SPR’s book reviews of new self-published books
Attempting to clarify the totality of existence through pragmatic and philosophical lessons, this book teaches readers how to think, rather than specifying what to think. Patiently exploring the original verses and themes of the Dao De Jing, from honesty, acceptance, and humility to creativity, ambition, chaos, and ultimate purpose, this text shines a modern light on the […]
Conor McKall is an honorable protagonist – he understands his duty, sticks up for his comrades, and acts courageously in service to his country, but surviving in a war zone takes more than humility, patience, and resilience. As McKall moves up the chain into squad leader, he must navigate the day-to-day trudge of an ever-changing battlefield, including petty challenges to his leadership and explosive […]
Balancing statistical pragmatism against human nature and the alluring dream of winning it all, Copetas’ narrative highlights the dramatic and double-edged power of sudden wealth in America. Told through a blend of anecdotal accounts and academic analyses, this informative read bounces from bank robberies and Lamborghini parades to taxation policies for the poor and the Pandora’s Box of capitalism.
More than a behind-the-scenes peek at some lottery winners […]
From the color-blind struggle of miners and the gruesome history of public hangings to manifested visions of emancipation and the generations of psychic damage enacted on people of color in America, this is a relentless account of prejudice, trauma, and resilience at the dark heart of the American Dream. Interrogating the whitewashed legacy of an oppressed people through the lens of personal anecdotes, historical […]
Adam is a biologist and an entrepreneur with a golden heart who built a successful sanctuary for wild animals. Thanks to his dedication and knowledge, he’s made the shelter into a unique hub for researchers and the community to understand their environment better. His relationship to animals has always been astonishingly profound – when […]
A celebration of resilience, family, and joy in the face of life’s greatest challenges, Unforgettable by David J. Cook is a fearless testament to loyalty and love.
Overcoming heartbreak and tragedy as children, Althea, Gabrielle, and Stephanie are adopted by a gifted couple who devote themselves to raising smart, healthy, and independent daughters. The young women’s lives aren’t always easy, as illness, scandal, and abuse painfully find them, but they perpetually rise above, relying on the strength of their family and community. With life experiences emphasizing numerous overlapping social crises that are raging today, this is a contemporary and nuanced […]
Written through a variety of lenses, from integrity and truth to the concepts of muscle testing and a “level of consciousness” rating, the author dissects the core tenets and texts of Christianity, identifying which elements remain uncorrupted, as well as those that need to be remedied. Peppered with personal anecdotes and powerful opinions, Dorsey presents a passionate argument, albeit one that will ruffle feathers across the religious […]
Starting from Joseph and Mary, Horner-Miller has put together a lovely compendium of personal, religious, and cultural anecdotes around Christmas that serve as a gentle way to transition to that wonderfully busy time of year, nudging our own memories forward, and refreshing our knowledge about this festive occasion. Both personal and informative about the holiday season, the book asks questions like when do people put up their Christmas […]