SPR’s book reviews of new self-published books
Overcoming the Lie of “Race” by John L. Hodge
Overcoming the Lie of “Race”: A Personal, Philosophical and Political Perspective, by John L. Hodge, is a treatise from every angle on the supposition that race doesn’t exist. It’s a thorough, well-researched look into this oft-times controversial topic, injected with Hodge’s evocative personal tales in his own life being defined by race, as well as his family. Because of Hodge’s sincerity and passion for the subject, the book is well-argued and persuasive.
Hodge’s book is a good introduction for those who may not be familiar with all the angles of this debate. The fact that some people have darker […]
Liberty and Means by Kristin Dow is about Shannon, who’s being stalked, or so she thinks, and finds instead that she’s come into a financial windfall from a sweepstakes company. Once her monetary needs are met, will this free her up to fully discover herself, or shine a brighter light on her problems? The answer is a little of both. And how will other people react to her good fortune? The novel is a thoughtful and engaging character study with the pace of a thriller, including a number of surprising plot twists along the way.
The Perihelion by D.M. Wozniak is literary, character-driven science fiction at its best. Set in 2069, The Perihelion comprises a world where there are hybrid humans with 1% animal or insect DNA, called 99ers. The novel follows the lives of six different characters in an approaching apocalypse, the Perihelion: “The point in the path of a celestial body that is nearest to the sun,” in which the world is melting down both physically and mentally. This is an epic, uniquely inventive novel about big ideas that should hopefully get a lot of attention.
Jurisdiction Terminated by Jack Gold & Marc Debbaudtis a legal thriller front the point of view of a foul-mouthed judge in the juvenile court system. When the judge investigates the death of a Los Angeles County official, it brings him face to face with a North Korean drug cartel who are plotting to bring drugs into the juvenile detention system, which uncovers corruption high up in the justice system. A thought-provoking read that provides a glimpse into two arenas not often portrayed in fiction: the inner mind of a judge and the juvenile court system.
Nothando’s Journey is an exquisite children’s book about Nothando, who lives in Swaziland in Southern Africa. Nothando is getting ready for the Reed Festival, a right of passage of dancing and celebration in front of the King and Queen, and she’s worried about the performance and new responsibility. As she travels through the hills with her brother, she learns contentment and courage from all the wild animals, which prepares her to perform in the festival. Nothando’s Journey is a culturally-rich and artistically-mesmerizing story that kids will most certainly want to return to again and again.
“Barcelona is the city of colors.” So begins Alexandru Ciobanu’s photographic travel guide, which certainly lives up to that first declaration. In vibrant color photography, Ciabanu covers the gamut in the city of Barcelona, from major attractions to hidden corners. Additionally, it’s a well-detailed travel guide, outlining the history behind each one of his pictures, in prose that’s both concise and informative.
Teachings on Being: The Holy Book of Religious Leaders, Followers, and Non-Believers by Codrin Stefan Tapu is a collection of aphorisms about what Tapu calls “The New Faith.”
Carousel and Other Stories by Carla Maria Verdino-Süllwold is a lyrical collection of stories about the small poetic moments in a marriage. Whether it’s a couple rekindling their passion on vacation, couples facing the daunting prospect of the draft, it’s a collection about fears and dreams unfulfilled, but each finding contentment among the difficulty. Verdino-Süllwold’s prose is eloquent and thoughtful. She has clear affection for her characters and sympathy for their troubles, which only evokes the same feeling in the reader.