From a young age, Darland finds himself in a toxic environment, turning to alcohol as a means of escaping the dysfunction and abuse in his home. That search for fulfillment leads him down a path of destruction, chasing freedom and adrenaline through various vices. Yet Darland’s resilience shines through as he embarks on a journey of self-recovery, navigating through odd jobs, serving in the Iowa Army National Guard, and eventually building a thriving business, all testaments to his grit and perseverance. In lyrical prose, he describes how “the ashes of my chaos… formed a beautiful forest for me to venture into and draw from different trees of wisdom, knowledge, and faith.”
At its core, this memoir serves as a stark reminder of how childhood scars can persist into adulthood, perpetuating a harmful cycle if not confronted and healed. Darland’s reflections are interspersed with life lessons drawn from deep introspection, teaching readers the importance of letting go of their past to prevent trauma from defining their future. Written in a conversational style that feels much like advice from a trusted mentor, Power in Chaos offers readers an inspiring road map to overcoming adversity, ensconced in the powerful message that personal strength lies in embracing and harnessing the chaos within.
Takeaway: Bold message of harnessing inner chaos to overcome trauma.
Comparable Titles: Anya Liftig’s Holler Rat, Casey Gerald’s There Will Be No Miracles Here.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
Scott lays out steps toward crafting a well-rounded, well-lived life, noting in a section on Wealth Management that he had to learn that “money is just a tool, not the ultimate goal.” Self-assessment tools and the author’s warm, coach-like approach offer guidance toward determining what, for individual readers, one’s ultimate goal might be. The 50 short sections here share motivational steps and experienced insight as Scott presents "a buffet of vital knowledge.” His guidance ranges from big-picture to granular, with an emphasis on the results that accrue, over a life, from early investment in changes like developing healthy sleeping habits, journaling, and performing exercises to increase memory functions and boost brainpower.
Scott’s fresh COPE formulation (capturing, organizing, producing and evaluating) offers a framework for becoming more productive and fulfilled in life endeavors. It’s a welcoming tool, of a piece with Level Up’s easy-to-follow topical lists, interactive questions, and entertaining illustrations by George Miroshnichenko. Blending the mindful with the practical, Scott focuses not just on practical tips about entering the workforce or planning for retirement but on the fulfillment of the mind, body, heart and soul. The result is an encouraging roadmap to growth and intentional learning.
Takeaway: Thorough, inviting guide to starting out in life for young adults.
Comparable Titles: Jaqui Meyer's Adulting Life Skills for Young Adults, Sean Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Scott's narrative is a skillful blend of hard science fiction and human drama. The technical details of space travel are meticulously researched, providing a realistic backdrop for the story's events, and Scott’s background in high-tech is evident in his precise descriptions of spacecraft operations and the challenges of interplanetary living. Characters are vividly realistic, each with their own motivations and flaws, none more so than Addy, whose obsession with being the first to land on Mars drives much of the plot—and his own downfall at times. His relationship with crewmates, particularly Bria and fellow astronaut Sally, add surprising depth to the story while highlighting the psychological strains of long-duration space missions.
Tripping Toward Mars shines when illuminating the ethical dilemmas that crop up during space exploration. Addy’s willingness to conduct an unauthorized engine burn to beat the Chinese to Mars raises questions about the cost of ambition and the boundaries of acceptable risk, and Scott presents such complex issues in a way that encourages readers to ponder humanity’s future in space. This is not just a story about reaching Mars; it is a reflection on human nature, the drive for discovery, and the sacrifices made in the name of progress.
Takeaway: Entertaining space mission augmented by human drama.
Comparable Titles: Kate Rauner’s Glory on Mars, Richard Rimington’s Defiant Space.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
From there, it’s a medley of mayhem for the jolly old elf, as Santa endures attempted murder, dangerous street fights, and the possibility that Christmas could be canceled this year. Luckily, Plecas depicts Santa as calmly steadfast through each predicament and gifts him with a cadre of entertaining characters to help turn his night around: there’s young Joy, whose only Christmas wish is that her deployed father could return home for the day; Lulu and her cane-bearing, don’t-mess-with-me Meema, who comes to Santa’s rescue in more ways than one; and the dashing Denzel, a former Army Ranger now serving as an attorney. Even as Santa faces overwhelming craziness, his entourage proves up to the challenge, helping him find his way back to his sleigh, circling over the last house he dropped into, per their Christmas rescue plan in the event something goes awry.
Readers will find all the important holiday messages here, from the need to “see the world through the eyes of a child” to the belief in something greater than yourself. Plecas ends with a sweet reminder that it’s never really about the presents under the tree—it’s about the love in our hearts.
Takeaway: Santa endures sleigh loads of danger to save Christmas.
Comparable Titles: Eoin Colfer’s Juniper’s Christmas, Ben Miller’s Diary of a Christmas Elf.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B+
Marketing copy: A
Killing Kraken
Readers will find themselves hypnotized by the anachronistic futurism of Domowitz’s setting, mixing Victorian and Steampunk aesthetics with sci-fi trappings like body-mods, AI, and virtual realities, to create a unique backdrop that teems with vibrant characters and an elegantly complex, all-too-believable political landscape. The plot occasionally gets lost in the weeds of its conspiracy, and some readers will struggle with the esoterica threaded throughout, yet Killing Kraken marches on with populist aplomb, grounding itself via the often humorous, always colorful observations of Parker’s AI assistant who serves as narrator.
With a background in financial technologies, Domowitz puts the “real” in magical realism: the story’s alchemical mysticism exists firmly within the bedrock of its political machinations and organic human interplay, where, to quote the author, “detectives shall well and truly detect.” The prose is both evocative and economic, building fast yet effectively, and results in beautifully lived-in characters and a thrilling roller-coaster pace that will keep readers turning the pages until the very end. Mystery may beat at the heart of Killing Kraken, but it’s no guesswork to see that Domowitz has crafted a work of inspiring and engaging science-fiction that readers will greatly enjoy.
Takeaway: Alchemy and politics prove a murderous mixture in this rousing adventure.
Comparable Titles: Michael Scott’s The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series, Liam Fialkov’s The Newton Code.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
Winther’s poems mostly take the lyric form, though haikus punctuate the collection also, offering a structural rhythm that allows the different types of poems to harmonize. Some even approach prose territory, but those are some of the weakest selections in Winther’s collection, falling into a stream-of-consciousness that’s not as sharp or revealing as the tighter verses. The strongest passages often prove moving while offering flashes profundity and grace that will reach readers due to their raw vulnerability and honesty: “you swallowed me whole // I just didn't notice.”
In the loss of love, heartbreak and grief is all-consuming; as she writes in “Love’s Illusion,” “Oh, the pain of a love betrayed // A symphony of heartache, never to fade,” yet the despair is never total, and each of these pain poems ends with a hopeful refrain. Phoenixes rise from ashes in Winther’s poetry again and again, and the collection as a whole is a manifestation of the speaker’s rebirth following her destructive heartbreak. The act of writing, of confessing, of making is an act of healing. As Winther writes, “mending, I find peace.”
Takeaway: Vulnerable poems of a journey through love, heartbreak, and catharsis.
Comparable Titles: Amanda Lovelace, Rupi Kaur
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: B
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
In addition to details on the housing project, Cohen shares his upbringing, love for music, and memorable behind-the-scenes footage that spotlights gentrification’s impact, the crucial need for affordable housing, and how to obtain government assistance for areas suffering from "deteriorating living conditions." During Regent Park’s revitalization process, the original residents were factored into the discussion and given a voice in their neighborhood’s renovations, a point Cohen lovingly emphasizes—alongside the insider’s glimpse he gives readers of the day-to-day procedures that come with rebuilding a neighborhood: obtaining permits, gaining (and losing) funding, and adjusting construction timelines. "Although not everyone was happy with the choices, the key was that they had choice, rather than an ultimatum,” Cohen writes.
Regent Park is now “the gold standard” for revitalizing neighborhoods according to Cohen, and, as he shares the project’s wins and setbacks, he also details its inspiration for his songwriting—and eventual musical production, in The Journey Musical. Cohen’s revitalization blueprint unfolds through the project photographs he includes as much as it does through the text, and, though Regent Park is not yet fully completed, his vision surpasses just one neighborhood, bounding onto an international stage where “strong, inclusive communities… [in which] everyone has an opportunity to learn, grow, work, and prosper” steal the spotlight.
Takeaway: Powerful testimony of revitalization done in partnership with impacted residents.
Comparable Titles: Ronald R. Sundstrom's Just Shelter, Willow S. Lung-Amam's The Right to Suburbia.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Allen (the pseudonym for Maria McKenzie) uses Tracy’s relationship with Adam to infuse this murder investigation with romantic tension. The couple is on the cusp of making it official, but while Tracy waits for a ring, Adam’s unexplained disappearances force her to consider that his involvement in the case may be more than just professional. The fast-moving plot pivots frequently between a wide cast of characters—a sinister rival brewery owner, a local politician with a hot temper and a steamy secret, a jovial German chocolatier—but the couple’s emotional ups and downs contrast nicely with the twists and turns of the investigation.
As the mystery unfolds, Tracy’s lively commentary feels like a no-holds-barred conversation with a friend. As a former FBI Agent and ex-cop with trust issues, Tracy is “naturally suspicious,” but, while her skepticism and insecurity carry over into her work and relationship, she balances the chip on her shoulder with an entertaining sense of humor, as when Adam experiences a head injury on the job and Tracy uses her shirt and sports bra as makeshift bandages, worrying that “a topless black woman hiking in Kentucky would likely go viral.” With its mix of humor, red herrings, and romance, Allen’s mystery will keep readers hooked, right up until the final reveal.
Takeaway: Action-packed whodunit that balances humor and suspense.
Comparable Titles: Janet Evanovich; Alexia Gordon.
Production grades
Cover: B-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
This fast-paced, gritty thriller—filled with whip smart characters, rich descriptions, and a vividly portrayed Southwest landscape—sweeps readers into the seedy world of organized crime, sex trafficking, and illegal border operations. Hanley—assisted by the Indigenous Tohono O'odham tribe—pairs well with Tallbear, a sarcastic yet capable protagonist that readers will find humorous and fast on his feet, especially when lives, including his own, are on the line. Tallbear quickly finds himself in the crossfire of multiple gangs and the seductive charms of power-hungry widow, Marla Satillo, the “leader of the Sinaloa Cartel in Nogales,” as well as allies who turn out to be anything but.
Lauritzen’s story—the second in his Lance Tallbear series, after Regardless of the Consequences—is immersive and will captivate readers from beginning to end. While undercover, Tallbear views those he comes to work closely with as "an enigma,” reflecting that “they all seemed like normal people, but accepted levels of depravity he couldn’t understand.” With danger hurtling from every direction, Tallbear must keep his wits about him as he tries to deliver on his promise to Hanley while still making it home alive. Secrets, betrayal, and greed pave his road, and readers will be transfixed by his fight for justice.
Takeaway: Heart-pounding thriller of infiltrating the Sinaloa cartel.
Comparable Titles: Ian K. Smith's Ashe Cayne Mystery series; James Patterson's Alex Cross series.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
Smith makes good use of evocative descriptions, demonstrating his understanding of Grace in lyrical prose that hints at the warmth accompanying belonging, acceptance, and peace in one’s existence. Drawing from his own life experience, he explains how daily walks with his dogs evolved into prayer journeys and an eventual realization that “we are never alone; we are ‘undivided’ individual expressions of God being itself, all loved, and with a purpose.” When addressing conditioning, Smith delves into how destructive it can be, arguing that, to truly achieve Grace, we must let go of self-focus and recognize “the ‘I’ we think we are is relentlessly conditioned to ‘get ahead’… [which] creates the all-powerful ‘self’ that stands in opposition to reality.”
Though a quick, precursory read, Authenticity and Grace touches on barriers to authentic living and how to break through conditioning, assuring readers that “anyone in this world… can learn to see Grace operating in their lives,” without requiring “faith or religious affiliation”—though Smith does note that spiritual principles are at play in his definition and exploration of Grace. He closes with encouragement to shed materialism—and separate from our fast-paced, virtual world—to “truly grow in spirit and character and become who we were meant to be.”
Takeaway: Brief introduction to restoring life’s sense of wonder, through grace.
Comparable Titles: Kevin John Delaney’s A Life Worth Living, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Notes for the Journey Within.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: B
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
Investor anxiety will sabotage success, Goldfarb argues, and he is emphatic that logical decision-making must drive the investing equation. He lays out, in direct, easy-to-understand terminology, basic concepts such as asset allocation, risk versus return, and the importance of a financial plan. Other practical tips include how to make a basic cash-flow statement, determine a sensible retirement-withdrawal rate, and how to choose an advisor who is a good fit. Goldfarb is at his best when clarifying such common yet misleading beliefs as reverse mortgages are equal to relinquishing home ownership or investors should expect to “outperform the markets significantly every year,” and his ability to simplify complex topics (beta and standard deviation for measuring risk, exchange traded funds, among others) is refreshing.
You’re Kidding, Right? offers a unique, down-to-earth approach that resonates, and Goldfarb sprinkles comedic touches throughout this debut that make the material entertaining as well as informative. Readers will applaud his candid, no-holds-barred advice, applicable to those who are new to investing as well as seasoned retirees, and he closes with a rundown of smart, responsible ways to access income in retirement—along with a sample cash flow statement readers can utilize in their planning. “Try not to overcomplicate,” he advises, “and most importantly, stay the course no matter how tough things may seem.”
Takeaway: Down-to-earth advice on avoiding investment pitfalls.
Comparable Titles: Cary Siegel’s Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School?, Scott Reed’s Top 50 Rules of Investing.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Decades of experience and a knack for simplifying complex topics make Okun’s advice easy to digest as well as informative. He spices the material with hands-on examples, useful checklists, and careful attention to jargon that readers may be unfamiliar with, including a particularly helpful outline of the language commonly used in lease clauses. His advice is technical, straightforward, and applicable to a range of situations, as in his summary of the important points to research before jumping into different leases (retail spaces should always be tailored to location, he writes, while industrial areas can focus more on specifics like ceiling height or access to roll-up doors).
For readers who want to move into sales techniques, Okun delves into those waters as well, sharing his own sales training and a five-step model—complete with sample open and closed-ended questions—to help followers close deals more effectively. He wraps each chapter with a mini quiz designed to enhance information retention (answers are included at the end of the book) and closes with an exhaustive glossary of relevant terms. Throughout, his central emphasis on setup as the key to success—“for every type of property, there are specific items that you will need BEFORE you try to assess and value a property”—is persuasive, and readers will leave feeling knowledgeable, capable, and prepared.
Takeaway: Down-to-earth guidance on commercial real estate development.
Comparable Titles: Robert A. Wehrmeyer’s The Complete Guide to Developing Commercial Real Estate, Rob Finlay’s Beyond the Building.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: B
Meslin demonstrates an impressive knowledge of Cold War politics and nuclear security protocols, bringing authenticity to the complex plot involving a U.S. Nuclear Emergency Search Team, a veteran Mossad agent, a determined KGB investigator, and classic spy-thriller twists like a sleeper agent, presented with welcome plausibility. He particularly excels in both presenting and making dramatic the technical aspects of nuclear security and satellite surveillance, all without letting his expertise slow down narrative momentum. Especially engaging is the depiction of the Soviet Union's final days, capturing the political tensions and power vacuum that could make a nuclear crisis possible.
Reflecting the global crisis, the narrative frequently shifts between Moscow, Washington, Israel, geostationary orbit, and more, creating a brisk but at times disjointed reading experience. Still, the challenge of keeping up with the many interest parties will pay off for lovers of smart, real-world thrillers, as Meslin builds to a tense climax that effectively pays off its many plotlines.
Takeaway: Sophisticated thriller of international crisis management as the Soviet Union collapses.
Comparable Titles: Owen Matthews’s Black Sun Trilogy, Brian Freemantle’s Bomb Grade.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
Gidding grapples with these complexities while employing a unique narrative structure that presents both the author's voice and a critical alter-ego, Joßche, prone to hectoring, italicized interruptions. As Gidding describes, with rare and welcome frankness, his youthful introductions to America’s racial realities, Joßche takes on the role of the uncharitable reader, lobbing stinkbombs like “Curious about a biracial family, but not about African American literature?” Gidding's approach to hot-button issues is refreshingly nuanced and self-deprecating, plunging into topics like the unbridled anger that some white people feel towards marginalized groups. Giddin’s writing about family is likewise exploratory and open-hearted, his lifelong tendency toward the Lucretius Effect and a “Imagination of Disaster,” and finding a way to live after the death of his first wife.
The result, while innovative and often hilarious, can feel fretful, though that is the spirit of the project, if not the era. What’s worth marveling at is how, even as he second guesses himself and refuses to “refrain from making bad jokes,” Gidding, with biting prose and incisive wit, hits on uncomfortable truths and shares a host of moving, urgent stories from his life, each studded with insights.
Takeaway: An inventive reckoning with age, whiteness, writing, and life itself.
Comparable Titles: Robin DiAngelo’s White Fragility, Garrett Bucks’s The Right Kind of White.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
Better is the End balances heavy political commentary with explorations of Will’s strained relationships—with his son, wife, granddaughter, and a Japanese girl he abandoned—stressing how war shapes identity. Canfield examines the revisionist view of World War II, a heavy lift but one that he tackles ambitiously, using Will as a lens to critique America's obsession with militarism, neglect of the psychological toll of war, the long-held narrative of America as a global liberator, and media manipulation—a global concern still eerily relevant today. Will's haunting reflection—"Did my darkness come from all the sin that I inflicted on the world? Or did it come from all the sin that I had witnessed in the world?"—anchors central themes of war’s lasting trauma and its perpetuating cycle of violence.
While the crisp and provocative dialogue occasionally veers into didacticism—characters serving as philosophical mouthpieces rather than well-rounded individuals—Canfield's prowess connects history with modern dilemmas by avoiding binary narratives for a nuanced understanding of the ethical foundations of military might. The message is clear: redemption is hard-won but necessary. This thoughtful blend of historical exposition and personal reflection scrutinizes the timeless search for a moral compass in a world often bereft of one.
Takeaway: A retired Marine’s account of war, guilt, and personal redemption.
Comparable Titles: Sarah Waters’s The Night Watch, Pat Barker’s Regeneration.
Production grades
Cover: B-
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: B
Walters skillfully depicts the Hartig and Kirchner families' experiences, exploring sibling tensions and early religious influences, with family photographs adding personal and historical depth. The book intricately weaves these family stories against the backdrop of war and post-war challenges, particularly focusing on religious tolerance and immigration. Rich with biblical stories and verses that deepen the characters' motivations, the memoir vividly portrays the horrors of labor camps and prisons, leaving readers deeply moved. Kalman’s letters to his family ground the narrative, evoking empathy far beyond simple descriptions. Themes of healing and rebuilding with familial support are also explored.
Kalman Hartig’s story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, faith, and the transformative power of music. Through Hartig’s harrowing experiences, the book explores themes of perseverance, integrity, and the will to survive despite unrelenting cruelty. This moving account not only honors Hartig's bravery but also serves as a call to cherish freedom and practice tolerance for all religious and ethnic backgrounds. This book will resonate deeply with readers who value personal stories of overcoming adversity, particularly within the context of faith-based endurance.
Takeaway: Rousing story of Christian perseverance under communist rule.
Comparable Titles: Walter J. Ciszek’s With God in Russia, Liao Yiwu’s God Is Red.
Production grades
Cover: A-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
