SPR’s book reviews of new self-published books
Stainer by Iolanthe Woulff
Though the cover might suggest that this is a political novel, this is a true coming of age novel – […]
Guilt by Bruce W. Perry
Guilt begins as a nice take on the middle-aged man adventure – men who are devoted to their families and careers, but the chances for adventure are fewer and farther between. However, things take a surprisingly dark turn, so the book isn’t a by-rote tale of middle-aged bonding, as the […]
Two Women & Too Many Men by Nancy Orchard
Tennis with God by Brian Cox
Born in Kenya, presaging a life of international wandering, Brian Cox was the son of a US embassy professional, ex-boxer, and tennis addict whose domination resulted in Brian learning the game of tennis early on. He lived in Yemen, Vietnam, and Colombia, and attended college in the US, continuing his interests in tennis and Eastern spirituality. For many years he worked with Dennis Adams, his spiritual advisor and surrogate father. […]
Generous Fruits: A Survey of American Homesteading by Barbara Bamberger Scott
Generous Fruits: A Survey of American Homesteading by Barbara Bamberger Scott is a fascinating history of the homesteading movement, from early settlers in America up to the modern day. Written from a “walked the walk” perspective, Scott shows an obvious passion for her subject, unearthing the challenges, successes, and missteps that American homesteaders have faced over the centuries.
There are a great number of books on homesteading that cover the nuts and bolts of going “off the grid” – how to maintain an organic garden, how to generate electricity, and so on – but few, if any, cover the storied […]
A Generation of Dark: A Prison Notebook by C.F. Villa
Villa asserts that SHUs restrain, control and essentially torture those inmates who demonstrate most resistance. The picture conveyed by Villa of his enforced isolation is extremely depressing, yet he mixes endearing family photographs among the essays, along with poignant recollections of his mother. Remembering his twelve-year-old self, Villa recalls his grandfather who served in World War II, his father who always believed in him, taught […]
1939: The Phantom Zeppelin (Churchill’s Children Book 1) by A.R. Grogan
The Phantom Zeppelin (Churchill’s Children Book 1) by A.R. Grogan is an engaging middle grade historical novel following the exploits of a group of aristocratic children during World War II who work undercover for Winston Churchill. Christopher Finch, the child of a diplomat, is at the story’s center, who becomes one of Churchill’s spies, leading to incredible adventures for the typical 12-year-old boy in this informative and engrossing first book in the series.
The Churchill’s Children series seems very much geared as an historical lesson, while not drowning younger readers in too much detail, and keeps readers engaged by Kit’s […]
The Little Black Book of Human Resources Management by Barry Wolfe
Wolfe has walked the walk – currently serving as Vice President, Human Resources for a consulting firm – and talks the talk expertly. Anyone who has ever worked in a corporate setting will recognize his authoritative voice. He has organized his text with humor and verve, but still manages to be succinct. His advice is personable as well, almost as though he is speaking directly to participants in a […]