Reviews in Brief

A detailed memoir of passionate survival and growth in the harsh beauty of Alaska, Kristina’s Cache: A Memoir of Adventure and Survival in Alaska by Kristina Ahlnäs is a jaw-dropping tale of scientific research and personal resilience. From treacherous crevasse crossings and groundbreaking science at sea to surviving the wilderness for years in a box no bigger than a bathroom, this is a remarkable portrait of the author’s extraordinary life. Chronologically moving through decades of rugged adventure and impressive accomplishments, this is an entertaining and inspiring primer for off-grid aspirations and courageous journeys to untamed corners of the world.

Stress, Anxiety, & Panic Attack Relief for Teens & Adults by Kris Knack Noeldner offers an informative blend of holistic and traditional techniques to manage daily stress and anxiety, pointing out the common stressors in the modern world and how to recognize stress conditions. While the book could benefit from stricter organization of techniques by effectiveness or situation-specific advice, the author is clear that no one technique is a cure-all, and each method is backed by technical research, anecdotal stories, and the author’s own authoritative knowledge of stress and its repercussions. A practical guide for both diagnosis and treatment, the book is ultimately inspiring and comforting, offering hope that overwhelming anxiety can be overcome, even in a world with so many potential triggers.

In History Re-Written by Ana Rayne, the first installment of the Untold Series, readers are plunged into a riveting narrative where historical truths are questioned through a paranormal lens. After a near-death experience that opens his mind to the possibilities of the supernatural, James meets Alia, whose enigmatic allure masks a perilous secret that could drag them both deeper into her world, resulting in an intriguing mixture of paranormal romance and alternate history. The vampire-mortal love story at the book’s core will satisfy readers of the genre, without relying too much on familiar tropes, while adding a layer of historical mystery that elevates the book above other vampire romance novels. A compelling mix of historical fiction, paranormal fantasy, and sincerely heartfelt romance, this is a solid foundation for a new series, propelled forward by Rayne’s breezy and observant prose.

A refreshing examination of the artistic soul and the source of our talents, Being Creative by Laura Bartnick is a spiritual manifesto intended to guide, enlighten, and inspire. Probing deeply into Scripture, accompanied by personal and pop culture anecdotes, Bartnick’s uplifting assessment of the relationship between the divine and creativity delves into everything from the theatricality of Christianity and the transformative power of storytelling to the challenges of instilling spirituality into artistic endeavors and the allegorical brilliance of C.S. Lewis. Both authoritative and conversational, this well-researched and compellingly written book is ideal for religious readers who wish to discover, embrace, or expand their creative gifts.

Revelatory and humanistic in its nuanced storytelling, Israela by Batya Casper uses a historical lens to probe deeply into the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. The intertwined tales of three women reveal the complexity and psychological turmoil of living and loving in a war-torn world, providing contemporary insight and emotional perspectives from both sides of this critical issue. Touching on journalistic integrity, marital loyalty, empathic connection, the weight of morality, and dreams of a better world, this is a poignant and timely read from a sincerely gifted author.

A searing portrait of trauma, lost youth, and lifelong resilience, Hidden: Nistar by Batya Casper exposes the intergenerational cost of war in two powerful novellas. From the discovery of a devastating secret that shakes a Jewish family’s sense of identity to a wartime peek into English life amongst the falling bombs of World War II, these snapshot stories delicately examine the emotional weight of conflict and violence. The narrative exposition is subtle but immersive, and Casper captures tragic and timeless emotions in compelling flourishes of prose.