Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Politcal Nonfiction Spotlight: Class War Then and Now by Chris Wright

Today, I have a political nonfiction novel to share! Learn about Class War Then and Now and author Chris Wright.


Political Nonfiction

Many of our posts contain affiliate links.

Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
affiliate partner. 



About the Book


For nearly fifty years, America’s working and middle classes have been under relentless attack. Wages have stagnated, inequality has soared, and the vast majority now lives paycheck to paycheck—while trillions of dollars flow upward into the pockets of the wealthiest few. Class War, Then and Now is both a searing indictment of this economic and political order and an impassioned call to arms for a new left rooted in class struggle, solidarity, and socialist values.

Drawing on a decade of essays and articles originally published in outlets such as Dissent, New Politics, CounterPunch, Socialist Forum, Truthout, and Common Dreams, historian Chris Wright examines the deep roots of capitalism’s crises and the failures of the contemporary left to confront them. In sharp, accessible prose, Wright tackles:


The centrality of class struggle in building a movement that can unite working people

Why identity politics, while important, must not overshadow the fight against capitalism

The overlooked necessity of nuclear power in addressing climate change

Lessons from labor history, from Jimmy Hoffa to modern union battles

The catastrophic consequences of American imperialism and endless war

How organized labor remains humanity’s most universal force for justice


With the urgency of a manifesto and the depth of historical scholarship, Wright argues that only a rational, international, and truly Marxist left can stop the United States—and the world—from sliding into neofascism and ecological collapse.

If you care about economic justice, social reform, and the future of democracy, Class War, Then and Now will challenge your thinking, sharpen your arguments, and inspire action.



About the Author

 


 Chris Wright is a U.S. historian, author, and lecturer at Hunter College, City University of New York, specializing in labor history and radical political theory. His work explores the history of capitalism and social movements, with a focus on building an international left capable of confronting economic inequality, rising authoritarianism, and ecological collapse. 

 

Wright is the author of multiple works of political nonfiction, including Worker Cooperatives and Revolution: History and Possibilities in the United States and Popular Radicalism and the Unemployed in Chicago during the Great Depression. His newest release, Class War, Then and Now: Essays toward a New Left, compiles a decade of essays originally published in respected left-wing and independent outlets such as Dissent, New Politics, CounterPunch, Socialist Forum, Compact, and Common Dreams

 

Over the years, his analysis and commentary have appeared in publications ranging from the Washington Post to Truthout, earning him recognition for his Marxist-informed, historically grounded critiques of capitalism and his advocacy of a democratic socialist movement. 

 

In addition to his academic work, Wright has written philosophical essays, fiction, and poetry, reflecting a lifelong interest in art, music, and the human condition. His current research and writing center on the labor movement, anti-capitalist strategies, and the urgent need for systemic change to address economic, political, and environmental crises.


Connect with the Author

Website

"X"

LinkedIn

https://independent.academia.edu/ChrisWright82


Buy the Book

Amazon


RABT Book Tours & PR

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Middle Grade Fiction Review: The Invasion by J. Taylor

This morning, I have another middle grade fiction book to share! I always enjoyed reading this genre of books with my younger daughters. We loved finding a series that we could read together--and look forward to adding the next book to our reading list! This morning, I have The Invasion, from The After series by J. Taylor. I enjoyed the first book, The After, and was excited to continue the series--here is that review in case you missed it--and you can find my review of Survival here! What did I think of The Invasion by J. Taylor?


​Book TitleTHE INVASION (Book Three The After series) by J. Taylor
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction & Juvenile Fiction (10 to 15 yrs old),  198 pages
Genre: Adventure, dystopian, suspense
Publisher:  FriesenPress
Release date:  July 2025
Content Rating: PG. 
 

Many of our posts contain affiliate links.

Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
affiliate partner. 



About the Book

With no central government to support Canada, chaos reigns as invaders seek control, and the Resistance rises to challenge them. Charlotte and Anna find themselves entangled with those protecting their country, desperate to prevent the intruders from seizing power and dismantling what remains of their nation.
Fleeing through unfamiliar territory, Charlotte and Anna’s resolve is tested as they evade relentless pursuers determined to capture or eliminate them. Although hopeful they can make a difference, every step forward is fraught with uncertainty, the looming threat of captivity pushing them to their limits. 

Despite fear and exhaustion, the determination to protect Canada’s future keeps the girls moving, even as the shadows of war close in around them.

 
My Review
 

The Invasion Takes Readers on the Next Step of this Dystopian Adventure. The author has created a fantastic character team that has grown along with the growing challenges and adventures faced in the series. The book is fast-paced and engaging from beginning to end. The pace keeps the story moving, preventing younger readers from getting bored, but it is well developed and interesting enough that the scenes are not too abrupt to engage older teens and adult readers. I love the author's writing style. She can develop scenes clearly and quickly without taking anything away from the story or its characters. 

 

Expect a Clean Read. This series takes on some serious dystopian challenges--but the author offers a clean read that your tweens and younger teens can read without worrying about the content themes. The characters certainly face challenges and situations that tug the heartstrings. Still, they are also handled well and in a G/PG writing style that makes the story more heartpounding and heartwarming than the shock-value content of some teen dystopian pieces.

 

Would I Recommend The Invasion by J. Taylor? I loved this series, but this book was my favorite so far. I have enjoyed watching the characters grow and find their paths. I recommend reading the series in order to better understand the characters' situations and the background of their growing bond. The novel is fast-paced and engaging, with action-packed scenes that are perfect for younger teen readers, but still detailed enough to hold the interest of older readers. If you enjoy middle-grade dystopian fiction with strong characters and an engaging, clean storyline, this series is an easy one to pick up and enjoy from the first pages. This book doesn't tie up all the loose ends, so you can be sure that I will be watching for more books in the series!

 
 Meet the Author 

J. Taylor leads a fulfilling life balancing her roles as a mother, teacher and author. Creating memorable experiences for her family and loved ones brings her joy. Large family dinners filled with lively conversation and great food are a cherished tradition. These aspects of her life contribute to her personal fulfillment as well as inspire her writing and the themes of connection and family in her stories. 

Taylor’s upbringing in Nova Scotia notably influences her storytelling, as she incorporates elements of the region’s culture and environment into her narratives. This background enriches her characters and the overall themes of her stories, making them relatable and inspiring.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook instagram goodreads




Monday, October 20, 2025

Middle Grade Fiction Review: Survival by J. Taylor

This morning, I have a middle grade fiction book to share! I always enjoyed reading this genre of books with my younger daughters. We loved finding a series that we could read together--and look forward to adding the next book to our reading list! Today, I have a Survival, from The After series by J. Taylor. I enjoyed the first book, The After, and was excited to continue the series--here is that review in case you missed it! Stop back tomorrow for my review of the 3rd book in the series: The Invasion!


 

​Book TitleSURVIVAL (Book Two The After series) by J. Taylor
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction & Juvenile Fiction (10 to 15 yrs old),  198 pages
Genre: Adventure, dystopian, suspense
Publisher:  FriesenPress
Release date:  January 2025
Content Rating: PG. I would have chosen G because there is no swearing or graphic scenes; however, based on the definitions given by ireads, the two teenage characters do kiss​

Many of our posts contain affiliate links.

Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
affiliate partner. 



About the Book

In the wilderness of Nova Scotia, Charlotte and Anna confront the formidable challenges of survival such as finding food, building a shelter, and establishing a new life. Their bond is tested, however, when an unknown individual enters the scene, potentially driving a wedge between them. As tensions rise, a catastrophic event further complicates their situation, leading to a separation that leaves them struggling to reunite.

Book Two of The After Series explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the harsh realities of survival, highlighting both the strength of Charlotte and Anna’s connection and the obstacles that threaten to tear them apart. 
My Review
 

Survival Continues the Dystopian Adventure. The author does an excellent job pulling readers into the next step of her characters' adventures. Various obstacles and challenges to survival test the girls, and the author presents these challenges in a way that is easy to read and engaging for middle-school readers. The emotions are well-portrayed, and the strength of character and the bond of friendship form the heart of the story. The author tackles the realities of survival along with some of the relatable realities of growing up and relationships. 

 

Expect a Clean Read. I often find tween/teen dystopian novels jump too quickly into romance and violence--but, the author here offers a clean read that your tweens and younger teens can read without worrying about the content themes. The girls face obstacles to survival (and challenges to their relationship)--and a love interest--but the nature of the story remains clean and a family-friendly read.

 

Would I Recommend Survival by J. Taylor? I enjoyed this novel. While you could read this book alone, I would recommend reading the first book in the series to help better understand the characters' situations and the background of their bond. The novel is fast-paced and engaging, with action-packed scenes. This pace makes some of the scenes play out rather quickly, but the style and flow of the book are perfect for younger teen readers. If you enjoy middle grade dystopian fiction with strong characters and an engaging, clean storyline, this series in an easy one to pick up and enjoy from the first pages.

 
Next in This Continuing Series:
​Book TitleTHE INVASION (Book Three The After series) by J. Taylor
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction & Juvenile Fiction (10 to 15 yrs old),  198 pages
Genre: Adventure, dystopian, suspense
Publisher:  FriesenPress
Release date:  July 2025
Content Rating: PG. I would have chosen G because there is no swearing or graphic scenes; however, the two teenage characters do kiss​
About the Book

With no central government to support Canada, chaos reigns as invaders seek control, and the Resistance rises to challenge them. Charlotte and Anna find themselves entangled with those protecting their country, desperate to prevent the intruders from seizing power and dismantling what remains of their nation.

Fleeing through unfamiliar territory, Charlotte and Anna’s resolve is tested as they evade relentless pursuers determined to capture or eliminate them. Although hopeful they can make a difference, every step forward is fraught with uncertainty, the looming threat of captivity pushing them to their limits. 

Despite fear and exhaustion, the determination to protect Canada’s future keeps the girls moving, even as the shadows of war close in around them.
 
 Meet the Author 

J. Taylor leads a fulfilling life balancing her roles as a mother, teacher and author. Creating memorable experiences for her family and loved ones brings her joy. Large family dinners filled with lively conversation and great food are a cherished tradition. These aspects of her life contribute to her personal fulfillment as well as inspire her writing and the themes of connection and family in her stories. 

Taylor’s upbringing in Nova Scotia notably influences her storytelling, as she incorporates elements of the region’s culture and environment into her narratives. This background enriches her characters and the overall themes of her stories, making them relatable and inspiring.

connect with the author: website ~ facebook instagram goodreads




Romantic Comedy Spotlight: Love. Camera. Action. by Sarah Hawthorn

This morning, I have a romantic comedy to share! Learn about Love. Camera. Action. and author Sarah Hawthorn! Be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

 



Romantic Comedy
Date Published: 10-01-2025
Publisher: Literary Wanderlust

 

Many of our posts contain affiliate links.

Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
affiliate partner. 



About the Book

In the quaint Australian country town of Warbol, a faded B-grade actress, Faith Farmer, dares to dream again. With a heart full of passion and a pocketful of savings, she revives the local cinema, The Rex, and invites the community to fall in love with the Golden Age of Hollywood.


As the silver screen flickers to life, the townspeople find themselves swept up in a world of romance, drama, and laughter. Jock, a handsome country vet, finds the courage to leave his unhappy marriage and pursue his heart's desire. Charlotte, a former nun, discovers a new sense of purpose and love. And Faith, well, she finds a second chance at stardom–and love–in the unlikeliest of ways.


Join Faith and the lovable residents of Warbol as they laugh, cry, and fall in love. With its colorful cast of characters, charming small-town setting, and a healthy dose of old-school Hollywood glamor, this delightful romantic comedy will capture your heart and leave you smiling long after the credits roll.



About the Author



Before taking up fiction writing as a full-time career, Sarah worked as an actress, journalist, newspaper columnist, magazine editor and publicist. She headed her own Sydney PR company for fifteen years.
Love. Camera. Action is her third published novel. 


The Dilemma (Bloodhound Books UK, August 2022) garnered five-star reader reviews and reached #1 in WW1 fiction on Amazon USA and #2 in both British Historical Fiction and Historical Mystery on Amazon UK. It was shortlisted for the Grindstone International Novel Prize.


Her debut novel, A Voice In The Night – a twisty psychological thriller – set in New York, London and Sydney was published in July 2021 (Transit Lounge). It has been optioned for film.
She was nominated by Books+Publising in 2021 as one of Australia’s most promising new authors.
 

Connect with the Author
 
 

Buy the Book
 
 
Enter the Giveaway 


RABT Book Tours & PR