Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Boiling Frog: How Complacency and Ignorance Created Our Leadership Crisis and What We Can Do About It is a work of non-fiction which is focused on current socioeconomic and political affairs, and was penned by author Michael Darmody. As the title of the work suggests, this volume discusses important inequalities and deliberate oversights made by those who are currently in power and that small proportion of people who hold vast amounts of the world’s wealth. The volume seeks to explain why those with the purse strings are so reluctant to make changes, but also acts as an impetus for change and encourages the rest of us to move beyond ignorance and complacency towards a better tomorrow.

Issues like climate change, inequality, and the wealth gap have indeed gone on too long, and we all need to be reading more works with the ethos and ideology of authors like Michael Darmody. One of the things which I particularly enjoyed about this volume was its high level of accessibility, in that politically minded people and those who are brand new to the concepts can both engage with the material and get so much out of it. The prose is well composed with dynamic calls to action and clear explanations of the methods by which change can occur. The organization of the ideas is such that specific areas are easy to find again and cross-reference for future study and engagement. Overall, I would definitely recommend The Boiling Frog for any reader looking to wake up and be more well informed in politics, economics, and culture.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

In Its Shadow: A 9/11 Memoir is a work of non fiction which discusses the tragic events of international terrorism and its fallout thereafter, and was written by author Jodi Graber Pratt. As a businesswoman who was up close and directly present when the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center were made in New York City, the author takes us through not only the harrowing reality of the panic-stricken attack itself, but the days of lockdown in New York which followed, and her thoughts on the reformation of America and what needed, and indeed still needs, to be done in order to secure a better, brighter future for one and all.

Author Jodi Graber Pratt tells her story in several phases, crafting a truly excellent work of memoir and governmental thinking which allows us to compare attitudes of modern America with those of not so long ago. The author’s prose is fluid and well penned, offering some truthfully raw moments of pure emotion and fear. She characterizes the feeling of loss and confusion so very well, and I found myself most interested in the fallout period directly after the attacks, as it’s a time that I have not heard anyone really discuss before. As the narrative develops, so do the political ideas and considerations for the future, which are elegantly put forward with great confidence and authenticity. Overall, I would definitely recommend In Its Shadow: A 9/11 Memoir to anyone looking to explore this tragic event in more detail, and from an eloquent first-hand perspective.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Republican Party, Apostles Of Failure, Unfit To Govern is a work of non-fiction focused on government and politics in the United States, and was penned by author Richard J. Weisberg. With its specific focus put on the policy decisions involving economics, the volume tracks the prior ‘American System’ of commerce, which once had America very high on the list of economic world powers, compared to the newly-emerged Republican plans of the last half-century, in which a fantasy of low taxation for the wealthy has led the country into inequality, privatization, and turmoil. In his treatise on the issues, Weisberg attempts to model a future solution from the successes of the past.

Knowing very little about the history of American economics, I found this volume to be a thorough education on the topic, as well as an eye-opening read for the twists and turns that have led the USA into its current state under the presidency of Donald Trump. Author Richard J. Weisberg treats the subject matter fairly with no undue political bias, looking at clear financial facts and tracking the genuine decline of the American economy and market since the mid-1970s. The writing style is clear and concise, with plenty of additional information that helps to glean a full understanding of the subject matter at hand, and well-explained examples from recent and 19th-century history that make a convincing argument for Weisberg’s case. Overall, The Republican Party, Apostles Of Failure, Unfit To Govern is an insightful and thought-provoking read for all.

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

When a police officer of Republic, Washington learns of a new state ballot called Initiative 1639 regulating the ownership of firearms, he could see the Constitution on a slippery slope to its demise. Officer Loren Culp refused to stand by and see the hopes and dreams of the Founding Fathers diluted until the rights and liberties of American citizens were unrecognizable. A post on social media voicing his determination that no citizen would have their rights violated by law enforcement under his watch instantly drew much public support. Loren then contacted City Council and made an appearance on Fox News to continue his fight for justice. American Cop by Loren Culp outlines his arguments to preserve the 2nd Amendment and the God-given birthright of its people. Discover why the safety of American citizens is threatened by strict gun laws and why as a country you must fight to preserve the core foundation of the American Constitution, whether you are pro or anti-firearms. With historical references and quotes from some of the most pivotal people throughout American history, you will discover that to fight for rights you may not agree with is the basis of a free and democratic society.

The arguments put forward in this compelling book are not only powerful but very intelligent. I am not particularly pro-gun myself but Loren Culp provides some convincing statistics and information regarding the manipulation of society into believing one narrative. His breakdown of why fighting for democracy is vital even though you may not agree with some aspects of it was completely on point. The roles of lawmakers and the media in influencing public opinion to suit their own agendas were so pertinent. I found the section on the Democratic Revolution chilling because that kind of society could materialize. Loren's personal stories were beautifully written; he certainly has a great storytelling ability. I could not believe the absurdity of some of the rules regarding Initiative 1939, especially how a person could be responsible for a felon if their firearm was stolen and used to commit a crime. American Cop certainly highlights the frightening consequences of changing any of America's Constitution and hopefully, this book will help bridge the gap between law enforcement and the citizens of the United States.

Reviewed by Fiona Ingram for Readers' Favorite

For the rest of the world, the Vietnam War is over. For the soldiers who fought in it, no matter what their role, it will never be over. Silent Spring: Deadly Autumn of the Vietnam War is described by author and Vietnam veteran Patrick Hogan as “part memoir, part exposé, and part call to action against the bureaucratic and legislative negligence and indifference that has violated, and continues to violate, the trust of veterans and US citizens as a whole.” Succinct and well put, this is the perfect description of a horrific cover-up, one of the greatest crimes against humanity of the 20th century, and one that, had it happened today, would have been labelled genocide. The author served two years, nine months and 22 days in Vietnam and that was enough to poison his body to the extent that he ended up with a laundry list of ailments. These only manifested 43 years after his service ended, but confirmed Patrick’s conviction that his time in Vietnam and his numerous illnesses were linked. After all, on many occasions, among the reasons cited by medical experts for his problems were the two chilling words “environmental agents.” And thus began his exhaustive and minutely detailed investigation into the witches’ brew of potentially lethal tactical pesticides which he is sure contributed to the decline in his health and that of many other veterans.

Sidelined and pushed from pillar to post, Patrick came up against the stone-walling tactics of the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and the US government, both of which deny the effects of the toxic chemicals Vietnam veterans were exposed to during the war. The reasonable person wonders why the government and chemical companies did not set about covering medical bills and compensating these men. The answer is simple. Money and greed. The refusal of the DVA and the US administration to accept responsibility is to protect them from international liability and accusations of use of chemical warfare/weapons (which is the case) and to avoid the massive payouts they would be forced to make. This is a shameful indictment of the political administration of the time, and the current one, when reparations could but won’t be made.

I had a vague idea of the Vietnam War when I picked up this book, and of course I had heard of the infamous Agent Orange, a horrifying and deadly herbicide and defoliant chemical used to destroy jungle cover for the enemy and any food supplies they might locate there. The US government destroyed millions of acres of South Vietnam jungles. It was an environmental catastrophe beyond any natural disaster ever known. I had never heard of Agent White and the numerous other toxic and deadly concoctions, a chemical poisonous soup, used as pesticides. Vietnam is home to myriad insects, bugs, and critters all carrying their own types of bites, stings and diseases. They had to be exterminated. The problem was that daily exposure to these poisons inevitably altered the molecular structure of the cells of people exposed, but took years, even decades, to manifest. This gave the government and the DVA enough wiggle room to claim inconclusive evidence and to fudge the facts and manipulate the statistics.

Despite the mind-boggling details and chilling statistics contained in this memoir, the author has no moments of self-pity. He includes very detailed research, scientific, chemical and medical information, but all in a very readable, user-friendly style. I felt as if I were sitting with the author and chatting over coffee. He manages to intersperse facts and figures with events in a way that makes it easy to absorb the statistics and the information which is so relevant to his story. Photographs are an added bonus to help the reader visualize the location and the living conditions of the men who served in Vietnam. The facts are thoroughly researched with bibliographic and reference end notes to give credibility to Patrick Hogan’s story, one of tragedy shared by many, many other soldiers who gave their lives in a war that should never have been fought. Very impressive and highly recommended.

Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite

In Adoption History 101: An Orphan's Research, author and adoption rights activist Janine Myung Ja uncovers the ugly underbelly of the modern world-wide adoption industry and recounts some of the heartbreaking and even shocking truths about historical adoption movements and programs. In a well-researched, well-referenced text which she humbly describes as “a short summary,” she educates, advocates, and warns. We need to understand the history of adoption movements, she tells us, and how some were tools in child indenturing, religious conversion, or ethnic subjugation. We need to support changes to laws, she urges, so that adoptees have full human rights, including easy and direct access to any records related to their own birth and parentage. And, she warns, we need to recognize that adoption is a very lucrative and effective screen for criminal child trafficking taking place around the world today, and which leaves countless victims in its wake.

Myung Ja wrote Adoption History 101 not just as a concerned human being, but as an international child adoptee herself who struggled to learn the truth of her own birth and was met with barriers and runarounds at every turn. “This book is a portrait of adoption from the back door,” she writes, “a view that no one really wants to look at, talk about or even acknowledge, but to me is vitally important because adoption is not always a ‘win-win-win’ for all.”

This may be a difficult book for some to read. It’s an emotional topic and an eye-opening one. In the United States, adoption has been so commonplace that any of us may have ancestors who were adopted; or friends and family who are adoptees or adoptive parents; or we may be adopted ourselves. The image of orphaned children, abandoned children, or children willingly placed for adoption being given a better start in life than they would otherwise have had, is a touching and sympathetic one. Unfortunately, it isn’t always a true one.

Reviewed by Amanda Rofe for Readers' Favorite

Healthcare 911 by Bhupendra O. Khatri MD, FAAN provides a unique glimpse into the US healthcare system and the damage caused to patients and doctors alike. Physicians tell their personal stories about a working environment which has the highest rates of suicide of any profession. The author points out the many flaws in the system including administrative, legislative, and the insidious control of insurance companies with their endless pursuit of profit over health. He also exposes the crushing working environment, including many bad practices which result in stress on the physician and poor care for the patient. This is a system in crisis and one which pays hospital executives and administrative staff more than the physicians themselves.

This book is a shocking exposé of the way doctors are losing autonomy over the medical treatment of patients in America today. The extent to which corporate America has turned the care of the sick into a profit-making venture is laid bare. Dr Khatri reveals a fascinating account of administrative and corporate takeover. He must be admired for the eloquent way he explains the issues and he should be applauded for his courage in bringing these issues to our attention. The personal stories of both physicians and patients on the receiving end of this corporate-run health care system are absolutely heartbreaking. The beauty of this book is that it also provides a range of solutions, including simple actions such as positive thinking and acts of kindness. Healthcare 911 is a forward-thinking book which should be read by all.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

In Land of My Birth: A Historical Sketch of the First Forty Years of the People's National Party of Jamaica, Leroy E. Cooke, a patriot, revisits the history of his country and pens an engrossing narrative that showcases the journey of the first forty years of the first political party in the country, the People’s National Party. While this narrative explores how the party was born, its mission, its leadership, and the challenges it has faced over the years, it is also a story of a people, a tale of independence and pioneering leadership. It is a story of discrimination and injustices orchestrated on the poor Jamaicans by the white minority. I have known about Jamaica only through music — thanks to Bob Marley and Jimmy Cliff — but what I knew about this country was very superficial, until I stumbled on this book.

Leroy E. Cooke’s book is packed with information, and while it takes readers through some of the most important moments in the country’s history, it allows the reader to feel the scars of the Jamaican people, to visit its locales, and to feel the soul of its people. The author has a great sense of history and leaves the reader in no doubt that this book is well-researched. It features powerful references — speeches, newspaper clippings, journals, and other historic works. Land of My Birth: A Historical Sketch of the First Forty Years of the People's National Party of Jamaica examines the work of the first political party and unveils the challenges that must be overcome to move the country into the future. This is an invaluable tool for politicians, patriots, and anyone who wants to know more about Jamaica. Apart from being a fascinating history, it is a work that reveals the culture of the people.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Millennials, America's Greatness Depends on You by Jillion R Rising redefines the American identity and proposes a vision of a world that could belong to the millennials. Addressed specifically to the millennials, this book takes a very critical look at America’s journey up to the present day and unveils cultural challenges as well as political blunders that could be costly to future generations. However, it equally celebrates the eclectic cultural heritage of the American people. A lot has been achieved through the past, but more challenging work lies in the future, which is why the author states emphatically that “it will be upon the millennials to bring the multitude of America’s cultures together, thus bringing a ‘new normal’ to its vast diversity.”

In a tone that is upbeat and motivating, Jillion R Rising discusses pressing topics, including the place of family in America, the socialist conundrum, the role of millennials in nation building, the importance of using technology responsibly, the handling of the polemics of the media, job creation, international currency, and a lot more. One finds in this book the words of a patriot, a thinker, and a writer who focuses on values that can make life better for future generations. The author demonstrates a keen sense of history, a brilliant understanding of culture, and an intelligent appraisal of politics. Millennials, America's Greatness Depends on You is both motivational and informative, a book designed to quicken the pulse of millennials and spur them on to work for a glorious future. It’s a great gift, indeed!

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Why They Stay: Sex Scandals, Deals, and Hidden Agendas of Nine Political Wives by Anne Michaud is a nonfiction book that explores one of the questions that have baffled many American citizens and political enthusiasts: Why do the wives of politicians decide to stay in the marriage in spite of reported scandals, shady deals, and their husbands' sometimes wanton cheating? The author takes readers on a ride through the lives of some of the political couples in this well-researched and masterfully articulated work to unveil the surprising reasons why these women chose to stay. Among other things, she talks about submission to tradition, a personal sense of patriotism, a deep sense of the emotional health and well-being of the family, and the drive to build a legacy as some of the strong reasons political wives in a shaky relationship choose to stay.

Anne Michaud has masterfully profiled nine political wives whose husbands have cheated and who chose to stay in the marriage, featuring Eleanor and FDR, Jackie and JFK, Valerie Hobson and Jack Profumo, Hillary and Bill Clinton and many others. The author unveils secrets that are not so accessible to the public, exploring the psychology of women married to cheating politicians, and what it costs and means to them to stay. No one could have written this book better than Anne Michaud, a columnist who has covered politicians for decades. Her observations are sharp and compelling and her prose shines with her unique signature for phraseology, crispness, and excellent diction. Why They Stay: Sex Scandals, Deals, and Hidden Agendas of Nine Political Wives is a very informative, engaging, and entertaining work.