Reviews in Brief

Dramatically examining the haunting experiences of survivors, accomplices, and casualties of the Third Reich, The Madness Locker by Eddie Russell is a powerful narrative exploration of the grim past and its ominous echoes today. Forty years after being rescued from the clutches of the Gestapo, a dormant messenger of evil reappears in Ruth’s life with an unexpected purpose. Moving smoothly between two different timelines and tales, this novel takes readers from the visceral horrors of a concentration camp to the xenophobic struggles of an immigrant, and the mystifying trauma responses of a nearly broken soul. Though there are occasional issues with narrative flow and consistency in the storytelling, this is an unpredictable drama of survival at all costs that is both touching and timely.

A powerful argument for returning to the sacred roots of Christianity and the Catholic Church, Because It’s True.: From Confusion to Communion: An Honest Search for the Church Founded by Jesus Christ by Kristie Lilley is a deeply researched and reverent testament to the origins of belief. Fearlessly sharing her own journey and exposing the dark side of modern religion where unchallenged power and dogma intersect, Lilley’s treatise is revelatory and at times radical, but also clearly grounded in hope and a commitment to Jesus’ genuine teachings. From key Scriptural passages and theological writing to a historical review of Christianity’s evolution and the unfortunate co-opting of religion in the public sphere, Lilley presents a thorough and compelling take on biblical foundations, the authentic path to salvation, and the future of faith in modern life.

Lovingly researched and compassionately penned, Pope Paul VI and His Quest for Peace: 1963-1978: Volume One: “Never Again War!” by Rev. John F. Tuohey, PhD is a timely tribute to the pontiff’s determined focus on world peace. Laying out a fascinating biography of the “forgotten pope” and detailing the events of his unprecedented visit to New York on October 4, 1965 to address the United Nations, this snapshot memoir captures a historic day for the United Nations, the United States, the Vatican, and those who value peace the world over, reaching far beyond the Catholic faith. Rounded out by an eye-opening review of Paul VI’s greatest diplomatic achievements, including his influence on ending the Vietnam War, this is an accessible and sometimes astounding account of a pontiff who can be characterized as both humble and heroic.

Offering healthy and productive solutions to the anxiety-riddled realm of work-life balance, Work Smart, Worry Less: The Ultimate Guide with Proven Strategies to Stop Overthinking, Overcome Anxiety, and Thrive in Your Fast-Paced Career by William A. Lyric is a refreshing and enlightening read. Targeted at high-performing business professionals who want to thrive in a high-stakes environment, this guide outlines the contemporary crises of burnout and turnover from cultural, physiological, and social perspectives, before presenting practical strategies to avoid these negative outcomes. Lyric breaks down innovative concepts with his conversational but professorial style, and provides relatable examples that will resonate with readers across industries. From decision-making methods and metacognition practices to techniques for boosting focus and transmuting stress into productivity, this is a comprehensive blueprint for professional well-being with an impressively wide focus.

An educational, intelligent, and comprehensive guide to the vast spectrum of queer identity, 104 Pride Flags by Matti Charlton is an exhaustive record of queer representation. While most readers will recognize the main rainbow flag, this fifth edition is freshly updated to reflect the ever-growing number of flags standing for different facets of queer life and expression – from aromantic and quantum gender to polyamorous and intersex, and more. Boasting vibrant images and succinct explanations of the significance behind each flag’s colors, designs, and symbols, this is an endlessly useful pocket guide to the exceptional diversity of queer life.

A chaotic outlaw and a drug-addled genius slip into the circle of a savage killer in Taking Care of Business: A Neo-Noir Tale of Drugs, Chaos, and Death (The Business Trilogy Book 1) by Simon Pearce, a raunchy romp of strange trips, risky living, and taking delight in deviance. Mark and Toby are edgy entrepreneurs, cooking up product and slinging substances for the masses, with one eye perpetually peeled for the cops. If that isn’t precarious enough, a serial killer cannibal, an ultimatum-wielding girlfriend, and the dead gangster at the bottom of the stairs are seriously complicating their maverick enterprise. Laced with acerbic wit, macabre romance, and sharp dialogue that reflects the ongoing madness, this short novel is an authentically funny and original ride through the occupational hazards of hedonism.