Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Even Flowers Know That Water Is Useless Without Roots by Gloria D. Gonsalves is a mesmerizing collection of poems, essays, and short stories. This anthology contains some personable poems that shed light on the rich and colorful cultural heritage of East Africa, covering topics such as love, food, national pride, etc., and showcasing the abundant natural beauty and diversity of Tanzania. In "Chicken Soup Prayer," the narrator reveals the mystical healing properties of a hot bowl of chicken soup. "Remember Those Days" is a nostalgic throwback to a bygone era. In "Who Am I," the author explores her roots to figure out her own place in the world. The collection also includes some haikus that describe the majestic beauty of Kilimanjaro as well as the inevitable necessity of household chores.

Gloria D. Gonsalves takes readers on a journey through the diverse terrain of East Africa with this marvelous poetry collection. Even Flowers Know That Water Is Useless Without Roots is poignant yet light-hearted, touching upon some relevant social issues while offering you a heartwarming sense of belonging to a place you've most likely never been to before. Gonsalves also shares parts of her own life in her verses. There's an essay on the Kiswahili-speaking East African community, a eulogy for the veteran Tanzanian journalist Gabriel Pereira Mgaya, and a thought-provoking short story about a young woman from a remote village in northeast Tanzania who becomes an international fashion model. This is one of the best collections I've read this year. If you're a poetry enthusiast, I can't recommend this book highly enough.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Hyphened-Nation: Don’t Check the Box by Nicole Draffen is a non-fiction philosophical memoir wherein the author provides insight into her transformative outlook following a spell of living in the UK. Draffen focuses on the differences she encountered as an ethnically diverse woman who is outwardly perceived as black and how this perception manifests the pigeon-holing of the hyphenated African-American label. This designation was non-existent during her time in the UK, where she was simply an American and was not compartmentalized by a double-barrelled nationality description that should not exist. This is, of course, the 'African' anterior portion of African-American. Draffen makes a compelling argument on how the hyphen further marginalizes black men and women, as well as those who are perceived to be black, and does so based on her experiences of living in two countries.

Like Nicole Draffen, I am a California girl who also lives in the UK, and I was immediately drawn to Hyphened-Nation. My maternal family is Chinese-Filipino, and I am married to a man of color. I can absolutely confirm that mixed-race relationships and melanin are almost entirely ignored in London, corroborating that Draffen's perspective of American exceptionalism does not apply to those who have their Americanism diluted with a hyphen. An interesting chapter for me was six, Notes on the English Language, where Draffen addresses formalizing the acceptance of Ebonics as a dialect. I raise the topic of this chapter to highlight the literary merit of the book and its genuine ability to provoke thoughtful, academic consideration in the sense that, while I do not personally agree with Draffen's position of Ebonics as being detrimental, the writing is a high standard. There is an incredible irony in this, where most people reading this chapter on—literally—the importance of using traditional English in its “proper” form, Draffin's credibility is heightened because of the vernacular. Would her book be received with the same consideration if the vernacular had been different? And herein lies the complex bedrock of the implied 'other' when African is a precursor to being American. I highly recommend reading this enlightening book.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Zoya's Gift: Building a Bridge to a Global Family is a work of non-fiction in the memoir, sociocultural issues, and slice-of-life genres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and contains some non-graphic discussions of violence and war crimes. Penned by author Gail McCormick, this is a heart-wrenching and heart-warming memoir that chronicles the author's transformative journey from heartbreak to healing through her relationship with Ukrainian twin sisters and their extended global family. Amidst the backdrop of infertility and the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, McCormick discovers unexpected connections and profound love that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.

Author Gail McCormick utilizes her natural warmth and positive spirit to craft an emotional and enlightening memoir that is sure to leave a lasting impact on the hearts of all who read it. There’s a poignancy to the storytelling that allows McCormick to touch on the right topics at just the right moments, weaving together themes of loss, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Through her vivid descriptions of people and places, layered with her own heartfelt reflections and personal connection to the issues at hand, she invites readers into her world and encourages them to see the many benefits of acceptance and understanding of other cultures. The pacing of the memoir has a biopic, cinematic quality, where moments of joy and sorrow intertwine with explained complexities concerning cross-cultural relationships. The author's exploration of motherhood, identity, and the human capacity for love resonates deeply, offering a message of hope and unity in a world often divided by differences. Overall, Zoya's Gift is a highly recommended read for fans of inspirational memoirs everywhere.

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

Walter Stern, a Holocaust survivor, made a testimony video about his road to freedom from Nazi Germany and through Holland one year before his death in 1993. His daughter, Irene, re-watched it after the elections in 2016. That year marked the starting point of the new wave of antisemitism globally, and Walter's video took on a new meaning for Irene. Walter was about to turn twelve when he and his family, the owners of a clothing and textiles store in Bocholt, Germany, were brutally awakened in the dead of night on November 9–10, 1938. History remembers that night as Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass. The family's store was vandalized, and the lives of the Sterns were threatened. But Walter's father, Moritz, had a plan. He had managed to smuggle some money to neighboring Holland. The Sterns decided to escape to Holland, where they had friends. Many years later, Irene and her family traveled to Europe three times to recreate their route to survival. Shattered Stars, Healing Hearts by Irene Stern Frielich is a mesmerizing read that fans of memoirs and history will enjoy.

In Shattered Stars, Healing Hearts, Irene Stern Frielich speaks about her "inherited family trauma." It is a significant statement that should not be overlooked. The author tells us that the horrifying events of the Holocaust era still have an impact on the families of the survivors. The next generation's pain is overwhelming. But there is always a way to heal. Irene shares this healing journey with us. Irene opened up about the deepest inner feelings she experienced when she entered the house in Bocholt, where her family lived before the Holocaust. The emotional narrative transforms this memoir into a thrilling story that is impossible to put down. The author skillfully interweaves the memories of her father from the testimony video with the recreated facts of his life in Germany and Holland and her own amazing experiences and unexpected encounters in Europe. I liked the incredible stories about the heroism and dedication of those who helped save the lives of Jewish people during the darkest years of human history. Shattered Stars, Healing Hearts is a meaningful and thought-provoking book for readers who want to learn from history.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Limp Forward by Libo Cao Meyers is a memoir that highlights key turning points, challenges, and achievements in Meyers' journey of personal growth, academic pursuit, professional accomplishments, and personal success. Meyers, born in China, contracted polio as a child and she details her parents taking desperate measures to aid her recovery from polio, and reflects on her early years living with relatives and in hospitals, experiencing adventure, bullying, and an abundance of resourcefulness. As she grows up, she is determined to pursue her goals in computer science and her progress is remarkable as she excels in college, transfers to Ohio University, and navigates American life. After graduation, she trains as an athlete despite her physical limitations caused by polio, secures a job at Dash Navigation, finally receives her Green Card, and, inspired by Steve Jobs, begins her professional ascent within Apple.

Limp Forward by Libo Cao Meyers shows what any person can achieve with a strong family foundation, wherever they hail from, and when that family is so exceptionally involved and sacrificing, the success of their children is greatly enhanced through their willingness to do anything for them. Meyers had a lifetime of amazing successes but none of these, not a single one, would have been possible if at any point her parents had decided that they would simply make do with what they had at the time. This is important to acknowledge because I come from the same background, and it is proof that it “takes a village” or, at the very least, a family willing to work as one. My favorite parts are Meyers' college years in the States where she has her first Halloween, and dating experiences that can only come from the cyberghetto of Craigslist. Finding love and marrying a man who not only went to China to meet her incredible family but brought a wonderful letter from his own parents was about the sweetest thing I have read! Overall, this is an inspirational book that drives home the importance of perseverance, love, and the beauty that can come from being differently abled.

Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite

If you enjoy calligraphy as an art form, Japanese culture and historical literature, and memoirs about fascinating, if not famous, people, Shodo Master: Life and Art of Tomoro Ouchida by John Glascock is for you. Presented in a bilingual format with English on one side and Japanese on the other, this lavishly illustrated tribute by a student to his teacher hits the mark. Having lived for a time in Japan, I understood Glascock’s attraction to the beauty of Japanese calligraphy and was impressed by his determination to study it. I was also touched by his affection for the humble but highly skilled master calligrapher who became his teacher here in the United States. A glossary of terms and a list of historical names, places, writings, and photographs are included, along with extensive illustrations.

In Shodo Master, John Glascock gives us not only the biography of master calligrapher Tomoro “Ryuseki” Ouchida (1903 – 1990) and a collection of his teaching materials and signature works but also an informative discussion about art. Called Shodo, Japanese calligraphy is insightfully described in an essay that Sensei Ouchida wrote on the topic in which the art is connected to the spirit and character of the artist. He ends the essay with an expression of appreciation for the efforts and discipline of past masters and a wish that his talent and contributions will serve future generations. No one looking at this presentation of his magnificent life’s work can doubt that his desire came true.

Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

Everyone has an opinion on a topic they are passionate about. Unfortunately, it is difficult to air our views without offending others or being misunderstood. I'm Just Saying: A Guide to Maintaining Civil Discourse in an Increasingly Divided World by Milan Kordestani aims to encourage the civil sharing of views, with respect and understanding for each other’s opinions. This book will help readers utilize an appropriate speaking and writing tone, avoid ego, biases, bad intentions, and intellectual deceit, and foster faith, trust, and a united consciousness. The author has given readers tools to be better listeners, pay attention, and focus on a discussion. Finally, he talks about how we can find common ground, handle different perspectives, and seek civil discourse by being empathetic and compassionate.

If you have ever been in an argument, this book will resonate with you. It will help you see the mistakes you made, and how you could have handled yourself. Being self-aware and open to new opinions is not easy to achieve because we are blinded by the belief that we are correct and the other person is wrong. I'm Just Saying by Milan Kordestani perfectly highlights the elements of civil discourse, which are an analysis of yourself and your opinions and the other party and their views. The author gives examples from his experience with his family, his start-up businesses, and his college years. He also provides meditation guides and Japanese approaches such as Kaizen for continuous improvement and Ichigyo Zammai to help you focus. The book is well-written with a consistent format, chapter summaries, and questions-and-answers sections. I enjoyed reading this book because it provided me with valuable knowledge on how to conduct myself in a discussion or debate. I highly recommend it to everyone because it will help us build a better world where we understand and respect each other and our differences.

Reviewed by Lois Henderson for Readers' Favorite

From Scratch: Adventures in Harvesting, Hunting, Fishing, and Foraging on a Fragile Planet by father and son David and Jon Moscow is based on a TV show of the same name shot between 2018 and 2021 in numerous countries. These include Mexico, the Philippines, South Africa, Kenya, Croatia, Malta, Peru, Costa Rica, Italy, Finland, Iceland, and numerous states, ranging from New York to Texas and from Utah to Wyoming and Washington. David Moscow, the creator, executive producer, and host of the TV program From Scratch, describes the book as a layperson’s exploration of how food gets to our plates. Exciting and thought-provoking, the work not only regales the food lover and adventurer with tales of how food is obtained from the environment, but it is also extremely thought-provoking, with its discussion about how the dynamic forces of the world, both past and present, have impacted on the sourcing and preparation of food.

The combined efforts of David and Jon Moscow have resulted in a fascinating, moderately well-illustrated (with black-and-white photos) work depicting David Moscow’s ventures into the field, gathering food ranging from marine (including oysters, octopuses, and anchovies, among others) to land-based specialties (including chanterelle mushrooms, sheep’s heads, and deer). What comes across clearly are the different personalities with whom David strikes up a friendship along the way, ranging from a restauranteur in a South African township to a Michelin award-winning chef in Iceland. David’s encounters with wildlife are told with such enthusiasm and glee that readers cannot help but revel in his adventures, or misadventures. The scientific, ecological, historical, and political contextualization of the wildlife sprees rounds out the forays into the sometimes exotic and the often unusual. The recipes for all the dishes made in From Scratch are provided at the end of the book, so for whatever reason you choose to read this work, you are likely to savor the contents of each chapter in turn; I know I did.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Once Our Lives: Life, Death, and Love in the Middle Kingdom by Qin Sun Stubis is a non-fiction memoir that traces the author's family legacy back generations and forms a full picture from the evolution of the Chinese Communist Revolution to the Cultural Revolution. Stubis begins with a written family tree and timeline, and a story that originates with her grandmother's continued telling of a curse on Stubis' father, An Chu. His life is heavy with adversity and while Stubis' mother, Yan, starts on a different path, the joining of both is part of the catalyst that rocks their lives and those around them, for better or worse. Yan comes from an affluent adopted home, an upbringing that is in direct opposition to the Revolution, which she supports, and An Chu who she marries. As we know from hindsight, the CCR doesn't go well, and the reality of An Chu and Yan's life becomes harder, following them even when they move to Shanghai.

As a South Asian man who is married to a woman of East Asian ethnicity, I was drawn to Once Our Lives: Life, Death, and Love in the Middle Kingdom by Qin Sun Stubis because the Revolution is a topic that her family lived through outright but refused to talk about it. There's plenty of fiction out there, but Stubis is of my generation, which makes her immediately relatable, and her family legacy goes much further than an accounting of what was experienced from A to B to C. The narrative is woven into stories, parcelled out like the pieces of a quilt; when all are sewn together they form as complete a picture as we can possibly get from the generations dwindling before us. This is described in detail with scenes such as one in a new neighborhood, where despite living conditions that included converted garages, the working class had formed a tight-knit community. Illness is rampant and while there is a recovery, a poster in a park shows this tight community that sweeping change is on the way. Overall, this is a well-written, beautifully immersive book that while non-fiction reads even better than fiction. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Comprehensive Study of the Origin of Humankind: Objective Analysis and Vindication of Unofficial Evidence by Ryanne Maxine Meyersohn is an alternative explanation based on anthropological and ancient texts findings, includes a comprehensive investigation of all the events that led to the formation of human civilization. The author delves into ancient texts and scholarly translations to reveal a detailed history of everything that happened on Earth but includes information that has been swept under the rug, from the formation of the solar system to the arrival of the Anunnaki, which Meyersohn explains, and to the time of Alexander the Great. According to Meyersohn and the previously undisclosed evidence, our learned history does not include alien life or the rest of the universe. This extensive analysis and in-depth search for clues provided the knowledge necessary to determine the dates of all the major events in human history.

Ryanne Maxine Meyersohn deserves high praise, even from people who do not agree with it, for the amount of work poured into Comprehensive Study of the Origin of Humankind, and for the courage it took to put all these ideas out for public consumption. The research is meticulously conducted and the writing is scholarly without pretentiousness and thought-provoking. Meyerson connects the dots between seemingly disparate events that, if ever proven true, the findings have the potential to revolutionize human and religious history. The book is a treasure trove of information that is sure to challenge readers' understanding of connectivity in the universe and inspire further research. I finished this book and went to find out more about alien technology in ancient history but Meyersohn covers most of it in this volume. Overall, Comprehensive Study of the Origin of Humankind is an outstanding work of scholarship that is sure to be of interest to anyone interested in the civilization in which humans and aliens coexisted on Earth in the remote past, a story that maybe echoed in the writings of the Book of Genesis and ancient texts.