About Book Marks
Recent Reviews
Ashley C. Ford
Positive The New York Journal of Books ... an in-depth examination of characters and family dynamics that commonly reside within the American landscape. Though they may not be totally unique, the personalities are nonetheless still relatable as she brings them alive in a compelling narrative. The dialogue among family members is often dispiriting and yet poignant at the same time. ... one of the most positive outcomes of Ms. Ford’s dedication to becoming a healthy adult.
Dave Kindred
Rave New York Journal of Books An emotional and psychological voyage into the psyche of a grief-stricken grandfather ... One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is how author Kindred strategically intersperses direct accounts of Jared’s friends from their shared lives on the road within the narrative. All of them had spent time with him and each other, which they viewed as both memorable and enjoyable. Each of them admired Jared’s free spirit, sense of humor, kind heart, and willingness to help others in need ... it must have required a great amount of courage and intestinal fortitude on the part of the writer ... Though his deep and unconditional love for his grandson may have contributed to some denial about Jared’s illness early on in the disease, eventually he came to have a deep understanding of the entire process. As a result of his appreciation and acceptance of what took place, readers are also led to have a deeper understanding of the addictive and debilitating disease of alcoholism.
Issac J. Bailey
Positive New York Journal of Books ... singular voices have arisen that are able to separate the wheat from the chaff to openly speak the truth about the continuous violence perpetrated upon Black people and the rising inequality in Trump’s America. Issac J. Bailey is one such voice. Despite his many accomplishments in a white dominated world, he feels a deep anguish about the mounting abuses African Americans are forced to endure ... In 169 pages, Bailey splendidly creates a milieu where empathy can take root and blossom within readers of all backgrounds. A recognition slowly arises that we are all in this together and the time for an awakening to that fact is now.
Rose Andersen
Positive The New York Journal of Books ... one of the rare books in the marketplace that is both written by a recovering addict as well as being the person who bore witness to the downward spiral of addiction and ultimate death of her closest family member. As much personal experience Andersen had with the degradation and destruction of substance abuse, she was forced to stand by helplessly when it came to saving her own sister. Unfortunately, this is the plight of many who love an addict or alcoholic.
Paul Seward, MD
Positive The New York Journal of Books As a respected physician for over 50 years, Dr. Seward regales the reader with slice-of-life vignettes that both illustrate and educate us about myriad aspects of medicine including both the physical and emotional ones. Not only is each case a bit different but there are often unusual complexities involved no matter how routine a set of symptoms appears to be ... an unusual memoir readers will not forget. If one is unfamiliar with emergency medicine, it will be an educational experience told with enough real-life drama to keep one interested and may further an interest in the field. Some readers, however, may perceive a drawback in the book. At just over 220 pages, the brevity of Patient Care: Death and Life in the Emergency Room can be viewed as a bit disappointing. There must be so many more fascinating stories to include in a book such as this one, particularly when they are told so well.
Darnell L. Moore
Rave The New York Journal of Books No Ashes in the Fire: Coming of Age Black and Free in America is both psychologically astute as well as visually exceptional. The reader is in the room with Moore when his father is perpetrating intense physical abuse upon his mother. One feels every excruciating word and the thoughts of that scene linger long after the book concludes ... There are many pivotal life experiences in this impressive memoir. The poise of the author as he delineates each one with grace and clarity—qualities of immense strength shine through above all else. Each of his thoughts emphasize the import of a situation and clarify the issues involved from his perspective. And every word is carefully chosen to maximize the emotional impact on the reader. One cannot soon forget this powerful real-life story that affects myriad people in America.