Reviews
Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria
Lovers of history as well as Jewish fiction will enjoy this book because I have. After experiencing a range of emotions including admiration then outrage, I finally settled on relief and praise for Ellis Shuman’s Rakiya: Stories of Bulgaria. These stories promise to entertain you as well as provoke thoughts on humanity. Sometimes, the tears are worth it.
Ellis Shuman painted a beautiful picture of Sofia, Bulgaria. This setting became a character because it encompassed all the stories in this book. By providing sensory details about Sofia, Shuman dropped me into Sofia, Bulgaria.
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52 Weeks A Party Of One
52 Weeks A Party Of One plunges readers into the life of Aisha Jones, a young thirty-something-year-old coming to terms with the betrayal of her live-in boyfriend and her best friend. So, she moves from Denver to Dallas to process her relationships, including the ones shared with her mother, brother and deceased father. While working on herself, Aisha discovers her true identity, and it angers and confuses her while she navigates new relationships she forms in Dallas. At times I wanted to shake Aisha, and at times I wanted to hug her.
The characters come alive on the page; they speak to the reader. Bianca Pensy Aba’s characterization, dialogue and settings ring true, and all of it serves to move the plot along fabulously. Aisha Jones’s evolution over the 52 weeks shows why this novel is a must read.
All Money Ain't Good Money
INTRODUCTION TO INVESTING
Although this book does not replace a financial advisor, it tells you what to expect from one. By demonstrating how he invests in the stock market, Vladyslav Grabarskyy walks readers through the investing process. He provides information on the different types of stocks while advising readers to diversify. Written with a structure the reader can understand, the book is professionally edited to reflect and match the author’s professionalism. I highly recommend this book. It’s a five-star read.
The Misery House
A hair-raising novel, The Misery House by David Kummer, rivets readers to its pages and compels them to turn the pages with lightning speed. With themes of class consciousness and racial overtones woven into this psychological thriller, readers root for the novel’s protagonist, Kaia Woods. Smart, sassy and strong-minded, Kaia Woods proved to be my favorite character because of her mental and emotional strength, and her strong dose of courage shines through when she stands up for justice and her best friend.
But the scariest part in this novel is the setting. Because the setting is alive, it represents a character in the novel. Kummer braids character, plot and setting with such ease that the reader bonds with all three. This is a fast and easy read.
As a reviewer, I obtain free books in exchange for an honest review. In this case, I purchased this psychological thriller because I want readers to know the first in this trilogy is well worth the money. I look forward to reading the two sequels. The Misery House is captivating from start to finish.
LOVE SPELLS CRAFTING HAVOC
A blend of romance and fantasy for the young adult genre, Love Spells by Gino Cox, was entertaining. Juveniles witches Dizzy, Tilly and Drew will have you in stitches trying to play match maker for their parents resulting in comedic consequences. The characters speaking in rhymes was a nice touch. However, far too many characters with their own point of view populated the novel. The short chapters were jarring. Other drawbacks to this novel is the lack of development of setting as well as the feeling of a rushed ending. The loose ends could’ve been tied off better while achieving the same result. Overall, this was a good book, and I rate it 3 stars.
HEAVY TALK BY STACK McINTYRE
Heavy Talk by Stack McInTyre chastises the misguided and uplifts black women, representing a deviation from the Hip-Hop genre. McInTyre’s poetry is based on the author’s life and experiences, and one can understand as well as empathize with the author’s plight. Instead of placing blame, the author takes responsibility for his life’s choices, and he implores others to do the same. His poetry is insightful and thoughtful, casting a rhythm that could be used in a movie soundtrack. I highly recommend Heavy Talk! It's a Five Star Read.
- Tracey Lampley
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THE PHAGE
GEORGE BACHMAN
This book begins with a character looking for a party, but something goes horrifically wrong in the first chapter. Due to murderous circumstances, Alicia and Chelsea are thrown together. What if the world’s survival depended on these young adults? Totally dependent on each other, the duo navigate treachery and evil while dodging overgrown insects and prehistoric animals brought back to life.
The goose-bump-inducing novel, The Phage by George Bachman, will have readers grasping and sometimes clawing at their seats and slamming their eyes shut while turning the pages. The Phage draws readers into its vortex of terrifying action, fully developed characters—including a seemingly unbeatable villain—against a backdrop of a frightening setting. George Bachman brilliantly has the main characters displaying courage under fire while the characters ooze enthusiasm and sarcasm to defeat their enemy. From start to finish, The Phage is an exciting read!
- Tracey Lampley
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UNDEPRESSED -
WALEED MAHMUD
Waleed Mahmud’s Undepressed serves as a companion piece to people suffering from depression and the traumas associated with it. By concentrating on trauma and its root cause or causes, Mahmud answers a question often asked: what causes depression? As a result, Mahmud is both thoughtful and thorough when describing the disease and when providing remedies for it.
I see this book as a gift for people suffering from depression and a gift for people trying to understand the disease that’s afflicting their loved ones. Surviving or living with depression is not easy. This book champions the depressed while helping them activate much needed coping skills. This is a must read.
- Tracey Lampley
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THE VESSEL GAMES
E.J. EDEN
Loved it, loved it.
A wonderful story with real heart and passion. Highly recommended
Tracey Lampley