Sleep State Interrupt by T. C. Weber
Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopia
This was an interesting story, addressing problems with political systems and media corporations. The characters were certainly colorful and driven to fight back against the system. I liked Waylee’s drive and Charles’s need to prove himself toward the end. My main issue was I had trouble getting into the action and understanding the BetterWorld scenes. This is still a good read however, especially for anyone into computers, dystopia, and freedom fighters. The ending left me wondering what’s going to happen next with these characters, and I do want to find out.
Arundel Burning by Joseph B. Ross Jr.
Genre(s): Nonfiction
This was an interesting and insightful book. It’s amazing how many people were affected by this terrible tragedy that occurred in Maryland many years ago.
The Eagle and the Dragon by Lewis F. McIntyre
Genre(s): Historical Fiction
This was a remarkable story which brings together the civilizations of Ancient Rome and China. It is like a modern odyssey where the protagonists find themselves on a series of adventures where they meet several different people. They are all seeking different things, but are drawn together on a journey of survival. Antonius, Marcia, and Ibrahim were my favorite characters. This story shows how the need for survival can show who people are deep down and because of which new friendships can be formed. At times the pace did seem to slow down and it was hard to remember who some charcters were and where they were, but that could just be me due to the story’s epic tale. It was wonderful story, and I think it would make a great TV miniseries.
Mary’s Land by Lucia St. Clair Robson
Genre(s): Historical Fiction
Having been to St. Mary’s City, I knew very little of Margaret Brent before reading this book. It was very-well researched, and the setting felt very real to me. The archaic language and time jumps made it hard at times to keep track of who was who and when certain events happened. But what really kept me reading was Anicah – she had a remarkable character arc from beginning to end, and I enjoyed reading her change. This was an interesting historical story about the early days of Maryland.
In the Shadows of the Flames by Joseph B. Ross Jr.
Genre(s): Nonfiction
This was an interesting book. I learned a lot about the history of Baltimore that I didn’t know before, in addition to these riots. It is amazing how many people were involved on both sides of the riots, and it’s sad to think about how it all started and escalated. I just found it hard however to keep track of who was who in most cases, apart from some prominent names like Spiro Agnew. Nevertheless, it was an interesting read and a window into a moment in history I knew nothing about.
Counting to 17 by A. E. Peremel
Genre(s): Poetry
This was an excellent collection of poems that get right at the heart of the suffering and pain that people have to bear following a school shooting, and the message of that pain and how humanity should not forget is clear and profound. The author shows great talent and passion, and has a strong and compassionate heart.
The Korpes File by J. I. Rogers
Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopia
This was an interesting story, taking Orwellian concepts to a new level. People aren’t just monitored and controlled through technology but drugs, especially people like Nash who are deemed dangerous simply because of their genetic heritage. In this dystopian world everyone has an agenda, and you never know who to trust. There’s so much intrigue and corruption.
Nash is definitely a character one sympathizes with early on because of the way he’s treated. Even if he is difficult to work with he is a victim of prejudice and of the monotone routines that people like him have to live by. His romance with Roz was well done and absolutely sweet, and you definitely root for them as a couple. I definitely hope in future books he finds peace in his life and reunites with Roz.
The Faithful One by Michele Chynoweth
Genre(s): Religious
This was a deeply moving and spiritual story. Seth suffered so many tragedies early on, it seemed he just couldn’t get a break. It makes one wonder how they would react were they in his shoes. But it was clear once he’d lost everything that he was not showing humility (something which he would realize later on), especially in one of the most moving scenes, when he was introduced to cancer patients who unlike him were trying to see and make the best of what they were enduring. In the end Seth was saved and realized he had lost his faith, and he found happiness again. The story not only shows miracles can happen, but that in life we must have faith that things will work out, perhaps not as we thought they might, but that they will work out. I would’ve liked to see a bit more action as opposed to description, and a stronger sense of how much time passed in some areas. But still, this was an enjoyable story that kept me focused the entire time.
Andrew McDowell 
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