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Reviewer's Choice
The Hype Cycle
Arnold Schelsky
Open Universe
c/o Carus Books
www.carusbooks.com
9781637700556, $26.95
https://www.amazon.com/Hype-Cycle-Downers-Bipolar-Culture/dp/1637700555
The Hype Cycle: Uppers and Downers in Our Bipolar Culture comes from an applied mathematician whose discourse on politics, propaganda, and hype should be made part of any college-level media studies, politics, or social issues reading. His survey of hype's construction, catastrophes, impact, and presence in a wide range of disciplines, from science and math to philosophy, economics, and social and political psychology, makes for a broad-ranging discussion that will prove particularly intriguing for classroom debates and inspection. Medical hype, quantum system hype, multicultural and gender hype, and more discuss how illusions are created, fallacies perpetrated, and how hype impacts not only mindset, but belief and often reality itself. Psychologists, especially, will relish the concept of a "bipolar culture" which responds to hype's structure and stimuli in unexpected ways.
The Money/Finance Shelf
Medicare Mama's Guide to Medicare and Social Security Retirement
Sylvia A. Gordon, JD
Independently Published
9798992214000, $9.99
https://www.amazon.com/Medicare-Mamas-Social-Security-Retirement/dp/B0F2Z29LHK
Sylvia A. Gordon has created a guide that probes underlying legal processes surrounding Medicare to enlighten readers about choices, legal interpretations, and misconceptions of applying for and using these benefits. Take penalties for late Medicare applications, for one example. Gordon outlines the possibility of employer plan participation mitigating Medicare's penalties, advising that "creditable coverage" "...is a term that's often used incorrectly in the insurance industry, as well as by HR departments - but fortunately, it doesn't cause any issues if we all agree to keep using it incorrectly." She goes on to emphasize what the definition of 20 employees in a company means: "Twenty doesn't mean the number of employees on the health plan, but total employees working at the company." Another common misconception is the Medicare Part D prescription payment plan. Gordon points out that: "This program doesn't save you money. It just allows you to pay for your drugs in equal monthly payments instead of a large upfront payment."
The legal clarifications of terminology, benefits, coverage, application snafus and processes, and more assures that readers on the cusp of considering retirement benefits gain the most information for consideration before they apply for anything. Another benefit to this manual lies in graphic illustrations which simplify the process of retirement. An example lies in the fine chart for those born in 1960 and up which proves at-a-glance information on when one will achieve full social security benefits and beyond. While this information may indeed change over the years to come, the book's ongoing value lies in its strong focus on advice likely to carry over into any future incarnation of social security or Medicare (as long as they still exist). Tips such as to "never mail things to SSA unless you have no other option" may seem like no-brainers to some, but will save a huge audience a lot of headaches over "lost" documents that can include original or certified materials. A QR code with the book allows readers access to updates if the book is purchased in 2026 (a revised edition will appear in 2027).
Packed with clear instructions, outlines of pitfalls and best practices, and most of all, legal clarification of often-puzzling terminology and processes, this book is quite simply a treasure trove of stories and insights delivered in plain and simple language, without the confusing jargon that assumes too much knowledge. Ideally, Medicare Mama's Guide to Medicare and Social Security Retirement would be given, along with a silver watch or retirement honor, to any up-and-coming retiree. But we don't live in ideal circumstances, so it's more likely libraries will want to obtain this for their collections and point out its relevance to anyone seeking enlightenment about government retirement benefits.
The Health/Medicine Shelf
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Jijun Xu, MD, PhD and Lynn R. Webster, MD, Editors
Oxford University Press
https://corp.oup.com
9780197640692, $59.95 Paperback/$56.95 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Complex-Regional-Pain-Syndrome-Medicine-ebook/dp/B0DQJQ79VV
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome joins others in Oxford University Press's What Do I Do Now Pain Medicine series, addressing a perplexing, debilitating condition that can follow all kinds of trauma and treatments. Eleven selected clinical cases are profiled for this book, representing a diverse set of circumstances and presentations of CRPS. This allows for explorations of vastly different syndrome origins, treatment options, prevention considerations, and the presence and challenges of CRPS in patients ranging from children through adults.
While this guide is directed to healthcare professionals, it is also accessible to lay readers interested in the broad spectrum of research and treatment options surrounding CRPS. Contributors of articles to this volume are physicians and PhD researchers. Each offers a range of insights, from psychological and physical influences on who develops CRPS to genetics, medicines, and injuries that pose risk factors for its development and progression. Medical students, in particular, will find the technical references and "Key Points to Remember" summaries at the end of each article offer important, easy informational quality that lends to both skimming and deeper opportunities for bibliographic pursuit. Each profiled case has been chosen for its unique challenges, providing healthcare professionals with a range of considerations and tools when diagnosing and managing CRPS in their own patients.
Designed as a pocket guide but holding vast opportunities for further study and research, Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a highly recommended addition to any medical library catering to healthcare professions, classrooms that include CRPS in their discussions and lay readers who would gain a better sense of the condition and its various incarnations. The organization and clear presentation of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome makes it a highly recommended acquisition for all kinds of library collections. It's important (if not essential) reading for healthcare students and professionals who would learn more about this challenging condition and its management.
The Cookbook Shelf
French Bakes Made Simple
Edd Kimber
Kyle Books
c/o Octopus Books
www.octopusbooksusa.com
9781804193150, $29.99
https://www.amazon.com/French-Bakes-Made-Simple-millefeuille/dp/1804193151
French Bakes Made Simple presents almost a hundred recipes for classic French desserts, pairing them with full-page color photos for a new edition of a classic that should be in any serious baker's library. The dishes use bakeware common to most kitchens and streamline complex-sounding recipes for ease of home baking. This makes the dishes especially appealing to busy cooks who like to bake, but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. The introductory histories to each dish provide different versions of the recipe and discuss its influences and appeal. The recipe for Mont Blanc, for example, notes that "French baking has been influenced by many countries in mainland Europe, including Germany, Poland and Italy. This dessert can originally be traced back to Italy..." The result appeals and educates on many different levels.
Scandinavia Recipes & Ingredients
Gisli Egill Hrafnsson and Inga Elsa B.
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Books
www.octopusbooksusa.com
9781840919387, $29.99
https://www.amazon.com/Scandinavia-Ingredients-G%C3%ADsli-Egill-Hrafnsson/dp/1840919388
Scandinavia Recipes & Ingredients surveys the extent of Scandinavian and Nordic cuisine, pairing lovely food photography and landscape images with over fifty recipes that delve into the culinary attractions of Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and more. There are a number of Scandinavian cookbooks on the market, but this wider-ranging celebration of the different nations and their cultures adds far more insights into the origins of classic dishes. This allows readers to both learn about the ingredients and preparation from an artistic and cultural standpoint and appreciate each nation's influences. More so than most cookbooks, the authors pack Scandinavia Recipes & Ingredients with alluring, colorful, close-up images. These will prove inviting not just to cooks, but anyone interested in Scandinavia. This translates to a standout and a top recommendation that moves well beyond recipes and into artistic and cultural value that cooks and non-cooks will relish.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Baen Books
www.baen.com
https://www.amazon.com/Across-Ocean-Stars-Black-Rising/dp/1668072548
Three new books from Baen provide readers with gripping, action-packed stories that are hard to put down. Such is the new novel by Robert E. Hampson, Across An Ocean of Stars (9781668072547, $18.00), which builds on John Ringo's Black Tide Rising series to create a new post-apocalyptic adventure. When a virus takes away human higher thinking and turns them into savages, only the Hawaiian Islands stands a chance of surviving, even when the virus lands on their shores. A team of scientists isolated atop a dormant volcano saves high tech and, along with survivors off the coast of Kauai and ranchers on the Big Island, may be the only ones able to rebuild civilization. A fast-paced story keeps readers involved with confrontations and revelations.
https://www.amazon.com/Sometimes-Fall-John-Van-Stry/dp/1668072475
John Van Stry's Sometimes in the Fall (9781668072479, $18.00) tells of Dave's struggle to build his family's business while considering his future goal of becoming an engineer. Affecting his decisions is his relationship with his rich grandfather and his brother, which means he seemingly has time to make his moves. Or, does he? Other forces on Earth coalesce to impact his time and decisions, escalating a confrontation that threatens Dave and forces him into a decision about war that will impact not just his future, but his family and the world. Family ties and challenges drive a story replete with action and thought-provoking dilemmas.
https://www.amazon.com/Diviners-Bow-27-Liaden-Universe%C2%AE/dp/1668072521
Sharon Lee and Steve Miller's Diviner's Bow (9781668072523, $28.00) is a new Laiden Universe novel that portends the end of civilization and the Haosa. The prophecy may be wrong, but who's to know until it happens? Some would say it's best ignored; others want to take action. Affected by the prophecy's content and reactions to it, the Tree-and-Dragon Trade Team is considering new moves. What do two small children have to do with these lofty confrontations? Plenty. As clashes between councilors, forces of Haosa governance, and master traders emerge, the fact-paced story juxtaposes many special interests and approaches that build to a satisfyingly unexpected crescendo of action and reaction. The result is hard to put down and satisfyingly unpredictable.
Baen Books
www.baen.com
https://www.amazon.com/Monster-Hunter-Guardian-Larry-Correia/dp/1668072564
These new Baen arrivals are strong recommendations for libraries seeking popularity with Baen's authors and special brand of action-packed confrontations. Larry Correia and Sarah A. Hoyt's Monster Hunter Guardian (9781668072561, $18.00) brings Owen Pitt and the Monster Hunter International crew on a new rescue mission that takes place in another dimension, leaving Owen's wife behind to care for their new baby and matters at home. Julie didn't expect to face evil and possible death in her husband's absence, but when her son is taken, she must battle her own monsters and nightmares on her own. Can one woman succeed against an army? The vividly powerful tale will engross both newcomers and prior Monster Hunter enthusiasts.
https://www.amazon.com/Icarus-Coda-Saga/dp/1668072351
Timothy Zahn's The Icarus Coda (9781668072356, $28.00) presents a truth-finding mission by Gregory Rourke and his Kadolian partner Selene. They worked for the Icarus Group and sought the mysterious Icari teleportation portals, but now have become fugitives from their own work, wanted by all involved because of their unique connections to the Icari technology. Flight, struggles, discoveries, and relationships emerge with the nonstop action of a thriller and the sci-fi components of a galaxy-wide hunt for the truth and control of the future in a story that is thoroughly engrossing and hard to put down.
https://www.amazon.com/Endangered-Species-Caineverse-Charles-Gannon/dp/1668072416
Charles E. Gannon's Endangered Species (9781668072417, $18.00) returns Caine Riordan and his crew to new challenges. This time they are adrift in uncharted space with little hopes of rescue. They have only 48 hours to save themselves from crashing into a bleak world covered with storms and dangerous species. As if this weren't enough challenge, the forbidding planet also holds evidence that its first inhabitants, the Ktor, may still reside there. As humanity's mortal enemy, they stand to pose further problems not just to Caine and his struggle to survive, but for the rest of the galaxy. These are engrossing adventures that are hard to put down.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
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