Ricks’ writing is powerful and evocative. Her detailed and revealing descriptions get to the core of her characters and the story,
"A skillfully written, inspiring story of spiritual growth that recalls the writings of Anne Lamott, with its openness about the raw vulnerabilities of motherhood and Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love with its honest and searing search for a higher purpose in life."
"Readers will need concentration and stamina to reach the end of this densely detailed, but thought-provoking and painstakingly researched material. Those who persevere, however, will find the journey worthwhile."
"Lamirand's story of self-discovery is similar to others taking place across college campuses everywhere. What distinguishes her tale is her facility with dialogue, fluid prose, and literary allusions...readers will find a thoughtful reflection on the significance of friendship, belonging, and coming of age."
"Part interfering yenta, part philosopher, part drama queen, Bubbie pontificates on life, guiding her extended family in America...Her stirring story is one that should be widely shared."
The story reads like a thriller, told from the alternating perspectives of Julie and Kathy. The main characters are likeable and the emotions run deep on both sides.
Together, Rickett’s commentary and his son’s light touch chronicle the intricacies of man’s wartime condition, at which official records and most battle accounts only hint.
"There are two ways to read a book like this. On one hand, the misspellings, tightly packed, rambling passages and an instance where he calls a boyfriend by two different names in one paragraph, offer readers a sense of what it’s like to suffer as Spriggs did. That said, the writing issues can also become wearying. "
"A Snowflake Never Falls in the Wrong Place doesn’t need its central metaphor to succeed; the author’s life is sufficiently full of stories to hold reader interest without it. While removing the snowflake metaphor would improve the book, readers will nonetheless find much to appreciate here."
"In a book ostensibly about death, Boulton brings Dev to life with her unceasingly descriptive narrative, as well as plentiful photos. Honest, brave, and compellingly written, the story will enthrall anyone open to the subject of spirit communications, especially those who struggle with grieving issues."
The author’s life has been one of learning and discovery, mostly by observation and analysis. Even within text that can be problematic, these are lessons for all of us.
"A veteran of more than 25 years on the Philadelphia police force, Norman Carter delivers an interesting memoir detailing the corruption he witnessed during his time as an officer...Carter’s detailed stories, told from the perspective of an insider, make this an interesting read."
"Daly and four contributors swap stories that are colloquial in tone, but quickly dive into the nitty-gritty of airplane maintenance, the particulars of mission strategy and execution, and other information that aviation and war buffs will eat up."
"(del Castillo's) cohesive, intelligent writing style effortlessly weaves personal anecdotes with exhaustively sourced academic conclusions, making this essential reading for anyone who desires a comprehensive backdrop to modern Afghanistan."
"...history buffs and readers interested in all things Chinese will appreciate this child’s eye view of growing up in a culturally diverse country ravaged by wars."
"Wright’s transparency is admirable, and his book will be meaningful to his intended readers: those also struggling with addiction. Other addiction specialists, pastors and counselors may find this a useful resource as well."
"A compelling look at growing up in Depression-era Harlem and Brooklyn...These are entertaining stories, to be sure. But they also skillfully illustrate how Price’s childhood shaped him."
"Even those familiar with the Holocaust will find Lyon’s book a stand-out. She gives historical context, humanizes the story’s victims with family photos and pictures from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, and documents her chilling return to the camps and her childhood home 47 years later."
“In this dark, sometimes raw novel set in Laramie, Wyoming, a young woman physically and sexually abused by her husband is being held captive by him in their home…This is not a book for the faint of heart, but it carries a powerful message for those interested in the roots and tragedy of victimization.”
"However admirable this might be, the result is a work of fiction that’s too weighed down by its own opinions to offer a fully immersive reading experience."