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THE FETISHIST by Katherine Min

February 6, 2024 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

Thanks to NetGalley for this review copy!

THE FETISHIST is a novel by Katherine Min, a Korean American author who passed away in 2019. The book, which will be published posthumously in 2024, tells the story of Kyoko, a young woman who seeks revenge on Daniel, a violinist who had an affair with her mother, Emi, and allegedly caused her suicide. Kyoko’s plan goes wrong from the start, and she finds herself in a twisted relationship with Daniel, who has a fetish for Asian women. The novel is a dark comedy that explores the themes of race, gender, identity, and fetishization with humor and sharp insight.

This is a provocative and poignant work that challenges the stereotypes and power dynamics that shape Asian femininity and anti-Asian racism. It is also a testament to Min’s talent and vision as a writer who was able to craft a compelling and timely story before her untimely death. THE FETISHIST is a book that will make you laugh, cry, and think.

Min portrays Kyoko as a complex and conflicted character, who struggles with her Asian American identity and her resentment towards Daniel, who represents the white male gaze that objectifies and exoticizes Asian women. Kyoko also has a fetish for violins, which symbolizes her connection to her mother and her desire for artistic expression. Daniel, on the other hand, is a pathetic and oblivious figure, who fails to recognize his own privilege and prejudice. Alma, a woman who suffers from a terminal illness, is also a victim of Daniel’s neglect and infidelity.

The novel is written with Min’s signature style of sharp wit, vivid imagery, and poignant emotion. She captures the nuances of Kyoko’s voice and perspective, as well as the dynamics of the relationships between the characters. She also injects humor and irony into the narrative, which balances the dark and tragic aspects of the story. The novel is a testament to Min’s talent and vision, which sadly was cut short by her death in 2019. THE FETISHIST is a brilliantly conceived story that is relevant to today’s world.

To illustrate some of the novel’s themes and insights, here are some quotes from the book:

“Daniel experienced the peculiar brand of despair that comes from getting what you wanted the second you realize you don’t want it anymore, and worse, he realized that he had never really wanted it in the first place, and that he hadn’t wanted the same thing the last time either…”

“It made Kyoko furious that this was the moment that kept returning to her, that the memory of her mother dead had become more vivid for her than any memory of her alive.”

(Daniel) “had always loved music more than anything else in the world. More than his wife, more than his daughter, more than himself. Music was his escape, his salvation, his addiction.”

Rickey’s thoughts on Alma: “…most beautiful things could seem freakish, even ugly, from certain angles, because beauty was strange and singular and often unsettling.”

Daniel’s thoughts on Alma: :…Alma’s beauty seemed apiece with the music she made, as ravishing as any work of art Daniel had encountered in Florence – any Madonna, Venus, or Magdalene. More than any musician he knew, Alma could seduce you, tease you into rapt attention, and beyond, to an ardent, prolonged arousal.”

“But in spite of her cuteness, her size (5’ 3”, 103 lbs) and her age (23), Kyoko’s life had been deformed by grief, in turn, twisted to hate, hate hammered to anger, until the anger, the hate, and the grief had been grotesquely fused. Kyoko believed that violence would alleviate all three. In fact, she had bet on it.”

I found this novel to be captivating and thought-provoking. It was easy to be drawn into Kyoko’s journey of revenge and self-discovery, as well as the other characters’ struggles and secrets. I admired Min’s skillful storytelling and powerful language, which made me laugh, cry, and reflect. I also appreciated how she addressed the issues of racism and sexism that affect Asian women in particular, and how she challenged the stereotypes and expectations that society imposes on them. I was extremely impressed with the author’s use of uncommon vocabulary and the intimate knowledge of classical music and the singular people who wield their instruments. This novel is an important and timely contribution to contemporary literature, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys dark comedy, complex characters, and social commentary.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

APPRENTICED TO THE NIGHT by LindaAnn LoSchiavo

January 9, 2024 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 1 Comment

“Apprenticed to the Night” is a collection of 66 poems focused on mortality, betrayal, memory, trauma, and the bewilderment of loss as constantly shifting enigmas. It explores themes of life, death, childhood, trauma, family, and love. The book is divided into three sections: Youth, Maturity, and Beyond. Reviewers have called this collection a powerful and moving collection of poetry that is honest, insightful, innovative, and beautifully written.

Thanks to the author for this review copy!

2023 has been a terrible year for me; I lost my beloved Mom and all three of my dogs (at different times throughout the year). When I was offered this review copy, I wondered if these poems would be too much for me to absorb. Thankfully, I was wrong. My own exposure to great loss enabled me to understand the deeper meaning of LoSchiavo’s words. Despite the grim, stark environment of these verses, they offer readers a glimpse into the raw and vulnerable world of the speaker and force the reader to delve into the depths of the human experience.

The author’s imagery is often dark and evocative, yet it also manages to be strangely beautiful. The poems are filled with metaphors and similes that create a rich and textured landscape, inviting readers to linger and savor each word. Some of my favorite lines (taken from various poems) are:

When my mother died, she took home along with her
Tick, tick — mortality’s metronome
Accusing north winds whip open coats like a Customs Officer
Doves nesting at the lake’s edge knitting a new home out of trash and exhausted leaves
A domesticated red lighthouse
They find a determined amaryllis
My sister lives forever in six drawers / Where Mom maintains her clothing, worn, outgrown
Some kisses are consumer errors

Some of these poems use their words to lead you down a poignant yet rosy path, full of nostalgia, then veer off into the shocking, cold truth of the world. One such story is A Little Choir Girl at Passiontide – the poem starts out full of calming religious images and scenes from a typical Brooklyn neighborhood…then like a bucketful of cold water, these sentences turn the microcosm into an abomination:

…cars gunning for

You with their solid metal presence in your Immediate future, taking action

That could recast the universe in dark

Unpredictable ways

The poems are written in various forms and styles, such as sonnets, villanelles, haiku, free verse, and more. The language is rich, as similes and metaphors are used to convey the emotions and experiences of the speaker. Some of the poems are inspired by historical figures, such as Anne Boleyn, Marie Antoinette, and Edgar Allan Poe, while others are based on personal anecdotes and observations.

This collection is not for the faint of heart. The poems deal with topics such as death, suicide, abuse, eating disorders, and grief. However, they also explore the complexities of love, friendship, family, and identity. The author’s words are honest, insightful, and sometimes heartbreaking, but they also offer hope and the power of resilience. Even in the darkest of times, there is beauty and meaning to be found.

APPRENTICED TO THE NIGHT is a hauntingly beautiful assortment of poems that will stay with readers long after they have finished reading. LoSchiavo’s words are like a balm to the soul, offering solace and comfort in the face of darkness. This is a must-read for anyone who has ever experienced loss, love, or the struggle to find their place in the world.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

TO CURE OR KILL by Michael Young

December 19, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

This is a frightening story describing the scientific discovery of a new cancer medication, and the greed and quest for wealth within the pharmaceutical industry. The book delves into the world of scientific development, executive entitlement, and the ruthless efforts to obtain a needed molecular synthesis protocol to advance a new drug. At the end of the novel, the reader will need to ask themselves the underlying question: Is this story really fiction?

Thanks to Reedsy Discovery for this review copy!

In this frightening novel, author Michael Young delves into the dark side of the pharmaceutical industry, where greed and ambition clash with the pursuit of life-saving cures. The story revolves around a groundbreaking discovery of a new cancer-preventing drug and the ruthless individuals who will stop at nothing to exploit it for their own gain. The captivating narrative weaves together scientific intrigue, corporate espionage, and moral quandaries, keeping the reader interested until the very end. The novel’s exploration of the ethical boundaries of scientific research is particularly thought-provoking, raising questions about the balance between profit and human health.

The characters are complex and believable, making you care about their fate. Most of the scientists in this book are created as sympathetic characters (rather than science nerds), and the bad guys are so easy to hate! The author has done a thorough job of creating arrogant, narcissistic criminals, and I was impressed at how he was able to create a plausible story line that delved into the mind of the villains as they planned their heinous actions.

The novel is suspenseful, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. I also appreciated the accurate medical details: as a physician, Young clearly has a deep understanding of the medical field, which adds to the realism of the story. It is detailed yet easy for the layman to understand. These details may also serve to educate the reader about DNA, , mRNA, how new drugs are created, and medical ethics. There are also extensive descriptions of various poisons and how to use them for nefarious purposes.

One of the author’s strengths is the way he uses adjectives to create a picture. I particularly liked the description of the inside of a character’s home: “Burksdale made a final look around the rather boring, sullen, apartment…”. Another few sentences of note: “With his good looks, self-confidence, and obvious intelligence, Bob could walk into any room and light it up. The women adored him, and the men wanted to be him.”

I also learned some more about company security. We are all subject to phishing and identity theft, and I liked how the tone of chapter 9 was set by chapter 8’s discussing the internet of things and how hackers operate.

This book made me think about medical ethics and corporate greed. The drug companies in the United States are at times both helpful and a hindrance. Lifesaving drugs are created, yet they are ridiculously overpriced, and people may have to choose between food on the table or the medication that makes their quality of life better. It is also very frightening to consider that corporate espionage goes on every day, and we may never find out about it.

Some things I disliked about the book were: simple editing errors regarding spelling (pored over, NOT poured over!) and the author’s excessive use of italics. He used them in many instances where they were not needed. For example: italics are used for all company names (Harris Therapeutics) and websites (Google, Facebook). This became jarring to me, as I normally associate italics being used for emphasis, not to discern a company name or website, etc. Eventually I got italics fatigue and viewed it all like the boy crying wolf.

Another unpleasant idiosyncrasy I noted: the verb tenses were often not compatible with each other within the same sentence. For example, on page 69 the sentence moves from past tense to present: “…Burksdale WAS able to assemble a list….it IS frightening how much personal information IS available online…” And again, from page 73: “Traffic on the expressway CAN BE brutal during rush hour, and getting off late WOULD BE a miserable waste of time”. It was as if the author was writing an aside to the reader to make a point of explaining something. This too, became grating to me, as the English major in me cringed every time I came upon it. It took me away from being absorbed in the story to shuddering and replacing the verb tense in my mind. I have not read any other of Young’s books, so I have no way of knowing if this is a one-off in this particular book, or if that is his true writing style.

One final note: I thought the ending was a bit abrupt. I would have liked to see a little more detail about some of the characters and how their lives were affected.

In Summary: TO CURE OR KILL is a thrilling tale of greed, ambition, and the pursuit of scientific breakthroughs, with a cautionary message about the potential dangers of unchecked ambition. It is also a timely and relevant novel that sheds light on the often-hidden world of pharmaceutical research. The novel explores important themes such as the ethics of scientific research, the greed of corporations, and the power of hope. The plot is a blend of fiction and reality, and the author challenges the reader to question whether such a story could happen.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of medicine, business, and ethics. Fans of medical thrillers and suspenseful fiction will also enjoy this book. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading the works of Robin Cook, Michael Palmer, and Sandeep Jauhar.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

THE LIFE OF A MEDICAL OFFICER IN WW1 by Lorraine Evans

October 24, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

The Life of a Medical Officer in WW1 documents the experiences of Captain Harry Gordon Parker and provides a rare insight into the conflict that engulfed Europe from 1914-1918. Having joined the Naval Medical Service as a Royal Navy Temporary Surgeon, Parker’s first taste of war was aboard a hospital evacuation ship, which regularly crossed the English Channel, from Southampton to France, picking up casualties from the battle grounds. Somewhat disillusioned with the whole experience, he requested a transfer to the Royal Medical Army Corps and soon found himself transported to the trenches in France. It was here, first serving with the Lancashire Fusiliers and then later as permanent Regimental Medical Officer with the 2nd Manchester’s Regiment, that he spent the remainder of the war, witnessing first-hand the horrors of Passchendaele, Arras and the Somme.

Parker’s account not only reveals a record of the conflict, but also encompasses a totality of military life as it impacted on the medical fraternity. From bureaucratic red tape, lack of medical supplies, lice infestations, trench foot and absurd missions where the incompetence of his own side was as dangerous as the enemy, his thoughts are penned with sincerity, the utmost compassion as well as a certain degree of sardonic humor: ‘We went into the trenches for the first time at Givenchy. It snowed heavily, and our rations did not arrive. The Royal Welsh, however, generously shared their rations with our men, who repaid the kindness by (accidentally) shooting one of the Sergeants through the stomach!’. With endorsement from family members, author Lorraine Evans has revised Parker’s notes and scribblings for clarity and added complementary text to provide historical background. What transpires is a lasting and classic chronicle, an extraordinary human account of history as it ensued.

Thanks to Pen & Sword Publishing and the author for this review copy!

Lorraine Evans’ book THE LIFE OF A MEDICAL OFFICER IN WW1 provides a detailed account of the experiences of medical officers during the Great War. The book is well-researched and provides a comprehensive insight into the challenges faced by these medical professionals during one of the most devastating periods in human history.

One of the primary themes that emerges from the book is the sheer scale of the medical challenges faced by the British Army during World War 1. With millions of soldiers fighting on the Western Front, medical officers were constantly dealing with a vast array of injuries and illnesses. From trench foot and gas attacks to bullet wounds and shell shock, medical officers were forced to deal with a range of conditions that they had never encountered before. Evans provides a vivid and sometimes disturbing description of the types of injuries and illnesses that medical officers had to deal with, as well as the methods they used to treat them.

Another key theme that emerges from the book is the resourcefulness and resilience of these soldiers during the war. Despite the constant challenges they faced, medical officers worked tirelessly to ensure that soldiers received the best possible care. This involved not only treating injuries and illnesses but also implementing measures to prevent the spread of disease and infection. Medical officers had to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and make do with limited resources. Evans highlights the innovative techniques and treatments that medical officers developed during the war, such as the use of X-rays and the introduction of blood transfusions.

The book also offers valuable insights into the social and cultural context of medical practice during World War I. Evans explores the gender and class dynamics that influenced medical practice during the war. Medical officers were overwhelmingly male, and many came from privileged backgrounds. This created tensions with the rank-and-file soldiers, who often resented the perceived class divide between themselves and the medical officers. Evans also discusses the role of women in medical practice during the war, highlighting the contributions of female nurses and doctors and detailing the barriers they faced in their efforts to contribute to the war effort.

Evans’ writing is engaging and immersive, drawing readers into the world of these professionals. She describes their daily routine, from the early morning rounds to the late-night surgeries. The book provides a detailed look at the medical equipment used during the war, such as stretchers, bandages, and surgical instruments. The reader will also learn about the medical techniques used during the war, including the use of gas and the development of new surgical procedures.

The author does not shy away from the horrors of war, including the gruesome injuries that medical officers were faced with daily. Evans describes the carnage of the battlefield in vivid detail, painting a picture of the overwhelming and gruesome reality of war. However, she also emphasizes the importance of the work done by these men, who often risked their own lives to save others.

Throughout the book, Evans pays tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of these soldiers during the war. She describes the courage it took to venture into the trenches, often under heavy fire, to treat wounded soldiers. The book is a testament to the selflessness and dedication of both men and women, who worked tirelessly to ease the suffering of others in the face of unimaginable adversity.

Overall, THE LIFE OF A MEDICAL OFFICER IN WW1 is an insightful and informative book that offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by these soldiers during one of the most tumultuous periods in human history. Evans’ writing is clear and engaging, and she provides a wealth of detail that will be of interest to anyone interested in the history of medicine or the history of warfare. The book is also highly relevant to contemporary debates about healthcare provision and the role of medical professionals in times of crisis. As such, it is an essential read for anyone looking to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by medical professionals during times of war. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of medicine, as well as those interested in the First World War and its impact on those who fought in it.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

I LOVED YOU IN ANOTHER LIFE by David Arnold

October 10, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

New York Times bestseller David Arnold returns with a poignant love story about two teens whose souls come together time and again through the ages—for fans of Nina LaCour and Matt Haig.

Evan Taft has plans. Take a gap year in Alaska, make sure his little brother and single mother are taken care of, and continue therapy to process his father’s departure. But after his mom’s unexpected diagnosis, as Evan’s plans begin to fade, he hears something: a song no one else can hear, the voice of a mysterious singer . . .

Shosh Bell has dreams. A high school theater legend, she’s headed to performing arts college in LA, a star on the rise. But when a drunk driver takes her sister’s life, that star fades to black. All that remains is a void—and a soft voice singing in her ear . . .

Over it all, transcending time and space, a celestial bird brings strangers together: from an escaped murderer in 19th century Paris, to a Norwegian kosmonaut in low-earth orbit, something is happening that began long ago, and will long outlast Evan and Shosh. With lyrical prose and original songs (written and recorded by the author), I LOVED YOU IN ANOTHER LIFE explores the history of love, and how some souls are meant for each other—yesterday, today, forever.

Thanks to Bookish First, Penguin Teen, and the author for this advance review copy!

I LOVED YOU IN ANOTHER LIFE is a beautiful and heartbreaking novel that explores the concept of soulmates and reincarnation. The story follows Evan and Shosh, two teenagers who are struggling to cope with loss and grief. Evan’s mother is dying of cancer, and Shosh’s sister was killed in a car accident. As they try to find their way through their pain, they begin to hear a mysterious song that only they can hear. The song leads them to each other, and they soon discover that they have met and loved each other in different lives, from an escaped murderer and a nun in 19th century Paris, to a Norwegian astronaut and a radio host in the near future. As they try to cope with their own tragedies and traumas, they also must face the cosmic forces that keep bringing them together and tearing them apart.

The author encourages the reader to consider whether or not love can transcend time and space. His writing is lyrical and beautiful, and he creates a rich and immersive world for his characters to inhabit. The book is full of memorable moments, from the first time Evan and Shosh meet to the final, heartbreaking scene.

Arnold is a master of magical prose and original songs, which he wrote and recorded for this book. The songs add an extra layer of emotion and depth to the story, as they reflect the characters’ feelings and personalities. As the days go by for Shosh and Evan, they do their best to recall the words and write them down, slowly building an extra layer to their story.

Some of the things I loved about the book are:

The writing is poignant and beautiful. I intend to read it again and highlight the special sentences or passages that pierced my heart.
Arnold creates a rich and immersive world for his characters to inhabit. His descriptions of simple things like weather, or someone’s hair style are ethereal and consistently accurate. His characters are complex and well-developed; he is spot-on with the language of teen text messaging. I loved his usage of capital letters and inside jokes contained in Evan’s and Shosh’s texts to each other, and their friends. I really connected with these teens, and I was invested in what would happen to them.
It’s a story about loss and grief, but it’s also a story about hope and love. The book explores the idea of reincarnation in a way that is both believable and thought-provoking.
This book will make you wonder if you have ever loved someone in another life, or if you will ever meet them again. It was easy for me to imagine myself loving a special person again and again as we traveled through time.

However, the book can be quite emotionally draining at times. The author does a wonderful job of capturing the emotions of his characters in picturesque language that pierced me to my core. At times, I needed to put the book down to process what the characters were feeling, and how it made me grieve. The ending is bittersweet, and I had to tell myself that this is indeed a story about hope, love, and reincarnation. The author doesn’t shy away from the pain and loss that can be a part of love, but he also shows us the beauty and hope that it can bring. He also explores the implications of reincarnation on our relationships with each other and with the world around us.

Overall, I LOVED YOU IN ANOTHER LIFE is a beautiful and moving story about love, loss, and the power of the human spirit. It is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it. I would recommend it to fans of YA romance, fantasy, and historical fiction.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

SEVERED ROOTS by Nego Huzcotoq

September 26, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

IT’S A WORLD RULED BY WOMEN. MEN ARE ALL BUT EXTRANEOUS AND VIOLENT CRIME IS ALMOST ERADICATED. WHAT COULD BE BETTER?

Severed Roots (recipient of Literary Titan Gold Book Award) depicts a future where family, long considered a patriarchal construct, has finally been outlawed. Children are birthed by select female “manufacturers” and raised in Children’s Centers, where girls are groomed for leadership and boys are taught subservience. Male adolescents willingly receive mandatory chemical injections to prevent sexual hunger–although some opt for gender reassignment surgery instead, which is laudable. The goal? To prevent all forms of patriarchy and usher in an unprecedented age of world peace.

The result? A world ruled by women, where men are all but extraneous and violent crime is almost eradicated. However, not everyone buys into this New World Order. This is a domain of rallies, revolts, and self-immolation by women who suffer from being denied a chance at motherhood. In the middle of the action is Nick Wong, a gentle, rule-following Canadian whose inquisitiveness and desire to do the right thing spur him on a perilous quest for Truth –about marriage, family, and the need to connect with who we are.

Thanks to Library Thing and the author for this advance reviewer’s copy!

SEVERED ROOTS is a dystopian novel by Nego Huzcotoq that explores the themes of gender, power, and family in a matriarchal society where women have taken control. The story is set in a future where men have been stripped of their power and are now considered second-class citizens. The government, known as the New World Order, has outlawed the concept of family, and children are now raised in government-run facilities. Men are given a choice of either taking a chemical injection that will suppress their sexual urges or undergoing gender reassignment surgery.

The protagonist of the story is naïve and sheltered Nick Wong, a 30-something gig musician who is struggling to come to terms with the new world order. He has never known a world without the New World Order, and he is initially hesitant to question its authority. He is not comfortable with the way men are treated, but he also doesn’t believe in the extremist views of the Hardinians, a group of men who are fighting to overthrow the New World Order. He is drawn to a group of rebels known as the Progressives, who believe in the importance of family and equality for all.

Nick also befriends Beatrice, a woman who is desperate to have her own child. She asks Nick to help her find a way to Island House, a safe haven for women who want to raise their children outside of the New World Order. Nick agrees to help Beatrice, and along the way, he learns more about the dark secrets of the New World Order. He also begins to question his own beliefs about gender, family, and power.

In the world of SEVERED ROOTS, the traditional family unit has been disbanded. Children are raised by the state, and men are not allowed to have any contact with their offspring. This raises some interesting questions about the nature of family and the importance of biological ties.

The author spends a good deal of time describing how family is essential to human connection and well-being. Even in a world where family is outlawed, people still crave the love and support of a family unit. This serves as a reminder that family is more than just a biological relationship – it is a bond of love and support that can help us to survive even in the most difficult of times.

The world-building is mostly believable. Huzcotoq does a respectable job of creating a dystopian society that feels both familiar and alien. The book is full of interesting details about the New World Order, such as the way it controls the population through chemical injections and propaganda. However, I would have loved to see more background on how the world came to be this way. Did society become that way suddenly, due to an occurrence of war or a nuclear disaster? Or was it a slowly moving development, due to an illness caused by men that killed most of their population? Did women rise to power in government and caused the pendulum to swing their way? As you can see, there could be so many reasons for this dystopian world.

I will say that this novel does a decent job of exploring the diverse ways in which a matriarchal society could function. Huzcotoq presents a variety of perspectives on the issue, from the radical views of the Hardinians to the more moderate views of the Progressives. This allows the reader to see the issue from all sides and to come to their own conclusions about what a matriarchal society would look like.

Some things I liked about SEVERED ROOTS:

The themes of gender equality, violence, and family are thought-provoking and relevant to our own world.
The novel does not shy away from showing the dark side of both the matriarchal and patriarchal societies, and the consequences of their extremes. The novel also raises some interesting questions about the nature of human connection and the role of family in society.
The plot is an excellent manifestation of a dystopian world. There are elements of George Orwell’s 1984, Aldous Huxley’s BRAVE NEW WORLD, and Anthony Burgess’ THE WANTING SEED. These are three of my favorite books, and I was happy to feel reminded of them as I got through the book.

Some things I did not like:

The pacing of the book is a bit slow at times. The first half of the book is mostly setup, and it takes a while for the plot to really get going.
The ending of the book is a bit anticlimactic. I was expecting a more satisfying conclusion to the story, and I felt there were many questions left unanswered. (That being said, I believe the author is working on a sequel, in which case the ending could be forgiven.)
The novel relies heavily on stereotypes and generalizations about men and women and seems to favor a conservative and traditional view of family and marriage, without considering other forms of relationships and lifestyles.

SEVERED ROOTS is ultimately a story about hope. Despite the challenges that Nick and Beatrice face, they never give up on their dream of creating a better world. They believe that it is possible to find a balance between the old world and the new, and they are determined to fight for a future where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

Overall, this book is a thought-provoking novel that is sure to spark a conversation about the nature of gender, power, and violence. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys dystopian fiction or who is interested in exploring the future of gender relations.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

SAY ANARCHA by J.C. Hallman

August 29, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

A compelling reckoning with the birth of women’s health that illuminates the sacrifices of a young woman who changed the world only to be forgotten by it―until now.

For more than a century, Dr. J. Marion Sims was hailed as the “father of modern gynecology.” He founded a hospital in New York City and had a profitable career treating gentry and royalty in Europe, becoming one of the world’s first celebrity surgeons. Statues were built in his honor, but he wasn’t the hero he had made himself appear to be.
Sims’s greatest medical claim was the result of several years of experimental surgeries―without anesthesia―on a young, enslaved woman known as Anarcha; his so-called cure for obstetric fistula forever altered the path of women’s health.
One medical text after another hailed Anarcha as the embodiment of the pivotal role that Sims played in the history of surgery. Decades later, a groundswell of women objecting to Sims’s legacy celebrated Anarcha as the “mother of gynecology.” Little was known about the woman herself. The written record would have us believe Anarcha disappeared; she did not.

Through tenacious research, J. C. Hallman has unearthed the first evidence of Anarcha’s life that did not come from Sims’s suspect reports. Hallman reveals that after helping to spark a patient-centered model of care that continues to improve women’s lives today, Anarcha lived on as a midwife, nurse, and “doctor woman.”
SAY ANARCHA excavates history, deconstructing the biographical smoke screen of a surgeon who has falsely been enshrined as a medical pioneer and bringing forth a heroic Black woman to her rightful place at the center of the creation story of modern women’s health care.

Thanks to NetGalley and Henry Holt Company for this review copy!

SAY ANARCHA by JC Hallman is a remarkable work that transports readers to the haunting realities of 19th-century America, where the harrowing echoes of enslaved African American women’s lives reverberate through time. This powerful novel delves deep into the forgotten pages of history, weaving a compelling narrative that is as heart-wrenching as it is enlightening.

The story revolves around Anarcha, one of the countless enslaved women subjected to Dr. Marion Sims’ inhumane medical experiments in his quest to perfect the technique of gynecological surgery. a white doctor who is often credited with the invention of modern gynecology.

Drawing inspiration from historical events, the author masterfully combines fact and fiction, bringing the agonizing experiences of Anarcha and her fellow enslaved women to life with vivid prose. Hallman’s writing effortlessly transports readers to the 19th-century Southern United States, immersing them in a world of suffering and hope. This strength was also a weakness to me, as I felt bogged down by all the history. At one point I decided to start skipping over the incredible details and concentrate on Anarcha and the other major characters. These are my thoughts; others may welcome history as a refresher, or as new knowledge.

The book begins with a brief overview of Sims’s life and work. Sims was a brilliant surgeon, but he was also a deeply flawed man who was willing to exploit the most vulnerable members of society in his quest for medical knowledge. In 1846, Sims began performing experimental surgeries on Anarcha, who had suffered a severe vesicovaginal fistula, a condition that causes urine to leak into the vagina. Sims performed these surgeries without anesthesia, and Anarcha endured unimaginable pain and suffering. She eventually died from complications from all her surgeries.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part tells the story of Anarcha’s life, from her childhood in slavery to her years of suffering at the hands of Sims. The second part tells the story of Sims’ rise to fame as the “Father of Gynecology.” Sims’ innovations were built upon the suffering and exploitation of Anarcha and other enslaved women. Hallman weaves a vivid tapestry of historical accounts, immersing readers in the cruel reality faced by Anarcha and countless others, while shedding light on the often-neglected narratives of African American women in history.

Hallman’s book does not shy away from the horrors of Anarcha’s story. He describes in detail the surgeries that Sims performed on her, and he also explores the psychological and emotional toll that these surgeries took on Anarcha. However, Hallman also does a masterful job of humanizing Anarcha. He shows us that she was a complex and resilient woman who was determined to survive and thrive, even in the face of unspeakable cruelty. Despite the horrific abuse she suffered, Anarcha never gave up hope. She continued to fight for her freedom, and she eventually won her release from slavery.

One of the book’s strengths is the author’s ability to blend history with imagination, breathing life into Anarcha and the other characters surrounding her. Hallman’s meticulous research is evident, as he brings to light the horrors of slavery and the atrocities committed in the name of medical progress.

The novel also explores the perspectives of those around Anarcha, including Dr. Sims himself. This multi-dimensional approach adds depth to the narrative, forcing readers to confront the uncomfortable truths about the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by those complicit in perpetuating the system of slavery. The portrayal of Dr. Sims is particularly nuanced, exploring the complexity of his character as both a pioneering surgeon and a morally flawed individual. For all his knowledge, he was extremely self-centered and didn’t even care about women’s health as he was going through medical school! I feel that he did everything solely to make his name known, not out of compassion.

“Say Anarcha” may not be for the faint of heart due to its graphic descriptions of medical procedures and the harsh realities of slavery. Readers should be prepared for an emotionally intense journey that forces them to confront the uncomfortable truths of history.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

RANDOM ACTS OF MEDICINE by Anupam B. Jena & Christopher Worsham

August 15, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

A groundbreaking book at the intersection of health and economics, revealing the hidden side of medicine and how unexpected—but predictable—events can profoundly affect our health. Why do kids born in the summer get diagnosed more often with A.D.H.D.? How are marathons harmful for your health, even when you’re not running? What do surgeons and salesmen have in common? Which annual event made people 30 percent more likely to get COVID-19?
As a University of Chicago–trained economist and Harvard medical school professor and doctor, Anupam Jena is uniquely equipped to answer these questions. And as a critical care doctor at Massachusetts General who researches health care policy, Christopher Worsham confronts their impact on the hospital’s sickest patients. In this singular work of science and medicine, Jena and Worsham show us how medicine really works, and its effect on all of us.

Relying on ingeniously devised natural experiments—random events that unknowingly turn us into experimental subjects—Jena and Worsham do more than offer readers colorful stories. They help us see the way our health is shaped by forces invisible to the untrained eye. Is there ever a good time to have a heart attack? Do you choose the veteran doctor or the rookie?  Do you really need the surgery your doctor recommends? These questions are rife with significance; their impact can be life changing. Addressing them in a style that’s both animated and enlightening, Random Acts of Medicine empowers you to see past the white coat and find out what really makes medicine work—and how it could work better.

Thanks to Doubleday Books for this review copy! Authors Anupam B. Jena and Christopher Worsham have collaborated on a fascinating and eye-opening book at the intersection of health and economics. The book explores the surprising and often counterintuitive ways that medicine works. The authors, both doctors and researchers at Harvard Medical School, use natural experiments—random events that create natural comparisons among people—to reveal the hidden factors that influence our health outcomes.

Jena and Worsham look at medicine from a few different angles, including the role of chance and luck, the power of natural experiments, and the future of healthcare. Jena and Worsham do an excellent job of explaining complex concepts in a way that is easy to understand.

The book is divided into three parts: “The Hidden Side of Medicine,” “The Power of Natural Experiments,” and “The Future of Medicine.” In the first part, Jena and Worsham explore the ways in which chance and luck play a role in our health. They discuss how our birthdate, our zip code, and even our name can all influence our health outcomes.

In the second part of the book, Jena and Worsham introduce the concept of natural experiments. Natural experiments are events that happen outside of a doctor’s control, but which can be used to learn about the effects of different medical treatments or interventions. For example, Jena and Worsham discuss how the introduction of a new drug can be used to study the effects of that drug on a population of patients.

In the third part of the book, Jena and Worsham look at the future of medicine. They discuss how the rise of big data and artificial intelligence is changing the way we understand and treat disease. They also discuss the challenges that we face in making sure that everyone has access to high-quality healthcare.

For example, they show how kids born in the summer are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD, how marathons can harm your health even if you don’t run, how surgeons and salesmen have similar incentives, and how an annual event made people 30 percent more likely to get COVID-19. The book is full of intriguing stories and insights that challenge our assumptions and make us think differently about medicine and health care.

The book is also written in a clear and engaging style that makes it accessible and enjoyable for anyone interested in learning more about the science and economics of medicine. The authors combine rigorous research with personal anecdotes and humor to illustrate their points and keep the reader hooked. They also offer practical advice on how to make better decisions for ourselves and our loved ones when it comes to our health. One caveat: I felt the book was a bit long. I think it could have been shorter without losing any of the valuable information.

Random Acts of Medicine is an informative read for anyone who wants to understand how medicine really works, and how it could work better. It will make you smarter, healthier, and more informed about one of the most important aspects of our lives. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about the hidden side of medicine, the power of natural experiments, and the future of healthcare.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

GONE TONIGHT by Sarah Pekkanen

August 1, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

Catherine Sterling thinks she knows her mother. Ruth Sterling is quiet, hardworking, and lives for her daughter. All her life, it’s been just the two of them against the world. But now, Catherine is ready to spread her wings, move from home, and begin a new career. And Ruth Sterling will do anything to prevent that from happening.
Ruth Sterling thinks she knows her daughter. Catherine would never rebel, would never question anything about her mother’s past or background. But when Ruth’s desperate quest to keep her daughter by her side begins to reveal cracks in Ruth’s carefully-constructed world, both mother and daughter begin a dance of deception. No one can know Ruth’s history. There is a reason why Ruth kept them moving every few years, and why she was ready–in a moment’s notice–to be gone in the night. But danger is closing in. Is it coming from the outside, from Ruth’s past? Is Ruth reaching a breaking point? Or is the danger coming from the darkness that may live in Catherine, herself? Propulsive, brilliant, layered, and provocative, GONE TONIGHT is a thriller that showcases Sarah Pekkanen at the top of her game.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martins Press for this review copy!

You know when you are reading a book and you can’t wait to have free time to get back to it? This is one of those books. Pekkanen has the ability to create multilayered characters that are both unreliable narrators yet sympathetic at the same time.

GONE TONIGHT has two strong female characters in the mother-daughter team of Ruth and Catherine Sterling. At first glance Ruth seems to be an overbearing, controlling parent, while Catherine is a wishy-washy daughter, content with drifting through life. But there is so much more behind this curtain! Catherine is ready to take a new job in another state, far away from Ruth and her constant scrutiny. When Ruth learns about Catherine’s plan, she creates a diabolical and twisted plan to keep her daughter near and dear. And then their lives begin to unravel.

I hated Ruth. Such a helicopter parent! And I also wished Catherine was stronger. Then, as the pages turned, I started to understand Ruth and disliked her less. Then, it seemed as if Catherine had found her inner strength and was going to leave her mother behind. Ok, the plot is all tied up neatly.

Nope.

The author adds some mind-blowing twists to the mix and wham! everything goes sideways and you can’t stop reading. GONE TONIGHT is psychological suspense at its best. I had no idea who to trust or who to believe. At a certain part of the book, I just kept murmuring “wow” as the plot took hairpin turns and twists yet stayed on the rails. A few more unreliable narrators got added and the conflict took a violent turn. Just when I thought the author couldn’t wring out another drop of crazy, another twist sent everything in yet another direction.

Yes, this story is full of suspense. But I also need to mention that the dialogue is on point. Ruth and Catherine seem completely believable as they alternately snipe at each other, then provide loving support. I also liked that each chapter was told from the POV of one of the characters. It is sometimes awkward to get into a rhythm when POVs are alternating, but once you become immersed, it flows. Using this style helped me get into the minds of each woman, giving me another layer of understanding of their “why”. (Even if that “why” is kind of unhinged.)

If you love psychological suspense, action, and well-written, opinionated female characters, you will adore GONE TONIGHT. There is so much more I would like to say about this book, but it can’t be done without including spoilers. Pekkanen is at the top of her diabolical game here – do not pass this one by.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.

THE TRAUMA OF CAPTIVITY by Julie Cook

July 25, 2023 / Kyle Wendy Skultety / 0 Comments

The Trauma of Captivity seeks to shed new light on a forgotten aspect of what it meant to be a prisoner of war: their homecoming. With primary source archive content and interviews with family members of prisoners of war from the Second World War, as well as the diary entries of a prisoner of war from the First World War, this book asks the question: what happened to prisoners of war when they returned home?

Sons and daughters of returned prisoners of war share their harrowing stories of having a POW for a parent. The Trauma of Captivity also features a lengthy interview with modern-day prisoner of war John Peters, the RAF fast jet pilot who was captured when his Tornado plane crashed in the desert during the Gulf War.

The Trauma of Captivity focuses on what help and support was made available to returning prisoners of war and how they fought to rediscover their roles in society.

Thanks to NetGalley and Pen & Sword Publishing for this review copy!

THE TRAUMA OF CAPTIVITY is a deeply thought-provoking and emotionally charged exploration of the psychological and emotional consequences of captivity. Written with remarkable insight and sensitivity, author Julie Cook delves into the harrowing experiences of prisoners of war (POWs) who have endured captivity in various contexts, shedding light on the lasting trauma they bear long after their physical freedom has been restored.

This book shows the profound impact that captivity has on the human psyche. It offers a compelling examination of the complex emotions, cognitive distortions, and adaptive responses that arise from the traumatic experience of being confined against one’s will. For example: One of the effects of imprisonment is social degradation: the prisoner feels as if he is unable to make decisions for himself and he is deprived of the basic needs of life: food, freedom, and pleasure.

A POWs story can evoke sympathy, national pride, and jingoism. Despite the public’s feelings, many working-class soldiers had no help, no financial support, no job or home in place, and were lumped in with “pauper lunatics” and placed in asylums. These men could be committed for displaying anxiety, shell-shock, or turning to alcohol or violence. It took merely a single person’s word to send a man to the asylum.

One of the book’s notable strengths is its emphasis on the psychological aspects of captivity. Cook goes beyond the immediate physical dangers and examines the complex psychological dynamics that emerge during prolonged periods of captivity. She explores the development of coping mechanisms, the erosion of self-identity, and the profound psychological wounds that individuals may carry long after their physical release. Men returning to home postwar were more likely to internalize their emotions, which compounded their mental health problems further.

Her nuanced analysis reveals the intricate interplay between captivity, trauma, and mental health, shedding light on the lasting scars that captivity can inflict on a person’s psyche.

Through extensive research, and interviews with the families of POWs, the author portrays the intricate web of emotions such as fear, helplessness, anger, and shame that often accompany the experience of captivity. Returning POWs who did seek out therapy were denigrated for their “weak” mental state, being told by doctors that their shell-shock was because there was evidence of weakness or instability in their nervous system. Is it any wonder that these men were not afforded the help they needed? After succumbing to the will of the enemy, their home country dismissed them as broken mentally even before they became soldiers.

By delving into these layers, the book offers a nuanced understanding of the psychological toll captivity takes on individuals, making it a valuable resource for both professionals in the field of psychology and general readers seeking insight into the human condition.

This book is not just a catalog of suffering; it is also a testament to human resilience and the potential for recovery. Cook devotes significant attention to the therapeutic interventions, support systems, and resilience factors that can aid in the healing process. She discusses the importance of trauma-informed care, the role of therapy, and the power of community in helping survivors rebuild their lives. Through these narratives of healing and resilience, Cook offers a sense of hope and inspiration, reinforcing the idea that it is possible to find strength and reclaim one’s life even after enduring unimaginable adversity. Through the accounts of survivors, the author illuminates the ways in which they draw strength from their experiences and transform their pain into a catalyst for growth and healing. By doing so, the book instills a sense of hope in the face of unimaginable adversity, offering solace to those who have suffered and inspiration to those seeking to support and understand them.

Cook’s clear writing style and her ability to translate complex concepts into accessible language make the book approachable and informative for both experts and general readers. The author’s prose is accessible and engaging, allowing readers to connect emotionally with the narratives while also appreciating the scholarly foundation upon which the book is built. The chapters are organized in a logical and coherent manner, guiding readers through the complexities of captivity trauma without overwhelming them.

THE TRAUMA OF CAPTIVITY is an exceptional book that serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the profound impact of captivity on the human psyche. By combining rigorous research, insightful analysis, and compelling personal accounts, Cook has crafted a work that deepens our empathy, challenges our preconceptions, and inspires us to create a more compassionate world for survivors of trauma. It serves as a wake-up call to society, urging us to recognize the deep scars that captivity can leave, especially for POWs, and to foster an environment of empathy and support for survivors. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in World War II, psychology, human resilience, and the power of the human spirit to triumph over adversity.

Want your own copy? You can pick it up here.