John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

A Conversation with a Radical by Shathani Manako is a uniquely insightful read following a couple’s philosophical journey through love, loyalty, patriotism, and societal upheaval. What begins as a heady philosophical text becomes an unexpected thriller, as the novella’s powerful ideas converge towards a final battle against the powers that be. With this fast-paced novella, Manako has woven an allegorical tale of ideological revolution and personal liberation that can be enjoyed in an afternoon, but will be remembered for far longer.

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An exciting new relationship struggles under the weight of burgeoning sports stardom and long distance in Three in the Key by KC Avalon. This sports romance is a quick and easy read, though it does boast some complex relationship dynamics between Sydney and Jaxon, as well as unexpected twists. However, the dialogue often comes off as unnatural and overly convenient. Variations in the narrative point of view are also inconsistent and opportunities for more lyrical language or rich descriptions are missed. That said, as a harmless bit of steamy fiction, this tale will be sure to please readers eager for […]

Embers: Of a Shrinking Life by Robert Belenky is a well-penned memoir with flashes of humor and the mature voice of a seasoned academic, one who has seen the world and gleaned some wisdom from the decades. From joyful anecdotes of his time in the military to frustrating run-ins with authority as an advocate for at-risk youth, this book is as unpredictable as Belenky’s life. Some sections could be tightened up, but overall this is a charming, thought-provoking, and refreshingly honest memoir, told with a passionate voice that is no way on the wane, as the title might suggest.

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Poet Patrice Jones blends real-life experience and imagination to craft her powerful, non-traditional verse in Gravy, a deeply personal and provocative collection. Most of these pieces are free verse and narrative, touching on classic poetic themes: the struggle for meaningful love, the loss of innocence, familial nostalgia, and childhood longing. However, Jones isn’t afraid to delve into darker issues, such as suicide and abusive relationships, boldly exploring what was once taboo. The work is quite literal, with a fair lack of poetic description, but there is great intention behind the words. Overall, Gravy is an eclectic mix of pain […]