John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

Brimming with imagination and magical jumbled-up creatures, Journey to Jumbalot by Ryan Wakefield details the delightful adventure of a curious cat in a strange new world. In search of his human, Alby ventures to a land that is similar to our own, but doesn’t follow the same rules of physics, evolution, or basic reality. This wildly creative children’s title is ideal for young readers who enjoy the whimsy and fantasy of children’s books, but also want to move up in their reading level. The writing is straightforward and easy to read, the vocabulary is diverse, and there is a good […]

A raw and visceral journey through the alleys and penthouses of America, Big City Secrets is a striking tale of pushing through pain to discover one’s potential. From an abusive childhood and early abandonment issues to complexes around sex, intimacy, money, and success, this book and its sympathetic protagonist shy away from nothing, turning a spotlight on human nature through the smudged and fickle lens of Los Angeles. With gritty, unpolished dialogue that seems like it’s pulled right from the street, and a matter-of-fact style of storytelling reminiscent of Bukowski or Bret Easton Ellis, this is a sleazy, but urgent […]

Three quick and creepy stories are born from the same spooky children’s toy in Dollhouse by J.C. Bratton, who artfully plays on such classic fears as vengeful toys with scores to settle, dolls who want to swap lives with their human “best friends,” and childish superstitions that suddenly become fatally real. All three stories are succinct and clearly crafted, but feel somewhat rushed, and while the writing is well-edited and clean, there aren’t enough peaks or twists in these mini-plots to build suspense. A bit more exposition, character development, and world-building would make these clever stories even stronger, but as […]

A compelling and uncompromising memoir, Strawberry Roan: Growing Up in the Shadow of Hermit’s Peak is the powerful life story of author Judy Beil Vaughan. Whether she describes pushing back against political injustice, standing up for gender equality, or simply learning and growing through an intimate link to the natural world, Vaughan has delivered an inspiring tale of independence, stubbornness, and fortitude. She isn’t afraid to shine light on her darkest days and personal struggles, imbuing this memoir with true vulnerability. The writing is authentic and immersive, so whether you love horses or the picturesque Southwest, or simply admire tales […]