Through his own experiences with foster children, generations of students, and other assorted teenagers coming in and out of his life – some with significant challenges and unfair amounts of baggage – Slaymaker has constructed a succinct catalogue of lessons learned. The chapter framing is intriguing, laying out both the common errors and more effective strategies as binaries – rather than acting purely as a “how-to” book, it […]
A catastrophic spiral of human folly and unflinching perseverance, Of Starlight and Plague by Beth Hersant is a stunning cautionary tale, and an engrossing dystopian thriller. Whether you’re a lover of zombie fiction or a sucker for stories about genetic engineering, this novel is a slow-burning but riveting ride.
After an impossible-to-predict tragedy robs him of his daughter, shortly after losing his wife, Dr. Aaron Pickman turns a corner in his life. Fueled by grief, he dedicates his life to finding a cure for rabies, the rare culprit in his daughter’s case, while also possibly revolutionizing drug-delivery techniques to the […]
Tragedy, greed, desire and freedom collide in Lilly of the Mountains by D.L. Yoder, a 1940s period novel of Colorado homestead life and the sweet satisfaction of self-discovery.
The fearless widow at the heart of this story is unrelenting in her quest for independence and true liberation – from money, from men, and from societal expectations. The forces that conspire to control her, woo her, or continue the patriarchal reign of her recent years, are no match for the cleverness and sheer will that this entrancing protagonist brings to every scene.
From the gossipy nature of small mountain towns to […]
Unlikely heroes rise to counter the encroaching tide of a world shattered by idolatry, greed, fear, and blight in As Vaan Made Us by Jonathan Sobe. This uncertain, dystopian future is richly detailed – a carnival-mirror reflection of today’s petty squabbles and increasingly inevitable collapse. Thick with themes of salvation, redemption, and liberation, the book offers sharp social critiques and an undeniably dark escape into a borderless, barely recognizable world. Though some light proofreading would clear up a few sloppy errors, the prose buzzes with confidence and prophecy, supporting a spiraling narrative that is both suspenseful and addictive.
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Encouraging readers to embark on a spiritual journey and cultivate a personal relationship with the universe, Soulwork by Elizabeth Radcliffe is a mind-expanding introduction to spiritual development. Patiently expounding on the need for and benefits of soul work, the common obstacles one will face, and practical approaches for your own efforts, this book is both nuanced and universal. Philosophy, dogma, theory, and anecdotal experience blend in a heady and inspiring read that evokes confidence without arrogance, and is compelling without proselytizing. Radcliffe has struck a balance that so many self-help and spiritual advisors miss, which makes this guide a true […]
A tale of faith, redemption, and resurrection, Heavenly by Thomas Duffy is an inspiring parable of our time, one of desire, connection, and sacrifice.
After the “Big Guy” gives him a do-over, John comes back to the land of the living in a new form, Peter, who moves through this second life, navigating many of the common pitfalls of childhood and adulthood. However, when his second chance becomes entangled with the people from his previous life, the existential questions become all the more complex and intriguing.
Tapping into storytelling tropes of “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “A Christmas Carol,” this […]
Introducing cartoonishly out-of-this-world villains and navigating the beautiful puzzles of LGBT love, Athens Ophelia The Partitioner: Dusk by Zachary Aneiress is a bold, uncompromising, and inspiring YA read. In this fifth installment of Aneiress’ series, the new-age mythological hero must once again balance between the dramatic trials of teenage life and the shadowy threats he and his crew of quick-witted comrades must face down. While the rapid-fire storytelling is engaging, the prose is peppered with easily fixable errors, incomplete or unclear sentences, tense disagreements, and unnatural syntax that regularly interrupts the reading experience. The thematic choices are timely, the plot […]
Women: Down Through the Ages by Jerry Schaefer is a sweeping, millennia-spanning study of how women have been categorically, intentionally, and cruelly excluded as equals in society. Whereas women were once revered as life bringers, worshipped as goddesses, and deferred to in matters of leadership, which drastically changed over the course of the past 2,500 years, this book outlines how and why that evolutionary regression took place.
In a raw and brutally honest historical review, Schaefer addresses a laundry list of areas where women have been forbidden from progress – from religious customs that have metastasized to define social and […]