Malila of the Scorch

W. Clark Boutwell’s dystopian Of Old Men and Infidels series reaches an explosive conclusion in Malila of the Scorch, an action-packed science fiction novel in which armies and ideologies clash, individuals fight for freedom, and strange creatures might just hold the key to humanity’s survival.

Malila Chiu, former heroine of the Democratic Unity and current emissary of the People of the Scorch, having survived yet another near-death experience and been saved by the scarecrow-like plant-based creature Splanch, is tasked with delivering a message to the remnants of America: war with the Unity is coming and the People could be either a helpful ally or a savage enemy.

Jesse Johnstone, the Old Man, has been familiar with the People of the Scorch, particularly the Sage-Man known as Speaker, since childhood but doesn’t fully trust them or believe in their willingness to help in the fight against the Unity. However, he does believe in Malila and he trusts the Scorch just a little more than the Unity forces commanded by General Eustace Jourdaine, so he agrees to help Malila deliver her message.

It won’t be easy to convince the rest of America to join forces with the People of the Scorch, but it’s certain that the Unity will invade any day now and the American army may not be able to withstand the might of the Unis without reinforcements, even if those additional forces do come in the form of sentient plants.

As Malila and Jesse do their best to broker a deal, a small band of America spies operating in the Unity risk everything for information that could save their people, while General Jourdaine attempts to heal from his wounds and find ways to leverage the technological superiority of the Unity to secure an advantage in the forthcoming war.

While the backstory that Boutwell provides, mainly through the stories of Grampa Moses, means that Malila of the Scorch can be read as a standalone novel, readers would greatly benefit from following the series through in order. Boutwell has dedicated a significant amount of thought to the world-building for the series and there are many details, technologies, and characters that can only be truly appreciated if fully understood.

As there are so many strands of stories forming the plot of Malila of the Scorch, it can sometimes be difficult to see how everything weaves together into a coherent whole, although all the strands are compelling and interesting in their own right. The majority of the characters are convincing and display intriguingly plausible motivations, even though it can occasionally be tricky to tell them apart during lengthy sections of dialogue.

Packed with twists, turns, and deadly danger, Malila of the Scorch makes for an exciting and satisfying conclusion to Boutwell’s post-apocalyptic series.


Malila of the Scorch

The war is coming! The People of the Scorch, who watch over the unchanged living organisms within their borders, suffer constant invasions and attacks by the people of America and the people from across the Wall. To put an end to this, they send embassies to these countries, who, unfortunately, end up getting killed. Malila has been appointed as the new messenger of the People, a role she had to surrender her arrogance, anger, and several things she regarded as important for.

Malila of the Scorch, the third book in the Old Men and Infidels series, continues Walter Clark Boutwell's futuristic, sci-fi saga with a large, multi-faceted plot that depicts different entities engaged in the battles they must win before the much-anticipated war arrives—a war that the unchallenged dictator of the Democratic Unity, Lieutenant General Eustace Jourdaine, aims to use to gain more power, despite his brutal injuries. Is there hope for the empaths in the book as they face the reckless, destructive forces of greed and lust for power?

The futuristic, fantastical world in Malila of the Scorch left me wondering if the author had teleported to another universe to witness it himself because the level of detail is just incredible! I thoroughly enjoyed picturing the bizarre civilization, where some people living in places with plowed and condensed blocks are forced to return to agriculture and Indiana is degraded to a wilderness filled with "brigands, bandits, and slavers." Picturing this lawless, inhospitable world sent a chill down my spine and inspired a sense of appreciation for my relatively balanced reality. As a lover of both sci-fi and philosophy, I was in awe of the idea of having a philosophical discussion with a computer construct; one particular question sparked a moment of deep reflection: "But if your own creation is merely random, then how is it possible to be as confident as you are about the freedom of your own decisions?"

I disliked that the story seemed slow and unexciting, and the events and development are not intense or suspenseful enough. The overwhelming conversations and thoughts reduced my enjoyment considerably. Also, I spent a considerable amount of time trying to figure out which characters were communicating, especially in long conversations, because the speakers are not indicated adequately.

Though the book could use more captivating, reader-friendly elements, its complex, perceptive characters are easy to like and understand. I began to see my problems as minor when I compared them to the characters' daunting goals in their perilous world. Regardless of its shortcomings, Walter's intelligent, thought-provoking sci-fi has left its mark on me—something has definitely shifted internally.


Canaries Among Us: A Mother’s Quest to Honor her Child’s Individuality in a Culture Determined to Negate It by Kayla Taylor really touched my heart. Taylor tells the story of her own child, Hannah, who has been diagnosed with both situational anxiety and developmental coordination disorder, otherwise known as sensory processing disorder. Although she was always a sensitive girl, Taylor did not understand that her daughter’s clinginess had a deeper meaning until this diagnosis.

The story begins in a heartbreaking way. Hannah begins to come home from her school telling her mother shocking stories of the way she has been treated that day. For example, one day, Hannah gets into the car and tells her mother that the other children have created an “I Hate Hannah Club,” where her bullies took things a step further by taunting her. Taylor is shocked; Hannah’s school has an alleged commitment to instilling good values and kindness in its students. Taylor and her husband had purposefully sent Hannah and her siblings there due to their belief in the school's core values. And now Hannah is being bullied, targeted by two other girls and her classmates for being different.

What’s equally heartbreaking about Hannah’s bullying is the school’s response. What Taylor tells of the administration’s incompetence and lack of sympathy, care, and just basic human decency had my jaw drop more than once. Not only that, the bullies’ parents seem to give no regard to how severe the situation is for Hannah and how their children are quite literally destroying other people’s lives. I cannot even imagine the pain Taylor and her husband must have felt watching their young daughter suffer the way she did. After months upon months of this taunting, Hannah shuts down completely, and Taylor takes measures into her own hands to seek more help and support for her daughter.

I have to applaud Taylor foremost for her vulnerability in writing this story. The anecdotes she recalls, and the stories I read of Hannah and her mother’s suffering broke my heart. The courage to put this story on paper should not be overlooked; this book can open doors to help other mothers and families deal with bullying and unique children. Taylor addresses so many noteworthy things in her book, much more than I can write in a review. They include the importance of inclusion, diversity, and how to protect children who are vulnerable. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to all parents and also to educators. Everyone can benefit from a better understanding of others' differences, especially if those differences are happening in a classroom setting.


The inspiration for Diary of the Seeker: The Tales and Anecdotes of a Life Student Volume I lies back in 2012, when Daniel Hayashi got into the habit of leaving his wife love notes and stories of inspiration before he left for work in the morning. What started as a collection of personal thoughts soon developed into a set of philosophical stories with deliberate moral messages, and Hayashi began to feel that he was being spiritually guided to compile epochal tales. In an effort to fulfill what he came to see as a moral and spiritual quest, Hayashi turned his preliminary notes and idea into the material for this book.

Although Diary of the Seeker initially seems to comprise a hundred and seventy-nine diary entries (covering the period January 1 to July 31 2017) written by Hayashi, it is actually envisioned as being written by a heavenly messenger—a troubadour—who has descended to Earth to observe, record, and reflect on life as lived by regular humans. The idea of portraying ordinary life from the perspective of an otherworldly outsider is an interesting one and does allow for some insightful observations, but the book’s many messages may actually have been more impactful if they had been positioned as human reflections on the problems and joys of the modern world.

The central thesis of Diary of the Seeker is the importance of spirituality and belief, and Hayashi does a good job of making clear that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to such matters. In fact, while the God most frequently described appears to be the Christian one, other religions such as Buddhism, Judaism, and Islam are also referenced. The lives and messages of important figures from these differing faiths, including Buddha, Jesus, Krishna, Mohammed, and Zoroaster, are discussed too. Hayashi’s holistic approach to religion and spiritually gives the book wider appeal than it might otherwise have, as do his comments regarding contemporary maladies such as the iniquities of the uncontrolled pursuit of wealth.

While Hayashi uses poetic language throughout Diary of the Seeker, the text is frequently rather dense, with the intended meanings of some of the metaphors and anecdotes being unclear. This issue is arguably exacerbated by the choice of a diary-like approach to the book, as he cycles through topics and issues at a brisk pace to fit in with the idea of daily reflections and so loses the opportunity to expand on and clarify matters. The formatting of the book could also be more reader-friendly, as could the choice of font and use of punctuation.

Diary of the Seeker is an unusual book covering an extremely broad range of topics, all of which link back to the importance of spirituality and the problems that a lack of faith can bring to people’s lives. As a consequence, it is most likely to appeal to those looking to expand their understanding of different religions and philosophies while musing on anecdotes and stories intended to prompt theological reflection.


The Diary of a Seeker, the Tales, and Anecdotes of a Life Student is more than simply reading a novel for entertainment purposes. Instead, it is a journey for your soul and imagination to take a much-needed reprieve from life's daily stressors and delve into the wonders of the ethereal realms.

The novel was written in a first-person journalistic format, which created space for the reader to learn about religious and spiritual concepts embedded in the human psyche for millennia, with a reverence for the suffering of humanity and a belief in the greater good.

Author Hayashi narrates the protagonist, a heavenly emissary from the higher realms that came to earth to learn about the triumphs and struggles of humanity and report his findings to the guides of heaven and God.

Although he is critical of humanity's egregious errors, he learns to hold space for the universal understanding that the planet is merely going through the cycles of life and death, chaos and peace, destruction and reproduction, and the effects of karmic actions within individuals on the planet earth. Vividly detailed passages that describe the finite details of heaven's splendor or the epic pain caused by a traumatic event on planet earth are written with a dash of stunning surrealism that will readily illustrate the journal entry with fantastical metaphors and an ongoing conversation with the heavens.

Moreover, recording humanity across the ages, the heaviness of despair, and the demonstrable destruction of the planet caused the recognition that every adverse event has multifaceted effects, including a bright side that serves the purpose of growth and building the character of humans grappling with their circumstances and fates in life.

Furthermore, The Diary of a Seeker presents many life lessons within each journal entry that vividly teach the reader life lessons via metaphors and an ongoing conversation with the divine, contrasted with the teachings and references to great masters such as Buddha, Christ, and Krishna. Fastidiously drawing parallels of similarities and polarities across the borders of organized religion and how those values have shaped the collective consciousness for generations.

Undoubtedly, the novel will create questions about the state of humanity, reincarnation, or the plethora of other beliefs and theories mentioned throughout the book for the readers to pursue via in-depth contemplation.

Author Hayashi's untraditionally artistic formatting and whimsical writing style lent memorability to the novel and will surely keep the reader intrigued to the last page!


Diary of the Seeker is a curious collection. I had a suspicion it would be from the start, which is part of why I requested it. I was intrigued by what Hayashi had to say and what exactly a diary of a seeker might be.

As it turned out, it was closer to being an actual diary than I had expected. It wasn’t at all a traditional diary, though; Hayashi does write about his life (or includes moments from a life that might be his; it’s hard to tell), but most of the entries are, as he says in the introduction, stream of conscious essays. Some are only a few pages long, while others are much longer. Occasionally they are interspersed by allegorical and metaphorical sketches. Some of the entries remind me of parables, while others feel more like meditations. They all reference some sort of spiritual truth Hayashi wishes to get across, whether overtly or through illustration.

The sketches, I should say, are fascinating, and I don’t at all mean to imply they are bad. The lines and shading are masterfully done, and after I read the entries, I went back to look at them again and see what details I might have missed. They are very detailed, as much as the frontispiece of a novel might be.

The writing itself fascinated me rather less. The further I went on, the more the same it all seemed. In an actual diary, one might expect to see growth, or at the very least change, as a person lived out a set length of time and reacted to the world around them. The change might be large or subtle, but something about the person would be altered by the end. The entries to Diary of the Seeker all seem to carry the same set of messages, though. Even accepting the book isn’t strictly a diary didn’t alter my outlook. By the time I was halfway through the book, I found them tiresome, narrow, and dated.

Finding them tiresome was a personal opinion, one which I know not everyone will share. I will focus my attention on the other two. I found the pieces narrow in that, even though Hayashi often mentioned other faiths as having truth to them, he often reverted to the language of monotheism (referring to a singular God, albeit listing off names from various faiths to refer to Them) and Christianity (bringing up Jesus and Christ). They were dated in that they were written during Trump’s presidency and often mention him in the more political entries. While Trump still holds a significant sway over American political discourse, he is now a former president. Current events have left some parts of this book behind.


In Diary of the Seeker: The Tales and Anecdotes of a Life Student Volume I, Daniel Hayashi discusses several human problems and how they are linked to our disconnection from God and choosing materialism over love for ourselves and our fellow humans. The book contains daily records of dreams, experiences with people, and thoughts that cover such thought-provoking subjects as love, faith, agnosticism, climate change, karma, reincarnation, politics, religion, prejudice, and more. The author is seen as a messenger and a troubadour who leaves heaven to revisit Earth and then report his findings to heaven. Through his findings and explorations on Earth, the truth about what causes human suffering is revealed, and the reader is shown the path of hope, true freedom, love, and other uplifting ideals.

I'm not exaggerating when I say that you might need months to meditate on the life-changing, mind-blowing insights in the book, as it is tightly packed with them. These insights inspired me to question some of my most important values and goals. Like many supporters of capitalism, I saw it as a system that allows freedom, but I had to change my mind when I read that many people are restricted from moving to different locations as much as they would love to because of their financial conditions. Though this problem, like several others discussed in the book, is mentioned as a flaw of the US government, many countries around the world share similar issues.

I loved that the book contains several deep, dreamlike stories and meditations. The book also includes various intriguing characters, like single-mother Cassandra, who tells her son that they're going to picnic on a "magical ground in a resplendent glen." Plus, Daniel Hayashi's poetic words had such a therapeutic effect on me that I felt a strong sense of calmness and contentment as I went through the book. One of my favorite lines states, "The sun still rose illuminating its aerial flocks dancing the skies in songs and laughter."

Unfortunately, I disliked that the book appears too sporadic; it covers several different subjects, characters, topics, and directions. Reading something relatively new every two pages gets exhausting after a while.

As it contains an incredibly elaborate and condensed collection of spiritual dreams, thoughtful conversations, and profound observations about humanity, Diary of the Seeker: The Tales and Anecdotes of a Life Student Volume I is perfect for introspective readers and individuals who feel lost in the physical world and seek a deeper, more spiritual reality. No matter where you are on Earth, you will appreciate the relatable messages about the need for more positive and inclusive changes in our world.


9 DAYS - A Dee Rommel Mystery

9 Days is Book Two in Jule Selbo's Dee Rommel mystery series and reads well as a standalone novel. Dee Rommel is a police officer turned private investigator for G&Z Investigations. After being shoved off a six-story building two years ago, Dee walks with a prosthetic leg. After a visit to her prosthetist, Ebenberg, Dee and her best friend Gretchen find themselves in a major car accident that seems deliberate. First, a Volvo cuts them off, then a Yukon slams into them. The Yukon disappears and Dee tries to find out more about this crazy driver by doing a little investigative work.

Soon after, Gretchen's boyfriend, Kevin, an attorney, brings a client into Dee's office. The client is a twelve-year-old boy who calls himself Zar. Zar comes from a wealthy family and his mother has just been put in jail for killing their new gardener, Benny. Zar is confident that his mother is trying to cover something up and wants to hire Dee to prove that she did not kill Benny. Little does Dee know, that her car accident and this new case are linked.

This book has a really well-written storyline. Dee is able to find more and more information about the people in Zar's family and those who are close to them. What I really enjoyed was the lighthearted dialogue between Zar and Dee. These characters really meshed well even though Zar is only a child. His over-the-top intelligence and different way of thinking make his character cherishable. Dee is patient with him and takes on a caring, motherly role despite the fact that she is a badass.

The only thing that I had a hard time with in the book was the number of characters that were seemingly irrelevant to the story. There were several main characters, but there were also several supporting characters that I felt did not really add to the story. This included Hilary, the nurse, Reader, the nomadic nephew of another character, and Abshir, Dee's coworker, who appears here and there in the story. There were also other background characters that came in and out of the story. All of the characters made it difficult to remember who was who. I realize that this is Book Two in the series, and maybe the author is setting the reader up for future books, but if these books are to be written so readers don't need to read them in order, it would be helpful to take out a few of the irrelevant characters.

Overall, I really enjoyed 9 Days. I found it to be fast-paced with a fantastic, strong-willed, likable main character. I am looking forward to reading the first book in the series as well as any future books.


Saigon Spring

"Philip Derrick's riveting and highly suspenseful narrative packs enough realistic action scenes to get your heart pounding like you're in the middle of a battle involving a lot of guns and heavy firepower. An expertly executed first-person narrative that kept me glued for the story's duration. This book offers shocking secrets, intricate political games, a chaotic and bittersweet love story, and much more. For anyone who loves historical war narratives or wishes to spend some quality leisure time reading an addictive, action-packed plot, this book is for you!" --Foluso Falaye, Seattle Book Review


A Hero

“Laugh along as idiot hero Ace Bedlam tries to slay monsters and defeat evil under the premise of being innately invincible. A fun, rollercoaster-of-a-ride story that will have readers philosophizing about the relationship between and the meaning of good and evil. While encountering giants, monsters, and robots, the hero finds himself in a test of humanity while surrounded by a universe of chaos. A fantastic read full of wonderment.” —Kristi Elizabeth, San Francisco Book Review


I'd Like to Play Alone, Please: Essays

Tom Segura knows funny. He has made his career in stand-up comedy over the last twenty-plus years, garnering more fans through his Netflix specials and his podcasts (Your Mom’s House, Two Bears, One Cave). I’d Like to Play Alone, Please offers a compilation of essays from the comedian detailing his background, his life in comedy, and various encounters with fellow celebrities. The abrupt ending of conversations with his military veteran father (“My Father, the Savage”) leaves Segura and his friends flabbergasted but are complimented by his mother’s painful straightforwardness (“Concha Mi Madre”). The path to the soul-bearing instrument of the microphone wasn’t straight as Segura pondered careers in medicine (“Paging Dr. Stupid”) and as a football player, but fate had other plans.

I’d Like to Play Alone, Please is a funny and intelligent book. Segura proves his writing chops are as sharp as his wit.  Each chapter proves capable of eliciting a hearty laugh, a smile, and even the occasional cringe-worthy sigh. Loyal fans will love this book for the new stories and the legendary (“Lost Wallet,” “Mike Tyson”). Those uninitiated to Segura’s comedy may just be converted after finishing this hilarious book.


Oh, Sal

Things are changing at Sal’s house. It’s Christmastime and there is a new baby in the house taking a lot much of Mama’s attention, a baby without a name. Papa and Mama can’t decide what to name the baby. Uncle Jake is coming to visit, and he calls Sal “Salamander,” which really makes her mad. Sal’s favorite Christmas gift was a set of underpants—one for every day of the week with a different flower on each pair. But she has misplaced one pair, her favorite pair, with a poppy on them. Everyone pitches in and looks for them, but they seem to have disappeared. Poor Sal.

Kevin Hankes has written a fun story that will keep emerging readers fully engaged as they try to solve the mystery of the disappearing underpants. This is a story lots of youngsters will relate to with a new baby in the family, Mother’s attention being stolen away, unwanted visitors showing up, and other everyday problems. Henkes’s cute black-and-white illustrations decorate the text. He seems to have stayed in touch with his inner child, as the story is perfect for very young readers.


The Winter Garden

The past and present collide in this historical mystery by author Nicola Cornick.

In 1605, Anne Catesby’s entire world is upended when her son Robert becomes embroiled in a plot to kill the king, forcing her to make the impossible choice between the safety of her family and betraying her son.

And in the present, a former violinist seeks recovery at her aunt’s cottage in Oxfordshire, the family’s ancestral home and former home to Robert Catesby, a member of the infamous Gunpowder Plot of 1605. But when she is visited by a supernatural presence, she struggles to solve a centuries-old mystery even though she tries to rebuild her life from the orchestral ashes.

The Winter Garden is a lovely story and definitely lives up to the comparisons to Susanna Kearsley and Philippa Gregory, from a reviewer who is a fan of both. The historical and archaeological details are great and really inform the novel. Anne, Lucy, and Catherine suffer their great losses, hundreds of years apart, the narrative knitting together in the end. With the sweeping timeline, Tudor dresses, treasure, treasonous plot, and phantoms, what is not to like about this novel?


Blood and Moonlight

The murder has everyone seeking answers, even the people who are usually the first to ignore it. Cat is willing to do anything to protect her mentor, he's innocent after all, but the evidence leading to him says otherwise. She has secrets of her own, ones that if anyone were to find out would mean she could lose everything, especially her new found partnership with Simon, the lead investigator.

This mystery set in a fantasy world surpassed my expectations. There are twists and turns around every corner and as soon as I was convinced of one thing, it was proven wrong… or was it? I was constantly questioning what I knew about the mystery and the characters. The only thing that was predictable was Cat's past, but even that had its own twists.

There were enough characters to keep me guessing, but not so many that it was confusing. They also all have different personalities, motives, goals, and unique names that help to tell them apart. The romance is fast-paced but not rushed, and although there were times I wished they’d just kiss, it wasn’t dragged out to the point of annoyance.


Exes and O's

Tara Chen, nurse and bookstagrammer extraordinaire, is ready to find love in all the places she's already been. Moving in with hunky (but totally off-limits) firefighter Trevor Metcalfe was the first step in her new start, and after making a hitlist of ten ex-boyfriends, she’s determined to get one of them to be her happily ever after.

After having a blast reading Amy Lea’s first novel, Set On You, I was super excited to dig into Exes and O’s. If you loved the Instagram angle and little linguistic nods to social media and online culture’s influence on real-life relationships in the first book, chances are you’ll probably enjoy this one as well.

Having said that, I wasn’t as thoroughly invested in these main characters as I was in those featured in Set On You. There just wasn’t as much chemistry between the two of them, and it was almost a snail’s pace of a slow burn since a simple kiss didn’t happen until about sixty percent through the book. If that’s more your romance speed then chances are you’ll love it, but those looking for spicier content might be a little disappointed.


Grave Intervention: A Novel

Dr. Amir Hadad is hearing a voice. The voice appears to have grave intentions, as it causes the death of two patients, as well as the car accident of one of his friends. The voice appears to belong to an Irishman who cannot find rest until his body is found and buried. If Amir wants to keep his family and friends safe, he will have to find the body and give this ghost peace.

The premise of this story was intriguing to me, especially as I love a good ghost story. However, the characters themselves felt a bit flat to me. There wasn’t a lot of depth there. I found it a bit unrealistic how quickly everyone accepted the ghost theory, particularly amongst the scientific community, who tend to look for other explanations first before arriving at the supernatural. Sabiha was probably the best character in the whole story and the one that felt the most authentic. Before reading this book, I wasn’t aware that radiologists actually performed surgeries.

Overall, a great idea for a story, but one that didn’t live up to expectations.


The Pout-Pout Fish and the Worry-Worry Whale is the story of the Pout-Pout fish, like in his other books, and he's trying to help his friend Willa Whale who isn't acting very happy. Both Pout-Pout and Willa are invited to a party, but now Willa is thinking she might not want to go. Willa is thinking of all the bad things that could happen at the party and is worried. A question throughout the book is - "is worry bigger than a whale?"  Will Willa become happy and enjoy herself at the party?

The Pout-Pout Fish and the Worry-Worry Whale is a lot the same as the other books, but with a new feeling that needs to be worked through. The pictures are bright and colorful and I like that they fill the page. I like how Pout-Pout helps his friend Willa through a tough time so that everyone can enjoy themselves at the party; I could use the advice from Pout-Pout when I feel worried, too.


When Franny Stands Up

Historical Fiction You Won’t Be Able to Put Down Roundup

These books are all set in a different time than the present, but readers will embrace the similarities between the men and women of the past and of today. From heartache to hope to the discovery of ancestries, these books will evoke some wonderful emotions and perhaps even some memories.

Cambium Blue
Maureen Brownlee
Harbour Publishing
9781550179309

Set during the bark beetle epidemic in a lumbering town in British Columbia, Cambium Blue is a tale that comes from three viewpoints. A single mom, a Spanish Civil War Veteran, and a widowed fifty-four-year-old woman find their lives intertwined. This is a beautifully written novel with themes of compassion, hope, despair, and the politics of a small town.

Lost and Found in the 60s
Paul Justison
Unsolicited Press
9781956692396

Set in the 1960s, teenager Mark Stenrud escapes to Haight-Ashbury and gets a job at the post office. LSD chemists end up recruiting him and readers will follow Mark on his path as he finds success in this lucrative business only to find himself making bad decisions and learning the lessons of life. A book that captures this decade and its psychedelic notions.

When Franny Stands Up
Eden Robins
Sourcebooks
9781728256009

Set during WWII, When Franny Stands Up captures the story of a woman named Fran who finds herself at Chicago’s Blue Moon Comedy Club where she finds out about the Showstopper, the magic that occurs when an audience laughs so hard they are momentarily transformed. With complex characters, humor, and cultural realism, this book is sure to evoke so many emotions in its readers.

Ancestry
Simon Mawer
Other Press
9781635423198

As novelist Simon Mawer researches his own ancestry back to his great-great-grandfather Abraham Block, who leaves home and becomes indentured on a ship and finds himself in London and the Mediterranean. Mawer’s stories about his ancestors paint the reader a vivid portrait of life in the nineteenth century.

Marmee
Sarah Miller
HarperCollins
9780063041875

This Little Women novel is sure to become a favorite. Set during the war in 1861, this book is told from the perspective of Margaret “Marmee” March and her struggle to raise her four daughters, continue her charity work, and endure financial hardship. This is a beautiful story brought to life by author Sarah Miller about a woman whose life is anything but simple and one which contains secrets.

Foster
Claire Keegan
Grove/Atlantic
9780802160140

During a hot summer in rural Ireland, a father takes his daughter to live with relatives where she is shown love and affection. The home is nice and modern and the Kinsellas take her to places like the beach and shopping for new clothing. These are things her parents don’t do with her and her siblings. A book about a girl who gets a taste of what she sees as “a real family.” A short, easy-to-read book that will leave its readers thinking about the girl even after finishing the book.

The Stolen Book of Evelyn Aubrey
Serena Burdick
Park Row Books
9780778333104

In 1868, when famous novelist William Aubrey finds himself with writer’s block, he becomes jealous of his wife, Evelyn, and steals one of her manuscripts, passing it on as his own. In 2006, Abigail finds out that Evelyn was her great-great-grandmother and travels to England to uncover some family secrets. She learns of Evelyn’s disappearance and possible murder according to London’s society. A fantastic mystery that will have readers loving the clever characters and intriguing plot.


Accomplished: A Georgie Darcy Novel (The Georgie Darcy)

After the drug scandal with Wickham Foster at Pemberley Academy last year, all Georgiana Darcy wants to do is be able to walk down the school halls without her name being whispered behind her back. But when she figures out that Wickham is back in town, Georgie realizes that she can rid herself of Wickham’s schemes once and for all. How hard can it really be to convince the school that she had nothing to do with the drug selling, get back her friends in the band, and find a way to get her brother Fitz to stop hovering over her shoulder? It’ll probably take a miracle…

I did not particularly enjoy this retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. I felt that the start was slow, and Georgie wallowed for the whole first half of the book. The characters did not seem relatable to me, and the drama was over the top. I wanted to root for Georgie, but her constant complaining made her feel more like the antagonist versus the protagonist of her own story.  The pace of the story kept me turning pages, but I did not love it.


Demon Copperhead: A Novel

Born to a destitute, addicted teenage mom in the heart of Appalachia, Damon has to depend on the kindness of neighbors for many of his needs. After his mother dies, Child Protective Services decides his neighbors aren’t an appropriate placement. The foster system takes Damon from bad to worse through the years. Football seems to be his way out until Damon suffers a terrible injury and the doctor treats the pain with oxytocin, but Damon has no insurance to cover treatment for the injury. This starts Damon down a road few survive.

Barbara Kingsolver’s homage to David Copperfield stays true to Dickens' passionate criticism of the institutional poverty found in so many social structures as well as his rich, complex characters and storytelling. Bringing this classic into the modern era in no way takes away from the story. Kingsolver, with extraordinary storytelling techniques and beautiful writing, makes the leap through time and location a seamless one. For fans of the original, she borrows some names (or near names) to complete her homage and keep readers grounded. Damon’s voice, as he tells his own story, is powerful and pitch-perfect as he grows and matures. Don’t miss this one.


Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

Sophie Campbell,Nelson Daniel,Jodi Nishijima

As a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) fan, I love the green machine! The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been a staple of pop culture for decades, and now they are back again in volume one of The Best of TMNT Collection. Each page is an action-packed punch to the gut as we follow the brothers individually in their best stories written by comic icons Eastman and Laird. I could not put this book down and found myself drawn in by each storyline and the ongoing character development of the brothers and the supporting cast. The artwork is second to none and left me wanting more. Volume one has me hankering for volume two and more stories. For any TMNT fan, I recommend this book highly. It will never lose its value and, over time will have you excited to come back and read it again and again. It is a fine addition to any collector’s home and worth the read. I give this book five stars and cannot wait to see what comes next.


A Perfect Wonderful Day with Friends

Raccoon is having a boring kind of day. He has tried reading a book and doing exercises, but nothing seems to excite him. He decides to bake a cake, but he has no eggs, so he heads over to Fox’s house. Fox always has eggs since she has chickens. Fox is trying to fix her roof, but she can’t quite reach what needs to be done. Raccoon suggests they go to borrow a ladder from Badger. They have a lovely walk to Badger’s house and find he is having trouble with a crossword puzzle. They decide to go ask Bear about the clue since it has to do with honey, but Bear is not home. Crow says he went fishing. Off they all go to the river to find Bear.

Philip Waechter has written and illustrated a perfectly enchanting book about how good friends can have a perfect time just being together, helping each other out, and enjoying simple things in life—taking walks, having conversations, taking a swim, and more. This is a quiet book that can settle youngsters down and help them understand how sweet good friends can be. Don’t miss this charming book.


Captured Up Close: 20th Century Short-Short Stories

A performer (and pickpocket) makes a desperate escape attempt from a sinking ship. An impoverished woman finds employment and hope working in factories when all the men go off to Europe to fight the Nazis. A butch lesbian escapes a raid with a drag queen and a gay young man sneaks out of his house to go to a club.

In thirteen stories spanning eighty years, Diamondopolous has captured snapshots of American life in the twentieth century. I loved both the way Diamondopolous brought her characters’ voices to life on the pages – each story felt distinct and vibrant – and the fact that multiple stories centered on the queer experience, which all too often has been sidelined, especially in the years before Stonewall.

This collection is a quick read, and one which will be very easy to pick up, put down, and return to, depending on the reader’s mood and what they are eager to read on any given day. My one complaint was that, at times, the stories dipped too much into the characters’ heads and filled in too many blanks. Sometimes, in a snapshot, it’s okay to leave details out and let the audience work out what’s missing for themselves.


Intergalactic Exterminators, Inc

Russ lived a life of little responsibilities until his grandfather’s funeral. Left with his grandpa’s rifle collection and the urge to help his grandmother reopen The Mysterious Universe, the family’s book store, Russ remained in Evanstown. After being attacked by a cosmic Saber-Toothed Tiger, Russ shot the alien cat threw the eye, killing it and impressing the squad from //Intergalactic Exterminators, Inc.//. Russ hates authority of any type. Now he must navigate the galactic government, his Cert training, and debt collectors on earth if he wants to see The Mysterious Universe succeed.

//Intergalactic Exterminators, Inc.// is the debut novel by Ash Bishop. This wickedly funny space adventure follows a hapless drifter as he navigates terrestrial and extra-terrestrial systems. Bishop, a sci-fi nerd and one-time coffee boy for Quentin Tarantino, tackles the problem of dangerous beast control in intergalactic space. Real world issues are also a big part of Bishop’s narrative. He confronts racism, sexism and class issues.  Dealing with the intergalactic at large, Bishop does a great job of describing such creatures in hilarious detail. The galaxy can be a confusing space, so Bishop includes a handy appendix to help the reader identify the people, places, acronyms and monsters that are dealt with by //Intergalactic Exterminators Inc.//


Treasure Tracks

Treasure Tracks is a fun novel about a boy's search for lost treasure. It takes place in the Florida Keys, where numerous shipwrecks can be found. This treasure, however, is not to be found in a shipwreck.

The main character, Fin, has started searching for a treasure with his grandfather. His grandfather tells him the stories of the treasure, and the two go out diving for it. When one trip leaves his grampa in the hospital, Fin must carry out the search without him. He won't be alone, however, as his boring, overprotective dad will come too. The pair will face numerous dangers in an effort to find the treasure, the only thing Fin believes will save his grandfather.

This was a very fun read, filled with unexpected twists and a lot of excitement. The characters were all quite interesting, and there was more to each than meets the eye. It was really interesting to learn about diving while reading this, and I enjoyed all of the underwater scenes. I would recommend this book to kids from fifth grade to eighth grade, especially if they like adventure novels.


The Samurai Castle Master

The Samurai Castle Master is a biography of Todo Takatora, an excellent Japanese castle architect who was also an amazing warrior. It is a book written for a Japanophile. It is packed with references to names, places, and dates, along with Japanese terms. The glossary is fairly good, but that will only get you so far. There are also a number of castle design terms that can be hard for someone without a relevant background to understand.

The history is very interesting, albeit quite dry. If you are a Japanophile, can call to mind the provinces of Japan and their locations, and enjoy medieval Japanese history, this is the book for you. Otherwise, I recommend looking elsewhere for books about Samurai and Japanese castles.

This book is appropriate for younger audiences, so long as they know what they are getting into. I recommend that every library system have a single copy. This is a book that would be useful in a Japanese history class, and if you have the appropriate background, it is a great book to own.

The Samurai Castle Master is not the sort of book that gets boring after the first read! This book is best for teens and adults.


Foster


I Need All the Friends I Can Get

My heart is happy and content with a classic Charlie Brown story; I Need All the Friends I Can Get does not disappoint. The story predictably follows Charlie Brown on his quest to figure out what makes a good friend and why he doesn't have one. His friends assist him with definitions of the word "friend" by tailoring the ways to themselves, which makes it more understandable and relatable for the reader. Can Charlie Brown find that one person who fits the criteria?

I believe that almost everyone has felt like a "Charlie Brown" and deserves to find the person(s) in their life who may seem invisible but have been a support and available to them below the radar. I enjoyed the added effect of colors on the pages throughout the story. I found it appropriate and witty that there is a "to and from" page to gift this book to a friend, or maybe one that you would like to be a new best friend. I love how reminiscent this story is of the original Charlie Brown, and the colors and patterns throughout the book are pleasing to the eye.


The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World

This biography resurrects the life of Walter Rosenberg, also remembered as Rudolf Vrba, the man who escaped from Auschwitz with Fredrick Wetzler in the spring of 1944 to produce the much acclaimed Auschwitz Report. If the book was only about the escape itself, the story would make a gripping thriller, but Freedland gives us much more.

Exceptionally well researched, Freedland explores the man himself--the unstable childhood that formed a boy into the sort of young man capable of fending for himself in a hostile environment. With particular attention to detail, Freedland describes the constriction of Europe under Nazi rule and the formation of the great deception put in place to exterminate the Jews.

More than half of the book delves into the question of what brand of knowledge it takes to produce outright revolution against those in power. The life of Vrba exemplifies a belief that if a person is only armed with the knowledge of certain destruction that person will naturally take measures of self-preservation. However, the facts unearthed by Freedland prove contrary to Vrba's assumption, which makes this book much more than a thriller.


When We Were Friends

January 2023 Popular Fiction Roundup-New Year, New Book

Is your New Years’ Resolution to read a little more? Have a little more downtime to do things you really enjoy? Here is a great list of new releases in the popular fiction category. So grab yourself a hot cocoa and blanket and settle in for the night.

The Virtuous Ones
Christopher Stoddard
ITNA Press
ISBN: 9780997643206

Ad agency, Pure Creative, is using their new rap star Markus in an ad campaign that will take the world by storm. There are underlying issues with the staff at Pure Creative that create an unstable environment for all those involved. Will the company’s plan backfire? If you are looking for a book about modern marketing and progressive social values, this is it.

When We Were Friends
Holly Bourne
MIRA Books
ISBN: 9780778311294

When Jessica and Fern reunite after ten years of estrangement, the friends must confront the very thing that destroyed their friendship in the first place. A book that many people may identify with the main characters, When We Were Friends, visits themes of friendship, betrayal, and forgiveness.

We Spread
Iain Reid
Gallery/Scout Press
ISBN: 9781982169350

Penny, an aging artist whose partner has passed away, finds herself in a long-term care residence. As she lives in the residence, she starts thinking about life and purpose. A beautifully written book that will have readers thinking and contemplating their own existence as it relates to the world.

The Furrows
Namwali Serpell
Random House Publishing Group
ISBN: 9780593448915

Cassandra’s little brother, Wayne, is only seven years old when he disappears. This breaks their family apart and leaves Cassandra seeing his face everywhere she goes. One day, she meets someone mysterious named Wayne who is searching for someone. This tale of grief and hope will rub away at your heartstrings.

The Sacrifice
Rin Chupeco
Sourcebooks
ISBN: 9781728255910

Add a little adventure to your day with The Sacrifice. The Philippine Island of Kisapmata is known to be haunted by the locals, but when a film company decides to ignore all warning, they find out the hard way that the Dreamer god is not kidding. Sinkholes, mummies, and an island curse awaits readers of The Sacrifice.


Sundown

Love is in the Air Romance Roundup

The Stand-Up Groomsman
Jackie Lau
Penguin Publishing Group
9780593334324

This quirky romance is full of wonderful relationships that grow throughout the story. Vivian’s roommate is getting married to her favorite actor’s costar. As Vivian and Mel try to set aside their differences so that the wedding will go off without a hitch, they find that they start to understand one another a little more. Sometimes opposites really do attract!

Princess and the Player
Ilsa Madden-Mills
Amazon/Brilliance Publishing
9781542038461

When Francesca decides to attend an exclusive lifestyle ball and meets famous NFL player Tuck Avery, they engage in a wicked affair wearing masks. When she realizes who this man is and that he lives in her building and is a player (and not just when it come to football) she decides to make sure he doesn’t recognize her. Only there is one little problem…a positive pregnancy test! Find out what the fates of the princess and the player are in this tantalizing romance novel.

Never Rescue a Rogue
Virginia Heath
St. Martin's Publishing Group
9781250787781

Diana and Giles team up when Giles’ father, the Duke of Harpenden dies and family secrets must stay hidden. Although everyone around them thinks that Diana and Giles are a perfect match, the two greatly disagree. But when Giles needs Diana’s excellent sleuthing skills, they both find that maybe, just maybe, there is a little spark after all.

Megan Gamble, Sing Out
Debbie Romani
Self-Published
9798215637401

At forty one years old, Megan finds herself singing backup vocals for her son, Kyle’s band. Not only does being on tour with the band catch the eyes of Kyle’s band manager, Brandon, but it also brings the unwelcome attention of a musician Megan knew in the past who is trying to blackmail her. Smart, fun, and satisfying, this book is a backstage adventure.

Honor's Refuge
Hallee Bridgeman
Fleming H. Revell Company
9780800740221

Melissa and her sister were separated after their father killed their mother when Melissa was only five years old. She goes on to help those in need and opens a domestic shelter. When military man, Phil, hears about Melissa’s story, he goes to find her long lost sister. The problem is, her sister is married to a Colombian cartel teniente. Full of action, adventure, and of course, romance, this book comes with some big emotions as characters struggle to find their way.

Sundown
Susan May Warren
Fleming H. Revell Company
9780800739843

Sundown is the third and final book in the Sky King Ranch series by Susan May Warren. Sky King Ranch is under fire when Tae finds herself being hunted by a group of thugs. Colt Kingston doesn’t trust Tae one hundred percent but decides to help her. When her own secrets are revealed, Colt learns they must stop bioterrorists from releasing a virus and Tae may be the key in doing so. A suspenseful romantic adventure thriller.

The Next Best Day
Sharon Sala
Sourcebooks
9781728249032

After Katie is left standing at the altar and then experiences a school shooting, she decides to relocate to Tennessee. Immediately attracted to her widowed neighbor Sam who is the Police Chief, Katie wonders if the timing is right to pick herself up and start again. Readers will love the charming characters in this book and the strength of Katie’s character as she tries to start life anew.

My Dearest Duke
Kristin Vayden
Sourcebooks
9781728234342

When Lord Rowles Haywind’s brother dies, he inherits the throne and becomes the Duke. He never wanted to be Duke and struggles with family secrets. His mother is ill with dementia and Rowles doesn’t know if he wants to have a family should his children inherit the terrible disease. He reunites with Lady Joan Morgan who is intelligent and helps him through this difficult time. But the Lady has a secret of her own. Will she and the Duke be able to make things work in this regent romance?

The Duke in Question
Amalie Howard
Sourcebooks
9781728262635

A wonderful cat-and-mouse chase that takes readers from England to Civil War-era America, then to France, and back to England. Lady Bronwyn Chase finds herself aboard her brother’s ship with a package of secret letters. Also on that ship is the Duke of Thornbury, Valentine Medford, whose allegiance is to the Crown and who is trying to find the spy named Kestral who is, in fact, Bronwyn! This historical romance will have readers on the edge of their seats!


Something About Grandma

While Julia’s parents prepare for the birth of a new baby, she stays at her grandmother’s quaint house just outside of Mexico City for the summer. It’s surrounded by fertile growth and the sweet aroma of jasmine. Over time, Julia welcomes the sounds of nature and the serene peacefulness at Grandma’s, and she notices there’s something unique about her grandmother. She can predict the future and senses precisely what her granddaughter needs when she’s sorrowful. From Grandma, Julia learns how to reach out to others with a comforting touch, and she discovers what makes Grandma so truly special.

Children ages five to nine who are close to their grandparents will treasure this heartfelt story. The unparalleled and distinctly sacred bond between a grandchild and his or her grandparent shines like silk through the pages of Something About Grandma. The reciprocity of that relationship and the warmth and security it provides are threaded thoughtfully throughout the narrative and poignant illustrations. The author/illustrator weaves segments of poems from her own great-grandfather into the latticework of the pictures, carefully camouflaging them into the background. They’ll capture young readers’ interest and awe and provide them with an exciting challenge as they embark on their reading odyssey.


A Leader's Guide to Consultant Cliches: (OR HOW TO BE YOUR OWN BEST CONSULTANT)

In A Leader’s Guide to Consultant Cliches, longtime management consultant Jeff Colvin shares timeless leadership advice while using tried and trite sayings known as cliches. Colvin turns everyday, overused phrases into profound foundational wisdom by applying the expressions to relatable workplace stories and vignettes. Readers learn about the importance of communicating clearly, building relationships, and cultivating teamwork to solve dilemmas faced by the lead character Max in negotiating and executing strategy. Emphasizing the importance of “learn, do and repeat,” the book includes a dedicated page after each chapter for note-taking and reflection. Each chapter concludes with a list of key takeaways and statistics from business research that support the key lesson.

A Leader’s Guide to Consultant Cliches is a refreshing take on management guides that underscore trust-building, collaboration, and commitment to improvement and productivity. Through the power of storytelling, Colvin increases the retention of vital leadership lessons. Situations depicted in the book focus on business processes that need to be enhanced or changed to achieve better results. Colvin uses dialogue to depict the scenarios in easily digestible ways and peppers each vignette with a healthy dose of humor. Just wait until you learn about the true identities of the cast of characters.


Remarkably Ruby (Emmie & Friends)

Seventh grader Ruby doesn’t have the best social skills, so no one knows her passion is writing poetry. Fortunately, Ruby’s supportive English teacher encourages her to join a poetry club. This may be a chance for Ruby to make some new friends and share her passion with others. Meanwhile, Mia is popular, organized, and running for class president. Unlike Ruby, Mia has it all. Or does she? Both girls used to be friends, but they eventually grew apart. Can these two opposites redeem themselves, or will they no longer have anything in common?

This book is way different from the other books, and it may be the best one in the series so far! I like that the author introduced so many new characters. It makes me wonder who will be in Libenson’s next book. I was also very shocked by the ending of the book. Recommended for graphic novel lovers, especially those who like contemporary middle-grade stories.


Usagi Yojimbo Origins, Vol. 3

Usagi Yojimbo Origins is a really good read. I found myself hooked with this full-color version of an old classic. The rabbit ronin is such a complex and fascinating character that you can’t help but be entranced by the story and the writing. Author Stan Sakai keeps you hanging off every page with a rich story and a plethora of interesting characters. As a comic book fan, I believe this book is a good read and really helps to pass the time if you are looking for action pack adventure and thrills. The artwork is beautiful, and the colors really help to add depth to the pages. I have a few copies of Usagi Yojimbo already, and reading this one only made me want to go out and buy more. I really love the journey that Usagi Yojimbo is going on, and as I continue to read, I root for him in the various paths that he takes.  Avid readers will enjoy this comic as much as I did.  I give this comic five stars.


The Prince of Steel Pier

Joey loves spending the summer in Atlantic City with his family. They stay with their grandparents, helping Uncle Sol run their grandparents' hotel. The guests are older Jewish people who’ve been coming for years, but Atlantic City is changing. Gambling was legalized, casinos are moving in, and some unsavory characters are around. Joey gets noticed for his skee ball prowess by those characters, and it makes him feel powerful hanging with them, even working for the top guy chaperoning his very pretty daughter. But things get very dark. The only ones Joey can count on are his family, but he may have put them in terrible danger.

Stacy Nockowitz has written a very compelling story with rich, complex characters and tension throughout. The setting is one most young people won’t be familiar with, but it is an interesting time and place that will keep them engaged. There is also the foundation of the family’s deep and abiding Jewish faith, which young Joey is questioning, something quite common for kids that age. Joey feels left out with two older brothers who are close and a younger brother who is a star. This is a terrific book that should not be missed.


Camp Scare

Friends. That’s all Parker wants. Paired with Cassandra, the most popular girl in school, on a class project, Parker thinks this is her chance to finally have a friend. Then Cassie’s popular friends take pictures of her journal to post online. In response to the cyberbullying, Parker is sent to Camp Care, but only the worst kind of coincidence would put her in the same cabin as Cassie. Rumors start that Parker is a thief, and when her cabin mates’ belongings are found in her drawer, she is shunned. Meeting Jenny at the bonfire proves to be the best thing, but Parker can’t find her throughout the day. When she finds out there is no Jenny enrolled, Parker is more determined to find out what is going on, especially as there are dark things in the camp’s past, things no one will talk about.

This book is full of drama, with a slow burn to an explosive ending. The kids don’t believe Parker, the adults don’t believe Parker, and the only one who does doesn’t exist. Sometimes dramatically frustrating, sometimes chilling, this scary story is perfect for those who love Mary Downing Hahn and Dan Poblocki.


Waking Beauty

“Before every beginning is another beginning,” begins Rebecca Solnit’s Waking Beauty, or Eleven Times Upon a Time, which is a reimagining of the classic Sleeping Beauty. In Solnit’s transformation of the tale, the focus is instead on Maya, the sister who stayed awake. It includes everything magical about a fairy tale: a tone of whimsy, fantastical names, one of the fairies is named Marzipanzer Divisadero Primrooseveltundramama McIrritabittlepittlegram, and. The structure in which the story is told is akin to a more organized Dr. Seuss with the darling illustrations by Arthur Rackham and the silliness of a single sentence being spliced into sixteen individual lines, a majority of which beginning with the word, and. This is perfect for adults and children alike. The adults who experienced Sleeping Beauty as a child will reminisce, and children will be eager to point out the differences. And it’s in this way that it captures childlike wonder and excitement; there is a hurriedness to meet the protagonist and embark on this journey and warmth at its happy ending. From beginning to end, Solnit invites young readers to join her with their own tales, prodding them: “how many other stories are all around you?”


The Dressmakers of Prospect Heights: A Novel

In 1924, the lives of three women intersect. Bea and Alice have known one another for years and come to New York from New Orleans to open a dress shop together, but their relationship will change drastically when Catherine Berrill enters the shop to buy a dress, bringing a connection to Bea’s past that will change all of them.

At its best, the book was a heartwarming tale about building connections and family, and about overcoming trauma. Some, I know, will enjoy it for that, and there is a great deal of affection and heart in the book, enough to give it three stars. However, I was on the fence about giving it three stars or two because I also found the book dull and predictable. I was able to figure out a key twist very early on, so it irritated me when Zeldis continued to be coy about what it would be up until it was revealed. I also found the world of the book quite flat. Zeldis put in many details, but they never sprang off the page so much as they lay there like a still-life painting.


Gone With the Wind

The year 1939 was a monumental one for cinema. Gone with the Wind staring Vivian Leigh and Clark Gable began with buzz and continues to be a talked about eighty-three years later. Like many other films, or really anything pertaining to other people, there are things unknown, whether intentional or not.

In Pauline Bartel's Gone with the Wind, each day from preproduction and the casting of characters to the wrap-up of filming the classic film are documented for readers not around at the location or time. Information about cast and crew, namely birthdays, things that happened behind the scenes such as signing contracts, completion of filming scenes, and various interactions among the crew, and what was announced in the news are the three categories mentioned for every day from January 1 to December 31, 1939.

Most every day contains a bite-size amount of the daily grind to allow the reader the option of reading much or little and experiencing the happenings related to the movie as if they were there. Fans of the classic Gone with the Wind will appreciate the extra details in the book as a necessity to be a super fan!


Delphic Oracle, U.S.A.

Delphic Oracle, U.S.A.  by Steven Mayfield is a charming story. Set in a small Nebraskan town called Miagrammesto Station, the narrator recalls how this place came to home an alleged Oracle of Delphi.

This novel contains a plethora of characters, but the main one I will focus on is Maggie Westinghouse. Maggie and her mother moved to Miagrammesto Station after her father allegedly was killed in “The War to End All Wars.” She is beautiful, smart, quick on her feet, and enchanting. Men are constantly pursuing Maggie; however, women are generally very unkind to her, always jealous of the attention and love she receives. Maggie finds that her peers are constantly trying to undermine her gifts with false gossip and small talk, something that leads her to spend most of her time alone. Because of this, one of Maggie’s favorite past times is to take long walks, often to the edge of town, by herself. On one of these walks, she stumbles upon a very attractive young man. Although he looks like an absolute wreck, asleep on a pile of gunnysacks, Maggie is drawn to him. When he wakes up, she answers his questions with her usual wit and is stunned at how well he handles her anger and retorts. Little does Maggie know, this special man will change her life, both for the better and the worst.

Alongside Maggie Westinghouse, Miagrammesto Station has plenty of idiosyncratic characters. Like all small towns, everyone knows more than enough about each other and everyone else’s business. Although annoying at times, everyone generally acts as a family, and characters are able to confide and lean on each other in both small and big concerns. This is especially needed at Miagrammesto Station; From runaway husbands, to discovering religion, to unexpected pregnancies, Delphic Oracle has a unique character and tale for every reader.

I enjoyed reading this novel. I found all of the tales, especially Maggie’s, to be entertaining and interesting. I think Mayfield did a great job of capturing life in a small town. He wrote his characters wonderfully, giving them a great balance of humor and wit. The only criticism I have of this book is that I did have a hard time keeping track of the characters, but, as Mayfield states in the prologue, “You are about to meet a great many people, too many to keep track of at first.” I did find this statement to be true, so readers should heed this and expect to need to reread it as a reminder of which characters are which.


Delphic Oracle, U.S.A.

Miagrammesto Station, Nebraska, is a typical farming town in the 1920s when drifter July Pennybaker rolls into town. He is quickly smitten with a local girl, Maggie Westinghouse. He manages to convince the town that she has powers just like the Delphic Oracles of old, allowing her to predict the future. It doesn't take long for the town to change its name to Delphic Oracle, leading to what everyone hopes will be new opportunities. But fate may not be on the side of the two lovers, as we discover through a story of love, loss, deceit, and tragedy that will affect generations to come.

Narrator and Catholic priest Father Peter Goodfellow casts his eyes back to the past as he retells all the details he learned from his Grandmother Willa about the town's past, while at the same time keeping us abreast of the current events in Delphic Oracle, where the town's descendants carry on a history they like to keep alive, a lot of which threatens to come back to the fore again with the discovery of old bones in a vacant lot. Could it be the body of July Pennybaker, who disappeared decades ago? Or could his story have been more complex and misunderstood?

Father Peter is not without his own story or fascinating past as he retells the town's history from inside the local correctional institution. Why is he there? Let's just say it has something to do with his ex-brother-in-law and a BB gun. And he isn't the only one with a few quirks in this town. Another of Father Peter's brothers-in-law, Francis Wounded Arrow, seems to be a perpetual accident waiting to happen. And then there's Aunt Felicity, the town librarian, who has a mind of her own and isn't afraid to share it. Other descendants of the town's previous generations make up the rest of the quirky cast of characters in this entertaining novel, all with their own peculiarities.

I found Delphic Oracle, U.S.A. to be not only an engaging story, but also more emotional than I had anticipated. Mr. Mayfield has a way of making the reader care about his characters, even those with more than a few imperfections. Not to mention his extraordinary ability to weave together a rambling generational tale full of nostalgia, cinematic scenes, and enough twists and turns to keep any reader happy. As a result, it was both memorable and enjoyable.


Delphic Oracle, U.S.A.

During the 1920s, one of the most adventurous and consuming decades of the past century, when personal freedom and affairs were becoming commonplace, a modest love story unfolds in the western prairies of Nebraska. Maggie Westinghouse is a woman of her time, she isn’t afraid to express herself and seek out her inherent vices. The kind of person that would begin a highly charged and passionate affair with July Pennybaker, a wandering con man and big fish in this sleepy town. They are the kind of wild characters that should be able to run this small quiet community, fueling its gossip, and effortlessly taking its money.

Yet Maggie and July are not your typical wayward figures, and Delphic Oracle, Nebraska is not your typical small, quiet town. There is something tragic, mystical, and oddly poetic about this community and its history. The mysterious remains of a skeleton are uncovered in a vacated lot, a large Greek chorus keeps things interesting and decidedly colorful, and a deeply engaging tale of Americana comes to life on the page.

Delphic Oracle, U.S.A. by Steven Mayfield is one of those books that seems to have all the trappings and virtues that lovers of American literature have come to love. The narrative tone is compelling, the characters are all fully formed with none of the usual tropes and plot devices that have crippled other works of fiction. Mayfield’s writing is never indulging in unnecessary dead ends or padding. His prose is workmanlike in its effectiveness and charming in its visuals.

Not since Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil have I read about such a unique supporting cast of characters, humor that made me laugh out loud in moments, or a community be so masterfully created before my eyes. Somehow, Mayfield has managed to capture and preserve a piece of the American identity and spirit in this tale.

As any reader of modern fiction can attest, every time you crack a new book open, it’s a coin toss. There is always a quiet bargain taking place with the author, a promise that the reader will be swept away into this new world, and a hope that the craftsman can deliver. Each time when it happens, it’s a privilege, a joy to be consumed by wonderful words and concepts. For this reviewer, Steven Mayfield and his exceptional new book have definitely delivered.


Delphic Oracle, U.S.A.

While Father Peter Goodfellow—preacher, inmate, and relative to most of the town—might be the narrator of Delphic Oracle, U.S.A., it is really the story of Maggie Westinghouse and July Pennybaker and how their star-crossed relationship led to the small Midwestern town of Miagrammesto Station transforming into the near-legendary community of Delphic Oracle. In fact, their association had consequences far beyond the naming of the town, as the results of their actions in 1919 trickled down through the decades and influenced the fortunes of the eclectic citizenry right up to the early 2000s.

July Pennybaker was a handsome and highly educated grifter with the gift of the gab. He would have been well-suited to a career in politics, except that “he learned early on to disdain politicians as amateurs … tinhorns who knew how to tap a mark but not when to shut off the flow and run.” After taking a con that bit too far, he found himself on the run from the Chicago mob and took temporary shelter in the one-horse Nebraska town of Miagrammesto Station. The first person he met there was Maggie Westinghouse, an ethereal beauty of uncertain parentage who was prone to drifting into trances and offering incompressible prognostications.

Sensing an opportunity, July declared Maggie to be a descendent of the original Oracles of Delphi and claimed to be the only one capable of interpreting her predictions. Although it might have started out as yet another grift, the relationship between the pair became very real very fast, and the results of their combined prophesies also proved beneficial for the rest of the town. As Father Peter explains, things in the town were never the same again, with the three main families—the Goodfellows, the Penrods, and the Thorntons—all engaging in peculiar and oftentimes unlikely shenanigans down through the generations, resulting in romances, rituals, recriminations, and the discovery of a skeleton in a vacant lot.

With Delphic Oracle, U.S.A., Steven Mayfield has crafted a charming and engaging slice of small-town Americana that neatly weaves together stories from different periods to form a cohesive biography of a town and its residents. The sense of place throughout the novel is excellent, as are the characterizations of the various citizens of Delphic Oracle, whether they serve as main characters or supporting cast. Perhaps unsurprisingly, given how the town and its leading families got their start, there are a host of strange, intriguing, and sometimes frustrating characters featured within the story, including a family man with an unremitting urge to run away coupled with a strong boomerang disposition and a know-it-all librarian who just might actually know it all.

A story comprised of the stories that people tell to remind themselves of where they come from, Delphic Oracle, U.S.A. is insightful, surprising, and a whole lot of fun to read.


Jim Ringel introduced the delightfully insightful, sincere, and tenacious character of Lama Rinzen in 49 Buddhas: Lama Rinzen in the Hell Realm, a murder mystery/Buddhist philosophy mashup that combined an intriguing puzzle with a deeply unusual premise. A spiritual leader in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, Lama Rinzen is working through a series of reincarnations in the six realms so that he can learn each realm’s lesson and move toward enlightenment. In his first outing, Lama Rinzen was reincarnated as a Denver cop tasked with solving the murder of a hated insurance magnate.

Now, having learned the lesson of the Hell Realm, in Hidden Buddha: Lama Rinzen in the Hungry Ghost Realm, Lama Rinzen is reincarnated as Doctor Rinzen, the new locum tenens at the slightly sinister Humboldt Hospital. By way of a change, Doctor Rinzen is a Caucasian female, which prompts Rinzen to ponder if the lesson in this new realm will involve learning self-acceptance. However, it soon emerges that the Hungry Ghost Realm has something far more frightening and dangerous in store.

One of the first people Rinzen meets upon arrival at Humboldt Hospital is a young girl named Claudia, who immediately makes a number of troubling statements: “Out in the parking lot. She was watching you.” There has been no one in the parking lot when Rinzen arrived, so who could have been watching? Claudia doesn’t provide much clarification: “Tell her she has to stop. She’s ugly. And she scares me.” While most of the hospital’s patients are being evacuated to nearby institutions due to a forthcoming snowstorm, Claudia, several other patients with complex needs, and a core group of staff will be staying behind, and Rinzen will be staying with them.

Rinzen is adamant about not believing in ghosts, but being trapped in Humboldt during the snowstorm leaves the lama with little choice but to explore the significance of Claudia’s “ghosts” and what they could mean for the pursuit of enlightenment.

Hidden Buddha presents another intriguing mystery for Lama Rinzen to solve, although this time, it’s more in the horror line than the straightforward murder mystery. There are ghosts of both the literal and metaphorical kinds haunting the corridors of Humboldt Hospital, causing staff and patients to disappear and seeking to keep Rinzen trapped in the realm. There’s a distinctly spooky atmosphere to the story from the outset, and the sense of dread builds as things progress. Unfortunately, Rinzen also has to contend with more than a few menacing humans too, which adds to the story’s tension.

Ringel once again succeeds in weaving matters of Buddhist philosophy into the mystery confronting Rinzen, and readers of Hidden Buddha may well find themselves questioning their own thoughts and beliefs at the same time as attempting to unravel the various puzzles that comprise the story.


Is there more to life than consuming endlessly and wishing to escape work? What if life doesn't have to be just ordinary and tiring? Eric Right was stuck in an unsatisfactory existence before he found a more fulfilling reality with the help of marijuana and by observing his experience of it. In Higher Connections: Humor and Inspiration from a Certified Public Pothead, Eric and Alexandrea Right document the changes and connections they experienced while under the influence of marijuana and their thoughts about different random subjects, like religion, out-of-body experience, the soul, paranoia, the best age to die, and more. Follow Eric and Alexandrea Right through their fun, otherworldly, and unpredictable journey with marijuana and their intriguingly creative thoughts about different aspects of life in Higher Connections.

I have been educated! As someone who used to regard marijuana as a waste of time, Higher Connections showed me that it can actually make life more enjoyable. I couldn't stop reading the captivating stories about family, empathy, healing, and building connections. Also, I found it amazing that Eric, who is not exactly someone you would call empathetic in his natural state, became noticeably more empathetic with marijuana—to the point that he expressed feeling empathy for a stranger who talked about his struggles.

Many of the stories and insights are told from two different POVs—Eric's and Alexandrea's—which, somehow, makes the story feel more genuine and easier to understand. The authors' carefree, chatty writing style is quite enjoyable and easy to read. I liked that Eric sometimes chips in what he's doing while he's writing about a particular topic.

The book inspired me to think about several ideas and possibilities that I never considered before. Like Eric, I am now wondering if leaders would make better, more humane decisions if they took marijuana before a major world conference. Who says life has to be serious and mainly about working towards the next big achievement?

Eric and Alexandrea show us that life can be more meaningful when we choose to live in the moment. And in their case, marijuana proves to be a great way to get there. Scientists and researchers who wish to be an important part of the next phase of human consciousness should take the insightful accounts and ideas in this book seriously. And if you simply wish to discover a deeper and more exciting way to connect with the world around you, you will learn a lot from their detailed recommendations and stories about embarking on a trip with marijuana. Even skeptics of marijuana will turn believers when they read the book. I certainly did!


To Pay Paul

Seamus Quinlan is the last remaining descendant of a family marred by various cancers and illnesses. His family home in Washington is located downwind from the Hanford Nuclear site. The Hanford site, which served as one of the central locations in the making of the atomic bomb(Manhattan Project), is now decommissioned. However, the waste that resides there still poses a risk as nuclear material has seeped underground, and the daily breeze carries with it the toxic material. Seamus works as a lecturer and geophysicist and is well versed in the potential cataclysms looming with Hanford.

Seamus has come home to visit his father Gerald as he is rapidly diminishing from cancer. The past weighs heavily on both men, as the shadow of death and grief has never disappeared. Both men, along with other relatives, worked at Hanford and gradually came to learn the risks posed by the nuclear materials cultivated and stored there. Gerald succumbs to his illness. Seamus must handle the burial of his father on his own.

The tragedies inflicted upon Seamus mount when he and an associate named Cody fall through the ground when Seamus attempts to clear room on the family cemetery plot. Opportunities to climb out of the hole are non-existent, as are the supplies needed to hold out for an extended period of time. The duo forms a bond over a period of a couple of days that alleviates the tension of the peril. Through a stroke of good luck, the two men are discovered, and they become public figures. Seamus has looked at his own mortality head-on and is determined to live each day to its fullest. However, the decaying eyesore of Hanford and the mysteries of tectonic shifts pose a threat to not only Seamus but millions of people.

To Pay Paul is a stand-out dramatic narrative that reflects on the sins of the past while also pondering the uncertainty of the future. Seamus Quinlan lives a life where the prospects are bleak, a long-term future doubtful. He dwells under a dark cloud, but his resolve to keep going in spite of this makes him a strong character. Despair yields to hope as Seamus realizes that the desire to live another day is worth fighting for. Author Michael Scott Curnes has penned a poignant, often bittersweet story about survival and connection in personal turmoil. The reader will be drawn into the unfolding action in Seamus Quinlan’s life but also to the existent hazards posed by Hanford.


Becoming Love Able

When you think of relationship advice books, what comes to mind first? That they’re mostly for women to “satisfy” their man, to “turn their love life around.” And they’re either books filled with vague verbose content or strict bullet point lists that must be followed to the letter if you “truly want your man to love you and remain faithful.” And what about relationship advice books for men? Thankfully, there’s a new book on relationship advice for men that’s the complete opposite of all these things. It’s called Becoming Love Able: How a Man Can Grow to be a More Loving Partner by Richard Matzkin.

Matzkin begins the book with an invocation, “The world needs the message of men’s love. You can be a messenger,” and an introduction to what the reader can get from Becoming Love Able. He provides an author’s note on his background with reference to relationships, as well as talking about his own happy marriage of almost forty years.

The book is divided into four parts. The first part, “Men, Love, and Kindness,” explores what love actually means and the many areas it can go, as well as what it means to love another. Part of this is kindness, what it means to be kind and to give kindness, and how it relates to love. “Relationship” and “Responsible Loving” are the next two sections, as it's important to understand what a healthy relationship looks like and the many places it can go. Matzkin touches on the stereotypes of men under these headings and how the reader can adapt and change his ways, leading to a stronger bond with his partner. Matzkin makes a point earlier in the book, as well as in this section, that Becoming Love Able is not just for male/female relationships but also male/male and other combinations such as male/non-binary.

The second part, “The Loving Promises,” consists of the thirty-nine vows to make with your partner for a strong relationship. At the end of each section, Matzkin presents questions to help the reader along in processing what they have read. The third part explores, once a relationship has begun, the issues and conflicts that can arise, learning where the problems arise and how to resolve them together as a couple. The final part, “Working With the Promises,” talks about living in a healthy relationship with those vows, along with some helpful suggestions.

Whether you read Becoming Love Able from cover to cover at the start of a relationship or pick and choose certain chapters when you reach those hurdles in your relationship, whatever problem you are having, chances are you’ll be able to find some helpful advice in Becoming Love Able.


Involuntary Reroute!!! (The Initial Reroute Book 1)

Involuntary Reroute tells the story of author Robert Laney's delve into the travel industry at the young age of nineteen. As an entrepreneurial major at Babson College, Laney decides to help his mother start a business. As the owner of a travel agency in the 1980s, Robert's mother has had plenty of experience owning and running a business. The book explains the many pitfalls that Robert and his mother find themselves in. Laney explains, "Since the early days of air travel, airlines have offered their agents and agency owners 75 percent discounts from full first-class fares." This is the big idea behind Robert's business. He decides to start a travel agency and find investors in the company who will become part owners. Of course the perk to the owner/investors would be that seventy-five percent discount on travel. The business starts off with a bang. Not only would the owners get the discount, but whoever held those tickets were eligible to fly first class regardless if they were the owner or not.

Laney repeatedly states that the seat on an airplane is only worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it. Thus, there are loopholes in the airlines that allow people to get tickets for less because they are trying to get paid for as many seats as possible. If there is an empty, unpaid seat, the airline gets paid nothing.

Although everything about this business sounds legitimate on paper, Robert finds himself in hot water many times during his entrepreneurial endeavor. The first problem is his company doesn't have an airline ticket license. Because of this, he finds himself trying to buy companies that have this license to partner with them. Because of greedy business partners, he finds himself in a slue of sticky and uncomfortable situations that feel like they could take his business down in a heartbeat.

I really enjoyed reading Involuntary Reroute. When I first started reading the book, I thought it was going to be a book about how to obtain discount airline tickets. This is actually a book for entrepreneurs, however, and Robert shares both his failures and successes in a very candid way. Sometimes, while reading the book, it was hard to remember that Robert was only a college kid when he did all this. Knowing that makes this story an even greater and more inspirational one. The biggest takeaway for entrepreneurs is to never give up. Find people to help you and when something falls through, have other ideas on hand to keep it going. Being an entrepreneur takes grit. Robert also gives insight into the sketchy inner workings of the airlines and how they determine fares. With online sites like Expedia and Orbitz, most travel agents are out of a job, however, knowing that airline prices are never set in stone can help the average Joe get a good deal on a ticket, maybe even in First Class.


Crushed

Crushed begins with an account of a nightmare in which Alene Snodgrass was confronted by a menacing apparition that asked her a truly disturbing question: “What would you do if I crushed you?” As she heard those words, Snodgrass sensed the presence of pure evil, which terrified her and caused her to jerk awake. The nightmare preyed on her mind and prompted her to reevaluate her understanding of good vs. evil and the role that God plays in people’s lives. While this reaction might at first seem a little extreme, committed Christian Snodgrass had actually been questioning the reality of faith—particularly the role and importance of formal ministries—for some time, and the nightmare served to crystalize her doubts and uncertainties.

The threat inherent in Snodgrass’s nightmare later manifested in a freak accident, whereby a gale-force wind caused the lid of the trunk of her car to smash down onto her face as she leaned in to get some groceries. Although she wasn’t aware of it at the time, the accident caused a severe concussion that soon triggered hair loss, chronic pain, and deep feelings of depression and despair. While Snodgrass sought conventional medical treatment for her condition, which proved to be no easy matter in itself, she also sought spiritual treatment through praying with friends and family and consulting relevant passages from the Bible.

Crushed is Snodgrass’s memoir of her journey through the physical and psychological manifestation of her nightmare, through the pain and suffering caused by her head being crushed both literally and spiritually, and through the doubt and questions that almost caused her to lose her lifelong anchor of faith. Snodgrass relates her experiences in a frank and uncompromising way, making clear her feelings of helplessness and turmoil as she preyed for the solution to her problem but appeared to receive no answer. However, rather than give in to the despair that threatened to overwhelm her, Snodgrass chose to interpret her situation as God making her anew. After all, as the doctors kept telling her, regardless of the pain and hair loss, the blow to her head could easily have killed her.

Not that it proved straightforward to effect such an attitude change. In addition to dealing with her warped self-image, Snodgrass had to contend with well-meaning friends recommending all manner of inappropriate cures and treatments. Fortunately, through humor and stoicism, she managed to bear such attempts at helpfulness better than many would. The conversational and sincere tone of her account highlights such personal qualities and shows how Snodgrass demonstrated strength even when she thought she was breaking. Moreover, interspersed throughout the text are fragments from Snodgrass’s journal, which enhance the immediacy of her account and heighten the feelings that are conveyed.

An honest and ultimately uplifting account of one woman’s experience of injury and recovery, Crushed will particularly appeal to Christian readers and to those who are working through their own trauma.


Summer of Love

Though Bobby Doyle suspects that the recent, consecutive murders of the two girls he was dating are not coincidental, he can't imagine anyone would want to harm him. Unlike his more competitive twin, Jack Doyle, Bobby is easygoing and unlikely to have enemies. While working as a freelance journalist in California, Bobby makes some exciting new friends and revels in the rock 'n' roll, carefree atmosphere of California in the late 1960s.

Meanwhile, Jack, who believes in fighting for his country, has to deal with the reality of losing new friends to war and seeing dead bodies in Vietnam. The two brothers, who pursue clearly different goals, stay in touch with each other by sending letters about their individual battles on two different continents. Will Bobby finally discover the killer before he takes down another one of his friends, and can Jack survive the trauma and brutality of war? Summer of Love depicts a deeply immersing, character-rich plot about the horrors of war and murder and the richness of art, music, and the youth culture of 1967 in California.

With the skill of an expert storyteller and a special talent for bringing different pieces together to form a harmonious story, Paul Martin weaves together a spine-chilling and intense search for a killer, the brutal scenes of war, the thrilling and sensational moods of romance, and a relaxed and artsy atmosphere. The book's intricate description of the artworks, rock 'n' roll songs and artists, and dressing styles of the 1960s awakened my inner artist and connected me to that part of me that seeks to enjoy life's bountiful blessings. I enjoyed imagining the texture on the pears in James Peale's 1821 painting and "the bluesy psychedelic shows" performed by the band Quicksilver Messenger Service.

One of my favorite elements in the book is its highly creative and humorous metaphors. I laughed out loud when I read this particular sentence: "People in the audience were bobbing their heads like a bunch of chickens pecking for food." It also has quite distinct characters with relatable, realistic problems—like Susie, who is estranged from her overbearing, religious father.

A truly enthralling read from start to finish, Summer of Love presents characters who, like most of us, wish for the beautiful things in life but find themselves experiencing them with the ugliest things. We see a sort of duality, where the best of humanity—in terms of soul-lifting art creations and camaraderie—is contrasted with the worst of humanity, with brutal wars and cold-blooded killings. This one is definitely going to my list of favorite books for this year!


Dinos Driving

Dinos Driving doesn't have much of a story, except for dinosaurs driving cars that would fit their personalities; examples are velociraptors driving a mini car, triceratops riding a motorcycle, and diplodocus driving a bus, with there being others, too. Other dinosaurs in the book are the T-Rex, Iguanodon, Carnotaurus, Compsognathus, and Brachiosaurus. Dinos Driving isn't too long, and there aren't many words in the book. At the end of the book are short facts about the dinosaurs to help explain why they were matched with their vehicles in the book.

I like that I can read the book by myself, and I like looking at the pictures on each page because they are bright and colorful. The book is silly because we know that most dinosaurs couldn't even fit into cars, but fun to read about anyways! This story would be a good one for little kids to enjoy or people of any age who really like dinosaurs!


Cosplay: A History: The Builders, Fans, and Makers Who Bring Your Favorite Stories to Life

Whether you consider it Halloween costumes for adults, being your "true" self, letting loose and having some fun, or a combination of all those, the activity of cosplay has achieved national popularity in a short amount of time over the decades. Cosplay discusses every part, directly and indirectly, related to cosplay to comprehensively analyze this popular event and how it has changed and adapted.

While non-fiction, the information is presented with fictional enjoyment to assist the reader with feeling nearby and part of the action. The book contains pictures and information from the first conference in 1939, showcasing science-fiction fashion styles and interests, how styles and interests changed and adapted with the introduction of Star Wars and other well-known cult classics, to how cosplay has impacted and continues to present itself in our current society.

Having limited knowledge of cosplay, I appreciated the in-depth knowledge that Cosplay provided for me; it was informative yet enjoyable and understandable to both read the text and study the pictures from throughout time. Cosplay has become a part of people's lives and brings such happiness and joy that really, what is there not to like?


Making Your Marriage a Fortress: Strengthening Your Marriage to Withstand Life's Storms

A mighty fortress is our God; such comforting words relevant for every generation. Understanding us best, he instituted the sacrament of marriage as a representation of his love for his people/the church. By Making Your Marriage a Fortress, couples are essentially representing God and his unwavering love toward his undeserving people. We're humans, not divine, so we can be expected to mess up and misrepresent marriage and what God created it to be. Gary Thomas, an author of nineteen books that focus on human experiences but connect them to their intended purposes within God, has interviewed couples who have struggled with issues not uncommon to neighbors, friends, or yourself. Each problem is from the couple's perspective, then examined throughout its entirety to show how our thoughts of what's "correct" are usually far from what's right, and the saying proves true - "when you make plans, God laughs" and then realize how better they are with him.

I appreciate the Bible scripture throughout the book and how Thomas shows its relevancy in any situation, joyous or traumatic. Going through traumatic experiences is understatedly not fun, but it is clear that if a couple can set aside themselves and focus on God, they can overcome much more.


The Moonlight Zoo

The Moonlight Zoo is a story with pretty pictures throughout the book and tells a happy story. In the story, a girl is sitting in bed and missing her cat, Luna, who has been gone for the last two days. The girl starts to hear noises from under her bed and finds a zoo there! A wolf meets her and tells her that it's the Moonlight Zoo, where lost animals go to stay safe until they are found again. The girl has until the sun comes back up to find Luna among all the other lost animals in the "zoo" before it goes away for the day. Will she find Luna and be happy again?

 I enjoyed The Moonlight Zoo for several reasons - there's a cat, pretty pictures, the story is entertaining, and the pages have little holes to "peek" through to the next. The story begins kind of sad because the girl has a lost cat but turns out happy in the end; I think that Luna ends up looking like a very happy and pretty kitty! Kids of any age will like this book because the story is good, and they can probably relate to missing or losing a pet.


Agent Llama: Double Trouble

Agent Charlie is back and it seems that she is so talented that she can be in two places at once. No, wait, it appears she has an evil twin? Agent Charlie has never been up against a villain like this before. How will she overcome this obstacle and beat her unknown super-secret evil twin? Or will everyone think Agent Llama is bad? Read this new adventure starring Agent Llama!! Is it going to be Agent Llama vs. Agent Llama?

I really love this series. The words have a nice pattern and rhyme. It is fun to read and interesting. The illustrations are awesome, action-packed, and very fun and colorful. I love reading about the adventures of Agent Llama and who she will have to face. I would hope this series continues!


Who Will Kiss the Crocodile?

Who Will Kiss the Crocodile? is another telling of the fairytale Sleeping Beauty. This story is a lot like the original one, but a big difference includes the princess being turned into a crocodile before and while she's asleep! The bad/angry fairy didn't make me quite as scared as Maleficient in the original story, but this fairy does the same thing of putting a (different) curse on the princess (with a different name), and then a good fairy comes and changes it to her falling asleep instead of dying and being woken up with a kiss. The problem is - the princess looks like a crocodile, and who would be brave enough to kiss a crocodile?!

 I actually didn't remember if I had seen the original movie when reading this book, so after watching it, I was able to better understand the things same and differences between the movie and the book. The movie is only set in "old times," but the book shows things happening in times like now with the clothing, people, and things happening. I enjoyed this book because it is easy to read with rhyming words, and the pictures are big and colorful.