Kitchens of Hope

Published by the University of Minnesota Press

Food is one of the most enduring ways families and communities keep their stories alive, carrying traditions across generations through recipes and shared meals. For immigrants, a favorite dish from home can be more than just sustenance—it becomes a bridge between past and present, a way of holding on to culture while navigating the uncertainties of a new life in the United States.

In “Kitchens of Hope,” editors Linda S. Svitak, Christin Jaye Eaton, and Lee Svitak Dean present a rich tapestry of first-person stories and recipes from immigrants who have found a home in Minnesota. The collection is a global journey, featuring voices from Afghanistan, Cuba, Liberia, Ukraine, and beyond. Each narrative is a unique thread in the fabric of human experience, inviting readers into personal journeys of hardship, resilience, and renewal, showing how food can ground and sustain people through profound change.

With Tom Wallace’s evocative photography, "Kitchens of Hope" is not just a cookbook, but a living cultural archive. The images capture the beauty of the dishes and the depth of the traditions they represent. Many contributors share their stories of leaving countries torn by war and upheaval, while others recount their experiences of seeking education, work, and new opportunities in the United States. No matter their journey, every story ends with a recipe—a gift of memory, survival, and love.

Proceeds from the “Kitchens of Hope” project, a labor of love by the editors and contributors, will be donated to the Minnesota nonprofit Advocates for Human Rights. The global organization provides free legal assistance to asylum seekers, people in detention, unaccompanied minors, and others who need support with human rights issues.

Capitalism Hates You

Published by the University of Minnesota Press

Horror generates a strange cultural fascination with the impure, the toxic, and the monstrous. Joshua Gooch’s “Capitalism Hates You” is an invigorating and deeply unsettling read, especially for someone like me—a casual fan of horror—approaching the book through both personal enjoyment and the lens of political economy and racial capitalism. Gooch’s essays offer a sharp critique of work under capitalism, showing how toiling under capitalism consumes and depletes our lives and essence of being.. In this framework, the ultimate object of capitalism is accumulation of profit, power, and human energies stretched to the breaking – often catastrophic – point.

The book presents a global array of horror titles, illuminating the shared, terrifying experiences of neoliberalism. As people’s worth around the world is reduced to what they can produce, capitalism reveals itself as insatiable; always hungry for individual and collective mental, physical, emotional, and psychic labor. Gooch captures this perfectly when he observes that capitalism “lives parasitically on what is outside its control,” inevitably seeking to consume or destroy whatever resists its reach.

Among the most compelling dimensions of Gooch’s analysis are his attention to marginalized identities. Horror often stages these tensions in unsettling ways, exposing how gendered work (caregiving in Saint Maud) and familial structures (in “Hereditary” and “The Witch”) are both weaponized and threatened under capitalism. Capitalism relies on the subjugation and appropriation of women’s labor and search for fulfillment in a career. The family, Gooch suggests, becomes a crucial site of horror: capitalism hates the protective and nuturiing function of the family because it opposes patriarchy.

Capitalism not only exploits labor but also asserts and reproduces racial hierarchies as a means of maintaining its power. Horror films such as “Candyman” and “Get Out” dramatize this reality, underscoring the entanglement of racist violence, anti-Blackness, and economic exploitation. From a Marxist perspective, these films reveal how racism is not incidental but structural, as characters contend with racial and class divides, legitimizing dispossession and naturalizing inequality in the service of capital accumulation. Racism intersperses with climate anxieties in Gooch’s interpretation of the eco-fascist views reflected in “In the Earth.” These films expose how capitalism feeds on white supremacy and racial terror, turning Black suffering and resistance into sites of horror that reflect fundamental social contradictions.

Horror is more than just entertainment; it offers a critical lens on the anxieties and violences of late capitalism, dramatizing how this economic system thrives on consumption, extraction, domination, and fear. I appreciate how Gooch made these essays accessible and relevant to both fans of the horror film genre and critics of capitalism. People with a background in economic theory would appreciate the review of Marxist thought and contemporary scholars advancing the field. For many readers, the essays may require a close read, as they are written for an academic audience.  

“Capitalism Hates You” is cultural criticism and political analysis at their sharpest. The book left me with a deeper appreciation of horror as a tool for recognizing—and resisting—the oppressive structures that shape our lives.

The Popular Wobbly: Selected Writings of T-Bone Slim

Published by the University of Minnesota Press

A sharp, witty, and critical voice in the labor movement of the 1920s to 1940s, T-Bone Slim—born Matti Valentinpoika Huhta—has largely faded from public memory. A columnist, humorist, musician, poet, hobo, and outspoken member of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), Slim was once known as “the laureate of the logging camps.” His writing, steeped in radical labor activism and working-class culture, appeared frequently in IWW publications, including the Little Red Songbook. His songs have been covered by influential artists like Pete Seeger, Utah Phillips, and Candie Carawan. Though his influence waned after his death, Slim’s voice is now being rediscovered through a compelling new collection.

The Popular Wobbly: Selected Writings of T-Bone Slim gathers Slim’s poems, songs, columns, witticisms, and more. Curated and edited by historians Owen Clayton and Lain McIntyre, the book includes a brief biography, photographs, and Slim’s original illustrations. As the editors trace Slim’s life, travels, and occupations, they illuminate the worldview of a man who published over a thousand pieces during his lifetime. Their careful selection highlights the writings most resonant and relevant to contemporary readers.

The volume is an especially timely read, a poignant reminder that injustice, class divisions, and ethnic strife are longstanding and enduring issues among America's workforce. The themes highlighted in the book range from capitalism to war, from race to immigration, from food insecurity and incarceration. The precarious lives of migrant workers feature prominently in the collection. Often using humor to confront grim realities, Slim’s commentary remains strikingly relevant today. His work offers a vivid window into American labor history and the enduring fight for workers’ rights. As he wrote in a 1922 column titled “The Power of These Two Hands,” “The construction worker has made millionaires coast to coast…”

The Art of Drag

"The Art of Drag" is a delightfully informative and visually striking exploration of drag culture’s rich history and evolution. Far more than entertainment, drag is a dynamic performance art rooted in self-expression, protest, and joy. Author Jake Hall, alongside a talented team of illustrators and contributors, traces drag’s multifaceted lineage—from kabuki theater and vaudeville to pantomime and classic Hollywood cinema.

Hall highlights how drag has shifted over time, shaping and being shaped by broader cultural movements. Readers will journey from the underground ballrooms of the 1960s to iconic figures like Crystal LaBeija, Danny La Rue, and Leigh Bowery, and witness drag’s role in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and its rise to mainstream recognition.

This beautifully rendered book is an ideal primer for those new to drag or anyone interested in understanding its cultural significance. It’s also a timely reminder of why drag matters. As anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric strengthens in political discourse, The Art of Drag urges readers to celebrate and protect queer expression.

For many, drag is an act of self-love, resistance, and radical imagination. Whether humorous, glamorous, political, or provocative, drag is always creative. This book captures its dazzling complexity with insight and affection.

Editor's Note: This review was originally published in Seattle Book Review.

The New Middle Way

The New Middle Way by Mel Pine is a comprehensive exploration of Buddhism tailored for modern spiritual seekers. Pine presents a balanced approach between secular and traditional Buddhism, emphasizing experiential understanding over rigid dogma. The book integrates teachings from various Buddhist traditions, including Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana, while also drawing on philosophy and science. Pine shares his personal journey, marked by trauma, loss, and spiritual growth, which led him to embrace Buddhism as a path to alleviate suffering and cultivate joy.

In The New Middle Way, seasoned writer and spiritual communicator Mel Pine offers a fresh approach to Buddhism by blending traditional teachings with modern insights. ​The book is a comprehensive exploration of Buddhism tailored for modern spiritual seekers. With decades of Buddhist study and practice in Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana traditions, Pine advocates for a balanced path between secular mindfulness and traditional spirituality, emphasizing experiential understanding over intellectual concepts. Pine shares his personal journey, marked by trauma, loss, and spiritual growth, which led him to embrace Buddhism as a path to alleviate suffering and cultivate joy.

Pine writes about his path in an accessible and relatable way. He vulnerably shares about how personal trauma has fostered wisdom and compassion. Trauma played a significant role in the author’s spiritual development, serving as a catalyst for his journey toward wisdom, compassion, and awakening. ​ From an early age, he witnessed suffering, including the impact of the Holocaust on his family and the violent loss of loved ones.​ These experiences confronted him with impermanence and the fragility of life, deepening his understanding of suffering. Later, tragic personal losses further shaped his perspective, teaching him resilience and the importance of equanimity.

I approached the book from my vantage point as a Zen practitioner. Along the way, I have also explored other traditions, such as Tibetan and Thai Forest practices. I believe “The New Middle Way” is an excellent read for spiritual seekers drawn to Buddhism, as it offers an accessible and informal introduction to Buddhist teachings without overwhelming readers with technical jargon or rigid dogma.

Editor's Note: This review was originally published in Reedsy Discovery.

Gaia Wakes: Earth’s Emergent Consciousness in an Age of Environmental Devastation

 

The climate crisis is upon us, and environmental collapse is inevitable. The planet is on the cusp of its fifth evolutionary transition that will lead to the emergence of a planetary brain and mind. In Gaia Wakes, Topher McDougal draws a compelling link between the emergence of this consciousness and environmental exploitation. He outlines the economic, ecological, and technological mechanisms that may propel this shift. In the rise of Gaia consciousness, humans will serve as intermediaries between advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Earth’s biotic systems.

I approached the book from my interest in futurisms that involve a return to Indigenous knowledge and values.McDougal’s speculative exploration is rooted in his study of economics, ecology, evolutionary biology, and technology. Readers can follow his logic to imagine how AI can enable the development of a conscious, self-regulating biosphere.

I was also drawn to McDougal’s integration of the concept of rewilding as a forward-looking process involving technology, Indigenous knowledge, and human cultural transformation. Rewilding, in this context, refers to the restoration of natural ecosystems and the re-indigenization of human societies. When Gaia Wakes, humans—rewilded and re-Indigenized—will serve as stewards who maintain ecological balance. The book is at once dystopian and hopeful in its provocative proposal to decenter humanity’s role in the future of the planet.

Editor's Note: This review was originally published in Seattle Book Review.

The Empty Path: Finding Fulfillment Through the Radical Art of Lessening

Billy Wynne’s The Empty Path is a candid and deeply introspective guide and memoir that traces the author’s personal and spiritual evolution through struggle, loss, ambition, and ultimately, awakening. With clarity and vulnerability, Wynne reflects on a childhood shaped by his parents’ divorce and his father’s dramatic fall from grace. These events sowed seeds of pain and longing in the young Wynne. In response, he poured himself into achievement, rising to success as a health policy expert and entrepreneur.

Yet, beneath the surface, unexamined habits and a growing reliance on alcohol strained his marriage and well-being. Wynne doesn’t shy away from recounting these darker moments; instead, he shares them with striking honesty, inviting readers into the discomfort and learning that followed. The turning point came with his embrace of meditation and the Zen tradition, leading him to take Buddhist vows even while confronting his addiction.

I engaged with the book from my vantage point as a Soto Zen student. The most impactful parts of the book illuminate Wynne’s testimony for what he calls “the art of lessening.” He embodies the Buddhist understanding of emptiness not as a void, but as a path to joy, presence, and peace. More than a story of personal redemption, The Empty Path is a moving meditation on letting go, living simply, and finding meaning in the stillness of each moment.

Prairie Edge

Published by the University of Minnesota Press

Conor Kerr’s debut offering "Prairie Edge" is a bold and uncompromising novel that captures the friction between Indigenous resurgence and colonialist structures in contemporary Canada. At its heart is Grey, a fiery activist whose devotion to the buffalo—and to the larger struggle for Indigenous sovereignty—propels her into dangerous territory. Grey embodies the archetype of the strong woman warrior, a figure who refuses to accept the boundaries imposed on her by gender, politics, or settler expectations. Yet Kerr never romanticizes her: Grey may be fearless, but she is not immune to violence, loss, or the toll that activism exacts. Her story is both inspiring and deeply human.

Kerr demonstrates a remarkable ability to write complex, relatable women characters. Grey’s voice, in particular, rings with conviction and clarity, grounding the novel in lived reality. Alongside her, characters such as Ezzy bring additional layers of perspective, creating a chorus of narratives that feel distinct yet consistently connected. Through these voices, Kerr explores the sense of dislocation and disassociation that haunts many Indigenous people, a restlessness that mirrors the fate of the buffalo—once roaming freely across the Prairies, now confined, commodified, and gawked at by tourists.

The novel’s central plot—an audacious plan to free a herd of bison from a national park and release them into River City—serves as both a literal and metaphorical act of reclamation. The aftermath is messy, violent, and unresolved, much like the broader struggle for justice itself. Kerr does not shy away from the contradictions inherent in activism: the push and pull between idealism and weariness, between younger generations’ urgency and elders’ more measured approaches.

What makes Prairie Edge so compelling is its refusal to simplify. Kerr acknowledges the performative gestures of land acknowledgements, the complicity of institutions like the Mounties, and the ongoing harm of colonial systems—but he does so with nuance rather than blunt condemnation. His prose is sharp yet measured, carrying both anger and tenderness. The novel insists on the sacredness of land and the responsibility individuals have to each other, while also portraying the exhaustion that comes from living in a society that too often resists real change.

With "Prairie Edge," Kerr brings a fresh and necessary voice in contemporary Indigenous literature. It pulses with discontent, yearning, and resilience, offering readers both a mirror of struggle and a vision of possibility. Kerr’s work reminds us that survival, like the return of the buffalo, is itself a form of resistance.

The Silent Tree: Our Family From Slavery To Reparations

The weight of generational hardships carried by enslaved peoples and their descendants is a heavy burden to bear in one’s lineage. As a white woman who descended from enslaver families, Carol Slayden Arnold devoted her time and resources to uncovering the connection between her White Slayden ancestors who were slave owners and the Black Slayden descendants, who were enslaved. The Silent Tree: Our Family From Slavery To Reparations offers a detailed historical account that traces the author's travels through various states, exploring the intertwined histories of Black and White families with the surnames "Slayden" or ”Slaton” pre-Civil War era to the mid-20th century. With contributor Cheryl Morrow Russell, Arnold shares a nuanced view of African American individuals who shared her family’s heritage. Arnold learned about his family's deep roots in Meriwether County, Georgia, where enslaved ancestors endured segregation, racial violence, and economic ​challenges, such as broken promises like "Forty Acres and a Mule," sharecropping, tenant farming, the Great Migration, and more. The narratives delve into the impact of systemic racism, the complexities of race relations, and the ongoing repercussions of slavery on individuals and communities.

Racial reparations continue to be controversial, with parties to the discourse at opposite ends of the argument. Through her family’s example, Slayden underscores how White supremacy was enforced through laws, social customs, and institutions. ​She explored how her own White ancestors benefited from systemic racism, segregation, and discriminatory practices that marginalized Black Americans. In contrast, Black family members faced limited job opportunities, racial violence, and segregation in schools. She highlights the significance of reparations in dismantling systems of oppression, as they promise to promote reconciliation and foster a more inclusive and equitable society for all individuals.

I read the book from my point of view as a diversity and inclusion practitioner and educator. In my work, I understand how discussions about the impacts of racism on Black Americans often center on current disparities in access to opportunities to build wealth. I appreciated how Arnold critically examined the role of Whiteness in perpetuating inequality, racial violence, and oppression throughout history. Through The Silent Tree, Arnold highlights the societal privileges afforded to white Slaydens as she tells a complex story of economic inequities rooted in systemic racial discrimination. The book would be relevant and informative for readers interested in exploring themes related to slavery, racial dynamics, power, and privilege. It would also appeal to those interested in genealogy, family history research, and understanding the complexities of race relations and the impact of systemic racism. Arnold models for white readers the need to reflect on the complexities of race relations, the legacy of Whiteness in shaping societal structures, and the need to dismantle systems of White supremacy for true equity and justice.

Say Yes: Foundational Lessons from Combat Town, the Quigley, and Taking Invisible Paths

 

Lessons in life and leadership reveal not only character but also one’s strengths, resilience, and ability to adapt. In Say Yes, Jon Michaels shares his experiences as a Marine officer, naval aviator, and business executive, highlighting crucial lessons in leadership and personal development. Through his memoir and leadership guide, Michaels reflects on pivotal moments from his military career and how they shaped his approach to leading teams, influencing others, and taking responsibility for his actions.

The author imparts valuable insights, such as the importance of paying attention to small details and the consequences of making tough decisions. He also discusses his transition to civilian life, where he applied military principles to his work in the energy sector and at Volta, a startup focused on electric vehicle charging stations.

My curiosity about the book is anchored in understanding leadership lessons from military culture, which has often served as the basis for American corporate environments. As an institution, the American military has accomplished feats of organization and efficiency that has served as a template for business culture. Michaels mentions that he was inspired by the works of Admiral William McRaven and Captain Brett Crozier, whose writings often emphasize values rooted in their military experience, such as leadership, resilience, and integrity. In Michaels’ narrative, we learn that rigorous training and high standards of the Marines emphasized the significance of doing little things right, a lesson he carried into his work at Volta, where he implemented checklists to ensure project completion accuracy.

It was fascinating to learn about the concept of “combined arms,” a military strategy that integrates various combat units—such as infantry, armor, artillery, aviation, engineers, and other support elements—into a cohesive and synergistic force. Michaels discusses how combined arms inspired him to merge different capabilities for complementary effects, shaping his leadership style. This holistic perspective allowed him to effectively lead diverse teams and take on unexpected roles, such as serving as Volta’s Chief People Officer during a crisis.

Say Yes is a quick and engaging read for those seeking inspiration and practical advice on leadership. It is a suitable choice for a leadership retreat aimed at enhancing interpersonal skills and team effectiveness. Individuals with military backgrounds may find the book particularly appealing, as its approach aligns with their experiences. However, the author uses military jargon sparingly, making the content accessible to a broader audience. In sharing advice, Michaels draws on his past experiences and the lessons he has learned, offering readers from all backgrounds valuable insights into personal and professional growth.

Editor's Note: This review was originally published in San Francisco Book Review.

We've Got Some Things To Say

The anthology "We’ve Got Some Things to Say: Reshaping Narratives Around Sexual Violence" is a powerful collection of poems and prose that explores the profound and often harrowing experiences of survivors of sexual violence. The stories and poetry address the pervasive impact of trauma, the struggle for healing, and society's tendency to blame victims. Editor Mary Simmerling has curated works from survivors from diverse backgrounds, who bravely share their personal journeys of pain, resilience, and recovery. Each piece delves into the emotional and psychological aftermath of sexual violence, the pursuit of justice, and the transformative power of art and writing.

Simmerling, a survivor of sexual violence herself, has been conducting writing workshops for fellow survivors for many years. Her dedication to fostering raw and authentic expression in her collaborators is evident in the emotional depth of each piece they create. I appreciated the content warning that highlighted potential triggers for readers.

The poems and stories in “We’ve Got Some Things To Say” are heavy and intense. I found that it’s important to take breaks while reading the works to process the emotions that are coming up and avoid becoming overwhelmed. It is heart-wrenching to read the stories of survivors from childhood abuse. Isabella Moreno in “Counting Beauty Marks" recounts her childhood experiences and the lasting impact of sexual abuse. Sarah Kerr’s poem "Words in my Mouth" shares a narrative of betrayal and decay of trust.

What stands out—though it is not surprising—is that many survivors come from marginalized communities. This anthology highlights the voices of women of color and their experiences with sexual violence, resilience, and healing. Several contributions explore the intersectionality of identity, examining how factors like race, gender, sexuality, and socio-economic status influence the experiences of sexual violence survivors. For instance, Arabella Grayson's piece "A Hyphenated Line" addresses intergenerational trauma, while Angela Lore's works "Silenced" and "A Voice Restored" reflect on her experiences as a woman of color.

Although the content may be distressing, this collection serves as a tool for healing for both the writers and readers, while also advocating for social change. It invites readers to reflect on these experiences and encourages them to take action to end sexual violence and support survivors.

How to End Christian Nationalism

"How to End Christian Nationalism" addresses the alarming amplification of exclusionary rants to espouse certain political views from a Christian perspective. Author Amanda Tyler, a lead organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism, makes a compelling case for understanding the phenomenon that merges Christian and national identities to undermine democracy and produce violent outcomes for non-Christians. Tyler does well in establishing the foundation for defining Christian nationalism as a political ideology and cultural framework that is primarily not about religion but about ethno-national identity.

As a non-white immigrant Asian American woman, I approached the book with a unique perspective. My Christian upbringing has given me a deep understanding of its teachings, values, and beliefs, which I found to be in stark contrast to the white nationalist discourse. I particularly valued Tyler’s insights in fearlessly confronting the racist and xenophobic political messages that have infiltrated white nationalism and Christianity.

Tyler makes solid points about the separation of church and state being foundational to a thriving democracy. Readers of all faiths will learn how to discuss how this ideology conflicts with American history, the Constitution, and Christian teachings. She appeals to clergy, administrators, parishioners, and lay members and emphasizes the importance of starting within one's own community and church to address the harms of Christian nationalism.

Zintka! Lost Bird of Wounded Knee

"Zintka!" is a comprehensive account of Zintkála Nuni's life, also known as Lost Bird of Wounded Knee. As an infant, she survived the Wounded Knee Massacre and was taken away by a White soldier as a trophy. This led to a life torn between her adoptive White family and the Indigenous Lakota community. The book, a companion to a film documentary of the same name, provides a detailed narrative of Zintkála Nuni's life, from her experiences in Indian boarding schools to her involvement in circuses, vaudeville, and Hollywood silent films before her untimely death in 1920, during the nationwide influenza epidemic

Collaborators singer-songwriter Brad Colerick and artist Scott Feldmann combine art, song, and narratives to illustrate the sorrow of Zintka’s sad life, which has been forgotten for 70 years. The rediscovery of her story—which led to her reburial at Wounded Knee in 1991—underscores the impacts of historical trauma and the resilience of Indigenous peoples. She was forcibly taken from her Lakota community as part of the assimilation policies during the colonization period. In boarding schools, she faced rejection and challenges in school due to racism and the perception of Native Americans as "uncivilized." She often encountered rejection from both children and adults in her White mother's social circles. After being expelled for rebellious behavior, Zintka found work in entertainment. She bore children in three marriages and endured intimate partner violence.

I reviewed the book from my perspective as a decolonizing settler colonist on Turtle Island (North America). Readers seeking to understand the complexities of identity and belonging and the lasting effects of colonization and genocide on Indigenous peoples would benefit from exploring Zintkála Nuni's life story. While I was well aware of the destruction of Indigenous communities, learning about Zintkála Nuni’s story broke my heart all over again.

The skillfully rendered volume contains poetry, song, and essays, offering striking visual representations of Zintkála Nuni’s journey and the historical context surrounding her experiences. The use of various public domain images, ledger art, and documents from institutions like the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian, along with ghostly illustrations, provides a captivating visual representation of her life and the historical context surrounding her experiences.

The book would be compelling for readers interested in Native American history and the effects of colonization on Indigenous communities. The authors create a compelling narrative, highlighting how Zintka’s tragic story was shaped by Manifest Destiny, the Wounded Knee Massacre, the breaking of treaties, the gold rush, and Indian boarding schools. The fate of Zintkála Nuni sheds light on the devastating impact of colonization and forced assimilation on Native Americans.

Cryptids and Cryptozoology: Spine-Chilling Encounters

Ancient stories and folklore have a way of captivating the imagination, especially as they hold the promise of understanding the unknown and unknowable. Throughout history, the myths of legendary creatures in the vast and untameable wilderness have endured. Oscar Johnson offers a fascinating look at the history, sightings, and cultural impact of mysterious beings in "Cryptids and Cryptozoology." The term “cryptid” describes creatures that exist in lore and stories, such as Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, the Yeti, Chupacabra, and many others. While there are documented sightings of cryptids, “mainstream” scientific evidence is evasive. 

Johnson’s writing style is as enchanting and engaging as the creatures he describes. The book is divided into chapters, each focusing on different types of cryptids, such as humanoid, aquatic, flying, land-based, reptilian, and insectoid cryptids. It was interesting to know about lesser-known cryptids like the Jersey Devil, the Beast of Bodmin Moor, and the Mongolian Death Worm. 

Stories have always brought people together. In telling the story of various beasts of lore, Johnson blends storytelling, eyewitness accounts, and scientific curiosity to share the enduring allure of the study of cryptids, despite the lack of definitive proof of their existence. 

What makes the book great is Johnson’s sincere enthusiasm about cryptozoology. He takes a balanced approach to explain that cryptozoology is not classified as an “official” scientific discipline, because of the lack of hard, reproducible evidence. On the other hand, he shares in the reader’s sense of curiosity by incorporating vivid imagery and detailed accounts of cryptid sightings and legends. Johnson mixes intrigue and a touch of humor to make the subject matter accessible and entertaining for readers of all ages. Johnson reminds us to tap into our innate longing for mystery, secrets, and adventures waiting to be uncovered in our modern world. ​

Align Your Business with the Real You

Running a business is not for the faint of heart. Entrepreneurs are a courageous and creative group, eager to provide new solutions to the market. In her book "Align Your Business with the Real You," Jennifer Musser offers a guide for entrepreneurs to live their best lives by connecting with their true selves and doing what they love. This book is an excellent resource for any entrepreneur who has experienced doubt about their path or feels overwhelmed by the many tasks involved in running a business. Musser draws on her experience in large corporations and her own entrepreneurial successes to provide heartfelt advice and actionable strategies for self-understanding and solidifying a sense of purpose. She emphasizes that by understanding oneself, entrepreneurs can make informed choices that align with their strengths and interests. This is a simple yet powerful reminder about the importance of matching personal strengths with business goals. Musser introduces the “5C” framework, which guides readers to connect, clarify, control, cocreate, and change their mindsets and experiences for greater personal fulfillment and business success.

Musser draws on her own experiences to highlight the importance of being strategic about where we invest our energy. One memorable mantra from the book is “Listen to yourself,” which emphasizes the need to trust our intuition and internal wisdom when making critical decisions. She provides practical strategies, such as effective time management and delegation, which are directly applicable to the challenges entrepreneurs face. She also emphasizes the significance of gratitude, kindness, and nurturing key relationships with friends and confidantes in our inner circle.

Each chapter includes a personal anecdote that highlights a pivotal moment in Musser’s life, setting the stage for valuable advice. The author shares her experiences, from the hard lessons she learned during her college years to insights gained in international business and the challenges she faced as a founder. These relatable stories, which many entrepreneurs will find familiar, get straight to the heart of the lessons in each chapter. Musser has taken great care to present the content in a clear and digestible manner.

I approached the book from my perspective as an entrepreneur managing my consulting firm, which focuses on providing research and training strategies for operationalizing diversity, equity, and inclusion. I found it valuable to learn about Musser's international business experience, her client service approach, and her personal insights. She writes in a conversational style that reflects her warm and collaborative consulting methodology. "Align Your Business with the Real You" reads like a personal conversation with a supportive mentor who is genuinely invested in your success.