Editorial Reviews

A short story collection cheekily unrelated to its title, Pimping Out My Sister-in-Law by Sheldon Charles is the first volume in a three-part series of well-penned, deeply human stories. From watching characters get lost in their own mutual fantasies to finding patience in the face of familial frustration and anger, these are easy-to-read stories that feel universally relatable in their themes. Sheldon Charles’ ability as a thriller author is well-established, and here he wields casual conversations and emotional reflections as deftly as erotic passages and bursts of conflict in this brief collection, showing that his skill as a short story […]

A thoughtful and meditative collection, Bridges: To There – Poems for the Mind, Body & Spirit by Gary W. Burns is filled with poetry that is both accessible and uplifting. From reflecting on ancient philosophy to reinforcing the powerful depths of love and our capacity for it, Burns’ poems read like stirring mantras – sometimes just a few lines or words long – but they stick with a reader like subtle prayers. Though some of these brief verses could be expanded to be more impactful, or perhaps combined into longer pieces, this collection is nourishing and inspirational for readers who […]

The Road From Breslau by Andrew Peiser is an evocative and important biography about the author’s mother, Marianne, who witnessed the rise of Nazi Germany, the rise of democracy in India, and the ascendence of post-war America, chronicling her resilience and fortitude through some of history’s darkest moments. The book also takes a close look at their family’s ancestors, giving an intimate look at history through the portrait of one family, as Peiser brings to life his family tree with a wealth of pictures, newspaper clippings, archival evidence, and personal anecdotes. Marianne and her family’s epic story is one that […]

An enigmatic thriller oozing with cool, Iris: A Fleeting Tale of Love, Murder and Betrayal offers what it promises in the title, and then some. Chand Svare Ghei’s compelling protagonist, Kenneth Johansen, travels across the globe and into foreign lands, tackling multinational corporations, bent police, and chased by the powers of TIGR who ask questions only a gun can answer – all while saving the lives of those around him. Told with a voice steeped in mysticism and delivered at times with notes of wisdom and at others with soaring and often hilarious rants on life’s vices, this thriller is […]

For anyone who publishes a book and actually wants people to read it, Business Basics for Authors by Hank Quense is a must-read. While the marketing, taxes, profit margins, and business ownership aspects of writing are usually pain points for authors, this book attempts to simplify and streamline the process as much as possible. With a conversational, easily accessible tone and an intuitive flow to the material being presented, this book is comprehensive without being intimidating. There are some redundancies in the text, and occasional informal moments that slightly diminish the author’s expert authority, but as a whole, this quick […]

A novelist with nothing left to live for takes a raunchy and reflective trip down memory lane in The Music of Women by Vincent Panettiere. While the unfiltered mind of a sex-addled protagonist who “loves women too much” may cause some to raise an eyebrow, this novel takes a rough-cut look at gender relations and modern intimacy. Complete with a good amount of linguistic acrobatics and a refreshingly authentic voice, this confessional novel explores memory and sentiment, attempting to bridge the gap between lust, love, and the natural cycles of life. All told, Panettiere delivers a savagely honest inner monologue […]

Sopa de Letras: 148 Juegos Para Niños by Carmen Garcia is a fun and instructive word jumble book in Spanish for kids, teaching a wide array of words and concepts. The book is professionally designed with a huge array of puzzles, but there are occasional misspellings and misuse of accents peppered throughout the book. For example, “aparatos de cucina” appears in a title, which should be “cocina,” or “pintaunas,” which should be “pintauñas.” This will obviously add confusion to finding words in a jumble, if the words themselves are misspelled. However, the book is still a useful educational tool given […]

Author Steve Amoia presents his comprehensive and brutally honest story in My Journey With OCD, tackling the ins and outs of this surprisingly common condition, yet one that remains stigmatized and poorly understood in many circles. Most powerfully, this account examines some of the obstacles – personal, psychological, emotional, and sexual – that keep people from seeking help. Some of the prose could be tightened up or slimmed down with a careful edit, as there are important points that are overshadowed in repetition or circuitous language. However, Amoia lays out the science in a clear and accessible way, supporting […]