Author bio

A topic of much discussion amongst people of different religions or viewpoints around the world is the question of morality. What truly defines morality, does it truly exist, and does one person’s personal morality become the world’s definition of morality? This has been a nagging question on many people’s minds over the years, as our shared sense of morality often conflicts with our own personal natures. As Arthur C. Clarke once said, “The greatest tragedy in mankind’s entire history may be the hijacking of morality by religion.”

In author Richard Todd Devens’s book, Rational Polemics: Tackling The Ethical Dilemmas of Life, the author takes readers on a philosophical journey to understand the ideas and values most people have been taught to believe over the years, and whether or not there is any truth to them. From whether or not drugs should be illegal or if poetic justice exists, to more extreme questions like those concerning prostitution or cannibalism, this book takes readers to self-described “outrageous and controversial” heights as the author investigates what happens when religion is stripped away from the question of morality, and instead, people must examine morality through their own lens.

This is truly a fascinating book to read. The book covers the most taboo and incendiary topics in our society and approaches them from rather unique perspectives. What stands out the most about this book is that it is not a “how-to” guide of any sort, but a pure philosophical journey that allows the reader to see new perspectives on topics other than their own. The reader isn’t being told how to believe or what to do with the questions being presented, but rather is creating conversations amongst ourselves, and challenging the notion of “good” and “evil” which society has crafted, often based on religious viewpoints.

This is the perfect read for those who enjoy books on philosophy, especially when mixed with humor and wit that brings a lighthearted tone to some truly serious and sometimes even off-putting topics (such as that of cannibalism). It is also the perfect read for those who are not particularly religious and are seeking a means of approaching morality from a different perspective. As someone who is not particularly religious nor atheist entirely, it was intellectually stimulating to approach these topics from a direction not based on societal goals, but rather my own personal feelings and thoughts.

A remarkable, thought-provoking, and evenly-paced read, author Richard Todd Devens’s Rational Polemics: Tackling The Ethical Dilemmas of Life is a must-read philosophy book. Inspiring readers to delve deep into their own viewpoints without the veil of religion to cloud their thinking, the author does a great job of bringing heart and humor into some truly mind-blowing discussions and makes for a fascinating read.

—Anthony A.

I very much enjoyed Rational Polemics and tore through it in a single morning. This is a simple read that really does challenge how you think about things. However, I see that it’s getting mixed reviews and I want to clarify why I think that’s happening and cover some of the pros and cons of it.

First, I think it’s important to recognize what this book is. It’s a philosophy book, not a psychology book. The author presents what are arguably the most taboo subjects of today and offers a new way of thinking on each. Some of these concepts are supported by quotes from the greatest “thinkers” of our time, while others are simply backed by the author’s own thoughts. I think that most of what he says could actually be backed up by research and quotes from scientific studies/ polls, but he doesn’t do that. So, if you go into it being aware that this is not about psychology, you’ll have a different mindset than someone who does and you’ll enjoy the book more.

Secondly, the ideas presented in it are really controversial. It’s not for people with weak stomachs. If you’re like me, you’ll probably be nodding along in agreement through parts of it and absolutely disgusted through others. Be prepared for that. I think the whole point of the book is not to tell you what to think, or even to make you agree with the author, but rather to consider the alternatives to your own thought process. The book serves as more of an entryway into some deep discussions than it does tie ideas up in neat little packages for you to digest and accept. For this reason, it would be a really great book to read with a friend, a group of friends, or a significant other, because it can result in some pretty amazing discussions and discoveries about the people you spend time with.

As far as the writing, itself, goes, I like that the author used simple and clear language. It’s part of the reason why I got through the book so quickly and it’s also why just about anyone could pick it up and finish it in a weekend or enjoy it one topic at a time. He is a gifted writer and uses wit and a dash of dark humor throughout, which makes it more engaging and fun to read.

I don’t want to get too much into the topics he covered, lest I give away the whole book, but the bottom line is that, if you know what you’re getting into with it and set your expectations accordingly, this will be a good read. Personally, I’d like to see more from the author… perhaps something that does get a little more into the science and psychology of human behavior, but overall, I’d gladly recommend this book to friends and would wholeheartedly expect it to spur some insightful discussions.

—Jen S.

Few books have challenged me to sit with discomfort quite like this one. From the first pages, it dives straight into the chaos of regret, shame, and the desperate need for understanding. What follows is an intense and often unflinching exploration of emotional pain, mostly through conversation, often philosophical, and always deeply human. What stood out most was the way author Richard Devens presents emotional turmoil without melodrama, allowing characters to express their pain, guilt, and confusion in unfiltered terms. The result is often uncomfortable but consistently compelling.

Mildred, the titular “wise woman,” is refreshingly unapologetic. She’s warm but uncompromising, compassionate yet brutally honest. Her insights often cut through the fog of George’s self-pity and obsession with a kind of therapeutic clarity that’s both empowering and sobering. Her remark about not letting an “evil person live rent-free inside your head” is one of many moments where her wisdom feels earned rather than performative.

George’s monologues are at times difficult to sit with, his self-loathing is intense, and his fixation on the scam he fell for could easily veer into redundancy. But this, I believe, is the point. Obsession is rarely neat. Devens doesn’t sanitize it. He lets it drag on, twist in circles, collapse under its own weight. It’s emotionally messy but undeniably real.

Dialogues with the Wise Woman won’t appeal to everyone. It demands patience, introspection, and a willingness to sit with uncomfortable questions. But for readers who are drawn to deep psychological reflection and philosophical dialogue, it offers an experience that is uniquely provocative and emotionally intelligent. It challenges you not just to think differently, but to confront the stories you tell yourself.

—Sarah N.

This amazing novel, which has now become one of my all-time favorites is a rich, contemplative examination of the human experience, placed against the backdrop of a series of discussions between the narrator and a mysterious, insightful woman called only the Wise Woman. Each dialogue consists of a philosophical or religious question from love and loss and meaning to interior peace, fear, and the character of truth tangled up with poetic language and a calm, meditative rhythm that invites one to consider. I really loved how this book structures in a linear but efficient fashion: a seeker comes with questions, most often stemming from confusion, pain, or uncertainty, and the Wise Woman responds not with straightforward answers, but with wisdom, stories, and penetrating questions of her own. Her wisdom is both universal and eternal, speaking deeply to individuals from all walks of life. In their dialogue, Devens offers more than advice; he offers a mirror to one's own reflection and soul growth.

The writing style of the author is poetic and concise, a style akin to such volumes as The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran or Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom. Where Dialogues with the Wise Woman is different, however, is in its unobtrusive, rhythmic pace and how it manages to balance advice with restraint. The Wise Woman does not claim truth, but helps lead to its discovery in the reader. 

This book is best read slowly, with time to reflect. This isn't a guide or a how to book, it's a traveling companion for individuals who want additional insight or comfort during times of change. In a distracting world, Dialogues with the Wise Woman is a place of quiet silence and light. Finally, Devens gives us a timelessness and soul-food novel that will stay with readers long after finishing the last page. It's a book to come back to again and again.

—Camila A.

The book follows the story of George an adult gentleman who apparently does not have much direction and follows a "normal" life in solitude, without a partner and looking for something but not knowing what specifically. He submits himself to the world of gambling and believes he has won everything with his audacity and intelligence until it all falls apart, realizing that it had all been a scam and that his self-esteem and sense of security are fragile enough to lose them in a matter of seconds.

What seems to be a book about a gentleman who was conned ends up being one of the best books I have ever read, the way the author found an outlet to talk about extremely deep issues by presenting us with a conversation between the protagonist and his therapist transforms the whole initial and apparent meaning of the book. The author achieves a book full of reflections and opportunities to question almost everything. His narrative despite being reflective is an invitation to understand yourself and make your world a better one regardless of the world outside.

If you're in a phase of self-discovery or pondering your life's direction, this book serves as an excellent catalyst for reflection. This book offers you an easy-to-understand narrative, many invitations to rethink your life and a push for the change you have been waiting for a long time to make. I can't stop recommending this spectacular book to you, because I am sure it will change your life as it did mine.

—Maria Paula C.

Few books grip the intellect and emotions with equal force, and even fewer dare to abandon narrative convention so thoroughly. This one bypasses traditional storytelling almost entirely in favor of philosophical and psychological exploration, which feels more like being inside a relentless therapy session than reading a novel. And yet, I was fascinated. The dialogue is rich, thoughtful, and often brutally honest, sometimes painfully so. The “wise woman,” Mildred, is the kind of character I wish more therapists emulated: brutally direct, compassionately grounded, and unafraid to offend in the pursuit of truth. Her discussions on topics like revenge, evil, guilt, and emotional paralysis don’t just scratch the surface, they dig until it hurts.

Some might argue this isn’t fiction at all, and I’d agree in part. But that’s also what makes it compelling. It’s not about watching characters grow through action, it’s about confronting uncomfortable questions through rigorous dialogue. At times, it risks being heavy-handed or didactic, but I never felt like the author was preaching. Rather, it felt like being dared to look deeper into the world and into myself. I appreciate that the book doesn’t hand out easy answers or platitudes. It respects the reader’s intelligence, even when the protagonist is wallowing in self-loathing or revenge fantasies. Not everyone will enjoy the format or the intensity, but for those willing to engage, it’s a rare and unapologetic intellectual and emotional exercise.

—Carlos R.

Dialogues with the Wise Woman by Richard Devens tells the moving story of George Sistern, a talented pianist whose life unravels after falling victim to a devastating scam. As everything he once thought was stable begins to collapse, George sinks into a deep depression, consumed by a growing desire for revenge that only intensifies over time.

Through an acquaintance, George meets Mildred Markowitz, a brilliant psychologist and philosopher, who becomes the catalyst for his unexpected journey inward. What begins as a search for relief turns into something far deeper: a profound exploration of existence itself.

This novel blends fiction with real psychological and philosophical insight, centering around the therapeutic process and the fundamental questions we often avoid. What makes it especially compelling is how authentically the characters engage with these ideas. They’re not just vehicles for abstract thought, they feel human, flawed, and relatable. That’s where Devens truly shines: in making big questions feel personal.

As the title promises, the dialogues with Mildred are rich, sharp, and layered. Some exchanges offer clarity, others leave you with even more to ponder and that’s the point. Devens allows each line of conversation to breathe and unfold naturally, creating chapters that build emotional weight through thoughtful reflection.

Mildred, in particular, is a standout. Her presence is both commanding and compassionate, and the therapy sessions she leads are packed with insight, emotion, and wisdom. Devens captures her voice so clearly that her guidance feels not only believable, but genuinely inspiring.

This book is a gem, an intense, soul-searching story that weaves together survival, loss, healing, and personal transformation. It’s not just about one man’s therapy; it’s about the universal struggles we all face and the strength it takes to confront them.

Dialogues with the Wise Woman is the kind of novel that quietly challenges you, moves you, and lingers in your thoughts long after the final page. Even the most skeptical readers may find themselves unexpectedly moved!!

—Sol T.