Little Edna’s War
Little Edna’s War follows the life of Edna Szurek, a young girl whose world collapses when the Germans invade Warsaw in 1939. The book moves through her early childhood in a loving Jewish family, the terror of the bombings, the creation of the Warsaw Ghetto, and the years she survives by hiding, disguising herself, and relying on her wits. It traces her shifting identities, her impossible choices, and her struggle to stay alive as the city around her crumbles. By weaving Edna’s memories with historical detail, the book creates a vivid, painful, and hopeful record of one child’s endurance during the Holocaust.
This was a very emotional book for me. The writing is direct and heartfelt, and I felt pulled into Edna’s world with a force that surprised me. The author keeps the language clean and clear, which makes the fear and confusion in those early scenes even more powerful. I kept pausing, letting the weight of simple moments sink in. A child worrying about getting to a birthday party on time. A sister brushing dust from her eyes after a bombing. A mother trying to hide her terror during Shabbat dinner. These small pieces made the horror feel close and personal, and I found myself dizzy from potent emotions more than once. The story isn’t dressed up with complicated language. It just lets the emotional truth stand on its own, and that honesty worked on me.
I found myself thinking a lot about how identity shifts under pressure. Edna changes names and roles. She becomes a Catholic girl, then a street kid, then a resistance courier. The writing never turns this into a grand point. It shows how a child adapts because she has no other choice. That quiet, matter-of-fact tone made the whole journey feel even more heartbreaking. The book also captures how memory can be both a lifeline and a wound, and I felt that each time Edna reached for a song her mother once sang or tried to remember something about the home she lost. I kept wanting to reach into the pages and steady her. The storytelling brings out that kind of protective instinct.
I was moved by both the writing and the spirit behind it. The book is written with deep care, and you can feel the author’s love for Edna in every scene. I’d recommend this book to readers who want a personal lens on the Holocaust, especially those who connect more with intimate, character-driven stories than with broad historical overviews. It’s also a strong choice for anyone who wants to understand how children survive the unthinkable. It’s painful, yes, but also full of strength, and I’m glad I read it.
Pages: 544 | ASIN : B0FZX3JHYG
Meanwhile, here in Austin
Meanwhile, Here in Austin is a warm and vivid portrait of a life rebuilt in a new city, told through photographs, seasons, small moments, and quiet revelations. The book moves through a year in Austin and folds in memories of storms, wildlife, music, food, community, and family. Author Cetywa Powell shares snapshots that feel intimate and honest. Some pages linger on deer and wildflowers, others settle into the chaos of winter storms or the comfort of neighborhood rituals. The through line is a deep affection for a place that slowly becomes home.
I was pulled in by Powell’s writing style. It feels simple at first, almost gentle, yet underneath it sits a surprising emotional weight. Her images of deer in spring made me smile, and the chapters on thunderstorms made me sit up a little straighter. I felt her worry during Winter Storm Uri and her delight during summer afternoons at swimming holes. The voice feels like someone thinking out loud while watching the world drift by. I enjoyed that. It made the book feel personal. I wished the book had lingered longer on certain ideas, because some scenes flew by quickly, but maybe that fleeting quality is the whole point.
What stayed with me most was how the author tied her family’s everyday life to the bigger personality of Austin. The mix of humor, frustration, awe, and curiosity reminded me of what it feels like to fall into a city and let it shape you. Her thoughts on rising costs, constant change, and the churn of neighbors felt real. I felt her pride when she found slivers of beauty in chaos and her sadness when the bats did not appear one summer night. Some passages felt like private confessions. It is rare for a book of photography and short reflections to leave such a strong impression.
By the end, I felt like I had taken my own quiet tour of Austin, guided by someone who pays close attention to the world around her. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy reflective writing, newcomers to Austin, longtime Austinites who want to see their city through fresh eyes, and anyone who loves stories built from ordinary days that somehow feel extraordinary. It is a heartfelt and thoughtful read, and a lovely companion for anyone who enjoys watching a place become home.
Pages: 100 | ISBN : 0998892378
The Nalanda Manuscript
The Nalanda Manuscript is a globe-trotting thriller that opens with fire, ash, and heartbreak in ancient Nalanda before dropping readers straight into modern-day mountain roads, secret missions, and a hunt for a manuscript that shouldn’t exist. In simple terms, the story follows Izak Kaurben, a former special forces officer who gets pulled into a high-stakes quest to recover a long-lost Nalanda manuscript that mysteriously surfaced in Mali. What starts as a historical curiosity becomes a dangerous cross-continental chase, blending real history with tense action and emotional undercurrents. It’s fast, cinematic, and surprisingly reflective underneath all the movement.
The writing moves with a restless energy. Chapters slide quickly from quiet conversations over tea to gunfire in the desert. I liked how grounded some moments felt, especially the scenes in Himachal Pradesh where Izak reconnects with people who know him beyond the soldier he used to be. The book makes space for these pauses, and they kept me invested because they showed why Izak says yes to things he could easily walk away from. Not every choice the author makes is subtle, but that’s part of the charm. The story wants to entertain first, teach you something second, and only then make you sit with the weight of its ideas.
I also found myself thinking about how much the book respects history while still letting itself play. The sections about Nalanda’s library and Timbuktu’s manuscripts felt lovingly researched, and they made me care about the artifact at the center of all this. There’s a clear admiration for the people who protect cultural heritage, the kind of admiration that gives the plot extra heat. The explanations sometimes leaned toward compact info-bursts, but they were interesting enough that I didn’t mind. The mix of action and scholarship shouldn’t work as well as it does, yet somehow it clicks.
I’d say this book is perfect for readers who love adventure thrillers with a historical core, the kind who appreciate both chase scenes and quiet human moments. If you enjoy stories that move quickly but still want to feel something real beneath the momentum, this one will land well. And if you’ve got a soft spot for lost knowledge, ancient libraries, or the idea that one manuscript can hold a world together, you’ll enjoy it even more.
Pages: 309 | ASIN : B0G3C2BK79
Line ‘Em Up!
Line ’Em Up!, by Oscar Avery, follows a class of kids who feel written off by everyone until a new teacher, Mr. Murant, walks in and completely changes their world. He teaches them pride and discipline and shows them how greatness starts inside. The class learns about science, math, football, and life, all while building confidence through something as simple as forming a straight line. Then the story shifts as the group discovers their beloved Mr. Murant has been struggling with CTE.
Reading this children’s book honestly resonated with me more than I expected. I went in thinking it would be a light little school story, and instead found myself caught up in the way Mr. Murant pushes his students to believe in themselves. The writing feels warm and punchy and a little chaotic in a fun way. It mirrors a real classroom where jokes fly, and kids interrupt, and learning happens sideways. I kept smiling at the little back-and-forth moments, especially when Savannah had something sharp to say. The pacing jumps fast from day to day, and that gives the whole thing a breathless energy that makes you want to keep reading.
The author doesn’t shy away from the hard stuff, and I really appreciated that. I felt the kids’ confusion and frustration, and that slow sinking feeling when they wonder whether they were truly cared for. The story handles disability and illness in a way that feels simple but sincere. It made me think about how much one adult can change a child’s whole view of themselves. The illustrations have such a warm, authentic classroom vibe that really draws you in. I love the soft, painterly texture. It gives each scene a gentle feel. Mr. Murant’s expressions are clear, and small details add a fun touch to the scenes.
I’d recommend Line ‘Em Up! to kids who enjoy stories about school life and friendship and to adults who love picture books with heart and a message that sticks. It’s great for classrooms, families, and anyone who wants a story that lifts you up while lovingly addressing coping with loss.
To Slaughter a Camel
The book follows Erika Harder, a nurse practitioner in Portland whose already-fractured life is blown open by violence, loss, and an unexpected pull into the shadow world of U.S. intelligence. What begins as a grounded portrait of hospital life and grief slowly widens into a story about recruitment, moral compromise, and what it costs to belong to something larger than yourself. The plot moves from commuter trains and emergency rooms into secret offices, covert stations, and overseas assignments, tracking Erika as she’s tested not just for skill, but for resilience and loyalty.
What struck me first was how tactile the writing feels. The author lingers on details that matter. The rhythm of a train over a bridge. The chaos of a trauma bay. The weight of a shoulder bag that carries memories. These moments give the book a lived-in quality that many thrillers skip over in favor of speed. Here, the pacing is deliberate at the start, and I appreciated that patience. It lets the emotional stakes settle before the story turns sharper and more dangerous. Erika’s grief isn’t rushed or dramatized. It just sits there, heavy and unresolved.
I also found the author’s choices around power and authority compelling, if sometimes unsettling. The intelligence apparatus is not romanticized. Recruiters are intrusive. Procedures are dehumanizing. Even the promise of purpose feels conditional. There’s an ongoing tension between being chosen and being consumed, and the book doesn’t pretend those are different things. The dialogue leans into cynicism, but it fits the world being built. This is an espionage novel that understands control as something exercised quietly, through access to records, language, and fear rather than heroics.
This isn’t a slick, globe-trotting spy fantasy. It’s slower, heavier, and more reflective than that. Readers who enjoy espionage thrillers with strong character work, especially those interested in the psychological cost of service and secrecy, will appreciate this book most. If you like your thrillers grounded in realism, morally gray, and shaped by interior struggle as much as external threat, To Slaughter a Camel is worth your time.
Pages: 360 | ASIN : B0DPLJ73MN
PHOENIXA: THE NEST, A Mystical Quest for the Cheng Legacy
J.J. Cheng’s Phoenixa: The Nest is an enchanting and emotionally rich journey through memory, heritage, and identity. It tells the story of Phoenixa, a spirited girl growing up in Beijing’s Cheng Courtyard during a turbulent time in China’s history. Blending myth with memory, Cheng ties the magical imagery of the Feng Huang, the Chinese phoenix, to the struggles and rebirth of her protagonist’s family. Through vivid storytelling, she bridges centuries of Chinese philosophy and Western narrative grace, crafting a novel that feels part myth, part memoir, and part historical reflection. It’s a lush, multi-layered story about roots, loss, and the unbreakable bond between generations.
Cheng’s writing is lyrical yet grounded, full of color and heart. The dialogue between Phoenixa and her grandfather glows with tenderness and wisdom, while the scenes of the Cultural Revolution sting with fear and sorrow. I found myself caught between awe and ache, drawn by the book’s rhythm like a song I didn’t want to end. Sometimes the prose wandered into philosophy, looping through abstract reflections, but even then, I stayed hooked. It wasn’t just about what happened, it was about what it meant. The ideas of reincarnation, ancestral duty, and peace after turmoil stayed with me long after I closed the last page.
There’s a personal courage in the way Cheng writes. You can feel the author wrestling with memory, with love for a homeland that both nurtured and wounded her. I admired how the author never rushed the emotions. It’s dense at times, poetic in a way that demands patience. But it rewards that patience with quiet beauty and truth. The illustrations throughout the book blend generational joy with cultural myth. The artist uses a loose, sketch-like style that is eye-catching.
I’d recommend Phoenixa: The Nest to readers who love lyrical storytelling and mythic realism. It’s perfect for those drawn to family sagas, Eastern philosophy, or stories that blur the line between dream and reality. If you enjoy books that make you feel something deep and unexpected, this one will stay with you. It’s not just a story about a girl, it’s a story about belonging, transformation, and the quiet magic of remembering who you are.
Pages: 538 | ISBN : 978-1956427059
Defy Stereotypes
Dementia Man is your memoir, sharing your story of cognitive decline, receiving the diagnosis of early-stage Alzheimer’s, and your blunt observations on a broken medical system and call for change. Why was it important for you to share your story?
I wanted to share an authentic voice—I do have Alzheimer’s—that can help others imagine living a meaningful life with this disease. Some voices and organizations promote suicide. Many individuals lose heart and fold into themselves. I want to be a model of what might be possible, defy stereotypes, and encourage us all to strive to help find a cure to this disease. Maybe, just maybe, there is something about any one of us with a diagnosis that might help find the cure just a little sooner!
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
First, if there is anyone in your family history who has had Alzheimer’s, you should find out whether you carry a genetic marker called ApoE4. It increases your risk, and finding out early allows you to pursue medications and lifestyle changes that can help.
Second, be careful. Frauds and scams abound around this disease. There is no cure. Hard stop. Many excellent U.S. government and state government resources are available on safe, effective approaches to slowing decline and getting help.
Third, I provide a list of a growing number of patient-led organizations that offer support, community, and guidance to help you and your family navigate this stage of life with dignity, purpose—and yes, even some joy.
What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir, and what was the most rewarding?
So many challenges… it’s hard to pick. Yes, the challenge of memory impairment and writing means I need some help, and I use a writing coach. It is frustrating. There is also the emotional impact of imagining the late stages. The most rewarding thing is the impact it has had on others and on myself. The responses shared with me by readers are humbling—not about my writing, but about insights gained and the hope instilled as they, or a family member, move forward.
What is one thing that you hope readers take away from Dementia Man: An Existential Journey: Choosing Life and Finding Meaning with Alzheimer’s?
The one thing is that it is possible to engage with purpose, love, and joy in life with this disease. You are NOT alone; there is a world out there of help and support. You can become the best version of yourself with Alzheimer’s that the world has ever seen. I have tried to include many resources—things I didn’t even know existed—that are available almost everywhere. Just one small example: I didn’t know that 211 existed, a phone number people can call to locate essential community services.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
After decades as a tireless advocate for justice and social change, Samuel A. Simon faces the most personal fight of his life: the slow, undeniable progression of cognitive decline. When the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease comes, he refuses to fade quietly.
Based on his award-winning play Dementia Man, this deeply personal memoir invites readers into Simon’s “existential journey”—a story told with candor, courage, and an unflinching look at a broken medical system. As he revisits pivotal moments from his past and navigates the daily challenges of neurocognitive disease, Simon offers an intimate portrait of a man determined to shape his own future, even as the disease seeks to define it.
Both moving and urgently important, Dementia Man is changing the conversation about Alzheimer’s in America. It’s a story of hope and defiance that challenges us all to imagine a future of dignity, connection, and purpose for the millions living with cognitive decline.
Vulnerability Is Strength
The Work In Between is a memoir sharing your experiences of losing over 100 pounds, surviving cancer multiple times, and going through a period of self-reinvention. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I kept getting asked where my book was. People assumed I had written one given my experiences. After a lot of self-reflection, therapy, and conversations, I felt I was ready to tackle a book. To be honest, I wasn’t convinced I had that interesting of a story. I wasn’t sure anyone would care. However, some conversations made it clear that it might be helpful to others, if only to show you can go through some pretty tough stuff and still be a compassionate, successful, and joyful person. So, I wrote it. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
It’s the only way I know how to be. I’m not very good at sugar coating things or only telling one side of the story (i.e., where I only look good). The hardest part was writing about when my brother Eric died. I cried when I was writing about losing all of my family, but Eric’s death was particularly difficult. Still is. I laughed a lot, too, though. I ended up remembering things I had forgotten. Good memories. Happy memories.
How has writing your memoir impacted or changed your life?
I’m happy that it’s resonated with so many people. Writing the book has made me realize I have a lot more work to do. I wrote a chapter in The Backyard Peace Project anthology and got a fantastic response to my chapter about loving ourselves harder when we stumble and fall. I think it’s a really important message to get out there, especially with all of the negativity and skewed reality from social media.
I’ve learned through my book that vulnerability is strength. Most people are tired of branded packages of unrealistic life. I think they are hungry for real, honest conversations about hard things. That’s how we grow. I was once told that I talk about things people usually keep in the shadows. That’s true. I do that because if I try to carry it all alone, it makes me sick: physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally unhealthy. We aren’t supposed to walk around with shame and guilt. Talking about it is healing, and it helps others process their experiences. Everyone has experienced hard things; sharing them helps us heal and grow.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
That they are worthy just as they are and worthy of love and a good life. It doesn’t matter what the scale says, what other people tell you, or where you started in life. If you want to improve your physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual health, great. Do that. However, you are worthy of love and an amazing life no matter what.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Amazon
Witty, frank, and richly thoughtful, The Work In Between is peppered with wisdom from the author’s expertise in the field of Health Communication. Holmes brings an astute eye to the relationship between outward appearances and medical experiences as she draws from her doctoral education and years of service as a hospital executive. And yet, the complex web of stories that characterize The Work In Between extend far beyond Holmes’s own experiences. As this memoir makes clear, we carry family trauma in our bones. Until we do the inside work of facing our demons and declaring our worthiness, we cannot live the full, happy lives we were meant to live.
LITERARY TITAN 