Category: Book Reviews

Book review: ‘Liquid Shades of Blue’ by James Polkinghorn

‘Liquid Shades of Blue’ is the debut novel by James Polkinghorn. Photo: Amazon

James Polkinghorn is a lawyer and partner in a national law firm specializing in labor and employment law. He has extensive trial and litigation experience accumulated in multiple jurisdictions throughout the country. A Pittsburgh native, Polkinghorn moved with his family to Florida in high school, where he has since stayed. He has a degree in political science as well as a law degree from the University of Florida. He now lives in Key West with his wife, Becki, and their dog, Major Tom. In “Liquid Shades of Blue,” his first novel, after the death of his brother and now his mother, Jack Girard searches for the truth behind his family’s tragedies. (Amazon, 2023)

“Liquid Shades of Blue” – When hungover ex-lawyer and Key West bar owner Jack Girard groggily wakes up one morning, he is greeted by a beautiful woman lying next to him and a shrill, ringing telephone. The call is from his father, Claude “The Duke” Girard, who tells him that his mother is dead in an apparent suicide. Jack then heads back to his childhood home in Miami to face his tyrannical father. His mother’s death brings up haunting memories from Jack’s past—memories of his brother Bobby’s suicide when they were in college together. Being back in Miami only continues to dredge up his family traumas, but things grow more complicated when The Duke suggests that his estranged wife’s alleged suicide may have been a murder. As Jack begins to uncover the truth about his mother’s death, including the secret she had revealed to only two people—the same secret Bobby had taken with him to his grave—he finds himself in imminent danger. Can Jack reveal the true story before it is too late? He has to act quickly, or he fears he may be the victim of the next Girard family tragedy.

Jack Girard has not had an easy life. He comes from a well off family, but his brother committed suicide, his mother is now dead, and he is not in the best of terms with his father who refers to himself in the third person: ‘the Duke.’ This is a clear indication that his father is a strong willed person who demands respect and that what he says is not up for debate. Jack has tried to make a life for himself even after his career derails but when his mom dies, he has to return home. When his father asks him to look into his mother’s death, what he discovers comes as a big surprise. The plot twist at the end will take readers by surprise too. The characters are well developed and relatable. For a first novel, it certainly is impressive; the language is poetic at times: “the kaleidoscopic azure and green surface of Biscayne Bay glistening in the winter sun behind me” and as a whole, it reads like a fine work of literature. It is narrated in the first person point of view as experienced through Jack’s eyes. Even though it is a small book and an easy read, it is packed with action and is destined to become a classic. With interesting characters and beautiful prose, “Liquid Shades of Blue” is this year’s beach read and is recommended for readers who enjoy a good mystery novel. It is perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter and Harlan Coben.

“By the time I passed the airport, the familiar orange and yellow disk had emerged from the sea, casting magnificent white and yellow reflections across the water to the sand. Four brown pelicans flying at my approximate pace were silhouetted against the sun as they began their morning search for baitfish near the ocean’s surface.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Book review: ‘Daddy’s Girl’ by Michael Schnabel

‘Daddy’s Girl’ by Michael Schnabel is a memoir about the challenges and struggles of parenting. Photo: Amazon

Michael Schnabel is an author and a graduate of Northern State University. Michael developed his passion for writing and storytelling during his thirty-year career at Bristol-Myers Squibb. He lives in Overland Park, Kansas with his wife, and when not spending time with family, you can find him tending to his 26-acre tree farm. His first book, “Daddy’s Girl,” is a memoir about the challenges and struggles of parenting through a medical crisis. (Amazon, 2023)

“Daddy’s Girl” – How does a young mother overcome an 8% chance of living to raise her newborn son? She becomes a warrior and provides hope for others. This is the story of a father, his daughter, and the deadly battle she won. In each person’s life there are events that forever change their course. Twenty-seven year old Stephanie experienced two of these events in fourteen days; the birth of her only child and the discovery that she might now live long enough to raise him. She is haunted by the thought that this baby will only know her through pictures, until she makes that thought her motivation to survive. Michael Schnabel, Stephanie’s father, tells the story of survival and how three generations of a family respond to crisis. It begins with the happy news that Stephanie is pregnant but well into her second trimester, she starts feeling sick. The narrative switches back and forth between the present, Stephanie’s ordeal, and the past, as Michael shares parenting stories and the lessons he learned along the way. Some of the chapters contain ‘life lessons’ like “The obstacles people face in life do not define them, but the way they deal with them might.” In the Epilogue, he shares what they as a family learned to do during a medical challenge, including the importance of having a team mentality, seeking out medical experts according to the disease you are fighting, taking it one day at a time, and celebrating victories, no matter how small.

As the English poet John Donne famously wrote, ‘No man is an island, entire of itself,’ so it is when facing a major medical diagnosis. In Stephanie’s case, the joy she and her husband experienced with the birth of their son Caden came with a cancer diagnosis. Family and friends surrounded them with the love and support necessary to see this challenge through. Told through the point of view of her father Michael, it also chronicles a parent’s difficult journey as he watches their daughter struggle on. The language is simple enough to make this an easy read but it comes with a trigger warning: some of the material is somber and difficult to get through but readers are rewarded with a happy ending. Even though the subject of religion comes up, it does not come across as preachy and instead, Michael focuses on a ‘higher power’ and the importance of surrounding yourself with loving people, doing good for others, and being at peace. “Daddy’s Girl” is the story one woman’s difficult journey and contains a wide range of emotions while reinforcing the validity of family, hope, miracles, and faith. It is recommended for fans of memoirs, survival biographies, and the Chicken Soup for the Soul series of books.

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Book of the week: ‘Identicality’ by Jay L. Koppelman

‘Identicality’ is the new technothriller by Jay L. Koppelman. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

How do genetic engineering, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in computer science, medicine and physics engage with ethics and morality? These are themes in “Identicality,” the debut novel from San Francisco Bay Area resident Jay Koppelman. It is a riveting and thought-provoking science fiction novel that will keep you thinking and guessing until the very end – and then beyond. In today’s world, science is quickly catching up to fiction. Will it have gone too far when it comes to replicating human beings? Check out the reviews for this amazing romp of a techno thriller and see what the excitement is all about.

As Adam Braudy, a brilliant inventor-entrepreneur, lies dying following an assassination attempt, he asks Charlie Wood, his lifelong friend, to use  Adam’s latest invention—a human replicator to create Adam’s replicant. Despite deep ethical reservations, Charlie sets them aside, and at the risk of spawning a Frankenstein monster, creates Adam’s replicant who then steps into Adam’s role as husband, father, inventor and industrialist, having no reason to doubt that he is the real Adam Braudy. But then the first Adam miraculously survives. How far will Adam go to get his life back?

“Identicality is exhilarating!”

                It’s a thriller that takes you to a place where “I is another”, and “identical is actually distinct.” I can’t wait to see the movie. It’ll put The Matrix to shame.

                                —Patrick Feigelson, author

“Thoroughly human characters grappling wit extraordinary dilemmas”

                The technological wonders in Identicality are only just out of our reach, but they have profound implications for our sense of our selves. It’s a sense we feel as we witness thoroughly human characters grappling with the extraordinary dilemmas that animate this thrilling and thoughtful novel.

                                —Maxim Shusteff, PhD

“A thought-provoking romp of a novel”

                What a fun combination of page-turning action and real ethical questions about life. Human replication is such a creepy thing to think about. This is a book that will stick in my mind for a long time to come.

                                —Monica West

 “Unique and gripping novel”

                In this unique, gripping novel, fleshed out characters live out their lifelong friendships full of mutual dependence, competition, shared ambition, and love. All against a backstory that includes exciting dramatic scenes of chase, explosion, terror, and medical science fiction. This should appeal to readers seeking science fiction that unfolds medical and ethical fictional situations with real human impact. A unique and well written offering. Highly recommended!

                                —Ann Jensen

 

Book review: ‘Leaving: How I Set Myself Free from an Abusive Marriage’ by Kanchan Bhaskar

‘Leaving: How I Set Myself Free from an Abusive Marriage’ is Kanchan Bhaskar new memoir. Photo: Amazon

Kanchan Bhaskar was born and brought up in New Delhi, India. She holds a master’s degree in social work from Delhi University and a postgraduate certificate in personnel management and industrial relations. She moved to the US in 2000. She works in the corporate world, mentoring, counselling, and coaching employees at all levels in the industry. She is also now a certified advocate for domestic violence victims in the state of Illinois and is a volunteer speaker, mentor, and coach for victims and survivors. Her new book “Leaving: How I Set Myself Free from an Abusive Marriage” is an inspiring memoir of a woman who reclaims her power and finds the strength to leave an abusive relationship. (Kanchan Bhaskar, 2023)

“Leaving: How I Set Myself Free from an Abusive Marriage” – Raised by two loving parents in New Delhi, India, Kanchan Bhaskar has always been taught that marriage means companionship, tenderness, and mutual respect—so when she enters into an arranged marriage, this is the kind of partnership she anticipates with her new, seemingly wonderful, husband. The story is told in chronological order and begins in 1980-1981 when, as a new wife, Kanchan is starting a new life with her new husband and his family, all strangers to her, but is still naively hopeful that it will be full of wonder and romance. She quickly discovers that his warmth is deceptive—that the man beneath the bright, charming façade is actually a narcissistic, alcoholic, and violent man. Kanchan pleads with her husband to seek help for his issues, but he refuses. Trapped in a nightmare, and now with children to protect, she tries numerous times to leave him but Indian law is not on her side. It is not until many years later, when the family of five moves from India to the United States, that Kanchan is presented with a real opportunity to leave him—and she takes it. It is divided into eighteen chapters, including A Love Story, My Safe Haven, and Coming Together.

Kanchan Bhaskar’s memoir is not just about domestic abuse. In the Preface, she writes that “the story does not stop with gaining my freedom but describes my continuing journey on the path of spirituality.” The abuse she endured is just one part of her story; the whole is more about her personal journey to self reliance. She perseveres against all odds and it does not define who she is now. The abuse details, while disturbing, are brief and not too graphic, just enough to shed light on her tragic experiences. It is always interesting to learn about other cultures, in this case, Indian culture, especially the process of selecting a partner in an arranged marriage. This proves the universality of the human condition regardless of race or culture. The language is easy to understand and often poetic “I felt like a free bird, seeing myself as a white swan gliding high in the infinite sky – who had no boundaries, no limits, no shackles, no fear, no apprehensions…” With a story that flows easily through the pages, readers are witness to her journey from abuse to spiritual awakening. “Leaving: How I Set Myself Free from an Abusive Marriage” is an empowering story of a woman who even during her bleakest moments, found the strength to move on. It is recommended for readers who enjoy inspirational memoirs by strong women.

“I wish there was one formula for all of us, but there isn’t. The formula that worked for me and liberated me was essentially powered by my three strong beliefs, my tools, and my mantras. Belief in self. Belief in Universe. Belief in spirituality.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Excerpt available.

Book review: ‘Gray’ by Conor Noll

‘Gray: Assorted Poems’ by Conor Noll. Photo: Amazon

Conor Noll is a poet with a lifetime love of the written word and has spent most of it reading and writing. He has had his share of hardships including serving in the military, being a shut-in, and serving time in prison. “Gray” is his first published book of poems with plans for more to come. He currently lives in his Pennsylvania hometown. (Conor Noll, 2023)

“Gray” – This book is a short collection of original poems; a worthy assortment of thoughts and feelings put into words and onto paper. There are topics of love, loss, fond feelings of comfortable places, and also of sadness. Enjoy the poems within.

Poetry can have different meanings for different people. Some enjoy expressing their thoughts while for others, it can be therapeutic. In “Gray,” Conor Noll expresses all types of emotions, from hopelessness to friendship and love. The topics range from the drudgery of daily life to the majesty of the night sky, including the stars and planets. This may be a small book, but it serves as a reminder of the universality of the human condition; that if you are feeling down, you are not the only one and there is always hope right around the corner. Most, if not all the poems are relatable, like Unease, for those of us who have battled with anxiety and The Magical Brew, a humorous ode to coffee and its many benefits. Running reminds us that though it may be hard, sometimes you have to move on from what is familiar. So if you are looking for honest, heart felt poetry to remind you of your humanity, give this one a try. It is an easy read without complicated language and can be read in one sitting, which makes it the perfect book to take to the beach this summer.

“Yet it’s the bad that make,
The good all the better,
I will not be fake,
I refused to be fettered,
And I’ll give as much as I can take.” – To Be Human

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Sponsored Post

Book review: ‘The Union’ by Leah Vernon

‘The Union’ by Leah Vernon is a coming of age novel set in a dystopian future. Photo: Amazon

Leah Vernon is an author, body-positive activist, and the first international plus-size Hijabi model. During her double master’s program, she started a blog about being a fat Black Muslim in Detroit experiencing everything from eating disorders to anti-Blackness. She has been featured in ads from Target to Old Navy and even made it to the New York Times and HuffPost. She currently resides in New York City. Her new book “The Union” is a daring dystopian novel that explores the power of friendship in a future society built on violence and division. (Amazon, 2023)

“The Union” – A thousand years in the future, a black elite class reigns. The lower classes, made up of whites, toil in the fields or scrape by in blighted cities, serving their rulers in a cruel, divided world. The story begins with Saige Wilde, a mixed-race enslaved girl whose only goal is escaping beyond the borders of their brutal nation. Among the Lower Residents, there are three classes: Domestic, Chattel, and Impure. Because she is mixed, she is simply labeled as Impure. In this dystopian world, color determines everything: “the paler you were, the worse you got it.” Among the Elites is eighteen-year-old Avi Jore, born to a powerful father and destined to rule. As she comes of age, Avi cannot help but notice the injustices in her world―the treatment of enslaved workers and the oppression of the lower classes. Her disillusionment grows when she meets Saige, who saves her from an assassination attempt, and their paths become intertwined in ways they never imagined. As Saige plots her path to freedom, Avi tries to enact change from the inside but it is a complicated endeavor, filled with danger and malice. Together, their efforts could spark a revolution and underscore the staggering power of friendship.

“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” this is the quote from George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” that comes to mind while reading “The Union.” Regardless of who is in charge, there is a risk of them eventually going power hungry and those who are not end up under their heels. Such is the case in this totally engaging speculative novel that dares to imagine a world where whites are not the ruling class. Add in elements of a coming of age novel and friendships that are tested by life’s complications and you have a thought provoking story. Judging by the ending, this is likely to be a series and it would be interesting to read where the author takes these characters. They are well developed, relatable, and strong willed. The narration is in the first person point of view and switches back and forth between Avi and Saige, giving readers a glimpse into their thought processes. With descriptive language that is simple and down to earth, the story flows through the pages, making it a fast read. “The Union” is a coming of age fiction set in a dystopian future similar to the Hunger Games. It may appeal to fans of the genre who appreciate strong characters in tales of revolution and class struggles all mixed in with politics.

“The environment was nothing that I’d ever experienced. It was as if an acidic mist lingered over the entire block, turning everything into the same dull color. The buildings were tall, connected, and intimidating, like they had trapped any soul that had tried to escape. It was like being in a parallel universe, eons away from home.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Book review: ‘Harvesting Evil’ by CJ Wheeler

A serial killer is on the loose in CJ Wheeler’s crime thriller ‘Harvesting Evil.’ Courtesy photo, used with permission.

CJ Wheeler is a new author of crime thrillers for adults, starting with her first release “Harvesting Evil.” She was born in West Michigan and has lived most of her life along the Lake Michigan shoreline. She lives with her wife, her gorgeous English Crème retriever Hemingway, and her three naughty kitties, Indianajoan, Rizzoli, and Taylor. When not writing you will probably find her reading. She is an avid fan of JD Robb, Tess Gerritsen, Alex Kava, and Val McDermid. In her debut novel “Harvesting Evil,” the idyllic shores of Lake Michigan, in the quiet resort town of Port Orion, Michigan, have become prime hunting ground for a serial killer. (CJ Wheeler, 2023)

“Harvesting Evil: Murder on the Lakeshore” – One by one, young, beautiful women’s corpses continue to surface, while the timeline between each victim is shrinking. The story begins with a Prologue set in 1990 as a seven year old boy is about to have the worst birthday ever. Next, in the present, Sheriff Parker Anderson gets a phone call in the middle of the night about another young woman found dead. She must now pull her inexperienced team together to find the madman terrorizing her community. With the Port Orion Sheriff’s department’s resources stretched to the limit and with pressure mounting, Parker reaches out to the FBI for assistance. Enter Special Agent Oliver Locke, who has seen more than his fair share of serial homicide cases, though even he has not encountered a psychopath with this level of violence. Working a serial case against a cunning criminal mind who leaves no evidence will test his expertise and determination. As the window of opportunity to prevent another victim closes, Sheriff Anderson and Agent Locke will need to set aside their personal differences to catch this maniac.

Since the days of Jack the Ripper, stories about serial killers have fascinated readers. While the motivations behind this killer’s rampage may not be an original concept, “Harvesting Evil” is a strong debut crime novel by CJ Wheeler. Narrated in the third person point of view, it switches back and forth between the police and the serial killer, giving the reader a glimpse into the killer’s unstable and cold psyche and the police’s investigation, which includes giving a profile of the ‘unsub.’ The author’s detailed description of morgues and autopsies is impressive but it might put off more sensitive readers. Due to extensive character development and descriptions: “Mike’s 6’ 2” lanky frame rose from the chair, black straight hair hanging over one of his deep blue eyes,” they come alive within the pages and become relatable. The language is down to earth and easy to understand, in spite of the medical jargon, so it is technically an easy read. With its superb attention to detail, applications of criminal psychology, and just enough romance to make it well rounded, “Harvesting Evil” makes for a fascinating and suspenseful crime thriller. It should appeal to fans of Kathy Reichs and James Patterson as well as crime shows like Criminal Minds and CSI. Hopefully this will become a series with more crime solving adventures by Sheriff Parker Anderson, a strong female lead, and Special Agent Oliver Locke.

“He hoped the Sheriff would be pleased with the gift he had left her. It had taken cunning and exquisite timing to set it up exactly as he wanted. He knew this would show her he could do what he wanted, whenever he wanted. At the very least, he would impress her. At most he hoped it would frighten her to her core.”

* The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Sponsored Post

Book review: ‘The four lives of Robinson Appleson’ by Véronique Iswery Pasquet

‘The four lives of Robinson Appleson’ is the debut novel by Véronique Iswery Pasquet. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Véronique Iswery Pasquet is a French author of Indian descent. A voracious reader, she prefers horror, thriller, romance, and biographies of actors and writers. Her fascination for plot twists in scary books and movies are her go-to entertainment choices. Twisted plots and bizarre endings pique her curiosity. That is exactly what she offers her readers in her new book “The four lives of Robinson Appleson.” It plunges into cannibalism and weaves a love story around it. She has taken the challenge of making the readers fall in love with the cruel protagonist. (Amazon, 2023)

“The four lives of Robinson Appleson” – Can a killer turn a new leaf? Robinson Appleson is one lucky bastard. We get only one life. He has had four so far and it is not like he deserved them, either. The story begins in the Prologue where the protagonist, Norman Appleson, a self described “suave and charming millionaire,” addresses readers and encourages them to read his life story and guarantees an unforgettable one. Each of his lives has been different from the last, except that it looks as if he is doomed to make the same mistakes. Gwendolyn, the woman he loves, dies in his arms in all of his lives because of a curse placed on his family. Having been selfish and cruel in his previous lives, he attempts to change this forever. Using a range of tricks learned from Oscar, his mentor, he hopes to suppress and destroy the evil lurking inside him. 

The story is divided into four parts:

I Norman Appleson, The First Reincarnation
Reborn as a rich kid in Beverly Hills, California, he has no recollection of his past life and thinks of himself as a blessing to mankind. He holds no respect or feelings for women and treats them like objects. It leads to everyone avoiding him like the plague.

II Robinson Appleson, The First Life
In his first life, he was a Porcian prince who was known to devour humans. His obsession with eternal youth and beauty has made him addicted to the taste of human flesh, much to the dismay and terror of his kingdom’s subjects.

III Inson, The Second Reincarnation
His third life is different, as he is born as a jaguar in the African savannah. Filled with new wisdom, he fights against his instinct to hunt while the smell of prey drives him mad with hunger.

IV Deeva, The Third Reincarnation
His last life lands him in the body of a beautiful but poverty-stricken Black woman who was also unfaithful.

Reincarnation is the rebirth of the soul in a new body. Though it is a familiar concept, how often have we wondered what it would be like to be reborn several times. Add a romantic theme of ill fated lovers who meet in each life but are doomed to never be happy together and you have a brilliant debut novel by Véronique Iswery Pasquet. She not only combines these themes but the narrative includes highly descriptive fantasy worlds like The Village of Sweet People where everything and everyone is sweet and scented. It is told in the first person point of view and the protagonist is an extremely smart and good looking antihero. In the beginning you are disgusted by the fact that he is a cannibal but you slowly come to sympathize with him because of everything he has been through and keep reading to find out what happens to him, whether good or bad. The language is down to earth and expressive: “There were warts filled with hair around her eyes, curved nose, and big mouth.” Since the story takes place during several lifetimes, the characters are well developed.

Even though he becomes a better person towards the end, he still has attitude “I hope you have had a great time reading the story of someone who does not give a damn about yours.” Though uncomfortable to read, the cannibal scenes are short and not overly graphic. Instead, they serve a purpose because when he is reborn as an animal, a jaguar, he is starting to change and refuses to eat Gwendolyn, who is now a zebra, and would rather starve to death. “The Four Lives of Robinson Appleson” is a must read unconventional and redemptive love story that spans several lifetimes and explores the many facets of the human experience. My take: love is love, even if you are human, animal, or same gender; a love story that transcends genders, vices, and physical forms. It is recommended for readers who enjoy romance novels, ghost stories, paranormal novels, and urban fantasy novels and appreciate original, though eccentric story lines.

“Do you want a piece of friendly advice? Disconnect yourself from reality to discover and enjoy my surreal but fabulous world. I can assure you it’s worth it.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Author spotlight of the week: Tanya Hilson

Tanya Hilson is the author of several stand alone novels and children’s books. Photo: This That Production

Tanya Hilson is an author who loves the joy of storytelling and writing. Her passion for writing started at a young age and has stayed with her throughout her life. Focusing on children’s stories, family life fiction, women’s issues, and urban life novels, she has written several books ranging from stand alone novels, children’s books, and The Shadow Eyes series. Some of these include “Back Porch Secrets,” “Backporch Neighbors,” “Human Collateral,” which received high accolades on Coverfly, “My Cousin Sue,” and “John’s Hidden Truth.” (Tanya Hilson, 2023)

“Back Porch Secrets” – So much personal drama goes on behind closed doors, but wait until you read what is going on behind these doors. Take a glimpse into the lives and secrets of these Chicago neighbors. The Addict, The Drinker, The Abuser, The Dope Dealer. You never truly know what is going on in someone else’s life until now. Are you ready to clap, laugh, be surprised and cry as you read the trials and tribulations of these lives unfold? Mind-blogging, breathtaking, and so real, THESE are their SECRETS. Read the reviews.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“Human Collateral” – Millicent “Mill” Brown is not the perfect mother – she runs her apartment as a trap house on the Southside of Chicago. However, when Mill’s apartment is raided and a deal goes wrong, Mill is arrested and her children are taken away by the Department of Children and Family Services. While this injustice system processes Mill into the court system, Director Mrs. Ross starts orchestrating the sale of Mill’s young son and daughter to traffickers on the black market, which includes some high office officials. Will Millicent be able to get out of jail in time to find her children, or will jail and her mental state become more harmful to herself and those around her? Read the reviews.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“My Cousin Sue” – Children can often say some mean things. Take a look into the world of Sue, a preteen born with vitiligo who is being homeschooled by her parents. With the helpful advice from her cousin London, can Sue find the courage to go back to regular school, or will the thought of being teased cause her to want to continue homeschooling? This book gives children the courage and strength to overcome their fears. Read the reviews.

“John’s Hidden Truth” – After months of torture by one of his peers, John is pushed to the edge. It is here that we are given a glimpse into one of this generation’s most heartbreaking tragedies in the American school system: bullying. Can John return to the way things were, or has he reached the point of no return? From Tanya Hilson comes a heart-wrenching story to help elementary-aged students comprehend and tackle the difficult subjects of racism, bullying, and gun violence within our American schools. “John’s Hidden Truth” tackles the difficult realities of today’s society in our school-aged children. Read the reviews.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“Backporch Neighbors” – Lies, cheating, deceit, and back-stabbing. Take a look into the lives of these Backporch Neighbors. You never truly know what is going on in someone else’s life until now. Peek into the lives of these Chi-town folks: Scooter, the star football player; the building matriarch, Ms. Ruby; the neighborhood dope man, Bobby; and let us not forget, the gambler and drinker, Debbie. Are you ready to take a break from your own drama and dive into somebody else’s? If so, get ready to clap, laugh, sing, and cry as you watch the sorrows and triumphs of these everyday folks unfold. Mind-boggling, breathtaking, and hilarious: This is their story. Read the reviews.

Photo: Amazon

Sponsored Post

Book review: ‘The Well of Truth: Stories of Spirit’ by Elizabeth A. Gould

‘The Well of Truth: Stories of Spirit’ by Elizabeth A. Gould. Photo: Amazon

Elizabeth Gould is a mother, teacher, art historian, and menstrual advocate and has long been fascinated with the importance of rites of passage and divine feminine archetypes for women in our modern culture. She has taught and mentored girls at puberty and is the former director of a nonprofit dedicated to positive menstrual/menopausal education. She holds a BA in Art History from Stanford University and an MA in Education from the State University of New York. “The Well of Truth: Stories of Spirit” follows a female heroine through poignant moments of her adult life. (Elizabeth Gould, 2023)

“The Well of Truth” – Incorporating elements of fantasy, mysticism, and lore, Grace experiences life’s ups and downs. Through the initiations of marriage, raising children, getting divorced, going through menopause, losing loved ones, and ultimately making an independent life for herself, she gains insight and spiritual wisdom from unexpected places. These short stories are filled with reflections on feminine resilience, power, and agency. It begins with Grace deciding to spend the summer traveling in Scotland to work on her photography portfolio and research her Celtic ancestry. From there, her life’s milestones come and go, sometimes with unexpected surprises, but she always comes out on top a little wiser with the help of various deities.

Every woman’s life journey is different but we all share the same milestones and struggles. This is what makes Grace’s story so relatable. Readers bear witness to one woman’s transformation from young woman to mom and beyond, complete with victories as well as heartbreaks. The tone has a certain dreamlike quality, with the narration going back and forth between daydreaming and reality. Throughout her life, her personal values are deep rooted in nature and the different goddesses that push her along to succeed. The chapters/stories are short and easy to to read and the language is flowing and poetic. “The Well of Truth: Stories of Spirit” is charming and entertaining and can easily be read in one sitting yet the themes of nature, resiliency, and personal growth resonate past the final page. It is recommended for readers who enjoy books on folklore, fantasy, spiritualism, and magical realism.

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.