Book Reviews | Self-Publishing Review

Review: Ugly by Kelly Vincent

Ugly by Kelly Vincent

A raw and poignant exploration of a teenager’s quest for identity, Ugly by Kelly Vincent is a potent study of the harsh realities of high school social hierarchies and personal uncertainties.

At the heart of this contemporary YA novel is Nicole Summers, a fifteen-year-old from a small Oklahoma town who becomes the embodiment of anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or misplaced. Nicole, or Nic as she prefers, is not your typical high school protagonist – overweight and often cruelly labeled as an “ugly lesbian” despite her interest in boys, Nic’s challenges are compounded by her best and only friend […]

Review: Uglier by Kelly Vincent

Uglier by Kelly Vincent

In Uglier, Kelly Vincent captures the poignant journey of Nic Summers, a 16-year-old artist who dares to navigate the tumultuous waters of identity and acceptance in a new environment. As the second installment in Vincent’s powerful YA series, the novel not only continues the narrative of growth and self-discovery, but also deepens the exploration of pressing social issues faced by those who defy traditional gender norms.

Vincent’s protagonist, Nic, leaves the stifling confines of a small town in Oklahoma for a seemingly progressive private academy in suburban Oklahoma City. Nic’s expectations soar as she yearns for artistic growth and […]

Jeyran Main2024-07-25T12:04:16+02:00June 13th, 2024|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: LGBTQI+ Book Reviews, Young Adult Book Reviews|

Review: Fireside Reflections by Alan Dahl

Fireside Reflections by Alan Dahl

A neatly woven memoir of stories, lessons, and time-tested insight, Fireside Reflections: A Papa’s Lessons for a Successful Life by Alan Dahl is a touching portrait of a life well-lived.

Through detailed recollections and well-organized advice, the author captures his own life story and weaves it together with sage wisdom for his beloved family to remember when he’s gone. From philosophical musings about what lies beneath the surface via a fishing trip to finding a healthy balance of work and play as a distracted Scouts chaperone, Dahl imbues his tales with humble self-knowledge and honest reflection.

These stories may be […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-07-24T11:07:38+02:00June 11th, 2024|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Memoir Book Reviews|

Review: The Wounded Turtle by Michèle Halpern, Illustrated by Martyna Nejman

The Wounded Turtle by Michèle Halpern, Illustrated by Martyna Nejman

A poignant narrative that seamlessly weaves themes of resilience, community, and the imperatives of healing and recovery, The Wounded Turtle by Michèle Halpern with illustrations by Martyna Nejman is a charming read for all ages. Told through the allegorical journey of an injured turtle, the book captures the essence of vulnerability and the power of perseverance over hardship.

At the heart of the story is a nurturing turtle who is characterized by her dedication to aiding those in distress, a testament to the book’s exploration of empathy and service. When the turtle becomes the one in need after a devastating […]

SPR2024-06-05T19:05:35+02:00June 5th, 2024|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Children's Book Reviews|

Review: Winning at Leading by Ronica Watkins, PhD

Winning at Leading: Women in Leadership by Ronica Watkins

An outspoken, hands-on guide for women starting a journey to positions of authority, Winning at Leading: Women in Leadership – The Power of SHE by Ronica Watkins, PhD is an essential roadmap for women in all work positions to achieve their goals, whether they want to achieve a promotion, lead a group of volunteers, or handle family issues more efficiently.

Drawing from her extensive experience in positions of responsibility, Watkins offers the kind of know-how that is useful to tackle everyday challenges, while also helping readers to reframe their life and career in the long term. What Watkins offers is […]

Marina Dora Martino2024-07-11T18:34:46+02:00June 3rd, 2024|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Leadership Book Reviews|

Review: Rem’s Chance by Dave J. Andrae

Rem's Chance by Dave J. Andrae

Capturing the quiet struggle of a resilient generation with scathing wit and emotional depth, Rem’s Chance by Dave J. Andrae is a sardonic portrait of a generation.

A washed-up musician plagued by worst-case-scenario thinking rediscovers an almost forgotten passion when he embarks on a quest to uncover the past. After serendipitously running into an old bandmate in the midst of a tragedy, Remy Bruxvoort is catapulted back into the memories of his rock ‘n’ roll youth with Gene and Dusty, the other members of The Bubbling Samovars.

Setting aside his daunting ambition of writing a novel, and the painful stress […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-07-05T17:58:36+02:00May 30th, 2024|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Contemporary Fiction Book Reviews, Music Book Reviews|

Review: Base Oasis by Jack Dunsmoor

Base Oasis by Jack Dunsmoor

A compelling and lesson-laden memoir that echoes with wisdom, Base Oasis: Finding My Way Home Again! by Jack Dunsmoor is a raw and unflinching collection of essays.

From youthful confusion over his absent father and empathy for those mistreated by vicious societal systems to secret UFO sightings and casual violations of child labor laws, this is a rich and detailed memoir of a truly remarkable life. These forty essays delve into broadly relatable experiences of growing up and making mistakes, outsmarting bullies, managing mental health as an awkward teenager, lifelong struggles with self-esteem, finding a sense of belonging and purpose, […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-07-01T17:03:21+02:00May 30th, 2024|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Memoir Book Reviews|

Review: The Saga of the True: One by M.L. Frey

The Saga of the True: One by M.L. Frey

An eternally changing castle, a noble race with an immortal legacy, and sinister forces of genocidal destruction make The Saga of the True: One by M.L. Frey an inspired work of fantasy.

Five centuries ago, humanity cycled through yet another horrific collapse and were nearly eradicated by the forces of the undead arising to obliterate the living. However, it may be the last time such a rebirth is necessary, as an age-old prophecy could finally be fulfilled when the last immortal member of an alien race called the True defeats his banished brethren and returns the planet to an era […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-06-26T12:22:30+02:00May 28th, 2024|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews|