Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Travels and Tribulations is a work of non-fiction in the memoir genre. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by Tyrel Nelson. The book follows the author during the worst of the pandemic after losing both his mother and his career. During this period of isolation and sadness, the author reflects on the people and events of his life that led him to where he is today. Reminiscing on painful and happy memories alike, the book shows the author's journey to re-evaluate where he stood in the new world in which he was now an orphan.

There’s a level of personal detail that some writers achieve when putting together their memoirs that astounds me as a reader. The willingness to be vulnerable, to reflect on the most painful parts of your life in order to dissect them with the reader in the hopes of finding meaning or even strength. Tyrel Nelson leaves nothing behind as he reviews the life he has led so far whether that be losses that continue to devastate to this day or specific moments during his travels that etched themselves into his soul for good or ill. Travels and Tribulations is an intimate discussion on the life of an ordinary person who has seen both joy and sorrow in abundance and simply wants to walk through the memories with you as they make sense of it all. A tribute to self-reflection and to the effect of loving and being loved in return, this is a beautiful memoir that I recommend to all.

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

Brenda and her husband, Big Ed, celebrated their anniversary at Jules’s Undersea Lodge in Florida. Brenda wanted to give Ed an unforgettable present and to take a picture underwater that would be worth appearing on the cover of National Geographic. Also, Brenda's father, Harold, had been diagnosed with a brain tumor. Brenda needed time to recharge before dealing with the frightening diagnosis. This underwater stay is one of her many incredible adventures that include the trip on the back of the mule to the bottom of the Grand Canyon to bring Brenda's father a meaningful gift; a night spent at the Ice Hotel in Quebec; a stay at an inn shaped like a huge dog, Dog Bark Inn, Idaho; or at a silo rebuilt into a hotel, Quaker Oats Inn, Ohio, and so the list goes on. Brenda always had a loyal fellow traveler by her side; a big suit bag named Bertha. You Slept Where? by Brenda Prater Sellers is for fans of memoirs, non-fiction travel, and humor books.

You Slept Where? depicts the successful president of Chroma Graphics, Brenda Prater Sellers, as a brave and resourceful explorer. Brenda and Big Ed even stayed at the allegedly haunted house of the famous Lizzie Borden in Fall River, Massachusetts, to take pictures! But as much as I loved reading about Brenda's humorous adventures, my favorite chapters of the book were those dedicated to her childhood years and her parents, Harold and Katherine. Brenda draws wonderful portraits of her parents, a down-to-earth, hard-working farmer from Tennessee, and his beautiful, loving wife. The author opens up about her fears and prayers to God while speaking about her mother's fight with vascular dementia, adding emotional depth to the narrative. Yet Brenda's unbeatable spirit and zest for life inspire us to follow her example in our search for unusual experiences. You Slept Where? is an informative and handy guide as the author offers recommendations regarding low-cost travel. I hope to read more about Brenda's other trips and adventures.

Reviewed by Juan Lynch for Readers' Favorite

Little Boy, I Know Your Name: A Second-Generation Memoir from Inherited Holocaust Trauma by Mitchell Raff is an insightful, heartwrenching story of the author's life. Mitchell's father and mother both endured the unspeakable evils perpetuated on the Jews during the Holocaust. This left them ill-equipped to take on the challenge of parenting. For a while in his early years, his paternal aunt, Sally, and her husband, Issa, took him in and loved him as best as they could; they were also Holocaust survivors. At four years old, Mitchell was enticed to live with his mom and little sister. He soon regretted this decision. His mother physically and psychologically abused him. This trauma went on to affect every relationship Mitchell would have.

I enjoyed reading Little Boy, I Know Your Name by Mitchell Raff. The story was conveyed mainly in chronological order and was well-paced. Raff's writing style kept me in suspense, always wanting to know what would happen next. His childhood was filled with sad episodes that helped me connect emotionally not only with Mitchell, but also with his sister Regina (Malka), Issa, and Sally. Raff masterfully captured the essence of every person that he spoke about, no matter how small their contribution to the story. This included lovable family members, slimy in-laws, and racist classmates. Additionally, Raff relates his battle as an adult against drug and sex addiction tactfully. The themes of self-discovery, family betrayal, life, and death are beautifully portrayed in this memoir. I highly recommend Little Boy, I Know Your Name to all avid readers.

Reviewed by Tanya Kays for Readers' Favorite

Brenda Smith's Becoming Fearless tells the true story of a young explorer, Brenda, who is saddled with the daunting responsibility of leading an expedition in the rugged landscapes of Africa. Brenda's resilience is greatly tested by harsh circumstances and an unforgiving terrain. In the beginning, Brenda has an ordinary job as a staff auditor. Secretly, she longs to break free from her mundane and safe lifestyle and embrace a more daring and challenging one. Without warning, Brenda's wishes come true. Her boss assigns her to be the main lead in their company's thrilling expedition in Tanzania. Join Brenda as she journeys up Mt. Kilombero and battles the wild surroundings in the Rufiji River. It's a heart-racing experience of a lifetime, and we get to take this journey with her.

Brenda Smith does an incredible job of describing her adventures, experiences, surroundings, and emotions in Becoming Fearless. Brenda's smooth and motivational writing will safely transport and guide readers through uncharted jungles and crocodile-infested waters. Her book will appeal to all readers who secretly wish to be bolder and more adventurous in their everyday lives. On this thrilling journey, we live life vicariously through Brenda, and what an exciting journey it is! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. This is an engrossing tale simply because of the way the well-timed events dramatically unfold. Readers who seek more to life than the mundane, and want to venture into the unknown will find deep meaning in Brenda's inspirational story.

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

Mimi, a young medical student from New York, is enamored with the highest mountains on earth, the Himalayas. She accepts the invitation to participate in an Everest expedition as a medical officer. Mimi is the only woman on the team. The climbers, Robert, Ed, Stephen, and Paul, will attempt to conquer the summit without oxygen or assistance from the Sherpas, using the new, extremely dangerous route on the east face of Everest. Mimi has the stamina of a passionate dancer and previous experience as a solo hiker, which she got on the challenging Annapurna Circuit in Nepal in the mid-1980s. Yet Mimi is uncertain and scared. When the expedition goes wrong with the initial plan, all she can do is wait. Tap Dancing on Everest by Mimi Zieman is for fans of adventure, travel, memoirs, and motivational books.

Mimi Zieman's Tap Dancing on Everest is a thrilling account of incredible adventure and an inspiring story of self-discovery. The book starts on a dramatic note. We learn about the result of the small team's bold attempt to climb the east face of Everest only at the end. The fate of three climbers remains unclear throughout the narrative. The anticipation and dread of finally learning what happened to Robert, Ed, and Stephen on their way to the summit make our hearts pound as Mimi continues her gripping story. The author also opens up about her upbringing and background. Mimi speaks about the unimaginable tragedies and struggles that her father, a Holocaust survivor, endured and how these influenced her perception of the world and her place in it. I admire the author's determination to empower women. Mimi narrates about serious matters with subtle humor, and her expressive writing style makes it impossible to put Tap Dancing on Everest down.

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

Feathered Canyons by Jeannette Hanby and David Bygott is a memoir of historical significance. Hanby was born during WWII and raised by protective parents in a safe environment. Once she graduated from California's Berkeley in 1962, she decided to explore life deeper and learn more about her fellow Americans with different skin colors or social backgrounds. She started working at McLaren Hall with troubled and often abused children. Hanby, along with her co-worker and friend, Perky, wanted to visit Mexico and even purchased tickets for their trip, but Perky got sick at the very last moment. Hanby confessed that she was still eager to go on her big adventure and wanted to move to Big Sur in Northern California, where there was a job opportunity at the Nepenthe restaurant, famous for its bohemian atmosphere. Jeannette met Bill Hargis, who soon became her mentor, friend, and love of her life. Bill invited Jeannette to join his gold mining venture in the Feather River Canyon. This unique experience would change the course of her life for good.

After opening Feathered Canyons, be prepared to hear the mighty ocean waves, smell the magnificent Ponderosa pines, and hear the roar of the wild and beautiful Feather River. It invites you to participate in a sensual, thrilling adventure. Jeannette Hanby's prose is powerful and leaves readers almost breathless. This is a captivating story of a young Hanby, who is shy, socially awkward, and knows the darker side of life from experience. The pictures show that she is also strikingly beautiful; it was easy to connect with her on an emotional level. I liked her curiosity and big heart so much. She is concerned with environmental challenges and takes action to save the wild beauty of the Feather River, leading by example. Hanby's relationship with Bill Hargis is the centerpiece of the story; I was amazed by how openly and genuinely Hanby speaks about it. I particularly enjoyed the chapter about Hanby's trip to Mexico, for she showed a true sense of travel, exploring different cultures with tremendous respect and admiration. The wonderful illustrations by David Bygott are an essential part of the story, allowing us to grasp the beauty of Big Sur. I also loved the amazing poems by Genetta opening most chapters. Feathered Canyons is for readers who love memoirs, inspirational tales, and nature. I would especially recommend it to readers of all ages looking for their path in life.

Reviewed by Christine Nguyen for Readers' Favorite

Hangmen: Riding with an Outlaw Motorcycle Club in the Old Days is a raw and gritty memoir that takes readers into motorcycle gangs in the 60s and 70s. Dale E. Arenson was a high school dropout from a broken family. His two options were enlisting in the Vietnam War or hanging out with an infamous motorcycle club called Hangmen. His parents refused to permit him to enlist in the army, so Dale ended up as a Hangmen biker. He chronicles the highs and lows of first being a hanger-on at age 17, then becoming a prospect at 19, and finally becoming a fully-fledged patch holder of the Hangmen. The motorcycle gangs had a tight brotherhood that revolved around riding, drinking, drugs, women, sex, and fighting. Their shenanigans are highlighted in an honest portrayal of what the motorcycle lifestyle was all about.

Dale E. Arenson writes with honesty about his experiences without romanticizing the motorcycle gang lifestyle or downplaying its brutality and violence. This book is not for the faint-hearted. Hangmen is an action-packed, white-knuckle, adrenaline roller coaster ride that will mesmerize you until the end. This is a nostalgic glimpse back into Californian history that should be preserved, no matter how controversial. I thoroughly enjoyed the numerous photographs of the Hangmen included in the book as they also told another more visual story that captured my imagination. I did not know that so many motorcycle gangs were operating, as I have only heard about the Hell’s Angels. This was an addictive read that had me continuously on the edge of my seat.

Reviewed by Diana Lopez for Readers' Favorite

Cory Mortensen sees life as a series of opportunities and knows how difficult it is to choose among several options. He left his job to embark on a journey into the unknown. He narrates how each day's events develop without a concrete plan or a specific route to follow. This time we will learn about his journey from the Mexican border to Antarctica. In Unlost, he tells the experiences with an excellent touch of humor, but he is also illustrative, giving honest descriptions and interesting facts about the places visited. Cory provides images of maps and some personal photographs. Unlost is the second part of The Buddha and the Bee series, and it also shows how following your instinct can lead you to unexpected places.

Reading Cory Mortensen's book is like talking with a friend who tells you his anecdotes. His narrative is relaxed and fun. He knows how to connect his stories with explanations of historical facts. He shares the culture he is acquiring and shows you his ability to solve problems with astuteness. I admire his courage to travel into unknown territories. He is truthful when mentioning complications, such as finding accommodation or dealing with people who only want money from foreigners. Cory has a friendly personality and a contagious spirit, so he makes friends in every country he visits. His enthusiasm motivates you to want to embark on an adventure. Unlost also has a good presentation. I loved the photographs and would have liked to see more to learn about the places visited. Unlost is the ideal book to get to know the world in a relaxed and entertaining way.

Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

Unhinged in Ethiopia: Two Thousand Kilometers of Hell and Heaven on a Bicycle shares the fascinating adventure of George Balarezo as he explores Ethiopia's mountainous terrain on his bicycle and learns about the continent's rich cultural legacy. Balarezo teaches English in South Korea and when he lands a job at a university that includes four months of paid vacation each year, he goes on a bicycle tour of exotic places at every opportunity. After tour cycling in China and Mongolia, his next destination is Africa’s most mountainous country. With his newly purchased second-hand bicycle, he lands in Addis Ababa, the country’s capital. While waiting to cross a busy street, two children persistently ask him for money; his adventure has just begun and this is his story.

George Balarezo’s Unhinged in Ethiopia is an informative and mesmerizing tale of his journey through a beautiful, poor, and culture-rich country. Written in the first-person, it felt akin to accompanying him on his tour. Balarezo writes in vivid detail, especially about the people that he meets along the way. It's a must-read for those who want to experience the world on a bike and learn from their experience. Struggling with the heat, illness, mountainous roads, and children throwing stones at him, he ends his tour with a better understanding of himself and the world in general. I found the African proverbs that introduce most chapters very interesting. Balarezo reveals to us his mindset while traveling and it is very enlightening. Highly recommended!

Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

Baikonur Man: Space, Science, American Ambition, and Russian Chaos at the Cold War’s End by Barry L Stoddard is a non-fiction drama set against the backdrop of the Cold War. The story is about an American start-up forging a secret deal to place American scientific payloads aboard the Soviet space station MIR. This agreement was negotiated and approved behind the backs of NASA and Congress, with the assistance of officials inside the Commerce and Defense departments. This grueling saga of how science, camaraderie, hardships, and madness led to the first American experiments and payloads to be brought to space on Russian rockets, as recounted by one who witnessed history itself. Stoddard was present when the company founder of the start-up met with three students and their professors at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This is his story.

Barry L Stoddard’s Baikonur Man is an ambitious and gripping narrative about how a group of young scientists and a small company ran experiments in space in the 1980s. However, it is more than just about our world's social or political landscape. Stoddard goes personal as we are immersed in a first-person adventure full of unexpected moments, wit, humor, drama, and hope. This fascinating narrative is much more than just about science. It is also about the resilience and beauty of the human condition during sociopolitical change. It's a must-read for those interested in science and history. Highly recommended!