East County Magazine
San Diego poet shares secrets and solace of a psychotherapist in The Best Sex I Never Had
Book by Susan Black Allen Reviewed by Pennell Paugh February 2, 2026 (San Diego) — San Diego resident and psychotherapist, Susan Black Allen has written…
Down to the Bone: A Missing Family’s Murder and the Elusive Quest for Justice
Printer-friendly version Book by Caitlin Rother Review by Paul Levikow December 2, 2025 (San Diego) – San Diego-based New York Times bestselling author Caitlin Rother takes on the mysterious disappearance of the McStay family of four, who were last seen in their Fallbrook home in February, 2010. Joseph, Summer, and their two sons, Gianni and Joseph Jr. were killed and
Operation Masquerade: A Rent Beacham Mystery
Printer-friendly versionNovel by Larry M. Edwards Reviewed by Pennell Paugh November 28, 2025 (San Diego) — Larry Edwards, a San Diego resident, has written another Rent Beacham mystery. San Diego journalist Rent receives information about a cold-case homicide in Washington State. His investigation leads him to investigate links between illegal disposal of hazardous waste from a San Diego boatyard in
Oaks from Acorns Grow
Printer-friendly versionBook by Richard Opper Reviewed by Pennell Paugh November 4, 2025 (San Diego) — San Diego resident Richard G. Opper is releasing the last book in his Oakheart Trilogy, Oaks from Acorns Grow. It’s written in deep point of view of each player in the story, including the criminals. Mona Oakheart goes to Guam to find her leading porn
Looking for Tank Man by Ha Jin
Printer-friendly versionReviewed by Pennell Paugh October 18, 2025 (San Diego) – National award-winning author Ha Jin, who became a U.S. citizen after the Tiananmen Square uprising. explores themes of rebellion in China and the struggles of a Chinese student in America in his novel, Looking for Tank Man. His main character, Lulu, who is a young woman from China, attends
El Presidio de San Diego: Excavating Southern California’s Lost City by Richard Carrico
Printer-friendly versionReviewed by Pennell Paugh October 19, 2025 (San Diego) – History buffs will love Richard Carrico’s new book, El Presidio de San Diego: Excavating Southern California’s Lost City. The book briefly covers San Diego area history before the first pioneers arrived. The author’s preview to European colonization is short but extensive. Richard Carrico’s greatest focus is upon the presidio
Local children’s book author and filmmaker named finalist in San Diego Magazine’s “Celebrating Women” Awards
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service October 14, 2025 (San Diego) — Anat Tour, a children’s book author, singer, documentary filmmaker, and math teacher based in East County, has been named a finalist in San Diego Magazine’s “Celebrating Women” Awards in the Education category. In addition to her writing and filmmaking, Anat is a passionate singer and host of East County
Linchpin encourages people to find their value in the workplace
Printer-friendly version Review by Heidi Hope October 15, 2025 (San Diego) — Linchpin focuses on the themes of changing the world for the better and making a difference in the workplace by embracing one’s individuality, artistry and uniqueness in visions and values, instead of simply following instructions and never getting to contribute creativity into any task. This New York Times bestselling book
Pretty Happy: healthy ways to love your body
Printer-friendly versionBook by Kate Hudson Review by Heidi Hope October 5, 2025 (San Diego) – Pretty Happy is a New York Times best-selling self-help book written by my favorite actress, Kate Hudson. She thoughtfully researched each area and provided a variety of questions to ask, as well as suggestions to reference and ideas for carrying out each lesson to take
An anthology features San Diego authors: San Diego Writers and Editors Guild releases its thirteenth anthology in October
Printer-friendly version East County News Service September 28, 2025 (San Diego) – The San Diego Writers and Editors Guild launches Good Luck with That—the Guilded Pen’s thirteenth annual anthology. The collection includes thirty-six stories written by twenty-nine members on the theme: “Good Luck or Is It?” Sandra Yeaman. In her twenties, Sandra traveled to Tehran, Iran, where she taught English
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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting — not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine’s local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.
ANAT TOUR, EAST COUNTY’S RENAISSANCE WOMAN
Printer-friendly version By Dennis Moore June 20, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) — East County resident Anat Tour, originally from Canada, is our community’s own Renaissance woman—a master of mathematics, art, music, writing and much more. By day, she is a mother of four and a math teacher at a local high school; by night, she is the lead singer
TRACKING DOGS INSPIRE KIDS TO “READ FOR A REASON”
Printer-friendly version June 16, 2011 (Poway) –To kick off the County Library’s Summer Reading Club, a team of search and rescue beagles visited children at the Poway Library today. Some kids even read their favorite books aloud to the friendly animals. It was a fitting meeting: This summer, kids and adults can “Read for a Reason,” to benefit
DOLLAR-WISE DIVA: SALLY GARY’S 25+ FREE THINGS TO DO IN SAN DIEGO
Printer-friendly version Have more fun this summer…and spend less money! By Nancy Clement June 3, 2011 (La Mesa) – Sally Gary is the author of the new $Best Freebies, Bargains, Deals & Steals in San Diego book, 9th Edition. This is a MUST Have book for your home library! Her ideas will enable you to have more fun and
TRIANGLE: THE FIRE THAT CHANGED AMERICA BY JOEL CASTELLAW
Printer-friendly version There will be a free reading on Saturday of "Triangle: The Fire That Changed America"" by Joel Castellaw. The haunting story of the Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire of March 25, 1911 is told. This horrific event changed labor laws throughout the United States, and is a powerful, historic story. Mr. Castellaw decided to become and
SAN DIEGO BOOKSHELF–DIVINITY OF DOUBT: THE GOD QUESTION
Printer-friendly version Divinity Of Doubt: The God Question, By Vincent Bugliosi (Vanguard Press, New York, NY 2011, 338 Pages) Book Review by Dennis Moore “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).” May 24, 2011 (San Diego)–New York Times number one bestselling author of Helter Skelter and one
LIBRARY SHOW AND TELL STORY WITH SLIDES
Printer-friendly version April 26, 2011 (Alpine) — On Thursday, April 28, 2011 at 6:00 pm, Linda Loegel, former owner of Fred’s Old Fashioned Burgers (Mrs. Fred), will present a show and tell evening featuring her new book, Bumps Along the Way. The book humorously recounts the highs and lows of a six-week, ten thousand mile, cross-country trip by her
AUTHORS SHARE SECRETS OF SUCCESS AT BARNES & NOBLE EVENT HOSTED BY EAST COUNTY MAGAZINE
Printer-friendly version By Miriam Raftery April 11, 2011 (La Mesa) – Break some rules and pick a pen name similar to your favorite best-selling author. Those were among the creative tips offered by Joshua Graham, local author of the best-selling legal thriller Beyond Justice. Graham joined with local authors T.J. Johnson and Linda Loegel Saturday in a free forum
EAST COUNTY’S MUSIC MAN, BOB TAYLOR, PRESENTS LESSONS ON LIFE AND BUSINESS IN HIS BOOK, GUITAR LESSONS
Printer-friendly version Guitar Lessons: A Life’s Journey Turning Passion Into Business, By Bob Taylor, (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey, 2011, 230 pages.) Book Review by Dennis Moore April 8, 2011 (El Cajon)–Bob Taylor, co-founder and president of Taylor Guitars in El Cajon, California, has added a new title to his repertoire: author. in Guitar Lessons:
AUTHORS TO SIGN INSPIRATIONAL BOOKS AT RAMONA LIBRARY APRIL 16
Printer-friendly version April 16, 2011 (Ramona) – Ramona authors o inspirational books will be signing copies of their works on Saturday, Aprl 16 at the new Ramona library, 1275 Main Street in San Diego. Authors include Barbara McBride, Byron Mettler, Mike Mulligan, and Peter Zindler. The signing will be held from 9-11 a.m. Mulligan is the author of God’s
WANT TO GET PUBLISHED? GET TIPS FROM LOCAL AUTHORS APRIL 9 AT BARNES & NOBLE, LA MESA
Printer-friendly version Authors will offer writing tips and sign copies of books at Grossmont Center store By Dennis Moore April 2, 2011 (La Mesa)—Are you an aspiring author? Barnes & Noble bookstore in Grossmont Center will host ”How to get published” on April 9 at 1 p.m. Moderated by ECM book reviewer Dennis Moore, The event will feature best-selling novelist Joshua Graham
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Support community news in the public interest! As nonprofit news, we rely on donations from the public to fund our reporting — not special interests. Please donate to sustain East County Magazine’s local reporting and/or wildfire alerts at https://www.eastcountymedia.org/donate to help us keep people safe and informed across our region.
East County Magazine
Pretty Happy: healthy ways to love your body
Printer-friendly versionBook by Kate Hudson Review by Heidi Hope October 5, 2025 (San Diego) – Pretty Happy is a New York Times best-selling self-help book written by my favorite actress, Kate Hudson. She thoughtfully researched each area and provided a variety of questions to ask, as well as suggestions to reference and ideas for carrying out each lesson to take
Lucas and Emily’s Food Bank Adventure by Dave Grunenwald
Printer-friendly versionReviewed by Pennell Paugh September 28, 2025 (San Diego) – Lucas and Emily’s Food Bank Adventure is a children’s book for 5- to 10-year-olds. It is designed to inspire children and their families to volunteer in community programs that help those in need. In the book, two friends and a grandparent visit a group that make and deliver sandwiches. Next,
Author Tanya Harris hosts book signing Sept. 21 at Grossmont Center to benefit domestic violence survivors
Printer-friendly versionEast County News Service September 5, 2025 (La Mesa) — Local author, domestic violence survivor and advocate Tanya Harris will host a powerful community book signing and awareness event on Sunday, September 21, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the gazebo at Grossmont Center mall (5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa). The community-focused event is designed to
Blood in the Water: an A.J. Hawke legal thriller
Printer-friendly versionNovel by Donald McInnis Reviewed by Pennell Paugh September 4, 2025 (San Diego) —Blood in the Water, though fictional, exposes a flaw in the United States’ tripartite federal government structure as established in the Constitution. The third branch of government, the Judiciary, cannot enforce its rulings, even when those rulings are necessary for protecting an individual citizen’s rights or the constitutional powers of