John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

A well-balanced defense of a radical political proposition, The Neo-Progz: A Subset Party and Its Term Limit Amendment by Andrew Currie is a timely argument for fundamental change in American governance. Currie posits that revolutionizing congressional representation to a single 14-year term would eliminate the constant need to campaign for re-election, and ensure that representatives serve the people, not their own ambition. Third-party candidates in US politics have been notoriously unsuccessful and ineffective, but neo-progressives as a subset party could attract nationwide support. This sharp procedural shift is powerfully supported by deep constitutional analyses, historical framing, and modern examples where […]

A spiritually-driven journey through heartbreak, loss, miraculous joy, and personal salvation, Through the Looking Glass by G. Sylvester is a touching and well-penned novel. A highly successful fertility specialist, Kristen cannot bear children of her own, in a story that is fraught with drama, as Kristen’s unheard prayers are a dramatic current beneath the prose, while her outer triumphs and trials as an independent professional make for inspiring reading. Though there are some moments that are overly sentimental, the relationships and revelations that define this book are rich, authentic, and strong in expressions of faith, for an emotional and affecting […]

An intimate story of perseverance, hope, and the unexpected obstacles that can derail even the most innocent lives, When Forever Breaks by D.A. Callahan is a heartwrenching and emotionally charged read. A contested adoption and the reappearance of a nightmare from young Oliver’s past threaten to unravel the fragile peace he has finally found, in a novel that is painfully relatable, no matter one’s experience. While some of the narration tells, rather than shows, the dialogue captures the raw desperation of a family in crisis, and Callahan demonstrates her skill as an author in drawing the reader into their dramatic […]

A sharply penned drama of growing up, guilt, and the frightening legacy of one’s ancestry, Uncle Jed by Frank C. Senia is an emotionally charged look into the secrets we bury, and the sacrifices required to unearth them. Excited by the prospect of spending a summer away from the city and her unapproachable parents, young Tomi has no idea what adventures, revelations, and wisdom await with her eccentric Uncle Jed. Their regular reminiscing over old memories leads to dark family tragedies being revealed, shedding light on painful truths in Tomi’s own life, and connecting the pair in ways neither could […]