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.

 

 

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.

 

Homes

Homes: A Novel by Hayden Thompson

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

“Homes” by Hayden Thompson is the story of a man who wants to be a good father, but life keeps throwing him curveballs. We follow him into new countries and new ways of living, even as he constantly adjusts and tries to find that sweet spot where everything clicks.  Purchase Here.

Dr. George Harrington, a single father who lives with his twelve-year-old son in Auvers-sur-Oise, Paris, understands that a single life is all we get, and that it is not something to be wasted on routine or the safe and familiar path. We meet him in the story’s first chapter just after he has received official documents for a new job in Asia, an international post that gives him a chance to make a difference in the developing world. He has spent many years standing shoulder to shoulder with the best and the brightest. But currently, what he craves is not human accolades, titles or applause, but relevance, a change of scenery and a renewed sense of purpose.

Their arrival in Farnamlan, Asia, however, is not the warm embrace George pictured. The airport and the traffic are chaotic, and the heat levels are nothing like the mild French mornings they had left behind. Soon, doubts and self-blame start to kick in, leaving him second-guessing his timing and reason for moving. But unknown to him, Farnamlan is already weaving a different story, one that will soon test him in ways he never expected.

Readers will agree that George is a character who spends more time in airports than most people spend in their kitchens. He unpacks and repacks through tearful goodbyes, and then does it all over again. Most times, in later chapters, he travels alone, sits on benches, sips coffee in quiet cafés with nothing but his thoughts and the world passing by. As a travel enthusiast myself, I couldn’t help but feel like his sense of solitude was more like the “ultimate” luxury than about loneliness. He is mostly alone yet never lonely. And in a world that keeps telling us we need to be with someone to be happy, his case is the perfect image of having myself as my own “enough” companion.

“Homes” is not a loud book, yet it is profoundly gripping. Its emotional weight doesn’t come from what happens externally in the protagonist’s life but in what happens inside of him. The book’s pauses, silences, quiet reflections, and moments that naturally seem insignificant gave me the space to feel, reflect, and connect with his emotional journey. Although the book mentions medicines, diseases, and public health work, it made clear that its focus was not medical content but George himself — what drove him as a single, aging individual and professional.  Medicine serves the story, not the other way, and because of that, I never felt lost. This is a book that will be enjoyed by anyone who believes that home is not a place on a map but rather a feeling in their heart.

 

Book cover: "Wisdom and the Baobab Tree".

Wisdom and the Baobab Tree by Edward R. McMahon

Reviewed by Daniel Ryan Johnson

Wisdom and the Baobab Tree is a story set in a foreign context that manages to hit close to home for readers in the United States, as well as readers throughout various other parts of the world. Set in the fictional African country of Kombonia, the book explores the struggle of a country to fully embrace democracy. While the nation has been a democracy in name for a few decades when the book begins, true democratic elections have never taken place.  Purchase Here.

Much of the story is told through the eyes of American Adam Edwards, who is in the country working for the Center for Democratic Progress, an independent organization with funding from the U.S. government. The purpose of his mission in Kombonia is to help ensure the elections coming at the end of the year are fair and democratic. He is tasked with sharing the knowledge gained by the U.S. and other nations in their experience with democracy to help create a framework for a true democracy to succeed in Kombonia.

While Wisdom and the Baobab Tree portrays a nation that is just beginning its democratic journey, many of the challenges this fledgling democracy faces reflect issues present in U.S. politics, as well as other nations with a long democratic history. Political violence, threats to a peaceful transfer of power, distrust in the electoral process, election interference, and a deep divide between different population groups are key issues addressed throughout the book that many democracies throughout the world are facing today.

When drawing these parallels between the challenges regarding democracy in Kombonia and the United States, author Edward R. McMahon takes several different approaches. At some points in the book, these similarities are subtly hinted at, while, at other times, he clearly connects the dots for the reader.

While Wisdom and the Baobab Tree shows how challenging it can be to build and maintain a democracy, especially in times where trust in the media and the information we receive is incredibly low, the overall tone of the book is a hopeful one. It shows that while there will always be struggles along the way, there is a path forward, that the checks and balances of the democratic system are necessary to ensure human rights, and that the system must constantly be reevaluated to ensure it works for the modern age.

Abstract distorted human figure on cover.

Distortion by Sierra Ernesto Xavier

Reviewed by Lisa Brown-Gilbert

Distortion by Sierra Ernesto Xavier brings to the awareness a uniquely posed work that presents a deep, dark venture into a distinctive romantic connection within which, a love lesser known, realizes no bounds, thus, leading to the question of are the characters distorted? or is the world around them distorted?  Purchase Here.

Love knows no bounds, when it is true love, especially in the eyes of this narrative’s central and only characters. While the characters and setting are anonymous, their plight as people is not. In fact, it is quite common. After all, we reside in a world that is superficial and judgmental, as well as often ostracizing, to those who do not appear to meet particular cosmetic or mental standards.

Although, within this story, the lovers have bodies that are ripe with infirmity and disfigurement, the two characters are able to see beyond their physical aspects and traumas to only view one another as perfect, and lovable, in a society where they are not considered desirable, sympathetic characters yes, but not particularly lovable or desirable.

Moreover, this uniquely posed story is solely an intense dialogue between its characters. Thus, propelling this story with no particular time period or setting not only ventures into looking at an imbalanced and unfair society but accesses their minds, traumas, and disfigured bodies while venturing into deep psychological healing modes.

Altogether, the narrative places the lovers in spatial locations, which are tantamount to their conversations and interactions. Firstly, starting out, In a Bed, the characters are somewhat introduced, with their feelings and love for one another triumphantly poured out. Next, Against a Wall, details their issues with painful, traumatizing, steps that were taken to address their disfigurement. Then, On the Floor, entails their discourse on face and body shame, while also leading to a session of catharsis. In a Strange Place, there is some healing of their pain and trauma. Followed by In a Candlelit Room and In a Shared Space and that deals with their further healing through sexual consummation and conclusively In a Cafe, brings them back to reality with their disappointing interactions within society.

Overall, I truly enjoyed Distortion by Sierra Ernesto Xavier. I found the unique format and story premise to be captivating. I instantly became enmeshed in the hurt world of the characters, their traumas and their psyche when it came to their particular circumstances. Additionally, this is not a read for the young, squeamish or sensitive, as there are many moments propelled by intense psychological and sexual interaction. What I genuinely enjoyed was experiencing the literately posed, point of view of the characters with no distraction from background characters or subplots. This was a purely effective read fraught with raw emotion, psychological discourse, and raw sexuality which builds throughout the story while dutifully painting stark images in my mind and made for a refreshing read. I do highly recommend this book.

Man raising arms before large crowd.

The American Martyr by Richard W. Kelly

Reviewed by Lilly Andrews

Richard W. Kelly’s yarn, The American Martyr, is a deeply penetrating and high stakes work that follows the tumultuous journey of a teenager whose childhood is robbed from him in a series of dramatic events. Brian Brample, a sixteen-year-old boy, had his whole life ahead of him. This changed when the American president drafted a bill that compelled sixteen-year-olds to be conscripted into the army and fight in an unpopular war in China that had nothing to do with being an American.  Purchase Here.

Unwilling to be part of a statistic in a losing battle to appease a few despots at the helm of power with selfish interests, Brian and his friends engage in a mass suicide in a mall, as their way of protesting against the government’s decision, in which he reluctantly survives. Following this, his life is thrown into chaos and anguish when he is charged with treason, terrorism, and murder. At his young age, Brian is forced to confront endless court battles, a crooked prison system,

government betrayal, and the endless fight for his freedom. With the help of a self-seeking lawyer, Iscariot Culberson, his transformational journey takes him into the corridors of civil rights activism in a powerful story that etches deep into the fabric of American society.

Throughout this 500+ narrative, conspiracy, propaganda, wrath, betrayal, and tenacity abound, giving readers a well-worth reading experience that ultimately pays off. Its lucid effort at instilling some moral sense in its plot gives the book an added poise above the usual tropes among books of its genre. The characters, vividly drawn, are introduced to readers through individual chapters before they are all intelligently woven into the budding storyline. Brian’s inner struggles are laid out through his introspections and pensive soliloquies, indicating a deeply flawed character with a strong desire to fight against injustice and save his generation from destruction. The author artfully uses direct and indirect exposition as a double-edged sword along the pages to lend voice to the characters’ temperaments and actions, grounding readers in their world.

The American Martyr by Richard W. Kelly is one of those books that promises and delivers and should best be started early in the morning. It is an ambitious take on what would otherwise look like random acts, exploring and unearthing the masked layers that would otherwise remain hidden. It is a book from a true novelist bound to captivate even the pickiest readers of thriller novels.

Third Place: Mystery/Thriller/ Horror/Suspense

 

Black-and-white novel cover with hillside village.

Marvelous Days by Hayden Thompson

Reviewed by Jacquelyn Tolksdorf

Marvelous Days by Hayden Thompson is a poignant narrative that delves into the introspective journey of Kevin Brunner, a widowed biologist, navigating the early stages of his retirement. Set against the backdrop of picturesque European locales, predominantly in France, the novel explores themes of loss, self-discovery, and the quest for meaningful connections.  Purchase Here.

The story begins with Kevin (an American expat), who, after decades of living in Germany and following the passing of his wife and the relocation of his son, finds himself at a crossroads. Struggling with loneliness and a sense of purposelessness, Kevin embarks on a series of travels across France. Through these journeys, he encounters various individuals whose lives and experiences help him reflect on his own past, particularly the betrayal he felt upon discovering his late wife’s infidelity. These travels serve as both a literal and metaphorical voyage, helping Kevin to heal and find a new sense of purpose.

Thompson’s writing is richly descriptive, painting vivid images of the places Kevin visits. I would almost guess the author has a background in photography as this is evident in the detailed and picturesque descriptions of the locales, which almost serve as characters in their own right. The narrative voice is deeply reflective, providing a window into Kevin’s internal struggles and transformations. The novel is divided into two parts: “The Debut” and “The Unexpected.” The first part chronicles Kevin’s initial travels and his attempts to find solace in new environments.

The second part delves into the unforeseen events and relationships that significantly impact his outlook on life. Through Kevin’s eyes, readers are invited to explore the nuances of human connection and the process of healing from emotional wounds.

Kevin Brunner is a well-crafted character whose evolution is both believable and engaging. His interactions with other characters, such as his old friends and new acquaintances, are depicted with authenticity and depth. These relationships are instrumental in his journey toward acceptance and renewal. Thompson skillfully portrays Kevin’s emotional landscape, making his journey relatable and compelling.

Marvelous Days is likely to resonate with readers who appreciate introspective and character-driven stories. Its exploration of themes such as aging, loneliness, and the quest for meaning will appeal to those who enjoy literary fiction that delves into the complexities of the human experience.

For those seeking a reflective and heartfelt read, Marvelous Days is a commendable choice. It captures the essence of what it means to find oneself amidst life’s inevitable changes and challenges.

Two men walking down an urban street.

On the Corner: A Novel of Lifelong Friendship by S.J. Tagliareni

Book reviewed by Nancy Eaton

Did you have a best friend who was there for you during the good times and difficult times in your life? This is the story of On the Corner.  Purchase Here.

Sal and his childhood friend, Michael have been there for each other. It is difficult to imagine what would have happened had they not been there to provide the emotional support to each other during the many events that took place over the years.

The reader will follow the story of these two men as they face many situations in life; marriage, deaths of loved ones, going their separate ways to college and reconnecting again.

Once you read On the Corner, it will make you really appreciate someone you might have known like Sal and Michael. Sometimes we take friends for granted but this story will make you take a second look at your close friends. Even if you have lost contact with a close friend, On the Corner will make you want to search for that person so you can reconnect again.

The author of this book, S.J. Tagliareni, has written this story in a very descriptive manner and it never lacks in details. The story never gets boring because there is always something new going on in the lives of these two men. Sal makes the reader feel like they are right there with him as the story unwinds.

On the Corner is a story of how true friendship can make a difference in someone’s life. This is a very heartwarming story, and it will bring out many emotions in the reader. I know it did for me – it brought tears to my eyes in many cases and at other times the story made me laugh. I don’t want to give away any spoilers so that is all I’m going to say about the story. On the Corner is a very worthwhile read and one that I highly recommend!

The Bee Sting book cover by Paul Murray.

The Bee Sting by Paul Murray

Book reviewed by Teri Davis Takle

t’s odd how one event can change your life, your future, and your future family’s lives. It’s simply one thing that could be traumatic, but it becomes the pivot point for everyone. That’s rather terrifying when you think about it.  Purchase Here.

Cass is a high-achieving, attractive student looking forward to attending college in Dublin next year along with her best friend, Elaine. She is apprehensive about her upcoming exams and has found alcohol changes things, including herself.

Twelve-year-old P.J. is running away from home. Life is not good, and an older bully is threatening him.  

Imelda, the mother of Cass and P.J., has problems.   She is the typically born-beautiful wife who expects to be admired by all, completely self-absorbed. Born into an impoverished and dysfunctional family, she fears going backward.   However, keeping her spending under control can be a challenge. Additionally, she feels the burden of keeping up her image to the rest of the town.

Dickie Barnes is in a downward spiral. Can he save his job and his family before bankruptcy?

You would think that Dickie was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, being that he inherited his family’s Volkswagen business.    However, Dickie is changing, his business is in financial trouble, and his priorities are out-of-whack.

The Bee Sting is an epic history of the Barnes family in about 650 pages—each character’s insecurities, the parents’ pasts, and how their emotional baggage affects their children, themselves, and each other. 

The style is a little unusual, omitting commas and ending punctuation. Usually, this is fine, but occasionally, you need to reread the sentences to follow the storyline. 

The story surrounds those who make life happen instead of those who choose the easy path; ambition, lack of opportunity, and chance all play a role in everyone’s life, along with expectations of family, friends, or society. All are influencers along this curved road of life. The importance of dreams and goals, or lacking these, often decides our success or failures.    

The characterization and setting are superb. You know these people and understand their choices in usually taking the easiest path.   You can picture each one along their misadventures. 

The ending troubled me because it did not tie up all the loose threads. I finally realized that someone finally dared to put others before themselves and do the right thing.  

Paul Murray is an Irish author and has also written three more award-winning novels, An Evening of Goodbyes, Skippy Dies, and The Mark and the Void, and additionally wrote the screenplay Metal Heart.   

The Bee Sting is not for everyone, and the issue of homosexuality makes this an adult book.

The Bee Sting was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize.

Sepia-toned grave with vintage gramophone horn.

The Grave Listeners by William Frank

Book Reviewed by Timea Barabas

While The Grave Listeners is just a brief incursion into life in a mystical medieval setting, it is a memorable visit. William Frank creates a strangely familiar yet distant world in which we cannot feel welcome but are tempted to linger as outside observers. The author answers the call by granting us a look at a whirlwind of events from an outsider’s vantage point.  Purchase Here.

The main character, Volushka, is the village’s grave listener. More than simply being his chosen profession, this is his birthright. The gift of listening to the dead was passed down in his family through generations. While a seemingly noble profession (given that it protects the living and the dead alike), Volushka is despised by most villagers.

As the story unfolds, William Frank reveals more details about the tools of the trade, and the reader becomes increasingly more familiar with what grave listening should truly be. While this vocation is intriguing, to me, the most entrancing aspect of the short novel is the social dynamic between Volushka and the villagers.

The relationship between the people and the outcast is elastic, it snaps when stretched, and the atmosphere is often tense. Although they keep Volushka in contempt, the villagers also need him; he is a seemingly indispensable part of their life. However, the day a stranger walks into the village, everything changes. His presence impacts the entire community and threatens to offer a more socially acceptable alternative to Volushka.

In stark contrast to all of Volushka’s other relationships is the one he cultivates with Benzi. Their interactions are filled with prolonged playful banter. If Volushka is associated with death, the child is a vivid representation of life. Benzi is joyful, lively, innocent, and beloved. While the scenes these two characters share highlight contrasting traits, on occasion, they also reveal some common ground.

This is a story about decay. Social. Personal. Carnal. The Grave Listeners is a daring incursion into an uncomfortable world where innocence does not survive long. This is the author’s first novel after having published numerous books of poetry. The vivid imagery and playful language scattered across the pages stand as a testament to William Frank’s previous literary work.