TheRicanReader

"Rhythm & Fire: A Life in Harmony with Earth, Wind & Fire" by Ralph Johnson with Rory Pullens Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5) Reading time: ~3 minutes Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance audiobook copy for review. Fifty years, eight #1 hits, and not one drug-fueled cautionary tale — Ralph Johnson's memoir is the rock-doc plot twist nobody saw coming. That's the improbable pitch of "Rhythm & Fire," the memoir from Earth, Wind & Fire's longtime percussionist and vocalist. In a genre built on excess and implosion, Johnson tells a different kind of band story: one built on discipline, faith, and family — and it's just as gripping. Why it matters Music memoirs tend to follow a script: rise, ruin, redemption, repeat. Johnson breaks it. EWF's story is a rare case of a band that consciously swore off the drugs-and-sex mythology of its era, choosing spirituality and craft instead — and still became one of the best-sellin...

Peace Train by Cat Stevens, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes This beautifully illustrated, audio read-along book brings to life the timeless message of peace and unity, inspired by Cat Stevens’ classic song Peace Train. Originally written over 50 years ago, the song’s message remains profoundly relevant today—and perhaps even more so. The story follows a young boy playing guitar and singing the song as he rides the peace train, joined by a diverse and multicultural group of children from all over the world. Reynolds’s lively and engaging illustrations radiate warmth and a sense of embracing community, capturing the universal desire for harmony. While the song was penned decades ago, its message about hope, kindness, and working together to create a better world resonates deeply with today’s readers. It’s a powerful reminder that peace begins with each of us, making this a meaningful and inspiring read for children of all ages. The combination of Reynold...

  Rainbow Fish Finds His Way, Written and Illustrated by Marcus Pfister Review Read Time: 1-2 minutes In this delightful addition to the beloved Rainbow Fish series, Pfister masterfully combines vibrant illustrations with a heartfelt story about friendship, courage, and listening to wise advice. The narrative begins with Rainbow Fish and his friend, the Striped Fish, swimming during an approaching storm. Despite his friend’s warnings to seek shelter, Rainbow Fish’s curiosity about his shimmering blue scales leads him to ignore caution. When the storm hits, Rainbow Fish is caught in the turbulent waters, knocked unconscious, and swept away from his friends. He awakens in an unfamiliar, lonely place, where he encounters a spiked puffer fish and is soon helped by a kind sea scallop and others who assist him in finding his way back. The story is lively and talkative, engaging young readers with its gentle lessons about resilience, friendship, and the importance of listening. Pfister’s ...

Here We Go Digging For Dinosaur Bones by Susan Lendroth, illustrated by Bob Kolar Estimated read time: 1 minute This engaging and colorful book features diverse illustrations starting from the front cover, including detailed dinosaur skeletons. It’s a fun sing-along story set to the tune of “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush.” The book opens with the song lyrics on the first page, along with a brief introduction about the discovery of dinosaur bones—covering everything from construction workers to children playing in the field. Each subsequent page repeats the song and offers simple, accessible explanations about fossils and dinosaurs, making it both entertaining and educational.  Perfect for young children interested in dinosaurs and fossils, this book combines rhythm, fun, and learning seamlessly. I’d give it a solid 4 stars for its engaging approach and vibrant illustrations. CF 4/28/26

Book Review: Arlo Needs Your Help By Cortney Cino | Illustrated by Olga Sall | Published by Whimspire Books ⭐⭐⭐⭐ / 5 stars Estimated Read Time: 2–4 minutes Thank you NetGalley and author Courtney Cino for providing an advance copy of Arlo Needs Your Help.    Courtney Cino is a children’s author and the founder of Whimspire Books, which launched in 2023, a longtime healthcare marketer, and the mom of three girls. Why this book matters: Kids are losing attention faster than ever in our digital age. This book fights back - and wins. Arlo Needs Your Help is an interactive picture book about a monarch butterfly caterpillar trapped by well-meaning kids. Your child doesn’t just listen. They participate - moving, pointing, responding.  What works: The interactive format is one of this book's biggest strengths. The author makes children reading  interact using directionals and physical motions, making it even more fun. This keep-them-guessing approach is perfect for maintai...

Review: God In The Machine by S. Maitra Courtesy of NetGalley & BookBaby 
 Estimated Read Time: 2 minutes 
 Star Rating:  ★★★★☆  (4/5)   What does an unapologetic atheist have to say about God? More than you’d expect—especially when that “God” is AI.   S. Maitra, a Stanford lecturer and former tech entrepreneur, isn’t making a case for religion—far from it. She’s sounding an alarm: We are building systems that feel omniscient—and starting to trust them as if they are.   Maitra introduces “The God Principle”—a safeguard to ensure AI never presents itself as all-knowing, infallible, or beyond question. Because the real danger isn’t artificial intelligence.  
 It’s artificial authority.   What makes this book stand out is the lens. Maitra’s atheism reframes the argument—it’s not theological, it’s behavioral. This isn’t about defending belief. It’s about questioning where belief is being misplaced.   The book is timely and relevant, capturing a cu...

FROS, FADES, and BRAIDS: A Brief History of Black Hair in America by Sean Qualls Sean Qualls, a Brooklyn-based writer, illustrator, and artist known for his versatile work across painting, drawing, and collage, brings his distinctive talent to this succinct yet compelling exploration of Black hair in America. An honor recipient of the Coretta Scott King Award for his illustrations in Before John Was a Jazz Giant, Qualls combines visual artistry with insightful storytelling in this accessible volume. Fros, Fades, and Braids offers a concise but impactful overview of the cultural significance of Black hairstyles—afros, fades, braids—and their deep roots in history and identity. I devoured it in a single sitting, and its brevity belies the richness of its content. The narrative is sharp, engaging, and thoughtfully highlights how these styles symbolize resistance, pride, and cultural expression within Black communities. Qualls’ own illustrations are a highlight—vibrant, expressive, and met...

  Estimated Review Read Time: 3–4 min | Star Rating: ★★★☆☆ The Absolute Path | Author: E. J. Albert; Courtesy of Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op    E. J. Albert is a spiritual teacher and author whose work blends philosophy, self-mastery, and personal experience to guide readers toward authentic living and mind mastery. At first glance, The Absolute Path feels dense, contemplative, and even a little heavy—but that weight is intentional. Albert isn’t trying to entertain; he’s asking you to turn inward, observe your thoughts, and confront  This book is a spiritual guide for readers seeking deeper understanding of themselves. Born from Albert’s personal struggles, it explores the mind, emotions, and ego as tools for authentic living. It is principle-based rather than step-by-step. Albert’s central message is clear: self-mastery and authenticity require constant observation of the mind and ego. The prose can be challenging, and applied examples are scarce. For reader...

Review: Enshittification: Why Everything Suddenly Got Worse—and What to Do About It by Cory Doctorow Narrated by the author Courtesy of Macmillan Audio Estimated Read Time: 2–3 minutes Star Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) If you’ve ever wondered why Amazon search feels pay-to-play, why Apple takes a 30 percent cut from app developers, or why once-beloved platforms now feel extractive rather than helpful, Cory Doctorow has a word for it—and a compelling explanation. In Enshittification , Doctorow names and dissects a pattern most users experience but rarely see explained. Platforms begin by serving users well. Once users are locked in, they shift to serving advertisers and business customers. Finally, when switching costs are high and competition is weak, platforms extract maximum value from everyone—users, creators, and suppliers alike. Doctorow grounds his argument in concrete examples. Amazon’s marketplace, once optimized for consumers, now captures roughly 40–50 percent of many sellers’ re...