Author Archives: J D Jung

Busted Valentines and Other Dark Delights – Frank De Blase

(Reviewed by JD Jung) “‘Twas the night before the night before Christmas and Jack Frost was pissed.” That’s the intro to my favorite story, “The Night Before the Night Before Christmas” in Busted Valentines and Other Dark Delights. But what … Continue reading

Posted in Modern Literary Fiction, Short stories | Tagged | 2 Comments

Sufferstone: Book I of the Dolvia Saga – Stella Atrium

(Reviewed by Melanie Hamilton) What does it mean to call a place home? What are the consequences of commitment? These are some of the questions raised in the conflict between being alien and feeling the land as home. A soldier … Continue reading

Posted in Sci-Fi/Speculative/Fantasy/Mythology | Comments Off on Sufferstone: Book I of the Dolvia Saga – Stella Atrium

Crossroads: A Camino Tale – F. R. Merrill

(Reviewed by JD Jung) “As they stood before a large stone crucifix of the body of Christ carved in a three-dimensional form she pulled out her syringe. When she moved toward Amanda to complete the deed, her sister Margie stepped … Continue reading

Posted in Modern Literary Fiction, Travel | Comments Off on Crossroads: A Camino Tale – F. R. Merrill

Hollywood Clown – Jason Lassen

(Reviewed by JD Jung) “What’s worse than an out-of-work actor? An out-of-work actor who dresses up like Santa for a month for Hollywood power players and is reminded he’s a lonely depressed, out-of-work actor dressing up in costumes all year … Continue reading

Posted in Bios and Memoirs, Humor & Satire | 1 Comment

The Seer’s Explanation – Larry Gottlieb

(Reviewed by Pat Luboff) Dante’s Hell had a sign over the gate: “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.” Larry Gottlieb’s book could have a similar sign: “Abandon all ideas of who you are and what the world is, ye … Continue reading

Posted in Non-fiction, Philosophical reads, Reviewers' Top Picks | Comments Off on The Seer’s Explanation – Larry Gottlieb

A Medium’s Guide to the Paranormal – June Lundgren

(Reviewed by Melanie Hamilton) One tricky thing about reviewing a book on the practice of mediums and moving in the circle of the paranormal is recognizing one’s own biases. Another is finding a way to talk about something that is … Continue reading

Posted in Bios and Memoirs | Comments Off on A Medium’s Guide to the Paranormal – June Lundgren

French Quarter Drinking Companion – Allison Alsup, Elizabeth Pearce, and Richard Read

(Reviewed by Pat Luboff) Imagine hitting every watering hole in New Orleans and soaking in the ambiance and the cocktails! These writers must have had a lot of fun doing research for this book. French Quarter Drinking Companion takes you … Continue reading

Posted in Non-fiction, Travel | Tagged , , | Comments Off on French Quarter Drinking Companion – Allison Alsup, Elizabeth Pearce, and Richard Read

Soy Sauce for Beginners – Kirstin Chen

(Reviewed by JD Jung) One pushed me to return to America, the other urged me to pull out the knife, let the wound heal, and remain in Singapore. But I was done choosing sides, pleasing one over the other.  From … Continue reading

Posted in Culture, Modern Literary Fiction, Travel | Comments Off on Soy Sauce for Beginners – Kirstin Chen

Visualize Yourself: Designing the Outcome of Your Life, One Issue at a Time – Aileen Nealie

(Reviewed by Pat Luboff) #CommissionsEarned “This is you breaking free from your current reality. Dare to expand. Dare to grow. Design your path. You have a say in everything.” Reading Visualize Yourself by Aileen Nealie is like giving your mind … Continue reading

Posted in Your Best Self | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on Visualize Yourself: Designing the Outcome of Your Life, One Issue at a Time – Aileen Nealie

The Calorie Myth: How to Eat More, Exercise Less, Lose Weight, and Live Better – Jonathan Bailor

(Reviewed by JD Jung) “Forget calories. Focus on hormones. Lower your set-point. Burn body fat forever.” Jonathan Bailor makes it sound easy.  However, I know it is easier to make clean eating a lifestyle rather than struggling with  constant dieting … Continue reading

Posted in Health and Fitness, How do I do that?, Reviewers' Top Picks | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on The Calorie Myth: How to Eat More, Exercise Less, Lose Weight, and Live Better – Jonathan Bailor