Twas the Night

Twas the Night by Kevin Johnson

Reviewed by Ephantus Gold

In ‘Twas the Night” by Kevin Johnson, Halley Belanger, a journalist at an online publication called Ambush News, is investigating several cases of children who have strangely disappeared without a trace in every place in Maine, except in one village called Yule. Upon talking to several Maine residents, their reactions have left her shocked and more confused. They all seem to freak out, especially when she mentions that one particular village, a village she later comes to learn that not even the biker gangs of Maine dare to talk about. Her curiosity and desperation for answers send her on a journey to the village, a place she sees as “a little patch of civilization that’s tucked away… a place of whispers and guarded secrets.” But shortly after her arrival, she realizes that she is being closely watched, not by someone but by everything, including snowmen who seem to move closer with every passing hour to the Black Duck Inn, where she is staying.  Purchase Here.

One day while in her room, Halley spots a little girl playing around the snowmen. The girl looks familiar. Their encounter leaves Halley deeply convinced that she was supposed to find this village for some reason. But the Inn owners won’t allow her to find out more. They demand that she always stay inside and ignore anything and everything she sees or hears during her stay. But their rules only fuel her curiosity, and one night they turn her into a silent, beanie-clad shadow drifting between houses like a ghost, in a moment that nearly ends her life.

What makes the story even more intriguing is that you realize something bad is about to happen. You can feel it even when the characters try to ignore it. Johnson doesn’t lean on big dramatic scenes; he uses that familiar itch people get when they’re told to leave something alone. Every time Halley hears a warning, it only makes you want her to keep going. The rules come off more like odd hints than anything meant to stop her. Before long, you’re following her curiosity without thinking about it. And, like Halley, you end up wanting to know what Yule is really hiding.

The protagonist is blunt, probably cynical, and doesn’t shy away from calling an old woman “an old bag.” In a genre that normally romanticizes the elderly, this is honestly different, priming the reader for a story that doesn’t hold back. She also uses the “smelling like prison spaghetti” description, which, among other things, doesn’t come across as just another generic one but as specific, odd, and evocative, suggesting a world the reader may not know about but can instantly imagine and feel.

‘Twas the Night” by Kevin Johnson has taken the well-known Christmas carol’s words “You better watch out. You better not cry” and from them crafted a threat that is not merely a playful warning about Santa’s naughty list, but a genuine, deeply chilling warning about survival. As you read on, you sense the usual Christmas tropes being weaponized into something dark, through a religious devotion far more dangerous than simple belief. This is one of those rare books that take something very familiar and make it alien and horrifying. It all feels deeply and profoundly wrong, but that’s precisely why the reader can’t look away.

 

I Should Have Known Better

I Should Have Known Better by Larry Lentchner

Reviewed by Tierney Reardon

Psychologist Larry Lentchner’s new novel, I Should Have Known Better, takes readers on a journey spanning more than fifty years. This book is a fictionalized memoir of protagonist Phil Green’s chaotic, eventful life. Phil has had one true constant throughout his life: he overthinks everything. From love affairs in his youth, to marriage and fatherhood, to battling illness – no life event, mishap, or ‘could have been’ is too small – Phil dissects it all. As he goes through countless changes, his youthful idealism starts to fade, but his hope, kindness, and drive to improve himself remain strong. The one main source of anxiety hanging over Phil’s head is one that we’ve all felt from time to time – the feeling of guessing your way through life. Are we doing this right? Should we have known better? Is overthinking any of this really helping? Through a series of journal entries, Phil attempts to find the answers that will finally put his mind at ease.  Purchase Here.

There’s a very sharp sense of humor that permeates I Should Have Known Better – Lentchner’s witty insights deliver a very dry and clever look into Phil Green’s life. The dialogue is intelligent and fast-paced, and the one-liners are quick and genuinely funny. With a conversational narration style that feels like reminiscing with a friend, this book is a deep dive into little moments in time that many readers will relate to. His anecdotes of romantic encounters, allusions to struggles with addiction, and his ever-changing relationship with his family all paint Phil as a very human and realistic character.

With a narrator who uses such a constant stream-of-consciousness style of storytelling, it’s impossible not to connect with Phil as a person. He’s highly relatable, and some of the opinions and anxieties he shares are sure to resonate with readers. Phil and his inner self-critic (his ‘inquisitor’, as he likes to call it) share every detail, leaving nothing out – the highs and lows, the highlights and darkest moments. All these are laid bare in this memoir, accompanied by a constant stream of witty quips and dry self-deprecation. “I’m not very good at rationalization,” he admits. “People who have an inquisitor never are.” In particular, his accounts of becoming a father stand out as strong entries in this memoir.

Overall, I Should Have Known Better holds value for readers at all stages of life; at one point, we’ve all looked back and thought, “I should have known better.” Equal parts hilarious and philosophical, this book encourages readers to stay hopeful and see the value in taking a step back to reflect. Anyone who loves a nostalgic memoir, a satirical commentary on the world, and a witty narrator will thoroughly enjoy Larry Lentcher’s new work.

 

 

Retribution

Retribution: Chronicles of Reaper Book II by J.R. Lightfoot

Reviewed by Christine Kinori

J.R. Lightfoot returns with the second installment of the Chronicles of the Reaper, and it definitely breaks the mold even further. In the second book, Retribution, co-authored by Bernard Lightfoot, we reunite with Jaml as he tries to save a wayward prince. If you love a morally gray character rushing to save humanity from itself, this is the book for you.​  Purchase Here.

The second book doesn’t waste time and picks up right after that messy tragedy that left Colley shaken to its core. Unfortunately, Jaml is going through it and struggling with the horrors he witnessed. His mental state is fractured, and he is a bit broken.

​The authors do a good job of capturing the evolution of his trauma and the paradox of his existence. This was the right decision, as the character stands out from the same old cookie-cutter dark fantasy protagonist we are used to, especially in this genre.

As Jaml, our battle-weary holy soldier, tries to piece his sanity together through strict discipline and prayers, he is summoned to track down a missing prince. But what should have been a routine mission turns into a bone-crunching, gritty adventure that leaves you invested in what happens next.

What makes this fantasy book stand out is how the villains are written. Ideally, you expect demons and other evil creatures of the underworld to be easy to spot. You know a horn here, a tail there! However, Retribution takes a bold twist by making them take a human form.

​This adds tension to the story, as Jaml realizes that the humans he swore to protect have become malicious beings driven by their dark desires. The brutal psychological warfare he endures sets the stage for the book’s overarching themes of impossible choices vs. morality, tested faith, and pre-ordained destiny.​

The book also excels at making Jaml an easy protagonist to root for, even though he is not perfect. Is anyone perfect, though? His journey makes for an impactful reading that forces readers to reflect on their own moral beliefs. His relatable struggle with faith is something most people can relate to.

​The high-stakes fantasy also adds another attractive element that elevates this book. The combat scenes are well written, balancing visceral action with narrative stakes while conveying the story’s emotional weight. As a reader, you will quickly come to appreciate the realism of the cool divine weapons as described in the book.

Unfortunately, the characters lose a tad of momentum as they dive into long, intensive philosophical debates. However, this is just a minor speed bump in an otherwise awesome cinematic piece.​

The authors generally do a remarkable job of maintaining the narrative momentum. To be fair, striking that balance isn’t easy, but Retribution hits that sweet spot. In the end, the book is not bogged down by its own lore.

​Overall, Retribution is a worthwhile follow-up to Reaper. It heightens the stakes, expands the Reaper universe, and avoids the second book slump. The deepening of the main character’s arc is also extremely satisfying. It delivers meaningful character development that feels natural, and Jaml’s growth feels earned. The ending also leaves the door wide open for another sequel, and yes, we are here for it!

​If you love gritty, atmospheric fantasy like The Witcher but want a story with a bit more soul and intellectual bite, you should absolutely go pick this one up.

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So You Want To Be An Ice Cream Flavor Inventor

So You Want To Be An Ice Cream Flavor Inventor by Linda Soules

Reviewed by Diana Coyle

Do you love eating ice cream and trying different flavors? If so, “So You Want To Be An Ice Cream Flavor Inventor” by Linda Soules is a must-have read for you. In this fun guide, readers learn what it’s like being an ice cream flavor inventor, and although it sounds like an easy job, it’s much more involved than one might think the job is. Are you ready to find out what it takes to be an ice cream flavor inventor?  Purchase Here.

This is another successful career guide written for children who might be interested in learning how to become an ice cream flavor inventor. As an adult, I learned a few pointers I never would have thought of. First, flavors interact differently when they are cold. Who would have thought about that? Well, an ice cream inventor does every day, as they work on developing a new flavor idea. A second tidbit I learned is that ice cream was once only a luxury item the wealthy could afford. Could you imagine not being able to have ice cream whenever you wanted because it was too expensive? Another fact I learned is that vanilla is the single most popular ice cream flavor in the world. That was one of those ideas that made me stop and think. The last thing I learned, and one of my favorite tidbits, was that the ice cream company Ben & Jerry’s maintains a flavor “graveyard’ in Waterbury, Vermont, in which they place a tombstone in a graveyard marking every discontinued flavor they had. There are more than 35 retired flavors “resting” at this site. What a fun idea!

Another thing I loved about this book was how unique the topic was for children to learn from. I never thought much about what it takes to be an ice cream flavor inventor, and I think that makes this book stand out to children because what child doesn’t like ice cream? Soules breaks down the pros and cons of being a flavor inventor and lets readers see whether this job might be a career path they’ll consider.

Linda Soules also provided the illustrations, and they were eye-catching, as all her children’s career guides are. She used AI to generate the pictures, and they were spot-on as always. It’s obvious she spends time fine-tuning the illustrations to complement her written text. These illustrations were no exception.

Linda Soules is an award-winning author of the So You Want To Be…series of career-exploring books. This continually growing series aims to inform children about the various careers available to them as they get older.

Overall, “So You Want to Be An Ice Cream Flavor Inventor” is another guide children will devour in one sitting. Soules lays out the pros and cons of the job while also highlighting the fun of being an ice cream flavor inventor. Plus, the fun facts she shares will appeal to readers young and old. Add fabulous illustrations, and you have another enjoyable book in this children’s series.

 

Witch Trial

Witch Trial by Harriet Tyce

Reviewed by Ephantus Gold

“Witch Trial” by Harriet Tyce features a courtroom drama involving two seventeen year old girls who’ve been accused of murder. We follow the process leading to their trial through the eyes of Matthew Philips, a heart surgeon and a juror, the latter of which he sees as a golden ticket and an escape from his ordinary life. In the early chapters, we realize that his marriage is in crisis, and that he has a daughter who he has neglected. His choice of jury duty over a holiday with his wife makes us know that even as we follow him into the courtroom, observing the evidence and listening to the witnesses alongside him, he is far from solving his own issues.   Purchase Here.

Eliza Lawson and Isobel Smyth have been accused of assaulting Christian Shaw and threatening her with a knife, a threat that led Shaw to believe she was being attacked. What they didn’t know however, is that she had a pre-existing heart condition that could lead to a fatal heart attack.
A conversation with Emma, a jury member introduces Matthew to the words “witch-girls” and “witch-trial.” These words leave him not only unsettled but also pregnant with terrifying curiosity. A dream follows in which he sees himself running through Inverleith Park, a demon at his heels. Matthew wakes up shaken, especially because the park is the same place Shaw was murdered. Additionally, he saw a familiar face in it, one he can’t stop seeing. What he however doesn’t know, is that the dream is just the first crack into insanity. Hallucinations, paranoia and a break of his rationality will follow, and soon he will go rogue.

This story rides on a family story that runs concurrently with the trial, allowing us to understand why our protagonist is desperate, and why he is willing to destroy everything including his own integrity. This is a classic literary technique through which we see his personal flaws helping us predict the plot outcome. While historical witch trials were about persecution of outsiders or people with a different, unpopular belief, this modern day trial story reframes the narrative, drawing us into a reality about the case that may be more disturbing than any explanation. By disturbing, we are talking about persecution being enabled by the very people who are supposed to protect and uphold justice.

The story uses seventeen year old characters. This is a deliberate, layered decision that places us in a space where we either see them as children who have made terrible mistakes, or as young adults who should have known better. It is a great concept that explores the vulnerability of adolescence, and most especially the forces that shape teenage life today.

“Witch Trial” by Harriet Tyce bears a growing tension and a pacing that keeps shifting. Matthew’s sections grow increasingly unstable, and through every one of them we feel like we are sinking with him. The techniques are not really unique but Tyce uses them to create a profoundly disorienting experience that forces us to participate in it. Psychological thriller fans will love descent into madness and the questions of what’s really real, while crime fiction readers will appreciate the legal intrigue and the question of justice.
A Stairway to the Stars

A Stairway to the Stars by M.W. Shryock

Reviewed by Lorena Padureanu

I started reading this book right at the beginning of my holiday, and instead of actively enjoying the beautiful weather, I found myself completely immersed in this wonderful story. The combination of adventure, mystery, suspense, relationships, and humor kept me fully engaged.  Purchase Here.

A Stairway to the Stars begins like a whimsical fantasy story that gradually reveals itself to be deeper, darker, and more emotionally powerful than I expected.

Set in the early ’90s, the story is told through Mariana, a witty, intelligent, and awkward 15-year-old, as she recounts how a series of heartbreaking events uprooted her family from their comfortable life in Chicago and brought them to a monotonous existence in rural Virginia.

Everything changes when her grandmother’s old book and beautiful carpet become the gateway to an extraordinary adventure. Alongside Whammy, her beloved family dog, Mariana discovers a golden spiral staircase hidden inside a mysterious tree that suddenly appears in her house. This frightening, yet mesmerizing appearance becomes the portal to Apokalon, a strange planet filled with unfamiliar landscapes, strange beings, and dangers Mariana could never have imagined.

What starts as a desperate attempt to return home gradually becomes a whirlwind journey. Soon, she discovers her arrival wasn’t accidental and that she has a mission to accomplish. This takes her through a world she does not understand, forcing her to make difficult choices, confront danger, form unexpected relationships, and ultimately fall deeply in love.

What initially feels almost playful and magical slowly becomes a fight for survival, and the closer she and Whammy come to the merciless emperor, the more the story shifts from lighthearted fantasy into something genuinely grim and tense.

The adventure takes Mariana and Whammy through dark tunnels, wild waters, strange landscapes, and perilous encounters. Along the way, they meet Kyran, a brave and handsome young man who becomes an important part of Mariana’s life. Their relationship adds another layer to the adventure, bringing romance, trust, and heartbreak to a journey already full of uncertainty. Mariana must face not only the dangers of Apokalon but also the complicated feelings and difficult decisions that come with growing closer to others.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is the warmth of its characters, whose immense help makes Mariana’s extraordinary adventure feel vivid and personal. Among them, the most endearing is undoubtedly sweet, loyal Whammy. He is no longer an ordinary family dog, but a talkative, wise, and perceptive companion. His patience and devotion provide hope and reassurance even in the darkest moments. More than a sidekick, he becomes her moral compass and trusted guide, often recognizing dangers she overlooks and encouraging her to think before acting. Their love for each other is one of the most emotional threads running through the book. He represents something familiar and grounding in a world where almost everything else is strange and frightening. His presence, his familiar smell, and the simple reassurance of having him beside her give Mariana a comfort that makes her determination to protect him even more moving.

Underneath the adventure, the book is a coming-of-age story. As Mariana’s journey unfolds, her understanding of what she is fighting for gradually changes. At first, her world is relatively small; she is desperate to get home largely because she wants to return to the people and things that make her feel safe. But as the journey continues, that concern grows outward. As she encounters new people and develops deeper relationships, including a new love, her circle of care expands. She begins to recognize that other people’s lives and happiness matter to her just as much as her own. And the more people she comes to love, the more courage she finds to continue this fierce and increasingly dangerous journey.

In this sense, Mariana reminded me of so many wonderful characters whose adventures are also journeys of inner transformation. There are echoes of The Arabian Nights, particularly in how the adventure begins; Spirited Away; and The Wizard of Oz—a connection Mariana herself repeatedly makes—as well as something of the larger, more perilous journey of The Lord of the Rings. Like those stories, the physical journey is closely connected to the transformation of the person making it. And yet, the story here has its own particular emotional evolution.

Both the initial descent into Apokalon and the later descent into the ominous grounds of the ruler Dyfel-Epf carry symbolic meaning. As the Oracle tells Mariana, you need to go down in order to go up, and that becomes almost a blueprint for her entire journey. Before the magic carpet and the mysterious book, Mariana is a rough-around-the-edges, anxious teenager who hides inside her books, her music, and her isolation. She is intelligent and witty, but also guarded and afraid. The descent into Apokalon forces her out of the comfort zone she has created. In this harsh and unfamiliar world, she cannot simply retreat into a book or wait for help to arrive. She has to act, make difficult choices, trust people, and keep going even when she is terrified.

A Stairway to the Stars is an adventure about finding courage through love and discovering an identity beyond others’ expectations. Mariana’s journey reminds readers that becoming yourself is not about looking different or proving your individuality to a crowd. It is about learning what matters, caring deeply, and finding the strength to keep moving forward—even when the path ahead is frightening and unknown.

I recommend this book to teenagers and adults alike, to anyone looking for a captivating adventure and, perhaps more importantly, a story that invites us to reflect on how much of who we are is truly our own. Maybe, along the way, you too will discover what Mariana does:

“I had been stripped of this superficial, meaningless sort of conformity masquerading as individuality. I had discovered the strength inside myself.”

Visit Author’s Website

So You Want To Be A Deep Sea Diver

So You Want To Be A Deep Sea Diver

Reviewed by Diana Coyle

Do you love swimming in the ocean and wonder what lives on the ocean floor? If you are passionate about these things, you may be a great fit to become a deep sea diver, and you can learn all about this interesting job in “So You Want To Be A Deep Sea Diver” by Linda Soules. Being a deep sea diver is so much more than diving deep in the water. Divers perform specific tasks depending on whether they work commercially or in science. Still, no matter the job, they must deeply respect the ocean and all of Mother Nature that inhabits it. Does this sound like a special job you might want to learn more about?  Purchase Here.

Linda Soules has presented yet another fascinating book for readers of all ages to enjoy. To be honest, before reading this book about deep sea divers, I never thought much about how complicated their jobs really are. The author provides plenty of details and interesting facts, and in doing so, she gives readers the information they need to decide whether deep sea diving is a career they can enjoy long-term.

As an adult, I walked away having learned a few things I never even thought about before reading this delightful children’s book. First, the fact that more than eighty percent of the ocean is unmapped and unexplored is mind-boggling. Plus, Soules explains that sea divers fall into different classifications, and their jobs differ in their responsibilities. I never thought about commercial divers maintaining our Internet cables or even our oil and gas lines deep below the sea. Or how scientific divers collect samples of species and microbes that remain undiscovered to us. No matter what job each diver performs, they must respect the ocean and follow protocols to keep themselves safe while working.

The illustrations, also provided by Linda Soules, were spot on, as all her previous titles were. Each picture perfectly orchestrates what her written words describe. I enjoyed the illustrations as much as I enjoyed reading the informative text. Since she says she is horrible at drawing, the illustrations she provided were AI-generated, and she fully disclosed this to her readers. She did a wonderful job choosing illustrations that perfectly enhance this children’s career guide.

Linda Soules is an award-winning author of the So You Want To Be… series of career-exploring books. This continually growing series aims to inform children about the various careers available to them, as they get older.

Overall, “So You Want To Be A Deep Sea Diver” is another career guide that helps children decide whether being a deep sea diver is the career path they should choose. The information she provides is thoroughly engaging, the illustrations perfectly match her words, and the additional resources she provides are priceless for readers who want to learn more about the fascinating career of being a deep-sea diver. Well done, Ms. Soules!

 

So You Want To Be An Architect

So You Want To Be An Architect by Linda Soules

Reviewed by Diana Coyle

When you hear the word architect, people don’t really put much thought into just what exactly is involved in becoming one. In “So You Want To Be An Architect” by Linda Soules, she meticulously explains what an architect does and what qualifications they need to become one. Architects must study for years and take extensive, multi-part tests to qualify as licensed professionals. When they are hired, they must first imagine what kind of building is needed for the project; then draw concrete plans, known as blueprints, showing what the building will look like. Are you creative, smart, and love building things? Then becoming an architect just might be the career path for you.  Purchase Here.

Linda Soules outdid herself again with another wonderful guide for children, outlining the pros and cons of becoming a highly skilled architect. Children can thoroughly reference her research and decide whether they fit into what an architect is and does as a career. This book, like the others in her series, provides plenty of information to educate children about this lucrative field that might be the perfect career path for your child.

As an adult, I walked away learning a few things, as I always do with Ms. Soules’ books in this series. I learned that architects are hired to build worlds in video games, create rides in theme parks, or even build buildings on film sets. I never imagined these things would be provided by an architect, but after reading her well-researched information, it made complete sense that an architect would be needed for these jobs as well.

The illustrations, which the author created using AI, were sharp in design and used eye-catching colors. Each one perfectly complemented the written text that she provided. When you look at these illustrations, they are just as detailed as the writing itself, and readers will pause to take in each one as they turn the pages. I enjoy the illustrations as much as I enjoy the written text she provides.

Linda Soules is an award-winning author of the So You Want To Be…series of career-exploring books. This continually growing series aims to inform children about the various careers that might be available to them as they get older.

Overall, “So You Want To Be An Architect”  by Linda Soules is another book in her wonderful series that teaches children not only what they need to consider education-wise to become an architect, but also the pros and cons of becoming an architect. Her research was well done, as always, and her illustrations perfectly enhanced this children’s career guide. This is another title in this series that this reviewer highly recommends!

I'm Sorry You Feel That Way

I’m Sorry You Feel That Way: A Novel by Rebecca Wait

Reviewed by Ephantus Gold

“So . . . Where is she?” Alice says, “In the coffin at the front. They already brought her in.” Hanna gives a sharp laugh. “I meant our mother. Don’t get my hopes up.”  Purchase Here.

This early conversation in “I’m Sorry You Feel That Way” by Rebecca Wait is between Hanna and Alice, two sisters who haven’t seen each other for a long time. They meet at Aunt Katy’s funeral where Alice has been nervously welcoming guests while trying not to sweat through her black dress, a dress she compares to a dark sack befitting a penance performance in Biblical times. Hanna jokes about hoping their mother is in the coffin using the words above, words that sound a warning to the reader about the weight of an ongoing family circus whose axis revolves around their mother, Celia, and her unseen presence in every conversation even when she is not in the room.

Celia, Alice, Hanna and their brother Michael are people who have lived together, shared the same house and eaten at the same table yet, they have always felt like strangers around each other. Michael is the mother’s favorite- her golden goose- a child who never goes wrong. Even when as a child he got caught stealing, Celia defended him, “My son… is not a thief.” Alice is the dutiful one and the most like Celia in both temperament and looks. Celia however expects her to take care of her, not to pursue her own needs and desires. Hanna on the other hand is the least loved child and she knows it. Celia sees her as volatile and impossible to control. Even when Hanna is diagnosed with depression, Celia believes that a family curse has fallen on her. But the mother’s belief, it turns out, is just another story.

Wait’s genius shines especially in how she presents a relatable picture of how family members identify each other based on rumors, assumptions, and errors of the past. The family rumors in this story are never fact-checked, and we as readers falls for them too. Wait surprises us and makes us realize we are too quick to judge. She has structured the story like a tragedy wearing a comedy mask, a comedy that highlights the pain instead of making you forget it. You could cry or become deeply saddened by the relatable family dynamics, but instead, Wait gives you moments to laugh, to shake your head and roll your eyes just before she draws the tears again when you have let down your guard.

If you have ever been sidelined or side-eyed in a family setup, this book will feel like a support group in novel form. And if you have ever felt like the difficult one, the story will be a major confidence booster, revealing to you that most times, the ones who don’t fit in, are the ones who see things more clearly. In a world that often asks us to choose between drama and comedy, this book allows you to feel both at once, in the end, leaving you with the recognition that life is messy, and the only way through it is to laugh and cry, often at the same time.

 

Bad Americans Part II

Bad Americans Part II by Tejas Desai

Reviewed by Christine Kinori

What if, during a global lockdown, a reclusive billionaire invites 12 people to a luxurious Hamptons mansion for an elite dating app competition? Better yet, they cut off the Internet and force the group to share stories every night to survive the social isolation. Well, that is the premise of Bad Americans: Part II.  Purchase Here.

The book is basically the literary equivalent of a reality TV reunion show, if a mastermind of psychological satire and dark humor directed it. While Book I was a critically acclaimed slow burn, Book II amps up the psychological tension until everything comes to a head in the climactic finale.

The book plays out like a modern, hyper-realistic Decameron. During the day, it is all about flirting, gossiping, and dining while actively plotting your arch-nemesis’ takedown. However, the real tea is served at night when the storytelling begins. Each tale acts as a catalyst, sparking fiery arguments, massive debates, and shifts in people’s perspectives on many issues.

What I love about this sequel is that Desai remains unapologetic and true to himself as a writer. His experimentation with style is clear in this book. He doesn’t stick to one prose style. In one chapter, he uses neurotic noir to highlight the frantic, hilarious romantic comedy that some of the characters are experiencing.

In another chapter, he uses Sylvania’s unfiltered nature to deliver a brilliantly sharp, satirical look at identity and transformation that leaves you laughing while also making you truly contemplate these issues.

The highlight has to be the “Dope Double Ditty” chapter featuring a rap challenge battle. It is the absolute crown jewel of stylistic fun, as Angela and Darnell use rhythm to tackle heavy topics like community friction and structural racism without ever losing their entertainment value.

It is impossible to discuss this book without mentioning the realistic dialogue. Desai outdoes himself in how well he makes all these 12 characters seem as authentic as possible. He perfectly channels real-world observations of urban tension, micro aggressions, cultural pride, and linguistic rhythms straight into the characters.

Thanks to this unique style, the conversation and intense debate between the characters feel like real, messy human discourse. For a second, it takes us back to those family dinners that feel like a minefield, as everyone has different perspectives on life and experiences.

In this sequel, Desai completes the narrative arc, which mirrors the entire 2020 pandemic lockdown experience. Together, the two books form a singular “masterpiece” of social commentary. Unsurprisingly, this second book is unflinching and unforgiving in how it magnifies the underlying fractures of modern America.

In its essence, Part II is a riveting masterclass in the psychological toll of social isolation. The book unmasks how pandemic-driven social claustrophobia changes how we interact with each other.

As a reader, it was fascinating to watch the dynamics between the characters shift during dinners. The dinner debates play out like an ideological boxing ring where one statement can deliver a knockout punch.

The book perfectly captures the political and social polarization we are currently witnessing in our society. It truly proves that some of these deep ideological divides aren’t just internet talk.

In his own style, Desai uses these characters to expose America’s fractured identity. The book effortlessly exposes the emotional and psychological toll of the immigrant experience.

Simultaneously, it directly confronts structural inequalities, racial tensions, and class barriers many Americans currently face.

Bad Americans: Part II feels like a deliberate channel for literary voyeurism. Through its reality-TV surveillance structure and the confessional nature of the stories, readers feel like flies on the wall, prying into private human chaos.

The book exposes all the human vulnerabilities, flaws, and the disintegrating social and moral decorum that people normally try to hide from the public eye. Ultimately, Desai uses this voyeuristic format not just to entertain us, but to call us out.

Overall, we can’t help but praise Tejas Desai’s mastery. It takes mad skills to write a high-concept book that is deeply intellectual, fiercely critical of modern American subcultures, and yet consistently, wildly entertaining from start to finish.

Once again, Desai proves that he is a literary chameleon who uses dark humor and sharp satire to push the envelope and provoke readers to confront uncomfortable societal mirrors.