The Sacrifice

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.


Strum and Drum: A Merry Little Quest

Strum and Drum: A Merry Little Quest is a cheerful Christmas tale that will bring a smile to young readers. My favorite aspect of this story lies in the detailed and thoughtful illustrations. While Strum and Drum are on their journey to find the Great Star, the artwork is depicted with vibrant and colorful imagery that spans both pages. However, when their journey is cut short by the green-eyed monster, the pictures descend onto one page in contrasting black and white.

If you purchase a book with the removable jacket cover, you will be surprised to find a stunning monochromatic cover hidden beneath the multicolored surface. I believe the author and illustrator, Jashar Awan uses this color technique as a way to show the difference between fantasy and reality. Strum and Drum are initially introduced as traveling musicians but are later revealed to be curious Christmas ornaments on a beautiful tree. The author provides clever clues throughout the book that allude to this reality. Children ages three to seven will enjoy this joyful holiday story.


The Den

The Fox family is brought together by their father’s simultaneous heart attack and stroke. As he lies in the hospital, their lawyer informs them of The Den, the trust set up for them to inherit if he should be incapacitated, with the money being divided equally between the four of them. There’s one caveat, though. If any of the children should die, the money is still split evenly between the surviving siblings. When one of the siblings meets an unfortunate end, the other three realize it’s every Fox for themselves. By the end of this, there might only be one Fox standing, but they will definitely be rich.

If you enjoy rich people problems and dysfunctional families, this one is for you. It’s full of life lessons, including the classic: more money, more problems. This story also has the familiar tale that every decision has consequences. The ones here are a bit more extreme than most, though. It was hard to like the Fox children, but you couldn’t really blame them for how they turned out with their toxic upbringing. This is definitely the book to read if you want to feel better about your own family.


Have I Told You This Already?: Stories I Don't Want to Forget to Remember

As a Gilmore Girls fanatic, I was excited to pick up Lauren Graham's new book, Have I Told You This Already?. Not surprisingly, I read this with Lorelei Gilmore's tone and speed of speaking, fast and witty. After reading her book, Talking As Fast As I Can, this book dug a little bit deeper into Lauren's earlier years as an actor just starting out and not knowing what she was getting herself into. I truly enjoyed the stories she shared in this book which were detailed and often either funny or sad. She reflects on such topics as having an intimacy coach during scenes, accidentally stealing a sweater from Barney's, her answer to how she can play a mother even though she isn't anyone's mother in real life, and how lying on late night tv is just a thing people do. Her tales of going to different health camps are also hilarious. Candid and exactly what you would expect from Lauren Graham, Have I Told You This Already? is an entertaining and uplifting read.


Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea

In Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea, debut author Rita Chang-Eppig picks apart the legacy of power and examines it against the contexts of patriarchal and colonialist oppression. Following her pirate fleet after the death of her husband and amid the tumultuous politics of the early 19th-century South China Sea, Shek Yeung’s journey unfolds itself as she questions her rise to power and what it truly means to be free. At once a swashbuckling adventure, postcolonial historical fiction, and discourse of motherhood, Chang-Eppig’s novel does not shy away from or sidestep the complexities that come with a story of power and the journey to get there. That Shek Yeung is a ruthless pirate leader, former sex worker, and struggling mother does not deter her from being a great adventure hero. Instead, these components of her personhood intertwine together to flesh out a multidimensional and painfully real character.

Chang-Eppig’s writing is exciting but acute, taking the grandiose spirit of a pirate story and dissecting it in a close examination of gender and power – and how the socialization of both blur and rewrite reality into what we are taught is history. With storytelling and commentary as sharp as a cutlass, Deep as the Sky, Red as the Sea is a riveting, unputdownable novel that slashes through the facade of oppressor narratives and whisks the reader away on a new journey for deeper, courageous understanding.


How to Teach Your Cat a Trick: in Five Easy Steps (How to Cat books)

How to Teach Your Cat a Trick is funny and if you have or know of a cat, very true! The story has steps on how to train your cat to do any trick. In the story, there is a boy who has a cat and a dog, and he wants to follow the steps given to him by the narrator to prove that he can train his cat, despite his cat not following any of the directions. What happens are funny things between the cat, dog, and boy that will have you laughing out loud while feeling a little sorry for the boy because, you know, you can't train a cat that doesn't want to be trained.

It would be neat to see a cat that can do tricks, and I love cats so much! but in this case, I would have to say that the dog is a little smarter and better behaved than the cat! Owners and/or lovers of both cats and dogs will enjoy How to Teach Your Cat a Trick, and maybe the reader will be successful in training their cat.


Ten Little Squirrels

Bill Martin, Michael Sampson, Nathalie Beauvois

Ten Little Squirrels is the perfect book that reminds me of the squirrels in my yard. The squirrels are a tad mischievous, yet fearful, yet somehow brave, and also fly through the air fearlessly. This is a fun counting book that shows the adventures of these very busy squirrels.

I really like reading this book to my younger sister. The artwork is really cool, it is not like typical illustrations. It looks almost as if it has been pieced together. Some of the artwork, I believe, is supposed to model like the squirrels' have painted the pages. This is a fun counting book for younger readers. I do like how the squirrels remind me of how funny they are when I watch them in my yard.


The Complete Modern Pantry

America's Test Kitchen: The Complete Modern Pantry is not just an ordinary cookbook. Open it up to find an explanation of flavors and textures and how they mix, basics for every pantry, an explanation of aromatics and protein storage, and a useful conversion chart. Although this book is meant to use with foods that one already has on hand, many of the recipes were quite fancy without having a super long list of ingredients or steps. There were many recipes that would be big hits at parties of all kinds. From savory soups and noodle dishes to spicy chilaquiles, broccoli cheese cornbread, and olive oil cake, this book has a variety of recipes that many people would never think to make. There are some fun crunchy topping recipes and delicious dressings that require minimal ingredients and preparation. The Gochugang-Tahini Noodles really caught my eye as I was going through the book. It only has eight to ten ingredients (two are optional), and if you are a person who cooks a lot of Asian food, you'll probably have most of these ingredients on hand. The book also includes the nutrition facts for each recipe at the end of the book, which is useful as well.


That Fat Cat Who Changed His Ways

A lazy fat cat might be cute to look at but not when it refuses to do its job and chase the mice away. This book, with a story that is hard to follow — is it about exercising, losing weight or becoming the best you can be — and determine follows a fat cat who is so lazy and not up to chasing mice the other animals, including a dog with a firefighters outfit, have teamed up together to help the cat get into shape so he can chase the mice out of the house. The art in the book is very simplistic, even at the standards of children’s books these days. The art does little to keep a young reader engaged with the story. Throughout the story we learn about the different ways a person can eat healthy, get enough exercise and learn about how to change ways for the better; but the message really does not resonate that well in the end. The language used, and the amount per a page, the book is designed for adults to read to children.


The Story of Ukraine: An Anthem of Glory and Freedom (English and Ukrainian Edition)

Olena Kharchenko,Michael Sampson,Polina Doroshenko

Known for its fertile soil and its abundant supply of natural resources, Ukraine is a nation inhabited by more than forty million people. The Ukrainians are culturally rich and have exuberant pride and love for their homeland. Throughout history, their freedom hasn’t come easy, though they vow never to stop fighting for it. First written in 1862 and adapted in 2003 to a more compendious version, the Ukrainian National Anthem is symbolic of the will of a people who battle for the liberation of their country endlessly and can often be heard proudly proclaiming, “Glory to Ukraine.”

The Story of Ukraine: An Anthem of Glory and Freedom is written with clarity and meaning. It’s filled with a plethora of bright, vibrant illustrations that illuminate the unrelenting positivity, hope, and courage for which so many Ukrainians have come to be known. Despite the recent invasion by the Russians, they persist with unity and vision and shine their light on the world with their uncompromising optimism.

Young children will learn that the impassioned endurance of the Ukrainian people dates back centuries. Admirably, they’ve been emboldened by their challenges, and youth and adults alike will find this noteworthy contribution an awe-inspiring narrative.


Will We Always Hold Hands?

Rat asks his friend Bear if they will always hold hands, even when they are really old. Bear responds that they will even when he’s so old that his fur is gray. And, he adds, he will even hold Rat’s tail so he won’t trip over it. Rat wants to know if Bear will hold his hand when Rat is sleepy or when Bear reads scary stories aloud. Of course, Bear answers, he will hold his hand even when he snores. But what if Rat stubs his toe and gets all crotchety? Bear will still hold Rat’s hand and will even try to make his stubbed toe better.

In this sweet story, told in a series of questions and answers, Christopher Cheng weaves a tale of deep friendship and love. The lyrical writing has sprinkles of humor to lighten the rather serious theme of the never-ending, deep, and loving friendship he conveys. Warmth is exuded through every carefully-crafted phrase, and readers and young listeners will be engaged every step of the way. The beautiful illustrations created by Stephen Michael King are the perfect complement to this rich story and have just enough details to keep young listeners enthralled. A winner!


Owl and Penguin (I Like to Read Comics)

The book Owl and Penguin has several shorter stories about the characters Owl and Penguin, who are best friends, and how they help each other out and cheer each other up when they need it. In one of the stories, it is raining, and Penguin is outside playing, but Owl isn't sure about getting wet; Owl ends up getting wet, so does this mean he'll be upset the rest of the day? In another story, Owl is flying, and Penguin is upset that he can't fly; Owl comes up with a way to help Penguin fly alongside him. In another story, Owl and Penguin get ice cream cones, but because Penguin gets so excited when he holds his that he keeps dropping the scoop on the ground, does this mean no more ice cream for Penguin?

 Each story shows the friends not letting little things get their spirits down and how they figure out solutions for fixing them. The stories are easy to read for me but would be good for kids just learning to read because there aren't many words on each page and a lot of little pictures to help tell the stories.


Wayward: Wayward Pines: 2 (The Wayward Pines Trilogy)

Wayward is the second installment in Blake Crouch's Wayward Pines series. I read the first book in the series, Pines and it absolutely sucked me into this secret world designed to save humanity itself. In Wayward readers have already found out that Secret Service agent Ethan Burke is two thousand years into the future and has been promoted to Sheriff of Wayward Pines, Idaho. Outside of Wayward Pines, there are no other humans that are known about. Ethan knows the creator of Wayward Pines, scientist David Pilcher, has many secrets, and his bold, yet likable personality, will get him the facts. Meanwhile, he is also reunited with his wife Theresa, and son Ben.

The series reads much like the old Twin Peaks series where everything seems normal until you look a bit closer. Why does no one talk about their past? Why are there cameras and microphones everywhere? And furthermore, why is there a big electric fence surrounding the city? Is it to keep people in or to keep something else out?

With just the right amount of sci-fi to keep things interesting and just the right amount of normalcy to keep them realistic, Wayward is a well-balanced masterpiece that will have readers wanting more.


Kids Can Cook Anything!

Kids love to help out in the kitchen, but don’t they make a mess? Not if they have good instruction, and this wonderful book is just the ticket. It begins with a section that introduces kids to how to be successful and understand cooking language, prep steps, techniques, and kitchen equipment. Some of these have scan codes for instruction videos. If kids read this short section, they will very likely have good success with the recipes. There are six chapters — Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Dinner, Sides, and Sweets. These contain a total of 75 recipes that are well-written and have all the information needed. Each recipe tells how many it serves, the total work and cooking time, difficulty level, what ingredients and equipment are needed, excellent instructions, a mouth-watering photo of the finished product, and more. There are spreads throughout called The Basics that teach important skills such as Knife Skills or Cooking (and handling) Proteins. Kids will love recipes like Fish Tacos with Creamy Cilantro Sauce, Watermelon and Cherry Tomato Salad, or Berry Streusel Bars, especially when they have cooked them by themselves. This is a great way to get kids to eat their veggies!


Always on Call: Memoirs, Stories, and Essays by a Doctor

Always on Call: Memoirs, Stories and Essays by a Doctor is a compilation of the writings of Doctor Allen Malnak. As he explains at the beginning of the book, the book is in four parts: Beginnings and Hardships, At the Hospital, More Stories, and Letters from the Doc. The book integrates both fiction and non-fiction written by Dr. Malnak and isn't organized into any particular order. Each story is special all by itself, but it is easy to see the underlying themes threaded throughout the book.

Wanting to become a doctor ever since Dr. Kelly came over to his house as a child to "cure" him of whooping cough, Allen ends up facing a pitfall when he goes to school. Allen realizes he doesn't see colors as the other kids do, and after he is tested, the teachers concur that he is colorblind. This proved to be especially difficult when completing science lab experiments in which color was the indicator of whether you got it right or not. The stories go on to share some great adventures with his brother Lewis, living as a Jewish boy in a Christian community, and discovering young love. Most of the stories seemed to be true recollections, with some embellishments here and there to make the stories exciting. There are also stories that are obviously fiction, such as "The Emperor's Prophet," which is about a woman who tells Napoleon Bonaparte about his future and what happens when he does not listen to her.

My favorite stories were the ones about the different patients Dr. Malnak treated. His personal touch and dedication to his patients really made these stories heartfelt. For example, there was a woman named Marie, a single mom of two, who was dying of cancer. Her dying wish was to bring her girls to Disneyland. Dr. Malnak and his team worked hard to make Marie strong enough to complete her wish. Marie had the best time ever and died a few weeks later. In all of his stories about the hospital, he shows how much he cared about his patients and did right by them. I found this to be truly commendable.

Overall, Always on Call: Memoirs, Stories and Essays by a Doctor is an exemplary read about a doctor who has colorblindness, epilepsy, diabetes, and chronic heart disease, among other ailments and has been able to persevere. I would love to see this book separated into three separate volumes: The Life of Dr. Allen Malnak, Fictional Short Stories, and Current Events because it would be much easier to follow. The reader is taken on a ride through Dr. Malnak's life and into the creative processes of his brain. This book will make readers laugh, cry, and have their jaws dropping.


River of Wrath

"In River of Wrath, Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor continue Leslie's story in this compelling and masterfully written murder mystery series. What are the elements that make it such a good book? The plot, the twists, the secrets, the murders, and the dead bodies!" —Anastasia Gkaitatzi, San Francisco Book Review


Last Pick

Last Pick is a charming read that feels a lot like spending the tail end of Thanksgiving listening to your favorite great-uncle reminisce about the simpler days of his bygone youth while he sips a snifter of brandy in front of the fire.

Pierce O’Donnell experienced a childhood very few of us in the United States can really wrap our heads around these days. Born in a sleepy little village in Upstate New York to Irish-American Catholic parents right after World War Two, Pierce recounts some of the quirks of living with his postmaster aunt, librarian mother, liquor store-owning father, three younger sisters, and the family ghost (yes, really).

All this is going on while he is trying to accomplish the most important goals for a boy his age: earning the Eagle Scout title, avoiding frostbite while making some pocket money delivering papers in the dead of winter, and figuring out how to get picked for neighborhood pickup baseball games over a precocious younger sister. It is all related against the backdrop of a much older Pierce’s understanding of the familial, political, and social events occurring as background scenes against the main stage of his childhood.

As a Millennial, I’m not entirely sure I was the target audience for this one and it’s definitely not my usual genre, but I found myself thoroughly enjoying not only the content of this little biography but also the lighthearted humor the author delivers with his storytelling style. The author never takes himself too seriously, and with a dry self-deprecating sense of humor and matter-of-fact style of prose, O’Donnell describes both the tenderness of family life and the puzzling persistence of schoolyard teasing with the same entertaining aplomb.

This, coupled with the fact that O’Donnell isn’t trying to convince us that the good ol’ days are something we need to collectively get back to in the here and now, but rather something that was a reality for many in his generation and that can be reminisced over in the present light of day without pretension or pretense, makes for a very self-aware and lighthearted read.

My only complaint is that in a few instances, characters or story points that were already described or discussed were reiterated like it was the first time they were mentioned, and the author jumps between his childhood and teen years for the sake of an idea he’s exploring in a way that makes you think you might have skipped a chapter. Still, it is all around a very enjoyable read!


Last Pick: A Whimsical Warmhearted Autobiography of a Twelve-Year-Old Who Became a Great Trial Lawyer

Our memories are special to us and have a powerful grasp. Pierce O’Donnell holds his past dear to his heart and wrote of a more halcyon time in his life. The memorializing of a particular time of his youth had disappeared on two prior occasions but managed to resurface as if by magic. He was meant to share this story about growing up in a small town in Upstate New York in the late 1950s. Pierce O’Donnell was the oldest of four kids, and the women in the house far outnumbered the men. His father, a tough World War II veteran, ran the local liquor store and was the unofficial mayor of Averill Park. His mother, a former teacher turned librarian, provided her children with lessons in life and education. Pierce’s three sisters were uninhibited and fearless and the occasional foils to Pierce’s youthful transgressions.

Pierce lived the small-town life, Averill Park existing in the shadow of the larger Troy, NY. Averill Park provided the right amount of fun growing up, even when buried under the weight of a snowy winter, the only limit being a lack of imagination. The trips to the big cities were usually the sign of a special occasion. A memorable trip for the young Pierce was when he accompanied his father to New York City. A long train ride was offset by the sumptuous food provided and the scenery that flew by as the duo ventured southbound. Pierce recalls with clarity the awe-inspiring memory of being introduced by his father to Mickey Mantle. The highs of memories such as this are offset by Pierce’s struggles with sports, bullying by peers, and battles with his weight. Throughout the memoir, the life lessons instilled in him by his parents and elders resonate with Pierce and aid him in building a life for himself.

Last Pick is a sincere and moving memoir chock full of memories that formed a portion of the youth that defined Pierce O’Donnell. The salad days of the 1950s living in the bucolic splendor of small-town life are conveyed by O’Donnell with nostalgic appreciation. O’Donnell (Fatal Subtraction) portrays his early years in a frank and poignant manner, never shying away from relating a painful or self-deprecating moment. O’Donnell’s story doesn’t confine itself solely to him, as he writes of the deep love that defined his parent’s relationship and the bonds that existed among his sisters. The town that O’Donnell inhabited in his growing years bears little resemblance now, but the impressions made by what once was left an indelible mark on him. The rich history that he provides in this wonderful memoir ensures the past lives on.


The Girls in Cabin Number Three

The Girls in Cabin Number Three is Book Two in The Guest Book Trilogy by Chrysteen Braun. The book reads perfectly well as a standalone, however, I found the story to be so captivating that I will be picking up Books One and Three as well. The book first gives us a glimpse into the life of the main character Annie in the present day. It quickly rewinds to the year 1981 when Annie, an interior decorator and designer, purchases a group of seven cabins in Lake Arrowhead, California. With the help of Sam, the past owner of the cabins, Annie starts restoring them to rent out.

I really loved the way the author gave so much detail in describing her characters, the beautiful setting, and of course, the history behind it all. The main story is told from the points of view of Annie and a woman named Carrie, whose mother, Elizabeth, had owned and restored a large cabin on the lake to call home. With her mother's passing, Carrie asks Annie to help spruce the place up a bit while still keeping the original feel of the cabin. The last section of the book is Elizabeth's story, in which she meets and works for Virginia Hill and Bugsy Siegel, two very famous real-life historical figures. Elizabeth describes her job as a makeup artist and working with escorts back in the early 1930s. I found her story to be thrilling but also very heartbreaking.

This book also has a fair amount of romance in it as Annie starts dating a local man named Noah. When he takes on a contractor job for a flirty cougar named Bunny, Annie feels uneasy. Then, when Annie takes on an out-of-town job for a wealthy man named Grayson, things start to go downhill, and Annie has to make some important decisions. I enjoyed this part of the book, and the relationships between all of the characters are complex, with emotions running high. The romantic scenes are very tastefully written.

Overall, I feel this book has several storylines working together to create a fabulous plot. The way Braun integrates the beautiful scenery and places located in Lake Arrowhead allows her readers to experience and envision each part of the story. The Girls in Cabin Number Three is a book that readers will not be able to put down. With themes of love, family, friendship, new beginnings, and the complexity of life, readers will get hooked from the very beginning.


The Piano Bench

"The compelling, heart-rending, and inspiring story of a seemingly ordinary man who lives through undeniably extraordinary times as a middle-class Jew in Germany through two world wars. Main character Josef Samson is a suitably complex everyman character who allows readers to experience the glorious highs and devastating lows of life viscerally. A story of desperation and triumph which will linger in the mind long after it has finished." —Erin Britton, San Francisco Book Review


Festive Cocktails & Canapes

Just in time for the holidays, Festive Cocktails & Canapés will give party enthusiasts some fun, new ideas. The book has over one hundred recipes that will delight your guests on any special occasion. Drinks vary from the classic Old Fashioned to the Vanilla White Lady (a twist on the white lady gin and Cointreau cocktail) to a Rose & Pomegranate Cosmo. I loved the beautiful color photos that accompanied each drink recipe. They're each so pretty and unique that you'll want to try each and every one. The book is organized into the following categories: Bar Cart Classics, Sparklers & Aperitifs, Party Drinks, Dessert Cocktails & Nightcaps, and Canapés & Small Bites. The last section is full of fun and tasty finger foods. The recipe for Smoked Salmon Mousse Croustades, a smoked salmon mousse on a crisp croustard, is one that I will definitely be trying this holiday season. The Grilled Lamb Skewers with Garlic & Saffron Custard sounds delectable, and the Mini Cherry Coconut Macaroons are perfect for that sweet finish.

I love that this book has recipes that do not have a long list of ingredients. The recipes are simple, but the results are beautiful drinks and appealing small bites.


Betty White's Pearls of Wisdom

Betty White's Pearls of Wisdom almost seems intrusive to read, as it is about the personal and intimate relationship the author and her family had with Betty, and the twelve pearls of wisdom are stories, humanitarian acts, and personality traits that may or may not have been known about Betty in her personal life. Each pearl of wisdom describes another attribute and genuineness of Betty that showcases what the world lost when she passed away and transitioned to the next stage of her existence.

Each pearl contains stories that are heartwarming to the mind and soul and bring about thoughts and concerns that aren't always at the forefront of our lives, but that mattered much to Betty. This reader had superficial knowledge of Betty, based on how she appeared and acted in her television shows. Betty White's Pearls of Wisdom presented a new and more genuine person to these eyes.

The stories are easily understandable and hopefully relatable to all readers, especially those who have experienced loving relationships and ones that allow you to be yourself and receive the strength and support needed from those around you.


Fox and Bear

Fox and Bear live happily in the forest. Bear wants to live a simple life, but Fox is very handy and creative. This leads to Fox creating more inventions, which Bear is unsure of, and how they are creating an impact on the world around them.

The artwork in this book is really cool, it looks like a mixture of cardboard and paper animals. I like how it looks like it is a photograph of a 3-D scene. The shadows from the cardboard really bring the pictures to life. I liked the story too, and how it made you think about the choices Bear and Fox made and how those choices impact the world around them, just as our choices impact the world around us.


Traveling Rose

Brian Wray,Shiloh Penfield,Pixel Mouse House

Life’s Little Lessons Children’s Book Roundup

These books will teach small children about various emotions we all feel. Some are happy, and some might be scary. From learning to give and feel good about it to working through doubt and the first-time willys, these books are here to help your child navigate some of life’s important lessons.

Give This Book Away!
Darren Farrell, Maya Tatsukawa
Random House Children's Book
ISBN: 9780593480519

What a fun idea! A book that is meant to give away once you’ve read it. In this picture book, children will learn about giving to others and feeling good about it. With its beautiful watercolor illustrations, this book will make even the youngest children think about who they want to give this book to next.

Doubt
Pia Valentinis
Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
ISBN: 9780764364389

This book helps children understand doubt without having to fear it. Author Pia Valentinis uses animals, soft colors, and humor to help children explore the world of decision-making and help them understand that doubt is simply a part of life. We can make choices, change our minds, and use different methods to deal with doubt. Parents will appreciate the gentle approach that will help children learn important life skills.

Traveling Rose
Brian Wray, Shiloh Penfield, Pixel Mouse House
Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
9780764364549

Rose the Stuffed Bunny is ready to go on a trip with her friend Iris and her favorite little boy. But Rose is very tentative and starts getting scared about the “what ifs?” In this beautifully illustrated story, children will learn to work through stressful moments in their lives by identifying with Rose and learning to express healthy emotions. This is a wonderful book for any first-time occurrences, such as flying on an airplane or staying overnight somewhere other than home. Children will find comfort in following Rose in her journey through an emotional time.


Doubt


Batman

Joshua Williamson,Howard Porter,Roger Cruz

Supercharged Graphic Novels Roundup

Who doesn’t love a great superhero battle? In this roundup of superhero graphic novels, readers will get everything from your classic superhero to the supers who aren’t that well known yet. Will colorful illustrations and exciting storylines, these books are sure to please fans of all ages.

Batman: Shadow War
Joshua Williamson, Howard Porter, Roger Cruz
DC Comics
9781779517975

Collecting all the parts of Shadow War from Batman #122-123; Robin #13-14; Deathstroke Inc. #8-9; Shadow War: Alpha #1; Shadow War: Omega #1; Shadow War Zone #1, this graphic novel is perfect for fans of the Caped Crusader. Several talented authors and illustrators have collaborated to come up with this book that is sure to become a favorite.

F.A.R.M. System
Rich Koslowski
IDW Publishing
9781603095150

In this twist of a superhero graphic novel, readers will find out that superheroes are very much like athletes. And some are waiting their turn to be on the A-list. A behind the scenes look at what it takes to make the grade. From psych tests to sensitivity seminars to costume design meetings, becoming a working superhero is some serious stuff. A graphic novel like no other, Koslowski has created a universe we can all buy into.

Godzilla Vs. The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
Cullen Bunn, Freddie E Willams II
IDW Publishing
9781684059379

Two worlds collide as the King of Monsters, Godzilla, and the defenders of Earth, the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers fight evil from two worlds. This team up is what superhero worlds are made of! With an evil sorceress and alien invaders trying to conquer Earth and alternate Earth, this graphic novel is entertaining and exciting.


Anna Maria & Maestro Vivaldi

About the only thing really memorable in this work is the art on these pages. This work tells the supposedly true story of Vivaldi and a young violinist living in an orphanage during the time when Vivaldi was writing one of his many masterpieces, Four Seasons.

While there are some nice pictures of violin playing, there are a number of other things that did not sit quite right with me. One of them is that this story is largely rumor and has never been proven. Another issue is that the writer makes no effort to demonstrate the size of the group that would have performed Vivaldi’s work, the era of art galleries they would have lived in, and other inconsistencies throughout the book.

Instead, this is a work that is more geared toward teaching a lesson, even though it does so clunkily, than remaining true to the source. The lesson for young readers, and this is designed for children who are fairly well along in reading on their own or parents reading to their children, is not to give up, to have confidence in yourself, and to love music.


The Daughter of Auschwitz

Tova Friedman,Malcolm Brabant,Ben Kingsley

This Is Me: Memoirs to Remember

In a world filled with stories waiting to be told, there's something uniquely captivating about diving into the pages of a memoir or biography. These first-hand accounts offer a window into the lives, experiences, and innermost thoughts of individuals who have left an indelible mark on history, culture, and society. In this roundup, we explore six recently published biographies and memoirs that promise to leave readers inspired, enlightened, and deeply moved. From tales of resilience and triumph over adversity to reflections on identity and the human condition, these books offer a diverse range of voices and experiences that will linger in your thoughts long after the final page is turned.

The Long Road Home by Debra Thompson

The Long Road Home by Debra Thompson is a poignant exploration of identity, belonging, and the multifaceted experiences of being Black in North America. Thompson embarks on a transformative journey, delving into her family's ties to the Underground Railroad in Shrewsbury, Ontario, before revisiting four American cities, each with its own complex history of racism and democracy. From Boston as the birthplace of revolution to Eugene as the western frontier, she unveils the uncomfortable truths about racism's persistence in American society. Settling in Montreal, Thompson uncovers the complexities of acceptance and belonging within a city with a storied history of transnational Black activism. This book goes beyond being a personal narrative, offering a vital examination of racism in the United States and Canada while highlighting the enduring power of freedom and the shared dreams that connect Black individuals across borders.

America Made Me a Black Man: A Memoir by Boyah J. Farah

Boyah J. Farah’s America Made Me a Black Man: A Memoir is a searing and deeply personal account of the profound impact of American racism on an immigrant from Somalia who, after surviving hardships in his homeland, confronts a different kind of dehumanization in the United States. Born in Somalia and raised among nomads, Farah's upbringing instilled in him a code of male bravado that helped him endure deprivation, disease, and civil war. Upon arriving in America, he believed this code would serve him well, only to be confronted with systemic racism, police brutality, and pervasive prejudice. Farah's account not only explores the challenges of being an African in America but also delves into the complex experience of becoming African American. This memoir challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about the destructive forces that threaten Black lives while offering a unique perspective on the fractured identity of Black men in America.

On the Ledge: A Memoir by Amy Turner

On the Ledge: A Memoir by Amy Turner is a powerful and highly personal narrative that spans multiple generations, exploring the enduring impact of childhood trauma and the journey toward self-discovery and healing. Turner's childhood was marked by the traumatic incident of her father's attempted suicide, which haunted her throughout her life, leading to a state of hypervigilance. Years later, after surviving a near-fatal accident, she embarks on a remarkable emotional odyssey, delving into the trauma of her own brush with death and, unexpectedly, unearthing deeper childhood wounds. Through acupuncture, somatic-oriented therapies, and serendipitous experiences, Turner unravels the layers of her trauma and finds healing, not only for herself but also for her relationship with her parents. This poignant and intimate memoir underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-discovery, proving that it's never too late to seek self-acceptance and healing.

The Daughter of Auschwitz by Tova Friedman and Malcolm Brabant

The Daughter of Auschwitz is a profoundly moving memoir co-authored by Tova Friedman and Malcolm Brabant. Friedman, one of the youngest survivors of Auschwitz, shares her heartbreaking and harrowing account of being a Holocaust survivor, from her childhood growing up during the Holocaust to her near-death experiences in a Jewish ghetto, a Nazi labor camp, and the infamous Auschwitz concentration camp. Her story serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the enduring obligation to remember the 1.5 million Jewish children who perished during the Holocaust. Through meticulous research by Brabant, the memoir immortalizes Tova's memories, ensuring that her story will endure, even as the years pass, and serve as a powerful reminder of the strength of the will to survive and the importance of preserving its memory for future generations.

The Yank by John Crawley

John Crawley’s The Yank is a gripping and brutally honest memoir that takes readers on a harrowing journey through one man's life during some of the bloodiest days of the Irish–British conflict in 1975. As a young Irish-American, Crawley seeks out the most intensive military training by joining an elite US Marine unit. He later joins the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in Ireland. Crawley shares the grueling challenges of his Marine Corps training and how he puts his skills to use in the service of the IRA. Readers are taken on a tumultuous ride as Crawley recounts running guns with notorious American mobster and secret IRA fundraiser Whitey Bulger, evading British troops by moving from safe house to safe house in the Irish countryside, experiencing capture and imprisonment, and even fending off a recruitment offer from the CIA. He also reveals his involvement in a campaign to disrupt London's electrical system. Throughout the memoir, Crawley offers unvarnished insights into the people he worked with, including IRA leader Martin McGuinness and the psychopathic Whitey Bulger, as well as others in the Boston IRA support network.

American Demon by Daniel Stashower

In American Demon, Daniel Stashower delivers a chilling tale of historical true crime centered on the iconic lawman Eliot Ness. During the depths of the Great Depression, Cleveland finds itself terrorized by a gruesome killer known as the Mad Butcher of Kingsbury Run. The horrors begin in 1934 when a beachcomber discovers the lower half of a female torso on the shores of Lake Erie, earning the victim the grim title of "The Lady of the Lake." Over the next four years, a dozen more bodies are discovered, all meticulously dismembered with surgical precision and drained of blood, some even beheaded while still alive. As the city is gripped by fear, its beleaguered mayor turns to Eliot Ness, renowned for his exploits in Chicago battling Al Capone's bootlegging empire. Ness faces a case that will redefine his career as he hunts for a calculating and composed mastermind who has managed to hide in plain sight. With American Demon, Stashower sheds fresh light on this notorious crime and uncovers the gripping story of Ness's relentless pursuit of a monster.

Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life by Alice Wong

Year of the Tiger: An Activist's Life by Alice Wong is a groundbreaking memoir that invites readers into the mind of an activist as she discovers and nurtures her community while continuing the fight for disability justice. Wong, the founder and director of the Disability Visibility Project, provides a profound glimpse into her life through a collection of original essays, previously published works, conversations, graphics, photos, and commissioned art by disabled and Asian American artists. Wong's unique talent creates an impressionistic scrapbook of her life as an Asian American disabled activist, community organizer, media maker, and dreamer. She shares her thoughts on various topics, including creativity, access, power, care, the pandemic, mortality, and the future. With incisive wit, joy, and passion, this memoir is a galvanizing exploration of Wong’s journey marked by the energy of the big cat, the tiger.


Geraldine and the Rainbow Machine (Gizmo Girl, 4)

Geraldine and the Rainbow Machine is one of four books in the Gizmo Girl series. Geraldine is excited when a new student, Hamid, joins her class. Hamid recently lived in Pakistan and Geraldine is fascinated by his culture. Unfortunately, the other students do not greet Hamid with kindness. Geraldine draws from her scientific skills to invent something to show the other students how awesome Hamid is. She creates a rainbow machine that promotes inclusivity and celebrates the diversity of all the kids in the class. As Geraldine’s classmates spin the wheel, they learn about each other’s differences and discover how much they had in common.

This book can be enjoyed by all children ages four to eight, especially those who feel like they don’t fit in. Geraldine’s empathetic nature will inspire young readers to show compassion and love toward others. This beautifully written story encourages children to embrace every unique individual so they can blend together like the colors of a rainbow.


Winterland: A Novel

As a child, Anya uses gymnastics to escape the stark, wavering darkness and cold of her remote Siberian outpost. Talented and driven, she is selected for a grueling gymnastics school and charged with becoming an honor to Russia. As the years pass, Anya’s life of competitive gymnastics takes her further and further away from her father and her home, but she is committed to the task she’s been given--knowing she must somehow rectify for her family the unexplained disappearance of her mother years prior. Anya suffers setbacks and defeats, but she also steadily rises in status. Eventually, the Olympics are on the line--the ultimate goal for a girl like Anya, as well as her coach. Losing is not an option.

The breathless recounting of competitions and rivalries make Winterland gripping, but it’s the chapters that focus on Anya’s elderly neighbor Vera that give this novel the most emotional depth. Vera spent years in a labor camp, and her experiences there--as well as her memories of what led to the confinement and how she survived--are wrenchingly recounted. The brutal landscape and the gracefully rendered, even more, brutal lives of Anya, Vera, and others make Winterland a perfect winter read.


Stella Maris

Published as the companion novel to Passenger, Cormac McCarthy's Stella Maris is a kind of cipher to work through the first book. It is hard to review this text without some reference to Passenger; suffice it to say if I were recommending these books, I'd tell readers to start with Stella Maris for two reasons: hallucinations and context.

Alicia Western is twenty, clinically depressed, suicidal, and in possession of a trash bag filled with $40,000 when she admits herself to a mental hospital in 1972. Stella Maris is a record of every session she has with her physician, Dr. Robert Cohen. The entire novel is comprised of these transcripts which take place from her initial intake form in October and a final conversation that is, ostensibly, the last they have in her lifetime. These conversations cover everything from her childhood and family dynamic to her unhealthy and romantic feelings for her much older brother to her frequent and vivid hallucinations featuring a cast of characters as real to her as her blood relatives.

The book is neither upbeat nor linear because it is the progression of illness, pain, and loss rendered through patient-physician exchanges. There are gorgeous moments as there always are in McCarthy novels, but the book is essentially a meditation on death and the finite time we all have on this planet as is its sister piece Passenger. If you're not in the mood for a long, dark, introspective sort of read, avoid Stella Maris. If you’re ready for some existential dread, this is the book for you.


Dragon Ball Super, Vol. 17

Dragon Ball Super, Vol. 17 is a continuation of the storyline of the ancient race and tribe of the Saiyans and of main characters Vegeta and Son Goku in their quest to defeat every naysayer who crosses their path. Volume seventeen shows the extended battle between Goku, Vegeta, and Granola, from the planet Cereal, who believes he has an act of revenge to extract on the Saiyan tribe for wiping the Cerealians to near extinction. Each character presents their newest powers that test each other to each other's limits, with the dual purposes of both saving the world, but also their egos.

From page one, the reader will find action, fighting, and pain, with later on some visual blood. The action starts on page one and continues throughout the storyline, with minor, shortened spurts of the storyline interspersed. Fans of Dragon Ball will find this storyline on par with the rest and offers as much new story and answered questions as every episode and book before it; for those unfamiliar with previous happenings, there isn't much you'll struggle with. The cliffhanger at the end of volume seventeen will have you waiting eagerly for the release of volume eighteen.


Look Back

January 2023 Graphic Novel Roundup-Better to See You, My Pretty: Stories told better by Illustration

These graphic novels are beautifully crafted by the authors and illustrators to create a sensory overload. With colorful characters and well-written dialogues and storylines, these books are sure to draw their readers in.

Tokyo Rose - Zero Hour (A Graphic Novel)
Andre R Frattino,Kate Kasenow,Janice Chiang
Tuttle Publishing
ISBN: 9784805316955

This graphic novel illustrates a Japanese-American woman’s struggle when she finds herself stuck in Japan before the bombing of Pearl Harbor. She is forced to host an anti-American soldier radio show and is arrested and then imprisoned for false accusations. This is her story told with detailed dialogue and character drawings.

Victory. Stand!
Tommie Smith, Derrick Barnes, Dawud Anyabwile
WW Norton
ISBN: 9781324052159

This book tells the story of 1968 Olympic Gold Medalist Tommie Smith and his protest of racial injustice against African Americans. He is ostracized and made to leave the Olympics. This graphic novel illustrates his childhood and athletic career. This book includes robust illustrations by Emmy Award–winning illustrator Dawud Anyabwile.

Brzrkr Vol. 2
Matt Kindt, Ron Garney, Keanu Reeves
BOOM! Studios
ISBN: 9781684158157

A comic book written by Keanu Reeves about a half-mortal/half-god being who is trying to gain freedom? I’m in! As B goes through experiments, he becomes closer to having the memories of his past restored. But will the U.S. Government really let him go? Co-written with New York Times bestselling co-writer Matt Kindt (Folklords, Grass Kings) and legendary artist Ron Garney (Wolverine, Captain America).

The Keeper
Tananarive Due, Steven Barnes, Marco Finnegan
Abrams ComicArts - Megascope
ISBN: 9781419751554

A young girl named Aisha is sent to her grandmother’s house after her parents pass away. Her grandmother falls ill and summons a dark force to protect Aisha. Aisha soon learns that to stay alive, the Keeper must prey on the people around her. If you enjoy horror graphic novels, this one is for you!

Look Back
Tatsuki Fujimoto
VIZ Media LLC
ISBN: 9781974734641

Two small-town girls, Fujino and Kyomoto, are very different. One is very outgoing, and the other is an introvert. Both girls like to draw manga, which is the common bond that draws them together, creating an unforeseen friendship. A short graphic novel from Chainsaw Man creator Tatsuki Fujimoto with beautiful illustrations.


Night Lunch

What struck me first about Night Lunch was the wonderful style of the illustrations. The textures and subtle use of colors among a mainly sepia palette really made the pictures come to life. As the night lunch cart rolls into town, a majestic owl cooks for his fellow animals. From a mince pie for Fox to puddings for little possums, Owl cooks up a beautiful smorgasbord. You can hear the crack of the eggs, the hum of the oven, and all the noises in the kitchen as the food is being prepared. Hungry faces look in on their food and smile as their tummies are warmed. After all his friends have eaten, Owl notices one small creature quivering while sweeping the streets. What Owl does next is a heartwarming lesson in kindness as he whips up a meal for the little mouse and sits to share it with him. This is a simple story for children of all ages, and the underlying lessons of empathy, kindness, dignity, and gratitude will remain timeless for generations to come.


Infinity: The Magical Cycles of the Universe

The brilliant colors and eye-catching forms that illustrate this book on the continuity of life enchant the eye and cause this reader to gasp at its entrancing beauty. Each large, exquisitely colored page is annotated with a simple but elegant saying, either from a folk tale, poem, or past writing.

A page covered with a raccoon amidst soil detritus and surrounded by seed pods and plants describes nature as wise with an added comment by John Steinbeck. The seasonal cycles change with the Earth’s journey around the sun. A quote by Jules Verne accompanies the radiant, almost phosphorescent depiction of the multiple life forms found in the sea.

The life cycles of chickens and storks pictorially depict the continuity of life, while the reader is encouraged to gaze beyond this home ground and examine the Moon and boundless outer universe. Even Albert Einstein is quoted in a succinct note that advises the reader to examine nature in order to understand everything better.

This Spanish children’s writer and her illustrator have created a stunning collection of art paired with just a few words of wisdom that will trigger thought and curiosity in the young reader.


Queens of the Age of Chivalry

Written by the queen of biography, Alison Weir’s latest biography, Queens of the Age of Chivalry: England’s Medieval Queens: Book Three 1299-1409, brings readers vivid depictions of the dramatic and extraordinary lives of these queen consorts and the times in which they lived. Covering the lives of Marguerite of France, Isabella of France, Philippa of Hainault, Anne of Bohemia, and Isabella of Valois in a group biography, Queens of the Age of Chivalry depicts the stories of queens who have been neglected by history in light of the accomplishments of their husbands.

While familiarity with the medieval period and the relative geography of England’s castles is helpful, it is not necessary to enjoy this book. Weir keeps the reader informed enough to follow along with relative ease. Names can run together a bit, but that owes more to the lack of imagination of medieval parents in naming conventions than the fault of the author. Written in sumptuous detail and against the natural drama of the high Middle Ages, Queens of the Age of Chivalry is a biography not to disappoint.


The Dark Side of Grace

"The Dark Side of Grace reminds us that violence only leads to more violence while also providing counsel and inspiration to help us find our way to forgiveness and understanding. It contains well-integrated opposing views of humanity's worst deeds and violence in the form of bombs and murder, as well as peace-centric ideas from Martin Luther King, the Dalai Lama, and other highly regarded persons. Readers will be entertained by the well-developed professional and spiritual characters and will obtain a better knowledge of human nature and the value of pursuing wisdom. Ronald Chapman's thought-provoking book is an absolutely profound experience, offering an untamed force of unsettling realities that are typically unsaid." —Foluso Falaye, San Francisco Book Review


Taking the Short Bus: Teacher, I Need You

Eric Blum is eighteen years old and attends Noah Webster Preparatory in Philadelphia. The school specializes in educating children who suffer from learning disabilities. As of 1974, there are fifty-four enrolled students. Eric views his attendance at the school as a stigmatized burden, as other kids mock the school and his classmates. Eric had slipped through the cracks in his previous public school education, his dyslexia being missed or misdiagnosed. Eric lives at home with his parents, their house permanently scarred by the loss of Eric’s older brother to the Vietnam war.

 The teachers at Noah Webster have their hands full with some of the students, as some of them are capable yet troublesome. A class lesson can be interrupted by anything from pounding on a desktop to a fit of swearing. The teachers must maintain calm in an often chaotic environment. Eric is the school’s class president, but Eric wants to graduate from Noah Webster and prove something to the often unforgiving world. The school and his parents desire to see Eric’s maturation in education and as an individual.

The prospect of meeting his goals for matriculation from Noah Webster is offset by various emotional trials Eric is saddled with. The break-up of a relationship, followed by the death of his ex-girlfriend, is coupled with unsatisfying stints in dead-end jobs. As he blows off steam with his cousin Opie, the only certain result is trouble. As the school year progresses, Eric seeks emotional solace from his dedicated but harried teacher Carole. She offers a sympathetic ear but is concerned about Eric’s emotional health as much as everyone else.

Taking the Short Bus, Teacher I Need You is a funny and emotionally moving memoir of Eric Blum, along with a cutting profile of the educational system. Author Bruce Beryl Fisher offers powerful insights into the shortfalls of the American educational system, particularly how the emphasis on standardized testing undercut the emphasis on the core studies of Reading, Mathematics, and English. The drive for results and funding has turned education on its head. Eric is a troubled adolescent yearning to be listened to, acting out in frustration at the lack of a normal life while inhabiting an even more troubled world. Eric’s path to graduation makes for a roller coaster of emotions, from laughs to sadness to occasional frustration. Bruce Beryl Fisher has written a motivating book about overcoming adversity and how stigmas shouldn’t define individuals.


Taking the Short Bus: Teacher, I Need You by Bruce Beryl Fisher is a novel about a young man named Eric in the 1970s. He has a learning difference, has been labeled as stupid or incapable, and attends a private school for special needs teens. The novel takes the reader on a journey through his relationships, mistakes, and dreams. It ultimately has a hopeful ending and a message about not giving up on our young people.

While there are some merits to this book, there are a lot of issues, as well. For example, the writing needs some editing help. Fisher uses quotations constantly and the dialogue is not realistic. The background narration feels inauthentic when explained through the quotations from teenagers. Another issue is the extreme number of typos and writing errors. These are numerous typos like “set the building a blazed,” and the author uses dashes when he needs commas or other punctuation. Another example would be this confusing sentence: “Plus, because of his brother’s -Elliot- death in the Vietnam war in 1969, Eric had suffered from an emotional break-down.”

The plot itself has some good moments, but overall, it needs some editing or workshopping. There are too many plot points that feel thrown in, from drug use, arrests, the Vietnam War, friendly fire, troubled kids, politics, the twice used n-word, LGBT issues, the educational system, to an awkward teacher crush. It feels forced. In addition, there are factual errors that are confusing. For example, “Joey Pearlman: A lanky seventeen-year-old diagnosed with Asperger” doesn’t fit the timeframe, as the diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome was not in existence in 1974 and wouldn’t be for another few years.

One of the most problematic aspects of the book is the preface. Fisher rails against “affirmative action” and “minority quotas” without any explanation. The novel is loosely based on the K-12 system in 1974, but how that connects to today’s affirmative action or minority quotas is lost on me. It seems that Fisher has an axe to grind and does so without any context, connection to the plot of the novel, or explanation. In the preface, he gripes about Florida’s standardized test system and taxes; again, it's an odd preface and reads like a political blog instead of a novel. He treats ADHD diagnosis similarly, complaining about the diagnosis and medications without scholarly explanations or relating his complaints directly to the story he tells in his book.

I want to be positive about this self-published author and the time and energy he must have spent writing this novel. Again, there are merits to some aspects of the story, but generally, it is a problematic read.


Taking the Short Bus: Teacher, I Need You centers around an eighteen-year-old named Eric Blum who is trying to get through his last year at Noah Webster Preparatory, a private school for special needs students in Pennsylvania during the mid-seventies. The back of the book description implies that the story will focus on Eric’s struggles to prove himself competent enough to graduate while at the same time struggling with inappropriate feelings for his teacher. I’m usually a fan of coming-of-age stories, and as someone with ADHD myself, I was particularly interested in this novel since it specifically mentions the disorder in the book description. However, the more I read, the more I found the story to be highly problematic. The main character Eric is dyslexic and suffered a mental breakdown after his brother’s death; there is no mention of ADHD at all throughout the story, except for in the author’s foreword where he discusses his problems with the current education system in the US in a sort of rant against political correctness, which he describes as “a bigoted, political movement based on fear, founded by guilt, practicing Affirmative Action and Minority Quotas.” Then again, at the end as a call to highlight the stigma students like Eric suffered by ‘riding the short bus’ to school. This sounds perfectly reasonable, except for the fact that Eric nor anyone else in the book actually has ADHD. Eric himself is not a likable character at all, and his struggles are mostly due to his own selfish and reckless actions and not because he is dyslexic or emotionally disadvantaged. He repeatedly ignores his teacher’s boundaries, and at one point, she’s afraid he’s going to rape her, but she doesn’t report him or call the police. The same teacher physically assaults a student and is not reprimanded or fired because that particular student had a reputation for being difficult. There is also an author’s note that disavows any views in the book as part of any racist, religious, or political leanings on the author’s part, and I understand that in period pieces, some themes and language usage might not sit well with modern readers but are integral to accurately and honestly tell the story. However, there are several instances of racist, homophobic, and misogynist slurs that were completely unnecessary as they add nothing to the context of the story and are not even repeatable in this review. It’s not that the book was poorly written, the author is very sure of his style and has a clear and consistent voice; it’s just that the subject matter of the book itself seemed inconsistent and almost at odds with the author’s initial intention.


Eric Blum, who was diagnosed with dyslexia, also had an emotional breakdown after his brother, Elliot, died in the Vietnam War in 1969, a few years ago. While the school monitors Eric to ensure that he is emotionally and academically healthy enough to graduate and join the real world, Eric believes he is ready to leave. Meanwhile, he plays various pranks with his friends, takes on various occupations, and finds many imaginative, mischievous methods to get through his adolescent years.

However, deep down, Eric is dealing with a breakup, grief, a crush on his teacher, the stigma of attending a school for "the retarded," and a slew of other emotions. Bruce Beryl Fisher's Taking the Short Bus: Teacher, I Need You depicts the daring pranks and exploits of an adolescent with a learning disability who must learn to manage his emotions before they take him down a path from which he cannot return.

This book helped me understand how awful the Vietnam War must have been for many because of its vivid and realistic depiction of the era and the compelling individuals who are presented as greatly impacted by it. Eric's battle with losing a brother to war is made even more difficult by the fact that his parents are still inconsolable over his passing, leading to an overly dreary home.

Bruce's novel is filled with fascinating characters who had such an effect on me that I couldn't stop thinking about them even after I read the book. I was furious with Tony for his inappropriate behavior and out-of-control, obscene language, since I could only imagine how Carole, the history teacher, would feel trying to control him in a continually disturbed class. Also, the book contains several hilarious, thought-provoking conversations and practical jokes that kept me smiling and gasping in amazement throughout. One example is a prank in which students appear to be unconscious, causing the teacher to act hysterically.

Unfortunately, I found the story's quick pace unsettling, as multiple incidents are crammed into a few pages. Eric's multitude of occupations and various pranks is fairly dizzying, given how near they occur to each other. Another issue I noticed is that I needed more interior monologues since I felt considerably alienated from the protagonist.

Fans of young adult literature and readers with knowledge of learning disabilities should consider reading Taking the Short Bus: Teacher, I Need You. Apart from being a fun book with many memorable characters, it depicts the shortcomings of the American school system and the discriminatory manner in which individuals with disabilities are classified and treated.


I'm not sure how many people sit around noting the similarities between Victorian writers and pop icons, but thankfully Nick Hornby is one of those who does. His latest, Dickens and Prince: A Particular Kind of Genius, offers a side-by-side chronology of each man that illustrates what made them more influential than nearly every other contemporary in their form, and for fans of both artists, this book is a gem and a delight.

The book is structured as a dual timeline beginning with "Childhood" and culminating in a final section titled "The End," but it isn't a perfect year-by-year comparison. Within the text, there are two sections that bisect the timeline--"The Movies" and "Women"--that look deeply at adaptations of Dickens' work and at the films Prince created and starred in: Purple Rain, Under the Cherry Moon, and Graffiti Bridge. In each case, Hornby delivers small yet weighty nuggets about the works that even the most diehard fans will likely not know. He deftly and directly notes the impact Purple Rain and Oliver Twist, specifically, have had on the cultural lexicon, not just as films but as pop touchstones.

Dickens and Prince is clever, well-researched, and is perfect for pop culture fans of other works like Chuck Klosterman's "the 90s".


I Want To Be a River

When he is asked by his teacher, young Abel says he wants to be a river when he grows up. This immediately concerns his fellow classmates who describe to him the various ways he would change if he did become a river, which Abel deflects at every turn and turns any negative into a positive. In the end, when the classmates describe the garbage and pollution Abel would experience, he turns quiet and begins to cry which moves his classmates telling Abel that they will make sure he remains clean by picking up trash and keeping him clean. The book ends with others in the class dreaming of what they could become — a desert, mountains, clouds, and more. It is hard to get a true message from this book, and the art does not help much at all. It feels like an environmental book but only reads that way at the end. Instead, it reads as more of a young kid having an impossible dream and the rest only following along once they accidentally hurt his feelings.


The Color Storm

Experience Italy

Although the world is now finally opening up again following a couple of painful years characterized by COVID-19-related restrictions, international travel is still not as easy or affordable as it once was. Fortunately, for those who are willing to be armchair travelers for the time being, the three recent releases featured in this roundup are able to instantly transport them to Italy, capturing as they do the sights, sounds, and delicious tastes of that marvelous country.

The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell

Having lived a privileged and sheltered life in Florence prior to her marriage, sixteen-year-old Lucrezia, Duchess of Ferrara, is ill prepared to deal with the cunning machinations of her new husband, Alfonso. However, when Alfonso whisks her away to an isolated country villa and Lucrezia comes to the startling realization that he intends to murder her, she has to muster all her strength and courage to do whatever it takes to ensure her survival. Set in 1561 during the Italian Renaissance, Maggie O’Farrell’s The Marriage Portrait recreates the era and setting beautifully while presenting the enchanting tale of a young women whose proximity to power places her in grave danger.

The Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking by Marcella Hazan

Admired worldwide for her cookery prowess and regarded as one of the greatest Italian cookery writers of all time, Marcella Hazan was famed for the authenticity of her recipes. The Essentials of Classic Italian Cooking, which she wrote to teach and inspire cooks of all levels of experience, is arguably Hazan’s most accessible and comprehensive work. It includes hundreds of recipes, which were originally published in her The Classic Italian Cookbook and The Second Classic Italian Cookbook, covering numerous aspects of Italian cuisine, including soup, risotto, gnocchi, fish and shellfish, polenta, variety meats, and much more. It truly deserves a place on the bookshop of anyone looking to master Italian cookery.

The Color Storm by Damian Dibben

Artists of all kinds flocked to Renaissance Venice, which held the promise not just of fame and fortune, but also of color options unavailable elsewhere. The fact that the city acts as a magnet for artists means competition is fierce, and for painter Giorgione “Zorzo” Barbarelli, that competition might just prove deadly. As his career hangs in the balance and his debts mount up, he pursues the rumor of a new color brought to Venice by a rich merchant. In an effort to access the fabled color, he secures a commission to paint a portrait of the merchant’s wife, although entry into their lives proves far more dangerous than Barbarelli could ever have expected. Damian Dibben’s The Color Storm wonderfully reflects the atmosphere of Renaissance-era Venice while weaving a suspenseful plot that includes multiple conspiracies and dark deeds and also features some of history’s most famous artists.


ABCity: Maze & Seek-n-Find

ABCity is a fun book that is full of pictures of many colorful things to look at that are drawn around two alphabet letters. The reader can also find particular objects that begin with the letters, and follow the maze in each picture made from the lines of sidewalks, roads, and buildings. The book is like "Where's Waldo?" or other seek-and-find books, except that ABCity, has more to do and see within each page. The things to find are sometimes not what you'd expect, which makes them more fun to find. At the end of the book, there is a pull-out page that you can color on one side, and on the other colored side, you can see the whole book. Thankfully, there is an answer key in case you get confused. I enjoyed looking at the colors on each page and I like how the cover is textured. ABCity doesn't have any words, besides what to look for, so this book is good for kids of all ages to keep you busy.


The Woman Who Turned Children into Birds

I started reading The Woman Who Turned Children Into Birds because the title sounds crazy and I had to see how this could happen! The answer to exactly how the woman turns the children into birds isn't said, but it is all with magic. The story is about an old woman who comes to town and people are afraid of her because they have heard rumors about what she can do, and they don't want anything to do with that! It starts with one curious girl who goes up to the woman, and when she becomes a bird, she realizes that she loves it! All of the kids love it, but the parents and adults are upset and scared. Will it ever be okay for the woman to make the kids happy by turning them into birds?

 I hadn't read a story like this one before, which is why it looked interesting to me. I found it interesting while reading it, but also felt confused at times when I couldn't tell who was talking on the pages or why they said what they did. Overall, I did enjoy reading it and liked the imagination in the story.


Bryant & May

If you are looking for a London guidebook that takes you into every nook and cranny of the capital, or if you want to learn every quirky fact and bizarre story about the city, then Bryant and May: Peculiar London is for you. Does it offer a geographically logical progression through the city? Absolutely not. Does the index present items in alphabetical order? Absolutely not (there is no index). Then how is the book structured? It’s a series of short chapters with loosely connected snippets, each fascinating in its own right, about the famous and not so famous London sites.

The flood of odd facts, amusing anecdotes, and funny one-liners is presented by Arthur Bryant, a member of the Peculiar Crimes Unit, aided and abetted by his partner, John May. The hilarious banter (mostly ageist jokes) between the two adds significantly to the book’s laugh quotient. The reader should be aware, however, that this compilation is over four hundred and fifty pages long. Still, you can jump into the book at any point without having to know what went before or worrying about what comes after. The book’s title is well chosen: this is indeed London at its most peculiar.


What Child is This?

In the Spirit of Famous Mystery Icons Roundup

Classic mystery icons never die as authors keep their spirits alive with new works written in a similar style. These books are a roundup of new books that honor Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes. Experience the wonderful mystery-solving techniques of these two once again.

A Trace of Poison
Colleen Cambridge
Kensington
ISBN: 9781496732477

Readers will reveal in this delightful mystery set in the world of Agatha Christie. Entrants of a writing conference gather together for an evening of cocktails when one of the attendees drinks a lethal cocktail meant for Alastair Whittlesby, the man who is a shoo-in for the top prize. Agatha’s housekeeper, Phyllida Bright, is the sleuth in this story about jealousy, murder, and danger. With cameos from history's most famous writers, readers will love the twists and turns.

A Murder at Balmoral
Chris McGeorge
Penguin Publishing Group
ISBN: 9780593544136

The royal family has gathered at Balmoral Castle for their annual Christmas retreat. As King Eric is about to name his successor, he drops dead. The chef, Jonathan, plays the detective in this Agatha Christie-style locked-room mystery. Everyone in the family has a means, and a motive, and readers will guess one family member after the other. As secrets unfold, will Jonathan find out whodunnit before he himself becomes the victim? Clever and full of surprises, A Murder at Balmoral is like the game of Clue in book form.

What Child is This?
Bonnie MacBird, Frank Cho
HarperCollins Publishers
9780008521288

Sherlock Holmes takes on two cases in this book that masters the style and characters of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. With detailed illustrations by illustrator Frank Cho, fans of the Baker Street detective and his trusty sidekick Watson will enjoy these stories set during Christmas time. The stories both involve missing persons—one, a three-year-old of a wealthy couple who has been kidnapped, and two, an aristocrat’s son who has gone missing from his London pied à terre. This page-turner is perfect for fans of Holmes and Watson.

The Body Falls (5) (An Inishowen Mystery)
Andrea Carter
Oceanview Publishing
9781608094301

Set in Glendara, Inishowen, Ireland, Lawyer Benedicta (Ben) O'Keeffe and Police Sergeant Tom Malloy set out to solve a mystery. After a torrential downpour, a body falls onto a passing vehicle after being dislodged. The victim is a well-known charities boss and a snakebite is found. Being in an area where there are no native snakes, Ben and Tom investigate whether or not this could actually be a homicide. This is the fifth novel in this series and is written much like that of an Agatha Christie mystery.

Holmes Coming
Kenneth Johnson
Blackstone Publishing
9798200706884

When Dr. Amy Winslow finds a half-mummified man who calls himself Holmes and claims he was Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s muse, Amy thinks the guy is out of his mind. After reviving him, she realizes this man really is the real Holmes (his first name is NOT Sherlock, however) and sets out to help him solve cases, including one that is very close to her. The San Francisco Police Chief died on her table after being attacked by a Bengal tiger. In this Holmes revival, readers will experience the time-traveled detective as he would be in modern times. Cleverly written and perfect for fans of the brash genius detective.


The Nightmare Bug

The Nightmare Bug is the perfect book for children with nightmares. In the story, a small child is scared of the nightmare bug. The child's mother tells the child that to beat the bug, the bug must be hugged. So, knowing that mom knows best, the child grabs Blankie, Bear, and Rhino and gets ready to settle in for a night of adventures and dreams and a mission to hug that nightmare bug.

I think this book would be helpful for so many families with small children who get nightmares. Although the story itself is simple and whimsical, it will attract and engage little eyes and ears and help them to hug their own nightmare bug. The illustrations in the book are reminiscent of Where the Wild Things Are with muted watercolors and textures, which make the story soothing even when the child is having a nightmare. Parents will also appreciate the tips at the end of the book, which will help with what to say to a child waking up from a nightmare and ways to help children cope with nightmares. An excellent book for ages three to eight.


A Match in the Making (The Matchmakers)

Jen Turano has written many historical romances, and her latest is the start of a new series, presumably about matchmakers falling in love. At least, I hope that’s the case for her upcoming books. It’s a fun premise, and if the other books live up to this one, they will be delightful to read.

Gwendolyn Brinley has no intention of marrying herself. However, she can’t escape the idea of marriage, as the matchmaker she has agreed to keep company for the Newport Season has insisted on naming Gwendolyn her assistant. Gwendolyn soon finds herself hired to find a match for a man considered to be the catch of the Season: Walter Townsend, who is eager to find a mother for his three rambunctious children.

Shenanigans ensue. Delight follows, first for the readers, then for the characters.

A Match in the Making was a great deal of fun, full of lively, interesting characters. Turano does an excellent job bringing the secondary characters to life. The worst that can be said is that those characters are a little one-dimensional at times, but I will gladly take that over a boring character. I’m very much looking forward to reading more of her work!


I'll Try Anything Once

Amazing Ladies Roundup

These memoirs, written straight from the heart, are brilliant, candid, and wonderful. With a dazzling cast of female authors, these books will have readers laughing, crying, rejoicing, and understanding the true meaning of love.

I'll Try Anything Once
Prue Leith
Mobius
9781529426083

Dame Prue Leith, judge of the hit show Great British Bake Off, tells her story in this incredible memoir. From her childhood in South Africa to coming to London and owning her own restaurant to becoming published and ultimately getting her position as a judge on Great British Bake Off, Prue's story will inspire readers from cover to cover.

Enough: A Memoir of Mistakes, Mania, and Motherhood
Amelia Zachry
She Writes Press
9781647422912

Enough is one woman’s story about abuse, trauma, mental illness, and healing. Amelia Zachry chronicles her journey in this memoir as a young woman who lived in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia who moved to Kentucky. After a traumatic experience, she spirals into a black hole of darkness and after being diagnosed with PTSD and bipolar II disorder, she tells her readers how her experiences shaped her adult life. This bravely written memoir will evoke strong emotions in readers everywhere.

Find a Place for Me
Deirdre Fagan
Regal House Publishing
9781646032839

A beautifully written memoir about Deidre Fagan’s last days with her husband Bob, Find a Place for Me tells the story of a happy marriage in which both partners must learn to say goodbye. Fagan paints a portrait of what it feels like to lose your best friend in life. Honest, intimate, and heartbreaking, this is a memoir that will stay with its readers.

Sit, Stay, Heal
Renee Alsarraf
HarperCollins
9780063215221

A heartwarming book about how our furry four-legged friends are so much more than just pets. Dr. Renee Alsarraf is a veterinary oncologist who tells stories about some of the wonderful dogs she treats. Then, one day, Renee herself gets a cancer diagnosis. A book that dog lovers everywhere will love that shows the wonderful impact of experiencing the unique relationship between canines and humans.

Woodrow on the Bench
Jenna Blum
HarperCollins
9780063113190

Jenna Blum pays tribute to her black lab, Woodrow, in this beautiful memoir about the time Jenna spends with him in his last six months. An inseparable bond from the beginning, the two learn so much from one another and both experience what it really means to love. With stories that will make readers laugh and cry, Woodrow on the Bench is a wonderful gift to dog lovers everywhere.


Black Forest Bound (The Black Forest Duology)

It was supposed to be a fun trip to Germany with their high school class, not a nightmare castle where fairy tales are dangerously real. Former best friends Sadie and Jenny have done everything they can to avoid each other since a fateful event ruined their friendship, and this trip is no exception. Until their classmates begin to disappear and Sadie and Jenny are their only hope of survival.

Black Forest Bound has the making of a horror novel based around Grimms’ fairy tales, a fantastic idea that makes a creepy, edge-of-your-seat thriller, but it doesn't quite feel like true horror.  There are far too many characters, most introduced in the first two chapters, and I could never remember who was who, even the narrators, Sadie and Jenny. The point of view switches every other chapter, and information that was stated by one of the girls was usually repeated by the other. The characters and slow beginning made it hard for me to really get into the story until over halfway through when the pace picked up, and I couldn't put it down.


The Earl and the Pharaoh

Just a small hole, punched in the rock, enabled archeologist and eminent Egyptologist Howard Carter to glimpse the treasures soon to be revealed. And treasures they were indeed, preserved in the tomb of the young king Tutankhamen. Buried for 3,000 years, they glittered still.  With a breathless audience, Carter reached in, shone a torch and Lord Carnarvon stepped closer. Two men of different backgrounds, personalities, and even perspectives, introduced King Tut to the 20th century. Until that day in 1923, the modern world knew little beyond the legend of the teenage monarch entombed in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings.

The Earl and the Pharoah. besides exploring a celebrated 20th-century discovery, focuses on the aristocratic British family and their home at Highclere Castle, the prototype of the television blockbuster, Downton Abbey. The Countess presents a memorable tribute to commemorate her father-in-law, the fifth Earl, who became an enthusiastic and successful horse breeder, sportsman,  pioneer motorist, and aviator, as well as a hands-on participant and personal benefactor to Egyptian archeology. He unequivocally ‘managed to bridge two wholly different worlds.’

Specific dates are in short supply throughout, but the remarkable images more than adequately compensate.


The Wine Bible, 3rd Edition

The Wine Bible is the go-to book for anyone with questions about wine, who loves wine, and who wants to know more about wine. The book starts by describing the twelve attributes that make a wine great: distinctiveness, balance, precision, aliveness, beyond fruitiness, complexity, choreography, shape and direction, length, connectedness, capacity to age, and ability to evoke an emotional response. Understanding the terminology is equally important, and with practice, you too can describe whether a wine is dry, fruity, sweet, or if it has nice legs. I can't imagine there is a single thing about wine that this book doesn't go over. Most of the book consists of describing each geographic region by country and individual states or regions. Each chapter has a map of the area, the leading appellations, the descriptions of grapes, and examples of specific vineyards to purchase wines from that region. In the back of the book, a wine dictionary has been included, which is like a whole other book in itself. Just reading this part of the book might put you into the category of a wine snob. Yes, indeed, this book is certainly the bible for all lovers of wine.


1, 2, 3, Poop!

Do you ever notice how different animals have different kinds of poops? If so, then this book is for you. Some animals have big poops, little poops, many poops, or maybe just one poop. Explore this book with the mouse and let him show you different animals' poop. What kind of animal has what kind of poop. If you want to learn about the different kinds of poops, this book is for you.
This book was super funny. The illustrations of the different kinds, sizes, and amount of poops was really funny. The counting of the poops was really great for younger readers just learning to count. This book was really funny, and my family and I really enjoyed reading it.


Fetch, Cat. Fetch!

This delightful and humorous book will engage young readers as they begin to sound out words on their own and help make a lazy cat get some exercise. Both the cat and the young girl featured in the book are unnamed, which allows the child reading the book to imprint themselves into the story. The young girl wants to play with a perfectly lazy and sleeping cat. On each page, she tries something different to get the cat moving and to have some fun, but in the end, the cat is having none of it until the end when the girl and the cat play fetch.

The artwork is detailed enough to keep readers' attention but not super photo-realistic, which would have distracted the reader from the words. Like a good young reader book, it serves two purposes. The first is to engage the young reader in sounding out words. Each page only features a couple of words and rhymes to help the young reader learn their first words. The second is to be funny as well, and it proves it through the antics of the girl and her cat.


Shopomania: Our Obsession with Possession

Most of us will see a reflection of ourselves in parts of this satirical and somewhat mocking analysis of our shopping mania. The malady of possession too frequently transforms into an addiction as illustrated by the millionaires and billionaires who continually purchase mansions, yachts, islands, cars, and whatever more they find attractive, occasionally they also end up bankrupt. Art is a great attractant, but too many have lost fortunes only to find that what were assumed to be originals were actually frauds duplicated by talented copiers. Canadian journalist Paul Berton takes the reader on a romp through our bizarre shopping habits, showing how the buyer is lured by fashion, bargains, advertisements, and just plain power of possession. Showing how the marketplace has transitioned from the local neighborly stores to the gaudy malls, which are currently being replaced by the super-super markets of Walmarts, Costcos, Amazon, and others, as have our shopping demands. The author invents a medley of nonsensical terms to describe the shopping mania such as shopophobia, unshop, reshop, ultrashop, misshop, and dozens more plays on the shop theme, which include gossipy notes about known celebrities. This is an amusing read but feels rather like scanning a gossip column.


Repurpose Your Pain

Repurpose Your Pain by Dr. Phinehas Kinuthia was a fantastic self-help book. As a very broad summary, Dr. Kinuthia focuses on the many elements of trauma, describing the precise steps that must be taken to overcome it. His chapters are purposefully sequential, each focusing on the next step in overcoming emotional, mental, and physical turmoil.

First, it is important to note that Dr. Kinuthia is not a trained psychologist. Rather, his advice and evidence draws on research as well as a variety of books, doctors, and scholars. However, he does a beautiful job of making this information and assortment of sources come together into a truly comprehensive piece. He thoroughly credits where he is getting his information from and makes it clear to his readers that his advice is a supplement, not a replacement, to therapy and other psychiatric treatment. He also recalls his own experiences of past trauma, showing his readers that he too understands how childhood events can permanently alter our personalities. Through all of this, Dr. Kinuthia establishes his creditability and expertise on this topic, something always important when reading a book, but especially important with a self-help book of this kind. Having known nothing of Dr. Kinuthia prior to this, the way he established his credibility stood out to me as something worth mentioning and praising.

As per the title, this book focuses on how to repurpose our pain, specifically when it comes to trauma. It dives into a variety of topics surrounding trauma, including the benefits of pain, shifting our perspectives, loving ourselves first, the healing journey, and so much more. Although I cannot speak of every chapter in this review, I have to say my favorite chapter was called “Developing Trauma Awareness.” Through this chapter, Dr. Kinuthia dives into self-awareness regarding trauma, and how the reader can understand its effects within their own life. This chapter stood out to me in the amount of thorough and fascinating research regarding our brains and neuroplasticity. I learned so much in these few pages about how my brain worked and what I could do to rewire it. Furthermore, the reader is able to truly understand in this chapter how they may be responding to past trauma and how they may not even be aware of it.

Admittedly, I love a good self-help book, but Repurpose Your Pain truly stood out to me due to its contents. Educational, inspiring, and motivating, all readers who have experienced a traumatic event in their past, or who seek guidance on repurposing struggles, would benefit from what Dr. Kinuthia has to say.


Encounters with Living Language: Surrendering to the Power of Words

"Encounters with Living Language is a beautifully written book that displays how an expanded sense of awareness may be obtained by understanding and feeling the true vibrations of the words that surround and connect us all. Through her illuminations and real-life experiences, Christina McDonnell, PhD unfolds the layers of language and reflects on its multidimensional qualities. Readers will walk away thinking about how language affects them in their daily lives." —Kyle Eaton, San Francisco Book Review


"An exceptional glimpse into the fascinating connections between language and the hidden depths of human consciousness. Linguists and anthropologists have long speculated about the ways in which someone’s native language shapes the way their brain develops and has a profound impact on how they perceive the world. Donnell has created an intriguing and fantastic book for both new age and philosophy lovers in this quick read." —Beatrice Toothman, Manhattan Book Review


Encounters with Living Language reminds us there is still so much to learn about our planet. Exposing insightful, well-matched connections to the words of Hindu sage Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, E. F. N. Jephcott, and other brilliant thinkers, this book will trigger transformative thoughts and an increased level of awareness. For groundbreaking ideas on language, join Christina Donnell, Ph.D. on a mind-blowing exploration of the potential role language could play. —Foluso Falaye, Seattle Book Review


"Christina Donnell offers an in-depth exploration of the intersection between language, meaning, being, and comprehension. This book allows its readers to consider the real power that language can have With insightful explanations of the transformative power of language, this book shows that every person has the potential to expand their life through listening to the messages transmitted by the universe. For readers looking for a book that will expand their worldview, Encounters with Living Language is an ideal choice." —Erin Britton, Seattle Book Review


Supersize Island

"Find yourself on an island with monsters like King Kong and Godzilla, a variety of other ferocious, gigantic creatures, and deadly, armed humans ready to annihilate anybody who discovers their secret in Supersize Island. This terrifying predicament brought to life in J. J. Walsh's Supersize Island will make your skin crawl. With evocative descriptions and an action-packed sequence, your heart will face in anticipation. Fans of survival books will enjoy this hilarious, suspense-filled, and unforgettable story!" —Foluso Falaye, San Francisco Book Review


Supersize Island

"Die Hard meets Jurassic Park in J.J. Walsh's manic blend of laugh-out-loud comedy and heart-pounding action. Monstrous squirrels, minivan-sized frogs, and a bevy of other horrors await all who dare set foot on Supersize Island." —Ben Haskett, Manhattan Book Review


Bertha's Son

Bertha's Son by Joseph Waddy is the story of a man who, despite being unable to start school until he was about ten, being rejected by his own father when he was a child, and going through several difficult situations, lived a life that influenced many people, particularly those in the medical field. Joseph Waddy, who moved from Guyana to the United States to give treatment to others, had both problems and fantastic moments in the two countries.

Some problems are personal, such as being almost consumed by a snake, having to become his own dentist due to a lack of better choices, struggling with getting rejected for an opportunity by his country, and more. Other problems include other characters: a patient being targeted by criminals, dealing with prejudice from coworkers in the United States, and being physically beaten by a drunk partner. Despite these and other problems, Joseph had several incredible experiences that led to a rich life and contributes to a jam-packed, engrossing book. Readers should expect various surprising insights and a mix of intense emotions from Joseph's honest, unrestrained memoir.

Nothing could have prepared me for the extraordinary experience Bertha's Son provided. Joseph's honesty shines through to create a book that reveals several rare truths that many desist from speaking about. I was astounded by the number of women that were betrayed by their friends, who were told about their spouse Joseph's sexual performance and wanted to find out by themselves. I've read several memoirs but I've not read any that cover so many captivating details about mostly unspoken and rare sexual and relationship-related issues like Joseph's. He also offers readers some intelligently deducted advice from his colorful life. One piece of advice that especially stood out to me was to exercise caution when selecting a life partner, since his interactions with certain women left him with a variety of issues, including ongoing expenses, physical scars, being cut off from his children, and other issues.

Since it is written by an experienced medical practitioner, the book contains detailed descriptions of medical problems and surgeries that would take a strong stomach to read. Also, the book's introspective style and the author's candor enable the reader to explore the author's innermost thoughts and connect with his deepest feelings, whether they be joy, regret, fear, shock, or other emotions.

You can't read this book without being greatly moved in some way. Thanks to Joseph's gracious and open sharing of his one-of-a-kind life experiences, I've evolved in ways I didn't realize I should!