John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

An insightful and challenging piece of exploratory prose, Exalted Infidel by David Colin explores the complexity of mankind through naturalistic observation. Celebrating and dissecting the diverse range of culture, religion, and beliefs across a swath of African nations, this epically penned road novella takes readers on an eye-opening philosophical journey. Though the content is rich with experience and research, the execution occasionally feels rushed, while the language is sometimes overly academic. The prose is engrossing overall, but can be weighed down by creative syntax, a plethora of adverbs, and some convoluted descriptions that aim to elevate the tone at the […]

A deeply personal and revealing work of memoir and self-help, I Loved an Alcoholic but Hated the Drinking: 11 Essential Strategies to Survive Codependency and Live in Recovery with Self-Love by Grace W. Wroldson is a raw and insightful guide for readers who might be suffering through their own relationship, substance misuse, or codependency issues. Offering key strategies borne of the author’s own struggle with a serious drinker, Wroldson’s multifaceted approach is comprised of self-assessment tools, vulnerable poetry, anecdotal advice, powerful quotes, and a genuine desire to help others through the darkness of supporting a loved one with addiction. The […]

A steamy, complex, and empowering read from Pax Sinclair, Queen Bee is the fifth and final installment of the author’s romance-soaked Love@Work series. As Nina navigates the world of corporate success, family drama, and casual lovers on her own independent terms, she also wrestles with confusing desires from the past and lucrative temptations on every side. Sinclair explores a broad variety of relationships with an authentic pen, from supportive siblings and flirtatious best friends to oppressive parents and questionable professional interactions. The writing occasionally leads the reader, while other scenes feel rushed, but it’s a wholly satisfying work of romance […]

A colorful and unique celebration of multi-disciplinary art, Artwords by Beatriz Robles is a collection of found poetry, calligrams, photographs, artistic reflections and so much more. From poems and household item canvases to hand-drawn confessions and Warhol-esque crafting, there is endless imagination on display, while the paired writing cannot be overlooked. The book is filled with vulnerable stories and illustrated verses, examining everything from youthful femininity and childish expectations to eroticism, music, natural beauty, and unity. Undeniably original, this collection reveals an impressive selection of Robles’ vivid work, which defies categorization but demands attention.

 […]