Taught by Eric F Goldstein is a contemporary literary fiction that follows a teacher and a former student on a week-long journey. However, this journey is not something either one planned.

Jerry Brown's life is a mess. He's likely to lose his job as a teacher. He and his wife are having issues. And Malik, a former student, is beat by police during a protest. He decides to go camping and write graduation letters to his students. But before he gets out of town, Malik shows up. So, they leave together.

This is not a fast-paced story, but one where the back stories leak out slowly and deliberately. We see Jerry doubting himself as a teacher and husband. We see Malik doubt himself as a student and friend. Both doubt whether they can live up to the title of 'man'. And, as the reader, we feel the pain.

Race plays a huge role in the story, allowing us to glimpse lives we might not otherwise experience - and allowing us to ask the hard questions. Is racism real? Is it everywhere? Do people experience a stop in a backwoods gas station differently depending on their skin? And, more importantly, what can - or should - we do about it?

I definitely suggest this one for your TBR.

Purchase a copy of Taught:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3NilBFl

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sons of the Arghandab by Joseph J Fontenot is a memoir about his time in Afghanistan. This was not an easy read because conditions in the Arghandab Valley during 2010-2011 were anything but easy. From the temperatures, to the living quarters, to enemy fire, to losing buddies day in and day out ... I can't begin to comprehend what Joseph and his team went through. However, his book will help you get a better understanding of what our military endured and what they continue to endure now that they are back home.

By the end of the narrative, you will feel like you know the men Joseph knew, which will have you smiling when things go well and crying when they do not. My husband used to quote "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." I am beyond grateful that there are men like Joseph J Fontenot. What would our world be like without them?

As a nation, we need to do better by our returned soldiers, offering them the mental health care they need after seeing such violence and always working on the edge of certain death. Thank you, Joseph, for writing your memoir and helping the world understand what you did.

Purchase a copy of Sons of the Arghandab:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/4iHUJtQ​
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4oLo4VV

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

(Review by Carole O'Neill)

While there are moments of debauchery, madness and sensuality, this psychological thriller, written by Paul Trammell, takes you on quite an interesting ride. We meet Chris, an ex-con, who has just discovered his high school sweetheart, Azalea is divorced from her first husband and available. Their reunion goes so well they get married a few days later. Then his problems begin.

She sees things and talks to people who are not really there. He tries to understand what is happening to her, and even attempts to convince her he also sees the man in the grey suit. Soon he feels the need to rent an apartment across the street so he can watch her in action. When he realizes he will be responsible for covering all of her expenses, as well as the monthly rent, he gets involved with organized crime to pay the bills.

It’s not very often that I’m unable to guess the ending of a story. Trammell keeps shifting the clues so that alternating layers of reality kept me guessing until the very end. I was caught by surprise with this one. This story has a great ending. See if you can guess what the twist will reveal.

Purchase a copy of Until They Bury Me:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/48GJKfQ​
Kindle: https://amzn.to/4iNUMo4

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.