Ali Ortiz, Book Reviewer

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Book Review

The Hole Truth and Nothing...

by Ali Ortiz

Playful and absurd, the satirical meditation The Hole Truth and Nothing… muses on iterations of the hole in life and in culture. Ron Budge’s satirical book The Hole Truth and Nothing… considers some of life’s greatest... Read More

Book Review

Voices for the Islands

by Ali Ortiz

"Voices for the Islands" traces the history of conservation efforts in British Columbia, recounting the brave and assiduous work of everyday people toward maintaining a healthy planet. The Salish Sea, Shelia Harrington notes, is home to... Read More

Book Review

Fear Dynamics

by Ali Ortiz

Using a poignant personal story to proffer general advice regarding overcoming trauma-based fear, "Fear Dynamics" is a hopeful self-help text. Stephen J. Dietrich’s self-help book "Fear Dynamics" is about being aware of how trauma from... Read More

Book Review

Alphabet by Heart

by Ali Ortiz

About doing and saying what is right to build healthy relationships, "Alphabet by Heart" models kind behavior, letter by letter. Jeanne and Mark K. Shriver’s didactic picture book "Alphabet by Heart" is about using words to heal and... Read More

Book Review

Takaoka's Travels

by Ali Ortiz

In Tatsuhiko Shibusawa’s allegorical novel Takaoka’s Travels, there are questions about whether a lifelong dream to reach the Buddha’s place of origin is worth it. Takaoka had a close relationship with his father’s consort,... Read More

Book Review

Jamie

by Ali Ortiz

In L. D. Lapinski’s affirming novel "Jamie", a fight for gender equality leads to greater community understanding. In Jamie’s hometown, there are two middle schools to choose from: one for boys and one for girls. But Jamie is... Read More

Book Review

You Are His Masterpiece

by Ali Ortiz

"You Are His Masterpiece" is a healing self-help book with recommendations for trusting in God’s process. Judith Lacy Hewes’s hope-filled religious self-help book "You Are His Masterpiece" is a guide for those dealing with... Read More

Book Review

The Success Guidebook

by Ali Ortiz

Modeling a positive attitude and flexibility, "The Success Guidebook" is an inspirational self-help text. Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino’s self-help book "The Success Guidebook" encourages clarifying one’s goals to achieve happiness.... Read More

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