The Eye of the World: The Graphic Novel, Volume Six (Wheel of Time: The Graphic Novel, 6)

The Eye of the World: The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan was first published in 1990. Following its success, Jordan wrote fifteen other novels in the series, including a prequel. Since then, the franchise has been reprinted several times, made into a Prime Video series, and published in graphic novel form. The Wheel of Time is a grand epic that follows a group of teens fleeing their hometown. They are accompanied by an Aes Sedai sorceress, her warden, and a gleeman. Their travels are treacherous, concluding with an epic battle.

The graphic novel series is divided into six volumes. Each book is adapted by Chuck Dixon. Andie Tong is the artist for volume two. With the length of the original novel, dividing the story into six parts makes a lot of sense. Dixon’s adaptation sticks to the original story very closely. Tong’s artwork adds dramatic and powerful imagery to this exciting story. With as dark as this tale can get at times, Tong’s artistry can be rather haunting. For fans of Jordan’s epic fantasy, the graphic novels make an outstanding addition to anyone’s collection.


Murder on Tour (Mystery Bookshop)

Sam is still reeling from her book tour and is grateful that Nana Jo has been running Market Street Mysteries. Now she’s returned for a local book festival. But when a publicist is found dead, Sam wonders if there’s any connection to the rumors of plagiarism surrounding the guest of honor. As she investigates, Sam can’t help wondering if the killer went after the wrong person and who will be the next target.

Sam is living her best life with a book tour, writing a new mystery, and an engagement, which places her in this happy frame of mind that is reflected in the tone. Her book is incorporated throughout, with snippets that echo important elements of the mystery she is investigating. Her relationship with Frank is sweet and endearing, with a genuine love between them that provides so much heart into the mystery. Nana Jo is a great character that is a witty charming delight and such a scene-stealer. The mystery is intriguing and will keep you turning the page until you learn what happens next.

Go along for a delightful treat with a clever sleuth in Murder on Tour, which is a charming read that every mystery lover needs to have on their shelf.


Say Hello to My Little Friend: A Century of Scarface

In 1983, the movie remake Scarface premiered in theaters only to be met with a fierce critical backlash. The nearly three-hour saga was blasted for excessive violence and the “glorification” of its protagonist, Tony Montana. The revised film, directed by Brian De Palma and penned by Oliver Stone, shared a few characteristics with its original 1932 inspiration in its controversies.

The infamous gangster Al “Scarface” Capone served as a loose inspiration for the Ben Hecht-Howard Hawks collaboration, which tangled with censors before the movie hit the screens. Producer Howard Hughes fought with the Motion Pictures Producers and Distributors of America to get the movie released with little substantive changes. Brian De Palma was equally resistant to the MPAA’s demands to water down the latter film’s content. The legacy of both movies resides in the performances and the audiences’ loving embrace.

Say Hello to My Little Friend deftly explores the lasting impact and relevance of Scarface along with its predecessor. Author Nat Segaloff delivers a well-researched and written analysis of the films along with the intricacies of the two Hollywoods that both films had to contend with. This is a must-read for cinephiles along with Scarface fans.


The New Naturals

"The New Naturals" by Gabriel Bump:

In "The New Naturals," Gabriel Bump crafts a poignant narrative that explores the complexities of friendship, identity, and coming-of-age in the South Side of Chicago. Through the eyes of protagonist Claude, readers are immersed in a world where loyalty and survival intertwine amidst the harsh realities of urban life. With wit and insight, Bump captures the nuances of adolescence and the search for belonging in a landscape marked by both hope and despair. "The New Naturals" is a powerful debut that resonates long after the final page, offering a fresh perspective on the bonds that shape us.

"The Blueprint" by Rae Giana Rashad:

In "The Blueprint," Rae Giana Rashad delivers a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and redemption set against the backdrop of the music industry. Through the eyes of protagonist Layla, readers are drawn into a world of cutthroat competition and ruthless ambition, where success comes at a steep price. As Layla navigates the treacherous waters of fame and fortune, she must confront her own demons and make difficult choices that will shape her future. With its richly drawn characters and electrifying plot twists, "The Blueprint" is a captivating read that offers a fresh take on the pursuit of dreams.

"Let Us Descend" by Jesmyn Ward:

"Let Us Descend" by Jesmyn Ward is a haunting exploration of family, loss, and the enduring power of love. Set against the backdrop of the Mississippi Delta, the novel follows protagonist Mae as she grapples with the legacy of her ancestors and the ghosts of her past. With lyrical prose and atmospheric storytelling, Ward paints a vivid portrait of a community haunted by tragedy and bound by resilience. "Let Us Descend" is a masterful meditation on the ties that bind us and the ghosts that haunt us, offering a poignant reflection on the human condition.

"The Queen of Sugar Hill" by ReShonda Tate:

"The Queen of Sugar Hill" by ReShonda Tate is a captivating portrait of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of justice in Jazz Age Harlem. Through the eyes of protagonist Bernice, readers are transported to a vibrant world of glamour and intrigue, where power and privilege collide with the harsh realities of racial inequality. As Bernice rises from humble beginnings to become a formidable force in Harlem's elite circles, she must navigate treacherous waters and confront the ghosts of her past. With its rich historical detail and compelling characters, "The Queen of Sugar Hill" is a mesmerizing tale of strength and determination.


Redsight

There is generally a reason you do not see too many successful mixtures of science fiction space operas and high fantasy. This book does not buck that trend and further shows why the two disparate genres do not need to mix. Korinna is a Redseer, a blind priestess who has the power to bend space and time so space ships can travel to planets. She is raised to believe she is the weakest of her order but in reality she is the strongest and is a pawn between different factions. She is sent to an Imperium ship to be used as a weapon. Aster Haran has a vendetta against the Imperium and kidnaps Korinna. The two are drawn to each other while Sahar is sent out by the Imperium to hunt down Aster and bring back Korinna before she decides to imperil the future of the galaxy and the Imperium. || These type of novels I have had issues with from when I was young. It is hard enough to do either one well but it is doubly difficult to blend them together. If this was just a space opera or even better a high fantasy it would have been much better.


The Infinity Particle

When scientist Clementine Chang lands herself a job at a laboratory all the way to Mars, she’s more than excited to be working with AI, and how she can learn about it. Her boss, Dr. Lin has an assistant named Kye she created herself. Blown away by his appearance and kind personality, Clementine starts to fall for him. Kye feels the same way too, but going against Dr. Lin’s programming makes him feel out of place. What will they both have to tell each other as Dr. Lin grows suspicious and when Clementine struggles to find the right memories to tell? I really like Wendy Xu’s artwork and the way she used halftone in the interior of the book. The blue and hints of red look really pleasing together. The technique she used was almost like a manga page, but not quite. Clementine was such a fun character, and her moth-rabbit prototype, Sena, was super cute! The progression between Clem and Kye was not too rushed, and the backgrounds were very well done. Recommended for both Science Fiction and YA romance fans.


Listen for the Lie: A Novel

Five years ago, Lucy was found wandering with her best friend’s blood covering her dress. She can’t remember anything about that night, but everyone thinks she murdered Savvy. Lucy moved away and tried to start over in LA. Her grandmother convinces her to return because Ben Owens is investigating the murder for his true crime podcast, Listen for the Lie. As new information comes to light, Lucy begins to think that Ben might just be able to solve it and she isn’t entirely sure if she’s going to like the truth.

I absolutely loved this book. I did not want to put it down even though life often dictated I needed to. There were so many twists and turns. I honestly did not see that ending coming. I really enjoyed Lucy’s character, but I’m a sucker for sarcasm. Even being an accused murderer, I thought she would definitely be worth being friends with. I also would love to be friends with her grandma. I loved the back and forth between Lucy’s point of view and the podcast as everything comes to light. The author did a great job of leaving you hanging after each episode. I highly recommend this page-turner.


Something, Someday

In Something, Someday, Amanda Gorman, presidential inaugural poet, tells young readers that even when things seem unfixable, there is much they can do to make a difference, however large or small it may be. Even when they’re told their influence may be minimal, they have the power to change the world. With a little hope and a lot of faith, they are far from powerless; they are capable human beings who can influence tomorrow. With the help of a friend, together they can tackle what seems insurmountable, and with a team of others, they can overcome even greater odds.

This is an inspiring work of children’s poetry. It conveys a message so many youth need to hear: that their dreams of a better place, a happier tomorrow, and a more just world are not just imaginings but the catalyst for action. Those who are intrinsic dreamers, young philanthropists, and effectual leaders will love this book. Ordinary, everyday people will as well. The target age range is children ages five to nine; though, parents will likely savor this text well. Gorman’s hopeful, encouraging narrative will leave readers with an inner-warmth and sense of peace that’s soothing to their souls.


The Book of (More) Delights: Essays

You do not need to have read poet Ross Gay’s first best-selling collection of delights in order to thoroughly enjoy this new volume. Each week, he writes (in longhand, no less) his observations as brief essays, covering topics ranging from seeing his father in his dreams to spotting an unusual mailbox or gnomes in a tree. Although he says he isn’t being optimistic as much as simply paying attention, these delights will help engender your own sense of optimism and a renewed sense of wonder.

The first book inspired readers to create their own “delight practices” and this one will no doubt do the same. Dip in at any point, whenever you have a few moments to spare, and savor the results: enjoying being uncharacteristically early, the pleasures of hearing someone read aloud, adorable goslings, even the memories of a now shuttered bookshop. Each day might bring a small joy, a simple delight, or a deeper satisfaction.

And happily, Ross Gay anticipates a new collection every five years, so you will have lots of time to savor these additional delights and to create your own.


What Goes on inside a Beaver Pond?

It is spring and the snow and ice are melting in the brooks and ponds. Many animals are coming out of hibernation. The beavers, who have been active in their lodge, are starting to come outside to repair their dam and lodge. A young beaver has been learning all she will need to know to be on her own. It is nearly time. She explores the area but comes home at night. The father, brother, and young beaver spend time repairing their dam and lodge. When they come home, they find that the mother beaver has had two new kits. Suddenly, the lodge is too crowded. The young beaver sets off the next day to find a new place to build her own lodge and her new life.

Becky Cushing Gop has written a complete and fascinating chronicle of the life of a young beaver, explaining the problems and opportunities she faces and introducing many of the flora and fauna of the beaver’s habitat. Illustrator Carrie Shryock has completed the story with gorgeous, detailed drawings of all that can be found where beavers live. This is a real tour de force in STEM writing for children. Don’t miss it.


The Museum of Failures

Remy Wadia has returned to his childhood home in Bombay after living in the United States with his wife for over a decade. The couple plans to adopt an Indian baby, and Remy has gone to meet the birth mother. There, he also visits his aging mother, Shirin, with whom he has a strained relationship. Instead, Remy was incredibly close with his late father. However, as Remy’s stay is extended, he realizes that he never really knew his mother and their relationship changes after she admits long-held family secrets.

Thrity Umrigar’s novels are immersive, and I felt transported to Bombay throughout the novel. Her vivid descriptions of the city and its inhabitants brought the setting to life. I couldn’t connect with Remy during the early chapters; he was so hard on his mother and seemed too good for his heritage. Some of the depictions of adoption appeared too transactional, and like Remy and Kathy would be satisfied with any child that was offered to them.

However, once the big secret was revealed, I couldn’t stop reading. I adored the change in Remy and Shirin’s relationship, and was shocked at what Shirin had endured. This novel emphasizes the importance of love, acceptance and sacrifice. A very heartfelt read!


Dear Unicorn

Dear Unicorn is the story of how a young girl, Constance, and her classmates become pen pals with a pink and purple unicorn, Nicole, and her classmates. From September through May, the two write and send letters to each other, telling the other a big thing that has happened to them lately. As they continue this, they learn more about each other and start to become friends without meeting. Nicole still doesn't know that Constance is a human and vice versa! The two have different writing styles and ways of viewing life, which start to influence each other throughout the months of sending letters. When they finally meet in person, how will this play out? Who will be more shocked?

Bright, fun, and colorful illustrations are on each page. I enjoyed how the friends share similar experiences, regardless of whether they are human or unicorn! I like how Constance changes her attitude; she starts writing negatively, but after reading Nicole's responses, which are positive, Constance starts changing the way she thinks and views situations. Unicorn lovers will want to read this book because it is a dream come true and there might become more pen pals in the world after this!


A Curse of Krakens (The Seven Kennings)

Fintan, Bard of the Poet Goddess Kaelin, continues telling of the Bone Giant invasion. His audience still gathers daily in Survivor Field to hear the bard’s stories. The crowds still get excited to learn of Darck’s exploits, Gondel’s continued knowledge of the Eculan peoples, and Hanima’s push for a better way to live. Fintan also introduces his audiences to new characters in the ever-growing saga. While Fintan’s retelling of events catches up to the present, the armies of the neighboring nations gather for their own campaign to Ecula to prevent a second invasion.

A Curse of Krakens is book three in Kevin Hearne’s The Seven Kennings series. This epic fantasy is part of a much bigger story. Events make more sense when read in order. Hearne delivers a fun and exciting continuation of his grand saga. Even though he is known for his urban fantasy series, Hearne is a world-building master. This newest novel expands the borders into new realms while Hearne introduces new characters. Fans of the first two books will love this novel. Hearne’s epic gets more exciting with each new book.


A Family Like Ours

A Family Like Ours is an affirming and winsome book for young readers to explore diversity and reflect on the family to which they belong. Authors Frank Murphy and Alice Lee teamed up with artist Kayla Harren to deliver a book that conveys the joys of being part of a nurturing and loving family.

Both in words and illustrations, the book depicts a variety of racial, ethnic, gender, age, and other diverse identities, ensuring that readers of all backgrounds can see themselves in the beautifully and warmly rendered pages. As the authors expand the traditional representation of a family, they also challenge adults in children’s lives to enhance their understanding of multiculturalism.

In a book about acceptance and awareness of different kinds of families, I appreciated the focus on adoptive families, LGBTQIA+ parents, immigrants, and blended families. Harren’s inviting artwork serves to make children aware of differences and recognize them as a source of strength. The authors offer downloadable activity sheets for young readers to ask a family member to share their thoughts about what makes their family interesting and reflect on cherished memories with loved ones.


Dinosaurs Don't Exist: (Interactive Books for Kids)

What do you believe about dinosaurs? Do they exist? We know they did from digging up thousand year old fossils. This is a story about two brothers, Tom and Jesse, who think dinosaurs don't exist, but after their adventure, they think that just maybe they do.

This was a really cute book about dinosaurs. The coolest thing was the dark yet colorful illustrations on the big fold out pages that showed how the dinosaurs were lurking in the shadows and blending into everyday world around them. The back of the book is full of information about when dinosaurs used to roam the Earth. This book also has information on dinosaur's closet living relative, the bird.

Go find a fossil museum to explore the remains of dinosaurs.


Sew Sister: The Untold Story of Jean Wright and NASA's Seamstresses

As young children, Jean Wright and her sister Joan create lasting memories with their neighbor, a kind woman who graciously teaches the girls the artisanship of sewing. Jean develops an insatiable appetite for it; sewing becomes her love and refuge. At the age of thirteen, she witnesses, along with the rest of the world, the first moon landing. Space intrigues her, and when she discovers there’s a team of women who sew thick, intricately-designed blankets that cover the exterior of NASA shuttles, she sends in her resume. After much persistence, she’s honored with becoming one of the eighteen Sew Sisters.

This is a fascinating book that’s full of interesting tidbits about the carefully crafted panels that cover rockets launched by NASA. Their design is unique, and the artisans who make them, gifted. Jean’s determination to become a part of the team was relentless, and it paid off in the end. This example is a positive one for youth to emulate, even in the smallest of ways. Those who favor science, and specifically texts relating to space exploration, will find this non-fiction pick captivating and inspiring. It’ll also appeal to young ones who enjoy sewing and other similar hobbies.


Oliver and the Night Giants

Night has settled in, but Oliver is having trouble falling asleep. He had a hard day. He had painted a picture of how he saw the world, but other children laughed at his picture and said it wasn’t how the world was. Strange shadows dance on the walls of Oliver’s room, and a deep voice says he needs Oliver’s help. Two other voices implore him to come away with them. There are three giants outside his window, and they tell Oliver they need his help. They tell him they walk the world at night to set things right. They need Oliver to help them because he has the heart of an artist, and he will notice what is missing. Oliver goes with the Night Giants and they work hard through the night to make the world right.

Kitty O’Meara has written a sweet story in lovely, lyrical text. It is a surprisingly quiet story, perfect to end the day and wind down for bed. The illustrations by Anna Pirolli are positively enchanting with deep, rich colors and magical creatures and scenes. This will become a fast favorite, especially with youngsters who enjoy beautiful art.


Llama Llama's Little Lie

Anna Dewdney, author of the adorable Llama Llama series of picture books, passed away, but Reed Duncan continues her series with Llama Llama’s Little Lie. Here, a rambunctious Llama Llama roughhouses inside with his friend while Mama Llama works in the garden. When Mama Llama’s favorite photo frame is broken, Llama Llama gets scared and gives a series of wild explanations to Mama Llama, but he knows telling lies is bad.

When Mama Llama asks for the truth, Llama Llama bursts into tears and reveals he broke the frame. Mama Llama tells him she’s proud he told the truth and helps him fix the frame, only to go outside a break a window herself while playing ball!

This is a sweet story which conveys important lessons with the lightest of touches about the value of honesty and the fact everyone makes mistakes. Told in a simple rhyme that is fun to read aloud, this is story that will be read repeatedly for the joy of the language and may have little listeners picking up the words and the lessons along the way.


Sons of Darkness

Readers familiar with the epic ancient poetry of India may find this work more enjoyable than I did, which is a high fantasy reimaging of one of the classic foundational works of ancient India, The Mahabharata.

Magic is in the air and the Mathuran Republic is on the edge of oblivion after a series of battles with the Magadhan Empire. Krishna, who is a Senator, and his third wife Satyabhama set in motion plans to protect the Republic. But not long after they set their plans in motion forces outside of their control force them to change their hands and the forgotten Gods begin to play their hand between the two foes.

This is not the first time an ancient myth has been refashioned to tell a fantasy, or science fiction, story. It generally does not work as well as stating your own story and feels a bit like fanfiction of placing the characters outside of the original setting. It could be seen as a way to get readers introduced to ancient Indian literature without reading the original texts.


Enlighten Me (A Graphic Novel)

Standing up for oneself seems like doing the right thing. Binh did just that in the face of a racist school bully who was poking fun at his Asian heritage. But physically assaulting another student goes against school policy, and it was Binh who got in trouble. Binh shares a silent retreat with his family and younger siblings. Along with other children, he learns about stories from the previous lives of the Buddha. The stories are interesting, but for Binh, it is difficult to sit still and clear his mind when he misses his Gameboy. While he struggles with silence, he learns important lessons about friendship, community, and being present.

In the graphic novel Enlighten Me, award-winning author Minh Lê and bestselling illustrator Chan Chau tell the story of a boy who gains a better understanding of himself as he works on quieting the mind and reflecting on dharma. Lê and Chau highlight Binh’s inner turmoil in a relatable way. The book is fun and engaging while dealing with the difficult topic of anti-Asian racism and exclusion.

Enlighten Me is a must-read for Asian American youth who often have to negotiate their ancestral identities and heritage in mainstream American communities. Readers of all backgrounds will benefit from meditation strategies and moral lessons from the Buddhist tradition.


Dead on Target: An Agatha Raisin Mystery (Agatha Raisin Mysteries, 34)

While attending a village fete, Agatha Raisin participates in an archery demonstration. Shortly after, she discovers a dying man while trying to retrieve a lost puppy from the adjacent woods. The man is a local landowner with an arrow sticking out of his chest. And since Agatha is the last person to see him alive, Detective Chief Inspector Wilkes decides to try and pin the murder on Agatha.

Luckily, Agatha plans to investigate independently, and she's got some inside help from her new police friend and occasional dance partner, Detective John Glass. She is sure the victim, Sir Godfrey Pride, might have ruffled a few feathers when he decided to change his will and plans for his estate. It remains to be seen if the murderer is someone close to the victim or a gangster hoping to further his criminal empire by purchasing Pride's estate for redevelopment.

Fans of Agatha will not be disappointed with this latest installment. She is her usual bossy, opinionated self but remains loyal and faithful to her friends and colleagues as she seeks to solve another mystery. Dead on Target is full of fun escapes that keep me returning for more.


Malibu Burning (Sharpe & Walker)

Eight years ago, notorious thief Danny Cole was in the process of pulling off the perfect heist when things went wrong. While always one for the adrenaline boost, he is among the action and intensity, regardless of the environment, keeping a level head and calculating decisions. Fast forward to the present day, Danny has lost a friend and gained many enemies, all with a calculative plan to avenge. With the Santa Ana winds making their yearly appearance, will this help or hinder his plans alone and while on the hunt?

Goldberg has a knack for hooking the reader in quickly and not allowing them a chance to regret it. As in all his stories, the characters have robust, balanced lives that permit readers to sympathize and become surprised at who they are rooting for. The story is precise, with equal backstories, action, and suspense. Malibu Burning brings to light the potentially fatal risks firefighters take regularly, a new, fresh, and dark side to these first responders in a refreshing and eye-opening way.


The King Penguin

There is a king penguin that thinks he rules all the species of penguins because he is a king penguin. He even got himself a crown and spectre. However, the penguins quickly wind up in a disagreement and then decide they would rather be a democracy. So the king penguin decides to go rule other animals. The only problem with that is that they all want to eat him... Finally, when he meets an emperor penguin he realizes he doesn't have to rule just because “king” is in his name.

This book is so funny! I really liked the illustrations, especially of the artic animals trying to eat the king penguin when he tried to get them to obey him! I thought it was cool it had all the different kinds of penguins in it.


Shadow Speaker: The Desert Magician's Duology: Book One

/Shadow Speaker by Nnedi Okorafor is an amazing book. It is the first book in a duology about the Dessert Magician. The story starts with a young girl named Ejji. Ejji is a feared female shadow speaker with a troubled past. Her father was a corrupt chief of her village who abused the power of the savior of Ejji’s town, the Red Lady, otherwise known as Jaa. When she was eight years old, her father was beheaded by Jaa right in front of her own eyes and her mother was made town council woman.

Ever since then, Ejji has been traumatized and submissive. Ejji has never been the same since that day. As Ejji matures, she hears the shadows getting louder and louder, telling her to explore outside of her village. When Ejji overhears the Red Lady asking her mother to allow her to take Ejji as her disciple, the voices become louder than ever. Determined to go with the Red Lady, Ejji sets out on a journey to look for her father's killer and make a couple of new friends in unexpected places.

This book is amazing! It is not meant for young kids and I would not recommend it to anyone under the age of fourteen. It is super exciting and has an understandable but complex storyline and plot. I love the fact that this book gives details and info about the characters as well as their backstory. It would be great for fantasy and woman empowerment lovers due to its use of magic and all of its heroes being female. This author is truly amazing and I recommend that you read more of her books.


Book of Night

Charlie has a special skill: she’s an excellent thief. When she receives a visit from someone from her past, she takes a job searching for the woman’s missing boyfriend.  In a world where gloamists manipulate shadows for their own twisted amusements, Charlie soon stumbles into a sticky situation that pulls her back into the world of shadow magic and after a dangerous book that threatens to give shadows new life.

The world of shadows shows Black’s knack for crafting our real world into something entirely original. The shadows have a layered role within the story as trends, sources of power, and even a threat. You find Charlie at the beginning having put this life of thievery behind her only to be immediately drawn back into it.

The relationship Charlie has with her sister Posey feels like a reflection of a genuine dynamic between sisters as while they don’t always agree they always watch out for each other. Charlie’s relationship with Vince adds romance and drama to the story and unravels secrets, feelings, and how deep their bond really goes.

Black is known for her unique style and Book of Night is no exception, with humor, danger, romance, sisterhood, complicated familial dynamics, and lots of shadows.


The Taken Ones: A Novel (Steinbeck and Reed)

In the summer of 1980, three girls went into the Minnesota woods and only one came out. Rue didn’t speak for weeks and doesn’t remember what happened. Her friend, Amber, and little sister, Lily, became The Taken Ones that day.

Forty-two years later, cold case detective Evangeline Reed and forensic scientist Harry Steinbeck are called to the homicide of a woman buried alive. Evidence suggests she’s one of the missing girls. Van and Harry reopen the cold case to bring justice to these girls and hope to find the other one alive. Both Harry and Van have their own secrets that might tear them apart as they work together to solve the case.

There were so many things I loved about this book. Harry and Van were great characters. This book focused more on Van, so I hope that the next will focus more on Harry. There were some super creepy moments in this book, involving both the killer and Frank from Van’s past. The blend of Harry’s fact-finding and Van’s hunches/visions was perfect. The cliffhanger at the end leaves you longing for the next book in the series. If you love murder mysteries and police procedurals, read this book.


On the Threshold

On the Threshold is one of those rare books that almost wholly defy categorization. Part science fiction, part unrequited romantic drama; this novel reads like something out of a hazy fever dream. It begins in 1907 with a slightly mad Scotsman named Fingal who, in his quest to prove Plato’s philosophy of Innatism, builds a machine that severs the truth of inborn knowledge from his own mortal soul. The fiery entity then flees from Fingal, eventually causing the self-immolation of almost everyone it encounters. The majority of the story concerns Fingal’s determination to find his fiery counterpart and force it back into himself using the very same machine that tore them apart in the first place with the help of a cinema-obsessed and intellectually driven American woman named Jean. With a meandering storyline spanning nearly six decades, and a nearly global setting; the slow-burn quality of the plot is only enhanced by the addition of shifting social and cultural attitudes along with the aging dispositions of the main characters. Filled with Jungian archetypes and Freudian symbolism (and an awful lot of cats) On the Threshold reads more like a genre-bending epic poem than a straightforward novel. Laszlo’s writing style is imaginative and lush, creating heavily detailed moments of somber introspection for the main characters in what almost read as scenes from a dramatic play and then wholly throwing them into the deep end of some fantastical science that somehow makes complete sense in juxtaposition. I really enjoyed the author’s playful sense of self-awareness while serving up some of the more out-there events woven throughout the plot by relating them through the lens of the character’s inner monologues. It almost comes across as absurdist fiction, but there’s such a thread of fierce hopefulness running through Jean and Fingal that reads as anything but existential that I don’t think that’s an apt category for it either. It’s hard not to love a novel that so ardently resists classification. My only complaint is the introduction of a few too many one-off characters toward the end of the novel. While there were quite a few of these peppered throughout the story to either move the plot forward or as a way to gain insight into Jean or Fingal’s motivations, the ones at the end seemed almost superfluous. Regardless; with a little bit of Kurt Vonnegut, and a smidge of Scott Samuelson, On the Threshold is sure to please readers searching for something a little different for their TBR pile.


Think in 4D: Design brilliant user experiences and valuable digital products

“This is THE book for anyone who creates digital content or has wanted to. From new creators to experienced designers, Think in 4D will have you rethinking about the processes you use to grab your audience’s attention. The explanation of the four phases and three layers of the 4D Thinking model gives readers twelve areas to delve into, from prototype to metrics to language to layers of inclusivity and accessibility, this book addresses it all. Think in 4D will be the next book on your shelf full of sticky note bookmarks and highlighted pages. Useful from cover to cover. Every digital creator needs a copy.” —Kristi Elizabeth, Manhattan Book Review


Cinnamon Girl

Cinnamon Girl by Trish MacEnulty was a delight to read. Told from the perspective of Eli Burnes, a 15-year-old girl living in Georgia, the reader is immersed in the turbidity of the 1970’s. After being whisked away from life with her alcoholic mother, Eli is raised by Mattie, a world-class opera singer, and her housekeeper, Miz Johnny. Both the center of Eli’s world, she loves growing up participating in rehearsals, performances, and the extravagance of the stage. With Mattie’s lively personality and Miz Johnny’s discipline, Eli is brought up with love, much more than her hippie father, Billy, ever seems to give her. Alongside these figures, Eli has Gretchen, her best friend from Germany, and Gretchen’s older brother Wolfgang, Eli’s first “love.” Taken away by his philosophies, shaggy hair, and mystery, Eli would practically do anything for him – including running away. After a series of unfortunate events at home, Eli feels she is a burden on her family and wants to leave. Conveniently, at this same period, Wolfgang happens to be fleeing to Canada, after receiving his draft for the Vietnam War. Not fully understanding what this means, Eli just knows that she doesn’t want her crush killed, so she runs away with him to New York City to flee the draft. She soon is in the loop that he has connections with SDS, Students for a Democratic Society who have gone underground amidst the protests and riots across the country. They are going to try and help Wolfgang, along with herself flee to Canada. However, little do the pair know, that much more adventure awaits them!

Overall, I thought this historical fiction was excellent. MacEnulty did a fantastic job writing her characters; I felt immersed in the scenes with Eli as she experienced everything from riots and police brutality to concerts and LSD. I also really liked how the story was told from the perspective of a younger girl; in this way, the reader is able to witness many key events of adolescence and life in the 70’s. Finally, I really enjoyed how MacEnulty wrote Billy’s character. A groovy activist father, Billy lets his daughter do a lot more than the average dad, encouraging her to participate in political events and even do drugs. He takes a controversial approach to parenting, which I thought helped Eli’s character grow and develop throughout the story.

 Overall, I would recommend this book to teenage and adult women readers who like historical fiction and adventure!


A River Divided

The world is clearly divided on the issue of climate change. One group believes that climate change is real and that humans are accelerating it, while another group swears that it's all a sham. What is the main aspect that determines why someone in a group believes their thoughts are completely correct? Is it intelligence? And how important is our environment in shaping our intelligence? If you like these questions, you'll like George Paxinos' characters even more.

Evelyn, as a geneticist, is fascinated by the prospect of uncovering something previously unknown to science. When she discovers some bones with signs of crucifixion during her journey to Israel, she believes one of the corpses belongs to Jesus and that her discovery may benefit humanity. She thinks of collecting viable DNA from the skeleton she believes is Jesus to clone him. Michael, her doctor friend, is a hopeless romantic who wants to shield her from her strange decision, especially because she intends to be a vessel for cloning. Combining such dangerous science with her personal life might jeopardize her health, reputation, and even their relationship.

José and Christopher are twins whose journeys take them to opposite sides of a worldwide crisis that deepens with every act of environmental degradation and every tree cut down for profit in the Amazon. One twin is an economist who has been employed to support this devastation, while the other is an environmentalist who has been inspired by a neuroscientist mentor. Evelyn and the twins each play a significant part in a conflict between people who want to protect the economy and others who want to save the planet. Is Earth's future doomed, and will its caretakers be saved from its destroyers? George Paxinos' A River Divided brings together different characters who fight for what they believe in in a world ravaged by greed and neglect. Fighting back against a threat is an expected choice, just as it is with a cornered wild animal. Looking away is no longer an option, as Earth's rapid devastation threatens everything our protagonists cherish, including love, community, and passion.

The narrative, in my opinion, is a fantastic exploration of why people behave differently. As they are captivated by the interesting sequences of events, the reader is led to examine and answer numerous philosophical and psychological questions. I not only loved the novel but also felt enriched by it. Among the thoughts that came to me while reading the book, the major one that stood out for me was, "Why do people act differently?" I also pondered if nature or nurture has a greater impact on a person's conduct. The twins share comparable biological characteristics but are raised differently. José and Christopher end up joining groups with radically opposing viewpoints as a result of their different surroundings. For Christopher, experiencing Sydney's affluent districts allows him to appreciate the comforts of capitalism. José, on the other hand, witnesses firsthand the terrible impacts of monetary exploitation in Buenos Aires' slums. Apart from the awful physical conditions of slum environments, the treatment of individuals like him by those in power is appalling, especially during their nonviolent rallies. Looking at all this, it stands to reason that these two will have opposing viewpoints on life unless they see things from each other's point of view.

A new idea came to me from this realization. I started wondering whether the rate of insensitivity towards climate change could be reduced if people from affluent nations and environments get to live in places that are being destroyed by climate change and exploited for monetary reasons. What if Hollywood celebrities get to see the negative effects of oil pollution in the oil-rich Niger Delta region of southern Nigeria before buying their next private jets? Would things change then?

The sagacious individuals in the novel illustrate the wisdom that comes from careful inquiry and having an all-encompassing, expansive mind that seeks answers profoundly. It's clear that the author draws on his experience in psychology and neuroscience as well as his own sharp intellect to create these introspective characters and the significant issues and answers they pose. The characters' debates range from psychological topics to philosophical quandaries, arguments for and against climate change movements, capitalism, violence, activism, science, religion, and politics, among other topics. An excellent example of the book's numerous nuggets of wisdom is a conversation in which a professor says, "Intelligence is the product of two factors—the genetic endowment inherited from parents and the environmental influences on that endowment." This clarified my prior confusion regarding nature versus nurture and showed how they function in tandem. Several serious environmental arguments are also advanced, including the hopelessness of preserving the globe through technology and the deadlock with overpopulation.

George's lyrical prose, which he employs to depict natural scenery and his peculiar characters, is a joy to read. As a nature enthusiast, I liked reading descriptions of animals like the rainbow lorikeets: "It was a carnival of color—blue heads, red beaks, green wings and tails."  Furthermore, the plot felt natural, as it seamlessly connects the characters' thoughts to what they're physically experiencing. For example, while Evelyn considers having a child and seeking Michael's assistance, she notices a woman nursing her infant and remarks on how "natural and beautiful" it is. I also liked the book's depiction of the complexities of a genetics operation. It was fascinating to watch the procedure of separating "the nucleus of a brain cell" and the other aspects involved. This section of the book will particularly appeal to genetics enthusiasts.

I loved the book's unique perspectives, which are depicted through multiple viewpoints. While reading Christopher's comment about someone's hair being stuck to his forehead after removing his cap, the image flashed through my mind as if I had witnessed it in person. In addition, certain epic lines in the story heighten its dramatic atmosphere. I loved the statement "This boy has the loyalty of a snake but none of its charms."

 No aspect of the book that is overly detailed or sluggish. It progresses linearly and quickly through numerous phases and times, depicting the people in several distinct settings. I appreciated how I never knew what to anticipate and was always looking forward to the book's next twist. Additionally, Paxinos deftly blends different themes to create an intriguingly complex and busy tale, including incarceration, rallies, education, archaeology, history, sexual assault, religion, romance, loss, cancer, unrequited love, and more. Though there are a few instances of violence, the reader is usually spared the gory details.

José is a person I'd want to meet in person. I was looking forward to observing his friendly connections with people, rational reasoning, and acts of generosity. I believe myself to be a decent guy, but I would not automatically regard my assailant to be a victim of his past, as José does in the novel. He also has a high level of intelligence for his young age as a high school student. I particularly liked the claim that Christians must care for the environment in order to care for future generations—a wonderful illustration of intergenerational justice. Evelyn is another intriguing character. Caught in the ruins of a disastrous relationship, she hesitates in love even when she's with the right person. This is an example of meeting the right person at the wrong moment. I believed she needed to attempt to repair her damaged heart to find love again.

A recurring theme in A River Divided is dilemma. Right at the beginning, it illustrates a conflict of interests concerning Evelyn, who must choose whether to clone or not. She also struggles with letting go of her feelings for her ex and allowing a new partner to breach her boundaries. Michael must choose between protecting the woman he loves and allowing her to carry out her dangerous experiment. Also, both twins experience various contradictory scenarios involving love and the general good. With each conflict portrayed, I was drawn further into the story, eager to know how the characters resolved their differences. I also found their conflicts relatable. Even though Evelyn's situation differs slightly from mine, I recollect wanting to be friends with someone who expected more from our friendship. I could understand her feelings of guilt toward Michael.

Fans of thought-provoking fiction will enjoy A River Divided, as will environmentalists and campaigners who are passionate about tackling climate change. With scenes from different countries and characters that rally to confront a highly troubling global issue, it has an epic atmosphere that rivals the most amazing Marvel films. Though I consider myself very environmentally conscious, the book has helped me understand why spreading the word is extremely critical. It helped me comprehend how resistant to constructive change a large portion of the world is, particularly through its realistic representation of individuals rallying to preserve the economy and the status quo. I really liked the book since it serves as a sort of awareness for being diligent about protecting our world. Because this debut novel is an absolute treat for a variety of reasons, I eagerly await more outstanding works from George Paxinos. What a fantastic read!


A River Divided

On a dig by the Dead Sea, Evelyn finds a skeleton which she speculates may have belonged to Jesus. Her interest in the possibility spurs her not only to spirit away the well-preserved brain of the body but also to attempt to isolate some of the DNA from it. Though not a devout Christian, she has a deep respect and admiration for the man Jesus and wishes to clone him, to carry that clone within her own womb and give birth to it. It’s research she will never be able to admit to or publish, research that crosses several ethical lines.

Nevertheless, she pursues it. The choice will change not only her life but the lives of many others across the world.

In less skillful hands, this book would have become a thriller or a morality tale. Jesus Christ, back from the dead! While there are thrills in A River Divided, along with questions of morality, both are delivered in a balanced style. Paxinos has presented a skillful piece of speculative fiction, something that leans far more on the human side of matters than the scientific or fantastical. It makes this book deeply human overall, which I was pleased to find.

The first part of the book follows Evelyn and her pursuit of carrying a new Jesus in her womb. (Not to bring about any religious happenings, I should add.) Evelyn is a curious figure, one I had a deep sympathy with but, at the same time, had trouble understanding. Her son Christopher likewise felt like a distant figure to me. He was interesting, and I was intrigued by his growth from a boy into a man, but he always seemed strange and distant.

It was the third main figure in the book, José, who spoke to me most clearly. He is an Argentinian boy raised by a single mother who finds his passion in environmental activism. He felt more alive, more vital than the other characters had.

The book is not a thriller, nor is it a morality tale, though it has elements of both. It is also neither a parable nor a fable, though it could easily have become either. It still does, as all good fiction should, bring up questions for the reader.

How much of what we are is determined by our genetics? How much is determined by our environment?

What would Jesus become if he were born into our world?


A River Divided

Evelyn Camilleri, a brilliant and pioneering geneticist, leads a captivating tale of friendship, love, and scientific ambition. She shares a deep bond with her best friend, Michael, yet both harbor unspoken feelings for each other. Alongside her passion for genetics, Evelyn also nurtures an interest in archaeology, which led her to a remarkable discovery during her trip to Israel. Uncovering the remains of a mysterious figure, she speculates that it could be none other than Jesus Christ himself.

Despite not being particularly religious, Evelyn has a profound admiration for Christ. Inspired by her love for him, she conceives an audacious plan to bring him back to life through cloning. With Michael, a skilled gynecologist, by her side, they work on replicating Jesus using the DNA extracted from the tomb. However, amidst their endeavor, Michael yearns for a future with Evelyn, desiring to have children together.

Aware of the slim chances of success, Evelyn grapples with the risks involved. Meanwhile, fate intervenes, and against all odds, their experiment proves triumphant. Although they are twins, Evelyn gives birth to Christopher, while the second twin's embryo is carried by a surrogate mother. Tragically, the surrogate mother vanishes with the child, leaving Evelyn unaware of her other son's whereabouts. As the story unfolds, the twins grow up in vastly different circumstances. Christopher resides in the affluent neighborhoods of Sydney, while Jose struggles in the slums of Buenos Aires. Destined to cross paths, their meeting is inevitable, but the price they must pay remains uncertain.

From start to finish, this narrative captivates readers with its themes of friendship, commitment, and the unique bond between twins. The distinctiveness of each twin serves is a reminder that even in seemingly identical individuals, individuality prevails. The premise of cloning Jesus adds an intriguing twist, drawing readers in from the very beginning.

Among the cast of characters, Jose emerges as my favorite, embodying the qualities of an environmentalist, a passionate advocate, and a kind-hearted soul. The author skillfully crafts distinct and endearing characters, making them easily relatable to readers. The fast-paced nature of the book ensures a smooth and exhilarating reading experience, while the author's expertise in genetics gives readers a clear view of the workings of genetic modification.

Love, motherhood, friendship, and awareness about global warming and cultural diversity are prominent themes woven throughout the narrative. If you find yourself fascinated by books exploring genetics, you'll like this book. A River Divided by George Paxinos is a must-read for fans of fiction novels with a blend of science, history, and eco-consciousness.


A River Divided

A River Divided is a sweeping, ambitious novel with important messages about the environmental calamities we are continuing to wreak. Book one focuses on Evelyn, a driven scientist who accidentally discovers a hidden ossuary of bones while visiting Israel, not far from the Masada. Instead of alerting the authorities, she digs—and the evidence seems, to her, to point to a single explanation of who was buried there after being crucified. Her former lover, now friend, Michael does not believe her theory, nor can he understand why she, a non-religious person, is so obsessed.

Her obsession only increases as she yearns for a baby. Having located some DNA from the cache, she sets about the business of cloning and persuading Michael, an OB-GYN, to help her. But he wonders whether she wants a child or an experiment. When the cells miraculously divide, there’s an opportunity to create a second, identical twin, but borne by someone else.

Book two focuses on Argentina, where a surrogate mother flees before giving birth to that twin. She names him Jose and keeps him hidden from Michael, who yearly travels to South America in search of the boy, brother to Christopher. Jose is mentored by a scientist who teaches him about injustice and the environment.

The final two books focus on the brothers as young adults and how they oppose one another over a hydroelectric project in the Amazon.

The author, a neuroscientist of some renown who is clearly passionate about environmental causes, is adept at painting word pictures of the natural landscapes of desert and jungle. He also describes the brain with precision, and yet, in a way that is still understandable by the average reader. Images such as when Evelyn “moved the stage of her microscope to different fields of view, she was an astronomer training a telescope on unexplored sky” are lovely.

There’s plenty of suspense in these pages, as the plot travels from Israel to Australia, Greece, Argentina, Rome, and Brazil, where the titular river divides. Will the Masada guards interrupt Evelyn’s labors? Will the cloning work or does she risk carrying a damaged baby? Can her theory possibly be right and, if so, what are the implications for humanity? The cruelties of Argentina’s regime against protestors are as horrendous as those of the clear-cutting practices in the Amazonia.

At the same time, Paxinos is not afraid to dive into deep, important ethical themes of cloning, surrogacy, free will vs. determinism, and injustice. His work will introduce many readers to Christian environmentalism and to the need for us all to strive mightily to save ourselves and our planet from destruction.


A River Divided

The story is divided into two parts. In the first part, the protagonists are Evelyn, a geneticist and amateur archaeologist whose passion leads her to a groundbreaking discovery in Jerusalem that she decides to keep a secret, and her best friend and ex-lover Michael who is an obstetrician. Evelyn staying “faithful” to the science she knows, manages to give birth to her first son, Christopher, but due to concerns over her health delivering a second baby, she and Michael decide to have the second baby delivered by a surrogate in Argentina.

In the second part, Evelyn’s children become the story itself. Christopher is the first child to be born. He grows up with Evelyn and Michael as his parents in Sydney. He graduates from a prestigious Australian university and becomes an economist working for TerraDename, a powerful company specializing in environmentally friendly constructions. He’s sent to Brazil in order to meet with the organization responsible for not allowing the construction of a “green” electric dam in the Amazon, negotiate, and reach a compromise that will satisfy both sides.

On the other hand, the second boy, Jose was abducted and raised by his surrogate mother in Latin America. He meets a neuroscientist and environmental activist called Alberto who introduces him to the environmental destruction caused by humans. When Alberto disappears, Jose takes over his place as the head of the environmental group Todo por Tierra which later evolved into Resistencia Pacifica, an organization aiming to network with people concerned about the Amazon Rainforest.

Throughout a series of events, the two boys meet and the moment they lay their eyes on each other, it’s like they take a look in the mirror. The boys are identical twins, their genetic material is 100% the same. Evelyn’s mitochondrial DNA from outside the nucleus of her egg is her only maternal contribution. Since they are exactly the same, they should also think and act the same.

Here comes nature versus nurture or more accurately nature via nurture. Both genes and the environment are essential for all behaviors. The environment has an influence on which genes are expressed that is which genes become active in brain neurons. They may be genetically identical and wish the same future for Earth but they express it through different words and actions.

George Paxinos, known as the world’s brain cartographer, claims that in evolutionary terms, we have a Stone Age brain. The scale of humanity’s interference with climate change is enormous. In order to save planet Earth from total destruction, people need to address climate change head-on and the way to do it is to change the way they comprehend and behave. That gigantic modification exceeds our brain’s capacities so far.

Mr. Paxinos delivers a masterfully written novel like no other I have read. Science, religion, ethics, faith, morality, freedom, and love comprise the “heart” of a story that captivates and at the same time challenges readers to question not only their knowledge but also their beliefs.


A River Divided

On the banks of the Dead Sea in the Jordan Valley of Israel, genetic scientist Evelyn Camilleri found a 2000-year-old tomb. Inside the tomb were the skeletal remains of a man plus two jars, a scroll, and a piece of wood with the inscription of INRI. Believing that she had found the remains of Jesus of Nazarene, Evelyn smuggled some of the items with her back to Sydney. Her carbon dating and investigation into the scroll and jars solidified her resolve that she had found Him. She isolated the DNA from brain matter found in the pots. Having gotten close to a successful clone before, Evelyn decided to attempt bringing back to life the mind and spirit of the prophet.  As she tried to fertilize her egg, she split the ova.  Evelyn successfully impregnated herself with one of the eggs. After giving birth to Christopher, she wanted him to have a brother. Using the second egg, she had a surrogate mother from Argentina carry the second child. Disappearing, the surrogate mother had Jose and raised him as her own. Half a globe and a world apart, the two clones, unaware of their genetic makeup, both grew to be men.  Divided by circumstances, their upbringing determined who they became.

A River Divided is a speculative fiction written by neuroscientist and novelist Greoge Paxinos. Starting with the question, “Who would you invite to dinner, dead or alive?” Paxinos poses questions of morality and ethics, both religious and legal. As he continues his novel and his two cloned characters divide, the reader is left to ponder nature versus nurture.  Throughout his work, Paxinos continuously challenges the reader to a series of philosophical debates.

As a neuroscientist, Paxinos is able to accurately portray the sciences involved in his book. The technical aspects are fascinating. Paxinos’ novel is heavy with genetics, physiology, and philosophy. This is definitely not a book for the disengaged reader. But as the science can draw in the reader, much of the dialogue and character development can be off-putting. Paxinos’ story struggles to hold completely together when off the shores of his native Australia. The book has many intriguing merits if the reader focuses on Paxinos’ questions and not his delivery.

Through a science-fiction lens, A River Divided could be seen as a modern-day Frankenstein.  But Paxinos dives deeply into the social and political theaters of sci-fi.  This book works at challenging the reader with their own views. For readers looking for a debate, this book allows one to question what side of the river they stand on.


A River Divided

Evelyn and Michael sought to do the impossible, and they succeeded. From a dig in Masada, the scientific breakthrough meant the validation of years of research. But the gravity of the discovery is so profound and potentially faith-shattering that they decided to keep it a secret. Back in Australia, the tentative couple decided to raise a family.  However, the surrogate for their second child went missing in Argentina. Fast-forward a couple of decades and the lives of Christopher and Jose—two young men living a world apart— are brought together by a shared passion for humanity. Their shared destiny would ignite a chain of events that led to revolutionary fervor among defenders of the Amazon, arguably the struggle of a lifetime.

George Paxinos’ A River Divided is a novel that deals with the ethical and moral dilemmas related to scientific advancements: from surrogacy to human cloning, from climate change to capitalistic greed. I reviewed the novel from my point of view as a Gen X Asian American woman. I understand how the explication of a woman’s reproductive choices is dated in the last century. Readers understand Evelyn’s dedication to science; still, aspects of her motivations were less than relatable. Paxinos incorporates vulnerabilities such as infatuation, unrequited love, and idealism, as he succeeded in writing very flawed, very human characters. Perhaps by design, it was difficult to empathize with the choices made by Michael, Evelyn, and Martita.

I applaud Paxinos’ efforts in offering a textured perspective on the moral quandary of establishing the “green economy” in the Amazon. With any development, environmental degradation is inevitable. By showing opposing viewpoints on resource extraction activities, Paxinos attempts to win over the hearts and minds of people on either side. With activism against ecological chaos in full display, the depiction of the bleeding-heart environmentalist is a bit of a trope. Direct action is hardly the only arena of the fight for climate justice. However, shining the light on environmental justice from a Marxist perspective in a novel with a Christian pretext may be a stroke of genius. In the polarized climate change discourse, finding a venue for opposing perspectives on contentious subjects is often challenging.

One does not have to be a Christian to understand and follow the underlying similarities between the lives of Christopher and Jose. Paxinos explores genetic and ancestral memory from psychological, neuroscientific, and mystical bents. However, Christian readers may detect a particular stance on the tensions between science and faith.


A River Divided

Evelyn knew she was on hallowed ground when she visited Masada in 1997. Masada was the site of a legendary siege by the Romans against the Jews in the first century, which ended in an ill-fated last stand. Curiosity gets the better of her when she sees disturbed ground and upon digging unearths a skeleton. She decides to inform her best friend Michael about the discovery. Evelyn is a geneticist and believes the finding could be significant. Despite her interest, she must be discreet in her digging as the Israeli military tends to surveil Masada with great frequency. Soon she becomes convinced that she has located the final resting place of Jesus Christ.

Evelyn confirms that her newfound discovery dates to the times of Christ and her thoughts take a turn toward the sacrilegious. She wants to explore the idea of taking a sample of the genetic material and cloning it with the eventual aim of implanting the cloned embryo with her own eggs. Michael is aghast at Evelyn’s intentions, however, his love for her prevents him from deterring her. Evelyn later gives birth to a boy whom she names Christopher. Despite her initial happiness about the birth, she believes Christopher deserves a brother.

Despite Evelyn’s successful pregnancy with Christopher, her advancing age makes a second pregnancy difficult. Michael and Evelyn seek out a surrogate to carry their second child. However, the surrogate runs off and leaves Michael and Evelyn inconsolable.

The passage of time witnesses Christopher living in Australia, a smart but aimless young man drifting from one unfulfilling relationship to the next. A tragic loss is about to open his eyes to family secrets and his own origin and nothing will ever be the same.

A River Divided is a complex yet moving fictional drama where love often clashes with religious beliefs, morals, common sense, and life itself. Evelyn is a scientist who crosses ethical if not legal boundaries in her actions with the remains. Her rationality is forsaken for her love of who Jesus Christ was as a man. While not condoning her methods, Evelyn is relatable in her warmth and her desire to have someone with whom to share her affection. The essence of the narrative is driven initially by the complex relationship between Evelyn and Michael. As the story progresses, the ramifications of Evelyn’s decision reverberate decades later in the life of Michael and his unknown twin brother. Author George Paxinos delivers a contemplative book that is absorbing and satisfying in many ways.


A River Divided

Nature versus nurture. This question has been a source of debate for years. Will two identical twins, separated at birth, live similar lives because of their common genetic structure? Furthermore, the intersection of religion, philosophy, psychology, and genetics can create a murky stew of ethical confusion as one attempts to answer the basic question of determinism versus free will.

George Paxinos, in A River Divided, steps adroitly through this minefield of conflicting opinions and delivers a fascinating novel and treatise on the mystery of human cloning. A Greek-Australian neuroscientist, Paxinos has published fifty-eight books and is notable for developing the first comprehensive nomenclature and ontology for the brain. In A River Divided, his first novel, he leverages his background and creates a thrilling tale of ethics, science, love, faith, and forgiveness.

Evelyn is a professional geneticist and amateur archaeologist who has been unlucky in love. While not overtly religious, she has a great admiration for Christ. While on vacation in Israel, she discovers an ancient ossuary in the Judean desert. With her close friend Michael, who desires to be her lover, she surreptitiously excavates and opens it and discovers the bones of an ancient male. The top of the skull had been removed. The ossuary also contains several small cylinders which Evelyn illegally removes, along with a fragment of bone, and secrets them back to Australia.

Subsequent carbon dating of the bone determines that the man lived between 30 B.C. and 50 A.D. Evelyn opens the cylinders and finds a scroll that she believes validates her hypothesis of the identity of the individual. The second cylinder contains the brain of the person.  The opening of these Pandora’s boxes alters the lives of Evelyn and Michael forever as Evelyn is convinced she holds the brain of Christ in her hands.

Would the world be a better place if clones of Mohammed, Gandhi, or even Christ existed today? Would they achieve what their originals had achieved? Evelyn, desiring a child, clones embryos from the DNA of Christ’s brain. She gives birth to one, named Christopher, while a surrogate mother in South America is engaged to carry the second. However, the surrogate disappears, taking the child with her, setting up the conditions for an unplanned nature versus nurture experiment when the twins meet.

Paxinos delivers a thought-provoking tale as Evelyn plays God with human life. It is also a novel about the foolishness of humans who think that they can control their environment if only they can leverage their brain power to do so. It is a taut, page-turner of a thriller, with well-drawn, sympathetic characters. Well worth the read, just don’t make a copy of it.


A River Divided

"A River Divided is a book that is a twist of the age-old question, 'alive or dead, who would you dine with?' Part medical sci-fi, part philosophical study, Paxinos challenges the reader with moral and ethical questions. Paxinos' speculative fiction focuses on nature versus nurture, using the ultimate moral compass as a case study." —Eric Smith, Manhattan Book Review


A River Divided

"Is it nature with nurture or nature vs. nurture? Is nature stronger than nurture or vice versa? Is the human species the salvation or the destruction of our planet? A 21-year-old writing journey results in a masterfully written, thought-provoking novel intertwining faith, the environment, and science in an unthinkable adventure delivered by world-renowned celebrity cartographer George Paxinos." —Anastasia Gkaitatzi, Seattle Book Review


Hallucinating Stewards: A Potential Financial Crisis

"Despite the Feds’ aggressive monetary policies, factors such as bank liquidity, high levels of government debt, wayward inflation, and worldwide health crises contribute to unprecedented perils. The interconnectedness of the global financial system creates risks across the continents. Fazle Chowdhury expounds on the history of financial problems that have ruined lives and livelihoods. Anchored by the 2023 collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and the 2008 worldwide economic crisis, Chowdhury calls upon sound regulations to promote greater accountability among banking leaders and economic policy-makers." —Maileen Hamto, San Diego Book Review


A Glimmer in the Hollows

"This is a magical tale that will go beyond the reader's wildest imagination. Missing children, a babysitter who will never stop looking, and an out-of-town fiction writer all take their places as this mystical story unfolds. With its suspenseful, intricate plot, and deep characters, A Glimmer in the Hollows is certainly movie-worthy." —Kristi Elizabeth, San Francisco Book Review

Roundfire Books (an imprint of Collective Ink)


Sad Papaw's: Heritage

Kenny Harmon digs into his family's history in Sad Papaw's Heritage, describing what life was like for each generation and how they multiplied and moved to different states, including Oklahoma. The book captures the reader with brief stories from various periods as well as the families' challenges and achievements. It depicts their experiences over several historical eras, ranging from the 1600s to the 1900s, from battle wounds to church duties, farming work, natural disasters, schooling, dating, traveling, and suspense-filled births.

What a fascinating journey through time. The book's rich descriptions make visualizing history a pleasant experience. It was fascinating to picture Peter and Mary traveling across the Wild West on a wagon with cows and their children, unsure if they would survive the heat and terrible circumstances. There was no Google Maps or YouTube to watch vlogs about the new areas.

Kenny writes matter-of-factly and goes right to the heart of his narrative, showing the important characters and their major activities. The book is well-organized and includes key dates, ages, names, and events. Expect to encounter numerous interesting people, like Mathias Harman, who was characterized as being little more than five feet and proven to be a deadly shot with his time's long rifle.

The children in some of the book's historical periods did not have iPads or computer games. They made up for it, though, with the entertaining games they invented and played. Thankfully, the book includes detailed instructions on how to play these games, such as Duck on the Rock and Prisoner's Base. Harmon also gives recipes for foods like old-fashioned peanut butter cookies and Yorkshire pudding. Other features of the book that make it a memorable experience include poignant poetry and well-preserved images.

Reading Sad Papaw's Heritage made me appreciate today's higher level of safety, equality, and tolerance. It's difficult to picture a time in America when families did not believe it was vital for girls to attend school. The novel is ideal for those who enjoy historical fiction for its nostalgic value and the brief escape it provides. However, some readers may find the violent sequences including shootings and fatal clashes between Whites and Indians upsetting.

History, no matter how imperfect it is by current standards, always has a tale to tell. In fact, its flaws and idiosyncrasies make it more distinct and unforgettable. Kenny Harmon's thorough records about his family ancestry dig deep into the sands of time to bury their unique, unforgettable stories. It was an evocative, heart-racing, and enlightening experience.


Sad Papaw's: Heritage

It all started when Kelsey posted a picture of her grandfather looking sad. He had planned dinner for his grandkids, but unfortunately, only Kelsey showed up. However, a few minutes later, Kaleb arrived, but she went ahead to post the picture and unknown to her, it would become an Internet sensation. The hashtag #SadPapaw became popular, and Kenny Harmon became famous as the nation's grandfather. But there's more to this man than being known as Sad Papaw. The book explores his history, starting from the eighteenth century to the present day.

The older generation of Harmans, now known as Harmons, defeated the Indians and claimed the land. When it was time for Peter Harmon to choose his bride, he picked Mary, his love. They got married and started a family. In those days, men worked vigorously on the farm all day, and women took care of the house and the garden. The food was freshly sourced from the farm, and life was simple. However, farming was tedious, as technology had not improved much then. Peter and Mary had children, and as the family grew, more responsibilities were added. Luckily, the children got an education, as it was a privilege then and mostly for males. Gender inequality was prominent then, as women weren't considered intelligent enough to go to school, and even female teachers were discriminated against.

Life on the farm was strenuous due to weather conditions and a lack of farm machinery. However, there was a sense of community because people cared for each other and the societal rules were followed strictly. Also, most decisions were influenced by religious doctrines at the time.

As the book goes on, readers are brought down memory lane, following the generations of Harmons, their way of life, and their peculiar stories. Throughout the book, readers are introduced to life before technological advancements, the Civil War, and other significant events that shaped America. There are lots of fun stories in the book; there are recipes, photos of members of the Harmon clan, and poems too. This book brings a sense of nostalgia and a homely feeling as it connects the past to the present. It was a wonderful experience reading the history of the family as it had been passed on from generation to generation.

If you are like me and you like stories of life centuries ago and you like exploring history, this book is recommended. I liked how the book wasn't too lengthy and was written in a conversational tone. I would happily recommend Sad Papaw's Heritage by Kenny Harmon to fans of historical nonfiction.


Sad Papaw's: Heritage

In 2016, a tweet went viral: a picture of a grandfather who had made enough hamburgers for all his grandchildren, but only one came. That a second grandchild showed up after the tweet made no difference. The internet had already collectively adopted Kenny Harmon as their Sad Papaw.

Now he wants to share his family history with the world.

Sad Papaw’s Heritage is a short book, less than a hundred and fifty pages. Even so, it covers generations of history, from the Hermann (the original spelling of the name) family coming to the Americas from Germany in the 1720s to Kenny’s own generation. It’s a vast scope, and an intriguing slice of Americana, covering colonial struggles against Native Americans, westward expansion, and the Dust Bowl years of locust swarms and failing crops. In the early chapters especially, Harmon draws on accounts written decades prior, showing that the family has been recording their own history for generations.

More proof of the recording comes from the recipes and old photographs interspersed between chapters. I haven’t tried any of the recipes yet, but the apple nut cake looks delicious.

Harmon doesn’t just talk about what his own family did. In nearly every chapter there’s a little historical context, reminding readers of what else was happening in the country and tossing in some new details that readers may not be familiar with. (Crayola, for instance, is much older than I thought!) This helps not only to ground the family saga but also to expand the book a little from focusing on just one family to being a story as well about a changing country.

I did feel the book could have used more expansion. As I said before, it was short, and only snippets of each generation were given. Some of this may have been from a lack of sources, but I finished the book wanting to know more about the Harmons. I think either making the book longer or focusing on one or two generations and delving more deeply into those would have helped a great deal.

Sad Papaw’s Heritage was not just born from a viral moment on social media. It also came from generations of hard-working Americans determined not so much to make their mark on the country as to live a good life. I don’t think it will go down in history as the next Little House series, but it’s a solid, honest book, and I think anyone who wants a quick view of American history through one family will enjoy it.


Sad Papaw's: Heritage

An Internet picture of a sad grandfather in Oklahoma, at an empty birthday barbecue, went viral in 2016. Thousands of people saw the photo and sent Kenny Harmon support and remembered to spend more time with their own grandparents. Later, Harmon, now dubbed “Sad Papaw” had a cookout and over 2000 people showed up to meet him. It was an example of what positives the internet can offer.

Earlier books told his story. One was called Sad Papaw: the Early Years, and was written by Harmon himself. Others by Harmon include Sad Papaw’s: Those Were the Days, and Reflections. This book, Sad Papaw’s Heritage, also written by Harmon, is about hundreds of years of his family’s history.

Microhistory is an evolving branch of research, and this term fits this Sad Papaw’s Heritage. Microhistory takes the story of a single family, or a single person, or small scale events and studies this in depth. It makes history more alive and accessible because it takes out the abstractions. While macro history talks about revolutions, inventions and sweeping changes, microhistory can highlight how one particular family is impacted by these things. It can be an exciting way to learn about history. This is microhistory, in the form of a history of a family.

Heritage is an impressive research undertaking. The book starts with the history of the family’s name, 2000 years ago. It then starts the family narrative in the 1700’s and follows the family to 2016. To me, its highlights are the primary source materials, in the form of many recipes, battle songs, holiday customs, school curricula in detail, school games, and many photos. Those materials are fun and educational. I enjoyed the little details, like the family member who always had a saltshaker with him. Other snippets, like military history and farming history, were interesting, as well, as were references to historical politics.

There is a lot of interesting information in Heritage. The story of an American family going back hundreds of years, researched with care and love, and full of personal touches, is wonderful to read. I did feel that a good editor could have improved the book. It could be pared down in several sections, and more flow could enhance it. It tends to have lists of events or people that might be fascinating to family members, but less so to other readers. Nevertheless, it’s a fun addition to historical documents and published family histories.


Surviving The Closet: Learning To Live After Coming Out Later In Life

Like many queer millennials of a bookish persuasion, most of my TBR consists of queer books. Queer romances, sapphic horror, bi sci-fi, collections of introspective essays on the rise of gay pop culture during the ascension of Gen Z; you name it, I probably want to read it. I didn’t have a lot of representation to look to during most of my formative years, so as someone who came out in their early twenties, I’m happily tunneling my way through this veritable avalanche of freely available queer media.

But, as I’m sure many other younger members of the LGBTQ community have noticed, most of these stories are written by and for younger generations; we’re essentially experiencing huge gaps in community perspectives because there is only a smattering of books by queer elders. That would be a good enough reason on its own to pick up Surviving the Closet, but the fact of the matter is, this is one the most thoughtful, emotionally honest, and heartbreakingly hopeful books I’ve read all year.

Jo DeLuzio was happily married to her only husband for twenty-two years before coming out of the closet and changing her life for the better. Part memoir, part social commentary, Surviving the Closet touches on everything from Jo’s early struggles with heteronormativity, the community infighting she experienced over labels and appearances, the role religion and family often play in the decision to come out, and the joy of stepping into your authenticity at any age.

Her writing style is warm and humorous, inviting the reader to contemplate some of the communities’ hardest-hitting issues while celebrating how far we’ve come in the decades since she first suspected her queerness. I really loved how many other women’s stories she included throughout the book; there’s even an entire chapter dedicated to showcasing them, which makes it an entrancingly well-rounded deep dive into myriad differing perspectives.

Her tone throughout the book is one of utmost respect to the diversity of the LGBTQ community, which can unfortunately be hard to come across in the work of older writers, and she absolutely doesn’t shy away from addressing how painful exclusion from your own community can be. Although she doesn’t skimp on addressing the trauma and loss that came from stepping into her authentic self, I walked away from this book feeling nothing but joy for how far the LGBTQ community has come and hope for where we might find ourselves in a future where we can do more than just survive the closet.


Honeymoon at Sea: A Memoir

In November 1989, six months after their wedding, Jennifer and Russel Redmond set off from San Diego for Baja California on their twenty-six-foot sloop, Watchfire, heading for Cabo San Lucas, the Sea of Cortez, and eventually, New York City via the Panama Canal. The trip was intended to be an extended honeymoon, a chance to properly get to know each other and settle into married life, but over the months and then years, it morphed into something much more.

In fact, they never properly stopped living on the boat, although they did eventually upgrade to the thirty-five-foot Watchfire 2. All aspects of their epic voyage are evocatively described in Honeymoon at Sea: How I Found Myself Living on a Small Boat, from the scenery to the weather to the marine life to the eccentric folk they met along the way. It’s impossible to read about their adventures and not want to set out on a journey, even though Redmond doesn’t shy away from the complications of life at sea (ranging from a blocked toilet to partying seals to the possibility of pirate attacks).

Redmond’s record of her and Russel’s life aboard ship is interspersed with biographical passages recounting her life prior to their marriage, which proves to have been every bit as interesting as the time spent at sea. From growing up in Venice Beach, California in the 1960s, with parents who were devoted followers of the Beat Generation and who fully embraced the “flower power” credo, to spending the 1970s traveling around Europe and then the United States, to launching the acting career that would eventually lead her to meet Russel.

In addition to being a memoir and a travelogue, Honeymoon at Sea is also very much a love story, chronicling the ups and downs of a relationship that has blossomed and developed against an extraordinary backdrop. On that subject, Redmond offers an excellent observation: “If you are in love and like spending a great deal of time together, then a small boat has room to spare. If you aren’t thrilled to be with your partner 24 hours a day, then no yacht in the world is big enough.” Similar to their epic voyage, their relationship hasn’t been all plain sailing, although it has been deep, enriching, and rewarding.

Honeymoon at Sea is an immersive record of a life well lived. From escapades at sea to hilarity with friends and family, the colossal highs of finding place and self to the terrible lows of a lost pregnancy, Redmond has truly embraced the opportunities that have come to her in life and tackled head-on the difficulties that have arisen. Her story is an inspiring reflection on the importance of following both heart and mind.


Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness (Second Edition)

While I don’t often pick up self-help books, it’s hard to ignore the siren call of a nonfiction book that touts itself as reaching beyond the genre and touching upon sociology and psychology as well. Chet Shupe’s Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness had just enough of a hook to reel me in, with the central premise being that human beings’ innate emotional connections and natural proclivity to strong community ties have eroded specifically due to mass societal dependence on legal and financial systems. It’s difficult to pass up the opportunity to delve into an author’s personal take on evolution-driven hypotheses regarding the intuitive wisdom of human nature. Unfortunately, in this case, I wish I would have. I mistakenly assumed there would be footnotes pointing to scientific studies or previously published sociological research surrounding the ideas Shupe presents throughout his work, as many nonfiction books written in the same vein of thought often do. While there is a handy index and glossary of terms, there is no data to back up any of the claims Shupe puts forth in what would more appropriately be categorized as a philosophical theory rather than a self-help book. Especially considering that although Shupe casts a relatively wide net in his conviction of social ills, he is focused primarily on a Western, white, and Christian perspective. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing unless you’re trying to lump the entirety of human civilization into a completely unrealistic unified vision of how all people on the planet should live their lives while claiming to use facts-based evidence that a simple Google search proves to be inherently incorrect. The constant comparison to chimpanzees as a litmus test for how peaceful human society could be due to our close genetic makeup had me confused, considering that chimps are one of the most naturally aggressive primate species on the planet. A 54-year study published just last year in the scientific journal Nature found that coordinated aggression is innate to the species. Couple that with Shupe’s repeated assertion that human nature without the aid of education, social contracts, diverse socialization, legal repercussions for criminal behavior, or even vocal communication is going to lead us to an inherently peaceful and cooperative existence because our feelings will lead us to make the ‘right’ decisions and you have a recipe for a real head-scratcher of a book. With all due respect, although this book is grammatically well-written and flows clearly from one idea to the next, it would‘ve gotten a much higher review from me if it was presented as an interesting thought experiment rather than a self-help treatise.


Lightning Bugs And Aliens: A Small Town Coming-Of-Age Story

Lightning Bugs and Aliens: A Small Town Coming-Of-Age Story by Daniel Babka was a light-hearted historical fiction novel. Set in the 1960s, thirteen-year-old Ohio residents Isiah, Mark, Bobby, Chip, and Ben live in their own adventurous world. Practically living outside, the boys spend their days in the woods, backyards, biking, their cemetery hideout, and running around town. Always out and about, they are friends with shop owners, tavern owners, and other residents, something that causes them to hear much about “grown-up” topics.

To summarize, the boys have questions; they hear much about the Nazis, atomic bomb threats, UFOs, and the Mafia, but no adult seems to want to share what all of these major topics are about. Worried, they do not know how to feel about all of the change around them. On the radio, they hear about kids in neighboring towns wearing dog tags and learning about “duck and cover” techniques at school.

No one was explaining “the Red Menace” and how radiation could possibly destroy their small town. They also start hearing about Area 51, a tract of government land in Nevada. This place is supposed to hold flying saucers; in fact, someone had allegedly spotted real UFOs close to where they lived. Confused, a little scared, and unsure what to do, this novel explores the thoughts and mind of a pre-teen growing up in a Cold War society.

However, there is one topic that the boys are able to gain insight into: race relations. Isiah himself is African American and ridiculed for spending so much time with “four white boys.” However, Ben and the others are like brothers to him; seeing each other as human beings, not skin color, the other boys are easily able to see the crime of racial discrimination and always stand up for Isiah and his family when other town members start talking down to African American peoples.

Overall, Lighting Bugs and Aliens was a calming read. I liked the historical fiction aspect of this novel, and I enjoyed reading a story from the perspective of a child growing up in the Cold War. I think Babka did a good job with his characters, plot line, and description imagery of this small, homey, Ohio town. My one complaint about this novel was that it was a little slow. I found the beginning hard to get into, but I do typically enjoy a more fast-paced read. Overall, I would recommend this book to boys aged ten to fifteen, or any adult reader who likes coming-of-age stories.


Old to Joy

When Joy goes to visit Grandmama, she notices how antiquated things are. Her house seems ancient, and the chairs are “rickety-rockety” and the porch “crickety-crockety.” It all seems so peculiar and nonsensical to her. “I don’t know how come old people like old things anyways,” she says to Grandmama. Together, they gaze up at the giant tree branches that nearly touch the sky and wash dishes the way they did back in the olden days: by hand. As the day draws on, Joy’s interest in all the things her grandmother has and does grows exponentially, and she begins to see “old things” through a new lens.

This is a sweet book that encapsulates the love between a grandmother and a grandchild and the relationship they share. It sends a gentle message as well: beauty can be found in simplicity and the way life once was. Additionally, the author does a brilliant job of including vernacular that older generations used and of illuminating Joy’s unfamiliarity with it. The vibrant hues of the illustrations and their realistic quality compliment the text and bring the story to life. Young children ages five to nine will find this not only heartening but also a bit humorous.


If the Rivers Run Free

Rivers don’t make up a great percentage of the water on Earth, but they are incredibly important to us. Throughout history, towns and cities sprang up along the banks of rivers because rivers do so much for people. They carry goods and people from here to there, they supply fresh water to grow crops and for people to drink, they create power for the cities, and many other things. Over time, people misused rivers and contaminated them and sent them underground. But now, many are realizing we need to bring them back above ground and help to restore them and their natural habitats to their former glory for the good of us all.

Andrea Debbink has written the story of our rivers in beautiful, lyrical, rhyming text that will delight very young listeners. She makes a complex story easy for little ones to understand. Two pages of very good back matter explain things more completely. The illustrations by Nicole Wong are simply lovely. They use soft colors and are filled with lots of details that complete the text and will engage youngsters through every page. This sweet book will teach good lessons without ever letting the youngsters know they are learning.


How to Hatch a Reader

Reading is an important life skill and young readers often struggle with forming words and sentences and getting the love of reading into them. This book using chickens helps young readers get a better grasp of the language, and how to form words and eventually sentences all while having fun on the farm. Our young, unnamed narrator wants to read and teach the chickens on her farm to read. She gathers the chickens inside their coop and begins to show them objects associated with a specific letter until they are frightened by the word fox. Next, our brave young teacher begins pointing out objects containing common words for the chickens to identify with. Later on, they practice their writing skills, or chicken scratch, to write the words out. Finally, is developing longer sentences full of meaning. This book is excellent, with drawings to keep the attention of young readers. It will help young children learn the basics of reading. As it so rightly pointed out, hatching a reader is not overnight but takes time and patience. Perfect for families to do together.


Elves Are the Worst! (The Worst! Series)

Alex Willan is back with another hilarious book in the Worst series. This is a series that I look forward to.

Gibert the Goblin is comparing himself to how he could be an elf from the North Pole, but he quickly learns it is not quite as easy to make toys as it seems. Gilbert is not a master toymaker or reindeer flier. He sees how cool the elves really are and makes friends with them, just as in the other books.

The illustrations are so fun, bright, and colorful, and most importantly, really funny. This is one of my favorites! This is a must-have book for the holidays to add to the series! I can't wait to see what Gilbert will be up to next!

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers


The Pie That Molly Grew

In The Pie That Molly Grew, a young girl plants and tends a seed that produces a huge pumpkin, which brings her community together to enjoy it as a pie at a picnic. This is an utterly delightful picture book on several levels.

First, the story mimics the rhythm and rhyme of The House That Jack Built, making it great fun to read aloud. Second, while creating a thoroughly entertaining story, Sue Heavenrich, a former science teacher, offers several learning opportunities, including the plant life cycle, different types of bees and their role in pollination, the value of community, and how to bake a pumpkin pie using fresh pumpkin. For this reason, this book could easily spawn some wonderful conversations and fun real-life activities.

Finally, Chamisa Kellogg provides heartwarming illustrations that make the reader want to plant a pumpkin seed and just see where it goes. In sum, this is a book that will be read over and over again and, with luck, maybe even send its readers into the garden, the kitchen, and their communities.


The Owl Who Dared

As the sun fades into the horizon and darkness beckons, a little owl and his mommy wake from their slumber. She gently tells her kin, “It’s time to learn to fly.” Fear and trepidation threaten to steal the courage he needs to journey into the skies. He gathers all his strength and attempts to fly, only to plummet awkwardly to the hard, unforgiving ground. The mother owl encourages him to try and try again, assuring him that someday he will succeed. His discouragement fades as her words resonate, and he witnesses other brave creatures struggling to gain their independence as well.

This is a precious book with an uplifting and age-old message that with work and determination all things are possible. Gaining new skills and achieving mastery takes time and often many trials and failures. Children will find this relatable, even the really little ones, and parents will savor how sweetly this sentiment is conveyed. The Owl Who Dared makes for a perfect bedtime story, and will be a welcome addition to any preschool or early elementary school classroom. In addition to the narrative, youngsters will love the vibrantly hued illustrations that gloss the pages with allure.


In a Cave

Have you been inside a cave? If not, this book is for you, or even if you have been in a real cave. I think book took me on a fun adventure inside a cave. So ask yourself, do you know what is in a cave? It just might surprise you what you find lurking in one. So many fun rock formations like stalactites.

This book had really fun yet creepy illustrations that helped me imagine what it is like to explore a creepy cave. What I liked most of all was all the different types of creatures that could be lurking inside. What was super cool about this book was the troglobites that lived in water in the cave. This book makes me want to adventure into a cave.


Heavy Metal Badger

The woods are quiet. Soft breezes blow and the birds twitter, but from under the ground comes the faint sound of drumming. Suddenly Badger bursts from the ground and begins drumming on tree stumps. Forest animals are not happy and complain about the noise. Badger decides he should probably have some music lessons. Mrs. Smythe insists Badger try his hand at playing the recorder. It is not a good fit. He tries to join a band of marching ants, but he doesn’t fit in. Joining the church choir is no more successful than his other ideas. Badger is about to give up when he comes across a flyer that might be his salvation.

Duncan Beedie has both written and illustrated this cute book. The clever story is told mostly in rhyme, but there are a few places where the author strays from that and the meter is, at times, weak. Still, the story is fun and will keep youngsters engaged as they listen. The illustrations are very stylized and unique. They are filled with fun details that will help to keep the young listeners engaged with the story. Kids will get a kick out of this story.