Editorial Reviews

A historical novel about four diverse women struggling to survive on the cusp of the 20th century, Carrie Hannah’s Epicenter is a deftly crafted, character-driven epic about fighting against sexism and never giving up. Caitlyn, Liah, Marianna, and One Feather’s stories are each uniquely compelling and all eventually converge in San Francisco, where the 1906 earthquake wreaks havoc in the background, for an intense and dramatic setting. While it’s sometimes painful to see these women treated so brutally, the characters’ perseverance and persistence are inspirational, and the author’s skill with characterization makes this a highly rewarding read.

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A book that simultaneously highlights what makes people unique and what unites us, I Celebrate My Skin by Nonku Kunene Adumetey, with illustrations by Mary K. Biswas, is an inspiring and easy-to-read children’s book focused on identity development. Brightly colored illustrations accompany the bursts of positive prose and inclusive language, making this a vibrant and meaningful addition to any child’s bookshelf. More text would be welcome in the middle section of the book, but the activities at the end of the book are engaging and thought-provoking. Boasting modern illustrations and timely themes of acceptance and cross-cultural sensitivity, Adumetey has crafted […]

A timely screenplay about environmental destruction, Russ Brandon’s Holy Smoke: Trapped by Hellfire is a fictionalized story about real fires that struck Yellowstone in 1988. A group of skilled rangers and firefighters battle the blaze while trying to save park visitors from the rapidly spreading inferno, for a story that is at once character-driven and action-packed. Scene descriptions are a bit wordy for a screenplay, and some characters come off more like caricatures than real people, given its historical basis, but Holy Smoke is an affecting tale about both the power of nature and human perseverance, which is relevant now […]

A riff on Orwell’s 1984 from the other side of the political spectrum, David T. Hejna’s Utopia Café is a compelling, though slanted dystopian satire, following a couple living under a repressive socialist regime. Tom, a prominent young party affiliate, and Izzy, a member of the underground resistance movement, will have to work together if they want to improve their circumstances and change society for the better. Some of Hejna’s one-to-one satirical comparisons don’t always ring true, and seem more like political commentary, but this novel will likely appeal to those on one side of the political divide, who agree […]

An educational, relatable, and encouraging children’s book, Ask Uncle Neil: Why Is My Hair Curly? by Neil Thompson is a vital read for any child striving to better understand their identity. Exploring some of the possible reasons why those of African descent have curlier hair, this vivid and informative book also touches on the scientific process and self-confidence, in addition to splashes of lighthearted humor. Though some of the prose is overly wordy for a children’s book, the core message is strong and empowering for young readers, and will spur discussion with parents.

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Author Zinet Kemal delves into a cross-cultural teaching moment for school-age kids with her new book Proud in Her Hijab, a relatable tale of pride and identity. After overhearing her fellow students making jokes about what was hiding beneath her hijab, Iman returns to her family in tears. However, an enlightening lesson from the women in her family send her back to school with renewed pride in her culture and faith, for a timely tale of open communication. The summary of themes at the end of the book is a good review for younger readers, and offers a chance […]

A thought-provoking work of visionary fiction, Heaven or Hell? by Samuel Ludke takes readers into a literary purgatory where a man must make heartbreaking choices. A Civil War soldier fleeing the violence of war finds himself at death’s door, and the door of a mysterious church, where his eternal fate can finally be decided. In this extended and philosophical metaphor, the author plays delicately with the ideas of death, memory, responsibility, and redemption, while also creating an engaging narrative that rarely feels preachy. Some scenes and ideas are compressed or rushed, and could be expanded beyond a novella, but this […]

A moving historical novel about the tumultuous late 60s, All You Need by Sheela Word is a vivid portrait of the time with a timeless thread about coming to terms with the past. Twelve-year-old Terry Morales goes to stay with her estranged father at a remote Oregon commune, and only expects to live with her dad temporarily, but when a tragedy strikes, she must figure out how to persevere in the face of an abusive caregiver. Sometimes All You Need gets bogged down in unnecessary details, but overall it is an emotive novel about navigating adolescence during a time of […]