Silent Bird by novelist Reina Lisa Menasche

Book review by Ariele Johannson

With podcast interview by editor Miriam Raftery on "East County Magazine Live!" radio show KNSJ 89.1 FM: Listen.

Silent Bird, a novel by Reina Lisa Menasche, could be remembered for its exotic French landscape and romance, or for its treatment of difficult subjects. Maybe it will be reread for its charming humor, an inner view of two young lovers moving too fast, or Pilar, the protagonist learning to adjust to a new culture with its linguistic challenges. There are great descriptions of the meeting of two divergent cultures through the budding and then continually strengthening relationship of Pilar and her lover.

It could also be remembered for its irresistible combination of all of these, but it will be remembered.

By Ron Logan

Wednesday, November 9, 2011 (San Diego) – Internationally recognized investigative journalist and New York Times bestselling author Greg Palast will be speaking and signing copies of his latest book, Vultures’ Picnic: In Pursuit of Petroleum Pigs, Power Pirates, and High-Finance Carnivores (available in stores November 14) on Thursday, November 17th at 7 p.m. in Hillcrest.

Beyond Justice, By Joshua Graham (Dawn Treader Press, 2010, 430 pages.)

Book Review by Dennis Moore

September 8, 2010 (San Diego’s East County) -- San Diego author Joshua Graham has written a riveting and supernatural legal thriller, Beyond Justice, that at times has spiritual overtones. Beyond Justice is the story of Sam Hudson, a reputable San Diego attorney who descends into a hell not of his making after authorities wrongfully convict him of the brutal rape and murder of his wife and daughter.

On Death Row, he awaits execution by lethal injection while he agonizes over the fate of his young son Aaron, who was beaten into a coma during the attacks.

SAN DIEGO, CA July 23, 2010 Meet author Gary Winters, of The Deer Dancer, Friday evening as he gives a presentation and signing for his powerful novel, The Deer Dancer, at Borders Books and Music in El Cajon. The author will speak briefly about the process of writing this novel, read from his book, and take questions. This is part of an ongoing commitment between the El Cajon Borders and local publisher, Sunbelt Books, to provide East County with local author readings to encourage literacy and a sense of community.