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Streitz dives into an impressive and expansive range of topics, tackling them head-on rather than tiptoeing around them as most normally do. In the process, audiences get to reflect on how they interact with their own lives and the stimuli they are constantly surrounded by. Above all else, however, it is the poet’s ability to use language, particularly metaphor, imagery, and satire, to create a remarkably relatable and universal connection with his readers. ... (read more)

Award-winning author Baltazzi has constructed an energizing treatise focused on the search for and acquisition of the experience of happiness, extracting it from what may sometimes seem like an impossibly complex morass of personal and societal restraints through her well-considered methodology. Based on her background as a noted television producer and director with the long-running and highly successful series Survivor , and drawing from perceptions of a multitude of realms—spiritual, social, and practical—she postulates eight core values needed for the process of attaining happiness: faith, love, health, gratitude, forgiveness, peace, detachment, and abundance. Each of these qualities, referred to collectively as “Happiness Essentials,” is explored using certain terms derived from the author’s background in cinematography. ... (read more)

Personal Dram a

Ella and her husband, Cole, buy a few properties in Kansas City's inner city, including an apartment building. They have a dream to fix up run-down neighborhoods and provide comfortable, affordable housing to both Caucasians and African Americans. Ella does most of the management of the properties as Cole is often away. This gives her the opportunity to relate to a variety of people in the area, from crooks to cops, druggies to housewives. She makes some friends, but not everyone in the area is happy with the new residents. During their time in Kansas City, the couple see their friend in the police department arrest a serial rapist and cross paths with a mobster running a gambling ring. Ella’s vision of an inner-city utopia is much more difficult than she imagined. ... (read more)

Children Thinking

Most children adore a good animal story. This one will likely be fought over if there is only one copy on the home, school, or public library shelf. This true tale of a rescued baby otter shares concepts of kindness, hope, healing, and the life cycle. ... (read more)

Daily Trials

While the book begins with the murder of Professor Johnny Wharton, the murder itself is almost superfluous to this brilliantly written novel of intrigue that is primarily set in the mid-1980s. It explores the lives of five women. Four of the women are connected to Wharton, while the fifth becomes an integral part of the book later in the story. These four women include the following: Wharton's wife, Liz, who is an accountant and who volunteers at a dog rescue; their estranged and troubled daughter, Jenny; his grad student Jane (with whom he’s having an affair); and his closeted lesbian coworker, Maddie, who he holds in disdain, and who is the lover of Roz, the fifth woman. The book takes readers through the lives of these women, from the joy and beauty of existence to the trials and tribulations of daily life. ... (read more)

Transcendent Tone

Divided into three movements to mimic an actual concerto, this book’s poems create a representation of the human emotional experience that makes its complexities accessible. Poems like “Early in Morning in Bethesda” examine a relationship’s tenderest moments. “Little Box” embraces an experimental form that is both peaceful and chaotic. “Grief at Full Moon” captures where loss compounds one’s interactions with not only the physical world but also the emotional one, and the memory of a loved one becomes a haunting force that controls one’s being. In other poems, the sanctity of nature becomes a healing, cleansing entity, while “the first grace of snow” offers a turning point in the speaker’s grief cycle. Fueling the musicality inherent in these poems are the experimental structures of lines and stanzas that form a concerto unlike any other. ... (read more)

Masterful Storyteller

This third book in Cannon’s enjoyable fantasy series continues the saga of Sillik. Having returned home to Illicia, “the most powerful and wealthy city in the land,” to learn of his father’s death, he becomes king. With his wife, Renee, by his side, Sillik surrounds himself with trusted advisors. The city is attacked by dragons and the horrible Schula—“green-skinned, long-tusked creatures.” As it becomes clear that the dragons and Schula are attacking other cities, war seems imminent. The Seven Gods and Illicia are pitted against the nine dark forces, which include the formidable gods Mind Breaker and Soulcrusher. As the two factions move toward war, it becomes clear that Sillik and his people will need to harness all their magical powers if they are to defeat the Nine. Will they succeed, or will all be lost in the final battle? ... (read more)

Kind-Hearted Soul

Young Emmeline dreams of becoming a veterinarian or a biologist in the future. She is inspired by her father, who works as a naturalist and travels all over the world. When she convinces him to let her meet up with him on an expedition to the Falkland Islands, Emmeline travels on the Maria Christina , where she becomes friends with a crew member’s son named Demetrio. Disaster strikes when the boat comes under attack and sinks, leaving Emmeline alone when she washes up in the strange land of Pletonia. But she soon makes friends with many of its inhabitants, learning it is natural for them to get reincarnated as various animals. Further, during her journey to visit its rulers, Emmeline discovers that she has personal ties to this fantastical land. However, Pletonia comes under attack by the exiled Valdrimos Pish, who unleashes creatures that kill and stop the reincarnation process. Emmeline and her new friends must work together to find solutions to the crisis. ... (read more)

Mesmeric Drama

Set amid the rustic landscape of Iceland, this tale explores our humanity and the ever-lingering mysteries that confound us with matters of life and death. Sixty-seven-year-old billionaire Daniel “Big Deal Dan” Pallson returns to his native homeland to promote his new proposed luxury hotel and fishing resort. Daniel’s younger brother, Jon, is among the protesters of the resort, with their differences pitting brother against brother in an icy confrontation. Shortly afterward, Daniel suffers a cardiac arrest that nearly kills him. As a result, Daniel is sent to stay with Jon at their 1940s farm, where they both grew up and where Jon now lives with his wife, Anna. The already rocky familial relationships stir up old resentments, especially when Daniel’s ex-wife, Doris, arrives and agrees to stay with them, too, trapping Daniel into an uncomfortable and inescapable situation. ... (read more)

Myths & Magic

Prince Khael Stratton is a mystic who seeks to deepen his knowledge of such arts to help those in need. Following a mission, he reports to the city of Cambridge—ruled over by his brother—and has a close encounter with a pickpocket who steals his signet ring. Alongside his bodyguard, Grant, the prince manages to track down the young woman, Vixen, who suffers from a foggy memory while demonstrating a great talent for skills associated with assassins. Prince Khael finds it an odd happenstance in a time when a terrorist group known as the Chelevkori are making active attempts to eliminate the royal family for a perceived wrongdoing by his grandfather, Loren, and it is further compounded by reports that tyrannical rule has seized the city of Skemmelsham over which he rules. Prince Khael forges a contract with Vixen, and with Grant, they go on a journey to liberate the city. ... (read more)

Cast of Characters

The relationships between instructors working in a dysfunctional sociology department at a fictional Florida university in the late 1980s are realistically explored in this novella by educator McNeill. While many workplaces, whether in government, the private for-profit sector, or even non-profit organizations, have these ego-driven, ideological clashes that create a hostile environment for some employees but provide unfair advantages to others, this story reveals the particular problems that arise in academic settings, and in this case, with dramatic, destructive results. The drama is also a cautionary tale determined by various departmental cliques that disregard the warning signs of trouble ahead for not only department faculty but for the entire university and the outside community as well. ... (read more)

Everlasting Soul

Stories harbor the potential to stand the test of time, carrying over from generation to generation. In Harry’s work, themes of scripture are transposed onto a fictional canvas that gives audiences a unique vantage point of many biblical elements, with a particular emphasis on the end times. The Lord’s sacrifices for mankind, despite the darkest of sins committed unto him, are brought into the light through this narrative. More importantly, the work is about restoring peace, balance, and love, shattering the subverted agendas of humans who wear the guise of peacekeepers while only looking out for themselves. ... (read more)

The book opens with a bold declaration that all forms of perfectionism are unhealthy. Collins and Molitor denounce the concept of “normal” perfectionists who are more productive and achieve greater success. As perfection is inherently unattainable, its pursuit is an inevitable path to frustration, which adversely affects mental and physical health, relationships, creativity, and productivity. Inspired by Kintsugi—the Japanese art and philosophy of “golden repair”—the authors advocate rejecting perfectionism and adopting the “Flawsomism” mindset of celebrating imperfection, striving for excellence, and embracing failure as an opportunity for growth. ... (read more)

Juhani Murros made an unexpected discovery during his visits to art galleries when he worked for an organization in Ho Chi Minh City in 1990. A small still life in an unobtrusive gallery commanded the Finnish physician’s attention. “It was an unpretentious oil painting, yet its dark, mysterious colors and the emotional tension of its disciplined composition set it apart.” Thus began a long journey of discovering the art and life of Van Den, a frugal and kind Buddhist of mixed Chinese and Vietnamese ancestry who studied in Paris for less than two years during 1950-52, a volatile period during the first French Indochina War. ... (read more)

Clear Philosophy

The free will debate has raged for over 2,000 years. Do individuals have control over their own actions and decisions, or are these actions and decisions predetermined by the gods, logic, nature or nurture, or many other forms of determinism? In this new work by Kral, he takes the reader on an intellectual journey that attempts to provide an alternative to the free will question. Upon initial inspection, the question, at its heart, seems to imply either a yes or no with explanations while excluding other answers. However, Kral manages to create a compelling third option, which posits that the question itself is flawed. He argues that “will” cannot be considered free or not free. His reasoning breaks down what the word means in the context of this question, and his results lead him to create an additional theory about the source of human behavior. which he has titled procirclism. ... (read more)

Jazzy & Gritty

This collection by Streitz is the first of four Bar Bibles of Poetry authored by him. In this volume, his attention falls on subjects ranging from bartenders to civil rights leaders, E.D. to selfies. Several poems deal with sex and love, from the lofty heights of romanticism to the street level of strippers and masturbation. He spends time on drunk writers hiding in their homes, dancers who should have been writers, beetles rolling balls of dung, and fathers who find themselves protective and uncomfortable. ... (read more)

Delightful Read

This work is an experience unto itself, one that takes traditional elements of fantasy and plants them into the modern world with supremely original results. Character-driven at its core, Carr’s work follows Trista, an orphan tunnel dweller who calls the depths of the New York subway tunnels her home. In every way, this is a classic coming-of-age story. The book revolves around a protagonist who recognizes that she is different but refuses the call and seeks to conform, to be ordinary, and to fit in. However, she must throw caution to the wind and erupt from her comfort zone or risk losing everything she holds dear. ... (read more)

Vivid Imagery

Caroline (CiCi) Marcum grew up in Wellfleet, Massachusetts, a fishing village on Cape Cod. She graduated high school, attended college, became a teacher, and married. But a tragic accident forever changed the course of CiCi’s life, and she fled to Chicago. Six years later, Caroline finds herself back in Wellfleet carrying for her ailing mother. Lonely and grieving, she reconnects with fellow Cape native Ridley Neal, a fourth-generation fisherman who inherited his father’s sea farm. While Rid is sympathetic to Caroline’s plight, he is embroiled in a legal battle to save his livelihood and cannot provide the emotional support CiCi so desperately needs. ... (read more)

Transformation

Fred counts on his dad when his inability to keep a job and keep his weight in check causes conflict with his mom and sister. When Fredق│└s dad dies and his sister (his primary income buffer) moves away, Fred and his mom are on their own until Fredق│└s wrestling champion girlfriend, Mary Ellen, arrives, giving Fred the boost he needs to defend himself, literally and figuratively. ... (read more)

Within this poetry collection, Australian writer Rodden has arranged forty-one contemporary poems reflecting both urban and rural experiences. Within the first selection, the poem’s speaker is driven to “make for the trees,” an attempt to avoid indoor offices where everyone else seems to be. There arise suddenly throughout these poems vivacious, invigorating lines, such as “In the library I try and try / to cram in all the poets and storytellers ….” Other poems tell of the writer’s experiences working among crews fighting bushfires in the wild. And some selections—such as the slightly eccentric, dry-humored “dead chicken-meat day”—paint a rather zany picture in which “the sign says / two skinned chickens for 6 dollars” as the speaker finds herself panting past KFC en route to work. In “The Loaded Dog,” a rustic pub sporting “Depression swaggy” photographs of “romantic gold miners / in classic beards” offers Devil’s Choice beer—with raspberries. ... (read more)

Textured & Memorable

A jilted lover kills herself after learning that she can’t have the man she desires most. A target of bullies is granted magical powers to seek revenge from a strange, otherworldly entity. The angel of death watches in the wings, taking interest in order to stop a terrible and inevitable fate. An invading force known as The Loons is coming to consume and extinguish the Earth across all dimensions. All of these happenings intertwine and knot together to create an action-packed story of death, rebirth, identity, and destiny, with all of humanity hanging in the balance. ... (read more)

History Alive

Even before stories were written, they were passed along from generation to generation, standing the test of time. Story is central to Romanowski’s memoir, one that delves deep into her Italian roots, how they’ve intersected and fused with American life, and the indelible impact family has had on her own life—and she on theirs. Through prose and poetry, the author meticulously and gracefully guides readers through her family genealogy, zeroing in on one particular figure, her grandfather, who unquestionably has the most profound impact on her worldview. ... (read more)

Cross-Country

If it takes twenty-one days to break a habit, then it certainly takes thirty-four to change a life. In Mortensen’s memoir, he simultaneously dazzles with his wit and inspires with an authentic portrayal of his journey biking from Minnesota to California. This isn’t a ride to glory by any stretch. On the contrary, it is one that provokes the human spirit, impelling both Mortensen and those who read it to dig into the innermost recesses of their being and pull out an unquenchable fire for life. ... (read more)

Compromising Situations

The assignment a rich man gives private investigator Brig Ellis is straightforward enough: intercept the last of a set of twelve historic palomino horse sculptures that he’s collecting during a prearranged hand-off. The apparent ease, though, understates the challenges Ellis encounters, such as the rich man’s sexy daughter, a string of deaths in San Diego and Mexico, and the rich man’s cagey employee. Beyond obtaining the miniature statue, the real test is of Ellis’ character. ... (read more)

Wide-Ranging

At our root, we are all derivatives of atoms, part and parcel of a universal, cosmic story formulated by all the stories that make mankind what it is today. No one is left behind as remnants of the past are fused into the present and the present to the future, an intricate tapestry of atomic history that came to define Earth as a “star-crossed planet,” in the author’s words. In Toliver’s collection of tales, a profound sentiment is expressed with refreshing simplicity: from sunrise and sunsets to the moon hanging over a mountain, all things, even the most minute and seemingly meaningless, are energy-driven reminders of “the place of our species.” ... (read more)

Brevity & Reflection

In Ireland’s latest collection of poems, thoughts and emotions are expressed by location. Leaves both falling and underfoot on a path in the woods place the narrator between life and death. A green and brown leaf located side by side characterize the tired narrator and his old but spry mother walking next to one another. The woods are described by the perspicacious narrator as a metropolis that is bustling and, at times, overwhelming. ... (read more)

Finding Truth

Long-time friends Thomas Pettigrew and Flinders Petrie run a detective agency together. Lately, their business has not thrived, so they have taken on second jobs to supplement their income. Pettigrew works as a physician, while Flinders is a curator at the British Museum. E.A. Wallis Budge, the head curator of the British Museum, hires Pettigrew and Flinders to find a small statue of Aphrodite that has been stolen from the Elgin Collection. Normally, Budge would have sought out the missing artifact, but he is swamped and wants the duo to take on the task. Pettigrew and Flinders accept the job, but as they delve deeper into the investigation, the case becomes increasingly dangerous. ... (read more)

Cohesion & Conflict

Readers enter this tale on the cusp of deep change in Montauk as the traditional fisherman’s life is in jeopardy, and many residents contemplate the hard choices they must make to create balanced new lives. Clancy, a New Yorker who once enjoyed Montauk during his family-deprived childhood, revisits the peninsula. He rediscovers Otto, the man who mentored him in a program for disadvantaged orphans. This places Clancy in conflict with Theresa, Otto’s estranged daughter, who resented the boy during her childhood. She feels doubly betrayed in adulthood by her father after he cheated on and divorced her mother. Unfortunately, Otto is ill and soon passes away, leaving his legacy to Clancy because Theresa refuses to reconcile with her father or to receive any property. Clancy must balance sorting out Otto’s wishes and gaining Theresa’s trust while navigating Montauk’s social order and the community’s challenges with climate, housing, and open space. ... (read more)

Suffer the Child

Actress, playwright, and composer Marylee Martin examines the hidden, long-term effects of childhood covert sexual abuse in this award-winning themed memoir. Covert abuse, while solely verbal and mental rather than physical, is a less dramatic but equally damaging form of sexual abuse and is sadly common in all cultures and at every level of society. Children who escape ongoing sexual molestation or more violent forms of physical abuse still struggle in their adult lives and experience similar symptoms of confusion, uncertainty, anxiety, and depression—reactions familiar to victims of overt, hands-on sexual abuse. ... (read more)

Polarizing Issues

While Cossette acknowledges from the outset that his work is rooted in his opinion of the United States’ impending political downfall, it is undeniably an impassioned plea for the nation to examine itself, look in the mirror, and see the swift transformation of the country’s politics for what it is. Though the author’s stance is unquestionable, the intrigue and validity of his thoughts lie in his ability to emphasize the importance of setting aside differences and focusing on the greater good. He suggests that the very integrity of the U.S. Constitution is at stake, being threatened unceasingly by radical beliefs that are determined to uproot the values, morals, and ambitions that have become the bedrock of the American way. ... (read more)

A Christian Apologist

Author Hakanson explores in depth the many rational paths to religious belief, specifically focusing on the wisdom of the Holy Bible. Many people question scripture and God’s very existence and role in the creation of the universe, the earth, and all contained therein. One of the many analogies presented here concerns “the wind”: one can feel it and even predict its results, but one can never see it. Using such lively imagery combined with much erudite material, the treatise seeks to offer Christians a sense of the rightness of defending their beliefs. ... (read more)

Set against the backdrop of Vladimir Putin’s grab for power in Russia and a rash of global terrorist attacks in the late twentieth century, the novel delves into the complex world of covert counterterrorism. At the age of six, Maxym (Max) Mikhailovich Ivanov suffers an unbearable loss when his parents are killed and ten-year-old sister brutally raped and murdered by religious extremists. Escaping the cruel fate of his family, Max hides in a cupboard. He is rescued by the Russian army after being discovered by a Russian soldier, Leonid. The desire for revenge ignites in young Max after seeing the brutalized bodies of his family. Vowing to his rescuers to kill as many of these terrorists as possible, Max, at the young age of six, begins with those who murdered his family. Praised for his execution of the captured terrorists, Max is admired by the soldiers and given a home with Leonid. ... (read more)

Engaging & Thoughtful

In this unique piece of graphic literature, readers embark on a journey to find a solution that ultimately leads to world peace in a chaotic world. The group of superheroes that young Alice and Professor Sorgho pursues has the potential to solve issues like world hunger, soil depletion, and environmental disasters caused by climate change. Readers learn that the solution may very well lie in “climate-smart grains called sorghum.” Nonetheless, Alice and Professor Sorgho encounter a complex problem: no one has seen the Sorgho Squad in a number of centuries, but the team pursues a set of complex clues that lead them and readers on a journey across the globe. ... (read more)

Like many children his age, young Nick loses a tooth while eating his dinner and places it under his pillow for the Tooth Fairy. Overjoyed to discover six dollars under his pillow, he shares the discovery with his friends at school, only to be presented with the question of what he thinks the Tooth Fairy does with all the teeth she collects from the children who lose them. The inquisitive Nick decides to get to the bottom of what the Tooth Fairy is all about and comes up with a foolproof plan. ... (read more)

The Creature

When Bob sees on the local news that a young woman has been found murdered in a parking lot with numerous cuts, he knows in his gut that the killer who murdered his wife and six others five years ago is back. Bob’s best friend, Archie—a detective on the Livingston, Texas, police force—confirms his suspicions. The two men are determined to catch the killer this time. ... (read more)

Unwavering Hope

Paul Davidson has been deeply concerned about his father, Big Rich, who is battling terminal brain cancer. During a recent visit to Des Moines, an unexpected conflict has arisen between Paul and his brother, Richard J. Davidson Jr., resulting in Paul being prohibited from seeing their father. Richard, who has been given his parent's power of attorney, has informed medical staff of visitation restrictions for their father. This has weighed heavily on Paul's mind, especially as his other brother, Joe, is also present with their father. In a separate context, Paul and Luke, Joe's son, have organized a trip with their church to aid a shelter in Chicago. Despite recent tragic events in Chicago, they remain resolute in their commitment to embark on this mission. ... (read more)

Financial Hope

Before Black Friday, there was Black Tuesday, a devastating stock market event that not only sent the market plummeting and in chaos but also ushered in the Great Depression. Then, there is the more recent Black Monday, on October 19, 1987, that rattled investors and, once again, brought the market to its knees. It is this 1987 event that becomes the backdrop of Donaldson’s book, one that is less of a preachy self-help book and more one that will provide readers with immense insight and understanding through direct, first-hand experiences, all minus the added fluff and conceptual conundrums that often plague books on investing. ... (read more)

Vital Scripture

Author Luddeke examines in diligent detail the portions of the Holy Bible that set forth the determination of Satan to make all humanity subject to his evil plans and the ever-watchful wisdom and benevolence of God and Jesus Christ. Luddeke asserts that one need only read the Bible to understand all of history, as, over a fifteen-hundred-year period, all earthly fact was predicted and transcribed therein. Before God created the earth, He existed with a band of angels, among whom was Lucifer, who was God’s favorite. But Lucifer gradually embraced evil—pride and selfishness—based around envy of God’s power. He craved absolute dominion over God’s creations, beginning with Adam and Eve. ... (read more)

Saving Scripture

Citing a material world of nonstop temptation and sin spearheaded by Satan, Luddeke provides the ultimate antidote—the light of Jesus Christ—as the eternal battle between light and dark and good and evil reaches tumultuous levels. To all alike, believer or not, the author speaks to each individual’s destiny, one made possible by Christ’s self-sacrifice and depicted further through the efforts of biblical figures like Peter. On the whole, the work is a fusion of scripture references and the author’s commentary, providing clear and concise insight that even the layman can understand. ... (read more)

Lost Innocence

Lilly wasn’t merely apprehensive about her first appointment with the therapist; she dreaded it. As a mother of a three-year-old boy, she knew perfection wasn’t a necessity. However, she also knew the only way forward was to face her past. Lilly was the third of four children born to Gwen and Vincent. Gwen and Vincent doted on young Lilly, but Gwen’s sister Millie fawned over Lilly and wished she was hers. Millie’s husband, Frank, took a shine to Lilly as well, but his intentions were sinister. As Lilly got older, she came to fear Frank and loathed when Frank and Millie were welcomed into her parent’s home. Lilly didn’t tell her parents but confided in a select few as she began a rebellion that lasted from adolescence through college. ... (read more)

Growing up in a Denver suburb in the sixties and seventies, Spitzer experienced a normal American life. Full of ambition and energy, she was a robust athlete who enjoyed tennis and other sports. An intelligent and curious girl, she liked learning and worked hard in school. Her good grades and proficiency in sports were proof of her early work ethic and ability. “As a child, I had endless amounts of energy and enthusiasm. I loved learning new things and was willing to try anything and everything.” At the age of twelve, her life changed forever when she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Immediately admitted to the hospital, she underwent a series of blood and platelet transfusions and tests. As her blood levels rose, she began a three-year regimen of chemotherapy and, when in remission, a three-to-five-week series of radiation therapy on her head. As this was 1975, the treatment for childhood leukemia was uncertain. “I know the doctors had said that I had less than a 10 percent chance of living six months because they just didn’t know how to treat this type of disease.” This memoir tells of her experiences before, during, and after her life-changing diagnosis. ... (read more)

Fascinating Account

The narrative begins with the author arriving in Guam, along with her military husband and three children. She is immediately struck by the beauty of the island despite the “strange admixture of emergent country squalor with the suave sophistication of world-class resorts.” What follows is a recounting of her adventures (and misadventures) in her new home. The reader follows her as she forges new friendships, steadily collecting a circle of neighbors and avid gamers into her community. She also recounts a myriad of events while living on the island, from the excitement of surviving typhoons to the relatable experience of setting up a home and starting a new job in a different country. She describes day-to-day challenges in beginning her job, raising her family, and navigating new friendships. ... (read more)

Fun & Crazy

When eleven-year-old AJ’s mom gets called into her flight attendant job and picks him up from school, little does the young protagonist know that during his weekend stay with Grandpa, things are about to get fishy. Through imaginative, quirky, immersive storytelling on a grand scale, Mazzucato transports AJ and his eccentric friend Livvy to a terrifically tantalizing adventure on the high seas with Grandpa, captain of the Ponce de Leon , and fellow shipmates—all in a quest to capture a humongous fish, elusive and mythic, which is awesomely revered and curiously referred to as Old Gussie. ... (read more)

Good Memories

A fifth-generation Southern California native, Haas, the author of this children’s book, offers up a delightful celebratory ode to all things Huntington Beach, known colloquially as Surf City. Capturing in words and bright, colorful illustrations the sights, sounds, and plentiful sunshine always in store for adventurers to the famous sand-and-surf locale, specifics of the seaside destination are explored and commemorated. These include, among other aspects, the famed Pacific Coast Highway, the International Surfing Museum, Pacific City with its multitude of ice cream selections, evening dusk falling on Main St., moonlit “thrills and spills” at the local skate park, Huntington Beach Pier, Central Park, and the nearby wetlands, which are home to abundant wildlife. Dedicated to the author’s grandchildren, Haas’ book recognizes many favorite spots and activities enjoyed during the children’s regular visits with the author and illustrator at Huntington Beach. ... (read more)

Authentic Voice

Hogan was an early "boomer.” He was born in the late 1940s to young parents and was one of three siblings. The family's religious backgrounds and beliefs were mixed but were in other ways similar to many middle-class families of that era. Grandparents and cousins were on hand, and security, love, and some diversity in numbers were in abundance. Two "coincidences" had profound impacts on Hogan's early life. First, he felt he should move some boards with protruding nails/spikes in them, so he did. As he fell to the ground later on—right at the place where the boards had been—he reflected on what might have happened had he not obeyed his warning. Another interesting occurrence was his agreeing to a "blind date," which led to his meeting his future wife, Georgia. ... (read more)

Opportunities

The author was one of three children born to an unorthodox British couple in 1942. Her mom’s parents were landed gentry, while her father’s were working class. Her parents shared an artistic and adventurous bent, though, and the family lived outside of many societal norms, such as in caravans, a circus, and farmhouses, among other places. When she grew up, Rains lived with her own family in Hong Kong, Scotland, California, and England. Organized around moves and composed of short narratives, the book is almost a linear plotline, digressing to give people’s backgrounds. The majority of the moves happen at the beginning, and the pace of the book here is the swiftest. Rains’ mother’s many projects, her bad cooking, and creative knitting add levity to these chapters. Letters from friends attest to the brightness the author brings to her communities and to the text. ... (read more)

Understanding People

This concise and informative book examines the important principles needed for a company to be effective in its management processes. The text begins by focusing on five management problems: ranking performers, incentive systems, management by objectives, numeric goals, and management by results. It explores dysfunctional companies and the need for increased organizational effectiveness through behavioral changes. In exploring problems, the book then analyzes solutions to a variety of such situations, including rewards and punishment, competition, mistrust, and other issues that cause problems in systems. The focus is on practices based on differing beliefs, increased well-being in teams, separating compensation from work, building a culture of trust, understanding variations in practice, avoiding attachments, being mindful, choosing thoughts and behaviors, letting go of the negative, using affirmations, and a transformation to an “enlightened leadership model.” ... (read more)

Family Secrets

From his frenetic entrance into the world, where he found himself with a cord wrapped around his neck—a “blue baby”—David was exposed to an unfathomable dimension of life, a gut punch to the meaning of humanity. Nevertheless, his resilience became his calling card as he navigated through one mind-boggling circumstance after another. Worthy of commendation for his raw and authentic portrayal, David uses his work as a platform to demonstrate what happens when a child is raised in the ultimate dysfunctional family system. ... (read more)

Complexities & Content

In Toliver’s work, the role of myths and the devastating influence they can have on human history are integral. Throughout this comprehensively researched piece, the author focuses on debunking misconceptions throughout world history. In the process, contending schools of thought, from philosophical to literary traditions, come together to help audiences better understand historical events and, at their core, human behavior. ... (read more)

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Stay tuned as we reveal the top book review sites for 2024!  Whether you’re in the mood for a classic drama, a modern thriller, or an enlightening non-fiction, there’s a review site that can point you in the right direction.

We’ve also included the advantages of every book review site for readers and authors. So without wasting time, let’s get started! 

Ensure your book gets the glowing reviews it deserves! Learn more

1. Goodreads

Goodreads stands out as a titan in the field of book review sites, especially in 2024. As the biggest community of readers, authors, and reviewers on the internet, you can find reviews for almost every book on Goodreads. 

You can also join reading groups, catalog books, engage in discussions with fellow readers, and follow your favorite authors. Moreover, by integrating Goodreads with your Kindle account, you can track your reading progress, get personalized book recommendations, and write reviews that get posted on both Goodreads and Amazon automatically. 

Subscription Fee: None

2. Kirkus Reviews

Present since 1933, Kirkus Reviews is one of the oldest book review websites that has earned a reputation for its authoritative and unbiased reviews. You can access quality book reviews for a variety of genres either on the website, by subscribing to the free weekly email newsletter, or by subscribing to the paid semi-monthly magazine.

The main advantages of Kirkus Reviews include access to “best of” lists across many categories and reviews about each book mentioned in the list. The only downside to Kirkus Reviews is the paid nature of the magazine, which can limit access to reviews of new bestsellers to only a few people.

Subscription Fee: Ranging from $49 to $179, based on the chosen duration of the subscription.

3. LibraryThing

LibraryThing, a book lover’s haven for cataloging books, is one of the best book review websites. It offers a robust platform for readers to explore reviews, rate books, and meticulously organize their collections by genre.

The charm of LibraryThing lies in its social features—you can connect with fellow readers, share your bookshelves, and exchange thoughts on your latest reads. It’s a cozy corner on the internet for those who take pleasure in tracking their reading journey and finding kindred spirits within the pages of their favorite genres.

Apart from these features, LibraryThing provides a feature for authors to create their own Author’s page. Besides this, LibraryThing provides readers the opportunity to meet with fellow readers and authors by releasing updates about local book events. 

4. Book Riot

Book Riot is one of the most versatile book review sites where you can access fictional and non-fictional book reviews, articles, and essays about top books across different genres. In addition to this, you can access information about discount deals for e-books and printed books and purchase from a huge variety of book merchandise.  

The one thing that sets Book Riot apart from other sites is access to podcasts, which you can listen to if you don’t feel like reading book reviews. The only downside to Book Riot is that the site’s format doesn’t provide the feel of a traditional book review experience. 

Subscription Fee: $4.99/month for authors who subscribe to Book Riot Insiders for information about new releases.

5. LoveReading

LoveReading emerges as a cherished resource among book review sites, particularly for its UK-based but globally accessible content. As one of the top professional book review sites, it allows you to access ebook and audiobook reviews across multiple genres. 

The advantages of LoveReading include access to books and debuts of the month, weekly staff picks, and yearly list features. The only downside to LoveReading is the limited availability of reviews about books published outside the UK. 

Amazon is one of the top free book review sites in 2024. It allows readers to rate books using a 1–5 star scale and receive a verified purchase tag after they have purchased books, increasing the authenticity of their reviews. Additionally, readers can engage with each other by adding comments to other reviews and stand a chance to receive a higher ranking if their reviews are well-received by a larger audience. 

7. Booklist

Booklist, a veteran publication by the American Library Association since 1905, has evolved into a premier online destination for book reviews. You can look at the reviews of many print and audiobooks from various genres on Booklist. 

The benefits of using Booklist include access to webinars and a variety of newsletters like Read Alert, Booklandia, and more. The only downside to Booklist is that it doesn’t provide a space for reader interaction or discussion, which restricts the community aspect of the reading experience.

Subscription Fee: $184.95/year

8. Publishers Weekly

Dominating the publishing world since 1872, Publishers Weekly is one of the oldest children’s mystery and romance book review sites. Apart from book reviews, it provides access to news about upcoming books. 

The advantages of Publishers Weekly are access to the latest industry news, stats, bestseller lists, and exciting podcasts about authors and contemporary books. The only downside to Publishers Weekly is that you need to pay a subscription fee to have complete access to the content present on this site.

Subscription Fee: $15/month

9. NetGalley

NetGalley is one of the top book review sites for authors and readers alike. Readers can view reviews, request advanced reader copies (ARCs), and write reviews about pre-released books by various authors. Also, readers can check out book reviews, recommendations, and the must-read section at Bookish, an editorially independent division of NetGalley. 

The only downside to NetGalley is that it can be difficult to secure ARCs of highly anticipated books due to fierce competition among reviewers. 

10. Fantasy Book Review 

This site includes various categories for book reviews such as urban fantasy, high/epic fantasy, dystopian/post-apocalyptic fiction, magic users, and heroic/ sword and sorcery, etc. Depending on the category, book reviews for the best fantasy books are added to the website. With this, the site also provides readers with a list of the top 100 fantasy books of all time, recommendations of fantasy series, and interviews with fantasy authors.  

Check out the top ten book review sites mentioned above to find your next best read, and let these curated sites lead you to memorable stories and transformative literary adventures. If you need help to create perfect book reviews or refine your book, consider our professional editing and proofreading services for assistance.

Here are some other articles you might find useful: 

• How to Publish a Book in 8 Steps: A Beginners’ Guide
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15 Of The Best Book Recommendation Sites To Find Your Next Book

If you have run out of books you're interested in reading, look through these fifteen book recommendation sites for your next pick.

Abigail Clarkin

Abigail can often be found holding a book in one hand and an ice cream cone in the other. When she is not devouring stories (or dessert), Abigail trains for marathons and writes poetry about growing up with eight brothers and sisters. She enjoys working in marketing for a real estate developer and creating Instagram content for fun (@marathonandmunch) about all the tasty eats found in Providence, RI.

View All posts by Abigail Clarkin

At some point, you’ve likely encountered a long, bleak patch when your reserve of recommended books ran dry. A few years ago, there was a stretch when I didn’t have people in my life who understood my taste in books. I’d finish a fantastic series and then be disappointed when I realized that there was no rebound read to help me recover from the last series. Thankfully for the readers like us who are still nursing book hangovers, there are personalized book recommendation websites across the internet to save us.

If you have run out of books you’re interested in reading, look through these fifteen book recommendation sites.

Subscriptions

Book Riot has its very own subscription service called Tailored Book Recommendations . TBR is made up of staff who dedicate their time to carefully tailoring book recommendations for readers based on what they like to read personally. Sign up for either a recommendations-only level subscription or a hardcover level subscription (which includes having three books mailed to you).

Thank you for signing up! Keep an eye on your inbox. By signing up you agree to our terms of use

If you’d like free and discounted reading deals sent straight to your email, sign up for BookBub. Based on the genres you choose when signing up, BookBub will send personalized recommendations of ebooks that can be purchased for a reasonable rate. Themed lists are also available on their site.

22 Books Coming in 2018 Recommended by Librarians https://t.co/Sil3Wvs6Lh @tarawestover @thuglibrarian @CommerceLibrary @randyribay @alicewriterland @anglophilelibr pic.twitter.com/Uu6cIJuuxx — BookBub (@BookBub) March 2, 2018

3. Library-Specific Sites

If you’re a patron at a large library, there’s a chance that your library offers personalized book recommendation services delivered via email. A few libraries currently offering this service include New York Public Library , Denver Public Library , and Sacramento Public Library . Ask your librarians to see if this is a resource for you as well.

Themed Lists

4. epic reads.

Epic Reads is one of the largest young adult fiction communities online. Along with their endless energy and passion for YA, one reason for their popularity is their interactive quizzes, lengthy lists, and colorful book charts that point readers towards their next favorite read. A few years ago when I met a reading slump, I worked my way through much of their amazing Young Adult Retelling Chart . Many of my favorites were found through this resource.

5. Penguin Teen

The Penguin Teen website features book lists, news about young adult authors, and a helpful book suggestions tool that focuses on genre specific book recommendations.

6. Reading Rockets

If you’re looking for children’s books for the kids in your life (or for the child in you), check out Reading Rockets. Reading Rockets provides specific, lengthy themed lists for young readers. With list topics ranging from “Books About Kids Who Find Reading Hard” to “That’s So Gross,” you are sure to find a book for any occasion. This site can be a wonderful resource for teachers, librarians, and educators.

Tor is the online hub for fantasy and science fiction. Check out their many lists to find stories that will transport you to fictional lands.

A project from Netgalley, Bookish offers a wide range of book lists, including fiction, audiobook, and young adult. What makes this site stand out is these are all brand new releases or forthcoming titles, so you can get your library holds or preorders in early.

All of the recommendations on Olmenta are submitted by passionate readers. The site allows you to peruse titles by genre or category, and it’s a fun way to let someone else pick a book for you (without needing to do any real work on your end). You can submit your own suggestions, too.

10. Shepherd

Who could offer better recommendation lists than authors, experts, and passionate readers of books on aa topic? Shepherd offers a wide range of book lists, including everything from best YA books about immigration to novels where something queer’s afoot. In the near future, Shepherd will make it possible to sort lists by genre, as well, so you could find books set in China that are romance, nonfiction, YA, or otherwise.

Made-For-You on the Spot

11. whichbook.

On Whichbook, book recommendations are calculated by one out of two categories: 1. Mood, or 2. Character, setting, and plot. The reader has the choice to use sliders on the “Mood” section to rate what they’re looking for in a book. Do you want a book that is completely happy? Or on the border between safe and disturbing? There is also the option to select your desired character characteristics, the story setting, and/or plot points that you’d like included in the recommendation.

Maybe AI knows the perfect book for you. Readow starts by asking you some simple questions about recent reads and uses technology to pair you with your next great book.

13. What Should I Read Next

14. readgeek.

Registering is optional when using Readgeek to receive book recommendations. In order to get ahold of book suggestions, simply rate a few books that you’ve read on a 1–10 scale. After you finish rating as many as you’d like, Readgeek calculates which books you’d most likely enjoy based on your previous ratings.

15. Literature Map

At Literature Map, you can type in an author’s name and then view similar authors that other readers are enjoying. The site generates a map that displays author names in relative states of closeness. The closer the authors, the more likely other readers enjoyed both.

Another simple but fun AI-driven recommendation site is Gnooks. Pop in your three favorite writers and you’ll get a recommended author to try. It doesn’t end there, though: you can rate whether or not you like the author suggested for even more recommendations.

17. Goodreads

Goodreads provides a space for people to track their reading, write reviews, and view books, lists, and authors that align with their interests. When creating an account on Goodreads, the reader has the opportunity to create original book lists. One of my favorites is the “Want to Read” option: every time you view a book description that sounds interesting, you can save the book to a list that is dedicated to books you plan to tackle later. For those of you who are looking to build a never ending To-Be-Read list, Goodreads is a perfect place to start.

18. Narrative Muse

Are you interested in reading books specifically written by underrepresented voices? Narrative Muse serves as a recommendation site for those who are looking for both films and books created by women and nonbinary writers. Create an account to be matched with books that fall under these categories.

19. The Storygraph

Billed as an alternative to Goodreads, The StoryGraph is a book tracking site, a community making site, and offers book recommendations. You can import your Goodreads information to The StoryGraph, and both the website and app have clean but visually appealing interfaces. Here’s our full StoryGraph review .

20. r/books

Numbering at almost 21 million subscribers, Reddit’s main book subreddit is a haven for book discussion and recommendations. Want to know what Reddit users across the massive site are reading? There’s Reddit Reads for that.

Still looking for more ways to find your next favorite book? Take this quiz on what you should read next to receive an immediate recommendation. If you’re willing to look for suggestions in places off of the internet, check out 31 Ways to Find the Best Book Recommendations .

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Here's what our reviewers think you should read this week.

THURSDAY 12th SEPTEMBER, 2024

Rieden Reece and the Final Flower

Matt Guzman

This book radiates energy, wit & warmth. I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun reading a middle grade novel! This one's a keeper! “You are traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into a wondrous land of imagination. Next stop, the Rieden Reece Zone!” And what a “zone” it is in this rollicking, high-flying, high-... Read review

Reviewed by Kristine L. 2 days ago

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Middle grade fantasy, olly & the spores of sapphire creek.

Glenn Somodi

Equal parts wit, wisdom, and whimsy, this eminently enjoyable middle grade fantasy is sure to delight readers young and old! Tw...

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Blood and Water

Callie and Ava, Seelie and Unseelie, Life and Death. A world where opposites entwine and link together in more ways than one!

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Psychological Thriller

Fertile ground for murder.

Stella Sinclaire

A sleuth podcaster seeking justice in a murder case…yes please! I highly recommend this story!

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Sylvia Locke's Cinderella and the Evil Fairy Godmother

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Castle of knots.

Sara H. Fowler

A delightful children's book with captivating illustrations and heartful character interactions

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Harmony's betrayal.

Gavin Noble Mills

A murder mystery in reverse that asks thought-provoking questions and introduces strong characters that stay with you.

Reviewed by Lewis Gennery

Time Travel

How soon is now.

Paul Carnahan

An interesting take on time travel, with insightful exploration of how we live our lives and the consequences of our decisions

Reviewed by Donna Spencer

Kenneth Harrell

An intriguing story of what could be humanity's future, both on Earth and across the reaches of space.

Reviewed by Suzanne Costner

Picture Books

The trouble with children (according to dog).

Katie Weaver

Silly illustrations. Comedic text. Join Dog as he explains why he thinks the kids are "insane" before "allowing" them to stay i...

Uh-Oh! My Dragon’s Hungry

Readers will love this silly story featuring a lovable dragon whose tummy is rumbling & requires substance NOW before he spits ...

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The author impressed me with their imaginative storytelling & beautiful illustrations. I recommend sharing Darwin's journey wit...

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The missionary's wife.

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A beautifully written description of the life of a woman missionary in the area of the South Pacific now known as Vanuatu in th...

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Crime victims, a buck taylor novel.

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A seasoned agent, a cadaver dog, and a perfect killing machine create a complex feast for your mind.

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The eye of the moon: tenebria.

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A fascinating fantasy tale displayed from the view of two characters on opposing sides of a conflict.

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STILL LIFE , by Katherine Packert Burke

Katherine Packert Burke’s debut novel, “Still Life,” opens with a homecoming. Edith, the story’s protagonist, has briefly returned, after eight years, to Boston, where she lived after college. She’s arrived as a stranger. Before she left, she was living as a man; she’s come back living openly as a trans woman. And, to Edith’s dismay, her core friend group has fractured in the time she’s been gone. Edith has scheduled her visit under the pretense of giving a talk about her writing career to her friend’s undergraduate literature class. In truth, she’s there to see her former best friend, Tessa, whom she misses and to whom she’s barely spoken during her time away.

Though they were close in college, Edith, Tessa and their friend Val went their separate ways. Edith, an aimless writer who flitted from one academic program and city to another, left Boston for grad school and moved to Alabama and later Texas. “You went from one path of least resistance to a different path of equally little resistance,” a friend tells her. Tessa, who grew from Edith’s friend to her girlfriend before Edith left, remained rooted in the city. Val, who was also trans, had a mentor/lover relationship with Edith that was complicated by her life of adventure on the road. Then she died in a car crash, leaving Edith grieving and blaming herself for her death.

“Still Life” has lovely and endlessly quotable writing, lived-in characters and a sense of humor. But it lacks tension, which could spring from multiple sources — from Edith’s desire to get back together with Tessa, or from her quest to overcome grief and guilt over Val’s death. But like Edith, the novel is aimless and uncertain.

It’s undeniable that Edith’s life is interesting and could make for an enticing novel. She leaves her city as one gender and returns as another; a breathless love affair left her in quiet heartbreak; the death of Val, with whom she was also in love, leaves her group of friends bereft. But Burke doesn’t fit these pieces into a narrative framework that transforms a life into a story . These moments, which have so much potential for suspense, instead lie listless on the page. Edith holds back from chasing what she wants, which in the past was Val and now in the present is Tessa. With a protagonist who won’t pursue her deepest desires, what, exactly, are readers supposed to hope for?

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Book Review: Biblical Separation: The Struggle for a Pure Church, by Ernest Pickering

On August 21, 2024, Tom Raabe published an article on the American Spectator website entitled, How a Church Fought Back Against a Liberal Takeover—And Won . In his article, he tells the story of the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church and its battle with theological liberalism within the denomination. The story reminded me that every generation of church leaders must fight such battles for theological purity. My concern is that we are not adequately preparing new generations of leadership to fight these battles. If we must fight for the purity of the church, we also must understand the theological foundations for such battles.

The most effective way to begin that discussion is to interact with what I believe is one of the best and most  thorough treatments of the subject. It is Earnest Pickering’s book  Biblical Separation: The Struggle for a Pure Church .  While the book has been around since the 1970s, there is a version that was published in 2008 and  updated by Myron Houghton.

  Ernest Pickering graduated from Bob Jones University and received his Th.M. and Th.D. from Dallas Theological Seminary. He taught on the seminary level for many years and as an effective senior pastor in several ministries. He also served as a seminary President. Every minister of the gospel should not only read the book, he should study it thoroughly. I find that many today have only a cursory understanding of the doctrine.

Pickering spends a few chapters dealing with the practice of biblical separation throughout church history, even before the fundamentalist controversy of the early 1900’s. He then details the battles among the Baptists of the Northern Baptist Convention, the Southern Baptist Convention, and other denominations. His comparisons between the choices of the GARBC and the Fundamentalist Fellowship are insightful. The GARBC separated from the NBC early and would not allow dual membership in both the GARBC and the NBC. The Fundamentalist Fellowship sought to reform the NBC from within for more than 20 years, and when they (or should I say “we”) finally pulled out and formed the Conservative Baptist Association, they allowed dual membership in both the NBC and the CBA. This weakness required a later split of the CBA over ecumenical evangelism. Those who opposed ecumenical evangelism left and formed the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship.

I find this interesting because my earliest roots are in the GARBC, and now I find myself President of the Foundations Baptist Fellowship International, which is the modern-day Fundamental Baptist Fellowship.

Pickering’s middle chapters lay a thorough and convincing argument for the practice of biblical separation in all of its aspects and answers arguments against the practice. This is the heart of the book and Pickering’s theological understanding and exposition of the biblical data is excellent. It would make great Bible Study material for a local church.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Pickering’s book is his practical section in which he discusses the implementation of biblical separation and the problems any pastor or group faces. He discusses almost all the questions that we still face today. It is as if he could see into the future.  For instance, Pickering addresses the potential dangers of bringing in non separatists to lecture because they are experts in a particular field.  He also addresses the danger of having a ministry in which primary purpose is to dig up dirt to publish separation violations of other ministries.  He talks about the importance of being gracious.

There are some areas in which the book could use an update—at least by adding a few chapters. There should be an expansion on separation over moral issues, not just theological ones, and that should include woke theology and LGBTQ issues. These issues for today are as important as the theological questions that the early fundamentalists faced.

There should also be a chapter on worship. While worship is not a fundamental of the faith, it is much like the problem of ecumenical evangelism. We can declare what we believe, but our practice can undermine that declaration. We will never agree about everything in worship, but we must address the major dangers and biblical principles involved.

Every pastor must lead a principle-driven ministry, and the principle of separation is a core biblical truth. We must grapple with the biblical data and its implications for ministry—and we must do it honestly and faithfully in every generation.

I still believe that Pickering’s book is the most reasonable place to start that conversation.

Order Biblical Separation: The Struggle For a Pure Church

Also related:  For the Faith: A History of the Foundations Baptist Fellowship International

Audio version of this post: Book Review: Biblical Separation: The Struggle for a Pure Church, by Ernest Pickering (substack.com)

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I am glad to see this post highlighting Pickering’s book. My roots as a Baptist are in the more GARBC, but I became a much more convinced separatist through this book along with Dr. Larry Oats “The Church of the Fundamentalists” and taking his class on the subject at Maranatha Baptist Seminary. The men of my generation (millennial) I am convinced have never really grappled with Pickering’s though, and can only see what they hear evangelicals say about us. This book is indeed the place I would start.

Thank you for this, it has become more relevant recently since I read that in May of this year, the new President of BJU hosted an ecumenical prayer meeting with the Southern Baptist Conventions’ Greenville association. The article stated” SBC congregations are worldly, rock & roll, non-judgemental….Biblical modesty is not an issue,”, etc. On page 10 of Pickerings Book, he states this”volume deals only with what is commonly called ecclesiastical separation…but the totality of Biblical separation includes the concept of personal separation”. I have been trying to articulate the connection between departure/apostasy in a denomination, and worldliness in a Believers life…This is a big deal to me as the Lord snatched me out of “world, flesh, & devil” yrs ago, so now I hate worldliness (2 Cor 6:14-18, James 4:3, etc)- it is so corrupting! Another quote from F.Garlock warned, “If a church starts using CCM it will eventually lose all other standards”, Chris Anderson wrote “Lets’ continue to battle external evidences of worldliness, but let’s esp go after the root: “lust of the flesh…eyes..& pride of life”…Also Stephen Hankins from Frontline 2015″ Since He Who is Eternal is Holy, our love for Him should compel us to reject the temporal world, causing us to separate from its wrong values and behaviors as taught in 1 John 2:15-17”. So much more, but I am so thankful for strong Believers like E.Pickering, others, also for the Fundamental Baptist Fellowship, praise God!

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