Review Tales
Trusted Reviews and Author Features Since 2016
Those Boys on the Hill by Elliott Glover (Book Review #1840)
In “Those Boys on the Hill,” Elliott Glover offers a compelling and deeply moving biographical coming-of-age tale that traces the lives of three African American brothers navigating the complexities of growing up in a group home in a farming community in Pennsylvania. Glover artfully combines humor, sorrow, and stark honesty to portray the myriad challenges and triumphs he and his brothers, Jacque and Iszel, encountered on their journey from childhood to adulthood.
Read MoreTHE SURFACING by Terrance Coffey (Book Review #1839)
In “THE SURFACING,” Terrance Coffey weaves a chilling narrative that plunges readers into the heart of a covert extraterrestrial invasion. The novel introduces the Ocran, a mysterious species of aliens who have been quietly infiltrating humanity by taking over the bodies of the dying and distressed. Set against the backdrop of the Virginia-Kentucky border, the story unfolds a complex web of characters drawn into an escalating conflict that threatens the very fabric of human existence.
Read MoreThe Sands Shall Witness by Walter Hurst Williamson (Book Review #1838)
Walter Hurst Williamson’s “The Sands Shall Witness” stands out as a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of the first genocide of the 20th century. It presents a moving story of love, resilience, and survival amidst the horrors of colonialism and genocide in German South West Africa, now known as Namibia. Through the lives of its protagonists, Conrad Huber, and Sybille Maharero, the novel delves into the complexities of human relationships forged in adversity and the relentless struggle against oppressive forces.
Read MoreThe Pianist’s Only Daughter: A Memoir By Kathryn Betts Adams (Book Review #1837)
Kathryn Betts Adams’ memoir, “The Pianist’s Only Daughter,” offers readers an intimate glimpse into the complex dynamics of a family defined by talent, ambition, and the intricacies of caregiving. Through the lens of the only daughter of Don, a once-promising concert pianist, and Jane, an English literature professor, Adams navigates the tumultuous waters of her parents’ marriage, their eventual divorce, and the rekindling of their relationship in the face of illness and old age.
Read MoreThe Days That Followed by Hailey Gosack (Book Review #1836)
Hailey Gosack’s “The Days That Followed” explores human resilience, connection, and the instinctual fight for survival against a backdrop of chaos and uncertainty. Set in Salt Lake City, the narrative kicks off with an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack that sends the city, and presumably the world, into a dark age devoid of technology. Through the eyes of four distinctly drawn characters – Carrie, Bodin, Sam, and Sarah – Gosack masterfully weaves a tale of adversity, moral dilemmas, and the unexpected ways lives intersect during times of crisis.
Read MoreDelaware from Railways to Freeways by Dave Tabler (Book Review #1835)
In “Delaware from Railways to Freeways,” Dave Tabler masterfully charts the evolution of Delaware from a maritime nexus to a hub of rail and road transportation, encapsulating the state’s journey through the currents of change. This meticulously researched work delves into the critical period when the emergence of the railroad served as the catalyst for Delaware’s economic boom, leveraging its strategic position along the Delaware Bay to enhance its cargo distribution capabilities and fuel the growth of industries along its waterways.
Read MoreChristina Fanelli by Czaritan (Book Review #1834)
Czaritan’s “Christina Fanelli” embarks readers on a compelling journey that blurs the lines between the mundane and the magical. This narrative, set against the backdrop of journalistic integrity and personal discovery, follows the story of Tracy, a journalist for The Crimson Tribune, a publication helmed by the conservative and meticulous Russell “Rush” Ripley. Despite Rush’s efforts to confine the newspaper’s content within conservative boundaries, Tracy’s adventurous spirit and curiosity lead her far beyond.
Read MoreShe Called Me Throwaway – by Shama Shams (Book Review #1833)
“She Called Me Throwaway” by Shama Shams is a deeply affecting memoir that navigates the turbulent waters of a childhood marred by abuse, a nation’s political upheaval, and the enduring quest for healing and self-acceptance. Born in Bangladesh during a time of immense turmoil and societal violence, Shama’s early life was shaped by the contrasting love of her father and the neglect of her mother, setting the stage for a narrative filled with poignant contradictions and struggles.
Read MoreJapan Brats by Michael Weddington (Book Review #1832)
Michael Weddington’s “Japan Brats: The Youth Who Bridged Opposite Worlds” offers a profound exploration of the lives of American military dependents in Japan from 1946 to the present. Drawing from over 100 personal narratives, this work not only chronicles the unique experiences of these individuals but also provides insightful commentary on the socio-political landscape of post-World War 2 Japan. Through a qualitative oral history approach, Weddington adeptly weaves together historical context with deeply personal stories, shedding light on the oft-overlooked “invisible” military children.
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