Editorial Reviews

Impossible standards of beauty and the cruel nature of society are boldly exposed in Binge by Anne Pfeffer, a powerful story about self-image, expectation, and the wounds we ultimately inflict on ourselves. When an aspiring writer is given her long-awaited break, the joy of publication is overshadowed by stress at how the world will see her imperfect and snack-loving self, as opposed to the glamorous characters of her novel. Addressing the patriarchal challenges and overlooked anxieties faced by women around the world, this clever and quippy book initially comes off as light reading, but also deftly critiques dark truths of […]

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.

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A masterful blend of today’s rampant global crises with a strong supernatural undertone, The Proxima Plague by Robert Thornton is a captivating work of paranormal fiction. Dr. Hope Allerd returns for another biological thriller, but this time she’s facing extinction-level stakes, with sinister creatures being released worldwide via a viral outbreak. Eerily familiar in its premise, while keeping the paranormal theme locked to our current reality, the novel never rushes through authentic character expansion and nuanced scene-setting. Mutating between dystopian drama, gritty fantasy, and brutal social commentary, this is a twisting tale of investigation and imagination, and one that wickedly […]

A delightful children’s picture book about a wild tiger named Mike, Michael A. Brown’s Whose Fault? Not Mine! is an engaging story about the significance of accepting responsibility. Mike hunts prey with his friends and discovers that being kind to others is sometimes more important than benefiting yourself – an important message for children that is continually entertaining, given the book’s sweet, vivid illustrations and spirited storyline. The sections where the narrator intrudes on the text might be a bit sophisticated for young children, but author Brown’s endearing humor and illustrator Milan Samadder’s colorful landscapes are charming throughout.

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A stark curation of powerful poetry, Marigold by Cece Ma’moon asks hard questions about heartbreak, and serves as a meditative collection for the countless others who have loved and lost. Though many of these pieces feel centered on abandonment, grief, confusion, and isolation, there are also moments of flickering hope, faith, and curiosity for the future. While the entire book can be read in one sitting, these thoughtful and carefully worded poems are impactful, as the pieces read like mantras or koans, meant to be savored and considered. As both a confessional and a companion in grief, Marigold is deeply […]