Rachel M. Patterson's Blog

Isaac Knight has a lyrical flow that elevates his poems. Some of the poems are short but carry enormous emotions. Knight's first poem "Mild Yellow" is just that, and also accompanies by a beautiful photograph taken by the author. Beautiful yellow bursts from trees that match the golden leaves on the ground. He writes:

"In that tempo so cool and mellow

Deep and rhythmic like a cello"

Knight continues through the book with a flurry of emotions. He tackles love, pain, depression, beauty, and more. The combination of photos and art pair words with a lovely visual aesthetic. Knight also takes time to explain some of his poems to his reader and why they mean so much to him. For the poem "Mirror", the author describes the theme of the poem at the beginning, providing insight for readers. He says:

"There is far too little work in the realm of art on the theme of mentorship. When one person voluntarily takes on the responsibility to ...Not a parent who is naturally in a guiding role nor someone with something to gain. Just a friend who cares and has something of value to teach."

The passion Isaac Knight has for giving back to the art community is heart-warming and much needed. He explains how those who mentored him inspired him to give back to those in need of a guide. I believe this is a crucial circle that keeps the art and writing communities flourishing year after year.

Dark Recesses of the Mind is a memorable collection of art and poetry. I recommend you read this book slowly and savor every stanza. With classic poets to inspire him, he honors the cadence of rhyming and tosses in a modern feel. Knight curated the book delicately and I implore you to take your time.

My rating:

American Brujeria by J. Allen Cross is a fascinating look into the art of Mexican-American folk magic. Cross gives a brief history about Mexican-American folk magic and then jumps into a step-by-step guide to spells, candle magic, and more. So much is packed into this book that readers will be astounded.

Steeped in Catholic traditions, “American Brujeria” is a melting pot of Christian beliefs and magic. Growing up Catholic myself, I recognized many familiar tropes from the faith: praying the rosary and novenas, stories about saints and martyrs, and revering Mary the mother of Jesus. I knew nothing about this particular brand of folk magic and I highly recommend reading about it.

I would have liked to see more of the history of Mexican-American folk magic included in the book, rather than delve into a how-to of magic. However, Cross wrote the book with a specific vision in mind. I do not practice magic, but those who are interested will find American Brujeria helpful and insightful.

My rating:

Jamie Pineda tells his own unique story in this well-written memoir. Piercing the Cloud: Encountering the Real Me focuses on science and reason, but also questions why such things are considered at odds with spirituality and faith. The author's impressive background of teaching Cognitive Science, Neuroscience, and Psychiatry at the University of California, lends further credibility to the book.

Pindeda starts with his mother's difficult decision to send him to live in the United States for a better future. The rest of his childhood is filled with typical teen angst and a love of reading and writing.

"Unconsciously the stories reinforced specific Western cultural norms and behaviors I took as my own. I remember reading the Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and wanting to have the grit and fortitude of the Joad clan as they journeyed from Oklahoma to California only to find disappointment in the paradise they expected" (Pineda).

The author also explores his spiritual side during a self-proclaimed "mid-life" crisis. He explains that attempting to understand something bigger than ourselves is part of human nature. Currently, science can not explain the idea of a higher power, but it can't refute it either.

"Science and the scientific methods are humanity’s refined inventions and responses to uncertainty. But, just like the psychological limitations inherent in our reactivity to the pain produced by life, there are limitations inherent in scientific exploration—the pain of not knowing" (Pineda).

Jamie Pineda writes this story for himself, however, it is also a book for others struggling with what to believe in. No one has all of the answers, not even the most intelligent of human beings. This memoir blends everything into a perfect picture of what science and spirituality can create when taken hand-in-hand. I found this book to be inspirational and incredibly interesting. I highly recommend this to someone looking for a book about a higher power without the general biased conclusions others have written about in the past.

My rating:

A Private Wilderness shares an inside look at beloved naturalist Sigurd Olson’s life. Olson aspired to be an environmentalist, conservationist, and nature writer. The book uses journal entries from Olson himself to share his thoughts, struggles, and emotions. Passion bleeds from the entries as Olson describes his love for nature.

“Do not forget that communion with nature is communion with one’s soul” (Olson).

Despite pining for an author's life, Sigurd Olson was forced to take environmental jobs that did not satiate his desire to write. Nevertheless, the journal entries showcase his writing talent and passion for growing as a writer. Olson mentions various nature writers for inspiration and expresses his admiration. The authors fuel Olson to become the best writer he can be.

Despite a personal insight into the mind of Sigurd Olson, the book is at times dull. Most of the entries are typical day-to-day thoughts that I felt the urge to skip. I would have like to see more about the man himself. Perhaps, the publisher could have added biographical information between entries to give the reader a better sense of who Olson was. Still, if you are a fan of nature authors or environmentalism A Private Wilderness is an interesting read.

My rating:

Alison Weir is a best-selling author and historian, focusing mainly on Tudor's history. Weir's nonfiction is top-tier with biographies like The Six Wives of Henry VIII and The Life of Elizabeth I. Katharine Parr, The Sixth Wife is Weir's next foray into historical fiction. Book six of the "Six Tudor Queens" ends with Henry's last wife, Katherine Parr. Parr was the oldest of Henry's queens and possibly the best-fitted for the mercurial king. Her patience and maturity were much needed in Henry's life after his many romantic encounters.The novel begins with Katherine's childhood, bringing forth facts about her upbringing and melding them with fictional drama. Weir takes us on a journey from Parr's marriage to Henry after his death. The story gives us an imagines look into what life might have been like for Katherine after being chosen as Henry VIII's final wife. The tumultuous and violent reign of the Tudor king must have frightened Katherine. One wrong move could have meant the death of Parr.'"Katharine was five when death cast its black shadow over her life. It was a terrible time of fear and grief when the dread plague known as the sweating sickness ravaged London" (Weir).Weir's talent with reviving the past is prevalent in Katharine Parr, The Sixth Wife. Like her biographies, the book presents the truth. However, Alison Weir's fictional writing is not as compelling as her nonfiction. The novel checks off the necessary items on the list: drama, love, and deceit. Despite following the rules, the author falls short. Weir's creative writing feels similar to her historical nonfiction. The words feel cold and flat, lacking a specific voice and style. I enjoyed the novel, but not as much as Weir's biographies. I wanted more passionate writing and less historical facts. Katharine Parr, The Sixth Wife, reads more like an essay on the Tudor queen than an exciting tale of a girl turned queen. Parr's life was exciting, but unfortunately, she was not as fascinating as her predecessors. Perhaps that is why the novel feels strained and monotonous. That being said, I look forward to what Alison Weir has in store for the future.My rating: Katharine Parr, The Sixth Wife A Novel By Alison Weir is due to be released on May 11, 2021.

A factual and at times callous look into the stories of the Christian and Hebrew Bibles.

Raul Casso writes an impassioned book that picks apart the stories told in the King James Version of the Christian Bible, while also comparing scripture from the Jewish Publication Society of America version of the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible). The book is well-written as well as keenly researched. No doubt, the author's legal background lends a hand to the professional display of factual discovery. However, at times his findings are tainted with a condescending tone.

For example, one of his footnotes reads: "I was by that time completely brainwashed (Casso 34)." Perhaps a less biased wording would be less abrasive and more factual in nature. Sadly, most Christian readers will find the tone of this book insulting.

Despite these issues, The Folly Bible provides a fascinating look at scriptures that built religion as we know it. Casso dissects Jesus as a person and as a prophet. He questions why Jesus would insist that his disciples keep his motives and miracles a secret from the masses, especially if he was sent to earth as a prophet to spread the word of God.

If Jesus were really God, obeying God’s will, nothing could get in his way or otherwise frustrate God’s plan. Any human involvement would necessarily proceed along predetermined lines.

The Folly Bible demands its readers to question everything they have learned about the Bible and Christianity. The unyielding and through-provoking questions beg you to think about religion from an unbiased standpoint. At times, the author's dislike for religion slips through, however, his questions still remain: What does the Bible really mean? Should we take the text

literally or try to accept that the Bible is filled with parables and fantasies?

No matter your beliefs or personal journey, The Folly Bible can offer a new take on "the word of God."

My rating:

An inspirational book with a hopeful message to those suffering from mental illness.

My rating:

Swensen offers an intimate look into mental illness, providing personal experiences of her own battle. The author writes that she wanted to publish this book before Christmas since it is "the highest rate of suicide." I found these sentiments to be heartfelt and vital to the potential readers looking for assistance with their mental and emotional struggles. The holidays can be stressful enough, but 2020 has taken stress to a whole other level. If there was ever a time to write an autobiographical self-help book, 2020 is the year to do it.

One of my favorite lines in The Voice of the Phoenix, is "There is one lesson I have learned is that when the cup is half full or half empty, it does matter what you choose." Swensen tells readers that you do have control over your life and your mental health. No matter how far down the rabbit hole you feel, there is always a way to pull yourself back up. As someone who suffers from depression and anxiety, this spoke to me. Life can feel like a tailspin, but choosing how you handle your symptoms can give a person a sense of control.

The author pours her heart out throughout the rest of the book; discussing relationships, shopping addiction, and post-traumatic stress. Swensen is an army vet with problem after problem but continues to fight even off the battlefield. The writing in Phoenix is not as polished as most books and needs some polish in terms of grammar and spelling, but the message is there: Suicide is never the answer.

Swensen finishes her book with advice and positive vibes. She says, "Searching for closure should start by forgiving yourself". Swensen implores that you look inside yourself and work on self-love. The Voice of the Phoenix is honest and worth the read for anyone suffering from mental illness.

My rating: Hamilton created a beautiful and sinister world with her novel Primrose. The tone of the novel reminded me of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. The combination of childlike innocence and darkness weaves a web of fascination. Primrose's journey takes an approach to a dark, modern fairy tale.

"“I don’t want to be rude, but can I ask... what are you? I’ve never seen anything like you before,” Primrose asked. Abatiel studiEventsed her again. They felt they could trust her with thisinformation. “I am a demon.” “A demon. Like from religion?” Primrose asked. “Not really. We existed long before religion..."

Primrose discovers a creature under her bed, unlike anything she has ever seen. The demon is friendly and gentle, taking a much different approach to the "demons" we have come to know from Sunday School. Abatiel becomes Primrose's friend when she needs one most.

"She found a new flame to find Thomas, not for any one person but her family. She wanted everyone to feel whole again and that missing piece was Thomas."

The author does a great job of pacing the story. Primrose never feels sluggish or overworked. As Baby Bear from Goldilocks would say, it is "just right." Following our heroine into the demon world to find her Abatiel and her brother, Thomas, is a frightening idea. Abatiel is amiable, but then not all demons are the same. Primrose must fight to keep her soul and keep the evil demons at bay.I look forward to reading more from Jade Hamilton in the future. The world she created with Primrose has the potential to carry on in a full series. The book is a refreshing taste of gothic fantasy. I recommend this novel for young adult readers, as well as Middle-Grade readers. Children will love the characters and this little girl's epic journey to and from the darkness.

The first few chapters of Double Crossed: Play the Hand You Are Dealt were difficult to swallow. Anthony Anthamatten sets up a gritty story ripe with the cruel reality. However, it is through this crushing start that the author builds his characters and reels in the reader. Once hooked, you can't help but follow through with the story to find out what happens.

Mattie was a character that I instantly connected with. Sixteen-years-old and all alone, Mattie tries to make her way through the world. Despite her experience of innocence, trouble entered her life and changed her forever. Mattie experiences something terrible, but unfortunately all too common for women.

Mattie stared out the car window, lost in thought. Her spirit felt as dull as the cold, gray day.

The story continues and introduces us to Stenson, a young boy with an abusive father trying to protect his mother and siblings from his rage.

Even though he was a little boy, Stenson had the fury of a grown man. He was ready to grab a knife from the kitchen and stab his father as he slept. Nobody would blame him if he did.

My heart broke for Stenson and his family. As a mother, it was tough to read about Stenson being afraid for his mother, while also trying to help take care of his brother and sister. Stenson reads a bedtime story, Where the Wild Things Are, to them and tucks them in with all the warmth and love a big brother should have.

Anthamatten made sure to address the reality of kids who don't have it easy growing up, while also showing that not everyone is a bad person. The reader will be rooting for the main characters all the way to the end of the book. In my opinion, this character-driven story is well worth the read.

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. You can purchase it here.

While reading Reckless Discernment, I immediately thought of Humphrey Bogart dressed in a fedora and trench coat, ready to solve a mystery. Sullivan's writing reflects the film noir of days gone by. This story was a refreshing reminder of how great a classic mystery can be with a modern tone.

Andrew and Elizabeth are the two main characters that join forces to sleuth their way into unraveling a twisted plot. As each layer of the mystery unfolds, the truth seems more and more unbelievable. The pair of amateur detectives share great chemistry. I really enjoyed their back and forth banter while they hunted for information and clues. The passage below is one of the many exchanges between Andrew, the narrator, and his sidekick Elizabeth:

"Every time we find out anything new about this woman you want to switch careers,” I said.

“I know. I wonder how you break into the sausage-importing game. I bet there's a for-dummies book on it.”

Elizabeth is the fun, adventurous type while Andrew is enthralled by facts and uncovering the truth. It's not a new dynamic, but Sullivan does a great job with the familiar routine. Some male authors have trouble writing female characters, however, Sullivan writes Elizabeth with ease. I was impressed with the author's ability to create such an authentic woman.

The witty writing sets this book apart from most mysteries. The humor helps the story seem less stale and engages the reader. I find the modern mystery genre to be dramatic or silly, but wit is rare to come by. Reckless Discernment takes you on a wild ride with a tongue-in-cheek chuckle along the way. I hope Sullivan is considering using the characters for a series because Andrew and Elizabeth are the stars of the show. Their relationship will keep readers coming back for more.