Emily Sayre Smith’s Smartass: A Memoir of a Mouthy Girl is not so aptly named, because she was an obedient and thoughtful child. Born to the Reverend and Mrs. Parke, unfairly, she became the scapegoat child. When her father failed to keep his stipend in...

Sebastian Saviano’s Smoke & Oak: The Shared Legacy of Bourbon and Cigars offers a rich and multilayered exploration of two enduring symbols of American craftsmanship. Part cultural history, part scientific primer, and part connoisseur’s guide, the book weaves the stories of bourbon and cigars with...

Success Against the Odds: What Interesting People Did by June Raleigh is an exploration of historical and cultural figures who overcame adversity through courage, ingenuity, and faith. The book is divided into two parts: the first focuses on remarkable individuals from ancient Israel and surrounding...

Starry Starry Noir: Rebels and Censors by Bernie Dowling analyzes the influence of censorship on 20th-century Hollywood film noir and provides a wide range of impacted directors, actors, and writers. It discusses the enforcement of the Hays Code, restricting portrayals of subjects like suicide, sexuality,...

As an avid true crime reader, I was very pleased to get the opportunity to review Stranger in the Window by Cathy Coombs. This is the story of Leila A. Welsh, a young teacher from Kansas City, her murder, and the fight for justice. Leila’s...

Still the Soul Survives by Pamela Goldstein is an exploration of the enduring impacts of the Holocaust on survivors during their twilight years. The book offers insights into the emotional and psychological scars carried by those who lived through one of history's darkest periods, captured...

In Saturday Night by Doug Hill and Jeff Weingrad, NBC wasn’t exactly sure what they were getting when they heard the pitch for a late-night comedy/variety show from an up-and-coming writer/producer named Lorne Michaels. The network was struggling against CBS and ABC in the ratings...

Spared: Escaping Genocide in Rwanda and Finding a Home in America by Clementine Msengi is an unforgettable memoir of survival, strength, and hope. Msengi vividly recounts her harrowing experiences during the Rwandan genocide, painting a picture of unimaginable loss and devastation while also celebrating the...

Standing on Our Ancestors' Shoulders by Merry Stewart is a collection of stories exploring the historical experiences and transitions of African Americans in rural Georgia from the 1930s to the 1970s. It covers family, home, school, and church life and is focused on oral history...

Olga Magdalena Lazin’s Statism: Its Recurring Cycles in Mexico and Romania looks at the political and economic evolution of Mexico and Romania, examining their experiences with statism, economic challenges, and reforms. Mexico, a federation of 31 states, and Romania, which experienced a violent end to...