Beauty & Dynamite by Alethea Kontis

I rarely review or recommend nonfiction, but in the coming days you’ll see two such personal recommendations from me.

The first is Beauty & Dynamite by Alethea Kontis.

Kontis’ essays regularly appear in Apex Digest, the book includes all of those essays and more. Bits of poetry, bonus essays (both published and unpublished), illustrations, an introduction by Brian Keene, an afterward by Apex Digest front man Jason Sizemore, plus all sorts of bits, blurbs and contributions from those who know and admire Alethea.

Alethea’s personality– entertaining and absolutely charming– comes through in this collection of nonfiction essays. She lays herself bare for the reader, revealing a magical combination of gentleness and an indomitable core with the strength of steel.

Inspiring and amusing, there’s something to benefit nearly anyone within. Beauty & Dynamite is available for pre-order (to be released June 1, 2008) for $15.95.

PS. What a gorgeous cover.