< Back Durst Group Expands Label Printing Reach with Acquisition of MPS September 17, 2026 at 9:13:52 AM Durst Group announced at LOUPE Americas 2026 that it will acquire Netherlands-based flexographic specialist MPS Printing B.V. Beginning January 1, 2027, the company will operate under the name MPS – A Durst Group Company , marking a significant expansion in Durst’s drive to build a fully integrated, automated label production ecosystem. The deal broadens Durst’s hardware and software capabilities, pairing its established digital inkjet technology and workflow automation with MPS’s precision flexographic engineering. Rather than pushing converters toward a single manufacturing method, the acquisition aims to provide flexible, hybrid choices for a rapidly changing label market: Technology Synergy: Combines Durst's digital printing, software, and automation tools with MPS’s flexo technology to shorten development cycles and speed up time-to-market. Diversified Platforms: Addresses the full spectrum of converter needs, from short-run digital customization to high-volume flexographic applications. Operational Autonomy: MPS will retain its product portfolio and entrepreneurial structure. CEO Michiel Borst will continue leading the brand as Managing Director within the Durst Group structure. “Our customers need production environments that allow them to manage different applications, run lengths, and business models with maximum efficiency and flexibility,” said Christoph Gamper , CEO and Co-Owner of Durst Group. “With MPS, we are adding further flexographic expertise... It means we can innovate faster, address a broader range of customer requirements, and bring new solutions to market more quickly.” While MPS will maintain its direct sales channels across Europe, sales and service operations for the MPS portfolio in the United States will transfer directly to Durst US. Additionally, MPS will plug into Durst’s international logistics network, giving global users improved access to spare parts, local support, and regional engineering services. All existing customer contracts and service commitments will remain fully in place. Durst confirmed that its existing partnership with OMET remains independent and strategically unaffected by the MPS acquisition. The joint venture behind the KJet and XJet hybrid platforms will continue to be actively developed, marketed, and supported. Gamper emphasized that because label manufacturing is inherently diverse, Durst's goal is not to standardize around one concept, but to offer complementary paths for varied converter requirements. The acquisition is expected to close on January 1, 2027, pending standard regulatory approvals and closing conditions. Reported by Printed Word Reviews Christoph Gamper, CEO and co-owner of the Durst Group Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

< Back San Diego Comic-Con 2026 Returns with Major Reveals and Record Fan Enthusiasm July 29, 2026 at 10:02:54 AM Comic book collectors and blockbuster fans descended upon Southern California as San Diego Comic-Con ( SDCC ) 2026 transformed the San Diego Convention Center and the surrounding Gaslamp Quarter into a hub for geek culture from July 23 through July 26, following its packed Preview Night on July 22. Widely regarded as the premier celebration of comics and popular culture worldwide, the convention once again drew more than 135,000 attendees for four days of entertainment reveals, creator panels, cosplay, and community events. The centerpiece of the convention remained in the legendary Hall H, where major studios unveiled exclusive previews and welcomed star-studded panels before thousands of fans. Notably, Marvel Studios headlined the convention with an extended look at Avengers: Doomsday , along with surprise announcements about future Marvel Cinematic Universe films that prompted some of the loudest crowd reactions of the weekend. Elsewhere, film and television studios shared first looks at upcoming projects, while game developers offered updates on highly anticipated titles, including Marvel’s Wolverine . Across the exhibit hall , comic publishers and independent creators announced new series, celebrated milestone anniversaries, and debuted exclusive convention editions. Beyond major studio presentations, SDCC retained its fan-first spirit that has defined the convention for more than five decades. Attendees filled the convention center in elaborate, handcrafted cosplay inspired by classic superheroes, science fiction icons, anime favorites, and original character designs. Longstanding traditions—including the annual Masquerade costume competition , the official Comic-Con Blood Drive, signings , tabletop gaming sessions, and creator-led discussions —continued to draw enthusiastic crowds throughout the weekend, reaffirming Comic-Con’s roots as a gathering where creators and fans come together to celebrate the art of comics and storytelling. Beyond serving as a celebration of fan culture and high-profile entertainment previews, San Diego Comic-Con continues to operate as a critical engine for the broader publishing and media industries. Highlighted by industry veteran Kuo-Yu Liang, who noted that "San Diego Comic-Con is where deals are made and the finished products marketed," the convention functions as both an essential B2B marketplace and a global marketing launching pad. Within the exhibit halls and behind closed doors, publishers, agents, and creators negotiate key licensing agreements and intellectual property partnerships, while simultaneously capitalizing on the unmatched concentration of media and fan attention to promote their completed works directly to the public. One of SDCC’s most significant announcements reached beyond the convention floor: Organizers confirmed a landmark agreement with city tourism leaders and local hotel partners that will keep the event running at the San Diego Convention Center through at least 2030, ensuring the convention remains in the city where it began in 1970. The agreement also reinforces Comic-Con’s role as one of San Diego’s largest annual events. Each year, the convention attracts visitors from around the world and generates hundreds of millions of dollars for the regional economy through tourism and local spending. With another successful convention complete and its future secured, SDCC continues to stand as the leading global showcase for comics, film, television, games, and fan culture. For official recaps, photo galleries, and information about future events, visit the Comic-Con International website, https://www.comic-con.org/ . Reported by Jessica Shih Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

Book review of Qasida for When I Became a Woman by Huma Sheikh . ISBN: 979-8899901683 < Back Qasida for When I Became a Woman Huma Sheikh Poetry; Arabian Ode Finishing Line Press Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest Sheikh uses the ancient Arabic poetic form to navigate the haunting trauma of her father's murder in war-torn Kashmir, transforming personal loss into a powerful testament of resilience and beauty amidst violence. In her debut collection, “Qasida for When I Became a Woman,” Huma Sheikh delivers a breathtaking synthesis of personal grief and political history. By reclaiming an ancient poetic tradition, Sheikh transforms the silence of a cold case into a resounding anthem of survival. Set against the volatile backdrop of war-torn Kashmir and parts of America, this collection, a memoir in verse, is an exploration of how personal identity is forged in the fires of trauma. Sheikh utilizes the Qasida, an ancient Arabic poetic form traditionally characterized by praise and mourning, to navigate the haunting mystery of her father’s murder. The emotional gravity of the book centers on Sheikh’s father. After being taken by police, reported dead and too quickly cremated, this disappearance creates a “profound void” that the poet must fill with words. The narrative introduces a cast defined by endurance: the poet herself, grappling with a violent inheritance, and her mother, a pillar of resilience who nurtures her daughter through the shadows of the conflict-ridden region. As the collection progresses, Sheikh moves deeper into the wreckage of her father’s legacy. The middle of the book serves as a bridge between the past and the present, where the poet’s identity is sculpted by family members and the ongoing violence of her homeland. Sheikh’s juxtaposition of the macabre and the sublime is striking. She weaves the vivid imagery of death and displacement against moments of beauty and praise for a world that persists despite destruction. Her writing evolves from a cry of mourning into a meditation. By giving voice to the “silenced and forgotten,” she proves that art is not merely a reflection of pain, but a tool for transforming it. Sheikh takes the traditionally male-dominated Arabian Ode and bends it to her will, telling her “heartbreaking story with tenderness and ferocious honesty.” The blurring lines between a family's private loss and the public tragedy of Kashmir. The daily labor of remembering those the world wishes to forget. “Qasida for When I Became a Woman” is a moving, charged work. Huma Sheikh has taken the fragments of a shattered life and reconstructed them into a vessel of grace. It is a haunting collection that reminds us that even when bodies are lost to history, their stories can be saved through the power of the written word. Previous Next

< Back Simon Six Approaches One Year August 7, 2026 at 9:33:54 AM Major publisher Simon & Schuster’s boutique book imprint that publishes just six books a year is approaching the one-year anniversary of its announcement. Simon Six was announced last August when then-CEO Jonathan Karp said he would be stepping down to get back to the part of publishing he loved most. The imprint puts out just one book every two months, with a focus on razor-sharp quality and an “X factor” for each. Its webpage states that a Simon Six book has six qualities: “Extraordinary stories. Exciting voices. Exclusive access. Exemplary individuals. Excellent accomplishments. Exquisite prose.” “As the founding publisher of Twelve, I published one book per month for the Hachette Book Group,” Karp wrote on the webpage, referring to a Hachette imprint with the same ethos as this one. “For Simon Six, I will acquire and edit half as many books each year and publish them with twice as much emphasis.” So far, Simon Six has published five books , with authors ranging from Academy Award winner Dustin Hoffman to astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. Tyson’s book was the first one announced last February , and was published in May. The titles range from memoir, to narrative political nonfiction, to a “ Nabokovian mystery .” Its most recently announced book is Robert Miner’s Thoughts and Prayers , a novel about the American obsession with guns. In an Instagram post announcing the release, Karp called it a “remarkable debut novel” and “one of the most provocative literary thrillers I’ve read in a long time.” “Simon Six is an example of what I love most about the publishing business—finding, editing, and being a champion for all kinds of authors: novelists, journalists, thinkers, artists, historians, futurists, philosophers, humorists, experts, leaders, and anyone else with a unique perspective or a great story to tell,” Karp wrote on the imprint’s webpage. “Some of the best books I’ve worked on have been about things I knew little or nothing about, so I’m especially interested in authors who will enlighten me while intriguing me. Like many editors, I want to help put books into the world that expand our understanding, challenge orthodoxies, and are useful, artful, and irresistibly interesting.…My hope for Simon Six is that this imprimatur will signal to readers that these are books of quality, singularity, and relevance.” Simon & Schuster declined to comment on the imprint’s first year. In a June press release announcing the publication of one of Simon Six’s five books so far, Unreliable Boyfriend , the company described the imprint as “dedicated to publishing bold, original voices and provocative nonfiction that shapes cultural and political conversations.” Printed Word Reviews / Reported by Jules Roscoe Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

< Back Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link Share this page: PWR eNewsletter Printed Word September 17, 2026 Printed Word Reviews, https://www.printedwordreviews.com/magazine * September 17, 2026 - Share URL with a friend Spanish/English Bilingual SPECIAL: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/enespanol ========================== Increasing Censorship in US Public Libraries, PEN America Report Warns PEN America released a report titled “Out of Circulation : Expanding Censorship in Public Libraries.” The report details how public pressure campaigns and political efforts have led to an increase in censorship within US public libraries since… https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/increasing-censorship-in-us-public-libraries-pen-america-report-warns ========================== Printed Word Reviews Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with Special Bilingual Issue In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Printed Word Reviews published a dedicated Spanish/English bilingual issue, https://www.printedwordreviews.com/enespanol https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/printed-word-reviews-celebrates-hispanic-heritage-month-with-special-bilingual-october-issue ========================== PODCAST: GAB TALKS with R. Luce What happens when the "Pie in the Sky" isn't there? Share the latest episode of The Gab Talks podcast, featuring a deeply compelling conversation with contemporary American author and poet, R. Luce. https://youtu.be/VUpKYoYsYMc ========================== FUN DAY WITH MISA / UN DÍA DIVERTIDO CON MISA This bilingual English-Spanish tale follows Misa, a worried Aussie pup who expects a boring day while her parents are at work, but instead finds unexpected adventures with her grandma. ENGLISH: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9781966001010 SPANISH: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/978-1966001010 ========================== Eternal Love Facing terminal cancer, a woman confronts a lifetime of family abuse and marital betrayal through letters to her spiritual guide, finding hard-won peace, courage, and self-redemption. ENGLISH: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798889911739 SPANISH: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/979-8889911739 ========================== Killer Friends In 1892 London, detectives Ruddy and Archie unravel a web of deceit and betrayal as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of businessman Phillip Newell, leading them to confront a ruthless killer with a personal vendetta. ENGLISH: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/killer-friends SPANISH: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/979-8272683571 ========================== Night of San Juan A young adult contemporary coming-of-age novel about two teenage boys in Puerto Rico whose relationship develops while they face family and environmental adversity. ENGLISH: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798992951325 SPANISH: https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookreviews/9798992951349 ========================== For Racial Healing: #6 ‘Four, Long, One-To-One Lunches With The Father of Black Liberation Theology' https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/for-racial-healing-6-four-long-one-to-one-lunches-with-the-father-of-black-liberation-theology For Racial Healing: #7 ‘Sheila Lorraine Walker: Lesson In Authentic Passion’ https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/for-racial-healing-7-sheila-lorraine-walker-lesson-in-authentic-passion For Racial Healing: #8 ‘U of Michigan Study Finds White Men More Prejudicial Than White Women Against Blacks’ https://www.printedwordreviews.com/articles/for-racial-healing-8-u-of-michigan-study-finds-white-men-more-prejudicial-than-white-women-against-blacks ========================== See our magazine on Overdrive via Libby (any local library), 32 global newsstand apps, https://www.zinio.com/publisher/publications/printed-word-reviews/41160 , at a special event, or https://www.printedwordreviews.com/magazine The magazine Printed Word Reviews, 63 Clinton Rd, Glen Ridge, NJ 07028 has been issued ISSNs by the U.S. ISSN Center, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. My book recommendations find their way to Reader's Digest, trade publications, even a NYC Times Square Billboard. Printed Word Reviews is dedicated to showcasing and promoting exceptional literary talent. Through comprehensive reviews, author interviews, and industry resources, PWR serves as a vital bridge between creators and the reading public. ========================== (c) 2026 Ted Olczak. Please forward and share this newsletter in its entirety. Connect at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-olczak-64a1386/ Previous Next

Book review of The House on Chambers Road: A Ghost Story by Cynthia McGroarty . ISBN: 978-1956615494 < Back The House on Chambers Road: A Ghost Story Cynthia McGroarty Historical Fiction, Horror, Paranormal, grief, haunting, family, secrets, loss, Literary Wanderlust Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest After the recent loss of her husband, a grieving widow becomes inexplicably drawn to a historic Georgian house, where she uncovers haunting secrets that intertwine her past with the tragic history of its original owners. C.J. McGroarty’s "The House on Chambers Road: A Ghost Story" is a hauntingly atmospheric novel that weaves together the tapestry of historical fiction with the unsettling chill of a supernatural mystery. Set in the quiet village of Simms outside Philadelphia, the story spans from the late 18th century right up to the present day, exploring how the echoes of the past can profoundly shape the present. The novel introduces us to Libby Casey, a professional period designer grappling with intense grief following the death of her husband, Ray. Seeking a clean slate, she is inexplicably drawn to the Jones Estate, a classic Georgian house on Chambers Road, and purchases it with the hope of finding emotional reprieve. However, the house has other plans. As Libby begins restoration, the air thickens with unseen activity—a man’s voice whispers, and an old leather glove appears, piquing her fascination and deepening the mystery. Simultaneously, we are introduced to the home's origins in 1758 with Hugh Jones and his wife Miranda, setting a poignant historical counterpoint to Libby's contemporary struggles. As the story progresses, the haunting escalates. Libby is plagued by vivid dreams and unexplained noises, leading her down a rabbit hole of historical investigation. Her search connects her to the spirit of the original owner, Hugh Peter Jones, further solidified by the discovery of an 18th-century gauntlet and a necklace. What makes this story resonate beyond a simple ghost tale is Libby's parallel internal battle: reconciling her love for Ray with the haunting presence, all while carrying the burden of a painful, unspoken secret regarding his final moments. McGroarty excels at layering Libby’s personal process of mourning onto the house's historical unrest. The narrative builds to where Libby finally uncovers tragic truths through old diaries and paintings. These documents reveal the sad history of the Jones family, focusing on Miranda's tragic mental decline and Hugh’s desperate attempts to save her. This historical revelation acts as a mirror for Libby’s own emotional state. In a moment of profound connection, Libby confides in her friends about her own difficult decision to ease Ray’s suffering with morphine, finally finding solace and understanding for her actions. The resolution sees both Libby and the spirits—whose secrets are now illuminated—finding a measure of peace. The house on Chambers Road evolves from a setting of dread into a powerful symbol of Libby's journey through sorrow toward a hopeful future. "The House on Chambers Road" is a compelling read that will strongly appeal to fans of authors like Kate Morton, offering a profound exploration of how loss and history endure. McGroarty uses evocative prose to blend the contemporary gothic with detailed historical context, resulting in a story that is as much about emotional healing as it is about the paranormal. It's a poignant reflection on time, memory, and the enduring possibility of new beginnings. Previous Next

Book review of WHAT'S IT LIKE TO BE OLD? by John Maynard . ISBN: 979-8899903526 < Back WHAT'S IT LIKE TO BE OLD? John Maynard aging, mortality, old age, time, illness, reflection, poetry Finishing Line Press Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest A late-blooming poet confronts aging, illness, desire, and mortality with wit and candor, finding in the everyday humiliations and small joys of old age a way to comfort himself and others facing the same decline. In his latest poetry collection, “What’s It Like to Be Old?,” John Maynard departs from the ivory towers of academic criticism to provide a strikingly candid “anatomy of aging.” Eschewing the dense jargon of his scholarly past, Maynard adopts a reflective, accessible style that feels less like a lecture and more like a late-night conversation with a wise, slightly witty friend. It is an essential dispatch from the front lines of the “third act” of life. The collection begins with a sobering premise: poetry is not a cure for mortality. Maynard establishes early on that while verses cannot halt the ticking clock, they serve as a vital map for navigating the territory. He effectively contrasts the “youthful ignorance” of the past with the lived reality of the present. A reality defined not by a steady decline, but by an unstable cycle of illness, brief recovery, and the eventual, renewed diminishment. Rather than painting the elderly as a monolithic group, Maynard’s middle movements survey aging through a social lens. He rejects the “heroic” tropes often found in literature, opting instead to depict retirement as a messy, human cocktail of companionship, boredom, and the occasionally comic loss of competence. One of the book’s most refreshing elements is its insistence that the “inner life” does not shrivel as the skin wrinkles. Maynard turns a keen eye toward appetite and fantasy, arguing that vanity, lust, and curiosity remain stubbornly intact. Whether he is exploring the friction of a digital world meeting an analog mind; the “comic spectacle” of the “dirty old man”; or the way missed chances and alternative futures become more vivid as the actual future shortens. He proves that desire survives even when the body begins to signal its surrender. The collection deepens as it enters the realm of the medical. Maynard views the aging body as a site of daily negotiation, very much as a series of “small defeats” involving medication and failing memory. His critique of modern medicine is particularly sharp; he acknowledges that while science can postpone breakdown and manage “compressed morbidity,” it cannot abolish finality. However, the book avoids falling into a pit of nihilism. The closing poems shift toward a quiet, powerful reckoning. Maynard asks how we might recognize “last times” and find victory in the ordinary: a good meal, a touch, a brief moment of fair weather. The core thesis of “What’s It Like to Be Old?” is that aging is neither a noble journey nor a pure misery—it is a complex, coexisting state of eros and grief, boredom and terror. What distinguishes Maynard’s work from the sea of “uplifting” literature on aging is its refusal to pivot toward easy pity or grand theory. This collection is a bridge across the generational gap. It offers a sense of profound recognition and a shared vocabulary for the “humiliations” of the body for the older reader, and a rare, unvarnished look into a future that is often obscured by denial that will be appreciated by the younger generation. John Maynard has written a book that is frank without being bleak and learned without being remote. It is a vital reminder that as long as there is consciousness, there is a vivid, desiring, and meaningful life to be led. Previous Next

Learn more about Penny Lane < Back Penny Lane Penny Lane's "Redeemed" Wins Independent Press Award, Offering Hope Through Raw Honesty Penny Lane's memoir, "Redeemed: A Memoir of a Stolen Childhood," has been honored with the 2025 Independent Press Award in the Memoir category, recognizing its narrative of survival and healing. Lane, a lifelong reader and survivor of child and church abuse, transformed her harrowing experiences into a testament of resilience and hope. For years, Lane's story, a stark contrast to her confident demeanor, prompted those around her to encourage her to write. "Penny, you need to write a book," they urged. Thirty years after escaping her traumatic past, she finally did, driven by a desire to help others heal and find the courage to speak out. "Since books saved me during my ordeals," Lane explains, "writing my story is the greatest way I know to honor my life and story, and give back to others." Lane credits her journey to the unwavering support of friends who validated her experiences and the courageous voices of authors who dared to share their own stories of trauma. Writers like Dorothy Allison, Tara Westover, Jeannette Walls, Augustin Burroughs, Stephanie Foo, Maggie Smith, and Mary Karr provided inspiration and validation. Dorothy Allison's "Bastard out of Carolina," a semi-autobiographical novel about childhood abuse, particularly resonated with Lane, opening a path to her own healing. She expresses profound gratitude to Brooke Warner and her writing community at She Writes Press, as well as to her husband, son, and the many individuals who supported her throughout the writing process. Lane describes her writing style as "clear, crisp, direct and honest," a reflection of her commitment to authenticity. "Redeemed" is a testament to this honesty, offering an unflinching portrayal of her past while illuminating the path to redemption. Lane extends her heartfelt thanks to the Independent Press Award for recognizing her work, a powerful story of survival and the transformative power of storytelling. Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

Learn more about Terence Ang < Back Terence Ang World-First Singaporean Author Terence Ang, a Stroke Survivor with Aphasia, Clones Voice for Poetic Audiobook. Brokenness Becomes Beautiful to Be Showcased at the American Library Association Annual Conference, June 25–29, 2026 In a historic convergence of assistive technology and creative resilience, Singaporean author Terence Ang has become the first stroke survivor with aphasia to reclaim his voice through an artificial intelligence (AI) audiobook. Ang suffered a life-altering stroke in 2020 that left him with aphasia, a condition that severely impairs a person's ability to speak and write. Despite these immense communication barriers, Ang continued to express his journey through writing and art. Now, he has taken a groundbreaking step forward with the release of his new poetry audiobook, Brokenness Becomes Beautiful . Using cutting-edge voice-cloning technology from ElevenLabs, Ang successfully generated a digital replica of his original voice. The resulting audiobook allows his cloned voice to directly narrate his own deeply personal poems of survival, vulnerability, and healing. The achievement marks a profound shift in the narrative surrounding AI, moving the conversation away from automation and toward the preservation of human identity and dignity. "Writing gave me a voice when words felt out of reach, but this audiobook allows me to truly be heard again," says Terence Ang. "To hear my own voice delivering these poems of resilience and survival is profoundly emotional. It is proof that technology, when guided by the human heart, can heal and bridge the gaps left by trauma. Bringing this project and Thunderstroke to the global stage at the ALA is a dream I never thought possible when I was in the hospital bed." The launch of Brokenness Becomes Beautiful arrives amid significant global recognition for Ang’s work. His recent companion book, Thunderstroke: A Poetry Memoir Inspired by a True Story , which blends raw poetry with vivid illustrations of stroke recovery, was recently named a "TOP Pick" by Printed Word Reviews and to be featured prominently at this year’s American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference. By bridging the gap between silence and expression, Ang’s milestone offers a powerful beacon of hope for the millions of stroke survivors and individuals living with speech impairments worldwide, proving that technology can restore what was thought to be lost. Check out Brokenness Becomes Beautiful on: ElevenReader: https://elevenreader.io/audiobooks/brokenness-becomes-beautiful-audiobook/sample_pj_zMGD4XLzw6afOPbau1JJ?share=in_app Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/21oplbL4B6rwlzinhYijCa Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Pinterest Copy link

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Book review of Cold Peace by Helena P. Schrader . ISBN: 979-8987177006 < Back Cold Peace Helena P. Schrader Political Thriller; Historical Fiction Cross Seas Press Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest As the Soviet blockade of Berlin threatens to starve its citizens, a diverse group of characters—including a reluctant RAF commander, a grieving journalist, and a determined heir—must navigate personal struggles and political tensions to support the airlift that could save the city from despair. Standing up to dictators isn't easy — but sometimes it's necessary. Berlin 1948. The economy is broken, the currency worthless, and the Russian bear is hungry. Next on the menu is Berlin. Here war heroes and war's victims are struggling to survive in a world with widespread unemployment and where the wartime Allies are at each other's throats. When a Russian fighter brings down a British passenger plane, the world teeters on the brink of World War Three. The defenders of freedom must work together to save Berlin from tyranny and the world from war. The first battle of the Cold War is about to begin. Previous Next

Book review of Federal Resume Guidebook, 8th Edition by Kathryn Troutman . ISBN: 978-1733407687 < Back Federal Resume Guidebook, 8th Edition Kathryn Troutman federal resume, job application, resume format, USAJOBS, career transition, resume writing, HATS formula Resume Place, Inc. Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest A comprehensive guide to crafting impactful 2-page federal resumes, emphasizing keyword integration, accomplishment storytelling, and strategic formatting to enhance job seekers' chances in the competitive federal job market. Federal Resume Guidebook, 8th Edition is an essential compass for the new federal job market. The federal hiring landscape is notorious for its complexity, but with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) mandating a concise, two-page resume format, the game has fundamentally changed. Kathryn Troutman, a recognized expert in federal job applications, steps in precisely when job seekers need her most. This manual isn't just an update; it's a vital overhaul, designed to guide candidates through the turbulent transition from verbose, traditional federal resumes to the sharp, targeted format demanded by the modern USAJOBS Talent Portal. Troutman’s core thesis is clear: a successful federal resume must be concise, strategically keyword-rich, and clearly demonstrate core competencies. The evidence supporting this approach is delivered through a detailed, step-by-step roadmap that caters to a broad audience, including current federal employees seeking promotion and private sector professionals making the jump to public service. The Guidebook excels by providing concrete, actionable strategies for maximizing content within the severe 2-page limit. Troutman doesn't just tell you what to do; she shows you how. The inclusion of before-and-after examples vividly illustrates the transformation from clunky long-form documents to the streamlined, impactful resumes that HR recruiters can quickly scan. A crucial focus is placed on the shift from simply listing skills to strategically defining and mapping competencies—the core behaviors and qualifications that federal agencies seek. The book provides essential exercises for job seekers to identify these competencies, integrate them into powerful summary statements, and re-engineer the work history section for relevance. Furthermore, the Guidebook is forward-looking, offering guidance on leveraging AI analysis to identify crucial keywords that ensure the resume survives the initial electronic screening process. Beyond content strategy, Troutman tackles the oft-ignored aspect of presentation through the Document Design HATS (Headings, Access, Typography, and Space) approach. This ensures that the newly concise resume is not only content-compliant but also visually appealing and readable—a critical factor when HR staff are pressed for time. The real-world resume transformations serve as powerful case studies, offering editing tips to ensure technical compliance. One of the Guidebook’s most valuable differentiators is the Special Section on Federal IT Jobs. Recognizing the unique demands of the technology sector within government, this section offers tailored insights on finding personal IT competencies, crafting effective technical skills sections, and providing examples of IT certifications and compelling accomplishment statements. The Federal Resume Guidebook, 8th Edition is an indispensable resource. It successfully navigates the complexities of the new OPM requirements, offering a comprehensive, expert-driven method for crafting a resume that significantly boosts a job seeker’s chances of being deemed qualified and securing an interview. For anyone—from a seasoned federal employee seeking promotion to a private sector professional eyeing a career change—this book is less a guide and more a prerequisite for successfully entering or advancing in the competitive federal job market. Previous Next