Return to home
page Book Reviews, Book Lover Resources, Advice for Writers and Publishers
Home / Wisconsin Bookwatch

Wisconsin Bookwatch

Volume 9, Number 9 September 2014 Home | WBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Needlecraft Shelf Metaphysical Studies Shelf
Poetry Shelf Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf Audiobook Shelf
Music CD Shelf DVD Shelf Cookbook Shelf
Wine Shelf Travel Shelf Fiction Shelf
American History Shelf Civil War Shelf Biography Shelf
Crafts Shelf Woodworking Shelf Buddhist Studies Shelf


Reviewer's Choice

A Texas Cowboy's Journal
Jack Bailey, author
David Dary, editor
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive
Norman, OK 73069
9780806137377 $24.95 hc
9780806146478 $14.95 pbk www.oupress.com

Volume 3 of "The Western Legacies Series", A Texas Cowboy's Journal: Up the Trail to Kansas in 1868 is the first known, day-to-day journal written by a cowboy on a cattle drive from Texas to Kansas, after the American Civil War. Jack Bailey, a farmer of North Texas, gives his firsthand account of his difficult job; he tells of encounters with Indians, U.S. soldiers, Mexicans, freed slaves, and other cowboys. Individual daily entries tend to be brief, but together they paint a vivid picture of life on the trail, as well as working with other crewmembers, who sometimes included African Americans, or even women and children. "Rained all night but we kept dry. It was dark + raining when we stopped. Women mad + quarreling. Children crying. Looked like a storm coming [sic] on us but turned off to a study hard rain. But we are all right this morning. The women slept off their mad..." A Texas Cowboy's Journal is a solid primary historical source, highly recommended for scholars and lay readers alike.

Butch Cassidy My Uncle: A Family Portrait
Bill Betenson
High Plains Press
PO Box 123
Glendo, WY 82213
9781937147037 $19.95 www.highplainspress.com

Penned by Butch Cassidy's great-grandson Bill Betenson, Butch Cassidy My Uncle: A Family Portrait retells the life story of one of America's most famous outlaws. Bill's quest to learn more about his colorful, violent, yet charismatic ancestor led him to jail basements in the American West, to the ranch Butch once owned in Argentina, and to intense study of family archives inherited from Butch Cassidy's younger sister, Lula Parker Betenson. A handful of vintage black-and-white photographs illustrate this up-close-and-personal biography, and the successor volume to Lula's classic memoir "Butch Cassidy, My Brother". Highly recommended!

The Art of Memory
Thomas R. Dilley
Wayne State University Press
The Leonard N. Simons Building
4809 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201-1309
9780814340196 $39.99 http://wsupress.wayne.edu

Cemetery historian and expert Thomas R. Dilley presents The Art of Memory: Historic Cemeteries of Grand Rapids, Michigan, an in-depth history of the art, architecture, and purpose of American cemeteries in general, and fifteen historic cemeteries of Grand Rapids, Michigan in particular. Chapters explore the evolution of cemetery design and development, from religious and decorative symbols used to the types of epitaphs and how the materials used by cemetery makers changed. A wealth of color photography illustrates this fascinating tour through time, space, and history.


The Needlecraft Shelf

1000 New Embroidery Designs
Joan Waldman
American Quilter's Society
PO Box 3290
Paducah, KY 42002-3290
9781604601619 $24.95 www.americanquilter.com

1000 New Embroidery Designs is a pattern book for intermediate to advanced embroiderers. Familiary with the fundamentals of the craft is generally presumed, although a brief introduction does refresh the reader's memory on stitch symbols, as well as how to make basic stitches (including backstitch, right-hand stitch, chain stitch, chevron stitch, cretan stitch, and many more). The overwhelming majority of 1000 New Embroidery Designs is devoted entirely to wordless stitch diagrams, on grid backgrounds for ease of assessment. Each design can be applied to quilts or any other type of decorative embroidery. An excellent and enriching resource for creative embroiderers!

Weave Knit Wear
Judith Shangold, author
Alexis Xenakis, photographer
XRX Books
P. O. Box 965
Sioux Falls, SD 57101-0965
9781933064291 $28.95 www.knittinguniverse.com

Weave Knit Wear: Simply Fabulous Clothing and Accessories for Rigid-Heddle (and other) Weavers is a guide featuring 30 hands-on projects for weaving fashionable clothing, none of which requires expensive equipment, expansive space, or special threads to weave! Craftable items include a modern serape, an Aegean tunic, a "big pockets" jacket, hats, totes, and more. Each project is designed for creation on an affordable, 20-inch wide rigid-heddle loom. Weave Knit Wear teaches explains its basic weaving, hand sewing, and knitting techniques in plain terms, accessible to needlecrafters of all skill and experience levels. Full-color photography and meticulous diagrams illuminate the steps in this "must-have" for anyone interested in broadening their sewing horizons!

Sew Sweet Handmade Clothes for Girls
Yuki Araki, author
Tuttle Publishing
364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759
9784805313152, $16.95, www.tuttlepublishing.com

"Sew Sweet Handmade Clothes for Girls: 22 Easy-To- Make Dresses, Skirts, Pants & Tops Girls Will Love" contains brightly illustrated instructions and a double-sided pullout pattern set for 22 simple to construct dresses, tops, skirts, and pants for girls. The book presents lovely color photos of finished clothing items modeled by sweet young girls, followed by an alphabetically coded list of garments with specific pages for instructions, or how to make it. Concise sewing notes and fabric layouts plus materials lists are followed by easy to understand step by step instructions, with measurements specified where helpful. Even inexperienced sewing moms or dads will be able to complete these adorable projects for their daughters. Patterns and instructions are included for camisoles, several skirts, several blouses, dresses, leggings, bags, and even a coat. "Sew Sweet Handmade Clothes for Girls" is a bargain treasure for parents who enjoy showing their love through clothing design and construction.

Sassy Knit Outfits for 18-Inch Dolls
Jeanne Kussrow-Larsen
Annie's
P.O. Box 8000
Big Sandy, TX 75755
9781596359741 $9.99 www.anniescatalog.com

Illustrated with full-color photography, Sassy Knit Outfits for 18-Inch Dolls lives up to its title as a collection of hands-on projects that knitters can create to dress favorite dolls in beautiful, original, and gloriously patterned garments. Basic familiarity with the craft of knitting and the conventions of transcribing knitting patterns is presumed; occasional charts or stitch diagrams help clarify aspects of the more complex projects. Sassy Knit Outfits for 18-Inch Dolls is a wonderful way to experiment, improve one's knitting skills, and create unforgettable gifts for doll collectors.


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

The World's Most Haunted House
William J. Hall
New Page Books
c/o Career Press Inc.
220 West Parkway, Unit 12, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
c/o Warwick Associates (publicity)
18340 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, California 95476
9781601633378 $15.99 www.newpagebooks.com

The World's Most Haunted House: The True Story of the Bridgeport Poltergeist on Lindley Street recounts one of the most well-documented hauntings of the modern day. Excerpts from primary sources such as interviews, police reports, and rare documents enrich the methodical storytelling of one of the most widely-known yet perplexedly inexplicable paranormal events. A bibliography and an index round out this "must-have" for paranormal studies shelves with a focus on ghosts and spirits.

Meister Eckhart
Matthew Fox
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
www.newworldlibrary.com
www.MatthewFox.org
9781608682652, $17.95, www.amazon.com

Eckhart von Hochheim O.P. (c. 1260 - c. 1328), commonly known as Meister Eckhart, was a German theologian, philosopher and mystic, born near Gotha, in the Landgraviate of Thuringia in the Holy Roman Empire. Eckhart came into prominence during the Avignon Papacy, at a time of increased tensions between the Franciscan Order and Eckhart's Dominican Order of Preachers. In later life he was accused of heresy and brought up before the local Franciscan-led Inquisition, and tried as a heretic by Pope John XXII. He probably died before his verdict was received. Though he lived in the thirteenth century, Meister Eckhart's deeply ecumenical teachings were in many ways modern. He taught about what we call ecology, championed artistic creativity, and advocated for social, economic, and gender justice. All these elements have inspired spiritual maverick Matthew Fox and influenced his Creation Spirituality. In the pages of "Meister Eckhart: A Mystic-Warrior for Our Times, author and Western mysticism expert Matthew Fox creates metaphorical meetings between Eckhart and Teilhard de Chardin, Thich Nhat Hanh, Carl Jung, Black Elk, Rumi, Adrienne Rich, and other radical thinkers. The result is profoundly insightful, substantive, and inspiring. Very highly recommended as informed and informative reading for students of Eckhart's life, thought and work, it should be noted that "Meister Eckhart: A Mystic-Warrior for Our Times" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).


The Poetry Shelf

The Sparkling Jewel Of Naturalism
Selima Hill
Bloodaxe Books
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
www.dufoureditions.com
9781780371030, $26.00, www.amazon.com

Poetry is a form of literature that uses aesthetic and rhythmic qualities of language to evoke meanings in addition to, or in place of, the prosaic ostensible meaning. "The Sparkling Jewel Of Naturalism" is a 94 page compendium showcasing the exquisite poetry of Selima Hill. A delight to browse through and enjoy these couplets of free verse celebrations and observations, "The Sparking Jewel Of Naturalism" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to personal and community library Contemporary Poetry collections. 'Skating': We Circle round and round the freezing rink / and some of us improve and some don't // and some, like you, who dare to ask the question / nobody dares answer, don't try.


The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf

Don Heck: A Work of Art
John Coates, author
Don Heck, artist
TwoMorrows Publishing
10407 Bedfordtown Drive
Raleigh, NC 27614
www.twomorrows.com
9781605490588 $39.95 print / $11.95 digital

Also available in a digital edition, Don Heck: A Work of Art is a biography of legendary comic artist Don Heck, well-known a the co-creator of Marvel Comics characters such as Iron Man, Hawkeye, and Black Widow, as well as his extensive work on the Marvel comic "The Avengers". His 40-year comic career is the stuff of legends. Author John Coates has thoroughly researched Heck's career, and also offers testimony from Don Heck's surviving family, his long-time friends, and unearthed rare interviews with Heck himself. Black-and-white as well as color images of comic pages from Heck's work illustrate this one-of-a-kind tribute. Highly recommended!


The Audiobook Shelf

Haunted
Randy Wayne White, author
Renee Raudman, narrator
Penguin Audio
c/o The Penguin Publishing Group
375 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
9781611763362 $40.00 http://us.penguingroup.com

Haunted is the unabridged audiobook rendition of a mystery that stretches from the Civil War to the modern day. Hannah Smith has been hired by a wealthy widow to block the destruction of a historic home. Did the house's seller fail to give all relevant information when he closed the deal? The house has a storied and sometimes bloody history, including its involvement in a deadly Civil War skirmish and the alleged suicides of two previous owners. Hannah doesn't believe in ghosts or hauntings, but the further she investigates, the more dangerous her appointed task becomes! Suspenseful to the very end, Haunted is especially recommended for mystery connoisseurs. 8 CDs, 10 1/2 hours.

The Wolfe Widow
Victoria Abbott, author
Carla Mercer-Meyer, narrator
Tantor Media, Inc.
6 Business Park Road
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
9781494501013 $42.99 www.tantor.com

The Wolfe Widow is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of book three of Victoria Abbott's "Book Collector Mystery" series. Jordan Bingham enjoys her job researching rare books for Vera Van Alst, despite Van Alst's infamous ill-temper. But then the mysterious Muriel Delgado arrives for a seemingly unsolicited visit, and shortly afterward, Van Alst fires Jordan! What vise-like hold does Delgado possess over Jordan's employer? Jordan's searching uncovers a lethal scheme marked by greed, murder, and a lethal interest in Val Alst's collection of Nero Wolfe first editions. Talented theater performer Carla Mercer-Meyer brings to life this tense and exciting adventure, highly recommended! 9 CDs, 10 1/2 hours.

The Equalizer
Michael Sloan, author
Jeff Gurner, narrator
Macmillan Audio
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315
New York, NY 10010
9781427239266 $49.99 www.macmillanaudio.com

Written by the co-creator of classic 1980's "The Equalizer" television series, The Equalizer is an unabridged audiobook adaptation re-imagining the core concept for the twenty-first century. Robert McCall is a former covert operations officer for the CIA, seeking to atone for his past crimes by serving as a troubleshooter, protector, and investigator, free of charge, to those who need it most. Desperate people find him through the newspaper or the Internet, and with the aid of his contacts, he serves vigilante justice to the worst of humanity. McCall's opponent this time is a ruthless, Chechen nightclub owner who runs a high-priced assassination service, and the life of an innocent woman is at stake! Tense and exciting, The Equalizer is especially recommended for connoisseurs of suspense. 17 CDs, 21 hours.

The Glass Kitchen
Linda Francis Lee, author
www.LindaLeeBooks.com
Julia Whelan, narrator
Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887
Grand Haven, MI 49417
9781491530474 $29.99 www.brillianceaudio.com

The Glass Kitchen: A Novel of Sisters is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of a romantic novel about learning to pick up the pieces and move on. Portia Cuthcart lost her claim to the Glass Kitchen restaurant founded by her grandmother due to a succession of heartbreaking betrayals; dejected, she abandons her passion for cooking and moves to Manhattan to be with he sisters. But between a promise to her sisters, and an unexpected meeting with the widower Gabriel and his two young daughters, she finds herself drawn back into cooking as not only a means to nourish the hungry, but also as a way of life. Family can be complicated, but the ties that bind and the love that sustains can be expressed in many ways. Highly recommended, especially for those who treasure heartwarming romance! 9 CDs, 11 hours 2 min.

Marvel: Civil War
Stuart Moore
Graphic Audio
https://graphicaudio.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
9781599509525, $19.99, www.graphicaudio.net

The Marvel Comics universe of superheros is the backdrop for this outstanding theatrical production and adaptation of Stuart Moore's "Civil War" story that pits Iron Man, Shield, and the U.S. Government against Captain America, Spiderman, The Punisher, and a roster of costumed heroes against each other over the issue of the mandatory federal government superhero registration act that would, among other things, compel all 'secret identities' to be revealed. It's an ideological battle over civil rights vs. public safety precipitated by a young team of superheros called the New Warriors combating a small group of supervillians and ending in a catastrophic explosion that wipes out both sides and a whole community of ordinary citizens. The hallmark of Graphic Audio is one of a numerous cast enhanced with sound effects and music, all combined to create a unique and complex listening experience that is pure action/adventure entertainment from beginning to end. This six CD, six hour, impressively produced audio book is certain to be an enduringly popular addition to personal and community library collections.

Iron Man: Extremis
Marie Javins
Graphic Audio
https://graphicaudio.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
9781628510225, $19.99, www.graphicaudio.net

Adapted from a graphic novel by Warren Ellis and Adi Granow, "Iron Man: Extremis" will have immense appeal for the legions of Marvel Comics fans in this thoroughly entertaining story of Tony Stark who meets his match at the hands of a superhuman terrorist and is saved from death by extremis -- the same substance that created the madman in the first place. Of special note are the deftly crafted villains who, in their own eyes, are but misunderstood heroes. Replete throughout with sound effects, musical underscorings, and the talents of an impressive cast, "Iron Man: Extremis" is a solid, technologically flawless production, offering a five hour, 'theatre of the mind' entertainment from beginning to end and highly recommended for both personal and community library audio book collections.

Nekropolis: Dead Streets
Tim Waggoner
Graphic Audio
https://graphicaudio.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
9781628510225, $19.99, www.graphicaudio.net

"Nekropolis: Dead Streets" continues the adventures of zombie detective Matt Richter and his vampire half-breed companion Devona in the unique city that is a sanctuary of ghouls, ghosts, witches, and every variety of undead imaginable (and some that are unimaginable!). With wild and unexpected twists and turns, this supernatural 'whodunnit' is a rollicking great adventure and a true 'theatre of the mind' experience with sound effects, music, and an incredibly talented cast. With a total running time of seven hours, this flawlessly produced, six disc, audio book adventure is very highly recommended for personal and community library collections.

Close to Home
Lisa Jackson
Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887
Grand Haven, MI 49417
9781441877239 $36.99 www.brillianceaudio.com

Close to Home is a the unabridged audiobook rendition of a tale of grisly suspense, about the hideous secrets lurking within a rundown old Victorian mansion. Sarah McAdams has traumatic personal memories connected to the place, including the sudden loss of her half-sister, and her strained relationship with her cold, distant mother. Rumors persist that the place is haunted; then, local teenage girls start disappearing. Fearing for her own daughters' safety, Sarah must confront the darkest terrors of her past, in order to confront the true horror of the present day. Nail-biting to the very end, Close to Home is especially recommended to fans of the genre. 13 CDs, 15 hours 52 min.

Then Came You
Jill Shalvis, author
Karen White, narrator
Tantor Media, Inc.
6 Business Park Road
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
9781452618913 $39.99 www.tantor.com

Then Came You is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of the fifth novel in Jill Shalvis' "Animal Magnetism" series. Veterinary intern Emily has to live in an Idaho small town for a year to finish her scholarship, instead of moving to L.A. like she dreamed. But dreams have a funny way of manifesting themselves, as she learns when the handsome veterinarian man she had a one-night stand with in Reno turns out to be her new boss! Sexy, funny, and charming, Then Came You is a lighthearted romantic delight. 8 CDs, 9.5 hours.


The Music CD Shelf

Bedstuyle
Brooklyn Shanti
c/o Rhythm & Culture Music (distribution)
2212 Massachusetts Ave. NW #215
Washington, DC 20008
c/o Press Junkie PR
9901 Brodie Lane, Suite 160, PMB 221
Austin, TX 78748
www.pressjunkiepr.com
$TBA CD / $TBA download, www.itunes.com

Brooklyn Shanti, hip-hop's official cultural ambassador to India, presents Bedstuyle, an exciting, rhythmic emblem of the hip-hop heritage of Shanti's native neighborhood of Bedstuy, Brooklyn. The songs range in subject from love, to civic duty, to the yearning to connect with others, and carry a positive theme nurturing the brightest sparks of love that lie within us. The tracks are "Midnight in Paris", "Something Beautiful", "This Feeling", "She", "Sun Salutation", "Intervention", "Garden of Ghosts", "33 1/3", "Let It", "The Rain", "A Great Day", and "She Acoustic)".

Cinefonia
Bombay Rickey
Cowboys & Indian
Rock Paper Scissors (publicity)
511 West 4th Street, Suite 2
Bloomington, IN 47404
$TBA www.rockpaperscissors.biz

Core members of Brooklyn-based ensemble known as Bombay Rickey present Cinefonia, an album inspired by the rich musical traditions of India, plus inspiration from Afro-Latin, all in a jubilant cocktail. Lyrics range from English to Spanish to the purely invented syllables of the opening song "Taki Rari". Elements of mythology blend with kitch pop culture in this extraordinary audio journey. The tracks are "Taki Rari", "Bombay 5-0", "Promontory Summit", "Dum Maro Dum", "Pondicherry Surf Goddess", "El Final del Pachanga", "Coyote in the Land of the Dead", "Queen of the Rhumba", "Pilgrim", and "Tuco's Last Stand".

Maverick
MOA
Privately Published
c/o Press Junkie PR
9901 Brodie Lane, Suite 160, PMB 221, Austin, TX 78748
www.pressjunkiepr.com
$TBA www.mynameismoa.com

Max Wild, jazz musician and electronic producer, has created his debut full-length album under the artist's name MOA. Maverick is a vivacious fusion of acoustic and electronic elements, with inspiration from electropop, dubstep, jazz, and African rhythmic style. A heady rush of excitement from beginning to end, Maverick is a unique delight especially recommended for adventurous music lovers! The tracks are "My Name is MOA", "Prelude", "Dance Tonight (feat. Chiwoniso)", "Take Me Higher", "In My Funk", "Uncountably Infinite" (feat. Jesse Lewis), "Hands in the Air" (feat. Jahaan Sweet), "Debo", and "Barbarian".

Lento
Youn Sun Nah
Act Music
www.actmusic.com
c/o Rock Paper Scissors (publicity)
511 West 4th Street, Suite 2, Bloomington, IN 47404
www.rockpaperscissors.biz
ACT 9030-2 $16.92 CD / $8.99 MP3 www.amazon.com

Korean-born, Paris-trained, award-winning jazz singer Youn Sun Nah presents Lento, an album that blends European jazz with elements of pop, Korean folk, Western classical, and a dash of metal and industrial. Jazz guitarist Ulf Wakenius, and others on bass/cello, accordion, and percussion provide the rhythmic and melodic undercurrent to Nah's mesmerizing vocals, in these knife-edge balanced songs sure to stir the hearts of jazz connoisseurs everywhere! The tracks are "Lento" (3:04), "Lament" (3:40), "Hurt" (5:22), "Empty Dream" (4:20), "Momento Magico" (5:32), "Soundless Bye" (3:44), "Full Circle" (3:36), "Ghost Riders in the Sky" (4:58), "Waiting" (3:30), "Arirang" (4:25), and "New Dawn" (3:42).


The DVD Shelf

Meridian Qigong
Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming
YMAA Publications
PO Box 480
Wolfeboro, NH 03894-0480
9781594392955 $39.95 www.ymaa.com

Meridian Qigong is an active, exercise DVD designed to teach the viewer the Meridian Qigong daily exercises practiced by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, a Chinese martial arts master and teacher with decades of experience. These involve yoga stretches, qigong movements, and helpful acupressure techniques. Viewers will also learn about the interconnectedness of yoga and qigong, and how to tap into the strength of qigong practice and acupressure to relieve common ailments such as insomnia. An excellent supplement to health and fitness DVD collections, Meridian Qigong welcomes the benefits of exercise yet reaches beyond, encouraging the viewer to take and active role in his or her own wellness. Highly recommended. English language with optional English subtitles, 180 min.

Francis: The Pope of Renewal
Goya Productions
www.goyaproductiones.com
c/o Ignatius Press
PO Box 1339
Fort Collins, CO 80522
9781586179786 $19.95 www.ignatius.com

Francis: The Pope of Renewal is a documentary about the first year of Pope Francis' service. Francis was a virtually unknown Argentinean cardinal; since he became Pope, his humility has won hearts and minds worldwide. His efforts have provoked a renewed appreciation for the good works of the Catholic Church, causing a dramatic, positive shift in public opinion. Francis: The Pope of Renewal deepens the viewer's understanding of Francis' already historic papacy, and is especially recommended for church DVD collections. English and Spanish languages, 53 min.

Murder in Suburbia: Complete Collection
Acorn Media
c/o RLJ Entertainment
9781621720218 $59.99 www.acornonline.com

Murder in Suburbia: Complete Collection is a DVD collection of both series of the popular British murder mystery. The upper-class, analytical Kate Ashurst and the working-class, intuitive Emma Scribbins are team tasked with investigating murders in the seemingly idyllic suburbs of Midford. A surprisingly lighthearted and sexy crime drama series, Murder in Suburbia has moments of tongue-in-cheek humor, back-sass, and sisterhood, as the unlikely femme not-so-fatale duo must take on political corruption, questionable millionaires, and money-hungry real estate agents, in this capricious saga! 12 episodes on 4 DVDs, 579 min., SDH subtitles, widescreen.


The Cookbook Shelf

The Holiday Kosher Baker
Paula Shoyer
Sterling Publishing Company
387 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016-8810
9781454907145 $35.00 www.sterlingpublishing.com

Gorgeous, full-color photography illuminates The Holiday Kosher Baker: Traditional & Contemporary Holiday Desserts, a cookbook created especially to help home bakers create traditional, kosher delicacies especially for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur (desserts to eat after Yom Kippur ends), Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim, Passover, and Shavuot. In addition to step-by-step instructions, The Holiday Kosher Book is filled with tips, tricks, techniques, anecdotes, and tidbits about kosher baking. Recipes include Chocolate and Almond Croissants, Red Velvet Hamantaschen, Lemon and Passion Fruit Pavlova, Cheese Babka, Salted Caramel Banana Tart Tatin, and much more. Although The Holiday Kosher Baker is intended especially for preparing kosher treats for Jewish holidays, anyone and everyone with a sweet tooth is sure to enjoy these tasty, mouth-watering delights! Highly recommended.

The Old Rittenhouse Inn Cookbook
Mark Phillips
Lake Superior Port Cities Inc.
PO Box 16417, Duluth, Minnesota 55816-0417
9781938229190 $24.95 www.LakeSuperior.com

Inviting color photography illustrates The Old Rittenhouse Inn Cookbook: Meals & Memories from the Historic Bayfield B&B, a cookbook of delicious, homestyle offerings from the historic Rittenhouse Inn. More than just a recipe collection, The Old Rittenhouse Inn Cookbook is filled with charming anecdotes and fond memories of growing up in the former Victorian mansion turned bed & breakfast. Recipes include Sausage-Apple French Toast, Fried Whitefish Livers, Romaine Salad with Sherry Vinaigrette, Peach Moscato Sorbet, Mascarpone Whipped Yukon Golds, Poached Pear Creme Brulee, and much more. A wonderful guide to crafting the finest Midwest cuisine in the comfort of one's own home, The Old Rittenhouse Inn Cookbook is highly recommended.

The Complete Coconut Cookbook
Camilla V. Saulsbury
Robert Rose Inc.
120 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 800
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4P 1E2
9780778804888 $24.95 www.robertrose.ca

A handful of color photographs illustrates The Complete Coconut Cookbook: 200 Gluten-Free, Grain-Free and Nut-Free Vegan Recipes Using Coconut Flour, Oil, Sugar and More. This treasury of sumptuous dishes crafted from the humble coconut includes Brain Power Shake (made with coconut water, Hass avocado, strawberries, and a banana), Coconut Flax Tortillas, Spiced Tomato Coconut Soup, Sauteed Cherry Tomatoes (cooked with coconut oil), and much more. The Complete Coconut Cookbook proves the coconut's versatility, especially when its flour, oil, or natural sugar forms the perfect ingredient for a tremendous variety of vegan, gluten-free creations. An excellent addition to cookbook collections!

Nom Nom Paleo
Michelle Tam and Henry Fong
Andrews McMeel Publishing
1130 Walnut Street
Kansas City, MO 64106-2109
9781449450335 $35.00 www.andrewsmcmeel.com

Illustrated with full-color photography throughout, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans is a cookbook of recipes suited for the Paleo diet and lifestyle - emphasizing fresh fruits and vegetables and modest portions of healthy meat, naturally gluten-free foods that have sustained humans since the prehistoric era of the hunter-gatherer. Charming cartoons, tips for stocking the kitchen and packing nutritious lunches, anecdotes and advice on the paleo lifestyle, and more round out this wonderful, all-purpose cookbook. "...the core tenets of ancestral eating remain the same: 1) Prioritize whole, unprocessed, nutrient-rich, nourishing foods. Eat vegetables, grass-fed and pastured meats and eggs, wild-caught seafood, and some fruit, nuts, and seeds. 2) Avoid food that are likely to be more harmful than healthful. Especially when regularly consumed, certain foods can trigger inflammation, cause digestive problems, or derail our natural metabolic processes, such as grains, legumes, sugar, and processed seed and vegetable oils." Recipes such as Paleo Mayonnaise (made from simple ingredients rather than highly-processed, store-bought mayonnaise), Chopped Liver + Bacon (with onion and Italian parsley), Oven-Baked Sweet Potatoes, Watermelon Gazpacho, Slow-Roasted Duck Legs, Mocha Ice Pops, and more make Nom Nom Paleo a choice cookbook regardless of the degree to which one abides by paleo tenets. Highly recommended.

Fresh Cooking
Shelley Boris
Monkfish Book Publishing Company
22 East Market Street, Suite 304, Rhinebeck NY 12572
www.monkfishpublishing.com
9781939681157, $29.99, www.amazon.com

The Garrison Institute was founded in 2003 by Jonathan F. P. Rose and is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization located in Garrison, New York. Its stated mission is "applying the power of contemplation to social and environmental change, helping build a more compassionate, resilient future." Drawing on current scientific research and contemplative practices, the Institute's programs develop and disseminate contemplative-based methodologies designed to enhance resilience, leadership and effectiveness, especially in the fields of education, environmental/climate change, and trauma care. It holds contemplative retreats representing a wide range of traditions and practices, selected for their conduciveness to personal growth and positive social change. One serendipity of the institute is the fabulous quality of the meals produced in its kitchens. Compiled by Shelley Boris and beautifully illustrated throughout with full color photography of finished dishes and some of the beauty of the institute itself, "Fresh Cooking: A Year of Recipes from the Garrison Institute Kitchen" is a 260 page compendium offering a cornucopia of wonderful mealtime offerings that range from Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Sea Salt and Lemon; Polenta with Spinach, Spring Onions, and Cheese; Haiga Rice, Sesame Seeds, Green Shiso, and Cucumber with Mackeral; to Braise Beef Shanks with Tzatziki; Moroccan Vegetable Stew; Roasted Cauliflower with Juniper and Black Pepper; and Baked French Toast. Nicely organized by month and featuring seasonally appropriate menus, "Fresh Cooking: A Year of Recipes from the Garrison Institute Kitchen" is enhanced further with a chapter dedicated to 'Our Breakfast Buffet with Recipes; a chapter on Salad; a chapter on establishing a quality Pantry; and a very useful index. Very highly recommended for personal, family, professional, and community library cookbook collections, it should be noted that "Fresh Cooking: A Year of Recipes from the Garrison Institute Kitchen" is also available in a Kindle edition ($10.09).

Food, Family and Tradition
Lynn Kirsche Shapiro
The Cherry Press, LLC
4020 West Oakton Street, Skokie, IL 60076
Trina Kaye Organization
9780989847902, $35.00

Showcasing more than 150 hitherto unpublished kosher dishes and presented within the context of Jewish Hungarian family life and culture prior to the onslaught of the Holocaust, "Food, Family and Tradition: Hungarian Kosher Family Recipes And Remembrances" is a beautifully illustrated and presented 279 page compendium of palate pleasing and appetite satisfying, fully kosher dishes with preparation methods nicely updated for modern kitchens. Interspersed with family reminisces and articles such as 'The Wide World of Kosher Wines', the recipes comprising "Food, Family and Tradition" range from Goldie Weinberger's Blintzes; Mom's Salmon Patties; Fried Liver with Onions and Potatoes; Meatloaf with Beef or Veal; and Candied Carrots; to Latkes; My Mother's Homemade Noodles; Golden Dumplings; Lekech (Honey Cake); and Ibi's Fresh Berry Relish. A culinary delight to simply browse through, "Food, Family and Tradition" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to personal, family, and community library ethnic cookbook collections.

Eat More Dessert
Jenny Keller
Page Street Publishing
27 Congress Street, Suite 103, Salem, MA 01970
www.pagestreetpublishing.com
9781624140617, $24.99, www.amazon.com

Expertly compiled by Jenny Keller (creator of jennycookies.com), "Eat More Dessert: More than 100 Simple-to-Make & Fun-to-Eat Baked Goods From the Baker to the Stars" is a beautifully and profusely illustrated, 224 page compendium showcasing deliciously palate pleasing baked treats that would grace any dinning occasion from simple family mealtime to elegant celebratory dining occasions. Each thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' recipe includes a succinct description, a list of ingredients, preparatory instructions, and the number of servings. The dishes themselves range from Royal Chocolate Ruffle Cake; Baby Bliss Cupcakes; Spring Garden Jenny Cookies; and Cannon Cake Pops; to Eye Patch Rice Krispie Treats; German Chocolate Harvest Cake; Let It Snow Coconut Cake; and First Noel Fudge. Of special note is that each chapter open with an informative commentary that is thematically appropriate for the recipes that particular chapter contains. Certain to be enduringly popular, "Eat More Dessert: More than 100 Simple-to-Make & Fun-to-Eat Baked Goods From the Baker to the Stars" is very highly recommended for personal, professional, family, and community library cookbook collections. It should be noted that "Eat More Dessert: More than 100 Simple-to-Make & Fun-to-Eat Baked Goods From the Baker to the Stars" is also available in a Kindle edition ($10.67).

Marshmallows
Tim Kinnaird
Barron's
250 Wireless Boulevard, Hauppauge, NY 11788
www.barronseduc.com
9781438004235, $17.99, www.amazon.com

Marshmallow is a sugar candy that, in its modern form, typically consists of sugar, whipped to a spongy consistency, molded into small cylindrical pieces, and coated with corn starch. Some marshmallow recipes call for eggs. This confection is the modern version of a medicinal confection made from Althaea officinalis, the marshmallow plant. Expertly compiled and presented by Tim Kinnaird, "Marshmallows: 100 Mouthwatering Marshmallow Treats" is a 144 page compendium comprised of beautifully illustrated recipes for palate pleasing marshmallow-based treats that are thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' to prepare. The recipes range from Apple Betty Marshmallows; Egg-Free Chocolate & Hazelnut Marshmallows on Sticks; Raspberry, Rose & Lychee Marshmallows; and Salted Buttered Popcorn Marshmallows; to Spiced Carrot Soup with Toasted Coriander Marshmallows; Marshmallow Rice Krispie Cakes; Toasted Marshmallow Clotted Cream Ice Cream; and Lemon Marshmallow Meringue Pie. "Marshmallows: 100 Mouthwatering Marshmallow Treats" will prove to be an enduringly popular and prized addition to personal, professional, family, and community library cookbook collections.


The Wine Shelf

Making Your Own Wine At Home
Lori Stahl
Fox Chapel Publishing Company
1970 Broad Street N., East Petersburg, PA 17520
www.FoxChapelPublishing.com
9781565238268, $19.99, www.amazon.com

Winemaking or vinification, is the production of wine, starting with selection of the grapes or other produce and ending with bottling the finished wine. Although most wine is made from grapes, it may also be made from other fruits or plants. Mead is a wine that is made with honey being the primary ingredient after water. Winemaking can be divided into two general categories: still wine production (without carbonation) and sparkling wine production (with carbonation - natural or injected). The science of wine and winemaking is known as oenology. A person who makes wine is traditionally called a winemaker or vintner. The making of a fine wine was once the province of professionals. But with Lori Stahl's "Making Your Own Wine at Home: Creative Recipes for Making Grape, Fruit, and Herb Wines", even the most novice of aspiring amateurs can produce a quality wine in the privacy of their own home. Profusely and beautifully illustrated throughout, "Making Your Own Wine at Home: Creative Recipes for Making Grape, Fruit, and Herb Wines" provides clear step-by-step instructions and is a cornucopia of wine making ideas and a treasury of practical advice, making it a truly extraordinary and highly recommended addition to personal and community library collections.


The Travel Shelf

20 Things to Do in Dublin Before You Go for a Feckin' Pint
Colin Murphy and Donal O'Dea
The O'Brien Press
www.obrien.ie
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
9781847176349 $17.00 www.dufoureditions.com

Illustrated with color photography, 20 Things to Do in Dublin Before You Go for a Feckin' Pint is a compact travel guide to enhancing one's visit to the capital and largest city of Ireland. Each of Dublin's 20 memorable locations is paired with an extensive description, historical background, contact information, and the vernacular lowdown on what to expect. A brief Dublin slang glossary rounds out this excellent vacation enrichment resource - also highly recommended for armchair travelers! The locations covered are Christ Church Cathedral, Dublinia, Dublin Castle, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Guinness Storehouse, Grafton Street, St. Stephen's Green, National Museum, Trinity College, Temple Bar, Old Jameson Distillery, O'Connell Street & GPO, Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship, Garden of Remembrance, The Phoenix Park, War Memorial Gardens, Kilmainham Gaol, Croke Park & Museum, and Glasnevin Cemetery.

Lonely Planet Thailand
China Williams, et. al.
Lonely Planet Publications
150 Linden Street
Oakland CA 94607
9781742205809 $29.99 lonelyplanet.com

A folding map to the city of Bangkok enhances Lonely Planet Thailand, part of Lonely Planet's definitive guides for all types of travelers - from businesspeople to vacationers to prospective expatriates. Key locations in virtually every part of the country are listed with brief text summaries, hours of operation, phone numbers, and websites. Tips, tricks, and a handy "survival guide" filled with advice help visitors to Thailand prepare to experience the time of their lives. "Thais hold modesty in personal dress in high regard... The importance of modesty extends to the beach as well. Except for urbanites, most provincial Thais swim fully clothed. For this reason, sunbathing nude or topless is not acceptable and in some cases is even illegal. Remember that swimsuits are not proper attire off the beach; wear a cover-up in between the sand and your hotel." An absolute "must-have" for the Thailand-bound traveler!

A Practical Guide To My China
John Sun
China Books & Periodicals, Inc.
360 Swift Avenue, Suite 48
South San Francisco, CA 94080
www.chinabooks.com
9780835100649, $12.95, www.amazon.com

Now in a fully updated 2014 edition, "A Practical Guide to My China: How to Enjoy Traveling in Paradise and Avoid Travel Hell" by John Sun is a 218 page compendium that will prove to be an invaluable and indispensable resource for planning itineraries for traveling in China whether for business or pleasure. Featured in "A Practical Guide to My China: How to Enjoy Traveling in Paradise and Avoid Travel Hell" are top cities and cultural attractions; etiquette and local customs; negotiation and bargaining; communication and language; budget tips and hostel guides; Chinese cuisine; accommodation and lodging basics; travel rules and regulations; money and budgets; health and safety; festivals and holidays; as well as weather (and how to prepare for it). Of special note is the practical advice on what and what not to bring along. Practical and exceptionally well organized, "A Practical Guide to My China: How to Enjoy Traveling in Paradise and Avoid Travel Hell" should be considered a 'must' for anyone contemplating traveling to and within China whether their reasons are personal or professional. It should be noted that "A Practical Guide to My China: How to Enjoy Traveling in Paradise and Avoid Travel Hell" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.91).


The Fiction Shelf

North Beach Girl / Scandal on the Sand
John Trinian
Stark House Press
1315 H Street, Eureka, CA 95501
www.starkhousepress.com
9781933586557, $19.95, 256pp, www.amazon.com

"North Beach Girl" is set in the world of San Francisco's beatniks, and "Scandal On The Sand" is the story of a dozen strangers thrown together on an isolated stretch of beach with a dying whale and a sadistic cop. Both are superbly reprinted pieces that showcase John Trinian's particular literary style. Today he is perhaps best know as the writer on the popular television series The Rockford Files starring the late James Garner. One of Trinian's most notable novels is "Once A Thief" (New York: Manor Book, 9780532952725). The 'double novel' edition from Stark House Press will admirably serve to introduce the late John Trinian to a whole new generation of appreciative readers.


The American History Shelf

The Great Lawrence Textile Strike of 1912
Robert Forrant and Jurg Siegenthaler, editors
Baywood Publishing
26 Austin Avenue, Box 337
Amityville, NY 11701
9780895038623 $49.95 www.baywood.com

The Great Lawrence Textile Strike of 1912 is an anthology of essays by learned authors about a benchmark event in the history of American labor. In 1912 Lawrence, Massachusetts, 20,000 to 25,000 immigrant workers (most of them women) from a wide array of countries went on strike to protest a wage cut. Their actions defied assumptions that women couldn't organize for protest, especially women of different ethnicities. The Great Lawrence Textile Strike of 1912 also presents strong evidence against theories that the strike was motivated by outside agitators. Individual writings include "In Harm's Way: The Lawrence Textile Strike Children's Affair", "The 'American Dream' and the 1912 Lawrence Textile Strike", "Voices of Labor Militancy in Lawrence, 1912-1931", "Bread and Roses: Why the Legend Lives On", and much more. Highly recommended, especially for public and college library American History collections.


The Civil War Shelf

A Corporal's Story
George Kimball
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive
Norman, OK 73069
9780806144801 $34.95 www.oupress.com

A Corporal's Story: Civil War Recollections of the Twelfth Massachusetts is a primary testimony of the Civil War through the eyes of George Kimball (1840-1916), a newspaperman who joined the Twelfth Massachusetts in 1861. Kimball's eye for detail, journalistic training, and reporter's integrity shines through in this compilations of his writings, which range from everyday army life to the horrific toll of war, to his own personal yearnings for reconciliation. Kimball never craved revenge upon the Confederates, despite the near-mortal wounds he suffered while in service to the Union. A Corporal's Story is fascinating cover to cover, and highly recommended for public and college library Civil War shelves.


The Biography Shelf

Hal Moore: A Soldier Once... and Always
Mike Guardia
Casemate Publishers
908 Darby Road
Havertown, PA19083
9781612002071 $32.95 www.casematepublishing.com

Hal Moore: A Soldier Once... and Always is an in-depth biography of one of America's most admired soldiers, who is particularly famous due to Mel Gibson's portrayal of him in the movie "We Were Soldiers". Moore graduated from West Point in 1945, and fought in the Korean and Vietnam War. He was there when America's army began to use "air mobile infantry" - the practice of delivering troops to the battle via helicopter. Moore witnessed the army's transition from the draft to an all-volunteer force, retired as Lieutenant General in 1977, and wrote of his experiences in the well-known boots-on-the-ground memoir, "We Were Soldiers Once... and Young." Vintage black-and-white photography peppers this fascinating, thoroughly researched saga of Moore's life and career in the service, highly recommended for military biography shelves.

Healy's West
Gordon E. Tolton
Mountain Press Publishing Company
PO Box 2399
Missoula, MT 59806
9780878426348 $20.00 www.mountain-press.com

Healy's West: The Life and Times of John J. Healy is the biography of John J. Healy (1840-1908), a notable figure of the American movement to tame the Wild West. Healy's life stretched from Irish famine to service in the army; he challenged monopolies, traded with the Blackfoot, engaged in masterful politics, and battled rustlers with the authority of a sheriff's badge. Healy's West is nonfiction, yet as exciting as any novel, and a choice read any with an interest in daily life, times, hardships, and accomplishments in this bygone era of American history. Highly recommended!


The Crafts Shelf

Beautiful Wildflowers
Edle Catharina Norman
Sellers Publishing
161 John Roberts Road
South Portland, ME 04106
9781416245032 $16.95 sellerspublishing.com

Illustrated with full-color photography throughout, Beautiful Wildflowers: Wedding Bouquets, Arrangements & More From Nature's Seasonal Abundance lives up to its title as treasury of beautiful, transient, handmade creations one can assemble from freshly blooming wildflowers. Professional florist Edle Catharina walks the reader through gathering and treating wildflowers (including which ones last longer without water), techniques for binding stems, pairing suggestions, and recommendations for memorable designs, and much more. Whether putting together a tabletop centerpiece, a wonderfully smelling decoration, or a vibrant bouquet, Beautiful Wildflowers is a superb, hands-on guide!


The Woodworking Shelf

Practical Projects for Self-Sufficiency
Chris Peterson and Philip Schmidt
Cool Springs Press
www.coolspringspress.com
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401
c/o Hachette Book Group (distribution)
237 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017-0010
9781591865957 $19.99 www.hbgusa.com

Practical Projects for Self-Sufficiency: DIY Projects to Get Your Self-Reliant Lifestyle Started lives up to its title as a hands-on, user-friendly guide to woodworking creations that aid a more self-reliant lifestyle. The thirty suggested woodcrafting projects are divided into four categories: food preparation and preservation (cider press, herb-drying rack), homestead amenities (backyard fire pit, firewood shelter), garden aids (potato-growing box, soil sifter), and raising animals (chicken cook, brooder box, bee hive). Full color photographs and step-by-step instructions illustrate this excellent guide for intermediate to advanced woodworkers interested in applying their skills to the creation of useful and practical items!

The Creative Woodturner
Terry Martin
Linden Publishing
2006 South Mary, Fresno, CA 93721-9875
c/o Quill Driver Books
9781610352185 $24.95 www.woodworkerslibrary.com

World-class woodturner Terry Martin presents The Creative Woodturner is a guide for intermediate to advanced woodworkers and hobbyists. The reader's familiarity with the basics of how to use a chuck or sharpen a scraper is presumed; chapters focus on intricate techniques and expert-level tools to create wooden works of fine art. Sixteen sample projects, each described at length and illustrated with full-color photography, include wonderfully detailed boxes, vessels, and bowls; the instructions are enhanced with comments from the art community. A treasury for any woodworker interested in taking their decorative as well as their functional skills to the next level!


The Buddhist Studies Shelf

How to Eat
Thich Nhat Hanh
Parallax Press
PO Box 7355
Berkeley, CA 94707
9781937006723 $9.95 www.parallaxpress.com

The second book in Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh's "The Mindfulness Essentials Series", How to Eat is a pocket-sized guide to eating mindfully. The principles of How to Eat are in keeping the wisdom of Zen Buddhism, but the practice of mindfulness is beneficial to readers of all faiths and backgrounds. Simple meditations and brief reflections pepper this thoughtful guide to being aware and grateful for the sacrifices of others, even during the simple act of enjoying a meal. "Food as Medicine: In the original Five Contemplations as they were recited during the Buddha's time, food was considered to be medicine. But I think that when the Buddha received good food, he also enjoyed it. I don't think he thought of it as just taking medicine. We know that food nourishes our bodies. But we can also appreciate and savor our food."


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
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com


Copyright ©2001

Site design by Williams Writing, Editing & Design