“Allah’s Angels: Chechen Women in War” by Paul J. Murphy

The Chechen wars (1994-6 and 1999-2009, sort of) were brutal for everyone involved. But for Chechen women, they were particularly devastating. “Allah’s Angels” documents their participation and their suffering. Getting hard data about almost any aspect of the Chechen wars can be an exercise in frustration–even things that are supposedly monitored carefully by the government, […]

“The Bucket List” by Emily Ruben

“The Bucket List” is like “Twilight,” except backwards. Misfit college student Leah Clarke falls wildly in love with Damon, a gorgeous, charming neighbor who overcomes his scruples and returns her affection, showering her with love, devotion, and a luxurious, jet-setting lifestyle. Only instead of being immortal, he has a terminal illness. This is a daring […]

“Forbidden Fruit” by Stanley Gazemba

Impoverished laborer Ombima steals from his employer’s garden in order to put food on his family’s table. This action leads to his involvement in a forbidden affair, and a downward spiral into greed, jealousy, and backstabbing. That synopsis notwithstanding, “Forbidden Fruit” is less a tightly plotted tale of lust and revenge, and more a brief […]

“Fata Morgana” by Steven R. Boyett and Ken Mitchroney

A fascinating melange of WWII “aviation lit” (to coin a term) and hard sci-fi, with a side of metaphysics and fantasy, “Fata Morgana” is a unique book. It’s not exactly something I would normally read, but I found it extremely interesting nonetheless. Somewhat to my surprise, since I was expecting sci-fi, the book starts off […]

“Is Journalism Worth Dying For?” by Anna Politkovskaya

While any Politkovskaya book is an emotionally intense experience, this one is particularly wrenching: it begins with articles she wrote during the final years of her life, including the articles that may have led to her murder, and ends with tributes–some heartfelt, some grudging–paid to her after her death by her friends, admirers, and enemies […]

“New York, Actually” by Sarah Morgan

“New York, Actually” is a charming tale of two people who believe they can’t fall in love–until a couple of dogs bring them together. So if you love dogs, romance, and New York City, this book has pretty much everything you need. Molly is a relationship advice expert who’s never not only never been in […]

“Isadora” by Amelia Gray

Isadora Duncan was, in her own peculiar way, one of the most influential personalities of the 20th century. Not only did she usher in a new conception of dance, but she embodied the turn-of-the-century ideal of turning life itself into art. Her personal life was at least as theatrical as her performances, and much more […]

“Astrologer’s Proof” by David John Jaegers

Rufus is on a mission to prove the validity of astrology. To do so, he teams up with other like-minded and well-funded individuals to effect one of the most massive data heists in the history of data heists. “Astrologer’s Proof” covers these heists and the subsequent efforts to use the data, and the fallout it […]

“Adjunct” by Geoff Cebula

“Was it really worth it? Elena thought as they prepared her for the sacrifice. Was any of this really worth it at the end of the day? Sure, pursuing a PhD. had given her a chance to think deeply about issues that she cared about…But was it really worth it for her? At a certain […]

“The Former Chief Executive” by Kate Vane

Recently widowed, Deborah signs up for a garden share scheme so that someone will take care of her late husband’s garden. The person assigned to share her garden is Luca, a stunningly handsome young man with a criminal past. Although seeming to have nothing in common, Deborah and Luca develop an understanding and are able […]

E. P. Clark: Author, Book Reviewer, and All-Around Literary Handiwoman

Book review