Category: reviews

The Ghosts of Spiritwood by Martine Noël-Maw Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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A group of teens caught in a storm after an accident stumble upon something strange and unexplainable in an abandoned school in the woods in author Martine Noël-Maw’s “The Ghosts of Spiritwood”.

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The Synopsis

The first English edition of the popular young adult novel Les fantômes de Spiritwood, originally published in French by Éditions de la nouvelle plume, translated by the author

One summer night, Ethan and four friends are heading north of Spiritwood, Saskatchewan, for a weekend of camping to watch the northern lights, but their car swerves off the road and ends up in the ditch. The teenagers head back to Spiritwood on foot, but a severe thunderstorm strikes before they reach the town, forcing them to break into an abandoned country school to take shelter. After exchanging scary stories for a while, they fall asleep. When they wake a few hours later, the storm is over and the sky is filled with bright-coloured northern lights.

Ethan recounts the legend of the northern lights. “Those lights are produced by the spirits of the departed. It’s a sign that they want to communicate with the living. To establish contact, we just have to whistle at them.” Then, Ethan produces a spirit whistle that he had bought at Wanuskewin, and he starts to whistle at the sky.

Moments later, weird things begin to happen…

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The Review

This was a gripping and fast-paced paranormal YA thriller. The author did an amazing job of balancing the rich story of the novel with captivating character development. The lightheartedness of the character’s interactions with one another blended with the heartfelt and emotional beats of the story and the suspenseful nature of the mystery the teens stumble across at the abandoned school made this a compelling read.

Yet for me, the themes the author explores in this book were quietly profound in their delivery. The way author explored everything from how people process death and our perceptions of what “ghosts” can be, to the way people themselves can become “haunted” in life by their actions or their mistakes, becoming ghosts to the people in their life. The profound depth that these themes struck in the reader elevated the narrative to all new heights.

The Verdict

Entertaining, thrilling, and captivating, author Martine Noël-Maw’s “The Ghosts of Spiritwood” is a must-read YA paranormal thriller. The twists and turns in the narrative and the emotional finale of these teens and their adventure with the dead will not only stay with the reader long after the book is finished but will leave readers eager for more from the author in what could be a series of narratives exploring the paranormal. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born and raised in Québec, Martine Noël-Maw has called Saskatchewan home since 1993. A French literature graduate from the Université de Montréal, she has authored sixteen books and a number of plays for both adults and youth. Her work has earned her many honours, including two Saskatchewan Book Awards and a SATAward. She was longlisted for the Prix de la nouvelle Radio-Canada (French CBC Short Story Prize) and shortlisted for the Prix du récit Radio-Canada (French CBC Nonfiction Prize). Martine is also an editor, publisher, and translator. Find her online at martinenoelmaw.wordpress.com.

Teddy Gets Adopted (The Adventures of Teddy) by Christine Milkovic Krauss Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young lonely kitten goes on a journey to find his family in author Christine Milkovic Krauss’s “Teddy Gets Adopted”, the latest entry in the Adventures of Teddy children’s book series.

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The Synopsis

Teddy Gets Adopted is the third book in the series. In this story, Teddy experiences feelings of loss and lonliness but he purr-severes through hard times, never giving up hope. Follow Teddy’s journey across Canada while he meets helpers and heroes along the way.

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The Review

This was a heartwarming and emotional read. The author does an incredible job of creating a story that is lighthearted enough to draw younger readers in and yet insightful enough for the children to gain genuine empathy and emotion from the story of Teddy and his journey. The inspiration for the story is a true draw for readers, as the reality of this protagonist’s being a real-life cat adds an authenticity that children appreciate in the context of this story. 

The balance of warmth in the illustrations and the engaging story the author tells were the biggest draws of the book. The way the author was able to naturally infuse the organizations and work that those organizations do to help pets and animals of all kinds find homes and help was great to see come to life in the context of the story, and the artwork provided both entertainment and an emotional pull that parents and children alike will genuinely appreciate.

The Verdict

Memorable, authentically written, and engaging, author Christine Milkovic Krauss’s “Teddy Gets Adopted” is a masterful children’s book and a great addition to The Adventures of Teddy series! The fast-paced narrative and depth of connection the story and artwork have to the reader as they move through the narrative will create a unique bonding experience between children and their parents, and help educate people on the need for adoption and helping animals when we can. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Everybody has a story. More importantly; every person is deserving of friendship, kindness and acceptance. Teddy Loses His Ears is a non-fiction story about my real life rescue cat who lost his ears to frostbite while being homeless in negative 50 degree temperatures in central Canada.

All of the books in the Teddy series will highlight educational points about pet care, support inclusivity and celebrate being different together. Teddy Loses His Ears is the introduction book to the series and touches on self esteem and disability awareness. Each illustration in the story is hand painted and even has a Teddy’s favourite toy hidden on every page for children to find! This story was created to raise awareness for rescue organizations and promote, adopt vs shop, to find your purr-fect family pet.

In addition to being a pet lover and cat mom, I am also a mom of two primary school aged children.

These books could never have come to life without their inspiration, a tribe of supportive humans and of course, Book Club. 

https://cmkauthor.wixsite.com/christinemilkovic

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About the Illustrator

I am a full time nursing student hoping to one day work in neonatal intensive care. I have a passion for all things art and creativity. I have been drawing and painting for as long as I can remember, but only ever created things for family and friends. At the start of the pandemic, I decided to start selling my paintings and handmade greeting cards. It was through this that I was connected with Christine and fell in love with Teddy’s story. Each of these pages are painted by hand with acrylic paint, something not often done in book illustrations anymore, which echoes the uniqueness of Teddy. I am excited to help share more of his adventures and stories!

https://cierravannesart.wixsite.com/my-site

ADHD ADDults: The Ultimate Success Manual by Jim Livingstone Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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Author Jim Livingstone works to end the stigma surrounding an ADHD or ADD diagnosis and helps those working through the diagnosis to find ways to remain productive and achieve their goals in the book “ADHD ADDults: The Ultimate Success Manual”.

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The Synopsis

Millions of adults are diagnosed with ADHD—but few find solutions needed to thrive…

An ADD or ADHD diagnosis—simply a label for the underlying cause of behaviours—doesn’t mean surrendering to the challenges. In fact, understanding how the brain works will change your perspective and help you become the best version of yourself.

ADHD ADDults: The Ultimate Success Manual serves as a guide—helping you navigate this daunting, uncharted territory in your life. Author Jim Livingstone—diagnosed with Adult ADHD at age 45—gives a first-hand account of his journey and shares everything he wished someone had explained to him when feeling discouraged and overwhelmed.

Jim hopes to erase the stigma around ADD and ADHD, and help others learn to manage and succeed. In this book, he explains ways to set goals, how to get a support system in place, and the seven key elements for action. He includes all the tips and tools needed to turn distractions into developments.

If you have ADHD or know someone who does, you know that living with it can be challenging. You might feel like you’re not doing as well as others or that you’re “different” from everyone else.

And while that’s true, it doesn’t mean that you have to give up on your dreams or things like being organized or getting things done on time—it just means finding new ways to do those things!

ADHD ADDults: The Ultimate Success Manual is the ultimate ADHD manual. It is an all-inclusive adult ADHD toolkit that will help you understand what ADHD is, how it affects certain areas of your life, and offer a helping hand to get you to a peaceful and rewarding life.

The fact that it was written by someone who was finally diagnosed with Adult ADHD at the age of 45 means you’ll be getting a first-hand account of his journey and everything he wished someone had told him when feeling overwhelmed or demoralized.

Here are some reasons why this book is a must-have:

• An Ultimate Guide and ADHD Planner: This book is a practical guide with plenty of ADHD¬friendly ways to organize your life. It helps you stay relaxed and calm even in the most stressful situations.

• Helps You Feel Understood: Find caring and helpful advice from the journey of Jim Livingstone to help you feel understood when you feel demoralized or disheartened.

• A perfect book to deal with ADHD: In this book, Jim has shared his journey and experience

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The Review

This was a well-written and engaging book. The author does an amazing job of really honing in on the experiences of living with ADHD and the lessons it brought him to find success. The balance the author struck in his tone and writing style between personal experiences and guided lessons to help the reader understand how to combat and live with their own diagnosis was supremely helpful and well-developed, and the way the author writes allows the reader to feel seen and engaged on a personal level. 

What makes this book so unique is unlike other books in this genre, the author comes from a place of personal experience and not a straight-up medical or doctoral approach to the subject matter. It allows the reader to truly connect to the lessons the author is teaching and gives the reader the tools they need to implement these guides into their lives in a sensible way. The author also does great work to de-stigmatize the world of mental health overall but in particular ADD or ADHD. As someone with family members who suffer through their own mental health diagnosis, I understand the importance of shedding society’s labels and ideas about those going through these things and allowing the right course of treatment to be found without the pressures of judgment from others. 

The Verdict

Memorable, enlightening, and thoughtful in its approach, author Jim Livingstone’s “ADHD ADDults: The Ultimate Success Manual” is a must-read nonfiction book on success guides and understanding one’s ADHD or ADD diagnosis. The informative nature of the book and the compassion for which the author writes stand out in the book clearly, and the tips the author gives for setting up routines that work for you and having the support system you need in place to help out made this a truly must-own book for anyone dealing with this. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Jim Livingstone remembers when ADHD wasn’t a recognised or diagnosed health disorder. He was simply described as “overactive, stupid…a pain in the arse.” After spending four decades feeling discouraged by life failures, he was diagnosed with ADHD. He decided not just to survive—but to thrive. For the past 30 years, he has cultivated successful relationships and businesses—and is now on a mission to support others on ADHD journeys. He hopes his story will help others change their narrative—and learn to capitalise on their unique abilities.

Jim lives Down Under on the scenic Sunshine Coast. He loves driving country roads with his beloved wife and taking his dogs to the beach. When he’s not writing or reading about ADHD, you’ll find him working out at the gym…or tinkering with racecars.

https://www.adhdaddults.com/

Selling Creative: Advertising Men & Women in the Hall of Fame by Mary E. Warlick Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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Author Mary E. Warlick takes readers on a journey through the lives of the men and women who popularized American advertising in the book Selling Creative: Advertising Men & Women in the Hall of Fame”. 

The Synopsis

Americans have long enjoyed a fascination with advertising, a complex love-hate relationship. Ads are often connected with childhood recollections of favorite brands and characters―whether they are annoying, entertaining or persuasive, and the messages often lodge in our memories long after the actual product has disappeared from our consciousness.

“Melts in Your Mouth, Not in Your Hands.” “Does She or Doesn’t She?”

“Just Do It!” “Where’s the Beef?” These taglines are part of American culture, but few of us know the talented individuals who created the business of advertising.

Selling Creative – Advertising Men and Women in the Hall of Fame is about those extraordinary individuals who built brands with their creative ideas and drove the American economy, individuals who were mavericks in their industry. Their original ideas broke through barriers of what was possible in communication.

Bill Bernbach realized the value of smart creative work―if the ad is noticed you don’t have to keep repeating the same message. Bernbach’s agency led what was known as the Creative Revolution. Lee Clow, a native Californian and avid surfer, partnered with Steve Jobs to launch the first personal computer for Apple, “Why 1984 won’t be like 1984.” Cliff Freeman asked, “Where’s the beef?” and questioned overblown promises in America.

Selling Creativeprovides in-depth profiles of the culturally astute men and women who tapped into their generation’s fears and desires. This book tells the story of advertising’s Creative Revolution through the lives of the people who lived and worked in the era.

Selling Creative – Advertising Men and Women in the Hall of Fame tells the stories of the generation that changed advertising; they elected presidents, discovered affluent activists, and found the magic of persuasion in humor, wit and entertainment. These special men and women are part of our common history, and this book presents their stories for the first time in a cohesive, entertaining and accessible format.

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The Review

This was such an insightful and captivating read. The author does an amazing job of really honing in on the inspirations and hurdles that these pioneers went through to capture these momentous bursts of creativity. The detail and the knowledge that readers can from the way the advertising business works was defined greatly in this book, and gave the reader a rare insight into what makes the advertising we consume work to the advantage of both businesses and consumers alike.

To me, the heart of this narrative rested in the inspiring stories of these advertising legends and the history associated with them. The way the book harkens back all the way to the 20s and showcases how the advertising world tried to separate itself from post-Civil War era traveling medicine and elixir salesmen was fascinating, and seeing how the business grew and developed, especially in the “golden age” of the 50s and 60s, made this book really engaging and fascinating to read.

The Verdict

Memorable, informative, and inspiring, author Mary E. Warlick’s “Selling Creative” is a must-read nonfiction book on the world of advertising and the legends that made it so compelling. The creativity and passion not only with which the author wrote the book, but that these legends drew out of themselves and put into some of the most catchy and impactful slogans and campaigns of twentieth-century America and beyond made this a masterful book to behold. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mary Warlick worked in advertising in New York as Chief Executive Officer of the One Club for Creativity, recognizing creative achievement. She witnessed first-hand major shifts and developments in the advertising industry, from 1990 to 2015. She personally inter- viewed most of the people featured in Selling Creative and had unprecedented access to their archives.

Warlick has produced two Emmy award-winning documentaries on creative leaders in advertising, Art & Copy (2009) and The Real Men and Women of Madison Avenue (2012). Her most recent documentary, The City That Sold America (2018) reveals the rich history of Chicago advertising.

Warlick edited Advertising’s Ten Best of the Decade 1980-1990, a compilation of the seminal print, radio and television campaigns that defined an era. She taught advertising history as an adjunct professor at the School of Visual Arts in New York, and was a guest lecturer at Minneapolis College of Art.

Warlick graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and earned a Masters Degree from University of New York at Binghamton and a Master of Philosophy from Columbia University in New York

LOY: in the Forests of the Mind by Todd David Gross Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

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In a world destroyed and humanity forced to start over, a small group of humans evolved without technology, learning to become one with nature and the world around them, while another regrouped into a Romanesque society built upon conquest, leading a clash that will change both their worlds forever in author Todd David Gross’s “LOY: in the forests of the mind”.

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The Synopsis

The world is destroyed.

Stripped of all modern technology, a small group of people survive and evolve.The Rehloy are born blind and don’t gain sight until they reach puberty. Learning of the world first through their other senses, creates such a high level of awareness in them that they border on the mystical.

For a thousand years they have lived in isolation, developing a special relationship with nature. Theirs is a “spiritual” life, ethereal, in some ways divine. But the outside world is intruding. The trees have begun to whisper of change….

On a distant shore, men whose technology isakin to the ancient Romans, have landed. Bent on conquest, they cut down trees, carve out roads, and begin to build a city.

And so, the struggle between a shamanic-like culture and an industrial one begins.

Loy is the story of a shaman, who must leave his homeland to discover the truth, and in so doing becomes its instrument.

It is about a mother who sacrifices her freedom and sanity in order to save her unborn child. It is about a child born with excruciating sensitivities, whose pain eventually becomes a source of great strength.

It is about monsters and madness, paradise found and lost. It is about the search for inner truth and a journey into the nature of mind and spirit.

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The Review

This was such a powerful and gripping sci-fi fantasy novel. The imagery and atmosphere the author created were felt immediately, as the story brought this lush world and nature in the wake of disaster to life perfectly. The action and suspense that came with this new world was engaging, and being able to see how these new societies of people in the wake of our society’s collapse evolved and yet fell into similar pitfalls of our own making was unique to see come to fruition in the narrative. 

Yet the heart of this novel came in the rich world-building and character development of the narrative. The way the author was able to build upon the world we know and flush out brand new mythos and delve into the concept of how we connect and interact with the world around us on both a physical and spiritual nature was amazing to watch come to fruition on the page. The heartfelt story of a mother in this new society and her child, the former that sacrifices everything for their child and the latter that uses their pain as a source of strength really will speak to readers as the backdrop of this conflict between two very different societies takes shape.

The Verdict

Entertaining, thoughtful, and thrilling, author Todd David Gross’s “LOY: in the Forests of the Mind” is a must-read sci-fi and fantasy novel. The heart that goes into this narrative and the brilliant world-building an immediate draw to readers, and the twists and turns in the direction that these characters go will keep readers on the edge of their seats. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

In a past life, Todd David Gross had an extensive background in music and was a veteran of such rock groups as The Burning Sensations, The Band Next Door, and The Shout! He performed primarily on bass, sometimes keys, sang, wrote songs, hauled equipment and performed in downtown NYC clubs, (usually after 2 a.m. on a work night), hauled equipment back, and sometimes saw the sunrise.

Along the way he discovered esoteric literature, and for decades has been an avid student of philosophical, and psychological studies, embracing both Western constructs and Eastern philosophies which strive to bring the light of consciousness to humanity.

Eventually, he traded one keyboard for another and wrote several plays including The Visit, Life In The Park, Sense Memory, all performed in New York City. His most “prestigious” play, Them Within Us, ran Off-Broadway at Theater Row Theater, (alas, now Theater Row Diner), and was published by Broadway Play Publishing.

Thereafter he set about writing Loy, which has become a series, and his most extensive achievement to date. You can read more about Todd by visiting his website at www.toddgrossauthor.com

A Gilded Drowning Pool (The Roddy and Val DeVere Gilded Age Series) by Cecilia Tichi Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

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A couple in late ninetieth century America are ensnared in a deadly murder investigation in a small town where they become the police chief’s prime suspects in author Cecilia Tichi’s “A Gilded Drowning Pool”, the latest book in The Roddy and Val DeVere Gilded Age series.

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The Synopsis

As a girl in the West, Valentine Mackle dodged quicksand along the rivers of the mining camps, but as Mrs. Roderick W. DeVere of New York’s Fifth Avenue, Val is sucked into Society’s own quicksand in spring, 1899, when a weekend at a country estate in the Hudson Valley turns deadly. Val’s “soul sister” drowns on family property, and the host’s best “practical jokes” double as death traps.

A Gilded Drowning Pool snarls Val and husband Roddy in a bogus adult health camp, a brothel, a town-and-country pocked with probable killers—and an ambitious police chief convinced that Val and Roddy DeVere played a part in the death that is ruled a homicide.

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The Review

This was an engaging and thrilling mystery read. The author found the perfect balance to showcase both the suspense surrounding the murder mystery aspect of the narrative and the attention to detail involved in the historical period that the setting takes place in. The pacing here is great, giving readers enough detail to really feel transported to this era while also allowing for the action and thriller genre aspects of the story to hit the reader fast. 

To me, the author’s work really shined brightly in both the character development and the rich detail in the historical nature of the narrative. The way the author was able to capture the language, the mindset, and the intricate details associated with the gilded age, even the fashion and era-accurate cocktails, really brought the historical time period to life and helped elevate the narrative. Yet the interesting part came in the contrast between both Roddy and Val, as she brings the strong, independent nature that we love to see in a great protagonist while also going up against her husband’s narrow-minded family and the difficulty of getting her husband to see and appreciate her for who she is, something that happens gradually throughout the narrative.

The Verdict

Memorable, thrilling, and entertaining, author Cecilia Tichi’s “A Gilded Drowning Pool” is a must-read historical fiction meets mystery thriller novel and a great addition to this growing historical fiction series. The twists and turns in the narrative, the rich detail of the era, and the captivating relationships explored in the narrative will keep fans of this series enthralled and newcomers eager for more of the author’s work. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on May 9th, 2023!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A fresh start for every new book, and author Tichi’s zest for America’s Gilded Age and its boldface names draws this seasoned writer to a crime fiction series while uncorking the country’s cocktail cultures on the printed (and ebook) page. Tichi digs deep into the Vanderbilt University research library to mine the late 1800-1900s history and customs of Society’s “Four Hundred,” its drinks, and the ways high-stakes crimes in its midst make for a gripping “Gilded” mystery series that rings true to the tumultuous era. The decades of America’s industrial titans and “Queens” of Society have loomed large in Tichi’s books for several years, and the titles track her recent projects:

• Civic Passions: Seven Who Launched Progressive America (and What They Teach Us)

• Jack London: A Writer’s Fight for a Better America

• What Would Mrs. Astor Do? A Complete Guide to the Manners and Mores of the Gilded Age

• Gilded Age Cocktails: History, Lore, and Recipes from the Golden Age

• Jazz Age Cocktails: History, Lore, and Recipes from the Roaring Twenties.

• A Gilded Death (crime fiction)

• Murder, Murder, Murder in Gilded Central Park (crime fiction)

• A Fatal Gilded High Note (crime fiction)

Cecelia is at work on a fourth in the series, “A Gilded Free Fall.” She enjoys membership and posting in Facebook’s The Gilded Age Society. You can read more about Cecelia by visiting her Wikipedia page at: https://bit.ly/Tichiwiki or her website: https://cecebooks.com.

https://twitter.com/ceceliatichi

50 States of Mind: A Journey To Rediscover American Democracy by Ryan Bernsten Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

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Author Ryan Bernsten gives hope back to readers who have seen nothing but divide among Americans in recent years by shedding light on what brings people together in the travel nonfiction book “50 States of Mind: A Journey to Rediscover American Democracy”.

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The Synopsis

Is America as divided as it seems? Oxford University graduate student Ryan Bernsten takes a 23,000-mile journey through all 50 states of his home country to answer that question.

50 States of Mind: A Journey to Rediscover American Democracy is a work of travel nonfiction in the style of Alexis de Tocqueville that takes readers on a long and winding journey through all 50 states to explore the complexities of today’s America. Leading with the desire to listen and overcome preconceived notions, Bernsten ultimately offers a hopeful vision for the future of America as he embarks on a search for meaning and reflects on what it means to be American. The companion podcast “50 States of Mind,” featured in Condé Nast Traveler, showcases live interviews from the journey and is available on all podcast platforms.

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The Review

This was a compelling and thoughtful read. The author does an amazing job of tapping into the heart of the American tapestry, showcasing that despite a vastly different look at the same subject, people from all over share far more in common than we believe. The discoveries the author makes, from the use of specific terminology being the dividing line that keeps rural farmers and progressive city dwellers from being on the same page concerning everything from climate change to how different national politics can be from local, community-driven politics and policies, really kept the reader invested in the author’s journey.

To me, the heart of this book rests in both the author’s hopeful tone throughout his writing and the balance of personal experiences with enriching interviews with a variety of people. The divide that exists in our world today happens so often because the negative, harsh voices are often the loudest, and yet through this book the author shows the hopeful tone that rests underneath the current of negativity, and the relatable journey he takes both himself and through his discussions with people of all walks of life made this such a compelling book to behold. 

The Verdict

Heartfelt, memorable, and engaging, author Ryan Bernsten’s “50 States of Mind: A Journey to Rediscover American Democracy” is a must-read nonfiction read that blends the discovery of travel with the introspective nature of getting to know others and their varied perspectives. The heart and passion in the author’s writing and the thoughtful approach to this subject will keep readers enthralled as the story unfolds. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Ryan Bernsten is a graduate of Northwestern University and Oxford’s Creative Writing Master’s program. He has written for The Oxford Political Review, USA Today, The Infatuation, and The Trevor Project, where he is the Senior Managing Editor. Ryan is an award-winning playwright whose plays have been performed across the US and UK. ryanbernsten.com

https://twitter.com/ryanbernsten

The Melancholy Strumpet Master by Zeb Beck Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

An academic and anthropologist works to help shed a light on the lives of Tijuana streetwalkers for his dissertation in author Zen Beck’s “The Melancholy Strumpet Master”.

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The Synopsis

Will Gilmore Crowell’s humble member cross the line separating academic integrity from disgrace? Only if by doing so it can help others.

Every weekend, Gilmore Crowell crosses the border into Tijuana’s redlight district. He’s not there for sex; he’s there to save his failing academic career.

Gil’s anthropological study of Tijuana streetwalkers had his dissertation advisor cheering him on. But that was years ago, before his best sources up and vanished. Now, with no connection to the sex worker community, his research has stalled and the faculty elders are about to kick him out of the grad program. Plus, he’s broke.

He takes a job teaching at a juvenile detention center. The steady income gives him the means to keep making his weekly trips across the border. Now he’s paying the girls to speak with him. In a sudden moment of insight, he realizes that giving them something besides cold hard cash might help him forge a new inroad to the community. But do they want what he’s offering?

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The Review

This is a marvelous and thoughtful approach to dark humor. The author found a balance between the academic side of the narrative and the humorous side with the protagonist’s interactions with his colleagues and the street workers he interacts with. The setting took on a life of its own, not only with the back and forth over the border that the protagonist took part in, but the era of 2002, with some great references and language that made the reader feel transported back to that time period. 

The heart of the narrative rested in the powerful themes and hilarious dialogue between the characters. The duality of the character Gil will stay with readers long after the book finishes, as the author does a wonderful job of highlighting the pressures of academia and the hardships of tough work environments with the added pressure of studying the life of Hispanic street workers and the shady realities that plague those in the field, and the humorous situations that arise as a result of those two worlds colliding. Readers see this early on, as a rough night for Gil results in an early collision with LAPD officers and a neighbor willing to go to extreme lengths to get him out of trouble. 

The Verdict

Memorable, hilarious, yet poignant and well-written, author Zeb Beck’s “The Melancholy Strumpet Master” is a must-read dark comedy. The theme of class systems clashing with one another and the humorous dialogue that brings Gil’s hardships and struggles to a head in this book will keep readers hanging off of the author’s every word. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Zeb Beck lives in Los Angeles with his lovely wife and difficult pets. He likes and dislikes the same things you do.

Forever Child: A Novel of the Future by Mark Lavine Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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Two children born to very different worlds switch places and discover the hardships and struggles that await them in author Mark Lavine’s “Forever Child: A Novel of the Future”.

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The Synopsis

In the year 2315 you will live for hundreds of years and never age beyond eleven-years-old. That is, if you’re one of the lucky ones. But the not-so-lucky ones are disturbingly close, and they’re threatening your safety, security, and even your deepest beliefs. Soon, it will be all-out war.

Three-hundred years into the future…

And the world has changed. Among a chosen few, life expectancy is now hundreds of years; these are the forever children, and science has found a way to keep them in a nearly endless childhood. Secure in their giant hives, they have left the outsiders, who must live natural lives, to fend for themselves.

This is the story of Kianno and Seelin, two children who find themselves trading places in this strange new world, one leading the life of a forever child and the other growing up in the anarchy of the outside world. Their lives come together again in surprising and unexpected ways, as they both become involved in a fierce struggle between the two worlds.

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The Review

This was a brilliant and captivating read. The author did an amazing job of world-building in this narrative, giving readers a feeling of dystopia meets futurism in this story. The imagery the author infused into the writing of this book allowed the reader to get a clear image of this vast new world, both on the outside and within the hives in the forever children reside. The fast-pacing of story allowed the reader to fully immerse in this world and get a sense of the history that has developed without sacrificing any of the action or suspense that comes forward.

Yet in the heart of this narrative rested a great sense of character development, as both Kianno and Seelin’s journey helped to emphasize the hardships and pitfalls of life both inside and outside of the hives. The melding of science, faith, and what it means to be a family all became prominent themes within the story, and the gripping action helped bring these two protagonist’s stories to life as the unique vision of the future the author conjures up takes a firm hold in the reader’s mind.

The Verdict

Memorable, thought-provoking, and entertaining, author Mark Lavine’s “Forever Child: A Novel of the Future” is a must-read YA Sci-Fi novel that felt like the perfect mix of Brave New World meets The Giver. The twists and turns in the narrative and the emotional connection that these characters form, especially with the side character Sofia and the protagonists, made for an engaging and remarkable story that couldn’t be put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mark Lavine is the author of four novels: Dr Prozac, ForeverChild, Victimless Crimes, and Windekind. He lives in the mountains of Vermont with his wife, daughter, and King Charles Spaniel (Luna). Luna follows him tirelessly on his many hikes and cross-country skis through the woods near his home. Luna sleeps tirelessly while Mark spends a few hours of every day working on his next book. He also loves to play classical piano, and Beethoven in particular. To get acquainted with his work, Mark recommends ForeverChild for scifi fans, and Windekind for thriller fans. 

http://www.marklavine.net/