John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

In Simple Book of Reminders for The Youth, author Zakiya Fatin poses thought-provoking questions for young readers, who may be interested in exploring themselves and enhancing their future vision. This collection of 75 reminders, which double as writing prompts, offers to guide readers toward a deeper relationship with their feelings, stressing that many of the answers to our problems lie within ourselves if we are only bold enough to start the conversation in a meaningful and open-minded way. Simple as some of the reminders may be, Fatin’s prompts could generate a daily, weekly, or even lifelong habit of writing […]

In What’s Real, What’s Not, and Somewhere In-Between by Zakiya Fatin, readers are led through a raw and unfiltered collection of advice from an author who understands that a broken heart is very different from a broken spirit. Bouncing authoritatively from advice on when to move on and how to show love, to what red flags to watch for and who to trust with your time, this energetic read is both reflective and inspiring. Most everyone has experienced the struggle of losing someone they love, and while Fatin’s advice is largely directed at women about their experiences with men, there […]

For those who need the occasional nudge of guidance, Book of Reminders: Daily Downloads to Reset Your Mind by Zakiya Fatin is an ideal bedside companion. From the simple bits of wisdom many may have forgotten over the years, to deeper, more thought-provoking musings that will center you on a more truthful path, this well-edited compendium of knowledge is far greater than the sum of its parts. Some of the reminders pose actual questions, along with ample page space for reflection and response, so this seemingly simple book could also inspire a reflective journaling practice. While at first glance these […]

A short story collection cheekily unrelated to its title, Pimping Out My Sister-in-Law by Sheldon Charles is the first volume in a three-part series of well-penned, deeply human stories. From watching characters get lost in their own mutual fantasies to finding patience in the face of familial frustration and anger, these are easy-to-read stories that feel universally relatable in their themes. Sheldon Charles’ ability as a thriller author is well-established, and here he wields casual conversations and emotional reflections as deftly as erotic passages and bursts of conflict in this brief collection, showing that his skill as a short story […]

A thoughtful and meditative collection, Bridges: To There – Poems for the Mind, Body & Spirit by Gary W. Burns is filled with poetry that is both accessible and uplifting. From reflecting on ancient philosophy to reinforcing the powerful depths of love and our capacity for it, Burns’ poems read like stirring mantras – sometimes just a few lines or words long – but they stick with a reader like subtle prayers. Though some of these brief verses could be expanded to be more impactful, or perhaps combined into longer pieces, this collection is nourishing and inspirational for readers who […]