Book review of Savage Malice by Kit Karson . ISBN: < Back Savage Malice Kit Karson Murder Investigation, Cult, Crime, Ranching Granite Mountain Press Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest In a small Montana town, Sheriff Peter Elliott must unravel a web of cattle mutilations, a mysterious disappearance, and a murder tied to a sinister cult, all while confronting his own haunting past. A Gripping Mystery in Big Sky Country Kit Karson's fifth book in The Anderson Chronicles, “Savage Malice,” A Sheriff Elliot Mystery is a mystery thriller that blends a classic crime investigation with eerie, almost supernatural, undertones. Set in the quiet, expansive landscape of a small Montana town, the novel is a perfect read for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted plot, a steady build of suspense, and characters that feel genuinely real. The story drops us right into Anderson, Montana, where Sheriff Peter Elliott is faced with a baffling case: a ranch hand, Kenny Skinner, has been brutally murdered, and a local man, Andrew Geary, has vanished. The initial investigation focuses on Andrew, who is described as a harmless eccentric with a strange obsession for cattle mutilations. As Sheriff Peter Elliott delves into Andrew's research, hoping to find a clue to his disappearance, the case quickly becomes personal when a member of his team, Deputy Helen, suffers a heart attack. Peter and his team uncover increasingly disturbing evidence. The helicopter search that revealed the chilling scene at the Geary homestead—mutilated animals and bizarre cult symbols, leads to a more mystery to solve. With the help of his brother, a pastor, Peter identifies the symbols and begins to suspect a connection between the cattle mutilations, Kenny's murder, and a local UFO cult led by a figure named Pharaoh. The investigation gains momentum with the addition of a new deputy, Nancy May, and a specialist in cults and animal torture, undercover investigator Marty Briscoe. The climax is a thrilling and intense sequence of events as the team raids a location known as Rustler's Roost. They discover secret tunnels and uncover evidence of a massive cattle rustling and meth production operation. The arrest of a local butcher and a twisted veterinarian, Garrett Thomas, brings a shocking resolution to the murders and the gruesome mutilations. Though the primary mystery is solved, the story leaves a final poignant twist: Andrew is found wandering the streets, but he's suffering from a complete psychotic break. The book concludes by bringing justice to the victims and a measure of peace back to the community, while leaving a lasting, emotional impact on the characters. “Savage Malice” is more than just a crime story; it's a deep dive into themes of justice, community, and how the past can haunt the present. The intricate plot keeps you on the edge of your seat, and the character-driven narrative ensures you're invested in the personal journeys of Peter and his team. This is a must-read for fans of mystery and suspense who are looking for a story with both thrills and heart. Previous Next

Book review of ROADS NOT TAKEN by T. A. Keenleyside . ISBN: 978-1938462719 < Back ROADS NOT TAKEN T. A. Keenleyside General Fiction Old Stone Press Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest Amidst the chaos of 20th-century war zones, two journalists navigate the perils of their profession and the complexities of love, grappling with the choices that define their lives and relationships. "Roads Not Taken" is a dramatic novel that explores the complexities of human relationships, the dangers of journalism, and the lasting effects of the choices we make, set against significant 20th-century historical events. The main aspects of the story take place in various global locations, including Selma, Alabama, Prague, and Toronto, spanning from the 1960s to the late 20th century. The novel begins with journalists Peggy Mortimer and Alistair Parker covering the violent Civil Rights march in Selma, Alabama, in 1965. Their professional relationship is tested by the constant danger they face, leading to conflicts over the risks they take. Alistair's cautious nature, shaped by his childhood experiences, influences his approach to journalism and his interactions with Peggy. The story also introduces Virginia Sloan, whose life intersects with Alistair's during a Model United Nations event, marking the beginning of a significant relationship. As the story progresses, Alistair and Peggy's bond deepens through their shared experiences covering major global events, including: - The Six-Day War - The Vietnam War - The Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia Their relationship faces challenges due to their differing views on the risks involved in their work and the personal sacrifices they make. Alistair's cautious nature and Peggy's determination to report the truth create tension, but they continue to support each other professionally and personally. The novel reaches its climax with Peggy's death during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, leaving Alistair devastated and struggling with guilt and grief. He returns to Singapore to recover and later delivers Peggy's ashes to her mother in Montreal. Alistair's subsequent travel writing career takes him to various locations, but he misses the excitement of covering major news stories. He eventually accepts a travel writing position in Paris, where he meets Marianne, a former model. Their relationship blossoms but ends when Marianne joins Médecins Sans Frontières in Ethiopia and falls in love with a French doctor. Ginny's Alzheimer's diagnosis brings challenges, but Alistair cares for her until her death. Alistair finds solace in honoring Ginny's memory and the values they shared, continuing to seek meaning and connection in his later years. The novel concludes with Alistair determined to write his autobiography chronicling his career as a foreign correspondent in the hope that it might encourage some readers to become active in supporting international organizations dealing with the the issues he covered as a journalist. Previous Next

Book review of Last of the Autumn Rain by Diana Louise Webb . ISBN: 979-8890223432 < Back Last of the Autumn Rain Diana Louise Webb Psychological thriller, literary, mental health, friendship, trauma Speaking Volumes, LLC Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest After witnessing her best friend's tragic death during a chaotic dance floor collapse, a young woman grapples with guilt and betrayal as she unravels dark secrets from their past, leading her to assume a new identity and confront the haunting consequences of her choices. Diana Louise Webb's Last of the Autumn Rain, the first installment in the Broken Reflections series, is a psychological thriller that uses the backdrop of the early 1980s to explore the corrosive effects of trauma and the complex journey of self-discovery. The main protagonist wrestles with grief, a traumatic past, and a desperate need for reinvention. The narrative offers a dramatic exploration of friendship and betrayal, set primarily between the bustling city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the protagonist’s planned retreat to Trenton, New Jersey. Webb crafts a compelling atmosphere, pulling the reader into the protagonist's headspace as they navigate memories spanning from a childhood marked by strict parental expectations to a successful career at The Walden Company. The book is ideal for readers interested in psychological narratives and stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships and mental health, utilizing a non-linear structure that effectively builds suspense. The story kicks off with a shocking event: the death of the protagonist's best friend, Candice Wentworth. Candice, described as a vibrant and effervescent personality, falls through a glass floor into electrified water. This catastrophic loss serves as the core catalyst, shattering the protagonist's present and forcing an intense reflection on their deep, formative friendship and the darker corners of their shared past. The book weaves together the protagonist's past traumas with their current emotional upheaval. Key to this section is the exploration of a strained teenage friendship with Mandy Jo Boliver, which culminates in a terrifying, life-altering trip to Juárez, Mexico. The protagonist’s near-kidnapping and subsequent escape from Mandy Jo’s cartel connection powerfully shape their resilience and determination. However, the protagonist remains deeply haunted by lingering trauma. The conclusion is a dramatic and satisfying twist of liberation. They begin to piece together Candice’s secret life, uncovering her involvement in a mysterious heist. The protagonist determines the true events leading to Candice's death and makes a final, decisive choice, which marks the ultimate self-discovery and liberation. The ending is poignant, offering a complete break from the past while honoring the complexity of the friendship that shaped them. Diana Louise Webb has crafted a sophisticated psychological thriller that provides more than just suspense—it delivers a profound look at grief, survival, and the fluid nature of identity. Highly recommended for fans of character-driven psychological narratives. Previous Next

< Back Increasing Censorship in US Public Libraries, PEN America Report Warns September 14, 2026 at 5:21:09 AM On September 1st, PEN America released a report titled “ Out of Circulation : Expanding Censorship in Public Libraries.” As the headline suggests, the report details how public pressure campaigns and political efforts have led to an increase in censorship within US public libraries since 2021. The project comes out of PEN’s larger efforts to track book bans across the United States. The organization defines book bans as “any action taken against a book based on its content” that leads to the partial or complete removal of a book’s availability. While the report describes how censorship methods used by politicians and public pressure campaigns are certainly not limited to straightforward book bans, the underlying goal of diminishing accessibility remains the same. Most often these censorship efforts target titles that deal with themes of race, gender, or LGBTQ+ identity. The effect is thus to “disproportionately limit representation of historically marginalized groups.” ALA president Maria McCauley in speaking about the PEN America’s September 1st report, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about censorship in public libraries: “By bringing greater attention to issues such as censorship, harassment, and political pressure, this reporting helps inform the public about what is at stake when library professionals’ ability to serve all people is undermined.” The report discusses censorship in public libraries in terms of operational, administrative, and personnel based attacks. The operational tactics that PEN outlines are direct means of restricting a community’s access to books. Removal of book displays, cancellation of storytimes and author events, and outright book bans are all instances of censorship that the report describes occurring across the US. Reshelving mandates, or “aging up,” certain titles in order to restrict access for the books’ intended demographic, is another common means of censorship in public libraries. Kasey Meehan , director of PEN’s Freedom to Read program, emphasized that this tactic is one she has seen used more frequently over the past two years. PEN’s research outlines how administrative policies are what pave the way for these operational censorship efforts. The report describes instances where state governments have made library funding dependent on adhering to ideologically biased guidelines. Other cases include the passage of laws that allow for discretionary hiring and firing of library leadership. The report asserts that, in tandem with the aforementioned operational tactics, these actions serve as “attempts to dismantle and disrupt broader library systems.” As the personnel primarily responsible for library collections, book displays, and the implementation of board policies, librarians often face the brunt of censorship campaigns in public libraries. Along with policies of at-will termination, the PEN report lists numerous instances of librarians facing verbal, physical, and sexual harassment from members of the public. Additionally, librarians have experienced deprofessionalization as state governments target the American Library Association (ALA), accusing it of operating with a biased, progressive agenda. Meehan pointed out that the PEN report is “unique” in its ability to detail the ways that the ALA has been targeted, as the ALA is not necessarily able to do so itself. While “Out of Circulation” is not the first report that PEN has released on book banning efforts, it is the first that has focused on public libraries. Through its Banned in the USA series, the organization has released numerous reports since 2021 that highlight censorship campaigns in public schools. Other organizations, such as the ALA and the EveryLibrary Institute , have long released articles on censorship efforts in US public libraries, and Meehan described how PEN’s prior focus on public schools was intended to address the fact that there wasn’t anyone tracking censorship in that space. After receiving additional funding, PEN was able to put together this report on censorship in public libraries. Printed Word Reviews / Reported by Bridgette Nally Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

< Back Printed Word Reviews Welcomes Journalist Jules Roscoe as News Reporter June 22, 2026 at 5:24:52 AM Printed Word Reviews , a leading independent voice in literary criticism, cultural insight, and industry analysis, is thrilled to announce the addition of independent journalist Jules Roscoe to its editorial team as a news reporter for the summer. Roscoe brings experience in high-impact investigative reporting, digital media, and public-interest journalism. Known for coverage spanning technology, labor unions, AI developments, censorship, and political accountability, Roscoe’s residency is poised to expand and elevate Printed Word Reviews’ expanding investigative and industry news reporting. “We are incredibly excited to welcome Jules to the team this summer,” said Ted Olczak, publisher of Printed Word Reviews . “Jules has a track record of breaking stories and holding powerful entities accountable. As the intersection of literature, technology, and media continues to shift rapidly, Jules’s sharp reportorial eye and dedication to public-service journalism will be invaluable to our readership.” An independent journalist, Roscoe approaches journalism as an essential public service. Roscoe’s work has appeared in major publications, including WIRED , 404 Media , VICE News , HuffPost , and Matter News . From uncovering localized political spending to reporting on the deep-sea fishing industry’s fight for digital connectivity and AI-driven scams, Roscoe brings an eclectic, rigorous approach to modern news reporting. “Everyone deserves free, reliable access to information about the world around them so they can make their own informed decisions,” said Roscoe. “That’s how I approach all of my work. So I’m excited to join Printed Word Reviews and dig deeper into publishing, whether that’s to explore global shifts in the industry or uncover underreported angles in media and culture.” During the seasonal tenure, Roscoe will focus on generating breaking news and feature reporting that is shaping the written word today. Publishers, independent creators, and publicists are encouraged to reach out directly to Jules Roscoe at News@PrintedWordReviews.com . About Printed Word Reviews Printed Word Reviews, https://printedwordreviews.com/ , is a trusted international print and digital publication dedicated to insightful, comprehensive, and honest literary criticism. Cultivating a community of avid readers, authors, and industry professionals, the outlet covers a diverse array of genres, ranging from contemporary fiction and memoirs to historical non-fiction and poetry. With a steadfast commitment to elevating exceptional storytelling, Printed Word Reviews highlights both best-selling masterpieces and hidden indie gems, serving as a vital bridge between brilliant authors and passionate readers. Printed Word Reviews is published monthly and registered with the U.S. ISSN Center at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. with the ISSN 3067-011X. About Jules Roscoe Jules Roscoe is an independent journalist covering how massive societal systems impact the everyday person. She has previously covered technology, science, and politics for various outlets around the U.S. A linguist by training, Jules has researched English, Bulgarian, Khmer, Latin, and Middle Welsh; she can fluently speak three languages and has reported in five. She cares about information accessibility and human connection. Outside of journalism, she works as a freelance nonfiction book editor, and if she’s not working, you can find her hiking in a national park or writing a short story. About BookCAMP BookCAMP is an annual event, https://www.pwrbookcamp.com/ , and five-times-yearly print magazine, https://www.printedwordreviews.com/bookcampmagazine (and published by Printed Word Reviews), dedicated to empowering independent authors, hybrid publishers, and independent presses. BookCAMP serves as a comprehensive business and marketing ecosystem that helps creators navigate the modern book market. Through editorial features and an intensive multi-day annual conference near New York City, BookCAMP bridges the gap between creative writing and operational success. It provides actionable education on full-service national and nontraditional distribution, AI-driven content and marketing, multi-platform adaptations, and strategic networking, equipping indie authors and publishers with the exact tools needed to scale their sales, reach brick-and-mortar shelves, and build sustainable publishing careers and businesses. Reported by Printed Word Reviews Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

Book review of A One-way Ticket to Inner Peace by Tina Mellgren . ISBN: 9789189423268 < Back A One-way Ticket to Inner Peace Tina Mellgren Mindboozt Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest Originally published in Swedish, Tina Mellgren’s A One-Way-Ticket to Inner Peace is one woman’s guide to finding balance and fulfillment in a world of stress and self-doubt. A One-Way-Ticket to Inner Peace is many things rolled into one. Part poetry collection, part personal memoir, and part self-help guide, this book offers readers a starting point for their own journey towards a “balanced inner-self.” The book is divided into two parts. Mellgren titles part one “The Understanding,” and in it she details common sources for stress, self-doubt, and other dysphoric emotions. She offers simplified explanations of human brain function in order to emphasize the fact that our thoughts and emotions happen for a reason, and can often be altered through simple environmental, physical, or habitual changes. Part two, called “The Change” is where Mellgren offers everyday exercises and mindset shifts that can aid in achieving this sought-after inner harmony. Each chapter is bookended by an original poem by Mellgren that speaks to the struggles or enlightenment that she is exploring. Throughout the book, Mellgren returns often to her own journey to find inner peace and the many challenges she faced along the way. She begins and ends the book with the same sentiment: “I don’t have all the answers, but I can offer you a piece of your own puzzle… It’s not about the speed; it’s about finding your way, the one that brings you peace within.” One-Way-Ticket is an earnest, personal text that is useful for anyone trying to be more intentional about their thought patterns and emotional regulation. Mellgren’s text is accessible, and the anecdotes she uses from her own life provide an entry-point of relatability. For anyone who has not previously engaged with books or other media that can be categorized as self-help or personal betterment, One-Way-Ticket is a great place to start. One-Way-Ticket offers one woman’s personal experience, which is valuable on its own. The reassurance that Mellgren herself has achieved inner peace, emphasized through the fact that writing this book is only something she was able to do once she overcame her own self-doubt, is the greatest gift that readers will receive from A One-Way-Ticket to Inner Peace. Previous Next

Book review of Ghosts in my DNA: Past Lives of Boston by S. A. Beach . ISBN: 978-1665782234 < Back Ghosts in my DNA: Past Lives of Boston S. A. Beach identity, ancestry, genealogy, heritage, history, family Archway Publishing Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest After building a life in the Caribbean, a retired science teacher turns genealogist to trace her New England lineage back to the Mayflower and beyond, confronting the unsettling possibility that “blood memory” and inherited DNA have been steering her choices all along. In this historical nonfiction, S. A. Beach tackles a question that haunts many of us as we get older but few approach with such scientific and historical rigor: Why am I the way I am? After thirty-five years of teaching science and serving as a librarian in the Caribbean, Beach turns her analytical eye toward her own origin story. “Ghosts in My DNA” is not merely a recitation of a family tree, rather it is a lyrical exploration of “blood memory,” the haunting idea that the traumas, triumphs, and wanderlust of our ancestors are encoded into our very fiber. The narrative arc begins with a stark contrast in her evocative memoir. We see the author as a young “baby boomer” leaving the rocky soil of New England for the vibrant, colonial echoes of St. Croix. This move serves as the book's primary catalyst. Decades later, Beach questions if her “cultural leap” was a modern whim or a genetic echo in a search to begin a family with greater diversity. Beach’s research, conducted largely at the New England Historical and Genealogical Society, is impressive in its breadth. She navigates several centuries of American history beginning with the Puritan Paradox. Tracing the Kingsbury lineage back to the 1630 Winthrop Fleet, Beach recreates the tension of the early Dedham Colony. She provides a nuanced look at the “Covenant of Grace” and the “Covenant of Works,” showing how these rigid religious structures shaped her ancestors’ temperaments. The book does not shy away from the darker chapters of New England’s founding. Through the eyes of the Kingsburys, we witness the encroachment on Indigenous lands, the tragedy of the Pequot Wars, and the complex role of “Praying Indians” caught between two worlds. One of the most compelling segments follows Fisher Kingsbury, a member of the Sons of Liberty, and his courtship of Chloe Kenney, a Loyalist. Their marriage serves as a microcosm of the American Revolution—a reminder that the birth of a nation was also a fracturing of the home. The heart of the book lies in Beach's thesis that genetic heritage silently directs our life choices. As a science teacher, she bridges the gap between hard biology and spiritual intuition. She posits that her ancestors’ survival instincts, their religious rebellions, and even their “secret” family tragedies (such as the mysterious disappearance of Chloe Kenney) created a psychological blueprint that she inherited centuries later. What stands out is that Beach writes with the clarity of a librarian and the curiosity of a scientist. Her “popular style” makes complex genealogical records feel like a propulsive mystery novel. Furthermore, the book excels at placing individual ancestors within the larger “Great Migration” and Revolutionary movements, making the history feel personal rather than academic. Lastly, the focus on “reinvention” as a family trait provides a satisfying emotional payoff for the author’s own life in the Caribbean. Readers looking for a traditional “ghost story” may be surprised to find that the “ghosts” are metaphorical and genetic. However, for fans of Finding Your Roots or Ancestry, this is a powerful feature “Ghosts in My DNA” is a beautifully rendered map of a woman’s soul, traced through the ink of old town records and the salt of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a vital read for anyone interested in genealogy, New England history, or the burgeoning field of epigenetics. Beach reminds us that while we may leave our homes, our homes and the people who built them never truly leave us. Previous Next

< Back For Racial Healing: #8 ‘U of Michigan Study Finds White Men More Prejudicial Than White Women Against Blacks’ September 13, 2026 at 5:30:00 AM NOTE: This #8 installment in the “For Racial Healing” series will describe the findings of an important study by the University of Michigan that indicates white men are more prejudicial than white women against Blacks, based on a large pool of more than 440,000 persons. Relatedly, #8 demonstrates the ways that this greater prejudice by white men has often manifested itself through restrictive, institutional and personally brutal treatment of Blacks. Moving forward, also reflective of the results of the same University of Michigan study, we will examine in the #9 installment the exercise of racism by white women, which has generally shown more moderation toward Blacks in various respects, certainly in comparison to white men, together with, in some, highly visible instances, a willingness and capability, though on a limited scale, to assist Blacks in the achievement of their civil rights goals, while white men were taking a completely different tactic, attempting to encumber and obstruct Black initiatives toward equal justice and equal opportunity. On a Sunday evening in 2022, Freda and I attend an event at a well-known church on the upper eastside of Manhattan in New York City. The presenter was a credentialed, Black speaker on racial healing, who would concentrate that night on the subject of white responsibility in Black-white relations. She had spoken and written on the subject with authority, so we anticipated the presentation with enthusiasm to hear what she had to say on a topic that has major consequences for Black and white Americans. I should not have been surprised, but as I surveyed the twenty plus attendees at the gathering, except for the head cleric of the church and me, all of the audience consisted of women, mostly white women. Where were the white men? Was the lack of attendance by white men that night an indication of their weak interest in this matter of gravitas? Was this non-involvement another signal that white men do hold a higher degree of prejudice against Blacks than white women have demonstrated? Recently, I discovered an article, published in 2018, written by the researcher, Shervin Assari, who, at the time his study had been released, was an assistant professor at the University of Michigan. The principal purpose of the article had been to shed light on how anti-Black bias in white men hurts Black men’s health. As an aside (but quite an important aside), the study employed a device called the “Implicit Association Test (IAT), which measures racism by calculating how our brain struggles to match black faces with good terms”. The Michigan study applies an evolutionary cause to white men’s behavior toward Blacks, especially toward Black males, which we can also employ to derive some clarification of white women’s conduct: “My recent study that used IAT (Implicit Association Test) of 444,422 individuals shows that white men have higher implicit bias against blacks than white women do. This finding makes sense evolutionarily. All social animals including humans needed to make a distinction between their in-group members (those individuals who are like them) and the out-group (rivals). So, to increase our survival chance, we have historically favored our in-groups to out-groups. This is particularly true for the in-group males who are very aggressive toward out-group males, due to the mating and sexual selection.” If this overall proposition is true – that is, white men carry more bias against Blacks than do white women, which I have come to believe – does the thesis mean that, in this time of wide-spread acknowledgment of white racism and racial responsibility, white men’s attitudes toward Blacks will have to be addressed in a more specialized and separate fashion? It is disturbing that there are more than just a few of us, but certainly less than desirable, who have noticed over time that the racial bias against Blacks among white men has been more pronounced than that shown by white women. Taking into account the fact that white men historically enjoyed greater economic privilege and position than white women, this comparatively higher degree of prejudice against Blacks among white men can also help to explain why institutions have failed so continually to fulfill the hopes and dreams of both Blacks and a multitude of whites who expected that institutions would have adopted and pursued policies and practices for breaking through racial barriers in a more positive and demonstrable way. The implications of this finding are quite expansive and relevant. For example, the 1964 Civil Rights Act was meant to eradicate racism in all areas of American life, including the business world, by forbidding discrimination on the basis of race in hiring and promoting. Sixty years later, however, a 2024 study by Fortune Magazine determined that though Black Americans constitute over 14% of the country’s population, there were only eight Black CEOs among Fortune 500 companies, or 1.6%. The study also found that “eight out of 500 leaders is a near-record high. . .”. As a result of the greater prejudice against Blacks that resides with white males, it is more than reasonable to emphasize now that the acute problems faced by Blacks have not only been racially based, but apparently gender-based as well. While I do not discount the evolutionary theory, espoused in the University of Michigan study, I know that this theory is not the final word for conclusive evidence that white men bear greater prejudice against Blacks. There is another proposition that I believe is also associated with that bias, which I will dub the “those we abuse, we loathe” response and which is also related to the evolutionary theory. The protector role, reflective of the “in-group” incentive for the white male against the “out-group” Blacks, would have presumably required physical enforcement to establish domination. In this respect, it explains a good deal when we understand that a meaningful part of the white man’s higher degree of bias against Blacks also derives from the reality that “those we abuse, we loathe”. Additionally, Blacks remain degraded for that white man, who experiences and inculcates instinctively that “those we abuse, we loathe” consequence. Growing up in a racist family in a racist region, I learned that message from the time I was a child, though I may not have fully understood the cruel and brutal implications and nature of it all. I could not help but notice that when a white person verbally demeaned a Black person, it was often followed by a diatribe of negative comments about Blacks generally. Even though the phrase of “those we abuse, we loathe” would not be owned by most white men in America today, the truth of it is still applicable for so many. This attitude carried forward by white men year after year has a continuing effect of minimalizing the worth of Black lives. In fact, it is impossible to have a credible conversation about racial healing in the absence of a full admission that Black lives have been routinely treated as demonstrably less valuable than white lives. Searching for a related cause of brutality that has existed by white men against Blacks, one can certainly surmise that it may partially occur as an outgrowth of the white racist men’s reliance on the “those we abuse, we loathe” effect that undergirds a foundational untruth: that is, the belief that Blacks are innately inferior to Caucasians, thereby increasing the latitude for many white men to take full control through physical action, sufficient and necessary, to subdue Blacks. Although these white men should have fundamentally known better, they instead have used this widespread falsehood and trope as an excuse for inflicting particular harm on and gaining particular power over Blacks. For whites who crossed the unsupportable bridge that Blacks are inferior, it is not too extreme then to swallow derivative fictions that try to bear witness to other big lies, such as elongated and thicker hip muscles among Black athletes allow for more efficient and higher jumping abilities, or thicker crania among Blacks cause their brain size to be smaller, or a lackadaisical nature of Blacks makes them useful mainly for less mentally challenging and less impressive occupations. One can even hear ardent white racists reiterate the myth about Black men being endowed with generally larger genitalia, and, at the same time, argue that this Black masculine feature affirms the bestiality of the race. The harm, caused by so many American white men against Blacks, whether by implicit reactions (derived from white predecessors) or more direct, physical acts of abuse and degradation, has produced so much scar tissue over the years that it has become nearly impossible for perpetrators and related descendants to penetrate into their own hidden humanity through those layers of tragedy that numerous white men have developed. The absence of so many white men from the country’s anti-racism engagement and the prolonged racial subjugation by whites generally of Blacks go hand in hand. The knowledge that this subjugation had been wrong but had been continued regardless took much humanity from the white perpetrators, and the descendants from generations past carried that inhumanity with them, for they had also, like their forebears, made a critical choice between accepting the benefits that the immoral code of racism wrought and receiving humanity by publicly and personally repudiating the inherited racist code. At the same time, however, there were very many whites, especially American white men, who decided simply to ignore the fact that a choice had to be made at all, and by ignoring an overt choice, a choice had in fact already been made, whether they realized it or not. We have met white men – inheritors of the bloody and evil past that could not, would not be substantially altered – who let filiopietism sit at the table with ancestors, particularly forefathers, who were the first to lose their humanity, and to justify the loss of that humanity, shared the loss with sons, nephews, grandsons, and all the rest of those protectors of the “in-group” filiopietism by pretending that there was nothing to accept or reject. The perpetrators and descendants concluded it was only the past, and they couldn’t change it (nor would they), for they learned many lessons from it that would be lost if they rejected it. So many white men know that, even today, there is a decision, a choice, but one that they feel doesn’t have to be made. Of course, it can be ignored, and the more who ignore the choices, the better it seems for the whole of white men. Little do they entirely comprehend that by ignoring the choice, they have also lost their ability to capture their humanity, and by not capturing their humanity, they have re-invited the past and filiopietism without judgment, declaration, or consternation – with impunity, but with only apparent impunity. The hardest aspect to accept in this scenario consists of the realization that a seemingly ambivalent message will be confirmed for the next generation with the unresolved past being foisted on succeeding generations without the necessary personal clarity that each generation owes the next. There is no exit without choice, and the progeny then have to make or dismiss the choice, though they shouldn’t, for the choice should have been made for them long ago that humanity could be instilled as an act of love. As we consider steps toward authentic passion and allyship, it is important to keep distinctions affecting white prejudice between white women and white men in mind. In particular, the prejudice of white men will need to be addressed in a somewhat different, more intense way, including an acknowledgment of white men’s discernibly greater prejudice toward Blacks. Next Time: White Women at Crossroads by J. Chester Johnson Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

Book review of They’re Coming for Your Elders and Your Inheritance: Ways to Protect Your Family, Mitigate the Damage, and Change the System by Léonie Rosenstiel . ISBN: 978-1962888028 < Back They’re Coming for Your Elders and Your Inheritance: Ways to Protect Your Family, Mitigate the Damage, and Change the System Léonie Rosenstiel Eldercare, Aging, Guardianship Dayspring Resources Inc. Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest Drawing from her own painful experience, a determined advocate offers families a vital lifeline and practical strategies to protect their elders. This essential guide illuminates the pitfalls of flawed guardianship systems, inheritance battles, and complex legal challenges. Léonie Rosenstiel's "They're Coming for Your Elders and Your Inheritance" is a call to arms for anyone with vulnerable aging loved ones. Acknowledging a world where the systems intended to protect the elderly—specifically elder care, guardianship, and inheritance laws—are frequently flawed and tragically predatory, Rosenstiel delivers a blueprint for survival and defense. The book begins with anecdotes of families blindsided by devastating legal and financial crises. The author frames the book as a "beacon of hope" amidst systemic failure, urging readers to drop any denial and engage in proactive planning. This critical sense of urgency is reinforced by the Foreword from Jack Canfield, who recounted his initial disbelief at the described legal "horrors," which his own attorney quickly validated as alarmingly common. Canfield commends Rosenstiel’s compassionate yet critical dissection of an often-broken system, highlighting her commitment to providing practical solutions to avoid the worst-case scenarios. At the emotional and intellectual core of the book is Rosenstiel's personal narrative. She shares her grueling, first-hand journey through the legal guardianship system for her mother, who suffered from dementia. This serves as a clinical demonstration of systemic flaws and the urgent need for reform. By grounding her analysis in this lived experience, she transforms complex legal concepts into deeply human and relatable issues. In addition, she sensitively addresses the family harmony that can be shredded by disputes over inheritance and guardianship, offering essential strategies for self-care, emotional resilience, and seeking external support to manage stress and avoid burnout. The book covers key aspects of elder care and guardianship. These include identifying and cultivating essential allies, understanding the legal and emotional implications of the concept of "home," and recognizing the "other players involved"—attorneys, fiduciaries, and financial planners—who may or may not truly have the elder’s best interest at heart. In outlining legal definitions of guardianship and related terms, Rosenstiel underscores the necessity of clear communication and documentation to secure assets and wishes, and strategies for ensuring the elder's wishes are respected even as cognitive capacity declines. The case studies and examples help break down the staggering financial implications of elder care, from the costs of nursing homes to exorbitant legal fees. Rosenstiel covers asset protection, future planning, and exploring alternative living arrangements. The book culminates in a resounding call to action. Rosenstiel urges readers to become informed, seek support, and, most importantly, work together to advocate for systemic change. This closing message transforms the book from a defensive manual into a manifesto for creating a more just and compassionate system for elder care. In short, with a compelling personal narrative, practical strategies, and a resounding plea for reform, this book is a resource for anyone determined to protect their family and ensure their elders receive the dignity and respect they deserve. Previous Next

< Back Simon & Schuster Relaunches 'Pocket Books' Romance Imprint July 6, 2026 at 4:15:24 AM Major U.S. publisher Simon & Schuster is relaunching “Pocket Books,” an old pocket-sized paperback imprint first started in 1939, as a new home for self-publishing and romance writing, the company announced last week. The new imprint is being led by Anh Schluep, who previously spent 15 years at Amazon Publishing developing the company’s Montlake romance imprint and working with fast-growing romance authors like Colleen Hoover. Pocket Books was the United States’ first mass market paperback publishing company, and it dramatically popularized reading by making it more accessible and more commercially available. “The imprint revolutionized the industry by making books available to readers in non-traditional outlets,” Schluep said in a statement about the relaunch. “The first contemporary U.S. publisher to democratize reading, it became the home for legendary romance authors including Jude Deveraux, Julie Garwood, and Judith McNaught.” In its revival, Pocket Books will maintain this approach to become a “leader in commercial fiction publishing, with a key focus on romance, and as the top choice for bestselling entrepreneurial authors,” the statement said. The choice for this focus aligns with current book publishing trends. Romance books and self-publishing and indie authors have grown tremendously in popularity in recent years, even leading to the opening of numerous independent romance-themed bookstores . Pocket will slot right into this growing niche. Jennifer Bergstrom, S&S executive vice president, wrote in the statement that the imprint will “offer a home for forward-thinking writers, including bestselling indie and hybrid authors looking to amplify their reach using our unparalleled strengths in marketing, publicity, and print distribution.” In addition to pure romance, the imprint will publish offshoot genres like romantic thrillers, dark romance, and horror, starting next January with about three books expected per month. “I look forward to publishing the next generation of fan favorites,” Schluep said. “This is how I think about it: Pocket Books was originally created to reach a mass market readership. I want to honor that idea and collaborate with authors to bring their stories to the widest audience.” Printed Word Reviews / Reported by Jules Roscoe Share this article Copy link LinkedIn Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest

Book review of Hold My Capri Sun: Gen X’s Survival Guide to Parenting Parents, Coaching Millennials, and Keeping your Sanity by Jenny Lowery . ISBN: 9798232751470 < Back Hold My Capri Sun: Gen X’s Survival Guide to Parenting Parents, Coaching Millennials, and Keeping your Sanity Jenny Lowery Caregiving Guide, Intergenerational Family Support, Sandwich Generation Southern Quip Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest An overlooked Generation X caregiver juggles aging parents, growing children, and digital-era change with humor and resilience, learning to bridge generations while preserving family legacy. In Hold My Capri Sun: Gen X’s Survival Guide to Parenting Parents, Coaching Millennials, and Keeping Your Sanity, author Jenny Lowery tackles one of the most pressing sociological pressures of our era: the plight of Generation X as the ultimate "Sandwich Generation." Positioned squarely between aging parents (Silent Generation and Baby Boomers) and dependent or launching descendants (Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha), Gen X is currently absorbing unprecedented emotional, logistical, and financial strain. Lowery’s text fuses a humorous, conversational survival guide with an operational roadmap for midlife caregiving. The primary triumph of Lowery’s book lies in its holistic integration of fragmented midlife challenges. Where most self-help literature isolates eldercare, financial planning, or parenting into siloed guides, Lowery recognizes that Gen X experiences these pressures simultaneously. The book shines in its pragmatic, tactical approach to navigating modern healthcare and legal systems for aging parents. Suggestions such as creating physical "caregiver binders," managing portal fatigue, and framing estate planning (powers of attorney, healthcare proxies) as acts of love rather than financial maneuvering offer clear, actionable value. Lowery effectively leverages Gen X’s unique demographic identity. Having grown up key-around-neck in an analog world while maturing alongside the digital revolution, Gen X possesses a unique "bilingual" ability. The book frames this as independence, adaptability, and a healthy dose of dark humor, not as mere nostalgia, but as essential survival traits for mediating four distinct generations. Rather than defaulting to frustration, the chapters on Millennials and Gen Z offer a balanced blueprint: providing structural support (such as housing or financial literacy) without enabling codependency or stripping away adult accountability. In attempting to cover every surrounding generation, from Silent Generation grandparents down to AI-native Gen Alpha children, the narrative occasionally highlights rather than delves, but Lowery covers it all. The breezy, humorous style implied by the title ("Hold My Capri Sun") is juxtaposed against the heavy subject matter of chronic caregiver burnout, severe cognitive decline, and impending grief. It’s clear that humor is a recognized Gen X coping mechanism. Hold My Capri Sun functions as a timely, highly empathetic field manual for a cohort that rarely gets the spotlight. While it empasses five distinct generations in a single volume, Jenny Lowery succeeds in transforming an overwhelming biological and social reality into a manageable, structured mission. It is an essential, validating read for any Gen Xer who feels stretched to their absolute limit, offering not just tactical strategies, but much-needed permission to laugh through the chaos. Previous Next

Book review of Ghosts of the Past: The Search For A Lost WWII Art Collection Worth Killing For by Mark Downer . ISBN: < Back Ghosts of the Past: The Search For A Lost WWII Art Collection Worth Killing For Mark Downer Thriller, Historical Fiction, treasure, artwork, World War II, mystery, adventure Old Stone Press Share this review: Copy link Facebook LinkedIn X (Twitter) WhatsApp Pinterest In a race against time, a young man uncovers a hidden treasure linked to his late uncle's secret past as a Luftwaffe pilot, only to find himself pursued by dangerous adversaries intent on claiming the stolen artwork for themselves. Mark Downer's Ghosts of the Past is a high-octane historical thriller that splices the dark secrets of World War II with a modern-day international treasure hunt. It’s a compelling read perfect for anyone who enjoys the blend of historical detail, globe-trotting adventure, and complex espionage, evoking the spirit of classic thrillers centered on Nazi loot. The narrative is built on a fantastic hook: the final, cryptic crash of Major Max Hignite’s Luftwaffe transport in the Swiss Alps, which wasn't carrying military cargo, but a priceless collection of artwork stolen under the authority of Hermann Goering. This single event in 1945 casts a chilling, deadly shadow decades later. In 2001, when protagonist Matt Ferguson inherits his great uncle Max’s mysterious legacy, the pace shifts into high gear. What begins as a simple discovery—a hidden safe, military gear, and a list of stolen art—quickly explodes into a life-or-death scenario. Ferguson, an ordinary American, is plunged into the underworld with the help of the assistant curator, Courtney Lewis. Their partnership is the emotional core of the novel, navigating ups and downs of trust as they are hunted by multiple parties. Downer populates the world with compelling antagonists, from the wealthy and ruthless art collector Guillermo Rocca, who deploys his associate Juan to track every move, to the mysterious Bolivar. The stakes are underscored by a wave of violence, including break-ins and the attack on Dr. Karl, lending immediate credence to the book’s subtitle: this collection is, indeed, worth killing for. The plot shines when Ferguson and Lewis arrive in the treacherous Swiss mountains. The author expertly balances the thrill of the treasure hunt—the discovery of the plane and the crates—with escalating danger. The tension builds to a breathless climax involving a multi-party shootout, highlighting the novel's fast-paced commitment to action. Adding a strong layer of structure and investigative realism are Detective Toby Shutt and Interpol expert Charles Pernod. Their work to connect the dots between the domestic murders and the international art conspiracy provides a necessary anchor against the chaos of the treasure seekers, keeping the plot grounded even as the action flies. The conclusion is satisfying, wrapping up the physical danger with a CIA takeover, yet preserving the personal mystery with Ferguson’s secret retention of the Gauguin painting. This final twist cements the complex character dynamics and leaves the protagonists—and the reader—with a rich blend of history saved and a personal fortune secured. Ghosts of the Past is a meticulously plotted and engaging adventure. It successfully intertwines themes of historical intrigue, adventure, espionage, and character dynamics across different eras and continents. It is a captivating reading experience that promises to keep fans of wartime mystery and contemporary thrillers turning pages. A must-read for fans of authors like Steve Berry or Daniel Silva. Previous Next