October 15, 2025

Make My Funk the P-Funk


"SUPERGROOVALISTICPROSIFUNKSTICATION!" ~ 50%

If you sang the title of this post and continued with "I wants to get funked up," then this book review is for you. I grew up on P-Funk. Their concert was the most outrageous stage performance I have ever witnessed. I jam to George Clinton and 'nem to this very day. Their sound is so distinct that it is impossible to sit still when the bass hits my soul. Their discography spans 70+ years making Parliament-Funkadelic the longest-running music band in history. The year 1975, twenty years into George Clinton's musical journey with the group, became a pivotal year. 

"It's all designed to take us to the sky." ~ 13%

Make My Funk the P-Funk by Daniel Bedrosian, the longest-tenured keyboardist for Parliament-Funkadelic, details the rise from Chocolate City to Let's Take It to the Stage to Mothership Connection. It gives a historical view of things happening in the world during the release of these three (3) classic albums in an 8-month timeframe. With detailed overviews of each album, lyric breakdowns, analysis of the group's dynamic and interviews with living members, this book is a deep dive into P-Funk through their 1975 album releases.

This book is for the hardcore P-Funk fans. The music lovers with funk running through their veins. The women who wore diaper dresses. If you cleaned the whole house on Saturday morning to these songs then went to a house party that night. Music buffs looking for more in-depth information about P-Funk's trademark sound. Those who saw the group's style transition from suits to psychedelic outfits. Aspiring producers wanting a success guide. Those who lived through Watergate, the fall of Saigon, riots and know they STILL funky in the White House. *mic drop*

"It is no wonder most people had no idea that these two different-sounding bands on different record labels with totally different album art were actually one and the same." ~ 30%

Bedrosian took great care in writing MMFTPF including info that has been the subject of controversy or rumors over the past several decades, brief biographies of key members, origin of lyrics, stats and a thorough listing of samples and interpolations. He really pulled back the curtain and gave credit where it is due. The time and effort spent researching is obvious. I learned so much about the P-Funk era. It enhanced my reading experience by streaming the featured songs as I read along. Bookhearts, need I say more? Read it and be funkatized!

Happy Early Pub Day, Daniel Bedrosian! Make My Funk the P-Funk will be available on October 16.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Title: Make My Funk the P-Funk
Author: Daniel Bedrosian
Published: October 2025
Pages: 187
Edition: Galley
Genre: Music Biographical
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤

October 7, 2025

Boom Town


"I do this thing sometimes where my curiosity will get the best of me, and I'll either ask the wrong question or one question too many." ~ 67%

Gone Girl meets P-Valley? Sign me up for the ARC!

In Nic Stone's adult thriller debut, a woman is determined to find two missing exotic dancers from Atlanta's most notorious gentleman's club. When new daytime dancer "Charm" misses a shift, vet dancer Lyriq suspects more than a no call, no show. Her former headline partner, Lucky, disappeared under similar circumstances. This doesn't seem like a coincidence. Lyriq's search to find them leads to and through Atlanta's underworld, blurring the lines of safety.

I give Nic Stone kudos for venturing into a different genre. It takes focus and faith to try something new, hoping fans will follow. However, Boom Town may not be for everyone. It is a good premise but missing elements of a page-turning thriller. It was way too easy to put away at bedtime. I did not connect with any of the characters. The suspense didn't faze me. The story is a bit wordy; perhaps the writing style is purposefully verbose for the intended adult audience but it only made the story drag. As a Nic Stone repeat reader, I am disappointed.

Be warned this is for grown readers and much different from her previous books. This is not a light subject. Societal issues relevant to today are a main focus making this an ideal pick for book clubs. It will certainly spark conversation and bring awareness. Author's goal accomplished? Perhaps I would have enjoyed it more if read in a group setting or with a buddy. I appreciate Nic Stone's effort but Boom Town fell flat this fall.

Happy Early Pub Day, Nic Stone! Boom Town will be available Tuesday, October 14.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins. ~LiteraryMarie

Title: Boom Town
Author: Nic Stone
Published: October 2025
Pages: 272
Edition: Galley
Genre: Thriller
Rating: 🖤 🖤