Indie Next
As part of its mission to promote the importance of independent bookstores across the country, the American Bookseller’s Association publishes a national monthly called “Indie Next” in which independent booksellers recommend new releases. In October 2015 the following review was selected to be among them.
“In her latest book, Gilbert will completely change the way you think about the creative process. Whether the medium is a canvas, a pastry, a garden, or a page, everyone has a creative genius, but not everyone is brave enough to recognize it within themselves. In Big Magic, Gilbert advocates for the magical and divine creative muse that is ultimately a gift to both the creator and the audience. In doing so, she dispels the myth that an artist must suffer for his or her craft, affirms the paths of those who have already allowed their creative geniuses to have a voice within their lives, and inspires those who thought they needed to be completely free of their fear in order to begin.”
Big Magic – October 2015
Yakima Herald-Republic Reviews
Because of my position at Inklings Bookshop, I was invited to write book reviews for the culture section of the local newspaper, the Yakima Herald-Republic. These are excerpts from some of those reviews:
“Perhaps unsurprisingly for a book that describes itself as whiskey for the wounded more than chicken soup for the soul, Kelsey Crowe and Emily McDowell’s “There Is No Good Card for This” is a frank, honest and even humorous self-help guide for ‘what to say and do when life is scary, awful, and unfair to people you love.’”
There is No Good Card for This – February 2017
“I always think of the first volume of any graphic novel series as a litmus test, looking at how expertly they handle their hero’s origin story and set up the trajectory for the series, and I extrapolate its potential for greatness from there. It’s like how sometimes you can tell a book is going to be one of the best things you’ve ever read just by reading the first chapter.”
Angel Catbird – September 2016
“I’m a self-proclaimed collector and completist, so falling in love with a series of books that will run me as much as my car payment, plus being able to convince myself they are a necessity because they’re educational, has been a roller coaster of emotion.”
Big Ideas Simply Explained – August 2016
“I have no idea how Marra retains this quiet beauty in the midst of an extremely bloody conflict, especially without making it feel like an utter tragedy. It’s heartbreaking, sure, but not for the sake of heartbreak. It’s just how it is.”
The Tsar of Love and Techno – June 2016
“This book is a must-read for anyone on the creative spectrum, from those who don’t think there is a creative bone in their body to those who make a living from their artistic expression. There are so many memorable ideas and quotes and stories in this book that it will change the way you think about your own creative expression, especially with regard to fear and self-doubt.”
Big Magic – September 2015
“Most people know the name Ken Jennings from his legendary “Jeopardy!” run and his excellent works of nonfiction for trivia-brained adults. In his newest venture, the “Junior Genius Guides,” he makes an encyclopedic amount of information accessible to younger readers without ever talking down to them. He gives kids a lot of credit, and that precocious 9-year-old version of myself that’s still inside me somewhere is shouting “FINALLY!” at the top of her lungs.”
Junior Genius Guides – April 2015
“This volume sets itself apart by prioritizing the fun of the game. Imagine that. Plus you get an intuitive layout and much more decipherable instructions, not to mention a gorgeous vintage-style binding that will make you want to display this little beauty on your coffee table.”
Ultimate Book of Card Games – February 2015
“It is refreshing that Elwes chooses to tell the stories that are charmingly self-deprecating in addition to the ones that compare him to Douglas Fairbanks. And his memoir is as much about the ensemble as it is about his own experiences; there isn’t a major player in the film he doesn’t describe first meeting and how well they personified the part. And each gets a great behind-the-scenes tidbit. This book is worth a read if for nothing but the stories about Andre the Giant.”
As You Wish – November 2014
“Think Jack Ryan meets “A Beautiful Mind.” Except this protagonist doesn’t have Jack Ryan’s charisma. He has a knack for saying the exact wrong thing and alienating people who are in a position to help him. He is cocky and brash, and knows how to use his intelligence to take advantage of people. More than once I wanted to reach into the book and smack this guy. “
The Ascendant – September 2014
Note: As of 2020, I have removed my past reviews of J.K. Rowling’s work. While I believe that stories, characters, and worlds that originated with her can now belong to a community apart from their author, I don’t want to in any way imply that I stand with views that remain hurtful to any marginalized group.
These reviews still exist on the platforms where they were originally published, but I won’t make space for this author here. 🏳️⚧️