Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Dirty Science is an unusual and thought-provoking work of non-fiction by author Bob Gebelein, which attempts to explain ‘How Unscientific Methods Are Blocking Our Cultural Advancement’. The book begins a discussion on the nature of the absolute faith we, in the modern day, place in science, and how this can sometimes prove unwise and prevent progress and new philosophical thinking in other areas of the discipline. Whilst science has its place in the world, the examples chosen in this complex read are intended to help its audience see the genuine nature of science and identify the ‘unscientific’ elements where pride, politics, and empiricism may stand in the way of explorations of the mental and spiritual realms in which we also abide.

Though it takes a little while to get your head around the text, the writings and arguments which author Bob Gebelein explores in Dirty Science truly open the mind to possibilities beyond just believing what we are told in the mainstream. The legitimacy of the scientific establishment has often been called into question as an elitist and politically-motivated organization, but Gebelein gives comprehensive and compelling explanations as to why that may be, and what can be done about it to allow science to progress beyond a simple categorization of the physical world around us. I particularly enjoyed the sections on seemingly irrational concepts like precognition and clairvoyance, as well as the comparisons made to a sense of faith in religion. Overall, Dirty Science provides much food for thought in a well-written and accessible format.

Reviewed by Jon Michael Miller for Readers' Favorite

In the wonderfully conceived and magnificently presented Liberty-Loving Lafayette: How 'America’s Favorite Fighting Frenchman' Helped Win Our Independence, Dorothea Jensen presents her theme in visuals and verse, alternating them page by page as she traces Gilbert’s (Lafayette’s) dedicated involvement in America’s Revolutionary War. The visuals are mostly color prints of classic museum paintings of persons and places in the full regalia of the time. The fashion styles are nothing but mind-blowing not only of Lafayette but of King George III, Marie Antoinette, King Louis XVI, and many others. There are also battle scenes with everything chronologically presented. On opposite pages are poems consisting of mostly iambic, rhymed couplets that often raise a smile with some intrusions of modern slang (bro, good to go) that will appeal to the present generation.

If I were a high school teacher presenting American history, this amazing volume would be center front on my desk regarding not only Lafayette but a collection of the war’s other players; Washington, Silas Dean, Rochambeau, and Benedict Arnold. And battles too—Brandywine, Gloucester, Barren Hill, Monmouth, Newport Bay, and Yorktown. And when my students finished with the pictures and verse, I’d refer them to the glossary and scholarly notes at the end. It’s as clear as the Liberty Bell that Dorothea Jensen breathes the history of our colonial period, and her reverence for and joy in the subject will inspire anyone who opens her superb presentation. Besides the history, Liberty-Loving Lafayette by Dorothea Jensen is a joy for the senses that will bring the foundation of our liberty marching proudly to the fore.

Reviewed by Paula Lynn McGrew for Readers' Favorite

It's Not Common Cent$, written by Aaminah Amin, is an inspiring financial how-to book. Her fun, engaging writing style on a topic often deemed dull and boring is entertaining and kept me interested. As I turned the pages, I felt like she was alongside me as I read, encouraging me to make responsible fiscal decisions, and coaching me on how to set a goal of putting debt in my past, where it belongs, instead of my future, where it doesn’t. Using words like depreciation, compound interest, and cash flow, she explains these terms in ways more easily understood than net asset value or the fine print on my home’s purchase agreement. Providing pivot tables and algebraic calculations for everything from tracking transactions to sticking to a budget like a pro, she lays out practical, clear steps to achieve financial freedom. I learned that simply knowing how to add and subtract in order to balance my checkbook does not necessarily mean I handle money well, nor does that knowledge transfer to making wise decisions regarding wealth management.

A cheerleader from beginning to end, Aaminah Amin highlights ways to avoid financial pitfalls. Topics of discussion include purchasing life, home, car, and health insurance; paying taxes; and employing multiple income streams to bring in revenue. She points out the need for an action plan, a budget, and consistency - all key to the building blocks that stack one upon the other to produce prosperity instead of debt. The more I read, the tougher the questions I asked myself became: Am I exhibiting good spending habits? Am I buying necessities and practicing delayed gratification? Am I investing in my future in lieu of impulse buying? By the time I finished reading the last chapter, I was confident I can attain my financial goals and assign my money a task, controlling it, instead of the other way around. Putting a positive spin on budgeting, and properly paced for maximum reading enjoyment, It's Not Common Cent$ is an empowering book written for anyone ready to put their money to work today.

Reviewed by Marie-Hélène Fasquel for Readers' Favorite

The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook: Your Guide for Everything from Hangovers to Homesickness by Jill Grimes, MD is a comprehensive guide for students. It is not (as reminded in the Note to readers) a substitute for medical care; far from it. It introduces varied scenarios and the stories of young college students who had to deal with those issues. It is nonetheless classified into topics such as the “head, mouth, neck, chest, stomach, back…” The index will allow the reader to search for specific problems and the references to dig deeper.

The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook by Jill Grimes, MD is a wonderful family book. It is designed for college students but will be useful for all, parents and children alike. I appreciated the tone and voice of this guide: the author knows how to engage her readers. It is as though she were speaking to us and it is extremely appealing. I loved the way each problem is tackled by name first, the one we all give to it, and the medical one, then the symptoms, the treatment(s), the cases in which you should head to the doctor. There are also three additional sections that are a great plus: worst-case scenario, prevention, expert tricks. So we understand that this handbook is not only to be perused in case of need but before such a need should arise.

The sections about prevention and tips are invaluable! It offers comfort, reassurance and helps calm one down. It is the telephone call we would like to have with our family to get advice or the school nurse who always knew how to deal with the situation. It tells us "don't worry/panic, others have been here/through this before, we'll handle this together. You're not alone!" Everything about this guide is perfect: it is clear, to the point, interesting, fun to read. It should be gifted to all college students!

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

The Upset: Life (Sports), Death...and the Legacy We Leave in the Middle by Tyler Trent and John Driver is an inspiring story and a powerful testament of faith and love; a young soul's journey towards finding meaning in cancer through selflessness and joyful acceptance. It is the story of Tyler Trent, a young sportswriter and fan who, in 2014, is diagnosed with osteosarcoma. It is the first of his three battles with cancer. The young writer captures the emotion at the time when he got the news. When he knew his days were numbered, he lived his mortality in a spirit of faith, finding a purpose in his illness and selflessly allowing himself to walk a path that would inspire others after his death. In this narrative, one thing clearly stands out: Tyler never wanted his death to be in vain, so he gave up the remaining days of his life to fight for the support of cancer research.

The Upset by Tyler Trent and John Driver is beautifully told, allowing different points of view to come out, including the way the young man's parents saw him. The prose is crisp and the tone is upbeat. There are insightful passages that invite readers to reflect on the mystery of life and the place of faith, love, and family in human growth. Tyler writes: "At every turn, the real grace of Jesus for me—and for you—has only required that I keep showing up with my brokenness. When I do, he has promised that he will already be there waiting. Before I was ever a Christ-follower, Christ was a Tyler-chaser." This book brought both tears of sorrow and love to my eyes and I enjoyed the way the humanity of the protagonist is explored. In fact, there is a powerful light flowing through the cracks of his brokenness, a light that points the reader to the essential truth.

Reviewed by Erin Nicole Cochran for Readers' Favorite

Rental Secrets by Justin Pogue is a godsend for those of us who are renters. Not only does the book divulge tips for the renters themselves, but it also is a good source of reading material for the landlords too as a way to create better relationships with their renters and vice versa. The tone of Rental Secrets is very straightforward and easily understandable. It has a 'friend in your ear' kind of charm that resonates well while reading through the pages. Another invaluable facet was the summary points and questions at the end of each chapter to make the reader really think about what is most important to them in terms of renting a space, and what may not be as important. The questions posed were perfectly assembled.

Justin Pogue’s Rental Secrets really affected me in such a way. I come from a family who rents out a townhouse so the information that was provided throughout really is going to be put to some good use, as there were things we didn’t know relating to pet rent fees in addition to pet deposit fees. Being still somewhat new to the game, even nine years in, the information to us is very valuable. What I loved most about Rental Secrets was that it was so easy to comprehend. I wasn’t left scratching my head at any point while reading it. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who has ever rented or is considering renting, as well as landlords.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

What Matters: Lessons Learned from Life by Phil Rainwater is a motivational book that helps readers to focus on the essential, on what really matters. The book is composed of short, insightful thoughts, axioms, and messages that are designed to help readers improve the quality of their life, increase their levels of fulfillment, and connect more intimately with their purpose. Each thought is accomplished by an illustration from a child's artwork, each one illuminating and deeply inspiring.

In this book the author shares lessons of enlightenment, lessons learned through life, and these cover a variety of topics, including personal development, parenting, making a difference, and a lot more. For instance, about creating a quality life, the author says: “Awareness of dying . . . greatly increases the awareness of living.” When it comes to parenting, the author shares the conviction that when we give time to children, then time for other things just fits in. He has also learned that to make a difference one has to be different.

There are many other thoughts and insights that readers get in this slim, yet refreshing book. The thoughts are conveyed in a style that is evocative and simple. In What Matters: Lessons Learned from Life, you will find the wisdom to bring meaning and quality to every day of your life. It would be best for readers to take one thought from this book and to ponder on it for a day. There is a message for everyone in this inspiring work, no matter what their social status or interests in life.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Letter to My Dreams for Planet Earth by Pilar Velez is an informative and educational book that will make children realize the importance of protecting the environment using interactive activities and a diary format where readers are the captain of the trip. The magical stories in the diary are real and teach readers to remember, learn, play, be thankful, and see the future. The magic words, hidden worlds, and amazing people in the book make readers see that everything is possible if they set their mind to it. Every person has a different dream and it is imperative that they acknowledge themselves as wonderful people who live on this planet. Let us read this book together and explore the planet where we all live.

This fun and interactive book has a lot of information for readers to learn about planet Earth. I loved Pilar Velez 's approach to the topic. It has been written keeping the child audience in mind, and there are many encouraging messages and concepts for them to stimulate their creativity, critical thinking, and decision making. Letter to My Dreams for Planet Earth can also be looked at as a good tool for creative writing, environmental knowledge and education, and workshops for children. It reaches out to readers of all age groups and develops awareness in readers about the environment they are living in and how they can make changes with their dreams. This is definitely a must-have and must-read because it has wonderful stories that will make young readers think, games and activities, conversations, and other treasures that will leave them enchanted and excited. It can also be used for reference on various topics related to planet Earth.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

You Are A Heroine: A Retelling of the Hero's Journey by Susanna Liller is a book for women and is designed to awaken the heroine in every woman. The premise is simple: an ordinary person changes after moving to a new world where she runs into evil and challenging situations that transform her. Now this heroine's experience is something that many women go through when they decide to step out of their comfort zone and face the world. From the heroine's perspective, everyone is on a journey. You start observing things that you had not noticed earlier, the hardships you face will make you a better person, and the journey will help you get past your fears and start afresh.

This book is all about transformation and discovering yourself, and the author begins with her grandmother's story. It is a good book that will encourage women to explore new paths with self-belief and confidence and convert the negatives into positives. The topic is original and it is something that will interest many women. It is something that every woman would like to experience - to make changes, break down barriers and self-limiting thoughts, and transform their lives to a new high. The tools and tips can be easily incorporated and practiced to get the necessary results. I like the way the author gives outlines and techniques to empower women and make them the heroines they are meant to be. Are you ready to take responsibility for your life, make positive transformations, and become a heroine?

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Thin, and I: A Memoir is written by Andrijka O. Keller. Keller was fifteen years old when her parents and the school nurse decided that she should go into a rehabilitation program. Her grades were above normal, and her attitudes about school were just fine. Keller, however, was one of the millions of Americans who had an eating disorder. Her father’s discomfort at the idea of a rehab stint was apparent; somehow he had personally failed by producing a daughter who was bulimic. Her mom was supportive but worried. Keller knew she had it all under control. She had successfully lost the weight that had tormented her in grammar school. Being tall and weighing 200 pounds, combined with the braces and thick glasses, meant her fourth-grade self was a prime target for bullies and other mean kids. Even the teachers seemed to overlook her in favor of the pretty girls and the athletic superstars. So Keller made friends with ED, her eating disorder, whom she visualized as a debonair man of business complete with Armani suit and Hermes briefcase. He was her coach, her motivation, her cheering squad. Rehab? ED whispered that they were out to destroy their relationship, but Keller was quite sure they could hold firm against any and all forces.

Andrijka O. Keller’s Thin, and I: A Memoir is an eloquent and moving account of the author’s teen years battling an eating disorder and a medical institution determined to keep her on a cocktail of mind-numbing prescription drugs. Keller’s story is a riveting one. Her descriptions of her time spent in rehab are fascinating, as are the stories she tells about the other patients who came to be her family while she was in treatment. I was stunned and horrified to read about the easy and standard diagnosis of depression she was given and the constant push of her doctors to have her take an increasing number of drugs, and I applauded her decision to protect herself in response. Keller’s a superb writer; one who took a story that could possibly have a limited audience and made it into a memoir with broad appeal. Her writing style is conversational, and her gift for seeing past the persona and perceiving the real people she shares with her readers is impressive indeed. Anyone who’s had food issues will undoubtedly benefit from reading this work, as well as anyone who’s been on the receiving end of the magical potions prescribed by Big Pharma, and the doctors who support it. Thin, and I: A Memoir is most highly recommended.