Chanticleer Book Reviews

Category: Reviews

A PATH To EXCELLENCE by Tony Jeton Selimi – Success Self Help, Personal Transformation, Overcoming Challenges

On the belief that life isn’t just the random cards one is dealt, A Path to Excellence by Tony Jeton Selimi offers a blueprint—the octagon of excellence—to succeed personally, professionally, and spiritually.

Transcending the pitfalls and spontaneous stumbling blocks along the path of life can open the door to self-actualization and progression. As someone who experienced bullying, sexual abuse, early disability, and homelessness, Selimi sets on to become a beacon of light to the hopeless and marginalized.

Within each soul lies a bud of genius waiting to blossom. This book focuses on purpose, vision, and persistence to clear the way to that fullest potential. Affirming challenges as immutable truths of life, Selimi employs Buddhist teaching and personal anecdotes to encourage a head-on confrontation with one’s struggles and promotes a feeling of gratitude. As a blend of philosophical wisdom and practical experience, the initial chapters help readers acknowledge their current life situation, perceiving challenges as epochs of potential.

The intricate symmetry of the octagon, with roots in historical and cultural contexts, becomes a clear visual framework for this book’s instruction.

Just as the eight corners of the octagon meld to form a combined whole, eight core principles serve as a guiding route to holistic growth. Further sections present true-to-life examples of figures like Elon Musk and Oprah Winfrey, framing them as examples of clear vision and self-belief.

A Path to Excellence ushers one out of the most comfortable route to one scattered with stones and glass, insisting that setbacks are truly catalysts for growth.

Selimi highlights the importance of embracing change, believing in one’s self, and savoring every small success with a mind that persists no matter what.

The theme of karma is a core to this book, exploring its role in one’s mindset and passage of life.

As it emphasizes the concept that every action engenders energy that returns to us sometime in life, the theme touches upon the idea of generating positive karma. This section doesn’t back down from proving the relevance and practicability of karma in modern life through a harmonized connection between karmic cycles and psychological insights.

A Path to Excellence is a rich fabric embroidered with personal anecdotes, philosophical references, scientific insights, and reflective exercises for readers. It caters to every soul that seeks self-improvement and a holistic take on achieving success. But most of all, it is for those believing in the idea of persistence and courage.

A Path to Excellence by Tony Jeton Selimi won First Place in the 2023 CIBA Hearten Awards for Inspiring & Uplifting Non-Fiction.

July 29, 2024
A SONG THAT NEVER ENDS: Hamilton Place Book 1 by Mark A. Gibson – Family Saga, Historical Fiction, Coming of Age

A Song That Never Ends, the first volume of a two part series by Mark A. Gibson, opens a dramatic fictional saga of the Hamilton family from the late 1930s Depression era, to 1967 and the Vietnam conflict. Here against the backdrop of a South Carolina tobacco farm, we come to witness a family in turmoil.

The calm and reserved Walter Hamilton and his rebellious, impulsive wife Maggie strive to build a life and raise a family. But the couple is tested by a series of misfortunes—miscarriages and stillbirths, and Walter’s enlistment during WWII leaving him with guilt-induced PTSD as he deals with the memory of fallen comrades.

At the center of this heartfelt story is James, the middle child, who at the tender age of eight is forced from his home due to a horrific accident and sent to live with a widower uncle.

James proves to be an extremely intelligent and talented youngster who longs for a connection to his family. In the meantime, he learns from his gracious uncle to deal with dire situations and unexpected circumstances in life, as well as the importance of having a charitable heart. Under the tutelage of this kind, caring, and nurturing man, the story begins to evolve into a coming-of-age tale.

Clearly a character driven work, author Gibson aptly weaves themes of love, loss, and resilience throughout.

Though James is unjustly relocated it ultimately proves a positive experience, spending time away from his own dysfunctional family including a depressed mother who drowns her sorrows in vitriol, a ne’er do well, self-centered brother, and a father wrapped up in his own laments. We see how the twists of life shape the character and emotions of these engaging individuals.

While the story prologue opens in 1967, the narrative quickly moves to the 1930s and subsequently keeps a steady pace as chapters move the action ahead in chronological order.

Gibson carefully places the story within its historical context by showcasing details of each passing era. Here readers will witness the struggles to provide and survive during an economic depression, and the feelings of family separation and a husband’s need to serve in WWII. Years later we see a son follow suit and get shipped off to fight an unfavorable conflict in the jungles of Vietnam. In another instance, when enthusiastic teens rebuild an old roadster, Gibson provides a solid history of stock car racing and its roots with the bragging rights of bootleggers.

Gibson keeps his audience invested up until the final moments when the closing page notes “To Be Continued…” It’s the perfect set-up for the second volume to continue with the Hamilton family saga. Whatever Gibson has in store for his readers is sure to be another well-crafted experience rich in both character and detail.

July 24, 2024
THE BRISLING CODE by J.L. Oakley – Historical Fiction, WWII, Norwegian Resistance

In The Brisling Code, a fast-paced first installment of her historical thriller series, Oakley weaves a brilliant portrayal of the perils met by the Norwegian Resistance during WWII.

Layered perspectives—from resistance workers, traitors, and even an SS Officer—create a rich world through which readers can understand the sacrifices that were made to free our world from the tyranny of Nazi Germany.

Immersed in volatile Nazi-occupied Bergen, Norway, fearless young intelligence agent Tore Haugland and his team of organizers work tirelessly to protect the essential work of the Norwegian resistance.

Haugland’s task is to uncover the plans for the expansion of the German Uboat base with inside help at a shipyard. Also charged in unveiling the meaning behind a mysterious message sent by his murdered predecessor, Haugland navigates the treacherous waters of Norway—a mere haunting of the beautiful city it once was before Nazi occupation. Readers can “almost taste the danger” as our hero moves from one treacherous predicament to the next. Haugland’s mission risks not only his own life, but the lives of every friend and connection he makes.

The Brisling Code is a multi-faceted novel, interspersing the harsh and secretive political climate of Nazi occupation with the deaf community’s resistance work in Norway and a 1919 Norwegian program called the Wienerbarnkomitten, in which Norwegian families took in and raised German children whose families were impacted by WWI.

These overlapping communities create a heart of tenderness and relational love at the center of the novel, despite the violence and treachery that constantly threatens to break through.

For example, seemingly cold-hearted SS officer Hans Becker—on the hunt to capture Haugland and responsible for torturing and murdering many resistance workers— experiences a deep tenderness for his Norwegian foster mother, admitting that “She is my mamma. Not of my blood, but my heart.” As a result, he is forced to reconsider the motives behind his actions and stand up for her well-being, risking both his position as an officer and his life.

The Brisling Code is filled with these small, deeply sensitivity moments that bring characters to life.

People show warmth in a freezing world with actions like a cup of hot coffee, an embrace, and a smile of welcome. Despite the constant threat of violent death, life goes on in Norway, creating a web of intricate characters whose lives are rich with hopes, fears, and longings. Similarly, characters often reveal their true selves under their heavily-curated exteriors through actions and allegiances. These complicated moments and relationships refuse cut-and-dry judgements, allowing readers to find humanity in unexpected places.

Undercurrents of political tension in The Brisling Code create a rich historical context that puts readers in the shoes of Norwegians in their occupied homeland.

With descriptions of everyday life, readers soon understand the paranoia and surveillance in Norway— the constant fear of separation and harm among families and friends.

An expertly researched and executed novel, The Brisling Code invites readers to see that unexpected tender moments can always be found, opening up the possibilities for resistance in the face of violence.

The Brisling Code by J.L. Oakley won First Place in the 2023 CIBA Hemingway Awards for 20th Century Wartime Fiction.

July 22, 2024
YIMBY: Yes! In My Back Yard! by Sheryl Recinos, illustrated by Amanda Ravensdale – Children’s Books, Homelessness, Community Organizing

In YIMBY! Yes In My Back Yard!, Sheryl Recinos presents a simple yet powerful story that speaks to the heart of human kindness and the need to help our fellow man.

Most people are familiar with the term NIMBY, the acronym for “Not In My Back Yard”, referencing opposition to the construction of something perceived as undesirable in one’s neighborhood. But this passionate and heart-warming children’s book offers a positive transformation to the word.

Alongside quality illustrations by Amanda Ravensdale, this story explores the concept that people everywhere, both young and old, need our help.

Whether a homeless man in the park accepting food or a warm coat in winter, an elder woman getting help from a teen to climb the stairs, or an adult and child being welcomed by a family offering shelter, each scene emphasizes that “everyone needs a place to live sleep and stay safe.”

In another instance we see a father and his children admire their work after they transform a small structure into a freshly painted safe haven for someone. To show just how far reaching the homeless problem is, one image depicts a Native American looking out over the vast western landscape dotted with mountain ranges and roaming bovine.

Ravensdale’s illustrations are brightly colored, with fine detail and texture.

From the close perspective of a doe-eyed girl sipping a warming drink, to the mixed gathering of community members, all pictures reflect the story’s core sentiment.

In this engaging work, Recinos also includes suggestions for helping those who need housing in our own communities.

Consider food and clothing drives, sack lunch programs, and letters to legislators voicing concerns about the homeless. Further interaction includes questions posed to the reader about additional help they might offer. Several organizations are listed to further the cause of ending homelessness, including havens for both the young and old, as well as programs for homeless veterans.

The final page depicts colorful drawings and bios of the author and illustrator.

Recinos’s own experience with homelessness as a teenager is clearly reflected in her choice of subject matter. Ravensdale was born into a multicultural family and was influenced by an artist father. Growing up in countries around the world gave her a vast exposure to a variety of people.

With the Supreme Court’s recent debate regarding ticketing the homeless, YIMBY couldn’t come at a more pressing time. Though written for children, the book’s message offers a thought-provoking and compelling experience to be shared by young and old alike.

July 19, 2024
ESS-CAR-GO by Ruth Amanda – Picture Books, Children’s Animal Stories, Snails

With their park damp from the rain, seven snails line up for their next thrilling race in Ruth Amanda’s Ess-Car-Go!

Frogs, bugs, birds, and even a curious cat come to cheer on the famous snail racers, from the stylish Sterling to the easily-distracted Sherlock. And as each one runs into their own kind of trouble; this trophy could go to anybody!

All the racers are easy to root for, with their mishaps fitting the natural oblivious image of snails.

Written in an energetic two-piece rhyming scheme, this story builds excitement all the way to the end.

Each snail is introduced with a cute, memorable design and a few accompanying rhymes to show their prowess and personality, getting readers as engaged in the race as all the critters in the park. Their distinctive colors keep the race clear, while helping to show there are many kinds of snails in the world—and sometimes even in just one stretch of grass.

The rhymes cleverly fit in some vocabulary words like “hydroplane”, and the back of the book even includes a list of fascinating snail facts, teaching kids and adults alike more about these strange garden creatures.

Whimsical watercolor illustrations absolutely fill Ess-Car-Go! with detail.

There’s always more to draw the eye across the page, from colorful plants to the menagerie of adorable critters—each with their own kind of visual charm.

Along with that dedication to detail, the illustrations play with funny animal visual gags. They indulge in the wonderful silliness of a frog doctor, birds and insects trying to help their favorite racer, and of course the shell-spraining speeds that these snails achieve—all while maintaining a real sense of suspense as the finish line approaches.

July 17, 2024
LOVING BETH by Bonnie Rose Ward – Romance, Historical Fiction, 1800s

In Loving Beth, a Christian historical romance by Bonnie Rose Ward, a young woman finds herself in dire straits when her widowed mother dies unexpectedly.

Beth’s father had taken out loans to improve their property, but he was killed in the Civil War, leaving his wife and daughter to struggle to keep up with the payments. Now, Beth is alone without any means to keep her home—finding and taking in two young, abandoned children certainly doesn’t help. But even amidst her troubles, Beth’s thoughts keep going back to the mysterious and handsome stranger who found and brought home the body of her mother.

Life is not easy in her tiny settlement in West Virginia, and young, pretty Beth finds that it is not about to get any easier. The new banker holds a grudge toward her for having rejected his advances, and the man’s snobbish wife is determined to make Beth’s life even more miserable. The loans that Beth and her mother worked to pay each month are suddenly due in full— but the banker’s unwanted and ugly advances are foiled with the appearance of the mysterious stranger.

Ward effectively describes the harsh day-to-day work Beth must do to keep her farm afloat.

She reminds us in no uncertain terms that, yes, deciding which rooster to butcher and process is an integral part of the process to simply put dinner on the table.

Beth McCullough’s world is clear and well-characterized. The writing pays close attention to its setting, with different characters speaking in regional accents, providing the characters with a natural feeling to their speech.

Loving Beth is a heartwarming historical romance.

Author Bonnie Rose Ward describes a time and place long ago, portraying the struggle for women who are left behind in the aftermath of a devastating war, relying on their faith and friends to carry them forward, while finding love in an unexpected place.

Loving Beth by Bonnie Rose Ward won First Place in the 2023 CIBA Chatelaine Awards for Romantic Fiction.

July 15, 2024
THE WINTER HEIR: Fractured Kingdoms Book 2 by J.A. Nielsen – Epic Fantasy, Coming of Age, YA

The Winter Heir, the second book in J.A. Nielsen’s Fractured Kingdoms series, picks up where the first book, The Claiming, leaves off—with its protagonists struggling under the weight of a vital bargain.

Lady Dew Drop, Dewy to her friends—and her frenemies—is languishing in the court of the Winter Fae, a summer princess nearly frozen in both heart and spirit as she does her best to fulfill the pact she made with the Winter King. Meanwhile, the man who got her into this mess, the human mage and illegitimate princeling of Telridge—Spence Ferrous—tries to fulfill the deal for her.

But the story is much bigger than these two young lovers. The Winter King is dying without a legitimate heir. And it’s his own proud, arrogant fault. As much as both the humans and the Summer Fae would be willing to let him suffer the consequences of his own actions—he’s not the only one who will.

The resulting power vacuum will destabilize all three kingdoms AND the balance of the seasons between winter and summer. Will they or nil they, separately or together, the whole world needs them to find the heir that the Winter King once discarded.

It will be the making of both Dewy and Spence—and their breaking as well.

Where the first book in this series brought Dewy and Spence together, this second chapter in their coming-of-age adventure pulls them in opposite directions as they each need to come into their own without the other to lean on.

But in their separate treks to far-off lands among far-flung friends, allies, and those they believed were their enemies, the depth of the world building will turn the reader’s fantasy expectations in surprising directions.

The secondary characters who appeared to occupy stock fantasy roles in the first book turn out to be anything but mere archetypes.

Even more of a switch from traditional epic fantasy, while there are plenty of heroes in The Winter Heir—there are no true villains.

Instead, there are characters who have stepped out of that mold and into a complexity that shows they have heartbreaks and regrets, and have learned from their mistakes— even if it is almost too late.

Rather than a battle of good versus evil, the underlying theme of The Winter Heir is about maintaining a balance.

Winter needs Summer, Summer needs Winter, and the human community in the middle needs all of them to make peace instead of war—no matter what their neighbors might be trying to foment.

More seasoned YA fantasy readers will be reminded of Julie Kagawa’s now-classic, best-selling Iron Fey series, with its tale of plots, espionage and forbidden romance between rivals. The quest for balance among factions and seasons sees hints of the recent Up-and-Under series by Seanan McGuire writing as A. Deborah Baker, and even a touch of Narnia hidden in the harsh winter snow.

The saga continues beyond the end of this book, with a peaceful and happy ending yet out of reach. There’s more to come, and readers will be waiting for it eagerly!

Read the Dante Rossetti Award Winning YA Fantasy book that started it all here with The Claiming!

The Winter Heir will be released on September 4th. Pre-order yours today!

July 12, 2024
A CIRCLE Of STARS: Four Crowns Series Book 1 by Erin Lark Maples – Urban Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal

If you’re looking for a beach read with supernatural intrigue, A Circle of Stars by Erin Lark Maples will draw you in from page one. Ember “EJ” James, a newly-arrived stranger in the strange land of Prescott, AZ, immediately begins navigating unfamiliar territory, both physically and metaphysically.

Forty-something EJ doesn’t know it yet, but when she agreed to take over her deceased uncle Hollis’s shop in Prescott, she stumbled into a world of magical realism. The plant shop, as it turns out, is more than just that—it hides secret access to other realms, which supernatural beings will go to great lengths to access. Much like the plants in the shop, this tale is dark, tangled, and intriguing beyond belief.

Anyone else may have felt helpless. But EJ remains upbeat, charmingly self-deprecating, and resourceful to the end. There’s a great joy in seeing how she works through her new surroundings, unfazed by (almost) everything they throw her way.

Erin Lark Maples builds suspense quickly as the narrative unwinds, blending modern popular fiction with classic fantasy worldbuilding.

There’s a rather fantastical number of attractive men, but it is fiction, after all, and Maples quickly subverts reader expectations. What at first seems to be shaping into a classic fantasy romance gets turned on its head as would-be suitors become anti-heroes, even antagonists. The question soon changes from “Who will EJ choose?” to “How will she get out of this mess?”

As the plot thickens, EJ and the reader alike have much to keep up with: many names and complex rules of the fantasy world EJ’s just discovering. It has portals, pathways, history, artifacts—all the markers of a well-built world. Since readers see it through EJ’s very confused eyes, it’s easy to feel lost, but the real-world details help keep things grounded.

Much of the action takes place indoors, as EJ figures out how to run a plant shop-slash-supernatural meeting place. The plants themselves serve as a clear metaphor: they begin as overwhelming responsibilities but become friendly forces as EJ finds her way. Detailed descriptions of plants, moths, and even food become excellent foreshadowing.

Though it employs timeless fantasy elements, this is undoubtedly a text of the information age. Maples has the subtle yet admirable ability to give her characters modern tech—smartphones, online forums—without breaking her world’s spell.

Specific pop culture references further cement A Circle of Stars as a thoughtfully modern book. EJ herself is no stranger to contemporary issues: divorce, single parenting, planning events for terrible customers at her old job. But as she finds her path in Prescott, those issues fall away. Now, she’s instead confronted with unthinkable enemies and her own emerging supernatural power. Yet, these supernatural struggles ultimately help her come to terms with her real-world challenges.

Soon, EJ starts learning to merge her two worlds. She’s an experienced event planner, after all, and don’t her supernaturally-gifted neighbors still need events planned? She starts working toward her first big event in Prescott: an opening bash for the revived plant shop.

Her party-planning keeps the suspense aflame as we wait to see how things go down. Not all the invited guests are amicable, and many have dangerous abilities.

As chaos ensues and the stakes grow higher, it’s not always easy to tell who’s doing what and why, especially with so many magical abilities and clandestine connections at play. Like EJ, the reader often discovers what’s really going on a bit after the fact. However, the occasionally-campy banter in some scenes helps shed light on the details. It’s all in keeping with the book’s tone: a none-too-serious journey through magical possibilities. One of Maples’s best qualities as an author is her ability to show that magic can mean superhuman abilities and real-world serendipity, all at once.

This book is a great choice for lovers of smart beach reads, unbreakable women, and modern magical realism. At first, the novel’s resolution risks feeling a bit too easy. Yet there’s a surprising shift in perspectives just before the end, sending a quick signal that the story is far from over—we might see more through a different character’s eyes. This is Maples reminding us that A Circle of Stars is only the first book in her Four Crowns series. Though EJ’s world may seem settled for now, readers will be hungry for a sequel, to find out what she does with her newfound power.

Find and read the book here!

July 10, 2024
SNARLING WOLF: Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail Book 4 by David Fitz-Gerald – Historical Fiction, American West, Mystical

In Snarling Wolf, David Fitz-Gerald’s fourth installment of an adventurous migration to Oregon, wagon wheels sidewind along and through the serpentine Snake River.

It’s summertime, hot and dangerous on the cross-country trails. Wild animals, and the titular Snarling Wolf, ominously share the wilderness with a caravan of travelers. The group has become accustomed to their daily routines, but their remote destination seems almost mystical, moving always farther away, taunting and driving them toward madness.

Widowed Dorcas Moon is determined to do anything it takes for her beloved children to survive and thrive in a new life in a new land. But this difficult trip takes its toll on her family in surprising ways, and will leave them forever changed.

Dorcas Moon deeply fears an animal attack on their unprepared people.

As a native tribal member whose name loosely translates to Snarling Wolf follows their caravan, Dorcas even begins to suspect that he is a true two-legged wolf. Dorcas learns that, in truth, Snarling Wolf is a gentle and philosophical man, and cannot help but be drawn to him. But that doesn’t stop her worrying about the attraction between him and her daughter Rose, a vulnerable girl who believes she sees and aids the dead.

Rose confesses a shocking action to her mother, which has Dorcas concerned if her daughter is telling the truth or going mad. Barely a teen, Rose and this young man Snarling Wolf proclaim they are destined to be together, convinced of this inevitability by the paranormal insights of guiding spirits.

Dorcas has much to learn from Snarling Wolf. And the young couple have much to learn about life, promises, and the inevitability of fate.

The slow-moving wagon train slithers along the Snake River, sometimes moving away only to meet it again miles ahead. There is no escaping the river’s coils—eventually they will have to plunge their wagons through this deep, treacherous water to reach the other side and, if they make it, onto the promise of the west.

From the experience of the trail so far, Dorcas knows she can’t predict what’s going to happen next, leaving a tangible danger in the air. The ever-present threat of thieves hides all along the route, including the vicious Viper who is planning and biding his time to hit when he feels the wagons are most vulnerable.

All Dorcas’s children are growing up in this wild adventure, and Dorcas is often surprised at how they each do so. Her two sons have had to step up after the loss of their dad, and the increased responsibilities bring both rewards and tribulations. Nightmares from the trail even visit Dorcas’s youngest daughter, no longer a babe in arms. One foot in front of the other, they face each day head on.

As they trudge forward, Dorcas continues to wish for a new love, yet instinctively she hesitates to embrace affection with dear Agapito. She vows she must remain a single, independent woman.

How will destiny propel this family and their fellow travelers through the wild country in the heat of the summer, and what will they find on the other side?

Author David Fitz-Gerald skillfully continues an epic, historic tale about the people of the 1850 American West. He illustrates their dreams, sacrifices, fears, joys, persistence, and love against an exciting and suspenseful backdrop. Readers will revel in raw emotion shared with the vivid and diverse characters. They’re moving slow, and despite the heat of today, winter’s coming fast. Unknown secrets lay in wait, revealed by Snarling Wolf in the miles still ahead.

July 8, 2024
CHASING The DAYLIGHT: One Woman’s Journey to Becoming a U.S. Army Intelligence Officer by Joanna Rakowski – Memoir, Life in the Military, Inspirational

Chasing The Daylight by Joanna Rakowski is a revealing memoir that captures the rigor, intensity, and ferocity of military training in a salient style.

Ever wondered what it takes to become a soldier in one of the most powerful armies in the world?

Joanna Rakowski was born in Poland and grew up practicing dance from a young age, eventually becoming a professional classical ballet dancer and teacher. Upon her migration to the US in 1995 and the painful fallout with her friend and mentor, Chris, Joanna knew she needed to make a drastic change in her life. Her great awakening came when she decided to transform from a fragile and sensitive ballerina into a steadfast U.S. Army soldier, a goal that many close to her doubted she could accomplish.

With arresting insights, the text builds from Rakowski’s striking introduction as it describes her first day of enlistment, which was filled with uncertainties.

Despite having so many questions in her mind, she knew one thing for sure; that she had made the first step onto an important new journey. She would prove to everyone who doubted her that the common notion of fragility in artists did not actually have to be equal to an artist’s character and physical strength.

Her accessible account details the intricacies of military training such as living in the platoon barracks, practicing new drills— both primitive and hi-tech— classroom learning, and army values, among many more. Rakowski even goes further to describe the demeanor of drill sergeants and army commanders, debunking some of the myths that surround these personalities.

She does not shy away from mentioning the obstacles that come along with military drills, like training under the sweltering heat, extreme physical exhaustion, injuries, and sleepless nights.

This will undoubtedly make one understand the significance that soldiers see in their purpose, to endure such difficulty.

Despite the mental and physical challenges that she face in her four-year span in military training, Joanna would become a U.S. Military Intelligence Officer, demonstrating true resilience and fortitude.

Chasing The Daylight is a majestic piece of writing.

The narrative comes alive through Rakowski’s voice, which reveals her unfettered and unique collection of thoughts, allowing readers to draw from the well of her experiences, emotions, reflections, and attitude.

Ample flashbacks along the pages give us a sneak peek into Rakowski’s life in Poland, as do the fine art photographs peppered across, indicating the credibility of the story herein.

Rakowski affirms, “Life is a continuous cycle, full of glorious moments of light and moments of darkness. You never know where a new passion for life will come from. Then you become that passion that defines your existence. You become someone new and as you grow with love and within it; Eventually, you find your daylight”. Through these impactful words, she encourages her audience to keep chasing their dreams, no matter how insurmountable they may seem.

Bold and eye-opening, Chasing The Daylight contains fresh information on basic training for those considering enlisting in the U.S. Army and for any citizen interested in finding out what it takes to mold an army recruit into a competent U.S. soldier.

Chasing the Daylight by Joanna Rakowski won Grand Prize in the 2023 CIBA Military and Front Line Awards for Service to Others Non-Fiction.

July 5, 2024