SPR’s book reviews of new self-published books
Purgatorium by J.H. Carnathan
In a snowbound city, a man lives anonymously, trapped in repetitive days that last only one hour and often end—or begin—with nightmares in J.H. Carnathan’s compelling Purgatorium.
When we first meet the protagonist, he doesn’t know his own name, seemingly unaware of the many limitations binding him. All around him are strange objects: an hourglass necklace, a coin, weapons, a child’s snow globe. Gradually, he begins to meet a cast of characters who have angelic names and carry playing cards. They give him a name and a card, apparently trying to jolt him from his icy purgatory and bring […]
Emerging poet Julia Cirignano explains that neither intoxicating substance named in her title has “necessarily helped me create great art, yet I feel that they help define me,” hence the title of her evocative first work of poetry, White Wine & Medical Marijuana.
Rico’s Fripp Island Adventure is a charming storybook written by Mary Jacobs, with beautiful illustrations by Alycia Pace.
For anyone who’s ever wondered what goes on behind closed doors in a veterinary clinic, Cute Poodles, Sweet Old Ladies and Hugs provides an entertaining glimpse into the world of pet care.
Doubloon Cove: The Secret of the Ancient Visitors, an enjoyable middle grade novel by Kelly Novak, harkens back to classic sleuths like the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, and the Three Investigators.
What young teenage girl doesn’t have a secret or two? Megan’s Munchkins, a work of middle grade fiction by Pamela Foland, shows us that secrets come in all shapes and sizes.