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Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
The Lost Amazon, second edition
Text by Wade Davis
Photographs by Richard Evans Schultes
Insight Editions
PO Box 3088, San Rafael, CA 94912
www.insighteditions.com
9781608876549 $24.99 hc amazon.com
Now in an updated second edition, The Lost Amazon: The Pioneering Expeditions of Richard
Evans Schultes is the extraordinary, true-life chronicle of explorer and botanist Richard Evans
Schultes (1911-2001) in the depths of the Amazon jungle. In 1941, Schultes left Harvard for a
journey he originally expected to last one semester. Instead, he spent twelve years living among
local tribes, mapping unknown rivers, conducting secret research for the U.S. government during
World War II, and discovering over 300 new plant species. Schultes' black-and-white
photography is featured throughout this extraordinary chronicle of his journey, ideal for
historians and armchair travelers alike. As engrossing as it is educational, The Lost Amazon is
especially recommended for public and college library collections.
Wonder Women
Sam Maggs, author
Sophia Foster-Dimino, illustrator
Quirk Books
215 Church Street, Philadelphia PA 19106
www.quirkbooks.com
9781594749254 $16.99 hc / $12.99 Kindle amazon.com
Wonder Women: 25 Innovators, Inventors, and Trailblazers Who Changed History is an
anthology of short biographies of truly brilliant, brave, and outstanding women whose
achievements changed history. From notable women of science such as Ada Lovelace (British
Mathematician and Programmer, 1815-1852), to women of medicine like Marie Equi (American
doctor and birth control advocate, 1872-1952), to women of espionage, innovation, and
adventure, these are incredible and inspirational true stories of women who dared to dream in a
man's world. Additional, briefer vignettes of other notable and accomplished women round out
this fascinating, educational "must-have" for both school and public library collections.
The Fighting Sullivans
Bruce Kuklick
University Press of Kansas
2501 West 15th Street, Lawrence, KS 66049
www.kansaspress.ku.edu
9780700623549 $27.95 hc / $15.99 Kindle amazon.com
The Fighting Sullivans: How Hollywood and the Military Make Heroes is the true story behind
the making of a twentieth-century fable. In November of 1942, the five Sullivan brothers of
Waterloo, Iowa, were killed when a Japanese torpedo sank their ship in the South Pacific. The
family's loss was lionized in the 1944 Hollywood film "The Fighting Sullivans". But this flurry
of publicity deliberately obscured more unsavory truths about the situation. The navy had
committed a catastrophe of errors by failing to rescue the survivors after the Sullivans' ship sank,
and the brothers themselves were hardly regarded as heroic prior to their untimely deaths - if
anything, they used to be disliked in their home town. The Fighting Sullivans deconstructs the
process of mythmaking step by step, revealing invaluable lessons about how human perceptions
of real-life events can be clouded on a grand scale. The Fighting Sullivans is fascinating,
insightful, and highly recommended especially for public and university library collections.
Presto!
Penn Jillette
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 14th fl., New York, NY 10020
9781501140181, $26.00, www.simonandschuster.com
Presto! How I Made Over 100 Pounds Disappear and Other Magical Tales comes from a
magician who holds a sense of humor about his life, his routines, and even his weight. The author
at one point topped over three hundred pounds: a condition that was gravely affecting his health.
Forced to confront major changes before the age of sixty, Jillette embarked on a crazy
potato-based diet. Hilarious stories supplement serious reflective moments and lend insights into
his magic-making abilities and the process of not only losing weight, but also changing his
perspective on life itself, making for a lively and unexpectedly fun biography. Highly
recommended for both prior fans of Jillette and newcomers to his special brand of stage
magic.
The New Science of Consciousness
Paul L. Nunez
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
9781633882195, $26.00, www.prometheusbooks.com
The New Science of Consciousness: Exploring the Complexity of Brain, Mind, and Self explores
a different method of studying consciousness and considers the dual work of neuroscientists and
complexity scientists. It comes from an author who began in physics before he became a
neuroscientist, and while his consideration sounds technical, he assumes no prior knowledge in
psychology or neuroscience as he considers how the unconscious can affect mental and physical
health. From greater questions on the origin of self-awareness to brain rhythms, states of mind,
and different levels of consciousness, lay readers and science-minded enthusiasts will find this a
though-provoking consideration.
Great True Hot Shot Stories: Volume 1
Ned F. Cruey
Vision Novels
www.visionnovels.com
9781941271148, $29.95, www.amazon.com
"Great True Hot Shot Stories" is an inherently fascinating and consistently compelling account
by Ned Cruey of his exotic world travel adventures and life experiences. Blending personal
memoir with travel writing, business, economics, and a bit of 'self-help', "Great True Hot Shot
Stories: Volume 1" is exceptionally well written, organized and presented. Of special note are the
chapters on Alaska Winter naval Adventures: World War II; Four Continents in 124 Days on a
Motorcycle; Traveling the Pacific Rim as a Single Man; Five-Star Living Plus Third-World
Travel; Starting and Maintaining a Taxi Company; and Enter the Love of My Life. Of special
note is the concluding multi-page section of color photographs and the single page listing of Ned
Cruey's favorite quotes. Very highly recommended for personal reading lists and certain to be an
enduringly popular addition to community library Contemporary American Biography
collections, "Great True Hot Shot Stories: Volume 1" will leave its delighted and entertained
readers looking forward to the next volume of Ned Cruey's lifetime adventures!
How to Hygge
Signe Johansen
St. Martin's Griffin
c/o St. Martin's Press
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
www.stmartins.com
9781250122032, $19.99, HC, 192pp, www.amazon.com
Hygge is a Danish and Norwegian word with a unique definition as a noun it includes a feeling, a
social atmosphere, and an action. "How to Hygge: The Nordic Secrets to a Happy Life" by Signe
Johansen is an aspirational lifestyle instructional guide that will inform and guide readers the
values cherishing themselves: on candlelight, bakeries, and dinner with friends; on a celebration
of experiences over possessions; as well as being kind to themselves and treasuring a sense of
community. In "How to Hygge" chef and author Johansen provides a fresh, informative,
lighthearted, fully illustrated how-to guide to hygge in the form of recipes, helpful tips for cozy
living at home, and having a lifestyle that includes a daily dose of "healthy hedonism".
Beautifully illustrated, the recipes range from Nordic Winter Salad; Roast Haddock with Bacon
& Rye Crisp; Spiced Roast Pork Belly; and Triple Cherry Glogg; to Malty Banana Chocolate
Chip Walnut Muffins; Nordic Berry, Omega & Kefir Smoothie; Salmon Burgers; and
Champagne & Hariba Candy. A thoroughly 'life changing/improving' read from beginning to end,
"How to Hygge" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to personal and community
library collections. It should be noted that "How to Hygge" is also available in a Kindle format
($9.99).
The Cookbook Shelf
Soup for Syria
Barbara Abedeni Massaad, editor
Interlink Publishing Group
46 Crosby Street, Northampton, MA 01060-1804
www.interlinkbooks.com
9781566560894, $30.00, HC, 208pp, www.amazon.com
Because of the plight of the Syrian people, acclaimed chefs and cookbook authors the world over
have come together to help food relief efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian refugees.
Each professional chef has contributed a recipe to this beautifully illustrated cookbook of
delicious soups from around the world. The culinary contributors to "Soup for Syria: Recipes to
Celebrate our Shared Humanity" include: Yotam Ottolenghi, Sami Tamimi, Anthony Bourdain,
Alice Waters, Paula Wolfert, Claudia Roden, Chef Greg Malouf, Chef Alexis Coquelet, Chef
Chris Borunda, Chef Alexandra Stratou, Necibe Dogru, Aglaia Kremenzi, and many others. The
recipes themselves range from Greg Malouf's Fennel Soup with Lemon and Cinnamon; to Sally
Butcher's Iranian Pomegranate Soup; to Fernando Gomez's Red Pepper Soup; to Oumayma
Nadar's Spicy Sweet Potato Soup. All these outstanding soup recipes are made with 'no-fuss'
ingredients easily found in any local supermarket. "Soup for Syria: Recipes to Celebrate our
Shared Humanity" is enthusiastically and unreservedly recommended for personal, family,
professional, and community library cookbook collections.
The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook
America's Test Kitchen Editors
America's Test Kitchen
17 Station Street, Brookline, MA 02445
www.americastestkitchen.com
9781940352640, $29.95, PB, 440pp, www.amazon.com
Compiled by the editorial staff of America's Test Kitchen, "The Complete Mediterranean
Cookbook" beautifully showcases some five hundred authentic Mediterranean recipes suitable
for any and all dining occasions. Of special note are the informative Introduction, the section on
'Nutritional Information for Our Recipes', a chart of 'Conversions and Equivalents', and a recipe
Index. The dishes themselves range from a Tricolor Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette; Warm
Farro with Lemon and Herbs; Hearty Tuscan Bean Stew; and Sauteed Zucchini Ribbons; to
Grilled Swordfish with Eggplant, Tomato, and Chickpea Salad; Flank Steak Peperonata; Potato,
Swiss Chard, and Lamb Hash with Poached Eggs; Whole-Wheat Pizza with Feat, Figs, and
Honey; and Olive Oil-Yogurt Cake. Each recipe comes with an introduction, listing of
ingredients, thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly', step-by-step instructions, as well as the number of
servings. A delight to browse through, and inspiring to plan menus with, "The Complete
Mediterranean Cookbook" is unreservedly recommended for family and community library
cookbook collections. It should be noted that "The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook" is also
available in a Kindle format ($28.99).
Not My Mother's Kitchen
Rob Chirico
Imagine Publishing
c/o Charlesbridge Publishing
85 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
www.imaginebks.com
9781623545017, $24.95, HC, 240pp, www.amazon.com
Rob Chirico is a freelance writer and artist whose work has appeared in the food journal
Gastronomica. Rob first learned to cook as a defense against his Italian-American mother's awful
meals. After discovering that there was more to real food than canned ravioli and frozen
vegetables, he decided to try his hand in the kitchen. "Not My Mother's Kitchen: Rediscovering
Italian-American Cooking Through Stories and Recipes" is his personal memoir and presents
recipes, cooking techniques, and tips that he has cultivated over the decades. Blendin expert
kitchen-based experience with an engaging and humorous narrative on growing up with suspect
meals, "Not My Mother's Kitchen" is a compelling and informative read from beginning to end,
and offers a wealth of culinary inspiration for menu planning with dishes that range from Frittata
with Grape Tomatoes, Mushrooms, and Prosciutto; to Pears Stuffed with Gorgonzola; to
Twice-Cooked Green Beans and Potatoes with Tomato Sauce; to Meatloaf with Wild
Mushrooms, and so many more! Also available in a Kindle format ($11.99), "Not My Mother's
Kitchen" will prove to be an enduringly popular and unusual addition to personal, family, and
community library cookbook collections.
Our Best Bites
Sara Wells & Kate Jones
Shadow Mountain Publishing
P.O. Box 30178, Salt Lake City, Utah 84130-0178
www.shadowmountain.com
9781629722634, $21.99, PB, 272pp, www.amazon.com
The collaborate effort of award winning food bloggers Sara Wells and Kate Jones, "Our Best
Bites" beautifully showcases some150 palate pleasing, appetite satisfying, kitchen cook friendly
recipes (some of which are intermingled with favorite blog requests). Of special note are the
illustrated, step-by-step tutorials; ideas for using leftove4r ingredients; shortcuts and tips for
cooking; and serving suggestions. These culinarily impressive dishes range from a Mango
Coconut Smoothie; Overnight Sausage and Egg Casserole; Cranberry-Orange Chicken Salad;
and Chipotle Beef Taquitos; to Indian-Spiced Pork Skewers; Grilled Potatoes and Onions;
Fire-Roasted Artichokes; and Strawberry Cheesecake Bars. Of special note are the delicious,
mouth-watering recipes for Stovetop Kettle Corn and Cinnamon Bun Caramel Corn! Certain to
be an enduringly popular addition to personal, family, and community cookbook collections,
"Our Best Bites" is unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended!
Indian for Everyone
Anupy Singla
Agate Surrey
c/o Agate Publishing
1328 Greenleaf Street, Evanston, IL 60202
www.agatepublishing.com
9781572841628, $35.00, HC, 288pp, www.amazon.com
Anupy Singla is an acknowledged authority on Indian home cooking, and her expertise with
delicious, healthful recipes has endeared her to fans everywhere. In "Indian for Everyone: The
Home Cook's Guide to Traditional Favorites" she has compiled authentic recipes that opens up
the true simplicity and flavor of Indian food for anyone, regardless of any dietary restrictions or
previous familiarity. Singla's recipes feature popular favorites, regional specialties, and (unlike
any other ethnic Indian cookbook) provides alternative preparation styles for every recipe.
Included are quick-and-easy adaptations for making a meal vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free, or
even in the slow cooker. Beginners appreciate the Singla's step-by-step instructions, while
veteran home cooks now have a reference point for family favorites, including little-known
instructions and standard cook times. The beautifully illustrated dishes range from Angoor Chaat
(Tangy Grape Salad); Masala Bharwan Bhindi (Stuffed Okra); Imlee Lobhia (Black-Eyed peas in
Tamarind-Coconut Curry); and Lamb Kabobs; to Sambhar (Spiced South Indian Stew); Makki ki
Roti (Indian corn Bread); Kheer (Rice Pudding); and Kulfi (Indian Ice Cream). While a truly
extraordinary and highly recommended addition to personal, family, and community library
collection, it should be noted that "Indian for Everyone" is also available in a paperback edition
(9781572841970, $22.95) and in a Kindle format ($18.70).
Portuguese Homestyle Cooking
Ana Patuleia Ortins
Interlink Publishing Group
46 Crosby Street, Northampton, MA 01060-1804
www.interlinkbooks.com
9781566567268, $35.99, HC, 240pp, www.amazon.com
While Mediterranean food is widely popular, not many kitchen cooks are familiar with genuine
Portuguese cooking, a cuisine that is a melange of Mediterranean, mountain, and Atlantic coast
influences. Portuguese cooking is especially notable for the abundant use of legumes and leafy
greens in hearty soups and stews; unusual combinations of meat and shellfish; wine and garlic
marinated casseroles; simple seafood preparations; luscious egg-sweet desserts; and fresh herb
bread. It's all part of the rich and tasty tapestry that Ana Ortins, a passionate Portuguese cook,
dishes up in the pages of "Portuguese Homestyle Cooking". Nicely illustrated throughout, the
palate pleasing, appetite satisfying dishes range from Chickpea Soup with Spinach; Peel-and-Eat
Shrimp Portuguese-Style; Marinated Beefsteaks; and Portuguese Potato Fries; to Fried Flat
Bread; Pasta Pudding; Squash Fritters; and Custard Cream Pasties. Of special note is the chapter
devoted to the wines of Portugal. While unreservedly recommended for family and community
library ethnic cookbook collections, it should be noted that "Portuguese Homestyle Cooking" is
also available in a paperback edition (9781566564083, $24.95) and in a Kindle format
($21.20).
One-Pan Wonders
Cook's Country, editor
America's Test Kitchen
17 Station Street, Brookline, MA 02445
www.americastestkitchen.com
9781940352848, $27.95, PB, 336pp, www.amazon.com
Compiled and edited by Cook's Country, "One-Pan Wonders: Fuss-Free Meals for Your Sheet
Pan, Dutch Oven, Skillet, Roasting Pan, Casserole, and Slow Cooker" beautifully illustrates and
showcases some 130 meticulously tested recipes that deliver fresh, fuss-free meals from a single
vessel. These are recipes that have been specifically tailored to highlight each vessel's strengths,
from imparting a deep, flavorful sear on chicken breasts to roasting a turkey breast above bread
stuffing to turning out supremely tender slow-cooked beef. And each individual recipe is
engineered to ensure every component of the meals turns out perfectly cooked and ready to eat at
the same time. The result is an authoritative resource that will allow even the most novice of
kitchen cooks to prepare simple yet satisfying meals for any and all dining occasions with recipes
ranging from Parmesan Chicken with Warm Arugula, Radicchio, and Fennel Salad; Flank Steak
Tacos with Charred Corn Salsa; Meatloaf with Sour Cream and Chive smashed Potatoes; to
Simple Pot Roast with Root Vegetables; Spicy Shrimp with Cheesy Grits; Peruvian Roast
Chicken with Swiss Chard and Sweet Potatoes; Spiced Pork Tenderloin with Couscous; and Beef
and Three-Bean Chile. Simply stated, "One-Pan Wonders" will prove to be an ideal and treasured
addition to any and all personal, family, and community library cookbook collections. It should
be noted that "One-Pan Wonders: Fuss-Free Meals for Your Sheet Pan, Dutch Oven, Skillet,
Roasting Pan, Casserole, and Slow Cooker" is also available in a Kindle format ($25.99).
The American Cancer Society New Healthy Eating Cookbook
Jeanne Besser
American Cancer Society
250 Williams Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303-2002
www.cancer.org
9781604432374, $22.95, PB, 232pp, www.amazon.com
Jeanne Besser is a former food columnist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and author of
numerous cookbooks, including the American Cancer Society's "The Great American Eat-Right
Cookbook" and "What to Eat During Cancer Treatment". In "The American Cancer Society New
Healthy Eating Cookbook " Besser features more than 100 simple and delicious dishes that will
turn healthy eating into a celebration of good food for anyone undergoing cancer treatments.
"The American Cancer Society New Healthy Eating Cookbook " is enhanced with the inclusion
of healthy substitutions, simple tips in the kitchen, smart shopping ideas, and notes on how to
judge portion sizes. There is new material on how to shop in a healthy way, how to set up a
pantry for healthy meals, and even guidelines for physical activity. With the latest research,
revisions to recipes, and updated recommendations for healthy eating, "The American Cancer
Society New Healthy Eating Cookbook" makes it fun and easy to eat well with dishes that range
from Maple Mustard Salmon; Lentil Salad with Tahini Dressing; and Banana-Yogurt Muffins; to
Carrot-Apple-Ginger Juice; Roasted Carrot Hummus; and Roasted Pineapple with Toasted
Coconut. Featuring full color photography of completed dishes, "The American Cancer Society
New Healthy Eating Cookbook" is very highly recommended, especially for personal, family,
and community library cookbook collections.
Adventure Time: The Official Cookbook
Recipes by Jordan Grosser
Text by Christopher Hastings
Photography by Andria Lo
Insight Editions
PO Box 3088, San Rafael, CA 94912
www.insighteditions.com
9781608876433 $29.99 amazon.com
Illustrated with full-color photographs of every dish (as well as whimsical color drawings of
Adventure Time characters), Adventure Time: The Official Cookbook is a delightful
compendium of recipes inspired by the popular cartoon series Adventure Time. From French
Toast Dip Sandwich, to Grass Ogre Salad, Lich King Poppers ("Let the spice that hurts your
tongue remind you that I will burn all I see, and I will see all"), Pink and Fluffy Cream Puffs, and
much more. Most dishes have Adventure Time-themed commentary, quips, or jokes in addition
to the user-friendly, step-by-step instructions. Adventure Time: The Official Cookbook is a
yummy treasure for cartoon and culinary fans of all ages, and especially recommended for
parents interested in creating a surprise treat for their children to celebrate any special
occasion!
Cooking with Coconut
Ramin Ganeshram
Storey Publishing
210 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
www.storey.com
9781612126463 $18.95 pbk / $9.99 Kindle amazon.com
Cooking with Coconut: 125 Recipes for Healthy Eating, Delicious Uses for Every Form lives up
to its title as a guide to making delicious dishes with coconut oil flour, water, or milk; or with
dried and shredded coconut. Gorgeous, full-color photography illustrates such mouth-watering
dishes as Coconut Chips, Asparagus with Shallots and Shredded Coconut, Australian
Lamingtons, Coconut Cream and Chocolate Cream Layer Pie, and much more. Step-by-step,
easy-to-follow instructions make Cooking with Coconut a treasure for coconut lovers
everywhere, regardless of personal skill or experience in the kitchen!
A Rainbow of Smoothie Bowls
Leigh Weingus
Ulysses Press
PO Box 3440, Berkeley CA 94703-3440
www.ulyssespress.com
9781612436050, $14.95, PB, 128pp, www.amazon.com
In the pages of "A Rainbow of Smoothie Bowls", writer, editor, and culinary expert Leigh
Weingus showcases more than 100 amazing meal-time creations and features more than 40
gorgeous full-color photos of palate pleasing, appetite satisfying dishes, "A Rainbow of
Smoothie Bowls" serves up flavorful treats that are as nutritious as they are beautiful. Follow the
thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' featured recipes to combine colorful fruits, vegetables, nuts
and seeds into delicious bowls. The highlighted culinary creations include Strawberry Lemonade
Bowl; Nutty Avocado Raspberry Bowl; Very Berry Mango Bowl; Peach Cobbler Bowl; Apple
Pie Bowl; Mint Chocolate Chip Bowl; Matcha Vanilla Bowl; Blueberry Watermelon Kiwi Bowl;
and Strawberry Mint Basil Bowl. Unique and creative, "A Rainbow of Smoothie Bowls" is
especially recommended for personal, family, and community library cookbook collections. It
should be noted that "A Rainbow of Smoothie Bowls" is also available in a Kindle format
($9.99).
Chickpeas
Einate Mazor
Imagine Publishing
c/o Charlesbridge Publishing
85 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
www.imaginebks.com
9781623540746, $18.95, HC, 128pp, www.amazon.com
Compiled by Einate Mazor, "Chickpeas: Sweet and Savory Recipes from Hummus to Dessert"
showcases more than seventy kitchen cook friendly recipes that offer everything from spreads to
dips to entrees that would be appropriate for any and dining occasions, A truly beautiful,
photo-illustrated cookbook "Chickpeas" is an outstanding culinary compendium with dishes that
range from Italian Eggplant Wraps; Chickpea Antipasti Salad; Spicy Chickpea & Coconut Stew;
and Baked Cauliflower Patties; to Jerusalem Hummus; Mediterranean Beef Stew; Pasta
Bolognese; and Carrot Cake with Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting. Of special note is the recipe for
Chocolate & Chickpea Protein Bars! While very highly recommended, especially for personal,
family, and community library cookbook collections, it should be noted that "Chickpeas: Sweet
and Savory Recipes from Hummus to Dessert" is also available in a Kindle format ($10.99).
Blissful Basil
Ashley Melillo
BenBella Books
10300 N. Central Expressway, Suite 400, Dallas, TX 75204
www.benbellabooks.com
9781942952459, $21.95, PB, 320pp, www.amazon.com
Ashley Melillo is the writer, photographer, and recipe-creator behind Blissful Basil, a blog
dedicated to unearthing the happiest side of life through wholesome, plant-based foods. In
"Blissful Basil: Over 100 Plant-Powered Recipes to Unearth Vibrancy, Health, and Happiness"
she has created a beautifully illustrated, thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' compendium of simply
wonderful dishes that range from a Caramelized Banana Upside-Down Oatmeal Bake with
Chai-Based Caramel; to Roasted Yellow Pepper, Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Portobello
Pizzettes; to a Mediterranean Millet with Lemon Hummus; to Velvety Mac 'N' Yellow Split Pea
Cheese; to Chocolate Chip coconut Oil Cookie Bars. Of special note is the recipes Homemade
Coconut Butter; 5-Minute Caramel Sauce; and Coconut Whipped Cream! A pleasure to browse
and inspiring to plan menus with, "Blissful Basil" is enthusiastically recommended for personal,
family, and community library cookbook collections. It should be noted that "Blissful Basil" is
also available in a Kindle format ($12.84).
Gravity Cakes!
Jakki Friedman & Francesca Librae
Robert Rose Inc.
120 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 800, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4P 1E2
www.robertrose.ca
9780778805496, $24.95, PB, 272pp, www.amazon.com
A 'gravity cake' is a pastry delight whose construction seems to defy gravity. While elements of
the cake may seem like they're floating in thin air, it's really just simple scaffolding (plastic
balloon sticks), concealed within the cake and disguised with fondant and candy, that creates the
spellbinding illusion. These cakes are incredibly fun and beautiful, and while they may seem
complicated, they really aren't. Each one of the 45 gravity cake projects comprising this
thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' compendium features step-by-step instructions with a photo for
each step, making the decorating process foolproof and surprisingly easy. Here featured is a cake
for virtually every event and occasion ranging from Valentine's Day to Thanksgiving, from baby
reveals to poker parties, -- and everything in between. Once mastering the techniques, it will be
no time before even the most novice of kitchen cooks is using their imagination to create their
own unique designs. A singular and unique addition to personal, family, professional, and
community library cookbook collections, "Gravity Cakes" is unreservedly and enthusiastically
recommended.
Yum-Yum Bento All Year Round
Crystal Watanabe & Maki Ogawa
Quirk Books
215 Church Street, Philadelphia PA 19106
www.quirkbooks.com
9781594749384, $16.95, PB, 144pp, www.amazon.com
From the depths of winter to the height of summer, a beautiful lunch can brighten any day.
Japanese bento boxes are portable and pretty meals packed with healthy portions and plenty of
cheer. And they're outrageously cute! Crystal Watanabe started making bento boxes for herself as
a way to eat small healthy portions. She enjoyed it so much that she now shares her hobby with
bento fans worldwide. Maki Ogawa is a Japanese mom who loves to make cute bento boxes for
her two young boys, her husband, and herself. Together, Crystal and Maki have compiled
"Yum-Yum Bento All Year Round: Box Lunches for Every Season", a thoroughly 'kitchen cook
friendly' instructional guide to making bento boxed lunches that are suited to each season of the
year. Beautifully illustrated throughout, each unique boxed lunch is organized into four major
sections: Springtime Fun; Summertime Splash; Fall Frenzy; Winter Wonderland. Of special note
is the comprehensive 'how to' beginning section on 'Getting Started'. Enhanced with the addition
of a list of Resources, a Glossary, a Metric Conversions chart, and an Index, "Yum-Yum Bento
All Year Round" is the perfect addition to any personal, family, or community library cookbook
collection. It should be noted that "Yum-Yum Bento All Year Round" is also available in a
Kindle format ($12.99).
Aquafaba
Zsu Dever
Vegan Heritage Press
P.O. Box 628, Woodstock, VA 22664-0628
9781941252277, $21.95, www.veganheritagepress.com
Aquafaba: Sweet and Savory Vegan Recipes Made Egg-Free with the Magic of Bean Water will
delight anyone who wants to explore the use of bean liquid in cooking and baking, and especially
those allergic to or avoiding eggs. Bean water makes a surprising substitute for the egg and can
be used in everything from desserts to crepes and pastries. Chapters packed with color photos
explore how aquafaba can be used for dairy-free cheese, ice creams, butters and more, making
this book a staple recommended for any vegan cook.
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Publishing
236 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
www.octopusbooksusa.com
Cooks will know that Le Creuset makes cast iron cookware much acclaimed in the cookware
field: the brand is notable for its pots and grill pans, especially. Now the company has a
cookbook to its name, One-Pot Cuisine (9781784722371, $29.99) to help cooks make the most
of its line, featuring a hundred recipes for casseroles, tagines, and one-pot meals. While the
results may look professionally elegant and possibly difficult, in reality they require relatively
little in the way of special skills, equipment, or attention. Those seeking
internationally-influenced recipes that are appealing and easy to put together will appreciate such
fare as Lamb with Apricots, Raisins & Chickpeas or Pistachio-Crusted Cod with Tomatoes &
Capers. Paul Henderson edits GQ Eats: The Cookbook for Men of Seriously Good Taste
(9781784722296, $20.00), and gathers British food from chefs across the country who redefine
'gourmet' British style for an audience of male eaters. From a Bergamot-Cured Mackeral (which
requires access to bergamot rind) to Coconut and Galangal Soup with Prawns (made with
homemade coconut cream, palm sugar and fresh galangal, it should be evident that many of these
dishes require specialty ingredients, but are not as complicated to produce as one might believe,
for an elegant result suitable for refined male taste buds and entertaining alike.
Kyle Books
National Book Network
4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
www.nbnbooks.com (distributor)
www.kylebooks.com
Three lovely new cookbooks are excellent, different presentations that hold inviting themes even
seasoned cooks will find refreshingly different. Ricard Bertinet's Dough: Simple Contemporary
Bread (9781909487536, $24.95) comes with a DVD enclosure offering 30 minutes of the
author's teachings on making bread, but the real appeal to this cookbook lies in bread recipes
which truly depart from the norm. From a Tomato, Garlic & Basil Bread to Spicy Moroccan
Rolls and Cardamom & Prune Bread, full-page color photos and a good many step-by-step
illustrations accompany easy processes that often are limited to only 5-6 steps from scratch to
freezer storage. The result is a delicious and appealingly different collection of fast dishes cooks
will relish. Monisha Bharadwaj's The Indian Cooking Course (9781909487468, $39.95) packs in
300 master recipes and 'classes' that discuss techniques and approaches to Indian fare, and is a
perfect choice for cooks who have some prior background in Indian cookery, but who want more
depth and direction. Full page color photos accompany dishes such as Curried Eggs Encased in
Ground Lamb, Red Kidney Beans with Tomatoes, or Buttery Chicken Curry, while 'master
instructions' leave nothing to guess, whether it's buying the right ingredients or preparing them
correctly. Newcomers to Indian fare, especially, will appreciate the attention to each chapter,
which covers such basics as how to cook lentils or spices. These master instructions are
presented on mustard-colored pages, so it's easy to flip through the book and locate them - or use
the recipes without them, if experienced cooks are just seeking more recipes. John
Gregory-Smith's Turkish Delights (9781909487482, $29.95) pairs lovely color photos of
Turkey's lands and foods with classic dishes ranging from Lamb Kebabs in a Smoky Tomato
Sauce to a Rice, Kale, Chile and Pomegranate Salad and Denhizli Eggplant Dolma, and is
recommended for any cook who has experimented with general Middle East dishes, but who
wants specific recipes from Turkey alone. The author's father was brought up in Turkey and he
visited Turkey over a period of ten years, lending a regional approach and feel to his collection.
The result is an excellent focus on a region that specializes in simple dishes, which can easily
prepared by American cooks. 'The Goodness of' series ($14.95 each) holds a formula: each
hardcover book focuses on a single ingredient and features forty recipes for using that ingredient
in different ways. Emily Jonzen's Coconut (9781909487574) includes such dishes as Shrimp
Tacos with Coconut & Lime, Peanut Butter Cookies made with coconut flour, Mushroom Feta &
Spinach Omelet made with coconut oil, and ice cream made with coconut milk. The variety of
coconut ingredients lends to a thorough exploration. Avocado by Lucy Jessop (9781909487543)
uses avocado in Fattoush with Falafel, Corn Fritters & Chile-Avo Salsa, a non-traditional
Avocado & Bacon "Nicoise" salad, and Avocado "Pesto" with Linguine. Greens, edited by Claire
Rogers (9781909487567) covers a range of green vegetables from beans and peas to lettuces,
chard, spinach and kale, and provides such dishes as Warm Chicken & Watercress, Kale Chips,
and Sprouting Greens Juice. Natasha Edwards' Garlic (9781909487550) presents an
Oak-Smoked Garlic Dauphionoise potato bake, Grlic & Rosemary Focaccia bread, a garlic-laced
Spaghetti Carbonara, and more. All recipes focus on health properties of each ingredient, while
each book packs in color photos to enhance its presentation. All are top picks; highly
recommended.
The Science Shelf
Mesquite
Rodney W. Bovey
Texas A&M University Press
4354 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4354
9781623494285, $45.00, www.tamupress.com
Mesquite: History, Growth, Biology, Uses, and Management provides a unexpectedly lively
survey of the mesquite tree that's spiced, in part, by its controversial image as an invasive or pest
species around the world, and comes from a rangeland scientist who has gathered under one
cover all the research surrounding the biology and management of mesquite. Contrary to its
reputation, the mesquite does have an important place in the world and can provide food and
habitat for wildlife. This survey documents the pros and cons of mesquite under different
conditions and also discusses its various species, uses, management issues, biology, and more.
College-level students of botany and agriculture alike will find it offers many insights into the
tree's place in the ecological scheme of things.
Roadside Geology of Mississippi
Stan Galicki and Darrel Schmitz
Mountain Press Publishing Company
PO Box 2399, Missoula, MT 59806
9780878426713, $24.00, www.mountain-press.com
Roadside Geology of Mississippi is recommended for two audiences: visitors to Mississippi who
want a travel guide geared to road trips and science, and armchair science readers with a special
interest in regional geology. Mississippi holds many different, interesting features - rifts, basins,
rivers and valleys, and geologic stories which geoscientists Stan Galicki and Darrell Schmitz
explore in the form of a road trip. Color photos of different landscapes and features pack a survey
that includes discussions of fossils, rocks, natural and human geologic influences on change, and
road maps and directions to make it easy for travelers to locate observation points and notable
geologic formations. Discussions will delight science-oriented readers seeking specific details on
Mississippi's geologic history.
The Geography Shelf
Getting to Know Web GIS, second edition
Pinde Fu
ESRI Press
380 New York Street, Redlands, CA 92378-8100
9781584984634, $84.99, www.esri.com/esripress
The second updated edition of Getting to Know Web GIS provides college-level cartography
students of Web GIS with a workbook on how to create and use GIS applications using the latest
versions of AppStudio, ArcGIS Pro, and Scene, and reinforces information with step-by-step
exercises that show readers how to not only build and use GIS applications, but how to share
them online. The latest program enhancements and features are covered in a display that focuses
as much on real-world applications and problem-solving as it does on the program's nuts and
bolts, making this a recommendation for self-learners and classroom users alike.
The Technology Shelf
Guide to Wireless Communications, fourth edition
Jorge L. Olenewa
Cengage Learning, Inc.
20 Channel Center Street, Boston, MA 02210
www.cengageptr.com
9781305958531, $208.95, PB, 528pp, www.amazon.com
Now in a fully updated and expanded fourth edition, "Guide to Wireless Communications " by
Jorge L. Olenewa (an instructor at George Brown College for more than 15 years, where he
continues to teach and assist in the creation and implementation of several programs of study
related to networking and wireless technologies.) is a complete and comprehensive instructional
textbook about the most popular wireless data communications technologies in use today
including Bluetooth, ZigBee, Wi-Fi, cellular and satellite communications, as well as providing a
broad industry perspective. "Guide to Wireless Communications" provides a solid base of
knowledge in Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs), Wireless Local Area Networks
(WLANs), Wireless Metropolitan Area Networks (WMANs), and Wireless Wide Area Networks
(WWANs) and offers a better understand the most popular wireless communications available
today. "Guide to Wireless Communications" presents a comprehensive approach to wireless
communication technology providing the solid background needed to prepare for a future career
in today's information and communications technology field. Enhanced with an extensive sixteen
page Glossary and a thirteen page Index, "Guide to Wireless Communications" is unreservedly
recommended as a curriculum textbook and an essential core addition to technical school, college
and university library Communications Technology collections and supplemental studies lists. It
should be noted for students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that
"Guide to Wireless Communications" is also available in a Kindle format ($124.49) -- and can be
rented $83.58 PB / $84.34 Kindle.
Electric Power System Fundamentals
Salvador Acha Daza
Artech House
685 Canton Street, Norwood, MA 02062
9781630810856, $175.00, www.artechhouse.com
Electric Power System Fundamentals considers the theory and applied methods of designing and
using energy systems, surveying power electronics and providing real-world applications to lend
insights on their management and mathematical models. The discussion gets into the basic
components involved, from transmission line loads and frequency control to fault studies in
electrical power systems and power flow approximations. Packed with formulas and
mathematical discussions, any college-level collection strong in electronics will find this a
winning reference that covers all the basics of electrical grid and power systems.
The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf
Manga Classics: Jane Eyre
Charlotte Bronte, author
Story Adaptation by Crystal S. Chan
Art by SunNeko Lee
Udon Entertainment
www.udonentertainment.com
www.mangaclassics.com
9781927925652 $19.99 pbk / $10.78 Kindle amazon.com
Part of the Manga Classics series of black-and-white graphic novels adapting great novels with
artwork reminiscent of the style used by Japanese comics ("manga"), Manga Classics: Jane Eyre
presents the timeless tale by Charlotte Bronte in an accessible, reader-friendly format for readers
of all ages. Manga Classics: Jane Eyre does not take any liberties with the original novel about an
independent young woman in Victorian England, who values listening to her conscience even if
doing so may break her heart. Manga Classics: Jane Eyre is especially ideal for high school and
public library collections, as an excellent way to encourage teenagers and adults alike to
experience Bronte's masterpiece! Highly recommended.
The Complete Chi's Sweet Home Part 4
Konami Kanata
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.vertical-inc.com
9781942993575 $24.95 amazon.com
The Complete Chi's Sweet Home Part 4 is the full-color manga (Japanese comics) conclusion to
the story of Chi, an innocent kitten adopted by a loving family. Part 4 contains volumes 10, 11,
and 12 of the original manga, including extras (such as cutouts and comments from creator
Konami Kanata) and a bonus cat comic. The story takes a dramatic turn when Chi's family
stumbles across a "lost kitten" poster that looks extraordinarily similar to Chi. Chi herself must
grapple with the shocking idea that she is a cat - and therefore very different from the humans she
loves so much! The simple art is the perfect complement for this heartwarming story, ideal for
cat lovers of all ages as well as public library graphic novel collections.
Seeking Refuge
Irene N. Watts, author
Illustrations by Kathryn E. Shoemaker
Tradewind Books
202-1807 Maritime Mews, Vancouver, BC Canada V6H 3W7
www.tradewindbooks.com
9781926890029 $15.95 US / $18.95 CAD amazon.com
Seeking Refuge is a black-and-white graphic novel about Marianne, a young refugee girl who
flees Nazi Germany on the kindertransporte to relative safety in Britain. Although Marianne is
fortunate to escape the Nazi death camps, she is lonely in her new home. Learning to speak
English is difficult, and she dearly misses her real family. Although Seeking Refuge is fictional,
the story is directly based on the real-life experiences of almost 10,000 children from Germany,
Austria, and Czechoslovakia, including author Irene N. Watts. Seeking Refuge is highly
recommended for all ages and public library as well as personal graphic novel collections, as is
the preceding graphic novel "Goodbye Marianne".
The MLJ Companion
Rik Offenberger, Paul Castiglia, Jon B. Cooke
TwoMorrows Publishing
10407 Bedfordtown Drive, Raleigh, NC 27614
9781505490870, $34.95, www.twomorrows.com
The MLJ Companion is a complete history of Archie Comics' "Mighty Crusaders" super-hero
series, and provides an in-depth consideration of each of the characters and their histories. As
such, it's especially recommended for prior enthusiasts who want more depth and detail about the
superheroes and their creation and adventures. Nearly three hundred pages pack in adventures,
creator interviews, full-color good-sized cover art and comic panels, and more, offering notes on
different editions, artist profiles, insights on character continuity and evolution, and more. The
result is a fine 'must' for any comics and graphic novel collection in general and Mighty
Crusaders enthusiasts in particular.
Hero Cats of Stellar City: The Crow King Saga
Kyle Puttkammer and Marcus Williams
Action Lab
actionlabcomics.com
9781632291486 $11.99 pbk / $4.99 Kindle amazon.com
Hero Cats of Stellar City: The Crow King Saga is a full-color graphic novel compilation
collecting issues 7, 8, and 9 of the Hero Cats of Stellar City comic book, about a group of brave
and canny feline superheroes. The remorseless Crow King, master of dreams and nightmares,
seeks to add another world to his conquests - our world - and only the Hero Cats can stop him!
But first, they must escape the Crow King's fantastic dreamworld, in which each of them has the
illusory guide of... a human form? A new hero cat, the technologically adept master thief Bandit,
is introduced in this saga of derring do and good versus evil, highly recommended for cat lovers
of all ages!
Action Lab: Dog of Wonder, Volume One: Who Let the Dogs Out?
Vito Delsante and Scott Fogg
Action Lab
actionlabcomics.com
9781632291523 $9.99
Action Lab: Dog of Wonder, Volume One: Who Let the Dogs Out? is a full-color graphic novel
collecting issues 1, 2, and 3 of Action Lab: Dog of Wonder, a comic book series about a canine
superhero and his comrades. What makes Action Lab especially notable is its strong stance
against animal cruelty, including but not limited to the illegal practice of dogfighting. In Who Let
the Dogs Out?, Action Lab and his team accept a pampered poodle's heartfelt plea to rescue her
brother - a dog wrongly accused of biting a little girl - before he is executed! Action Lab: Dog of
Wonder is a treat for dog lovers of all ages, highly recommended.
Invader Zim Volume 2
KC Green and Eric Trueheart
Created by Jhonen Vasquez
Oni Press
www.onipress.com
9781620103364 $19.99 amazon.com
Invader Zim Volume 2 is a full-color graphic novel collecting issues #6-10 of the brand new
"Invader Zim" comic based on the popular animated cartoon about Zim, a crazed space alien with
a manic penchant for destruction, and Dib, a young paranormal investigator determined to
oppose and expose Zim at every turn! Will Zim destroy the Earth? (Maybe.) Will schoolchildren
be eaten by space monsters? (Probably.) One wild and crazy madcap after another pits Zim and
Dib against one another in this laugh-out-loud funny, over-the-top sci-fi adventure!
Oddly Normal Book 3
Otis Frampton
Image Comics
imagecomics.com
9781632156921 $9.99 pbk amazon.com
Oddly Normal Book 3 is a full-color graphic novel collecting issues #11-15 of the comic book
about Oddly Normal, an atypically-named girl stranded in the magical land of Fignation. In Book
3, Oddly braves her first Rocketball game (a sport where the rules are "chaos"), rise to the
challenge of a witch's broom race, and confronts a dark power in her quest find where her mother
and father disappeared. The bold artistic style and dramatic use of color bring this fantastic
adventure to vivid life! Highly recommended for fantasy-adventure fans of all ages.
My Neighbor Seki 8
Takuma Morishige
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.vertical-inc.com
9781942993506 $10.95 / $7.99 Kindle amazon.com
My Neighbor Seki 8 continues the madcap black-and-white manga (Japanese comics) escapades
of Seki, a brilliant yet easily bored school student who amuses himself by secretly engaging in
fantastic, complex games during class. Meanwhile Yokoi, the young woman seated next to Seki,
tries to focus on studying yet inevitably becomes drawn into Seki's amazing schemes and stories!
Volume 8 also steps outside the classroom in some of its short stories, from poolside
shenanigans, to Seki's questionable designs in birdhouse construction, to the wilderness
adventures of Seki's robot-doll toys. Charming and funny, My Neighbor Seki is delightful for all
ages, and due stories' episodic format, My Neighbor Seki is an excellent jumping-on point for the
series. Highly recommended.
Nichijou My Ordinary Life 5
Keiichi Arawi
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th floor, New York, NY 10016
9781942993346 $10.95 www.vertical-inc.com
Nichijou My Ordinary Life 5 continues the black-and-white manga (Japanese comics) series that
walks the fine line between everyday life and out-of-this-world oddity. The episodic stories flit
between a cast of quirky students and quirkier teachers. In Nichijou 5, the scarf that gave the cat
Mr. Sakamoto the ability to talk happens to be put on a black bird; a teacher with a highly
inappropriate crush is blackmailed into taking charge of the Go/Soccer club; dangerous dogs are
literally unleashed; and a young person dreams of being a frill-necked lizard (because it's an
easier future to imagine than hardcore studying and test-taking, or the pursuit of a career). A
delight for all ages, Nichijou My Ordinary Life 5 is highly recommended, and an excellent
jumping-on point to the series due to its lighthearted, episodic nature.
Ninja Slayer 6
Original Work by Bradly Bond and Philip Ninj@ Morzez
Art by Yuki Yogo
Script by Yoshiaki Tabata
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.vertical-inc.com
9781942993865 $12.95 amazon.com
Ninja Slayer 6 continues the black-and-white manga (Japanese comics) set in a cyberpunk world
where "ninja souls" can possess humans, transforming them into ninja with extraordinary
superhuman abilities. The notorious Ninja Slayer, once an ordinary salaryman who lost his
family, has melded with a ninja soul; now he exists to punish criminal ninja with death! Volume
6 concludes Ninja Slayer's and Nancy Lee's conflict with the cyber-ninja Daedalus, and begins a
new saga in the badlands outside of Kyoto. The Ninja Slayer, normally a mortal enemy of other
ninja, must form a temporary truce with a Vietnam vet ninja and a zombie ninja to enact justice
upon a gang that has been exterminating entire villages, in an homage to "The Good, the Bad and
the Ugly". Pulp-fiction style, over-the-top violence is the hallmark of this action-packed series,
highly recommended for mature readers ages 16 and up.
Devil's Line 3
Ryo Hanada
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.vertical-inc.com
9781942993391 $12.95 amazon.com
Devil's Line 3 continues the black-and-white manga (Japanese comics) graphic novel saga set in
a modern-day world where "devils", also known as "vampires", live among human beings and
normally appear identical to them... but they possess potentially superhuman strength and speed,
and when devils are exposed to human blood, it sparks an overwhelming lust to kill or rape.
Some devils - perhaps the majority - seek to control their destructive tendencies through
tranquilizers or other means, and the police force secretly employs certain devils (who are
invaluable protectors due to their superior senses and physical ability) to hunt down rogue devils.
But a behind-the-scenes organization is attempting to spark catastrophic bloodshed between
humans and devils! Who is pulling the strings and why? Anzai, a half-devil employed by the
police, is caught in the middle of spiraling machinations. Anzai has just learned from his unlikely
ally Lee a closely guarded secret - that drinking human blood can have regenerative or
strengthening powers on devil bodies. Lee offers to share more knowledge if Anzai will keep him
hidden. Meanwhile, the shadowy cartel makes its move to "clean house" and proceed to the next
phase of its unfathomable plan... and neither human nor devil lives are safe from its murderous
agents! Devil's Line 3 is dark fantasy exploring ethical, moral, and practical ramifications, and a
choice pick for connoisseurs of vampire literature. Recommended for readers ages 13 and up, due
to violence and mature situations.
Faith: Hollywood and Vine
Jody Houser, et al.
Valiant Entertainment, LLC
http://www.valiantentertainment.com
9781682151211, $9.99, PB, 112pp, www.amazon.com
Orphaned at a young age, Faith Herbert (a psionically gifted "psiot" discovered by the Harbinger
Foundation) has always aspired to greatness. But now this once ordinary teenager is taking
control of her destiny and becoming the hard-hitting hero she's always known she can be --
complete with a mild-mannered secret identity, unsuspecting colleagues, and a day job as a
reporter that routinely throws into her harms way! Well, at least she thought it would... When
she's not typing up listicles about cat videos, Faith makes a secret transformation to patrol the
night as the City of Angels' own leading superhero - the sky-soaring Zephyr! But flying solo is
going to be tougher than she ever thought when Zephyr uncovers a deep-rooted alien conspiracy.
Two-bit burglars and car thieves are one thing, but when the world needs a hero to stave off an
full-blown extraterrestrial invasion, will Faith find herself in over her head... or ready for her
biggest challenge yet? A unique and overweight female hero, "Faith: Hollywood and Vine" is an
anthology of four stories that are the collaborative work of science fiction author Jody Houser,
brought vividly to life by artists Francis Portela and Marguerite Sauvage and present a new
graphic novel style of the high-flying, unique, and fully relatable superheroine. A consistently
entertaining read from cover to cover, "Faith: Hollywood and Vine" will prove to be an
enduringly popular addition to personal and community library Comics/Graphic Novels
collections -- and leave readers looking eagerly toward her next set of adventures in "Faith:
California Scheming" (9781682151631, $9.99, 112pp).
Huck: All American
Mark Millar, Rafael Albuquerque, Dave McCaig
Image Comics
2701 NW Vaughn Street, Suite 780, Portland, Oregon 97210
https://imagecomics.com
9781632157294, $14.99, PB, 160pp, www.amazon.com
Huck was a seemingly abandoned baby who grew up in a small town community. But Huck has
amazing powers of strength, stamina, and an uncanny ability to find anything that is lost from car
keys to people. Huck is also extraordinary in that he is committed to doing one good deed every
day. All his life is specialness has been protected by his neighbors. But when a new neighbor
moves in she see's the possibility of making money by leaking his story to the media. The result
is an erupting media storm erupts bringing Huck unwanted fame -- and the exploitative attention
of his state's governor, security agencies of the federal government, and someone who claims to
be his long lost brother who only wants Huck to find their mother. As pieces of Huck's past begin
to resurface, it's no longer clear who his friends are - or whose lives may be in danger. A simply
riveting read from cover to cover, "Huck: All American" is a superlative graphic novel filled with
unexpected plot twists and a very surprising finale! While very highly recommended for personal
reading lists and community library Comics/Graphic Novels collections, it should also be noted
that "Huck: All American" is also available in a Kindle format ($5.99) and in a Library Binding
edition (Turtleback Books, 9780606390675, $26.95).
Bloom County Episode XI A New Hope
Berkeley Breathed
IDW Publishing
www.idwpublishing.com
9781631406997 $17.99 pbk / $4.99 Kindle amazon.com
Bloom County Episode XI A New Hope is a compilation of the renewed series of Bloom County
newspaper comic strips, with all Sunday strips in full color. Comic strip creator Berkeley
Breathed explains in the forward why he chose to create all-new comics of his popular series, years
after its suspension in the 1980's. "I am having as much fun as you are.... I can't wait to get back
to the sketchpad and make myself laugh and get it posted fast. I read all the comments and giggle
with all of you on Facebook." Bloom County's revival just happened to coincide with the period
when Donald Trump was a rising star in the presidential primaries, so expect the occasional
political jab in addition to high-rolling wheelchair adventures, gigantic anxiety closet monsters,
clueless penguins, scraggly orange cats, flowery yoga poses, accidental Twitter videos of singing
private parts (this is not graphically depicted in order to keep comic strip family-friendly) and
more out-of-control wild whimsy than a hundred buffalo in ballerina tutus! Highly
recommended.
The Audiobook Shelf
Classic Ghost Stories
Charles Dickens and M.R. James
Read by Stephen Critchlow
Naxos of America, Inc.
1810 Columbia Avenue, Suite 28, Franklin, TN 37064
www.naxosaudiobooks.com
9789626344590 $17.98 amazon.com
Superbly performed by theater, television, film, and BBC Radio Drama actor Stephen Critchlow,
Classic Ghost Stories is an audiobook anthology of terrifying supernatural tales by timeless
authors Charles Dickens and M.R. James. These spine-tingling stories have terrified generations -
listen to them in the dead of night strictly at your own risk! The paranormal stories are "The
Signal-Man", "Oh, Whistle and I'll Come to You, My Lad", "The Mezzotint", "To Be Taken
With a Grain of Salt", and "Rats". Highly recommended, especially for personal and public
library audiobook collections. 2CDs, 2 hours 30 min. 51 sec.
Holding Nothing Back
Mark Nepo
Sounds True Audio
413 South Arthur Avenue, Louisville, CO 80027
www.soundstrue.com
9781604076745 $19.95 amazon.com
Poet, philosopher, and bestselling author Mark Nepo presents Holding Nothing Back: Essentials
for an Authentic Life, a spiritual self-help guide designed to help listeners live more fully in the
moment, engage in true-self expression, and better understand paradoxes of life such as how
humans need both solitude and community. Enlightening and eye-opening, Holding Nothing
Back is an inspiration for listeners from all walks of life. Highly recommended. 2 CDs, 2 hours
27 min.
Operation Happiness
Kristi Ling
Blackstone Audiobooks
31 Mistletoe Road, Ashland, OR 97520
www.BlackstoneAudio.com
9781441798190 $29.95 amazon.com
Read by author Kristi Ling, Operation Happiness: The 3-Step Plan to Creating a Life of Lasting
Joy, Abundant Energy, and Radical Bliss is based upon a simple yet profound revelation:
happiness isn't something you feel, it's something you do. Ling covers the three foundational
principles to transform one's viewpoint and take greater pleasure in everyday life. Blending
elements of memoir and self-help guide, Operation Happiness outlines straightforward steps that
anyone can take to permanently improve their outlook. Highly recommended! 7 CDs, 8
hours.
Lawyer for the Dog
Lee Robinson, author
Narrated by Barbara McCulloh
Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
9781501926488 $TBA www.recordedbooks.com
Lawyer for the Dog: A Sally Baynard Novel is the unabridged audiobook rendition of a tongue-
in-cheek romance with a courtroom twist. Sally Baynard is a skilled public defender and family
lawyer who couldn't bring herself to remain married to her wealthy, high-society husband, Family
Court Judge Joe Baynard. When Judge Joe assigns her to a tangled divorce case by appointing
her as the Lawyer for the Dog - Sherman, a miniature schnauzer - her life becomes complicated
by closer proximity to her ex, as well as the care of the dog, the rancor of its owners, the needs of
her aging mother with Alzheimer's, and a handsome, charming veterinarian named Tony! A
mirthfully unpredictable delight, Lawyer for the Dog is highly recommended for both personal
and public library audiobook collections. 7 CDs, 7.75 hours.
Beneath the Skin
Jonathan Maberry
Read by Ray Porter
Blackstone Audiobooks
31 Mistletoe Road, Ashland, OR 97520
www.BlackstoneAudio.com
9781481513630 $29.95
Beneath the Skin is the unabridged audiobook rendition of an anthology of short stories featuring
Sam Hunter, a low-rent PI and former Twin Cities policeman who lost his badge due to
excessive force. Sam is closet werewolf, who unleashes his animal ferocity on the worst, most
despicable human beings! But Sam also has a wolf's sense of unswerving loyalty to his clients; he
comes from a long family line known as Benandanti, or "the hounds of God". The stories in
Beneath the Skin include "Like Part of the Family", "Toby's Closet", "Crazy Town", "We All
Make Sacrifices", and "A House in Need of Children". Beneath the Skin is a juicy treat for
paranormal mystery fans to sink their teeth into, highly recommended. 4 CDs, 5 hours.
'Til Death
Ed McBain
Performed by Dick Hill
Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887, Grand Haven, MI 49417
www.brillianceaudio.com
9781501292743 $9.99 amazon.com
'Til Death: An 87th Precinct Novel is the unabridged MP3-CD audiobook (can be played on any
MP3-CD enabled player, or transferred to a portable device) adapting Ed McBain's riveting
mystery novel. Detective Steve Carella's sister is about to be married, but someone is out to
murder her groom, setting Carella on race against time to find the killer! A gritty saga that
captures the essence of noir in a modern-day setting, 'Til Death is a "must" for connoisseurs of
the genre! 1 MP3 Disc, 6 hours.
Lord of the Privateers
Stephanie Laurens
Read by Steve West
Blackstone Audiobooks
31 Mistletoe Road, Ashland, OR 97520
www.BlackstoneAudio.com
9781504779494 $44.95
Lord of the Privateers is the audiobook rendition of fourth and concluding volume of "The
Adventurers Quartet", a sweeping, epic saga of love and daring. Royd Frobisher, the titular lord
of the privateers, works with his childhood sweetheart, ex-handfasted bride, and current business
partner Isobel Carmicheal to see a dangerous rescue mission through to its conclusion. But
freeing victims is only half of their struggle - to stop a human trafficking ring, they must hunt the
criminals on their home ground! A sweeping, passionate historical romance, Lord of the
Privateers is highly recommended to connoisseurs of the genre. 13 CDs, 16 1/2 hours.
Orphans of the Carnival
Carol Birch, author
Read by Heather Wilds
Highbridge Audio Books
270 Skip Jack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
www.highbridgeaudio.com
9781681682587 $34.99 amazon.com
Orphans of the Carnival is the unabridged audiobook performance of a carnival exhibit's personal
search for love and happiness. Julia Pastrana is an extraordinary woman, fluent in English,
French, and Spanish; a talented singer; capable at riding horseback and performing a ballet
pirouette; yet her hairy face all that people notice about her. Despite a successful carnival career
that enables her tour the world, Julia longs to meet someone who accepts her as just another
human. Is love too much for one woman to hope for? And when she encounters a man who
seems to be interested in her, how can she tell whether he truly cares for her or simply wishes to
exploit her in a kinder, gentler manner? A thought-provoking, emotional page-turner, Orphans of
the Carnival is a choice pick for both personal and public library audiobook collections. 11 CDs,
13 hours.
Deathlands: Gaia's Promise
James Axler
Graphic Audio
4940 Hampden Lane, Suite 300, Bethesda, MD 20814
9781628512878, $19.99, CD, www.graphicaudio.net
Cornerstone is a ville like no other that Ryan Cawdor and his companions have ever encountered.
Hoping to find medical treatment for wounds sustained combating Magus and his creations,
especially Ryan's own debilitating injury, they have been brought to Cornerstone by their new
friends, a relationship forged from those same battles. The ville appears to be a prosperous
bastion of civilization, sheltered from the savagery of the Deathlands by virtue of the
community's relationship with an extraordinary manifestation of the will of Gaia. As the tortured
history of this ville is revealed, the companions are intrigued, to say the least. And when they
confront Cornerstone's leader, they are nothing less than astonished. Gaia's Promise is an original
Deathlands story written specifically for GraphicAudio and is available in no other format. A
riveting storyline, an entire chorus of accomplished vocal actors, music and sound effects all
combine to present what Graphic Audio is most famous for -- making a movie in your mind!
Another entry into the on-going post-apocalyptic Deathlands saga, "Gaia's Promise" is
unreservedly recommended for personal and community library audio book collections.
Approximate Running Time: 6 Hours; 6 CDs; Content Rating: Ages 18+.
No Pity for the Dead
Nancy Herriman, author
Narrated by Stina Nielsen
Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
www.recordedbooks.com
9781490677149 $TBA
Set in 1867, No Pity for the Dead: A Mystery of Old San Francisco is the unabridged audiobook
rendition of a historical murder mystery. British-born nurse Celia Davies runs a free medical
clinic to assist poor women, but when a young orphan informs her that he discovered a corpse,
Celia seeks help from Detective Nicholas Greaves. Celia and Nick must work together to hunt
down a killer, in spite of the conflicted feelings they might be developing for one another! A
period piece that brings historic San Francisco to vivid life, No Pity for the Dead keeps the
listener guessing to the end. Highly recommended, especially for mystery connoisseurs and
public library collections. 10 CDs, 11.5 hours.
Small Admissions: A Novel
Amy Poeppel, author
Read by Carly Robins
Highbridge Audio Books
270 Skip Jack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
www.highbridgeaudio.com
9781681683751 $39.99 amazon.com
Small Admissions: A Novel is the unabridged audiobook rendition of Amy Poeppel's novel about
learning to cope with rejection. Kate Pearson is a Summa Cum Laude graduate who is so
emotionally devastated by the breakup with her handsome French "almost fiance" that she falls
into a slothlike stupor, leaving her apartment only as absolutely needed. Her sister Angela tries to
help with remedies ranging from therapy to trapeze class, but when Kate lands a a job at the
prestigious Hudson Day School, she no longer has time to wallow in self-pity. Can Kate maintain
her emotional stability and get her life back on track, with the help of family and friends? And
what secret is her handsome yet annoying neighbor hiding? Does one person's happiness
necessarily require another person's misfortune? Insightful, witty, and engaging, Small
Admissions is highly recommended for both personal and public library audiobook collections. 8
CDs, 9.5 hours.
Hachette Audio
1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104
www.hachetteaudio.com
These new audios are top, recommended picks for any audiobook collection, offering solid
authors paired with exciting narrators. James Patterson and John Connolly work with Tim
Malloy to create Filthy Rich (9781478941682, $35.00), which receives veteran narrator Jason
Culp's inviting voice as it tells of a powerful billionaire involved in a sex scandal. Jeffrey
Epstein's is a true story that comes with the trappings of thriller writing, but which is thoroughly
steeped in real-world experience. James Patterson and Kathryn Fox's Missing: A Private Novel
(9781478938507, $35.00) is narrated by Daniel LePaine, whose voice brings to life the drama of
a world-famous CEO who vanishes, leading Craig and his elite team to find him at all costs. But
more than the man himself has vanished: so have all details surrounding his life. How can they
locate a ghost, or a man who seems to have never existed? Newt Gingrich and Pete Earley's
Treason (9781478912989, $35.00) is narrated by Robert Fass, whose voice brings to life an
engrossing story of a world master terrorist who has infiltrated Washington itself. In a story of
treason at the highest levels, intrigue involves a heady battle, jihadists intent on destroying
liberty, a deadly game against a woman who faces losing everyone she loves and a story of
intense treachery that comes to life in audio. All are riveting, engrossing thrillers perfect for
leisure listeners. Last Girl Before Freeway: The Life, Loves, Losses and Liberation of Joan
Rivers by Leslie Bennetts (9781478987635, $35.00) is narrated by L.A. actress Erin Bennett,
whose vivid and memorable voice enhances the audio version of an already-strong biographical
coverage of Joan Rivers. Today many young and up-and-rising comedians pay tribute to Joan as
the major influence in their comedy careers, but this book fills in many blanks in charting her
personal story and the evolution of this career. Anyone interested in Joan Rivers will find this an
outstanding, compelling survey. Austin Wright's Tony & Susan (9781478971214, $20.00) is set
in 1993 and tells of a woman who left her first husband to become a suburban doctor's wife - a
choice that she regrets, years later. The last thing she expects is to be given his unpublished
manuscript with an invitation to read and comment on it; but as she becomes involved in his
fictional production, so she is drawn back into his life and what she thought she left behind.
Lorelei King and Peter Marinker's dual narration brings to life this vivid, evocative winning
story.
The Library CD Shelf
Sanctuary for the Soul
Janice Lacy Project
www.janicelacymusic.com
Shore Light Records
$15.25 CD / $9.49 MP3 amazon.com
Sanctuary for the Soul is the instrumental debut album of Los Angeles-based pianist and
composer Janice Lacy, in collaboration with pianist and keyboardist Rob Mullins, cellist Jeness,
bassist Larry Antonio, and drummer and percussionist Tony Braunagel. All tracks were
composed by Lacy and range from solo piano to piano-cello duets to a mellifluous melding of
bass, drums, and percussion or synthesizer. Gentle jazz stylings send the listener's imagination on
a world- spanning journey, in this soundscape treasure created to refresh and rejuvenate the spirit.
Highly recommended! The tracks are "Sanctuary for the Soul" (3:52), "Take Care of My Heart"
(2:56), "Everything's Alright" (3:56), "Lovers' Flight" (3:33), "Refuge" (3:34), "Sunrise Dance"
(4:19), "Through the Shadows" (2:49), "Shimmering Ocean" (2:23), "December Goodbye"
(3:12), "Jim's Waltz" (2:58), "Crystal Harbor" (1:45), "Full Moon" (3:33), "Prayer" (3:49), and
"Tell You That I Love You" (4:45).
The Recognition
Art Patience
www.artpatience.com
Heart Dance Records
www.heartdancerecords.com
$14.99 CD / $7.99 MP3 amazon.com
The Recognition is a full-length New Age album featuring the compositions, harmonica, and
guitar music of Art Patience (with additional guitar contributions by Dan Mahoney). The
soothing, instrumental stylings encourage relaxation and thoughtful contemplation, with a
binding theme reflecting the nuances of an enlightening journey through transformative natural
landscapes. The Recognition is a treasure for connoisseurs that redefines the limits of the humble
yet beloved harmonica, and highly recommended for both personal and public library music
collections. The tracks are "Compassion" (5:49), "The Wishing Well" (6:22), "Memorial Day"
(5:15), "Flight of the Butterfly" (4:23), "The Treehouse" (6:05), "Spirit of the Woods" (5:53),
"Safe Journeys" (5:27), "Winds of Change" (7:03), and "The Recognition" (5:56). 53 min. 44
sec.
Mystic's Nine
Dyan Garris
DyanGarrisMusic.com
Privately Published
$12.98 CD / $9.49 MP3 amazon.com
Mystic's Nine is a captivating CD New Age album that beautifully demonstrates composer Dyan
Garris' keyboarding talent. Two songs have vocal tracks (with lyrics printed on the album's case);
the rest are instrumental. A soundscape that soothes the quiescent soul, Mystic's Nine is highly
recommended for both personal and public library ambient music collections. The tracks are
"Mystic's 9" (4:25), "Mystic Sea" (4:28), "Muse's Gift" (3:21), "Mystical" (5:25), "Mystic Kiss"
(3:49), "Heaven's Gate" (3:53), "Cloud 9" (2:47), "The Mist" (4:11), "East on 9th" (3:54),
"Aquamarine" (3:46), and "Water for the Soul" (2:52). 43 min.
Openings
Nick DeCesare
https://nickdecesaremusic.com
Privately Published
$15.98 CD / $9.49 MP3 amazon.com
Acoustic pianist Nick DeCesare presents Openings, a captivating solo piano album featuring
music to gently lift the heart and soothe the soul. The peaceful, mind-expanding stylings
encourage meditation, reflection, or simple rest in the listener. Openings is a treasure for new age
piano connoisseurs, highly recommended for both personal and public library collections. The
tracks are "Prologue Anthem", "Grace Rapids", "Joy", "Morning", "Farewell", "Ocean Waltz",
"Rainy Day", "Lullabye", "In Love", "Moonlit Cathedral", "Visit", "Sanctuary", and "Epilogue:
Return".
Resonance
Peter Kater
New Earth Records
www.NewEarthRecords.com
c/o Sounds True
413 South Arthur Avenue, Louisville, CO 80027
www.soundstrue.com
$16.98 CD / $9.49 download amazon.com
Resonance is an instrumental soundscape that embodies the essence of New Age music - healing,
mindfulness, spiritual awakening. Peter Kater's tender piano playing is enriched with
synthesizers, gongs, chimes, and melodic strings. A joy to experience, especially when
unwinding after a hard day, Resonance is highly recommended for both personal and public
library collections. The tracks are Resonance (5:17), "Twilight Star" (6:37), "Echo Inside" (9:00),
"Night's Cavern" (9:47), "One Flame" (6:21), "Venus in Pisces" (9:11), "Rebirth" (9:57) and
"Resonance (Reprise)" (3:55). 60 min., 5 sec.
The Rhythm of Life
Matt Venuti
www.mattvenuti.com
Venus Central Productions
$15.00 CD / $9.99 download cdbaby.com
The Rhythm of Life is a jubilant album by singer, songwriter, and multi-instrument master Matt
Venuti. The upbeat songs remind the listener about the bonds shared between individuals and the
world as a whole. A mix of instruments ranging from keyboards and pedal steel guitar to piano
and organ, drums, cello, kora and more add spicy variety to The Rhythm of Life. The Rhythm of
Life is a positive, fulfilling, and unique experience, highly recommended! The tracks are "A
Place to Breathe" (5:35), "Afraid" (6:03), "Door of the Heart" (4:29), "The Rhythm of Life"
(5:12), "Rise" (3:57), "The All" (5:14), "Loosen the Grip" (5:06), "Desert Dreams" (5:53), "Lean
On Me" (3:54), and "Breathe Reprise" (2:00).
Leaves in the Pool
The Holdup
theholdupmusic.com
Privately Published
$TBA CD / $8.99 MP3 amazon.com
Leaves in the Pool is a full-length album from reggae band The Holdup. Spanning the gamut
from love songs to desperate dreams, Leaves in the Pool draws upon elements of hip hop and
incorporates emotional guitar stylings into a vibrant, passionate prize. It should be noted that
Leaves in the Pool has some explicit song lyrics, and is therefore recommended mature listeners.
The tracks are "Neighborhood", "Dumb Luck", "Way Too High", "Imperfections", "Spoken For",
"Right Away", "Blink of an Eye", "Hotline Interlude", "This Ain't Love", "Wait for Me",
"Nothin's On Fire", "The Truth", "Leaves in the Pool", "Almost Famous", "Come For You", and
"10 Karats".
The Library DVD Shelf
Britain's Bloody Crown
Athena Learning
c/o Acorn Media
c/o RLJ Entertainment
www.us.RLJEntertainment.com
www.acornonline.com
$39.99 amazon.com
Historian and journalist Dan Jones presents Britain's Bloody Crown, an exciting, four-part
historical documentary about the Wars of the Roses, a series of vicious wars fought between the
House of Lancaster and the House of York for control of the throne of England during the latter
half of the 1400's. Thousands of people perished, and the crown changed hands seven times in
three decades, in a ruthless saga of battle and betrayal, brought to life with scripted
re-enactments. It should be noted that the cruelties of Britain's history are not for the faint of
heart; Britain's Bloody Crown contains violence and sexual situations. Britain's Bloody Crown is
utterly fascinating, highly recommended for both personal and public library DVD collections. 4
episodes on 2 DVDs, 188 min., widescreen, SDH subtitles.
Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone, second edition
Gudrun Penselin and Adrian de Landa
Rainbow Healing Publishing
www.rainbowhealing.ca
www.herbalinstructions.com
9780968410813 $39.95 CAD
Now in a second edition with an updated appendix and subtitles in English, French, German, and
Spanish, Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone is a guide on DVD by Clinical Herbal Therapist Gudrun
Penselin and Traditional Mexican Healer Adrian de Landa. The program walks the viewer
through harvesting, drying, and storing herbs step-by-step, as well as how to create herbal juices,
infusions, tinctures, flower essences, poultices, and more. Herbal Pharmacy for Everyone
absolutely cannot substitute for the professional services of a doctor or pharmacist in the case of
a serious medical health problem, it's a user-friendly supplemental guide to preparing simple,
time-tested home remedies without using any expensive equipment. Highly recommended!
Joseph Conrad's The Secret Agent
Acorn Media
c/o RLJ Entertainment
www.us.RLJEntertainment.com
www.acornonline.com
$34.99 amazon.com
Joseph Conrad's The Secret Agent is the BBC adaptation of Joseph Conrad's classic novel about
a terrorist plot in Victorian London. Anton Verloc is an unremarkable shopkeeper in Soho who,
unbeknownst to anyone including his faithful wife, works for the Russian embassy as a spy. Then
his secret employers charge him to plant a bomb and pin the blame on a local group of anarchists
that the Russians want suppressed. Verloc's conscience rebels against the thought of killing
civilians, but if Verloc fails his mission, his identity as a spy will be exposed! Tense and
haunting, The Secret Agent is a "must" for connoisseurs of British drama. It should be noted that
Joseph Conrad's The Secret Agent is for mature readers or older teens, as episodes contain
violence, disturbing images, and sexual situations. 3 episodes, 178 min., widescreen, SDH
subtitles.
Jericho of Scotland Yard
Starring Robert Lindsay
Acorn Media
c/o RLJ Entertainment
www.us.RLJEntertainment.com
$49.99 www.acornonline.com
Jericho of Scotland Yard is a dark British crime drama, set in 1950's London. Chief Inspector
Michael Jericho (played by Robert Lindsay) is a Scotland Yard detective responsible for solving
high-profile murders, with help from his loyal sergeant Clive Harvey (David Troughton) and the
young, exuberant DC John Caldicott (Ciaran McMenamin). Jericho's checkered and painful past
will not stop him from extracting justice at any cost! A vivid period piece, Jericho of Scotland
Yard is a "must-see" for connoisseurs of gritty British mysteries, highly recommended. It should
be noted that Jericho of Scotland Yard contains violence, strong language, and nudity. 4 episodes
on 2 DVDs, 376 min., widescreen, SDH subtitles.
Close to the Enemy
By filmmaker Stephen Poliakoff
Acorn Media
c/o RLJ Entertainment
www.us.RLJEntertainment.com
$59.99 DVD or Blu-ray www.acornonline.com
Available in both DVD and Blu-ray formats, Close to the Enemy is a riveting British drama set
during the beginning of the Cold War. Intelligence officer Callum Ferguson is duty-bound to
persuade captured German scientist Dieter Koehler to develop a jet engine for the British
government, but Ferguson is distracted by his younger brother's mental trauma from the war.
Complicating matters further is Ferguson's growing attraction to his best friend's wife. A taut,
suspenseful story interweaving rich characterization and a complex plot, Close to the Enemy is
highly recommended. Bonus materials include 30 minutes of behind-the-scenes featurettes, 28
minutes of cast interviews, and a photo gallery. It should be noted that Close to the Enemy
contains coarse language, violence, sexual situations, and nudity. 3 discs, 7 episodes, 435 min.
plus bonus, SDH subtitles.
The Fiction Shelf
The Devil's Marshal
I. J. Parnham
Ulverscroft Large Print (USA), Inc.
PO Box 1230, West Seneca, NY 14224-1230
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781444826463, $22.98, PB, Large Print, 240pp, www.amazon.com
When Lucinda Latimer is accused of murdering Archibald Harper, her bounty hunter brother
Brodie is convinced of her innocence. Vowing to find the culprit, he turns up a witness in the
form of drunken varmint Wilfred Clay - who, minutes after admitting to seeing the real killer, is
shot to death on his own front porch. All the clues point to the murderer being Derrick Shelby -
the man known as 'the devil's marshal'. The only trouble is, Derrick died a year ago. I. J.
Parnham's "The Devil's Marshal" is another riveting western action/adventure read by a true
master of the genre. Hurtling from one cliff hanger to another, right down to the final page, "The
Devil's Marshal" is unreservedly recommended to the attention of all western novel buffs and this
large print edition will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to community library Western
Fiction collections.
Wild Things
Jaimee Wriston Colbert
BkMk Press
University of Missouri-Kansas City
University House, Room 224, 5100 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, MO 64110-2446
www.umkc.edu/bkmk
9781943491056, $15.95, PB, 249pp, www.amazon.com
"Wild Things" by Jaimee Wriston Colbert is impressive collection of fourteen "linked,
rural-noir" stories that depict endangered humans in endangered environments. This is a short
story anthology for modern times. Colbert's human characters face displacement, just like the
tropical alligator who appears in New York's Susquehanna River. They face sheer desperation,
like that of an ohia tree clinging to solid lava on a Hawaiian volcano. In an environment where
good-paying factory jobs are an endangered species, Colbert's protagonists confront such post-
industrial predations as meth, homelessness, and the ghosts of lost dreams. Their survival is their
triumph. Exceptionally well written and a consistently compelling read from cover to cover,
"Wild Things" is very highly recommended for personal reading lists as well as both community
and academic library General Fiction collections.
Renato After Alba
Eugene Mirabelli
McPherson & Company, Publishers
PO Box 1126, Kingston, NY 12402
www.mcphersonco.com
9781620540268, $24.00, HC, 188pp, www.amazon.com
"Renato After Alba" is the sequel to author Eugene Mirabelli's "Renato, The Painter"
(9780929701967, $25.00) and continues ten years after the conclusion of Renato Stillamare's
defiant confessions to Alba, his beloved wife of fifty years who dies without warning, leaving
him in pieces. When he resumes his narrative, this larger-than-life artist has been reduced to a
gray existence of messy confusion broken belief, crazy hope, desperate philosophy. A man of
fragments but still an artist, he assembles a collage of scenes of life with and without Alba,
recollections of his eccentric Sicilian-American family, encounters with well-meaning friends,
daily attempts at resuming his former life, and metaphysical railings against any deity capable of
destroying what it has created. In "Renato After Alba", the deepest sorrow is not merely
lacerating, outrageous, heart-rending, and tragic, but also, for someone so completely human as
the enduring Renato, touchingly comic. And miraculously beautiful in its astonishment. A
literary masterpiece by a novelist with an impressive flair for deftly crafting memorable
characters and construction consistently compelling storylines, "Renato After Alba" is especially
recommended for community and academic library Literary Fiction collections -- and is a 'must'
for anyone who has read and appreciated "Renato, The Painter".
Waiting for Lipchitz at Chateau Marmont
Aris Janigian
Rare Bird Books
453 South Spring Street, Suite 302, Los Angeles, CA 90013
www.rarebirdlit.com
9781942600190, $20.00, HC, 176pp, www.amazon.com
Set in two iconic locales (Hollywood's legendary Chateau Marmont and Fresno's amazing
Forestiere's Underground Garden) "Waiting for Lipchitz at Chateau Marmont" by Aris Janigian
is a bold and colorful critique of the California Dream through the perspective of screenwriter
who has gone from riches to rags. A kind of Hollywood version of Waiting for Godot, Janigian's
Lipchitz is a stunningly original take on the absent protagonist and what is illuminated in the
void. A consistently engaging and deftly crafted novel from beginning to end, "Waiting for
Lipchitz at Chateau Marmont" is an especially recommended addition to community, college,
and university library Contemporary Literary Fiction collections. For personal reading lists it
should be noted that "Waiting for Lipchitz at Chateau Marmont" is also available in a Kindle
format ($8.69).
The Lesser Blessed
Richard Van Camp
Douglas & McIntyre
c/o Harbour Publishing
PO Box 219, Madeira Park, BC, Canada, V0N 2H0
www.douglas-mcintyre.com
9781771621137, $16.95, PB, 128pp, www.amazon.com
Larry is a Dogrib Indian growing up in the small northern town of Fort Simmer. His tongue, his
hallucinations and his fantasies are hotter than the center of the sun. At sixteen, he loves Iron
Maiden, the North and Juliet Hope, the high school "tramp." In this powerful and very funny
debut novel, author Richard Van Camp gives us one of the most original teenage characters in
Canadian fiction. Skinny as spaghetti, nervy and self-deprecating, Larry is an appealing mixture
of bravado and vulnerability. His past holds many terrors: an abusive father, blackouts from
sniffing gasoline, an accident that killed several of his cousins, and he's now being hunted and
haunted by a pack of blue monkeys. But through his new friendship with Johnny, a Metis who
just moved to town, he's now ready to face his memories -- and his future. "The Lesser Blessed"
is an eye-opening depiction of what it is to be a young Dogrib man in the age of AIDS,
disillusionment with Catholicism, and a growing world consciousness. This 20th anniversary
edition of a true Canadian literary classic from Douglas & McIntyre is unreservedly
recommended, especially for community, college, and university library General Fiction
collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted that "The Lesser Blessed" is also
available in a Kindle format ($9.59).
Invasive
Chuck Wendig
HarperVoyageur
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
9780062551579, $25.99, www.harpercollins.com
Invasive opens in the middle of the Pacific, where a team of scientists is conducting secret and
cutting-edge research under the direction of a billionaire who wants their efforts to change the
world. Unfortunately, this effort involves a dangerous side-effect: one that leads FBI investigator
Hannah on a dangerous mission to discover the reasons why bodies are turning up 'stripped' of
skin, and who is behind the event. As a series of tense confrontations take place, the insect world
rises to new levels of threat that even Raid can't conquer in this technological thriller, highly
recommended for fans of espionage, investigation, and technological threats.
The Northeast Quarter
S. M. Harris
Wheatmark
1760 East River Road, Suite 145, Tucson, Arizona 85718
www.wheatmark.com
9781627873765, $29.95, PB, www.amazon.com
The year is 1918. The place is Winfield, Iowa. Colonel Wallace Carson, the ruler of a vast
agricultural empire, asks Ann Hardy, his ten-year-old granddaughter and eventual heir, to
promise she will safeguard The Northeast Quarter, the choice piece of land from which the
empire was founded. Ann readily accepts -- little knowing what awaits her. When the Colonel is
killed unexpectedly the same afternoon, the world around Ann and her family begins to fall apart.
Against the background of America sliding from a post war boom into the Great Depression,
"The Northeast Quarter" tells the story of Ann's struggle to keep a promise no matter what. She
witnesses the remarriage of her grandmother to Royce Chamberlin, the seemingly humble banker
who institutes a reign of terror over the household and proceeds to corrupt the entire town. Over
the next ten years Ann matches wits with Chamberlin, enduring betrayal, banishment, and even
physical violence. She grows from a precocious child into a tough-minded young woman --
watching, observing her enemy, and waiting for the moment to make her move. And when the
moment comes in July 1929, life in Winfield will never be the same. An inherently riveting read
from cover to cover, "The Northeast Quarter" clearly demonstrates author S. M. Harris as a truly
gifted storyteller, and his many layered, deftly crafted novel is certain to be a highly popular
addition to personal reading lists and community library General Fiction collections.
The Wall of Storms
Ken Liu
Saga Press
c/o Simon and Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 14th fl., New York, NY 10020
www.simonandschuster.com
9781481424301, $29.99, HC, 880pp, www.amazon.com
"The Wall of Storms" is the sequel to author Ken Liu's "The Grace of Kings" (9781481424271,
$27.99 HC, $16.99 PB, $8.99 Kindle) which launched the novelist's 'The Dandelion Dynasty'
series, and continues the story of Kuni Garu who is now faced with the invasion of an invincible
army in his kingdom and must quickly find a way to defeat the intruders. Now known as
Emperor Ragin, Kuni Garu now runs the archipelago kingdom of Dara, but struggles to maintain
progress while serving the demands of the people and his vision. Then when an unexpected
invading force from the Lyucu empire in the far distant west comes to the shores of Dara massive
chaos results. But Kuni cannot go and lead his kingdom against the threat himself with his
recently healed empire fraying at the seams, so he sends the only people he trusts to be Dara's
savvy and cunning hopes against the invincible invaders: his children, now grown and ready to
make their mark on history. A superbly crafted and massive work of literary fiction, "The Wall of
Storms" is a consistently compelling and unfailingly entertaining read from cover to cover. While
very highly recommended, especially for community library General Fiction collections, it should
be noted for personal reading lists that "The Wall of Storms" is also available in a paperback
edition (9781481424318, $17.99) and in a Kindle format ($9.99).
Children and Lunatics
Megan McNamer
Black Lawrence Press
http://www.blacklawrence.com
9781625579546, $16.95, PB, 175pp, www.amazon.com
In the 21st century the political state of the world is fragile, with the center barely holding. Wars,
terrorists, and hurricanes are daily fare on TV. In ""Children and Lunatics", a silent street person
and a suburban mother share intimate spheres of love and grief and odd obsessions, although they
barely meet. As their paths converge, an eerie world hovers, casting shadows and flickering
lights, igniting fears and dreams. A deftly crafted and compelling read from beginning to end,
"Children and Lunatics" clearly showcases author Megan McNamer as an impressively talented
and original novelist with a positive flair for the creation of memorable characters and narrative
dialogue. A consistently engaging story from beginning to end, "Children and Lunatics" is an
especially recommended addition to personal, community, and academic library Literary Fiction
collections.
Stone and Honey
Christina Zempi
Arcadia Books
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7, 124 Byers Road, Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
www.dufoureditions.com
9781910050804, $20.00, PB, 480pp, www.amazon.com
"Stone and Honey" by novelist Christina Zemp is vibrant with Greek life that captures one
person's dilemma when deciding between honor and love. Odysseas Anastasakos has spent the
past 17 years living in exile in Boston. A fatal accident when he was 15 years old forced him to
denounce his Grecian birthplace and led him in pursuit of a new life where he could escape the
demons of his past. But on his first return to Greece, Odysseas is confronted by a passionate love
that will change everything. A past and a present that will determine the future of all those
involved. "Stone and Honey" is story that is a universal and at the same time a deeply personal
tale of a love that surpasses distance, dissolves differences, and survives time. Clearly, Christina
Zempi is an author with a genuine flair for deftly created and truly memorable storytelling. While
very highly recommended and certain to be an enduringly popular addition to community library
General Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Stone and Honey"
is also available in a Kindle format ($4.99).
Love Give Us One Death
Jeff P. Jones
Texas Review Press
Box 2146, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77341-2146
http://texasreviewpress.org
9781680030976, $18.95, PB, 232pp, www.amazon.com
Bonnie Elizabeth Parker (October 1, 1910 - May 23, 1934) and Clyde Chestnut Barrow (March
24, 1909 - May 23, 1934) are the most famous outlaw couple in 20th Century American history.
They were children of the Dust Bowl, illicit lovers whose criminal run inspired fear and
admiration in a country desperate for antiheroes. Their bloody path, spoking outward from their
family homes in Dallas, ranged across the Southwest, the desiccated southern plains, and the
Midwest. Frank Hamer, the legendary Texas Ranger, was hired to stop them. The story of their
death on a lonely Louisiana back road, as well as their short and bloody life together, is a story of
a nation reaping the results of environmental degradation, injustice, and greed. That true life
story is the basis for Jeff P. Jones deftly crafted novel depicting the life and times of this
notorious couple, their friends, associates, gang members, family, and ultimate and mutual fate.
A compelling read from first page to last, "Love Give Us One Death: Bonnie and Clyde in the
Last Days" is very highly recommended for personal reading lists and community library General
Fiction collections.
Winter Sky
Chris Stewart
Shadow Mountain Publishing
P.O. Box 30178, Salt Lake City, Utah 84130-0178
www.shadowmountain.com
9781629722290, $16.99, HC, 192pp, www.amazon.com
In a bombed-out Polish village during World War II a young resistance fighter finds that he is
suddenly alone and trapped between two opposing armies. He is one of Poland's "Devil's Rebels"
fighting desperately to save his homeland, but an injury has erased his memory and his only
possession is a torn photograph of a couple he assumes are his parents. The woman appears to be
holding the hand of a young child whose image has been ripped off. Could the child be him?
Chris Stewart's "Winter Sky" is an inherently fascinating read from cover to cover and one of
those all-too-rare novels that will linger in the mind and memory of the reader long after the book
itself has been finished and set back upon the shelf. Highly recommended for community library
General Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Winter Sky" is also
available in a Kindle edition ($10.99) and as a complete and unabridged CD audio book format
(9781629722979, $29.99).
The Money Shot
Glenn Deir
Breakwater Books
P.O.Box 2188, St. John's, Canada, NL A1C 6E6
1550816578, $19.95, PB, www.breakwaterbooks.com
Sebastian Hunter is a rake and womanizer. He's also a star reporter for the CBC. He has the
money shot of a luxurious house falling over a cliff, and the whole world is watching. He's about
to take down the chief of police and is working a story that could topple a government.
Everything is lining up. Engaged to the boss's daughter, Sebastian's path to the anchor seat on the
nightly news broadcast seems a foregone conclusion. But when foreign correspondent Ethan
Tremblay threatens Sebastian's rise, someone's career has to die. And if that happens on air, all
the better. "The Money Shot" by Glenn Deir offers a scathing and hilarious satire of broadcast
journalism. And in the process, he gives us Sebastian Hunter, a character that his readers will
love -- or love to hate! Written with a genuine flair for deftly crafted and memorable characters,
"The Money Shot" is an extraordinary and consistently entertaining read. While very highly
recommended for community library General Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal
reading lists that "The Money Shot" is also available from Breakwater Books in a Kindle format
($17.99).
Cat O' Nine Tales
Krystal Lawrence
Telemachus Press
7652 Sawmill Road, Suite 304, Dublin, Ohio 43016
http://www.telemachuspress.com
http://www.darksidestories.com
9781942899990, $27.95, HC, 273pp, www.amazon.com
What evil dwells within the pretty lady next door or the ordinary house cat? What happens when
you pursue your dreams into the desert after dark? Beware the man borne of your imagination.
He could seek vengeance on the one who created him. Visit a bookstore offering a most alluring
and sinister service. Journey to the dark side with ten twisted tales of horror, malevolence, and
the truly uncanny. All this and more within the pages of Krytal Lawrence's consistently
compelling anthology of ten short stories -- each one a literary gem from an impressively gifted
storyteller. Of special note are the black-and-white illustrations by Kira Sokolovskaia. While
very highly recommended and certain to become enduringly popular additions to community
library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Cat O' Nine Tales" is also
available in a Kindle format ($2.99).
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Edgar Allan Poe and the London Monster
Karen Lee Street
Pegasus Books
80 Broad Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10004
www.pegasusbooks.com
9781681772202, $25.95, HC, 384pp, www.amazon.com
In the summer of 1840, Edgar Allan Poe sails from Philadelphia to London to meet his friend C.
Auguste Dupin, with the hope that the great detective will help him solve a family mystery. For
Poe has inherited a mahogany box containing a collection of letters allegedly written by his
grandparents, Elizabeth and Henry Arnold. The Arnolds were actors who struggled to make a
living on the London stage, but the mysterious letters suggest that the couple has a more
clandestine and nefarious lifestyle, stalking well-to-do young women at night, to slice their
clothing and derrieres. Poe hopes to prove the missives forgeries; Dupin wonders if perhaps they
are real, but their content fantasy. Soon Poe is being stalked by someone who knows far more
about his grandparents and their crimes than he does. And then he remembers disturbing attacks
made upon him as a child in London -- could the perpetrators be connected? An inherently
riveting read from cover to cover, "Edgar Allan Poe and the London Monster" showcases author
Karen Lee Street as an impressively gifted novelist with a genuine flair for crafting memorable
characters and constructing a riveting storyline of unexpected twists and turns. While very highly
recommended, especially for community library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted
for personal reading lists that "Edgar Allan Poe and the London Monster" is also available in a
Kindle format ($12.99).
Another Day, Another Dali
Sandra Orchard
Revell
c/o Baker Publishing Group
6030 East Fulton, Ada, MI 49301
www.bakerbooks.com
9780800726690, $14.99, PB, 352pp, www.amazon.com
When a valuable Salvador Dali painting belonging to her grandmother's friend is mysteriously
replaced by a forgery, FBI Special Agent Serena Jones is called in to investigate. Serena hopes
finding the thief will also mean finally measuring up to Nana's expectations. But when the
evidence points to members of the owner's own household, it becomes increasingly clear that
Serena won't be winning any popularity contests. The Dali isn't the only painting that's fallen prey
to the forgery-replacing thief, raising the specter of a sophisticated theft ring--one with links to
dirty cops, an aspiring young artist, and the unsolved murder of Serena's grandfather. Another
terrifically entertaining mystery be a true master of the genre, "Another Day, Another Dali" by
Sandra Orchard will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to community library
Mystery/Suspense collections. For the personal reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs it should
be noted that "Another Day, Another Dali" is also available in a Kindle format ($5.99).
Cat Got Your Diamonds
Julie Chase
Crooked Lane Books
2 Park Avenue, 10th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.crookedlanebooks.com
9781629538426, $25.99, HC, 336pp, www.amazon.com
Grandeur and opulence are everything in the famed New Orleans Garden District where pets are
family and no bling is too big. Opening Furry Godmother, pet boutique and organic treat bakery,
is Lacy Marie Crocker's dream come true -- until the glitter gun used to make her Shih Tzu tutus
becomes a murder weapon. And Lacy becomes public enemy #1. Now Detective Jack Oliver is
hounding Lacy, and her Furry Godmother investor wants out before his name is tarnished by
association. To make matters worse, a string of jewel heists with suspicious ties to the murder
case has New Orleans residents on edge. To save her dream, Lacy must take a stand, put her keen
eyes to work, and unravel what really happened at her shop that night. But can Lacy sniff out the
killer cat burglar in time to get her tail-raising designs on the catwalk? A deftly crafted and
unfailingly entertaining mystery from cover to cover, "Cat Got Your Diamonds", is the debut
novel in what promises to be a deftly crafted new 'Kitty Couture' mystery series by author Julie
Chase. While very highly recommended and certain to prove an enduringly popular addition to
community library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists
of dedicated mystery buffs that "Cat Got Your Diamonds" is also available in a paperback edition
(9781683311973, $15.99) and in a Kindle format ($9.59).
Fire in the Stars
Barbara Fradkin
The Dundurn Group
3 Church Street, Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5E 1M2
www.dundurn.com
9781459732391, $19.99, PB, 328pp, www.amazon.com
After surviving a horrific trauma in Nigeria, international aid worker Amanda Doucette returns to
Canada to rebuild her life and her shaken ideals. There, the once-passionate, adventurous woman
needs all her strength and ingenuity when a friend and fellow survivor goes missing along with
his son. A trained first-aid and crisis responder, Doucette (always accompanied by her beloved
dog Kaylee) joins forces with RCMP officer Chris Tymko to discover the truth about the
disappearance. Their search leads them to the Great Northern Peninsula, a rugged landscape of
Viking history, icebergs, whales, and fierce ocean storms. Elsewhere, a body gets hauled up in a
fisherman's net, and evidence is mounting of an unsettling connection with Amanda's search for
her friend. Fradkin writes evocatively of the beautiful, often hostile, Newfoundland landscape
where Amanda soon finds herself fighting for her very survival. A simply riveting read from first
page to last by a master of the genre, Barbara Fradkin's "Fire in the Stars" will prove to be an
enduringly popular addition to community library Mystery/Suspense collections. For the personal
reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs it should be noted that "Fire in the Stars" is also available
in a Kindle format ($3.85).
El Nino
Mercedes Lambert
Stark House Press
1315 H Street, Eureka, CA 95501
www.starkhousepress.com
9781944520106, $15.95, PB, 218pp, www.amazon.com
Like her fellow attorneys, Sandy Walker has learned to distance herself from her clients, using
the law as a shield to keep their sordid crimes and their gritty lives from touching her. Sandy
fights a daily battle to keep her equilibrium in a filthy madhouse of child abuse and desperate
denial. But something or someone is trying to pry its way bast the bottles of brandy, past the
guide and self loathing, into her heart. "El Nino" is a novel by Mercedes Lambert (the
pseudonym of Douglas Anne Munson) is an unconventional and riveting read with a consistently
compelling intensity from beginning to end. Part of the outstanding Star House Noir Classics
series, "El Nino" is especially recommended for community library fiction collections. For
personal reading lists it should be noted that "El Nino" is also available in a Kindle format
($4.99).
A Christmas Message
Anne Perry, author
Ballantine Books
c/o The Random House Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, 17th floor, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhousebooks.com
9781101886380, $20.00 HC, $10.99 Kindle, 176pp, www.amazon.com
"A Christmas Message" is a holiday mystery book in the Victorian England setting of beloved
characters Charlotte and Thomas Pitt, starring series regulars Victor Narraway and Vespasia,
otherwise known as Charlotte's great aunt Vespasia. In the year 1900, Victor chooses to Vespasia
the exotic Christmas experience of a trip to Jerusalem. The story unfolds as the Narraways
encounter an intriguing fellow pilgrim in Jaffa. Unfortunately the mysterious stranger is found
murdered because of his secret mission, which involved delivering a mysterious fragment of
ancient parchment to its hidden destiny in Jerusalem. Combining suspense, mystery, faith, and
ancient secrets, "A Christmas Message" is a period thriller with a warm, rich core of wonder and
enlightenment. "A Christmas Message" is the perfect Christmas (or any other time of the year)
gift for anyone who loves a challenging period mystery to read on a cold, silent night.
Berkley Books
c/o Penguin Group (USA)
375 Hudson Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10014
www.penguin.com
Jen McKinlay's Better Late Than Never (9780399583735, $25.00) provides a 'library lover's'
mystery story centered around a library director at the Briar Creek Public Library. The library is
holding its first 'overdue book amnesty day' and Lindsey is swamped with work, but when a book
comes in that's twenty years overdue and Lindsey looks up its borrower, she discovers it was a
teacher who was murdered, who checked out the novel on the day of her death. Could the book
provide a clue to the unsolved case? A gripping story evolves and Lindsey and her team pursue
the cold case only to find it red-hot. Laura Childs' Egg Drop Dead (9780425281703, $26.00) is a
new 'Cackleberry Club' mystery revolving around a cafe club owner's rural visit to a farmer for
supplies. It's there that Suzanne discovers the farmer's dead body, and the fact that not everybody
thought he was terrific. It's up to the cafe club members to find out who murdered the farmer,
even if their investigation does lead them too close to a killer in this thrilling saga of a rural life
gone awry and a cafe group's propensity for solving crime.
The Biography Shelf
Vanished Hero
Jay A. Stout
Casemate
1940 Lawrence Road, Havertown, PA 19083
www.casematepublishers.com
9781612003955 $32.95 hc / $9.99 Kindle amazon.com
Vanished Hero: The Life, War and Mysterious Disappearance of America's World War II
Strafing King is the fascinating biography of a little known yet courageous (and outrageous)
commander from World War II. Elwyn G. Righetti led the England-based 55th Fighter Group
against the Nazis during the final months of the war. He was a bold aviator and scored 27 strafing
victories, more than any other Eighth Air Force pilot. His reckless behavior heralded his end -
when his aircraft was hit, he performed one more firing pass with his heavily damaged fighter
before making a crash landing. He radioed his men with a message that he was fine, asking them
to reassure his family - and was never heard from again. Enhanced with a wealth of vintage
black- and-white photographs, notes, a bibliography, and an index, Vanished Hero is a welcome
addition to military biography collections, and highly recommended for both public library
collections and personal reading lists.
Bust Hell Wide Open
Samuel W. Mitcham, Jr.
Regnery Publishing, Inc.
300 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001
www.regnery.com
9781621575931 $29.99 hc / $17.00 Kindle amazon.com
Bust Hell Wide Open: The Life of Nathan Bedford Forrest is a biography of the charismatic,
controversial, and larger-than-life Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest (1821-1877), a
ferocious figure of the American Civil War. Forrest was a gigantic man, who killed no less than
thirty people in combat. Controversy surrounds his life; he was a wealthy slave trader before the
war (though he became impoverished by the end of his life); during the war he was allegedly
responsible for the massacre of surrendered soldiers, especially black soldiers, at Fort Pillow; and
he was the first elected leader of the Ku Klux Klan, a group he later sought to disband and
disavow. Enhanced with notes and an index, Bust Hell Wide Open is a scholarly biography that
seeks to understand all the complexities of the proud and defiant General Forrest, and highly
recommended especially for public and college library collections.
John Aubrey, My Own Life
Edited by Ruth Scurr
New York Review of Books
435 Hudson Street, Suite 300, New York, NY 10014
www.nybooks.com
9781681370422 $35.00 hc / $17.99 Kindle amazon.com
John Aubrey, My Own Life is the portrait of an extraordinary man, and a pioneer of the art of
biographical writing, in his own words. John Aubrey (1626-1697) was a talented writer who is
best for writing "Brief Lives", a collection of short biographies, his groundbreaking work in the
field of archaeology, and his devotion to facts and truth. Historian and literary critic Ruth Scurr
has collated Aubrey's own words from countless manuscripts, letters, and books, arranged them
in chronological order, updated words and spellings to modern-day English, and further enhanced
them with scholarly notes for clarity. A bibliography and an index round out this unique,
enlightening, and highly recommended contribution to public and college library biography
shelves.
Kierkegaard: A Single Life
Stephen Backhouse
Zondervan Publishing House
5300 Patterson Avenue, S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49530
www.zondervan.com
9780310520887, $24.99, HC, 304pp, www.amazon.com
Soren Aabye Kierkegaard (5 May 1813 - 11 November 1855) was a Danish philosopher,
theologian, poet, social critic and religious author who is widely considered to be the first
existentialist philosopher. Kierkegaard, like Einstein and Freud, is one of those geniuses whose
ideas permeate the culture and shape our world even when relatively few people have read their
works. That lack of familiarity with the real Kierkegaard is about to change with the publication
of a "Kierkegaard: A Single Life", a lucid new biography by scholar Stephen Backhouse that
presents the genius as well as the acutely sensitive man behind the brilliant books. Scholarly and
accessible, "Kierkegaard: A Single Life" introduces his many guises (the thinker, the lover, the
recluse, the writer, the controversialist) in a deftly written biography that reads like a novel. Of
special note is the chapter examining Kierkegaard's influence on such greatest cultural icons as
Kafka, Barth, Bonhoeffer, Camus, and Martin Luther King Jr., to name only a few. A useful
appendix presents an overview of each of Kierkegaard's works, for the scholar and the
non-specialist general reader. Impressively informed and informative, "Kierkegaard: A Single
Life" is unreservedly recommended for community, college, and university library biography
collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted that "Kierkegaard: A Single Life" is also
available in a Kindle format ($12.99).
Underground Ranger
Doug Thompson
www.parkrangerdoug.com
University of New Mexico Press
MSC05 3185
1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque NM 87131-0001
www.unmpress.com
9780826357502, $24.95, PB, 272pp, www.amazon.com
For six exciting years Doug Thompson worked as a park ranger at Carlsbad Caverns National
Park. In "Underground Ranger: Adventures in Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Other
Remarkable Places" he passes along the essence of what he learned on this unusual job and in his
related adventures exploring the surrounding Chihuahuan Desert. He overcame his fear of tight
spaces and heights, learned to climb rope, and went on to explore many of the deep vertical caves
in the Guadalupe Mountains of western Texas and southeastern New Mexico -- including
Lechuguilla Cave, one of the most spectacular underground wonders of the world. He even
became a member of the park's technical rescue team and made a fifty-story rappel into one of
the deepest underground pits in the United States. In visceral detail, Thompson shares the
physical and mythical stories of caves and shows what it's like to experience the extravagant
beauty of nature's underground realm. After retiring from the National Park Service, Doug
Thompson moved to the juniper-pinon hills of Capitan, New Mexico. Readers are encouraged to
visit his Underground Ranger website at www.parkrangerdoug.com. While very highly
recommended for both community and academic library Contemporary American Biography
collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Underground Ranger" is also
available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
Beasts In My Belfry
Gerald Durrell
David R. Godine, Publisher
Fifteen Court Square, Suite 320, Boston, MA 02108-2536
www.godine.com
9781567925845, $16.95, PB, 210pp, www.amazon.com
Born in India, Gerald Durrell returned to England when he was three, and five years later, the
entire entourage, lead by his intrepid, imperturbable mother, went abroad again, eventually
settling in Corfu. From the age of two, he was fascinated by zoology, over the years assembling a
large, and not altogether savory, collection of pets, strays, and specimens. As his unofficial zoo
grew, so did his family's discomfort. The solution was to find another, more permanent outlet for
his passion. So in 1945 he joined Whipsnade (a new concept in open-range animal exhibits) as a
student keeper, with Albert the lion, Babs the polar bear, and a baby Pere David's deer among his
first charges. In this entertaining combination of history and memoir, Gerald fully recaptures all
the passion that permeated those early years, while conveying his insight into and affection for
both four- and two-footed creatures. "Beasts In My Belfry" is replete with larger-than-life animal
characters including: the bear who sang operatic arias with one paw clasped to his breast; his
bosom friend Billy the goat; playful zebras; and a host of equally endearing and memorable
critters. Very highly recommended for the personal reading lists of all animal enthusiasts, and
certain to be an enduringly popular addition to community and academic library
Memoir/Biography collections, "Beasts In My Belfry" is Gerald Durrell at his zoophilic
best!
Bread: A Memoir Of Hunger
Lisa Knopp
University of Missouri Press
113 Heinkel Bldg., 201 S. 7th St., Columbia, MO 65211
www.umsystem.edu/upress
9780826221025, $24.95, HC, 170pp, www.amazon.com
When she was 54, Lisa Knopp's weight dropped to a number on the scale that she hadn't seen
since seventh grade. The severe food restricting that left her thin and sick when she was 15 and
25 had returned. This time, she was determined to understand the causes of her malady and how
she could heal from a condition that is caused by a tangle of genetic, biological, familial,
psychological, cultural, and spiritual factors. "Bread: A Memoir Of Hunger" is her compelling
and intensely personal memoir that is at once a food and an illness narrative, exploring the forces
that cause eating disorders and disordered eating, including the link between those conditions in
women, middle-aged and older, and the fear of aging and ageism. While very highly
recommended, especially for community, college, and university library Contemporary American
Biography collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Bread: A Memoir Of
Hunger" is also available in a Kindle format ($14.49).
Casanova
Laurence Bergreen
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 14th fl., New York, NY 10020
9781476716497, $32.50, www.simonandschuster.com
Casanova: The World of a Seductive Genius covers the trials and adventures of the 18th century
Venetian best known for his sexual prowess and exploits, and offers a much fuller story of the
man and his influences than most. It begins with his childhood, follows his rise from poverty to
his fame as a writer and notorious lover, and also adds in coverage of the culture of 18th century
Venice which nurtured him. His choices led him to travel extensively, but despite his
adventurous life, he ended his life alone. Anyone interested in the Casanova legend will find this
surprisingly wide-reaching in scope, offering many new insights on the man which haven't been
explored in other coverages.
The Metaphysical Studies Shelf
The Psychedelic Gospels
Jerry B. Brown, PhD and Julie M. Brown, M.A.
Park Street Press
PO Box 63, South Paris, ME, 04281
9781620445026, $19.95, www.parkstreetpress.com
The Psychedelic Gospels: The Secret History of Hallucinogens in Christianity gathers visual
evidence fro the authors' anthropological journey through Europe and the Middle East to support
their contention that visionary plants played a major role in Christianity, and provides a powerful
survey of the religious works of art that emerged from ancient times which may have had their
roots in psychoactive substances. The authors examine the Bible and the Gnostic Gospels in their
quest to consider the role played by visionary plants in the evolution of Christian beliefs and
depictions, and offers a compellingly different take on psychedelic substances in early times.
The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions
Greg Marcus
Llewellyn Publications
2143 Wooddale Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125
www.llewellyn.com
9780738748658, $16.99, PB, 264pp, www.amazon.com
In the pages of "The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions: Finding Balance Through the Soul
Traits of Mussar", Greg Marcus shows how to bring everyday life into alignment with
aspirational values through Mussar, a thousand-year-old Jewish practice of spiritual growth based
on mindful living. Perfect for anyone, regardless of age or experience, "The Spiritual Practice of
Good Actions" is comprehensive instructional guide that presents thirteen soul traits ranging
from humility and gratitude, to trust and honor, as well as the simple daily actions that can be
taken to develop them. Drawing on universal principles and providing grounded instruction, "The
Spiritual Practice of Good Actions" will enable the reader to deftly explore soul traits through
daily techniques and exercises, including mantras, mindful observation, and journaling. Readers
will be able to build a soul trait profile to better understand themselves. By dedicating two weeks
of practice to each trait, major changes will be seen in how to approach the world and feel
empowered to be one's very best self. Informed and informative, thoughtful and thought
provoking, inspired and inspiring, "The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions" is especially
recommended for personal and community library Self-Help/Self Improvement and Metaphysical
Studies collections. It should be noted that "The Spiritual Practice of Good Actions" is also
available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
Spirit Traveler
Sonja Grace
Findhorn Press
www.findhornpress.com
9781844096947, $17.99, PB, 176pp, www.amazon.com
Of Native American and Norwegian descent, mystic healer Sonja Grace has spent a lifetime
traveling in the angelic realms, communicating with the archangels and sharing their wisdom. In
"Spirit Traveler: Unlocking Ancient Mysteries and Secrets of the World's Great Historic Sites"
she takes a unique approach to analyzing why famous historic sites, including the Great
Pyramids, Stonehenge, Tiwanaku (Bolivia), Hagar Qim (Malta), St. Winifride's Well (Wales),
Chichen Itza (Mexico), Skellig Michael (Ireland), The Roci of Cashel (Ireland), were
constructed. "Spirit Traveler" offers a completely different and metaphysical perspective on the
purpose of these sites and the reasons for their construction and is the companion book to the
documentary film 'Spirit Traveler' which will be released around the same time as this volume.
Inherently fascinating, exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Spirit Traveler" is
an especially recommended read for both academia and non-specialist general readers. While
certain to be an enduringly popular addition to community and academic library Metaphysical
Studies collections, it should be noted for that "Spirit Traveler" is also available in a Kindle
format ($14.99).
Runes for Beginners
Alexandra Chauran
Llewellyn Publications
2143 Wooddale Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125
www.llewellyn.com
9780738748283, $14.99, PB, 216pp, www.amazon.com
Alexandra Chauran is a second-generation fortuneteller, a high priestess of British Traditional
Wicca, and the queen of a coven. As a professional psychic intuitive for over a decade, she serves
psychic apprentices and thousands of clients. In "Runes for Beginners: Simple Divination and
Interpretation" she draws upon her years of experience and expertise to help her readers connect
with their intuition, discover more about their personality, and solve problems using the power of
runes. With "Runes for Beginners" as instructive guide, anyone can learn how to ask for and
interpret the answers to life's core questions concerning love, career, health, and many other
important subjects and issues. A solid reference for both beginners and adepts, "Runes for
Beginners" covers everything from rune meanings and memorization techniques to making runes.
With help from diagrams, practical exercises, and phonetic breakdowns for all the runic letters,
readers will be able to develop a path most beneficial to their goals and improvements to their
life. They will even be able through the use of runes to uncover traits about themselves that they
may otherwise have never known. While very highly recommended for personal, professional,
community, and academic library Metaphysical Studies collections, it should be noted that
"Runes for Beginners" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
Jim's Flight
Christine Frank Petosa & Elizabeth Williams
Findhorn Press
www.findhornpress.com
9781844097067, $17.99, PB, 320pp, www.amazon.com
Is there life after death? Does Heaven really exist? Providing us with insight, wisdom and
practical knowledge, we learn from Jim Petosa's flight to Heaven and back that life exists beyond
the physical world. Written with the assistance of Elizabeth Williams (who is a light worker and
third generation Catholic Mystic, known in modern terms as a Modern Day Mystic) "Jim's Flight:
One Soul's Perspective from Heaven" is a compilation of the journey of Jim's transition to
Heaven, his wife's experience as the caretaker, and the portal to expand humanity's understanding
of it all. Riveting moments capture the reader, open the hearts of many and, truth be told,
enlighten all of us to believe that the soul lives on forever. While very highly recommended and
certain to be an enduringly popular addition to community and academic library Metaphysical
Studies collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Jim's Flight: One Soul's
Perspective from Heaven" is also available in a Kindle format ($14.99).
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
The Apothecary's Curse
Barbara Barnett
Pyr
c/o Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
www.prometheusbooks.com
9781633882331, $17.00, PB, 340pp, www.amazon.com
In Victorian London, the fates of physician Simon Bell and apothecary Gaelan Erceldoune
entwine when Simon gives his wife an elixir created by Gaelan from an ancient manuscript.
Meant to cure her cancer, it kills her. Suicidal, Simon swallows the remainder--only to find he
cannot die. Five years later, hearing rumors of a Bedlam inmate with regenerative powers like his
own, Simon is shocked to discover it's Gaelan. The two men conceal their immortality, but the
only hope of reversing their condition rests with Gaelan's missing manuscript. When modern-day
pharmaceutical company Transdiff Genomics unearths diaries describing the torture of Bedlam
inmates, the company's scientists suspect a link between Gaelan and an unnamed inmate. Gaelan
and Transdiff Genomics geneticist Anne Shawe are powerfully drawn to each other, and her
family connection to his manuscript leads to a stunning revelation. Will it bring ruin or
redemption? A uniquely compelling read from cover to cover, "The Apothecary's Curse" clearly
showcases author Barbara Barnett's impressively storytelling skills and abilities to craft
memorable characters and a story that will linger in the mind and memory long after the book has
been finished and set back upon the shelf. While unreservedly recommended, especially for
community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections, it should be noted for personal reading
lists that "The Apothecary's Curse" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
Attack on Titan: End of the World
Created by Hajime Isayama
Novelization by Touji Asakura
Based on the screenplay by Yusuke Watanabe & Tomohiro Machiyama
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.vertical-inc.com
9781945054082 $17.95 amazon.com
Attack on Titan: End of the World is the novelization of the theatrical movie adaptation of the
immensely popular Attack on Titan comic series, about a horrifying post-apocalyptic world
where the tattered remnants of humanity are little more than prey for monstrous, seemingly
mindless giants known as Titans. Humans have huddled behind the safety of massive concentric
walls for generations, but the fragile peace collapses marking the end of a once-peaceful world.
Three childhood friends, Erin, Armin, and Mikasa each brave unspeakable, horrifying nightmares
as part of humanity's last, desperate gambit for survival! A streamlined and clarified retelling of
the original saga, Attack on Titan: End of the World is an excellent introduction to this exciting,
action-packed series, especially recommended for sci-fi and horror fans alike.
Bakemonogatari Part 01: Monster Tale
Nisio Isin
Translated by Ko Ransom
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.vertical-inc.com
c/o Penguin Random House (distribution)
9781942993889 $13.95 amazon.com
Smoothly translated into English from the original Japanese, Bakemonogatari Part 01: Monster
Tale is the first fantasy novel in the high-adventure series following school students in their
escapades with, and sometimes against, supernatural creatures and forces. Fan-favorite characters
from the popular animated series are here, including the winds-of-fate buffeted narrator Araragi,
the singular class president Hanekawa, the suspiciously unscrupulous problem-solver Oshino,
and a pale, blonde ex-vampire, along with Sejogahara and Hachikuji. Elements of romance,
comedy, and paranormal thriller combine in this choice pick for lending libraries and personal
reading lists. Bakemonogatari Part 01: Monster Tale is highly recommended for long-time
Bakemonogatari fans and newcomers to the series alike!
Trevelyan's Wager
David Bassano
Harvard Square Editions
2152 Beachwood Terrace, Hollywood, CA 90068
www.harvardsquareeditions.org
9781941861196, $22.95, PB, 116pp, www.amazon.com
The trillion-dollar Elysium Corporation has perfected the science of genetically-induced
immortality. Decay and death are no longer inevitable. For the right price, you can now enjoy
eternal youth, and in great luxury. This is mankind's ultimate achievement. It also proves an
irresistible lure for an indelicate journalist, who suspects that people and permanence should
never mix. All the more impressive considering that "Trevelyan's Wager" is author David
Bassano's debut as a novelist, this deftly crafted and consistently compelling read is very highly
recommended, especially for community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections. For
personal reading lists it should be noted that "Trevelyan's Wager" is also available in a Kindle
format ($9.99).
The Fifty-Year Mission
Mark A. Altman & Edward Gross
Thomas Dunne Books
c/o St. Martin's Press
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
9781250089465, $29.99, www.stmartins.com
The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years: From the Next Generation to J.J. Abrams: The
Complete, Uncensored, and Unauthorized Oral History of Star Trek celebrates five decades of
the TV show and provides the next installment to supplement the first volume covering the "first
25 years" of the series. Its focus on the modern renditions of the Star Trek phenomena in the
form of movies and post-Original series exposes many a little-known fact about the series and
includes insights from actors and many other figures actively involved in creating the extensions
of the original series. Conundrums, characters, and puzzles lend to a thought-provoking survey of
the Trek phenomenon and the exact process of how it evolved, making this a 'must' for any Star
Trek fan.
Baen Books
PO Box 1188, Wake Forest NC 27588
www.baen.com
Eric Flint and Ryk E. Spoor's Castaway Odyssey (9781476781815, $26.00) presents a daunting
scenario when the starship commanded by Sergeant Samuel Morgan Campbell is destroyed
before their eyes, leaving him and his crew stranded in space light-years from any known human
colony. Challenged to repair his ship or even survive disaster against all odds, events move
Morgan and his child-gang beyond castaway status and Swiss Family Robinson survival style as
the planet they look to for salvation harbors dangerous secrets that will test everything they
know. Fans of sci-fi that revolve around survival will relish this engrossing saga. Larry Correia
and Mike Kupari's Alliance of Shadows (9781476781853, $27.00) tells of a world facing
upheaval and revolution, where mercenary Michael Valentine is working with a team trying to
track down an evil, dangerous adversary. Dungeons, dangerous enemies, and killers who learn to
hunt together are just part of the atmosphere of contention and dangerous in Alliance of
Shadows, especially recommended for military sci-fi readers interested in how different forces
are pitted against one another, only to join together under different situations. David Weber's new
'Honorverse' novel Shadow of Victory (9781476781822, $28.00) adds to the best-selling series
with a new story of the Mesan Alignment plan to retake the galaxy and genetically change the
human race the way it thinks the race should be. A engineered interstellar war, a covert operation
involving encouraging rebellions, and new forces on all sides that threaten the Star Empire's hold
makes for a gripping military sci-fi read. Michael Z. Williamson's Angeleyes (9781476781860,
$26.00) provides a new Freehold novel as it tells of Angie Kaneshiro, a veteran tramp freighter
crew woman who has made space her home since the Freehold Forces of Grainne encounter. But
old soldiers seldom rest in peace, and when the war with Earth begins, Angie's special knowledge
of Earth politics and forces sends her back into a world she thought she'd long abandoned. The
result is a rollicking ride that's recommended beyond military sci-fi readers as pick for any who
enjoy determined, feisty female protagonists. Susan R. Matthews' Fleet Inquisitor
(9781476781945, $17.00) joins others in the 'Under Jurisdiction' series to create an exceptional
story line revolving around a branch of government struggling to control an unstable political
environment. A talented doctor is tapped as an Inquisitor/torturer - but thankfully the story
doesn't focus on his torture methods as much as on his social and political challenges in
accepting and dealing with his new position. An excellent story evolves.
The Poetry Shelf
Daughter, Daedalus
Alison D. Moncrief Bromage
Truman State University Press
100 East Normal Street, Kirksville, MO 63501-4221
http://tsup.truman.edu
9781612481838, $18.00, PB, 80pp, www.amazon.com
"Daughter, Daedalus" is a compendium of free verse poetry by Alison D. Moncrief Bromage that
is composed of loss and beauty. Bromage uses detailed themes of mothering and barrenness so
wonderfully interwoven that her readers will feel the pain and want as seeming simultaneously
just out of reach and attached to the soul. In her collection of apostrophes and open letters to the
mythic inventor Daedalus and her daughter, Bromage hauntingly presents intersections between
the natural laws of the physical world and the powers of mystery, creation, and myth. "Daughter,
Daedalus" is an especially recommended addition to community and academic library
Contemporary American Poetry collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted that
"Daughter, Daedalus" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99). 'Daughter; The cold will
come': The cold will come to deliver you / as a body surrounded by another. / If you must take
hold of me here, / I will meet you / north as we are. / There are no islands in winter.
Sleeping in Tall Grass
Richard Therrien
University of Alberta Press
Ring House 2, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E1
www.uap.ualberta.ca
9781772121223, $19.95, PB, 88pp, www.amazon.com
A cycle of original poems by Richard Therrien, "Sleeping in Tall Grass" takes an unsparing look
at a painful, abusive, yet strangely redemptive family story enfolded within the body of the
Canadian prairie itself-at once physical, historical, and metaphysical. These intensely personal
poems reflect the complex relationships between sound and space, language and silence. Treating
time as more layered than sequential, they reflect a process of organic composition distilled from
Therrien's iterative observations and utterances. This is writing that reaches "into the very grain
of existence" -- a sonorous re-presentation of the human presence on the dispassionate, making
"Sleeping in Tall Grass" unreservedly commended for personal reading lists as well as
community and academic library Contemporary Canadian Poetry collections. -- When Gabriel
told Mohammad men sleep / and when they die they waken / this was no mere admonition / this
was practical instruction in how to see // The poet occupies the dreaming mind / his or another's /
makes no difference / not to bring the dream back / for interrogation / not to humiliate it with
interpretation / but to return with its way of looking
Take Your Hand Out of My Pocket, Shiva
Leonard Gontarek
Hanging Loose Press
231 Wyckoff Street, Brooklyn, NY 11217
www.hangingloosepress.com
9781934909898, $18.00, PB, 72pp, www.amazon.com
Leonard Gontarek is the author of seven published books of poems. "Take Your Hand Out of My
Pocket, Shiva" is his newest and highly recommended volume in which he presents an anthology
of succinct, original, observational and experientially based free verse poems. Homage: The last
time I read this poem / publicly, I was drunk, / standing on a table, / and I went home / with the
prettiest woman at the party.
The Self-Help Shelf
Overcoming Passive-Aggression, revised edition
Tim Murphy, Ph.D and Loriann Hoff Oberlin, MS, LCPC
Lifelong Books / Da Capo Press
c/o Perseus Book Group
250 W. 57th St., Suite 1500, New York, NY 10107
www.perseusbooksgroup.com
9780738219189, $15.99, PB, 336pp, www.amazon.com
Hidden anger that comes out indirectly can undermine relationships between friends, family, and
colleagues. When people feel compelled to conceal their true beliefs and emotions, there can be
serious physical and psychological results for everyone involved. Dr. Tim Murphy and Loriann
Oberlin collaborate in "Overcoming Passive-Aggression, Revised Edition: How to Stop Hidden
Anger from Spoiling Your Relationships, Career, and Happiness" to offer a clear definition of
passive aggression and show readers not only how to end the behavior but also how to avoid
falling victim to other people's hidden anger. This newly revised and updated edition of
"Overcoming Passive-Aggression" offers essential guidance for dealing with problems in the
workplace and at school; avoiding the pitfalls of social media, texting, and online
communication; and when to seek professional help. Whether you need ways to manage your
own passive aggressiveness or ways to cope with the hidden anger of others, "Overcoming
Passive Aggression" shares sage advice, practical exercises, and opportunities for personal
growth. While unreservedly recommended, especially for community and academic library
Psychology & Self/Help collections, it should be noted for both academia and non-specialist
general readers with an interest in the subject that "Overcoming Passive-Aggression" is also
available in a Kindle format ($10.99) and as a complete and unabridged CD audio book
(Blackstone Audio, 9781478975243, $35.00).
Always Balanced and Connected
Maggie Davids-Jelly, LCSW
Balboa Press
c/o Hay House, Inc.
PO Box 5100, Carlsbad, CA 92018-5100
www.balboapress.com
9781504335829, $42.95, HC, 394pp, www.amazon.com
In "Always Balanced and Connected: Daily Affirmations for Body, Mind and Spirit", author
Maggie Davis-Jelly draws upon her years of private practice experience and expertise as a
Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the New York/New Jersey metro area to provide an
exceptionally well written, organized and presented, day-by-day, year round compendium of
affirmations and succinct commentaries that are thoroughly 'reader friendly', thoughtful and
thought-provoking offerings. With careful daily readings from "Always Balanced and
Connected" anyone can develop peace of mind. Here presented is the ABCs of "Always Balanced
and Connected" summed up as: Accept who you are in the moment. Be comfortable in your own
skin and know that you are amazing. Consistency is the most important factor in maintaining
good physical, mental, and spiritual health. While very highly recommended, especially for
community, college, and university library Self-Help/Self-Improvement collections, it should be
noted for personal reading lists that "Always Balanced and Connected" is also available from
Balboa Press in a paperback edition (9781504335805, $23.99) and in a Kindle format
($3.99).
The Political Science Shelf
Crossroads for Liberty
William J. Watkins, Jr.
The Independent Institute
100 Swan Way, Oakland, CA 94621-1428
www.independent.org
9781598132793, $32.95, HC, 336pp, www.amazon.com
What did the American Founders actually intend for the country, and does it even matter today?
If America began as an idea, then what kind of idea? In a time of increasing turmoil over
American history, politics, and society, "Crossroads for Liberty: Recovering the Anti-Federalist
Values of America's First Constitution" by William J. Watkins, Jr. (a Research Fellow at the
Independent Institute) takes a surprising and thought-provoking look at the American Revolution,
the Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution, and asks what we can learn from them.
Informed and informative, "Crossroads for Liberty" is a critically important study of American
political life, and a much needed reexamination of the American Founding that presents a
significant contribution to the story of America. Readers will come away with a greater
understanding of current political and constitutional issues, as well as a new perspective on
American history. While very highly recommended, especially for community, college, and
university library Political Science collections and supplemental studies lists, it should be noted
for students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Crossroads for
Liberty" is also available in an eTextbook format ($9.99).
The Arab Spring, second edition
Mark L. Haas and David W. Lesch, Editors
Westview Press
c/o Perseus Book Group
250 W. 57th St., Suite 1500, New York, NY 10107
9780813349749, $27.00, www.westviewpress.com
The Arab Spring: The Hope and Reality of the Uprisings updates details on the causes, nature,
and lasting impact on the protests against Arab regimes that erupted in late 2010 and evolved into
a movement that changed the face of the Middle East. This second edition adds a new chapter on
Iraq and developments in the region since 2012, while other sections incorporate new notes,
revised and updated portions of chapters, and information that expands the history and lasting
impact of the Arab Spring. The result is a survey that's a 'must' for any college-level student or
general interest reader concerned about the Arab Spring and its lasting impact.
Is Socialist Revolution in the US Possible?
Mary-Alice Waters
Pathfinder Press
PO Box 162767, Atlanta, GA 30321-2767
www.pathfinderpress.com
9781604880908, $10.00, PB, 87pp, www.amazon.com
In the pages of "Is Socialist Revolution in the US Possible?: A Necessary Debate Among
Working People" Mary-Alice Waters (a leader of the American Socialist Workers party) is an
unhesitating Yes is the answer to the question that comprises her books title. Waters maintains
that while a socialist revolution in the United States is possible, it is not inevitable. That future
depends on the American people. "Is Socialist Revolution in the US Possible?" is a definitive
contribution to the growing discussion among working people everywhere who are looking for a
way forward in the face of sharpening capitalist crisis and spreading wars. Fighting for a society
only working people can create, it is our own capacities we will discover, not the rulers false
image of us an image that reflects their own guilt and fear. A thoughtful and thought-provoking
read, "Is Socialist Revolution in the US" Possible?" should be a part of every community,
college, and university library Contemporary Political Science collection and supplemental
studies reading list.
The Christian Studies Shelf
Being Human in God's World
J. Gordon McConville
Baker Academic
c/o Baker Publishing Group
6030 East Fulton, Ada, MI 49301
www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
9780801048968, $27.99, HC, 240pp, www.amazon.com
"Being Human in God's World: An Old Testament Theology of Humanity" by J. Gordon
McConville (Professor of Old Testament Theology, University of Gloucestershire, England) is a
major work by a widely respected Old Testament scholar and theologian provides a biblical
perspective on fundamental questions of what it means to be human. Professor McConville deftly
explores how a biblical view of humanity provides a foundation for Christian reflection on
ethics, economics, politics, and church life and practice. "Being Human in God's World" reveals
that the Old Testament's view of humanity as "earthed" and "embodied" played an essential part
in a well-rounded Christian theology and spirituality, and applies the theological concept of the
"image of God" to all areas of human existence. An impressively informed and informative
study, "Being Human in God's World" is an especially recommended addition to personal
reading lists, as well as seminary and academic library Biblical Studies collections in general,
and Christian Theology supplemental studies reading lists in particular. It should be noted that
"Being Human in God's World" is also available in a Kindle format ($15.39).
Cardinal Walter Kasper: Spiritual Writings
Patricia C. Bellm & Robert A. Krieg, editors
Orbis Books
Box 302, Maryknoll NY 10545-0302
www.orbisbooks.com
9781626981911, $22.00, PB, 192pp, www.amazon.com
Walter Kasper (born 5 March 1933) is a German bishop and theologian who has long been
regarded as a vital expositor of the gospel and one of the leading voices of church renewal and
reform. Named a cardinal in 2001, Kasper served as president of the Pontifical Council for
Promoting Christian Unity and represented the Church in advancing Jewish-Christian relations.
He assumed an especially important role under Pope Francis, who publicly endorsed Kasper's
book on Mercy, thus signaling a principle theme of his papacy. Collaboratively compiled by
Patricia C. Bellm (Co-Director of the Science and Religion Initiative with Notre Dame's Institute
for Church Life) and Robert Krieg (Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame)
"Cardinal Walter Kasper: Spiritual Writings" reflects the major themes of Cardinal Kasper's long
career in the Roman Catholic church. Given the breadth of his work, the selections here on God,
Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church, Ecumenism, and Christian Hope, represent a veritable
introduction to the Christian faith. While very highly recommended for church, community, and
academic library Christian Studies collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of
clergy and the non-specialist general reader with an interest in Cardinal Kasper, that "Cardinal
Walter Kasper: Spiritual Writings" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
All Creation Waits
Gayle Boos, author
David G. Klein, illustrator
Paraclete Press
PO Box 1568, Orleans, MA 02653
www.paracletepress.com
9781612617855, $18.99, PB, 112pp, www.amazon.com
"All Creation Waits: The Advent Mystery of New Beginnings" showcases twenty-five fresh
images of the foundational truth that lies beneath and within the Christ story. In twenty-five
portraits depicting how wild animals of the northern hemisphere ingeniously adapt when
darkness and cold descend, we see and hear as if for the first time the ancient wisdom of Advent:
The dark is not an end but the way a new beginning comes. Short, daily reflections that paint
vivid, poetic images of familiar animals, paired with charming original wood-cuts, will engage
both children and adults. Anyone who does not want to be caught, again, in the consumer hype of
"the holiday season" but rather to be taken up into the eternal truth the natural world reveals will
benefit immensely from reading "All Creation Waits". An informative and inspiring read from
cover to cover, "All Creation Waits" is especially recommended to all members of the Christian
community regardless of denominational affiliation.
Parenting Toward the Kingdom
Philip Mamalakis
Ancient Faith Publishing
PO Box 748, Chesterton, IN 46304-0748
9781944967024, $20.95, PB, 328pp, http://store.ancientfaith.com
The Orthodox Christian tradition is filled with wisdom and guidance about the biblical path of
salvation. Yet this guidance remains largely inaccessible to parents and often disconnected from
the parenting challenges we face in our homes. "Parenting Toward the Kingdom: Orthodox
Principles of Child-Rearing" will help members of Orthodox Christian communities make the
connections between the spiritual life as we understand it in the Orthodox Church and the
ongoing challenges of raising children. "Parenting Toward the Kingdom" takes the best child
development research and connects it with the timeless truths of the Orthodox Christian faith to
offer real strategies for navigating the challenges of daily life. Informed and informative,
thoughtful and thought-provoking, inspired and inspiring, it should be noted for personal reading
lists that "Parenting Toward the Kingdom" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
The Light of the World
Phyllis Zagano
Twenty-Third Publications
1 Montauk Avenue, #200, New London, CT 06320
www.23rdpublications.com
9781627852128, $14.95, PB, 136pp, www.amazon.com
Dr. Phyllis Zagano is a Catholic scholar and lecturer known for her work in the fields of
contemporary spirituality and the leadership of women in the Church. Her column 'Just Catholic',
appears twice a month in the National Catholic Reporter. In the pages of "The Light of the
World" she has compiled Advent reflections that reflect our natural longing for the light -- Like
John, we can will to become quieter, slower even, pointing to the Christ who is to come. Like
[pilgrims], we can look within for ways to make our own hearts and minds more transparent,
more open, more accepting of the light. Dr. Zagano deftly explores the rich themes of this holy
season. Advent is a time of darkness and light, increase and decrease. "The Light of the World"
gently unfolds the rhythms of these sacred weeks, inviting readers into a deep and prayerful
journey to Christmas. While very highly recommended for seminary and church library
collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of all members of the Catholic
community that "The Light of the World" is also available in a Kindle format ($11.99).
When the Lord Speaks to Your Heart: Daily Reflections
Gaston Courtois
Pauline Books & Media
50 St. Paul's Avenue, Boston, MA 02130-3433
9780819883698, $14.95, PB, 202pp, www.amazon.com
Compiled and written by ordained priest Gaston Courtois (1897-1970), "When the Lord Speaks
to Your Heart: Daily Reflections" is a chronological, day-by-day compendium comprised of one
year's worth of the thoughts for each individual day. Each entry, though short, contain profound
material for reflection and prayer. They stand out from other daily spiritual readings in that
readers will find their minds, hearts, and souls all fully engaged in what they are reading. Inspired
and inspiring, "When the Lord Speaks to Your Heart: Daily Reflections" is very highly
recommended for all members of the Roman Catholic community.
Jesus Speaks
Mike Baker, J. K. Jones, Jim Probst
InterVarsity Press
PO Box 1400, Downers Grove, IL 60515-1426
www.ivpress.com
9780830821006, $16.00, PB, 192pp, www.amazon.com
"Hold fast" is the command of the risen Christ, the one who has eyes like flames of fire, who
holds seven stars in his right hand and who searches the minds and hearts of all humans. In
Revelation 2 - 3 the word Christ Jesus comes to us like a two-edged sword, both encouraging and
judging. Jesus calls us to hold fast in the face of temptations of all sorts, but sternly warns those
who follow false teachings. Though Jesus is speaking to seven ancient churches of Asia Minor,
his words ring true today, calling us to: patient endurance, not fearing tribulation, repenting of a
dead faith, keeping God's Word, receiving the crown of life, the blessings of conquerors. "Jesus
Speaks" combines short devotional chapters with a seven-session small group guide, which
forms a church-wide series when coupled with the companion seven-session DVD. Jesus offers
us his guidance through both the pitfalls and paths toward holiness. All that is required of us is to
be ready to listen. While very highly recommended for all members of the Christian community,
it should be noted that "Jesus Speaks" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
Padre Pio and America
Frank M. Rega
TAN Books
c/o Saint Benedict Press
PO Box 410487, Charlotte, NC 28241
9780895558206, $18.95, PB, 233pp, www.SaintBenedictPress.com
Padre Pio, also known as Saint Pio of Pietrelcina (May 25, 1887 - September 23, 1968), was a
friar, priest, stigmatist, and mystic, who is now venerated as a saint of the Roman Catholic
Church. Born Francesco Forgione, he was given the name of Pius (in Italian: Pio) when he joined
the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin. Padre Pio became famous for exhibiting stigmata for most
of his life, thereby generating much interest and controversy. He was both beatified (1999) and
canonized (2002) by Pope John Paul II. "Padre Pio and America" by Frank M. Rega (a Third
Order Secular Franciscan for more than 25 years) is deftly written and biographical study of
Padre Pio as a seminarian, a young priest, and a friar. This is an impressively informed and
informative account of Padre Pio's growing influence in America even though he was restricted
from preaching, writing, or corresponding on the orders of his superiors. Inspired and inspiring,
"Padre Pio and America" is very highly recommended reading for all members of the Roman
Catholic community.
David's Successors
Garrett Galvin
Michael Glazier
c/o The Liturgical Press
2950 Saint John's Road, PO Box 7500, Collegeville, MN 56321-7500
www.litpress.org
9780814682517, $24.95, PB, 186pp, www.amazon.com
In "David's Successors: Kingship in the Old Testament", Franciscan Friar Garrett Galvin
persuasively argues for a new reading of kingship in the Old Testament. Rather than presenting
the kings as monsters (with the occasional angelic ruler) this seminal study seeks a more nuanced
version of kingship. "David's Successors" considers the original concept and context of kingship
before concentrating on five kings in particular: Jeroboam, Ahab, Hezekiah, Manasseh, and
Josiah. Much contemporary scholarship is concerned with the reconceptualization and
recontextualization of kingship that hearkens from a negative perspective on kingship, but
"David's Successors" will fully consider the positive and original vision of kingship. "David's
Successors" is ultimately rooted in a hopeful and joyful view of humanity as found in the Psalms,
Sirach, and the Chronicles. A consistently compelling, informed and informative, thoughtful and
thought-provoking read from beginning to end, "David's Successors" is very highly
recommended for seminary, community, and academic library Old Testament Studies collections.
For the personal reading lists of students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the
subject it should be noted that "David's Successors" is also available in a Kindle format
($19.99).
Preaching the Luminous Word
Ellen F. Davis
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
2140 Oak Industrial Drive, NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
www.eerdmans.com
9780802874238, $33.00, PB, 356pp, www.amazon.com
Inviting serious theological engagement with texts from all parts of the Christian Bible,
"Preaching the Luminous Word: Biblical Sermons and Homiletical Essays" is a collection of
fifty-one sermons and five related essays Ellen F. Davis (Amos Ragan Kearns Distinguished
Professor of Bible and Practical Theology at Duke Divinity School, Durham, North Carolina). A
brief preface to each sermon delineates its liturgical context and theological themes as well as
distinctive elements of structure and style. Arranged in canonical order, the sermons treat a wide
range of texts: Torah, Prophets, Writings, Gospels, Epistles, and Revelation. They are
complemented by essays on various aspects of biblical interpretation for preaching. At once
accessible, theologically informed, and rhetorically rich, "Preaching the Luminous Word" will
engage preachers, teachers, seminarians, church leaders, and serious lay readers, making it
unreservedly recommended for personal, church, seminary, community, and academic library
Christian Studies and Biblical Studies collections.
Leadership Mosaic
Daniel Montgomery
Crossway Books
1300 Crescent Street, Wheaton, IL 60187
www.crossway.com
9781433552557, $24.99, HC, 256pp, www.amazon.com
Challenging the conventional wisdom about what makes for a good leader, Daniel Montgomery
(Lead Pastor of Sojourn Community Church, Louisville, Kentucky) calls Christian men and
women to a countercultural perspective on leadership that is rooted in our Creator. Montgomery
presents a new framework for leadership, not just a beckoning to further pragmatism, relentless
productivity, or a reactionary cultural fad. He helps us see leadership as a mosaic of five
characteristics (conviction, creativity, courage, collaboration, and contemplation) reflective of the
very image of the triune God. Armed with this perspective, reflective readers will be able to see,
strive after, and celebrate the great and complex vision of leadership God has called us to -- for
the flourishing of our homes, churches, and workplaces. Exceptionally well written, organized
and presented, "Leadership Mosaic" is very highly recommended, especially for church,
seminary, and academic library Christian Studies collections. Informed and informative,
thoughtful and thought-provoking, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Leadership
Mosaic" is also available in a Kindle format ($14.74).
Wait and See
Wendy Pope
David C. Cook
c/o Cook Communications
4050 Lee Vance View, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
www.cookministries.com
9780781413558, $16.99, PB, 256pp, www.amazon.com
Every woman struggles with times of waiting, whether it be for a spouse, a child, a job. In the
pages of "Wait and See: Finding Peace in God's Pauses and Plans", Wendy Pope guides her
readers to focus on the Person of their faith rather than the object of their wait. Pope draws on the
story of King David, who was anointed king nearly twenty years before he took his throne. A
deftly written, hands-on guidebook that invites readers to record their own waiting discoveries,
"Wait and See" is packed from cover to cover with practical suggestions and real-life stories.
Pope's "Wait and See" readily shows readers how they can be active in the present as they hope
for the future. While very highly recommended to all members of the Christian community
regardless of denominational affiliations, it should be noted that "Wait and See" is also available
in a Kindle format ($9.49) and as a complete and unabridged CD audio book (Oasis Audio,
9781613758687, $19.99).
Icons: The Essential Collection
Sr. Faith Riccio, CJ
Paraclete Press
PO Box 1568, Orleans, MA 02653
www.paracletepress.com
9781612618319, $16.99, HC, 128pp, www.amazon.com
Sr. Faith Ricco is an iconographer and a religious sister at the Community of Jesus on Cape Cod
in Massachusetts. She studied extensively with Ksenia Pokrovsky. Her icons can be seen in
private collections and exhibits, both nationally and internationally, and at the Church of the
Transfiguration in Orleans, MA. With "Icons: The Essential Collection" she draws upon her
years of experience and expertise to a study about approaching and praying with icons everyday
featuring more than 60 full color images of Sr. Faith's icons. Each individual icon is paired with a
scripture and an inspirational word. The reader can easily experience how these beautiful icons
help Christians to live a good life, what they have to offer, and what they did for Sr. Faith. Icons
are an invitation to go beyond our world; to take a moment to look as through a window into
heaven. The space they create gives us a wonderful and open access to reach out toward God and
know him deeply in a new way. They are meant to enrich our spiritual lives. They were created to
touch and form us and have an ability to soothe and confront where necessary. They provide a
place to gather our wandering attention and direct it toward God. "Icons: The Essential
Collection" is an extraordinary and highly recommended addition to personal, church, seminary,
community, and academic library Christian Studies collections.
Knots Untied
J. C. Ryle
Banner of Truth
PO Box 621, Carlisle, PA 17013
www.banneroftruth.org
9781848716827, $29.00, HC, 488pp, www.amazon.com
J. C. Ryle started his ministry as curate at the Chapel of Ease in Exbury, Hampshire, moving on
to become rector of St Thomas's, Winchester in 1843 and then rector of Helmingham, Suffolk the
following year. While at Helmingham he married and was widowed twice. He began publishing
popular tracts, and Matthew, Mark and Luke of his series of Expository Thoughts on the Gospels
were published in successive years (1856-1858). His final parish was Stradbroke, also in Suffolk,
where he moved in 1861, and it was as vicar of All Saints that he became known nationally for
his straightforward preaching and firm defense of evangelical principles. Originally published in
1874, "Knots Untied" is J. C. Ryle's leading work in defense of the evangelicalism of the Church
of England. By 1885 it was reprinted in a tenth edition. This current edition of "Knots Untied"
published by Banner of Truth is a classic volume in which Ryle covers the then current disputes
about various points of religion within the Church of England, advocating and defending the
evangelical position at every turn. "Knots Untied" is as relevant and inspiring today as it was
almost two centuries ago, making it very highly recommended for personal reading lists, as well
as church, seminary, and academic library 19th Century Christian History & Theology
collections.
The Judaic Studies Shelf
Neither in Dark Speeches nor in Similitudes
Barry L. Stiefel & Hernan Tesler-Mabe, editors
Wilfrid Laurier University Press
Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3C5
wlupress.wlu.ca
9781771122313, $39.99, PB, 239pp, www.amazon.com
Barry L. Stiefel's research focuses on the preservation of Jewish heritage, on which he has
published extensively. He is the current president for the Association of Canadian Jewish
Studies. Hernan Tesler-Mabe researches Jewish history, as well as modern Europe, European
integration, and cultural history. He is a board member of the Association for Canadian Jewish
Studies. Together Stiefel and Tesler-Mabe have collaborative compiled and co-edited "Neither in
Dark Speeches nor in Similitudes: Reflections and Refractions Between Canadian and American
Jews", an interdisciplinary collaboration of Canadian and American Jewish studies scholars who
compare and contrast the experience of Jews along the chronological spectrum (1763 C.E. to the
present day) in their respective countries. Of particular interest to them is determining the factors
that shaped the Jewish communities on either side of our common border, and why they differed.
This anthology of ten erudite, informative, and insightful articles equips Canadian and American
Jewish historians to broaden their examination and ask new questions, as well as answer old
questions based on fresh comparative data. A model of seminal scholarship throughout, including
a listing of the contributors and their credentials, as well as a ten page Index, "Neither in Dark
Speeches nor in Similitudes" is unreservedly recommended for college and university library
Judaic History collections and supplemental studies reading lists.
The Parenting Shelf
The Joys and Oys of Parenting
Maurice J. Elias, Marilyn E. Gootman, Heather L. Schwartz
Behrman House Inc.
11 Edison Place, Springfield, NJ 07081
www.behrmanhouse.com
9780874419429, $15.95, PB, 264pp, www.amazon.com
The collaborative work of Maurice Elias (Professor of Psychology at Rutgers University),
educator and author Marilyn E. Gootman, mother and communications expert Healther L.
Schwartz, "The Joys and Oys of Parenting" draws on the tradition of Jewish wisdom as well as
the expertise of these three child development professionals to offer practical ideas, advice, and
inspiration for parents. Of special note are the chapters on maintaining a peaceful home,
establishing routines, fostering resilience, promoting responsibility, sparking motivation,
nurturing kindness, and cultivating gratitude emphasize being mindful of the joys involved in
parenting while helping our children learn to live with integrity. Enhanced with the inclusion of
an informative Foreword by Rabbi Kerry Olitzky, "The Joys and Oys of Parenting" includes a ten
page Discussion Guide, a four page listing of References, and a three page list of the authors
credentials in detail. While very highly recommended for community and academic library
Parenting instructional reference collections in general, and Family Relationships supplemental
studies reading lists in particular, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Joys and
Oys of Parenting" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
The Business Shelf
Guerrilla Marketing to Heal the World
Jay Conrad Levinson & Shel Horowitz
Morgan James Publishing
11815 Fountain Way, Suite 300, Newport News, VA 23606-4448
www.morganjamespublishing.com
9781630476588, $24.95, PB, 386pp, www.amazon.com
Capitalism as an economic system and concept can be placed firmly in the service of solutions to
the whole range of social, economic, and environmental problems ranging from hunger, poverty,
and war, to violence, inequality, and catastrophic climate change while making a healthy profit
for the capitalist entrepreneur. Regardless of the product produced or the service offered, any
company or corporation can follow and apply the precepts and information found in the pages of
seasoned and successful entrepreneurs Jay Conrad Levinson and Shel Horowitz's "Guerrilla
Marketing to Heal the World: Combining Principles and Profit to Create the World We Want".
Showcasing dozens of practical examples of successful companies doing well by doing good
ranging from solo entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 global corporations) anyone with the
responsibility for any manner of commerce can learn how to heal the world while gaining the
practical marketing savvy to turn ethical and moral values into business success. "Guerrilla
Marketing to Heal the World" covers: Creating projects (and products) that accomplish social
change, profitability, and cost reduction all at once; Greening a company in ways that save
money and make money; Gaining enormous positive reputation as a visionary company worth
supporting; Expanding successfully into totally new markets through strategic thinking, powerful
partnerships, and commitment to core principles; Turning marketing from a cost to a revenue
stream; Embracing abundance and transformation --- and stop worrying about market share.
Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, thoroughly 'user friendly' in tone and
commentary, "Guerrilla Marketing to Heal the World" is unreservedly recommended for
corporate, community and academic library Business Studies & Marketing collections. For
personal reading lists it should be noted that "Guerrilla Marketing to Heal the World" is also
available in a Kindle format ($7.99).
Home Business Tax Deductions, 16th edition
Stephen Fishman, J. D.
Nolo Press
950 Parker Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
www.nolo.com
9781413322071, $34.99, PB, 488pp, www.amazon.com
For any form home business, regardless of the product produced or the service provided,
claiming all the tax deductions you are lawfully entitled to is essential to financial success. Now
in an expanded 16th edition that is fully updated for 2016 tax returns, "Home Business Tax
Deductions: Keep What You Earn" shows how to deduct for: start-up costs, home office
expenses (using new IRS rules), vehicles and travel expenses, entertainment and meals, medical
expenses under Obamacare, and retirement expenses. "Home Business Tax Deductions" also
shows how to keep accurate and thorough records in case the IRS ever comes calling. Easy to
read and full of real-life examples, "Home Business Tax Deductions" can help any home
business entrepreneur to take full and lawful advantage of all the valuable tax deductions they are
entitled to. Of special note is the information on how to avoid a home business from being
classified by the IRS as a hobby and therefor not entitled to business deductions. A very special
and unique feature to this edition of "Home Business Tax Deductions" is the accompanying web
site with hundreds of informative articles and FAQs, useful legal forms, online services allowing
the formation of an LLC or corporation quickly and easily, in-depth profiles of business and tax
lawyers around the country and in any given area. Thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and
presentation, "Home Business Tax Deductions" should be considered an essential instructional
reference for personal, professional, community, and academic library Business Management
collections. It should be noted that "Home Business Tax Deductions" is also available in a Kindle
format ($19.99).
What Customers Crave
Nicholas J. Webb
Amacom Books
1601 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
www.amacombooks.org
9780814437810, $25.00, HC, 256pp, www.amazon.com
To be successful in a competitive marketplace, companies must discover what their customers
desire -- and then deliver it in memorable and deeply human experiences. "What Customers
Crave: How to Create Relevant and Memorable Experiences at Every Touchpoint" by Nicholas J.
Webb (who has been awarded over 45 patents by the US Patent and Trademark Office for
breakthrough technologies) examines how the hyper-connected economy is radically changing
consumer expectations, and reveals what companies need to do to stay on top. The solution rests
on two simple questions: What do your customers love? What do they hate? Find the answers,
and you're well on your way to success. Jam-packed with tools and examples, "What Customers
Crave" helps you reinvent how you engage with customers (both digitally and non-digitally) and:
Gain invaluable insights into who they are and what they care about - Use listening posts and
Contact Point Innovation to refine customer types - Engineer experiences for each micromarket
that are not only exceptional, but insanely relevant - Connect across the five most important
touchpoints - Co-create with your customers - And much more. Exceptionally well written,
organized and presented, "What Customers Crave" is unreservedly recommended, especially for
community, corporate, and academic library Business Management instructional reference
collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted that "What Customers Crave" is also
available in a Kindle edition ($14.49) and in a complete and unabridged MP3 CD audio book
format (Brilliance Audio, 9781531867928, $19.99).
The Health/Medicine Shelf
Gender Medicine
Marek Glezerman, M. D.
The Overlook Press
141 Wooster Street, New York, NY 10012
www.overlookpress.com
9781468313185, $29.95, HC, 288pp, www.amazon.com
Over millions of years, male and female bodies developed crucial physiological differences to
improve the chances for human survival. These differences have become culturally obsolete with
the overturning of traditional gender roles. But they are nevertheless very real, and they go well
beyond the obvious sexual and reproductive variances: men and women differ in terms of
digestion, which affects the way medications are absorbed. Sensitivity to pain is dependent on
gender. Even the symptoms of a heart attack manifest differently in a man than in a woman. And
yet the medical establishment largely treats male and female patients as though their needs are
identical. In fact, medical research is still done predominately on men, and the results are then
applied to the treatment of women. This is clearly problematic and calls for a paradigm change.
That is the clarion message of "Gender Medicine: The Groundbreaking New Science of Gender-
and Sex-Based Diagnosis and Treatment" by Dr. Marek Glezerman (Professor Emeritus
Chairman of Gender Medicine, and Chairman of the Ethics Committee at the Sackler School of
Medicine, Tel Aviv University). As informed and informative as it is thoughtful and
thought-provoking, "Gender Medicine" is an especially recommended addition to community and
academic library Health/Medicine collections. For the personal reading lists of medical students
and non-specialists general readers with an interest in the subject, it should be noted that "Gender
Medicine " is also available in a paperback edition (9781468314977, $17.95) and in a Kindle
format ($14.16).
The Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Healing Diet
Kate Barrington
Ulysses Press
PO Box 3440, Berkeley CA 94703-3440
www.ulyssespress.com
9781612435961, $13.99, PB, 156pp, www.amazon.com
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease
in which the thyroid gland is gradually destroyed. In "The Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Healing Diet",
certified fitness nutrition expert and author Kate Barrinton walks the reader through the
symptoms, diagnosis and treatments for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and provides: A path through
recognizing symptoms; Information on diagnosis & treatment plans; A guide for foods to enjoy
& foods to avoid; Over 100 wholesome & delicious recipes; Workout plans & tips. Teaching
everything the non-specialist general reader will need to know, "The Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Healing Diet" will help them to overcome this autoimmune disease by incorporating
thyroid-healthy foods into their diet and avoiding gut-aggravating foods. Follow this program and
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis sufferers can get back to their everyday lifestyle and be symptom-free.
As informed and informative as it is thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation,
"The Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Healing Diet" is very highly recommended for community library
Health/Medicine collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted that "The Hashimoto's
Thyroiditis Healing Diet" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
Blueprint for Holistic Healing
C. Norman Shealy, MD
ARE Press
215 - 67th Street, Virginia Beach, VA 23451-2061
www.AREPress.com
9780876048092, $16.95, PB, 168pp, www.amazon.com
Dr. C. Norman Shealy (a neurosurgeon, psychologist, and founding president of the American
Holistic Medical Association) was first introduced to the work of the Edgar Cayce (known today
as the father of holistic medicine) in the early 1970s. Cayce was the inspiration for Dr. Shely's
own transformation from traditional medicine to holistic alternative therapies, which he has
pursued for more than 30 years. Now combining decades of clinical work and research with
advice from the Edgar Cayce readings, Shealy has created a blueprint for healing that each of us
can follow with questionnaires for self-assessment throughout. While very highly recommended
for community, college, and university library Health/Medicine collections in general, and
Holistic Medicine supplemental studies lists in particular, it should be noted for the personal
reading lists of medical students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject
that "Blueprint for Holistic Healing: Your Practical Guide to Body-Mind-Spirit Health" is also
available in a Kindle format ($16.10).
The Fundamentals of Acupuncture
Nigel Ching
Singing Dragon
c/o Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Inc.
400 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
www.jkp.com
9781848193130, $95.00, www.singingdragon.com
The Fundamentals of Acupuncture is a textbook recommended for independent study and
college-level courses alike, and explains the basics of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. Over
70 illustrations cover all the theories, physiology, and life sciences of bodily systems,
acupuncture points, and needling techniques, with black and white diagrams and extensive
references supporting all discussions and treatment options. The result is a powerful survey that's
a winner for any student of alternative or Chinese medicine in general and acupuncture
techniques on particular; especially relative newcomer who will come to consider The
Fundamentals of Acupuncture a 'foundation reference'.
CRC Press
6000 NW Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL 33487
www.crcpress.com
Victoria Hall Moran and Nicola M. Lowe's Nutrition and the Developing Brain (9781482254730,
$129.95) provides an in-depth survey of the role nutrients play on brain development in fetal and
postnatal life, gathering the latest animal and human research results into a book that translates
these findings into a new approach on brain development and cognition. From nutritional and
environmental influences on early brain development processes to how nutrients contribute to
development and brain functions, chapters discuss cognitive development and how individual
nutrients affect it. Anton C. de Groot and Erich Schmidt's Essential Oils: Contact Allergy and
Chemical Composition (9781482246407, $199.95) narrows its focus to the chemical properties
of essential oils and contact allergies associated with them, providing health and chemistry
holdings alike with a weighty discussion of chemical composition. A special focus on those oils
known to cause contact allergy enhances a survey of some 6,400 previously unpublished sample
analysis covering over ninety essential oils, with an alphabetical list of a, their ingredients
accompany discussions of allergic contact dermatitis and how this applies to patient care. Packed
with tables of constituents identified in specific oils and discussions of the plant, its oil, and its
commercial applications, this weighty reference deserves a place in any college-level or health
collection serious about either allergies or essential oil makeup and health uses.
The Gaming Shelf
Undertale Art Book
Toby Fox
Fangamer
www.fangamer.com
9781945908996 $26.00 pbk www.undertale.com
Available both in print and as a digital download, Undertale Art Book is filled with concept art,
behind-the-scenes vignettes, and more from the creator of the immensely popular indie role-
playing game Undertale. Undertale is the adventure of a young child lost in a world of magical
monsters, and playing it is highly advised for the rich storytelling experience! Undertale Art
Book is packed cover-to-cover with insights behind the game's creation, as well as ideas that
never came to be, and a wealth of captioned black-and-white and full-color illustrations.
"Temmie thought the load screen looked bad so she drew a new one. But I like it looking bad. So
I drew this." Undertale Art Book is a "must-have" for fans and connoisseurs of this wonderful
game!
Beautiful Minecraft
James Delaney
No Starch Press
245 - 8th Street, San Francisco, CO 94103-3910
www.nostarch.com
9781593277659, $19.95, HC, 112pp, www.amazon.com
Minecraft is a sandbox video game originally created by Swedish game designer Markus "Notch"
Persson, and later developed and published by Mojang. The creative and building aspects of
Minecraft enable players to build constructions out of textured cubes in a 3D procedurally
generated world. Other activities in the game include exploration, resource gathering, crafting,
and combat. James Delaney is the managing director of BlockWorks, a team of Minecraft
builders, animators, and artists from around the world. In "Beautiful Minecraft" Delaney draws
upon his years of experience and expertise to create a compendium of the stunning artwork built
in Minecraft. Using millions of blocks and spending hundreds of hours, these artists have created
floating steampunk cities, alien worlds, detailed classical sculptures, fantastical landscapes,
architectural marvels, and more. The results are simply beautiful and will provide immense
inspiration for any and all dedicated Minecraft players. Very highly recommended, especially for
personal and community library collections. It should be noted that "Beautiful Minecraft" is also
available in a Kindle format ($15.95).
101 Secrets from a Pokemon Master
Justin Ryan
Sky Pony Press
c/o Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.
307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018
www.skyhorsepublishing.com
9781510722118, $12.99, HC, 128pp, www.amazon.com
Written for Pokemon players from ages 7 to 70, author Justin Ryan showcases 101 tips from a
professional Pokemon player in an easy-to-read format with this thoroughly 'user friendly' and
profusely illustrated instruction guide. These tips are much more advanced than the typical hack
books and are current with all the new updates to the game. "101 Secrets from a Pokemon
Master" includes tips and techniques on battling, catching, evolving, and leveling up -- things
players can't get anywhere online! While very highly recommended for school and community
library Gaming instructional reference collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists
that "101 Secrets from a Pokemon Master" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
Ball-Busting Sudoku
Arnold Snyder
Cardoza Publishing
808 South Main Street, Las Vegas, NV 89108-6404
http://cardozabooks.com
9781580423397, $6.95, PB, 128pp, www.amazon.com
Sudoku is a logic-based, combinatorial number-placement puzzle game. The objective is to fill a
9 9 grid with digits so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3 3 subgrids that
compose the grid (also called "boxes", "blocks", "regions", or "subsquares") contains all of the
digits from 1 to 9. The puzzle setter provides a partially completed grid, which for a well-posed
puzzle has a unique solution. In "Ball-Busting Sudoku", master gamesmith Arnold Snyder
showcases two hundred advanced level puzzles that he has deftly crafted by hand (no computer
programing involved!). Warning, these are real brain busters and not for the faint of heart or
fragile of ego!
The Computer Shelf
Murach's Visual Basic 2015
Anne Boehm
Mike Murach & Associates
4340 North Knoll Avenue, Fresno, CA 93722
www.murach.com
9781890774981, $57.50, PB, 906pp, www.amazon.com
Now in a newly updated and expanded sixth edition, "Murach's Visual Basic 2015" is a core
Visual Basic .NET book that has been a favorite of developers ever since the first edition came
out in 2002. "Murach's Visual Basic 2015 " is a self-paced book that shows how to use Visual
Studio 2015, VB 2015, and the .NET 4.6 classes to develop Windows Forms applications; a data
programming book that shows how to create professional database applications using data
sources, ADO.NET code, and the Entity Framework, as well as how to use LINQ to query data
structures, from collections to arrays to datasets; an object-oriented book that shows how to use
business classes, inheritance, and interfaces the way they're used in the real world. "Murach's
Visual Basic 2015" also shows how to develop 3-tiered, object-oriented Windows Forms
applications the way the best professionals do. "Murach's Visual Basic 2015" will provide the
core VB and Visual Studio skills that needed to develop any VB application whether for
Windows, the web, or mobile devices. Comprehensive and thoroughly 'user friendly' in
organization and presentation, "Murach's Visual Basic 2015" is very highly recommended for
personal, professional, community, and academic library Computer Science instructional
reference collections.
Murach's Python Progamming
Michael Urban and Joel Murach
Mike Murach & Associates
4340 North Knoll Avenue, Fresno, CA 93722
www.murach.com
9781890774974 $57.50
Murach's Python Programming is an in-depth, hands-on self-study guide to learning how to
program in Python. Written for aspiring Python programmers of all skill and experience levels,
from beginner to professional, Murach's Python Programming is an extremely useful, object-
oriented resource enhanced with 45 complete programs of increasing levels of difficulty for
practical study. Exercises, sample code, methodical instructions, black-and-white screenshots and
more make Murach's Python Programming easy to use! Highly recommended for anyone seeking
to learn or improve their ability to code in Python.
The Travel Shelf
Going Places in Northern Europe
Gloria Hoffner
Idyll Arbor, Inc.
PO Box 720, Ravensdale, WA 98051
www.idyllarbor.com
9781882883981, $24.00, PB, 355pp, www.amazon.com
So much more than just another travel guide,"Going Places in Northern Europe: Armchair
Adventures and Activities" by Gloria Hoffner discusses one of 17 countries in Northern Europe.
Each individual chapter covers a specific European country's geography, language, national
holidays, history, travel options, American roots, music and dance, food, and customs. Many
trivia questions and answers are included. There are even DVD and online video suggestions for
showing images and culture are included for each country. "Going Places in Northern Europe" is
effectively designed to be used for a travel activities lasting one hour, one day, or one week, and
spread over daily, weekly, monthly, or annual sessions. "Going Places in Northern Europe" can
also provide new ways to celebrate special events, such as holidays including St. Patrick's Day
and Bastille Day. In addition, each chapter's Game section includes a fun and easy traditional
game and a list of the cognitive and physical benefits of participation as outlined by the
International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health and by the guidelines of the
International Classification of Health Interventions. Exceptionally well written, organized and
presented, "Going Places in Northern Europe" is unreservedly recommended for personal,
professional, community, and academic library collections.
The Writing/Publishing Shelf
Freefall into Fiction: Finding Form
Barbara Turner-Vesselago
www.freefallwriting.com
Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Inc.
400 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
www.jkp.com
9781785921728, $18.95, PB, 152pp, www.amazon.com
Barbara Turner-Vesselago is a published author who teaches Freefall Writing Workships
(www.freefallwriting.com). Her first book, "Writing Without a Parachute: The Art of Freefall"
(9781908363046, $9.99 Kindle), showed writers how to fall in love with writing. With "Freefall
into Fiction: Finding Form" Barbara builds on her first 'how to' instructional guide and
encourages writers to pursue their work with intention and without inhibition. "Freefall into
Fiction: Finding Form" is specifically designed to help writers, step-by-step, to create publishable
short stories, novels and memoirs by finding their own unique balance between the exploration
offered by Freefall Writing and the requirements of each particular genre. "Freefall into Fiction:
Finding Form" penetrates deep inside the writing process where that balancing act takes place.
While unreservedly recommended for personal, community, and academic library collections, it
should be noted for the personal reading lists for aspiring authors seeking to improve their skills
that "Freefall into Fiction: Finding Form" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
A Fairly Creative Guide to Telling Tales
Aubrey Lively
Royal Fireworks Press
First Avenue, PO Box 399, Unionville, NY 10988
www.rfwp.com
9780898245530, $12.99, PB, 154pp, www.amazon.com
Educator, author, and home-schooling parent of six children, Aubrey Lively has written "A Fairly
Creative Guide to Telling Tales", a delightfully informative guide that offers a thorough and
sophisticated introduction to creative writing in terms of prose fiction. She wittily describes the
various elements necessary to a good story, and she provides amusing examples of what to do
and (just as important) what not to do. Most of her examples come from classic fairy tales so that
readers can see how her lessons apply to the stories we all know. "A Fairly Creative Guide to
Telling Tales" is deftly organized into three parts: plot, characterization, and setting. Each
individual chapter ends with an assignment that allows writers of all ages to practice their skills
in a fun and nonthreatening way. "A Fairly Creative Guide to Telling Tales" will enable aspiring
authors to gain practical and applicable insights what will make them better writers. An
accessible resource for aspiring writers of all skill and experience levels, "A Fairly Creative
Guide to Telling Tales" especially recommended for creative writing classes in grades 7 to
12.
The Superior Person's Complete Book of Words
Peter Bowler
David R. Godine, Publisher
Fifteen Court Square, Suite 320, Boston, MA 02108-2536
www.godine.com
9781567925906 $24.95 sc amazon.com
Now available in a softcover edition, The Superior Person's Complete Book of Words: An
Orgulous Verbal Arsenal for Everyday Use is packed cover-to-cover with accessible definitions
for lesser-known English vocabulary words that demonstrate scholarship and intelligence simply
through their responsible use. "Lemniscate: n. A figure of eight drawn lying on its side. An occult
symbol for eternity and the mathematical symbol for infinity. But which infinity? The number of
odd numbers or the number of all numbers?" An especial treasure for writers seeking to expand
their verbal toolbox, The Superior Person's Complete Book of Words is highly
recommended.
The Needlecraft Shelf
The Grid Design Workbook
Cindy Seitz-Krug
AQS Publishing
c/o American Quilter's Society
PO Box 3290, Paducah, KY 42002-3290
www.americanquilter.com
9781683390114, $24.95, www.americanquilter.com
The Grid Design Workbook shows how to make a gridded background for a quilt and presents a
step-by-step process for quilters who would stitch backgrounds to enhance quilts, and uses
diagrams and instructions to show how to make and apply these different stitches. A gallery of
gridded designs and patterns throughout accompany color photos illustrating methods in action,
making it easy for quilters to understand the theory and its application.
Sew This and That!
Sherri K. Falls
Martingale & Company
19021 - 120th Avenue NE, Suite 102, Bothell, WA 98011
9781604687873, $22.99, www.shopmartingale.com
Sew This and That!: 13 Quick-to-Make Quilted Projects comes from the designer who owns the
This & That Pattern Company and features a gathering of designs made for needleworkers
looking for a wide array of projects for the home and gift-giving. A dozen projects for all levels
includes candle mats, a button-embellished pouch, a table runner, a tote bag, and more. From
materials and cutting to assembly, this collection pairs its projects with bright color photos and
step-by-step directions that leave nothing to question.
Pot Holders for All Seasons
Chris Malone
Annie's
P.O. Box 8000, Big Sandy, TX 75755
www.anniescatalog.com
9781590126707 $14.99 pbk / $9.99 Kindle amazon.com
Pot Holders for All Seasons features twenty projects for quilting colorful, cheery pot holders
perfect for commemorating seasonal holidays throughout the year. Detachable, cut-out patterns
make Pot Holders for All Seasons easy to use, while methodical instructions and full-color
photography clarify how to create delightful pot holders ranging in design from a patchwork
Valentine to a black cat for Halloween to a snowman's head for the winter season! Pot Holders
for All Season is highly recommended especially to needlecrafters who wish to create unique,
memorable, and practical gifts.
Secondary Designs with Judi Madsen
Judi Madsen
American Quilter's Society
PO Box 3290, Paducah, KY 42002-3290
www.americanquilter.com
9781683390091 $24.95 amazon.com
Secondary Designs with Judi Madsen is a hands-on resource for intermediate to advanced
quilters. The focus is upon secondary designs that enliven the empty spaces of the quilt's primary
design. Step-by-step instructions and vivid, easy-to-follow color diagrams guide the quilter
through a wealth of beautiful secondary quilting designs. Author Judi Madsen also discusses the
creative process, and the importance of harmonizing the secondary design with the primary
design. A Windows and Mac compatible CD-ROM of patterns rounds out is excellent addition to
quilting and needlecraft shelves.
Melissa Leapman's Designer Crochet: Accessories
Melissa Leapman
Creative Publishing International
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1722
www.quartoknows.com
9781589239289, $21.99, PB, 144pp, www.amazon.com
Melissa Leapman is the author of several bestselling knitting and crocheting books. In "Melissa
Leapman's Designer Crochet: Accessories" she draws upon her years of experience and expertise
to compile an thoroughly 'user friendly' instruction manual for creating twenty-five new designs
for women of one-of-a-kind hats, scarves, cowls, shawls, handbags, jewelry, and more! These
do-it-yourself needlecraft projects include something for crocheters of all levels, from beginners
to intermediate and advanced knitters. Crafters of all skill levels will find a a project to keep their
fingers busy. Each project offers easy-to-follow instructions, stitch diagrams using international
symbols, and a clear photo to illustrate the finished piece. The back of "Melissa Leapman's
Designer Crochet: Accessories" also includes helpful resources such as general crochet and
finishing techniques. Beautifully and profusely illustrated throughout, "Melissa Leapman's
Designer Crochet: Accessories" is an especially recommended addition to personal and
community library Needlecraft instructional reference collections.
The Sports Shelf
Coaching Better Every Season
Wade Gilbert
Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
PO Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61820-5076
www.HumanKinetics.com
9781492507666 $26.95 pbk / $25.60 Kindle amazon.com
Coaching Better Every Season: A Year-Round System for Athlete Development and Program
Success lives up to its title as an in-depth, easy-to-use guide to improving one's coaching
methods and practices for any sport. Chapters discuss how to build trust and cohesion in one's
sports team, optimize athletes' learning, ensure readiness before the competition, design and
implement an effective evaluation system, and much more. A thorough list of references and an
index round out this "must-have" for amateur and professional coaches alike!
The Money/Finance Shelf
2017 National Construction Estimator
Richard Pray
Craftsman Book Company
6058 Corte del Cedro, Carlsbad, CA 92009
www.craftsman-book.com
9781572183254 $87.50
2017 National Construction Estimator is the definitive, up-to-date resource for quickly
researching the costs for any residential, commercial, or industrial construction project in
America. Covering labor & material costs, manhours and city cost modifiers, and virtually every
construction project imaginable from concrete to insulation, plumbing, roofing, windows and
much more, 2017 National Construction Estimator is filled cover to cover with easy-to-use tables
for quick reference. A free estimating software download ("National Estimator '17") is included,
and quarterly price updates on the World Wide Web are both free an automatic throughout 2017.
2017 National Construction Estimator is a "must-have" for any accountant or professional who
needs to swiftly and efficiently estimate construction costs or generate invoices!
The American History Shelf
Muslims and the Making of America
Amir Hussain
Baylor University Press
One Bear Place, #97363, Waco, TX 76798-7363
www.baylorpress.com
9781481306225, $24.95, HC, 142pp, www.amazon.com
Memories of 9/11 and the rise of global terrorism continue to fuel concerns about American
Muslims. The fear of American Muslims in part stems from the stereotype that all followers of
Islam are violent extremists who want to overturn the American way of life. Inherent to this
stereotype is the popular misconception that Islam is a new religion to America. "In Muslims and
the Making of America" Amir Hussain ( Professor of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount
University in Los Angeles) directly addresses both of these stereotypes. Far from undermining
America, Islam and American Muslims have been, and continue to be, important threads in the
fabric of American life. Professor Hussain chronicles the history of Islam in America to
underscore the valuable cultural influence of Muslims on American life. He then rivets attention
on music, sports, and culture as key areas in which Muslims have shaped and transformed
American identity. America, Professor Hussain concludes, would not exist as it does today
without the essential contributions made by its Muslim citizens. An extraordinary and much
needed historical study and an impressive example of impeccable scholarship, "Muslims and the
Making of America" is thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, making it
very strongly recommended, especially for community, college, and university library American
History collections and supplemental studies lists. For the personal reading lists of students and
non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject, it should be noted that "Muslims
and the Making of America" is also available in a Kindle format ($23.70).
Lynched
Angela D. Sims
Baylor University Press
One Bear Place, #97363, Waco, TX 76798-7363
www.baylorpress.com
9781602582668 $29.95 hc / $28.45 Kindle amazon.com
Lynched: The Power of Memory in a Culture of Terror is an unflinching, historical study of an
instrument of murder and terrorism in America. Chapters examine lynching as the product of a
culture of violence, domination, and fear. Author Angela D. Sims (Dean of Academic Programs,
Saint Paul School of Theology) draws heavily upon oral histories and testimony to study the
relationship between lynching and the religious self-understanding of a community. The
possibility for hope and justice shines like a distant beacon, but what is the path to reach that
faraway star? "Memories of lynching and a culture of lynching are not the stories of fairy tales.
One too many persons in the United States are reluctant to acknowledge this dark side of our
national history. To cultivate a climate of blind obedience in the twenty-first century is to create
police forces that are symbolic lynching trees. As a prerequisite to healing, lynching must be
named as a national sin." Lynched shines a spotlight on an evil part of American history, and is
highly recommended especially for public and college library collections.
Peck's Beach, third edition
Tim Cain
Down the Shore Publishing
PO Box 100, West Creek, NJ 08092
www.down-the-shore.com
9780945582045, $17.95, HC, 128pp, www.amazon.com
Now in a revised third edition, "Peck's Beach: A Pictorial History of Ocean City, New Jersey" by
the late Tim Cain has become a classic book about the New Jersey community of Ocean City's
founding and history is now available. Featuring a visual wealth of period photography
enhancing the historical text and commentary, "Peck's Beach" reveals the roots of this unique
seaside community through 21 chapters of anecdotal stories. This informed and informative
examination of Ocean City's past, ranging from the religious founding of the town; to the
Boardwalk, to the Music Pier; as well as the resort's glamorous royal family (Princess Grace and
the Kelly family), the lifeguarding tradition, shipwrecks, coastal storms, and the Sindia. An
informed and informative history "Peck's Beach" is a veritable compendium of Ocean City's
famous moments, firsts, and facts, and so much more. While highly recommended, especially for
community and academic library American Regional History collections, "Peck's Beach" should
be considered a 'must read' for all residents and visitors to one of New Jersey's most iconic
communities.
Bison and People on the North American Great Plains
Geoff Cunfer and Bill Waiser, Editors
Texas A&M University Press
4354 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4354
9781623494742, $60.00, www.tamupress.com
Bison and People on the North American Great Plains offers insights from several disciplines
who re-examine the disappearance of the American bison and consider a different approach to
the relationship between humans and these animals. Essays are unusual in that they cover U.S.
and Canadian bison experiences and ecology and come from historians, anthropologists, and
Native American researchers who join to examine the latest information on bison physiology,
climate change, early bison hunters, European influences, and more, going far beyond the usual
focus on greed and military actions. Far better rounded than most, Bison and People on the North
American Great Plains is the item of choice for both history and natural history collections at the
college level who would consider a more in-depth approach to bison and human history than
most books offer.
The World History Shelf
A History of the Modern Middle East, sixth edition
William L. Cleveland & Martin Bunton
Westview Press
c/o Perseus Book Group
250 W. 57th St., Suite 1500, New York, NY 10107
www.westviewpress.com
9780813349800, $55.00, PB, 624pp, www.amazon.com
Now in an newly expanded and fully updated sixth addition, "A History of the Modern Middle
East" by the late William L. Cleveland (Professor of History, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby,
British Columbia, Canada) and Martin Bunton (Professor of History, University of Victoria,
British Columbia, Canada) examines the profound and often dramatic transformations of the
region in the past two centuries, from the Ottoman and Egyptian reforms, through the challenge
of Western imperialism, to the impact of US foreign policies. Built around a framework of
political history, while also carefully integrating social, cultural, and economic developments,
this expertly crafted account provides readers with the most comprehensive, balanced and
penetrating analysis of the modern Middle East. This new edition provides a thorough account of
the major developments since 2012, including the tumultuous aftermath of the Arab uprisings,
the sectarian conflict in Iraq and civil war in Syria that led to the rise of ISIS, the crises in Libya
and Yemen, and the United States' nuclear talks with Iran. With brand-new time lines in each
part, an updated section of select bibliographies, and an expanded online instructor resources, "A
History of the Modern Middle East" remains the quintessential textbook for curriculum courses
on Middle East history. While unreservedly recommended for community and academic library
Middle Eastern History collections and supplemental studies lists, it should be noted for students
and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "A History of the Modern
Middle East" is also available in a Kindle format ($35.99).
Handbook of the Irish Revival
Declan Kiberd & P. J. Mathews, editor
University of Notre Dame Press
310 Flanner Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556
www.undpress.nd.edu
9780268101305, $100.00, HC, 512pp, www.amazon.com
The Irish Revival of 1891 to 1922 was an extraordinary era of literary achievement and political
ferment. This period generated not only a remarkable crop of poets and writers but also a range
of innovative political thinkers and activists. The contributors to this period exchanged ideas and
opinions about what Ireland was and could become, yet much of this discourse remains out of
print, some of these voices almost forgotten. In "Handbook of the Irish Revival: An Anthology of
Irish Cultural and Political Writings 1891 - 1922" Declan Kiberd (Donald and Marilyn Keough
Professor of Irish Studies and Professor of English and Irish Language and Literature at the
University of Notre Dame) collects for the first time many of the essays, articles, and letters by
renowned figures such as James Joyce, Maud Gonne, W. B. Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Sean
O'Casey, and J. M. Synge, among others. This anthology also contains pieces by less well-known
individuals such as Stopford A. Brooke, Mary Colum, and Helena Molony. Many of the lesser
known texts contextualize the social, political, and cultural lives, values, and aspirations of those
involved in and on the periphery of the Revivalist movement. The introduction and commentary
by Declan Kiberd and P. J. Mathews convey the ideas of a brilliant generation that, in spite of
difficulty and demoralization, audaciously shaped a modern Ireland. Divided into sixteen
sections covering issues as diverse as literature, religion, drama, education, women's rights, and
the 1916 Rising, "Handbook of the Irish Revival" is the ultimate reference book for anyone with
an interest in Irish literature and history. A truly extraordinary anthology, the "Handbook of the
Irish Revival" is unreservedly recommended as an essential, core addition to community, college,
and university Irish History reference collections and supplemental studies lists. It should be
noted for students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that the
"Handbook of the Irish Revival" is also available in a paperback edition (9780268101312,
$25.00).
The Civil War Shelf
The Union Sixth Corps in the Shenandoah Valley, June-October 1864
Jack H. Lepa
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
www.mcfarlandpub.com
9781476666297, $35.00, PB, 228pp, www.amazon.com
During the summer and fall of 1864, Virginia's Shenandoah Valley was one of the most
contested regions of the South. Federal armies invaded the Valley three times -- and twice they
were repulsed by Confederate forces. "The Union Sixth Corps in the Shenandoah Valley,
June-October 1864" by Civil War historian Jack H. Lepa describes the third campaign, the
supreme achievement of the Army of the Potomac's Sixth Corps. One of the most respected units
in the Federal Army, the Sixth Corps formed the nucleus of the Federal force that spent several
months competing for control of the Valley with a desperate Confederate army, resulting in some
of the toughest fighting of the war. Following victories at Winchester and Fisher's Hill the Sixth
Corps campaign culminated with a remarkable stand that stopped the attacking enemy and turned
what began as a disastrous defeat into a spectacular victory at Cedar Creek. Exceptionally well
researched, organized and presented, "The Union Sixth Corps in the Shenandoah Valley,
June-October 1864" is enhanced for academia with the inclusion of nine pages of Notes, a nine
page Bibliography, and a four page Index. An outstanding contribution to the growing library of
Civil War literature and very highly recommended for both community, college, and university
Civil War History collections and supplemental studies reading lists, it should be noted for the
personal reading lists of Civil War buffs that "The Union Sixth Corps in the Shenandoah Valley,
June-October 1864" is also available in a Kindle format ($19.99).
Battle of Wills
David Alan Johnson
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
9781633882454, $28.00, www.prometheusbooks.com
Battle of Wills: Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, and the Last Year of the Civil War provides a
dual approach to the Civil War era by blending the biographies of Grant and Lee with a survey of
their temperaments and how these contributed to the outcome of the war. Where competing
coverages focus on military strategy alone, this emphasis on psychological influences in crafting
military choices makes for a broader perspective as it contrasts the different upbringings, lives,
and influences of the two leaders and how these translated to historical events and choices. No
American history or Civil War military collection should be without this approach.
The Military Shelf
Under a Blood Red Sun
John J. Domagalski
Casemate
1940 Lawrence Road, Havertown, PA 19083
www.casematepublishers.com
9781612004075 $32.95 hc / $9.99 Kindle amazon.com
Under a Blood Red Sun: The Remarkable Story of PT Boats in the Philippines and the Rescue of
General MacArthur is the true story of the American sailors who manned small wooden torpedo
(PT) boats in the Pacific theatre of World War II. Led by the heroic Lieutenant John D. Bulkeley,
they battled the navy and air power of Imperial Japan. When America's defense of the Philippines
fared poorly for US forces, the unit earned fame and a place in history by successfully evacuating
General Douglas MacArthur from the front. The squadron battled until all six of its torpedo boats
were destroyed under fire. The blockbuster 1945 movie "They Were Expendable" starring John
Wayne and Robert Montgomery was based on their sacrifice. Under a Blood Red Sun balances
scholarly research with accessible storytelling to preserve and illuminate the story of Lieutenant
Bulkeley and his men, enriched with maps, appendices, notes, a bibliography, and an index.
Highly recommended, especially for public and college library military history collections.
All the Gallant Men
Donald Stratton with Ken Gire
William Morrow & Company
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
9780062645357, $25.99, www.harpercollins.com
All the Gallant Men: An American Sailor's Firsthand Account of Pearl Harbor represents the first
memoir by a survivor of the USS Arizona, and comes from a man who was burned over 2/3rds of
his body, who spent a year recovering in a military hospital before he re-enlisted in 1944 to join
the invasion of Okinawa. As one of only five survivors of the USS Arizona who is still alive
today to tell the story, his account is key to understanding the events and experiences of the
times, and deserves a place in any collection strong in Pearl Harbor history.
The Education Shelf
Twenty Writing Assignments in Context
Melissa Bender & Karma Waltonen
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
www.mcfarlandpub.com
9781476665092, $35.00, PB, 288pp, www.amazon.com
Compiled by Melissa Bender (a Lecturer in the University Writing Program and the Assistant
Director of the Writing Across the Curriculum Program at the University of California, Davis),
"Twenty Writing Assignments in Context: An Instructor's Resource for the Composition
Classroom" is comprised of twenty original, classroom-tested by composition experts presenting
assignments designed to teach aspiring writers the basics of composition. This innovative and
diverse collection of college writing assignments deftly explores the practical applications of
each lesson. Drawing upon current best practices, each individual chapter includes a discussion
of the rationale behind the assignment, along with supplemental elements such as guidelines for
evaluation, pre-writing exercises and tips for avoiding common pitfalls. The assignments are
designed for a range of courses, from first-year composition to upper-division writing in various
disciplines. Of special note are Dalyn Luedtke's 'The Discipline Resource Guide Website' and
Gwendolynne Reid's 'Critical Analysis of a Wikipedia Entry'. While unreservedly recommended
for college and university library collections, it should be noted that "Twenty Writing
Assignments in Context" is also available in a Kindle format ($14.99).
Engaging & Challenging Gifted Students
Jenny Grant Rankin
ASCD
1703 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311-1714
www.ascd.org
9781416623342, $12.95, PB, 64pp, www.amazon.com
Specializing in School Improvement Leadership, Jenny Grant Rankin teaches the Post Doc
Masterclass at the University of Cambridge. In the pages of "Engaging & Challenging Gifted
Students: Tips for Supporting Extraordinary Minds in Your Classroom", she draws upon her
years of experience and expertise to share with classroom teachers how they can learn how to:
Recognize the challenges of each child; Identify the five unexpected traits of exceptional
learners; Adjust their teaching to meet the needs of all learners. Filled with useful, practical,
effective strategies and poignant personal accounts, "Engaging & Challenging Gifted Students"
gives succinct essence of what is needed to prevent those gifted students who need to be
challenged and engaged from slipping through the cracks and falling short of their academic
potential. While unreservedly recommended for college and university library Teacher Education
collections and supplemental studies lists, it should be noted for teacher students, classroom
instructors, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Engaging &
Challenging Gifted Students" is also available in a Kindle format ($6.99).
Corwin Press
2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320-2218
www.corwinpress.com
Jeffrey D. Wilhelm and Michael W. Smith's Diving Deep Into Nonfiction: Transferable Tools for
Reading ANY Nonfiction Text (9781483386058, $34.95) is for teachers of grades 6-12 and
provides nearly thirty lessons surrounding a new kind of teaching framework that helps students
to not only read but develop critical thinking and discussion habits. These lessons have all been
tested in a classroom, and include real-world examples of applications and interactions as they
outline topics, textual conversations, results from different nonfiction genres, and provides
further notes for independent practice and extensions of the lesson. From step-by-step lessons for
different days to examples such as found text and rules of notice, these are clear, precise
approaches to fostering a different style of engagement among students which relates directly to
their nonfiction reading assignments. Jenni Donohoo's Collective Efficacy: How Educators'
Beliefs Impact Student Learning (9781806356495, $25.00) promotes collective teacher efficacy -
the belief that educators can help student outcomes through collective actions - and provides a
series of practical strategies and tools for helping students share and learn in a collective,
interactive environment. From protocols for enhancing efficiency to building a collective inquiry
framework, resources and keys to team success are clearly identified and discussed. Catherine
Collier's But What Do I Do? Strategies from A to W for Multi-Tier Systems of Support
(9781506351155, $29.00) is packed with strategies for apply various intervention approaches to
struggling students, and comes from an expert in special education and cultural differences who
provides a resource geared to linking specific intervention strategies to particular learning or
behavioral problems. The result is a workbook that does more than compile options: it shows
teachers how to best apply them based on both student needs and different choices and outcomes.
Leslie Blauman's Teaching Evidence-Based Writing: Nonfiction (9781506360690, $30.95) is
filled with texts and lessons for writing about reading, and comes from an author who researched
the ELA standards and her favorite books to build a lesson structure teachers can use with either
entire text or the excerpts she's selected here. Lessons are accompanied by video clip links,
prompt pages that serve as references for students, and templates that encourage kids to think
about text in a more critical, analytical fashion, while chapters give teachers specific lesson prep
instructions, insights on how to apply the lesson, and keys to introducing it. Add workbook pages
that lend to reproducibles and "grab and go" pages and you have a specific formula for teaching
backed by researched best practices. Barbara Bray and Kathleen McClaskey's How to Personalize
Learning: A Practical Guide for Getting Started and Going Deeper (9781506338538, $29.95)
shows how to develop and build a shared vision of learning and offers a follow-up guide to the
authors' prior Make Learning Personal. Various templates are used, tools explained, and lesson
and project plans linked to real-world examples that show teachers how to encourage learner
participation and individual 'voices' in the learning process. QR codes and links to a website with
electronic versions of these activities make this a winning guide. Russell J. Quaglia, et.al.'s
Aspire High: Imagining Tomorrow's School Today (9781506311371, $30.00) is for any educator
who believes that school routines and educational processes should be changed to encourage a
more global approach to living, and provides a survey directed to high school teachers who
would consider that student aspirations should be a key part of their high school culture. Chapters
discuss sources of student inspiration, the kinds of involvement that evoke passion and
determination from their young participants, and how all aspects of school culture, from parent
conferences to volunteers and school policy development, can be employed to encourage and
awaken a different kind of learner.
The Beer/Wine/Spirits Shelf
Drink Like a Woman
Jeanette Hurt
Seal Press
1700 - 4th Street, Berkeley, California 94710
9781580056281, $16.00, www.sealpress.com
Drink Like a Woman: Shake. Stir. Conquer. Repeat. may sound like another cocktail recipe
book; but it's actually a refreshingly different mix of feminist history and cocktail recipes, and is
recommended for any interested in female bartending, cocktail mixes, and women's interest in
boozy originals. From barroom expectations and cocktail drinks inspired by women throughout
history to hangover curs, drinking games, and the overall culture of cocktails, Drink Like a
Woman takes a different approach to cocktail recipes and is recommended for feminists who
want more than a cookbook.
The Coloring Book Shelf
Spiritual Traditions of India
Harish Johari
Destiny Books
c/o Inner Traditions International, Ltd.
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
www.innertraditions.com
9781620556290, $12.95, www.destinybooks.com
Spiritual Traditions of India is a fine adult coloring book exploring Eastern spiritual traditions
and provides a little over forty full-page illustrations as well as decorative borders and geometric
designs from Indian artist and spiritual teacher Harish Johari. More than just leisure pieces, these
specific drawings encourage using chakra imagery to improve energy, coloring images of Hindu
gods and goddesses to open one's heart, and translates the meditative qualities of coloring into
Indian images connected to spiritual traditions. The result is an unusual approach with a focus on
coloring and meditative techniques alike, especially recommended for new age readers and any
interested in alternative forms of spiritual reflection.
American Quilter's Society
PO Box 3290, Paducah, KY 42002-3290
www.americanquilter.com
www.shopaqs.com
Bonnie K. Browning, CZT's Zentangle Art to Go (9781683390015, $21.l95) provides a
Zentangle design collection which serves two purposes: one intended by the author, and a side
benefit which leads to its review in this section. The author has created Zentangle designs
directed to quilters and crafters who would incorporate these patterns into their crafts and
quilting, and the patterns can be used as stitching in quilts. Projects are also included to
encourage quilters to invent their own Zentangle art productions. But, a side benefit to these
complex patterns is that many will lend to coloring - and thus the book is recommended for two
audiences: quilters, and those who look for geometric patterns to fill in. Pat Holly's A Miniature
World (9781683390008, $24.95) offers a coloring book filled with floral and animal images, and
also includes a link to needlework as she shows how the design can be translated from paper to
embroidery artwork. This book's oversized presentation and intricate pages thus lend to its use by
crafters and quilters alike.
The Music Shelf
Pickers and Poets
Craig E. Clifford and Craig Hillis
Texas A&M University press
4354 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-4354
9781623494469, $29.95, www.tamupress.com
Pickers and Poets: The Ruthlessly Poetic Singer-Songwriters of Texas focuses on Texas
singer-songwriters and how their works have crossed genres and outside of Texas borders to
influence the music world. What's special about Texas songwriters? For one, they tend to make
the lyrics the centerpiece of a song. Artists featured here include Michael Martin Murphy, Guy
Clark, Kris Kristofferson, and others, connecting their disparate styles and histories to the
evolution of a folk-rooted style that is compelling and extraordinary in comparison to the
approaches of non-Texas songwriters. Any collection strong in popular music evolution in
general and Texas artists in particular will find this filled with thought-provoking insights on
why Texas has produced more of these standout artists than other states.
The Literary Studies Shelf
Konundrum: Selected Prose of Franz Kafka
Franz Kafka, author
Selected and translated by Peter Wortsman
Archipelago Books
232 Third Street #A111, Brooklyn, NY 11215
www.archipelagobooks.org
c/o Penguin Random House (dist.)
www.penguinrandomhouse.com
9780914671510 $18.00 pbk / $14.99 Kindle amazon.com
Selected and expertly translated from the original German by Peter Wortsman, Konundrum:
Selected Prose of Franz Kafka collects prose writings from the classic German-Jewish author,
especially known for settings in which hapless humans struggle against the unfathomable
machinations of Byzantine bureaucracies (foreshadowing everyday life in the twenty-first
century). The writings chosen for Konundrum include short fiction, black comedy parables, fairy
tales, reflections, even posthumously published letters. The bite-sized offerings and fluid
translation make Konundrum a particularly excellent introduction to Kafka for literary students
and aspiring scholars. Konundrum is especially recommended for public and college library
literary studies shelves.
Lost Profiles: Memoirs of Cubism, Dada, and Surrealism
Philippe Soupault, author
Alan Bernheimer, translator
City Lights Publishers
261 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133
9780872867277 $13.95 www.citylights.com
Superbly translated from the original French by poet Alan Bernheimer, Lost Profiles: Memoirs of
Cubism, Dada, and Surrealism is both memoir and retrospective by the co-founder of the
Surrealist Movement. Chapters reminisce about the international Dada movement that arose as a
negative response to the horrors of World War I, and how Dada transformed into the beginning
of surrealism, then discuss the literary contributions of great authors. Joyce, Proust, Apollinaire,
Cendrars, and more are vividly and intimately portrayed. Lost Profiles is a preserved treasure of
literary history in the making, highly recommended especially for public and college library
collections.
Toni Morrison For Beginners
Ron David
For Beginners LLC
155 Main Street, Suite 211, Danbury, CT 06810
www.forbeginnersbooks.com
9781939994547, $15.95, PB, 176pp, www.amazon.com
Toni Morrison is an American novelist, editor, and Professor Emeritus at Princeton University.
Her novels are known for their epic themes, vivid dialogue, and richly detailed characters. Many
people consider her novels difficult to read. Most of her readers have at least one book on their
shelves that they couldn't finish or, when they did finish one, just scratched their heads in
confusion. And when we think we are sure we know what she's writing about, it turns out we are
half wrong or only getting the tip of the iceberg instead of the whole, beautiful, brooding thing.
"Toni Morrison For Beginners" is about the woman, her books, her mission, her word music, and
all that subtext in her writings. Morrison's books are like the ocean: the surface is beautiful but
everything that gives them life lies beneath. She's the kind of writer who can change your life and
"Toni Morrison For Beginners" is here to help you navigate the words and the woman. While
very highly recommended for community and academic library Contemporary American Literary
Studies collections in general, and Toni Morrison supplemental studies reading lists in particular,
it should be noted that "Toni Morrison For Beginners" is also available in a Kindle format
($9.99).
The Gospel in George MacDonald
George MacDonald, author
Marianne Wright, editor
Plough Publishing House
151 Bowne Drive, PO Box 398, Walden, NY 12586 USA
www.plough.com
9780874867664, $17.60, PB, 358pp, www.amazon.com
Compiled and edited by Marianne Wright, "The Gospel in George MacDonald" is a superb
introduction to the novels of George MacDonald, a the great Scottish storyteller who is credited
with inspiring C. S. Lewis, G. K. Chesterton, Mark Twain, W. H. Auden, and J. R. R. Tolkien.
This outstanding anthology of selections drawn from MacDonald's novels, fairy tales, and
sermons reveal the profound and hopeful Christian vision that infuses his fantasy worlds and
other fiction. Those previously unfamiliarly with McDonald will find in these pages a rich,
accessible sampling, while MacDonald enthusiasts will be pleased to find some of the writer's
most compelling stories and wisdom in one volume. Drawn from books including Sir Gibbie,
The Princess and the Goblin, Lilith, and At the Back of the North Wind, the selections are
followed by appreciations by G. K. Chesterton and C. S. Lewis and accompanied by classic
illustrations by Arthur Hughes. While highly recommended for community, college, and
university library Literature Studies collections in general, and George MacDonald supplemental
studies lists in particular, it should be noted that "The Gospel in George MacDonald" is also
available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
The Unknown Judith Wright
Georgina Arnott
UWA Publishing
c/o International Specialized Book Services
920 Northeast 58th Avenue, Suite 300, Portland, OR, 97213
www.isbs.com
9781742588216, $29.99, PB, 304pp, www.amazon.com
Judith Wright (1915-2000) remains a giant figure within Australian art, culture, and politics. Her
1946 collection of poetry, "The Moving Image", revolutionized Australian poetry. She helped to
establish the modern Australian environmental movement and was a key player in early
campaigns for Aboriginal land rights. A friend and confidante of artists, writers, scholars,
activists, and policy makers, she remains an inspiration to many. And yet, as Georgina Arnott is
able to show in the pages of her definitive study "The Unknown Judith Wright", the biographical
picture we have had of this renowned poet-activist has been very much a partial one. This
seminal work presents a more human figure than we have previously seen, and concentrates on
Wright's younger years. New material allows us to hear - directly, thrillingly - the feisty voice of
a young Judith Wright, and forces us to reconsider the woman we thought we knew. Thoroughly
'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "The Unknown Judith Wright" is unreservedly
recommended for community and academic library Literary Studies collections in general, and
supplemental studies reading lists in the subject areas of: Australian History, Art, Poetry, Gender
Studies, Literary Criticism, and Biographies.
The Mythology Shelf
The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt
Richard H. Wilkinson
Thames & Hudson, Inc.
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110-0017
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9780500051207, $39.95, HC, 256pp, www.amazon.com
The lives of pharaohs and commoners alike were dominated by the need to honor, worship, and
pacify the huge pantheon of deities. From lavish tomb paintings and imposing temple reliefs to
humble household shrines, countless tributes throughout Egypt reflect the richness and
complexity of their mythology. An absolute 'must' for students of Egyptology, "The Complete
Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt" by Richard H. Wilkinson (Professor and Director of the
University of Arizona Egyptian Expedition) examines the evolution, worship, and eventual
decline of the numerous gods and goddesses ranging from minor household figures such as Bes
and Taweret, to the all-powerful deities Amun and Rethat made Egypt the most completely
theocratic society of the ancient world. With 400 illustrations (including 170 in color) and
specially commissioned drawings, "The Complete Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt" is a
comprehensive and authoritative guide to the deities that lay at the heart of Egyptian religion and
society. While emphatically and unreservedly recommended for community and academic library
Egyptology collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of students and
non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "The Complete Gods and
Goddesses of Ancient Egypt" is also available in a trade paperback edition (9780500284247,
$26.95).
The Art Shelf
Yakuglas' Legacy
Ronald W. Hawker
University of Toronto Press
10 St. Mary Street, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4Y 2W8
www.utppublishing.com
9781442649408, $85.00, HC, 264pp, www.amazon.com
Charlie James (1867 - 1937) was a premier carver and painter from the Kwakwaka'wakw First
Nation of British Columbia. Also known by his ceremonial name Yakuglas, he was hawker a
prolific artist and activist during a period of severe oppression for First Nations people in
Canada. "Yakuglas' Legacy: The Art and Times of Charlie James" by Ronald W. Hawker
(formerly Associate Chair of the School of Critical and Creative Studies at the Alberta College of
Art and Design and an associate professor in the Department of Art and Design at Zayed
University) deftly examines the life of Charlie James. During the early part of his career James
created works primarily for ritual use within Kwakwaka'wakw society. However, in the 1920s,
his art found a broader audience as he produced more miniatures and paintings. Through a
balanced reading of the historical period and James' artistic production, Professor Hawker argues
that James' shift to contemporary art forms allowed the artist to make a critical statement about
the vitality of Kwakwaka'wakw culture. "Yakuglas' Legacy", enhanced with the inclusion of 123
full color illustrations, is at once a beautiful and poignant study of the impact of the Canadian
project on Aboriginal people and their artistic response. An exceptional scholarly study,
"Yakuglas' Legacy" is unreservedly recommended for community and academic library Canadian
Art History collections and supplemental studies reading lists. It should be noted for students and
non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Yakuglas' Legacy" is also
available in a paperback edition (9781442626751, $34.95).
Nordic Painting: The Rise of Modernity
Katharina Alsen & Annika Landmann
Prestel Publishing
900 Broadway, Suite 603, New York, NY 10003
www.prestel.com
9783791381312, $75.00, HC, 272pp, www.amazon.com
The collaborative work of art historians Katharina Alsen and Annika Landmann, "Nordic
Painting: The Rise of Modernity" is large-format, lavishly illustrated study that offers a
comprehensive survey of the fin-de-siecle and modernist painting of Scandinavia. "Nordic
Painting" features an impressive and extensive variety of Scandinavian artists and their works
that explore the impact of Nordic geography, history, social mores, and national identities on the
region's painters. Focusing on the "core" countries (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and
Iceland) as well as the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and the Danish-German border region, "Nordic
Painting" presents a thematically organized overview of Nordic art between the late 19th and
early 20th centuries. Drawing from the most recent scholarship, "Nordic Painting" considers the
prevalent themes and subjects, such as landscapes, genre scenes, portraits, interiors, modern city
life, and abstraction, and analyzes various works by artists such as Edvard Munch, Vilhelm
Hammershoi, Helene Schjerfbeck, Johannes S. Kjarval, and Sigrid Hjerten. "Nordic Painting"
relates the rise of modernism in Nordic art and discusses the artistic interaction between North
and Central Europe. Of special note is a final chapter is devoted to the significance of Nordic
painting today. Comprehensive and authoritative, this beautifully illustrated compendium will
prove to be the standard instructional reference volume on Nordic art and is especially
recommended for personal, community, college, and university library Art History collections in
general, and Nordic Art supplemental studies reading lists in particular.
Klimt and the Women of Vienna's Golden Age, 1900 - 1918
Tobias Natter
Prestel Publishing
900 Broadway, Suite 603, New York, NY 10003
www.prestel.com
9783791355825, $60.00, HC, 320pp, www.amazon.com
Gustav Klimt (July 14, 1862 - February 6, 1918) was an Austrian symbolist painter and one of
the most prominent members of the Vienna Secession movement. Klimt is noted for his
paintings, murals, sketches, and other objets d'art. Klimt's primary subject was the female body,
and his works are marked by a frank eroticism. "Klimt and the Women of Vienna's Golden Age,
1900 - 1918" by noted scholar on Austrian Expressionism Tobias Natter is authoritative and
generously illustrated comprehensive study that highlights Gustav Klimt's portrayals of women in
his work. Klimt was a central figure in Vienna at the turn of the twentieth century, and a crucial
link between nineteenth-century Symbolism and Modernism. His sensual portrayals of women
are among his most celebrated works and the focus of this book. Highlights of this informed and
informative study include Klimt's most important society portraits, such as Serena Lederer
(1899); Gertrud Loew (1902); Adele Bloch-Bauer I (1907); Ma da Primavesi (1913); Elisabeth
Lederer (1914 - 16); and Ria Munk III (1917). These works cover the gamut of Klimt's portrait
style, from his early ethereal works influenced by Symbolism and the Pre-Raphaelite movement
to his so-called "golden style," as well as his almost Fauvist depictions. These art works are
complemented by preparatory Klimt sketches and decorative arts from the Wiener Werkstatte..
"Klimt and the Women of Vienna's Golden Age, 1900 - 1918" is an impressively organized and
presented coffee-table formatted volume that is unreservedly recommended for personal,
community, and academic library Art History collections in general, and Gustave Klimt
supplemental studies reading lists in particular.
The Library Science Shelf
Developing Digital Scholarship
Alison Mackenzie & Lindsey Martin, editors
Facet Publishing
www.facetpublishing.co.uk
9781783301102, $70.00, PB, 192pp, www.amazon.com
Collaboratively compiled and co-edited by Alison Mackenzie (Dean of Learning Services at
Edge Hill University) and Lindsey Martin (Assistant Head of learning Services at Edge Hill
University), "Developing Digital Scholarship: Emerging Practices in Academic Libraries"
provides strategic insights drawn from professional librarians who are successfully meeting the
challenge of digital scholarship, utilizing the latest technologies and creating new knowledge in
partnership with researchers, scholars, colleagues and students. This edited collection spans a
wide range of contrasting perspectives, contexts, insights and case studies, which explore the
relationships between digital scholarship, contemporary academic libraries and professional
practice. The contributors to "Developing Digital Scholarship" demonstrate that there are
opportunities to be bold, remodel, trial new approaches and reposition the library as a key partner
in the process of digital scholarship. "Developing Digital Scholarship" covers such issues as: The
impact of digital scholarship on organizational strategies; Developing digital capable librarians;
Social networking with the scholarly community; Digital scholarship centers; New approaches to
service delivery; Re-visioning of space, physical and virtual. "Developing Digital Scholarship" is
an essential guide for librarians and information professionals involved in digital scholarship and
communication, and are interested in extending their awareness of emerging practices, as well as
library administrators and students studying library and information science. While unreservedly
recommended for college and university Library Science curriculum's and collections, it should
be noted that "Developing Digital Scholarship " is a critically important read for all members of
private, corporate, governmental, community and academic libraries who are charged with
developing and/or upgrading digital elements of their library systems for the benefit of their
patrons.
The Reference Shelf
The World Almanac and Book of Facts 2017
Sarah Janssen
World Almanac
c/o Infobase Learning
132 West 31st Street, New York, NY 10001
http://www.worldalmanac.com/world-almanac.aspx
9781600572067, $34.95, HC, 1008pp, www.amazon.com
Thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "The World Almanac and Book of
Facts" is compendium of information that reviews the events of 2016 and will be a primary go-to
source for questions on any topic. Informed and informative, the features include: Top 10 News
Topics: The editors of The World Almanac(R) list the top stories that held the world's attention
in 2016; Year in Sports: Hundreds of pages of trivia and statistics that are essential for any sports
fan, featuring complete coverage of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, the 2016 World Series, and
much more; Year in Pictures: Striking full-color images from around the world in 2016, covering
news, entertainment, science, and sports; Offbeat News Stories: The World Almanac(R) editors
found some of the strangest news stories of the year; World Almanac (R) Editors' Picks: Time
Capsule: The World Almanac(R) lists the items that most came to symbolize the year 2016, from
news and sports to pop culture; Election Results: The World Almanac(R) provides a
comprehensive look at the entire 2016 election process, from the roller coaster of the early
primaries to state and county presidential voting results and coverage of House, Senate, and
gubernatorial races; The World at a Glance: This annual feature of The World Almanac(R)
provides a quick look at the surprising stats and curious facts that define the changing world;
World Almanac (R) Editors' Picks: The Best Teams That Never Won It All: In light of Golden
State's unprecedented regular season success and eventual downfall in the NBA Finals, The
World Almanac(R) takes a look back into sports history for the best teams that fell just short of
championship glory; Statistical Spotlight: A brand-new feature highlights statistics relevant to the
biggest stories of the year. These data provide context to give readers a fresh perspective on
important issues; Other New Highlights: Newly available statistics on sexuality, student loans,
overdose deaths, state minimum wages, and much more. While unreservedly recommended,
especially for school and community library collections, it should be noted for students and
non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subjects covered that "The World Almanac
and Book of Facts 2017" is also available in a paperback edition (9781600572050, $14.99) and
in a Kindle format ($10.99).
The Economic Studies Shelf
SUPERHUBS
Sandra Navidi
Nicholas Brealey Publishing
20 Park Plaza, Suite 610, Boston, MA 02116
www.nicholasbrealey.com
9781857886641, $29.95, PB, 310pp, www.amazon.com
"SUPERHUBS: How the Financial Elite and their Networks Rule Our World" by Sandra Navidi
(the Founder and CEO of BeyondGlobal, a consulting firm, where she renders macroeconomic
and strategic positioning advice) is a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how the world's most
powerful titans, the "superhubs" pull the levers of our global financial system. Combining an
insider's knowledge with principles of network science, Navidi offers a startling new perspective
on how superhubs build their powerful networks and how their decisions impact all our lives.
"SUPERHUBS" reveals what happens at the exclusive, invitation-only platforms such as: The
World Economic Forum in Davos, the meetings of the International Monetary Fund, think-tank
gatherings and exclusive galas. "SUPERHUBS" is the most vivid portrait to date of the global
elite including: bank CEOs, fund managers, billionaire financiers and the politicians who,
through their interlocking relationships and collective influence are transforming our increasingly
fragile financial system, economy and society. Exceptionally well written, organized and
presented, "SUPERHUBS" is a critically important and highly recommended addition to
community and academic library Political Science & Economics collections. It should be noted
for students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that
"SUPERHUBS" is also available in a Kindle format ($15.99).
The Agriculture Shelf
Compendium of Blueberry, Cranberry, and Lingonberry Diseases and Pests, second edition
James J. Polashock, et al.
APS Press
3340 Pilot Knob Road, St. Paul, MN 55121
www.shopapspress.org
9780890545362, $149.00, PB, 231pp, www.amazon.com
Now in a newly revised, updated, and expanded second edition, "Compendium of Blueberry,
Cranberry, and Lingonberry Diseases and Pests" is comprehensive new diagnostic and
management guide is the largest, most comprehensive APS compendium published to date.
Nearly triple the thickness of the first edition, it collectively covers nearly 150 diseases, pests,
and disorders of blueberry, cranberry, and lingonberry crops. It is ideal for large and small
commercial growing operations, nurseries, as well as the advisors that serve them, including
universities, extension offices, independent consultants, and diagnostic labs. Profusely illustrated
in full color, "Compendium of Blueberry, Cranberry, and Lingonberry Diseases and Pests" is a
critically important contribution to personal, professional, community, and academic library
Agricultural Science collections in general, and Blueberry, Cranberry, and Ligonberry
supplemental studies reading lists in particular.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Inside an Osprey's Nest
Teena Ruark Gorrow & Criag A. Koppie
Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
www.schifferbooks.com
9780764352003, $24.99, HC, 144pp, www.amazon.com
Teena Ruark Gorrow is a Professor of Teacher Education at Salisbury University, who lives on
Maryland's Eastern Shore with her family. Craig A. Koppie is a raptor biologist with the US Fish
& Wildlife Service. Together the have collaborated to take their readers on a photographic
journey through nesting season with a newly mated osprey pair. In this true raptor adventure, the
ospreys prepare a nest and mate, but their eggs do not hatch. Through an unlikely twist of events,
the unviable eggs are swapped by biologists with hatchlings from an ill-fated nest. Readers will
read a photographically illustrated and heartwarming account as the adults become foster parents
and care for the young, including a nest interloper. Readers will witness the helpless chicks grow
into fledglings and experience first flight. "Inside an Osprey's Nest: A Photographic Journey
through Nesting Season" is enhanced with the inclusion of resources that include the osprey's
current plight, tips for helping injured ospreys, and a glossary of terms. This informed and
informatively illustrated compilation of comprehensive information featuring some 380
photographs in the ospreys' natural habitat makes it a highly recommended contribution to
community and academic library Pets/Wildlife collections, and an ideal addition to the personal
reading lists of raptor enthusiasts, webcam viewers, nature and wildlife lovers, conservationists,
teachers, children, and wildlife photographers.
The Nautical Shelf
Taliesin's Tales: Sailing Towards the Southern Cross
Lin and Larry Pardey, authors
Paradise Cay Publications
PO Box 29, Arcata, CA 95518
L & L Pardee Publications
120 Monda Way, Bluelake, CA 95525
www.paracay.com
9781929214112, $18.95 PB, $ 9.95 Kindle, 189pp, www.amazon.com
"Taliesin's Tales" is a fascinating account of a series of maiden ship voyages of a beautiful ocean
cruising boat designed to replace the earlier vessel owned by the Pardeys, the Seraffyn. Their
ocean tale of Taliesin's voyages began off southern California and the Sea of Cortez and
continued on toe French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Tonga, and New Zealand. Filled with color
photos of the famous nautical couple on their exciting marine adventure, "Taliesin's Tales" is a
very exciting book with elements of human interest, marine adventure, practical sailing advice,
and threads of danger laced with mind enhancing moments of soul-seeking clarity. In their
journey the sailing couple encounter hospitality, surprises, beauty, sordid knavery and thieving,
and natural obstacles and challenges. They also found a quality of precious joy in their long sea
voyage together alone. Many friends became a part of "Taliesin's Tales," as evidenced in both the
photos and narrative. Traced on a series of maritime maps, their voyages wends its way towards
the Southern Cross. Paradise can be dangerous, but the sailing experiences of the Pardeys is
certainly inspirational to armchair voyagers and real life sailors as well. This complex narrative is
enhanced by beautiful color photographs of island natives, the Taliesin under sail, marine life,
and beautiful sailing scenes. "Taliesin's Tales" is a great narrative for all marine travel lovers,
sailors and landlubbers who dream of voyaging to paradise.
The Language Studies Shelf
Medieval Mosaic, second edition
A.W. Godfrey
Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers
1570 Baskin Road, Mundelein, IL 60060
www.bolchazy.com
9780865168411 $39.00 amazon.com
Now in a second edition with seven new selections (mostly from women writers), Medieval
Mosaic: A Book of Medieval Latin Readings is a selection of brief, vocabulary and
comprehension-building Latin writings that show the theology, culture, history, and spiritual
lives of people living in the fourth through fifteenth centuries C.E., a span covering the rise of
early Christianity and the Renaissance. Occasional black-and-white reproductions of classical
artwork and Latin vocabulary notes enrich this excellent pick for intermediate Latin students,
college course reading lists, and college library Latin Studies shelves.
The Theatre/Cinema Shelf
The Best Ten-Minute Plays 2016
Lawrence Harbison
Smith & Kraus Publishers
177 Lyme Road, Lyme NH 03755-6610
www.smithandkraus.com
9781575259055, $24.95, PB, 570pp, www.amazon.com
Compiled by Lawrence Harbison (who for more than 30 years was in charge of new play
acquisitions for Samuel French, Inc.), "The Best Ten-Minute Plays 2016" is comprised of fifty
terrific new ten-minute plays all successfully produced during the 2015-2016 theatrical season.
They are written in a variety of styles. Some realistic plays, some are not, some comic, some are
dramatic. Included is a comprehensive list of theatres which do ten-minute plays. The plays range
from Before or After (Christopher Lockheardt); Best Lei'd Plans (Kelly Younger); Broken (James
McLindon), and Family of Flechner (Gregory Fletcher); to Foodies (Jenny Lyn Bader); The Great
Gaffe (Jennifer O'Grady); Heartland (Andrea Fleck Clardy); Here Comes the Drone (Arlene
Hutton); and LaRuta (Mayank Keshaviah). A theatrical landmark publication, "The Best
Ten-Minute Plays 2016" is an essential, core addition to personal, professional, community
theatre, community library, and academic library collections.
The Homeowner's Shelf
Plumbing
Steve Cory
The Taunton Press
63 South Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470
www.taunton.com
9781631861628, $24.95, PB, 256pp, www.amazon.com
Stanley's "Plumbing: A Homeowner's Guide" by Steve Cory is a comprehensive, visual
handbook packed with step-by-step photographs and authoritative, reliable, detailed information.
Eventually, every homeowner needs be able to repair, replace, or upgrade a plumbing fixture
because doing it yourself will save a great deal of money. With today's materials and installation
methods, almost any plumbing project is DIY-doable with a modest set of tools and basic skills.
Whether it's a faucet repair or installing plumbing for a new bathroom, all the projects from the
simple to the complex are thoroughly explained and illustrated. Thoroughly 'user friendly' in
organization and presentation, every home and every community library should have a copy of
Stanley's "Plumbing: A Homeowner's Guide".
The Philosophy Shelf
Red Rising and Philosophy
Courtland Lewis & Kevin McCain, editors
Open Court Publishing Company
70 East Lake Street, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60601
www.opencourtbooks.com
9780812699470, $19.95, PB, 288pp, www.amazon.com
Collaborative compiled and co-edited by Courtland Lewis (an Instructor of Philosophy at
Owensboro Community and Technical College, Kentucky) and Kevin McCain (Assistant
Professor of Philosophy at the University of Alabama at Birmingham) "Red Rising and
Philosophy" is comprised of contributions by a crew of the wisest Helldivers philosophy can
offer address such questions as: Could humanity's love of physical enhancements cause its
extinction? Do people doom humanity by trying to all be the same? Can a person love someone,
while at the same time wanting that person destroyed? Is equality always the best principle on
which to organize society? What is evil, and how does it exist in contemporary life? Does one
remain the same person, even after changing every physical aspect of one's body? Is it moral to
sell oneself into slavery, whether it's through sex or manual labor? Is it ethical to sell one's
children into slavery, on the promise that their children will live in peace and tranquility? These
questions and more are what make Pierce Brown's "Red Rising" trilogy such an resonating story.
Brown pulls no punches, and philosophy works best in such an environment. While highly
recommended for personal, community, and academic library Popular Culture & Philosophy
collections, it should be noted that "Red Rising and Philosophy" is not for the timid or the faint at
heart. But reading it could be a life-changing experience!
The Holocaust Studies Shelf
Remembering for the Future
Michael Berenbaum, Richard Libowitz, Marcia Sachs Littell, eds.
Paragon House
3600 Labore Road, Suite 1, St. Paul, MN 55110-4144
www.paragonhouse.com
9781557789235, $24.95, PB, 308pp, www.amazon.com
Collaboratively compiled and co-edited by the team of Michael Berenbaum, Richard Libowitz, Marcia Sachs Littell, "Remembering for the Future: Armenia, Auschwitz, and Beyond" is an anthology of new and original research by genocide and holocaust scholars and commemorates a series of significant anniversaries, such as: 100 years since the beginning of the Armenian Genocide; 80 years since the Barmen Declaration; 75 years since the beginning of World War II; 70 years since the uprising at Auschwitz. Other topics under discussion include: Holocaust Education for Future Generations, Personal Experiences, as well as New Forms of antisemitism. The seventeen original and seminal articles comprising "Remembering for the Future" are enhanced with the inclusion of a memorial tribute to Dr. Elisabeth Maxwell z"l, a six page listing of the contributors and their credentials, and a twenty-one page index. An absolutely essential addition to community, college, and university library Genocide/Holocaust collections and supplemental studies lists, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Remembering for the Future" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.95).
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
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Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
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