Largely set in Savannah, One Beautiful Year of Normal (She Writes Press 2026) by Sandra Griffith explores the effects of a mother’s severe mental illness on her child in a riveting psychological thriller. The narrative shifts between past and present as the adult August Caine attends the funeral of her Aunt Helen—a woman she believed […]
“What Were You Thinking: Essays 2006–2024” by Hank Lazer
March 3, 2026 by Leave a Comment
The deeply philosophical essays in What You Were Thinking: Essays 2006-2024 (Lavender Ink, 2025) by renowned poet Hank Lazer will appeal to poetry lovers and scholars. In addition to the essays, Lazer includes examples of his “shape” poems and a number of interviews that further illuminate his artistic and philosophical commitments. In April 2015, Lazer […]
“How Simi Got Her Groom Back” by Sonali Dev
March 2, 2026 by Leave a Comment
How much do you owe the older sister who raised you and protected you from a harsh, unforgiving childhood? That question lies at the heart of Sonali Dev’s charming romantic comedy How Simi Got Her Groom Back (Lake Union 2026). Most of us would agree we owe such a sister a great deal—but would we offer her […]
“A Florida Dance: Life Stories from the Sunshine State” by Doug Alderson
February 10, 2026 by Leave a Comment
I have enjoyed all of Doug Alderson’s award-winning books, but I was truly blown away by his latest, A Florida Dance: Life Stories from the Sunshine State (Earthways Press 2026). I know Doug through Tallahassee’s writing community and consider him a friend, but the praise I’m offering here is fully earned. These stories are so […]
Donna Meredith interviews Andy Crocker, author of “The Unconditionals”
February 1, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Book Summary: The Unconditionals: Five Timeless Values to Live Without Limits and Ignite Your Superpower introduces five core values—love, gratitude, integrity, accountability, and endeavor—as essential for personal fulfillment and growth. Combining timeless wisdom, scientific findings, and inspiring real-life examples, it illustrates how embracing these values unconditionally can transform our lives. More than a collection of […]
December Read of the Month: “Junah at the End of the World” by Dan Leach
December 2, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Editor’s note: SLR has two Reads of the Month for December. We think you will love both books. You won’t find a more huggable narrator than twelve-year-old Junah, the unforgettable protagonist of Junah at the End of the World by Dan Leach. His voice—funny, irreverent, and deeply original—calls to mind Holden Caulfield from The Catcher […]