In this reflective review of Go See America: 118 of the USA’s Greatest Hits by Matt Tory, I explore a travel guide built on curiosity, accessibility, and quiet discovery. Rather than offering a checklist, the book creates momentum, encouraging readers to appreciate overlooked places, travel intentionally, and rediscover wonder close to home.
Forest of Noise is a searing, intimate collection by Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha—one that captures the ache of displacement, the fragility of memory, and the stubborn persistence of hope. In this review, I explore the book’s themes, the lived reality behind the poems, and why Abu Toha’s voice feels both urgently political and deeply human.
“The infinite universe lives within all of us. All our possibilities coexist in other dimensions—we just have to choose the one we’re living in.” Finna
Set in a surreal 1990s Seattle, The Golden Basement is a gritty, genre-bending novel that explores ideology, rebellion, and the systems we believe in—or walk away from. David Norman Lewis blends speculative fiction with satire and sharp emotional insight in this unforgettable, chaotic story.
Susanna Clarke’s Piranesi is a beautifully melancholic mystery wrapped in a dreamlike meditation on solitude, memory, and reality. Told through the fragmented journal entries of its protagonist, the novel immerses readers in an endless labyrinth of grand halls, statues, and tides. As Piranesi documents his world, he slowly uncovers inconsistencies that unravel everything he knows. The process of discovery is akin to archaeology—each clue, each forgotten entry a piece of a larger mystery waiting to be unearthed. Evoking the eerie, philosophical tones of The OA, Sense8, and Fringe, Piranesi is a novel that lingers long after the final page.
Willow Smith’s Black Shield Maiden explores belief, resilience, and cultural exchange in Viking-age Scandinavia. This historical fantasy dives deep into identity and connection, making it a must-read for fans of immersive, character-driven storytelling.
“I have written books about making the world a better place and how to make humanity more survivable. You can call it save-the-world fiction, but
The World Record of Racist Stories(2022) by Amber and Lacey Lamar is the sequel to their first book, You Won’t Believe What Happened to Lacey. In The World Record of Racist Stories Amber and Lacey reveal more wild stories about racist encounters over the years. If you are unfamiliar with Amber Ruffin, she is a writer on both The Late Show with Seth Meyers and the host of The Amber Ruffin Show on NBC. She is charismatic, funny, and an all-around talent. Her sister Lacey guest stars on the show every once in a while, usually to talk about their favorite bands or play a game. They both are a delight.
Richard Osman’s The Bullet That Missed, the third book in the Thursday Murder Club series, is a masterful blend of humor, heart, and mystery. This book not only keeps readers hooked with its clever twists and turns but also leaves a lasting emotional impact through its exploration of friendship, resilience, and the joy of shared experiences.
A thoughtful review of Excavations by Kate Myers, exploring themes of feminism, archeology, and reclaiming history. Perfect for fans of feminist historical fiction.