The Great American Recipe Cookbook Season 2 Edition: 100 Memorable Recipes to Celebrate the Diversity and Flavors of American Food

America is a nation of migrants, who bring their culture, their heritage, and yes, their food to their tables, and ours. Eventually their foods become American foods as we adapt the recipes to ingredients that are more readily available, and to accommodate the palettes we have acquired. This book is an outgrowth of a project that aims to explore contemporary cultural influences on American cuisine. The recipes are from the PBS series The Great American Recipe Season 2.

Nine contestants and four judges share some of their recipes that have been modified to embody cultural flavors in American cuisine. Most recipes take up a two-page spread, with a picture of the finished dish on one page. The recipes are arranged by eight different types (appetizers, soups, handhelds, chicken, meat, seafood, rice and pasta, and dessert), with nine to eighteen recipes in each section (for a total of one hundred recipes). The recipes do require some culinary experience, but are not challenging for most home chefs.

What makes this book unique is that the dishes are those that regularly grace family tables in America. They retain their cultural heritage while utilizing shared ingredients, thus reflecting contemporary Americans from their different backgrounds all weaving a tapestry of common American ideals.


Dancing in the Ring

Catherine McIntosh has ambition: she’s going to become one of the first women to practice law in Detroit. Bob Sage intends to practice law too, but he puts as much focus on his career as a boxer. Throw two such strong-willed people together in the midst of the Roaring Twenties and you’ve got either the makings of a power couple or the makings of a powder keg. Whether it’s them or the world, something’s going to explode.

I was drawn in by the premise of the book, as I love reading about strong-willed women in historical settings. Unfortunately, it soon fell flat. Catherine and Bob are presented with little subtlety. A lot of the book involves telling rather than showing, from the setting of 1920s Detroit to the main couple themselves. The minor characters got the worst of it, since I was often told simply who they were and why I should care about them rather than seeing them in action. In the end, I didn’t wind up caring about them at all.

Dancing in the Ring has all the makings of a gripping story. Unfortunately, its style fails to deliver on the promise.


Dragon Springs & Other Things: A Short Story Collection: Book I is the new aptly titled anthology by Raven Oak. As the name suggests, Oak’s tales contain a bit of everything, from building a dragon to exorcizing water demons, from sinister holiday tales to online trolls. These stories vary in length, with some being pure fantasy while others harbor elements of truth. As wildly diverse as each account is, the one factor all the stories contain is magic.

Oak is an award-winning fantasy author who is best known for their novels. She is also very accomplished at shorter fiction, with entries in many anthologies. Many of the stories that appear in this book have previously been published. Other stories are originals written for this book. All the stories are delightful. Oak explores a wide range of subjects and styles in her storytelling. Every story concludes with the author’s notes explaining their thoughts. It’s fun to see where these stories came from. Whether you enjoy their young adult series or short fiction, this collection is a wonderful read.


Stella and the Werewolves

Stella and the Werewolves is a simple story that will teach young readers that sometimes fear comes from misunderstanding. As little Stella runs through the woods trying to find the kitten she just received for her birthday, she comes across two werewolves who are young girls much like herself during the day and werewolves by night. They agree to help Stella find her kitten. First, they must wait for the moon to come out so they can track Cupcake down. While they are waiting, the girls share stories about their lives.

The story is easy to understand by children of all ages. What will really strike the readers is the beautiful artistry in the book. The illustrations are mesmerizing and paint a picture of each of the scenes in the book. From the first picture of Stella with her bright blue eyes to the beautiful greens and blues of the forest and the reds and golden yellows of the werewolves, I could not stop staring at the gorgeous illustrations. The colorful details and magical expressions in this book will make this book a favorite.


Rain Falling on Embers

In Rain Falling on Embers by Liana Gardner, thirteen-year-old Katie McCabe’s life is turned upside down. Born into a family of do-gooders, she seems to be just the opposite. She only has her sheriff father to look after her, and when he becomes gravely ill and she keeps getting into trouble, he can’t keep up. Preferring to keep Katie from seeing him grow weaker, he sends her to live with an uncle and three cousins whom she has never even met. To make things worse, Katie becomes a target for one of the meanest kids around—the son of the man who owns most of the city. Faced with a new, unwanted home and sudden grief, Katie has to figure out how to keep going and fit into a place where she never thought she’d have to be.

What might seem like a typical troubled teen story actually turns into something pretty unique and unexpected. Though there are inevitable similarities (trouble at home, disregarding authority, cute boys, etc.), it is clear that author Liana Gardner has tried her best not to let similar young adult stories influence her own creativity in writing. Katie does more than struggle with living with strangers in a new place; she has some adventures of her own, too. Katie’s character is very well developed, and Liana Gardner has done a good job of creating a critical backstory. The story also has a great climax, and readers won’t see it coming.

A lot of teenagers go through similar situations and have similar thoughts and feelings to Katie’s, but there are a few things that dampen the realistic fire that Liana Gardner has created. For example, at one point, a character meets an onslaught of wild animals in the woods in a very short timeframe and has unlikely interactions with each of them. Things like this make Katie and her story lose just a little of its relatable appeal.

Another great aspect that Liana Gardner has included to keep readers wanting more is leaving some great questions unanswered, especially concerning uncertain relationships and what exactly the history is between the McCabe family and the malicious family that owns most of the town. It looks like these questions will be answered in future novels.

Rain Falling on Embers is a teen’s story of grief, new beginnings, and an affirmation that sometimes chaos, terrible and unexpected as it is, is normal. It is a novel that many teens are sure to find interesting and impactful.


The Unbroken Horizon

The Unbroken Horizon by Jenny Brav is a gripping tale that brings together two seemingly unrelated stories, weaving a powerful narrative about human resilience, hope, and racism. This novel masterfully intertwines the lives of two strong-willed women separated by time and place, showcasing their incredible journeys and the obstacles they overcome. Sarah Baum, a 34-year-old humanitarian nurse, tirelessly devotes her life to helping communities in war-torn African countries. Amidst the chaos and devastation, Sarah finds solace in her friendship with Mariol, a 9-year-old boy who teaches her the importance of cherishing life's simple moments. Their bond, however, is tragically cut short when Mariol succumbs to illness, leaving Sarah to confront her grief and navigate the overwhelming sense of loss.

As Sarah's mental health spirals downward, she is plagued by recurring nightmares featuring a young black girl desperately seeking refuge in a forest. Seeking help through therapy, Sarah begins to uncover the astonishing story of Maggie Burke, a resilient young woman with a harrowing past. After witnessing the brutal murder of her father and brother, Maggie flees home and pretends to be a boy to get work and survive in a male-dominated, racist society. Her journey eventually leads her to New York, where she starts to work for a black family, which changes her life forever.

Brav skillfully alternates between Sarah's path to healing and Maggie's courageous journey, offering an immersive exploration of the human spirit. The novel delves into the historical struggles faced by the black community as they fought against racism, showcasing the strength and determination of its predominantly female characters. Each woman's story is meticulously crafted, reflecting their unique backgrounds and the challenges they face.

The Unbroken Horizon is rich in detail and emotion, making it easy for readers to become invested in the characters' lives. Brav's vivid storytelling and authentic portrayal of emotions evoke deep empathy, making it difficult to believe that Maggie isn't real. The book serves as a powerful reminder of human resilience and the ability to shape one's own destiny despite adversity. It also highlights the progress society has made in embracing unity and transcending race and color.

In addition to its captivating plot, the book features an array of well-developed secondary characters, each contributing to the story's depth and complexity. The novel explores themes such as love, loss, friendship, and the importance of self-discovery.

The Unbroken Horizon is a must-read for fans of historical fiction. Jenny Brav's masterful storytelling and unforgettable characters will leave a lasting impact on readers' hearts and minds.


Promposal

Do you like books with teen romance, betrayal, and unexpected friendships? If so, Promposal by RaeChell Garrett is just the book for you. Autumn Reeves, a high school senior, has been wait listed by her dream school. She is determined to move to the top of the wait list. But how? When a promposal that Autumn planned for a friend has many people coming to her for help, she gets an idea. Why not make a business helping people plan their promposals?

Sadly, Autumn knows nothing about business, so she joins the Young Black Entrepreneurs club.  Unexpectedly, Autumn finds herself face-to-face with Mekhi Wilson, the boy who ruined her friendship with her best friend. Mekhi is the best in the entrepreneur business, but working with him might ruin her only chance of rekindling her friendship with her ex best friend. Now Autumn has to make a heart-wrenching decision: her future or her best friend? Which will she choose?

This book had so many twists and turns with unexpected surprises at every corner. Promposal is a great book and earns my rating of four out of five stars. I would recommend it to teens ages fourteen to seventeen who enjoy relatable high school romance stories. Overall, Promposal is a great book and I am sure it will be hard to keep in stock when it is released.


Zora Books Her Happily Ever After

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde:

In "A Love Song for Ricki Wilde," readers are swept into the pulsating world of the music industry, where Ricki's journey towards love and self-acceptance unfolds amidst the backdrop of catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics. Through trials and triumphs, Ricki's story resonates with the universal quest for belonging and authenticity. With its melodious narrative and relatable characters, this novel offers an enchanting blend of romance and self-discovery that will linger in readers' hearts like a cherished melody.

The Kiss Countdown:

"The Kiss Countdown" beckons readers into a world where time is of the essence, and love hangs in the balance. With each page turn, the tension mounts as two unlikely souls navigate the highs and lows of romance against the backdrop of a ticking clock. Will they seize the moment and find their happily ever after before time runs out? This captivating tale is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, promising readers a whirlwind romance that will keep them on the edge of their seats until the final countdown reaches zero.

The Partner Plot:

In "The Partner Plot," intrigue and deception reign supreme as protagonists unravel a web of lies to uncover the truth. With secrets lurking around every corner, the stakes are high as they race against time to save what matters most. This thrilling tale keeps readers on the edge of their seats, guessing at every twist and turn. As the tension mounts and suspicions deepen, "The Partner Plot" delivers a gripping narrative that will leave readers breathless until the very end.

Zora Books Her Happily Ever After:

"Zora Books Her Happily Ever After" invites readers on a heartwarming journey of self-discovery and resilience. Through Zora's quest for love and fulfillment, readers are reminded of the transformative power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to oneself. As Zora navigates the trials and tribulations of life, her story serves as an inspiring reminder that happiness is often found in unexpected places. With its uplifting message and relatable characters, this novel is a celebration of hope, courage, and the enduring power of love.

Sex, Lies, and Sensibility:

"Sex, Lies, and Sensibility" delves into the tangled web of relationships and desire, offering readers a tantalizing blend of scandal and romance. As characters navigate the complexities of love, lust, and betrayal, secrets are revealed and passions ignite. With its gripping narrative and steamy encounters, this book is a captivating exploration of human nature and the lengths we will go to in pursuit of our desires. From forbidden affairs to shocking revelations, "Sex, Lies, and Sensibility" keeps readers hooked until the very last page, craving more of its deliciously scandalous drama.


The Case of the Missing Tarts (Volume 1)

The Case of the Missing Tarts is a funny mystery story involving three pigeon detectives, a famous mommy chef, a missing plate of jam tarts, and a mean thief who has taken them in the night. The tarts are made by Mama Pigeon with love and a mystery ingredient, so not only are they really tasty but they are also mysterious and people want them for themselves!

The detectives—Sweets, Danish, and Custard—look for clues in the hope of finding the tarts before they have been eaten. The thief remains a mystery, but the reader follows him as the detectives get ever closer to finding him and the tarts!

This had everything in a good mystery story. You find out right away what happened, there is a backstory to some of the characters, the detectives find clues and do some silly things along the way, and then the thief is caught! This is the first story in the Pigeon Private Detectives series and I look forward to reading more!


Soul Archaeology: A (Totally Doable) Approach to Creating a Self-Loving and Liberated Life

Sarah Sapora extends an invitation to excavate emotional hurts on the journey toward self-love and lasting transformation. In Soul Archaeology, Sapora shares her struggles as a plus-size woman in a society that ascribes high value to thinness. Using her own experiences, Sapora offers a refreshing take on body positivity. Traditional self-help advice about self-improvement focuses on before and after. In contrast, Sapora’s approach emphasizes the radical evolution that can only come from deep internal work.

Self-awareness is required to embody self-love. Courage is required to stay accountable and committed to change. Sapora’s background as an educator is evident in her deliberate use of illustrations, charts, and tables to make key points stand out on the page. She invites readers to create a “Self-Love To-Do-List” to guide true and lasting transformation.

Sapora is clear about her audience: women who grew up during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s who have internalized harmful messages about their weight and looks. She writes in an honest and engaging way that draws readers into messy, imperfect, vulnerable, and relatable stories. Self-love allows space for defining and reclaiming one’s ultimate self: growing, healing, and on the path to complete liberation.


The Secret Hours

Max Janacek was drifting off to sleep when the beginnings of an assault on his house roused him into action. Max gets the drop on his assailants and manages to evade capture. Meanwhile, British Intelligence is under scrutiny and an investigation dubbed “Monochrome” has been initiated at the Prime Minister’s behest. Griselda Fleet has been assigned the thankless task of holding hearings into the operations of numerous agencies.

The hearings yield little beyond gossip and rumor, while the spy groups withhold certain information to stifle the query, but events escalate when one of the investigating committee members receives secret intel alluding to an intelligence operation from the 1990s. The operation relates to post-Cold-War Berlin and a counterintelligence operation. Events of the past and present are coalescing into a potential maelstrom.

The Secret Hours is the latest cerebral espionage thriller from the mind of the gifted Mick Herron. The dangers of the cloak-and-dagger world are cleverly captured by Herron, often hidden behind the monotony of routine bureaucratic operations. Herron has his hand firmly on the pulse of the reader as he knows how to draw out the suspense and capture their attention when least expected. A+ effort.


Lullaby for the King

Word has spread through the animal kingdom that the Holy One has been born. Animals from far and wide are bringing gifts to the Little King, forming a long caravan that wends its way through the desert. Antelope carries a fine flask made of alabaster and filled with myrrh. Camel brings a cedar chest with a zither inside. Hippo carries olive oil and Goat has a finely-tuned harp. A golden crown sits atop Leopard's head, while Raven has a ruby ring tucked into his feathers. Lamb brings a spool of creamy yarn. All these and many more make their way to a stable in Bethlehem to honor the Babe.

Author Nikki Grimes has written a fresh telling of the Christmas story filled with all kinds of different animals, exotic and ordinary, to delight little listeners. She writes this story in beautiful, lyrical free verse. She stays away from religious references, and simply tells the story of the animals honoring the birth of Christ. Every page is filled with absolutely gorgeous illustrations by Michelle Carlos in rich colors and filled with delightful details which will keep youngsters' eyes on the pages as they listen to this sweet book.


Till Dawn

In Till Dawn, what was predicted by NASA scientists as a "beautiful meteor shower" becomes a nightmare for the United States. Instead of having unsupervised fun with his friends like he planned, with his parents on a week-long vacation, seventeen-year-old Ryan Rogen and his friends are forced to flee his home and escape the destruction of the meteors that appear to be destroying the east coast and claiming lives unceasingly. Their situation becomes even gloomier when they discover more bizarre developments about the meteors, leaving the teenagers in a vulnerable state—both physically and mentally. Will Ryan and his friends remain united and find enough strength to survive the horrors from outer space? T.H. Alexander's Till Dawn is a horror-themed, suspense-filled tale that follows a group of teenagers' quest to survive extraterrestrial attacks and desperate, vicious humans.

My favorite aspect of the book is its expertly portrayed theme of teenage drama, which is strategically merged with the larger horror theme. For example, a possible, planned breakup is temporarily and secretly buried when the more troubling possibility of dying springs up.

We also see deep into the protagonist's thoughts and inner struggles, through a third-person perspective, as he battles the possibility of dying, loss, and the gruesome nature of the monstrosities they face. I was almost equally affected emotionally, as I could barely keep my eyes open while reading such vivid descriptions as "a narrowed snout instead of a beak with an eight-inch tail on its end repeatedly slapping the carpet."

Alexander paints a realistic picture of what living in a world decaying into chaos and panic feels like. The story, at times, veers from the main characters' viewpoints to depict passionate discussions in the news about the state of the country.

Conversations about the level of preparedness of the US and who is to blame reminded me of how the media responded to the Covid-19 pandemic in the USA in 2020. Furthermore, finding people to trust in the new world proves quite difficult for the teenagers, who face gun owners and murderers as they search for safety.

When it comes to horror, spine-chilling stories centered on teenagers, it doesn't get better than Till Dawn! Fans of Stranger Things and books by R. L. Stine and Stephen King will enjoy this epic, evocative book. I loved every bit of it. In addition to making me jumpy and keeping me glued from start to finish, it gave me a deeper appreciation for teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving skills.


The Girl in the White Cape: A Novel

The Girl in the White Cape by Barbara Sapienza is a unique fantasy novel about a young girl named Elena. The story begins when she is fifteen years old, and the reader learns she was left by her mother as an infant. Left only with a note and a doll named Kukla, Elena repeats the words of her birth mother’s letter until she knows them by heart: “If you are ever in trouble, give the doll something to eat and ask its advice. It will take your food and tell you what to do.” Raised by a Catholic priest, Father Al, and homeschooled by her eccentric grandmother, Baba Vera, one of Elena’s only companions is her trusty doll. who often helps her with her work.

Elena does not quite understand how Kukla helps her complete tasks. However, she always seems to give Elena the guidance, strength, and courage to do whatever she is faced with. With the help of Kukla, Elena has almost supernatural abilities, able to finish jobs she would not be able to do individually otherwise. A secret to everyone except her trusted guardian, Father Al, Elena consults her doll almost daily as she attempts to do the many difficult things Baba Vera asks her to do.

One day, a distraught and disheveled woman comes to the doors of Father Al’s church. As Elena hears her shouting and fighting with him, she is uneasy. With a sort of foreboding feeling, she knows this woman is here to cause an unwanted change in their otherwise peaceful life. Sensing that something is wrong, she consults Baba Vera, who suspiciously and eerily seems to always know all.

Not to Elena’s surprise, however, Baba Vera will not tell Elena what is going on. So, the reader follows Elena in unraveling this mystery on her own, to discover who this strange woman is, and what she wants to enact in all of their lives.

As stated previously, I found The Girl in the White Cape to be a very unique novel. Never before had I read a fantasy novel with such a different plotline. Sapienza wrote Elena’s character to be old-fashioned, not present-day like her fellow teenagers and neighbors living in 2020. Because of this, there is an interesting dynamic of division: Elena’s pre-20th century personality with the modernism of other characters. It created a different tone for the novel, which I found to be a nice change from the normality of fantasy storylines.

As a whole, I enjoyed reading this novel. Given Elena’s age and struggles, I think the most applicable age group I would recommend is for late middle school to teenage readers.


an Upper west side story

“Follow the lives of four people in their mid-twenties as they navigate life in Manhattan’s Upper West Side. From funny and crazy Craigslist roommate ads to embarrassing misunderstandings to finding love after some really horrible dates, readers will love an Upper west side story’s candid look at life. Reminiscent of the popular hit t.v. show Friends, this book made me feel like I was part of the gang and their experiences. A fantastic read for adults of all ages that will give them a taste of vibrant Manhattan—the city that never sleeps.” —Kristi Elizabeth, Manhattan Book Review


The Light Within Darkness

Cardew, humanity's greatest threat in 2218, is cloning himself into an army of superhuman, deranged cyborgs who can't be killed. Aiden and his crew must track him down and find a way to eliminate him before he does further harm. Though their actual mission will be kept top secret at all times, Aiden's crew onboard the Sun Wolf is officially labeled as a survey expedition and the first to investigate the new astrocell. Will their mission aboard the spacecraft lead them to save humanity from destruction as they traverse planet after planet in search of their incredibly powerful foe? The Light Within Darkness, book three in David C. Jeffrey's Space Unbound series, is a sci-fi story about journeying across space on a spine-chilling quest to thwart a god-like monster set on growing his army of cyborgs and annihilating humanity.

The book's amazing details are one of its most noticeable features. Sci-fi lovers will love how extensive its descriptions of its scientific components are and how seamlessly they're woven into the plot. For example, a planet is designated as "the system's gas station" because it has a robust magnetosphere with plenty of antihydrogen. The backdrop for this grand narrative of valor, teamwork, and possible apocalyptic disaster is a futuristic period in which space flight is the norm and humanity's population stretches beyond the planet. You have the opportunity to picture going to various planets with its characters and naming newly found ones. The rich descriptions of these planets and their fascinating characteristics are easy to visualize. Aside from space travel, another sci-fi treat from the novel is the well-explored theme of artificial intelligence, as the protagonists are seen engaging in fascinating discussions with AI.

Aiden is a strong, empathetic leader that goes above and beyond to solicit his crew's feedback and make them feel involved. Despite this, he makes it clear that he has the last word as captain, even when the crew is divided. It was pretty engrossing to follow their teamwork and problem-solving tactics. The villain's fearsome minions are also quite intriguing. I had concerns for the protagonists since they were up against "cloneborgs" that were significantly more powerful, nimble, and intelligent than humans.

Even though I had not read the prior novels in the series, I quite loved and understood this one. Nevertheless, I'm looking forward to reading the rest of David's Space Unbound series. The Light Within Darkness is a sci-fi gem with perfect, well-developed features. Core sci-fi aficionados will especially love this book, just like I did.


The Light Within Darkness

The Light Within Darkness by David C. Jeffrey is an enthralling and futuristic science fiction novel that follows the journey of Aiden Macallan, captain of the spaceship Sun Wolf, and his dedicated team as they strive to preserve humanity and stop an army of cloneborgs from replacing man.

From the very beginning, the story captivates readers with an encounter between Aiden and a mysterious assailant. Though Aiden emerges victorious, the attack raises pressing questions that demand answers. As they delve deeper into the mystery, Aiden and his crew uncover a sinister plot masterminded by their long-time enemy, Cardew.

At the heart of this scheme lies a groundbreaking discovery by genius scientist Elgin Woo: a new astrocell with the potential to revolutionize human existence. But Cardew has other plans. Infiltrating the astrocell, he seeks to harness its power to create an unstoppable army of immortal cloneborgs and establish an empire under his rule. With the security of their ship compromised, Aiden and his team face a race against time to thwart Cardew's nefarious ambitions.

Navigating a vast universe of fifty thousand stars, the Sun Wolf crew confronts the daunting task of locating Cardew before he can unleash his invincible clone army, which threatens to annihilate the entire human race. As they embark on this desperate quest, the stakes are raised even higher when Skye, Aiden's partner and a brilliant microbiologist, chooses to follow a dangerous lead, putting her life on the line.

The Light Within Darkness excels at crafting a richly detailed and immersive setting, transporting readers to the far reaches of outer space. The author's graphical descriptions and skillful world-building bring the cosmos to life, capturing the imagination with tales of distant galaxies, planets, and otherworldly realms.

The novel's characters are equally well-developed, with Skye emerging as my favorite. Her intelligence, courage, and compassion make her a compelling figure, while Aiden's strong leadership is admirable. The plot flows seamlessly, propelled by a perfect balance of action and intrigue.

However, some readers may find the abundance of scientific jargon and calculations overwhelming at times. While these elements lend authenticity to the story, they have the potential to slow down the pace and detract from the overall reading experience.

Overall, it was an engaging read that will delight fans of science fiction and space exploration. With its captivating storyline, memorable characters, and stunningly vivid setting, this novel offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of darkness and the struggle to defeat a hardcore villain.


The New Bad Thing

“Trouble doesn’t strike every day, it likes to wait until the last possible moment.”

In a world where a nondescript terror organization is inciting fear, Teagan Penn, a reporter for a popular Seattle entertainment magazine, is feeling the pressure of her personal life. As the highest paid reporter at the magazine, she has a knack for putting people at ease and allowing them to bare their souls, including a lot of high profile celebrities. Desperate to have a family, she throws herself into a human rights project as a distraction from her fertility issues. Blinded by her zeal for the project, to save innocent women and children, she trusts the wrong people and finds herself involved with an international criminal organization.

In Paris for an important meeting, she is a victim of a terror attack. After killing two terrorists in self-defense, she is interrogated by a CIA operative who is also working for an Italian crime syndicate. Whisked away to Italy, her husband soon joins her. During this whirlwind of events, she discovers that she is finally pregnant. Now she has to navigate the dangerous demands of Una Banca in order to keep her family safe.

The excitement in this book starts right from the first chapter with our protagonist caught in the middle of a terror attack. As the story unfolds, switching from past to present was a little hard to follow and the overall storyline was pretty far-fetched. If you can suspend belief, then you will enjoy this much more. The characters were colorful, but I’m not sure the author truly captured the angst that fertility issues can cause or fully explained how she was sucked into an underworld of crime.

There were a lot of action scenes that were well choreographed and kept you on the edge of your seat. The suspense lagged in the middle but increased again toward the end. There was a twist that I didn’t see coming and I did enjoy the final confrontation, but I felt the ending was a bit abrupt. I would have liked a bit more resolution, although I do see how this can continue on in a series and I’m intrigued where the author will take the main character in the next book. Some of the structure was a bit awkward but the storyline was decent. Overall, I thought this was good and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys spy thrillers.


The New Bad Thing

I really enjoyed reading The New Bad Thing by Michael Ebner. An intense, thriller novel, the story follows Teagan Penn, a top celebrity interviewer and entertainment journalist. Given Teagan’s affability and authenticity, she is renowned for the way she can gain the trust of notable figures to confide in her with their stories. Well-respected within her community and America, Teagan allegedly has a happy, successful life. Under the surface, however, Teagan is far from fulfilled.

Desperately wanting a baby, she and her husband Todd have been trying to conceive for what feels like forever. Feeling hopeless for their many failed attempts, Teagan is depressed and distraught that motherhood may not be an option for her. Not to mention, the state of America is in chaos over the horrendous terrorist group, K.I.L. Otherwise known as “Kings in Life,” this group has become the strongest and wealthiest terrorist organization in the world, causing massacres without any reason. Supporters have no connection to any particular faith or geographical region; they are just angered with society and therefore reign in terror.

As a journalist, Teagan sees up close the absolute devastation this group causes and fiercely wants to help protect the women and children who have been kidnapped, raped, starved, and tortured by K.I.L. So, in need of a distraction from her fertility issues, Teagan throws herself into the noteworthy cause of fighting terrorism. With much thought, effort, and millions of dollars, Teagan constructs a plan that maybe, just maybe, could work to save lives. The New Bad Thing unravels this plan as Teagan fights for the lives of those around the country, as well as her own.

As stated prior, I really enjoyed reading this thriller novel. A book that definitely keeps you attentive, Ebner did an excellent job with the complicated, entertaining plot. I especially appreciated how he was able to bring each character to life. I very quickly felt sympathetic to Teagan and was emotionally invested in her success from the first few pages. Similarly, I felt for Todd’s pains and struggles, as well as other various characters. A distinguishing trait of a great novel, Ebner did a fantastic job with character development and overall mood.

All in all, I would recommend  The New Bad Thing to readers who enjoy mystery, crime, thrillers, and espionage-type novels aged over eighteen. An ending you will not see coming, prepare to be kept on your toes!


EXPRAEDIUM

After carefully reading every word across all 255 pages of Armen Melikian's Expraedium, I have come to this simple conclusion: I don't get it. I wish I could clarify that it's the characters' motivations I struggled with, a particular plot point, or the book's denouement, but the truth is I barely understood anything at all. When I first opened the book, I thought I was looking at gibberish. After a page or so of prose, though, I noticed there is some arcane, complex method to the writing style. If only I had a decoder ring. I sometimes encountered a coherent passage, but these respites bore no cognizable relation to anything around them.

There were only brief flashes of clarity like a scene played out in the thin spaces between the boards of a fence. Police shoot an unarmed man and claim he had drugs on him. Guys travel the world in a quest to get laid. A writer shaves his genitals and gets carried away. Two characters have a lengthy argument about whether the Bible is merely a cobbled-together collection of distorted Greek myths. I might be wrong about any or all of that; these blips usually lacked any context.

Dialogue is just about the only area where the author has deigned to write clearly, but despite being easier to read, these passages are similarly disjointed and feel like skits from an insane variety show. Further, and much to my frustration, the later dialogue reveals most of the more difficult words to be portmanteaus or made-up words global-replaced into the text. I was pleased to finally figure out that mawgage is just the author's word for language, ligigilon borrowed from Esperanto for religion, but these revelations didn't retroactively clear up any of the arcane pages that came before. Some words are obvious right away. Others I never figured out.

One could argue that difficult books like this, books that challenge readers by smashing all the established norms, have some merit. But I found Expraedium to be aggressively unenjoyable. The book resists being read. It fights you every step of the way. If you force it—if you take any page, painstakingly decode the prose, put the words in the right order, figure out which words are in a foreign language, which are made up, which are deliberately misspelled—you might end up with something no more profound than "Be sure to drink your Ovaltine."

 There is a chance that decoding the whole text may result in something groundbreaking (or appalling, who knows), but I couldn't shake the feeling that I was playing into some practical joke by devoting any further time to Expraedium, and I wouldn’t recommend this book to even the most adventurous (or masochistic) reader.


EXPRAEDIUM

A true departure from the norm, Armen Melikian’s Expraedium defies both expectations and linguistic conventions in its innovative approach to the epic quest trope within the fantasy adventure genre. Indeed, Melikian’s use of a bespoke combination of political, philosophical, religious, and mythological concepts, as well as his application of a new approach to/interpretation of the English language, renders Expraedium a unique reading experience.

On one level, the book follows the alienated and perhaps nihilistic Brathki as he undergoes a kind of existential crisis and embarks on a quest to secure the success of Ubaratutu in an ongoing war. Or, perhaps, to discover the truth about Ubaratutu and the intentions of its sprawling bureaucracy. Or, maybe, to reveal some matter of intense religious significance. Then again, perhaps the purpose of Brathki’s quest is something entirely different. Or, perhaps, it doesn’t even matter in the slightest.

The latter option seems the nearest to the truth, as it appears Melikian’s goal is to eschew the constraints of a plot and instead strive to unravel the subtext’s subtext, to dive beyond the meanings of words and into the words themselves, to maybe even reveal the man behind the curtain. In this sense, Brathki is Odysseus and his odyssey is a journey toward understanding the answers to questions his mind cannot yet begin to form.

Given the likely deliberate impossibility of deciphering what is going on throughout much of Expraedium, the suggestion of Brathki’s quest as a hybrid literary/mythological journey is apt. That is, the book should not be read in the expectation of following a plot through to a satisfying conclusion; rather, it should be read for the pure purpose of reading, for the joy of following the sentences as they unravel without any expectation of arriving at a final denouement.

Of course, Melikian’s unique approach in this regard means that Expraedium will not appeal to all readers. It requires a slow and close reading to even come close to understanding what Melikian is striving for. And even then, there’s a very high likelihood of misunderstanding, misinterpreting, or even just generally missing the point. For every reader who perceives a modification of Joyce’s dense stream of consciousness style or Robbins’ seriocomedic portray of the transmundane, there will be another reader who perceives word soup.

While it’s certainly not an easy book, Expraedium can be a hugely rewarding read, albeit one for which the reward differs on a reader-by-reader basis. For those looking for something challenging and thought-provoking with hints toward significant action and a mighty payoff, it may well prove a good choice.


EXPRAEDIUM

The story follows the journey of Brathki on his epic quest for Urmashu. Brathki is more of a martyr, and he defies societal norms, even going against his own family. Brathki's path is fraught with fascinating encounters, perilous adventures, and impassioned liaisons. As he navigates through these experiences, readers are left to ponder whether he will triumph in his quest and perhaps even find love along the way. Brathki's inner struggles and challenges serve to further enrich his complex character and draw readers deeper into the story.

As a reader, I must admit that I have never encountered a book quite like Expraedium before. From the description alone, I was unsure what to expect. Upon learning that the book took twenty years to write, my anticipation grew, and I was eager to explore this literary masterpiece. However, I found myself somewhat disappointed, as the book did not meet all my expectations.

One of the most striking aspects of Expraedium is its disregard for conventional English norms. As a fan of disruptive works, I initially found this aspect intriguing. The author has formulated his language with an origin that remains enigmatic. Grammar appears to be of little concern to the author, which can be both fascinating and confusing for readers.

The book also touches on controversial topics such as politics and religion, albeit subtly. The author does not seem to write to impress, and at times, it is difficult to grasp his intentions with the book. Each line unfolds as if it were an entirely different story on its own, creating a disjointed yet captivating narrative. The characterization was somehow intriguing. I saw plenty of unfamiliar names, and I struggled to keep up and memorize each one. The sentences in the book can get very awkward sometimes, for example, "A birthday to a Zoule uttered not". I have no idea what that means, and there were plenty more like it.

With its distinct language, mythological nuances, and exploration of provocative themes, it presents a demanding yet rewarding read. While it may not appeal to everyone, Expraedium offers an unparalleled reading experience for those who appreciate unconventional books.

Despite my initial disappointment, I cannot deny that it is a thought-provoking and daring work of fiction. It challenges readers to expand their literary horizons and question the norms that often constrain creative expression. While it may not have met all of my expectations, Expraedium by Armen Melikian remains an unforgettable reading experience that has left a lasting impression on me.


Things I Wish I Told My Mother: The Perfect Mother-Daughter Summer Read

Susan Patterson, Susan DiLallo, James Patterson

Things I Wish I Told My Mother is a wonderful story about a woman named Laurie who has a difficult relationship with her doctor mother, Liz. So when Dr. Liz ends up in the hospital herself with what seems to be a heart attack, Laurie finds herself bribing her own mother to stay at the hospital so the doctors can run more tests and find out what is going on with her heart. The journey the reader goes on as they read about Liz and Laurie’s trip to France and Norway is priceless. From Laurie hearing that her mother actually does love her and thinks she is beautiful to finding out more about her parents’ relationship, this is a book that many women will be able to relate to and find heartwarming. Liz is a lady with a tough shell and the way Laurie navigates the trip and, really, the relationship is applaudable. I absolutely loved the wonderful descriptions of the different settings the characters go to in this book. Author Susan Patterson does a wonderful job of detailing both her characters and their experiences. There is a big twist in the end which left me with my mouth open. Wonderful and cleverly written, Things I Wish I Told My Mother is a book to read over and over again.


Flee North: A Forgotten Hero and the Fight for Freedom in Slavery's Borderland

The Underground Railroad aided the abolitionist cause by providing aid and shelter to slaves fleeing oppressive captivity. Thomas Smallwood was a former slave who lived in Maryland but was able to liberate himself by purchasing his freedom. He empathized with the plight of those still in bondage. The importation of slaves had been banned in 1808. However, this didn’t stop people like Hope Slatter from exploiting the African Americans who wound up under his supervision. Slatter brazenly ran a racket where captured slaves and free individuals were auctioned off to the highest bidder. Smallwood and his associate Charles Torrey differed from fellow abolitionists in hoping to show the slaveholders the error of their ways. The pair sought a more nuanced and proactive approach, one where slaves could gain their freedom immediately and flee to a place with few restrictions.

Flee North is an exceptional historical biography that explores the increasingly volatile antebellum United States.  Smallwood and Torrey are two clearly fascinating individuals who openly seek to overthrow an intolerable status quo. Author Scott Shane (Dismantling Utopia) has written an eye-opening work that adds new information to the archive of material surrounding the Underground Railroad.


The Interpreter: A Novel

Revelle Lee is a multi-lingual interpreter and the about-to-be adoptive mother of six-year-old Elliot.  Between translating for witnesses in stressful court cases and looking after the little boy, Revelle is stretched to the limit. She manages, albeit only just, until she is assigned to interpret for a defense witness in a murder trial. The victim happens to be Elliot’s Filipino babysitter. To ensure that the jury reaches a guilty verdict, she mistranslates the evidence that would have provided the accused with an alibi.

At the same time, Elliot’s now-complete adoption is jeopardized by the unexpected reappearance of his birth mother. A series of events follow, unpleasant to begin with, then unnerving, and finally, threatening. Is it the doings of Elliot’s real mother? Or of someone who has stumbled across the translation “errors” and has blackmail in mind? Or has something in Revelle’s past finally resurfaced?

The Interpreter is a highly imaginative mystery with a clever and well-worked plot. It is so well told that the reader feels the competing self-justifications and self-doubts that bedevil Revelle, whether at home or in court. This wonderfully original story is a must for mystery enthusiasts.


Pockets: An Intimate History of How We Keep Things Close

If you’ve ever worn women’s clothing (particularly pants) at any point in your life, you’ll understand why “It’s got pockets!” is such a universally recognized exclamation of joyous surprise when one can fit their entire hand into the depths of their trousers. Any reader who’s wondered at the ludicrous size discrepancy between the pockets of gendered clothing styles, or perhaps marveled at the seemingly nonsensical yet widely accepted practice of sewing women’s pockets shut (or nearly so) during production, will adore this sociological romp through the history of the humble pocket.

Beginning with the pocket’s origins in the medieval era, Carlson takes us through the widespread adoption of the pocket and the subsequent abandonment of the purse (at least for men), the emergent social attitudes regarding both hiding things upon your person that used to be visible and the appropriateness of their content, and the tired but predictable narrative thread of sexism woven into so much of fashion history, but especially prevalent in the evolution of the pocket.

Filled with fashion illustrations, prints, and paintings, Pockets is a must-read for anyone even remotely interested in fashion history.


Tales of a Traveler in Poetry and Prose: Along The Road Before Me is a compilation of poetry and prose by Brion K. Hanks that is the result of almost fifty years of writing. It comprises his thoughts and emotions as he went through various phases of life. Brion contributes to making the world a better place by encouraging people to think about fostering strong connections and being sensitive to the consequences of their actions. In ‘What If There Is No Tomorrow,’ he writes about savoring the moment with a loved one. He professes his desire to understand his reason for being in ‘Earthling For Now.’ ‘History Of Being One Human Being’ offers teachings about having a clear conscience and focusing on the unwavering pursuit of the greater good.

Brion is in sync with his consciousness and spiritual self, as seen by the poems’ deep teachings. Taking the time to ponder on the underlying meaning of the poems and personalizing them is recommended to get the most out of the book. Fortunately, this is relatively easy since the author paints a vivid picture of the book's different themes, which include meditation, the afterlife, lost love, empathy, consumerism, family, time, society, tenacity, and more. Several poems resonated with me, but ‘The Child In Thee’ stood out because it reminded me that "growing up isn't growing old." I felt inspired to keep my inner child alive and to be bright-eyed and full of vitality.

To add depth to his poems, Hanks uses a variety of poetic and literary devices, such as rhymes, repetition, metaphors, and similes. The author's repeating of the query "What was happening to me?" in ‘Was I Dreaming?’ made the reality of dying to feel more poignant and chilling.

"Only you can truly rescue yourself from yourself." Some poems appear to talk directly to the readers, using straightforward, second-person language and phrases that create the feeling of getting instruction from a knowledgeable ancestor. Other poems have such styles as personal musings, narrations, and social commentary. A stand-alone essay in the book also provides significant views about humankind.

Brion K. Hanks ensures that his messages are properly communicated in each poem, so that even people who are not major poetry fans may grasp them. However, the poems have a variety of poetic tropes that will appeal to core poetic aficionados. Anyone who has the opportunity to read and ponder on this profoundly insightful, intelligent, and evocative book will feel an immediate positive internal alteration that will gradually spill over into everything they touch. A must-read for all fans of poems and essays with wise, thought-provoking messages about living consciously and being truly alive!


Tales of a Traveler in Poetry and Prose: Along The Road Before Me by Brion K. Hanks is a collection of about 200 poems borne out of the author's passion for poetry. The book, which comprises poems that he has written over the space of 50 years, is a reflection of his life experiences, morals, and lessons learned so far. The author started writing poems in his early twenties, but over the years, he became so caught up in life, work, and travel that he pushed poetry to the side. However, he picked up his passion again during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his retirement further gave him the needed time to complete his book.

The poems are on diverse topics such as grief, romance, friendship, hope, religion, and more. I connected with his poem on grief titled "When the Rose Fades." I could feel his emotions pouring out with each line. Losing a friend or family member is one of the scariest things ever, and the pain doesn't completely disappear.

Friends make life more interesting, and his poems on friendship illustrate the joys experienced by having a true friend. If you find a good friend, don't let them slip away. The author also touches on romance, bringing back memories of his past relationships. He is not filled with regret; rather, he is thankful for the lessons he has learned from them and reminisces about what could have been.

Indeed, the author has had his fair share of life's ups and downs. He tells readers not to be so engrossed in life's complexities that they forget themselves. This involves being so caught up in materialism that you ignore your passions and what brings you true happiness. He urges readers to step back and enjoy the simplicity of life. The author also encourages people to be kind, do good in the world, and connect with their inner selves.

His style of writing did not change much over the years; although some poems became more modern with time, his feelings and emotions were well portrayed on each page. There's an essay in the book titled "God for an Interim Period of Time", which was one of my favorite things about the book. It shows how religion has altered the world, and the essay preaches unity and tolerance.

I enjoyed reading this book; the messages were loud and clear, and the writing style was impressive. The book showcases the author's creativity and ability to evoke deep emotions in the reader. If you love to read poems that make you reflect on life, this book is for you.


Tales of a Traveler in Poetry and Prose: Along The Road Before Me is a collection of approximately one hundred and sixty poems penned by Brion K. Hanks, a seasoned poet. This is his second book of poems, and each one was written at different times in his life. Spanning decades, the collection includes works from as far back as 1973 to compositions written in recent years. A lot of the poems vary in content and style, but many include reflections on the past, hopes for the future, and mentions of gods, a creator, and karma, inviting readers to contemplate their beliefs and ponder the intricacies of their existence. Some of the poems tell a story, whereas others feature small beliefs or mention a regret or pleasant memory. Brion K. Hanks also includes one essay and a thought-provoking postscript.

There does not seem to be any organization of the poems. They are not in chronological order, nor do they seem to be grouped by subject matter. Because there is no organization, it is difficult to locate poems on certain subjects. It is sometimes it is a little hard to understand what Brion is thinking because some of his poems contrast with each other. He mentions numerous times "a" creator; however, he also has poems that mention "Gods" plural. I also found it interesting that Brion occasionally uses words like "thou" and "thee" in his poems. It is almost as if he wants the reader to think that they are reading something old or timeless. For example, he writes, "And now, let it be now, my love, as I hand to Thee this dove."

A poem that is a personal favorite is one near the end titled "The Human Hero Known As Empathy," where, through compelling creative prose, Hanks argues that to be empathetic is to be human. To lack empathy is to willfully deny one’s human nature. It is a wonderful poem that could be used to teach young people the importance of empathy. The postscript to Tales of a Traveler in Poetry and Prose: Along The Road Before Me is a simple yet impactful story about making a difference, and it sums up the book very nicely. It is evident that through his work, Brion K. Hanks is thoughtfully beckoning readers to think for themselves and to be compassionate and active. His collection serves as a testament to the enduring power of poetry to enlighten and inspire.


Tales of a Traveler in Poetry and Prose by Brion K. Hanks is an astonishing book of poetry. In his preface, Hanks mentions his hope is that the reader uses his work “to think”. One can see this theme throughout his book of poetry, as he brings up various topics that are deep and connect to spirituality.

Hanks uses an immense amount of creativity in his work. His descriptions and symbolism are rich, which engages the audience. He also uses a fair amount of rhyme in his poems, which gives a good rhythm for the reader. He does not use conventional poem formats but uses a variety of formats throughout the book. His font and format easily engage the reader and are not strenuous to the eye.

Hanks’ work includes themes such as life, death, and meaning. He asks questions most people are afraid to think about, such as what happens after we pass and whether we will continue to have connections with our loved ones. While this would normally evoke anxiety in the average person, Hanks uses a gentle approach that leads the reader to feel comfortable while exploring these questions.

One thing that sticks out the most after reading Hanks’ work is the sense of positivity he puts into his poems. It is evident that Hanks wants his reader to hold hope for the future. He pulls on spirituality and being able to connect to a higher entity in order to see that, despite hardship, there is meaning and purpose. This reminder helps the reader cope with some of the more difficult topics, as one can recognize that not all things are entirely negative. As he mentions throughout the book, when one door closes, another opens.

Hanks also includes an essay criticizing the current conditions of our world and society. He includes topics such as oppression, genocide, war, global warming, and abuse. The word choice and formatting make the essay sound like a sermon. Hanks brings up many valid points throughout the essay, such as war leads to destruction and that we still have the power to make different choices that could lead to better and more loving outcomes. Hanks reminds the reader not to act like sheep and to think mindfully and independently. While Hanks’ perspective is absolutely valid, it seems to not fit in quite as well as some of the other works in his book. The essay is bold because it tests the cognitive dissonance of the reader. Though he holds faith there is room for change, it still leads the reader to feel somewhat down due to the current condition of the world and society. This emotional response doesn’t go along with the comfort the reader may have while reading other poems in the book.


Mr. Jacobs vs. the Demonic Clowns from the Great Beyond is a wildly creative, super fantastic book that will take its readers through what can only be compared to as a version of the Twilight Zone. The book starts off innocent enough, with an eccentric archaeology professor named Ed and his crazy wife, Gracy, arguing about Ed buying yet another artifact. While they are arguing, their son Billy is in the backyard with guests for his ninth birthday party. Enter the clowns. There are four of them—Dave, Chuckles, Bitsy, and Bopsy. And if creepy clowns don't scare you now, well, they sure will after reading this book. The clowns enter Ed and Gracy's home after Billy spits at them. Billy is, as the clowns describe him, "a psychotic hell spawn." While on their little "break," the clowns find Ed's artifact. Being the idiots they are, they think it is a puzzle and start playing around with it. The artifact does, in fact, penetrate their souls, and a mass murder of everyone at the party ensues. These are no longer your run-of-the-mill birthday party clowns.

Author Jeff Folschinsky does an amazing job of keeping the plot running. Readers will wonder what will happen next, page after page. Although the book is not very lengthy, the story is rich with colorful characters who are all a bit (or a lot) off-centered. The plot is simple yet entertaining, and readers will both cringe, laugh, and cheer while reading.

Margo, a police detective, is investigating "a string of murders that looks like there might be a cult involved." She is referred to speak to Mr. Jacobs, a rather mad scientist kind of guy who owns Mr. Jacobs' Paranormal Learning Center. Mr. Jacobs and his crazy assistant, Penny, are both completely wackadoodle. But Margo knows they might be her best bet to finding out about the mass killings. Sometimes the conversations between Margo and these two characters are so frustrating because Mr. Jacobs and Penny both go off on tangents about random things throughout the book. It's funny but in an unsettling way. Finally, when Margo finds out about the artifact and its history, she can start to solve the case, even though it is a strange one.

Although I am completely freaked out at killer clowns, this book was just so fascinating. It was like watching a train wreck about to occur, and I could not stop reading. Mr. Jacobs vs. the Demonic Clowns from the Great Beyond is original, clever, crazy, and scary all in one. Ancient magic, evil overlords, and Mrs. Lydia's Mystery Spot Museum and Burrito Emporium await!


Dinner At Tony Napoli's

Americans have an insatiable appetite for tales of the Mafia and its ecosystem of crooked cops, detectives, priests, politicians, and wise guys that thrives where the mobster culture takes hold. Chicago, the New York of the fictional Corleones, has a long history of mobsters with Al Capone’s Chicago Outfit dominating. Edward Izzi, a Chicago-based writer, has been fulfilling that appetite for years with novels focused on the seamier side of Chicago. His latest tale, Dinner at Tony Napoli’s, is a page-turner of a mystery thriller that keeps the reader in suspense until the surprise denouement.

Dennis (Denny) Romanowski is a veteran Chicago detective with a family and divided loyalties, one to his job and the second to his uncle “Zio Tony.”  Uncle Tony, aka Antonio “Tony Napoli” Sorrentino, is as close to being a gangster “made” man as one can get without being one. Tony is the Mafia’s chef and confidant, and his restaurant Sorrentino’s serves as the gastronomic nerve center of the Chicago Outfit. Within its walls, murders and capers are planned, and Mafia weddings and made man ceremonies are held. The major factions of the Chicago Outfit treat the restaurant as neutral territory and Tony is privy to the gang’s secrets.

However, at eighty-seven years old, Tony is getting on in years, so he sells off the restaurant to a new owner, who demolishes it. Unfortunately for Tony, the demolition turns up four bodies buried in concrete. They are members of the Lucatelli gang that disappeared years ago. Tony soon finds himself in jail being squeezed for information by the local cops and the Feds. One of those doing the squeezing is none other than his own nephew Denny.

Tony refuses to snitch; however, the tale of the four bodies morphs into Tony sharing his memories of the Mafia with Denny. At the core of Tony’s tales is a mysterious safety deposit box key that he entrusts to Denny. At the same time, Denny is pressured by “Little Tony” DiMatteo for information about his talks with Tony. Denny must balance his oath as a sworn officer with his loyalty to his uncle, all while keeping himself and his family safe from DiMatteo’s vicious nature.

The novel’s plot winds its way through vignettes of the Chicago Mafia’s deeds. Characters like “Little Tony” DiMatteo, Don Lucatelli, Frank “No Neck” Roselli, and his brother Nick “Altar Boy” Roselli populate the book. The intricately woven vignettes slowly come together to paint a compelling story of a life inside the Mafia and propel the tale to its surprising conclusion. Izzi, in Dinner at Tony Napoli’s, gives readers a novel they can’t refuse.


The Life and Canine Times of Pee Wee and Buddy is an illustrated children’s book about a pair of older puppies. Pee Wee is a dachshund corgi mix. He’s black with touches of brown and loves belly rubs and handouts. Buddy is a three-legged beagle basset hound mix who loves to howl. Both dogs are senior rescue dogs. Pee Wee’s new best friend is Buddy’s best friend’s brother. Sometimes Pee Wee’s best friend doesn’t feel well, but Pee Wee is still happy to sit with him. Other times Pee Wee and Buddy explore together in the backyard, on walks, or at the dog park. While out, other dogs often bullied them, calling them “Shorty” and “Tripod.” But the two dogs learned to stick together and ignore the bullies.

This heartwarming tale was written and illustrated by Casey Gent and her father, Todd. Pee Wee and Buddy were based on family pets. The creative father and daughter team uses the pair of dogs to teach acceptance, befriending others, and sticking together in the face of adversity. These are great lessons for both young and old readers. The story is easy to read and understand for transitional readers or all audiences as a read-aloud. The artwork is fun and adds to the story’s conception. Many dog best friends will see similarities in their pets, helping them relate to the story.

Pee Wee’s best friend was based on Casey’s brother and Todd’s son, Cody. Cody suffered from cystic fibrosis, but the family remained close-knit in the face of his illness. Pets are really great role models for teaching unconditional love. Pee Wee was content being by his best friend’s side no matter how he felt. All people have their difficulties, and our pets love us regardless. Anyone who has ever had a rescue dog knows this lesson thoroughly. As a volunteer at my local animal shelter and a best friend to many adopted dogs, I don’t express this lightly. This book could teach that shelter pets are just as good if not better than those from a pet shop.

Regardless of reading level, this story is straightforward for a broad audience to relate to. Many people get bullied for a wide variety of reasons. Just as the canine heroes in this book, people who are not the right size, have a disability, or were adopted or fostered still deserve love and acceptance. Readers with an easier life can take the same lessons in learning not to bully. Join the adventure with these two friends in The Life and Canine Times of Pee Wee and Buddy.


The Life and Canine Times of Pee Wee and Buddy was written by daughter-father duo Casey and Todd Gent. The story centers around two dogs, Pee Wee and Buddy, who love to do all the fun things dogs love to do, like playing, sniffing around, and going to the dog park with their best friends (their owners). Buddy has three legs because he was hit by a car but says, "I've got three others that work just fine." As Pee Wee and Buddy explore the neighborhood, they are bullied by some of the dogs who they do not pay any mind.

I love that this book was modeled after the Gent family's real lives. Pee Wee and Buddy were their real pets, a dachshund/corgi mix and a three-legged beagle/bassett. Coby, Casey's brother who suffered from cystic fibrosis, was Pee Wee's best friend. I think it's wonderful that Casey and Todd use their dogs to teach others to "befriend everyone and stick together when others are not so kind." That being said, as I was reading this book, I often wondered what age group the book was meant for. The passages were long and wordy, and the story didn't feel like it had any direction. It starts with the introduction of each dog and their adventures together. On one page, they are bullied, and although they ignore the bullies, they still have a dialogue between themselves about other dogs they knew who weren't bullies. At first, I thought that was the lesson of the book, but this was the only page the bullies were addressed. After that, the story moves on to the dogs wondering when their best friends would return after leaving them home alone. The book stops abruptly when the best friends come home.

Although The Life and Canine Times of Pee Wee and Buddy is about just that. The story seems slow with the introduction but then moves very quickly with the bullying and missing the best friends. I would have loved to see the book split into several books. A book introducing the dogs and how they meet, one that centers around bullying but teaches readers a lesson about bullying and why we should be nice to everyone, and then a book about missing the best friends when they are left alone. The simplicity of the story made me think it was aimed at four to seven-year-old children, however, the amount of words in the book would never keep the attention of children in that age group. The illustrations were also very basic and a little boring. It would have been nice to have more illustrations in the book to accompany the story.

Overall, I felt the intention of the book was good, but the wordiness and quality of the illustrations really need to be cleaned up.


The Life and Canine Times of Pee Wee and Buddy is a heartwarming story based on the Gent family's dogs as well as their family. There are two author’s notes, one at the beginning and one at the end, explaining how the story came about, who the dogs and kids are, and what happened to all of them. Though it is a little sad what happened, this book and any more adventures of Pee Wee and Buddy are a sweet tribute to them. I will certainly keep an eye out for more books in this series.

The story starts with Pee Wee, a dachshund/corgi mix, as he searches for his forever home, and after a journey from Orlando to Destin, Florida, he finds it. There he meets his best friend, a boy who doesn't feel well all the time but loves him no matter what and spoils him with treats. He also meets his best friend's sister and her dog, a three-legged beagle/basset hound mix named Buddy, who lost his leg in a car accident. But that sure doesn’t stop him! And neither do the dogs who make fun of him for it. Together, the dogs go about protecting their yard from the dangerous snakes and mice, go for walks, play at dog parks with other dogs, and chase the annoying squirrels. Along the way, the dogs teach about kindness, compassion, acceptance, and living life to the fullest. All lessons are best taught by a dog. Or two.

The Life and Canine Times of Pee Wee and Buddy is written well, the story flowing easily and in an easy tone younger kids will have no trouble understanding, but also one that parents can enjoy, too.

There are many different themes touched on, all good lessons for kids, and sometimes adults, too. They aren’t delved deeply into, leaving plenty of room for kids to ask questions and for parents to give answers, but it’s still enough for kids to understand the message; be kind.

The art is adorable, tying into the story and helping tell it in pictures that are simple and full of life, plainly showing what the dogs are up to as well as how they feel in bright, bold colors. It was the first thing I noticed when I opened the book. The cover is in the same bold artwork, making it eye-catching.


The Life and Canine Times of Pee Wee and Buddy: The Move

Pee Wee is a rescue dog whose first owner had to give him up when the owner moved to a nursing home. The rescue organization puts out a photograph of Pee Wee along with an email purportedly written by him to tell all about himself. He is requested by a family in Destin, Florida, who has a boy who is quite ill. Oddly, Pee Wee packs up his red ball that he used to like to play with but is now looking to replace it with something else.

His new owner often is too ill to get out of bed all day, but he’s not too ill to give good belly rubs and to pet Pee Wee and give him treats. They become fast friends. The boy has a sister who has a dog named Buddy. She brings Buddy over often, and Pee Wee and Buddy become good friends. Buddy was also a rescue and only has three legs, but he gets around just fine. The two dogs get along very well and have fun patrolling the yard and taking walks in the neighborhood, meeting other dogs, and barking at squirrels and the neighbor mowing.

This is a picture book designed to teach young children “how to treat others with loving-kindness and good ole-fashioned manners.” Unfortunately, the writers seem to have not done their homework about how to write for children in a way that will engage youngsters in a story. The book is very text heavy and has some real problems that will make it hard for youngsters to follow along.

First, none of the humans are given names. They are referred to in ways like “the sister of Pee Wee’s best friend” instead of simply having a name. Children really love stories and stories need to have a story arc and a beginning, middle, and satisfying ending to work well in order for young readers and listeners to be engaged. This book is much more of a slice of life without any story arc or beginning, middle, or satisfying conclusion.

Picture books also really need illustrations that help to tell the story rather than, as this book has, illustrations that reflect what is being told in the text. The book is so text heavy and tells everything that is going on so that it leaves no room for or need for illustrations to be part of it. The idea of the book is a good one, but it really misses the mark.


Summons to Berlin: Nazi Theft and A Daughter's Quest for Justice

In 1993, Joanne Intrator was watching her father’s tortured last moments on earth when he exclaimed to her, “Are you tough enough yet? Do they know who you are”? She was floored by the impassioned words that emanated from her moribund father. Joanne’s parents had been refugees from Germany when the brutal and tyrannical Nazi government took over and began the persecution and internment of Jewish citizens. Joanne’s family had owned a factory in Berlin that had been appropriated by the Nazis in the 1930s as part of the Aryanization of Germany. After the fall of the Third Reich and the ending of the Second World War, Germany began a process of reconciliation with the sins of its past. The parting words of Gerhard Intrator hinted at unfinished business between the Intrators and Germany.

The Intrators had faced anti-Semitism in the past when they lived in Poland. This discrimination reared its ugly head again when the Nazis seized power in 1933. Gerhard’s law school hopes were cut short, while his brother Alex’s music career was derailed. Gerhard feared for the future and well-being of his family. He reluctantly fled and relocated to New York. The survivor’s guilt clung to him for the rest of his life.

The pitched legal battle between Joanne and other parties in getting restitution for the seizure of her family’s factory forms the crux of the book. Joanne must meet with German mediators who explain the intricacies of the case but may be hiding ulterior motives. As the mediation slowly progresses, Joanne’s emotions ebb and flow as the secrets of the past are often reluctant to be exhumed. Her determination never wavers as the injustices visited upon her family and the toll wrought never leave her mind.

 Summons to Berlin makes its mark as part history and memoir, as Dr. Joanne Intrator reflects on her family’s past and her attempt to reclaim a stolen part of their history. Intrator’s captivating narrative encompasses her family’s maltreatment at the hands of fellow countrymen leading to some fleeing the country and others meeting a grim fate. Intrator’s poignant memories of her family’s predicament coincide with her uphill climb in gaining reparations against an often stubborn German legal system. The atrocities committed by the Nazis still resound nearly a century removed as future generations attempt to understand and learn from an often troubled history. Joanne Intrator’s heartfelt book illustrates how to not only come to terms with the past but also how to persevere against herculean odds.


The Streamlined Locomotive

Theo P. Bezelbottom has one job. Unfortunately, no one can agree on exactly what that job is.

According to the head of the family, Throckmorton P. Bezelbottom, Theo’s job is to be the assistant to the designated family weirdo, Aloysius P. Bezelbottom. According to Aloysius, Theo’s job is to design him a streamlined locomotive. According to the US government, Theo’s job is to keep a visiting delegation from the small country of Vulgaria happy. (Unluckily for Theo, the Vulgarians agree with that, and they are possibly the most eccentric bunch in the whole book.) Can he manage to balance all these responsibilities and come out on top?

The first chapter strongly implies that he can. As with some old detective shows, the real tension lies in seeing how he does it.

Auslender has the premise for a fast-paced wild ride of a story. I came into it expecting shenanigans galore. The shenanigans were there, but first I had to slog through the exposition, telling me all about how Theo wound up in this mess and what the family dynamics are like for both the Bezelbottoms and his semi-estranged wife. The book had slow momentum from the start, and none of the jokes really took off.

Part of the trouble came from the slower start at the beginning. The jokes in the book have potential, but they’re too often bogged down by unimportant and uninteresting exposition, or by explanations that could be either drastically shortened or left to the reader’s imagination. Several of the pieces of information are repeated through the book, which slowed it down further by reminding the reader of what they should already know. The other part comes from the secondary characters. There are a host of them, all with ridiculous names, but they’re presented quickly enough and without enough distinction in personality that it’s all but impossible to tell them apart. A few were distinguishable only by accent, which is tricky to present on a page even at the best of times.

Then there was Theo. I could never tell whether I ought to take him as an unreliable narrator or a victim of unreliable characterization. His not knowing himself as well as he thinks I could believe, but he grew into his various new roles a little too quickly, even for the sake of comedic timing. I don’t mind stock characters in comedy, but Theo didn’t even feel like that. He felt like nothing more than a vehicle to carry the story along.

The Streamlined Locomotive is another book that could have been funny but in the end wound up falling flat. I would recommend passing it by.


The Streamlined Locomotive

Since Theopolis P. Bezelbottom comes from money, it's no surprise that he's all about "wine, women, and song." Theo is an adult child who hopes to maintain his carefree lifestyle, which is why he stayed in school long enough to get a Ph.D. However, everything changes when he is given a serious role in his family’s railroad company by his uncle, Throckmorton P. Bezelbottom. He suddenly finds himself involved with expanding the company's operations with the Vulgaria as they prepare for an upcoming war. Is Theo, the adult child, ready to face being a responsible adult, preparing for World War II, and being a puppet in another man's games? Find out in Stephen Lloyd Auslender's greatly humorous, historical story: The Streamlined Locomotive.

Throughout the time I spent reading the book, I was consumed by laughter, as Theo's interior monologs and his haphazard and weirdly effective problem-solving methods are seriously hilarious. The protagonist's uncontrollable laughter is also quite infectious; in a memorable scene, Theo and his friend are drenched with cold water from six buckets to get them to stop laughing.

If you enjoy books whose characters are well-developed, you will love The Streamlined Locomotive. Understanding the protagonist and his viewpoint felt effortless since he communicates his emotions clearly and profoundly through a first-person perspective and the interactive conversations he has throughout the novel. Theo's past experiences and his current choices are well-linked; he regularly reveals why he acts the way he does as he reflects on his childhood. For example, he explains that he acts like a brave hunter because he was an
independent hunter by the time he was ten in a county where hunting is natural to its residents.

Since the protagonist is usually trying to maintain his facade and save himself from a troubling situation, the book has no boring moments. He employs various complex political strategies to get what he wants and reflects on his changing personality and his desire to return to his old life.

Stephen's brilliant writing style and language usage ensure you stay for the entire duration of the book. I especially loved his use of simile, hyperbole, and humor. Furthermore, various themes are skillfully woven together in the book, including romance, humor, business, war, technology, politics, deceit, theft, espionage, and more.

The Streamlined Locomotive is packed with great features. The genuine, funny, and likable hero is one of my top three favorite protagonists from the books I've read this year. You should read The Streamlined Locomotive if you like stories that get you laughing heartily or if you're a fan of historical, war-themed books.


The Streamlined Locomotive

A family saga of highly unusual and humorous proportions, Stephen Lloyd Auslender’s The Streamlined Locomotive follows the exploits of a materially indulged but intellectually derided scion of an infamous US railroad dynasty: the Bezelbottom family. Formerly of Hawgwaller County, an Appalachian backwater that outsiders would be hard-pressed to find on a map, ownership of the Chicago, Pacific, and Eastern Railway has brought the Bezelbottoms immense wealth, influence, and dominance over the US transportation infrastructure.

While most of his relatives seek to leverage their money and power to further bolster the family’s position, Theopolis P. Bezelbottom is content to reside at the lower end of mediocre. Feeling no compulsion to excel in any way, he is happy so long as he has sufficient resources to keep his children and mistresses in the lifestyle to which they have become accustomed. Unfortunately for Theo, it’s 1942 and US entry into World War Two is causing a number of uncomfortable changes in the Bezelbottom family dynamics.

First, Throckmorton P. Bezelbottom—Theo’s uncle, the most ruthless current Bezelbottom, and the one tasked with running the family’s business empire—has decided that Theo should take charge of a US government project to secretly supply armaments to “a hard-to-find Balkan country called Vulgaria.” Hawgwaller County seems like the ideal location for the off-the-radar factories required for the project, and for reasons initially unclear, Theo is judged to be the idea candidate to arrange matters.

Second, Aloysius P. Bezelbottom—Theo’s other uncle, the one prone to “gaffs, errors, and outright crazy plans and ideas”—has hit upon the idea of enhancing the local Hawgwaller and Western branch railroad by introducing a new streamlined locomotive, and he wants Theo to spearhead the project. With US industrial resources committed to supporting the country’s war effort, it’s far from an ideal time to design and build a new locomotive, but Aloysius is convinced Theo can accomplish it.

As for Theo, he suspects that he is being stitched up in some way or other, but he’s determined to do his darndest to succeed in both projects… provided he can find the means to do so while securing his own comfortable position.

The Streamlined Locomotive is narrated in the first person by Theo, which allows Auslender to give considerable depth to his main character. A true antihero in the same vein as John Kennedy Toole’s Ignatius J. Reilly, Theo is a self-serving, somewhat deluded, but strangely likeable character. His internal monologues and regular conversations with cronies provide clear insight into his thoughts and motivations, even if they do sometimes go on a tad long.

Similarly, the various schemes that he becomes embroiled in highlight his zany and innovative personality, which has been allowed to stagnate due to the Bezelbottoms’ strict family hierarchy. Auslender has dedicated significant thought to the family’s backstory and current situation, which adds rich detail to the story and renders even the most idiosyncratic of behavior plausible.

As a political satire, The Streamlined Locomotive is often a very funny story that is perceptive in skewering both governmental and industrial corruption and hubris in a way that is equally applicable to today as it is to the book’s early 1940s setting. As the story is set in 1942, however, there are occasions when characters use language that may have been acceptable at the time but that is certainly not acceptable now. The use of such terms does adversely affect perceptions of certain characters, which is likely as Auslender intended.

The Streamlined Locomotive presents an unusual take on the US entry into World War Two and the challenges and opportunities that the war afforded on the individual level. Through the musings of Theo and in poking fun at the duplicity of officialdom, it offers a very humorous perspective on very serious subject matter. Moreover, given Theo’s multifarious comical attempts to succeed in his tasks, the entertaining story whizzes along at breakneck speed, just as the proposed locomotive should.


The Streamlined Locomotive

Theo was born into a wealthy family that made money from the rail industry. His uncle was the head of the companies, so Theo did not feel any pressure to be responsible. Unlike his ambitious uncle, Theopolis P. Bezelbottom was carefree, irresponsible, and promiscuous. He did not make any attempt to have big achievements; instead, he was content with satisfying his wife, children, and numerous girlfriends. As the heir of the family, he is expected to inherit a large portion of a major railroad in Hawgwaller County, Appalachia, which is in the United States. World War Two was fast approaching, and industries were changing. Although his uncle, Throckmorton P. Bezelbottom, is the leader of the family and in charge of the family business, he wants Theo to take up his responsibilities and start running the companies.

Along with his uncle wishing for Theo to take over, his second uncle, Aloysius P. Bezelbottom, wants him to build a streamlined locomotive for their railroad company. Theo is perplexed; he wants a simple life, but he is also aware that his position in the family is at risk if he doesn't fulfill his duties. Caught between his desire for a simple life and the mounting pressure to fulfill his familial duties, Theo found himself ensnared in a web of family drama, deception, corruption, and a tumultuous love life. Would he rise to the occasion and assume the mantle of leadership?

Stephen Lloyd Auslender's The Streamlined Locomotive is a riveting tale of intrigue and ambition. Theo's dread of being conscripted into the army during the war serves as a powerful catalyst for his transformation. While his carefree approach to life and lack of ambition are endearing, his philandering ways are less so. Set in the 20th century, a time when women's roles were circumscribed and men held the reins of power, the book offers a wealth of insights into the corrosive effects of corruption and the lengths to which men will go when money is at stake.

The book is packed with themes of friendship, love, family, adventure, and war. Theo is a compelling character, and while the other characters are well-drawn, their names and personalities could be improved. The narrative is fast-paced, though some of the dialogue feels superfluous to me. Overall, The Streamlined Locomotive is a captivating read. It will make you laugh, ponder, and at times, leave you scratching your head. If you have a penchant for humor and comedic fiction, this book is sure to keep you entertained.


Barefoot in the Sand

As a young child, Saul yearns to live in Eretz Yisrael. He imagines Israel’s soft, delicate sand sifting through his feet. As he approaches adulthood, he plans a trip from his homeland, Romania, to Tel Aviv, Israel. When he reaches his destination, one of the first things he does is walk barefoot in the golden sand. It’s all he imagined it would be. He meets a stranger whose appearance is disparate from his. He has a long tunic, dark skin, and a matching turban. He discovers a commonality they have; they’re both of Jewish decent. They traveled miles to arrive in the Land of Israel, the one they had dreamed of since their childhoods.

This is a touching book with significant cultural and religious ties. It’s likely to appeal most to Jewish youth who are of European or Arabian decent. Additionally, it’s ideal for elementary school students eager to learn about the Jewish religion as well as cultural diversity. The target age range for Barefoot in the Sand is six to ten. The illustrations are lifelike but not exceptionally unique or alluring. They do, however, aid readers in better understanding the context and in truly imaging Saul and his newfound friend Solomon’s excitement, joy, and serenity.


Disneyland on the Mountain: Walt, the Environmentalists, and the Ski Resort That Never Was

There are some lives that have been examined and analyzed to such an extent that there just doesn't seem anything left to showcase. At face value for many history and film lovers, that is the present state of Walt Disney's life. What more is there to talk about? Well, thanks to Greg Glasgow and Katryn Mayer's masterful new book, Disneyland on the Mountain, a new, rarely explored chapter of the great man's life comes into sharp relief. His last creative struggle, and ultimately, one of his most painful failures. It's a side of Disney that many casual lovers of his empire and content don't often see.

Showcased vividly in this wonderful new book, the reader witnesses a turning point in Walt Disney’s life. The great animation mogul had shiftily turned his attention from princesses and glass slippers toward the more costly avenues of television, conservation, and construction. Suffering from the looming specter of ill health, he works tirelessly on creating a massive new mountain resort. A project that would ultimately end in a personal defeat for the filmmaker as he entered the twilight of his life.

Told with compelling detail and impressive interviews from participants, the book transports the reader into the drama that unfolded high in the mountains of Southern California, when the dream world of Disney clashed against the growing reality of conservation protections. What follows is an engrossing drama, one in which the reader is confronted with a surprising decision: Who do we root for? One of the creators of our collective childhood or the untouched nature of our world?


The Only Survivors

Cassidy Bent is one of the nine survivors of a class trip gone wrong. But that count was now down to seven. Clara had died one year after the incident and Ian had died only three months ago. It was time for the group’s yearly stay at The Shallows, a large house that backed up to the beach. Cassidy had deleted all of the contact information in the group. She decided she didn’t want to go on the yearly trip anymore, but when she gets a text showing Ian’s obituary, she knows she needs to show up.

The Only Survivors is the best Megan Miranda book I have read. It’s cast of characters and the way the timeline shifts between present to past kept me engaged and wondering what secrets each character held. Of course, Miranda held on to the very last secret until the end. Before that, it was very easy to shift blame from character to character. What really did happen that awful night ten years ago when their teacher and classmates died in a horrific car crash near the river? This book is like a slow burn that keeps getting better as you read it.


The Skull: A Tyrolean Folktale

It is spooky season, and I was so excited to read a new creepy book from Jon Klassen. I mean who doesn't love his previous books? Otilla seems to be the bravest character ever. She is running away from something or someone when she finds a creepy house in the woods with a talking skull. It seems that she makes great friends with the skull and that they are actually good for one another. However, I don't want to spoil the story, so I will say this is a must read!

The book as well as the illustrations are on fire! My favorite part was how Otilla wanted to save the skull from himself. Why? This book also left me with so many questions: how was she so cool to meet a skull and what was she running from? I love it.


The Invisible String Backpack (The Invisible String, 6)

The Invisible String Backpack is a story in the Invisible String series. These books help kids to feel safe and comfortable when they have to place and do things away from their parents or loved ones. This story is about a little girl named Mila getting ready for her first day of school—she's nervous and excited. Her mom tells her about her invisible backpack that contains items to help her feel better at school. Mila learns she has her invisible string, mirror, microphone, shield, sword, armor, whistle, flashlight, and photo. These things help Mila be herself around others more quickly and happily until she gets home to tell her parents about the fun she had.

I can see this story helping many kids who get nervous about doing new things. It is hard to do something new for the first time, but if kids know that something will connect them with their parents or loved ones, it makes it easier for them. I enjoyed looking at the pictures because they are full of colors and there is so much to see on each page. The story is easy to understand by kids of any age.


We Are the Crisis (Convergence Saga, Book 2

The world now knows that monsters exist. As the marches, protests, and rallies occur, the people take their sides. New-Era, a pro-monster activist organization, forms a grassroots networking group aimed at helping the monsters. Their efforts are threatened by the human supremacists, the Black Hand, and their rallies. The werewolf pack, while looking into the disappearances of former pack members, uncovers a darker conspiracy. Storms brew as the debate over the monster’s rights heats up.

We Are the Crisis is the second novel in Cadwell Turnbull’s Convergence Saga. The award-winning Turnbull follows the success of the wildly popular series starter with a contemporary fantasy that not only progresses the story but sheds light on much of the first novel. Turnbull’s books make more sense when read in order. The reader learns important backstories as Turnbull turns up the intensity of the overall narrative. This novel does not flow in a linear sequence. That being said, this book is not a quick read but an amazingly written journey into a dark world. For those who enjoyed Turnbull’s first book of the series, this is a must-read.


I Am Homeless If This Is Not My Home: A novel (Random House Large Print)

Sometime in the 1800s, a sister writes letters to a sister who died, sharing news and thoughts and speculations as though these words will be read, understood, and responded to. Centuries later, in the present-ish day, a man, Finn, faces the imminent death of his brother, waiting out his final days in hospice. Finn is also grieving the end of his long relationship with Lily, a deeply unhappy woman who has long spoken of ending her life. When a friend tells Finn that Lily has finally died, Finn is unsurprised but also overcome with grief. So it’s a surprise when he visits Lily’s gravesite and finds her there, not quite dead but not quite alive, either, smiling at him “with a mouth full of dirt.” A road trip ensues, during which Finn attempts to right the wrongs of the past and steadfastly ignores Lily’s swift and gruesome decomposition.

These two storylines--the sisters’ letters and Finn’s road trip--only minimally intersect, so any larger statement about death, grief, and the various trappings of the afterlife is left to readers to deduce. For readers who enjoy balancing on the edge of what’s real and what’s not, this novel will be a compelling ride.


Nightmare Island

This book is amazing! One of my new personal favorites. Nightmare Island by Shakirah Bourne is about a twelve-year-old filmmaker: Serenity. Serenity has always been the least favorite child; her perfect brother, Peace, is her best friend but she is so jealous of him. Nothing he does is ever wrong. When Peace starts getting paralyzed with fear whenever it is dark, her parents take him to Dubby Island for treatment, but something isn’t right.

Dr. Whisper gives Serenity a bad feeling, and ever since Peace has been getting treatments, he has been treating Serenity like she is a monster. Dubby Island is also home to Douens: creatures of ancient folklore with no faces and backwards feet. Serenity better find a way to save everyone on Dubby Island before everyone she loves becomes douens.

I rate this book five out of five stars! It did an amazing job of tying in horror with an age-appropriate pre-teen book. This book is definitely meant for people ages eleven to fourteen. It has an amazing storyline and awesome plot. Nightmare Islaland is going to fly right off the shelves when it is released!


Listening to the Quiet

Jacki’s mother is slowly losing her hearing—the ability to hear her daughter’s precious voice. However, the two are determined to not lose the closeness they have and hold dear to their hearts. They learn to communicate through sign language, and Jacki learns to “listen to the silence.” She tries desperately to block out the voices of others, the sound of rainsticks trickling. She yearns to experience the world through her mom’s eyes. When it’s her turn to present on Music Appreciation Day, Jacki leads the class in making her mother’s favorite song recognizable to her through the vibrations of their feet.

Listening to the Quiet is a thoughtful story of love and understanding. The author, Cassie Silva, beautifully portrays a little girl’s adoration of her mother and the unbreakable bond they share. At the end of the book, Silva notes, “I was around Jackie’s age when my mama began losing her hearing.” The rest of the narrative closely resembles that of her own circumstances, adding to its poignancy. Children ages six to ten, especially those who are sensitive to adversity, will favor this sweet story. Additionally, it’ll make a great addition to elementary school classrooms and libraries.


Quest Kids and the Dark Prophecy of Doug

Think back to a time when there was baby wrestling... Oh wait, there wasn't, except in this book. This book is a fun-filled adventure of friends who turn into family and go on a quest to find their friend's mom and dad, and they also fulfill the quest of finding Doug, who may have all the answers. Dragons, magic, volcanoes, and don't forget baby wrestling, this story has it all.

This was a fun graphic novel that I liked. I especially liked the illustrations. The illustrations are really funny and add so much to the book; however, I do wish it had been in color. My favorite was when they were at brunch trying to eat the snakes but then the snakes wrapped them all up! Cool book!


I Wish We Weren't Related

It is slow to get started, but boy, does it pick up steam. Many sisters harbor resentment against each other.  This is a story about a family with three grown women, a famous mother, and a long-dead dad — or is he? There is a family secret that no one is willing to tell. The main character is an attorney who works with her best friend, who soon will ascend to partnership in the firm. The main character, Reeva, has a solid income, a new boyfriend, and a beloved cat. What more could anyone ask for? Reeva’s perfectly coordinated life is about to become unhinged as she must reunite with her younger sisters to properly mourn their father's death. There are religious ceremonies which none of them know and many friends and relations who had been lost to them.

Worst of all, Reeva must face her youngest and most beautiful sister who is about to marry Reeva’s ex-boyfriend, captured in a most sordid affair.

Can Reeva cope with all this?  Can she endure the presence of the family who have hurt her the most? If the reader can identify with any of this, it is a most delightful read.