American History, a Veteran's Perspective, Essays, Reflections, and Reviews by John J. McBrearty

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MWSA Review
John J. McBrearty’s American History: A Veteran's Perspective is the first of two volumes of collected essays, “discussions,” and book reviews on American history through the lens of a combat veteran.

There does not appear to be an overarching theme, other than the veteran perspective, however, the material is presented in chronological order and understandably focuses on America’s wars of the past 250 years as a means to build up a loose but comprehensive historical picture of where we are as a nation today.

While somewhat disjointed when read continuously, each piece is self-contained, which lends itself to being read as stand alone, individual chapters. Written from a veteran’s perspective, most sections, especially the first eight chapters, present a comprehensive social, economic, and ethnic framework in which the specific conflict is presented.

Placing war in such a context educates the reader on how a war comes into being, and that it is not just a function of two competing militaries on the battlefield.

The author is to be commended for his long service to our country, and his effort to express his unique experiences to a general audience.

Review by Terry Lloyd (June 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

General Gustave Perna U.S. Army Retired, Operation Warp Speed Commander

"Lt. Col. John McBrearty, a natural leader, combat Veteran, and family man, shares his unique perspective on history through his essays, reflections, and reviews. His personalized style provides the reader with a kaleidoscope of American history, in which he cleverly weaves his own military story within. This is a must-read for all Veterans and American history buffs alike."

Having risen from the rank of Private to Lieutenant Colonel, combat veteran John J. McBrearty shares his unique insight of American History through essays, reflections, and reviews. “Colonel Mack” takes the reader through the significant milestones of American History, starting with a discussion of the initial human migration of the North American continent right up to and through the Global War on Terror. He concludes his personal journey through American History with a speech given in honor of a fallen comrade.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 195

Word Count: 44,290

When Eagles Vie with Valkyries by Paul Hellweg

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MWSA Review

I’ve read a great deal of poetry about the Vietnam war, and I believe overall that Paul Hellweg’s When Eagles Vie With Valkyries is the most powerful and compelling collection of poetry about Vietnam I've read. His work is a deeply moving, visually and emotionally vivid, and often painful book of poetry that shares one soldier's heartfelt journey into the hell of Vietnam where he lost so many of his brothers and was seriously injured himself. Then some decades later, still deeply haunted by the war, he makes a number of trips back to Vietnam to try to understand his experience, heal physically and spiritually, put his words together in poetry, and to feel some real life, some meaningful connection, some sense of peace. He wants to recover the long blurred or buried sense of hope in life and about life. As he notes so aptly in his opening lines in the last poem in the book (p. 90): “Home is the place most difficult to find / buried under debris thrown up by memory

The book throughout is tremendously engaging due to its word choices, rhythms, points of view, and incredible imagery of moments in combat and his returns to Vietnam decades later. Here are just a few examples of the image-rich poetry that pull the reader into the sights, sounds, smells, fears and pains in the war, and then often brilliantly summarizes the poem in a powerful line or two. In the first big section of the book (War), for example, "The Peace of Westphalia” (p. 15), is tight, vivid, and jolting, and opens with the stunning lines: “No one ever told you / the single most important thing to know/in the whole wide world / is how to save the life of a gut-shot boy." "Moment of Silence” (p. 20) similarly wraps so much into two lines at the end: "in the moment of silence / between boot and land mine." Think about that. "Dance to the Dust of the Waltz" (p. 27), which may be the finest poem in the book, concludes with “You clear the tree line, joy surging / every cell fiber, synapse, as / eagles vie with Valkyries for your souls / and Wagner provides the overture," obviously the title source.

Poems in the second section of the book (Journey Home) are equally rich and provocative. They are a bit longer but have the same capability to cut into your mind or heart in just a line or two. In "No Vacancy" on page 55, for example: "The No Vacancy sign...posted at the door to your heart / discouraging anyone / from checking to see / if there's room there for them." This incredible capability to capture so much in so few words is also evident in "It Don't Mean Nothin" (p. 63): "It don't mean nothin' / became our epitaph. / It meant everything." Similarly, in "Sorrow of War," (p. 70), "...the respect due / human spirit undaunted and / suffering unredeemed." And in the last poem in the book, "Michele" (p. 90), the closing is so rich and evocative: "Soft, smooth, trusting / the tiny hands hold tight, and / a feeling forgotten begins to stir / aboard the train long dreamt.”

These are but a handful of incredibly powerful images that fill the pages of Hellweg’s terrific book. I strongly recommend it for the power and beauty of its words and language, and especially for its ability to carry readers much closer to understanding the physical, mental, and emotional impacts of the war on American soldiers and their families.

If “seeing is believing,” to cite a common phrase, then this book helps you see into the minds, hearts, and memories of our brothers who served in Vietnam, and to believe that war experience is never forgotten. It lives forever in minds, hearts, and memories, shaping whomever we are.

Review by Bruce Berger (June 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Paul Hellweg’s life story is unconventional, and “When Eagles Vie with Valkyries” (Hellweg’s collected Vietnam poems) tells his story in verse. The book takes a unique approach to war poetry by being written in the 2nd person, focusing more on life after the war than the war itself, and showing a path to recovery from PTSD.

Afflicted with PTSD, Hellweg spent most of his adult life alone and adrift. Decades after the war, he chanced upon a path to recovery by embracing Native American spirituality. As part of his healing, he returned to Vietnam, fell in love with the country and people, and eventually started living there. He at long last found love: His wife is Vietnamese, and their daughter (his first and only child) was born in 2016.

Healing from PTSD is possible, and “When Eagles Vie with Valkyries” recounts how one veteran succeeded.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Poetry—Poetry Book

Number of Pages: 92

Word Count: 10,169

Another Death at Gettysburg by Peter Adams Young

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MWSA Review
Peter Adams Young has done a masterful job with his new contemporary mystery tale, Another Death at Gettysburg. His characters are well-developed, likable (at least the good guys), and credible. The details of the story are vivid, and the language is colorful. At the annual reenactment of Pickett’s Charge, our players are stunned to discover one of their own tragically shot with no reasonable explanation for the death. Is it an accident or murder? When the police investigators are stumped with several inconsistencies, a small group of reenactors take matters into their own hands. Newly relocated history professor Mike Davis and his librarian wife, Annie, are drawn into the camaraderie of the group. The mystery becomes more curious when it appears that several other crimes and motives are intertwined. But are they really connected, and how?

Young provides superb information about the role of the Civil War reenactors who keep our history alive—the men and women who are dedicated to authenticity and knowledge of the battles that shaped our country. Gettysburg was a victory for the Union and a turning point in the War, but many paid the price for that victory on both sides. The fields and hills of the battlefield belonged to farmers who not only had their land devastated afterward but also had to bury the dead (including horses), open their homes and barns to the wounded, and, over the years, unearth thousands of small and large artifacts.

Another Death at Gettysburg is a story well worth the read. Despite some minor technical errors, it is quick and enjoyable.

Review by Sandi Cathcart (June 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

JUNE 29, 1997

An annual reenactment of Pickett’s Charge ends tragically with the shooting death of a participant. When the investigation stalls, a Navy combat veteran and professor of American history is drawn into the challenge with his Vietnamese librarian wife — a journey that uncovers corruption, extortion, grand larceny, and ties to organized crime beneath the façade of local government.

In the follow-up to his award-winning debut novel of the Vietnam War, "One Hundred Stingers," Peter Adams Young's "Another Death at Gettysburg" unfolds a modern-day murder mystery set in and around the historic Gettysburg battlefield.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Mystery/Thriller/Crime

Number of Pages: 422

Word Count: 119,276

Weeds of War: Those Who Bled at Dien Bien Phu by Paul Alenous Kluge

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MWSA Review

Weeds of War: Those Who Bled at Dien Bien Phu by Paul Alenous Kluge explores a part of history not often examined by Americans. Sometimes referred to as the ignominious last gasp of the French Empire, the battle of Dien Bien Phu is certainly a worthy focal point for a work of historical fiction. Surprisingly, Weeds of War doesn’t restrict itself to the jungles of Vietnam. The novel’s opening chapter takes place in faraway Northern Ireland—providing an unexpected and mysterious introduction of a young man who’ll eventually reappear to become one of the main characters caught up in the epic and empire-ending titular battle.

It’s not until the 179th page that the reader discovers the poignancy of the book’s title: “weeds” refers to the “grunts, the privates” in the French military and Foreign Legion. Kluge’s alternating focus on the weeds on both sides of the battle—including the tenacious Viet Minh—provides the human dimension of this book.

Review by John Cathcart (June 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

It was clear by the first days of 1954 that impending battle at Dien Bien Phu would tip scales everywhere. By then, France was desperate for a win, and Ho Chi Minh was willing to roll the dice, betting on the support of the Soviets, the Chinese, and his own fire-eating army. It was the conscripts, the coolies, and the privates--who had the least to gain and the most to lose--who would pay the heaviest price. They were the weeds of war! The privates depicted are fictional, the battles are not; the historical context is real.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Historical Fiction

Number of Pages: 236

Word Count: 103,837

Political Art of War: Winning Strategy for Local Campaigns by Shawn R. Frost, Sun Tzu, Gary Galiardi (translator)

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MWSA Review

Political Art of War: Winning Strategy for Local Campaigns by Shawn R. Frost and Gary Gagliardi offers, on pages 27-227, the basic strategies adapted from Sun Tzu’s Art of War, as translated by Gary Gagliardi. The left-hand page has a translation of Sun Tzu, and the right-hand page applies each line to local campaign strategy. In addition, each chapter has an introductory page, and the two strategy pages are followed by a list of related articles from another of their books. Additional information is offered for each chapter in a section at the back called Chapter Summaries.

There are two sections at the beginning of the book, Foreword and Introduction. The Foreword explains that this book is to introduce how Sun Tzu’s strategic policies for war apply to politics and the idea of strategic agility. The book is designed to help you “analyze political situations, spot political opportunities, and make the appropriate decisions.” (page 10) The Introduction discusses Sun Tzu’s basic concepts and teachings, including this gem: “A good general is one who finds a position that wins without fighting a single battle.” (page 20) The authors talk about five key elements and nine skills, giving you much to think about.

Review by Nancy Kauffman (June 2024)

Author's Synopsis

Two books in one. The left page is Sun Tzu’s Bing Fa, translated into English as the Art of War by Gary Gagliardi. The right page is Shawn R. Frost’s commentary on how this relates to winning local elections. There are also chapter summaries, a glossary of chinese terms, and an epilogue highlighting Frost’s 10 years working in politics.

This is a nonpartisan guide to winning that has resulted in Frost’s clients winning 31 of 33 contests, an unheard of 93% winning rate.

Read this book, or lose to by someone who has.

Format(s) for review: Paper

Review Genre: Nonfiction—How to/Business

Number of Pages: 237

Word Count: 45,149

The Believer within You by Tyrone Burnett

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MWSA Review

The Believer within You by Tyrone Burnett focuses on the issue of homelessness of children due to unjust eviction. The plot centers around a fraudulent scam in a local community with dishonest people in the banking and real estate industries as well as local government, who put financial gain above all other principles.

Burnett introduces a 12-year-old girl, Brenda Sue, who overhears a conversation that doesn’t sit right with her. Eventually, she shares it with her mother, Ida Jean, who works for the county’s tax commissioner’s office. Ida Jean takes the information Brenda told her to federal, state, and local authorities, and an investigation begins.

While the subject matter is relevant, serious, and a topic for discussion, I found the language to be far above the level of young adults. However, The Believer within You is illustrated throughout with brilliant depictions of the major plot events, and the quality of the book shines through on every page. The main storyline shows that young people can affect real change in their communities.

Review by Nancy Panko (June 2024)

Author's Synopsis

Over 10 million children across the nation teeter on the brink of homelessness or unjust eviction due to wrongful foreclosures, even before they can call newly constructed homes their own amid a global financial and housing crisis. Enter Brenda Sue Bellamy, an ordinary 12-year-old with her trusty notebook by her side. She uncovers alarming information, sparking a daunting realization: “This could happen to my family.” Driven by her invigorated spirit, she delves deep, documenting each revelation in her trusty notebook. Through her journey, she presents invaluable financial and educational insights, enlightening both young minds and adult readers. Now, faced with a pivotal decision, Brenda Sue stands at a crossroads: to stay silent, or to speak out and risk being silenced.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Children & Young Adult—Young Adult (fiction or non-fiction)

Number of Pages: 82

Word Count: 4701

Unraveling the Myth of Sgt. Alvin York: The Other Sixteen by James P. Gregory Jr.

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MWSA Review

James P. Gregory, Jr. took on a herculean task to untangle the facts of a World War I controversy. In his book Unraveling the Myth of Sgt. Alvin York: The Other Sixteen, Gregory painstakingly lays out the facts dating back to the battle of October 8, 1918, complete with footnotes documenting his findings.

On that date, seventeen soldiers from the 82nd Division, American Expeditionary Force, crept upon a German machine gun emplacement and opened fire. Some were killed, others seriously wounded, and one man emerged as a mythical hero. Through less than thorough fact-finding, officers used the opportunity to also advance themselves. One man out of seventeen who participated got all the glory, fame, and medals. While Cpl. Alvin York received accolades for the destruction of German machine gun nests and the capture of more than 132 German soldiers; sixteen other brave soldiers sought to be recognized for their service and duty on the battlefield.

The 1941 movie Sergeant York, starring Gary Cooper, solidified York as a legend and one of the most well-known military figures in American history. The other sixteen suffered indignities in the press and from their own superiors, who portrayed them as jealous glory seekers. Gregory set out to change this.

Historian James P. Gregory, Jr. writes a well-documented account of the other sixteen with a thumbnail sketch of each man and the efforts to have this war hero recognized. He sets the record straight for those who want to find the truth.

Review by Nancy Panko (May 2024) 

Author's Synopsis

On October 8, 1918, seventeen soldiers from the 82nd Division, American Expeditionary Force, led by acting Sgt. Bernard Early, flanked a German machine gun nest that had inundated their unit with withering fire. In this sneak attack, they successfully surprised and captured more than 80 German soldiers before an unseen machine gun suddenly opened fire and killed six men.

Acting Cpl. Alvin York, a member of the patrol, received the credit for taking control of the squad and single-handedly killing 20 Germans, capturing 132 prisoners, and eliminating 35 machine guns, all before leading the men back to Allied lines. For this act of bravery, York not only received the Medal of Honor and was promoted to sergeant, but he also rose to fame and glory. The 1941 movie Sergeant York, starring Gary Cooper, solidified York as a legend and one of the most well-known military figures in American history.

In Unraveling the Myth of Sgt. Alvin York, historian James P. Gregory Jr. tells the story of the other sixteen soldiers who took part in the battle, capture, and return before fading into relative obscurity in the shadow of Sergeant York. As the tale reached mythological proportions, the other survivors began to speak out, seeking recognition for their parts in the engagement, only to be stymied by improper investigations, cover-ups, and media misrepresentations. Here, Gregory recovers the story of these other men and the part they played alongside York while revealing the process of mythmaking in twentieth-century America.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 216

Word Count: 58500

The Long Work Trip by Carson Cleveland

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MWSA Review

When Daddy goes away on trips, it can be a trying and confusing time for small children. In The Long Work Trip, written by Carson Cleveland and illustrated by Barry Davian, a father explains his absence to his children. The children learn what their dad will be doing while he’s gone and are reassured by the fact that he’ll be thinking about them all the time. Each part of the father’s story—pre-departure preparation, absence, and return—is accompanied by colorful and easy-to-understand illustrations. This book would help facilitate family discussions about what happens when a parent leaves on a trip.

Review by John Cathcart (May 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

This book relates to many children these days who have parents that have to travel for work. This heart-warming story is written by a father who is separated from his family for a long work trip, when duty calls. With wonderful illustrations, the author provides his kids with insight into what he does on his work trip. Most of all, he ensures his children know all the time he spends thinking about them back home. The story provides a perspective to kids that even though a parent might be away they continue to be loved and cared for.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Children & Young Adult—Picture Book

Number of Pages: 25

Word Count: 512

Where the Seams Meet by Patrick Holcomb

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MWSA Review

In his compelling debut novel, Patrick Holcomb masterfully weaves together the intricate bonds between fathers and sons, using the timeless backdrop of America's beloved pastime: baseball. Where the Seams Meet stands out as a multigenerational narrative that follows the Romano family, delving into the complex relationship between Frank, a dedicated firefighter, and his son Danny, as their shared love for the game becomes both a refuge and a battlefield of emotions.

Set against the rich backdrop of San Francisco during the Giants' dynastic years of the early 2010s, Holcomb's vivid prose transports readers to a world where the crowd's roar and the crack of the bat parallel the emotional highs and lows of familial life. With authenticity and heart, the novel deftly navigates themes like loss, addiction, fatherly expectations, and the struggle to forge one's identity in the shadow of generational legacy.

Where the Seams Meet is not just a baseball novel but a profoundly human story that delves into the universal themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of shared passions. Holcomb's flawed yet endearing characters embark on a poignant journey of self-discovery and reconciliation, a journey that resonates universally with readers from all walks of life.

With its rich emotional depth, deft handling of tragedy, and a narrative that uplifts with its message of perseverance, Where the Seams Meet announces the arrival of a talented new literary voice. This remarkable debut is a must-read for baseball devotees and anyone who has found themselves torn between the weight of fatherly aspiration and the fear of failure. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that our greatest triumphs often lie not in the numbers on a scorecard, but in the unwavering support of those who believe in us.

Review by Elvis Leighton (May 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. Just ask the Romanos.

Dogged by tragedy and broken dreams, they’ve learned the hard way that not every mistake turns into a foul ball—and sometimes, it’s the words left unspoken that cut the deepest.

After fleeing 1970s San Francisco to escape the shadow of his abusive father, Frank struggles to balance his firefighting career with the demands of raising his talented but challenging son, Danny. Determined to transcend his tortured past, Frank bridges the growing chasm between them the only way he knows how: through baseball.

Danny’s meteoric rise on the diamond draws father and son together, but a shared passion for the game can only carry them so far. When life throws the Romanos a series of knee-buckling curveballs, not even the sport they love can strengthen the withering ties that bind.

As the thrilling seventh game of the 2014 World Series unfolds and chance offers them one last swing at redemption, father and son must confront their intermingled traumas to finally answer the question that torments them both: Is there life after baseball?

Format(s) for review: Paper & Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Literary Fiction

Number of Pages: 310

Word Count: 94,000

Hangar 4 by Isaac G. Lee

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MWSA Review

Lt. Col. Isaac Lee’s Hangar 4 offers an unflinching, deeply personal account of the Global War on Terror through the eyes of a CH-53 pilot. As a historical narrative, it provides a stark look at the critical role heavy hauler helicopters played in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan. Lee’s firsthand experience as a pilot lends authenticity to the story, with realistic dialogue and meticulously accurate military doctrine that grounds the reader in the high-stakes reality of combat missions. Filled with beautifully descriptive prose and authentic dialogue, one can almost smell the jet fuel exhaust and pungent saltiness of Marines in need of a shower. The salty language common to Marines and the vivid depiction of sweating it out in the cockpit under a 110-degree heat in low-light night flying dodging haboobs add layers of realism to the narrative through technically and culturally accurate accounts.

The protagonist's addiction to the adrenaline of combat and subsequent problem drinking, common in Marine culture, are explored with a raw honesty that is both compelling and unsettling. Through detailed accounts of specific missions, such as sweating under the “chicken plate” while evading surface-to-air missile pings with only three machine guns to defend the nearly 100-foot-long helicopter crawling along at under 200 mph, Lee reveals how the allure of war can consume even the most disciplined warriors. War can leave you numb to the danger and death.

The book's tone shifts from action-packed to somber as it delves into the psychological toll of repeated deployments, shedding light on the invisible wounds carried by those who serve on the front lines. Alongside these gripping combat narratives, Lee chronicles his growth as a coach’s son and baseball star in west Texas to a pilot and leader of Marines, from flying white-knuckle entry-level syllabus as a co-pilot to commanding a combined unit. His love for being with his Marines and fostering their growth, coupled with a fierce desire to bring every one of them home, stands out as a central theme. As so many memories are linked with music, as a nice immersive touch, a playlist designed to set a mood for each chapter is also offered by the author.

Equally poignant is the portrayal of the impact these deployments have on the pilot’s family. His wife’s quiet resilience and his son and daughter’s struggles with their father’s absence and dopamine addiction paint a heartbreaking picture of a family caught in the crossfire of duty and personal sacrifice. Lee's courage to deal with PTSD and seek therapy, driven by his desire to show up "as the best version of himself" for his Marines and family, is a testament to his character. It is not just a tribute to the valor of helicopter pilots; it is a powerful reminder of the enduring human costs of war, offering readers a sobering perspective on the sacrifices made by military families. This book made the reviewer proud to be a Marine, and Col. Lee sums up the Marine Corps experience perfectly with a line in the final chapter: “The greatest gift that the Marine Corps gives is the honor of being in the presence of other Marines” (p 367). Lee gives the reader a glimpse into that world in a few hundred pages that is at once satisfying, inspiring, hopeful and leaves the reader grateful that Marines carry the weight to keep America free.

Review by Shawn R. Frost (June 2024)

 

Author's Synopsis

The best of the best... Risk taker. Son. Badass. Husband. Combat Aviator. Father.

From Officer Candidates School to squadron Commanding Officer, Isaac G. Lee, Lieutenant Colonel, USMC (Ret.), reached the finish line at HANGAR 4 on MCAS Miramar at the conclusion of seven deployments during his two decades of service. In this memoir, he shares the lessons, the rewards, the losses, and ultimately, the personal cost.

Isaac pushed every boundary he encountered as a combat aviator, repeatedly testing his own mettle under harsh wartime conditions. He sets a high standard in HANGAR 4 with his candid accounting of a transformative journey that took place while he endeavored to balance life in the squadron, in the cockpit, in war zones, and at home.

Combat defines every warfighter, along with episodes of survivor's guilt, emotional numbness, and lingering grief. Personal reckoning occurs in the aftermath of war.

Truth triumphs. Once a Marine, Always a Marine.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography

Number of Pages: 366

Word Count: 119,545

A Grand Pause: A Novel on May 14, 1945, the USS Randolph, Kamikazes, and the Greatest Air-Sea Rescue by Gary Santos

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MWSA Review

A Grand Pause: A Novel on May 14, 1945, The USS Randolph, Kamikazes, and the Greatest Air-Sea Rescue by Gary Santos is an action-packed historical fiction book that takes place in the war-torn Pacific Ocean during World War II.

Gary Santos had me (the reader) inside and atop the ships and planes during the heart-stopping action of fighting the Japanese and the kamikazes. His knowledge of the ships and their inner workings was apparent through his portrayal of characters responsible for the myriad of jobs to keep the craft functioning.

Santos paints a graphic picture of Ensign John Morris and his gunner Cletis Phegley as they are shot down in the Seto Inland Sea in the heart of Japanese territory. Morris and Phegley are convinced they are doomed to be prisoners of war if they live, but the brass of the Navy mount an all-out effort to rescue them. The plan put together and executed by the bravest of the brave was insane but insanely successful.

If you like U.S. Naval history or World War II action, A Grand Pause is bound to have you on the edge of your seat.

Review by Nancy Panko (June 2024)

 

Author's Synopsis

Based on a true World War II story, almost lost to history. Set on May 14, 1945, A Grand Pause follows two naval airmen, Ensign John Morris and gunner Cletis Phegley, as they ditch their burning dive bomber into the Seto Inland Sea, surrounded by the Japanese home islands. What ensues is a daring rescue mission by the USS Randolph and her war-weary crew, as they struggle against enemies, both physical and psychological, to bring their brethren home safely.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Historical Fiction

Number of Pages: 314

Word Count: 89,568

Knowing When by Mark Fleisher

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MWSA Review

Knowing When is Mark Fleisher’s fifth book of poetry. It centers mostly on poems of sadness and tragedy, but since that is a universal part of the human condition, many will find that the poems resonate and invite the reader to deeper reflection. Some poems deal with dementia, some with loss and trauma, while others tackle the concepts of loneliness, friendship, forgiveness, and our inability to get along. Several focus on the cold seasons of autumn and winter, parlaying seasonal aspects into emotions of grief and loss. On the other hand, “Batter Up,” is a somewhat whimsical take on a rookie mistake. Whatever the season, the poems are easy to read and understand, while also excavating deep thoughts and deeper emotions.

Review by Betsy Beard (May 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Under the mantle of its intriguing title Mark Fleisher writes of sadness and tragedy, lightens the mood with poems about love, nature, even baseball, as well as a mirthful look at technology. Fleisher’s blend of narrative and lyric styles cut to the heart of the matter, showing the ability to speak volumes in a minimum number of lines. His eclectic collection also invites the reader to contemplate questions posed in the title poem and other selections.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Poetry—Poetry Book

Number of Pages: 36

Word Count:

Trust No One by Glenn Dyer

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MWSA Review

Trust No One by Glenn Dyer is a well-researched and written WW2 historical novel that entertains, informs, and intrigues readers. It’s the 4th book in the Conor Thorn espionage series inspired by true events.

The story, locations, and historical period evoke images of “Casablanca.” It’s missing Humphrey Bogart and Peter Lorre, but Trust No One doesn’t lack heroes or villains. We get cameos or at least shout-outs of Eisenhower, Churchill, Admiral Jean Darlan, Klaus Barbie—the Butcher of Lyon—Charles DeGaulle, Ian Fleming, professional spies, a courageous brothel owner, an evil priest, and multiple others—real and imagined. A good use of dialogue keeps the story moving.

The action alternates between Algiers and Lyon, with forays into Marseilles, London, Gibraltar, and Tunisia. The locations provide a mysterious backdrop of dark alleys, smokey cafés, and foggy airfields, where nothing is as it appears.

All the significant and influential WW2 organizations play a role in the political puzzle and multiple storylines: the Allies, the Axis Powers, the French Resistance, the Gestapo and SS, MI6, SOE, OSS, Vichy France, the Abwehr, and…the Catholic Church. We get double-dealing, thrilling escapes, and violence. All the boxes are checked.

About halfway through, I felt overwhelmed by the multiple plot lines, so I jumped to the author’s notes and acknowledgments, which helped me connect the dots. At 107,000 words, the narrative may test readers’ patience and challenge their ability to fit all the pieces of the puzzle. But those willing to stick with Trust No One to the end will be rewarded with a memorable and thrilling reading experience.

Review by James Elsener (May 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Loyalists meant to rid their country of a double-dealing collaborator. Instead, they created a threat that could destroy Allied unity.

Algiers. Winter 1942. Conor Thorn is devastated. He’s been fired from the OSS. His wife, Emily, has been fired from MI6. They allowed their morals to bend certain truths concerning the outcome of their last mission. Forever dedicated to defeating Axis powers, these skilled operatives jump at the chance to secretly help General Eisenhower deal with a political time bomb threatening Allied harmony and to redeem their honorable standing. To recover a rumored archive holding the truth about an assassination plot, they must travel deep into perilous Axis territory.

In the crosshairs of those determined to keep the information out of Allied hands, Conor and Emily fall victim to a violent assault. Though the resulting injuries leave him severely concussed and confused, Conor refuses to stand down while his beloved ventures deeper into danger.

Can Conor and Emily piece together a political puzzle in time to keep Allied unity from fracturing?

Trust No One is the high intensity, gritty fourth book in the Conor Thorn WWII espionage series inspired by true events. If you like heart-pounding action and white-knuckled tension, then you’ll love Glenn Dyer’s thrill ride through history.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Historical Fiction

Number of Pages: 402

Word Count: 107,710

Phoboudenopanophobia by Dan Wetmore

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MWSA Review

Dan Wetmore has no intention of making things easy for the readers of his book of poetry, inexplicably (until page 36) named Phoboudenopanophobia. He warns that he intends to “play with words and make origami of thoughts and musings.” He might have attached a flashing light or wailing siren to this warning. Be prepared for often fruitless internet searches and dictionary lookups as you make your way through this book.

In other words, reading Wetmore's work is a demanding process. You'll often catch glimpses of meaning and understand his intent. But just as frequently, even after several read-throughs, you might find yourself accepting that Wetmore has invited you to continue pondering his words rather than providing a readily decipherable Rosetta Stone for each poem.

There’s nothing airy or easy about this book. Wetmore employs words as tools to grapple with many serious subjects, including Alzheimer’s, death, drowning, perception, claustrophobia, torture, and more. If you’re looking for a feel-good book of poetry, Phoboudenopanophobia isn’t for you. On the other hand, if you’re game for a challenging mental workout, you might want to give this one a try.

Review by John Cathcart (April 2024)

Author's Synopsis

Penning a previous book, My Mother’s Gentle Unbecoming, about her descent into dementia, got me contemplating a similar fate, so I wrote this volume as an extended last letter to my family, sort of an “epitaph in absentia”; hoped insurance against having last feelings go unexpressed, in the event the body outlives the being. An exploration of the emotional toll taken on the leaving and the left behind, the title is a braid of the three fears which predominate: fear of having nothing (Oudenophobia); fear—at a point when all is unknown (and the unknown is easily alarming)—of everything (Panophobia); and, as the product of those two, a fear of being reduced to a constant state of dread, i.e., fear itself (Phobophobia).

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Poetry—Poetry Book

Number of Pages: 75

Word Count: 8,000

Always Remembering by Kathy Kasunich

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MWSA Review

Always Remembering is a WWII love story sharing the lives of characters before, during, and after the war. Set in various locations including Pittsburgh, US-based training camps, and Europe, the author paints vivid pictures of all. The story encapsulates not only the difficulties of those on the front lines, but also the struggles of those left behind with worry, rationing, and uncertain futures.

One of the things that separates this novel from other WWII love stories is that the author uses the specific words of the main characters—Helen and Mike— in Helen’s dialogue and Mike’s letters throughout much of the story. Mike was a prolific writer and a true romantic, even penning poetry and poetic prose while part of gruesome campaigns. His personality shines through in his letters with single letters ranging from serious discussions of soldiers home with mental problems to love to humor.

Although Helen and Mike were author Kathy Kasunich’s real-life parents, she doesn’t shy away from revealing emotions such as jealousy, impatience, and fear. Including these imperfections make her characters come to life, especially when they later regret having had those feelings. Those passages also remind the reader of how young and innocent many Americans were when the war broke out that would forever change their lives.

I’d highly recommend this book for anyone who wishes to take a look into the lives of two everyday citizens during WWII and see how their love, faith, and communication during challenging times helped them forge a stronger bond in the end.

Review by Valerie Ormond (June 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Based on a real-life couple's experience, Always Remembering” intricately weaves together the heartfelt love story of Mike and Helen, amid the turmoil and battles of World War II. Their blossoming love, abruptly interrupted by the war, thrusts them into a world of separation, uncertainties, loneliness, and the relentless struggle to preserve their bond. Mike confronts the brutal realities of war, while Helen grapples with a domineering mother and a meddling family that strain their relationship. Intertwined within the narrative are unedited letters penned by Mike to Helen, signed with the touching sentiment: “Always Remembering, Never Forgetting, Loving You Forever, Mike.” These letters and the nostalgic memories they evoke become their anchor amidst the chaos, empowering them to endure and cherish the person who captured their hearts.

From the tranquil streets of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the harrowing battlegrounds of the 42nd Rainbow Division, the pangs of heartache, and the destruction of war resonates deeply. In a story told through both of their perspectives, Mike, an outgoing, confident medic, and Helen, a diffident, humble grocer, bare their souls as they navigate situations beyond their control.

“Always Remembering”, seen through the lens of two ordinary souls is a testament to enduring love, unveiling the emotional toll and unseen collateral damage that war imposes on the human spirit. Echoing the essence of Capra’s stirring narratives, this captivating tale celebrates the resilience of love and the powerful strength found within treasured memories.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Romance

Number of Pages: 356

Word Count: 98,000

Magical Morning Moments: Awakening to Love and Light by Wanda W. Jerome and Jasmine Tritten

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MWSA Review

Magical Morning Moments: Awakening to Love and Light is a delightful surprise of art with every turn of the page. Wanda Jerome’s poetry complements Jasmine Tritten’s kaleidoscope of sunrises over the breathtaking New Mexico’s Sandia Mountains.

In the last poem, Jerome’s words accompany the promise of daybreak over the mountains captured by Tritten. “The sun breaks free. Shine on, rays of life! No longer do I have to search for Thee. I am here, a willing target for your love.”

This inspirational and lovely book brings a peace of mind and a piece of art to brighten your day. I breezed through it and then again. Thank you, ladies, for this unique gift.

Review by Nancy Panko (April 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Heartfelt poems channeled through spiritual inspiration and personal messages of love and light accompany photographs of enchanting New Mexico's beautiful sunrises over the Sandia Mountains. Included are glimpses into the natural environment of New Mexico – the flora and fauna – that make it a special destination for nature lover and spiritual seekers.

This collaboration came about magically through a shared appreciation of their experiences during morning meditations. Weaving a tapestry of poems and photographs, the authors hope to lift the spirits of souls in need of love, light and joy.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Artistic—Pictorial/Coffee Table

Number of Pages: 108

Word Count: 3,260

The Tall Poppy Syndrome - The Joy of Cutting Others Down by Douglas Garland

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MWSA Review

The Tall Poppy Syndrome is a thoroughly researched and comprehensive look at the phenomenon many people call "schadenfreude." The author has provided exhaustive background research dating back thousands of years and illustrating well-known events and historical characters to illustrate how others have cut them down at the peak of their success. HIs examples range from esteemed political and military leaders, to civil rights icons, entertainers, and a few well-known scoundrels. I found the example of the Hatfield-McCoy feud particularly interesting, and readers with interests in almost any era from the past several millennia will likely find something to pique their interest.

Review by Frank Biggio (April 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

The Tall Poppy Syndrome (TPS) is a metaphor describing seeing a field of poppies and cutting down the tall ones so that all are equal. This traditional definition applies to someone who is of distinction and is cut down by an envious person. This syndrome is not well known in America. A hypothesis was our individualism prevented it. The author found examples in most parts of the world in all periods. After his world review, the author concluded that TPS was prevalent in America but unrecognized. 

The author dissects TPS into cutters and cuttees. He describes the vices found in cutters who cut people down. He also describes vices in tall poppies which justified their being cut down. By doing this the viewer can determine who is the guilty person. It also allows self-reflection and self-awareness of the reader. 

The author also divides TPS into peer-to-peer and public. Peer-to-peer TPS involves one's tribe and is driven by envy. It includes families, schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces. These people are common folk and need not be tall. Public TPS involves true tall poppies and are justifiably cut down for their egregious behavior.  

The book is a world history lesson viewed through the TPS lens. Readers will understand the bad behavior, both of cutter and cuttee, which drives TPS. With the new behavioral understanding, the reader improves his self-awareness through reflection.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Reference

Number of Pages: 318

Word Count: 100,000

http://douggarland.com

Shrouded In Words: A Collection of Poetry by Patricia Qaiyyim

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MWSA Review

In her most recent book of poetry, Shrouded in Words, Patricia Quayyim removes the shroud covering her life using words. In the process, she reveals her innermost thoughts in a thoroughly candid and emotion-filled way. Her poetry is not complex or overly heady. Instead, the words flow in an understated and easily understood way.

The book’s 100 pages of poetry cover topics such as family, parenthood, faith, depression, and even one of her favorite politicians. The author's words are meant to inform and explain how each of these areas is important to her. Shrouded in Words is a heartfelt look at issues important to all of us.

Review by John Cathcart (May 2024)

Author's Synopsis

Sometimes, we use words to say so much about ourselves; at other times, we use words to say so little about ourselves; and sometimes, we use words to hide behind and say nothing at all about ourselves.

In those times, when we are shrouded in words, we are hiding our true selves from those closest to us and even from ourselves. We walk around shrouded in words like, “I’m fine,” “Things are good,” “I am not upset,” and my favorite, “No, nothing’s wrong.”

In this collection, I have decided to remove my shroud and use my words to share my thoughts, my hopes, my feelings, and the glimpses I get from those around me. The words I have used will give you a glimpse into who I am, what I think, and what I want for myself and those around me. More importantly, they encourage you to remove some of the shrouds you might be hiding behind.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Poetry—Poetry Book

Number of Pages: 103

Word Count: 11,978

Chasing the Daylight. One Woman's Journey to Becoming a US Army Intelligence Officer by Joanna Rakowski

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MWSA Review

Chasing the Daylight is the courageous story of one woman’s desire to overcome any obstacle to serve in her adopted country’s military.

Joanna Rakowski was born in Poland, and grew up devoted to studying ballet. Eventually understanding that she would never have the opportunities in Poland which existed in America, she emigrated to the United States after marriage. Not content to just enjoy our freedoms here, she was driven by the desire to give back, and enlisted in the US Army.

The journey through recruit training and Officer Candidate School brought her face to face with her limitations, but also taught her about herself and most importantly her strengths. Using the tenacity required to master ballet dancing, she slowly moved forward, conquered language and physical barriers, and achieved her dream of becoming an Army Intelligence Officer.

The author’s writing style is memorable, her journey personally meaningful, and the results inspirational. Fans of military memoirs, especially those written by female members of the armed forces, should find this a worthwhile and enjoyable read.

Review by Rob Ballister (June 2024)

Author's Synopsis

What is it like to belong to the world’s most powerful armed forces at the dawn of the 21st century? Does a military tale have to be about the soldiers going to war? You’ll find out here.

Joanna is a fragile, romantic, former ballerina. After a painful rift with her beloved friend and mentor of many years, she joins the U.S. Army. Her dream is to become an Intelligence Officer. She faces a formidable task, but she embarks on a four-year journey to accomplish her goal.

Obsessed with a vision of darkness, Joanna pursues the light, her goal of being part of something bigger than herself. In her journey, often plagued by flashbacks of painful memories of a lost friendship, she conquers obstacles despite her physical shortcomings, discrimination, and abuse. It’s a coming-of-age story where Joanna transforms from a hopeless romantic into a soldier, as her responsibilities as an Intelligence Professional in the Army develop.

Chasing the Daylight is an account of Joanna’s four-year military service where her love for America, love for her husband, and love for her friend are seamlessly interwoven. The story whirls us into the center of the rigorous army training, and with the intricate details, transports us into the reality that only less than one percent of the U.S. population is experiencing.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography

Number of Pages: 412

Word Count: 144000

Secrets of Ash by Josh Green

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MWSA Review

Secrets of Ash: A Novel of War, Brotherhood, and Going Home Again by Josh Green is a captivating and intense novel that delves into profound themes of trauma, guilt, and fragile relationships. The novel centers on two brothers, Chase and Jack Lumpkin, who take different paths in life. Jack, the older brother, becomes a nationally syndicated sports radio host, while Chase joins the Army and experiences combat in Afghanistan.

After sustaining wounds and receiving a Purple Heart, Chase returns to Georgia, haunted by PTSD and guilt over a wartime murder. Meanwhile, Jack’s excesses lead him to reevaluate his life. When Jack follows Chase to the rugged mountains of Ash County, their flawed realities collide. They grapple with their shared past, seeking redemption and healing.

The novel is narrated in alternating points of view, allowing readers to explore the brothers’ current struggles and dark memories as they come to terms with themselves and each other.

The characters are authentic and deeply flawed. This is not just another story about war and PTSD. Secrets of Ash is a well written, deeper examination of love and the impacts of war on society.

Review by Bob Ritchie (May 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Josh Green is an award-winning journalist, fiction author, and editor whose work has appeared in Garden & Gun, Indianapolis Monthly, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Los Angeles Review, The Baltimore Review, and several anthologies. Secrets of Ash, his first novel, was inspired by two decades of reporting on U.S. military. His book of short stories, Dirtyville Rhapsodies, was hailed by Men’s Health as a “Best Book for the Beach” and was named a top 10 book of the year by Atlanta magazine. He lives with his wife and daughters in Atlanta.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Literary Fiction

Number of Pages: 287

Word Count: 83,000