< Back Where the Words Matter Most: Readercon 35 Convenes in Boston July 10, 2026 at 6:06:51 PM For most science fiction conventions, the visual spectacle is the main draw: elaborate cosplay, massive media screenings, celebrity autograph queues, and crowded gaming halls. But for four days every summer, a different kind of gathering quiets the noise to focus on the written word and community. Running from July 9 to July 12, 2026, Readercon 35 has taken over the Boston Marriott Burlington. Known affectionately in the literary community as "the thinking fan’s sci-fi con," Readercon strips away pop-culture media and commercial distractions to celebrate the mechanics, themes, and artistry of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and slipstream literature. Every year, Readercon anchors its extensive programming around a highly curated roster of honorees. This year’s Guests of Honor represent a brilliant bridge between the genre’s foundational history and its boundary-pushing contemporary evolution: P. Djèlí Clark (Guest of Honor): A force in modern fantasy, Clark’s intricate worldbuilding has earned him Nebula, Locus, and British Fantasy awards for works like A Master of Djinn and Ring Shout . Attendees have been flocking to his panels, eager to hear how his background as a history professor at the University of Connecticut—specifically his research into West African oral storytellers ( griots ) and the American abolitionist movement—shapes his vibrant, alternate-history narratives. David Gerrold (Guest of Honor): Celebrating over 50 years in the genre, Gerrold is a living legend. While pop-culture enthusiasts know him as the creator of Star Trek’s iconic Tribbles and Land of the Lost’s Sleestaks, Readercon attendees are celebrating his massive literary footprint. This includes his Hugo, Nebula, and Locus-winning semi-autobiographical masterpiece, The Martian Child , and his sweeping War Against the Chtorr series. Mike Resnick (Memorial Guest of Honor): Readercon 35 is paying tribute to the late, immensely prolific author and editor who passed away in 2020. With over 70 novels and 40 anthologies to his name, Resnick's deep fondness for fables, legends, and genre-spanning mentorship is a core theme of this year's retrospective panels. While mainstream conventions lean on spectacle, Readercon’s heartbeat is its intellectually rigorous programming of full hour of themed sessions and author readings (30 minutes). The Thursday night sessions included “Writing Horror in Horrifying Times” and a panel on “Secret Agents and Speculative Fiction.” Author Ellen Kusher relaxed the audience with restaurant recommendations as a prelude to her reading. The 2026 panel tracks reflect a genre adapting to modern cultural and technological realities. Notable panels drawing crowds included “AI Imaginarium in the Age of the Cybernetic Hot Mess,” A lively debate featuring David Gerrold and other prominent authors exploring why classic science fiction envisioned AI as cool, hyper-rational, and logic-bound, contrasted against the messy, unpredictable LLMs of the actual present. What keeps authors like Scott Edelman coming back, who has attended 34 of the convention's 35 years, is Readercon’s uniquely egalitarian atmosphere, where the barrier between creator and fan is practically nonexistent. This community spirit was discussed during the panel “Finding Your Writing Posse.” Featuring authors E.C. Ambrose, A.T. Greenblatt, Bethany C. Powell, and Edelman, the session explored how peer networks provide essential creative and emotional support for writers. And friends is the key word, not contacts. The panelists offered practical advice on finding mentors and engaging with the community, with Powell emphasizing the value of building organic, professional relationships without stiff formality. Closing out the session, Edelman encouraged the audience to lean into these connections, promising to keep his long-standing tradition alive by bringing donuts to the patio after dinner, a perfect example of the welcoming, grassroots camaraderie that defines Readercon. When attendees aren’t in panels, they are usually found in the legendary Readercon Bookshop, a room entirely dedicated to new, used, rare, and collectible books, or participating in Kaffeeklatsches . These small, 10-person sign-up sessions give fans the rare opportunity to sit down and chat casually over coffee with their favorite authors. The weekend will culminate in its traditional Saturday night highlight: the presentation of the Shirley Jackson Awards , recognizing outstanding achievements in literature of psychological suspense, horror, and dark fantastic. Programming will continue until 3pm Sunday. As Readercon 35 progresses through the weekend under a community-minded indoor masking policy, it continues to prove that in a world dominated by visual media, the subversive notion that "thinking is fun," and that the written word still reigns supreme, is alive and well. Reported by Printed Word Reviews Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

Book review of Holiday Spirit Book 3: Monsters Arise! by John DeGuire . ISBN: 979-8990870963 < Back Holiday Spirit Book 3: Monsters Arise! John DeGuire Horror, paranormal, adventure, friendship, mystery, monsters John DeGuire Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest In a treacherous Arctic landscape, Count Dracula, accompanied by a vampiric woolly mammoth and a saber-toothed tiger, embarks on a perilous quest to rescue his friend from the clutches of a malevolent force, confronting ancient monsters and the harsh elements along the way. In the third installment of his ambitious “Holiday Spirit” saga, John DeGuire shatters the boundaries of traditional horror. If the first book was a localized New England mystery, “Monsters Arise!” is a globe-trotting, genre-defying epic that feels like a fever dream collaboration between Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, and Jules Verne. The narrative scale here is staggering. DeGuire doesn't just stick to the shadows of Vermont; he flings his cast across a map that spans the Arctic tundra, the Congolese jungles, and the Appalachian peaks. From the tundra to the tropics, this isn't just a change of scenery, it’s a shift in physics. By introducing elements of science fiction and high fantasy, DeGuire creates a “timeless contemporary” world where a vampire can ride a resurrected woolly mammoth without the reader blinking an eye. Two paths of the ‘Heart of Darkness,’ the novel effectively splits into two high-stakes rescue missions that eventually collide. Following a brutal defeat, Count Dracula proves his mettle not as a villain, but as a loyal friend. His trek through the ice to save Saul Frankenstein is pure pulp adventure, featuring battles against Yetis and the twisted legacy of Dr. Moreau. On the other track in a brilliant bit of literary crossover, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson join forces with the werewolf Aoife and the invisible man, Ralph. This thread leans into the mystery-thriller genre, taking the team to the Nubian pyramids and the African interior to face off against mercenaries and gorilla-guarded secrets. While the monsters provide the spectacle, the human (or post-human) element provides the soul. The true “monster” of the third act isn’t a creature with fangs, but the cold, calculating brilliance of Professor Moriarty. The resolution is refreshingly dark and emotionally taxing; DeGuire isn’t afraid of “tragic consequences.” The obsessive pursuit of evil by Holmes leads to a climax that leaves the reader, and the surviving characters, genuinely scarred. “Monsters Arise!” is a class in intertextuality. DeGuire treats classic literature like a sandbox, playing with these icons in ways that feel respectful yet radical. It’s for fans of Gothic horror who want their tropes deconstructed and reassembled into something entirely new. It is vivid, violent, and surprisingly heart-wrenching. Previous Next

Book review of A Reluctant Spy by Roselyn Teukolsky . ISBN: 9781967036004 < Back A Reluctant Spy Roselyn Teukolsky Espionage, suspense, cybercrime, deception, betrayal, hidden identities Graveyard Press LLC Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest Thrust into a lethal undercover mission after her husband's suspicious death, computer scientist Madeline Geiger must navigate a dark web of betrayal and outwit a ruthless killer. A deadly plunge from the sky is just the beginning. In Roselyn Teukolsky’s "A Reluctant Spy," computer scientist Madeline Geiger survives a sabotaged skydive that kills her husband. But the real terror begins on the ground when she is recruited for a perilous undercover mission. Forced to spy on her colleagues, Madeline uncovers a treacherous digital underworld of cybercrime and academic betrayal. As she decodes the encrypted secrets her husband left behind, Madeline launches a high-stakes digital war to infiltrate the network. Teukolsky delivers a pulse-pounding, cyber-thriller where an introverted academic must use her sharp intellect to outwit a cold-blooded killer. Previous Next

Book review of ALL RISE: A Lawyer's Evolution from Prison to Purpose by Rashmi Airan . ISBN: 9798891386723 < Back ALL RISE: A Lawyer's Evolution from Prison to Purpose Rashmi Airan memoir, leadership, transformation, redemption, purpose Amplify Publishing Company Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest This work is a memoir and leadership narrative about a high-achieving lawyer whose pursuit of success leads to a federal fraud conviction, imprisonment, and a rebuilding of her life around accountability and presence. All Rise: A Lawyer's Evolution from Prison to Purpose by Rashmi Airan offers a bracingly honest, detailed memoir-turned-leadership-manifesto that examines what happens when the pursuit of the American Dream overrides ethical boundaries. The narrative follows Airan, the daughter of Indian immigrants, who internalizes early on that her personal worth is directly tied to her academic and professional achievements. After graduating from elite institutions and working on Wall Street, she opened a solo real estate law practice to secure financial stability and flexibility for her young family. However, the pressure of maintaining a high-overhead lifestyle and the demands of perfectionism lead her to a fateful crossroads in 2007. Enticed by a high-volume developer client, she begins closing transactions that feature questionable buyer incentives. Despite internal warning signs and glaring red flags, she compartmentalizes her doubts, selectively presents information to underwriters, and doubles down on the work. The house of cards collapses in 2011 when the FBI arrives at her office. Airan’s initial response is marked by panic and denial, including a disastrous attempt to alter subpoenaed records. But as a federal indictment for bank fraud lands and she dives into the discovery evidence, the harsh reality sets in. Her lawyers deliver a sobering truth: under the law, deliberate ignorance is a crime. Choosing accountability over a futile trial defense, she pleads guilty and is sentenced to federal prison. The second half of the book details her emotional preparation to leave her children, her surrender to federal custody, and her transformative time in a prison camp and county jail. Stripped of her status, titles, and control, she finds a deeper purpose and confronts her lifelong addiction to external validation. Upon an early release due to government cooperation, Airan returns to a permanently altered reality, including the amicable end of her marriage, and begins rebuilding her life. Not as an outright villain or an entirely innocent victim, Airan dissects the concept of ethical drift: the slow, almost imperceptible erosion of boundaries that happens when a professional is under immense pressure. By detailing how she rationalized her decisions in 2007, the book serves as a vital case study in cognitive dissonance for compliance officers, lawyers, and corporate executives. The book transitions from a prison memoir to a leadership framework. Airan uses her experience to build the RISE Through It® Framework (Reframe, Identify, Surrender, Evolve) and the Clarity Loop. These tools turn her personal catastrophe into actionable advice for leaders on how to pause, evaluate red flags, and invite radical candor into their professional lives. All Rise is a rare corporate memoir that balances deep vulnerability with rigorous self-examination. It is for any professional who has ever felt the crushing weight of expectation or the temptation to take a shortcut "just this once." Rashmi Airan has written a cautionary tale that is ultimately infused with hope, proving that while we cannot always undo our past, we entirely possess the power to choose who we become in the aftermath. Previous Next

Book review of Uncommon Strangers by R. Luce . ISBN: 9798997191115 < Back Uncommon Strangers R. Luce masculinity, War, dysfunction, abuse, sexuality, friendship Independently published Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest A narrative that weaves together memoir, war, and social critique to show how broken men can rebuild their lives through artistic purpose and honest human connection. R. Luce’s “Uncommon Strangers” operates as an ambitious, polyphonic study of working-class survival, trauma, and artistic reclamation. Blending memoir, military narrative, and psychological fiction, the book constructs a complex architecture of interlocked lives to prove a singular premise: that private suffering is never strictly personal, whether borne of poverty, combat, or suppressed identity. Private suffering is the inescapable product of cultural machinery: social class, militarism, abusive family structures, and rigid codes of American masculinity. The narrative anchors itself in a striking image of working-class despair: a young printing-press worker weeping beside the Erie Canal in 1972, overwhelmed by the crushing inertia of labor, shame, and limited horizons. From this locus of quiet crisis, Luce expands the narrative across three parallel, colliding trajectories. First, the narrator’s journey marked by economic hardship, draft anxiety, failed marriage, and a near-fatal suicide attempt that dismantles any lingering illusion of divine or familial rescue. Next, Dorr Reed’s War Narrative: A harrowing account of combat in Vietnam, highlighted by the assault on Ben Suc, where institutional violence, systemic racism, and the near death of a comrade culminate in psychiatric breakdown and lifelong trauma. Lastly, Jim Marsh’s Reckoning: A narrative of affluent privilege turned toxic, tracing severe physical abuse within a high-status family, the realization of his homosexuality at Woodstock, and a turbulent, decade-spanning bond with the deeply traumatized Dorr. What distinguishes the book structurally is its refusal to treat these strands as isolated case studies. Instead, Luce uses a secondary generation of figures: Steve Miller and Michael DuQuesne. They unearth Dorr’s hidden manuscripts, transforming a story of individual damage into a collaborative act of literary recovery. The pivotal scene is a conditional offer of love, sobriety, and artistic discipline extended to Dorr in a jail cell. This serves as the book's moral pivot: care is not merely emotional comfort, but an uncompromising demand for accountability and creative purpose. Uncommon Strangers is a formidable, deeply empathetic contribution to the literature of American trauma. By linking the battlefields of Vietnam to the factory floors of Upstate New York and the closeted lives of mid-century men, Luce delivers an unsentimental blueprint of how human beings are broken by institutional forces; and how, through art, rigorous self-honesty, and communal care, some manage to piece themselves back together. Previous Next

Book review of Rescuing Ethan and Gabe: The Power of One Stable Committed Relationship by Erik H. Marks . ISBN: < Back Rescuing Ethan and Gabe: The Power of One Stable Committed Relationship Erik H. Marks Novel Burnstown Publishing House Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest The Enduring Echo of Mentorship: A Novel of Grief, Trauma, and Healing SPOILER ALERT: "Rescuing Ethan and Gabe: The Power of One Stable Committed Relationship" by Erik H. Marks delves into the complex emotional landscape of grief, mentorship, and the lasting impact of trauma, offering a reflective and deeply moving narrative. Set against the backdrop of Winnipeg, Manitoba, and the serene landscapes of Camp Besheret in Nova Scotia, the story spans two decades, from the summer of 2000 to the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. It's a story about personal growth, the profound bonds forged through shared experiences, and the enduring power of human connection. The narrative centers on Scott, a 26-year-old assistant director at Camp Besheret, whose life takes an unexpected turn when he forms a close connection with Ethan, a troubled 15-year-old camper. Ethan's frequent brushes with authority and his difficult home life create a space for Scott to step into a mentoring role, becoming a confidant and guiding presence. As their relationship deepens, Scott learns about Ethan's traumatic past, including abuse at the hands of a former coach, a revelation that profoundly affects Scott and shapes his future aspirations. Events shift to 2018, where Scott, now working as an accountant for Winnipeg Child and Family Services, is tasked with chaperoning a camping trip for Indigenous children in foster care. Here, he encounters Gabriel, a neglected 12-year-old boy, and the echoes of his past with Ethan resonate strongly. As Scott's bond with Gabriel grows, he navigates the familiar challenges of mentoring a child with a troubled background. The story delves into Scott's internal struggles, his unwavering commitment to helping children like Ethan and Gabriel, and the emotional toll it takes on him. We witness his quiet dedication, the weight of his responsibility, and the quiet strength he draws from his experiences. The story reaches its poignant resolution during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Scott receives devastating news: Ethan appears to have died from a drug overdose. This tragic event spurs Scott into action, fearing a similar fate for Gabriel. He embarks on a search for the boy, eventually finding him living in squalor. Through persistence, genuine concern, and the unwavering belief in Gabriel's potential, Scott helps the boy recognize the need for change, offering him a lifeline in a world that has offered him little else. The final, heartbreaking turn is with Scott's own death from COVID-19. His passing leaves a profound void, but it also leaves an enduring legacy. Gabriel, along with the narrator, are left to grapple with their grief, but they also carry the torch of Scott's mentorship. They decide to honor his memory by embarking on a journey together, a testament to the lasting impact of Scott's presence in their lives. This novel explores powerful themes of grief and loss, the transformative power of mentorship, the long-lasting effects of trauma and the arduous path to healing, and the profound nature of personal growth. Scott's character arc is central to the narrative, showcasing his evolution from a camp assistant director to a dedicated advocate for vulnerable children. Ethan and Gabriel, each in their own way, represent the challenges faced by youth grappling with trauma and the potential for positive change through meaningful connection. "Rescuing Ethan and Gabe: The Power of One Stable Committed Relationship" by Erik H. Marks is a testament to the importance of empathy, resilience, and the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of others. Through its nuanced exploration of complex emotional landscapes and the enduring bonds forged through shared experiences, it offers a compelling and thought-provoking read, leaving a lingering impression long after the final page is turned. Previous Next

Book review of M.B.A. Discover The Truth About Leadership by D.M. Christensen . ISBN: 979-8994420508 < Back M.B.A. Discover The Truth About Leadership D.M. Christensen Humor, satire, business, MBA, credentialism, leadership, responsibility, clarity, growth, self-education Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest A satirical takedown of MBA culture and modern education exposes how prestige, jargon, and bureaucracy reward performance over competence while arguing that real leadership, growth, and success come from clarity, responsibility, and self-directed learning. In an era where the “thought leader” industry is a multi-billion dollar machine churning out polished platitudes, D.M. Christensen’s “M.B.A.: Discover The Truth About Leadership” arrives like a brick through a stained-glass window. It is a lacerating, deeply cynical viewpoint, yet it offers an autopsy of the modern professional-managerial class. Christensen’s relentless cynicism, his greatest strength, is also the source of the book's primary weaknesses. While the satire is cathartic, it offers no prescriptive framework. Christensen’s thesis is simple: It’s not the degree that creates leaders or a leadership manual, it’s a diagnosis. We have built a global economy that values the signal of competence more than competence itself. The book’s first movement is a frontal assault on the “Cathedrals” of higher education. Christensen treats the MBA not as a degree, but as a high-priced ticket to a masquerade ball. He argues that universities no longer sell knowledge; they sell identity and bureaucratic compliance. A standout moment of the book’s satirical bite is the “comic detour” regarding a toilet paper shortage, a move that seems like a non-sequitur until the punchline lands. By mocking the “page-padding” gimmicks of traditional publishing, Christensen exposes the irony of the business world, poking fun at every chance he has, but underscoring that we are surrounded by institutions that hide a lack of substance behind “ceremony and branding.” Christensen’s most biting observation lies in the “Confidence vs. Competence” gap. He posits that modern corporate structures are essentially rigged to favor the loud over the capable. The “overconfident” rise because confidence is high-visibility and easy to measure. The “competent” are often sidelined because real competence involves caution, nuance, and admitting uncertainty, which are treated as toxic traits in a boardroom addicted to “decisiveness,” guaranteeing a headnod for anyone who has been in a corporate meeting. Moving into the workplace, Christensen deconstructs the “moral prestige” of hard work. He draws a sharp line between impact and optics. In his view, the modern office is a theater of “performative productivity” where meetings dilute responsibility, teams mask individual incompetence, and collaboration is often just a polite word for “stalling.” He argues for a return to systems over heroes. Reliable performance shouldn't require a visionary leader; it should require clear ownership, transparent incentives, and the removal of the “administrative friction” that most managers spend their days creating. The book’s final chapters transition from satire to a “manual for the disillusioned.” Christensen laughs that the only way out of the “prestige trap” is through disciplined discomfort. “M.B.A.: Discover The Truth About Leadership” is not a “feel-good” book. It is an “un-learning” book. While its purpose is not to present formal data like an academic text, it uses the obvious to point out a corporation's shortcomings. Using mockery as a scalpel, he excises the performative rot of modern management. He offers the ‘hard truths’ of a whistleblower, but stops short of providing the blueprint of an architect. Recommended for the disillusioned middle manager, the returning student questioning their six-figure debt, or anyone who has ever sat in a “strategic alignment” meeting and felt their soul slowly leave their body. Previous Next

Learn more about Educational Disobedience < Back Educational Disobedience From Advocacy to Authorship: Amplifying Unheard Voices Through Storytelling Dr. Annise Mabry's "Educational Disobedience: A Mom Who Became A Movement" has been awarded the 2025 Independent Press Award in the Social/Political Change category, recognizing her powerful voice and commitment to transformative advocacy. Dr. Mabry's writing is deeply intertwined with her work as an educator and advocate, seamlessly blending personal experience with a call for societal change. Dr. Mabry's life as an author is a reflection of her dedication to amplifying unheard voices. Whether she's writing about co-responder models in rural communities, advocating for LGBTQ youth, or exploring alternative educational paths through homeschooling, her goal is to inspire others to challenge the status quo. Her writing, often done between her work with families at the Tiers Free Homeschool Cooperative and her collaborations with law enforcement, serves as a means of preserving experiences and sharing vital lessons. Several individuals have profoundly influenced Dr. Mabry's journey. Her father, Jesse Barber, instilled a deep appreciation for education and cultural heritage. Her children, Niles and Emmett, inspired the creation of the Tiers Free Homeschool Cooperative. Major Trey Burgamy's collaboration on a rural co-responder program highlighted the importance of partnerships in addressing systemic issues. The students and families she has worked with provide constant inspiration, grounding her work in tangible purpose. Maya Angelou serves as a significant literary influence. Her ability to transform personal pain into universal truths resonates deeply with Dr. Mabry's mission. Angelou's courage in addressing issues of identity, racism, and trauma, coupled with her message of vulnerability as strength, provides a powerful model for using storytelling to empower and heal. Dr. Mabry expresses heartfelt gratitude to her children, partner, friends, and the families who have placed their trust in the Tiers Free Homeschool Cooperative. Their support and belief have been instrumental in her journey. "My writings illuminate the transformative power of resilience, education, and advocacy, inspiring others to challenge societal norms and create meaningful change," Dr. Mabry summarizes. Looking ahead, she is preparing to release two additional books: "Passion to Profit: A Homeschool Parent's Guide to Creating A Education Business" and "Grants that Grow: Unlocking Rural Resilience with Winning Proposals," further solidifying her commitment to empowering communities through knowledge and advocacy. "Educational Disobedience" stands as a testament to her dedication to creating a more equitable and just world. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

< Back Indie Bookstores Gain Ground in Audio Ecosystem with Bookshop.org Expansion July 9, 2026 at 5:32:53 AM Independent bookstores have officially widened their battlefront against big-tech retail dominators. Bookshop.org , the online marketplace built to support local booksellers, has launched a native audiobook subscription service. The rollout represents an aggressive move into a digital audio sector traditionally dominated by Amazon’s Audible. Under the new model, readers can purchase and stream audiobooks directly through the native Bookshop.org app via a credit-based subscription priced at £12.99 per month. Crucially, independent bookstores again receive a dedicated share of the profit margin from every credit purchased, transforming what was once a threat to physical storefronts into a regular, recurring digital revenue stream. "Audiobooks are a vital part of the book industry’s growth, and we are excited to give readers a better, more ethical way to buy them," said Nicole Vanderbilt, Managing Director of Bookshop.org UK. "There is no reason for them to turn to Amazon now." To bridge the gap between digital convenience and the tactile appeal of brick-and-mortar browsing, the launch features physical audiobook "listening stations" piloted in select independent shops. These installations allow customers to sample digital audiobooks in-store, bringing a highly digital format directly onto the physical high street. This native platform expansion complements the company's broader digital ecosystem push. In the U.S., Bookshop.org maintains its long-standing partnership with Libro.fm , an independent platform that channels 100% of its audiobook profits directly to local shops. Additionally, Bookshop.org recently partnered with Spotify to integrate an in-app "get the printed edition" feature for audiobook listeners, pulling digital traffic back into physical bookstore economies. The move into proprietary audiobooks follows an impressive growth trajectory for the B-Corp certified organization, which reported just under $70 million in revenue last year—a 55% increase over the previous year. With over $46 million distributed to local stores since its 2020 inception, Bookshop.org ’s new audiobook platform closes a crucial loop, allowing local, independent retailers to finally capture market share across print, e-book (announced early 2025 ), and audio formats simultaneously. Reported by Printed Word Reviews Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

Book review of Catching Memories by Peggy Lotz . ISBN: < Back Take me back to https://www.childrensbookwormaward.com/ Catching Memories Peggy Lotz Childrens: family beach adventure Self-published Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest Three siblings embark on magical beach adventures that teach them the importance of kindness and the impact of small moments, culminating in a heartwarming lesson about making a difference in the world. Peggy Lotz's Catching Memories is a touching memoir that beautifully encapsulates the magic of childhood and the lasting significance of life's seemingly small moments. Written in an accessible and engaging style, this book sweeps readers away to the serene beaches of Arch Cape, Oregon, the backdrop for the author's formative years alongside her siblings. Through rich descriptions and heartfelt personal stories, Lotz masterfully illustrates the profound beauty of the natural world, the deep joy of family connections, and the enduring power of kindness. The memoir opens with a delightful immersion into the author's childhood beach trips, where each visit was an adventure brimming with excitement and discovery. Lotz then introduces us to the unique personalities of her siblings, each engaging with the beach environment in their own distinctive way. A particularly memorable moment unfolds as Lotz recounts a day when her father caught a fish that unexpectedly gave birth—an event that left an indelible mark on her young mind. This powerful experience serves as a poignant metaphor for the impact of small acts of kindness and their ripple effect on the world around us. Catching Memories champions the idea that the small moments in life, often unplanned and unassuming, can profoundly shape our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. The book masterfully blends nostalgia with timeless lessons, standing out for its ability to evoke a longing for simpler times while imparting enduring truths about the importance of family, nature, and compassion. This book is ideal for anyone who appreciates memoirs that celebrate the beauty found in everyday life and the transformative power of small acts of kindness. Previous Next

Book review of Joyous Longevity: The A-Z Field Guide by Sieglinde C. Othmer . ISBN: 978-1737602804 < Back Joyous Longevity: The A-Z Field Guide Sieglinde C. Othmer Self-help, Wellness, Health, longevity, well-being, aging, mindfulness Joyous Longevity Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest In "Joyous Longevity," Sieglinde Othmer shares her personal journey and practical strategies for embracing aging with positivity and purpose, offering readers a vibrant roadmap to a fulfilling life at any age. Sieglinde Othmer’s "Joyous Longevity" is a delightful and deeply personal guide that elevates the conversation around aging from mere maintenance to enthusiastic embracing. This book is far more than a collection of health tips; it's a warm, encouraging invitation to live a vibrant and fulfilling life, regardless of one's age. Blending heartfelt personal narratives with accessible, practical advice, Othmer offers readers a unique and inspiring roadmap for healthy aging. Dr. David Friedman's foreword sets a compelling stage, highlighting Othmer's remarkable resilience and enduring zest for life, particularly after facing the loss of her husband and the isolation brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. We are introduced to a woman whose adventurous youth and immigrant experience inform her profound perspective. The solace she found in simple joys like opera and gardening during a difficult time ultimately catalyzed the creation of this book, which distills her wisdom into twenty-six powerful, practical ideas. This foundation of personal experience lends immense credibility and warmth to the subsequent advice. The book's structure is one of its most appealing features: an A-Z field guide dedicated to the concepts that underpin joyous longevity. This alphabetical organization makes the wisdom easily digestible and highly referential. Key concepts serve as pillars for a holistic approach to well-being: A for AWAKE emphasizes the simple yet profound impact of starting each day with a positive mindset. B for BELIEVING encourages faith in oneself and trust in others. C for CREATIVITY champions engaging the mind and soul in joyful activities. D for DRESS reminds us of the power of confident self-presentation. E for EATING WELL grounds the advice in robust science, drawing insights from the longevity lessons of Blue Zones. Othmer’s guide delves into both emotional and physical health. Chapters like F for FORGIVENESS and J for JOY address the necessary internal work of cultivating happiness and peace. At the same time, chapters on G for GARDENING and H for HYDRATING provide tangible, life-enhancing physical habits. The critical topic of I for INDEPENDENCE is approached proactively, encouraging activity and thoughtful home adjustments to maintain autonomy—a key desire for older adults. Further chapters like K for KNOWING delve into self-awareness, urging readers to align their choices with their authentic selves. Ultimately, the book concludes by emphasizing curiosity, new experiences, and the search for meaning and purpose. Othmer’s powerful closing message is a call to action: to view aging not as a decline, but as a new horizon filled with possibilities. The central thesis of "Joyous Longevity"—that aging can and should be a vibrant and fulfilling experience when met with a positive mindset and proactive habits—is fully realized through Othmer's work. What truly sets this book apart from other health and wellness guides are the author’s personal anecdotes and practical tips, delivered with a winning combination of warmth, humor, and wisdom. This is an essential guide for adults seeking to enhance their quality of life, as well as anyone interested in the foundational strategies of healthy aging. Readers will walk away with valuable, actionable strategies to cultivate joy, purpose, and lasting well-being. "Joyous Longevity" is a must-read for living deeply and passionately at any age. Previous Next

Book review of Chivalry in the Shadows by Meg Wahlberg, Ph.D. . ISBN: 979-8990949928 < Back Chivalry in the Shadows Meg Wahlberg, Ph.D. Historical Fiction; LGBTQ Fiction; medieval, identity, love Parkwood Manor Press Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest In medieval Brittany, a noble girl disguises herself as her brother to compete in a jousting tournament, navigating love, loyalty, and the deadly rivalries that threaten her heart and family. Meg Merriet Wahlberg’s “Chivalry in the Shadows” is a striking entry into the realm of LGTBQ historical fiction. Set against the rugged, honor-bound backdrop of 13th-century Brittany, the novel deconstructs the “knight in shining armor” archetype to reveal the raw, human struggles for identity hidden beneath the plate armor. The narrative centers on Rowen and Roland, twins caught in the rigid gears of nobility. While the world demands Rowen embrace the domestic life of a lady and Roland the martial life of a squire, their spirits are fundamentally misaligned with their roles. The catalyst for the story’s tension is the tragic death of Sir Edmund le Noir, a defiant knight killed in a duel by the formidable Sir Harlowe de Rohan. This loss ripples through the twins’ lives, forcing Rowen to confront the cruelty of the chivalric code and her deepening, forbidden love for Lady Amarys, the Baron's daughter. The book does a nice job in its exploration of gender performance and societal duty. When Amarys is declared the prize of an upcoming melee, the plot shifts into a high-stakes “identity-swap” thriller. Rowen’s transition from a grieving noblewoman to a disguised competitor is handled with emotional weight, highlighting the physical and mental toll of living a double life. Furthermore, Wahlberg’s depiction of midsummer games and jousting tournaments is vivid and visceral. You can practically smell the kicked-up dirt and feel the bone-shaking impact of the lances. The melee serves as the novel’s pulse-pounding climax. Rowen, fighting under Roland’s colors, faces Harlowe in a desperate bid for Amarys’s future. The fallout is not a clean, fairytale ending; instead, it offers a grounded and poignant resolution. While Rowen finds a new sense of purpose within the Order of the Bloodcross Knights, the story doesn’t shy away from the reality of the era: love does not always conquer the constraints of 13th-century society. The ending is a bittersweet reflection on the sacrifices required to live authentically. “Chivalry in the Shadows” is a rich, atmospheric tapestry of medieval life. It’s a read for fans of historical fiction who want more than just battles, it's for those who want to see the hearts of the people fighting them. Recommended for fans of “The Last Kingdom,” queer historical romances, and stories about subverting traditional gender roles. Previous Next