Reviews in Brief

A thought-provoking examination of one of the Bible’s most contentious books, Revelation Questions Answered by Larry A. Heidelberg is an insightful and surprisingly comforting read, given the book’s apocalyptic focus. With its riddle-like nature and ominous portents, the Book of Revelation can be an intimidating subject for believers of all kinds, but the author’s finely tuned sense of language and deep theological knowledge help to untangle this millennia-old mystery. A close and careful reading of a truly fascinating text, this is a well-structured and thorough examination of prophecy, offering clarity and spiritual satisfaction for committed believers.

A blunt and beautifully told story of disparate worlds colliding, Bridging the Gap: Between Culture and Religion by Alex Dougbowea Tarlue offers a rare and valuable perspective on the immigrant experience in America. When Kpadehee leaves Liberia for the United States, wearing little more than a loincloth, his eyes are opened to the depth and breadth of the world in a revelatory way. Readers watch the illusions fall away from his eyes as he learns the truth of “the land of milk and honey, small heaven,” the need for a job, major cultural barriers, and the tricky business of falling in love. The writing could benefit from a final proofread for awkward phrasing and spelling errors, but the tone and style are original and compellingly readable. Touching, down to earth, and sensitive to a range of emotional themes, this quick read leaves the reader smiling and reflecting on one’s own path through life.

Penned by a passionate missionary who excels in connecting abstract concepts to everyday behavior, Finding the Way to Life’s Purpose by Gilbert Rudy Castillo is a comforting and enlightening read, conveyed with grace and skillful prose. From questions of personal freedom to vulnerable discussions of spirituality and its perennial role in modern life, the author confidently bridges scripture with personal experience, showing how the Bible can be incorporated into the modern world, without alienating readers who may be less accustomed to the content. Conversational but confident, this is a delicately written self-help guide with a compelling spiritual core.

Immersing readers in long-forgotten history and the wild swings of imperial power over 1,500 years ago, The Vandals: Rampage Through Gaul by Edmund Karlsson is a breathless work of historical fiction written as a memoir. Steeped in military strategy and richly researched detail, this second installment of the series traces Prince Gaeseric’s momentous rise as a trusted leader of the Vandal forces and a fierce adversary to the Roman Empire. Though the prose focuses on troop movements, political motivations, alliances, and battles at the expense of some deeper character development, Karlsson presents a stunning portrait of an overlooked conqueror.

A mad plunge into the fractured landscape of the male psyche, Incel by ARX-Han is a satirical and sinister look at a frightening modern development. A sexually frustrated American embarks on a dark journey to lose his virginity, as readers are given intimate access to his unfiltered thought processes as he becomes more radicalized, obsessive, bitter, and destructive. Brilliant in its technical detail, linguistic flexibility, and savage cultural commentary, this dense portrait of a solipsistic loner feels timely and insightful about a dangerously disaffected portion of contemporary society.

Farcical romp meets superhero origin story in The Birth of Agent Big Butt by Amy Winfield, a whimsical ride that will have children laughing out loud. Yanked into the world with an exceptionally large backside, this precocious infant protagonist has the internal monologue of a wise-cracking adult, along with an arsenal of flatulence-fueled abilities that make him hilariously heroic. With a butt like a battering ram, and toots that can bring the house down, this bank robber-busting baby is the talk of the town, and the target of a sinister doctor who wants to turn him into a lab rat. Surreal, silly, and unpredictable, this kooky and clever tale is an incredibly fun beginning to an original series.