SPR’s book reviews of new self-published books
Fading by Stephen R. Clark
Imbued with the wisdom and patience of age, Fading by Stephen R. Clark is a tender reflection on the strange wonders and sadness of life.
This collection of more than seventy poems is a sprawling narrative woven in different poetic styles and a myriad of moods. From heartfelt recollections of childhood to observational musings on landscapes, household objects, long-held beliefs, and lost love, these pieces comprise a memoir of sorts, spanning Clark’s entire life, and capturing it in humble, unassuming verse. The poet elevates even the simplest thoughts or passing moments to sacred heights through his power of observation, and […]
Revealing a striking glimpse into the past, and reminding readers of time’s healing power, River Current by M. Lee Martin is a delicately penned novel about the family we choose, and the time it takes to heal old wounds.
Digging back through a lifetime to his transformative travels as a young man, author Steve Amoia transports readers to a different age in Sardinian Days and Italian Nights, an illuminating and reflective travelogue.
A gritty novel that shines a light on the ugly side of alcoholism and the dark legacy of abuse, Facing the Past: Reflections of an Alcoholic by Frank C. Senia is a dizzying tale of personal redemption.
A woman is forced to reexamine an old heartbreak she thought she understood in Five Years Later by Sarah Kraft, a uniquely crafted, emotional thriller.
A delightful collection of stories that push past the boundaries of imagination, Twilight Tales by Atticus Ryder is aptly described in its subtitle as “Magic meets Science.” There is no end to the creativity on display in these charming, and occasionally challenging stories, with important underlying themes that can be critical in the formative years – loyalty, friendship, self-esteem, confidence, and honesty, among many others.
With the heart of an activist and the mind of a scholar, author Barbara Miller delivers a powerful message in Secrets and Lies: The Shocking Truth of Recent Australian Aboriginal History, A Memoir. 
Author Julie Iribarren depicts a wonderful story about friendship, overcoming hardship, and seeking a home in Levi Journey: An Unlikely Therapy Dog.