A collection of short stories and editorial poetry from Eric Valentine, writer-storyteller for True Story Project. Valentine uses his life experiences to shift the reader's perspective on topics from online dating fiascoes to coping with the death of one's spouse.

For its second outing THE YOUNG AND THE HOPELESS, Good Charlotte gives any notion of a sophomore jinx a combative boot to the side of the head thanks to an abundance of chanting choruses and choppy guitar riffs. Like standard-bearers Blink-182, this Maryland quartet frolics in a land of teen angst peppered with snarky optimism that comes across best within the margins of the rebellious "Anthem," rambunctious "Riot Girl" (no doubt a cousin of the Dead Milkmen's "Punk Rock Girl"), and Green Day-flavored title cut. Balancing out rambunctious fare like the Iggy Pop-inspired "Lifestyles Of The Rich & Famous" and the chuggin "Movin' On" is such tasty fare as the soul-baring "Emotionless" and Social Distortion-like "The Day I Die." With THE YOUNG AND THE HOPELESS, Good Charlotte takes the next step towards pop-punk world domination.