Review by Luke

Marc Rosenberg takes readers into the dark underbelly of cyber espionage and politics with his gripping thriller “"Kyd's Game." The story follows Jake Kyd, a former elite hacker turned cybersecurity expert, who is drawn back into a world he thought he had left behind. When a series of high-profile cyber-attacks threaten national security, Kyd is coerced into joining a covert government task force. As he navigates a web of deceit, betrayal, and danger, Kyd must confront his own past while racing against time to prevent a catastrophic event.

Review by Shannon

“Play Golf Better Faster” by Kalliope Barlis is a comprehensive guide that shares the author’s two-year journey from a golf novice to a professional and her teaching insights from two decades. This handbook is divided into three sections, covering mental strategies, effective practice, and gameplay improvement. It introduces unique techniques like erasing bad shots, anchoring good ones, maintaining a positive attitude, and target-focused play. Readers are invited to transform their golf game and derive more enjoyment from it. Kalliope Barlis excels in golf and teaches privately and in LPGA clinics, enhancing her students’ enjoyment and awareness of the game. (Con'd below)

This book is a poorly written diatribe.

Upon picking up this book, I was immediately drawn to the author's playful pseudonym, which echoed the tone of "Must We Impeach." At first, I speculated whether this signaled a tongue-in-cheek stance, perhaps suggesting political satire lay ahead. However, my expectations were quickly overturned. As I delved deeper into its pages, it became apparent that this wasn't a meticulously crafted op-ed but rather a fervent manifesto. 

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Review by Shannon

Cheryl Kerr's SandPeople takes young readers on a journey filled with family dynamics, ghostly encounters, and summer adventures along the Texas Gulf Coast. Despite its promising premise, the book faces challenges, leaving readers wanting more. One notable aspect is the title's unconventional style, combining "Sand" and "People" into one word, which may initially puzzle readers. While this choice may aim to draw attention, maintaining standard grammar practices, especially for young audiences, is essential. 

"McDowell" by William H. Coles delves into the life of a successful surgeon whose ambition alienates his loved ones, leading to their vow to ruin him. Despite attaining power in the President's cabinet, a personal tragedy prompts him to commit a serious crime, resulting in the collapse of his affluent lifestyle. The narrative explores his quest to regain respect and rebuild his life amidst complex family dynamics and deep-seated tensions. It bravely tackles taboo subjects like underage sex, marital infidelity, euthanasia, and suicide, painting a raw portrayal of family bonds tested by adversity. 

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Review by Luke

In World War II, a German soldier dies after committing a grave crime. Facing God’s judgment, he’s sent back to Earth to alter his actions and comprehend truth and evil. His journey entails confronting the embodiment of lies and exploring humanity’s capacity for both evil and courage. Through numerous trials, his soul is transformed, ultimately shaping history. (Con'd)

Review by Lauren

The Freedom Building centers around John Gowan, who awakens in a hospital with amnesia only to discover that he’s the mastermind architect behind a renowned building erected in place of one destroyed by terrorists. However, he faces a challenge when a mysterious darkness prevents him from remembering anything about the building. Will John uncover the truth about his creation before his secrets unravel?

While compelling, “The Freedom Building” has shortcomings in scene transitions, narrative redundancy, and pacing. Initially, the portrayal of John’s relationship with his colleague, Janice, is friendly but professional. (Con'd below)

In Gary Robinson's "The Sword Swallower and a Chico Kid," we follow Duke Reynolds' five-decade journey from a troubled teenager escaping his home life to joining the circus where he masters sword swallowing. A tragic accident ends his circus career, leading to retirement in Northern California where he crosses paths with a troubled youth named Gary. The narrative skillfully blends storytelling and documentary elements, with humor providing moments of levity amid dark themes of abuse. (Con'd)

Review by Lauren

Looking for a way to navigate life's challenges and find happiness? Check out Fireproof Happiness by Dr. Randy Ross. This book offers practical advice on improving relationships, leadership, and personal growth. While it can get a bit deep at times with academic language, there are resources available to help you dig deeper into the concepts. The author uses engaging stories and analogies to drive home the importance of hope and resilience. Overall, Fireproof Happiness is a thought-provoking read that might just change your outlook on life. Read more.

Review by Shannon

Milo and Jo" by Linda E. Charron is a charming book with good intentions packed into just one thousand words. Whether you're a cat lover or not, this little gem will surely delight. The story follows two male cats, Milo and Jojo, who reside in a dress shop where the owner has disappeared. When a mysterious device appears in place of their litter box, the cats are puzzled. While the story unfolds with intrigue, some aspects could benefit from clarification, such as the purpose of the device. Despite this, the humor woven throughout, like the cats' reactions to the device, adds a lighthearted touch that kids would enjoy. (Con'd below)

This enchanting book took me on an emotional rollercoaster, evoking laughter and tears while delving deep into the intricate tapestry of love’s trials and tribulations. Cinthia A. King’s The Object of My Affection is a literary gem that sparkles like a diamond in the rough, gripping my attention from start to finish, making it utterly impossible to set aside. 

Mary Margaret, a spirited artist with a heart of gold, embarks on a noble mission to uplift inner-city youth through the transformative power of art. (Con'd)

Review by Shannon

The message in this book: If you are not thinking right—get help. After two sessions with a psychiatrist, the main character has an epiphany surrounding this quote: “Don’t ever apologize for respecting yourself.”

Author Luca Castillo writes Grappling Klay in the first-person present tense, which is not my preference, but since the book has received over 80% 5-star ratings, I decided to check it out.  (Con'd below)

Review by Lauren

In "Cynthia and Dan: Cyber War" by Dorothy May Mercer's storytelling skill shines through unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers engaged throughout. Cynthia works as an office manager for Senator Mike McBride while also combating terrorists in her spare time. With her brother, Glenn, she assembles a diverse team for a covert white-hat hacking mission to dismantle extremist organizations. Alongside her secret mission, Cynthia manages a team of licensed-to-carry bodyguards, adding depth to her character. (Con'd)

Review by Shannon

Navigating the labyrinth of dementia is a daunting journey, one I embarked upon with a heavy heart upon learning of a loved one's diagnosis. In search of guidance through this uncharted territory, I turned to "Minding Dementia" by Meagan Bishop. (Con'd)

The book blurb for "The Adventures of Uncle Billy and Ross: Life Lessons Made Simple" presents a heartfelt narrative aimed at sharing valuable life lessons. While the intention behind the book is commendable, there are several areas that could benefit from improvement. (Con'd)