Editorial Reviews

A foreboding tale of erotic horror and the torturous act of creation, Ghost Writer by Arjay Lewis is a smoldering story of isolation, dark secrets, and things that bump together in the night. A floundering, recently divorced writer, Joseph Riley inherits a decrepit cabin in the Poconos, where he quickly discovers that writer’s block, booze, and childhood memories aren’t the only things lurking in the shadows. A seductive specter is polishing his pages while he sleeps, but digging into the mystery of her disappearance reveals a grim truth about his family that hits far too close to his haunted home. […]

Laying the groundwork for radical change through whole-self healing, Radiant Wellness: A Transformative Journey to Vitality and Longevity through Clean Living, Emotional Renewal, and Energetic Healing by Denise Cahill, CNC is an in-depth introduction to alternative medicine. From eliminating common toxins in everyday life and establishing a high-vibrational diet to unpacking the root cause of anxiety and mastering the art of meditation, this is a broad-spectrum guide to the edges of medical science. Backed by a wealth of research, Cahill demystifies the newest techniques and grounded philosophy surrounding holistic wellness, delivering her accessible insight with patience and authority. As a […]

A gonzo-meets-ganja memoir told through the bloodshot but observant eyes of a devoted pothead, The Rise of Cannabis and the Decline in Civilization by Mitch Rubman is a brazen personal history of his drug of choice. From the author’s hazy adolescence in the 1970s to middle-aged smoke sessions after legalization, this four-decade-long perusal of journal entries and anecdotal confessions is a gritty commentary on marijuana culture, marked by the writer’s blunt, tangential, and sardonic style. Though the title might not initially suggest it, this is a true celebration of all things weed, which will be uniquely relatable for a growing […]

A thought-provoking review of a beloved era of filmmaking, 1950s Sci-Fi: A Fresh Look at 12 Science Fiction Hollywood Classics by Ray Keating offers an insightful take on some iconic gems, setting the record straight on their formative impact. From problem-solving in space and Bible-adjacent morality tales to timely communist allegories and the imaginative foundations for contemporary blockbusters, this concise collection of essays celebrates the seminal importance of these pioneering films. Analyzing classic titles like Them!, Forbidden Planet, The War of the Worlds, and others, Keating probes the on-screen interplay of governmental responsibility, faith, technology, and […]

Painting a delectable portrait of their adventurous, extended trips to Paris, Artsy Rambler: Mindful Journeys to Paris and Beyond by Evy and Rich Journey is a spirited and analytical exploration of the legendary cultural capital. “Neither a travelogue nor a memoir,” this curated collection of essays provides a sweeping perspective on the fine art, food, lifestyle, philosophies, and social issues that distinguish Paris from all other cities. Offering intimate access that transcends tourist reviews, this is a long-form ode to a timeless city and a reflection on the rewarding challenges of wanderlust. Though it’s not strictly a travel memoir, the […]

A derring-do journalist with Radio Free Europe leaps across geographic and professional borders in Byline Budapest by Diane Wagner, a deeply compelling Cold War thriller that probes the political and social divides of that tumultuous era. In 1956, when Hungarian freedom fighters attempt to liberate their nation from Kremlin control, the Soviet Union responds violently, catching intrepid reporter Charlie Atkins in the crossfire as she chronicles history in the making. With the hint of a new Cold War peppering contemporary headlines, and cutting-edge propaganda that is even more insidious than the past, this novel is especially timely, even as historical […]

An unapologetic and darkly humorous memoir with a hit parade of a soundtrack, Life and How to Live It by Chaz Holesworth reminds readers that life at any age is rarely easy. Raised in a home fractured by addiction, the dark side of faith, and a shocking lack of communication, the author escapes into music as his guiding light, letting it lead him through a painful adolescence. This raw coming-of-age story is his unvarnished plunge into memory – an anecdotal flood of emotional confessions, casual reviews of iconic albums, and frank accounts of youthful resilience in the face of overwhelming […]

Potent prose, layered characters, nuanced emotion, and smoldering chemistry elevate Cypress Grace by Jeff Bartrom above the crowded and too-often predictable romance genre. Alex is a trauma-scarred “soldier without a battlefield,” while Olivia is a brooding artist channeling her persistent pain onto the canvas. The stormy connection of their melancholy souls in the sultry South is intense and irresistible, for both the characters and the reader. Unfurled in lyrical prose that is uniquely expressive and contemplative for romance, which confidently captures the cautious nature of embattled hearts, this novel is an affecting exploration of creation, identity, sacrifice, and redemption.

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