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Reviewer's Choice
The China-India Rivalry in the Globalization Era
T. V. Paul, editor
Georgetown University Press
3240 Prospect Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
www.press.georgetown.edu
9781626165991, $110.95, HC, 312pp, www.amazon.com
Compiled and edited by T.V. Paul (who is the James McGill Professor of International Relations
at McGill University) with the assistance of an international group of leading scholars, "The
China-India Rivalry in the Globalization Era" deftly examines in detail whether the rivalry
between the two countries that began in the 1950s will intensify or dissipate in the twenty-first
century. The China-India relationship is important to analyze because past experience has shown
that when two rising great powers share a border, the relationship is volatile and potentially
dangerous. India and China's relationship faces a number of challenges, including multiple border
disputes that periodically flare up, division over the status of Tibet and the Dalai Lama, the
strategic challenge to India posed by China's close relationship with Pakistan, the Chinese navy's
greater presence in the Indian Ocean, and the two states' competition for natural resources.
Despite these irritants, however, both countries agree on issues such as global financial reforms
and climate change and have much to gain from increasing trade and investment, so there are
reasons for optimism as well as pessimism. An exceptionally well organized and presented study
that includes a complete listing of the contributors and their credentials, "The China-India
Rivalry in the Globalization Era" is unreservedly recommended for community and academic
library Contemporary International Studies collections in general, and China/India Contemporary
Studies reading lists in particular. It should be noted for students, governmental policy makers,
and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "The China-India Rivalry in
the Globalization Era" is also available in a paperback edition (978-1626166004, $36.95) and in
a digital book format (Ebook, 9781626266011, $36.95).
Inside the Neolithic Mind
David Lewis-Williams & David Pearce
Thames & Hudson, Inc.
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110-0017
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9780500294413, $16.95, PB, 320pp, www.amazon.com
What do the headless figures found in the famous paintings at Catalhoyuk in Turkey have in
common with the interlinked spirals carved on the monumental tombs at Newgrange and Knowth
in Ireland? How can the concepts of "birth", "death", and "wild" cast light on the changes in
relationships between people and animals? In the new compact paperback version of "Inside the
Neolithic Mind: Consciousness, Cosmos and the Realm of the Gods", David Lewis-Williams
(Professor Emeritus and Senior Mentor at the Rock Art Research Institute, University of
Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa) and David Pearce (Associate Professor and Director
at the Rock Art Research Institute, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa)
collaboratively examine the intricate web of belief, myth, and society in the Neolithic period,
arguably the most significant turning point in human history, when agriculture became a way of
life and the fractious society that we know today was born. The authors focus on two contrasting
times and places: the beginnings in the Near East, and Western Europe. "Inside the Neolithic
Mind" argues that neurological patterns hardwired into the brain help explain the nature of the
art, religion, and society that Neolithic people produced. In proposing provocative new theories
about religious motivation in ancient times, "Inside the Neolithic Mind" creates a fascinating
neurological bridge to the mysterious thought-lives of the past and reveal the essence of a
momentous period in human history. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, this
new edition of "Inside the Neolithic Mind" is very highly recommended for community, college,
and university library collections. It should be noted for students, academia, and non-specialist
general readers with an interest in the subject that "Inside the Neolithic Mind" is also available in
a digital book format (Kindle, $15.30).
The Art of Reading
Jamie Camplin and Maria Ranauro
Getty Publications
1200 Getty Center Drive, Suite 500, Los Angeles, CA 90049-1682
www.getty.edu
9781606065860 $34.95 amazon.com
Featuring more than 150 striking, full-color reproductions of Western paintings by European and
American artists depicting books and reading, The Art of Reading: An Illustrated History of
Books in Paint is a studious cultural history. Chapters explore why artists love books; how books
and paintings are a key to understanding past and present human culture; how the importance of
reading has evolved in Western society; and much more. Written with scholarly insight, yet
thoroughly accessible to readers of all backgrounds, The Art of Reading is highly recommended
for personal, public, and college library collections.
The Unceasing Storm
Katherine Luo
Douglas & McIntyre
c/o Harbour Publishing
www.douglas-mcintyre.com
9781771621861 $22.95 amazon.com
The Unceasing Storm: Memories of the Chinese Cultural Revolution is the true-life memoir of
author Katherine Luo, who was born in Shanghai in 1935 and immigrated to Canada in 1998.
Luo's reflections center upon her life in mainland China, especially during the Cultural
Revolution, a time of intense zealotry, political persecution, and even arrest, torture, and
execution for those unfortunate enough to become targets. Luo tells of how the Communist Party
was trusted and revered among the people, to such an extent that all marriages had to be
approved by the Party - in fact, the Party denied her request to marry her first love, effectively
ending their relationship. Vivid, often painful, and always fascinating, The Unceasing Storm tells
of a historic, national upheaval stained with innocent blood, from an intensely personal
perspective, and is all but impossible to put down. Highly recommended for both public library
collections and personal reading lists.
Ciderology
Gabe Cook
Spruce
c/o Octopus Books
236 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
www.octopusbooksusa.com
9781846015656, $19.99, HC, 224pp, www.amazon.com
Ciderology is about studying and understanding the way cider making has evolved over the
centuries, from the heart of cider country to the new wave of cider makers. It's about learning
how terroir and climate affect the quality of cider, just like a wine; and how to match your
favorite dishes with the perfect cider. It's about wassailing, community and tradition, but is also
about the innovative and creative craft cider makers emerging all over the world. In "Ciderology"
Gabe Cook, a leading global cider expert, shares his passion for all things cider (and perry!), with
an essential history of the drink and production processes, and a round-the-world tour of the most
important and exciting cider makers in operation. "Ciderology" also includes delicious, palate
pleasing recipes for incorporating cider into a variety of different dishes. Featuring a wealth of
anecdotes and tales that intermingle fact and myth, "Ciderology" will prove to be a real treat for
enthusiastic cider lovers and cider novices alike. Simply stated, "Ciderology" contains anything
and everything anyone will ever need to know about cider! While certain to be an immediate and
enduringly popular addition to community library collections, it should be noted for personal
reading lists that "Ciderology" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99).
The Shift
Kimberly White
Berrett-Koehler
9781523094882, $18.95, www.bk-life.com
The Shift: How Seeing People as People Changes Everything presents a concept so simple that
one might wonder why it would need a book to explore it in depth. The beauty of The Shift,
however, lies in its approach on how to see people as basic human beings rather than numbers,
statistics, or entities. Shifting one's perspective towards acknowledging shared humanity means
that many other things shift, as well, encouraging a more nurturing, understanding environment
as a whole. Chapters do more than present theory: they outline how this shift can happen, what to
do with it, and how it can change everything. Readers seeking a different kind of self-help guide
will find it a positive perspective filled with practical, game-changing applications to everyday
life.
The Writing/Publishing Shelf
Writing Flash
Fred D. White
Quill Driver Books
9781610353175, $14.95, www.quilldriverbooks.com
Writing Flash: How to Craft & Publish Flash Fiction for a Booming Market is specifically for
writers who want to excel in flash fiction, which is typically less than 1,000 words. There's a real
trick to condensing both plot and word choice for an exceptionally short work. The effort can
produce especially lively, evocative writing when done right, and this provides a modern course
in all the techniques of notable flash stories to provide writers with all the basics they need to
build a reputation on flash fiction. Master the art of flash writing and writers who would produce
any manner of written art will find their skillsets vastly expanded, which is why Writing Flash
should be the first step key to success not only with this medium, but as a creative writer.
The Social Issues Shelf
Unapologetic
Charlene A. Carruthers
Beacon Press
24 Farnsworth Street, Boston, MA 02210
www.beacon.org
9780807019412, $22.95, HC, 184pp, www.amazon.com
Drawing on Black intellectual and grassroots organizing traditions, including the Haitian
Revolution, the US civil rights movement, and LGBTQ rights and feminist movements,
"Unapologetic: A Black, Queer, and Feminist Mandate for Radical Movements" by Charlene A.
Carruthers (a Black lesbian feminist and founding national director of the Black Youth Project
100, a leading organization of young activists in the movement for Black liberation) challenges
all of us engaged in the social justice struggle to make the movement for Black liberation more
radical, more queer, and more feminist. "Unapologetic" provides a vision for how social justice
movements can become sharper and more effective through principled struggle, healing justice,
and leadership development. It also offers a flexible model of what deeply effective organizing
can be, anchored in the Chicago model of activism, which features long-term commitment,
cultural sensitivity, creative strategizing, and multiple cross-group alliances. "Unapologetic" also
provides a clear framework for activists committed to building transformative power,
encouraging young people to see themselves as visionaries and leaders. An inspiring and 'real
world practical' handbook for aspiring activists seeking to effect social, cultural, and political
change, "Unapologetic" is unreservedly recommended for community, college, and university
library Social Issues & Activism collections and supplemental studies lists. It should be noted for
the personal reading lists of students, academia, social reform activists, and non-specialist
general readers with an interest in the subject that "Unapologetic" is also available in a digital
book format (Kindle, $17.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Dreamscape Media,
9781974924417, $29.99, CD).
The Health/Medicine Shelf
Recreational Therapy Basics, Techniques, and Interventions
Heather R. Porter, editor
Idyll Arbor, Inc.
PO Box 720, Ravensdale, WA 98051
www.idyllarbor.com
9781882883974, $60.00, HC, 592pp, www.amazon.com
Compiled, organized and presented by recreational therapy expert Heather R. Porter (who is also
a faculty member in the Rehabilitation Sciences Department at Temple University) "Recreational
Therapy Basics, Techniques, and Interventions" is comprised of 51 densely informative chapters
about recreational therapy practice. Ten of those chapters describe the basics including topics
such as activity and task analysis, body mechanics, consequences of inactivity, and effects of
stress. The remaining 41 chapters provide in-depth descriptions of techniques and interventions
used by recreational therapists. These include adaptive sports, behavior strategies, disability
rights education, medical play, social skills training, walking and gait training, and wheelchair
mobility. Each individual chapter features a thorough discussion of how to apply the technique
along with indications, contraindications, and efficacy research supporting the use of the
technique. Expected outcomes, documentation, and links to ICF codes connect the intervention
to the therapists work as part of the healthcare team. Enhanced for academia and practitioners
with the inclusion of an informative introduction, twenty-five tables, two appendices (Common
Clinical Symbols and Abbreviations & Anatomical Orientation and Positioning), and a sixty-two
page index, "Recreational Therapy Basics, Techniques, and Interventions" is unreservedly
recommended as a core addition to college and university library Recreational Therapy
collections and supplemental studies reading lists.
Moodtopia
Sara-Chana Silverstein & Susan K. Golant
Lifelong Books / Da Capo Press
c/o Hachette Book Group
53 State Street, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02109
www.perseusbooksgroup.com
9780738220048, $17.99, PB, 256pp, www.amazon.com
Moodtopia is a term that means being in control of our moods so they are not in control of us. In
the pages of "Moodtopia: Tame Your Moods, De-Stress, and Find Balance Using Herbal
Remedies, Aromatherapy, and More", master herbalist, classical homeopath, a board-certified
lactation consultant, businesswoman, and keynote speaker Sara-Chana Silverstein draws upon
her years of experience and expertise to advocate a natural regimen that nourishes the physical,
emotional, and spiritual lives of women. Packed from cover to cover with hundreds of tools, tips,
and strategies, "Moodtopia" is a practical, easy-to-use guide to herbs, adaptogens, aromatherapy,
color therapy, feng shui, intuition, homeopathy and so much more. Sara-Chana shares the best
natural remedies to help combat stress, anxiety, and promote peace of mind and general health.
She shows how herbs and other natural approaches are a gentle way to enhance one's emotional
state without having to resort to antidepressants, anti-anxiety pills, or other medications that may
have unwanted side effects. With an easy-to-implement 90-day program, "Moodtopia" teaches
women to harness the power of nature coupled with their own inner strength to achieve optimal
emotional and mental wellness. Thoroughly 'user friendly' in tone, commentary, organization and
presentation, "Moodtopia" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community,
and academic library Alternative Health & Medicine collections and supplemental studies
reading lists. It should be noted that "Moodtopia" is also available in a digital book format
(Kindle, $11.99).
The Science Shelf
The Universe Explained
Heather Couper & Nigel Henbest
Firefly Books Ltd.
50 Staples Avenue, Unit 1, Richmond Hill, ON, Canada L4B 0A7
www.fireflybooks.com
9780228100829, $19.95, PB, 288pp, www.amazon.com
"The Universe Explained: A Cosmic Q and A" by the team of Heather Couper (who studied
astrophysics at Oxford University and ran the Greenwich Planetarium, as well as a past President
of both the British Astronomical Association and the Society for Popular Astronomy, and a
Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and the Institute of Physics) and Nigel Henbest (wo
was Astronomy Consultant to New Scientist magazine, Editor of the Journal of the British
Astronomical Association, and Media Consultant to the Royal Greenwich Observatory) directly
answers the most popular astronomy questions of today. Over the course of their illustrious work
in astronomy, Couper and Henbest collected hundreds of the most popular astronomy questions
that they've been asked and herein explain the scientific answers to these questions with expertise
and a healthy dose of humor. "The Universe Explained" answers questions about space travel;
telescopes; the solar system; comets, asteroids and meteors; stars; black holes; the Milky Way
and other galaxies; the big bang and space and time; the possibility of life beyond our planet with
up-to-date space discoveries; and debunk persistent myths and legends. Fun, informative,
beautifully illustrated throughout, "The Universe Explained" is unreservedly recommended for
both school and community library collections as an ideal introduction to astronomy and is
especially appropriate for the non-specialist general reader with an interest in the subject.
A Feast of Science
Joe Schwarcz
ECW Press
2120 Queen Street East, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4E 1E2
www.ecwpress.com
9781770411920, $17.95, PB, 336pp, www.amazon.com
An entertaining and digestible volume that demystifies science, "A Feast of Science: Intriguing
Morsels from the Science of Everyday Life" deftly explains the chemistry of everyday life while
serving up practical knowledge to both inform and entertain the non-specialist general reader.
Guaranteed to satiate your hunger for palatable and relevant scientific information, Dr. Joe
Schwarcz (Director of the Office for Science and Society at McGill University, Montreal,
Canada) proves that "chemical" is not necessarily synonymous with "toxic", and addresses a
variety of other science-based questions such as: Are there fish genes in tomatoes? Can
snail-slime cream and bone broth really make your wrinkles disappear? What's the problem with
sugar, resistant starch, hops in beer, microbeads, and "secret" cancer cures? Are "natural"
products the key to good health? And what is "fake news" all about? In the pages of "A Feast of
Science", Dr. Joe answers these questions and more. Cutting through the fog of story, suggestion,
and social-media speculation, "A Feast of Science" gets neatly to the essence and heart of the
chemical reactions that make up our daily lives as human beings. Exceptionally well written,
organized and presented, "A Feast of Science" is unreservedly recommended for personal,
community, and academic library General Science 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 "A Feast of Science" is also available in a digital book format
(eTextbook, $9.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Brilliance Audio,
9781721333721, $14.99, MP3 CD).
At Least Know This
Guy P. Harrison
Prometheus Books
9781633884052, $19.00, www.prometheusbooks.com
At Least Know This: Essential Science to Enhance Your Life pairs journalism's flare for dramatic
reporting with scientific examination of basic concepts that apply to everyday life. The result is a
creation that blends science and drama to create an educational, appealing survey of basic
scientific concepts. From changing average lifespans around the world and how astronomy
provides a deeper recognition of mankind's place in the universe to how life began, At Least
Know This distills the basics of scientific theory into a lesson anyone can absorb, and one which
is inviting and fun to read.
The Art Shelf
Pueblo Bead Jewelry: Living Design
Paula A. Baxter, author
Barry Katzen, photographer
Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
www.schifferbooks.com
9780764355851, $34.99, HC, 160pp, www.amazon.com
Paula A. Baxter is an art professional who has worked for such institutions as the Museum of
Modern Art, New York, and the New York Public Library. She is the author of Southwest Silver
Jewelry, Southwestern Indian Rings, and Southwestern Indian Bracelets. Beautifully illustrated
with the full color photography of Barry Katzen, "Pueblo Bead Jewelry: Living Design" features
more than 250 breathtaking images that integrates Paula Baxter's decades of research with
updated findings. Beads were made in the prehistoric American Southwest by the ancestors of
the Pueblo Indians, and survived into the historic era. Bead jewelry creations in shell, stone, and
silver are important in the Native American jewelry marketplace. "Pueblo Bead Jewelry: Living
Design" revisits some leading misconceptions about Pueblo jewelry-making in the existing
literature. A survey of modern Pueblo jewelry innovation confirms that its design is second to
none, and discusses how Pueblo design meshed with American mid-century modernist
expression. Today's Pueblo jewelers, also featured here, continue to offer invention and
originality. "Pueblo Bead Jewelry: Living Design" is an informed and informative testament that
the bead played a vital role in Pueblo Indian jewelry design, and its influence continues today in
modernist American design. A visual treasure to simply browse through, "Pueblo Bead Jewelry:
Living Design" is very highly recommended for personal, professional, community, college, and
university library Contemporary Native American Art collections and supplemental studies
lists.
Ten-Step Drawing: Flowers
Mary Woodin
Walter Foster Publishing
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1722
www.quartoknows.com
9781633224896, $14.99, PB, 128pp, www.amazon.com
An artist and illustrator based in Suffolk, United Kingdom, Mary Woodin specializes in painting
natural subjects and produces artwork for everything from stationery to ceramic tiles. Mary's
interest in the outdoors has inspired a number of publications, including The Painted Garden
Cookbook (a collection of illustrated recipes produced in her own garden) and Drawn to the
Country. In "Ten-Step Drawing: Flowers" she draws upon her years of experience and expertise
to provide aspiring artists with do-it-yourself tutorials for drawing seventy-five different types of
flowers. Offering hours and hours of meditative fun and recreation, "Ten-Step Drawing:
Flowers" is thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, making it an ideal and
unreservedly recommended addition to personal instructional art book collections.
The Graphic Novel Shelf
The Only Living Boy Omnibus
David Gallaher and Steve Ellis
Papercutz
160 Broadway, Suite 700E, New York, NY 10038
www.papercutz.com
9781545801260 $24.99 amazon.com
Written for readers of all ages, and nominated for 4 Harvey Awards, The Only Living Boy
Omnibus collects the entire, action-packed "Only Living Boy" comic book saga into a single,
full-color graphic novel, complete with a brand new twenty-page story (a brief tale that fits neatly
within the continuity of the larger whole). The story follows Erik, a young boy who is suddenly
and inexplicably transported into a patchwork, mishmash world filled with fantastic, dangerous
creatures, and ruled by a vicious dragon. There appear to be no other humans... a fact that works
ever-so-slightly to his advantage, since no one in this bizarre landscape knows what a preteen
boy is (or isn't) capable of! Yet his is not completely alone, as his desire to free prisoners and
right wrongs leads him to befriend a Mermidonian warrior-woman; the princess of a potentially
voracious race of insect-people; a gloomy captive subjected to horrific experimentation; and
much more. The excitement never stops right up to the magnificent conclusion, in this treasure
highly recommended for public library collections and connoisseurs of quality graphic
novels..
The Beatles Yellow Submarine
Bill Morrison, illustrator
Titan Comics
https://titan-comics.com
9781785863943, $29.99, HC, 128pp, www.amazon.com
The music-loving, underwater paradise of Pepperland has been overrun by the music-hating Blue
Meanies and their leader, Chief Blue Meanie. They turn the people of Pepperland into living
statues by dropping apples on them and imprison the Pepperland's guardians, Sgt Pepper's Lonely
Hearts Club Band inside a soundproof blue glass globe, before confiscating all the music
instruments in the land. Pepperland's mayor sends aging sailor, Young Fred out in the fabled
Yellow Submarine to find help. He travels to our world where he stumbles across the Beatles and
begs them to help him free his world. They agree and head back to Pepperland, teaming up with
Jeremy The Nowhere Man along the way to help overthrow the evil Blue Meanies through the
power of music and love. This graphic novel is based on the popular Beatles song and vividly
illustrated by comic book artist, writer, editor, and co-founder of Bongo Comics Bill Morrison.
An enormously entertaining graphic novel that can be read with full enjoyment over and over
again, "The Beatles Yellow Submarine" is especially recommended to all Beatles fans and will
prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to community library graphic novel
collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Beatles Yellow Submarine" is
also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $22.79).
Sea of Thieves
Jeremy Whitley, author
Rhoald Marcellius, illustrator
Titan Comics
https://titan-comics.com
9781785864629, $16.99, PB, 112.pp, www.amazon.com
An original story by Jeremy Whitley brought vividly to life with the colorful artwork of Rhoald
Marcellius, "Sea of Thieves" features a crew of two bands of adventuring pirates, one led by the
daughter of the most famous pirate in history -- and the other by her brother! Followed by such
diverse personalities as a Japanese sharp shooting lady, a Portugese aristocratic boy in search of
adventure, a skilled pickpocketing girl, a massive Viking-style warrior, and others a as they sail
the Sea of Thieves! Voyaging to far islands in search of legendary buried treasure, our heroes (or
villains, depending on how you look at things) will face rival thieves, the wrath of undead hordes
guarding their riches, and the worst that the vast sea has to offer! Can they work together to
survive long enough to cash in their reward? Or will they end up as ghosts on the Ferry of the
Damned...? A simply riveting tale full of unexpected plot twists and turns, "Sea of Thieves" is a
terrific read and highly recommended for personal and community library graphic novel
collections. It should be noted that "Sea of Thieves" is also available in a digital book format
(Kindle, $9.59).
The Quest of Ewilan Book One: From One World to Another
Based on the novel by Pierre Bottero
Adaptation by Lylian
Art by Laurence Baldetti
Coloring by Loic Chevallier
EuroComics
c/o IDW Publishing
2765 Truxton Road, San Diego, CA 92106
www.idwpublishing.com
9781684053254 $14.99 hc / $14.24 Kindle amazon.com
The Quest of Ewilan Book One: From One World to Another is the first graphic novel in a series
adapting Pierre Bottero's novel about a young woman who is heir to the power of "Imaginators",
able to harness her mind to transform reality and travel between two worlds. In the normal world,
she is exceptionally bright in school but her affluent caretakers are extremely distant; in the
mysterious other world, she may be civilization's best hope against the resurgence of a ferocious,
insect-like race. Suitable for all ages, The Quest of Ewilan Book One is highly recommended for
fantasy connoisseurs and public library graphic novel collections.
Dr. Stone 1
Story by Riichiro Inagaki
Art by Boichi
Viz Media LLC
1355 Market Street, Suite 200, San Francisco CA 94103
www.viz.com
9781974702619 $9.99 pbk / $6.99 Kindle amazon.com
Dr. Stone 1 is the debut volume of a black-and-white, post-apocalyptic manga (Japanese graphic
novel) set in a world where all humans have been suddenly and mysteriously turned to stone.
Millenia have passed, and now former high school student Taiju has awakened to a world of
statues. He is not alone, though - his science-enthusiast friend has been conscious for a few
months prior, long enough to devise a grand plan to reawaken humanity and rebuild civilization.
But does every human truly deserve to be reanimated? An intriguing blend of action, philosophy,
and supercharged love of science, Dr. Stone is highly recommended for teen and adult
readers.
Radiant 1
Tony Valente
Viz Media LLC
1355 Market Street, Suite 200, San Francisco CA 94103
www.viz.com
9781974703814 $9.99 pbk / $6.99 Kindle amazon.com
Radiant 1 is a black-and-white, manga-style graphic novel by French-born creator Tony Valente,
debuting a brand new supernatural adventure series. In the world of Radiant, evil creatures
dubbed "Nemeses" fall from the sky, and the only mortals that can fight back against them are
"Wizards", infected individuals who survived their corruption. One of these survivors, Seth, has
vowed to not only fight back, but to track down "Radiant", the legendary nest of the Nemeses,
and destroy it! Created for a teen-to-adult audience, Radiant kicks off a wild and dangerous
adventure, and is enthusiastically recommended to action-packed graphic novel
connoisseurs!
Blackwax Boulevard: Five Years, What a Surprise (2012-2017)
Dmitri Jackson
Frotoon Press
http://blackwaxboulevard.com
9780999259634 $30.00
Intended for readers ages 15+ due to mature language, Blackwax Boulevard: Five Years, What a
Surprise (2012-2017) is a black-and-white anthology of the slice-of-life webcomic series.
"Blackwax" refers to an obscure vinyl record store that is a haven for music lovers. Main
characters include an intellectual, African-American vinyl enthusiast with a speech impediment;
his tough-as-nails cab driver older brother; the aging hippie store owner, and the irascibly
practical store employee Veronica. The local neighborhood is gentrifying, which places an
immense financial strain on everyone as business and residence rents skyrocket. Blackwax
Boulevard reflects the author's love of vinyl music, and the gritty day-to-day realities of urban
life, with a bold, lively flair that makes it a treat for connoisseurs of independent graphic novels.
Highly recommended!
The Wonderful World of Tank Girl
Alan Martin, author
Brett Parsons, illustrator
Titan Comics
https://titan-comics.com
9781785862076, $22.99, HC, 112pp, www.amazon.com
The eponymous character Tank Girl (Rebecca Buck - later revealed to have been born as Fonzie
Rebecca Buckler) drives a tank, which is also her home. She undertakes a series of missions for a
nebulous organization before making a serious mistake and being declared an outlaw for her
sexual inclinations and her substance abuse. The comic centres on her misadventures with her
boyfriend, Booga, a mutant kangaroo. The comic's style is heavily influenced by punk visual art,
and strips are frequently deeply disorganized, anarchic, absurdist, and psychedelic. The strip
features various elements with origins in surrealist techniques, fanzines, collage, cut-up
technique, stream of consciousness, and metafiction, with very little regard or interest for
conventional plot or committed narrative. The strip was initially set in a futuristic Australia,
although it drew heavily from contemporary British pop culture. These individual Alan C. Martin
'Tank Girl' stories are illustrated by Brett Parsons. "The Wonderful World of Tank Girl" is the
latest graphic novel showcasing the adventures of Tank Girl compiled from what was originally
published in the form of Tank Girl comic books. It should be noted for the personal reading lists
of all dedicated Tank Girl fans that "The Wonderful World of Tank Girl" is also available in a
digital book format (Kindle, $11.99).
Factory
Yacine Elghorri
Titan Comics
https://titan-comics.com
9781785865985, $16.99, PB, 104pp, www.amazon.com
Taking place on a dystopian planet where different species are in a constant struggle to survive,
"Factory" by Yacine Elghorri (who is an animator, illustrator, storyboard artist, conceptual
designer and comic book artist) is the story of a band of mutants who slog through the harsh
deserts in search of the Factory - the last semblance of civilization left among the wasteland
where all creatures, human, semi-human, and non-human are dying of hunger. A vividly
memorable and genuinely riveting read from beginning to end, "Factory" is an especially
recommended addition to personal and community library Science Fiction graphic novel
collections and reading lists.
A Confusion of Angels
Richard Dinnick, et al.
Titan Comics
https://titan-comics.com
9781785866890, $22.99, HC, 112pp, www.amazon.com
When the Doctor and his companions are drawn to a transport vessel in deadly trouble in deep
space, they're pulled into an impossible conflict, between the robotic Heavenly Host -- and the
infamous Weeping Angels! Featuring the Twelfth Doctor and fan-favorite companions Bill,
Nardole (and Missy!) Very highly recommended for community library graphic novel
collections, "Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor - Time Trials Volume 3: A Confusion of Angels"
is comprised of Doctor Who: The Twelfth Doctor Year Three #10-13, making it a 'must have'
addition to the personal reading lists and collections of all dedicated Doctor Who fans.
Rex Royd
Frankie Boyle, et al.
Titan Comics
https://titan-comics.com
9781785867248, $19.99, PB, 112pp, www.amazon.com
Each Rex Royd chapter comprising Frankie Boyle graphic novel "Rex Royd" takes the reader
further into the vivid imagination of this stand-up comedian and writer. Backed up by stunning,
stylish art by Mike Dowling and Budi Setiawan, the action takes place at RexCorp, a corporation
where violence is the day job. RexCorp is headed up by super scientist CEO Rex Royd,
indestructible Alan Black, and Eve. How will they cope against the incalculable power of the
extraterrestrial Proteoman? All this plus memory implants, drug-addicted schizophrenics,
sex-travelling aliens, and a Thunder God! A simply riveting and solidly entertaining read from
cover to cover, "Rex Royd" is certain to be an immediate and enduringly entertaining addition to
personal reading lists and community library graphic novel collections!
Tyler Cross: Black Rock
Fabien Nury, author
Bruno, illustrator
Titan Comics
https://titan-comics.com
9781785867309, $24.99, HC, 100pp, www.amazon.com
Tyler Cross is first and foremost an individualist. As a career criminal for hire, he's the best at
what he does, whether he's trafficking drugs or spraying bullets in a shoot-out. Being a freelance
agent in the criminal underworld he is in big demand. "Tyler Cross: Black Rock" may be his last
mission because he must deal with violence from a cartel, the mafia, and a corrupt family that
controls a small town. Complicating everything is that the 17 kilos of drugs in his possession are
found and sequestered by an old man whose price is that Tyler rescue his daughter from an
unwanted marriage. Black Rock is one adventure that Tyler may not survive! Another riveting
graphic novel by the team of author Fabien Nury and artist/illustrator Bruno, "Tyler Cross: Black
Rock" is very highly recommended for graphic novel fans and community library
collections.
Jason McLane's Inheritance
Yves Sente, author
Youri Jigounov, artist
Cinebook Ltd.
www.cinebook.com
c/o National Book Network (dist.)
4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
www.nbnbooks.com
9781849184052, $13.95, PB, 56pp, www.amazon.com
Still with Annika, Jason McLane has the documents his godfather left for him to find in the
Netherlands deciphered. Once translated, the text offers revelations of breathtaking importance -
enough to change the geopolitical map for ever. But the killers sent by the Mayflower Foundation
are still after them, while in Afghanistan, Jones and Carrington's situation goes from bad to
worse. XIII will have to be on his best game to sort it all out - but at what price? Another deftly
riveting graphic novel by Yves Sente brought vividly to life with the artwork of illustrator Youri
Jigounov, "Jason McLane's Inheritance" is very highly recommended reading for graphic novel
enthusiasts. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Jason McLane's Inheritance" is also
available in a digital book format (Kindle, $5.99).
Valerian: Shingouzlooz Inc.
Wilfrid Lupano, author
Mathieu Lauffray, illustrator
Cinebook Ltd.
www.cinebook.com
c/o National Book Network (dist.)
4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
www.nbnbooks.com
9781849184014, $13.95, PB, 56pp, www.cinebook.com
An apparently simple mission (apprehending a super artificially intelligent speculator-droid)
turns into a race against time when the Shingouz drop in uninvited mid-arrest, begging Valerian
and Laureline for protection against someone who means to kill them. To the agents' surprise, it's
Mr. Albert who is an old friend who pops up in hot pursuit of the three Shingouz, guns blazing.
The ensuing shoot-out does little to simplify an already complicated situation: our heroes'
favorite information brokers have managed to lose Earth in a card game to a mercenary business
man who is planning on draining Earth's oceans for a profit! Another riveting action/adventure in
the Valerian series of graphic novels by author Wilfrid Lupano and artist/illustrator Mathieu
Lauffray, "Valerian: Shingouzlooz Inc." is certain to be a popular addition to the personal reading
lists of all science fiction fans, and an immediately popular addition to community library
collections!
The Silent Invasion: Red Shadows
Michael Cherkas and Larry Hancock
NBM Publishing
160 Broadway, Ste. 700, East Wing, New York, NY 10038
www.nbmpub.com
c/o Independent Publishers Group (dist.)
www.ipgbook.com
9781681121741 $16.99 pbk / $9.99 Kindle amazon.com
The Silent Invasion: Red Shadows collects and revises issues #1-6 of the black-and-white comic
"The Silent Invasion" into a single, dramatic story about a covert alien invasion and systemic
bureaucratic corruption, set during the "Red Scare" anti-Communist hysteria that pervaded 1950's
America. Matt Sinkage is an investigative reporter who may be in over his head, as his
investigation reveals evidence of cruel murders, a ruthless plan of otherworldly conquest, and
complicit involvement at the highest levels of government bureaucracy. A dark tale blend of
intrigue, sci-fi, and hard-boiled noir, The Silent Invasion: Red Shadows is riveting to the last
page and highly recommended.
The Whistling Factory
Jesse McManus
Uncivilized Books
https://uncivilizedbooks.com
9781941250297, $29.95, PB, 286pp, www.amazon.com
Imagine comics created from the DNA of John Kricfalusi, Charles Burns with a dash of Jim
Woodring. You'd end up with animated, visionary comics by illustrator and artist Jesse
McManus. His fluid, hyper-kinetic, and lush brush strokes delineate a surreal visionary world of
feral children, rubbery animals, and constantly-mutating monsters. "The Whistling Factory" is an
audacious debut from the sui generis frenetic imagination of Jesse McManus. Original and
inherently reader engaging from first page to last, "The Whistling Factory" is the perfect
introduction to the surreal imagination and storytelling style of one of the very best in avant garde
graphic novelists of our time. Unreservedly recommended for personal and community library
graphic novel collections.
The Ghost Script
Jules Feiffer
Liveright Publishing
c/o W. W. Norton & Company
9781631493133, $26.95, www.wwnorton.com
The Ghost Script ends a graphic novel series that completes his Kill My Mother trilogy, begun in
2014, and is especially recommended for fans of the prior books who have awaited this
completion for years. Set in 1950s Hollywood, it offers a close inspection of the Hollywood
industry, show business, McCarthyism, and plots affecting Archie Goldman, who find himself
blacklisted and frustrated. Feiffer's vivid illustrations capture an era, individual angst, and the
processes of social and personal change alike. Any reader who was left wondering at the outcome
of Archie's experiences will relish this conclusive grand finale to an outstanding graphic novel
saga.
The Audiobook Shelf
Organized Crime
Georgios A. Antonopoulos, author
Georgios Papanicolaou, author
Steven Crossley, narrator
Tantor Media, Inc.
6 Business Park Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
www.tantor.com
9781400172351, $24.99, CD, www.amazon.com
For many people around the world, instances of what is described as organized crime may be part
of their everyday experience; in their neighborhoods, their streets, and the places they work and
live. Policymakers, law enforcement, and the media rarely fail to bring up the issue when
discussing the nature and seriousness of contemporary criminal threats, and the appropriate
responses towards them. Many more people are familiar with the notion of organized crime, as
the film and TV industry regularly draw on fictional and real figures and situations. "Organized Crime: A Very Short Introduction" by criminologists and authors Georgios A.
Antonopoulos and Georgios Papanicolaou uncovers the reality of organized crime in our world
today. Shining a light on the people involved in organized crime, Antonopoulos and
Papanicolaou question whether the term "organized" is used to evoke the image, the operations,
and power of a legitimate organization, such as a corporation. Discussing whether there are
particular crimes that the label "organized crime" applies to, or if any crime can be organized,
they also consider what happens when organized crime extends beyond borders. Expertly
narrated by Steven Crossley, this complete and unabridged audio book edition is very highly
recommended for both community and academic library Criminology and audio book
collections. (4 CDs, 4.5 Hours).
Beautiful Exiles
Meg Waite Clayton, author
Performed by Kirsten Potter
Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887, Grand Haven, MI 49417
www.brillianceaudio.com
9781543674828 $14.99 megwaiteclayton.com
Beautiful Exiles is the unabridged MP3 audiobook (plays on MP3-CD enabled players or
transfers to portable devices) of a novel based on a true-life love affair during the Great
Depression. When skilled journalist Martha Gellhorn meets the literary titan Ernest Heming way
in a dive bar, their friendship grows into something greater while they cover the Spanish Civil
War. Martha adores Hemingway, yet he is unquestionably married. As they travel the globe,
Martha acts as a superlative war correspondent, while Hemingway begins the novel destined to
earn a Nobel Prize for Literature. Both of them are iron-willed achievers, each with their own
drives, and neither is willing to compromise their goals or identity for the benefit of the other!
Highly recommended. 1 MP3-CD, 10 hours 50 min.
Panzer Ace
Richard Freiherr Von Rosen
Tantor Media, Inc.
6 Business Park Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
www.tantor.com
9781977359490, $29.99, CD, www.amazon.com
Richard Freiherr von Rosen was a highly decorated Wehrmacht soldier and outstanding panzer
commander. After serving as a gunlayer on a Pz.Mk.III during Barbarossa, he led a Company of
Tigers at Kursk. Later he led a company of King Tiger panzers at Normandy and in late 1944
commanded a battle group (12 King Tigers and a flak Company) against the Russians in Hungary
in the rank of junior, later senior lieutenant (from November 1944, his final rank). Only 489 of
these King Tiger tanks were ever built. They were the most powerful heavy tanks to see service,
and only one kind of shell could penetrate their armor at a reasonable distance. Every effort had
to be made to retrieve any of them bogged down or otherwise immobilized, which led to many
towing adventures. The Von Rosen has a fine memory and eye for detail. His account is easy to
listen to and not technical, and adds substantially to the knowledge of how the German Panzer
Arm operated in the Second World War. Narrated in English for an American audience by Nigel
Patterson, this complete and unabridged Tantor Media edition is unreserved recommended for
community, college, and university library audio book collections. (7 CDs, 8.5 Hours).
Heaven Adjacent
Catherine Ryan Hyde, author
Performed by Laural Merlington
Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887, Grand Haven, MI 49417
www.brillianceaudio.com
9781543678130 $24.99
Heaven Adjacent is the unabridged audiobook rendition of a heartfelt novel about relearning how
to experience joy in life after enduring sorrow. Roseanna Chaldecott is a talented Manhattan
lawyer, but when her best friend and law partner suddenly dies, the loss shakes her to the core.
She retreats to a farm at the foothills of the Adirondacks, and discovers unexpected residents - a
mother and daughter squatting on the property. Reluctantly, she allows them to stay, and
discovers a shared interest with the daughter in transforming junk on the farm into animal
sculptures. A thoughtful meditation on finding one's path in life, Heaven Adjacent is thought-
provoking and emotionally moving to the very end. Highly recommended. 8 CDs, 9 hours 41
min.
The Moscow Offensive
Dale Brown
Brilliance Audio
9781511322461, $34.99, www.brillianceaudio.com
The Moscow Offensive is performed by Ryan Burke, who adds a solid, clear voice to the story of
Russia's new weapon that only the Iron Wolf Squadron of America can stop. This story is the
perfect example of how a well-written thriller translates exceptionally well to audio: pair a
smooth, evocative voice with the gripping story of an American president unprepared for the
realities of Russia's threats and then add a military edge with state-of-the-art weaponry for a
completely engrossing listen that will keep thriller fans riveted to the end.
The Library CD Shelf
Full Circle: The Music of Joni Mitchell
Debra Mann
Whaling City Sound
www.whalingcitysound.com
c/o Naxos (dist.)
www.naxosusa.com
$14.99 CD / $8.99 MP3 amazon.com
In the album Full Circle: The Music of Joni Mitchell, music artist Debra Mann celebrates
Mitchell's 75 years of life. Performing interpretations of Mitchell's music with a jazz quintet, Full
Circle is a smooth, sensuous treasure, highly recommended for connoisseurs of the genre, gift-
giving, and public library collections. The tracks are "Black Crow", "Jericho", "Be Cool",
"Goodbye Pork Pie Hat", "Both Sides Now", "The Circle Game", "Big Yellow Taxi", "Blue", "A
Case of You", "Dry Cleaner from Des Moines", "Urge for Going", and "Woodstock".
Been On Your Side
Courtney Hartman & Taylor Ashton
courtneyhartman.com
taylorashton.com
Free Dirt
freedirt.net
$14.98 CD / $9.49 MP3 amazon.com
Songwriters Courtney Hartman and Taylor Ashton have created original songs for Been On Your
Side - some separately, and some together while living in New York City. Hartman's talents as a
guitarist, Ashton's gift for the clawhammer banjo, and the vocal harmony of both distinguish this
collaborative album of new American roots music. Been On Your Side makes an excellent gift
for connoisseurs of the genre, and is highly recommended for public library music collections.
The tracks are "Wayside", "Meadowlark", "Been on Your Side", "First of Us", "Which Will",
"Loving Hands", "Dead to Me", "Better", "Nature of Us", "Hold Still", "Neighborhood Name",
and "Liza".
Voyager
Lisa Swerdlow
LisaSwerdlowPiano.com
Heart Dance Records
HeartDanceRecords.com
$12.99 CD amazon.com
Voyager is a solo piano music album by talented music artist Lisa Swerdlow. Inspired by
NASA's twin Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft, these new and original compositions stir the heart's
dreams. Voyager is a rapturous treasure, highly recommended for personal and public library
music collections. The tracks are "Voyager", "Edge of Tranquility", "Mindful Moments",
"Autumn Speaks to Me", "Sundays in Paris", "Gone Too Soon", "Winter Solstice", "Into the
Center", "I Saw You Dancing With The Stars", and "Yuba River Journey".
Follow Your Heart
Eric Bikales
www.ericbikales.com
Libido Music Publishing
www.easygoingpiano.com
$TBA CD / $8.99 MP3 amazon.com
Follow Your Heart is the fourth solo piano album by Eric Bikales, now fully remastered and re-
released. This rendition also includes three of Bikales' newest compositions, "Clockwork", "The
Meeting", and "The Saint". Vibrant and free-spirited, Follow Your Heart is highly recommended
for new age and solo piano connoisseurs as well as public library collections. The tracks are
"Clockwork", "Maybe Yes Maybe No", "Follow Your Heart", "The Closer You Get", "The
Meeting", "Someway Someday", "Fabulous Island", "Song For My Father", "Mysterier", "Miles
To Go", "Franklin Jubilee", and "The Saint". 39 min. 32 sec.
Beautiful You
Matthew Mayer
www.matthewmayer.com
Privately Published
$TBA CD / $9.49 MP3 amazon.com
The twelfth piano album by music artist Matthew Mayer, Beautiful You features new age style
music and a profoundly positive message about the importance of cherishing oneself. "You are
Beautiful... You are Enough" is the theme around which these sweeping, intricately mellifluous
songs are woven. Beautiful You is a choice pick for new age piano connoisseurs and gift-giving,
highly recommended. The tracks are "Raindrops of Amor", "Fly Little Bird", "You Are Enough",
"A Modern Introspection", "Beautiful You", "Of Haunt and Hope", "Broken Mirror", "Bill Next
Door", "Tranquility", "Ordinary Way", "Dreams VII", and "In Spirit".
Half Moon Bay
Rick Sparks
www.ricksparksmusic.net
Privately Published
$9.99 CD / $8.99 download cdbaby.com
The fifth album by new age keyboardist Rick Sparks, Half Moon Bay is a blissful soundscape
that encapsulates the leisurely splendor of a summer beach. Serene and drifting, Half Moon Bay
includes one solo piano piece ("You're So Nice") as well as contributions from electric guitar,
fingerstyle guitar, flute medley, and more in tribute to the sounds of nature. A blend of original
music and selected covers, Half Moon Day is a treasure for relaxation, meditation, or inspiration,
highly recommended. The tracks are "Sand and Stars", "Half Moon Bay", "Sunlight In Her Hair",
"You're So Nice", "Ocean Blue", "First Light", "Lonely Sea", "Whisper In the Wind", "Sunset
Dreams", and "Summer's Gone".
The Jamie Lawrence Sextet: New York Suite
Jamie Lawrence
www.jamielawrenceproductions.com
Good Mood Records, LLC
$11.99 digital download amazon.com
Begun in the late 1980s and finished almost thirty years later, The Jamie Lawrence Sextet: New
York Suite is a digital album featuring performances from exceptional jazz musicians. Five-time
Emmy Award winner Jamie Lawrence has brought together these lively team performances
featuring seductive saxophone, riotous rhythms, sublime synthesizer, and more. The Jamie
Lawrence Sextet: New York Suite is enthusiastically recommended as a treasure for jazz
connoisseurs. The tracks are "New York Suite", "Margot with a 't'", "Watts What", "Beluga
Triangle", and "Bonus Track - Tongue Twister". 43 min.
Kanawha County Flatpicking
Tyler Grant and Robin Kessinger
www.tylergrant.com
Grant Central Records, LLC
$TBA CD / $9.49 MP3 amazon.com
Flatpicking (or simply picking) is the technique of striking the strings of a guitar with a pick held
between the thumb and one or two fingers. Kanawha County Flatpicking is a music CD album
crafted by two friends with a shared love of bluegrass, flatpicking, and old-time music passed
down through the generations. Kanawha County Flatpicking is a "must" for bluegrass and
flatpicking fans, highly recommended. The tracks are "Soldier's Joy", "My Blue Ridge Mountain
Home", "Garfield's March", "Winfield Story", "No Hard Times", "Blue Water Hornpipe",
"Russian Lullaby", "Wednesday Night Waltz", "Boll Weevil", "Farewell to Long Hollow",
"Susannah Gal", "Rights of Man", "A Dime Looks Like a Wagon Wheel", "Flop Eared Mule",
and "A Song! A Beautiful Song!".
Woven Threads
Stu Mindeman
stumindeman.com
Sunnyside Records
sunnysiderecords.com
$12.95 CD / $9.00 digital
Pianist and composer Stu Mindeman presents Woven Threads, an original album drawn from
Mindeman's experience with both North and South American cultures, including visits to
childhood memories of the vibrant nation of Chile. The result is a musical tapestry woven from
elements of Chilean music and North American music, rich and sumptuously expansive. Woven
Threads is a choice pick for international music collections, highly recommended. The tracks are
"Casi, Casi", "El Aparecido", "Sin Sentido", "La Rueda", "La Casa De al Lado", "Woven Threads
- What Word", "Woven Threads - A Thousand Stars", and "No Puedes Volver Atras".
The Library DVD Shelf
Alone on the Island of the Blue Dolphins
A documentary by Paul Goldsmith
First Run Features
630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213, New York, NY 10036
$19.95 www.firstrunfeatures.com
Alone on the Island of the Blue Dolphins is a documentary about the woman whose life inspired
the children's novel "Island of the Blue Dolphins". Here is the true-life story of a woman survived
on an island by herself, with only her beloved dog for company, for 18 years. She was eventually
'rescued' and brought to Santa Barbara. Although the language barrier impeded her
communication (she was the last native speaker of her language), she would sing for visitors. She
tragically died of disease seven weeks later. This is the first documentary about her that directly
visits the island on which she lived, including her campsite and cave. Alone on the Island of the
Blue Dolphins is utterly fascinating, and highly recommended especially for school and public
library documentary collections. 58 min.
Murdoch Mysteries: Home for the Holidays
Acorn Media
c/o RLJ Entertainment
www.us.RLJEntertainment.com
$24.99 DVD or Blu-ray www.acornonline.com
Available in both DVD and Blu-ray formats, Murdoch Mysteries: Home for the Holidays is a
feature-length mystery set during the late 1890s and early 1900s. The main character is the
dashing Detective William Murdoch (played by Yannick Bisson), whose interest in cutting-edge
forensic techniques helps him solve gruesome murders. Home for the Holidays is set in the days
before Christmas, as Murdoch and his wife, Dr. Julia Ogden (played by Helene Joy) travel to
Victoria, British Columbia to see Murdoch's quirky brother. The holiday visit takes a dark turn
when Murdoch is drawn into investigating a murder at an archaeological site. A cozy winter
murder mystery, Murdoch Mysteries: Home for the Holidays makes an excellent Christmas gift
for connoisseurs of the genre! Bonus material includes a behind-the-scenes featurette. 89 min.
plus 3 min. bonus, SDH subtitles.
The Good Karma Hospital, series 2
Acorn Media
c/o RLJ Entertainment
www.us.RLJEntertainment.com
$39.99 DVD or Blu-ray www.acornonline.com
Available in both DVD and Blu-ray formats, The Good Karma Hospital, series 2 continues this
poignant medical drama set in a coastal town in Southern India, at a cottage hospital where the
overworked staff perpetually lacks resources. In series 2, British expatriate Dr. Ruby Walker
(played by Amrita Acharia) tries to further career under her imposing boss, Dr. Lydia Fonseca
(Amanda Redman); Lydia's boyfriend and beach bar owner Greg (Neil Morrissey) tries to help
the newly widowed Paul (Philip Jackson) adjust to the loss of his wife; and a link to Ruby's
estranged family unexpectedly surfaces. An engrossing, character-driven saga, The Good Karma
Hospital, series 2 is highly recommended to connoisseurs of quality television. Bonus features
include a 30 min. behind-the-scenes featurette. 6 episodes on 2 DVDs or 2 Blu-ray discs, 288
min. plus bonus, SDH subtitles.
Holden Qigong series
Lee Holden
www.holdenqigong.com
YMAA Publications
PO Box 480, Wolfeboro, NH 03894-0480
$29.95 each www.ymaa.com
Qi Gong is a mind-body fitness practice that can benefit people of all ages and backgrounds. Two
excellent DVDs by Qi Gong expert Lee Holden guide the viewer to gentle, regular exercises
ideal for relieving stress and promoting good health. "Qi Gong for Better Breathing" (45 min.)
shows how practicing Qi Gong movements and better breathing habits nurtures one's vital
energies and benefits the mind as well as the body. "Qi Gong for the Arms, Wrists, and Hands"
(45 min.) emphasizes Qi Gong stretches and exercises especially suited for relieving pain and
tightness. Both videos are user-friendly, and make highly recommended supplements to fitness or
Qi Gong instructional collections.
The Metaphysical Studies Shelf
A Survival Guide for Those Who Have Psychic Abilities and Don't Know What to Do With
Them
Lisa Anne Rooney
www.PurpleLotus66.com
Llewellyn Publications
2143 Wooddale Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125
www.llewellyn.com
9780738756516, $16.99, PB, 216pp, www.amazon.com
Lisa Anne Rooney is a medium, life coach, and spiritual counselor who helps both the living and
the dead move forward. She has been teaching psychic development classes for more than ten
years and can be visited at www.PurpleLotus66.com. In "A Survival Guide for Those Who Have
Psychic Abilities and Don't Know What to Do With Them", she draws upon her years of
experience and expertise to deftly craft an empowering book comprised of practical tips and
effective techniques for learning to use our psychic abilities in a way that enhances our life and
helps us balance our mind, body, and spirit. Readers will discover how to tell the difference
between spirits and ghosts. Learn how to work with negative entities and protect ourselves from
psychic harm. Explore how to receive messages and channel the wisdom of our guides. Also
provided is crucial advice on everything from energy clearing to taking spiritual lessons to heart.
Also offering inspiring insights and words of encouragement for those times when we need it
most, "A Survival Guide for Those Who Have Psychic Abilities and Don't Know What to Do
With Them" is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to personal and community
library Metaphysical Studies collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "A
Survival Guide for Those Who Have Psychic Abilities and Don't Know What to Do With Them"
is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $16.14).
Spirit of the Animals Oracle
Jody Bergsma
http://www.bergsma.com
U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
179 Ludlow Street, Stamford, CT 06902
www.usgamesinc.com
9781572817845, $23.95, Cards, www.amazon.com
"Spirit of the Animals Oracle" is a simply magnificent set of oracle cards by artist and gallery
owner Jody Bergsma that will guide the metaphysical studies student on an inspired and inspiring
journey to self-knowledge and empowerment with 51 different animal helpers. Aiding in the
discovering their powerful medicine, "Spirit of the Animals Oracle" card set includes 51 Animal
Spirit Cards, 1 Personal Choice Card, 116-page illustrated Guidebook, and Power Animals
Spread Sheet. Simply stated, "Spirit of the Animals Oracle" is unreservedly recommended for
personal and professional collections.
The Spirit Animal Oracle: A 68-Card Deck and Guidebook
Colette Baron-Reid
www.colettebaronreid.com
Hay House, Inc.
PO Box 5100, Carlsbad, CA 92018-5100
www.hayhouse.com
9781401952792, $29.99, Cards, www.amazon.com
Colette Baron-Reid is an internationally respected spiritual intuitive, psychic medium, educator,
and oracle expert. She is the founder of Oracle School, and her best-selling books and oracle
cards are published worldwide in 27 languages. Now newly published and available from Hay
House, she draws upon her years of experience and expertise to present"The Spirit Animal
Oracle: A 68-Card Deck and Guidebook", featuring a beautifully illustrated oracle card deck
depicting the Higher Spirits of different animals, insects, fish, and birds. Every animal has a
transcendent archetypal symbolism, a universal meaning holding a message of deep, enduring
truth. With guidance from intuitive master and oracle expert Colette Baron-Reid, even the most
novice student of the metaphysical arts can now awaken and garner their own inner strength.
Very highly recommended for personal and professional collections, "The Spirit Animal Oracle"
card set is both inspired and inspiring.
The Christian Studies Shelf
In His Image
Jen Wilkin
Crossway Books
1300 Crescent Street, Wheaton, IL 60187
www.crossway.org
9781433549878, $12.99, PB, 176pp, www.amazon.com
Jen Wilkin is a speaker, writer, and teacher of women's Bible studies. During her seventeen years
of teaching, she has organized and led studies for women in home, church, and parachurch
contexts. Jen and her family are members of the Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas. She
draws upon her experience and expertise in "In His Image: 10 Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His
Character" to explore ten characteristics of who God is (holy, loving, just, good, merciful,
gracious, faithful, patient, truthful, and wise) in a guidebook dedicated to helping all members of
the Christian community to understand who God intends for us to be. Her principle and biblically
based message is that through Christ, the perfect reflection of the image of God, we will discover
how God's own attributes impact how we live, leading to freedom and purpose as we follow his
will and are conformed to his image. While very highly recommended for church, seminary,
community, and academic library Contemporary Christian Studies collections, it should be noted
for personal reading lists that "In His Image: 10 Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His Character" is
also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.46) and as a complete, unabridged audio
book (Christian Audio, 9781545904954, $15.98, CD).
The Pilgrimage of Egeria
Anne McGowan & Paul F. Bradshaw
The Liturgical Press
2950 Saint John's Road, PO Box 7500, Collegeville, MN 56321-7500
www.litpress.org
9780814684214, $29.95, PB, 248pp, www.amazon.com
The collaborative work of Anne McGowan (Assistant Professor of Liturgy at Catholic
Theological Union in Chicago) and Pal F. Bradshaw (Professor Emeritus of Liturgy at the
University of Notre Dame), "The Pilgrimage of Egeria" is a new version of the late
fourth-century diary of journeys in and around the Holy Land known as the Itinerarium Egeriae.
"The Pilgrimage of Egeria" provides a more literal translation of the Latin text than earlier
English renderings, with the aim of revealing more of the female traveler's personality. The
substantial introduction to "The Pilgrimage of Egeria" covers both early pilgrimage as a whole,
especially travel by women, and the many liturgical rites of Jerusalem that Egeria describes. Both
this and the verse-by-verse commentary alongside the translated text draw on the most recent
scholarship, making this essential reading for pilgrims, students, and scholars seeking insight into
life and piety during one of Christianity's most formative periods. While unreservedly
recommended for church, seminary, community, college, and university library Christian History
collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of seminary students, academia,
clergy, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "The Pilgrimage of
Egeria" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $23.99).
Catholic Wisdom for a Mother's Heart
Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle
Paraclete Press
PO Box 1568, Orleans, MA 02653
www.paracletepress.com
9781612619224, $13.99, PB, 208pp, www.amazon.com
"Catholic Wisdom for a Mother's Heart" by Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle (who is a wife, mother
of five, grandmother, blogger, catechist, EWTN TV host, and popular speaker who thoroughly
enjoys her motherhood and considers it to be a sublime vocation) is a creative and practical guide
for a wide range of domestic church situations. Catholic women can live out their familial
vocation with seasoned, simple suggestions for answering Christ's universal call to holiness.
Lovely poems conclude each chapter on a note of warmth that will lift hearts beyond the kitchen
and up the path toward heaven. A theological and religious resource specifically crafted for
Catholic mothers (and grandmothers who often fill the motherly role) who are in the trenches
raising their children through thick and thin amid the bombardment of the culture. They need and
crave the guidance, encouragement, and affirmation that "Catholic Wisdom for a Mother's Heart"
will help to insure, making it unreservedly recommended to the attention of all members of the
Catholic community, but most especially the mothers and grandmothers.
Poverty: Responding Like Jesus
Kenneth R. Himes, OFM & Conor M. Kelly, editors
Paraclete Press
PO Box 1568, Orleans, MA 02653
www.paracletepress.com
9781612616827, $16.99 PB, $9.99 Kindle, 176pp, www.amazon.com
The poor will always be with you, Jesus said -- but that doesn't mean Christians have ever figured
out how to be with the poor. Pope Francis has emphasized a vision of a "Church that is poor and
for the poor". But growing economic inequality continues to spread across the globe.
Collaboratively compiled and edited by Kenneth R. Himes, OFM (who is a Catholic theologian,
currently teaching theology at Boston College) and Conor M. Kelly (who currently teaches
theology at Marquette University) "Poverty: Responding Like Jesus" takes a fresh look at the role
of churches, and individual Christians, in relating to poverty and the poor among them. A strong
focus is placed on the biblical and theological roots of the Church's commitment to care for the
poor. At times praised as a virtue and blessed as a condition, poverty easily confuses
contemporary Christians who are often left doing little to nothing to make a difference with and
for the poor. As a social evil and a burden, poverty has elicited many kinds of reactions among
the followers of Christ. It is time for Christians to figure out what to do about it and reading
"Poverty: Responding Like Jesus" is a very good place to start. While unreservedly
recommended to all members of the Christian community regardless of their denominational
affiliation, it should be noted that the contributors to "Poverty: Responding Like Jesus" include
Pope Francis, Pheme Perkins, Sandra M. Schneider, and Thomas Massaro SJ.
Challenged to Grow
Richard L. Akins
New City Press
202 Cardinal Rd., Hyde Park, NY 12538
www.newcitypress.com
9781565486256, $14.95, PB, 200pp, www.amazon.com
"Challenged to Grow: A Catholic Parent's Journey Through an Evangelical World" by Richard L.
Akins is in response to the growth in openness between Evangelicals and Catholics entering into
conversations. "Challenged to Grow" sums up for readers the stumbling blocks on the road to
mutual understanding, educating Catholics and Evangelicals alike concerning the key points of
view in their respective churches. Akins is dealing with difficult beliefs that lie at the core of his
Catholic faith concerning the sacraments, and human freedom and grace, but discusses them in a
language that makes them accessible. The passion for Christian unity shines out of the pages of
this book and a charity for the people with whom he sometimes shared a pew and other times a
kneeler. Reformed Christians will find permission via "Challenged to Grow" to rediscover the
wider Christian world as a larger family of God. As informative as it is thoughtful and thought-
provoking, "Challenged to Grow" is highly recommended to the attention of all members of the
Christian community, but most especially to Roman Catholics and Evangelical Christians.
Mary, Mother of Apostles
Giuseppe Forlai
Pauline Books & Media
50 St. Paul's Avenue, Boston, MA 02130-3433
www.paulinemedia.com
9780819849748, $12.95, PB, 128pp, www.amazon.com
Father Giuseppe Forlai is a spiritual director at the Pontifical Roman Major Seminary and a
member of the Institute of Jesus the Priest, a Roman Catholic organization founded by Blessed
James Alberione. Father Forlai has also taught Mariology at several institutions, including the
Pontifical Gregorian university. In "Mary, Mother of Apostles: How to Live Marian Devotion to
Proclaim Christ" Father Forali leads his readers deeper in their Marian devotion showing them
how Mary wants to form Jesus in us so that we can give Jesus to the world. Inspired and
inspiring, "Mary, Mother of Apostles" is unreservedly recommended for seminary libraries, and
to the attention of all members of the Roman Catholic community.
The Lost World of the Flood
Tremper Longman III & John H. Walton
IVP Academic
c/o InterVarsity Press
PO Box 1400, Downers Grove, IL 60515-1426
www.ivpress.com
9780830852000, $18.00, PB, 192pp, www.amazon.com
In our modern age the Genesis flood account has been probed and analyzed for answers to
scientific, apologetic, and historical questions. It is a text that has called forth flood geology,
fueled searches for remnants of the ark on Mount Ararat, and inspired a full-size replica of
Noah's ark in a biblical theme park. Some claim that the very veracity of Scripture hinges on a
particular reading of the flood narrative. But do we understand what we are reading? In "The Lost
World of the Flood: Mythology, Theology, and the Deluge Debate", John H. Walton (Professor
of Old Testament at Wheaton College and Graduate School) and Tremper Longman III
(Distinguished Scholar of Biblical Studies at Westmont college) urge us to hit the pause button
and ask, what might the biblical author have been saying to his ancient audience? The answer to
our quest to rediscover the biblical flood requires that we set aside our own cultural and
interpretive assumptions and visit the distant world of the ancient Near East. Responsible
interpretation calls for the patient examination of the text within its ancient context of language,
literature, and thought structures. And as we return from that lost world to our own, we will need
to ask whether geological science supports the notion of flood geology. The story of Noah and
the flood will continue to invite questions and explorations. But to read "The Lost World of the
Flood" is put our feet on firmer interpretive ground. Without attempting to answer all of our
questions, they lift the fog of modernity and allow the sunlight to reveal the true contours of the
text. As with other books in the simply outstanding Lost World series from InterVarsity Press,
"The Lost World of the Flood" is an especially informative, exceptionally well written, organized
and presented, thoughtful and thought provoking journey toward a more responsible reading of a
timeless biblical narrative. While very highly recommended for community, seminary, and
academic library Biblical Studies collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that
"The Lost World of the Flood" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.51).
The City of God
Saint Augustine, author
William Babcock, translator
Boniface Ramsey, editor
New City Press
202 Cardinal Rd., Hyde Park, NY 12538
www.newcitypress.com
9781565484818, $39.95, HC, 640pp, www.amazon.com
"The City of God" is undoubtedly one of the most influential works by Saint Augustine.
Following his critique of the Roman religious, political, and intellectual tradition in Books 1-10,
Books 11-22 set out his great vision of the origins, the histories, and the ultimate destinies of the
two cities: the earthly city, rooted in love of self as expressed in the pride and lust for domination
that shatter human society, and the heavenly city, rooted in love of God as expressed in the
humility and yearning for the supreme good that unite humanity in a just social order. For all
those who are interested in the greatest classics of Christian antiquity, "The City of God" is
indispensable reading. Now this impressive translation by William Babcock (and edited by
Boniface Ramsy), enhanced with an informative introduction and useful annotation makes
Augustine's monumental work approachable for seminary students, clergy, academia, and non-
specialist general readers with an interest in the subject. It should be noted that the Index for
Books 1-22 (both volumes of "The City of God") is contained in this volume. While very highly
recommended for church, seminary, community, and academic library collections, it should also
be noted for personal reading lists that "The City of God" is also available in a paperback edition
(9781565486607, $34.95) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $19.99).
Transforming
Austen hartke
Westminster John Knox Press
100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202-1396
www.wjkbooks.com
9780664263102, $16.00, PB, 225pp, www.amazon.com
Austen Hartke is the creator of the YouTube series Transgender and Christian, which seeks to
understand, interpret, and share parts of the Bible that relate to gender identity and the lives of
transgender individuals. He draws upon his years of experience and expertise in "Transforming:
The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians" to provides his readers with access into an
underrepresented and misunderstood community and will change the way those readers think
about transgender people, faith, and the future of Christianity. By introducing transgender issues
and language and providing stories of both biblical characters and real-life narratives from
transgender Christians living today, Hartke helps readers visualize a more inclusive Christianity,
equipping them with the confidence and tools to change both the church and the world. Informed
and informative, thoughtful and thought provoking, scripturally sound and an inherently
interesting read from cover to cover, "Transforming" is very highly recommended reading. It
should be noted that "Transforming" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$11.72).
The Buddhist Studies Shelf
Treasures of Buddhism
Frithjof Schuon, author
Harry Oldmeadow, editor
World Wisdom
1501 East Hillside Drive, Bloomington, IN 47401
www.worldwisdom.com
9781936597581, $19.95, PB, 272pp, www.amazon.com
In his classic work on the subject, perennialist author Frithjof Schuon (1907-1998) explores the
vast and varied landscape that is Buddhism. Every reader interested in Buddhism from whatever
angle will here find much that speaks to his or her condition. Schuon presents Buddhism not as
an historical artifact of the past but as a living spiritual force. In describing the essentials of
Buddhism, he frequently makes use of comparisons with other traditions, including Western
religious thought. The rich and diverse world of Buddhist art (from its statuary to the tea
ceremony) is a subject treated with particular importance. A valuable section on Shinto, the
indigenous Japanese tradition of the "way of the gods", concludes the book. This revised and
expanded third edition under the deftly editorship of Harry Oldmeadow, contains more than 75
pages of new material, and features a fully revised translation from the French original as well as
previously unpublished selections from Schuon's letters and other private writings. Also included
is an editor's preface, editor's notes, a glossary of foreign terms and phrases, an index, and
biographical notes. An invaluable and welcome addition to the growing body of Buddhist
literature available for an American readership, "Treasures of Buddhism: A New Translation
with Selected Letters" is unequivocally and unreservedly recommended for personal, community,
college, and university library Buddhist Philosophy collections and supplemental studies reading
lists.
The Mirror of Dharma
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso
Tharpa Publications US
www.tharpa.com
9781910368800, $16.95, PB, 320pp, www.amazon.com
Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche is a fully accomplished meditation master and
internationally renowned teacher of Buddhism who has pioneered the introduction of modern
Buddhism into contemporary society. He is the author of 23 highly acclaimed books that
perfectly transmit the ancient wisdom of Buddhism to our modern world. He has also founded
more than 1,200 Kadampa Buddhist centers and groups throughout the world. In "The Mirror of Dharma: How to find the real meaning of human life" he addresses questions like:
Why do we need to practice Buddha's teachings?; Why do I need to be concerned for my future
lives?; Why do we need permanent liberation from suffering? Buddha's teachings, or Dharma.
are the practical method to find the real meaning of human life. "The Mirror of Dharma" is an
outstanding and invaluable contribution to the growing library of Buddhist literature and very
highly recommended for both community and academic library 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 Mirror of Dharma" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$9.99).
The Fiction Shelf
Bear Haskell: U.S. Deputy Marshal
Peter Brandvold
Five Star Books
10 Water Street, Suite 310, Waterville, ME 04901
http://gale.cengage.com/fivestar
9781432843045, $25.95, HC, 322pp, www.amazon.com
"Bear Haskell: U.S. Deputy Marshal" features two of author Peter Brandvold's western novels
featuring Bear Haskell, U.S. Deputy Marshal (a lawman who rides for Chief Marshal Henry
Dade out of Denver's First District Court) under one cover. Haskell is a former Union war hero
and Pinkerton agent, a big man over six and a half feet tall and as broad as a barn door. He wears
a necklace of bear claws taken from the grizzly that almost had him for supper. That's the kind of
man Bear Haskell is. He holds a grudge and he gives no quarter -- to grizzly bears or men. In the
first of two rapid-fire western stories, 'Gun Trouble at Diamondback', Bear is given the nasty
assignment of going after the man or men who backshot an old lawman friend. Then in 'The
Jackals of Sundown", Bear heads down to Texas to hunt a notorious, mysterious, and cruelly
cunning killer known only as "the Jackal". A consummate master of the western genre, novelist
Peter Brandvold's "Bear Haskell: U.S. Deputy Marshal" is unreservedly recommended for
community library collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated
western buffs that "Bear Haskell: U.S. Deputy Marshal" is also available in a digital book format
(Kindle, $7.99).
Sundown Over The Sierras
Dale Graham
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print (USA), Inc.
PO Box 1230, West Seneca, NY 14224-1230
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781444830422, $20.99, PB, Large Print, 248pp, www.amazon.com
When Marshal Chase Farlow responds to a break-in at Macy's gun shop, he has no inkling of the
ignominy it will unleash. His unfortunate shooting of the mayor's son forces him to leave town in
disgrace. It matters not that the injury is superficial, and Farlow was only doing his duty because
the boy and his friend were committing burglary. But the highly principled lawman has become a
thorn in Mayer Stanton's side and this was the perfect cover for his dismissal. Can Farlow
somehow resurrect his tarnished reputation? "Sundown Over The Sierras" has an attempted gold
robbery, a friend's betrayal, a lovely and headstrong and naive young girl, a young gun, lethally
dangerous mountain men, and an unexpected, unanticipated finale. A riveting great read from
cover to cover, this large print edition of Dale Graham's "Sundown Over The Sierras" is certain
to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to personal reading lists and community
library Western Fiction collections.
The Silver Trail
Ben Bridges
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print (USA), Inc.
PO Box 1230, West Seneca, NY 14224-1230
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781444834123, $20.99, PB, Large Print, 224pp, www.amazon.com
Carter O'Brien's gun is for hire, but only when the job (and the money) is right. As tough as they
come, O'Brien has been everything from lawman to bounty hunter in his time. Right now he's
riding shotgun on an expedition led by an old Army buddy. The goal: to find a lost canyon of
silver down in Mexico. But the way is blocked not only by gunmen working for a greedy
businessman, but also an old enemy from O'Brien's past. Yet another riveting western by a
master of the genre, this large print edition of Ben Bridges' novel "The Silver Travel" is certain to
be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to personal reading lists and community library
Western Fiction large print collections.
The Land Grabbers
D. B. Newton
Sagebrush Large Print Westerns
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print (USA), Inc.
PO Box 1230, West Seneca, NY 14224-1230
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781785415517, $29.99, PB, Large Print, 198pp, www.amazon.com
During an outbreak of cattle rustling, ranchers blame the Cheyenne on the nearby reservation.
But Johnny Logan, a Cheyenne working on the Bar J, is sure his kinfolk are innocent. But when
he is hauled before the sheriff by Dallas Howbert (owner of the neighboring ranch) accused of
aiding and abetting the rustlers, he must defend himself and his people against the forces that
seek to remove the Cheyenne from their reservation so that they can claim the land as their own.
Another deftly crafted and inherently riveting western novel by D. B. Newton, this large print
edition is very highly recommended for both personal reading lists and community library
collections.
Flame And Thunder
Ben Bridges
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print (USA), Inc.
PO Box 1230, West Seneca, NY 14224-1230
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781444837575, $20.99, PB, Large Print, 280pp, www.amazon.com
The Katharyn stands to be the biggest oil well in the territory, providing wildcatter Bud Bishop
can bring it in before his lease runs out. However Hugh Quillan (the fastest gun in that part of the
west) wants to move in and keep the spoils for himself. So Bishop's backers hire freelance
fighting man Carter O'Brien to keep Quillan's bullyboys in check. But the closer it comes to the
deadline, the harder Quillan starts to play. With the threat of a full-scale war looming, O'Brien
does the only thing he can - he makes sure his guns are loaded and prepare to fight it out to the
death against Quillan and more than twenty of his hired guns. And O'Brien's only allies are a
sheriff with a dubious reputation, a handful of oil catters, and a rancher who is no friend to the oil
men. Featuring the further adventures of Carter O'Brien, "Flame And Thunder", Ben Bridges
knows how to craft a riveting western novel with more twists and turns than an Oklahoma
tornado, making this large print edition is very highly recommended and guaranteed entertaining
addition to the personal reading lists of dedicated western buffs and community library
collections.
The Last Gun
Peter Wilson
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print (USA), Inc.
PO Box 1230, West Seneca, NY 14224-1230
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781444837612, $20.99, PB, Large Print, 320pp, www.amazon.com
Fighting on the Confederate side, Jack Crawford was badly wounded in the final action of the
Civil War and it takes two years of hospitalization for him to recover. Then he returns home to
only to discover that his parents have been massacred by a splinter group of the infamous
Quantrill raiders and that the family ranch has fallen into the hands of empire-building newcomer
Vic Bannon in collaboration with his older brother Clay. When Jack becomes the town sheriff
when his predecessor is found murdered in the sheriff's office, he finds himself in opposition to
the ruthless Bannon, with his own brother Clay who is helping to force the homesteaders and
farmers out of the valley. As the threat of range war looms, Crawford must defend the home he
now barely recognizes, before it disappears forever. Author Peter Wilson presents a simply
riveting read from first page to last in a western novel that is strong on action and winds up with
a completely unexpected conclusion. "The Last Gun" is strongly recommended for both personal
reading lists and community library Western Fiction collections.
Rimrock Renegade
Ned Oaks
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print (USA), Inc.
PO Box 1230, West Seneca, NY 14224-1230
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781444837605, $20.99, PB, Large Print, 232pp, www.amazon.com
Released after spending five years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, Hank Chesham only
wants to return home to his ranch, the Rimrock, and resume his old life. But then he discovers
that he has been betrayed by both his wife, Phoebe, and his best friend, Ted Flynn, who have
conspired to steal the Rimrock from him. Now Chesham has but one thing on his mind:
vengeance. But before he can take action, Flynn unleashes his hired killers. But with the help of
Phoebe's sister Mandy, and a raging flame for vengeance in his quest, Chesham will take on all
comers -- beginning with Flynn's three hired guns who made the mistake of leaving Chesham
alive after their attempt to beat him to death. Set in 1882, "Rimrock Renegade" is another deftly
crafted and thoroughly engaging novel by Ned Oaks and is thoroughly recommended for the
personal reading lists of all western action/adventure fans and will prove to be an enduringly
popular addition to community library large print fiction collections.
Gravesend
William Boyle
Pegasus Books
80 Broad Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10004
www.pegasusbooks.com
9781681778495, $25.95, HC, 240pp, www.amazon.com
Some worship him and some want him dead, but either way, tensions run high when "Ray Boy"
Calabrese is released from prison. It's been sixteen years since Ray Boy's actions led to the death
of a young man. The victim's brother, Conway D'Innocenzio, is a 29-year-old Brooklynite
wasting away at a local Rite Aid, stuck in the past and drawn into a darker side of himself when
he hears of Ray Boy's freedom. But even with the perfect plan in place, Conway can't bring
himself to take the ultimate revenge on Ray Boy, which sends him into a spiral of self-loathing
and soul-searching. Meanwhile, Alessandra, a failed actress, returns to her native Gravesend after
the death of her cancer-stricken mother, torn between the desperate need to escape back to Los
Angeles as quickly as possible and the ease with which she could sink back into neighborhood
life. Alessandra and Conway are walking eerily similar paths -- staring down the rest of their
lives, caring for their aging fathers, lost in the youths they squandered -- and each must decide
what comes next. A simply riveting and deftly crafted novel of revenge, desperation, and escape,
"Gravesend" showcases author William Boyle's genuine flair as a novelist for character and
narrative driven storytelling. While very highly recommended, especially for community library
Contemporary General Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that
"Gravesend" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $22.73).
Hidden Among the Stars
Melanie Dobson
Tyndale House Publishers
351 Executive Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
www.tyndale.com
9781496417329, $15.99 pbk / $15.99 Kindle amazon.com
The year is 1938, and as Hitler's troops sweep into Vienna, Austrian Max Dornbach promises to
help his Jewish friends hide their most valuable possessions from the Nazis, smuggling them to
his family's summer estate near the picturesque village of Hallstatt. He enlists the help of Annika
Knopf, his childhood friend and the caretaker's daughter, who is eager to help the man she's
loved her entire life. But when Max also brings Luzia Weiss, a young Jewish woman, to hide at
the castle, it complicates Annika's feelings and puts their entire plan even their very lives in
jeopardy. Especially when the Nazis come to scour the estate and find both Luzia and the treasure
gone. Eighty years later, Callie Randall is mostly content with her quiet life, running a bookstore
with her sister and reaching out into the world through her blog. Then she finds a cryptic list in
an old edition of Bambi that connects her to Annika's story -- and maybe to the long-buried story
of a dear friend. As she digs into the past, Callie must risk venturing outside the safe world she's
built for a chance at answers, adventure, and maybe even new love. "Hidden Among the Stars" is
an emotionally compelling and inherently riveting read from beginning to end, making it
unreservedly recommended for community library Contemporary General Fiction collections. It
should be noted for personal reading lists that "Hidden Among the Stars" is also available in
paperback and in Kindle edition.
Becoming the Talbot Sisters
Rachel Linden
Thomas Nelson Publishers
PO Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214
www.thomasnelson.com
9780718095765, $15.99, PB, 336pp, www.amazon.com
Celebrity chef Waverly Talbot has built a successful career with her home-entertaining show
Simply Perfect. Yet she and her husband, Andrew, have never been able to realize the true desire
of Waverly's heart: to become a mother. Meanwhile Waverly's twin sister, Charlie, buries her
bitter disappointment and shattered idealism beneath a life spent serving others as an
international aid worker in Budapest, Hungary. When the beloved aunt who raised them passes
away, Waverly and Charlie come together in their grief after living years on separate continents.
Struck by a fierce desire to bridge the distance between them, Charlie offers Waverly and her
husband the selfless gift of surrogacy. But soon the sisters find they are each in danger of losing
their jobs, seemingly putting their dreams on hold once again. When Waverly shows up
unannounced in Budapest with a plan to rescue Simply Perfect, the sisters embark on an
adventure across central Europe that could save them both from occupational hazards. Though
the twins haven't had to rely on each other since childhood, a dramatic turn in their journey forces
them to stand together to save their careers, the baby, and each other. A beautifully crafted and
inherently compelling novel that showcases author Rachel Linden's impressive talent as a
novelist for character and narrative driven storytelling, "Becoming the Talbot Sisters" is an
extraordinary and highly recommended addition to community library Contemporary General
Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Becoming the Talbot
Sisters" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.99). Librarians should be aware that
there is a large print hardcover edition of "Becoming the Talbot Sisters" (Center Point
Publishing, 9781683248187, $36.95, 488pp).
Promised Land
Martin Fletcher
Thomas Dunne Books
c/o St. Martin's Press
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
www.stmartins.com
9781250118820, $28.99, HC, 416pp, www.amazon.com
"Promised Land" by Martin Fletcher is the sweeping saga of two brothers and the woman they
love, a devastating love triangle set against the tumultuous founding of Israel. The story begins
when fourteen-year-old Peter is sent west to America to escape the growing horror of Nazi
Germany. But his younger brother Arie and their entire family are sent east to the death camps.
Only Arie survives. The brothers reunite in the nascent Jewish state, where Arie becomes a
businessman and one of the richest men in Israel while Peter becomes a top Mossad agent
heading some of Israel's most vital espionage operations. One brother builds Israel, the other
protects it. But they also fall in love with the same woman, Tamara, a lonely Jewish refugee from
Cairo. And over the next two decades, as their new homeland faces extraordinary obstacles that
could destroy it, the brothers' intrigues and jealousies threaten to tear their new lives apart.
"Promised Land" is at once the gripping tale of a struggling family and an epic about a struggling
nation. A deftly crafted and inherently riveting novel showcasing author Martin Fletcher's erudite
skills as a compelling storyteller, "Promised Land" is unreservedly recommended for community
library Contemporary General Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists
that "Promised Land" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99) and as a
complete and unabridged audio book (Macmillan Audio, 9781250299079, $57.99, CD).
One Step Enough
Carla Kelly
Bonneville Books
http://www.bonnevillebooks.com
9781462121564, $10.99, PB, 400pp, www.amazon.com
Now that she's married, Della believes she and Owen will live happily ever after, but he can't
keep his promise to stay out of the mines. Meanwhile, Della's wishing for a baby, but her arms
remain empty. Together they must face the secrets of her past as they struggle to build their
future. Very highly recommended for personal reading lists and community library Contemporary
Romance Fiction collections, "One Step Enough" is a simply riveting historical romance from
beginning to end -- and clearly showcases author Carla Kelly's distinctive and genuine flair for
character and narrative driven storytelling.
Narrator
Bragi Olafsson, author
Lytton Smith, translator
Open Letter Books
c/o University of Rochester
Lattimore Hall 411, Box 270082, Rochester, NY 14627
www.openletterbooks.org
9781940953823, $14.95, PB, 120pp, www.amazon.com
A deftly crafted work of fiction by Bragi Olafsson that is ably translated into English for an
American readership by Lytton Smith, "Narrator" is the story of a thirty-something aspiring
writer, G., who encounters a former romantic rival at the post office -- a man he once wished
didn't exist. On a whim, G. begins trailing the man throughout Reykjavik. What starts as an
amusing tale of cat and mouse turns into a complex, introspective journey of a man struggling to
complete the unfinished narrative of his own life. An erudite and compelling read from first page
to last, "Narrator" is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to personal reading
lists, as well as community and academic library Contemporary Literary Fiction collections.
Beautiful Exiles
Meg Waite Clayton
Lake Union Publishing
9781503900837, $24.95, www.apub.com
Beautiful Exiles is set in Key West in 1936, where journalist Martha Gellhorn meets literary icon
Ernest Hemingway in a bar. Suddenly two people who have a way with words but not social
skills begin a friendship despite the fact that Hemingway is married and both are immersed in the
reporter's world and looming war. As they become involved while their separate writing talents
are blossoming, Ernest and Martha become more than friends and even more than professional
rivals, attracted to the same things that threaten to destroy them. A fast-paced, involving novel
brings Hemingway and Martha's world and romance to life.
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Her Kind of Case
Jeanne Winer
Bancroft Press
PO Box 65360, Baltimore, MD 21209
www.bancroftpress.com
9781610882286, $25.00, HC, 320pp, www.amazon.com
"Her Kind of Case" is a legal drama by novelist Jeanne Winter (who is herself a longtime defense
attorney in Boulder, Colorado, as well as a black-belt karate expert) that centers on Lee Isaacs, a
female defense attorney on the cusp of turning 60, who, out of curiosity, determination, and
desire for a big, even impossible, professional challenge, chooses to take on a tough murder case
in which a largely uncooperative young man is accused of helping kill a gay gang member. "Her
Kind of Case" is a deftly resolving mystery showcasing fully fleshed-out characters -- and in
particularly the strong-willed and sharp-witted Lee, an older single woman who grieves the
recent loss of her husband, but continues her daily routine of law and karate, fighting tooth and
nail to prove her client not guilty. A simply riveting read from beginning to end, and laced with a
very special flair for unexpected humor, "Her Kind of Case" will prove to be an immediate and
enduringly popular addition to community library collections.
The Rose Quilt
Mark Pasquini
C&T Publishing
www.ctpub.com
9781617456350, $14.95, PB, 260pp, www.amazon.com
"The Rose Quilt" by Mark Pasquini is set in the 1920s in the world of quilting circles. A wealthy
woman and prominent local quilter is murdered with a pair of quilting shears during the
preparation for a flower show, leaving a dying clue on the lap quilt she and the executive
committee are making as the first prize. Unfortunately, the clue could point to anyone on the
committee or any of her three adopted children. All the more impressive when considering that
"The Rose Quilt" is author Mark Pasquini's debut as a mystery novelist, this simply riveting read
will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to community library collections
and leave dedicated mystery buffs looking forward to the next one in his Steve Walsh Mystery
series! It should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Rose Quilt" is also available in a
digital book format (Kindle, $9.59).
Path of the Dead
Mark Edward Langley
Blackstone Publishing
31 Mistletoe Road, Ashland, OR 97520
www.BlackstoneAudio.com
9781538507599, $24.99, HC, 216pp, www.amazon.com
Ex-marine Arthur Nakai spent years as a member of the Shadow Wolves, an ICE tactical unit
tasked by the US government to hunt human traffickers and drug smugglers on the US/Mexico
border. He put that life of confronting violence in the darker contours of the desert landscape
behind him and settled into a quiet existence in New Mexico with his wife, Sharon, a local TV
reporter. But when Sharon goes missing after crossing paths with a serial killer who has just
added to his list of young victims, Arthur's calm world is shattered. He must return to the
darkness of the life he left behind in order to save what matters most to him, and the future he
and his wife plan to share together. He can only hope that she is still alive, and that his skills will
be enough to find her. All the more impressive when considering that "Path of the Dead" is the
debut of Mark Edward Langley as a novelist, this inherently riveting read showcases his genuine
flair for character and narrative driven storytelling. While especially and unreservedly
recommended for community library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for the
personal reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs that "Path of the Dead" is also available in a
digital book format (Kindle, $6.15) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone
Audio, 9781538478004, $29.95, CD).
Burning Ridge
Margaret Mizushima
Crooked Lane Books
2 Park Avenue, 10th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.crookedlanebooks.com
9781683317784, $26.99, HC, 281pp, www.amazon.com
Colorado's Redstone Ridge is a place of extraordinary beauty, but this rugged mountain
wilderness harbors a horrifying secret. When a charred body is discovered in a shallow grave on
the ridge, officer Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner Robo are called in to spearhead the
investigation. But this is no ordinary crime -- and it soon becomes clear that Mattie has a close
personal connection to the dead man. Joined by local veterinarian Cole Walker, the pair scours
the mountaintop for evidence and makes another gruesome discovery: the skeletonized remains
of two adults and a child. And then, the unthinkable happens. Could Mattie become the next
victim in the murderer's deadly game? A deranged killer torments Mattie with a litany of dark
secrets that call into question her very identity. As a towering blaze races across the ridge, Cole
and Robo search desperately for her -- but time is running out! Another original, deftly crafted
and imply riveting mystery by Margaret Mizushima, "Burning Ridge" is unreservedly
recommended, especially for community library Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted
for the personal reading lists of Timber Creek K-9 Mystery fans that "Burning Ridge" is also
available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99), and as a complete and unabridged audio book
(Blackstone Audio, 9781982539955, $29.95, MP3 CD).
The Guilty Dead
P. J. Tracy
Crooked Lane Books
2 Park Avenue, 10th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.crookedlanebooks.com
9781683318583, $26.99, HC, 336pp, www.amazon.com
Gregory Norwood is Minnesota's most beloved philanthropist, and the story of his son's overdose
was splashed across the front page of all the papers. When a photojournalist sets out to get a
candid shot of the highly successful businessman on the one year anniversary of his son's death,
he's shocked to find Norwood dead with a smoking gun in his hand. The city is devastated, and
Minneapolis detectives Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth are called in to handle the delicate case. It
should be open and shut, but something is not right. Norwood's death is no suicide. With no
suspects and an increasing tangle of digital evidence that confounds the Minneapolis Police
Department's most seasoned cops, Magozzi calls on Grace MacBride, Monkeewrench Software's
founder and chief computer genius and the soon to be mother of their child together. She and her
motley crew of partners begin to unravel connections between Norwood's death and an even
larger plot. Norwood wasn't the first, won't be the last, and by the end, may be just one of many
to die. Another carefully crafted and simply riveting mystery by a master of the genre, P. J.
Tracey (the pseudonym of the mother/daughter writing team of P. J. and Traci Lambrecht), "The
Guilty Dead" will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to community
library Mystery/Suspense collections, It should be noted for the personal reading lists of
dedicated mystery buffs and P. J. Tracey fans that "The Guilty Dead" is also available in a
digital book format (Kindle, $10.69) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone
Audio, 9781982540036, $29.95, MP3 CD).
Pieces of Her
Karin Slaughter
William Morrow & Company
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
195 Broadway New York, New York 10007
www.harpercollins.com
9780062430274, $27.99, HC, 480pp, www.amazon.com
Andrea knows everything about her mother, Laura. She knows she's spent her whole life in the
small beachside town of Belle Isle; she knows she's never wanted anything more than to live a
quiet life as a pillar of the community; she knows she's never kept a secret in her life. Because we
all know our mothers, don't we? But all that changes when a trip to the mall explodes into
violence and Andrea suddenly sees a completely different side to Laura. Because it turns out that
before Laura was Laura, she was someone completely different. For nearly thirty years she's been
hiding from her previous identity, lying low in the hope that no one would ever find her. But now
she's been exposed, and nothing will ever be the same again. The police want answers and
Laura's innocence is on the line, but she won't speak to anyone, including her own daughter.
Andrea is on a desperate journey following the breadcrumb trail of her mother's past. And if she
can't uncover the secrets hidden there, there may be no future for either one of them. "Pieces of
Her" is another deftly crafted and inherently riveting novels by Karin Slaughter who is a
definitive master of character and narrative driven storytelling. While highly recommended for
community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Pieces of Her" is
also available in a large print paperback edition (HarperLuxe, 9780062845764, $27.99, 736pp)
and in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.99).
The Last Breath
Danny Lopez
Oceanview Publishing
1620 Main Street, Suite 11, Sarasota, FL 34236
www.oceanviewpub.com
9781608092970, $26.95, HC, 288pp, www.amazon.com
Unemployed newspaper reporter Dexter Vega is hired to investigate the drowning of Liam
Fleming, the son of a wealthy real estate investor in Siesta Key. Vega's search for clues takes him
from one end of this picturesque barrier island off the coast of Sarasota to the other. But nothing
adds up. Liam was young, an experienced swimmer, apparently healthy and drowned in four feet
of water. And why was Liam living in a beach shack? Why was he buying properties and not
selling them? The police are getting nowhere as they identify every beach bum on Siesta Key as a
suspect. But Vega narrows his investigation to two one who disappears, and the other he's falling
in love with. Beach bums and hippies go missing, while greed, beachfront property, and drugs
swirl in vicious loops -- and when they converge, Vega puts his life on the line to find the truth!
Another deftly crafted Dexter Vega mystery penned by a true master of the genre, "The Last
Breath" by Danny Lopez is an inherently riveting read with unexpected twists and unanticipated
turns. While unreservedly recommended for community library Mystery/Suspense collections, it
should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs that "The Last Breath" is
also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.95).
City of Ink
Elsa Hart
Minotaur Books
c/o St. Martin's Publishing Group
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
www.minotaurbooks.com
9781250142795, $25.99, HC, 352pp, www.amazon.com
Li Du was prepared to travel anywhere in the world except for one place: home. But to unravel
the mystery that surrounds his mentor's execution, that's exactly where he must go. Plunged into
the painful memories and teeming streets of Beijing, Li Du obtains a humble clerkship that offers
anonymity and access to the records he needs. He is beginning to make progress when his search
for answers buried in the past is interrupted by murder in the present. The wife of a local factory
owner is found dead, along with a man who appears to have been her lover, and the most likely
suspect is the husband. But what Li Du's superiors at the North Borough Office are willing to
accept as a crime of passion strikes Li Du as something more calculated. As past and present
intertwine, Li Du's investigations reveal that many of Beijing's residents (foreign and Chinese,
artisan and official, scholar and soldier) have secrets they would kill to protect. When the threats
begin, Li Du must decide how much he is willing to sacrifice to discover the truth in a city bent
on concealing it, a city where the stroke of a brush on paper can alter the past, change the future,
prolong a life, or end one. A unique and compelling read that will have immense and immediate
appeal for all dedicated mystery buffs, "City of Ink" showcases author Elsa hart's total mastery of
the genre and highlights her originality and storytelling skills. While very highly recommended,
especially for community library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for personal
reading lists that "City of Ink" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.99) and as a
complete and unabridged audio book (Macmillan Audio, 9781427296238, $50.99, CD).
Marrakech Noir
Yassin Adnan, editor
Akashic Books
232 Third Street, #A115, Brooklyn, NY 11215
www.akashicbooks.com
9781617754739, $15.95, PB, 256pp, www.amazon.com
Compiled and edited by Yassin Adnan, "Marrakech Noir" is the newest addition to the simply
original and outstanding Akashic Books series of regionally or geographically based 'Noir'
anthologies that was originally launched in 2004 with "Brooklyn Noir". Each title in this unique
mystery/suspense series comprises all new stories, each one set in a distinct neighborhood or
location within the respective city and with "Marrakech Noir", North Africa finally enters this
Noir Series with a finely crafted volume of dark stories, all translated from Arabic, French, and
Dutch. Comprised of brand-new stories by such writers as Fouad Laroui, Allal Bourqia,
Abdelkader Benali, Mohamed Zouhair, Mohamed Achaari, Hanane Derkaoui, Fatiha Morchid,
Mahi Binebine, Mohamed Nedali, Halima Zine El Abidine, My Seddik Rabbaj, Yassin Adnan,
Karima Nadir, Taha Adnan, and Lahcen Bakour, "Marrakech Noir" is unreservedly
recommended for community library Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for the
personal reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs that "Marrakech Noir" is also available in a
digital book format (Kindle, $15.15).
Dead Drop
P. K. Norton
Stillwater River Publications
http://stillwaterpress.com
9781946300485, $13.00, PB, 220pp, www.amazon.com
In Amy Lynch's world the past never really leave us. What starts out to be a well-deserved
vacation for Amy as a volunteer at an archaeological dig on the outskirts of Paris turns ugly when
the head archaeologist is found dead at the dig-site. A recently uncovered relic from World War
II threatens to expose treachery and betrayal from the time of the German Occupation. It
endangers the life of anybody bold enough to delve into its significance. New England Casualty
and Indemnity, the insurance company where Amy works as a claims investigator, is insuring the
dig. Amy's world turns upside-down as she reverts from vacation mode to conduct a full-blown
investigation. She meets with obstacles, resistance and threats to her own safety (as well as an
adorable French detective) in her quest to unmask a traitor. Another riveting read from a true
master of the genre, "Dead Drop" showcases P. K. Norton's genuine flair for narrative driven
storytelling with more twists and turns than a carnival roller coaster. While unreservedly
recommended for community library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for the
personal reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs that "Dead Drop" is also available in a digital
book format (Kindle, $5.95).
Blood Highway
Gina Wohlsdorf
Algonquin Books
PO Box 2225, Chapel Hill, NC 27515-2225
www.algonquin.com
9781616205638, $16.95, PB, 320pp, www.amazon.com
Rainy Cain is a tough, smart seventeen-year-old whose primary instinct is survival. That instinct
is tested when her life is upended by the sudden appearance of her father, Sam, who she thought
was long dead, but instead had been in prison for his part in an armored truck robbery gone
murderously wrong. Now escaped and on the run, he kidnaps Rainy, who he is convinced knows
where the money from the robbery, never recovered, is hidden. Accompanied by a henchman
with secret motives of his own, they set off on a cross-country dash to Big Sur, where Sam
suspects his late wife stashed the cash. On their heels is a Minneapolis cop intent on bringing
Rainy safely home. "Blood Highway" is an odyssey that will push Rainy to the limits of
endurance. What does Rainy really know -- and what is she willing to sacrifice in order to live?
A deftly crafted and simply riveting read from beginning to an unpredictable end, "Blood
Highway" is very highly recommended, especially for community library collections. It should be
noted for personal reading lists that "Blood Highway" is also available in a digital book format
(Kindle, $9.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Highbridge Audio,
9781684416509, $34.99, CD).
K Street Killing
Colleen J. Shogan
Camel Press
PO Box 70515, Seattle, WA 98127
www.camelpress.com
9781603816137, $15.95, PB, 242pp, www.amazon.com
It's the height of campaign season, and instead of relishing newlywed bliss with her husband
Doug Hollingsworth, Capitol Hill staffer Kit Marshall is busy with a tough reelection fight for
her boss, member of Congress Maeve Dixon. Before Maeve and her staff (Kit included) leave
Washington, D.C. to campaign full time in North Carolina, they have one last fundraising
engagement. On the iconic rooftop of a restaurant overlooking the Capitol and the Washington
monument, Kit and her best pal Meg do their best to woo wealthy lobbyists for sizable campaign
donations. Everyone's enjoying the evening soiree until a powerful K Street tycoon mysteriously
tumbles off the rooftop. Even with claims the fall must be suicide, Detective Maggie Glass and
Kit aren't so easily convinced foul play isn't at work. While balancing Doug's mid-life career
crisis, Kit must spring into action to discover who killed the notorious Van Parker before Dixon's
candidacy sputters, even if it means investigating Meg's handsome new beau, the victim's
conniving widow, and a bicycle advocate hell-bent on settling a long-standing grudge. When
threatening note is left on Kit's car, warning her to back off the investigation, she knows she's
closing in on the true story of what happened. The fourth volume in author Colleen J. Shogan's
simply outstanding 'Washington Whodunit' series, "K Street Killing" is a consistently
entertaining read with many an unexpected twist and turn by a true master of the genre, While "K
Street Killing" is very highly recommended for community library Mystery/Suspense collections,
it should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs that "K Street Killing"
is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.95).
In Cold Chocolate
Dorothy St. James
Crooked Lane Books
2 Park Avenue, 10th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.crookedlanebooks.com
9781683317432, $26.99, HC, 327pp, www.amazon.com
The vintage seaside town of Camellia Beach, South Carolina seems like the perfect place for
romance with its quiet beach and its decadent chocolate shop that serves the world's richest dark
chocolates. The Chocolate Box's owner, Charity Penn, falls even further under the island's
moonlit spell as she joins Althea Bays and the rest of the turtle watch team to witness a new
generation of baby sea turtles hatch and make their way into the wide ocean. Before the babies
arrive, gunshots ring out in the night. Cassidy Jones, the local Casanova, is found dead in the
sand with his lover Jody Dalton (the same woman who has vowed to destroy the Chocolate Box)
holding the gun. It's an obvious crime of passion, or so everyone believes. But when Jody's young
son pleads with Penn to bring his mother back to him, she can't say no. She dives headfirst into a
chocolate swirl of truth and lies, and must pick through an assortment of likely (and sometimes
unsavory) suspects before it's too late for Penn and for those she loves. Another deeply
entertaining and superbly crafted mystery from Dorothy St. James, In Cold Chocolate" is the
third and latest entry in her 'A Southern Chocolate Shop Mystery" series and will prove to be an
immediate and lastingly popular addition to community library Mystery/Suspense collections. It
should be noted for the growing legions of Dorothy St. James fans that "In Cold Chocolate" is
also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Read and Gone
Allison Brook
Crooked Lane Books
2 Park Avenue, 10th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.crookedlanebooks.com
9781683317340, $26.99, HC, 320pp, www.amazon.com
A devoted dad is as precious as diamonds, but Carrie Singleton wouldn't know since her dad
Jim's been on the lam most of her life. In an unusual family reunion, she finds Jim breaking into
her cottage in the middle of the night. The fun really starts when he begs her to help him recover
his half of a twenty-million-dollar gem heist he pulled off with the local jeweler, Benton Parr.
When she refuses, Jim takes off again. Carrie finds her father again behind bars for the recent
murder of Benton Parr. Who made the connection? Unbeknownst to her, Carrie's boyfriend
Dylan, an insurance investigator, has been searching for the gems. Determined to find the jewels
herself, she starts examining every facet of Parr's life. She turns up a treasure trove of suspects,
one of whom bashes her on the head as she's searching the victim's country cabin. Retreating to
the quiet confines of the library where she works, Carrie watches as Smokey Joe, the resident cat,
paws at a hole in the wall. Is he after the library's ghost Evelyn, or something shinier? Another
superbly crafted novel by a master of the mystery and suspense genre, "Read and Gone" is the
second title in the 'Haunted Library Mystery' series and will leave her readers looking eagerly
towards the next riveting adventure from the pen of Allison Brooks. While unreservedly
recommended for community library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for
personal reading lists that "Read and Gone" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$12.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone Audio, 9781982539719,
$29.95, MP3 CD).
Mrs. Jeffries and the Three Wise Women
Emily Brightwell
Berkley Prime Crime
c/o Penguin Group (USA)
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
www.penguin.com
9780399584220, $25.00, HC, 288pp, www.amazon.com
Christopher Gilhaney isn't a popular man, and he proves why once again when he insults every
guest at Abigail Chase's Guy Fawkes Night dinner party. When Gilhaney is shot dead under the
cover of the night's fireworks, his murder is deemed a robbery gone wrong. But when the case
hasn't been solved six weeks later, Inspector Witherspoon is called upon to find the killer -- and
quickly! With Christmas almost here, Inspector Witherspoon and everyone in his household is
upset at the possibility of having to cancel their holiday plans -- all to solve a case that seems
impossible. Only Luty Belle, Ruth, and Mrs. Goodge refuse to give up and let the crime become
a cold case. In fact, the American heiress, the charming next-door neighbor, and the formidable
cook use all of their persuasive powers to get the others on board, because these three wise
women know justice doesn't take time off for Christmas. Another beautifully crafted title in
author Emily Brightwell's 'A Victorian Mystery' series, "Mrs. Jeffries and the Three Wise
Women" is an especially recommended addition to community library Mystery/Suspense
collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs that "Mrs.
Jeffries and the Three Wise Women" is also available in a paperback edition (978-0399584244,
$16.00) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.99).
Titan Books
c/o Titan Publishing Group
http://titanbooks.com
There is no more enduringly popular fictional detective than the illustrious Sherlock Holmes.
First brought to life by Sir Conan Doyle, this deductive crime solving genius comes back to life
in two new volumes of his stories from Titan Books. "The Further Adventures of Sherlock
Holmes - The Devil and the Four" (9781785657023, $14.95 PB, $6.15 Kindle, 352pp) by Sam
Siciliano finds that Sherlock Holmes's latest case takes him to Paris in pursuit of Marguerite
Hardy: a Frenchwoman who fled her London home in mysterious circumstances. Holmes
discovers she left after receiving a mysterious letter, containing an obituary and the words "four
for the devil". Holmes's investigations will take him and his cousin, Henry Vernier, into a world
of seduction and betrayal -- and lead them to uncover a secret buried for over twenty years.
"Sherlock Holmes vs. Cthulhu: The Adventure of the Neural Psychoses" (9781785652103,
$14.95 PB, $7.55 Kindle, 400pp) by Lois H. Gresh finds that entities are leaking into the human
realm and entering human minds. Two of the victims are Dr. Watson and leader of the cult, Prof.
Henry Fitzgerald -- who seeks to use human sacrifice to open the door to the Old Ones. As
violence erupts in London, Sherlock Holmes secludes himself in the Diogenes Club, developing
an antidote to counter the neural psychoses. Then even as the infamous Professor Moriarty is
using the drug to amass an army of addicts, Holmes discovers a link to a town in America called
Innsmouth. Two new titles that are both 'must read' additions to the growing cannon of Sherlock
Holmes adventures, ""The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - The Devil and the Four"
and "Sherlock Holmes vs. Cthulhu: The Adventure of the Neural Psychoses" will prove to be
immediate and enduringly popular additions to community library Mystery/Suspense
collections.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Pablo!
John Rechy
Arte Publico Press
University of Houston
4902 Gulf Freeway, Bldg 19, Rm 100, Houston, TX 77204-2004
www.artepublicopress.com
9781558858602, $17.95, PB, 180pp, www.amazon.com
In a jungle village an old man sees a strange girl who has collapsed in a field. Once a holy man,
he is sure she is not an evil spirit. He carries her inside and puts her in a hammock, despite his
wife's warning that the girl is the evil Xtabay, pretending to be lost and exhausted. The girl has
fled her home in search of a mysterious boy who wandered into her village. She senses in him her
own despair and loneliness: I loved him with the intensity of my soul and heart and body, and
intends to follow him to the "great modern city" he was seeking. Using archetypal figures the
man, the boy, the woman, John Rechy's novel "Pablo!" is steeped in indigenous myths and
superstitions. Restless spirits roam the dark jungle howling for redemption amid the pyramids of
their ancestors, witches predict doom and snakes stir ancient curses, like the disastrous loss of
crops. Native religious rituals conflict dangerously with the Catholic religion. A deftly crafted,
character driven, inherently engaging novel, this edition of "Pablo!" is unreservedly
recommended for both community and academic library Contemporary Literary Fiction
collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Pablo!" is also available in a digital
book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Sage Alexander and the Blood of Seth
Steve Copling
Brown Books Publishing Group
16250 Knoll Trail Drive, Suite 205, Dallas, TX 75248-2871
www.brownbooks.com
9781612549903, $18.99, HC, 504pp, www.amazon.com
For Sage Alexander, life was forever changed when he realized that the Angelic embodiments he
could always see, the magnificent heavenly powers that he possessed, and the destiny he had
always been told he had to fulfill were all real and true, and that his promised powers were
necessary to defeat the Seven Princes of Hell. After saving his father from the clutches of Greed
incarnate and destroying Prince Mammon, Sage has come to realize his place within the Angelic
Council and the world as a protector to humanity, though the prospect is daunting. Sage has only
just reunited his family back on earth, however, when Belphegor, the Prince of Sloth, takes
Sage's little brother Nick out of revenge for the fall of Mammon. Sage must now venture forth
yet again into that dark wasteland mortals call Hell, and retrieve what is his. Will he continue on
his path to destroy the seven embodiments of sin, or will he be thwarted by Sloth, and leave
humanity to evil's devices? Steve Copling's novel, "Sage Alexander and the Blood of Seth" is a
deftly written fantasy saga that will become an immediate and enduringly popular addition to
community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections. It should be noted for the personal
reading lists of dedicated fantasy fans that "Sage Alexander and the Blood of Seth" is also
available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Keepers
Brenda Cooper
Pyr
9781633884212, $18.00, www.pyrsf.com
Keepers is Book Two of the Project Earth series, and prior familiarity with Wilders will lend
extra appreciation to this continuing story of two sisters, one from a big city and one from the
wilderness, who find they must work together to bridge their relationship, lives, and the very
different environments they are used to. Environmental issues, a puzzling secret, the fate of
wolves and the efforts of the two to save both of their very different worlds makes for a riveting
story that's multifaceted, complex, and hard to put down.
The Political Science Shelf
One Person, No Vote
Carol Anderson
Bloomsbury Press
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315, New York, NY 10010
www.bloomsbury.com
9781635571370, $27.00, HC, 288pp, www.amazon.com
In her book "White Rage", Carol Anderson (who is the Charles Howard Candler Professor and
Chair of African American Studies at Emory University) laid bare an insidious history of policies
that have systematically impeded black progress in America, from 1865 to our combustible
present. Now in "One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression Is Destroying Our Democracy",
she chronicles a related history: the rollbacks to African American participation in the vote since
the 2013 Supreme Court decision that eviscerated the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Known as the
Shelby ruling, this decision effectively allowed districts with a demonstrated history of racial
discrimination to change voting requirements without approval from the Department of Justice.
Focusing on the aftermath of Shelby, Anderson follows the astonishing story of government
dictated racial discrimination unfolding before our very eyes as more and more states adopt voter
suppression laws. In gripping, enlightening detail she explains how voter suppression works,
from photo ID requirements to gerrymandering to poll closures. And with vivid characters,
Professor Anderson deftly explores the resistance: the organizing, activism, and court battles to
restore the basic right to vote to all Americans as the nation gears up for the 2018 midterm
elections. A timely and erudite work of documented research and impeccable scholarship, "One
Person, No Vote" is a critically important and invaluable contribution to our current national
dialogue and an unreservedly recommended addition to community, college, and university
library Contemporary Political Science and African American History collections. It should be
noted for the personal reading lists of students, academia, political activists, and non-specialist
general readers with an interest in the subject that "One Person, No Vote" is also available in a
digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Indefensible
Rohini Hensman
Haymarket Books
PO Box 180165, Chicago, IL 60618
www.haymarketbooks.org
9781608469116, $24.00, PB, 400pp, www.amazon.com
Rohini Hensman is a writer, independent scholar and activist working on workers' rights,
feminism, minority rights and globalization. In the pages of "Indefensible: Democracy,
Counterrevolution, and the Rhetoric of Anti-Imperialism" she offers an essential alternative to
the ideology of those who claim to be anti-imperialists but oppose only Western imperialism and
the despots it supports. Instead of ignoring or even supporting other imperialist nations like
Russia and defending dictators such as Bashar al-Assad in Syria, Hensman takes on the question
of how we got here, using important case studies of conflicts such as those in Russia, Syria, Iraq,
Iran, Ukraine, and Bosnia. Indefensible powerfully argues for a genuine internationalism that
supports mass struggles for freedom and democracy, no matter what regime they are fighting
against, and suggests steps that can be taken to promote democracy, end the ongoing violence,
and promote human rights. A seminal work of impeccable scholarship that is impressively
informed and informative, "Indefensible" is enhanced for academia with the inclusion of an
erudite Introduction, a list of Abbreviations, six pages of Notes, a two page listing of
Acknowledgments; fifty-six pages of References; and a ten page Index. While unreservedly
recommended for community, college, and university library Contemporary Political Science
collections, it should be noted that "Indefensible" is also available for students, academia, and
non-specialist general readers in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.16).
Out of the Wreckage
George Monbiot
Verso
20 Jay Street, 10th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201-8346
www.versobooks.com
9781786632883, $24.95, HC, 224pp, www.amazon.com
As exemplified by the political administration of Donald J. Trump, a dangerous ideology of
extreme competition and individualism has come to dominate our world. But in "Out of the
Wreckage: A New Politics for an Age of Crisis", George Monbiot (who writes a weekly column
for the Guardian) maintains that this misrepresents human nature, destroying hope and common
purpose. Only a positive vision can replace it, a new story that re-engages people in politics and
lights a path to a better future. "Out of the Wreckage" shows how new findings in psychology,
neuroscience and evolutionary biology cast human nature in a radically different light: as the
supreme altruists and cooperators. Monbiot shows how we can build on these findings to create a
new politics: a "politics of belonging". Both democracy and economic life can be radically
reorganized from the bottom up, enabling us to take back control and overthrow the forces that
have thwarted our ambitions for a better society. Urgent and passionate, "Out of the Wreckage"
provides the hope and clarity required to change the world and is especially commended to the
attention of anyone who finds the current political climate abjectly depressing. While very highly
recommended for both community and academic library Contemporary Political Science
collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of political science students,
academia, political activists, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that
"Out of the Wreckage" is also available in a paperback edition (9781786632890, $16.95) and in a
digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Enemies of the State
D.J. Mulloy
Rowman & Littlefield
9781442276512, $34.00, www.rowman.com
Enemies of the State: The Radical Right in America from FDR to Trump is essential reading for
modern times because it considers the long-reaching history of the radical right in this country
and various influences, movements, and actions that make Donald Trump's connections to them
not 'unprecedented' but perhaps all too predictable. The radical right has long been an active force
in this country and this history goes back to the Depression era to document its presence in
America. No American history collection should be without this powerful survey of how
America got to this point in time today.
Kompromat
Jeff Pegues
Prometheus Books
9781633884298, $24.00, www.prometheusbooks.com
Kompromat: How Russia Undermined American Democracy comes from a CBS News Justice
and Homeland Security Correspondent who considers how Russia hacked into US databases,
how the US election has been and is protected, and the impact of the events of 2016 on future
election processes. It uses interviews from various officials and security experts to examine
specifics of contacts between Russians and Trump representatives, it asks important questions
about computer and network security, and it examines how voting systems can be protected both
this year and in years to come. More importantly, it examines international espionage and
influences with an eye to revealing a new battleground of digital warfare, considering how Russia
became a powerful influencer and why it might do so again. Anyone interested in politics,
security systems, and international relations needs to understand both events of the past and this
book's contentions and documentation, making it especially recommended for political science
holdings.
The Biography Shelf
Elisabeth Gilman: Crusader for Justice
Ross Jones
Secant Publishing
PO Box 79, Salisbury, MD 21803
9781944962456 $17.95 pbk
9781944962531 $24.95 hc
Elisabeth Gilman: Crusader for Justice is the biography of a truly remarkable and strong-willed
woman. Elisabeth Gilman was a Maryland native, born into a life of privilege in the nineteenth
century. In the twentieth, she transformed her resolve and her devotion to the Social Gospel into
the will to campaign for social justice, including the rights of workers, women, and African-
Americans. She joined the Socialist Party and was nominated as a candidate for governor of
Maryland, United States senator, mayor of Baltimore, and sheriff of Baltimore. Even though she
did not win any of these elections, she drove debate of the day's challenging issues, and even
founded a forum for debate and discussion in Baltimore that brought celebrities to the city.
Elisabeth Gilman: Crusader for Justice is a welcome addition to public and college library
American Biography collections, highly recommended.
Someone Has Led This Child to Believe
Regina Louise
Bolden
c/o Agate Publishing
1328 Greenleaf Street, Evanston, IL 60202
www.agatepublishing.com
9781572842229, $16.00, PB, 248pp, www.amazon.com
After years of jumping from one fleeting, often abusive home to the next, Louise meets a
counselor named Jeanne Kerr. For the first time in her young life, Louise knows what it means to
be seen, wanted, understood, and loved. After Kerr tries unsuccessfully to adopt Louise, the two
are ripped apart - seemingly forever - and Louise continues her passage through the cold
cinder-block landscape of a broken system, enduring solitary confinement, overmedication, and
the actions of adults who seem hell-bent on convincing her that she deserves nothing, that she is
nothing. But instead of losing her will to thrive, Louise remains determined to achieve her dream
of a higher education. After she ages out of the system, Louise is thrown into adulthood and,
haunted by her trauma, struggles to finish school, build a career, and develop relationships. As
she puts it, it felt impossible "to understand how to be in the world". Eventually, Louise learns
how to confront her past and reflect on her traumas. She starts writing, quite literally, a new
future for herself, a new way to be. Louise weaves together raw, sometimes fragmented
memories, excerpts from real documents from her case file, and elegant reflections to tell the
story of her painful upbringing and what came after. The result is a rich, engrossing account of
one abandoned girl's efforts to find her place in the world, people to love, and people to love her
back. "Someone Has Led This Child to Believe" is an unflinching, unforgettable memoir by
Regina Louise in which she tells the true story of how she overcame neglect in the US foster-care
system. Drawing on her experience as one of society's abandoned children, she tells how she
emerged from the cruel, unjust system, not only to survive, but to flourish. While very strongly
recommended for both community and academic library Contemporary American Biography
collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Someone Has Led This Child to
Believe" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
A Chance in the World
Steve Pemberton
Nelson Books
c/o Thomas Nelson Publishers
PO Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214
www.thomasnelson.com
9781595552631, $24.99, HC, 272pp, www.amazon.com
Taken from his mother at age three, Steve Klakowicz lives a terrifying existence. Caught in the
clutches of a cruel foster family and subjected to constant abuse, Steve finds his only refuge in a
box of books given to him by a kind stranger. In these books, he discovers new worlds he can
only imagine and begins to hope that one day he might have a different life -- that one day he will
find his true home. A fair-complexioned boy with blue eyes, a curly Afro, and a Polish last name,
he is determined to unravel the mystery of his origins and find his birth family. Armed with just a
single clue, Steve embarks on an extraordinary quest for his identity, only to learn that nothing is
as it appears. "A Chance in the World" by Steve Pemberton is the unbelievably true story of a
wounded and broken boy destined to become a man of resilience, determination, and vision.
Through it all, Steve's story teaches us that no matter how broken our past, no matter how great
our misfortunes, we have it in us to create a new beginning and to build a place where love
awaits. Exceptionally well written and now the basis for a major motion picture, "A Chance in
the World" is an extraordinary and ultimately inspiring story that is unreservedly recommended
for community and academic library Contemporary American Biography collections. It should be
noted for personal reading lists that "A Chance in the World" is also available in a paperback
edition (9781404183551, $16.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $5.99).
The Woodworking Shelf
The Reclaimed Woodworker
Chris Gleason
Spring House Press
http://springhousepress.com
9781940611549, $24.95, PB, 168pp, www.amazon.com
"The Reclaimed Woodworker" by woodworking expert Chris Gleason provides inspiration and
easy-to-follow, step-by-step instruction for beginning and intermediate woodworkers who want
to make well-built, stylish furniture and furnishings from reclaimed lumber. Featuring 21
projects ranging from the ever-popular sliding barn door to modern desks to chairs with vintage
charm, each project is designed to use upcycled materials without sacrificing style. They are
modern and fresh, but based on tried and true craftsmanship and technique. Through the use of
beautiful photographs, inspired designs, and accessible building instructions, "The Reclaimed
Woodworker" is a comprehensive guidebook to sourcing recycled lumber and using it to build
your own furniture and furnishings. Because there is more to finding and using recycled lumber
than tearing apart old pallets, aspiring woodworkers will learn how to source environmentally
conscious wood in unexpected places. Once known how to find them, these materials often
provide a cost savings over traditionally-sourced lumber. "The Reclaimed Woodworker" is more
than just another how-to book, it is also a celebration of the creativity in reclaiming lumber and
discovering the possibilities for using it in your home. Thoroughly 'user friendly' in tone,
commentary, illustrated instruction, organization and presentation, "The Reclaimed
Woodworker" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and
technical college woodworking instructional reference collections.
The Crafts Shelf
Lettering Workshop for Crafters
Suzanne McNeill, editor
Design Originals
c/o Fox Chapel Publishing Company
1970 Broad Street N., East Petersburg, PA 17520
www.FoxChapelPublishing.com
9781497204058, $17.99, PB, 160pp, www.amazon.com
Compiled with constructive instruction by Suzanne McNeil (who is the author of more than 230
crafts and hobby books), "Lettering Workshop for Crafters" provides a valuable resource for
anyone who wants to embellish crafts with beautiful letters, decorative word art, borders, and
corners! This big lettering workbook covers a wide range of decorative lettering styles, from
whimsical and modern to romantic and vintage. With 55 traceable alphabets, expert lettering tips,
and interactive practice exercises, you will learn to create your own unique lettering for
everything from art journals and scrapbooks to greeting cards, gift tags, invitations, and more.
"Lettering Workshop for Crafters" shows how to add color, interest, and pizzaz to your any
calligraphy project, whether writing a thank you note, designing a scrapbook page, finishing a
school project, making a poster, or embellishing any new artwork! Thoroughly 'user friendly' in
organization and presentation, "Lettering Workshop for Crafters" is unreservedly recommended
for anyone of any age with an interest in acquiring the skill of attractive, artistic, and coherent
lettering for any and all occasions!
Wire-Wrapped Jewelry Techniques
Lora S. Irish
Fox Chapel Publishing Company
1970 Broad Street N., East Petersburg, PA 17520
www.FoxChapelPublishing.com
9781565239555, $18.99, PB, 176pp, www.amazon.com
Lora S. Irish is an internationally known artist and author, whose acclaimed books include Great
Book of Carving Patterns, Great Book of Celtic Patterns, Great Book of Dragon Patterns, Great
Book of Tattoo Designs, The Official Vampire Artist's Handbook, Relief Carving Wood Spirits,
World Wildlife Patterns for the Scroll Saw, and many more. With "Wire-Wrapped Jewelry
Techniques: Tools and Inspiration for Creating Your Own Fashionable Jewelry" she draws upon
her years of experience and expertise to teach amateur jewelry makers using wire-wrapped
techniques how to: Add texture using tightly packed wire wrapped coils; Add a grunge look
using random, loosely packed twists and turns; Add bead clusters anywhere on a bent wire link;
Secure free-floating arms and anchor open hoops; Experiment with added coils and beaded
wires; Create intricate woven patterns with wire; Create connecting loops to add side chains and
earring hooks -- and a lot more! "Wire-Wrapped Jewelry Techniques" teaches 30 expert wire
wrapping methods for jewelry wire, such as forming bent-wire links, working a wrapping pattern,
wrapping sequential layers, embellishing decorative loops, adding coil elements, and much more.
This comprehensive and thoroughly 'user friendly' instructional guide to wire wrap jewelry
includes 8 step-by-step projects for stunning necklaces, pendants, hairpins, and earrings, making
it an ideal and highly recommended addition to personal and community library do-it-yourself
Jewelry Making instructional crafts collections.
Paper Crafts: A Maker's Guide
Victoria & Albert Museum
Thames & Hudson, Inc.
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110-0017
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9780500294185, $29.95, PB, 176pp, www.amazon.com
Paper crafts are as old as paper itself, with a profusion of different traditions originating around
the world. The latest volume in the Victoria & Albert Museum series 'Maker's Guides', "Paper
Crafts" introduces a range of these fascinating traditions, offering paper projects inspired by a
variety of diverse techniques, which are exemplified by objects from the Victoria & Albert
Museum collection ranging from the classic Japanese art of origami to the gorgeously colorful
and festive Polish "Wycinanki" folk decorations. "Paper Crafts" also features a practical guide to
tools, techniques, and materials for the modern paper crafter. Step-by-step projects contributed by
experienced teachers and practitioners allow aspiring and established paper artists to hone their
craft. With projects ranging from braided paper-string jewelry to a concertina papercut
peepshow, from a silhouette family portrait to a handmade paper notebook, "Paper Crafts" will
introduce do-it-yourself crafting enthusiasts to the immensely exciting, creative, and entertaining
possibilities of paper! Enhanced with more than 220 photographs and illustrations, "Paper Crafts"
is thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation providing endless hours of
recreational fun
Beautiful Beaded Jewelry for Beginners
Cheryl Owen
IMM Lifestyle Books
c/o Fox Chapel Publishing Company
1970 Broad Street N., East Petersburg, PA 17520
www.FoxChapelPublishing.com
9781504801072, $14.99, PB, 136pp, www.amazon.com
An ideal do-it-yourself instructional guide for novice jewelry makers, the contemporary
collection of 25 designs comprising "Beautiful Beaded Jewelry for Beginners" by beaded jewelry
expert Cheryl Owen clear shows how to, step-by-step, make stunning beaded jewelry with readily
available beads and stones. An experienced craft designer, Cheryl shows just how easy it is to
make fabulous necklaces, chokers, bracelets, cuffs, brooches, earrings, and rings that will
compliment any ensemble. A techniques section at the start of this instructional guide works
through all the basic methods anyone needs to learn before embarking on the projects. Perfect for
beginners, each project is shown in full step-by-step detail, showing exactly what to do. The
designs are simple and sophisticated, and suitable for both daytime and evening wear. Beautifully
modeled pieces provide extra inspiration to complete these individual treasures. Thoroughly 'user
friendly' in tone, commentary, organization and presentation, "Beautiful Beaded Jewelry for
Beginners" is thoroughly and unreservedly recommended for personal and community library
Crafts & Hobbies collections.
Complete Guide to Soap Carving
Janet Bolyard
Fox Chapel Publishing Company
1970 Broad Street N., East Petersburg, PA 17520
www.FoxChapelPublishing.com
9781565239210, $16.99, PB, 160pp, www.amazon.com
Janet Bolyard is a full time wood carver/sculptor. She owns and operates Janet Lee Carvings,
LLC, and is a sales/instructor at WoodCraft in Chandler, Arizona. In "Complete Guide to Soap
Carving: Tools, Techniques, and Tips (Fox Chapel Publishing) 26 Step-by-Step Projects &
Comprehensive Guide, from Basic Methods for Beginners to Advanced Techniques for Artists"
she draws upon her years of experience and expertise to provide everything anyone needs to
know about carving soap, from basic carving methods for beginners to sophisticated techniques
for accomplished artists. A beautifully and profusely illustrated, comprehensive, step-by-step,
DIY guide, "Complete Guide to Soap Carving" also shows how to choose the best carving soap,
and how to test soap for carving quality. Comprised of twenty-six individual projects that range
from quick carvings to complex, elaborate soap sculptures, "Complete Guide to Soap Carving" is
a fun, safe, and easy-to-learn craft for adults and children of all ages -- making it very highly
recommended for both family and community library Crafts & Hobbies instructional reference
collections.
The Beer Shelf
The Craft Beer Dictionary
Richard Croasdale
Michael Beazley
c/o Octopus Books
236 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
www.octopusbooksusa.com
9781784723880, $20.00, HC, 256pp, www.amazon.com
Richard Croasdale is an award-winning journalist, editor-in-chief of Ferment craft beer
magazine, and an all-round lover of anything cold and hoppy. A member of the Guild of Beer
Writers, Richard has traveled the world in search of the best beers and brewers, experiencing the
diversity of approaches and cultures that make craft beer so exciting. With "The Craft Beer
Dictionary: An A-Z of Craft Beer, From Hop to Glass" he draws upon his many years of
experience and expertise to showcase the craft beer revolution with an informatively in-depth
guide to the many complex terms and techniques, equipment and varieties that go into creating
the perfect beer. Hundreds of entries cover every aspect of the craft beer world, from ingredients,
brewing and storing to tasting notes for the many different styles of beer available today.
Profusely illustrated throughout, "The Craft Beer Dictionary" will prove to be an immediate and
enduringly popular addition to personal, professional, and community library collections. It
should be noted for dedicated amateur brewers that "The Craft Beer Dictionary" is also available
in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
The Education Shelf
Close Reading the Media
Frank W. Baker
Routledge
711 - 3rd Avenue, Floor 8, New York, NY 10017-9209
www.routledge.com
9781138216020, $34.95, PB, 162pp, www.amazon.com
"Close Reading the Media: Literacy Lessons and Activities for Every Month of the School Year"
is a timely book written by media literacy expert Frank W. Baker who, as the subtitle declares,
offers thematic lessons for every month of the school year specifically designed to teach middle
school students to become savvy consumers of the TV, print, and online media that bombards
them every day over radio, television, the internet and social media. Students will learn to think
critically about photos, advertisements, and other media and consider the intended purposes and
messages. The topics covered in "Close Reading the Media" include: Helping students detect
fake news; Unraveling the messages in TV advertising; Looking at truth vs propaganda in
political ads and debates; Revealing how big media influences the news we read; Understanding
how pictures changed America during the Civil Rights Movement; Exploring the language of
film and the symbols of costume design; Thinking about how media appeals to our emotions;
Examining branding, product placement, and the role of celebrity; Reading and interpreting
iconic news images; and so much more! Additionally, the "Close Reading the Media" featured
lesson plans contain connections to key standards and step-by-step activities classroom teachers
can use immediately. With this practical instructional guide, teachers will have all the tools and
ideas they need to help today's students successfully navigate their media-filled world. While
unreservedly recommended for school district, college, and university library Teacher Education
collections, it should be noted for education students, teachers, and non-specialist general readers
with an interest in the subject that "Close Reading the Media" is also available in a digital book
format (Kindle, $30.99).
Makerspaces in School
Lacy Brejcha
Prufrock Press
PO Box 8813, Waco, TX 76714-8813
www.prufrock.com
9781618217806, $21.95, PB, 192pp, www.amazon.com
Organized into an easy-to-follow, month-by-month plan for implementation, "Makerspaces in
School: A Month-by-Month Schoolwide Model for Building Meaningful Makerspaces" by Lacy
Brejcha (an elementary education teacher for over 15 years) provides field-tested and
research-based knowledge that will serve educators as they create and maintain a meaningful
Makerspace. Although science, technology, engineering, arts, and math have made huge gains in
the past decade, STEAM jobs are not being filled at the rate they are being created or needed.
Makerspaces in School promotes innovative thinking in students that fills this need. Through
Makerspaces, project-based learning provides opportunities for credible, legitimate, and
authentic growth and development. "Makerspaces in School" will allow any educator to walk
away with a plan to create a Makerspace in his or her classroom or a school - or districtwide
model that works for many. Makerspaces are very fluid places with each being unique in its own
way! Thoroughly 'user friendly' in tone, commentary, organization and presentation,
"Makerspaces in School" is unreservedly recommended for school district, college, and
university library Teacher Education instructional reference collections and supplemental studies
reading lists.
The School Leader's Guide to Building and Sustaining Math Success
Marian Small & Doug Duff
ASCD
1703 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311-1714
www.ascd.org
9781416626381, $28.95, PB, 176pp, www.amazon.com
How can K - 12 school leaders recognize and ensure that their school or district is supporting
good math instruction? In "The School Leader's Guide to Building and Sustaining Math
Success"
Marian Small (the former dean of education at the University of New Brunswick in Canada,
writes and speaks about K - 12 math around the world) and Doug Duff (who is currently a
Principal Instructional Leadership Coach with the Thames Valley District School Board in
London, Ontario, Canada) provide the answer. Drawing on their vast experience working with
administrators, Small and Duff provide a wealth of practical advice and helpful tools for
improving math instruction. They collaboratively guide the reader through the initial steps of
establishing a strong math culture, developing common tasks, and getting buy-in, and then offer
specific suggestions for monitoring, supporting, and sustaining improvement. "The School
Leader's Guide to Building and Sustaining Math Success" shows what sort of data to collect,
what to look for in the classroom, what to listen for in conversations with teachers and students,
and how to deal with reluctant staff or parents. With its real-world examples and insights, "The
School Leader's Guide to Building and Sustaining Math Success" is essential reading for any
principal or other school administrator who wants to bring about positive change and real growth
in the teaching and learning of math in their school. As informative as it is inspiring, "The School
Leader's Guide to Building and Sustaining Math Success" will prove a welcome and highly
regarded addition to professional, school district, college, and university library Contemporary
Education Issues collections and supplemental studies reading lists.
5 Steps to Healing Polarization in the Classroom
Amy Uelman & Michael Kessler
New City Press
202 Cardinal Road, Hyde Park, NY 12538
www.newcitypress.com
9781565486294, $7.95, PB, 64pp, www.amazon.com
The collaborative work of Amy Uelmen (who is a Lecturer at Georgetown Law School and a
Research Fellow with the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace and World Affairs, and who from
2001 until July 2011 served as the founding Director of the Institute on Religion, Law &
Lawyer's Work at Fordham University School of Law) and Michael Kessler (who is the
Managing Director of the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs at Georgetown
University), "5 Steps to Healing Polarization in the Classroom: Insights and Examples" is 'real
world' practical guide that will effectively helps teachers and students to foster a learning
environment where even the most difficult and divisive issues can be discussed. "5 Steps to
Healing Polarization in the Classroom" features examples that incorporate the voices and
experiences of students. In a society that is increasingly polarized over political, religious,
cultural, economic issues, "5 Steps to Healing Polarization in the Classroom" is essential reading
for all classroom teachers from elementary school through university level student populations.
While very highly and unreservedly recommended for school district, college, and university
library Teacher Education collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "5 Steps
to Healing Polarization in the Classroom" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$4.99).
Facilitating Evidence-Based Practice for Students with ASD
Christina R. Carnahan & K. Alisa Lowrey
Brookes Publishing Company
PO Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
www.brookespublishing.com
9781598579413, $34.95, PB, 144pp, www.amazon.com
Developed in collaboration with classroom teachers and administrators by Christina R. Carnahan,
(Associate Professor of Special Education and Director of Advancement and Transition Services
at the University of Cincinnati) and K. Alisa Lowrey (Associate Professor of Special Education
within the Department of Curriculum, Instruction, and Special Education in the College of
Education and Psychology at the University of Southern Mississippi), "Facilitating
Evidence-Based Practice for Students with ASD: A Classroom Observation Tool for Building
Quality Education" is essentially a Classroom Observation Tool for supporting school evaluation
teams in implementing evidence-based practices for teaching students with ASD. After
uncovering strengths and needs with the tool, educational leaders can use the practical guidelines
and strategies in the book to strengthen instruction at the classroom, school, and district levels.
Readers will also get critical background information on students with ASD, including their
cognitive processes, the challenges they encounter in school, the fundamentals of intervention,
and the key laws and regulations every school leader needs to know. With this informative tool
and concise handbook, school leaders can make high-quality instruction the norm in every
classroom by developing new ways to support the engagement and learning of all students with
ASD. Exceptionally well organized and presented, "Facilitating Evidence-Based Practice for
Students with ASD" is unreservedly recommended for school district, college, and university
library Teacher Education collections in general, and Student ASD supplemental studies reading
lists in particular.
On the Road to High-Quality Early Learning
Marjorie E. Wechsler, et. al.
Teachers College Press
www.tcpress.com
9780807759387 $29.95 pbk / $28.45 Kindle amazon.com
On the Road to High-Quality Early Learning: Changing Children's Lives is designed to help
policymakers and educators design, implement, and improve their programs for teaching young
children. A close study of how four states (Michigan, West Virginia, Washington, and North
Carolina) have created early education systems with a positive effect reveals how quality
preschool education can be effectively delivered through proven strategies. These strategies
include investing in knowledgeable educators; coordinating and aligning early education
programs with elementary school; building broad-based support; and much more. An index
rounds out this exemplary "must-read" for professionals in the field, highly recommended
especially for public and college library collections.
Focus, second edition
Mike Schmoker
ASCD
1703 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311-1714
www.ascd.org
9781416626343, $31.95, PB, 308pp, www.amazon.com
Now in a fully updated and expanded second edition, "Focus: Elevating the Essentials to
Radically Improve Student Learning", by former teacher, administrator, and coach Mike
Schmoker extends and updates the case that our schools could be on the cusp of swift,
unparalleled improvements. But we are stymied by a systemwide failure to simplify and
prioritize; we have yet to focus our limited time and energy on the most essential, widely
acknowledged, evidence-based practices that could have more impact than all other initiatives
combined. They are: simple, coherent curricula; straightforward, traditional literacy practices;
and lessons built around just a few hugely effective elements of good teaching. As Schmoker
demonstrates, the case for these practices and the need for them has grown prodigiously. A
compendium of late-breaking discoveries and practical advice on how to simplify the
implementation of new state standards in the subject areas; on the hidden pitfalls of our most
popular, but unproven instructional fads and programs; and on simple, versatile strategies for
building curriculum, planning lessons, and integrating literacy into every discipline, "Focus"
supports all of these identified strategies and findings with exciting new 'real world' evidence
drawn from actual schools. Exceptionally well organized and presented, "Focus" is unreservedly
recommended for school district, college, and university library Education Issues and Teacher
Education collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of classroom educators,
administrators, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that
"Focus" is also available in a digital book format (eTextbook, $17.04).
What Works May Hurt
Yong Zhao
Teachers College Press
1234 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027
www.tcpress.com
9780807759059, $29.95, PB, 176pp, www.amazon.com
Yong Zhao is a Foundation Distinguished Professor in the School of Education at the University
of Kansas and a professorial fellow at the Mitchell Institute for Health and Education Policy at
Victoria University in Australia. He is a recipient of the Early Career Award from the American
Educational Research Association and is an elected fellow of the International Academy for
Education. In "What Works May Hurt: Side Effects in Education" Professor Zhao draws upon his
years of research, experience and expertise in the area of educational reforms to: Provide
evidence showing how popularly endorsed education strategies, policies, and systems can
actually do harm to students; Encourage educators to consider some less-publicized or
lower-effect strategies that may be necessary and applicable for some students and classrooms;
Caution educators, policymakers, and parents to be more thoughtful when considering
educational programs and weighing evidence; and calls for researchers to include possible
downsides to strategies that they are testing and promoting in order to assist school leaders and
practitioners in choosing and implementing educational interventions. The history of American
education is a history of experiment, adaptation, and reforms -- some of which succeed but some
of which (and all to often!) have failed to achieve what was expected. While very highly
recommended for school district, college, and university Educational Issues & Teacher Education
collections, it should be noted for education students, school administrators, and non-specialist
general readers with an interest in the subject that "What Works May Hurt: Side Effects in
Education" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $28.45).
Inquiry-Based Early Learning Environments
Susan Stacey
Redleaf Press
10 Yorkton Court, St. Paul, MN 55117-1065
www.redleafpress.org
9781605545813, $36.95 PB, $35.10 Kindle, 176pp, www.amazon.com
From the time of their birth, children want to know how the world works and actively seek out
information. How educators respond to their questions is what "Inquiry-Based Early Learning
Environments: Creating, Supporting, and Collaborating" by Susan Stacey (who has worked in the
field of early childhood education for over thirty-five years as an early childhood educator,
director, practicum advisor, and instructor, in both Canada and the United States) is all about.
"Inquiry-Based Early Learning Environments" provides an in-depth look at children's innate
predilection for inquiry. What does inquiry look like in early childhood settings? How does the
environment affect children's inquiries and teachers' thought processes? "Inquiry-Based Early
Learning Environments" examines inquiry in all its facets, including environments that support
relationships, that create a culture of risk-taking in our thinking, that support teachers as well as
children, that include families, that use documentation as a way of thinking about our work, and
of course, the physical environment and all the objects and spaces within it. Throughout, stories
about environments and approaches to inquiry from around the world are included as examples.
Impressively organized and presented, "Inquiry-Based Early Learning Environments" is enhanced
with the inclusion of 70 full color photographs and 'real world examples' making it an ideal and
highly recommended addition to school district, college, and university library Teacher
Education collections in general and elementary school classroom teacher supplemental studies
curriculum lists in particular.
Place-Based Community Engagement in Higher Education
Erica K. Yamamura & Kent Koth
Stylus Publishing, Inc.
22883 Quicksilver Drive, Sterling, VA 20166-2012
www.styluspub.com
9781620366769, $95.00, HC, 176pp, www.amazon.com
While an increasing number of universities have or are committed to engaging their campuses in
their surrounding communities, many recognize they lack the strategic focus and resources to
maximize and sustain their impact on those communities. Place-based community engagement
provides a powerful way to creatively connect campus and community to foster positive social
transformation. The collaborative work of Erica K. Yamamura (who is an Associate Professor
and the Master's Degree Coordinator in the Student Development Administration Program in the
College of Education at Seattle University) and Kent Koth (who is the Executive Director of the
Center for Community Engagement at Seattle University), "Place-Based Community
Engagement in Higher Education: A Strategy to Transform Universities and Communities"
presents the emerging model of place-based community engagement as a powerful process for
attaining more positive and enduring results in their local communities as well as stimulating
wider engagement by campus constituencies. Drawing upon the concept of collective impact and
using data-driven decision making, place-based initiatives build long-term partnerships based
upon a shared vision. Done thoughtfully, these place-based initiatives have attained impressive
results. Featuring the case studies of five institutions that have implemented place-based
community engagement initiatives, "Place-Based Community Engagement in Higher Education"
provide guidance on the opportunities, challenges, and considerations involved in putting a
place-based approach into effect. Exceptionally well organized and presented, "Place-Based
Community Engagement in Higher Education" is a significant, insightful, and thought-provoking
study that is an especially recommended addition to college and university library Contemporary
Issues in Education collections and supplemental studies reading lists. It should be noted for the
personal reading lists of educators, administrators, students, academia, and non-specialist general
readers with an interest in the subject that "Place-Based Community Engagement in Higher
Education" is also available in a paperback edition ( 9781620366776, $35.00) and in a digital
book format (Kindle, $27.99).
Puzzle Piece Phonics series
Carolyn Banuelos, Danielle James, Elise Lund
Corwin
$TBA www.corwin.com
The 'Puzzle Piece Phonics' set of books from Corwin provide education libraries with in-depth,
detailed piece-by-piece approaches to phonics which were developed by three teachers to provide
daily lessons for kindergartners through second grade. The main overview teaching manual for
kindergarten, Puzzle Piece Phonics: The Puzzle Pieces (9781506364674) outlines daily lessons
and puzzle piece wall displays for engaging students with phonics. Ten phonics concepts, a
weekly preparation section, daily lessons and supportive resources accompany some 100 puzzle
pieces on card stock which can be cut out and used in a learning chart. The Teacher's Guide
(9781506364513) offers teachers support in the form of a spiral-bound workbook that benefits
from lay-flat presentation and discussions of specific instructional approaches, while the
Learner's Notebook (9781506364810) is packed with reproducibles geared to different weeks and
concepts, also presented in a lay-flat spiral bound format for easy use. From spelling checks to
basic letter formation and weekly sorts, these cover all educational pursuits teachers will need to
create an effective kindergarten phonics course. The volume Puzzle Piece Phonics: The Puzzle
Pieces for second grade (9781506364766) offers the same approach but for more advanced
young phonics users, surveying eight phonics concepts that cover 36 weeks of instruction. From
how teachers can assess progress to suggestions for using the 160 puzzle pieces presented on
card stock herein, this is an outstanding approach. The Teacher's Guide (9781506364612) is
designed to be used as a companion to the Student Resource Kit and provides further discussion
and resources for helping students develop foundation skills. It and the accompanying Learner's
Notebook (9781506364919) group concepts, weeks, and themes to encourage students to apply
the phonics lessons in meaningful ways. These books are also lay-flat designs, as is the Fluency
Notebook (9781544319391), which breaks down concepts of narrative style into different weeks
and helps second-graders apply fluent reading processes to the phonics lessons they've absorbed.
The result is a course that will prove invaluable for any educator looking to apply phonics lessons
to better classroom literary skills: an essential and key reference to a better approach than the
usual phonics labs offer.
The Needlecraft Shelf
Kaffe Fassett's Quilts in America
Kaffe Fassett
The Taunton Press
63 South Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470
www.taunton.com
9781631869617, $29.95, PB, 168pp, www.amazon.com
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of his highly successful series of patchwork and quilting books,
Kaffe Fassett has returned to his American roots. Using the collection of American vintage quilts
in Britain's American Museum in Bath as his inspiration, Kaffe has chosen 18 different quilts as
the basis for his 20 new designs showcased in the pages of "Kaffe Fassett's Quilts in America:
Designs Inspired by Vintage Quilts from the American Museum in Britain", a beautifully
illustrated volume for quilting enthusiasts that features designs drawn from both his latest fabrics
and his much-loved classics consisting mostly from the Kaffe Fassett Collective but also his
latest collection of Artisan fabrics. Of special note is an introductory section, featuring the
original quilts that inspired Kaffe, and which tells the reader something about their provenance.
Further more all the new designs demonstrate Kaffe's vivid and unique color combinations,
giving new meaning to familiar block patterns such as Tumbling Blocks, Starbursts, and Log
Cabins. Very highly recommended for personal and community library Needlecraft instructional
reference collections, each individual pattern contains full step-by-step piecing instructions and
detailed diagrams!
A Prairie Journey
Kathleen Tracy
Martingale & Company
9781904689365, $25.99, www.shopmartingale.com
A Prairie Journey: Small Quilts That Celebrate the Pioneer Spirit features 13 small quilts
inspired by antique-style blocks and modern reproduction fabrics designed to mimic those of the
past. From producing Wagon Wheels and Crossing the Prairie to working with scraps and
making squares in blocks, this flavors its pioneer journey with vintage photos throughout to
enhance and reinforce the idea of the pioneer spirit in quiltmaking efforts.
The Gardening Shelf
Miniature Japanese Gardens
Kenji Kobayashi
Tuttle Publishing
364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759-9436
www.tuttlepublishing.com
9784805314821, $19.99, HC, 112pp, www.amazon.com
"Miniature Japanese Gardens: Beautiful Bonsai Landscape Gardens for Your Home" by
miniature gardening expert Kenji Kobayashi shows the aspiring gardener how to create simple
Japanese-style container gardens using inexpensive plants and materials that are easily available
everywhere. A detailed plan of each showcased miniature garden provides a basic template,
along with information about plant types and containers. The container itself can be an old pot,
ceramic bowl, or just about anything you might have lying around. Such "found" objects lend
themselves to the Japanese art concept of wabi-sabi -- the beauty of imperfection. Add rocks and
other elements to produce mini Zen gardens that enhance any interior space. "Miniature Japanese
Gardens" contains step-by-step instructions and photos of over 40 different projects, including:
Kokedama (moss ball); A miniature bamboo grove; A variety of bonsai trees; and many more!
"Miniature Japanese Gardens" is enhanced with full color photos of the Japanese landscape and
will have a very special appeal to gardeners, Zen students, and small space enthusiasts alike.
While very highly recommended for both community and academic library Contemporary
Gardening instructional reference collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that
"Miniature Japanese Gardens" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $18.99).
The Literary Studies Shelf
On Reading Well
Karen Swallow Prior
Brazos Press
c/o Baker Publishing Group
6030 East Fulton, Ada, MI 49301
www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
9781587433962, $19.99, HC, 272pp, www.amazon.com
In "On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books", Karen Swallow Prior
(Professor of English, Liberty University) takes her readers on a guided tour through works of
great literature both ancient and modern, exploring twelve virtues that philosophers and
theologians throughout history have identified as most essential for good character and the good
life. In reintroducing ancient virtues that are as relevant and essential today as ever, Professor
Prior draws on the best classical and Christian thinkers, including Aristotle, Aquinas, and
Augustine. Covering authors ranging from Henry Fielding to Cormac McCarthy, Jane Austen to
George Saunders, and Flannery O'Connor to F. Scott Fitzgerald, Professor Prior explores some of
the most compelling universal themes found in the pages of classic books, helping readers learn
to love life, literature, and God through their encounters with great writing. In examining works
by these authors and more, Professor Prior shows why virtues such as prudence, temperance,
humility, and patience are still necessary for human flourishing and civil society. "On Reading
Well" also includes end-of-chapter reflection questions geared toward book club discussions,
features original artwork throughout, and includes an informative foreword from Leland Ryken.
An inherently thoughtful and thought-provoking read throughout, "On Reading Well" is
unreservedly recommended for community, college, and university library Contemporary
Literary Studies collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of students,
academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "On Reading
Well" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
The Age of Dimes and Pulps
Jeremy Agnew
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
https://mcfarlandbooks.com
9781476669489, $39.95, PB, 242pp, www.amazon.com
From the dime novels of the Civil War era to the pulp magazines of the early 20th century to
modern paperbacks, lurid fiction has provided thrilling escapism for the masses. Cranking out
formulaic stories of melodrama, crime and mild erotica (often by uncredited authors focused
more on volume than quality)_publishers realized high profits playing to low tastes. Estimates
put pulp magazine circulation in the 1930s at 30 million monthly. This vast body of "disposable
literature" has received little critical attention, in large part because much of it has been lost -- the
cheaply made books were either discarded after reading or soon disintegrated. Covering the
history of pulp literature from 1850 through 1960, "The Age of Dimes and Pulps: A History of
Sensationalist Literature, 1830 1960" by Jeremy Agnew deftly describes how sensational tales
filled a public need and flowered during the evolving social conditions of the Industrial
Revolution. With occasional B/W images drawn from the pulps, and highly recommended for
both community and academic library American Literary Studies collections, it should be noted
for the personal reading lists of students, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an
interest in the subject that "The Age of Dimes and Pulps" is also available in a digital book
format (eTextbook, $19.99).
Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy
Anne Boyd Rioux
W.W. Norton & Company
9780393254730, $27.95, www.norton.com
Meg, Jo, Beth, Amy: The Story of Little Women and Why It Still matters arrives on the cusp of
the 150th anniversary of Alcott's novel, and examines how the story was created. In 1867, Louisa
May Alcott was asked to write a book for girls: an odd request for one who'd always wished she
was a boy, and who never liked or knew any girls aside from her siblings. Because her only
experience was with her sisters, Alcott chose to write about four March sisters; and the rest is
history. This survey of the Alcott family's parallels to her book lays the groundwork for better
understanding Louisa's influences, relationships with her siblings, and how these translated into a
book that became a literary icon. Any reader of Little Women who would betters understand its
roots in reality will relish this lively story of the Alcott clan.
The Gaming Shelf
Master of Bridge Psychology
Jeppe Juhl with Peter Fredin
Master Point Press
www.masterpointpress.com
9781771400466 $21.95 amazon.com
Master of Bridge Psychology: Inside the Remarkable Mind of Peter Fredin is a bridge biography
of Peter Fredin of Sweden, a masterful competitive bridge player who won the 2009 European
Pairs and earned multiple medals in world events. Danish journalist Jeppe Juhl, a close personal
friend of Peter Fredin, showcases highlights of Fredin's bridge playing, including both best and
worst moments with commentary, analysis, and a wealth of bridge diagrams. Although Master of
Bridge Psychology is not expressly a "how-to" bridge guide, it's highly recommended especially
to connoisseurs of the game looking to take their skill to the next level!
The Kaizen of Poker
Sheree Bykofsky
ECW Press
2120 Queen Street East, Suite 200, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4E 1E2
www.ecwpress.com
9781770411944, $19.95, PB, 320pp, www.amazon.com
The game of poker, in all it's variations, continues to be wildly popular, attracting new players in
the hundreds every day. Kaizen is a Japanese term that means continuous improvement. In "The
Kaizen of Poker: How to Continuously Improve Your Hold'em Game", literary agent, author, and
avid poker player Sheree Bykofsky will help any dedicated poker player achieve the next level
their poker game -- and to the level after that! By learning how to identify and focus on the skills
and strategies needed to improve most, players will find themselves raking in more pots and
leaving the game a winner far more often. "The Kaizen of Poker" deals with such issues as:
Playing too many hands; Bluffing too little or ineffectively; Not knowing how to read the other
players' strategies and cards. Of special note is the "Morning After Challenge". Players can even
start outplaying the opponents they want to emulate! Exceptionally well written and thoroughly
'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "The Kaizen of Poker" is unreservedly
recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library Poker instructional
reference collections. It should be noted that "The Kaizen of Poker" is also available in a digital
book format (Kindle, $13.99).
The Self-Help Shelf
The Perfection Detox
Petra Kolber
Lifelong Books
c/o Hachette Book Group
53 State Street, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02109
www.perseusbooksgroup.com
9780738234854, $17.99, PB, 256pp, www.amazon.com
It is all too common today for adults to be tired, stressed, and simply overwhelmed with what
goes on in the world today and their struggle to try and achieve their definition of the perfect life,
the perfect family, the perfect career. Health and wellness expert Petra Kolber knows this
intimately. As a dancer and fitness professional, she has herself experienced the ultimately
dissatisfying quest for perfection. Her Perfection Detox program helps women to overcome the
unhealthy, unproductive demands we place on ourselves -- and others. Based on her popular
workshops, Kolber's strategies help women to recognize and constructively root out the
perfectionistic impulse to be critical of self or others and to harness the power of our own
internal resources, willpower, and habits. With simple steps and strategies such as adjusting our
internal monologues, cleaning up our vocabularies to include more positive language, becoming
a passionist rather than a perfectionist, and more, "The Perfection Detox" is an essential and
highly recommended guide to living a healthy, full, authentic life. Thoroughly real world
practical and thoroughly 'user friendly' in content, "The Perfection Detox" is certain to be an
immediately and enduringly popular addition to community and academic library Self-Help/Self-
Improvement instructional reference collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that
"The Perfection Detox" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99).
The Cookbook Shelf
The Ultimate Grain-Free Cookbook
Annabelle Lee
Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.
307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018
www.skyhorsepublishing.com
9781510729490, $24.99, HC, 320pp, www.amazon.com
What will be especially appreciated by those who must avoid sugar and starch in their diets, "The
Ultimate Grain-Free Cookbook" is a beautifully illustrated culinary compendium of delicious
dishes created by Annabelle Lee in her California kitchen. Beyond paleo and gluten-free, these
are palate-pleasing, appetite satisfying dishes that are quick, easy, and delectable from recipes
that combine fat-burning and nutritious ingredients to create both sweet and savory dishes, while
maintaining traditional tastes and textures. The thoroughly kitchen cook friendly recipes range
from a Blender BBQ Sauce; Carrot Yam Soup; Apple Spice Muffins, and Masa Flour Tortillas;
to Gnocchi with Brussels & Squash; German Chocolate Cake with Coconut Pecan Frosting; No-
Sugar Cookies; and a Sweet Chrry Pie. Of special note is the two page listing of Ingredient and
Kitchen Resources; a two page Bibliography; a one page author biography (About This
California Country Gal); a Conversion Chart; and a six page Index. Simply stated, "The Ultimate
Grain-Free Cookbook" is certain to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to personal,
family, professional, and community library Sugar Free/Starch Free cookbook collections! It
should be noted that "The Ultimate Grain-Free Cookbook" is also available in a digital book
format (Kindle, $14.49).
Asian Cuisines
Karen Christensen, editor
Berkshire Publishing Group
122 Castle Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230-1506
www.berkshirepublishing.com
9781614720300, $39.95, PB, 170pp, www.amazon.com
Asian Cuisines: Food Culture and History of Asia from Japan and China to Afghanistan and
Turkey is a compilation of expert-written articles on national and regional cuisines as well as
agriculture, important foodstuffs, and social and economic issues throughout the world's largest
and most diverse continent. Compiled and edited by Karen Christensen, "Asian Cuisines" is far
more than just another cookbook. It is a professional quality guide tour through specific Asian
cuisines ranging from China, Mongolia, Japan, Korea, India, Laos, and Thailand, to Vietnam,
Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, and Turkey. Of special note is the
section devoted to the subject of Foodstuffs including: Rice and Rice Agriculture; Tofu; Tea -
East Asia; Tea - South Asia; Spice Trade. Featuring a culinary wealth of authentic ethnic recipes
adapted for American kitchens, "Asian Cuisines" also includes a listing of the contributors and
their credentials, a sixteen page Glossary, and a four page Index. Impressively informative, a
pleasure to plan menus with, and thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' in organization and
presentation, "Asian Cuisines" is very highly recommended for personal, family, professional,
and community library Ethnic Cookbook collections.
Eat at Home Tonight
Tiffany King
WaterBrook Press
c/o Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group
10807 New Allegiance Drive, Suite 500, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com
9780735291232, $22.00, PB, 224pp, www.amazon.com
Tiffany King has cooked more than ten thousand meals for her husband and four kids. Over the
years, Tiffany has learned what works and what doesn't for getting dinner on the table fast. Her
recipes have been developed in a real kitchen for her busy family and tested by the millions of
readers of her website, Eat at Home. In "Eat at Home Tonight" she draws upon her years of
culinary experience and expertise to showcase 101 family recipes that are simple, palate pleasing,
appetite satisfying utilizing such common kitchen tools as a slow cooker, a sheet pan, and the
usual pots and bowls. The recipes themselves range from 5-Minute Pesto-Rubbed Chicken; Sea
Salt Pork Chops and Potatoes with Gravy; Beanless Firehouse Chili; and Chili Waffle Fry
Nachos; to Tomato Goat Cheese Quiche; Little Black Dress Roasted Vegetables; and Cherry
Vanilla ice Cream. Beautifully illustrated in full color photography, "Eat at Home Tonight" is
very highly recommended for personal, family, and community library contemporary cookbook
collections.
Gunpowder
Harneet Baweja, Devina Seth, and Nirmal Save
Kyle Books
9781909487864, $29.95, www.octopusbooksusa.com
Gunpowder: Explosive Flavors from Modern India comes from a husband-and-wife restaurant
team and a chef who have gathered family gems and translated them to Gunpowder, a London
home-style Indian kitchen and, now, a cookbook of the same name. The gunpowder spice mix is
a classic, and this collection makes the most of it, pairing lovely photos with regional cuisine and
innovations hard to find elsewhere, such as Malvani Sukka Chicken from a coastal area in
Konkan; Tawa Kalimirch Chicken which pairs a traditional marinated chicken with an avocado
dip that includes mango, ginger, and slices; or a Mint and Apple Lassi, which imparts an English
twist on a traditional Indian drink. The full-page color photos add visual embellishment to a
modern Indian cookbook which combines regional attention with modern innovations.
The American History Shelf
Women and the American Labor Movement
Philip S. Foner
Haymarket Books
PO Box 180165, Chicago, IL 60618
www.haymarketbooks.org
9781608469215, $25.00, PB, 632pp, www.amazon.com
Now in a reprint edition of a groundbreaking history, "Women and the American Labor
Movement" by the late historian Philip S. Foner (1910 - 1994) deftly traces American women's
struggle for freedom, equality and unity in the labor movement as it follows the triumphs and set
backs of this fight from the early Colonial labor associations to the late twentieth century.
"Women and the American Labor Movement" gives an articulated voice to the women who had
to battle on the shop floor and in the union movement for dignity and respect and who through
courage and tenacity won significant victories in struggle for equal rights. Impressively
comprehensive, exceptionally informative, and an essential contribution of enduring value to
both community and academic library 20th Century Women's History, 20th Century American
History, and 20th Century Labor History collections and supplemental studies lists.
American Prisoner of War Camps in Arizona and Nevada
Kathy Kirkpatrick
Arcadia Publishing
420 Wando Park Blvd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
www.arcadiapublishing.com
9781634990530 $22.99 amazon.com
Part of the "America Through Time" series and featuring a wealth of historical black-and-white
and some full-color photography, American Prisoner of War Camps in Arizona and Nevada is a
window through time, revealing how the large prisoner of war camps affected the lives of people
in Arizona and Nevada during World War II. Chapters present an overview of daily life in the
camps, including care, employment, and even educational classes; they also tell of deaths and
burials that occurred in the camps, and occasional escapes (which nearly always resulted in
recapture). Thoroughly accessible to readers of all backgrounds, American Prisoner of War
Camps in Arizona and Nevada is fascinating from cover to cover, and highly recommended
especially for public library American History collections.
Virginia in the War of 1812
Christopher M. Bonin
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
https://mcfarlandbooks.com
9781476671086, $35.00, PB, 185pp, www.amazon.com
The state of Virginia saw significant military action during the War of 1812, ranging from the
Chesapeake-Leopard Affair to the defense of Norfolk against British invaders. Many Virginians
supported the struggle for independence from Great Britain while others vehemently opposed
what they described as "Mr. Madison's War." A largely forgotten conflict, the war played an
important role in the history of the United States. While comprehensive histories of the war are
few, there is a positive lack of state-focused studies. Drawing on extensive primary and
secondary sources, "Virginia in the War of 1812" by historian Christopher M. Bonin provides an
in-depth portrait of the "Old Dominion" at war in the early years of the nation's history. Enhanced
for academia with the inclusion of thirteen pages of Chapter Notes; a five page Bibliography, and
a four page Index, "Virginia in the War of 1812" is an especially recommended addition to
community and academic library 19th Century American History collections in general, and War
of 1812 supplemental studies reading lists in particular. It should be noted for students,
academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Virginia in the
War of 1812" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $18.99).
Pacing Dakota
Thomas D. Isern
North Dakota State University Press
https://ndsupress.org
9781946163066 $29.95 amazon.com
Pacing Dakota is an anthology of essays contemplating the history and culture of the Great Plains
of North America. Historian Thomas Isern shares his ruminations on prairie churches, forgotten
artifacts, and little-known stories connected to the land and the generations who have called it
home. "The eradication of wild buffalo from the Great Plains was symbolic of something larger:
the killing off of most all large wild animals that happened with settlement of the prairies by
farmers and ranchers. The large herbivores were killed off for eating; the large predators were
killed off because they were incompatible with livestock husbandry." A handful of black-and-white photographs and an index enhance this unique blend of historical scholarship, outdoors
enthusiasm, culinary appreciation, cherished memories, and more. Pacing Dakota is highly
recommended for both public library collections and personal reading lists.
Through Their Eyes
Michael Koskey, Laurel Tyrrell, and Varpu Lotvonen
University of Alaska Press
PO Box 756240, Fairbanks, AK 99775-6240
9781602233577 $19.95 www.alaska.edu/uapress
Through Their Eyes: A Community History of Eagle, Circle, and Central is a history of three
small towns - Eagle, Circle, and Central - in the cold, sparsely populated central-eastern interior
of Alaska. These communities can trace their origins to not only the gold rushes of Alaskan
history, but also the traditional territories of the Han Hwech'in, the Gwichyaa Gwich'in, and the
Denduu Gwich'in Dena (Athabascan) peoples. Drawing upon oral narratives and archival
research, Through Their Eyes offers a rich portrayal of rural Alaskan life, featuring stories
directly from the people who called these towns home. A list of references cited and an index
rounds out this welcome contribution to public and college library American History shelves, as
well as personal reading lists.
A Bicentennial Commemorative of the Prairie State
David W. Scott, editor
Southern Illinois University Press
1915 University Press Drive, SIUC Mail Code 6806, Carbondale, IL 62901
www.siupress.com
9780809336883 $29.50 amazon.com
A Bicentennial Commemorative of the Prairie State: Readings from the Journal of the Illinois
State Historical Society is an anthology of articles selected from the "Journal of the Illinois State
Historical Society's scholarly archives, which span 110 years of history. More than thirty selected
articles offer insight into the complex history of Illinois, from a variety of perspective. Individual
writings include "Journalism in Illinois before the Thirties", "Cracker Barrel Days in Old Illinois
Stores", "Illinois Soldiers and the Emancipation Proclamation", "The Sanitation Revolution in
Illinois, 1870-1900" and much more. Edifying and enlightening, A Bicentennial Commemorative
of the Prairie State is a welcome contribution to public and college library American History
collections, highly recommended.
The Revenger
Aaron Woodard
TwoDot
9781493033928, $16.95, www.globepequot.com
The Revenger: The Life and Times of Wild Bill Hickok considers Wild Bill's life, but does so in
such a manner that 19th century American history and culture come to life. Wild Bill's actions
and his times were affected by the Civil War's history and events, and this blends into an overall
survey of his early jobs in law enforcement, media's role in turning his exploits into the tales of a
national celebrity, and the changing nature of history and perceptions of lawmen in the West.
Archival photos of Wild Bill and his contemporaries round out a lively survey not to be missed
by any American history reader looking for a different approach that moves beyond biography
and links the man's exploits to historical changes.
Five for Freedom
Eugene L. Meyer
Laurence Hill
c/o Chicago Review Press
9781613735718, $26.99, www.chicagoreviewpress.com
Five for Freedom: The African American Soldiers in John Brown's Army documents the true
story of five black men who stood alongside John Brown's army in 1859, willing to die during
Brown's attempt to incite a slave insurrection in Harpers Ferry. While many know of Brown's
actions as the cause of the Civil War's opening salvo, this book rectifies a glaring omission,
focusing on those who stood with John against all odds; but who have largely been forgotten by
history. Having an entire book on the subject means that close inspection is possible, and this
documentation of each man's life and achievements expands the knowledge of John Brown's
army members and how their deaths affected generations to come. Vintage black and white
photos and illustrations throughout enhance a well-researched, involving study recommended for
civil rights, American history, and minority history holdings alike.
The World History Shelf
Ancient Antioch
Andrea U. De Giorgi
Cambridge University Press
One Liberty Plaza, Fl. 20, New York, NY 10006
www.cambridge.org
9781107130739, $105.00, HC, 238pp, www.amazon.com
From late fourth century BC, the Seleucid enclave as they capital of the Roman east. Antioch on
the Orontes was one of the greatest cities of antiquity and served as a hinge between east and
west. In "Ancient Antioch: From the Seleucid Era to the Islamic Conquest". field archaeologist
Andrea U. De Giorgi (who is also an Assistant Professor, Classics Department, Florida State
University) draws on a century of archaeological fieldwork to offer a new narrative of Antioch's
origins and growth, as well as its resilience, civic pride, and economic opportunism. Situating the
urban nucleus in the context of the rural landscape, "Ancient Antioch" integrates hitherto
divorced cultural basins, including the Amuq Valley and the Massif Calcaire. "Ancient Antioch"
also brings into focus the archaeological data, thus proposing a concrete interpretative framework
that, grounded in the monuments of Antioch, enables the reader to move beyond text-based
reconstructions of the city's history. Finally, "Ancient Antioch" considers the interaction between
the environment and the people of the city who shaped this region and forged a distinct identity
within the broader Greco-Roman world. Enhanced with the inclusion of figures, maps, a list of
abbreviations, eighteen pages of Notes, a sixteen page Bibliography, and a nine page Index,
"Ancient Antioch" is a unique and unreservedly recommended addition to college and university
library World History collections in general, and Antioch supplemental studies reading lists in
particular. It should be noted for students, academia, and non-specialist general readers that
"Ancient Antioch" is also available in a paperback edition (9781107576711, $32.99) and in a
digital book format (Kindle, $15.90).
This Fleeting World
David Christian
Berkshire Publishing Group
122 Castle Street, Great Barrington, MA 01230-1506
www.berkshirepublishing.com
9781933782041, $19.95, PB, 120pp, www.amazon.com
"This Fleeting World: A Short History of Humanity" by David Christian (who is Professor of
World History at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia) takes his readers on an informative
and fascinating the journey through human history from the first Homo sapiens down to mankind
as the dominant species on the Earth today. Professor Christian begins the story of mankind from
the Big Bang to the earliest foraging era to the present Anthropocene epoch. This newly revised
and expanded fifth edition includes material on what Professor Christian aptly calls "big history".
A compact, easy-to-read overview of world history, "This Fleeting World" is an ideal textbook
for highschool and college curriculums and very highly recommended for both community and
academic library World History collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of
students, history buffs, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that
"This Fleeting World" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.95).
Antiquities of Rural Ireland
Muiris O Suilleabhain, author
Liam Downey, author
Dara Downey, author
Wordwell Books
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7, 124 Byers Road, Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
www.dufoureditions.com
9780993351891, $50.00, HC, 420pp, www.amazon.com
An informative compilation assembled to specifically shed light on Ireland's agricultural and
rural past, "Antiquities of Rural Ireland" does not pretend to be systematically comprehensive,
but will prove to be interesting and eye-opening for both academia and non-specialist general
readers with an interest in the subject. The articles assemble reasonably up-to-date information
about the various archaeological traces, supported by images, a summary of diagnostic features,
and a list of publications where additional information may be sourced. Profusely illustrated
throughout, "Antiquities of Rural Ireland" is organized and presented eight distinctively thematic
sections: Agriculture; Food Processing; Settlement; Getting Around; Local Enterprises; Coastal
Features; Ritual and Ceremony. Enhanced with the inclusion of a six page Table of Monuments;
and a nine page Index of Sites, "Antiquities of Rural Ireland" is an impressively informative and
thoroughly 'reader friendly' study that is unreservedly recommended for both community and
academic library Irish History collections and supplemental studies reading lists.
The Civil War Shelf
Union Soldiers in the American Civil War
Lance J. Herdegen
Savas Beatie
PO Box 4527, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
www.savasbeatie.com
9781611213393, $15.95, PB, 168pp, www.amazon.com
An award-winning journalist Lance J. Herdegen is the former director of the Institute of Civil
War Studies at Carroll University and presently an historical consultant for the Civil War
Museum of the Upper Middle West. In "Union Soldiers in the American Civil War: Facts and
Photos for Readers of All Ages" he offers a complete guide for Civil War enthusiasts of all ages.
Enhanced with 100 photographs that are coupled with clear and concise prose broken down into
short, easy to understand chapters to better understand these men. The coverage includes such
varied topics as the organization of the Union Army, learning to be soldiers, winter campaigning,
photography, sick call, nurses, religion, discipline, prisoner of war camps, weaponry, uniforms,
as well as numbers and losses and the strengths of the various Union armies. "Union Soldiers in
the American Civil War" also examines the participation of U.S. Color Troops and the role
played by African Americans during the Civil War. Featuring a list of Civil War points of
interest, some bookshelf suggestions, and a glossary of Civil War terms, "Union Soldiers in the
American Civil War" is unreservedly recommended for the personal reading lists of dedicated
American Civil War buffs and community library American Civil War History collections.
"The Devil's to Pay"
Eric J. Wittenberg
Savas Beatie
PO Box 4527, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
www.savasbeatie.com
9781611212082, $32.95, HC, 288pp, www.amazon.com
Although many scholarly studies on Gettysburg have addressed the role played by Brig. Gen.
John Buford and his First Cavalry Division troops, there is not a single book-length study
devoted entirely to the critical delaying actions waged by Buford and his dismounted troopers
and his horse artillerists on the morning of July 1, 1863, until now. American Civil War historian
Eric J. Wittenberg rectifies this glaring oversight with "The Devil's to Pay": John Buford at
Gettysburg - A History and Walking Tour. This comprehensive tactical study examines the role
Buford and his horse soldiers played from June 29 through July 2, 1863, including the important
actions that saved the shattered remnants of the First and Eleventh Corps. Wittenberg relies upon
scores of rare primary sources, including many that have never before been used, to paint a
detailed picture of the critical role the quiet and modest cavalryman known to his men as "Honest
John" or "Old Steadfast" played at Gettysburg. Certain to be an enduringly popular and
impressively comprehensive contribution to the growing library of American Civil War histories,
"The Devil's to Pay" is an extraordinary and highly recommended addition to personal,
community, and academic library collections and supplemental studies lists. It should be noted
for students, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "The
Devil's to Pay" is now also available in a paperback edition (9781611214444, $18.95) and in a
digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
The Religion/Spirituality Shelf
Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching
Raymond Bart Vespe
Regent Press
2747 Regent St., Berkeley, CA 94705
www.regentpress.net
9781587904295 $19.95 amazon.com
Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching: Soul Journeying Commentaries is a translation of a principal text of the
ancient spiritual and philosophical tradition of Chinese Taoism. This translation is the original
work of author and translator Raymond Bart Vespe, who interprets textual maxims as guides to a
soul-journey from identifying with the ego to identifying with the spirit. Each poetic
"transformative passage" translated from the original text is accompanied by an "explicative
summary" and a "meditative inquiry" to not only aid understanding, but also encourage the reader
to personally implement positive wisdom from this classic text. Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching is highly
recommended for both for public library collections and personal reading lists.
Homespun
Lorilee Craker, editor
Herald Press
P.O. Box 866, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
www.heraldpress.com
9781513803166, $15.99, PB, 192pp, www.amazon.com
Reading the contributions of the women that comprise "Homespun: Amish and Mennonite
Women in Their Own Words" is the next best thing to visiting with a group of Amish or
Mennonite women over a cup of coffee. This unique collections of stories and yarns include
personal writings about hospitality, home, grief, joy, and walks with God. Readers will learn of
one woman who struggles with feeling inferior to her sister, from another about her longing for a
baby, and from a third who accidentally bought stretchy material to sew her husband's pants.
Each woman's story is a testament to the grace of God and the blessings of community. Behind
Amish romance novels and tourist spots and television shows stand real people, with longings
and loves just like the rest of us. Every Amish and Mennonite woman has a story. Compiled and
edited by Lorilee Craker, in the pages of "Homespun" we all get to hear some of them. While
very highly recommended, especially for community library collections, it should be noted for
personal reading lists that "Homespun" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$12.99).
Simply Amish
Donald B. Kraybill
Herald Press
P.O. Box 866, Harrisonburg, VA 22803
www.heraldpress.com
9781513803296 $10.99 amazon.com
Author and internationally recognized scholar of Anabaptist groups Donald Kraybill presents
Simply Amish: An Essential Guide from the Foremost Expert on Amish Life, a down-to-earth
distillation of Amish faith and culture. Explaining in plain terms how Amish society operates,
why their rules for daily living exclude owning common modern conveniences such as
computers, automobiles, radios, or televisions; guiding Amish religious and spiritual beliefs; and
much more, Simply Amish is a "must-read" for anyone seeking to better understand the Amish.
"An Amish person employed in an English-owned factory has no restrictions on using its
technology. Likewise, an Amish woman working as a secretary in a real estate office is allowed
to operate the office computer but may not own one in her home... The same access-but-not-
ownership distinction also explains why riding in motor vehicles owned by outsiders is
acceptable." Color photographs intersperse this thoroughly accessible, informed and informative
introduction, highly recommended for both public library collections and personal reading
lists.
The Parenting Shelf
Being a Grandparent
Ray Guarendi
Franciscan Media
https://info.franciscanmedia.org
9781632532312, $15.99, PB, 144pp, www.amazon.com
Dr. Ray Guarendi believes that parenting is too important to be taken seriously - and that goes
double for grandparenting. As a father of ten, clinical psychologist, radio host and author of
many books about marriage and parenting, Dr. Ray has spent his career helping to strengthen
families through a combination of Catholic theology, common-sense insights and wry humor.
Now, having become a new grandpa himself, Dr. Ray is turning his attention to the joyful,
rejuvenating and sometimes complicated subject of grandparenting in "Being a Grandparent: Just
Like Being a Parent...Only Different" Here he answers real questions from grands. Some wonder
how being a grandparent will differ from being a parent, and want to mature into it with as few
wrinkles as possible. Some are a daily presence in their grandchildren's lives, perhaps even
sharing a home with them and wanting their interactions to be as smooth as possible. Others live
many miles away and fear yielding to the temptation of bribery to endear their distant
grandbabies to them. Some are baffled as to why their own children are raising the grandkids so
unlike they were raised - in practice, discipline or morals. Others see their grandchildren as
difficult to be around, and ask what, if anything, they can do about it. Accessibly written for the
non-specialist general reader, "Being a Grandparent" is very highly recommended, especially for
senior citizen center and community library Parenting instructional reference collections. It
should be noted for personal reading lists that "Being a Grandparent" is also available in a digital
book format (Kindle, $9.99).
The Theatre/Cinema Shelf
Telling Time: Essays of a Visionary Filmmaker
Stan Brakhage
McPherson & Company
PO Box 1126, Kingston, NY 12402
www.mcphersonco.com
9781620540275, $18.00, PB, 144pp, www.amazon.com
Stan Brakhage was one of the most influential of independent American filmmakers. From 1952
to 2003 he issued nearly 400 original films, ranging in length from a few seconds to several
hours. "Telling Time: Essays of a Visionary Filmmaker" is a collection of his controversial
essays on the art of film and its intersections with poetry, music, dance, and painting. Published
in small circulation literary and arts journals, they were gathered later into such books as
"Metaphors on Vision" and "Film at Wit's End". Beginning in 1989, and for a decade thereafter,
Brakhage wrote some of the essays comprising "Telling Time" as an occasional column for
Musicworks, a Toronto quarterly. Ostensibly about the relation of film to music, they soon
enlarged to explore primary concerns beyond film, including Brakhage's aesthetic theories based
on the phenomenology of human cognition. In these essays he is as brilliant discussing Gertrude
Stein or romantic love as he is on child psychology, astronomy, and physiology, all the while
teasing out vital correspondences between the arts, and upending conventional ideas of how we
perceive. His investigations of other artists are models of sympathetic intuition and generosity.
Above all, he shares his theories, discoveries and understandings in the spirit of establishing a
groundwork for many varieties of human liberation. His prose is filled with flashes of insight,
elaborated metaphors, playful elisions, shorthand puns and neologisms, personal digressions,
surprising epiphanies, leaps of faith, affronts to authority. He appeals to the imagination, and
invites us to a more profound and personal experience of art. Thoughtful and thought-provoking,
this collection of deftly crafted, insightful, and occasionally iconoclastic essays is an especially
and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and academic
library Cinematic History collections and supplemental studies lists.
The Philosophy Shelf
Finding Purpose in a Godless World
Ralph Lewis, MD
Prometheus Books
9781633883857, $26.00, www.prometheusbooks.com
Finding Purpose in a Godless World: Why We Care Even if the Universe Doesn't focuses on
human purpose and caring in the world, and is written for those who like their science tinged
with social inspection in the border area of religion and philosophical thinking. It presents and
analyzes the major modern thinking in this area, pairing an attention to history and the author's
own background in psychiatry with a focus on how people cope with seemingly random events
that challenge their lives. From empathy and moral perspectives to understanding the meaning of
a purpose-driven life, this multifaceted discussion sounds scholarly but will prove quite
accessible to any educated reader interested in an interdisciplinary approach to life's
meaning.
The Technology Shelf
Engineering Trustworthy Systems
O. Sami Saydjari
McGraw Hill Educational
1221 Avenue of the Americas, 45th Floor, New York, NY 10020
www.mhprofessional.com
9781260118179, $60.00, PB, 592pp, www.amazon.com
The security of our computer databases and networks is one of the leading issues of our day.
"Engineering Trustworthy Systems: Get Cybersecurity Design Right the First Time" by O. Sami
Saydjari (who has been a visionary thought-leader in cybersecurity for over three decades,
working for elite organizations, including the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency
(DARPA), National Security Agency, and NASA, among others) is a professional guide that
shows, step by step, how to design and deploy highly secure systems on time and within budget.
"Engineering Trustworthy Systems" offers comprehensive examples, objectives, and best
practices and shows how to build and maintain powerful, cost-effective cybersecurity systems.
Readers will learn to think strategically, identify the highest priority risks, and apply advanced
countermeasures that address the entire attack space. "Engineering Trustworthy Systems"
showcases 35 years of practical engineering experience from an expert whose persuasive vision
has advanced national cybersecurity policy and practices and covers: Defining the fundamental
nature and full breadth of the cybersecurity problem; Adopting an essential perspective that
considers attacks, failures, and attacker mindsets; Developing and implementing risk-mitigating,
systems-based solutions; Transforming sound cybersecurity principles into effective architecture
and evaluation strategies that holistically address the entire complex attack space. Exceptionally
well organized and presented, "Engineering Trustworthy Systems" is an ideal textbook on cyber
security and unreservedly recommended for professional, corporate, community, college, and
university library instructional reference collections. It should be noted for the personal reading
lists of students, academia, cyber security professionals, corporate executives, governmental
security administrators, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that
"Engineering Trustworthy Systems" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$34.99).
5G and Satellite Spectrum, Standards, and Scale
Geoff Varrall
Artech House
9781630815028, $169.00, www.artechhouse.com
5G and Satellite Spectrum, Standards, and Scale is a recommended reference for satellite and
mobile communications engineers who seek a technical discussion of recently established Non
Terrestrial network standards, different delivery options, and Low Earth Orbit, medium Earth
Orbit, and Geostationary satellites. From different bands needed to support 5G and satellite
networks to band performance, management, allocation and interfaces, this examines the design,
costs, and future of implementing next generation satellite standards.
The Photography Shelf
Unearthing Ancient Nubia
Lawrence Berman
MFA Publications
c/o Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
www.mfa-publications.org
9780878468546, $40.00, HC, 144pp, www.amazon.com
Specially trained Egyptian photographers were an integral part of the pioneering Harvard - MFA
expeditions during the first half of the 20th century. Over the course of some 40 years, their
photographs documented the excavations with thousands of images as the riches of a great
ancient civilization in northern Sudan were uncovered. George A. Reisner, the leader of the
expedition, was keenly aware of the challenges of creating photographs under these conditions:
"In judging the photographs, remember that the statues had to be photographed in the glaring
light of the tropics under great difficulties owing to the weight and size of the objects which
made it nearly impossible to put the statues together." In "Unearthing Ancient Nubia:
Photographs from the Harvard University - Boston Museum of Fine Arts Expedition" by
Lawrence Berman (who is the Norman Jean Calderwood Senior Curator of Ancient Egyptian,
Nubian, and Near Eastern Art, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston), the best of these photographs
bring to life the dramatic landscapes of the Nile Valley, the excitement of archaeological
discovery and the artistry of the photographers who recorded it all. "Unearthing Ancient Nubia"
deftly reveals the origins of the single most important collection of ancient Nubian art outside of
Khartoum. A unique and superbly presented volume of captioned photographs, "Unearthing
Ancient Nubia" will prove an enduringly valued addition to personal, professional, community,
and academic library History of Photography collections in general, and Nubian Archaeology
supplemental studies lists in particular.
NeoRealismo
Enrica Vigano, editor
DelMonico Books
c/o Prestel Publishing
900 Broadway, Suite 603, New York, NY 10003
www.prestel.com
9783791357690, $65.00, HC, 352pp, www.amazon.com
Originally used for Fascist propaganda, the camera in Italy became a tool for artists to reveal the
poverty and oppression of their country and a way to instigate positive social development and
create a national identity. The NeoRealismo style became a call for economic justice as well as
an artistic movement that influenced the modern world. The achievements of that movement are
celebrated in "NeoRealismo: The New Image in Italy 1932-1960", compiled with commentary by
Enrica Vigano who is a journalist, photographer, and founder of Admira, an organization that
oversees photographic exhibitions across Europe. Featuring more than 200 illustrations,
including exquisitely reproduced photographs and magazine images as well as film stills and
posters, collectively over some three decades these images portray the seismic changes that took
place throughout Italy during and after the war in terms of the migration from south to north,
rural and urban poverty, and the desire to establish a national identity. All are given expression
through the photographers' lenses. Accompanying essays discuss the technological changes that
transformed the country, trace the evolution of Neorealist cinema, and explore how writers
became part of this revolution. Beautiful, raw, and free of artifice, these images and the people
who created them ushered a unique and fascinating moment in modern art history,
"NeoRealismo: The New Image in Italy 1932-1960" is enhanced for academia with the inclusion
of an informative Foreword by Martin Scorsese, and index of the photographers, and a listing of
the contributors and their credentials. A collectively impressive body of work, "NeoRealismo:
The New Image in Italy 1932-1960" is an especially and unreservedly recommended volume for
personal, professional, community, and academic library photography collections in general, and
20th Century Italian history supplemental studies reading lists in particular.
The Computer Shelf
Regular Expressions Pocket Primer
O. Campesato
Mercury Learning
9781683922278, $34.95, www.merclearning.com
Computer reference collections appealing to data scientists and professional learners who want a
quick pocket reference for refresher purposes will find Regular Expressions Pocket Primer the
perfect pick for technical pursuit. It's packed with examples and commands, doesn't assume any
degree of prior technical knowledge or familiarity with expressions, and includes files with all
the source code examples as a download from the publisher. Anyone interested in regular
expressions for refining and using data will find this an important primer.
The Travel Shelf
Haunted Restaurants, Taverns, and Inns of Texas, second edition
Robert Wlodarski and Anne Powell Wlodarski
Globe Pequot
9781493032495, $17.95, www.globepequot.com
Haunted Restaurants, Taverns, and Inns of Texas appears in its second updated edition to present
haunted locales listed by city, which lends to visitor planning as well as definitive armchair
reading. History about the haunted places pairs with ghost stories that stemmed from the original
hauntings, current-day incarnations of the spirits, and input from the establishment operator to
make for a lively survey highly recommended for any true-life ghost story reader and especially
those planning a visit to Texas.
The Military Shelf
Chasing the Demon
Dan Hampton
William Morrow
9780062688729, $28.99, www.harpercollins.com
Chasing the Demon: A Secret History of the Quest for the Sound Barrier, and the Band of
American Aces Who Conquered It charts a top-secret military program to reach the sound barrier
with the goal of delivering a nuclear device to its destination faster than the enemy. This effort
was made through a classified program on a remote air base in California's Mojave Desert where
pilots flew experimental aircraft. The penetration of the sound barrier was made public only
because the story was leaked to the press, but this survey from an aviation historian goes beyond
what has been general knowledge to consider connections between the Mach 1 program and
nuclear war planning, the pilots who participated in the effort, and truths about the program
which only appear in this book. Lively, revealing, and even frightening, Chasing the Demon
requires no prior knowledge of military history, this program, or science in order to prove
thoroughly engrossing.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
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