Editorial Reviews

A powerful and philosophic approach to self-improvement, overcoming trauma, and finding new direction after disappointment, Change. Self Heal. One Day It Just Clicks by Minii Begum is the kind of book that everyone needs at some point in their lives. Part self-help book and part spiritual reprogramming guide, the wisdom contained in this read is straightforward, but there is also greater depth and meaning that could take readers years to fully understand their complexity. As is true of the title, there is some awkwardness in the prose, as well as repetitive sentence structures and occasionally redundant or restated ideas. On […]

Digging back through a lifetime to his transformative travels as a young man, author Steve Amoia transports readers to a different age in Sardinian Days and Italian Nights. An impressively detailed look back at the history-drenched Italian landscape and the legendary realm of Sardinia, readers will be able to immerse themselves in the vivid descriptions of the sea, the aromas, the emotions, and much more. A coming-of-age story told from the wisened perspective of hindsight, this travel memoir is self-reflective, but the memories themselves don’t feel edited or embellished. Far more than just a travelogue, Amoia subtly philosophizes on […]

A spiraling thrill from start to finish, The Return of Dragons by R.R. Harper is an imaginative YA adventure that will be a hit with high-fantasy fans. After more than eight centuries, dragons have returned to Narow, sparking chaos and power struggles across the land, as one young man with a magical bond to these legendary beasts begins the search for his destiny. Despite the classic premise, this coming-of-age story is wildly unique, with a creative magical history, richly developed protagonists (and villains), an unpredictable storyline, and a patient storytelling voice. All told, this world-building debut has laid impressive groundwork […]

A touching reflection on family, motherhood, identity, and forgiveness, A Sea for Summer by Shelley Kassian is a tenderly penned exploration of love, and a superb first installment of her Places in the Heart series. Peter and Claire are two stubborn and deeply tangled partners, but the author sets the perfect beachside scene for redemption, recognizable conflict, and thought-provoking conversations that may encourage readers to do more work on their own close relationships. The prose is stylishly straightforward, rarely relying on complex turns of phrase, which not only makes the book a quick and easy read, but also lends the […]

A sprawling, character-driven fantasy novel with an unforgettable new world for readers to get lost inside. High-fantasy fans will not be disappointed with this masterfully imagined realm. The world-building is unique and detailed, and the patient style of storytelling is engrossing, drawing readers ever deeper into the drama. Meticulously written, with unexpected turns of phrase and instantly authentic dialogue, this hefty tome from Conrey is an impressive, immersive, and impeccably penned tale.

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In Simple Book of Reminders for The Youth, author Zakiya Fatin poses thought-provoking questions for young readers, who may be interested in exploring themselves and enhancing their future vision. This collection of 75 reminders, which double as writing prompts, offers to guide readers toward a deeper relationship with their feelings, stressing that many of the answers to our problems lie within ourselves if we are only bold enough to start the conversation in a meaningful and open-minded way. Simple as some of the reminders may be, Fatin’s prompts could generate a daily, weekly, or even lifelong habit of writing […]

In What’s Real, What’s Not, and Somewhere In-Between by Zakiya Fatin, readers are led through a raw and unfiltered collection of advice from an author who understands that a broken heart is very different from a broken spirit. Bouncing authoritatively from advice on when to move on and how to show love, to what red flags to watch for and who to trust with your time, this energetic read is both reflective and inspiring. Most everyone has experienced the struggle of losing someone they love, and while Fatin’s advice is largely directed at women about their experiences with men, there […]

For those who need the occasional nudge of guidance, Book of Reminders: Daily Downloads to Reset Your Mind by Zakiya Fatin is an ideal bedside companion. From the simple bits of wisdom many may have forgotten over the years, to deeper, more thought-provoking musings that will center you on a more truthful path, this well-edited compendium of knowledge is far greater than the sum of its parts. Some of the reminders pose actual questions, along with ample page space for reflection and response, so this seemingly simple book could also inspire a reflective journaling practice. While at first glance these […]