Book Reviews | Self-Publishing Review

Review: Brisk Verse by Garrison Keillor

Brisk Verse by Garrison Keillor

The legendary storyteller of Lake Wobegon, Garrison Keillor, shows his inimitable skills once again with Brisk Verse, an acerbic and entertaining collection of inspired poetry. Simultaneously playful and profound, these clever, hopeful, and wide-ranging poems are imbued with perfect comedic timing and smirking irreverence.

As Keillor explains in the book’s foreword, he’s in the “age of gratitude,” meaning that he doesn’t have time to complain or spend his attention dwelling on the evils and pains of the world. For that reason, this collection isn’t driven by heartbreak, grief, existential crises, or loss, apart from the occasional brutal aside: Life […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-07-29T12:43:00+02:00June 18th, 2024|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Poetry Book Reviews|

Review: The Incompetent Hero by Douglas L. Thomas

The Incompetent Hero by Douglas L. Thomas

A parallel worlds fantasy that skillfully blends genres, The Incompetent Hero: Volume 1 by Douglas L. Thomas is a bold opening salvo for a high-octane series.

Summoned along with six other honored heroes to the Kingdom of Aschheim, Echo 1 – a living weapon of war – wakes to find himself with a jewel-encrusted shield stubbornly attached to his arm, and an epic destiny to fulfill. In the face of obliteration by a legion of demons, the First Princess of Aschheim has called on heroes of legend to lead their desperate cause, with the promise of fame and fortune should […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-06-18T12:38:17+02:00June 18th, 2024|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews|

Review: The Black Wall of Silence Part II by George H. Butcher III

The Black Wall of Silence Part II by George Butcher

The second installment of an eye-opening “Nonfiction Horror Story,” The Black Wall of Silence Part II: The Judiciary’s Immorality, Cruelty, and Arrogance About Corruption by George H. Butcher III is another relentless dive into the implicit corruption of America’s federal judiciary, including the very highest levels.

This damning indictment gives evidence for a purported secret judicial code of conduct that is used to protect corrupt judges, and the prime beneficiary of this shadowy umbrella of protection is not just the corruption, but the reputation and outsized control of the broader judiciary itself. Butcher explores in detail how federal district court […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2024-07-26T15:12:47+02:00June 17th, 2024|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Politics Book Reviews|

Review: Beyond the Vows by Alvin Dorsey Jr.

Beyond the Vows by Alvin Dorsey Jr.

Beyond the Vows: Navigating the Depths of Marriage and Divorce by Alvin Dorsey Jr. is an all-embracing guide on marriage and divorce that sheds incisive light on the most private aspects of relationships as they start, develop, and – in some unfortunate cases – come to an end.

Exploring the nuanced emotions that arise in marital relationships, Dorsey offers sympathetic and practical guidance to people of any age, at any stage in their relationship. As Dorsey outlines, marriage is so much more than exchanging vows – there are facets of settling legal paperwork, opening a joint bank account, and other […]

Marina Dora Martino2024-06-17T13:10:36+02:00June 14th, 2024|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Relationships Book Reviews|

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 […]

Jeyran Main2024-07-26T11:58:49+02:00June 13th, 2024|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: LGBTQI+ Book Reviews, Young Adult Book Reviews|

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|