Member Reviews - February '26 ( Closed ) > Likes and Comments
Hi My recommendation:
The Last Heretic: The True Meaning Behind the Creed (The Truth & Consequences Collection Book 2)
by Steve Goldsmith
( https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... )
Okay!My recommendation:
The Last Generation By Michael Thomas
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Oh we can do more than one! Then I have plenty! :D My 2nd Recommendation for February 2026:
Dear Dairy: A Neurodivergent Coming-of-Age Diary by Steve Goldsmith
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My 3rd Recommendation for February 2026:Everheld: Outside the Lines of Love by Ela Sharp
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My 4th Recommendation of February 2026:The Last Heretic: The True Meaning Behind the Creed (The Truth & Consequences Collection Book 2) by Steve Goldsmith
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Just saying, you forgot my 'Dear Dairy' recommendation or my 2nd recommendation which is again our Steve's book. :) :D It is documented by me above. :) You need to delegate work bro, I simply don't know how you handle all this alone! :) You are super-man! Or rather super-Mehmet who is also super-serious! ;)
Dear Fiza,You’re absolutely right — this system is both hard to track and very prone to being forgotten. That said, these kinds of trial-and-error processes do help us gain experience.
I think we should change the structure of the Free PDF and Book Review tabs starting from March. If we turn them into independent announcement-style sections—similar to the Free Books tab—where either the author or the reader can directly submit their own text, we can probably prevent these kinds of issues.
What do you think?
I think that is a great idea!Also, I am open to being a back-up Moderator, if ever needed.
Hi Steve,Your moderator role has been set up. Seeing our moderator team grow and become stronger further increases my motivation to turn our group into a much more inclusive community.
Thank you once again for your contributions.
Best,
Mehmet
Mehmet, Fiza, my true appreciation for what the two of your doing for us. Sure, we all want to get our works out there, but through Mehmet's vision of building a larger community of Indie authors (who are able to say what we want to say in the manner in which we want to say it, without those restrictions of commercial formulas, yet we have limited budgets in which to mass market, and possibly a limited market appeal too), we can come together and share our thoughts and feelings and experiences - all the while expanding our bases of knowledge (not only individually, but also collectively). That's the true importance of building a community, such as what the two of you are doing... The "I" into the "WE" is the "WEI", the WAY forth... So, while Mehmet is the visionary and the soul to this collective, Fiza is the heart. She truly embraces each work she reads, and relays that embrace into each review. But, Fiza needs to mitosis herself twice over. With the first Fiza, she can read read read, teach with another, social work with a third, and sleep sleep sleep with the fourth... So, regardless of whatever you want to do Mehmet and Fiza, I think I can speak for all the authors in this community, THANK YOU DEARLY!!
Hear-hear! To all of the authors and readers who have joined so far... you have stumbled upon an important place! Respect, support, joy.Love it.
Dear Michael,Thank you sincerely for this deep and truly honoring message. On a personal note, it means a great deal to me. I am certain that when Fiza sees it, she will write a response far more beautiful and meaningful than mine.
I would also like to take this opportunity to say that, in order to further strengthen the genuine sense of unity we are building within this community, we would be very happy to see you among us as a moderator as well—just like Steve. I am confident that our other moderator friends share this view with me.
And while I’m here, I would like to extend a call to all our members: our moderator door is open to anyone who actively contributes to the group’s activities and shares our common vision of helping and supporting one another.
Mehmet
Michael wrote: "Mehmet, Fiza, my true appreciation for what the two of your doing for us. Sure, we all want to get our works out there, but through Mehmet's vision of building a larger community of Indie authors (..."Thank you, Michael, for expressing this so beautifully. I completely agree with your thoughts. What Mehmet and Fiza are building is more than exposure—it’s a true community rooted in shared expression and growth. I’m grateful to be part of it. Thank you, Mehmet, Fiza, and everyone involved.
I joined this group at Fiza's invitation. I found this article which she might like, but can't send it as a msg. https://www.theguardian.com/global-de...
Mehmet, thank you for the invite (to be a moderator). What would those responsibilities entail?
It’s completely up to you, Michael. In line with the group’s goals, you’re free to contribute in any way you’d like.For example, you could welcome new members, start discussion topics, focus on bringing in new members, or organize reading circles.
My hope is to create a fully open structure where all moderators have equal rights and the freedom to use their creativity.
Mehmet
Hi Michale, Your moderator role has been set up.
Mehmet
Thomas wrote: "I joined this group at Fiza's invitation. I found this article which she might like, but can't send it as a msg. https://www.theguardian.com/global-de......"Thanks for the article Thomas. I had read it before, I read news articles & papers online & offline cover to over. Here is one article which I think you will find very interesting in relation to the Guardian Article you shared here on this platform:
"Ignorant And Irritating": William Dalrymple Blasts 'The Guardian' For Article Saying Indians Don't Read https://share.google/VSWt2UrG6eBYbDnGb
Thomas wrote: "I joined this group at Fiza's invitation. I found this article which she might like, but can't send it as a msg. https://www.theguardian.com/global-de......"And for your further erudition Thomas, I have penned a blog post on insaneowl.com for you as a reaction to the Guardian Post. Hope you find this also useful reading.
https://insaneowl.com/fiza-pathans-re...
Fiza wrote: "Thomas wrote: "I joined this group at Fiza's invitation. I found this article which she might like, but can't send it as a msg. https://www.theguardian.com/global-de......"Thanks for both of these articles. I have Many Indian GR friends and noticed the regional language comment. I am pleased to hear your viewpoint.
Mehmet wrote: "Dear Fiza,You’re absolutely right — this system is both hard to track and very prone to being forgotten. That said, these kinds of trial-and-error processes do help us gain experience.
I think w..."
Obviously dude, otherwise how can you keep on doing this all the time! You need a 'time out' as well okay. Yes, go for it. :) :D You are a human being (I hope!) & human beings get tired. Even LLMs get tired - I had this moment with Claude AI the other day when he told me mid-work that 'he was getting tired' & 'would I stop the conversation for him to relax & recharge' & I was like OMG - I tired out an LLM! :D ;) So please delegate work Mehmet. But do not disappear, we need you dude, though you are the silent type. :) :D
Ela wrote: "Michael wrote: "Mehmet, Fiza, my true appreciation for what the two of your doing for us. Sure, we all want to get our works out there, but through Mehmet's vision of building a larger community of..."This is all Mehmet's doing guys & gals - his baby. I am just helping out & have just signed up & only got to know the dynamic Mehmet because of this GR Group. I presume this is Jane's baby as well, because she was here before me - but I don't see her around these days. Hope to see her soon.
Otherwise, as I said, it is just Mehmet's brain-wave & baby, & he has some awesomesauce ideas to keep us going & connected & supportive of each other - so kudos to him.
And he is really a cute dude - has a lot of patience. But he needs to delegate work - unless he is a bot or AI or something along those lines. Then he is a cute bot or LLM with a lot more patience than Google AI or ChatGPT or certainly more patience than Grok. He is then more like a Claude AI or Gemini. Okay - I'd go with Gemini. Claude gets tired but Mehmet never seems to get tired. Kudos again dude! :) :D
I also met Mehmet through this group, and I could not be more pleased.I highly recommend his books, especially this one:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
He has a passion for exposition, a mind that shines, an inquisitive nature that inspires, and a dedication to excellence that is hard to find.
And as Fiza said... really cute!
Hi Fiza and Steve,Thank you for your kind and honorable words. This is our group, and it is growing quickly thanks to your valuable contributions. I truly appreciate it.
A note for Fiza: If there’s a model like that in Gemini, then things have truly reached a whole new level!
Mehmet wrote: "Hi Fiza and Steve,Thank you for your kind and honorable words. This is our group, and it is growing quickly thanks to your valuable contributions. I truly appreciate it.
A note for Fiza: If ther..."
Savage! Mehmet - you are now being 'savage' with a 'swag' that is so super-cute that it beats all the LLMs in one shot! Cheers to you dude on that remark - you are really an awesomesauce guy. And you are cute & patient again too as I can see from the updated list........Turkey is so super-lucky! :D :D :D
I recently read two very different stories that stayed with me for different reasons.My Sweet Lord by Fiza Pathan is emotionally intense and deeply symbolic. It raises powerful questions about suffering, faith, and human dignity, and it stayed with me long after I finished reading.
The Infernal Twins by Steve Goldsmith offers a completely different experience — satirical and philosophical in tone, with a thematically connected structure that invites reflection and multiple interpretations.
If anyone is interested, I shared my thoughts here:
Fiza Pathan:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Steve Goldsmith:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Both stories left a strong impression on me in very different ways
My 5th recommendation for February 2026:Elba Kramer: The True Autobiography of a Pathological Liar
by Steve Goldsmith
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My 6th recommendation for February 2026:War Dog: Hound of the Gods Book One by Daniel Nick
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I would also like to recommend one more book, although I feel it does not need a special introduction here.Dear Dairy: The True Dreams of Justin Case by Steve Goldsmith
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I have one recommendation for a book that I read in Feb. 2026.Keeper of Lost Children by Sadeqa Johnson
My 5 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It was a free review copy from NetGalley. Does that qualify?
Well, dear Claire... your review made me cry. I tried very hard to capture Justin's voice, without pity or categorization. You heard his voice, so he lives on.
I thank you with all my heart.
My dear overworked Mehmet! :D (I am face palming myself seeing you work your ass off! Take a rest or delegate your work - you silly genius of a cute but super-serious man!) = you forgot my review of our Steve's 'Elba Kramer: The True Autobiography of a Pathological Liar.' Here is the GR link to my review again -Elba Kramer: The True Autobiography of a Pathological Liar
by Steve Goldsmith
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
WILL YOU RELAX MEHMET OVER THERE IN TURKEY! The order has come from India! Relax, recharge, rewind & delegate work - Regards: A Pathan who wears a silver Cross of Jesus & so really confuses people back here in India LOL!
@Fiza - I just read your Elba Kramer review. Now, twice in one day, I am moved to tears. This disguised memoir is 97% true. About 2% should be true... the balance is fabricated.
I will never disclose the details of that 1%
It took all of my strength to write it, and to share it with my children. They now know me very well - maybe too well.
They still love me, nonetheless.
Hi Fiza,Please excuse my lapses under this thread — the workload has been quite intense. Since this system requires very close and constant follow-up, as of March we will no longer be creating a monthly list under this heading.
Instead, as in the other tabs, each reader will share their review directly through their own post.
Mehmet : )
For my February read, I’d like to recommend Caste Metal by Fiza Pathan.It’s a short story, but it left a strong impression on me. Through the experience of a young boy, Cacchar, it speaks about injustice, silence, and the courage it takes to seek knowledge in a world that denies dignity. It isn’t an easy read, but it’s deeply moving and thought provoking.
Here is my review:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My 7th & 8th recommendation for February 2026 -'When Life Finally Fits : A Contemporary Novel of Love, Motherhood, and Second Chances (Quiet Beginnings Book 3)'
by Claire A. Rowan
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
'The Behaviourist: A True Story of Survival and Resilience'
by J. C. Atkins
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
J.C. Atkins is a GR Group member of our dynamic GR Group. She has a story to tell & a loving heart that can teach us a lot = please support her everyone!
Claire is one of our most dynamic, accomplished & fantastic writers = I don't say such things if I do not mean it. I believe in ruthless honesty, to my determent & Claire for me is a STELLAR & ACCOMPLISHED writer - full-stop! Please support ALL her books everyone reading this! You can thank me by giving her some awesome 5 stars reviews. :) :D
Hi Mehmet! :) :D These are Ela's (Ela Sharp's) latest reviews done in February 2026 - I am pasting them for you here. She had pasted them again in the Free pdf section:
~ Ela's Message ~
Here are the reviews of the remaining books in the lists.
Michael ,
The Last Generation: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
LJ ,
Gildermog Hall: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Bradford,
The Sorcerer's Torch: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Claire,
When Life Finally Fits: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Thank you, everyone, for sharing your books. I really enjoyed the wide range of genres in this month’s list. Please feel free to reach out if you’d like to share more of your work.
Now, I’m off to tend to my dust-covered, overdue library books. They’ve started hunting me — even in daylight.
Have a wonderful week, everyone!
- Ela
~ Ela's Message end ~
I just finished reading Everheld: Outside the Lines of Love by Ela and wanted to share my review:https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Ela, I truly enjoyed it.
Alright, since a CERTAIN moderator has seemed to nominate half the field, I suggest we dub our awards, the Fizas (and EVERYONE wants a Fiza review... "Did you see what Fiza wrote about my work?")... It can be an annual event held every Feb/March, just like the Oscars. The top award will be the Jane award - since Jane has been with the group as a moderator the longest (other than our founder, Mehmet)... All agreed say aye, opposed nah....
Michael wrote: ''Alright, since a CERTAIN moderator has seemed to nominate half the field, I suggest we dub our awards, the Fizas (and EVERYONE wants a Fiza review... "Did you see what Fiza wrote about my work?")... It can be an annual event held every Feb/March, just like the Oscars. The top award will be the Jane award - since Jane has been with the group as a moderator the longest (other than our founder, Mehmet)... All agreed say aye, opposed nah....''I think it’s a great idea, but I believe the organization and follow-up of this should also be handled by one of our moderator friends.
Mehmet :)
Another 5 star review https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...Title The Silent Ones
by Anna McPartlin
Fiza wrote: "Hi Mehmet! :) :D These are Ela's (Ela Sharp's) latest reviews done in February 2026 - I am pasting them for you here. She had pasted them again in the Free pdf section:
~ Ela's Message ~
Here a..."
Oh my, I am extremely sorry. I must have missed several threads. I usually copy the link to the thread I’m active in because it’s hard for me to find it again among so many new notifications. So my mind automatically went there.
I am very grateful to all the moderators for keeping these threads in check. I will try to be more attentive next time.
As always, thank you, dear Fiza!
And to all the moderators, thank you as well!
Michael wrote: "I agree and nominate Steve!!"Oh, I assure you... I'm not worthy.
But for Fiza - I would do it!
Steve wrote: '' Oh, I assure you... I'm not worthy. But for Fiza - I would do it!
Thank you, Steve. The Reader Comments folder is now under your management.
Mehmet :)
We congratulate our readers for their wonderful comments.
Moderator Team
Top 1 : Thomas's Reviews > Keeper of Lost Children
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Top 2 : Thomas's Reviews > The Silent Ones
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Top 3 : Fiza Pathan's Reviews > Dear Dairy: A Neurodivergent Coming-of-Age Diary
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
February 2026 – Review:
The Last Heretic: The True Meaning Behind the Creed (The Truth & Consequences Collection Book 2)
by Steve Goldsmith
( https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... )
The Last Generation
by Michael Thomas
( https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... )
Amina: The Silent One
by Fiza Pathan
( https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... )
Everheld: Outside the Lines of Love
by Ela Sharp
( https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... )
Everheld: Outside the Lines of Love
by Ela Sharp
( https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... )
The Last Heretic: The True Meaning Behind the Creed (The Truth & Consequences Collection Book 2)
by Steve Goldsmith
( https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... )
Dear Dairy: A Neurodivergent Coming-of-Age Diary
by Steve Goldsmith
( https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... )
My Sweet Lord: Short Story
by Fiza Pathan
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Caste Metal: Short Story
by Fiza Pathan
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Elba Kramer: The True Autobiography of a Pathological Liar
by Steve Goldsmith
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
One of a Kind Creatures: An Inspiring Bedtime Story for Kids Ages 3-7: Celebrating Uniqueness, Inclusion, and Being Yourself
by Tasos Georgiou
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
THE HUMAN AND THE COSMOS: A 3-in-1 Collected Edition: A Psychology Guide: A Cosmic Philosophy Theory: An Anti-Humanist Dystopian
by Mehmet Çalışkan
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Infernal Twins: A Series of Divine Miscommunications
by Steve Goldsmith
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My Sweet Lord: Short Story
by Fiza Pathan
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
War Dog: Hound of the Gods Book One
by Daniel Nick
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Elba Kramer: The True Autobiography of a Pathological Liar
by Steve Goldsmith (
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Keeper of Lost Children
by Sadeqa Johnson
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dear Dairy: A Neurodivergent Coming-of-Age Diary
by Steve Goldsmith
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Caste Metal: Short Story
by Fiza Pathan
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
When Life Finally Fits :
by Claire A. Rowan
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
When Life Finally Fits :
by Claire A. Rowan
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
'The Behaviourist: A True Story of Survival and Resilience'
by J. C. Atkins
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Everheld: Outside the Lines of Love
by Ela Sharp
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
When Life Finally Fits : A Contemporary Novel of Love, Motherhood, and Second Chances (Quiet Beginnings Book 3)
by Claire A. Rowan
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Sorcerer's Torch: Book One of the Moonweld Saga
by Bradford Norton
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Gildermog Hall
by LJ Lacey
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Last Generation
by Michael Thomas
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Silent Ones (Mary Shea Murders)
by Anna McPartlin
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hello everyone,
We are starting a monthly event in our group called the “Most Liked Review Contest.”
How it works:
A separate list will be opened for each month (for example: February – Most Liked Review).
You are invited to nominate the book review you liked the most from the books you read that month.
( Please note: the review must have been written in February 2026. )
To nominate a review, please post the Goodreads link of the review in the comments under this contest topic.
At the end of the month, the number of likes each nominated review has received will be counted.
The top 3 reviews with the most likes will be announced.
Purpose: To highlight quality reviews and bring more readers and authors together.
Thank you in advance for your participation.
Mehmet