In ‘Israel,’ Göran Rosenberg, son of Holocaust survivors grapples with the dream of Zionism and its consequences. Photo: Other Press
Book Spotlight: Israel: A Personal History by Göran Rosenberg
On Sale: October 7, 2025 | Published by Other Press
Combining poignant memoir and historical research, Israel: A Personal History tells the story of a son of Holocaust survivors grappling with the dream of Zionism and its consequences. Originally published in Swedish, this highly acclaimed book will be available in English this fall. (Other Press, 2025)
Where the Story Begins
Israel picks up where Göran Rosenberg’s internationally acclaimed and award-winning childhood memoir, A Brief Stop on the Road From Auschwitz, leaves off.
After his father’s suicide in 1960 in a small industrial town in Sweden, Rosenberg’s mother emigrates with her two children to Israel. At first, young Göran is swept into the world of pioneer Zionism—enchanted by its ideals, visions, and ethos. But as he grows, his journey becomes one of uncovering betrayed ideals, buried stories, false promises, and erased villages.
A Personal and Political Exploration
The result is a work that is both deeply personal and meticulously researched. Rosenberg explores the contradictory visions that shaped the Zionist project, alongside the ethnic violence, oppression, discrimination, and dispossession that followed in its realization.
Part memoir, part history of ideas, Israel is also the political autobiography of a Jewish European intellectual—“a child of dreams and disillusionments, an astute observer of our times.”
About the Author
Göran Rosenberg was born in 1948 in Sweden, the son of Auschwitz survivors. He is the author of several books, including:
Det förlorade landet (Israel: A Personal History in Swedish)
A Brief Stop on the Road From Auschwitz (Other Press, 2015)
Another Zionism, Another Judaism (Other Press, 2025)
📚 Recognized by Publishers Weekly:Israel: A Personal History was longlisted in Publishers Weekly’s Fall 2025 Fiction & Nonfiction Preview: History.
The power of failure and how it fuels success. ‘Fractured but Fearless’ is the inspiring new book by S. Irfan Ali, MD. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Fractured but Fearless: The Art of Failing Forward with Dr. S. Irfan Ali
We live in a culture that celebrates success stories—highlight reels of achievement, brilliance, and arrival. But too often, we overlook the how behind the journey. According to Dr. S. Irfan Ali, that’s just human nature. In our rush to applaud the victors, we forget the losses, the missteps, and the quiet resilience that fueled the climb. (The Authority Company, 2025)
Dr. Ali knows this journey intimately. A physician, CEO of multiple healthcare companies, nonprofit founder, artist, and photographer, his path has been anything but linear. In his new book, Fractured but Fearless: Embracing the Art of Failing Forward, Dr. Ali reflects on the failures that shaped him—and how they ultimately propelled him forward.
Drawing from a rich personal and professional background, including his immigrant experience bridging East and West, Dr. Ali shares candid stories—many of them humorous—from his early days as a medical hopeful in a new country, working the most humbling jobs while chasing big dreams.
Witty, honest, and deeply inspiring, Fractured but Fearless is more than a memoir. It’s a compelling blend of life stories, leadership lessons, and visual artistry. Each chapter reads like a standalone essay, yet together they form a cohesive roadmap for aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, and healthcare professionals alike. The book is also visually stunning, featuring Dr. Ali’s original photography and artwork, elevating the reading experience into one of both intellectual and artistic inspiration.
At its heart, this book is a tribute to the growth found in adversity—and to the quiet, often overlooked art of failing forward.
Key Takeaways from Fractured but Fearless:
Setbacks can become stepping stones to personal growth, emotional intelligence, and lasting impact.
Resilience isn’t born—it’s built through reflection, support, and repeated encounters with adversity.
Mental health care is broken. Systemic change and personal awareness are both essential.
Innovation thrives through unconventional thinking and trusting your instincts.
Career success means little without personal fulfillment and meaningful relationships.
About the Author
S. Irfan Ali, M.D. is a board-certified physician and co-founder, president, and CEO of Pioneer Medical Group, a leading hospitalist organization in Florida. He also founded Pioneer Medical Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to serving the homeless.
Dr. Ali earned his medical degree from the University of Karachi in Pakistan and completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Massachusetts. He later received a fellowship from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at Harvard Medical School and completed a leadership fellowship in hospital medicine at AdventHealth/CTI.
Whether through his medical work, nonprofit leadership, or art, Dr. Ali continues to embody the ethos at the heart of Fractured but Fearless: that within every failure lies the blueprint for greatness.
‘A Dime to Say I Love You’ will be released July 15, 2025. Photo: Barnes & Noble
📚Book Spotlight: A Dime to Say I Love You by Kathryn Henry For Readers Navigating Grief, Love, and the Spiritual Unknown
For readers navigating grief, spiritual seekers questioning the nature of love and the afterlife, or anyone who’s ever whispered I miss you into the void―today’s book spotlight is especially for you. (Advantage Media, 2025)
When Henry lost her wife Lisa to a rare and aggressive cancer, she plunged into a deep well of grief that threatened to consume her. But what followed was more than mourning—it was a spiritual reckoning. This memoir chronicles not only their final days together, but also Kathryn’s unfolding inner journey, marked by raw honesty, resilience, and a search for meaning beyond death.
This is not your typical grief memoir. Grounded in the brutal reality of terminal illness and lifted by transcendent moments of love, humor, and insight, Henry’s voice emerges—shaped by trauma, tempered by devotion, and illuminated by spiritual inquiry. Their life together—renovating homes, hiking in Japan—comes alive on the page, where even the smallest details carry sacred weight. And then, there are the dimes: tiny silver tokens that begin appearing as signs, metaphysical breadcrumbs that hint at Lisa’s enduring presence.
Each chapter blends storytelling with meditative reflection, offering readers space to pause, breathe, and explore their own emotional landscapes. This is a book for anyone who has loved deeply and lost deeply—and is looking for light in the darkness.
For fans of Cheryl Strayed, Joan Didion, and Thich Nhat Hanh, A Dime to Say I Love You doesn’t offer easy answers. What it does offer is resonance: a reminder that pain is not the opposite of love, but its echo.
Kathryn Henry’s journey—from a turbulent youth and high-level corporate career (at lululemon, Gap, Levi’s), to a spiritual awakening forged in the fire of personal loss—is as extraordinary as it is relatable. Her story is a testament to love’s lasting imprint, and the quiet ways the universe may still speak, if we are listening.
‘Who the F*ck is Michael?!’ is the debut bestselling book by General (Ret.) Elyezer Shkedy. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Book Review: “Who the F*ck is Michael?!” by Elyezer Shkedy Leadership, Humility, and the Power of Personal Responsibility
If you’re looking for a book that packs a punch in both inspiration and life wisdom, “Who the F*ck is Michael?!: An Israeli Air Force Chief’s Uncompromising Code for Achieving Greatness” by Elyezer Shkedy deserves a spot on your reading list.
The Premise
In this thought-provoking collection, Shkedy—former Commander of the Israeli Air Force—distills over 100 life stories into concise lessons on leadership, success, integrity, and personal responsibility. The stories are short, engaging, and packed with real-world relevance. Each one describes a real event in his life as he remembers it and are not presented in a linear format.
The provocative title comes from a story about humility and hidden greatness. Michael was the principal at their son Omer’s school and one day he told them that Omer would never learn to read or write. The phrase became their family’s defiant battle cry whenever someone would tell them they couldn’t do something they were determined to do. It sets the tone for what’s to come: a reminder that extraordinary people often live quietly among us.
Life Lessons
This collection of stories contain life lessons filled with emotional intelligence. Shkedy doesn’t lecture—he shares. His anecdotes range from military missions to personal reflections, each offering a glimpse into the kind of leadership that values character over charisma and action over words. He manages to do all this without sounding condescending and by using straightforward language. Most of the stories end with a section on the specific lesson he learned.
Some of these stories include:
Superhighway to Change
The Real Estate Shark
You Have No Approval
The Ego Beneath the Surface
Highlights
21 – They Are Just Like You – He grew up in an institution for children at risk because his father ran the place and the family lived on the premises. He was taught at an early age that we’re all basically the same, this is one of the lessons that he took to heart during his lifetime. Part of his gold rule for living is to treat others like you would like to be treated.
129 – You Wouldn’t Want to Live In The Past – “When you have completed a significant chapter of your career, let it go.” Be proud about what you did, but move on.
Whether you’re in business, education, healthcare, or just navigating life, this book will challenge you to think deeply about what it means to lead, serve, and strive for excellence.
Final Thoughts
Overall, “Who the F*ck is Michael?!” is more than a leadership book—it’s a mirror for anyone who wants to live with purpose and accountability. It is recommended for readers who appreciate sensible personal advice and also enjoy books on business leadership and personal success.
“A person may appear pitiful and pathetic at first glance; their accent and vocabulary may not be impressive; their attire may not be striking — but that tells you nothing about their ability, their wit, their intelligence or their potential.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book and received a copy. The view and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Untangling: A Memoir of Psychoanalysis’ by Joan K. Peters. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Book Review: ‘Untangling: A Memoir of Psychoanalysis’ by Joan Peters What It’s Really Like to Be in Psychoanalysis—From the Patient’s Chair
If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens during psychoanalysis—or what it feels like to unravel years of emotional knots on a therapist’s couch—Joan Peters‘ “Untangling: A Memoir of Psychoanalysis” offers a rare, intimate glimpse into that world.
Unlike most writing on psychoanalysis, which often comes from the perspective of clinicians, “Untangling” is told from the inside out. Peters chronicles her decades-long analytic journey with striking vulnerability, courage, and clarity. This journey consisted of two different analysts: Lane when she was 28 and Kristi when she was 67. While Lane was helpful, she remained impersonal and impartial. Kristi actually got to know her because she used relational psychoanalysis, a psychoanalytic approach that emphasizes the importance of the relationship between the therapist and patient in the therapeutic process. Peters brings readers into the room with her, detailing the subtle shifts, long silences, and emotionally charged breakthroughs that define the therapeutic process.
Highlights: Chapter 7 – Schizoid – Peters admits to Lane that from ages 14 to 19, she had lived an alternate existence because when she was 14, she started hearing voices. These voices guided her every action. Chapter 4 – Lane Explains Me to Me – Focuses on her family background, memories of her as a two year old seeing her mother preparing the morphine syringes for her dad who was dying of cancer. This explained her nightmares about syringes and being given injections with poisons. Two months after talking about this, her needle nightmares ended. That’s when Joan discovered the complicated issue of subconsciousness and how it affects our lives.
At its core, honesty is what makes this memoir so powerful. Peters doesn’t offer easy answers or dramatic resolutions—instead, she shows how transformation unfolds slowly, often painfully, through the act of being deeply seen and heard. It reveals how analysts’ methodology differ and how patients respond differently with age and life experience. Her writing is vivid and lyrical, making even the most abstract aspects of psychoanalysis feel grounded and human. “Sitting back in her chair, patient as a fisherman in a placid lake, she listened, questioned, interjected while I mostly avoided the story, as if its invisible tentacles might entangle (or strangle) me.”
Overall, “Untangling” is a courageous and necessary contribution to the literature on mental health. It demystifies a process often veiled in secrecy and offers an authentic voice to the patient experience. For readers curious about psychoanalysis—or the complexities of healing—this memoir is both enlightening and deeply moving.
“My question back in Vermont had loosened a scab; now the wound bled, unstoppable. She had offered me silence, and I had refused her gift. Now, at times, I felt I might drown in her words.”
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book and received a copy. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘The Last Real Showgirl’ by Diane Christiansen. Photo: Amazon
“The Last Real Showgirl” by Diane Christiansen is a dazzling, heartfelt memoir that takes readers behind the velvet curtain of old Vegas glamour and other such clubs around the world, including Paris, Montreal, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and New York. With charm, wit, and vulnerability, Christiansen recounts her journey from a small Illinois town girl to a star showgirl in the golden age of Las Vegas-like entertainment. Her voice is unapologetically authentic, brimming with the confidence of a woman who knows she lived a life few could imagine.
It begins in 1969 when Diane auditions, with butterflies in her stomach, for the Rockettes at Radio City Music hall as a 17 year old high school student. Her first professional job takes her to Montreal, where the training was so intense, she often wishes she could quit and go back home. The thought of returning to a turbulent home life was her incentive to tough it up and keep going. Her persistence pays off, as she is soon traveling the world from one exotic locale to another, all the while dating some of the men she meets along the way. All in all, she was a dancer, a showgirl, and an actress, and ultimately, the #1 acting coach in Hollywood.
The chapters are short and the first person narrative is immersive and engaging. With vivid language, her story unfolds as readers get glimpses of her struggles: “It had profoundly quenched my parched soul like an endless fountain of inspiration and had given me a glimpse of the reality to all my dreams of becoming a great dancer and actress.”
Highlights include Chapter 3: Meet My Mom & Dad where she gives her parent’s backstory and the home life she was fleeing and Chapter 12: Insomnia that describes her struggle with diet pills and the insomnia they caused her.
Christiansen manages to capture the sparkle and grit of showbiz. She doesn’t shy away from the sacrifices and pressures that came with the spotlight, nor does she downplay the camaraderie, artistry, and pride of being part of a now-vanishing world. Her stories are vivid and entertaining, painting a portrait not just of herself but of a bygone era where beauty, discipline, and performance reigned.
Overall, “The Last Real Showgirl” is a celebration of resilience and self-definition. Diane Christiansen’s story is a love letter to showgirls past and present—a reminder that strength can be found in sequins, and history can be told through high kicks and hard work. A captivating read, it’s recommended for readers intrigued by performance, identity, and the magic of old Las Vegas.
“With each storm, we grow a little more into the soul we are meant to become, like branches on a tree that have been struck by lightning. I could feel the accelerated growth inside me at this juncture.”
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book and received a copy. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
Set up as a journal/memoir, it begins on Sunday November 3, 2002 where Zett establishes that authors don’t write books, that instead, they write manuscripts that publishers turn into books that hopefully sell copies. This sets the tone upfront as he combines his personal story of becoming a published author with reflections on topics such as human sexuality, the intricacies of the human soul, the challenges facing the book industry, and the ongoing debate about marijuana legalization.
His philosophical musings center around the three sides of our humanity: the body, mind, and soul, and how if we go through life with an open mind, we can establish a deeper connection with others. By sharing his personal struggles, such as the challenges of owning a small business with his wife, dealing with his father’s health problems, and balancing work and family, he connects with readers on a deeper level.
I appreciate his candidness and his ability to approach complex and often controversial subjects with a sense of depth and understanding. He doesn’t shy away from his own vulnerabilities, offering an authentic and sometimes raw portrayal of his experiences. This book challenges readers to reconsider societal norms and rethink their own perspectives on issues like sex and the soul. Especially insightful is his ‘live and let live’ view of life, but he also emphasizes personal accountability: “If you don’t hold onto your personal reins, who does?”
One of the most fascinating aspects is his commentary on the book industry, giving readers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to become a published author in today’s rapidly changing world. His unique insights make the book a valuable resource for aspiring writers and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of the literary world.
By using a stream-of-consciousness narrative style that he calls Extreme Creative Nonfiction, and presented in a memoir/journaling format, he relates to readers in an informal and personal way. It’s almost as if he’s speaking to them directly, albeit with a few curse words here and there. Be advised that his discussions on sex can get honest but descriptive.
The language is vivid and humorous: “Sometimes, I go off like the popcorn kernels in a microwavable bag of Explode-O-Pop Popping Corn…” Since the narrative switches back and forth between his personal story and his professional struggles to make it as an author, it can be hard to follow at times, but it fits with the journal-like presentation.
Overall, “Connecting the Web of Humanity” is an engaging, thought-provoking work that will resonate with readers interested in exploring life’s biggest questions. It is recommended for fans of philosophy and social sciences who also appreciate learning about the reality of getting published.
“Everybody is their own individual. Everything is what it is. And we are what we are. People are people.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Son of Birmingham: A Memoir’ by Mayor Randall Woodfin. Photo: Barnes & Noble.
Birmingham, AL – “Son of Birmingham,” the highly anticipated memoir by Birmingham’s youngest modern-day mayor, Randall Woodfin, is available now. This gripping narrative weaves together Mayor Woodfin’s life story with his bold vision for a more equitable future, offering an intimate look at the man reshaping the urban South. (Iron City Communications, 2025)
Through candid storytelling, Woodfin shares how his roots in Birmingham, the lessons from Morehouse College, and the beats of Southern hip-hop shaped his journey. From bagging groceries as a teenager to addressing systemic challenges as mayor, “Son of Birmingham” is a call-to-action for servant leadership, resilience, and unity.
Randall Woodfin was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. After earning his degree at Morehouse College and later his law degree at Samford University, he returned home to serve his community. Elected mayor in 2017, Woodfin has been nationally recognized for his progressive leadership, including a keynote speech at the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
Key Topics in the Book
The journey from grocery store clerk to mayor
Southern hip-hop’s influence on leadership and grit
Declaring gun violence a public health crisis
Building unity across Birmingham’s 99 neighborhoods
Leading Birmingham through pivotal moments in history
Don’t miss this unforgettable story of hope, resilience, and the power of leadership.
Praise for Son of Birmingham
“Being from the South, I know the power of legacy and tradition. Mayor Randall Woodfin embodies that. Son of Birmingham is a love letter to Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, and I’m honored he accredits inspiration to Outkast.” – Antwan “Big Boi” Patton, Grammy-winning member of Outkast
“A love letter to Birmingham and the resilience of its people. Woodfin combines modern hope with timeless wisdom.” – Geoffrey Canada, President of the Harlem Children’s Zone
“Woodfin’s journey fills my heart with hope. His leadership is a blueprint for justice and inclusion.” – Medaria Arradondo, former Minneapolis Police Chief
“Son of Birmingham captures the story of a city in transformation and the leader guiding its evolution. This memoir is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of change.” – Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland
“If Alabama has a chance to overcome its past and reach its potential, it will be because of leaders like Randall Woodfin. Son of Birmingham is a moving memoir of perseverance and progress.” – Roy Wood Jr., Comedian and Journalist
‘Jeddah Bride’ is the new memoir by Patricia Bonis. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Memoirs offer a unique and personal perspective on life, drawing readers into the intimate experiences of an individual’s journey. Unlike autobiographies, which often focus on public achievements, memoirs highlight specific moments, emotions, and reflections, making them more relatable and human. Their appeal lies in their authenticity and vulnerability, allowing readers to connect with the author’s struggles, triumphs, and growth. They offer a sense of shared experience and a reminder of our common humanity, sparking empathy and introspection in readers.
“Jeddah Bride” is a new memoir out this month by Patricia Bonis that recounts her experiences with Rahman Abbar, a man from Saudi Arabia.
Patricia Bonis runs her own interior design firm and has designed the homes, offices, and embassies of CEOs, ambassadors, and international financiers for over 30 years. She has an equally long standing and passionate career as an equestrian, actively competing in the World Equestrian Festival, the Hampton Classic, and numerous other horse shows across America. Her first book is “Jeddah Bride,” a memoir about a smart, free-spirited girl who fell in love with Rahman Abbar, son of a wealthy Saudi Arabian family
Synopsis:
“Jeddah Bride” – When Rahman suggested they marry, it was the happiest day of her life. But Patricia was not prepared for life as a Saudi woman-a life spent looking through curtains and veils at the world outside, a life that of necessity was curtailed and protected from the toxic masculinity of the culture, a life that, for an American girl used to sneaking out and hitchhiking, was dangerous and frightening and foreign. She was not prepared to give up all her freedom: freedom to drive herself, to go where she wanted when she wanted, to read books and listen to music she wanted, even to give up making a career for herself. (Meryl Moss Media, 2024)
After years in Jeddah, Patricia and Rahman moved to America, where Patricia gave birth to two children and started her own successful career. She thought their family was complete and that they would stay in America to raise their children in freedom and security.
Until Rahman starts talking about leaving America and moving back into the jet-set lifestyle-regardless of Patricia’s needs and wishes. After previous disappointments, Patricia is ready to divorce him and strike out on her own. But she is not ready for her children to be kidnapped.
Review:
The story begins in 2002 as Patricia is reuniting with Karim, her oldest son, after fourteen harrowing years of looking for him. He was just a boy when their father took him and his sister Sultana out of the United States during a court appointed visitation. She tracks down Karim and introduces herself to a grown man and proceeds to attempt to get back into his and Sultana’s life.
From there, it goes back to the 70s when a young Patricia meets Rahman while out partying one night. She is instantly drawn to his magnetic personality and exotic good looks and finds it impossible to resist the fast life filled with parties, money, and connections. But not everything that shines is gold, and when she makes a trip to Jeddah to meet his family, she is introduced to a world that she had only heard about. Despite the culture shock, she continues the relationship but the years ahead will alter her life in ways she could have never seen coming.
In “Jeddah Bride,” Patricia Bonis offers a deeply personal and poignant memoir that chronicles her life as an American woman married to a Saudi man. The book captures her journey of navigating cultural divides, familial expectations, and her evolving identity while living in Saudi Arabia.
The narrative is introspective and engaging, providing readers with a window into the complexities of cross-cultural marriage and the challenges of living in a society with strict cultural norms. She contrasts the freedom of her American upbringing with the constraints of Saudi society, particularly as she experiences the difficulties of life in Jeddah. Her honesty about the emotional and personal sacrifices required to integrate into her husband’s world is compelling, yet she never shies away from addressing the difficulties and moments of isolation she faced.
The language is down to earth and even though there are some tense moments, the tone doesn’t get too dark and depressing. Since the focus is on her early experiences, the chapters on her divorce and custody battles are brief and towards the end.
Overall, “Jeddah Bride” is an honest portrayal of marriage and culture clash as well as an exploration of identity and belonging. It’san insightful and heartfelt memoir that will resonate with readers intrested in the complexities of cross-cultural relationships, making it a thought-provoking read for those curious about the nuances of love, tradition, and change. A fast and easy read, it is recommended for fans of women’s memoirs.
“Never wavering in my efforts to reach my children in Saudi, I did attempt to rebuild my life. I had no choice. Fourteen years is a very long time and I needed to soothe the ever present pain in my heart.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Infectious Injustice’ is the new book by Justin Cook. Photo: Amazon
Memoirs and biographies can be some of the most compelling books to read. They tend to provide first hand accounts of eras and places some of us might never get to experiences. Such is the case in today’s new book release: “Infectious Injustice” by Justin Cook. This true story is told by an inmate who was inside, living and breathing in the system of incarceration for nearly two years. No matter how many prison movies or television shows we watch, they will never tell the real story compared to someone who actually lived it. Curious about what prison life is like from the inside and what it says about the justice system, rehabilitation, and the mentally ill and addicted? Then get your copy of “Infectious Injustice” today, it is available on Amazon.
Justin Cook was born in Nevada. He is a technical architect who has worked at the most prestigious companies and holds over fifty technical certifications, including top-tier status among the technical community worldwide. He speaks four languages, which he developed while living abroad in Spain, France, and Germany and has has traveled to over thirty countries, which translates to he doesn’t know how to save money. He now lives in a house free of bars that is made for naps, reading books, and drinking too much coffee. Most days, you will find him lounging in his Kirkland sweats from Costco, writing, where he transports readers to a place where bold heroes have endearing flaws, as he broadly addresses the human experience. The swashbuckling action-adventure “Infectious Injustice” is his first novel.
“Infectious Injustice: The True Story of Survival and Loss Against Corruption, the COVID-19 Disaster Inside of San Quentin, and the Dumpster Fire that is Known as Mass Incarceration.” – A secret preview into the treacherous journey of a man thrown from a successful life in Silicon Valley into the dark asphyxiating prison of San Quentin, with murders, serial killers, rats, and COVID around every corner. He paints a masterpiece of detail by challenging the stigma that prisoners are less than people, that law enforcement is superior, and that the system of incarceration in the United States is still functioning. You will join him in the cell while he recounts hunger strikes, malnutrition, panic, and pandemonium, by weaving comedic banter with a stoic sense of realism. This is a captivating tale of how sick and dying men, caused by the nationally publicized disaster of thirty deaths in a short period in the prison, stitched together the remnants of their shattered dignity and formed a brotherhood to withstand all odds; it paints the solo journey of a man’s struggle through addiction, loss, corruption, oppression, racism, and fear. You won’t be able to put down this enthralling and uttering engrossing saga of survival, a triumphant testament to the endurance of the human spirit, loyalty, respect, and the fallacy of rehabilitation while incarcerated.