Review: If You Find This Letter by Hannah Brencher

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About the Book

A heartwarming memoir of love and faith from Hannah Brencher—founder of The World Needs More Love Letters—who has dedicated her life to showing total strangers that they are not alone in the world.

Fresh out of college, Hannah Brencher moved to New York, expecting her life to look like a scene from Sex and the City. Instead, she found a city full of people who knew where they were going and what they were doing and didn’t have time for a girl still trying to figure it all out. Lonely and depressed, she noticed a woman who looked like she felt the same way on the subway. Hannah did something strange—she wrote the woman a letter. She folded it, scribbled “If you find this letter, it’s for you…” on the front and left it behind. 

When she realized that it made her feel better, she started writing and leaving love notes all over the city—in doctor’s offices, in coat pockets, in library books, in bathroom stalls. Feeling crushed within a culture that only felt like connecting on a screen, she poured her heart out to complete strangers. She found solace in the idea that her words might brighten someone’s day.

Hannah’s project took on a life of its own when she made an offer on her blog: She would handwrite a note and mail it to anyone who wanted one. Overnight, her inbox exploded with requests from people all over the world. Nearly 400 handwritten letters later, she started the website, The World Needs More Love Letters, which quickly grew. 

There is something about receiving a handwritten note that is so powerful in today’s digital era. If You Find This Letter chronicles Hannah’s attempts to bring more love into the world—and shows how she rediscovered her faith through the movement she started. 

Review

Hannah Brencher's memoir, If You Find This Letter was an absolutely inspiring story, which opened my eyes to a whole new world full of people with needs I never wanted to recognize before. Brencher's movement is an inspiration, not just because of its selfless character and desire to elevate people around the world through the combined power of words and love, but also because of its origin story, which is very similar to a lot of its readers in its fight against brokenness and search for something "bigger than ourselves" to hold on to. This book is not only a fun read, it also does what only very good books do: it challenges us to improve ourselves and our perspective on the world by opening our eyes to the rawness of the world around us.

A great read for college students, in particular, who are following in the same steps that Brencher took as she left home in order to pursue a future which was not always clear. Readers of this age group can relate to the goodbyes, the hellos, and the fear of loneliness that the author undergoes as she faces growing up in a world that is bigger than the palm of her hand. If You Find This Letter, is a phenomenal read for people of any age group, in all reality, because of its superior storytelling, sincerity, and focus on the simplest and most complex element in our world: love.

Reviewed by Sofia Millar

Review: Last Night at the Viper Room: River Phoenix and the Hollywood He Left Behind by Gavin Edwards

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About the Book

In Last Night at the Viper Room, acclaimed author and journalist Gavin Edwards vividly recounts the life and tragic death of acclaimed actor River Phoenix—a teen idol on the fast track to Hollywood royalty who died of a drug overdose in front of West Hollywood’s storied club, the Viper Room, at the age of 23.

Last Night at the Viper Room explores the young star’s life, including his childhood in Venezuela growing up under the aegis of the cultish Children of God. Putting him at the center of a new generation of leading men emerging in the early 1990s— including Johnny Depp, Keanu Reeves, Brad Pitt, Nicolas Cage, and Leonardo DiCaprio—Gavin Edwards traces the Academy Award nominee’s meteoric rise, couches him in an examination of the 1990s, and illuminates his lasting legacy on Hollywood and popular culture itself.

Review

I did not pick this book up because I am a 90's nostalgist or a film buff, but because my brother had mentioned the name River Phoenix before and had been struck with a genuine feeling of sorrow at this young man's loss. As I read this book, I came to find out that this feeling was one that was shared by those who knew River and those who only saw his movies alike. 

This book is thorough, tracing River's life from start to finish. It gives readers an intimate view into a life lost too soon and has a solemn way of reminding you of that impending death time after time. Yet, at the same time we are given glimpses into beautiful moments of a young man who touched the lives of others deeply, and we come to understand him as someone who was a free thinker and full of love for his fellow man, showing this through his passion for music and acting.

As it goes with most truly biographical works, this one comes with great sadness and trauma as well as moments of wisdom and hilarity. It is a book that is easily read, not at all stagnating in its writing style. The unique thing about this biography in particular is Edwards' uncanny ability to not only move the reader along the path of River's life, but also reveal the changing landscape of Hollywood and its actors and actresses of the time. 

Before reading this book, the only movie I had watched of River's was Stand By Me, so I didn't particularly have of an opinion of him, but coming out of this book, my heart aches for those who have lost genuine friends and family in sudden, tragic accidents. It is heartbreaking to read of young lives lost, especially particularly unique ones, and River's was no exception. The loss of River Phoenix had a profound butterfly effect on Hollywood and perhaps, in turn, the world.

Reviewed by Amy Richardson

Review: Chasity Rules by Nakia R. Laushaul

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About the Book

When it comes to love—Chasity Hall has rules. 

Rule Number One: Never fall in love. 
Rule Number Two: Always follow rule number one. 
Rule Number Three: Never let a man fall in love with you. 

After years of experiencing dead-end relationships, go-getter Chasity Hall has sworn off love for good. However, a happenstance visit up to the forty-eighth floor where she works sends Chasity head over heels in love again, and this time it is with a dazzling corner office suite with a killer view. The only problem for the purpose-driven fashionista is that Chasity’s single status is not working in her favor and she believes that an equally ambitious beau will give her the professional image of success she desperately desires. Upon the advice of Pia, her love-addicted best-friend, she hires an intuitive matchmaker who challenges Chasity to search inside her heart to finally discover her real one true love.

Review

Let me start by saying in as much I enjoyed the book Chasity Rules. It started with the main character Chasity Hall who is looking for love as an adult. The story takes the reader back to earlier times of Chasity, Michael and Pia who were childhood friends. Although the dynamics between their families were different they enjoyed spending time together. Then one day something happened between two of the three friends which changed their perceptions of each other forever. This story had drama, revenge and that pivotal moment when Chasity, realized true love from fantasy.

Often and at times when Chasity, was standing at the precipice of unpleasant situations, she did not always make good decisions that would allow respect and regard from the people whom she socialized with. So she invented rules to alleviate the hurt that she experienced. My opinion about the Rules is that, I think we all take mental notes of what to do and what not to do whenever we are allowed a second chance at anything. The first rule "never fall in love" is not the rule that I would suggest anyone to practice. However I would suggest be careful who you date because you never know who you will fall in love with. So I applaud some of her rules because Chasity, saw her mistakes and learned from them.

The characters in the story were memorable. Pia, was the most interesting. Even though she seemed to have everything. She had a father,a mother, a lovely house and all of the material things that would seem to make a person happy. Yet Pia, had much to learn about friendship and how to love people. Her habit of coveting caused her life to back fire onto herself. So how does one seem to have it all be so unhappy? Then there is the question of Mrs. Orner, Pia's mother. Always helping or hindering? Lastly there is Michael, he never gave up on his dreams of success or finding the love of his life.

Reading Chasity Rules, was sweet and worth savoring because this story was about growing up and coming into self awareness.  After I read the book, I reflected on the characters. And thought, what would be the outcome of their relationship? Now that the three friends are adults. Will Chasity, Michael and Pia, be able to rekindle a friendship? Like the friendship that they once shared when they were children.

I would recommend this book with a hot cup of chocolate, your favorite pajamas, get cozy and enjoy!

Reviewed by Rhonda Bilal

Review: The Ring of Brightest Angels Around Heaven: A Novella and Stories by Rick Moody

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About the Book

In his first story collection, Rick Moody provides readers with a poignant, brazenly honest glimpse into the lives of a wide array of characters, from a paranoid husband obsessively listening in on his wife’s phone calls to the junkies and sex addicts of New York City’s underworld. Whether they’re grasping for connection or struggling to survive in a dismal and indifferent environment, these individuals’ haunting voices and the evocative worlds they inhabit make for a diverse and powerful volume.

Experimenting with form—one story is told as a term paper, another as an annotated bibliography—Moody demonstrates the vast range of his fascinations and talents, as well as his arresting command of language. Candid depictions of contemporary society and the inner-workings of distinctive characters’ minds bring these inquisitive, heartrending, and at times undeniably funny accounts to life.

Review

This collection of short stories is brought to life through the exemplary use of over-telling. We get it all in these stories, the whole dish on every feeling, every doubt, every action, which makes for a unique and, more often than not, troubling look into the lives of the average person.

The Grid is an overview of the happenings of a number of New Yorkers and how their kisses with others lead them into their respective places of destiny. It is both endearing and relatable, as the reader finds themselves watching as lives step out of places of happiness into places of doubt, and the reverse as well. It is especially poignant as a robbery takes place during these moments of passion and we are given not only the good, but the troublesome. It is an honest and reverential look at human life and how our experiences are never quite good and never quite bad, which makes for a truly full life. 

In The Apocalypse Commentary of Bob Paisner, Moody plays with the idea of the academic paper, bringing the reader’s awareness of the form to the forefront. The diction of this story in particular is more casual than an academic paper is usually expected to be, which brings a playfulness to academia that is not usually present. In an interesting twist, Moody gives us an honest response you could imagine anyone having toward the Bible, which keeps the relatability high through this collection of short stories. Bob intermixes his own experiences and feelings, which seem at home with the interpretation of the apocalyptic history of the church.

The Preliminary Notes stands out as a personal favorite, as we’re given a paranoid husband whose occupation involves dealing with personal injuries in businesses and whose doubt directed at his wife swallows up his own sanity. As the first story of the collection, this tale eases us into Moody’s descriptive and seemingly encyclopedic way of writing. It starts off with the reveal of the husband’s surveillance of his wife’s telephone calls and brings the reader into a precarious position. By the end, doubt is springing up on both sides and in the mind of the reader, which makes for an exceptionally intimate look into the issues that can surface in any marriage.

Overall, this is an intriguing and honest look into the lives of humanity. It is abrasive at times and endearing at others. There’s a truly frank revelation of the human experience in these stories and Moody’s writing style sweeps the reader away into intimate places of love and apathy. It is a collection that, if you’re partial to reading short stories, you should pick up. 

Reviewed by Amy Richardson

Review: Angel in Aisle 3 by Kevin West and Frederick Edwards

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About the Book

In the tradition of An Invisible Thread and Same Kind of Different as Me, Angel in Aisle 3 is the heartwarming true story of an unlikely friendship that began with a chance meeting in a grocery store between a bank executive bound for prison and an elderly stranger.

When Kevin West resigned from his job as vice president of a bank in 1998 after making fraudulent loans, he spent the time before his trial managing a family-owned, small grocery store in Ironton, Ohio. Dealing with serious marriage problems and with a prison sentence almost certainly in his future, Kevin was overcome with remorse and without a scrap of hope. It was at his lowest moment that Kevin called out to a power beyond himself for help, and God answered his prayer in the form of an elderly vagrant in a soiled shirt and tattered pants named Don.

When Don saw Kevin’s open Bible on the counter next to the register, the untidy, long-haired indigent took the opportunity to share Bible wisdom and life-giving truths that changed Kevin’s life. Finding a sense of peace in their conversation, Kevin offered Don a few basic groceries and an invitation to continue their conversation the next day. What began as a chance meeting between two individuals whose lives seemed headed for certain ruin, turns into an unlikely bond of friendship that saved them both.

It was this friendship that helped Kevin thrive in prison, restore his failed marriage, and gave Don a chance at a new life that went beyond anyone’s imagination. Moving and awe-inspiring, this story of a pure friendship sheds light on the redemption and hope that can grow out of relationships based in faith. 

Review

How many times have you faced a situation or moment in your life where you just are at the depth of despair and then something or someone comes into your life at the right time as if they were meant to be there? If anything could be truer in this amazing, inspirational story is the power of divine intervention. Words can’t express the beauty of this book and how thought provoking the journey the reader will experience witnessing the bond between two unlikely individuals. This truly will be a testament to the power of faith.

Angel in Aisle 3 is one of those books that will touch your heart and illuminate your mind. Based on a true story, we are introduced to a man named Kevin, who has comes to terms with some decision that he made in life that leaves him facing time in prison. After resigning from his job, he decided to open a local store as a way to make a living for his family. Lost, uncertain about life and not knowing what the future was going to be, he was literally at a point where the uncertainty of life really was getting to him. Then one day, a homeless man entered his store and on outside looked as if he had nothing but as they always say, “you can’t judge a book by its cover.” It is in our darkest hour, we find light. This chance encounter sparked a friendship that not only was unexpected but really gave two people the chance to start over.

This is one of the books that I thought was really special. Even though much of the book’s characters are influenced by their faith, you don’t have to be grounded in faith only to appreciate it. The central plot of the book is one that I believe will be appreciated by everyone. The genuine sincerity of the story being told of these two broken men defeated by life, break down the barriers to rebuild was such an honest testimony of the elasticity of human resilience.

The two characters whose voices so desperately needed to be heard were Kevin and Don. Kevin, who had everything but made some bad decisions that nearly cost him everything. He was someone that was on the top who got knocked down to the bottom of life. It was such a sobering experience to watch his journey transform his life from accepting the weight of his actions on his life, family and marriage. You can’t help but be inspired by him conquering his internal struggles with some spiritual guidance and to see him mend his broken spirit was rewarding. 

What really just had my heart was Don. I applaud the authors for showing a character that represent a segment of the popular that get lumped into a stereotype. Not every homeless person wants to be, is an addict or has a substance problem. There are many people who especially in times like now get displaced and being homeless become their reality. How many people walk past a homeless as if there aren’t there? There is a moment in the book where he was sitting in the store and tried to help someone and that person treated him as if he wasn’t there. He said something that just awakened my spiritual conscious. Defeated, he said, “He must not have seen me.” The weight of that statement was so profound because as you get to know him, he has a story and what he brings to Kevin’s life is more than all the money in the world. The journey these two take together and how they complement each other’s transformation is teaches us some valuable lessons about life.

Just to let you know the book does contain elements of scripture commentary that is a part of the lives of the character. If you are not someone who embraces a faith, I think you will still enjoy reading the book in spite of. It offers so much in terms of teaches us humility, forgiveness, and how to look past the outside because you don’t know who will come into your lives and be the answer to making things better. Once you start reading, you will not want to stop because there is magnetic that pulls towards your empathy that will make you keep turning the pages. This inspiring story that promotes hope, forgiveness, redemption and friendship will be one make you appreciate life at its simplest. 

Reviewed by Michelle Bowles

Review: The Sign Painter by Davis Bunn

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About the Book

A deeply emotive story about a young mother struggling to get back on her feet after a devastating loss leaves both her and her daughter alone and living on the street—from bestselling and award-winning author Davis Bunn.

Amy Dowell had always considered herself a very good mother. But when she loses her husband to illness and her home to debt, she finds herself and her young daughter, Kimberly, living on the streets as she struggles to find a job that will get them back on their feet again.

When Amy meets Lucy Watts, the pastor in charge of the church program that fed Amy and Kimberly their latest meal, Lucy sets them up in temporary housing and gives her a lead on a job painting signs for a local auto dealership—but Amy is hesitant to let go and trust. Is this finally a legitimate break? Can Amy subject herself to the possibility of disappointment and hurt by hoping again?

Inspired by the true story, The Sign Painter is a tale of desperation, taking chances, and ultimately redemption. This heartwarming novel blends mystery, romance, and characters you’ll root for, will leave you wondering–Is home really where the heart is?

Review

The Sign Painter was definitely one of those books that had a little bit of everything but what I thoroughly enjoyed was the central story surrounding the character Amy Dowell. So many people when they hear someone is a single mother, immediately stigmatize and judge them without ever having been in there shoes. Amy could be anyone you know and her story is one that can happen at any time. One day her life changed and a series of events left her homeless with her daughter. 

As a reader, you can’t help but fall in love and root for Amy. She and her daughter, Kimmie, have experienced their fair share of obstacles. After the death of her husband, life took a nosedive but despite that, she held onto her faith with the aspirations of reclaiming a stable life of security for the both of them. Not having any support system or means to better, she didn’t rely on anyone but worked hard to get make things better. Working odd jobs here and there to support the both of them, by luck she came across a woman named Lucy, who was part of a church where her instinct and compassion kicked in to give Amy a chance to rebuild their life.

Lucy represents what I wish more people in this would do. I really enjoyed the story that developed between the two of them. Lucy completely embodied everything about paying forward. This really made you want to grab a Kleenex. I know many people out there are struggling with religion and more specifically the role a church plays reaching out to the community. It was really nice reading a character who on a leap of faith, more intuitive instinct, saw someone who really needed a helping hand, put themselves out there for them so they could have a chance. People come into your life at the right time for the right reason. Sometimes we have to go through some things but at our darkest hour, when we least expect it, we find light. Through their inspirational friendship, we see Amy grow and get the life she was trying so desperately to have. 

Now, the book did have a little bit of action going on that spiced up the book. Amy was witness to something that opened up this who saga that brought some excitement to the book. I don’t want to be a party pooper but I could’ve done without this. Not that it was terrible or anything but there are other characters that had aspects of their lives that I think we could’ve delved into that would’ve been just as interesting. Nonetheless, it gave a little excitement to an already enjoyable read.

Bunn inspires with a novel of hope and gives a face to those who have faced similar obstacles that you keep working hard to rebuild your life even when each day seems like a better day is unreachable, faith sometimes is all you have to hold unto. He shows us how this single mom despite the odds against, held onto hope and through hard work and determination lived each day harder to make life better. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the message that offers to readers. I would recommend this book to read.

Reviewed by Michelle Bowle