Giving is Not Just For The Very Rich: A How-To Guide For Giving And Philanthropy

In Giving Is Not Just for the Very Rich: A How-To Guide for Giving and Philanthropy, Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson provides a comprehensive account of charitable giving in the contemporary world, both the theory behind it and the practical steps involved. Through examples from her own life as well as from the lives of famous people in various fields, she highlights the importance of giving back to society and the ways in which doing so can be accomplished, whatever the individual’s personal wealth (or lack thereof).

To lay a foundation for those who are new to the concept and/or practice of philanthropy, the first section of the book, titled “Giving Benefits Others and Yourself,” establishes the myriad reasons why someone might choose to engage in charitable giving, including recovery from illness and desire to share expertise. Here, Gitelson stresses the benefits that both the giver and the receiver of charity enjoy, and she also explains how deeply rooted philanthropy is in the United States. Of particular interest is Gitelson’s summary of her own introduction to charitable giving, which highlights how you can never be too young to get involved.

Section two, “Different Kinds of Impassioned Giving for Maximum Effect,” then adds further detail to the different ways philanthropy can be practiced, offering brief examples of giving by people such as Warren Buffet, Bill and Melinda Gates, and George Soros. Given the personal wealth of these people, their level of giving is well beyond what is possible for most people, but it is still interesting and inspirational to read about. So too are the descriptions of innovative givers such as Paul Tudor Jones, who started the Robin Hood Foundation to reduce poverty, and social entrepreneurs such as the founders of Google.

While most of the examples in this section center on financial giving and investment to improve society, there is also a useful subsection on volunteering, which includes examples of organizations that are always seeking volunteers, including Big Brothers Big Sisters and Operation HOPE. As Gitelson is largely writing for an American audience, the listed organizations are based in the United States, but they can still serve as examples for readers seeking to identify similar organizations in other countries.

Plus, these practical examples lead nicely into the third section, “Major Areas for Giving,” where Gitelson offers more concrete suggestions for becoming involved in charitable giving, for example, through religious organizations. As the book is a short one, the ideas and information provided are often brief and introductory, but while it would have been helpful to have more detail provided, they do serve as useful signposts toward finding out more. Whether interested in contributing to sports, science and medicine, education, or various other fields, there is something for everyone here.

Importantly, while Giving Is Not Just for the Very Rich is clearly intended to encourage and inspire philanthropy, Gitelson also takes pains to protect would-be givers from people and organization that might seek to exploit their generosity. Indeed, the “How to Evaluate Charities” section sets out both principles and practical steps for ensuring that you are giving wisely, while the “Choices and Commitments: How Will Your Contributions Have the Greatest Impact” sections explains how to identify the most appropriate project for you. Such information should serve to safeguard givers and promote worthy causes.

Overall, Giving Is Not Just for the Very Rich is a useful resource for those looking to take their first steps toward charitable giving. Through theory and real-world examples, Gitelson provides both encouragement and inspiration, helping readers to find the best philanthropic path for them.


Most people think philanthropy is meant for the rich alone; however, they engage in philanthropic activities without even knowing it. This book shatters the misconception and proves that anyone can be a philanthropist, regardless of their income level. America boasts a high percentage of givers, and despite the economic challenges they have faced in recent years, giving is still a part of their lifestyle. Research has shown that giving is more fulfilling than receiving, and the book opens with a wonderful quote that says, “Giving is a two-way street. By helping others, we not only enrich their lives but also experience a profound sense of joy and purpose ourselves.”

The author then cites examples of notable philanthropists, allowing readers to explore various ways of making a difference. Gitelson also highlights the power of volunteering, a universally accessible form of giving, and further emphasizes the importance of aligning your volunteer efforts with your passions, as that would help you perform at your best.

For people who have the funds available and want to donate to causes of interest, the book offers a roadmap for strategic giving and talks about different areas of charitable support, from religious institutions and educational causes to scientific research and art. It's impressive that the author doesn't just stop at encouraging readers to give; she equips them with the tools to give wisely. I liked the section where she provided guidance on how to evaluate charities. She outlined red flags to look out for and emphasized the importance of researching the organization's goals, programs, finances, and level of transparency.

I believe this would empower readers to make solid decisions and ensure their donations have a genuine impact. Giving Is Not Just for the Very Rich by Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson is an inspiring and enlightening read. The author has many years of experience working with clients and organizations, and her expertise and knowledge shine through in the book.

One of the things I liked most was how the book is beginner-friendly and the steps highlighted are practical enough. The book is also filled with references and links to resources for further reading or research. It doesn't matter if you're a seasoned philanthropist or just starting your giving journey; Gitelson's book offers expert insights and practical guidance to help you make the best choices. So, if you're ready to experience the joy of giving and make a positive difference in the world, pick up this book and discover the power of your generosity, big or small.


Dr. Gitelson has extensive experience with philanthropy. Her father allowed her to be involved in his charitable pursuits from a young age, and she has spent the many decades of her adult life involved with various foundations and awards, some of which she established and designed herself. Because of this, she knows not only the effects charity can have on the world but also the effects it can have on the people who give. To spread her knowledge and encourage more charity, she has written a book detailing how people of more modest means can support charitable endeavors.

At least, that is what the book sets out to do. To an extent, it succeeds. Dr. Gitelson mentions ways for people who are not millionaires or billionaires to contribute to causes without spending money they might need for essentials, such as participating in walks for charity or working with community groups. There were some excellent pieces of advice, such as doing your research on a charity before donating and picking a specific cause to focus on rather than spreading out your impact too much.

However, a significant portion of the book is not a how-to guide so much as it is a description of what other people have done. This is not an entirely useless part of the book—Dr. Gitelson provides links to the websites of some of the organizations she mentions so that interested readers can learn more—but it doesn’t take long for it to become tedious. I wanted to learn how I could help others, not how people with considerably more wealth and status already had.

In addition, some of Dr. Gitelson’s advice is impractical for ordinary people. She suggests beginning a foundation or establishing an award at a local university but gives no actual advice on how to do so, perhaps assuming people will be able to figure out such details on their own. The book could have also used an editor. There were multiple typos throughout, making the book seem overall less reputable.

This book could be very useful, and I’m certain it will help people who want to get involved in charity but don’t know where to start. I find it more useful as a reference book rather than a how-to guide, though, and would advise skimming through it and skipping around through different sections. As a whole work, it is dense and difficult to get through.


Dr. Susan Aurelia Gitelson's Giving is Not Just For The Very Rich is a resourceful guide for learning the ropes of giving and becoming a philanthropist. Learn how some religious organizations favor philanthropy and discover the contributions of community foundations. Find out how billionaires like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg are working toward making the world a better place. Follow Dr. Susan's compilation of volunteer projects, including Project Appleseed and the National Academy Foundation. The book contains a list of areas and organizations that the reader might find interesting while considering where to start. It will help you align with a rewarding path of giving, even if you don't have the riches of millionaires or the time to be fully engaged in philanthropy.

I enjoyed reading Giving is Not Just For The Very Rich. The book's elaborate insights are neatly constructed and organized into accessible chapters and segments. You can read it by selecting a random chapter or finding a title that resonates with you since each chapter is somewhat separate and unique from the other chapters. As a music artist, I was inspired by Gustavo Dudamel's story. His thoughtful initiative encourages "less advantaged children to learn and develop through music."

The book has an atmosphere that draws you in and compels you to read every page with close attention. Susan's deep research results in a book that's highly resourceful and filled with valuable revelations. The information is communicated in simple, expressive language, with no cumbersome or overwhelming chapters. Also, a section that is made up of introspective words and smart guidelines is designed to help readers decide how they wish to give. Here, you will gain access to thoughtful instructions like, "Consider your values and what appeals to you most."

I am pleasantly surprised to find out how sophisticated the world of giving is in Giving is Not Just For The Very Rich. Susan has done a highly commendable job of compiling a rich list of options for individuals who wish to start giving or give more. No matter what your interests or preferred social groups are, you will find a philanthropic path that resonates with you—whether it's in music, sports, education, or science.

This book is one I wish everyone would read. Consider how much more beautiful life would be if a majority of us made it a goal to contribute to providing education to the young, combating diseases, supplying poor communities with necessary amenities, or any other noble cause. Read it, find a suitable philanthropic program, and prepare to feel the joy in your soul as you make efforts to improve the lives of your fellow humans.


Heliacal Star

Horse racing is often referred to as the “Sport of Kings.” The elite of the thoroughbred horses that win the biggest races (i.e. Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes) are utilized for breeding when their racing days are done. The next generation of championship thoroughbreds are soon appearing at Keeneland, KY, where they are auctioned off to hopeful owners seeking their own shot at immortality. One colt that stands out is a horse with a star on its forehead, the owner soon dubs him Heliacal Star.

Heliacal Star has had his ups and downs in his racing career. However, his owner Alex Sherman is hopeful that his horse will recover from a recent injury and finish strong in his upcoming races. Matt Galiano is also interested in the future of Heliacal Star. Matt is a regular bettor at Belmont and feels a connection between himself and the horse that is almost spiritual. Matt is an adept handicapper who has been picking winners since he was a boy. However, he is shocked to learn that there is a plan to fix the race that marks Heliacal Star’s return. Matt is nearly caught eavesdropping and must make a mad dash to safety.

Matt decides to reach out and alert a trainer named Kristine Connelly. Connelly knows Heliacal Star’s current trainer and knows what he’s capable of. Unfortunately, the conspirators altered their plan after Matt was seen to be listening in. Despite getting off to an awkward start, Matt and Kristine bond over their love of horses and racing. Matt continues to attend the races but is soon attracting the attention of former associates who have a score to settle with him. Soon, Matt considers a plan to purchase Heliacal Star and have Kristine train him, but he will require a good sum of money to pull that off.

The fast-paced world of horse racing serves as the background to this entertaining novel. Matt Galiano took to horse racing as it offered a way to bond with his father. His uncanny ability to pick out winners further cemented that bond while also bringing Matt into the orbit of some shady individuals. Matt is a dreamer, but not necessarily in the run-of-the-mill fashion. He bets with precision but doesn’t attempt a foolish bet until it involves a chance to own his dream.

The men who he and Kristine butt heads against are compromised men living desperate lives. “Louisville” Larry Lonsdale is a brutish thug intent on delivering harsh punishment, yet he must keep his own betrayal secret from his murderous bosses. Ron McGee trains horses but cuts corners and cheats when it serves his own purposes, including clearing outstanding gambling debts. The plot of the narrative is straightforward, the dialogue is well-written and authentic. Author Victor Bahna tells a compelling story from start to finish.


Heliacal Star

The story begins with Matt Galiano listening in on a discussion about match rigging at the racetrack. The culprits found out and started looking for Matt since they knew that if he revealed their secret, it might jeopardize their business. Due to his love of horses, Matt Galiano is frequently spotted attending horse races to observe the action. The Heliacal Star was his favorite racehorse, and it was famous for its speed and agility, but recently, its performance has suffered as a result of being a victim of a race-fixing ring. The sport was well-liked and popular among Belmont Park residents.

Matt meets Kristine Connelly, a talented horse trainer who offers him help from the criminals, when he's fleeing Tony and his men. In the end, Matt and Kristine work together to expose the villains, but the situation is more difficult than before because the gangsters want to exact revenge on Matt. Along the journey, a bond is formed between Matt and Kristine as their shared love of horses and amazing friendship bring them together. The tale is enhanced by the variety of people, each of whom has a unique story. For instance, Alex Sherman disregarded his responsibility to safeguard the Heliacal Star, and other charges of animal abuse, fraud, and theft were brought against Marie Casey and John Nanske, among other individuals.

The characters were a labor of love for the author. Readers can identify with them because there were both heroes and villains present. Gangster and compulsive gambler Tony Kaufman consistently manipulates the odds to his advantage. Whether it's collecting insider information, buying off players, bribing officials, or fixing races, he cheats to win. Larry, his assistant, has a criminal history and will follow Tony's orders no matter what. Though Tony is an intriguing character, Matt is still my favorite. Obviously, because he's the good guy in the story.

Prior to meeting Kristine, Matt felt a little alone. He went to races more frequently to pass the time when his father died away, and he constantly wished he might find someone who shared his enthusiasm for racing. His transition from being friends with Kristine to a loving partner was fascinating to read about. I could simply tell they were meant to be together.

I think the story was captivating enough, and the plot was straightforward. The author writes with a wealth of knowledge about horses. As someone who didn't know anything about horses, my understanding has grown drastically. For those who enjoy a blend of romance, horse racing, suspense and crime fiction, Victor Bahna's Heliacal Star is highly recommended.


Lessons from the Sidelines

Lessons from the Sidelines is a beautifully written book by Karen R. Blake, MBA about her experiences raising two sons and the lessons she learned while sitting on the sidelines during their sporting events. The first thing I thought of when I started reading this book was, "This is the book all of us moms say we should write but then never do." Raising kids, you never know what is going to happen on a day-to-day basis. Sometimes they say the funniest things or sometimes they do something so silly or something so genius that you say, "I should write this down so I don't forget it." But then we forget. Well, this mom actually wrote the book! Blake was very clever in organizing it, however, because her book actually has a theme. She gives her readers an anecdotal story and then follows it up with how we can all apply the lesson learned in each story to our everyday lives.

One of the lessons I especially enjoyed was Lesson 6. Lesson 6 states, "Learn your sport from those who have proven that they are better than you." The story she tells is about how her two children, James and William, have increased their knowledge in anything they set out to do, including sports and academics. They have gone to camps and taken enrichment courses to learn more than the average person. The real-time application Blake states is, "Go to as many workshops and seminars that you can to improve yourself personally and professionally." I think this lesson is a good one as so many people think they can get ahead by maintaining the status quo instead of becoming better than the status quo.

Some of the other interesting lessons include, "Whenever possible, beat your coach to practice", "Little League is the perfect environment to try everything because everyone (until proven otherwise) can play every position", and "There are times when it is best to make the first move."

Lessons from the Sidelines is a short book but packs a lot of great advice into its pages. Moms will love being able to relate to the stories and it will make readers think about how they can do some of the ideas suggested in the book such as volunteering and bettering themselves. This is a book that can be enjoyed by all ages, however, and even children in their teens will enjoy it.


Upstaged (A Graphic Novel)

Meet Ashton, they are about to enter high school, so it’s their last year for theater camp. Ivy is Ash’s best friend, and Ash also has a crush on her. Ash wants to spend as much time with Ivy as possible, But the two are sent to different cabins and they are doing different things. Will Ash get the perfect summer that they were hoping for?

I liked the art in this book, it was very cute and kind of a mix of cartoon and anime. The story really flowed well when I read it, and I liked the idea of it too. I didn’t really like that there was a lot of romance involved, but a lot of books have romance in them. My favorite character was Paige, who was part or the theater crew, because she always tried to help Ash, no matter what.

I recommend this book to people who like books about theater, camp, and coming of age stories.


Bespelled (The Bewitched Series, 2)

After narrowly avoiding the Samhain ball massacre by agreeing to an unbreakable oath with her vengeful soulmate, Selene finds herself framed for the gruesome murders plaguing the supernatural community. Events continue to spiral as memories from her previous life return, leaving her heartbroken with the possibilities of what could have been. But Selene isn’t the only one affected. As the details of their final day are unveiled, Memnon surrenders control as restitution for the wrongs committed against his Queen.

While the two explore if their past has a place in the present, enemies both old and new circle. The defeat of each foe uncovers painful layers of betrayal shielding the true evil from exposure. Momentum builds as bonds forged through love and loyalty are tested against forced bonds of servitude.

The second installment of the series expands upon the thoughtfully constructed supernatural murder mystery plot which is independently strong. However, when paired with a scorching slow burn romance spanning millennia the tension is absolutely divine. Charismatic yet imperfect characters navigate a tenuous line between good and evil as they fight for each other, for their world, and for what they hope will be remembered by history as the righteous side.


Life in the Key of G

Life is fast and rough, so take it slow and easy whenever possible. What better person to learn this philosophy from than Kenny G and his smooth, delectable sax-playing? In his memoir Life in the Key of G, Kenny details his life from elementary school to the present in personal and professional areas. He recalls and shares behind-the-scenes information related to every feat and accomplishment along the way. His book serves as a dual memoir and self-help, as Kenny uses his experiences and knowledge to share profound and positive "tips" to achieve happiness and better understand yourself.

 One would struggle to pinpoint or label Kenny as anything in particular, as he presents himself as a jack of all trades through aspects of his personality, being curious and tenacious. His writing and content are engaging and inviting, and he immerses the reader into his world; he writes objectively and is not shy to give credit where credit is due. Every chapter/experience from his life ties into the others, complementing and reminding of information shared earlier and later in the book. His use of imagery is soothing and relaxing. Life in the Key of G teaches about an inspirational man inside and outside the music.


The Forest of Lost Souls

Vida is five years old when tragedy lands her in the care of her uncle. A gruff but kind recluse, he raised her in seclusion in a peaceful wilderness. She has both the happiest and most sorrowful times in her life and after losing the love of her life, she holds on to the predictions a seer made when she was ten, that she will enjoy peace and love. A mysterious stranger is watching her, she doesn’t know why but knows it will become clear. She’s not afraid and is prepared to deal with them and she knows they are coming.

The author brilliantly sets the scene for the calm before the storm. Normally I don’t like stories that switch from past to present, but in this one it heightens the suspense and made this impossible to put down. The picturesque descriptions make you feel as if you are there. I enjoyed getting to know the main character and was invested in her journey right away. I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes atmospheric thrillers.


Irena's Gift

Holocaust books are seductive. Irena's Gift is a case in point. We have heard and read so much, aware that despite eighty years having passed, memories of unimgineable horrors have barely diminished. Yet each new book inroduces another family, another saga with secrets that have laid hidden for decades.

When Australian author Karen Kirsten, raised as a Christian, receives an unexpected letter from Canada revealing her Jewish heritage,  she is beyond astounded, She learns how her mother, the daugher of Irena, was smuggled from the Warsaw ghetto in a backpack. Alicja, Irena's sister, Karen's dearest relative, has kept the secret for decades.

Determined to get to the root of the remarkable story, Karen flies to Poland. She learns of her family's comfortable, wealthy lifestyle is torn apart as the War begins, their dying in concentration camps, escapes, false papers, precarious jobs, attempts to defy the Nazis.Her trip is a whirlwind of discovery.

The book reads easily, but it demands attention to distinguish one rone relative from another, and contend with the different generations, the Polish names, reaching back and forth from past to present. Realizing that the pages tell facts not fiction, the book is not enjoyable, but terrifying.


Medicinal Plants of North America: A Field Guide (Falcon Guides)

Falcon Guides: Medicinal Plants of North America is an extremely informative book for anyone who would like to know more about plants that have been used for their medicinal qualities. The book's chapters are organized according to where the plants are found. For example, Chapter 1 is "Medicinal Plants of Yards and Meadows", Chapter 2 is "Medicinal Herbs of Eastern Forested Areas", Chapter 3 is "Woody Plants of Eastern States" and so on. Also included are a Longevity Index, Jim Meuninck's Top Garden Herbs, Helpful Websites, and an index of the plant names. The book lists herbal preparations (how to use the herbs) which is quite useful, especially for someone who has never used herbs. Each plant or herb lists its Name, Scientific name, Identification, Habitat, food (how to use it as food), Traditional uses, Modern uses, Veterinarian/Wildlife (How animals in the wild react to it), and any known cautions one must know about the plant or herb. The book has over 160 different plants and herbs to read about.

The first thing I thought of when I started looking through this book is how perfect it would be in a survival kit. Anyone out in the woods would benefit from this field guide and it could save a life in an emergency. It includes common plants like cherries and cranberries and uncommon ones like Gentian and Lobelia. This is a great book with real-life uses.


It's Only a Game

A year ago, Marina Chan ran from her old life. She’s sixteen and living in the back room of a restaurant, but at least she’s safe. That is, until she joins an online gaming group, which is offered a tour of the headquarters of their favorite gaming company. During the tour, the CEO is murdered and the team is going to be framed for it unless they win four rounds of their favorite game. The team is told there are consequences for failing, but It’s Only a Game, right? Marina and her friends will have to decide how far they are willing to go to survive this particular game where someone plays for keeps.

Being a girl gamer myself and living near Seattle, this story called to me. However, I found it lacking. The characters were hard to connect with, the plot was a bit out there, and you could see every twist coming from a mile away. I would say the most positive thing about the book is how it showcases the ability of games to bring people together, not isolate them. Otherwise, I wouldn’t really recommend you read this unless you have nothing better to do.


New Adventures in Space Opera

Of all the sub-genres of Science Fiction, the Space Opera has inspired discussions and arguments about the true meaning. Most writers agree that the genre involves space travel, with elements of adventure and romance at a grand scale. The idea of the Space Opera has evolved as new authors push the boundaries and characteristics defining the genre. But one thing is sure: Space Operas will continue to entertain the masses for years to come in various forms, from multi-installment epic sagas to short stories.

New Adventures in Space Opera is a new anthology curated and edited by Johnathan Strahan. This is a collection of short stories by the who's-who of current award-winning, best-selling authors of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Strahan starts this book with Tobias S. Buckell’s Zen and the Art of Starship Maintenance. Normally, this would be a hard act to follow, but with authors such as Yoon Ha Lee, Becky Chambers, Sam J Miller, and other talents, the adventures continue. The stories are as diverse as the international cast of all-star writers. This is an excellent collection for fans of Space Operas and those needing an escape to far new places.


Cypria: A Journey to the Heart of the Mediterranean -- A Gripping New History of Cyprus

The concept of an island conjures up an image of remoteness. In contrast, Cyprus, the subject of Cypria, was always far from isolated. The third largest island in the Mediterranean, measuring some 140 by 60 miles, Cyprus has been tumbling over itself with human activity since prehistory. Author Alex Christofi has packed the history of the island in an outstanding profile, dexterously combining natural history with politics, warfare, religion and, in his words, a “hybrid essence.”

As the soil rebels against the cultivation of grains or pulses, olives became an early economic option, and the production of wine for five thousand years. Nature treads a path throughout, beautiful descriptions of landscapes and trees. The climate less favorable, and graphically described by the first British High Commissioner who wrote that in the heat and aridity he couldn't ride his horse as “large pieces of his hoof break off like shortbread.”

The book's theme is the imprint of successive populations with intermittent conflicts. The Romans, Arabs, Ottomans, Turks and Greeks became dominant over the centuries, before the British, arriving in the 1870s, were the last to take the helm before Cyprus became a republic almost a century later, in 1960.


An Outbreak of Witchcraft: A Graphic Novel of the Salem Witch Trials

Have you ever heard about the Salem witch trials? In 1692, Salem, Massachusetts was rocked by mass hysteria for an entire year.  Four young girls came down with affliction and started accusing people of being witches. One thing led to another, and soon there were mass hysteria and hundreds of people were accused of witchcraft. Many were hung to their death.

This is a great nonfiction graphic novel that will introduce and teach you about the Salem witch trials. I enjoy nonfiction graphic novels because they are educational and can teach you an important subject matter through art. However, I did find the story/writing very hard to follow at times and confusing. I had to reread several scenes over again to figure out what was happening. While the character glossary was very helpful, I did have to reference it quite a bit because I had a hard time distinguishing all the characters. Recommended to teens and older who enjoy history or nonfiction books.


In Pursuit of Love: The Search for Victor Hugo's Daughter

Rarely does a novel about a protagonist's obsessive love span over half a century. Victor Hugo, author of Les Misérables and other widely known works, was France's most celebrated writer in the latter decades of the nineteenth century. Adele, his youngest child, forfeited her youthful promise as a writer and composer to pursue a young British soldier as he traveled with his regiment.

After leaving Europe, they spent a lengthy spell in Halifax, Nova Scotia, then on Barbados in the Caribbean. Adele trailed him closely, following his schedule, trying to convince her brother back home that her marriage to Albert Andrew Pinson was about to take place. It never did. Despite social, financial, and intellectual standing, the story is, most clearly, a family tragedy, as Adele's passion steals her sanity.

Novelist and biographer Mark Bostridge, fascinated in his twenties by the story after seeing Francois Truffaut's movie, introduces his own unrequited love to merge with Adele’s, an added poignancy as he, too, sees the destructive power of a love story leading to insanity. The 1860s saw the beginning of a saga that continued until Adele's death in 1915, during World War One.


Scandalous Women: A Novel of Jackie Collins and Jacqueline Susann

This fabulous imagining of the lives of erotic novelists/literary celebrities Jacquelin Susann and Jackie Collins is an absolute hill of fun. Gill Paul has captured the drug and party-filled world of 1960s nightclubs and the publishing world in her latest book Scandalous Women.

A fact I loved about the novel was Paul's commitment to representing Susann and Collins as three-dimensional women. Susann's Valley of the Dolls and Collins' The Secret Life of Married Men appeared in close proximity on the literary scene. Still, even though the women were often compared to one another, they were quite different. Susann lived in a hotel--she and her husband refused to cook and clean, so the built in staff was a necessity--while Collins struggled in a marriage to a man with mental health issues. She was a young mother who didn't see a future that belonged to her and her dreams until she left her first husband and married her second--a man who encouraged her but kept secrets of his own.

Gill Paul created the character Nancy White as an idealistic young woman who dreams of becoming a book editor. She functions as an intermediary between Susann and Collins and is the heart of the book in many ways.

If you're a fan of Mad Men, feminist fiction, or historical novels that immerse you into a blisteringly wild world, Scandalous Women is for you.


I Was A Teenage Slasher

In the summer of 1989, the sweltering heat is no longer the primary danger in Lamesa, Texas. A slew of grisly murders have struck the youth of the small town and Tolly Driver is at the center of the carnage.

Tolly is a high school misfit who spends most of his free time with his best friend, Amber. Tolly’s world began to go sideways upon the death of his father. As the pair attend a party with upperclassmen, Tolly’s drinking gets out of hand and he is subject to a vicious assault after committing an innocent transgression.

As Amber comes to Tolly’s aid, they are terrified upon witnessing a supernatural event in which a former classmate arises from eternal slumber and avenges his death upon various classmates. A drop of blood reaches Tolly and seeps into an open wound and something immediately stirs in Tolly’s soul and no one is safe.

Stephen Graham Jones (My Heart is a Chainsaw) knows horror, but his ability to reveal it in a subtle yet disquieting fashion makes his new release especially gripping. The friendship between Tolly and Amber provides heart in the story amidst the murderous mayhem. Jones has composed a rollicking novel meriting multiple reads.


Catch and Keep: A Novel

Outdoors enthusiast Maren Laughlin is looking to start on a new path in Wisconsin after leaving her job as a park ranger and life with her former fiancé in Michigan. In Wisconsin, she reunites with Josiah (Joe) Cole, her older brother Liam’s best friend. They spent a lot of time together growing up through Liam, but didn’t give each other a second glance due to their age gap. Now, as adults, the age difference seems trivial and they become inseparable. Still, they have a lot to overcome to become a couple, as Joe has young kids to focus on, while Maren has the world as her oyster.

Catch and Keep was a fun and swoony romance, as I’ve come to expect from Erin Hahn! I loved Maren’s connection to nature and her obvious expertise about fishing. Joe was a sweet, solid guy that put his family first. I adored the scenes with Maren’s friends Lorelai and Shelby and how they helped her admit her feelings for Joe. I loved how Maren and Joe handled challenges as a united front, and the romance scenes were hot without being over the top!


The Hollywood Assistant

Simply one of the best books I've read all year, The Hollywood Assistant has everything mystery and suspense lovers could ever want. With a broken heart, Cassidy is convinced by her best friend, Lexie, to take a job in L.A.. Lexie gets Cassidy a job as a personal assistant to the Sterlings, Nate and Marisol. Cassidy ends up loving her job. Marisol has her doing fun things, such as organizing her closet full of designer duds and even tells Cassidy to take items that don't fit Marisol. Nate is strikingly handsome, and Cassidy starts to have feelings for him.

The story is written in chronological order, with the exception of a few chapters in which two police officers are interviewing Cassidy. Why? Because someone has been murdered. Readers will have to read until the end to find out who and whodunnit, but I promise, you will not be disappointed. With twists and turns, readers will find themselves questioning which characters are reliable and which ones are liars. May Cobb is a genius, and I can't wait to hear more from her.


Harlem After Midnight (A Canary Club Mystery)

Lena Aldridge believed she left the drama behind once she disembarked the Queen Mary after a transatlantic voyage. Her passage from England to New York had been filled with an impromptu reunion with her biological mother, a hint of a romance with a musician, and three dead bodies. As Lena accompanies her new beau, Will, to Harlem, she only feels comfortable in his company. She is introduced to Will’s best friends, Louis and Claudette, who are quick to provide some details about Will’s past. Despite learning about Will’s checkered history, Lena possesses secrets of her own and doesn’t judge Will too harshly. Lena’s trip to Harlem allows her to unearth some of her family secrets and she jumps in with both feet. Lena’s progress with her investigation and her relationship with Will comes to a grinding halt with a fatal plunge from an apartment building with multiple witnesses and suspects.

Harlem After Midnight begins on a mystery and adds further conundrums along its path toward a blindsiding yet blistering denouement. Author Louise Hare ("Miss Aldridge Regrets") exceptionally explores the torment wrought by buried secrets and how fragile family bonds can prove to be. This is a first-class effort from beginning to end.


Man in the Water: A McKenzie Novel (Twin Cities P.I. Mac McKenzie Novels, 21)

When ex-police officer Rushmore McKenzie and his wife, Nina, take a trip to the marina one day, little do they know that they will be getting sucked into a possible murder/suicide case. Nina sees a man in the water, and she and McKenzie notify the authorities. The man, E.J. Woods is a local business owner who has a nefarious past. When Woods' daughter, Nevaeh, asks McKenzie to look into her father's mysterious death, McKenzie gets almost a little too excited.

This story was well planned out and had many suspicious characters, including Woods' wife, Bizzy. McKenzie does a better job investigating the case than the local authorities do, and they end up asking him for help.

Overall, the characters, setting, and plot were all well-written. The only thing I had a difficult time with was the pacing. It was rather slow, with McKenzie talking to the same people again and again. As the book progressed, there was also repetitive mention of how beautiful some of the women were. This made the story a little uncomfortable, especially when McKenzie was flirting and bantering with the women. It seemed a bit over the top. Overall, this was a good read but I definitely skipped over a few of the boring parts not important to the main story.


Life-in-Form - A Life in Poems

These fifty-five varied and creative poems span decades of the award-winning poet’s life from 1975–2024. As with other collections that encompass such a broad body of work, the reader is best served by dipping in, savoring one or three, and saving the rest for tomorrow’s sampling, rather than reading straight through. He covers a variety of subjects, some classic, like the poet Shelley who “between tragedy and lyric/drown the best specimen yet submerged/in the land-loving sea.” Or the Greek philosopher Heraclitus re-imagined as Hera-clitus and told in a female’s voice.

Several poems form indelible portraits, such as “The Old Greaser” with “his slashing belligerent strides” who has achieved nothing through a lifetime of rebellion and recklessness. What does his aging future hold? And in “death doula” Westley powerfully speaks for someone who was once a midwife and now helps to shepherd the dying, “my pilgrim, blazing the trail before me…as we pass into the light, or maybe dark, it seems the same.”

Westley is not afraid to tackle painful subjects such as gun violence (“Les Femmes Massacrees de Montreal”) or “Thalidomide Baby,” a seven-page narrative in which he first imagines what it was like for the shocked doctors and nurses delivering “evolution’s dead-end streets.” But then the poem posits that these mis-shapen children have extraordinary skills, before finally speaking in the voice of one whose “body looks distended, is different.”

Many of the earlier poems are replete with wordplay and wordsmithing such as combining the first and last names of the artist to form “Pablicasso”, a poem in which he seeks to create in language the effects that Picasso’s cubist paintings had “like the eyeye cheeky cheek nostrils/one flared in horsey silhouette.” Sometimes he makes up words like “glimmerdisk” or “icewary” or “the rocksome ground” and we always know what they mean.

A few of the poems are obscure to me, such as “notebook orphans” which seems more of a personal list than a successful poetic creation. Or the odd 1991 poem “dOLlYe,” which appears to be a collage of typefaces with various puns encoded within.

Others are very accessible. I was particularly drawn to the love poem “Your Neruda,” which acknowledges how little a poem can do “these words cannot countermand, not even once, a single time I’ve spoken shamefully” and yet still expresses hope that it will signal to future lovers “at least a poor translation of our love.”

One of my other favorites is “Skunk Burial,” which describes roadkill (perhaps created maliciously and deliberately) and its aftermath. When its odor just won’t quit, there’s nothing to do but take matters into his own hands, only to discover something worse. I won’t spoil the poem other than to say that it brought Philip Larkin’s brilliant “Myxomatosis” about diseased rabbits to mind, and that is a high compliment indeed.


It Was Always Her

“It Was Always Her by J. L. Witterick follows a deeply written story where a man travels back in time to end the Third World War but finds the love of his life instead. A tale of love, sacrifice, and possibilities, “It Was Always Her” challenges readers to ponder the weight of their choices. With its rich character development and poignant writing style, it’s sure to keep readers remembering the book long after reading it." —Julie Blunt, Portland Book Review


It Was Always Her

“In “It Was Always Her,” J.L. Witterick does a phenomenal job of crafting a story about trying to change the past in order to save the future. Adding a drop of science fiction to the story allows the plot to take off to a world where the unimaginable is possible. Don’t we all wish we could go back in time to invest in companies such as Google and Amazon? The players are rich in character and the plot is intricate, albeit easy to follow, making this book a real winner.” —Kathryn Dare, San Diego Book Review


It Was Always Her

“Relevant to the current state of the world, ”It Was Always Her” takes readers on a trip to save the world from another war. With themes of love, loss, and sacrifice, the story is driven by both its plot and characters which are relayed in great detail. Adults of all ages 18-118, will find “It Was Always Her,” to be a driving force for deep conversations about what the future holds for us all.” —Kristi Elizabeth, San Francisco Book Review


Missing Monarchy: Correcting Misconceptions About The Middle Ages, Medieval Kingship, Democracy, And Liberty is a unique, eye-opening take on the feudal system of the Middle Ages. It covers the benefits of the current broken system of democracy and compares and contrasts the kings and lords of yesteryear versus the slimy politicians of today. Missing Monarchy gives readers a look into the devotion of peasants and serfs to their lords and kings, a direct result of the reverence the kings and lords had for their people. In contrast, today's politicians will do and say anything to get elected and feed their pockets. Their false promises for a better society are soon forgotten once elected. Leaders in the Middle Ages had more compassion for and dedication to their people. Civil servants of today are only out for themselves. Author Jeb Smith argues that life in the Middle Ages was better for every class of people, from religion to shared politics and unity. He points out that today's citizens have no business voting in politics and are grossly uneducated on essential issues. Smith gives many examples of people being clueless about the branches of government and how they function. Even worse, he points out how many people are like sheep, following what others say to make their choices, blindly conforming to what the government wants them to believe so they can be controlled. He states that just a few decades ago, people had more rights than today's people. The further you go back, the more rights the people had. I especially liked the analogies in the book, which are so simple but utterly hilarious and true. One of my favorite analogies is that every four years, when a new president is elected, this is similar to a bus with two drivers. When one driver is driving, he takes the bus in one direction, promising the people that he is taking them to the promised land. When the promised land is never reached, the other bus driver takes over and says they must go his way instead to get there. This pattern is repeated, and the people become divided over time.

Missing Monarchy is a must-read for anyone who wants to open their eyes to the way the government exerts its power over us to control and squeeze every penny possible from our bank accounts to feed their agendas. All this is done behind the scenes and under the guise of free choice through democracy.


Oldest Mom On The Playground

Humorous, entertaining, and often surprisingly poignant, the essays included in Oldest Mom On The Playground detail Judy Haveson’s triumphs, tragedies, and frequent misadventures as an older-than-average first-time mother. With wit, honesty, and just a touch of creative license, Haveson explores a diverse range of topics and issues, all of which have been impacted to some extent by motherhood, focusing on sharing experiences and fostering camaraderie rather than on giving advice.

In her late twenties, when Haveson suggested that she might get a dog, her boyfriend at the time dismissively commented that she could barely take care of herself, let alone a dog. They broke up soon afterward, but his words haunted her for years to come. Despite building a successful career and enjoying a frenetic social life, as she reached her late thirties and her friends started to get married and have babies, she began to experience some severe FOMO. Still, she continued to limit her adulting to the fun parts.

Unfortunately, Haveson did not have a stellar track record when it came to dating, which makes for some amusing anecdotes about peculiar meetings with even more peculiar men in the book but not for ease of procreation in the real world. It’s lucky, then, that she eventually met Adam via an online dating site, married him at the age of forty, and became pregnant with her first child at the age of forty-three. And her experiences from thereon out inspired her to write the collected essays to both motivate and commiserate with fellow “older moms.”

There are plenty of funny episodes recounted in Oldest Mom On The Playground, but perhaps some of the funniest occur in the essays “You’re Not Fat, You’re Pregnant,” where Haveson wears a fake pregnancy bump to try on maternity clothes, and “Adventures in Finding a Nanny,” where she ventures into the world of online childcare recruitment. There are also a fair few awkward instances where it’s difficult to tell if they’re amusing or mortifying, such as the intrusive questions mentioned in “Are You in Menopause?”

However, despite the focus on the more outlandish and absurd aspects of motherhood, Haveson doesn’t shy away from the darker days. For instance, “Pregnant at Forty, Forty-one, and Forty-two…” details her experience of multiple miscarriages, while “Time for Me to Fly” provides a brief overview of significant trauma, although it does end on an uplifting note. The collection also diverges somewhat from the topic of motherhood by exploring Haveson’s experience as a member of the sandwich generation, for example, “Do We Get Frequent Flier Miles?”

The essays included in Oldest Mom On The Playground are an eclectic bunch, meaning that there’s something to suit almost every mood. Through a canny combination of humor and pathos, Haveson’s writings manage to feel both personal and universal, like a good friend offering some much-needed encouragement and understanding. Plus, there are a lot of laughs to be had from her exploits.


The Wrong Station (Mystery Chronicles of New York Women)

Lorna Raven’s nightmare began as the result of bad timing. Lorna is a noted videographer and had recently departed a gala in New York City and was on her way to Queens. Her miscalculation results in getting off at the wrong train stop and she finds herself adrift in an unfamiliar town at an unfriendly hour. She approaches a lit-up house and asks the homeowner for assistance. The man named Mike appears friendly enough and offers Lorna a ride. Lorna’s relief transforms into terror as a glance into another room reveals two dead bodies. Lorna maintains her calm but knows she must get away from this potentially dangerous man.

Lorna’s instincts prove right as she has Mike drop her off at a random location and he summarily follows her. Once she has managed to elude her pursuer and get home, she needs to alert the authorities. Despite being nearly inconsolable, Lorna speaks to the police along with her TV journalist brother Poe and leads them to the alleged crime scene. Lorna is floored when the house is empty and seemingly devoid of evidence. However, Poe and the cops believe her.

Lorna is determined not to let this dramatic hiccup derail her life. She wants to get lost in her work and plans to document a friend’s political campaign. Meanwhile, the man she knows as Mike and his partner are at large and are looking to tie up loose ends. Lorna is also being surveilled by a former beau and federal agent named Jefferson. The motives behind the double murder hint at cloak-and-dagger activities which necessitate Lorna being placed in a safe house under Jefferson’s watchful eye. Lorna’s world has been upended and her proximity to her ex is added to the mounting problems she must contend with.

The Wrong Station is a fine-tuned mystery that begins with a perfect take on a character being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Danger is not an unfamiliar feeling for Lorna Raven as she and her brother Poe had previously survived a harrowing ordeal involving high-level government corruption. Lorna distinguishes herself by her quick thinking both in escaping her probable executioner and getting home. The adrenaline rush from the early stages of the narrative doesn’t fade away as Mike and his partner Andrea resolve to finish their job. Lorna is an impeccable protagonist because she is human and flawed. She is determined to the point of foolhardiness, she loves Todd but still longs for Jefferson, and she is a winning character all around. Ilona Joy Saari (Freeze Frame) has written a lively and clever novel combining thrills, romance, and funny meta moments.


Snoodles in Space, Episode 2: The Zoodles Strike Back

Snoodles in Space Episode 2: The Zoodles Strike Back is the second installation in the Snoodles series by Stephen Joseph. In this book, we revisit the town of Noodleham where the zaniest, most fun inventions come from. The Groodlemobile, invented by Grumpy Grimy Groodleman, runs on a nasty substance called Grool that makes the town’s water stinky. The Krautmobile has replaced this and the Snoodle which runs on noodles has replaced the Krautmobile. After all, Noodles smell way better than Grool or sauerkraut. Groodleman is, of course, not happy about his prize invention being replaced. This is when the Evil Kidoodle from Planet Zoodle comes with a proposition for Groodleman. His evil plan includes putting Willy Nilly dust on Ricky and Briana's cake so that they become nincompoops and want to eat grool. Readers who have read the first book will remember that Ricky and Briana are the kids of the inventor of the Snoode, Norman.

This book has colorful illustrations that kids of all ages will love. Some of the pictures are more storybook/graphic novelish and some are full pages of bright illustrations with many details. The illustrator, Andy Case, does a fantastic job of bringing the story to life.

The silly rhyming and fun alliterations in the story will make kids giggle. I recommend reading this book out loud because the words are so funny you'll want to repeat them. Say "Willy Nilly Nilly Dust" five times fast!

The characters in this book are adorable even when they are evil. There are cute dogs and odd-looking aliens, as well as The Grand Zoodle who looks like a little King Tut in a diaper.

The story advances when Evil Kidoodle wants to make everyone in Noodleham a nincompoop, or as they call it, a Willy Nilly Noodle and Dilly Dally Doodles. Oh no! Who will come to save Noodleham?

When two unlikely heroes step forward, kids will cheer as Noodleham is spared of Grool and its townfolks spared of becoming Willy Nillies and Dilly Dallies.

Overall, this book is fun for children of all ages simply because of the silly language. In terms of comprehension, I would recommend it more to third through sixth graders. Parents will enjoy reading this colorful, detailed book to their children and kids will ask their parents to repeat the funny words over and over again. If you're looking for some comic relief, Snoodles in Space Episode 2: The Zoodles Strike Back is the book for you!


Julius Fox

The burden of being a prime minister is heavy for Julius Fox. He finds himself in the thick of planning to relocate with his fellow foxes, but he is surrounded by troubles on all sides. First, his love, Felicity, might be cheating, and he fears losing her. Also, Shadowfox, the notorious serial killer, might be one of the foxes joining the foxdom to relocate.

Amidst this pandemonium, Julius Fox finds the world much more complicated than meets the eye as he discovers more dangers that threaten to destroy life. John Exe's Julius Fox is about a fox leader who races to save his kind while battling multiple challenges that get more intense and volatile as the story progresses.

Prepare for a highly engaging read since John's plot is constantly busy with multiple twists and new characters. From witches and zombies to aliens and vampires, the book's blend of character groups offers readers an opportunity to experience a unique tale that merges various attractive fantasy themes.

The plot centers on animal characters that act calculated and organized, which reminded me of George Orwell's Animal Farm. However, the animals are in a state of transformation and becoming more familiar with the human world. For example, Julius Fox shares his desire to "learn more about this music and, perchance, even endeavor to perform it" after hearing about music and listening to rock and roll songs.

The book's unique language in conversations, which is described as medieval English, adds to its unique atmosphere. Though I found it fun to read words like "verily" and "doth" in conversations, I appreciated that the rest of the book was written in regular, straightforward English.

As much as I loved its engaging themes, the book's fast pace and its large collection of themes felt uncomfortable. Some themes are underdeveloped, and some characters have very minor roles, leading to a loosely connected story. I wished to see more of Cyril the Squirrel, Reginald Rat, and some other characters that I had already started to like while I was reading the book.

Julius Fox offers a mentally stimulating experience with its unique themes, complete with stories about the earth's history and scenes involving other realms. John's metaphoric story engenders deep thoughts about humanity's impact on the earth and how it affects other living organisms. All in all, when it comes to offering a thrilling experience with unpredictable twists and thought-provoking themes, Julius Fox has got you covered. Give it a try, and you'll find yourself losing track of time.


Inheritance (Rare Earth Trilogy)

With an expanding need for new technology and even newer gadgets, the rare earth materials needed to produce these are dwindling. Humankind had to turn elsewhere to find these elements. The latest gold rush is in deep space. Asteroid mining is the way of the future. Thea Watts is well familiar with deep space mining. Her father was the founder and owner of Watts Astromining Company. In its heyday, it was one of the top mining companies. But when Thea’s father dies, everything is left to her, including the Zephyr, his antiquated mining ship. Unable to sell the ship, be it the curiosity of space or stubborn pride, Thea decides to continue in her father’s space-booted footprints. Assembling a ragtag crew of misfits, Thea takes on the dangers of asteroid mining and human greed.

Inheritance is a science fiction thriller by Lou Iovino. Novels involving space mining have grown in popularity in recent years. Iovino adds his own exciting story to this growing genre. This is a true science fiction novel. There is no invading alien race trying to compete for resources. No lightspeed or hyperspace. No space lasers or fancy weaponry. This is a tale of the human ambition to tackle and conquer new frontiers and to eke out a living in the deadliest of environments. The action comes fast and furious as Thea and her crew delve deeper into the asteroid belt for the big score.

Along with the dangers of deep space, Iovino pits the underdog against more giant corporations and human greed and ambitions. Woven into this story is a tale of deception and espionage. Action, adventure, and intrigue come at the reader from every angle. As well as a warning of corruption.

Inheritance is not the first, nor will it be the last, novel of mining in space. Iovino does it through the lens of true science fiction with none of the fantasy. Mining in outer space will be here soon, and much of it will resemble descriptions in this novel. Readers looking to glimpse what may come will enjoy Iovino’s tale. This is a tale of danger and humans battling the elements. Jack London told of the struggles of the Yukon. Lou Iovino tells of the struggles of the dark side of the Moon, the struggles of deep space, and the struggles of mining asteroids. Just as Thea inherited her father’s ship, the reader inherited the excitement and intrigue of Iovino’s latest novel.


American Still Life

Skade Felsdottir is caught in the jaws of a creative funk. She is a photographer working on the biggest project of her career. Skade has been traversing the country and taking pictures of roadside memorials often known as descansos left in tribute to victims of highway-related tragedies. Despite the progression of her research, a malaise has been creeping inside Skade. Any downtime only leads to Skade taking up the bottle and becoming lost in thoughts of despair. Her agent has been urgently prodding Skade to complete her research and manuscript. Skade doesn’t feel as if the book is finished and in a desperate attempt to buy time, she decides to take a photo of a descanso that will force her to confront the past.

Skade left her hometown abruptly before she was to leave for college. The past is the source of recurring nightmares and her current procrastination has forced this reluctant reunion. Skade attempts to maintain a low profile in completing her work, however fate doesn’t want to comply. She is prevented from taking photos of the local monument by a construction crew, but Skade receives some luck when meeting Kit. Kit is the sole female member of the crew and is more amenable to Skade’s request. She not only promises to help get Skade access to the monument but also promises to acquaint Skade with other descansos.

The days are productive, but Skade’s nights tend to end in a mind-numbing haze of intoxication and bad decisions. The torment of her younger years is now within painful proximity and alcohol dulls the hurt. The drinking becomes more pronounced after her encounter with her ex-boyfriend Lane. Lane’s desire to rekindle their relationship leaves Skade more determined to expedite her work. Her connection with Kit and their developing friendship carries complications that further threaten Skade’s stability along with her work.

In the incredibly moving American Still Life, Skade Felsdottir is intent on keeping everyone at a distance. Her magnum opus involves the encapsulating of people’s tribute to their loved ones and keeping their memories alive while Skade’s memories are to be buried and forgotten. Skade brings an array of profound emotions to her character, free-spirited to reckless, warm to steely. Skade has found a counterbalance to the disorder in her life with Kit. Kit is a sweet and amiable woman who Skade mentors and is protective of. The ebbs and flows of their friendship define this novel. Author Jim Naremore has written a winning and appealing novel about life and death, healing, and friendship that is impactful with every plot twist.


American Still Life

In American Still Life, Jim Naremore masterfully explores the emotional turmoil of Skade Felsdottir, a photographer burdened by a dark past and an even darker present. Skade is on a mission to complete a photo essay book about descansos—roadside memorials commemorating loved ones lost to highway tragedies. Her work brings her back to her hometown of Carleton, a place she fled from years ago, haunted by painful memories that have driven her into the clutches of addiction and self-loathing.

Skade's return to Carleton forces her to confront not just the literal ghosts of the past but the figurative ones as well. Her creative process is hindered by her inner demons, with every step forward in her work matched by a descent into alcohol and drug abuse. Skade’s struggle to keep her life together is palpable as she grapples with a project that feels more personal and fraught with meaning than she ever intended.

Central to the novel is Skade's complex relationship with Kit, a shy and ungainly construction worker who becomes an unexpected ally. Kit, a self-taught puppeteer, is instrumental in helping Skade gain access to the construction site where the totems she needs to photograph are located. Their relationship evolves from one of convenience to a deeper connection as both women find in each other a mirror for their own loneliness and grief. Kit, who has lost her entire family and is particularly scarred by her sister’s death, becomes a source of stability for Skade, even as Skade’s self-destructive tendencies threaten to unravel everything.

Naremore’s writing is able to capture the oppressive atmosphere of Carleton and the suffocating weight of Skade’s past. The narrative is peppered with small but significant details that give depth to the world Skade inhabits—details that sometimes feel overwhelming, but contribute to the novel’s sense of place and mood. Skade’s encounters with her ex-boyfriend Lane, who is eager to rekindle a toxic relationship, add another layer of tension to the story, pushing her closer to the edge as she struggles to complete her book.

American Still Life is an exploration of trauma, addiction, and the arduous journey toward healing. While Skade is a challenging protagonist—often unlikable in her reckless behavior—Naremore skillfully makes her plight relatable, particularly for readers who have known someone struggling with similar issues. The novel builds to a climactic ending, where the threads of Skade’s past and present come together in a way that is both surprising and inevitable. American Still Life is a compelling and emotionally resonant read.


American Still Life

Skade Felsdottir has been tormented by a dark secret for twelve years. Now, she is confronting her demons and trying to keep it together… maybe. Skade has made a name for herself as a skilled photographer and is back in her hometown, working on a photo essay book about descansos, roadside memorials for loved ones who have passed away. During her research, she uncovers more than just the memorials and must confront her troubled past before it gets the best of her.

Struggling with addiction, unhealthy relationships, and mental health issues, Skade’s future (and present) seems uncertain. She forms an unusual relationship with Kit, a shy construction worker and self-taught puppet master, all while trying to avoid her narcissistic ex-boyfriend who has conflicting ideas of their relationship. Surprises await her at every turn, and she must remain vigilant to outlast her demons.

American Still Life is a story about forgiveness, healing from trauma, and finding joy in unexpected moments. While the main crisis in the story may be situationally unfamiliar to many readers, it captures attention and motivates readers to seek and pray for closure. Skade represents those who may appear happy on the outside but are unknowingly struggling on the inside, unfortunately hidden from many. Naremore’s writing is descriptive and poignant, making for a beautiful and compelling read. American Still Life will be added to many TBR lists for consecutive reads. Readers will enjoy (as I did) learning about the art, history, and meaning of descansos and the personalization of memorials.

I feel privileged to have read Skade’s story from start to finish, with the joys and sorrows in between. While I usually avoid prolonged conflict in stories (as in real life), the balance of negativity portrayed is well-executed and strays from causing the reader unnecessary turmoil. The story gradually builds up to a climactic ending that will leave readers stunned. The chapters are concise, providing maximum information and enjoyment in a few pages that pique the readers’ interest and investment.

I noticed parallels between American Still Life and Gillian Flynn’s Sharp Objects: both stories and authors grasp at the heart, don’t miss, squeeze, and don't let go until the end, and even then is questionable as the story lives for a while afterward. American Still Life is rated M for mature due to language, violence, sexual content, and self-harm/suicide. The comprehension level for both intellectual and emotional elements would be high school level and above.


American Still Life

American Still Life tells the story of a young woman named Skade Felsdottir who revisits her hometown after running away from it and everyone in it, many years ago. This book was attention-grabbing from the get-go. With beautiful details about the descansos, or roadside memorials, that Skade is researching, to her struggle with addiction and self-loathing, American Still Life paints a picture that readers will find tugging at their souls.

As a photographer, Skade has been hired to create a book about a set of descansos called the Fieldings Totem Poles. The problem for Skade isn't the totem poles themselves, but the fact that she must travel to Carleton, her hometown, to visit them. Author Jim Naremore does a fantastic job of allowing the reader into Skade's brain, which lets them feel her emotions from scene to scene. From anxiety to dread to I-need-some-drugs-right-now, Skade's shaky existence can be felt. I had a hard time putting this book down, as the story made me want to know what was going to happen next.

The characters in the book were essential to understanding the town of Carleton and why Skade left in the first place. When Skade first arrives, she runs into her ex-boyfriend, Lane. Because this is the only person in town she knows, she starts hanging out with him at his tattoo parlor. Then, when Skade is trying to take photos of the totems, she meets a literal roadblock. There is construction blocking access to them. Luckily, Skade meets a young woman named Kit who helps her gain access to the totems. Skade and Kit become friends because neither one of them has anyone in their lives. They are both alone, not by choice, and crave human interaction, although, at times, Skade pushes even her away. Kit is like the little sister Skade never had.

The best part of the book, although the whole thing is just so incredible, is the many plot twists. There are small hints Naremore throws at his readers nonchalantly that will make readers think, "Oh, I wonder who that was" or "I wonder what happened there," but it's not until the very end that all of the pieces come together. There were a few times I was reading, and I gasped out loud.

From its plot to its characters, to its setting, American Still Life is a meticulously crafted treasure that I would recommend to adults of all ages.


The Night Librarian: A Graphic Novel

The library can easily be one's favorite place because the books there can take you on so many different adventures, and that was the case for Page and Turner. However, it seems something isn't quite right at the library. Almost as if books are brought to life right before one's eyes. Can the twins save their library?

I really like this book because when I was younger, the library was my favorite place. I used to think about how cool it would be if books were brought to life, however after reading this book that may not be the best idea. The illustrations were so cool, with purple, blue, and greens making it very eerie. This is a fun book that is perfect for a spooky season!


This Will Be Fun: A Novel

This Will Be Fun is a three-author novel billed as a cozy fantasy romance (a romantasy, if you like) that revolves around a group of ex-heroes who saved the world a decade ago and haven’t spoken since. The death of one of their original party hangs over them all like a shadowy specter, causing them to become unwilling to move on with their lives regardless of their victory. When happenstance dredges up the enemies of their most perilous quest, they must overcome the rift that tore them apart ten years ago or face the destruction of the realm.

If I’m being completely honest, This Will Be Fun was anything but fun to read. It constantly references fantasy-style Uber, streaming media, fandom message boards, etc., which made the book a little unbearable for someone who is reading fantasy for a break from all that. Add in the pages and pages of adult characters whining about their feelings instead of communicating, the barely there plot line, and an ending that didn’t exactly make sense and this was very nearly a DNF for me.


Spatriati: A Novel

More literary fiction from Europe is now presented in English for the first time, this time from Italy, and if you like long-winded passages, with little to no dialogue and a lot of introspection, then this is the book for you. Claudia and Francesco meet in school when they are children, turning into wise and cranky adults. The first time Francesco meets Claudia he is struck by a bolt and falls head over heels, after many long passages about his lackluster home life and his two parents who no longer love each other but are compelled to stick with each other because of Francesco.

Claudia is everything Francesco isn’t and because they are such opposites of each other they will come into contact many times throughout their life. Beyond the wide eye of first love, Claudia knows that Francesco’s dad and her mother are lovers and asks if he knew that, which begins their journey of the discovery of what it means to be in love. Beyond that there is not much plot, oftentimes paragraphs are a page or more and it is more about the ennui of the generation born in the 1980s more than anything else.


Bury Your Gays

This book has an interesting conceit that falls a bit flat toward the end and the idea of a gay panic amongst small town people is a little dated. Chuck Tingle is known for his odd, and sometimes erotic, work. In this foray, we are transported to modern-day Los Angeles, where Misha Byrne is a Hollywood screenwriter who has a number of small horror movies, one successful television show and is going to win an Oscar for his short film when he is called in by his bosses for a note where he is told to either kills off his gay characters in the season finale or make them straight.

Misha refuses, as he is still in the closet to his friends and family, and suddenly characters from his horror movies are coming to life spreading havoc, death and chaos as they are coming after him and backing Misha into a corner. There are moments of brilliance in this work and moments where it feels like we are early on in the Coming Out movement of the 1980s when it was dangerous for men and women to come out of the closet, which makes the work feel a bit dated.


The Great Library of Tomorrow (Tomorrowland)

Helia has taken pride in her role as the Sage of Hope and takes every part of this seriously as she helps humanity throughout the Paperworld. But when she and her lover are attacked during a trip to the Rose Garden, everything changes and she is faced with the reality of a dangerous threat: the Ash Man. While Helia manages to escape, Xavier isn’t as lucky, but the sacrifice allows her to make her way back to the other Sages to warn them. She works to gather the necessary allies to prepare for an upcoming war while the Ash Man continues to gain power.

The world that Solace has created is breathtakingly unique with a prologue that immediately hooks you. The Great Library and the realms of Paperworld are the ideal backdrops for this epic adventure that is driven by imagination and passion for the written word. Various perspectives are woven throughout the story, introducing incredibly layered characters and adding charm to the tone. Each character’s journey has an important role to play in the fight against the Ash Man as The Great Library of Tomorrow pushes the boundaries of storytelling with clever prose, rich characters, and unique realms that you’ll be eager to delve into.


The Dead Cat Tail Assassins

Eveen has no memory of before she died, which is as it should be since her undead life has one purpose: serve  her goddess, Matron of Assassins. When Eveen is contracted for a shipping, it should be a breeze, she's done this a million times. But this job is anything but regular and Eveen finds what should be impossible—a memory from before she died—and finds herself caught in a plot far more dangerous than being an assassin.

This was not a long read and fast paced; I easily finished reading it in a couple sittings. In some places though, it felt too fast paced, skipping over details. There are multiple times information is repeated when it's not needed, but then other times the narration states that Eveen explains what has happened to other characters and its often enough it got annoying. The characters are rather flat, though very creative and all different from each other. The end was interesting. The solution is well foreshadowed, but it felt out of place for the world. It also left me with questions about Eveen that I want answers to, but would be better suited to a sequel.


Art for Your Sanity: How Art Journaling Can Help You Manage Chaos and Unleash Joy

During life transitions, when one feels unanchored and unsettled, as the author Susan Hensley felt as she entered the uncertain phase of retirement, she found that exposing her emotions through art journaling was the panacea she needed. In this slimly outlined book, the reader is encouraged to collect an assortment of journaling tools. These include a notebook to be retained as a journal, while the essential tools to be used are collections of inexpensive magazines, crayons, watercolors, colored pencils, various brushes, even finger paints and any other supplies that attract the user.

Creating a collage of cut-out printed words that express feelings, applied against patterned colored backgrounds reflecting moods serve as an outlet for the ambiguities that may plague the individual. Several of the author’s art journal products are presented to illustrate the tranquilizing process she followed during controversial periods in her life. This prescription for art journaling to reflect and paint the mood of the individual serves as the therapeutic theme in the fifteen short, but repetitive chapters.


American Rapture

C.J. Leede is back after her disturbingly dark Maeve Fly with a book that goes hard and epic in American Rapture. Readers may be surprised by something quite different, but it is nevertheless engrossing and thrilling.

Sophie is a good Catholic girl who has lived something far beyond a sheltered life with her domineering parents who oversee every step she makes, and decide on every move she makes. Her brother has been banished from the home after being discovered with an illicit magazine involving men, and is now in a “special place” to “make him better.” Sophie knows very little of boys or normal life, but she does know of guilt from her god for being a woman.

Meanwhile, a virus is running rampant and getting closer to their secluded world. Infected go crazy with lust and attack anyone they see. Is this the end times or something else?

Leede takes on a big assignment with an apocalyptic story for her second novel, but it is a personal story that hits home for her. Readers will be glued to the page, not knowing how bad and bizarre things will get. Along with some interesting and complex characters, American Rapture will delight readers.


All This and More: A Novel

Forty-five-year-old Marsh has just landed the most coveted spot in the world—contestant on the reality TV show “All This and More.” Quantum technology will allow her to fix her disaster of a life—live, with the whole world watching. She can take all the risks that she’s been afraid to, right wrongs, correct relationships, explore roads not traveled. But is this technology too good to be true? And is Marsh willing to face the costs?

This wonderful new book by bestselling author Peng Shepherd grabs readers from the get-go, the same as the reality show depicted in the novel. A super cool feature of the text is you don’t have to read the book in order—you can skip around, choose-your-own-adventure style. I haven’t seen a book for adults do this (please correct me if I’m wrong!) and the intricacies of crafting a story like this are astounding.

All This and More contains the unusualness of story that we expect from Shepherd, an inspired concept and consummate writing by an author displaying mastery of her craft. The Cartographers and The Book of M were good, but this book leaves them both behind.


Not My Circus: Triumph Over Abuse, Trauma & Family Secrets—A Journey to Self-love, Pride & Remarkable Resilience (ResilientAF)

In Not My Circus, Delicia Niami recounts her life experiences from teenagehood to adulthood. Delicia grew up with an absent father, a mother who worked long hours to provide, and a strained relationship with her older brothers. She suffered sexual abuse from a young age and was exposed to drugs and alcohol as a young adult. Delicia left home after high school and explored her freedom.

She found roommates and friends, worked multiple jobs, pursued higher education, and supported the gay rights movement. In this memoir, we learn of her battle with addiction, health challenges, dating history, family crisis, and the murder of her mother. Through the pages of the book, readers can follow her healing journey and be inspired by her story.

Delicia's story is touching and hypnotic. It got to a point when I didn't know what to expect anymore and I had to brace myself for the next pages. As the story continued to unfold, all I could think of was that I'm grateful she survived it all. Delicia Niami is a strong woman; despite everything she has been through, she continues to persevere and make the best use of the gift of life. When I read about her mother's murder, I cried because no one deserves to go through what she experienced.

It's unfortunate that in most of the memoirs I've read, the women have experienced sexual abuse, and it's usually by people they trust. Most of the abusers go scot-free either as a result of the incident not being reported due to shame or the law enforcement officers not pursuing the case. In Delicia's case, she was still blamed for being raped because she was inebriated. However, I'm glad she went through the healing process and realized everything that happened to her was not her fault.

Although Delicia is not perfect, I love her personality. She strikes me as a diligent employee, a great friend and companion, humorous in nature, and an adventurer. I enjoyed reading about her travels and the many friends she has made in her lifetime. As I continued reading the book, I prayed she would find the utmost happiness and even meet someone who loved her wholeheartedly. From this book, I learned that we often assume that family will always be there for us, but in some cases, they may be the ones who cause us pain. Sometimes a stranger can become the savior we end up needing during difficult times.

This was an intriguing story. Delicia is a special woman, and I want to commend her for sharing her story. Not My Circus by Delicia Niami is a memoir I won't forget for a long time.


The Midnight Club

In college, Sonia, Byron, Paul, Auraleigh, and Jennet had been a tight knit pack of friends with a shared love of writing that drew them to the school literary magazine, the Dove-Cat. What separated and haunted them for twenty-five years is the premise of Margot Harrison's The Midnight Club.

Told in a non-linear way across multiple points of view, this novel attempts to capture what it can feel like when you revisit your past. As Sonia, Byron, Paul, and Auralegih meet in Vermont to discuss what caused Jennet's death on a fateful night two and a half decades prior, other secrets start to emerge. Some of them were more involved than it seemed, both in her death and with each other, and learning those truths threatens to tear their friendships apart as well as the lives they've built after college.

At the heart of the novel, though, is also a serious sub-plot related to an ominous drug that seems to let users see their future, or perhaps their past. This is where the novel falls a bit apart; the story of the friends and the loss of Jennet is compelling enough. There is no need for this supernatural and gimmicky insert. However, the characters are well rendered and the story engaging if you're looking for a bit of a whodunnit.


Papa's Butter Chicken: A celebration of family and community

Monica Saigal, Abeeha Tariq, José Andrés

Sharing a meal not only nourishes the body, it also builds bonds. This story is unique in that it highlights sharing an everyday meal can also build family and community bonds (independent of a celebration). The protagonist helps her father make butter chicken. During the cooking process, her father reminisces how butter chicken brings back childhood memories. They compare the qualities of family members to those of the spices they are using, and even dance while the curry simmers. As they set the table for dinner for two, family and neighbors drop in to share the special butter chicken meal. At first the protagonist is sad as she does not get to hear her father’s stories, but later sees the value of sharing with family and friends.

This charming story highlights a father–daughter bond, the importance of family activities, the Indian culture, and food as a means of bringing family and friends together. The illustrations are bold, bright and vibrant—dovetailing well with the smiling faces. The text is easy for young readers, or can be read aloud for younger audiences. The book paves the way for a discussion on culture, diversity, and inclusion. Recommended for younger and early readers.


Choose Your Own Adventure: Forecast From Stonehenge

Stephanie Phillips, Dani Bolinho, PH Gomes

Forecast from StoneHenge, by R. A. Montgomery is a choose your own adventure graphic novel about finding an enigmatic man named Alistair. Alistair supposedly can help you to find the important missing heel stone. But what lies in your path? Will it be a friendly sprite or pack of giants? A cult of druids or deadly fairies? This interactive book tries to make the story your choice. Having a graphic novel choose your own adventure was a good concept, but it did not turn out well. The pictures are not very good. The writing does not work as well as I had hoped. And the story would be more reasonable in book form. Also, in one adventure there are very few choices to make and, to me, making the choices is the best part of choose your own adventures. The plot also is not very clear throughout the book. At the end of the book, I still did not have a good sense of what you are hunting for, why you are hunting for it, or its significance. I do not recommend this book to any age.


Chaos in Kinshasa

Barly Baruti, Thierry Bellefroid, Ivanka Hahnenberger

In 1970s Harlem, Ernest finds himself in a dire situation, entangled in dangerous business dealings with ruthless gang leaders. His chance to escape comes in the form of an invitation to witness the highly anticipated return of Muhammad Ali to the ring. All he needs is a passport to disappear for a while. Little does Ernest know, the stage is set for a high-stakes political drama in Senegal, the venue for the 'Rumble in the Jungle' boxing match between Ali and George Foreman. A coup is brewing to overthrow the embattled strongman President Mobutu Sese Seko. Ernest’s survival instincts and street smarts will be put to the ultimate test as he becomes entangled in a web of chaos and murder.

Congolese cartoonist Barley Baruti and Belgian writer Thierry Bellefroid join forces to craft a graphic novel that seamlessly blends historical facts with imaginative fiction against the rich backdrop of post-colonial Africa. The story's premise is not just exciting but also offers a fresh and unique perspective into the Cold War era. As a work of fiction, Chaos in Kinshasa sparks curiosity about the story's plausibility, given our knowledge of the fight and the geopolitical turmoil of the time.

Originally penned in French, Bellefroid’s dialogues are steeped in African American Vernacular English. As a non-Black American, I am not the best judge of cultural appropriation in this context. This raises the question of how the book may be perceived by Black American readers.


Kareem Between

Kareem, an American born to Syrian immigrant parents, is desperate to join the middle-school football team. His best friend, Adam, has moved away and Kareem is determined to make the team for a sense of belonging. But the quarterback, Austin, is the coach’s son and has other ideas for Kareem’s ambitions. In another part of the world, Kareem’s grandfather, Jido, is not doing so well. Mama had to leave the U.S. to go to Syria to get Jido the help he needed. Just as Mama was getting ready to come back, Former President Trump issued an executive order banning people from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the U.S. Despite the odds, Kareem and his family must find a way to get Mama back home.

Shifa Saltagi Safadi has penned a heartwarming if not heart-wrenching, all-American coming-of-age story against the backdrop of the divisive Muslim ban. Told in first-person verse from the protagonist’s perspective, Kareem Between uses language that is both approachable and relatable, making it a compelling read for young readers. The book delves into the struggles of a middle-schooler trying to fit in, do the right thing, and stand up against bullies, while also shedding light on the impact of Islamophobic policies. Kareem’s journey, though challenging, teaches him valuable lessons about the importance of culture, family, and friendship.


Paris Lost and Found: A Memoir of Love

Whether you’ve been to the City of Lights or not, you most likely hold on to those iconic images from film and television: the Eiffel Tower, the Seine, the Arc de Triomphe. As Scott Carpenter writes, “visitors know exactly what they’re coming for—romance, fashion, grandeur.” But he has lived part time in Paris for decades and in these humorous, heartfelt essays, he presents a different view of the city. Tourists don’t experience rats in the basement, or the mysterious case of someone pooping where they shouldn’t, much less the hilarious bureaucratic snafus of French banking. As someone who travels between the Midwest and France, he often compares life in the U.S. (our fascination with guns, for instance) with Gallic ways, even as Paris becomes more like America, for good and for ill. His pieces encompass grief, given that they were written during his wife’s descent into Alzheimer’s, and during the pandemic lockdown. “Both Anne and I were being robbed. Someone had come through our life and cleaned us out.” For a time, he loses Paris and the life he has known with Anne. Can he regain love? An enjoyable, engaging read for travelers—armchair and airline alike.


Devils Kill Devils

Sarita has had a normal life, getting up to plenty of adventures and risky situations. Fortunately, she has a guardian angel she named Angelo. He first saved her life when a wave swept her under at the beach and she would’ve drowned. Her family lost track of her and this man came out of the water carrying her. He laid her down, made sure she was safe, then walked away.

Then there was the time she was at a party with friends, and someone got really angry, so he went to his car to get his gun, with plans of shooting the place up and hurting a lot of people. Then there were screams. When they went outside they found pieces of the guys everywhere.

Only now Angelo has just killed someone very close to her; for the first time Sarita knows something is very wrong and there’s a lot more going on here than she could ever conceive of.

Devils Kills Devils is a fresh horror story that takes you down a path that just get darker and darker in a way only Johnny Compton can do. Readers will be left terrified but compelled to keep going.


Stamped from the Beginning

Comic book artist Joel Christian Gill and historian Ibram X. Kendi embark on a groundbreaking collaboration, translating the comprehensive history of racism into a visually engaging and easily digestible graphic format. The graphic novel version of Kendi’s 2016 book Stamped from Beginning harnesses the strengths of the original volume, presenting a comprehensive narrative about the enduring history of racist, anti-Black ideas in the United States. Kendi’s research illuminates the evolution—and devolution—of egalitarian concepts in shaping American sentiments, legislation, and society. Beyond personal discrimination and animosity, Stamped from the Beginning delves into how racial stratification has perpetuated socioeconomic disparities that persist today.

Gill’s adaptation uses the life stories of iconic American thinkers who promulgated racist history, from Puritan minister Cotton Mather to abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison. These figures are not just historical; their ideas and actions continue to shape our understanding of racial justice today. The antiracist legacies of intellectual W.E.B. Du Bois and activist Angela Davis are distilled into essential points that are relevant and relatable in current discourses about racial justice.

In the graphic adaptation, Gill closely follows the intention and impact of the original volume, echoing the tone and intention of unlearning deeply held notions about racism. This version approximates the impact of Kendi’s book, as it tells the complete, often hidden story of the persistence of racist ideas in American life.


True or False?: The Science of Perception, Misinformation, and Disinformation

Our brains are kind of crazy. They filter out certain things, like small details, but won’t let go of others. What makes us remember certain details and not others? How do we know what is true and what is misinformation? If our brains retain false information, how can we know what is true? That’s the main question being answered in this book, True or False? The Science of Perception, Misinformation, and Disinformation by Jacqueline B. Toner.

I like knowing how my brain works. So I really enjoyed this book. I liked how the author put “you” in the story, so “you” as the reader are right in the middle of the story. You get a firsthand view of how our brains take in information, process it, and, well, work! I also liked learning about different experiments people have done to understand the brain, like the piano stairs experiment (search for it online!). There is so much information in the world and I like knowing how my brain takes it all in and why I think what I think.


Abuela's Letter

Happy and sporty Alma, a star basketball player in her school, can always rely on her number one fan to cheer her on. But when Abuela succumbed to her illness, Alma felt a deep sadness she had never felt before. Everything reminded her of Abuela, and nothing was the same. One day, the young girl discovers a letter from her late grandmother. Who knew a letter could fill one’s heart with love and joy?

Mexican-American counselor Debbie Zapata's picture book Abuela’s Letter deals with grief over the death of Alma’s beloved Abuela (grandmother). The book offers a salve for families navigating the intense emotions of losing a loved one and showcases the author’s empathetic approach to supporting families and children. Colombian illustrator Alejandra Ruiz depicts the richness of Latine culture, centering on the closeness of a large, extended family, bonding over food, and friendships with primos (cousins).

Zapata provides a helpful and inspiring guide for parents and caregivers to shepherd their young ones through the pain of grief. The template for a “grief letter” is a thoughtful way to honor one’s emotions and fond memories of the departed. Written in English and Spanish, the grief guide shares tips and considerations as they help children cope with the death of a cherished elder.


Porcupine Had a Fuzzy Sweater

I would have never imagined a porcupine could wear a sweater, but now I know it is because it makes him extra snuggly to protect others from his quills. However, when porcupine loses his sweater made by his grandma, he faces the age old question of what is the right thing to do? It can be hard to make the right decision because you never want to make someone else sad. Will porcupine tell grandma the truth? Or will he steal a sweater to replace it?

This is a great little book that helps to teach young readers about morals and how to make good choices to do the right thing. The illustrations of this book are really bright and colorful. This is a unique book because I can't think of any other books about porcupines


The Remarkables: The Most Incredible Children I've Met ― So Far!

The Remarkables: The Most Remarkable Children I’ve Met—So Far! by Clotilda Perrin, translated by Daniel Hahn, is a book of profiles of remarkable children. You can start reading anywhere in the book or with any profile; all the profiles are cool.

I loved the inside front cover illustration and the table of contents. They were so unique!

These are not your usual kids. Each one is surprising (and remarkable!) in their own way. And not in the way that you might expect. Some profiles were really funny, like the Giant Child, and others were surprising, like the Foldaway Child. All of the profiles and small comic stories were great. Also, there were pictures of each child, which I found fun. The quiz in the back is really cool. It helps you discover what kind of remarkable child you are. It’s a crazy book but an enjoyable one. This book might help kids think about their unusual qualities in a new way. What makes us unusual can also be our superpower.


Secret Gardeners: Growing a Community and Healing the Earth

Maija Hurme, Lina Laurent, Sofia Karlsson

The Secret Gardeners is a story of how something as simple as a garden can bring so many different people together. The garden is in need of work, and there are many people from all over town who pass by and notice each other in the garden. It helps to heal those with broken hearts and helps those who are lonely to find new friends. Plus, the best part is the harvest at the end of the season that you can share with those who helped to share the workload.

What is really cool about this book isn't the story but the information on each page which tells you tips and tricks to be a better gardener. My favorite part is the illustrations. They look so simple, like crayons and colored pencils, but still have so much life on each page.


Anne of Green Gables (Nosy Crow Classics, 3)

Katherine Woodfine, Isabelle Follath, L M Montgomery

Anne of Green Gables is the story of a young orphan girl, aged eleven, named Anne, who comes to live with siblings Matthew and Marilla in hopes that she can help them around the farm. She learns what it means to have a “parent” and be held accountable for her actions, especially when she has big and expressive actions. Anne grows up in their care, with Diana as a best friend, and Gilbert as a potential enemy.

The majority of Anne’s stories in the book are funny! The ways she handles situations are dramatic and a little over-the-top. There are happy, sad, and frustrating parts that show Anne growing in age and maturity. Her relationships change throughout the story and she learns much about herself and others. The story is best read and understood by upper elementary-aged readers because of situations and words used.


RED HONEY

"A downright dark and dirty modern-day Twilight Zone, Red Honey is a compilation of short stories that will blow your mind. These stories are graphic, gritty, and brilliant. From an evil, dirty cop to small-town drug dealers to murder-by-strawberry, readers' eyes will pop and their jaws drop as each descriptive scene unfolds." —Kathryn Dare, Manhattan Book Review