Reviews in Brief

A once-in-a-lifetime offer of the impossible turns into a deadly moral dilemma in The Methuselah Project by Jim Nelson. Professor Lindstrom, a morally conflicted academic and a passionate insect-lover, finds himself caught in the conspiratorial web of an immortality-seeking billionaire when he infiltrates a strangely long-lived tribe in Papua New Guinea. Boasting quick-shot chapters and vividly depicted characters, the story rockets ahead after its brutal opening, edging readers into the suspenseful grip of Nelson’s well-drawn prose. Fanciful as the story may be, the novel poses essential questions about progress and ethics in a time when the veil between science and fiction feels thinner every day.

A gritty and visceral historical thriller laced with international espionage amidst a rich tapestry of suspense, Trust No One by Glenn Dyer offers a well-crafted and calculated spiral of intrigue. Tasked with recovering a damning dossier, Conor and Emily Thorn are plunged back into the covert crossfire of World War 2, using their array of operative savvy to prevent a potentially fatal blow to the Allies. Every line in this novel is steeped with intention and tension, as Dyer continues to expand the dimensionality of his characters and demonstrate his narrative mastery as this series pushes confidently forward.

An in-depth look at domestic and foreign policy in the United States, Oh Say Can You See “America” by John E. Suraj Persad is an insightful manifesto lamenting America’s fall from an international powerhouse, allowing itself to be overtaken by other foreign powers, which is potentially going to get much worse in the coming years. Told from a decidedly conservative viewpoint, the book is not as slanted as one might expect, especially in regards to international matters. At times, Persad veers into partisan bias, but overall his findings are sobering and methodically presented, illustrating how America is losing its hard-fought stature on the international stage, which is in part a result of perilous domestic issues – a fact that both sides of the aisle would be hard-pressed to disagree with. Short on comparison to other books from a conservative or liberal viewpoint, the book stands out as an incisive look at international politics at a time when the world stage is all the more volatile.

A well-written and informative introduction to the world of SQL, or Structured Query Language, which is how computers and databases communicate with each other, SQL Quest: A Journey Through Data by Neha Saini is a comprehensive and easy-to-follow overview of a complex topic. Aimed at young learners at least in its initial presentation, the book may be overly detailed for many young readers, but it is a perfect level for teenagers or adults looking to learn about the intricacies of computer science. Packed with imaginative examples, challenging exercises, and clear explanations, the book may not be wholly effective in its initial purpose as a children’s guide, but it is an expertly constructed and highly useful guide nonetheless.

Filled with valuable lessons on gratitude, mercy, forgiveness, generosity, and humility, Ephus and the Praying Bushel by Robert Berry is an informal gospel of a very different sort, which is an ideal entry point for children. From a clever thieving dog and a reformed rich man to Jesus the Nazarene himself and a colorful cast of other biblically inspired characters, this is an accessible collection of short but interconnected tales of Ephus’ spiritual journey and the legendary story of the Easter miracle. A stellar introduction to the Easter story, which offers a more accessible introduction to parables and biblical lessons, this easy-to-read book is both inspirational and refreshing, using an endearing sense of humor to directly engage with modern readers.

A powerful work of autofiction told through the lens of a gay black man growing up in the United States, The One Who’s Gonna See You Through by John Steven Welch turns stereotypes upside down and offers a fresh tale of life in America. GJ’s father stands by him through thick and thin, while his mother is absent due to her drinking and lifestyle choices. As he grows up, GJ struggles with his sexuality and the chaotic world around him, only discovering later how strong of a support system his father was in his life. A story that is intensely personal while illuminating the struggles in larger communities, Welch’s novel shines a light on facets of the American experience that are too often misrepresented or ignored.