Northwest Literary Review delivers book reviews, cover copy, elegant synopses and solid punchlines to authors and publishing houses
We established Northwest Literary Review to help first time authors and self-publishers get that first review, which can be a daunting experience. Authors need favorable reviews to lend credibility to their work, thus boosting buyer confidence and retail sales with booksellers. Books already reviewed tend to get more reviews. This is great for authors as they accululate a growing list of positive blurbs for their book's dust jacket, promotions and web site content.
At Northwest Literary Review we write reviews that are collaborations between the author, the review writer, and a third party... the book itself. We believe strongly that books are like living things, independent entities that seem to take on a life of their own. Ask any author who has had a successful book go ballistic, and they will confirm this well-known phenomenea.
The synopsis, a short and concise description of a book, is used in a variety of important applications: author web sites, Amazon.com listings, book distributor catalogs, Bowkers Books in Print™ directory, and is also great for introducing the book on TV and radio interviews. A good synopsis written in the voice of the book is indispensable for ongoing publicity and promotion.
Punchlines are single sentences or phrases written to hook readers, even ones with short attention spans. Punchlines create a meme that sticks in the mind, repeating over and over like a mantra. They must generate the desired response with an economy of effort.
Unlike most reviewers, we actually read the books we review, because we love books and our literary clients. Writers are arguable the most interesting, inventive and quirky individuals one could meet, and they are a lot of fun to work with. So we are always ready to talk to authors and writers about their pet projects.
When you are ready to discuss your book or manuscript, email us at:
info@northwest-literary-review.com.To read our client endorsements click here.
Book Review Samples
by Northwest Literary Review
Common Sense: The People’s Amendment - by Rob Michaan
For the past decade many of us have watched in disbelief as the substance and intent of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights have been gradually eroded. As a result we have lost many of our constitutional rights, and our world has become an increasingly insecure and dangerous place to live. Among the rights and protections we have lost are those intended to protect us from out-of-control government and from the machinations of powerful special interest groups. Also lost are the checks and balances our forefathers included in the Constitution and Bill of Rights to prevent the kind of fascism, oppression, and dictatorships that have so often plagued mankind. Our rights to basic health, safety and wellbeing have been revoked, while we see the increasing social inequality that rewards the rich while penalizing ordinary citizens.
In addition to the erosion of our democratic rights and protections, the powers that be have brought our planetary ecosystem to the brink of disaster: as a result, the survival of our species, and all other living things are now in jeopardy. This, as author Robert Michaan points out, has happened “on our watch.”
In Common Sense: The People’s Amendment, Michaan provides a detailed and well-researched set of guidelines that set a standard for government. The amendment is based on the intent of the original Constitution and a humane and sensible standard for our relationship to the earth and each other. A retired boat captain, Michaan presents us with a comprehensive compilation of elements needed to create an equitable, just, and sustainable society founded in hope, democracy, and empowerment, as opposed to the fear, complacency, and despair.
Michaan’s point, and the point of the Amendment, is that the only way we can save our beloved country and survive as a people is to preserve the best of the original intent of our forefathers, while proposing humane and intelligent standards for our time. Only this kind of comprehensive reform, Michaan claims, can provide a solid foundation that can begin to rebuild our ravaged democracy and way of life.
"Common Sense: The People's Amendment is a must-read for anyone who recognizes the present dangers of our times, and wants to foster ethical, just, and humane change."
—Northwest Literary Review
Kick the Tire and Light the Fire - by Lee Brewer
Tom Brokaw has put the author, and a few million others like him, into a special category he calls “The Greatest Generation.” This generation of WW II veterans is now dying at the rate of about 1500 per day. So if they want to tell their stories, they must do it now... or never.
This book was extracted from a larger unpublished autobiography originally meant for the author’s family. But the manuscript elicited such great interest from others that it was decided to publish this version aimed at a much wider market.
Kick the Tire and Light the Fire is about Lee Brewer’s early aspirations to fly, and the lengthy journey undertaken to achieve this goal. It covers his combat experiences as a B-29 navigator in WW ll and as an F-86 jet fighter pilot in the Korean War. It also tells of his peacetime Air Force years, and about flying as a retiree after 25 years of military service. Through it all, delight and hair-raising terror were his constant companions. This book fully covers the two other love affairs in the author’s life: sailing and art.
"Most of us dream of a life of adventure... Lee Brewer has lived it."
— Northwest Literary Review
Bastante - by S. Jaen Black
As a book reviewer, I have rarely been as captivated or as disturbed by a book as I was by S. Jaen Black's first novel: Bastante. The very first line sets the tone for the entire story: "She perched upon that stool with an attitude every bit as gigantic as her butt."
Bastante is set in the deep south with all of the usual trimmings: lightnin’ bugs, deep-fried food, drug addicts, heart-wrenching and twisted love, bizarre burials and desperate murders. Seedy yet inciteful, this tale twists and turns through the back roads of the mind, eventually depositing you inside the ultimate hardcore iron gym. There you meet the bent but-not-broken main character: Munio, a former Olympic contender from Beleize who has just inherited an entire candy store of illegal steroids.
Once you have read the first few pages of Bastante, you won't put it down until the last page is turned. Begin this story, and you will enter a realm that few outsiders ever see, the elite world of weightlifting, body building and extreme physical culture. This book provides you with a backstage pass, as it is written by the ultimate guide to this over-muscled alternate reality: S. Jaen Black, the current Olympic master’s weight lifting record holder.
"Trashy and fascinating, Bastante is a passport to another world, one populated by twisted characters on a quest for physical perfection, and the elusive Olympic gold."
— Northwest Literary Review
Song of the Gods - by John R. Dann
John R. Dann, author of Song of the Axe, and Song of the Earth, has written this third and final tale in his Song Trilogy. Set in prehistoric times, the warrior Sagon and his mate Spear Woman begin to experience the first stirrings of self-awareness, primitive spirituality, love, magic, God, and the limitless potential of mankind.
With enlightenment just beyond their reach, the two are compelled to take a perilous journey across the primeval landscape in search of shamen, the legendary Earth Mother, and other spiritual masters.
This story is a spirit quest from the dawn of mankind. It chronicals the emergence of humans as sentient spiritual beings. But first, Sagon and Spear Woman must survive their harrowing adventures. Only then can they hope to hear the song of the gods.
"An epic spirit quest filled with adventure, romance and exploration in primevil times."
— Northwest Literary Review
With Radical Faith and Effortless Grace - by Julie Jacobs
Based on actual events, ‘With Radical Faith and Effortless Grace... The Journey to Heart Space’ delves deeply and powerfully into one woman’s romantic journey on the River of Life, which becomes her quest for transformation and self love.
On this journey of self-discovery she experiences inner-conflict, spiritual truths, and the importance of honoring and acknowledging her own fear. This leads her to Anamchara, her soul-mate... the man who would hold for her the mirror of self-reflection, redemption and finally, her own rebirth.
Along the way she encounters her inner Wicked Ego Witch, always ready to capsize the boat with inadequacy, shame and blame. Despite the Witch’s meddling, she aligns with Radical Faith, Effortless Grace, Satori and the Seer. Radical Faith carries her sword of truth and trust. Effortless Grace offers comfort and wisdom in her shield of compassion. Satori, the midnight mare reveals both her fears and her strengths as the Seer guides the author to find her own Divine Truth buried in the life lessons of the journey. Through the help of her new allies, the author courageously takes the first steps toward self-awareness... a destination that can only be found in the mirror of love.
"Radical Faith and Effortless Grace is a powerfully moving journey of the heart and spirit."
— Northwest Literary Review
Art of the Basket Case - by Andrew Bauer
One day you get offered a free motorcycle and, hey, why not? Bikes and spare parts are as cheap and available as a Hollywood debutante. After all... who doesn't need another time-consuming project to take time away from work, the wife and kids?
Later, another basket case mysteriously falls into your lap, then another and another. The garage and backyard fill up, friends and relatives stop visiting, and you are eventually compelled to launch a web site to air out your dirty laundry. This is how rust junkies are born. Don't laugh! It could happen to you.
Luckily, not everyone is cut out to be a basket case trauma doctor. Some people prefer shiny new toys. They are allergic to flea markets and rusted metal, and many have obsessive hand-washing compulsions. If you are one of these fastidious individuals, put down this book and back away slowly. Forget you ever saw it.
But if you admire the inner beauty of neglected classic motorcycles, and are compelled to salvage and restore these hard luck cases, this book is for you: the good, the bad and the ugly. Art of the Basket Case is a collection of art photos revealing the neglected beauty of forsaken motorcycles and endless spare parts.
"Art of the Basket Case is an original, fascinating art book from a unique perspective."
— Northwest Literary Review
To submit a book review to Northwest Literary Review,
or to submit a manuscript for review,
please email us: submit@northwest-literary-review.com
