TheRicanReader

HBCU Made: A Celebration of the Black College Experience, Edited by Ayesha Rascoe First and foremost, gratitude to NetGalley, Ayesha Rascoe, and Algonquin Books for providing me with an advanced copy. Based on this excellent collection of essays, I would retitle this book, HBCU Made: "A Celebration of Legacy and Excellence, The Black College Experience." Edited by Ayesha Rascoe, the host of NPR's Weekend Edition Sunday, HBCU Made captures the transformative power of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through essays from a diverse set of contributors. This anthology stands out as a one-of-a-kind collection, offering moving and candid accounts of the HBCU experience.  Why It Matters: HBCUs have long been sanctuaries of opportunity and cultural pride for Black students, often serving as the only viable path to higher education amidst systemic barriers. These institutions are foundational to America’s educational landscape, nurturing leaders, fostering talen...

A Masterful Dive into Grief, Revenge, and Buried Secrets Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child’s  Fever Dream —the tenth book in the Special Agent Pendergast series and the opening act of the Helen trilogy—is a riveting exploration of grief, revenge, and the haunting power of secrets. As a devoted fan of the enigmatic FBI Agent Aloysius Pendergast, I remain captivated by how this series effortlessly blends intellectual intrigue with pulse-pounding suspense. In this installment, Pendergast embarks on his most personal mission yet: uncovering the truth about his wife Helen’s death. What was long deemed an accidental tragedy during a safari in Africa takes a sinister turn when a chance discovery in his New Orleans home reveals Helen’s death was no accident. With his signature blend of cold precision and simmering fury, Pendergast plunges into the depths of this mystery, unearthing a labyrinth of secrets that threaten to dismantle his carefully constructed reality. At the heart of  Fe...

The Death of Socrates: A Thoughtful but Challenging Read Emily R. Wilson’s  The Death of Socrates  ambitiously delves into one of philosophy’s most enduring moments: the trial and execution of Socrates. It’s an undeniably rich subject, brimming with intellectual tension and historical intrigue. Wilson examines the cultural, political, and philosophical threads that led to Socrates’ death, aiming to unravel why his defiance and ultimate demise still resonate. But while the subject matter is fascinating, the execution feels dense and, at times, plodding. Wilson’s prose, though erudite, can be daunting for readers without a strong grounding in classical studies. What should have been an engaging exploration often drags under the weight of its own meticulousness. Instead of drawing the reader into Socrates’ world, the book risks alienating all but the most devoted scholars. That said, Wilson’s insights are sharp, and her ability to connect Socrates’ story to broader themes of diss...

A Powerhouse Collaboration in  Death by Misadventure Thank you to NetGalley, Tasha Alexander, and Macmillan Audio for the advance copy of  Death by Misadventure: A Lady Emily Mystery . As a longtime admirer of Alexander’s work, I remain captivated by her ability to weave historical intrigue with rich, imaginative storytelling.   This latest installment seamlessly interweaves two timelines: Lady Emily’s investigation into the suspicious death of an aristocrat in a snowbound Bavarian villa in 1906 and the story of Niels, a young German lord, and his friendship with King Ludwig II nearly forty years earlier. Alexander masterfully bridges the past and present, uncovering how secrets reverberate across generations.   Set against Ludwig’s fairy-tale castle and the opulent villa of Baroness Ursula von Duchtel, the novel brims with atmosphere. Alexander’s richly drawn characters and multi-layered mysteries create a plot as immersive as it is suspenseful.   Bianca Amato’...

Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child’s Cemetery Dance is the ninth installment in the Agent Pendergast series, and it delivers a gripping, macabre mystery that keeps readers guessing until the very end. As a devoted fan of the enigmatic FBI Agent Aloysius Pendergast, I am slowly making my way through this cerebral and thrilling series, which consistently blends intellectual puzzles with pulse-pounding suspense. In Cemetery Dance, Pendergast investigates the brutal murder of a close friend, allegedly at the hands of a man who had died weeks earlier. Thus begins an unsettling case that leads him into a shadowy world of cults, voodoo, and what appears to be the supernatural. What makes this book distinct is its atmospheric tension and the interplay between Pendergast’s intellectual brilliance and Lieutenant Vincent D’Agosta’s grounded determination. The contrast between their characters is particularly well-drawn here, as they navigate a case that blurs the line between science and superstit...

Vaunda Micheaux Nelson’s Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves is a compelling biography that introduces readers to one of the most extraordinary, yet under appreciated, figures of the Wild West. Born into slavery, Bass Reeves escaped bondage to become the first Black deputy U.S. marshal west of the Mississippi River. Over his 30-year career, Reeves apprehended more than 3,000 fugitives, earning a reputation for courage, integrity, and ingenuity. The book skillfully captures Reeves’ remarkable life through engaging storytelling and vivid illustrations. Nelson highlights not only his legendary exploits—such as donning disguises to outwit criminals—but also his unwavering commitment to justice, even when it meant arresting his own son. Reeves’ story is an inspiring testament to resilience and moral fortitude. For those interested in learning more about Reeves, the recent DVD series Lawmen: Bass Reeves serves as an excellent complement to this book. Together, they provi...

Thanks to NetGalley, Sally H. Jacobs, and Hachette Books for the opportunity to review  Althea: The Life of Tennis Champion Althea Gibson .    I am not a tennis player, have never played the sport, and yet I was utterly drawn to this gripping biography of one of the world’s greatest tennis players. Jacobs delivers an extraordinary portrait of Althea Gibson, a street-savvy, scrappy prodigy who clawed her way into the exclusive, often hostile world of professional tennis in the mid-20th century. Breaking through the entrenched racism and bigotry of her time, Gibson paved the way for future legends like Arthur Ashe and Venus and Serena Williams, redefining what was possible for Black athletes in a sport that sought to keep them out.   What makes Gibson’s story so compelling is her dual battle: while conquering the tennis world, she fought inner demons of rage and self-doubt. Yet she never let those struggles—or the relentless discrimination she faced—deter her from achi...

Robert Van De Weyer's African Prayers is a compilation of prayers and accompanying illustrations drawn from various parts of Africa. While the book aims to be inspirational and uplifting, it falls short in its execution. The collection presents the prayers without any contextual background, leaving readers with little understanding of the cultural or spiritual frameworks from which these prayers emerged. The origins of these prayers trace back to European missionaries and settlers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who documented them during their efforts to convert indigenous African populations. This historical context is significant, as it shapes how the prayers were collected and presented. Missionaries often approached African cultures with a mix of curiosity and paternalism, seeking to learn about local practices while simultaneously imposing their own religious beliefs. This duality evokes the image of scientists studying an unfamiliar phenomenon rather than particip...

Lee Milteer’s  Activate Your Inner Power  is a heartfelt guide to unlocking the vast reservoir of strength, resilience, and wisdom that lies dormant within each of us. At its core, the book offers a simple but profound message: we control our destiny through the power of our thoughts. With clarity and conviction, Milteer reminds readers that every individual is born with an inherent connection to the Universe, and by harnessing this energy, we can navigate life’s challenges with grace and purpose. Through a series of empowering guidance messages, Milteer serves as both a coach and a confidant, encouraging readers to turn inward for answers to life’s biggest questions. She teaches that mental and emotional hardships aren’t insurmountable obstacles but opportunities to draw upon our “inner secret power” for fresh perspectives, inspiration, and solutions. Her mantra is as straightforward as it is liberating: Believe in yourself and ask the Universe for guidance. The book’s streng...

In 2034: A Novel of the Next World War, Elliot Ackerman and Admiral James Stavridis deliver a gripping and chillingly plausible tale of how great powers can stumble into catastrophic conflict, dragging the world to the brink of annihilation. This is no far-fetched dystopia but a stark warning of how fragile our global order is—and how one misstep, even by a single individual, can alter the course of history.     The novel opens with a seemingly routine U.S. Navy patrol in the South China Sea, commanded by Commodore Sarah Hunt. When a tense encounter with Chinese forces spirals out of control, the dominoes fall swiftly: a cyberattack cripples U.S. systems, escalating tensions into all-out warfare. What unfolds is a sobering depiction of modern warfare—one fought not just with bombs and ships but with hacking, misinformation, and geopolitical brinkmanship.    Ackerman and Stavridis write with authority and precision, weaving their military expertise into a narrati...

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.    The following review expresses my own personal opinion. I have not been asked to post it by the author, the publishing company, or anyone connected with the book or author.   Donald J. Robertson’s How to Think Like Socrates ambitiously sets out to explore the philosophical tools and teachings of one of history’s greatest minds. Robertson, a cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist and respected voice in the Stoic tradition, brings clarity and historical depth to Socrates’ method of questioning, moral reasoning, and intellectual courage. But does the book deliver a focused exploration of Socratic wisdom? Not entirely.   The book excels in its historical detail, vividly reconstructing ancient Athens and its political and intellectual currents. Robertson thoughtfully unpacks segments of Socrates’ life, his unrelenting pursuit of truth, and the art of dialogue that chal...

Book Review: Ego Is The Enemy by Ryan Holiday As someone who has been studying the virtues of Stoicism for a couple of years now, Ego Is The Enemy by Ryan Holiday continues to be an invaluable guide as I continue my journey of seeking ancient wisdom and personal growth. This is a book that I read on an annual basis and always walk away with new and deeper insights into how unchecked Ego can derail even the best intentions, stifle growth, and weaken the very virtues that lead to success.    The book is divided into three sections—Aspire (Explores how Ego can negatively impact when you are setting goals and ambitions), Success (Once you have attained success, this is where Ego can be its most dangerous, for one must guard against becoming arrogant or complacent, losing sight of what got you where you are.), and Failure (We all fail at some point, many of us more than once. It is here where Ego sees your weakness and seeks to undermine you with self-blame, self-doubt, denial, and...

Randy Schwantz’s How to Get Your Competition Fired (Without Saying Anything Bad about Them) is a masterclass in competitive sales, offering a fresh, insightful approach to winning business by driving a wedge between prospective clients and their current service providers—without negative tactics. As a former business development/sales executive, the book's core strategy of focusing on delivering proactive, exceptional service, highlighting your value over the incumbent's resonated with me. Schwantz emphasizes the importance of thorough homework before every prospective client meeting —understanding the client’s needs and the incumbent’s shortcomings is essential. Doing this puts you in a strong position to offer better solutions. Failing to do this is a non-starter if you want to unseat your competition.  The book is packed with actionable, ethical strategies, making it an essential read for sales professionals aiming to win through excellence rather than badmouthing the incumb...

Review of  James  by Percival Everett Have you ever read The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn? I haven’t. Growing up in the deep South, it never really caught my interest. But James by Percival Everett is a different story altogether. This reimagining, told from the perspective of Jim, the enslaved character, is unforgettable. It’s no surprise it was named a New York Times Best Book of the Year so far for 2024 and hailed as a masterpiece by The Boston Globe, The Atlantic, Esquire, and W Magazine, among others. And with Steven Spielberg set to direct the film adaptation, it’s clear that James is making a significant impact in the literary world.  The story kicks off with Jim learning that he's about to be sold, separated from his wife and young daughter. Driven by desperation, he decides to run. Huck still appears in the narrative, but this time Jim’s journey takes center stage. As a reader, you feel like you’re right there with him, dodging slave catchers, foraging for food...

Jesmyn Ward, a MacArthur Fellow and two-time National Book Award winner, proves once again why she is one of contemporary literature's most powerful voices with her latest novel, Let Us Descend. In this harrowing yet beautifully written masterpiece, Ward delves deep into the horrors of slavery, offering a fresh perspective that resonates on a visceral level. Many books have tackled the dark theme of slavery, but Ward sets her reimagining apart by focusing on the inner life of Annis, a young enslaved girl sold by her white slave-owning father. As Annis travels from the plantation fields of the Carolinas, through the New Orleans slave markets, and finally to a Louisiana sugar plantation, Ward immerses us in Annis's suffering. Through memories of her mother, lost love, and tales of her African warrior grandmother, Annis finds strength to endure her unimaginable journey. Ward’s vivid portrayal of Annis's pain and resilience is both haunting and unforgettable. The audiobook, nar...

Book Review:  Nuclear War: A Scenario  by Annie Jacobsen Annie Jacobsen is known for her meticulous research and compelling storytelling, and  Nuclear War: A Scenario  is no exception. Jacobsen, a renowned investigative journalist and bestselling author, has a track record of diving deep into the most harrowing corners of modern history, including the inner workings of secret government programs and military operations. Her ability to uncover hidden truths and present them in an engaging narrative is evident in this chilling exploration of nuclear armament. Nuclear War: A Scenario  takes readers to the heart of one of the darkest and most terrifying realities imaginable: the potential for nuclear war. Jacobsen's dogged research, which includes dozens of exclusive interviews with military and civilian experts, former cabinet members, military leaders, and those involved in nuclear response plans, lays bare the frightening reality of the ticking time bomb scenario...

Book Review:  Lone Wolf by Gregg Hurwitz, Narrated by Scott Brick Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio, for providing this book for review consideration. This review expresses my own personal opinion. I have not been asked to post it by the author, their publishing company, or anyone connected with the book or author. Review: My review encompasses both the author's work and the narration by Scott Brick. This is my second Orphan X novel narrated by the ever-engaging Scott Brick, and once again, he delivers a stellar performance. In The Lone Wolf, former government assassin Evan Smoak, also known as Orphan X or the Nowhere Man, faces an unusual task. He is called upon to look for his half-brother's daughter's missing dog. His little niece, unaware of her connection to X, seeks him out because she believes he can find anything or anyone. This is not the typical life-or-death mission X is used to, but how can even a hardened assassin turn down the pleas of a little girl, es...

Thank you NetGalley and Pen and Picture Publishing for providing an advance copy of the audio and ebook for review. All opinions are my own.  "The New Bad Thing" by Michael Ebner has inexplicably garnered rave reviews, with many praising it as riveting, engaging, exciting, action-packed, a thriller, and a page-turner. I might have agreed if I could have stomached enough of it to see if these reviewers were correct. Unfortunately, I couldn’t. The book starts off promisingly with a gripping terrorist attack at a Paris hotel, setting up what seems to be a thrilling rollercoaster ride. But then, Ebner makes the fatal mistake that too many authors do—resorting to lazy, harmful stereotypes. He dives headfirst into the tired trope of depicting Black characters as mere muscle for their "master's" whims. One of the main characters, Roman, has Black bodyguards. Predictably, one is described as a hulking, slow, and dim-witted figure, untrustworthy enough that he must wear ...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is all the rage now, it has become the focal point of technological advancement with industry giants like Nvidia, Microsoft, OpenAI, Google, Meta, and others vying for supremacy. In this landscape, Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of the pioneering AI company DeepMind, delivers a sobering assessment of our AI-drive world. His urgent warning about the unprecedented risks posed by emerging technologies is both informative and unsettling.  Here is my take on the book and authors writing: The Book:  1. The phone is ringing, pick it up. This is an insightful wake up call that we all must answer. Suleyman’s exploration serves as a wake-up call. Humanity stands at an inflection point, where the fast-paced narrative reveals sobering facts about AI- what’s happening today, not decades away.   2. Suleyman posits that we’ve evolved beyond Homo sapiens. We’re now Homo technological - a fusion of human, technology, and synthetic biology. This combination deman...

As I continue my exploration into the philosophy and teachings of Stoicism, came across this gem of a book by James Harris on Roman Stoic philosopher Lucius Seneca, better known as Seneca the Younger, On The Shortness of Life written to his father-in-law Paulinus. Harris adapts Seneca's moral essay for the contemporary reader.  Here is my take on the book.  Overview: James Harris distills Lucius Seneca’s timeless wisdom into accessible language for today’s readers. In this sobering exploration of life’s brevity, Seneca emphasizes four key principles which I am working to incorporate into my own life:  1. Embrace Time: Recognize life’s fleeting nature and make intentional choices. 2. Study Philosophy: Seek wisdom to enrich your existence. 3. Avoid Distractions: Cut through the noise; focus on what truly matters. 4. Live Fully: Seize the day; discard trivialities. Harris’s Writing Style: 1. Balanced Approach: Harris maintains fidelity to Seneca’s prose while ensuring...

  I am not a Paw Patrol fan; I think the concept and stories dumb down the reading experience. That said, 3, 4, 5-year-olds love it, why, only a child's mind can know.    The book is five compact stories written by 3 authors.    Why this is important: I think the entire Paw Patrol enterprise shortchanges young readers. The stories, as usual, is about the saving of hapless, dumb witted town folks by Ryder, the super, privileged looking kid, and his mighty trusted pups. Really, give me a break. Oh, I digress. Don’t let your little one start with any of the books, movies, TV series, or games. If they have, work to break them from this dribble. If I could give this book, like all the others, zero stars, I would. 

  Book is about Batman's files on his super friends. Good for a 4-year who is getting into the superhero genre.  Book is very rudimentary, brief snippets of Batman's friends - Superman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Batgirl, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Cyborg, and Aquaman, and their crime fighting abilities.  Art work is okay, it depicts the super heroes in DC form, and the characters are diverse, which is good. If your child likes reading about super heroes, this is a good entry level book. 

This is a good solid read for pre-k and kindergarten age.  The story is about the day of a little girl and the special relationship she has with her mother, the bond they are creating, one that will last a lifetime.  The writing is easy to understand and the book comes in audio read-along. The illustrations are vibrant and colorful.  A good bedtime book for your little one.  A little about the author. Cozbi A. Cabrera received a BFA from Parsons School of Design. She is the illustrator of several acclaimed children’s picture books and she also designs clothes and makes cloth dolls that have garnered the attention of collectors around the world and have been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show. Source: Goodreads 

The Best Trick: A Pet Club Story (Stone Arch Readers - Level 2) by Gwendolyn Hooks  This is a quick read with your little one. The Best Trick is a part of the Pet Club series. The author provides an enjoyable reading experience. This is a Level 2 reading, designed to offer early readers a bit more challenge through varied simple sentences, increased text load, and less repetition of high frequency words.  The story is simple, yet enjoyable. Illustration is bright, bold, and has diverse characters which is definitely a plus as we live in a diverse society.  Good book for bedtime reading.

This is a Blastoff Readers publication. They have 5 rankings of reading levels and this book is Level 1,  meaning it provides the most support through repetition of high-frequency words, light text, predictable sentence patterns, and strong visual support.   As the title implies, this is a book about trains, the different types and uses. There is no detail regarding the actual mechanics and makeup of the trains, very high-level.    The book is geared towards kids at reading level 1, which is the beginning reader. I picked it up for a 4-year-old who loves books and wants to read, but this one was clearly not for him. While illustrative and light and easy to understand words, it was not a story, it is technical in nature. At 4, he like many I suspect, 4-year-olds want more character stories than technical like this one. That said, he was patient enough to have me read through it, but I could tell it was a bore for him.    This is a straightforward read a...