#Bookreview of Freeing Teresa: A True Story about My Sister and Me

By: Franke James (With Teresa Heartchild and Billiam James)

Publisher: The James Gang, Iconoclasts Inc.

Publication Date: October 10, 2023

ISBN: 978-1999406103

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: December 2, 2024

Freeing Teresa: A True Story about My Sister and Me by Franke James along with co-authors Teresa Heartchild and Billiam James is an emotive narrative about combating sibling rivalry and a flawed system that does not prioritize a disabled individual’s best interests.

Some members of Franke James' family were taken aback by the unexpected arrival of two police officers, two paramedics carrying a stretcher, and two of her older sisters and spouses behind them. Franke’s hope was that they had not come to take Teresa away from their father, who was her primary caretaker after her mother passed away over a decade earlier. Teresa was born with Down syndrome, an extra chromosome, a genetic variant that affects one in every 700 individuals. At 49, all of her siblings—aside from Franke—supported her transfer to a city-run nursing facility, where sadly, the inhabitants were older and frailer. This was done under the shadow of their elderly father, who had refused to admit their mother to a nursing facility after a crippling stroke and who cared for her for 16 years at home, and Franke knew would not have agreed to their plan.

If Teresa moved to the nursing facility that provided end-of-life care, Franke knew that she would be exposed to a variety of illnesses and a lurking wave of death. She was also aware that her other siblings felt a duty to Teresa but viewed her living with them as a burden. Even more shocking was their insistence that their father was suicidal and their call to the police to have him arrested under the Mental Health Act. Furthermore, they insisted that Teresa had Alzheimer's, with which Franke disagreed and to which there was no supporting medical diagnosis to back up this claim. It was up to Franke and her husband to put an end to their plans, which in return could result in pandemonium and damage their family bonds.

The author uses an unusual approach in this true story to reveal profound betrayal at the hands of unexpected members of her family. As you read it, you will be left wondering what their unpredictable string of bad deeds could do next. Franke’s unwavering pursuit of independence for her sister with Down syndrome and elderly father, for whom she is the appointed attorney for his well-being, is endearing. Despite the story's focus on ableist beliefs and chaotic family dynamics, her sister's story—which highlights important civil rights problems for all individuals with disabilities, such as the freedom to choose where they live—takes center stage. She comes across as a loyal, passionate, and compassionate individual who has endured a protracted, difficult, and uphill battle with her siblings that would overwhelm many. Her voice occasionally falters, which makes the reader more acutely aware of the gravity of the problems.

Quill says: This is an engrossing story of love, fortitude, and steadfast confidence in transforming impossibilities into realities. It honors a victim who transforms into an author, artist, and self-advocate who wins art grants and becomes a globally acclaimed "Champion for Change." It ends well and imparts several lessons to the reader, some of which are applicable to any family-related issue.

For more information about Freeing Teresa: A True Story about My Sister and Me, please visit the author's website at: freeingteresa.com

 #Bookreview of You Will Split the Heavens of Long Island

By: Jamie Gegeny

Publication Date: July 25, 2024

ISBN: 979-8333910905

Reviewed by: Kathy Stickles

Review Date: December 2, 2024

You Will Split the Heavens of Long Island is a hysterical and creative novel by author Jamie Gegeny and one that I would recommend to anyone looking for a little bit of fun. While reading the blurb on the back of the book I was not really sure what to expect, but I can assure you I was not disappointed at all.

The story opens inside the Stottlemyre Home for Psychiatric Wellness (SHoPsWe) and we meet many different people, among them the two main characters in the story, Isthmus Theodoric (or It for short) and his girlfriend Rebekah. Both of these characters have what one would call a special set of skills. For Rebekah it is astral projection and, in her case, she ends up learning about three women who have been missing for a number of weeks somewhere in the state of Ohio. Since SHoPsWe is located on Long Island, that is a pretty long distance but Rebekah knows what is going on and feels that she is the only one who can help. For It, he is just a huge fan of getting abused in whatever way possible. A masochist who loves to start something so that another person will come after him with fists or any other handy weapon, his skill may not seem to be much but he is definitely the fighter that Rebekah will need by her side in order to save these women. Plus, she loves him, so there is no way she will leave him behind when she runs.

As the two work up an escape plan so that they can get on their way to Ohio, the fun really begins. No one in the facility, patient or employee, has a clue what is going on but they all seem to end up somehow involved. When It steals another man’s hot dog during lunch, this sets off a set of events that sends these two characters out of the home and on a wild adventure filled with other characters, both good and bad, that they meet along the way. If they find a way to save the women it may, in turn, save them since they are breaking laws right and left as they attempt to get to Ohio. There is no way to put this plot into words without giving too much away and I refuse to do that so you have to trust me and read the book.

Jamie Gegeny has put together a novel that, when you first start reading seems so odd. However, as it develops, we find out that this author is actually pulling together an extremely unique plot that completely pulls you in. It is absolutely hilarious while also showing that these “dysfunctional” characters may actually be a whole lot smarter than most people give them credit for. The dialogue is perfect and each character and the personality and background that has been written for them is distinctive and really fits well into the overall story. While all of the characters are definitely something to behold, Isthmus is simply a marvelous creation, and much smarter than he is given credit for, even though his main goal in life seems to be that everyone else beats him up as much as possible.

You Will Split the Heavens of Long Island is one-of-a-kind and you should not miss it. With a very original plot, extremely entertaining characters, and very well-developed dialogue, there will not be a moment that the reader does not enjoy. Above all else, it is a story that will remind you how much fun it is to laugh and take pleasure in what you are reading. After all, reading is supposed to be a way to escape the real world and enjoy an adventure and this book is definitely an adventure from the first page to the last.

Quill says: It is so enjoyable to read a book that takes a group of people considered by the world to be “outsiders” and turns them into a group of champions that save others. You Will Split the Heavens of Long Island is, without a doubt, this type of book. It is one that should be savored over a cup of coffee when a reader is in need of an escape from life.

 #Bookreview of Raising Hel by Cynthia J. Bogard

By: Cynthia J. Bogard

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: March 8, 2025

ISBN: 979-8-89132-512-8

Reviewed by: Diane Lunsford

Review Date: December 2, 2024

Cynthia Bogard takes her readers on a trip back in time to the Viet Nam war era and the birth of the women’s liberation movement in her upcoming novel, Raising Hel.

In June 1973, in Madison, Wisconsin, Helen (‘Hel’) was about to discover a whole new meaning to what her purpose in life could be. However, we need to take a step back to three years prior when she met Thorpe: the woman who would save her life. Helen wanted to further her education beyond high school, but her father disallowed any daughter of his to achieve such a notion. In his mind, a woman’s sole purpose in life was to grow up, meet a man and get down to the business of having children and taking care of the home. Helen could never live up to her father’s expectations and subsequently, conjuring every aspect of courage, she fled her childhood home to her destination of Madison, Wisconsin. Her mission was to go to college and achieve something more than getting married and settling down.

With meager finances, Helen found refuge in a dorm near the college campus. It was more hostile than anything remotely compared to a college dorm room. Nonetheless, she had a roof over her head and great expectations that her new life was before her. Not long after she arrived in Wisconsin, it became abundantly clear that there was great unrest and dissent toward the Viet Nam war, and this is when Helen finds herself in the company of Ed. He’s older, but so worldly, and given Helen had never had a boyfriend, she was enamored with everything Ed had to offer. Sadly, when the reality of the terrors and baggage Ed brought back with him from Viet Nam are revealed, Helen is faced with a fight or flight situation. Does she stay with the heroin addicted and abusive man she thought she loved? Or does she muster the same courage she had when she chose to leave her childhood home?

Cynthia Bogard does a phenomenal job of laying out the groundwork of what it must have been like for women when they were finding their voice and seeking equality. She paints a vivid picture of suppression, but not with a victim’s voice. Rather, she uses her pen to paint vivid analogies of what it means to stand one’s ground and let her voice be heard. There is an abundance of passion that resonates with her audience. Succinct sentences that pack powerful meaning such as: “…She smiled in that way she had that ancient, wise way that made you wonder if reincarnation might be a thing after all…” are tantamount to engaging her audience. There’s a lot to be said about someone who has such a great command of her pen. I’ve had the pleasure of reading another body of work by Ms. Bogard (A History of Silence), and just like it, I couldn’t stop turning the pages until I reached the epic ending of Raising Hel. Well done Ms. Bogard! May I have another?

Quill says: Raising Hel is a fantastic example of the incredible journey toward becoming a woman of substance.

For more information about Raising Hel, please visit the author's website at: www.cynthiajbogard.com

 #Bookreview of Tokyo Tempos

By: Michael Pronko

Publisher: Raked Gravel Press

Publication Date: December 20, 2024

ISBN: 978-1-942410-33-1

Reviewed by: Tripti Kandari

Date: December 2, 2024

Tokyo Tempos skillfully lays bare author Michael Pronko's mosaic of thoughts and perceptions about his life and experiences in the dynamic city of Tokyo.

In short, crisp, and comprehensive essays, Pronko presents snapshots of different aspects of Tokyo, serving not as a tourist guide but presenting what Tokyo embodies for him: a rich culture, the clash between modernity and tradition, and a plethora of mixed experiences that define urban living cloaked in the garb of traditions.

The stage for the writing journey is set with a deep appreciation of writing as a medium to immortalize the transient. This inspiration of pen leads the writer into the journey of this literary endeavor of presenting sets of fragmented observations that transcend a singular narrative around Tokyo, embracing its modernity and its traditions. The tapestry of discursive essays ensures the raw and intuitive exploration of ideas, sifting through the contradictions of Tokyo - its beauty and mystery, urban intricacy and idyllic simplicity, embrace of foreign culture, and deep reverence for their own.

One of the standout features of the work is a deft presentation of Tokyo's fast-paced consumer-driven life in the background of urbanization. As it comprehensively captures the beauty and the fascination of living in a dynamic metropolis, it doesn't wriggle its way out from emphasizing themes of nostalgia, loneliness, and the search for connection amid urban chaos.

The author blends his writing style with the perfect tint of observation, reflection, and philosophy. While his keen eye for minute details of Tokyo's streets, customs, and traditions presents readers with a vivid picture of Tokyo, the writer also sets the stage for broader reflections as he shifts from simple observations to introspective musings, comparing Tokyo's culture with America's, inviting readers to contemplate not just the external concrete world but also its manifestations on the inner lives of people.

These observations are further enriched by philosophical undertones, combining rich observations with deep philosophical inquiries, making Tokyo a metaphor for the human condition. The city embodies life's complexities, contradictions, and fleeting nature. Nevertheless, the city’s quiet temples, serene gardens, and tranquil moments amid the urban rush also mirror the calm, reflective aspects of the human experience. Just as a human's life comprises layers of colors across different experiences, the author presents Tokyo's multilayers in its various facets - noise, calming silence, isolation, and connection.

The piece caters to readers who bear even the slightest appreciation for Tokyo and its multi-colored life. In the subtext, Tokyo Tempos also emerges as a reflective writing that delves into existential themes, capturing the essence of raw reflection and the intricate nature of one of the world's most captivating cities.

Quill says: Tokyo Tempos is a poignant and passionate presentation of Tokyo as a city of contrast, not just a setting but a living entity representing the modern tension between innovation, progress, and the roots of tradition.

For more information on Tokyo Tempos, please visit the author's website at: www.michaelpronko.com

 #Bookreview of Songs of My Father and Other Essays

By: Gardner Landry

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: January 14, 2025

ISBN: 979-8891325074

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: November 26, 2024

In Songs of My Father and Other Essays by Gardner Landry, we are introduced to the Landry family. At first, it appears that the family is ordinary until you meet Fred, the author’s father. Meeting Fred will immediately change your mind that this family is ordinary. You see, Fred loves seeking attention no matter where the family goes. He will stop at nothing to cause a scene to guarantee people notice and talk about him. This has gone on for years. Every time that the family goes to a special event or out for dinner, the rest of the family walks away from Fred because they know he’s immediately cooking up his next stage performance in front of everyone. The father’s behaviors have been so troublesome that it has left a negative impact on every family member, most especially Gardner. What kind of behaviors has Fred stooped to in order to gain the attention he craves?

This reviewer felt terribly sad how the family had suffered for decades from the after effects of Fred’s actions and creating a nuisance of himself. Whenever the Landry family went out or was invited to an event, the family had to act as if they weren’t even with Fred. Can you imagine having to act as if you didn't know a particular family member because he was making a fool of himself in front of a crowded room? Or how embarrassed you might feel when eating out at a restaurant and that family member starts making a scene? Mr. Landry took the opportunity to explain how he felt throughout the years and just how much the negative behaviors of his father impacted him throughout his life.

From a humorous perspective, Fred was obsessed with quite a few things, but one thing that made this reviewer laugh out loud was that he always had to have mayonnaise on hand for every meal. It didn’t matter the meal either. From Asian food to American food, Fred had to have his beloved mayonnaise jar right next to his plate to complement his meal. If they were eating out, Fred made sure he had those individual packets of mayonnaise in his pocket or he wouldn’t eat. Although this sounds funny and you can laugh out loud over the eccentric behavior the father displayed, it is no wonder the family hated going out anywhere with Fred.

Another instance that was laugh worthy was when Mr. Landry’s grandmother’s best friend passed away and the family went to pay their respects because she was like another grandmother to the kids. During the funeral, Fred couldn’t stay seated and remain quiet. Instead, he cooked up another show stopper of a performance which drew everyone’s attention away from the funeral. No matter what the circumstances were, my heart went out to Landry because anyone could imagine the embarrassment Fred was causing the family as a whole.

It’s hard not to sympathize with Landry while reading his accounts throughout the years. Any reader would have felt the same way he did while all of this was happening to him and his family. To think of the negative impact it played on him while growing up had to be a heavy burden for anyone to carry.

Quill says: Songs of My Father and Other Essays by Gardner Landry is one novel that will make you laugh, cry, and even shake your head a time or two over Fred’s eccentric behaviors. Readers will walk away from this book being grateful that Fred wasn’t their relative.

For more information about Songs of My Father and Other Essays, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/songs-of-my-father-and-other-essays-by-gardner-landry.

 #Bookreview of Drausin and Josephine: We Too Shall Pass

By: John H. Wulsin Jr.

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Publication Date: December 3, 2024

ISBN: 979-8891324978

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: November 25, 2024

John H. Wulsin Jr.'s searing historical novel Drausin and Josephine: We Too Shall Pass follows a family as they struggle with the consequences of making a life-altering choice in an attempt to pursue opportunities and freedom that would have been otherwise unattainable.

A multi-generational saga set in the 1850s, Wulsin spins out a seminal tale into the vignettes of Drausin Valsin Bacas, who, along with his brothers, find out their father's secret of passing on as white to escape racial intolerance, a decision that leads to their banishment. The Fugitive Slave Act, which mandated that runaway slaves be returned to their masters even if they were in a free state, serves as the backdrop for Drausin and his wife Josephine's decision to leave New Orleans and escape racial oppression. He journeys up north with his family to Cincinnati, Ohio, known to many as the Queen City. They are forced to navigate the dangerous world of white identity in Cincinnati while passing for white.

The narrative takes us through the intertwined lives of Drausin and Josephine, who despite their unambiguous Black heritage, hope to be immovably placed on top of a hierarchy of authenticity and identity. Overcoming the fear of becoming enslaved again in New Orleans and gaining wider horizons in Cincinnati, their new fear becomes their color being revealed and losing their white liberty. Consequently, their future and that of their generations are marked as uncertain in a nation polarized by regional ideologies and rising tension over the slavery issue. The two are forced to devise ways to adjust in a divided society reflecting on their families' legacies, the consequences of the choices taken by their predecessors, and the sacrifices they have to make.

Drausin and Josephine: We Too Shall Pass is a canon-worthy work that creates an emotional nuance and awareness in readers that is less obvious in recent times. Wulsin tackles the subject of race with deftness, establishing a framework muscled with dignity and information regarding a part of humanity and history so often overlooked, ultimately making readers meditate on a universal theme deeply embedded in the American psyche. The characters are well-crafted and fleshed out, with each chapter indicating notable growth in their personal choices and actions. The author does an impeccable job portraying the period his book is set in, tackling the sensitive questions about race and class. Poignant moments are vividly drawn, portraying fragile characters who must assuage their past, forging forward, both in hope and sorrow, into an indefinite future. This powerful portrayal of a multi-generational family shaped by class prejudices and circumstances shines resonant themes of family, love, loss, and sacrifices, set within a pivotal moment that played a part in shaping America.

Quill says: Historical enthusiasts will appreciate Drausin and Josephine: We Too Shall Pass by John H. Wulsin Jr. It is a story written with razor-sharp precision cupped with an enduring grace of perseverance in a period where racism created bounded alienations.

For more information on Drausin and Josephine: We Too Shall Pass, please visit the publisher's website at: atmospherepress.com/books/drausin-and-josephine-we-too-shall-pass-by-john-h-wulsin-jr

 #Bookreview of Noodles and Albie On Thin Ice

By: Eric S. Bennett

Publisher: Pegasus Publishing

Publication Date: November 28, 2024

ISBN: 978-1787880344

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: November 21, 2024

Noodles, an Emperor Penguin, loves playing in the annual Midnight Sun Ice-ball Tournament that takes place New Year’s Day in Noodles and Albie On Thin Ice by Eric Bennett. His best friend, Albie the fish, is there cheering him on as she always does.

Since it doesn’t get dark until March, everyone’s activities can go on for weeks. It’s unusually warm and Noodles starts to become very uncomfortable. He decides to go rest in his cool igloo. While sleeping, the temperatures continue rising, causing Noodles’ ice shelf to break away from the rest of the ice.

When Noodles awakes, Albie tells him what happened while he was sleeping. Now his igloo is adrift in the ocean. Luckily, they see an island off in the distance. Once they make it to the island, they meet two adorable, tiny, blue penguins. They all become friends and the tiny penguins ask Noodles if he can help them with a big problem that happens to them and their friends every day. What happens every day that they ask Noodles to help with? Is he able to help them?

This reviewer fell in love with Noodles and his friends. Without a doubt, readers both young and old will instantly fall in love with all the characters. Mr. Bennett created his characters to be fun-loving and children can easily relate to these characters in this story. When Noodles helped the tiny, blue penguins, it showed children that lending a hand to others, even if you don’t know them, is a kind gesture. It will reinforce to children to be willing to help others when they might need a hand. Kindness is the key to being a good person and Noodles and Albie definitely showed that through their actions in helping the little penguins.

Another good lesson Bennett wants to instill in children is that making friends with different people makes you a well-rounded person. With each new friend that you make, you can both learn things from each other that you didn’t previously know. Using Noodles as the role model will make children want to make new friends and be just like Noodles. In turn, they can learn new things that will make them a well-rounded individual.

The illustrations throughout the book were eye-catching and colorful to look at. The characters were adorable and readers of any age will enjoy looking at the delightful illustrations provided. The pictures were the perfect accompaniment to the written story. Looking at the illustrations was just as much fun as reading the written story. Children will love looking at the detailed pictures to see what Noodles and Albie were up to next.

Quill says: Noodles and Albie On Thin Ice by Eric Bennett is one children’s story that is sure to delight readers young and old. It comes highly recommended!

For more information on Noodles and Albie On Thin Ice, please visit the publisher's website at: pegasuspublishers.com/books/eric-bennett/noodles-and-albie-on-thin-ice