachel keeps the house, turning it into a bed and breakfast, and is transformed from a na�»ve individual into a savvy businesswoman. She hires Nikki, who turns out to have her own issues, but the two women make a good team. But what about the man Chase that Rachel meets and befriends? And how does everyone get along with the ghosts? And where does Edgar Eldridge fit into the story? ... (read more)

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Same as a Wound

Writer Malcolm directs her energies toward the goal of recalling years of neglect and abuse from a partner and within her self-blaming consciousness, in the hope of encouraging others to rise above such missteps to pursue positive outcomes. Her own childhood was difficult, and her relationship with the father of her two children proved emotionally draining, ending in separation. ... (read more)

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Resilence

The author's book is a stark and unflinching collection that offers readers a candid look into Haitian prison life. Mond curates poems that confront the physical, emotional, and psychological realities faced by incarcerated men living under extreme conditions. The collection opens with Daniel Miltz's "Shadow of Confinement," a rhyming couplet poem that serves as a powerful introduction to the harshness of imprisonment. Its imagery and rhythm immediately establish the tone for what follows: a series of poems that illuminate suffering, neglect, and the fragile hope that persists even in confinement. ... (read more)

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Effective & Compassionate

"The rip in the ground that the downpour created is what most alarms Jarvi Poelk…" Thus begins this brilliant novel about a man whose "own ambitions have been etched away by the emptiness of regret." Jarvi is a mid-level manager at a New England industrial lighting concern in the path of an approaching hurricane. He is a problem solver, too often frustrated in his job by an incompetent heir/owner, a self-promoting supervisor, and Stewart, a lazy, passive-aggressive engineer. But this begins to change when he strikes up a conversation with Scotty, the HVAC technician sent to repair his home's air conditioning unit. ... (read more)

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Gangs All Here

Derek Hatchett came home from his military service in Panama a changed man. Nowadays, he makes a living repossessing cars and other property from recalcitrant debtors, a position over which he is regularly given grief. However, Derek's life is about to undergo an upheaval that will make him long for the mundane days as a repo man. When Derek receives a call from a friendly detective to identify a body, he has no idea that he is about to be swept up into a vortex of criminal intrigue involving robbery, murder, and white supremacy groups. Cops believe he murdered an associate, and thugs believe he has knowledge of a stolen and valuable artifact. With his back against the wall, Derek will need as many resources as he can find to fight a war on the home front against murderous militants in Arkansas while keeping overzealous law enforcement at bay. ... (read more)

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Turning Points

Poet Hait presents sage ideas in a gently illustrated format, centered on questions anyone might ask while traversing the winding road of life. The collection begins with "Fierce Gratitude," a personal exhortation to seek the reward that one deserves but may sometimes avoid. In "Bad News," he speculates that his woes are self-created, but if someone offers him advice, he will listen. Readers will quickly grasp his underlying template: constantly questioning himself while seeking to become the shining example he envisions, which lies beyond his doubts and attachment to self-created direction. He must circumvent the battle between heart and head, absorbing the rapture that is always available. ... (read more)

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Stirring Spiritual

Harper candidly recounts his career as a Christian minister in rural Central Florida, having been drawn to professional ministry when he was a university freshman. Informing his father, who had envisioned, but never pursued, a career as a missionary, Harper's aspirations were seen as an answer to the prayers of both. With his wife and three young children, he accepted the role of Baptist pastor in Astatula, where he garnered successes along with hard-won lessons. Parishioners might be rude, but pastors must control their reactions, offering the best examples, "not being thin-skinned or easily offended." Scenarios both amusing and distressing are depicted, as Harper explores the exigencies of his profession. ... (read more)

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Coming of Age

Ray Mundo dreams of escaping the crushing poverty that afflicts his family. Living in a trailer in Nopales, Arizona, on the border between America and Mexico, he suffers the indignities of cheap meals and the growing tension between his parents, while praying (in vain, it seems) for a better life. When a teacher encourages him to enroll in a private school, Ray does so. To his surprise, he's accepted to Luxville Academy, the third-best school in the nation. ... (read more)

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Heartwarming

The diagnosis of autism came when Ruthie McQuilty was a toddler. However, Ruthie grew up in a household surrounded by loving family members who looked out for her and sought to understand her. In the early stages, this proved tough as Ruthie was uncommunicative. This changed when a teacher named Miss Swanson arrived and, after observing Ruthie, informed a grateful Mrs. McQuilty that Ruthie's hearing was fine and Mrs. McQuilty could get Ruthie to communicate by allowing herself to enter Ruthie's own world. Once Ruthie began to communicate regularly, she showed herself to be a precocious and affectionate child. As Ruthie got older, she exuded unique talent and a keen intellect, prompting her parents to consider enrolling her in school and giving her a bit of normalcy in life. ... (read more)

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Pathways

The work describes many details of the author's physical and emotional challenges and crises. The narrative also explains the ways in which his spirituality has been enhanced. Severely dyslexic, Mountz decided to record his work with the help of his friend, Bob Rube. The primary author experienced accidents, among them broken bones that healed quickly and completely, in a process the author firmly believes was the result of divine intervention. Although challenged by severe depression, he was ultimately able to regain control of his life. Later, a friend's cancer cure was facilitated through prayers. Mountz's compassion for people with disabilities was enhanced by a hospital stay. He has felt the presence of God in his life. As a result, he has made a spiritual promise to be faithful and work for the good of others. ... (read more)

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Life's Marathon

Author MacLeod shares his engaging memories of a vast array of adventures, aspirations, and philosophies, drawing on years spent in various professions and locations, as well as personal encounters. As a teen, he spent much of his time in the Canadian wilderness, hunting, fishing, and playing cow manure games with his friends. During and after secondary school, he worked in forestry, logging, and tree planting. His career began with employment by Scotiabank in seven communities, often requiring him to carry a gun. He was drawn into bold forays and notable encounters with criminals. ... (read more)

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Practical Jung

Lippincott, a Jungian psychologist, defines Carl Jung's analytical psychology and explores its many aspects. The author draws upon his decades of experience as a psychologist, using an amalgamation of clients to illustrate how he "integrated analytical psychology with family therapy." As an example of his work, consider a family unit of three in which the father, a minister, approaches him about problems with his teenage daughter. He states, "This is not the case study of an individual family but a descriptive narrative that is real in the sense that it is ubiquitous in our culture in many ways." He counsels the parents, both individually and together, as well as the daughter, and eventually the entire family succeeds. In this work, Lippincott presents his methods and valuable insights into modern family dynamics. ... (read more)

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Informative & Persuasive

The Holy Bible can be seen in a variety of ways and with many meanings, and in Elliott's book, the focus is on the importance of numbers in Scripture. The author goes in depth on how the numbers are not just placed there. There is a reason behind everything, and it is symbolic. The book questions whether these are just historical facts or technical details. Elliott explains that it is not just a coincidence that there are twelve apostles, or that Jesus tells his followers to forgive their brother seventy-seven times. The same goes for the three kings bearing gifts or the number of dreams that Daniel had. ... (read more)

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The Last Days

After worldwide wars cause famine and drought on Earth, Joe and Martha are forced to leave their desecrated farm. The Movement is now the law of the land, and those who don't follow their philosophy and reject the required mark on the forehead or wrist are rounded up by The Betrayer. Joe and Martha search for the Finder, whom they hope will guide them to safety. They are skeptical when they discover that Jane, the Finder, is blind. She agrees to lead them and keep them safe and fed. They arrive at a cave that provides adequate shelter and is stocked with basic food items. Here Jane tells them she awaits Jesus, whose appearance is announced by seven trumpet blasts as prophesied. As the battle between Christ and the Betrayer draws near, believers prepare to stand with Jesus against the false Messiah—aka the Beast, the Betrayer, the villain of Revelation. ... (read more)

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Dynamic Work

Kalbach presents his dedication to holy scripture, sharing his assiduously organized references to The Day of the Lord (TDOTL), an event prophesied by Jesus and explicated by His followers. It will be a time both "wonderful and terrible" for humanity and must be understood before it is too late. Kalbach focuses on eschatology, exploring, for himself and his readers, the implications of the end times. He moves from the Old Testament to the New, citing the words of early prophets, and most significantly, those of Jesus. The apocalyptic predictions include the darkening of the skies and the prevalence of fires, expressing God's wrath. But those who fully give themselves to the Lord will be spared, with the resurrection of previous believers and the gathering of those alive in the final days. ... (read more)

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For All Ages

This rhyming, illustrated book about grown-ups' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors takes readers through many themes, such as love, songs about feeling blue, and the search for what is true in life. It also looks at seeking advice, being nice, and considering what's true, what's legal, and what's illegal, while showing a picture of a gun for what's legal and a picture of a marijuana leaf for what is illegal. The book continues in this vein by examining other subjects, including worrying, gossip, finding a perfect kiss, and changing oneself and others. Finally, it examines understanding, having an ultimate plan, whether money is important, feeling connected and accepted, fear of judgment, being hurt, suffering, and finding answers. The book ends with a recap of the story. ... (read more)

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