SPR’s book reviews of new self-published books
After more than a century in power, the United States has fallen from grace on the world stage, the natural conclusion of political bickering and deep social divides. China has simultaneously been on a meteoric rise to power for the past three decades, leading the world in green energy development, production and manufacturing, trade, patent technologies, GDP growth, and much more.
Despite China’s […]
Chris Crutcher is navigating a messy divorce, fighting for custody, and trying to do what’s right for his autistic son, Tommy, who wants to be with his beloved chimpanzees at the San Francisco Zoo. The chimps are very special to Tommy – he finds them to be kindred spirits, and they help alleviate his pain. Even though they are unable to communicate, the relationship between Tommy and the chimps is brought to life tenderly with great sympathy and emotion.
Told […]
Attempting to find some normalcy in a seemingly normal town, Charlotte settles in and even begins to trust again, despite the occasional sense of eeriness she feels in her new home. Little does she know that her arrival has set off a cascade of horror that has been brewing for generations – fueled by a sinister power that has been […]
Part One, “Getting Help,” recounts Bossarte’s extensive exploration of individual and group therapies, giving a comprehensive overview of what to expect. “Embracing Joy” recalls her emotional and physical outlets: exercise, yoga, creative writing, and photography. “Figuring It Out and Moving On” explores the thorny issues of how and with whom she chose to share her traumatic experiences, and strategies for […]
An unfiltered glimpse into the minds, struggles, failures, and joys of frontline workers who have faced Covid-19 across the world, Covid Chronicles by Dr. Therese Zink is a compassionate and eye-opening collection of real-life stories about the current moment.
From a methodical exploration of PPE and the physical discomforts of a hospital battlefield, to the desperation of group home caretakers and the systemic racism that reared its head so often during this pandemic, these stories are remarkably engaging. Based on a series of interviews, there are lighthearted moments of resilience between overworked doctors, as well as painful introductions to […]
In this noir drama set in the 1940s, Taylor is the gruff and grumbling protagonist with a knack for getting in over his head, and falling into bed with mysterious women. The plot moves almost as fast as the whip-smart conversations and one-liners, while the hotel setting, where much of the action takes place, comes to life through subtle descriptions and immersive narration.
While there is something nostalgic […]
Rebecca Bapaye has beautifully envisioned a world drenched in magic, dark history, and epic quests with Legacy of Flame, her impressively detailed debut fantasy novel.
In this exciting and expansive new fantasy realm, romance, violence, betrayal, and power collide in a fast-moving, character-driven story, which boasts a creative magical scope that will enthrall old-school fantasy lovers. Elia is a richly imagined protagonist, an ice queen who is anything but a damsel in distress, and is given as much character depth as Syllian, her fire priest antagonist.
While readers will recognize certain themes and tropes from high fantasy, there are […]
From the war-torn streets of Afghanistan during the largest explosion to ever rock that country, to the cruel power struggles of the author’s matriarchal family, this confessional memoir peels back the ugly curtain of experience to distill wisdom and insight for readers willing to take such a recollective dive. The context of the story – riffing and unloading demons to a stranger […]