MSI Press Blog

  I have been to Armenia only once, many decades ago, but Armenia has played an outsized role in my life. Erevan and Mount Arafat In the mid-1980s, Erevan, now spelled Yerevan, was a city of paradoxes and poetry. The capital of the Armenian SSR stood apart from European Russia in both tone and temperament, offering visitors a glimpse into a republic shaped by ancient heritage and Soviet modernity—and a city that glowed pink. Erevan’s signature glow came from Armenian tuff, a volcanic stone quarried from the surrounding highlands. Rich in iron and minerals, the stone oxidized to hues of rose and coral, giving the city its nickname: the “pink city.” Buildings blushed in the morning light and gleamed at dusk, their color a quiet rebellion against Soviet gray. On clear days, Mount Ararat loomed in the distance—tall, dark, and solemn. Though politically inaccessible across the Turkish border, it remained a spiritual and visual anchor. The contrast was striking: the radiant pink ...

Available now on pre-order!  Nothing So Broken   by Chris Richards. Book to be released August 29, 2025. Use coupon code FF25 for 25% discount. Also available on pre-order on Amazon , where it is already top 100 in two bestseller categories, and on Barnes & Noble . Book description:  In the shadow of loss, a path to healing begins. Chris Richards grew up in a small New England mill town, where life was tough and loyalty ran deep. At just 19, his world was shaken when a close friend was left permanently disabled by a devastating accident. At the same time, Chris’s father began to show troubling symptoms linked to his service in the Vietnam War—unseen wounds that would slowly unravel the man he once knew. The weight of watching two people he loved unravel under the strain of trauma and physical decline left deep scars—ones Chris carried silently into adulthood. For years, he buried his grief and fear, never imagining that one day, facing his own crisis, he would turn to...

  Coming Soon! Available now on pre-order!  Nothing So Broken   by Chris Richards. Book to be released August 31, 2025. Book description:  In the shadow of loss, a path to healing begins. Chris Richards grew up in a small New England mill town, where life was tough and loyalty ran deep. At just 19, his world was shaken when a close friend was left permanently disabled by a devastating accident. At the same time, Chris’s father began to show troubling symptoms linked to his service in the Vietnam War—unseen wounds that would slowly unravel the man he once knew. The weight of watching two people he loved unravel under the strain of trauma and physical decline left deep scars—ones Chris carried silently into adulthood. For years, he buried his grief and fear, never imagining that one day, facing his own crisis, he would turn to their stories for strength. This powerful and moving memoir explores the enduring impact of trauma, the quiet power of resilience, and how even ...

  Every once in a while, a book comes along that isn’t splashed across every headline — but quietly shines with rare insight, lasting impact, and the power to stay with you long after the last page. We call these  book jewels . Each month, we spotlight one remarkable publication—a book that deserves far more attention than it gets. Through short, punchy reviews (each just a 1–2 minute read), we share what makes this month's jewel worth your time. You’ll hear from reviewers whose voices matter — people whose words are thoughtful, sharp, and well worth listening to. In just a few minutes, you might discover more wisdom, beauty, and brilliance than you find in an hour elsewhere. We'll leave it to you to decide — but we think you'll agree: some treasures are too good to keep hidden. This month's book jewel is  It Only Hurts When I Can't Run  by Gewanda Parker. paperback audiobook ebook Book Description A Memoir of Survival, Resilience, and Hope Abandoned, neglected, and...