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Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
We Were Promised
Julia Flint
The University Press of Kentucky
www.kentuckypress.com
9781985903067, $29.95, HC, 272pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Were-Promised-Appalachian-Grandmother-Corporate/dp/1985903067
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/we-were-promised-julia-flint/1147033420
Synopsis: "We Were Promised: How an Appalachian Grandmother Fought a Corporate Giant" is the story of Karen
"Momma K" Gorrell, a woman did not consider herself to be an activist. But when those she cared about were wronged,
she refused to remain silent.
With the economy still reeling from the Great Recession in 2011, Karen's husband and other retirees of the Century
Aluminum plant (a pillar of industry in their rural community of Ravenswood) had their healthcare benefits terminated.
The United Steelworkers had negotiated for these union members to have a portion of their wages deducted to fund future
benefits, and the employees worked for decades with the promise of health insurance upon retirement. When Century idled
the plant and reneged on its agreement, retirees were left without affordable care at the time they needed it most.
Knowing lives were on the line, Karen vowed to do whatever she could to pressure Century to reinstate retirees' promised
benefits. Within months, she became the lead organizer and spokesperson for a grassroots campaign that would capture the
attention of lawmakers and Century's CEO. The campaign would also test her resolve, her relationships, and her faith in
the systems that promised to protect working-class people.
"We Were Promised" follows Karen and a group of determined retirees on their long journey to seek justice -- from staging
an Occupy-inspired camp at the Ravenswood plant in West Virginia to confronting Century's corporate executives in
Illinois and California.
In highlighting Appalachia's role in the modern labor movement and the impact of women activists in the region, this story
serves as a powerful example of everyday folks, as Karen said, "having the courage to stand up and raise hell and fight
back."
Critique: Original, exceptional, inspirational, "We Were Promised: How an Appalachian Grandmother Fought a Corporate
Giant" by Julia Flint is an extraordinary story and an especially timely one for this second Gilded Age of corporate robber
barons and the local, state, and federal governmental officials that they have bought and paid for -- to the utter detriment of
the working class and the erosion of our democracy. A riveting and instructive read from start to finish, "We Were
Promised: How an Appalachian Grandmother Fought a Corporate Giant" is a critically important and unreservedly
recommended acquisition for community and college/university library American Labor History/Biography collections. It
should be noted for the personal reading lists of students, academia, political and union activists, governmental policy
makers, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that this hardcover edition of "We Were
Promised: How an Appalachian Grandmother Fought a Corporate Giant" from the University Press of Kentucky is also
readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $27.76).
Editorial Note: Julia Flint (https://juliaflint.com) is a writer from the Appalachian Rust Belt. She is the daughter of a
steelworker and a therapist. With a background in qualitative research, she has worked for the last decade as a research
assistant on projects related to community health and education.
Great Lakes Shipwrecks & Survivals
William Ratigan, author
Reynold H. Weidenaar, illustrator
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
www.eerdmans.com
9780802886088, $27.99, PB, 386pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Great-Shipwrecks-Survivals-William-Ratigan/dp/0802886086
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/great-lakes-shipwrecks-survivals-william-ratigan/1102014132
W. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802886088/great-lakes-shipwrecks-and-survivals
Synopsis: Originally published in hardcover (2000), and now newly available in paperback (Great Lakes Shipwrecks &
Survivals" is breathtaking chronicle of the most spectacular shipwrecks and survivals on the Great Lakes. In its pages,
author William Ratigan re-creates vivid scenes of high courage and screaming panic from which no reader can turn
away.
Included in this striking catalog of catastrophes and Flying Dutchmen are the magnificent excursion liner Eastland, which
capsized at her pier in the Chicago River, drowning 835 people within clutching distance of busy downtown streets; the
shipwrecked steel freighter Mataafa, which dumped its crew into freezing waters while the snowbound town of Duluth
looked on; the dark Sunday in November 1913 when Lake Huron swallowed eight long ships without a man surviving to
tell the tale; and the bitter November of 1958 when the Bradley went down in Lake Michigan during one of the greatest
killer storms on the freshwater seas.
An entire section is dedicated to the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald (the most famous maritime loss in modern times) in
Lake Superior in 1975.
Chilling watercolor illustrations, photographs, maps, and news clippings accentuate Ratigan's compelling and dramatic
storytelling. Sailors, historians, and general readers alike will be swept away by these unforgettable tales of tragedy and
heroism.
Critique: A definitive, fascinating, illustrated, and informative history of Great Lakes maritime ship history, "Great Lakes
Shipwrecks & Survivals" is an exceptional and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community,
and college/university library American Maritime History and Great Lakes Regional History collections and supplemental
curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that this trade paperback(6.5 x 0.8 x 5.6 inches, 1.2 pounds) edition of "Great
Lakes Shipwrecks & Survivals" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $27.99).
Editorial Note #1: William Ratigan (1910 - 1984) was an American writer, journalist, historian, and novelist who wrote
mainly about Great Lakes history, culture, and folklore (specifically maritime history). Six generations of Ratigan's family
have lived in Michigan, a fact that inspired his novels and biographies of the Great Lakes region. His father went on the
Lakes at age twelve and worked up to steamboat engineer, with fresh- and salt-water licenses. Ratigan himself once acted
as dockmaster for a season at his home port of Charlevoix.
Editorial Note #2: Reynold Henry Weidenaar (1915-1985) was an artist from Grand Rapids, Michigan, recognized
nationally as well as locally for his technical virtuosity as a draftsman and printmaker.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reynold_Weidenaar)
The Little Book of Sleep Meditations
Annie Fay Meitchik
Summersdale
www.summersdale.com
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781837995585, $13.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Sleep-Meditations-Mindfulness/dp/1837995583
The Little Book of Sleep Meditations: Mindfulness Exercises to Help You Sleep offers insomnia sufferers an alternative to
typical sleep-inducing routines with a review of how mindfulness and meditation can aid relaxation and sleep. From
visualizations and breathing exercises to movement-based meditation and practice exercises, these links between effortless
sleep and meditative practices offers important 5-, 10-, and 15-minute meditations that offer solutions to sleepless nights.
The presentation of these exercises in a small book that is inviting and quick to browse enhances its usefulness and
attraction to those seeking quick, easy meditations for the end of the day.
The Writing/Publishing Shelf
Opening the Gate to New Worlds: How to Write a Book Children Will Treasure
Lauren Bingham
Independently Published
9798291073148, $15.49, HC, 128pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Opening-Gate-New-Worlds-Children/dp/B0FJF7PLTK
Synopsis: Once upon a time, we were all young readers. We were new to books, and each book we saw filled us with
delight. Through books, we learned about places and people far away in space and time. We went on adventures through
our imagination and found ourselves inspired, entertained, and educated every time we turned the page.
Do you often think of your favorite childhood book? Do you wish you could write a book for the children in your life?
Have you ever wished you could tell a story to younger generations?
With the publication of "Opening the Gate to New Worlds: How to Write a Book Children Will Treasure", author Lauren
Bingham draws upon her own experience and expertise in writing for children to examine what makes a good children's
book -- and how you can put this knowledge to work by writing your own book for young readers.
"In Opening the Gate to New Worlds: How to Write a Book Children Will Treasure" provides aspiring children's book
writers with a wealth of ideas and exercises to help:
Consider who you are building your book for, from choosing the right age group and audience for your book
Understand how a children's book differs from an adult reader's book
Determine how you will interact with your young readers
Find your voice as a children's author, and
Feel confident even though this project might be more challenging than you imagined
From vocabulary and detail to presenting topics in a way that connects with new readers on a level they can understand,
Bingham examines the aspects of writing for children that require special consideration. Starting with some of the earliest
stages of writing a children's book, topic, structure, and choosing your preferred age group to write for, Bingham gently
and kindly leads aspiring children's authors through some of the most important parts of writing a book that children will
love.
"In Opening the Gate to New Worlds: How to Write a Book Children Will Treasure" will help the new writer get started
with:
Helpful exercises that can help you get on the "write" track
Relatable examples to demonstrate the concepts discussed
Examples, excerpts, and analysis so readers can see what works best for their style and audience
Whether you are interested in writing the next best-selling children's book or looking for some help in capturing family
stories for future generations, in the pages of "In Opening the Gate to New Worlds: How to Write a Book Children Will
Treasure" by seasoned author Lauren Bingham you will find a treasury of wit and wisdom -- as well as success in writing
for young readerrs and find your books in K-12 school library collections.
Critique: A complete workshop/seminar in a DIY book form, "In Opening the Gate to New Worlds: How to Write a Book
Children Will Treasure" is highly recommended for community library Writing/Publishing collections -- and a 'must' for
anyone wanting to write for children, be it fiction or non-fiction, at preschool, elementary school, middle school levels.
Exceptionally well organized and presented, this large format (6.24 x 0.48 x 9.24 inches, 8.8 ounces) hardcover edition of
"In Opening the Gate to New Worlds: How to Write a Book Children Will Treasure" is also readily available in paperback
(9798290087283, $13.98) and currently in digital book format (Kindle, $0.99).
Editorial Note: Lauren Bingham grew up in a house full of books. A dedicated bibliophile by first grade, she often got into
trouble for voraciously consuming any written material - from consuming Reader's Digest cover to cover in one sitting to
completing library books before they even made it home. Lauren has been avidly writing for pure passion since childhood,
and thanks to the internet for providing a comfortable place where all writers are welcome. Ghostwriting and copywriting
since the early 2000s, she believes strongly that there is a story in each of us.
(https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22011978.Lauren_Bingham)
Wondrous Instruction and Advice from Global Poets
Charlotte Digregorio
Artful Communications Press
9780991213924, $27.95, PB, 334pp
Author's Website
https://charlottedigregorio.wordpress.com/bio-and-books
Synopsis: A complete seminar (and more!) for aspiring and seasoned poets alike, publishing "Wondrous Instruction and
Advice from Global Poets: How to Write and Publish Moving Poems and Books and Publicize Like a Pro" was a labor of love by the successfully published and award-winning poet Charlotte
Digregorio. Based on her many years of experience and expertise it took her a little over two years to create. Of special
note is the large section (86 pages) on the Japanese forms, the chapter dedicated to "How to Write Effective Haiku and
Senryu", as well as the substantial sections on poetry in general and free verse in particular.
Critique: Original, extraordinary, exemplary, thoroughly 'reader/user' friendly in style, organization and presentation, this
large format (8.5 X 11) paperback edition of Charlotte Digregorio's "Wondrous Instruction and Advice from Global Poets: How to Write and Publish Moving Poems and Books and Publicize Like a Pro"
from Artful Communications Press is ideal and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community,
and college/university library Introduction to Poetry collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It is also the
essential, comprehensive, DIY instruction manual for getting poetry published and effectively brought to the attention of the
poetry reading public. Of additional note for aspiring and practicing poets, as well as the non-specialist general reader with
an interest in the subject of writing/publishing poetry, is the Charlotte Digregorio Writer's Blog:
https://charlottedigregorio.wordpress.com/2025/04/22/wondrous-instruction-and-advice-from-global-poets-is-published
Editorial Note: Charlotte Digregorio is a retired professor who has won eighty-two poetry awards, and has been nominated for four Pushcart Prizes. She
has also been nominated and listed in "The International Authors and Writers Who's Who" in Cambridge, England and in
the "Who's Who In Writers, Editors & Poets U.S./Canada," among other directories. Charlotte has had 1,200
poems of sixteen forms published in international journals, books, and anthologies. Her poetry has been translated into
nine languages. Charlotte also does poetry readings at bookstores, libraries, art centers and galleries.
How to Write a Children's Picture Book
Kate Jerome
https://www.katejerome.com
Levenger Circa
889007704421, $59.50, Spiral Bound, 144pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Levenger-Childrens-Picture-Discbound-Notebook/dp/B0FPZR1HHH
Levenger Circa
https://www.levenger.com/products/circa-how-to-write-a-childrens-picture-book-discbound-refill
Synopsis: How to Write a Children's Picture Book is a 144-page interactive workbook printed in full color. Features
include 17 tabbed sections on theme, character, pacing, dialogue, illustration & more; foldout storyboard for side-by-side
book planning; translucent circa covers with 1" discs; and premium 120-gsm paper for smooth writing.
Critique: With the publication of "How to Write a Children's Picture Book", children's book author Kate Jerome draws
upon her many years of experience, expertise and success to create a complete, spiral bound, DIY instructional course that
will prove invaluable for aspiring (and practicing) writers of children's books. It comes in the form of a Discbound
Notebook by Levenger Circa and as a writing journal for prospective authors features 17 Tab Sections, a Fold-Out
Storyboard, a Translucent Cover, and a Refillable Disc Notebook. Providing a complete children's book themed writing
workshop under one cover. Thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, this unique format for "How to
Write a Children's Picture Book" by Kate Jerome is especially and unreservedly recommended pick for both personal and
professional writing and publishing instructional reference collections.
Editorial Note: Kate Jerome (https://www.katejerome.com) has an extraordinary career that seamlessly blends corporate
leadership with creative prowess. An accomplished publishing executive, award-winning children's book author, and inter-
generational product expert, she brings an exceptional blend of storytelling, educational insight, and strategic leadership to
her work. Kate began her career as a high school biology teacher before transitioning into educational publishing. Rising
quickly through the ranks at Scott Foresman, she ultimately served as its President and as a Senior Vice President on the
HarperCollins Executive Board. Her leadership helped shape high-impact K-12 curriculum programs that advanced
reading, science, and environmental literacy nationwide.
As a staunch advocate of STEM, Kate launched her own company, KNI, to collaborate with National Geographic in
developing an award-winning science series for kids. With a portfolio that now boasts over 200 fiction and nonfiction
books, her contributions to children's literature are vast and varied. One of her notable works includes Who Was Amelia
Earhart? a part of Penguin's esteemed New York Times best-selling Who Was? series. Her most recent series on ocean
conservation for middle school students, OceanX Adventures, is being done in collaboration with the Dalio Foundation's
nonprofit OceanX initiative. Kate also served as President of the innovative publishing company, Insight Editions, where
she led the development of award-winning titles across pop culture, nature, and the arts.
The Christmas Shelf
A Very Brazilian Christmas: The Greatest Brazilian Holiday Stories of All Time
Mario de Andrade, et al.
New Vessel Press
www.newvesselpress.com
9781954404380, $26.95, HC, 160pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Very-Brazilian-Christmas-Greatest-Holiday/dp/1954404387
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-very-brazilian-christmas-mario-de-andrade/1147044363
Synopsis: "A Very Brazilian Christmas: The Greatest Brazilian Holiday Stories of All Time" from New Vessel Press is a
compendium of literary efforts by talented writers that combine to present a literary celebration of Christmas south of the
equator where the holiday falls during the Brazilian summer and festivities are punctuated by the rhythms of surf and
samba.
Comprised of classic and contemporary literary works by Machado de Assis, Mario de Andrade, Clarice Lispector, Paulo
Coelho, Graciliano Ramos, Lygia Fagundes Telles, Moacyr Scliar, Rubem Braga, Victor Heringer, Bruna Dantas Lobato,
Concalves Dias, Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis, and St. Jose de Anchieta,"A Very Brazilian Christmas" features a
bountiful, and surprising anthology presenting a potent mix of familial feasts, poetry, the peal of church bells, Midnight
Masses, and U.S. expatriates flirting at parties in Rio de Janeiro, and more! Unique, edifying, and Christmas themed, "A
Very Brazilian Christmas: The Greatest Brazilian Holiday Stories of All Time" is especially and unreservedly
recommended for personal reading lists, as well as community and college/university library Literary Fiction & Short Story
collections.
Editorial Notes:
Mario de Andrade (1893-1945) was a Brazilian novelist, poet, and musicologist deeply involved in the avant-garde
movement. His 1928 novel Macunaima was one of the foundational texts of Brazilian Modernism.
Clarice Lispector (1920-1977) was a Ukrainian-born Brazilian novelist and short story writer. Her debut novel, Near to the
Wild Heart, published in 1943, was a sensation and won the prestigious Graca Aranha Prize.
Rubem Braga (1913-1990) was a Brazilian writer of short prose sketches. After attending law school, Braga served as a
war correspondent in Italy during World War II. During his long career, Braga contributed to newspapers in Sao Paulo and
Rio de Janeiro.
Paulo Coelho (1947-) was born in Rio de Janeiro. He is the author of twenty-two international bestsellers and is best
known for his novel The Alchemist.
St. Jose de Anchieta (1534-1597) was a Jesuit missionary to Brazil who was instrumental in founding the cities of Sao
Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Considered the father of Brazilian literature, he composed poems and plays and wrote the first
grammar of the Tupi language.
Joaquim Maria Machado de Assis (1839-1908), born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, is regarded by many as the greatest
Brazilian writer and wrote numerous novels, plays, poems, short story collections, and several translations.
Goncalves Dias (1823-1864) was a prominent poet and playwright of the Brazilian Romantic movement who is often
considered Brazil's national poet.
Victor Heringer (1988-2018) wrote a debut novel Impossible City published in 2009 and his second novel Gloria was
awarded Brazil's Jabuti Prize. His 2016 novel The Love of Singular Men was nominated for numerous awards.
Bruna Dantas Lobato (1991-), born in Natal, Brazil, is the author of Blue Light Hours and an assistant professor of English
and creative writing at Grinnell College. Her translation of The Words That Remain by Stenio Gardel won the National
Book Award for Translated Literature.
Graciliano Ramos (1892-1953) was a Brazilian novelist whose works centered on the northeast area of Brazil where he
spent most of his life. He is well known for his novels Sao Bernardo, Anguish, and Barren Lives.
Moacyr Scliar (1937-2011) was a prolific writer and physician. Much of his fiction is centered on Jewish life in Brazil and
one of his novels was on the National Yiddish Book Center's list of the 100 Greatest Works of Modern Jewish
Literature.
The Environmental Studies Shelf
The Burning Earth
Sunil Amrith
W. W. Norton & Company
www.wwnorton.com
9781324111276, $19.99, PB, 432pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Burning-Earth-Environmental-History-Years/dp/1324111275
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-burning-earth-sunil-s-amrith/1146011093
Synopsis: In this magisterial book, historian and academician Sunil Amrith twins the stories of environment and Empire,
of genocide and eco-cide, of an extraordinary expansion of human freedom and its planetary costs. Drawing on an
extraordinarily rich diversity of primary sources, he reckons with the ruins of Spanish silver mining in Peru, British gold
mining in South Africa, and oil extraction in Central Asia. He explores the railroads and highways that brought humans to
new terrains of battle against each other and against stubborn nature. Professor Amrith's account of the ways in which the
First and Second World Wars involved the massive mobilization not only of men, but of other natural resources from
around the globe, provides an essential new way of understanding war as an irreversible reshaping of the planet. So too
does this study reveal the reality of migration as consequence of environmental harm.
The imperial, globe-spanning pursuit of profit, joined with new forms of energy and new possibilities of freedom from
hunger and discomfort, freedom to move and explore, has brought change to every inch of the Earth. Amrith relates in
gorgeous prose, and on the largest canvas, a mind-altering epic (vibrant with stories, characters, and vivid images) in
which humanity might find the collective wisdom to save itself.
Critique: A brilliant, paradigm-shifting global history of how humanity has reshaped the planet, and the planet has shaped
human history, over the last 500 years, Professor Sunil Amrith's "The Burning Earth: An Environmental History of the
Last 500 Years" is enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of 8 maps, 40 illustrations, a four page Prologue
(Dreams of Escape), a ten page Introduction (Nature and Freedom), a nine page Epilogue (Roads to Repair), forty pages of
Notes, and a twenty-one page Index. An ideal introduction for both students and non-specialist general readers with an
interest in the subject, "The Burning Earth: An Environmental History of the Last 500 Years" is an extraordinary and
unreservedly recommended pick for personal reading lists, as well as community and college/university library Human
History and Environmental History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. Originally published in
hardcover, it should also be noted that this trade paperback edition of "The Burning Earth: An Environmental History of
the Last 500 Years" from W. W. Norton is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Sunil Amrith (https://www.sunilamrithauthor.com) is the Renu and Anand Dhawan Professor of History at
Yale University, with a secondary appointment as Professor at the Yale School of the Environment.
The Health/Medicine Shelf
Losing the Weight Loss Meds
Dr. Holly Wyatt, author
Dr. James O. Hill, author
BenBella Books
www.benbellabooks.com
9781637747803, $21.95, PB, 320pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Losing-Weight-Loss-Meds-Medications/dp/1637747802
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/losing-the-weight-loss-meds-holly-r-wyatt-md/1146890068
Synopsis: New weight loss medications like Ozempic(R), Wegovy(R), Mounjaro(R), and Zepbound(R) (known as
GLP-1s) can help you lose weight, but research shows that without a plan, the weight almost always comes back if the
prescription ends.
Co-authored by Dr. Holly Wyatt and Dr. James O. Hill, "Losing the Weight Loss Meds: A 10-Week Playbook for Stopping
GLP-1 Medications Without Regaining the Weight" is the first playbook designed specifically to help you transition off
medication -- and keep your hard-earned success for life.
Two leading obesity experts. Dr. Holly R. Wyatt and Dr. James O. Hill carefully lays out a science- backed, 10-week
program to replace medication with the power of food, physical activity, and mindstate. With "Lose the Weight Loss
Meds" you will discover how to:
Reset your appetite naturally with smart food strategies
Use physical activity to restore and optimize metabolism
Strengthen your mindstate to build resilience against cravings and setbacks
Catch early signs of weight regain and stop it before it snowballs
Create routines and environments that make success easier to sustain
This isn't another quick-fix diet. It is a practical, effective, DIY guide for the moment millions of people now face: life
after GLP-1s.
Whether you are preparing to stop medication now or later, or just beginning your weight loss journey, this DIY playbook
equips you with the tools to protect your progress and fully live the life you have worked so hard to create.
Critique: Original, seminal, groundbreaking, timely, and thoroughly 'reader/user' friendly in tone, style, organization and
presentation, "Losing the Weight Loss Meds: A 10-Week Playbook for Stopping GLP-1 Medications Without Regaining
the Weight" is vitally important reading for anyone on (or contemplating going on) this new group of weight loss/control
drugs (such as Ozempic) that are gaining in widespread popularity and use. While this trade paperback edition of "Losing
the Weight Loss Meds" from BenBella Books is a critically important and highly recommended addition to personal,
professional, community, and college/university library Health/Medicine collections, it should be noted that it is also
readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note #1: Dr. Holly Wyatt is a leading authority in weight loss and long-term weight management, with over 25
years of experience helping people not only achieve significant weight loss but also maintain it for life. Best known as the
medical doctor on the hit TV show Extreme Weight Loss, Dr. Wyatt has guided countless individuals through dramatic
transformations, using her expertise in metabolism, nutrition, and behavior change. Coauthor of the bestselling book State
of Slim, she specializes in creating sustainable, science-based strategies that empower people to reset their metabolism,
manage their appetite, and develop healthy, lasting habits. Dr. Wyatt's career is dedicated to helping people maintain their
weight loss and improve their overall well-being by focusing on sustainable lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes.
Editorial Note #2: Dr. James O. Hill is a world-renowned expert in obesity, nutrition, and weight management, with over
40 years of groundbreaking research and experience in the field. As the cofounder of the National Weight Control
Registry, the largest study of individuals who have successfully maintained long-term weight loss, and coauthor of State of
Slim, Dr. Hill has pioneered the understanding of sustainable weight loss. His work has been instrumental in developing
evidence-based strategies that empower people to achieve lasting weight management through balanced nutrition, physical
activity, and behavioral changes. Dr. Hill has published over 700 peer-reviewed articles and is widely recognized for his
contributions to public health, including shaping national policies on obesity prevention and management.
The American History Shelf
Perfecting the U.S. Constitution
Blaine Kaltman
Anthem Press
www.anthempress.com
9781839996337, $90.00, HC, 212pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Perfecting-U-S-Constitution-Counting-Amendments/dp/183999634X
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/perfecting-the-us-constitution-blaine-kaltman/1147348026
Synopsis: With the publication of "Perfecting the U.S. Constitution: 27 and Counting, The Amendments that Shaped
America's Future", Blaine Kaltman tells the story of each Constitutional Amendment and the role that the Amendments
have played in shaping the American experience.
"Perfecting the U.S. Constitution" is based on solid research and written in an engaging style that is easy to comprehend
and enjoyable to read.
The Amendments guarantee the fundamental rights and liberties that Americans enjoy and should be understood by every
citizen. They tell America's story from its founding to the present day. The Amendments play a vital role in the quest for
gender and racial equity, and the continuing struggle to achieve social justice. They are the result of the American people's
continuing efforts to perfect our Constitution, first through Acts of Congress, then through ratifications by State
Legislatures, and finally by judicial review and interpretation.
The Amendments are too important to be treated as afterthoughts, and "Perfecting the U.S. Constitution" gives each of
them the attention and explanation that they deserve.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Perfecting the U.S. Constitution: 27 and Counting, The
Amendments that Shaped America's Future" by Blaine Kaltman is an extraordinary and 'reader friendly' study that is an
unreservedly recommended pick for personal, professional, community, highschool, and college/university library Political
Science collections and supplemental American Constitution curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for students,
academia, political activists, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in General Constitutional Law that this
hardcover edition from Anthem Press of "Perfecting the U.S. Constitution: 27 and Counting, The Amendments that
Shaped America's Future" is also readily available in a paperback edition (9781839996344, $19.99).
Editorial Note: Blaine Kaltman is a former U.S. Department of State Foreign Service Officer. He earned a doctorate from
the University of Queensland, Australia. He is also the author of "Under the Heel of the Dragon: Islam, Racism, Crime,
and the Uighur in China".
The Civil War Shelf
Mending Broken Soldiers
Guy R. Hasegawa
Southern Illinois University Press
www.siupress.com
9780809331307, $50.00, HC, 160pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Mending-Broken-Soldiers-Confederate-Artificial/dp/0809331306
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mending-broken-soldiers-guy-r-hasegawa/1111268481
Southern Illinois University Press
https://www.siupress.com/9780809339884/mending-broken-soldiers
Synopsis: The four years of the American Civil War saw bloodshed on a scale unprecedented in the history of the United
States. Thousands of soldiers and sailors from both sides who survived the horrors of the war faced hardship for the rest of
their lives as amputees.
Now with the publication of "Mending Broken Soldiers: The Union and Confederate Programs to Supply Artificial
Limbs", author Guy R. Hasegawa presents the first volume to explore the wartime provisions made for amputees in need
of artificial limbs -- programs that, while they revealed stark differences between the resources and capabilities of the
North and the South, were the forebears of modern government efforts to assist in the rehabilitation of wounded service
members.
Hasegawa draws upon numerous sources of archival information to offer a comprehensive look at the artificial limb
industry as a whole, including accounts of the ingenious designs employed by manufacturers and the rapid advancement of
medical technology during the Civil War; illustrations and photographs of period prosthetics; and in-depth examinations of
the companies that manufactured limbs for soldiers and bid for contracts, including at least one still in existence
today.
An intriguing account of innovation, determination, humanitarianism, and the devastating toll of battle, "Mending Broken
Soldiers" also shares the never-before-told story of the artificial-limb industry of the Civil War and provides a fascinating
glimpse into groundbreaking military health programs during the most tumultuous years in American history.
Critique An original, seminal, and groundbreaking study, "Mending Broken Soldiers: The Union and Confederate
Programs to Supply Artificial Limbs" by Guy R. Hasegawa is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to
personal, professional, community, and college/university American Civil War History collections and supplemental
curriculum studies lists. Enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of a fourteen page section of historical
photographs, two Appendices, Notes, a Bibliography, and an Index. A very high value contribution to the growing body of
American Civil War History/Biography collections, it should be noted for students, academia, Civil War scholars, Civil
War buffs, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that this hardcover edition of "Mending Broken
Soldiers: The Union and Confederate Programs to Supply Artificial Limbs" from the Southern Illinois University Press is
also readily available in paperback (9780809339884, $26.95).
Editorial Note: Guy R. Hasegawa is a pharmacist and senior editor of the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy.
He is also a co-editor of "Years of Change and Suffering: Modern Perspectives on Civil War Medicine" and has written
many articles on the history of pharmacy and on Civil War era medicine. He serves on the board of directors of the
National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Additionally he is a director emeritus of the Society of Civil War Surgeons.
(https://www.civilwarmed.org/people/hasegawa)
The Military History Shelf
World War II Aerial Combat 1937 - 1945
Donald Nijboer
Firefly Books Ltd.
www.fireflybooks.com
9780228105879, $39.95, PB, 368pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/World-War-Aerial-Combat-1937/dp/0228105870
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/world-war-ii-aerial-combat-1937-1945-donald-nijboer/1147113865
Firefly Books
https://fireflybooks.com/BookDetails?Pid=28714
Synopsis: With the publication of "World War II Aerial Combat 1937 - 1945: The Allied and Axis Air Forces A Visual
History" and for the first time, the story of the victorious, the vanquished and the forgotten air forces that fought in the
Second World War is presented in the form of more than 300 captioned period photographs.
World War II would see the full potential of air power over the battlefield and oceans. From mere appendages of the army
and navy, air forces became essential tools of destruction and critical for future battlefield and naval success.
The histories of air warfare during World War II have focused exclusively on the air forces of the major powers: the
United States, Britain, Germany, the Soviet Union and Japan. What has been completely ignored is the forgotten men and
machines that fought alongside the Allies and Axis air forces -- and there were many. Some of these air forces even found
themselves fighting for both sides at the same time.
Along with coverage of the major air powers, "World War II Aerial Combat 1937-1945" includes information, rare photos
and illustrations from the numerous small Allied and Axis air forces that left their mark. This is the story of the forgotten
air forces of Poland, Belgium, Norway, Netherlands, France, Greece, India, China, Yugoslavia, Italy, Romania, Hungary,
Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovakia and Finland -- all of which fought with determination and some with great skill against
overwhelming odds.
"World War II Aerial Combat 1937-1945" fills an important gap in our knowledge of the Second World War and the
history of aviation in the mid-20th century.
Critique: Original, exceptional, extraordinary, profusely illustrated in B/W and Color photos, "World War II Aerial
Combat 1937 - 1945: The Allied and Axis Air Forces A Visual History" by Donald Nijboer is an comprehensive, seminal,
and ground-breaking study. This large format (8.9 x 1.1 x 10.2 inches, 3.35 pounds) paperback edition of "World War II
Aerial Combat 1937 - 1945: The Allied and Axis Air Forces A Visual History" from Firefly Books is a critically important
acquisition choice for personal, professional, community, and college/university library World War II Military Aviation
History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: Donald Nijboer (https://donaldnijboer.com) is an aviation author, historian and documentary
writer-producer. He has published many military aviation books, including Graphic War Navy, Fighting Cockpits, Air
Combat 1945, Graphic War: The Secret Aviation Drawings and Illustrations of World War II, Cockpit: An Illustrated
History of World War II Aircraft Interiors and B-29 Combat Missions. Nijboer has also written articles for Flight Journal,
Aviation History, The Aviation Historian and Aeroplane Monthly. He lives in Toronto, Canada.
Why War?
Richard Overy
W. W. Norton & Company
www.wwnorton.com
9781324116790, $18.99, PB, 312pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Why-War-Richard-Overy-Ph-D/dp/132411679X
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/why-war-richard-overy-phd/1144065569
Synopsis: Why has war been such a consistent presence throughout the human past? With the publication of "Why War?,
leading historian Richard Overy explains by drawing on rich examples and keen insights.
Overy is not the first scholar to take up the title question. In 1931, at the request of the League of Nations, Albert Einstein
asked Sigmund Freud to collaborate on a short work examining whether there was "a way of delivering mankind from the
menace of war". Published the next year as a pamphlet entitled Why War?, it conveyed Freud's conclusion that the "death
drive" (the psychological impulse to destruction was universal in the animal kingdom) made any deliverance impossible.
The global wars of the later 1930s and 1940s seemed ample evidence of the dismal conclusion by Freud.
A preeminent historian of those wars, Overy brings vast knowledge to the title question and years of experience unraveling
the knotted motivations of war. His approach is to separate the major drivers and motivations, and consider the ways each
has contributed to organized conflict. They range from the impulses embedded in human biology and psychology, to the
incentives to conflict developed through cultural evolution, to competition for resources -- conflicts stirred by the passions
of belief, the effects of ecological stresses, the drive for power in leaders and nations, and the search for security.
The discussions show remarkable range, delving deep into the Neolithic past, through the twentieth-century world wars,
and up to the current conflict in Ukraine. The examples are absorbing, from the Roman Empire's voracious appetite for
resources to the impulse to power evident in Alexander the Great, Napoleon, and Hitler.
The conclusion is not hopeful, but Overy's study offers readers a compact, judicious, engrossing examination of a
fundamental and relevant question.
Critique: A brilliant and seminal study, "Why War?", with its anthropological, biological, and military warfare history
samples and examples is inherently fascinating, impressive informative, exceptionally well written, organized and
presented. Originally published in hardcover (2024), this new paperback edition of "Why War?" from W. W. Norton is an
ideal pick for personal reading lists, as well as community and college/university library collections. It should also be noted
that "Why War?" is also readily available for students, academia, and the non-specialist general readers with an interest in
the subject in a digital book format (Kindle, $17.30).
Editorial Note: Richard Overy is the author of many outstanding histories of World War II, including Rain of Ruin: Tokyo,
Hiroshima, and the Surrender of Japan. His study of Hitler and Stalin, The Dictators, won the Wolfson History Prize. He
lives in England and Italy. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Overy)
The Education Shelf
An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else
Diane Ravitch
Columbia University Press
https://cup.columbia.edu
9780231220293, $24.95, HC, 248pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Education-Changed-Schools-Almost-Everything/dp/0231220294
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-education-diane-ravitch/1147434365
Synopsis: For many years, Diane Ravitch was among the country's leading conservative thinkers on education. The cure
for what ailed the school system was clear, she believed: high-stakes standardized testing, national standards,
accountability, competition, charters, and vouchers.
Then Ravitch saw what happened when these ideas were put into practice and recanted her long-held views. The problem
was not bad teachers or failing schools, as conservatives claimed, but poverty. She denounced privatization as a hoax that
did not help students and that harmed the public school system. She urged action to address the root causes of
inequality.
"An Education: How I Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else" is intimate and timely memoir of
her life's work as a historian and advocate. In it, Ravitch traces her ideological evolution. She recounts her personal and
intellectual journey: her childhood in Houston, her years among the New York intelligentsia, her service in government,
and her leftward turn.
Ravitch also shares how she came to hold conservative views and why she eventually abandoned them, exploring her
switch from championing standards-based curriculum and standardized testing to arguing for greater investment in
professional teachers and in public schools. Bringing together candid reflections with decades of research on education,
Ravitch makes a powerful case for becoming, as she calls herself, "an activist on behalf of public schools".
Critique: A fascinating, fully candid, informative, and thought-provoking read from start to finish, "An Education: How I
Changed My Mind About Schools and Almost Everything Else" by Diane Ravitch will prove to be of immense interest
into readers concerned with the issues that affect public school systems in these increasingly dire time. While also readily
available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.39), it should be noted that this hardcover edition
of "An Education" from the Columbia University Press is unreservedly recommended for community and
college/university library Contemporary American Biography/Memoir collections and supplemental Educational
Theory/Criticism curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: Diane Ravitch (https://dianeravitch.com) is a historian of education and a prominent commentator about
education and politics. Her many books include Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger
to America's Public Schools (2013); The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice
Are Undermining Education (2010); and The Great School Wars: New York City, 1805 - 1973 (1974). Ravitch was
assistant secretary of education under President George H. W. Bush and served on the national testing board during the
Clinton administration. She is cofounder and president of the Network for Public Education.
Art and Social Interaction: 2nd Edition
Judith Peck
Routledge
https://www.routledge.com
9781032971995, $190.00, HC, 342pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Art-Social-Interaction-Creativity-Institutional/dp/1032971991
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/art-and-social-interaction-judith-peck/1147109033
Synopsis: Now in a fully updated and expanded second edition, "Art and Social Interaction: How College Students Spark
Creativity, Purpose and Joy in Institutional Settings" by academician and sculptor Judith Peck expands upon a program
that teaches expressive visual arts activities to college students to share with individuals in jails, nursing homes, psychiatric
facilities, domestic abuse shelters and youth care centers.
Creating expressive art through interaction with those affected, students gain an intimate awareness of crime; mental
illness; substance, child, domestic abuse; and aging -- which are critical issues of our time. Specially designed projects in
drawing, painting, collage, sculpture and crafts are supplemented with student reflections on how the experience
influenced their lives and future careers plus institutional evaluation on the effectiveness of the program on their
clientele.
Delivering everything needed to set up the course in any liberal arts college, "Art and Social Interaction: How College
Students Spark Creativity, Purpose and Joy in Institutional Settings" covers planning, execution, projected outcomes and
evaluation, offering students an education relevant to their lives and careers while giving institutions a dynamically
effective program of self-enhancement through the arts.
Of special note is that full color versions of many of the cited projects can be viewed online at
www.routledge.com/9781032972008.
Critique: This large format (8.49 x 0.96 x 11.24 inches, 1 pound) hardcover edition of "Art and Social Interaction: How
College Students Spark Creativity, Purpose and Joy in Institutional Settings: 2nd Edition" by Judith Peck is an ideal
introduction to understanding the application of the arts into a college or university level educational curriculum with an
emphases on fostering empathy and engagement in the issues of our time. Exceptionally well designed, organized and
presented, and featuring B/W illustrations throughout (and available digitally in color), this new second edition of "Art and
Social Interaction" is a solid and unreservedly recommended pick for academic library Art Education collections and
supplemental curriculum textbook studies lists. It should be noted, for the personal reading lists of students, academia, and
non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject, that this hardcover edition of "Art and Social Interaction:
How College Students Spark Creativity, Purpose and Joy in Institutional Settings" from Routledge is also readily available
in a trade paperback edition (9781032972008, $48.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $46.54).
Editorial Note: Judith Peck (https://jpecksculpture.com) is a sculptor with work in 80 public and private collections
including the Yale Gallery of Art and the Ghetto Fighters Museum in Israel. Professor Emeritus of Art (Ramapo College of
New Jersey), Judith Peck holds a doctoral degree from New York University and two Master's degrees from Teachers
College, Columbia University.
Dynamic Play and Creative Movement
Judith Peck
Routledge
https://www.routledge.com
9781032184982, $170.00, HC, 252pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Dynamic-Play-Creative-Movement-Judith/dp/1032184981
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dynamic-play-and-creative-movement-judith-peck/1141860470
Synopsis: With the publication of "Dynamic Play and Creative Movement: Powering Body and Brain", academician and
sculptor Judith Peck offers educators and caregivers effective and accessible methods to supplement elementary education
for young children using dance, movement, and play.
Imagination, physical energy, and the need for self-expression are childhood qualities recognized by parents but are not
sufficiently valued to be applied to formal education. Yet when valued as natural endowments, they might intelligently be
used to increase a child's perceptive abilities and self-confidence, essential to learning. These three qualities combine in
dynamic play, a term devised by the author to describe an approach to learning.
Through physical participation, children deal with concepts, ideas, and emotions while they reach out to touch a vast world
of people, animals, nature, and activities. The chapters comprising "Dynamic Play and Creative Movement: Powering
Body and Brain" provide for improvisations in music, visual art, drama and stories in addition to topics related to the
changing seasons, sports, school subjects, travel, games, and many other elements of the natural and man-made world.
Research about the correlation of movement to brain activity is included to support the thesis that creative movement is an
effective adjunct to learning.
Therapists, counselors, and preschool and elementary teachers will find "Dynamic Play and Creative Movement: Powering
Body and Brain" easily adaptable material and 'real world' practical in fostering perception, insight, and cognitive
understanding in children.
Critique: Original, accessible, comprehensive, and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "Dynamic
Play and Creative Movement: Powering Body and Brain" is an extraordinary and essential addition to personal,
professional, college and university library Child Psychology, Physical Education, and Behavioral Science collections and
supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that this hardcover edition of "Dynamic Play and Creative
Movement: Powering Body and Brain" from Routledge is also available for education students, school counselors, and
teacher reading lists in paperback (9781032184944, $42.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $31.81).
Editorial Note: Judith Peck (https://jpecksculpture.com) is a sculptor with work in 80 public and private collections
including the Yale Gallery of Art and the Ghetto Fighters Museum in Israel. Professor Emeritus of Art (Ramapo College of
New Jersey), Judith Peck holds a doctoral degree from New York University and two Master's degrees from Teachers
College, Columbia University.
The Cookbook Shelf
Veggies for Breakfast
Willi Galloway, author
Jim Henkens, photographer
Sasquatch Books
www.sasquatchbooks.com
9781632175557, $27.00, PB, 224pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Veggies-Breakfast-Delicious-Plant-Focused-Healthier/dp/163217555X
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/veggies-for-breakfast-willi-galloway/1146937464
Synopsis: "Veggies for Breakfast: 100 Delicious Plant-Focused Recipes for Healthier Mornings" by Willi Galloway is
certain to win over even the most skeptical breakfast skipper with easy, delicious, and seasonal savory and sweet
breakfasts. Cooking up a breakfast beyond cereal, smoothies, and yogurt is often perceived as a time suck, especially
during the week when you're frantically packing lunches for the family or trying to get out the door.
But Galloway is here to share her culinary breakfast themed DIY recipe compendium introducing kitchen cooks and their
families to the vibrant world of vegetables in making delicious, healthful morning meals -- and a call to reconsider what
exactly constitutes breakfast.
From classic avocado toasts to innovative ways to sneak green veg into sweet breakfasts, Galloway makes mornings
breakfast menus a breeze.
Here are step-by-step 'kitchen cook friendly, recipes for veggies piled on toast, stuffed into tacos, heaped into bowls,
stir-fried in skillets and baked with eggs -- all with a broad set of flavors to help you break out of ruts. Willi guides you on
a path to eating more vegetables more often by widening the definition of breakfast and diversifying what you eat.
Critique: Beautifully and profusely illustrated throughout with full color photographs by Jim Henkens of Willi Galloway's
recipes ranging from Cacio e Pepe Oatmeal, Summery Strawberry Toast with Chevre, Cucumber, and Avocado,
Shakshuka with Seared Halloumi, and Carrot Cake Overnight Oats with Pepita Crunch, to Tater Tot Breakfast Burritos,
Skillet Steamed Asparagus, Ciabatta Breakfast Sandwich, Simple Ricotta Toast Toppers, and Garlicky Toast, "Veggies for
Breakfast: 100 Delicious Plant-Focused Recipes for Healthier Mornings" from Sasquatch Books is especially and
unreservedly recommended -- especially for personal, family, professional, and community library Vegan & Vegetarian
cookbook collections. It should be noted that this trade paperback edition (7.3 x 0.64 x 8.54 inches, 13 ounces) of "Veggies
for Breakfast: 100 Delicious Plant-Focused Recipes for Healthier Mornings" is also readily available in a digital book
format (Kindle, $12.99).
Editorial Note #1: Willi Galloway (https://willigalloway.com/?page_id=17) is an award-winning radio commentator,
writer, and former editor at Organic Gardening magazine. Willi writes about kitchen gardening and seasonal cooking and
has taught joint gardening and cooking classes around the Pacific Northwest. She has hosted an online garden-to-table
cooking show, GROW. COOK. EAT., fielded questions as the vegetable gardening expert on Seattle's NPR station,
KUOW, and written for Vegetarian Times and Apartment Therapy. Her garden has been featured in Sunset magazine, and
she currently lives, gardens, and cooks in Portland, Oregon.
Editorial Note #2: Jim Henkens (https://www.jimhenkens.com) is a professional photographer specializing in culinary and
lifestyle subjects.
Clodagh's Happy Cooking
Clodagh McKenna
Kyle Books
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781804193372, $29.99, HC, 240pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Clodaghs-Happy-Cooking-Healthy-Recipes/dp/1804193372
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/clodaghs-happy-cooking-clodagh-mckenna/1147469891
Synopsis: Clodagh McKenna is an experienced and gifted cook who has packed "Clodagh's Happy Cooking: 100 Easy,
Speedy, Healthy Recipes for Good Mood Food" with delicious recipes specifically intended for the health-conscious
family cook who's short on time.
Clodagh's Happy Cooking is a DIY compendium of easy, everyday, tasty recipes make health and happiness a part of your
daily routine from breakfast to dinner. All of the recipes have been designed to fit into your daily life, with accessible
ingredients, vegan alternatives and air fryer instructions.
The recipes range from My Daily Happy Juice; Breakfast Quiches; My Heritage Loaf; and Noodle Salad with Spicy Peanut
Dressing; to Greek Marinated Chicken with Courgette & Feta Spicy Couscous & Tzatsiki; Veggie Vibes Power Bowl;
Quick Tomato Spaghetti, and My Mum's Irish Stew with Pearl Barley -- and so many more!
From teas juices and breakfasts to help you start your day on the right side of the bed to simple suppers you can make in
under 30 minutes, Clodagh's Happy Cooking is a must-have guide to joyful, healthy living. The recipes are designed to be
quick and achievable, using easy-to-find ingredients and incorporating vegan alternatives plus air fryer adaptions when
relevant to suit today's diverse diets and busy lifestyles.
The individual chapters include: Teas and Juices, Breakfast, Healthy Snacks and Treats, Soups & Breads, Lunch,
30-Minute Suppers and Get-Ahead Cooking.
With recipes including nutritious juices and tea such as Healing Tea and My daily Happy Juice (more than 1 million views
on social media) Soups and Breads such as Make Me Strong Green Soup and Guinness Brown Bread, there is something
for everyone's healthy habits here. Treats include Banana Peanut Bread and GF Oat & Pistachio Cookies, while delicious
quick lunches include Red Curry Lentils with Sweet Potatoes & Spinach and Greek Chicken with Spicy Couscous &
Tzatsiki. For those Get-ahead days recipes include one-pot dishes to freeze for later.
Critique: Beautifully illustrated throughout, "Clodagh's Happy Cooking: 100 Easy, Speedy, Healthy Recipes for Good
Mood Food" is a simple pleasure to browse through, an ideal resource for memorable menu planning, thoroughly 'kitchen
cook friendly' in organization and presentation. A special and highly recommended pick for personal, professional, and
community library cookbook collections, it should be noted that this hardcover edition of "Clodagh's Happy Cooking: 100
Easy, Speedy, Healthy Recipes for Good Mood Food" from Kyle Books is also readily available in a digital book format
(Kindle, $15.99).
Editorial Note: Clodagh McKenna (www.clodaghmckenna.com) is a chef, author and TV presenter. She is a much-loved
resident chef on ITV's This Morning, a regular chef on ITV's Cooking with the Stars and a regular on The Marilyn Denis
Show in Canada and The Today Show in the USA. She is the author of 8 bestselling cookbooks. Clodagh is passionate
about the planet and living well, and is inspired daily by her sustainable homestead in Hampshire, UK, where she grows
countless varieties of fruit and vegetables, and has six beautiful Burford Brown hens and uses produce in her simple,
speedy recipes. For her upbeat recipe videos and everyday infectious inspiration follow her on Instagram
@clodagh_mckenna
The Apothecary Chef
Natasha MacAller
Kyle Books
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781804192801, $34.99, HC, 240pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Apothecary-Chef-Recipes-Beneficial-Healthy/dp/1804192805
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-apothecary-chef-natasha-macaller/1147387725
Synopsis: For "The Apothecary Chef: Recipes with Beneficial Herbs & Plants for a Long and Healthy Life", author
Natasha MacAller has collaborated with a team of international award-winning chefs, ranging from April Bloomfield and
The Sioux Chef in the USA, to David Leibovitz in Paris and Pierre Koffmann in London, to gather and create recipes, each
with several hero ingredients that nourish, sustain and delight.
Individual chapters comprising "The Apothecary Chef" include Good for the Gut, Everyday Joy, A Sense of Calm,
Immunity Boosters, Longevity & resilience and Breath & Balance. From starters, salads and soups to mains, pestos,
chutneys and desserts, recipes include Spring Pea, Petal and Pea Shoot Salad, Slow-Cooked Peppercorn Lamb Shank and
Spiced Nectarines. Each chapter includes delicious, nature-inspired dishes for optimum wellbeing.
Alongside the recipes is a directory of 50 herbs and plants (each one illustrated) that explores the myths, truths and
medicinal benefits of each plant. Natasha also shares tips and ideas for growing them yourself, in whatever space you have
available. There are also features on shopping seasonally, harvesting and storing local edibles, plus where to purchase
hard-to-find ingredients.
"The Apothecary Chef" is completed with a recipe index, a herbs and plants index and details of the chef contributors.
Contributing chefs include Pierre Koffman, Skye Gyngell, The Sioux Chef, Olia Hercules, April Bloomfield, Peter
Gordon, and others.
Critique: Beautifully illustrated with full color photos, expertly written, organized and presented, "The Apothecary Chef:
Recipes with Beneficial Herbs & Plants for a Long and Healthy Life" will prove a welcome and enduringly appreciated
resource for planning memorable, palate pleasing, appetite satisfying, and 'kitchen cook friendly' meals for any and all
dining occasions, formal and informal. Enhanced for professional chef and home kitchen cooks alike with the inclusion of
a three page listing of contributing chefs, a glossary, a listing of Useful Resources, and a three page Index, it should be
noted that this hardcover edition of "The Apothecary Chef" from Kyle Books is also readily available in a digital book
format (Kindle, $19.99).
Editorial Note: Natasha MacAller (https://www.dancingchef.net) is a former professional ballerina who brings the same
diligence and precision to the kitchen as she did to dancing. Author of two internationally recognized cookbooks "Vanilla
Table" and "Spice Health Heroes", Natasha is now turning her thoughts to herbs and foraged ingredients. She divides her
time between Los Angeles, Auckland and London consulting with chefs, restaurants, farmers markets and culinary events
on menu and recipe development, as well as teaching cooking classes to curious home cooks and up and coming
chefs.
The Economic Studies Shelf
The Second Estate
Ray D. Madoff
University of Chicago Press
www.press.uchicago.edu
9780226835204, $25.00, HC, 192pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Second-Estate-Code-American-Aristocracy/dp/0226835200
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-second-estate-ray-d-madoff/1146965439
Synopsis: Amid conflicting narratives about the drivers of wealth and inequality in the United States, one constant hovers
in the background: the US tax code. No political force has been more consequential (or more utterly opaque) than the
7,000 page document that details who pays what in American society and government. Most of us have a sense that it's an
unfair system. But does anyone know exactly how it's unfair?
Legal scholar and academician Ray D. Madoff knows.
With the publication of The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy, Professor Madoff offers an
unprecedented look behind the scenes of America's byzantine system of taxation, laying bare not only its capacity to
consolidate wealth but also the mechanisms by which it has created two fundamentally separate American societies: the
working Americans who pay and the ultra-rich who benefit.
"The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy" is not a story of offshore accounts or secret tax
havens. In "The Second Estate", Professor Madoff shows that the US system itself has, over time, been stripped and
reconstituted such that it now offers a series of secret paths, hidden in plain sight, for wealthy people in the know to avoid
taxation altogether.
Through the strategic avoidance of traditional income, leveraging of investments and debt, and exploitation of rules
designed to promote charitable giving, America's wealthy do more than just pay less than their share; they remove
themselves from the tax system entirely. Wealth becomes its own sovereign state, and the living is surprisingly (and
maddeningly) cheap.
Critique: An amazing, extraordinary, revelatory and seminal study on the corruptive impact of the current American tax
system upon our broadly accepted principles of democracy and economic fair play, "The Second Estate: How the Tax Code
Made an American Aristocracy" by Professor Ray D. Madoff is exceptionally well written, organized and presented,
making it ideal for students, academia, economists, political activists, governmental policy makers, and non-specialist
general readers with an interest in the social/political/culture issues arising from ever increasing income inequality and
biased taxation laws that benefit the rich at a cost to the middle class and the blue color working class. While especially
and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Contemporary
Economics, Taxation, and Political Science collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists, it should be noted that
this hardcover edition of "The Second Estate: How the Tax Code Made an American Aristocracy" from the University of
Chicago Press is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $22.53).
Editorial Note: Ray D. Madoff is a professor at Boston College Law School and the cofounder and director of the Boston
College Forum on Philanthropy and the Public Good. She is the author of Immortality and the Law: The Rising Power of
the American Dead and lead author of The Practical Guide to Estate Planning. Her writing has appeared in The New York
Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The New York Review of Books, among other outlets.
(https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/author/M/R/au218144930.html)
The Political Science Shelf
The Poverty of Green Philosophy
Bill Sacks and Greg Meyerson
Open Universe/Carus
www.carusbooks.com
9781637700679, $29.95
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Poverty-Green-Philosophy-Marxist-Cooperative/dp/1637700679
The Poverty of Green Philosophy: A Marxist Case for Nuclear Energy in a Cooperative World contains a pro-nuclear
argument that may initially be rejected by anti-nuclear readers - but ideally it will be read by both sides interested in better
understanding these perspective. It argues that nuclear energy provides a path forward, contrasting it with and critiquing
renewable energy resources and touting nuclear energy as the only logical replacement for dependence on fossil fuels,
which both sides maintain needs to change. Whether or not one abides by the premise that nuclear energy is the more
logical option, the intriguing arguments about the wellsprings of fear and prejudice, how 'energy efficiency' is defined, and
how Marxist philosophy applies to the bigger picture makes for an intriguing discussion opportunity recommended
especially for classrooms looking for debate material and readers interested in applied Marxist ideals.
The Interior Design Shelf
Upholstery School
Sonnaz
Kyle Books
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781804191682, $29.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Upholstery-School-Practical-Furniture-Furnishings/dp/180419168X
Upholstery School gathers projects for updating furniture in a typical home in a step-by-step guide that assumes no prior
familiarity with fabric, upholstery processes, or furniture repair. One of the experts from The Repair Shop TV show has
created a blueprint for understanding upholstery processes that anyone can use, creating a basic outline of techniques,
tools, materials, and options that lend to upholstering in either traditional or modern styles. Packed with practical
information and step-by-step black and white illustrations accented by full-page color photo spreads, Upholstery School
leaves nothing to wonder about the techniques, options, and easy applications of basic upholstering.
The Biography/Memoir Shelf
Beautiful Mystery: Living in a Wordless World
Danilyn Rutherford
Duke University Press
www.dukeupress.edu
9781478029250, $29.95, HC, 240pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Mystery-Living-Wordless-World/dp/1478029250
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beautiful-mystery-danilyn-rutherford/1147175160
Synopsis: When Danilyn Rutherford and her husband Craig noticed that their six-month-old daughter Millie wasn't making
eye contact, they took her to their pediatrician. And an optometrist. Then a neurologist. Later, to a team of physical and
occupational therapists. None of the doctors could give Millie a diagnosis, but it was clear that her brain was not
developing at the rate it should.
At an age when some children take their first steps, Millie had the cognitive ability and motor skills of a three-month-old.
Three years later, Craig died suddenly of a heart attack and Danilyn found herself on the precipice of her anthropology
career as a widow and single mother, still trying to solve the puzzle posed by Millie's inaccessible mind.
Now in her twenties, Millie has never been able to express herself verbally, but she has a thriving social environment
rooted in the people around her and in things her companions and family can see, hear, smell, and feel. Life in Millie's
world is far richer than might be immediately evident to those who think and communicate in conventional ways.
"Beautiful Mystery: Living in a Wordless World" by Danilyn Rutherford explores what it means to be a person in the
spaces between what we can and cannot say, and how we can fight to care for those we love when they don't have the
language to fight for themselves.
Through her unique lens as a mother and an anthropologist, Rutherford tells the story of arriving in Millie's world, what
she found there, and how Millie showed her that words aren't always what makes us human. Enlightening and deeply felt,
"Beautiful Mystery" demonstrates that you don't have to understand someone to love them -- a lesson that, if we all learned
it, might allow us to live together in a fractured world.
Critique: A fascinating story of heartbreak, tragedy, struggle, and ultimate success, "Beautiful Mystery: Living in a
Wordless World" is a truly extraordinary and deeply personal and unique life story that has a universal resonance,
inspiration, and application. Exceptionally well written, emotionally engaging, and is an inherently fascinating from start to
finish, "Beautiful Mystery: Living in a Wordless World" is an extraordinary and especially recommended pick for
personal, community, and college/university library Contemporary American Biography/Memoir collections and
supplemental Cultural Anthropology and Disability Parenting curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that this
hardcover edition of "Beautiful Mystery: Living in a Wordless World" from Duke University Press is also readily available
in a digital book format (Kindle, $16.17).
Editorial Note: Danilyn Rutherford (https://danilynrutherford.com) is President of the Wenner-Gren Foundation for
Anthropological Research. An award-winning anthropologist, she has previously taught at the University of California,
Santa Cruz, and the University of Chicago. She is the author of Living in the Stone Age: Reflections on the Origins of a
Colonial Fantasy, Laughing at Leviathan: Sovereignty and Audience in West Papua, and Raiding the Land of the
Foreigners: The Limits of the Nation on an Indonesian Frontier.
Losing Katy: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Living Grief
Jackie L. Disch
https://www.jackieldisch.com
Booklogix
9781665310482, $17.00, PB, 142pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Losing-Katy-Memoir-Living-Grief/dp/1665310480
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/losing-katy-jackie-l-disch/1148029136
Synopsis: In her memoir, author Jackie L. Disch writes about love and loss -- "Her death hit me on a level I did not realize
existed. Because of that, I learned new things about grief. Mostly, I learned what it means to live grief, to be one with it.
And I learned the ways that grief is an extension of our love for the one we lost. It walks with us, it ages with us 'like a
necessary guest you need to accommodate.'
With elegance and sparseness of words, "Losing Katy" is a poetic illustration of grief in action.
The beauty of "Losing Katy" is in how it brings love and compassion to grief and suffering, life to death, creativity to
dying, generosity to loss, and hope to despair. It is an inspiring example of honoring and revering one's grief.
At its core, "Losing Katy" is a heartbreaking, heartfelt testament to what it means to love-and to live that love in the face of
world-shattering loss.
Critique: Eloquent, emotionally engaging, deftly crafted, "Losing Katy: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Living Grief" by
Jackie L. Disch is one of those deeply personal but universally resonating memoirs that will linger in the mind and memory
of the reader long after the book has been finished and set back upon the shelf. Especially recommended reading for
anyone who is grieving at the loss of a loved one, "Losing Katy: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Living Grief" is especially
and unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists and community library Grief & Bereavement collections. It
should be noted that this paperback edition of "Losing Katy: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Living Grief" from Booklogix
is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.99).
Editorial Note: Jackie L. Disch (https://www.jackieldisch.com) is a lifelong writer. She is the author of two poetry books:
Life Forces a Journey and Hitting Bone. Her third book, Losing Katy: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Living Grief is her
most tender-hearted book to date. Her writing has always been personal in nature and carries with it the hope of helping
others, bringing a sense of connection and understanding to situations where it is easy to feel alone and
misunderstood.
Straight Outta Skokie: The Krockey Chronicles: 1968
Al Krockey
Magical Journey Media LLC
https://www.straightouttaskokie.com
9798218782825, $19.99, PB, 282pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Straight-Outta-Skokie-Krockey-Chronicles/dp/B0FTXW6C7Z
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/straight-outta-skokie-al-krockey/1148476162
Synopsis: In 1968, Al Krockey was eighteen years old -- coming of age in the most culturally explosive era in American
history.
But the road to that moment began years earlier in Skokie, Illinois, where a block of co-op apartments and split-level
houses felt like an entire universe.
From hustling a buck (hawking souvenirs outside Wrigley Field, working odd jobs, and dealing a little weed) to chasing
the music that defined a generation, Krockey lived fast and wide open.
Nights at Chicago's legendary Kinetic Playground, cross-country trips to wild pop festivals, and encounters with
unforgettable characters turned 1968 into a year of freedom, risk, and discovery.
Critique: A deftly crafted and nostalgic trip back to the Baby Boomer generation coming into its age of Drugs, Love, Rock
N Roll, "Straight Outta Skokie: The Krockey Chronicles: 1968" by Al Krockey is a fascinating and fun read from cover to
cover. This intensely personal and candid memoir will have a universal resonance for any of his readers who themselves
lived through that turbulent year, and will aptly serve as a descriptive resource for later generations wanting to know what
it was like to be young during that golden year of 1968. While especially and unreservedly recommended for community
and college/university library 20th Century American Biography/Memoir collections, it should be noted for personal
reading lists that this paperback edition of "Straight Outta Skokie: The Krockey Chronicles: 1968" is also readily available
in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Al Krockey was born in 1950, and only a few months later his parents settled in Skokie, Illinois. Raised in
a working-class Jewish family that often struggled to make ends meet, Krockey learned the value of hard work early on. By
the time he was twenty, he had already opened his record store, The Record Shack. His passion for music led him through
a whirlwind career in the 1970s - running a store, starting a record label, and even producing music - before leaving the
business in the early 1980s. He went on to build a successful career in insurance consulting, ultimately becoming vice
president of a national firm. At 68, he reached the final table of a World Poker Tour event, and at 75, he embarked on a
new journey as an author. Today, Krockey reflects on a life shaped by grit, reinvention, and a love for the hustle -- whether
in business, music, or cards.
The General Fiction Shelf
The Truth About You
Michael Clark
Ananias Publishing
https://www.ananiasfoundation.org
9798218748692, $14.99, PB, 294pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Truth-About-You-domestic-violence/dp/B0FMQ51N4T
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-truth-about-you-michael-clark/1148073040
Synopsis: When Lucy and Meg's mother is assaulted by her husband and their stepfather Greg, his arrest seems to mark the
end of a nightmare. But when their mother chooses to stay with him, the sisters are thrust into a disturbing moral
dilemma.
Desperate to protect her, they take a drastic step: secretly install hidden cameras to capture the truth for themselves -- and
the rest of the world. But what unfolds isn not what Lucy expected.
As Lucy grapples with conflicting narratives of abuse, loyalty, and manipulation, she is forced to question not only her
mother and stepfather's roles in this abusive relationship, but the entire framework of judgment, justice, and domestic
victimhood.
Critique: Although an impressively original and deftly crafted work of fiction, "The Truth About You" by Michael Clark
insightful probes the all to common gap between what we believe and what actually occurs so often in the real world to
real families. Riveting, emotionally engaging, reality challenging, psychologically insightful, unexpectedly revealing, as an
author, Michael Clark's genuine flair narrative driven storytelling raises his novel to an impressive level of literary
excellence. While an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to community and college/university library
Literary/Psychological Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "The
Truth About You" from Ananias Publishing is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $5.99).
Editorial Note: Michael Clark is the founder and Executive Director of the Ananias Foundation, a nonprofit organization
committed to ending domestic violence at its root, by working with those who have caused harm. Through the foundation,
Michael has supported thousands of individuals seeking to break free from abusive behaviors, offering guidance, and hope
for change. What makes Michael's voice distinct is the depth of personal experience he brings to his work. A former
domestic violence offender himself, he has walked the difficult road of transformation.
Who Do You Help?
Randy Knoewman
https://randyknoewman.com/book
Independently Published
9798218732301, $13.80, PB, Large Print, 328pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Who-You-Help-Randy-Knoewman/dp/B0FSRHYDZB?
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/who-do-you-help-randy-knoewman/1148519896
Synopsis: What would you do if you won the lottery? Would you spend it all, or would you be like Mr. Jones's late wife,
and ask him to "Help as many people as you can" with the money? That was her final request, but Mr. Jones's retired
mechanic skills weren't built to solve it. So he hires Linda, his server at the local diner and recent returnee to Miltonsville.
She's a single mother with one lonely, basketball obsessed kid, who needs money to get them back out of Miltonsville, a
place that never accepted her or her parents for being Asian-American.
The project is already hard enough, but everything's complicated when Linda is confronted by someone she had longed
hoped to forget, and he makes sure they don't forget about Miltonsville.
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, intellectually and emotionally engaging, "Who Do You Help" by Randy Knoewman is an
inherently fascinating read that will hold a particular appeal to readers with an interest in the complications and unexpected
issues affiliated with acts of philanthropy, aspirations towards charity, family relations, human frailties, and ultimate
resolutions. All the more impressive when considering that this is Randy Knoewman's debut as a novelist, "Who Do You
Help" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists and community library Contemporary
General Fiction collections. It should be noted that this paperback edition of "Who Do You Help" is also available in a
digital book format (Kindle, $0.99).
Editorial Note: Randy Knoewman considers writing to be a fun and creative outlet for him. He feels privileged that his
full-time position as a doctor allows him to write fiction as a hobby and take whatever money I make from it and send it to
various charities. Knoewman states that instead of charging more for the book ($0.99 for Kindle, $10.96 for paperback
were the lowest prices Amazon would allow), he would kindly ask (who can say no to a kind ask?) that if you read the
book to consider donating to one of the groups he suggests in the Acknowledgments section. GoFundMe links are
provided there or can be found at found on his website -- www.randyknoewman.com
Butterfly
Orion Monroe, author
Travis Hunt, editor
Caspian Waters, illustrator
Greylander Press
https://www.facebook.com/GreylanderPress
9798998995378, $19.99, PB, 414pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Butterfly-Orion-Monroe/dp/B0FLFBQ8RY
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/butterfly-monroe/1148005697
Synopsis: Eighteen-year-old soccer prodigy Davis Day had everything: contract offers, loyal teammates, and a future on
the field. Until a single lie destroyed it all.
Overnight, he becomes a criminal in the court of public opinion. Friends vanish. Coaches turn their backs.
When prosecutors offer a plea deal that could save him or bury him, he faces an impossible choice: tell the truth and lose
everything, or confess to a crime he didn't commit.
Critique: Although a work of fiction, Orion Monroe's novel, "Butterfly" is inspired by actual events, demonstrating that
just one accusation can have the ability to destroy anything and everything. Deftly crafted and a simply riveting read from
start to finish, it should be noted that "Butterfly" is for the mature reader due to its emotionally compelling and intense
scenes that include vivid depictions of sexual trauma, social ostracism, and self-harm. These elements, so effectively
portrayed and integral to the subject of the novel can prove to be distressing. As an author, Orion Monroe demonstrates a
genuine flair for the kind of narrative driven storytelling style that raises his work of fiction to an impressive level of
literary excellence, making it highly recommended for personal reading lists and community library psychological thriller
collections. It should be noted that this paperback edition of "Butterfly" from Greylander Press is also readily available in a
digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Orion Monroe is a filmmaker, writer, and advocate for social change, committed to storytelling that sheds
light on critical societal issues. With a strong academic foundation, he holds advanced degrees in Economics, Accounting,
and Social Science; a combination that provides him with a deep and analytical understanding of human behavior,
financial systems, and the broader societal structures that influence social outcomes. His ability to merge these disciplines
allows him to explore the complexities of systemic inequality, mental health, and social justice in his work.
For most of his career, Orion has worked in forensic mental health services, where he has witnessed firsthand the struggles
faced by individuals navigating the intersections of psychology, law, and rehabilitation. His experience in this field has
given him profound insight into human resilience, institutional challenges, and the need for reform in mental health and
criminal justice systems. This exposure has shaped his storytelling, inspiring him to craft narratives that challenge
prevailing perspectives, foster empathy, and advocate for meaningful change.
How to Fake a Haunting
Christa Carmen
www.christacarmen.com
Thomas & Mercer
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662530746, $16.99, PB, 349pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/How-Fake-Haunting-Christa-Carmen/dp/1662530749
Synopsis: Lainey Taylor is being pushed to the brink by her alcoholic husband, Callum. Prone to hallucinations and erratic
behavior, it's only a matter of time before he puts Lainey's life (and that of their daughter, Beatrix) in jeopardy.
A divorce and full custody is out of the question. In Callum's words: Over my dead body.
Lainey's sympathetic friend Adelaide has a wild solution. They'll stage a haunting so convincing it will drive Callum out of
Lainey's life for good. Nothing too over the top: strange smells, noises in the walls, and flies unleashed along the
windowsills. It could work. Considering Callum's alcohol-induced night terrors, he's already close to broken.
With each new scare, Lainey is closer to seeing the haunting through to its bitter, freeing end.
But in a house filled with so much rage, resentment, and fear, is it any wonder that Lainey and Adelaide's plan goes
horribly wrong? As their fake haunting spirals into something no one can control, Lainey discovers that the only way out of
this frightening trap is to join forces with Callum, or die trying.
Critique: Clearly, with the publication of "How to Fake a Haunting", author Christa Carmen demonstrates beyond any
question that she is a clear and consummate master of the horror fiction genre. Original, imaginative, emotionally
engaging, and a compulsively compelling page turner of a read from start to finish, "How to Fake a Haunting" is a full bore
psychological thriller that is an unreservedly recommended pick for personal reading lists and community library
collections. It should be noted that this paperback edition of "How to Fake a Haunting" from Thomas & Mercer is also
readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Editorial Note: Christa Carmen (www.christacarmen.com) is also the author of Beneath the Poet's House; The Daughters
of Block Island, winner of the Bram Stoker Award and a Shirley Jackson Award finalist; Something Borrowed, Something
Blood-Soaked, an Indie Horror Book Award winner; and numerous short stories, including the Bram Stoker Award -
nominated "Through the Looking Glass and Straight into Hell".
The Lady on Esplanade
Karen White
Berkley Books
c/o Penguin/Random House
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
9780593549490, $30.00, HC, 416pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Esplanade-Royal-Street-Novel/dp/059354949X
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-lady-on-esplanade-karen-white/1146937694
Synopsis: Nola is ready to focus on starting over in the Big Easy. She wants to get back to work on the renovations of her
Creole cottage, and she is eager to launch a new murder-house-flipping business with contractor, closet psychic, and
part-time nemesis Beau Ryan. After a near-death ghostly encounter and the return of Beau's missing sister, they are
confident that the ghost of his mother can finally rest.
Nola believes the shotgun house on famed Esplanade Avenue is a prime fixer-upper for her first project. It may have been
the site of a woman's murder and the disappearance of an entire family, but the house will be perfect for new-to-town
Cooper Ravenel -- who happens to have caused Nola's first heartbreak.
That's the least of Nola's worries, though. In addition to the elusive spirit of an angry young woman who accompanied
Cooper to New Orleans, the house on Esplanade has its own ghosts, including one that is becoming increasingly dangerous
as he tries to hide his dark secrets. And the wet footprints from the spirit of Beau's mother have returned to let them know
there is still unfinished business before she can rest. Spectral danger is headed toward them, and it's up to Nola to convince
Beau to help before it's too late!
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, clever, imaginative, and a fun read from start to finish, "The Lady on the Esplanade" by
Karen White is a blending of cozy mystery and ghost story that will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular pick
for community library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "The Lady on
the Esplanade" from Berkley Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Karen White (https://www.karen-white.com) is the author of more than thirty novels, including the Tradd
Street series, The Last Night in London, Dreams of Falling, The Night the Lights Went Out, Flight Patterns, The Sound of
Glass, A Long Time Gone, and The Time Between. She is the coauthor of The Lost Summers of Newport, All the Ways
We Said Goodbye, The Glass Ocean, and The Forgotten Room with New York Times bestselling authors Beatriz Williams
and Lauren Willig.
The Historical Fiction Shelf
Wrong Hand Right
William Michael Ried
https://www.wmrauthor.com
CK Books Publishing
https://ckbookspublishing.com
9781966219163, $15.99, PB, 284pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Wrong-Hand-Right-William-Michael/dp/1966219164
Synopsis: In the neon-glare and grit of 1980s New York with its graffiti-streaked subways, squeegee men at stop lights,
dive bars and an old-world gentlemen's club, left-handed lawyer Finnegan Alger has built a routine of chasing trademark
counterfeiters and hapless romance -- until a deadly crime upends his life.
Navy pilots are dying, and Finn stumbles upon the cause. This should be the big break to make his career, but why does
everyone press him to look away? A pervasive cover-up forces him to confront more than the ghosts of his childhood
tragedy and grudge against the right-handed world. In a city built on ambition and silence, what will one outsider risk for
justice -- or retribution?
Critique: Riveting, original, exceptional, deftly crafted and an inherently fascinating read from start to finish, "Wrong
Hand Right" is an extraordinary blend of legal thriller and conspiratorial urban crime fiction. Showcasing author William
Michael Ried's extraordinary storytelling style as a novelist, "Wrong Hand Right" is an especially and unreservedly
recommended addition to community library Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists
of suspense/thriller fans that this paperback edition of "Wrong Hand Right" from CK Books Publishing is also readily
available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Editorial Note: William Michael Ried (https://www.wmrauthor.com) practices law in New York City and is the author of
four other award-winning novels: "Five Ferries", "Backstory", "Pandion"and "Two Degrees: A Climate Change
Novel".
The Hollywood Fix
Richard Kirshenbaum
Post Hill Press
www.posthillpress.com
9798895652848, $21.00, PB, 400pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Hollywood-Fix-Richard-Kirshenbaum/dp/B0F316G1SB
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-hollywood-fix-richard-kirshenbaum/1147211234
Synopsis: During Hollywood's Golden Age, a destitute young man, Bartie Maddox, journeys to Los Angeles and, through
his wits, hard work, and talent, becomes the PR fixer to the most important film studio and its studio chief, Solomon
Myers. Through his experienced lens, Bartie influences the lives and creation of some of the world's greatest stars: Duke
Drake, Carroll Madison, Mirielle Montaigne, and the heiress, Grace Greystone, La Marquise de Faucigny, exposing how
their images are created, managed, and intersect through the Great War and glamor of Tinseltown.
Bartie's intricate fixes involve endless scandals of money, sex, captivating personas and even the cover-up of death. But in
the end, Bartie's own studio fix becomes the greatest fix of all.
Critique: "The Hollywood Fix" by novelist Richard Kirshenbaum, although a simply masterful and sweeping work of
literary fiction, is inspired by (and based upon) true stories drawn from the iconic movie studio system era and their PR
machines which not only created movie actor/actress legends but kept from exposure the dirty doings of those move stars
(and the studios that made money with them) shiny and clean for public consumption. An exceptional and entertaining
read from start to finish, "The Hollywood Fix" is an extraordinary and highly recommended pick for community library
literary fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "The Hollywood Fix"
from Post Hill Press is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Richard Kirshenbaum is the author of "Isn't that Rich", "Rouge", and "North Bay Road". An accomplished
entrepreneur and author, he has been inducted into the Advertising Hall of Fame and has written comedy for the legendary
Joan Rivers and Us Weekly's Fashion Police.
(https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/256351.Richard_Kirshenbaum)
Summer of Meteors
Kris Schaale
https://krisschaale.com
Catamount Press
c/o Sunbury Press
https://www.sunburypress.com/collections/catamount-press
9798888193426, $19.95, PB, 219pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Summer-Meteors-Kris-Schaale/dp/B0FR98G83J
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/summer-of-meteors-kris-schaale/1148353454
Synopsis: As the nation teeters on the edge of civil war, three women converge at the elegant Bedford Springs Hotel in
Pennsylvania.
Harriet Lane, strong-minded and vivacious niece to President James Buchanan and the nation's "Democratic Queen,"
begins to question the cost of loyalty as her uncle's stance on slavery casts a long shadow. Anne McCoy, a quiet Quaker
widow, carries the scars of loss, and dangerous secrets. Juba, an enslaved nursemaid to a presidential guest, dreams of
freedom and the family torn from her.
When a chance encounter with local agents of the Underground Railroad sparks a daring escape plan, loyalties are tested,
and lives are forever changed. Meanwhile as scandal brews and radical abolitionist John Brown plots revolution nearby,
these women must decide what they're willing to risk for justice and each other.
Set against the backdrop of a divided America, "Summer of Meteors" is a powerful tale of courage, sacrifice, and the
bonds forged in the fight for freedom. A forgotten summer where history burned across the sky and nothing, not even the
stars, would ever look the same.
Critique: With the publication of his novel, "Summer of Meteors", author Kris Schaale showcases an extraordinary and
deftly crafted storytelling style that fully engages his readers from cover to cover. Original, compelling, and with a skill
that raises his novel to an impressive level of literary excellence, "Summer of Meteors" is especially and unreservedly
recommended for community/public library Historical Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that
this paperback edition of "Summer of Meteors" from Catamount Press is also readily available in a digital book format
(Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Kris Schaale (https://krisschaale.com) is an American novelist interested in a wide array of genres. Though
her love of history and psychology always seems to find a way into her work. She uses her bachelor's and master's degrees
in psychology from Pennsylvania State University to study and write about people's behavior, motivations, and life
journeys. Through the format of story, she hopes her readers will learn and be enriched in their own understanding of
people and life.
Our Share of Morning
Laura Bonazzoli
https://www.laurabonazzoli.com
Sibylline Press
https://sibyllinepress.com
9798897409938, $22.00, PB, 422pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Our-Share-Morning-Laura-Bonazzoli/dp/B0FDQNQJ1B
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/our-share-of-morning-laura-bonazzoli/1147684730
Sibylline Press
https://shop.sibyllinepress.com/products/our-share-of-morning-a-novel
Synopsis: 1933. A three-story tenement in a mill town west of Boston. In the third-floor apartment hangs a portrait of
unforgettable beauty: Ada, a neighbor's daughter, who disappeared years before.
In the apartment below, two sisters (thoughtful, sensible Violet and gifted but fragile Glory) come of age unaware of how
the missing Ada haunts their lives.
As disease and poverty threaten their family, they are each other's refuge. But as they reach adulthood, the fallout from a
broken love affair (while unraveling the mystery of Ada) threatens their bond.
Narrated in turns by each of the sisters, "Our Share of Morning" reveals how contagion, misogyny, and a series of betrayals
force Violet and Glory to face immutable loss. Poignant and poetic, "Our Share of Morning" is a meditation on meaning,
fate, forgiveness, and the fierce endurance of sisterly love.
Critique: Original, clever, deftly crafted, eloquent, and all the more impressive when considering that this is author, poet,
and essayist Laura Bonazzoli's debut as a novelist, "Our Share of Morning" is an extraordinary and engaging read from
beginning to end. While especially and unreservedly recommended for community/public library 20th Century Era
historical fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "Our Share of
Morning" from Sibylline Press is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $5.99).
Editorial Note: Laura Bonazzoli (https://www.laurabonazzoli.com) has had her short fiction, poetry, and essays published
in dozens of literary magazines and several anthologies. She works as a freelance editor and ghostwriter, and teaches
creative writing with Maine Media Workshops. She holds a BA from Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts, and an
MFA from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
The Literary Fiction Shelf
Sea of Glass
Patrick Shattuck, author
Genius Book Publishing
https://geniusbookpublishing.com
9781958727812, $19.95, PB, 284pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Glass-Patrick-Shattuck/dp/1958727814
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sea-of-glass-patrick-shattuck/1148082574
Synopsis: Shannon Delaney always lived in the shadow of her twin sister, Sarah. Sarah is brilliant, beautiful, and bound for
Berkeley, while Shannon is unsure, overlooked, and heading nowhere fast. The only thing that's ever been hers is Frankie -
- her best friend since fifth grade, the one boy who saw her for who she really was.
But now Frankie is slipping away, drawn into Sarah's orbit as they compete together in a high-stakes math tournament.
Then something strange happens. A mysterious blue light glows from an old glass paperweight by Shannon's bed,
revealing ghostly visions -- of snow, of love, of heartbreak. She tries to convince herself it's just a dream, but the feeling
won't fade. The glass may be showing her the truth.
As Shannon watches her world shift -- her sister's secrets, Frankie's choices, her own unraveling sense of self -- one thing
becomes clear: the hardest truths aren't always the ones others hide. They're the ones buried inside.
Critique: Original, eloquent, deftly crafted, engaging, and an inherently fascinating read from start to finish, "Sea of Glass"
by author Patrick Shattuck showcases his extraordinary and narrative driven storytelling skills that raises his novel to an
impressive level of literary excellence. Blending 'coming of age', psychological suspense, and the supernatural, "Sea of
Glass is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for community library collections. It should be noted for
personal reading lists that this paperback edition for "Sea of Glass" from Genius Book Publishing is also readily available
in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Editorial Note: In addition to being a longtime English teacher, Patrick Shattuck is also a dedicated writer who holds a
B.A. in English from Syracuse University and an M.A. in English from Simmons College. His short stories and poetry
have been published in the Antietam Review, Smashing Icons, Lonesome Traveler, Paradigm Magazine, Fox Cry
Magazine, and Evening Street Press. He is also the author of "Dawn's Web" and "Red Moon Over Manhattan".
Emerald City Blues
H. Lee Barnes
University of Nevada Press
www.unpress.nevada.edu
9781647792206, $29.95, HC, 388pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Emerald-City-Blues-Western-Literature/dp/1647792207
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/emerald-city-blues-h-lee-barnes/1147111473
Synopsis: In the summer of 1942, Eve Halverson assumes her dead sister's identity and leaves behind her small-town life
in Washington for the promise of something new in San Pedro, California. Determined to support the war effort, she takes
a job at a boot factory, stepping into an unfamiliar world of sweat, steel, and camaraderie. Among the women on the
factory floor, she finds resilience, laughter, and unexpected friendships that begin to reshape her understanding of the
world -- and herself.
But it's the quiet, captivating dockworker and blues singer Hard Times (H.T.) who truly upends her life. As Eve grows
closer to H.T., she finds herself drawn into his world, one filled with music, longing, and the ever-present shadows of
prejudice. Their connection forces Eve to confront realities she'd never imagined, challenging the boundaries of her own
perceptions and the risks of crossing societal lines. When Eve becomes a witness to a violent crime at a blues club, her life
takes a dangerous turn. As she navigates the escalating threats, she leans on the strength of her newfound friends and the
fragile, complex bond she shares with H.T.
Set against the vibrant yet turbulent backdrop of World War II-era California, "Emerald City Blues" is a heartfelt
coming-of-age story. It explores the complexities of love, the power of friendship, and the courage it takes to forge your
own path in an uncertain world. Eve's journey is one of discovery -- not just of the world beyond her hometown, but of the
resilience and strength she never knew she possessed.
Critique: With the publication of "Emerald City Blues", author H. Lee Barnes documents his having a genuine flair for the
kind of articulate and imaginative storytelling talent and style that makes his novel an emotionally compelling and
inherently engaging read from start to finish. Original, exceptional, and a riveting read, "Emerald City Blues" is especially
and unreservedly recommended for community library Literary Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading
lists that this hardcover edition of "Emerald City Blues" from the University of Nevada Press is also readily available in
paperback (9781647792138, $24.95) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $23.12).
Editorial Note: H. Lee Barnes (https://www.hleebarnes.net) is the author of ten books, including four novels and four short
story collections. His short fiction has received the Willamette Fiction Award and the Arizona Author's Association Fiction
Award. His last collection, Life Is a Country Western Song, garnered the 2019 New Mexico/Arizona Book Award for
Fiction Other. In addition, Barnes was honored by the Vietnam Veterans of America with an Excellence in the Arts Award
for his Vietnam War books, and in 2009 he was inducted into the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame. He earned his MFA in
creative writing from Arizona State University and taught English and creative writing at the College of Southern Nevada,
retiring emeritus in 2017.
The Romantic Fiction Shelf
The Secrets We Keep
B. J. Steele
https://www.bjsteelebooks.com
HMD Publishing
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hmdpublishing
9781835565469, $24.99, HC, 402pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-We-Keep-Secret/dp/1835565468
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-secrets-we-keep-b-j-steele/1148593449
Synopsis: "The Secrets We Keep" by B. J. Steele is a story of small-town second-chance romance.
Clara Monroe's carefully built life in Willow Cove unravels when her first love returns, unaware he's the father of her
twelve-year-old son. With gossip spreading, a fundraiser forcing them together, and old sparks reigniting, Clara must
decide if she can risk her heart again.
Critique: Original and deftly crafted, "The Secrets We Keep" is a unique and compelling love story of a woman having to
overcome meddling neighbors, long concealed heartache, unexpected renewal, and the life renewing, life shaping, power
of love, forgiveness, and second chances. Author B. J. Steele showcases a genuine and authentic flair for the kind of
storytelling style that has raised his romance novel to an impressive level of literary excellence. While especially and
unreservedly recommended for community/public library Contemporary Romance Fiction collections, it should be noted
for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "The Secrets We Keep" from HMD Publishing is also readily
available in paperback (9781835565452, $16.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $0.99).
Editorial Note: B.J. Steele (https://www.bjsteelebooks.com/about) is known for writing steamy, unputdownable romance
where power, passion, and plot twists collide. A lifelong storyteller, Steele is drawn to love stories that scorch, heal, and
haunt in equal measure -- and refuses to stop at "happily ever after" when a gasp-inducing twist will do!
The Sinking of the Leonardo da Vinci
Deborah Jeanne Weitzman
Koehler Books
www.koehlerbooks.com
9798888247327, $29.95, HC, 284pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Sinking-Leonardo-Deborah-Jeanne-Weitzman/dp/B0F2KJ8M3L
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-sinking-of-the-leonardo-da-vinci-deborah-jeanne-weitzman/1147196293
Synopsis: 1976, New York City.
Joanna, a dreamy and sensitive young woman, suffers deep loneliness and a sense of never belonging. The world of music,
of songwriting, draws her toward something deeper, if only she had permission to enter that world.
When she meets Luca, onboard The Leonardo da Vinci, her wildest dreams come true. He-the young navigator of the ship,
rebellious and passionate-gives her that permission. They fall hopelessly in love, and against all odds, she travels to Rome
to be with him. When she arrives, he has drastically changed. Never knowing what turned him so callous, this dark seed
contaminates the rest of her life.
Back in New York, she runs into her former professor, Stuart, a visionary environmentalist, and they marry. Older than
Joanna, he is her anchor and benevolent father figure. To never be burned again, she vows to stay far from the rocky shoals
of passion. To keep that vow, she buries her creative soul, her real voice, and her music.
But when Stuart unexpectedly dies of a heart attack, her un-lived self awakens with a vengeance. Hoping to heal, she
travels to the walking trails of Cinque Terre, where she unexpectedly reawakens both passion and comfort in her
relationships, finding herself along the way.
Critique: Original, eloquent, exceptional, and a fully engaging read from cover to cover, "The Sinking of the Leonardo da
Vinci" by author/storyteller Deborah Jeanne Weitzman is ane extraordinary mix of romance, heartache, and ultimate
emotional triumph. Weitzman's genuine flair for a vividly effective and narrative driven storytelling raises her novel to an
impressive level of literary elegance. While unreservedly recommended for community library Contemporary Romance
Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "The Sinking of the Leonardo
da Vinci" from Koehler Books is also readily available in paperback (9798888247303, $19.95) and in a digital book format
(Kindle, $5.99).
Editorial Note: Deborah Jeanne Weitzman (https://deborahjeanne.com) is a native New Yorker who has traveled the world.
These travels have defined and informed her writing. Her published memoir is "Pandora Learns to Sing". An accomplished
musician, "The Sinking of the Leonardo da Vinci" is her first novel.
The Western Fiction Shelf
Hornstone
Philip McCormac
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781444855388, $25.00/$21.25, PB, Large Print, 291pp
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781444855388
Synopsis: Major Tim Dillon resigns his army commission in order to run a saloon with his brother, and thinks his fighting
days are over. However, after arriving into town just in time to bury his brother's body, it seems that fate has other plans.
To bring his brother's murderer to justice, and free a town from the grip of evil cattle baron, Stirling Hornstone, he must
fight again. Only this time it will be a battle to the death!
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, and a great read from first page to last, "Hornstone" by Philip McCormac has everything
a western fans requires -- memorable characters, an engaging plot, and (of course) gunplay against the fearsome odds.
Whether for personal reading lists or community library collections, "Hornstone" is a highly recommended pick for any
and all action packed western novel fans.
Editorial Note: Philip McCormac lives in Leicestershire, England, and is a prolific western writer having 19 Black Horse
Westerns published under P. McCormac and various pen names.
Blood for Blood
Jack Tregarth
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781444855425, $25.00/$21.25, PB, Large Print, 239pp
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781444855425
Synopsis: When Will Grafton's wife is gunned down in a bungled robbery, the middle-aged grocer vows to bring the killers
to justice. Grafton hasn't always been a grocer and, as he pursues the ruthless Vallence Gang, it soon becomes clear that the
odds are not as unevenly stacked as might at first have been thought. From the quiet California town of Alila, Grafton's
quest leads him inexorably to a bloody showdown in Kansas - a fight from which only one man can emerge alive.
Critique: A classic action/adventure vengeance quest western, the stuff of which hardcore Spaghetti Western movies were
made back in the 60's and 70's, "Blood for Blood" is a truly riveting read and a 'must' for all dedicated fans of the genre.
This large print paperback edition of "Blood for Blood" by western novelist Jack Tregarth is an extraordinary and
unreservedly recommended addition to personal reading lists and community library Western Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Jack Tregarth is also the author of "Guns Across The Rio Grande" (Linford Western Library,
9781444844962).
The Long Trail
John Armstrong
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781444855340, $25.00/$21.25, PB, Large Print, 350pp
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781444855340
Synopsis: At seventeen, Dot Pickett is young to be taking on the role of trail boss on a cattle drive. But Dot's life has been
hard, and he has learnt to be brave, resourceful - and occasionally ruthless.
Now he has successfully led a cattle drive from Texas to Kansas and is setting off for home with the bag of gold owed to
the Texan ranchers. But Dot has fallen foul of a notorious outlaw family and he knows that they will try to ambush
him.
Then when Dot goes to the aid of a young woman, the gold disappears and he embarks upon a quest to retrieve it. Dot's
search takes him on a long trail of danger, deception and intrigue, leading him from Abilene deep into the bayous of
Louisiana, where his courage and determination are pushed to the extreme in order to survive and reclaim the cattlemen's
gold.
Critique: John Armstrong is the experienced and talented author and western novelist whose latest epic, "The Long Trail"
is impressively well crafted and a simply riveting read from cover to cover. With a special appeal to fans of
action/adventure western sagas, this large print paperback edition of "The Long Trail" from the Linford Western Library
collections is an extraordinary and solidly recommended addition to personal reading lists and community library Western
Fiction collections.
Buzzard Roost
Colin Bainbridge
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781444855371, $25.00/$21.25, PB, Large Print, 215pp
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781444855371
Synopsis: When Joe Trueman rides into Dry Bluff with the injured body of Doc Drummond thrown across his horse's
back, he little realizes the trouble he is getting into. Drummond is just one more victim of Kettle and his gang of gunslicks,
who threaten not only the town but the wagon-train route to Denver and beyond.
Dealing with Kettle is only the start. Behind Kettle looms the more menacing figure of Cush Vogler, and it's a long ride to
Vogler's ranch, the Buckle M. Menaced every step of the way, Trueman arrives in the nearby settlement of Buzzard Roost.
Then things really get hot. As violence erupts and a range war breaks out between the Buckle M and the much smaller Two
Bar Cross, do the citizens have the nerve to stand by Trueman when the bullets fly?
Critique: A riveting read from start to finish, this large print paperback edition of western author Colin Bainbrdige is
highly recommended to the attention of all dedicated western action/adventure fans and will prove an enduringly popular
addition to community/public library Western Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Editorial Note: There is an extended listing of novels by Colin Bainbridge online at
https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/1570982.Colin_Bainbridge
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Murder at the Wedding
Anita Davison
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781836783558, $42.00/$37.70, PB, Large Print, 369pp
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781836783558
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/search/murder%20at%20the%20wedding
Synopsis: Hannah Merrill is about to marry the love of her life...
The couple are determined their low-key celebration will go without a hitch, but there can't be an 'I do' while the vicar is
missing. And when he's found dead (a victim of a poisoning) in the crypt behind the church, Hannah knows only she and
Aunt Violet can find out who did it.
Hannah's beloved thinks she shouldn't interfere. But if he fails to remember that an independent woman in 1916 doesn't do
what she's told to by a man, the dead vicar may be the least of his worries...
Then the vicar's own fiance appears on the scene, even though nobody knew he was engaged. And suddenly it becomes
clear someone has a secret, one shocking enough to kill for.
Will the intrepid pair of amateur sleuths catch the murderer before they kill again? Or will it be til death parts them
all?
Critique: Clearly, author Anita Davidson is an imaginative master of the cozy mystery genre with "Murder at the Wedding"
which continues this gifted novelist's mystery solving series. Original, clever, engaging, memorable, "Murder at the
Wedding" is a riveting and fun read from cover to cover by one of the best writers working today. This very special large
print paperback edition of "Murder at the Wedding" from Boldwood Books is an extraordinary and guaranteed popular
pick for both personal reading lists and community library Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted that "Murder
at a Wedding" is also readily available as a complete and unabridged CD & MP3-CD audio book from Boldwood
Books.
The Peculiar Incident at Thistlewick House
Jenni Keer
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781836560869, $42.00/$35.70, PB, Large Print, 520pp
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781836560869
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/The%20Peculiar%20Incident%20at%20Thistlewick%20House
Synopsis: Norfolk, England, 1895: When renowned spiritualist Edward Blackmore receives a desperate message from his
cousin Barnabas, begging him to come to the coastal village of Thistlewick Tye, his first thought is to ignore the request.
Despite his cousin's insistence that his wife is possessed by a malevolent spirit, Edward has no time for the man who stole
his inheritance.
Lured by the promise of money, along with a genuine concern for Barnabas's wife (who he'd once loved) he reluctantly
travels to at Thistlewick House, only to arrive too late. Emma is dead.
Barnabas suspects there are supernatural forces at play. But Edward is convinced murder is afoot. As he begins to
investigate, he finds himself drawn into the lives of those in this isolated and unnerving village, especially the beguiling
woman who gathers up the human bones falling from the rapidly eroding cliffs.
Then he discovers that a travelling circus completely disappeared in the area forty years previously and no one is willing to
talk about it. Perhaps not everything at Thistlewick Tye is quite what it seems...
Critique: A deftly crafted historical mystery by novelist Jenni Keer, "The Peculiar Incident at Thistlewick House" is a
particularly compelling read for mystery buffs who would enjoy particularly clever plot twists and unexpected turn of
events. A solid and satisfying read from start to finish, this large print trade paperback edition of "The Peculiar Incident at
Thistlewick House" is an extraordinary and highly recommended addition to personal reading lists and community library
Historical Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted that "The Peculiar Incident at Thistlewick House" is also
readily available as a complete and unabridged CD & MP3-CD audio book from Boldwood Books.
Editorial Note: Jenni Keer (https://jennikeer.allauthor.com) lives in the glorious Suffolk countryside with her four grown
up children, three demanding cats, but just the one husband. Her novels are unique combinations of romance and history,
murder and mystery -- sprinkled with magical realism and peppered with jaw-dropping twists.
The Little Black Book Killer
Fiona Walker
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781835619513, $42.00/$35.70, PB, Large Print, 568pp
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781835619513
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/The%20Little%20Black%20Book%20Killer
Synopsis: At last, Juno is feeling ready to start dating again, after having lost her husband some years before. She is sure
she can make time from being a Village Detective, indeed it might help distract her from her crush on hunky (but
far-too-young!) pub landlord - Mil.
So she's signed up to an exclusive new dating app and cannot wait. But when one of the founding investors in that same
dating app drops dead in front of fellow Village Detective Phoebe in a nearby hotel (and then a second investor is found
hanging in the local cricket pavilion just days later) Juno knows she will have to put her love life on hold.
Teaming up once more with Phoebe, Felix and Mil, in "The Little Black Book Killer" the Village Detectives are back. And
this time Juno (who'd thought she was getting under the covers) is going to go undercover!
Critique: With a wicked sense of humor and a deft mastery of the cozy mystery format, author Fiona Walker once again
provides her growing legions of fans with yet another fun read with the publication of "The Little Black Book Killer" in a
large print paperback edition from Boldwood Books. Original and riveting, this exceptionally entertaining 'whodunnit'
mystery should be considered a high priority pick for personal reading lists and community library Contemporary
Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted that "The Little Black Book Killer" is also available as a complete and
unabridged CD & MP3-CD audio book format from Boldwood Books.
Editorial Note: Fiona Walker (https://fionawalker.com)is the established author of over twenty novels who is known for
her witty, feel-good fiction packed with lovable characters, romantic chaos, and twisty drama. Her latest series, Village
Detectives, brings cosy crime to the English countryside. It follows old friends Juno and Phoebe as they navigate midlife,
murder, and mayhem in the picturesque (and deadly) Dunnett Valley.
Revenge, Served Royal: A Mystery
Celeste Connally
Minotaur Books
c/o St. Martin's Publishing Group
www.minotaurbooks.com
9781250387394, $29.00, HC, 336pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Revenge-Served-Royal-Mystery-Inquires/dp/1250387396
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/revenge-served-royal-celeste-connally/1147017531
Synopsis: September, 1815. Autumn is in the air as Lady Petra Forsyth and some of the most illustrious members of the
ton descend upon Windsor Castle for a week of royal celebrations, with the highlight being Queen Charlotte's inaugural
patisserie contest for the best bakers employed by England's finest houses. Not only is Lady Petra's own cook one of the
contestants, but Her Majesty has requested that Petra herself serve as one of the judges.
Petra's happiness at tasting delicious cakes and biscuits only increases at finding her beloved Aunt Ophelia in attendance at
Windsor, as well as Sir Rufus Pomeroy. As England's most famous former royal chef-turned-cookbook author, Sir Rufus is
slated to present his best recipes to the Queen during the festivities, with Petra being granted an early viewing in the royal
library.
Yet upon arrival, Petra instead encounters a frantic housemaid pointing to a body of one of Her Majesty's guests -- and to
the valet still tugging at the silk ribbon used to strangle the victim. What's more, the valet turns out to be Oliver Beecham,
the ne'er-do-well brother of Petra's own lady's maid, Annie. But as Oliver is hauled away to the dungeons, he protests his
innocence, claiming the late guest argued with several aristocrats, including the Prince Regent and Petra's Aunt Ophelia,
and boasted about hiding a potentially scandalous document within the vastness of Windsor Castle.
When some poisoned tea meant for Petra is consumed by one of her fellow judges, it's clear the real killer is still walking
the castle's halls. Indeed, in order to prove the innocence of Annie's brother and find the incriminating document, Petra will
need to act like a lady, eat like a chef, and think like one of Her Majesty's best spies before a murderer can turn the
celebrations from sweet to royally deadly.
Critique: A perfectly penned Regency era novel of mystery, suspense, and suspicions, "Revenge Served Royal" by Celeste
Connally is a fun read for dedicated cozy mystery fans and historical mystery enthusiasts from start to finish. Original,
exceptional, and highly recommended, "Revenge Served Royal" will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular
pick for community library Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists that this
hardcover edition of "Revenge Served Royal" from Minotaur Books is also readily available in a digital book format
(Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Celeste Connally (https://celesteconnally.com) is also the author of the Lady Petra Inquires series, as well
as an Agatha Award nominee, and a former freelance writer and editor. Her mysteries are set in Regency-era England and
feature a headstrong heroine, and as many equestrian scenes as her plots and editor will allow. She delights in giving her
mysteries a good dose of romance, too, along with a few researched historical facts she hopes you'll find as interesting as
she does. Passionate about history and slightly obsessed with period dramas, what Celeste loves most is reading and
writing about women who don't always do as they are told.
One-Week Odyssey
Carolyn Brodeur
Belle Isle Books
https://www.belleislebooks.com
c/o Brandylane Publishers
https://www.brandylanepublishers.com
9781966369318, $17.95, PB, 174pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/One-Week-Odyssey-Blackwater-Lake-Mystery/dp/196636931X
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/one-week-odyssey-carolyn-brodeur/1148189040
Synopsis: Kat Normand is a seasoned portfolio manager of community associations who never expected to trade her busy
career for the mysterious lakeside town of Blackwater Lake. But when the homeowners association offers her a six-figure
salary, a cozy home, and the role of general manager, it feels too good to pass up-even if the HOA barely seems to exist
online.
Soon, Kat discovers her predecessor vanished without a trace, and the residents are harboring secrets they won't easily
share. With the help of her quirky assistant Babs and Jet, her loyal English Springer Spaniel (who may be more than he
seems), Kat sets out to unravel the unsettling mysteries hiding beneath the town's polished surface-before she disappears,
too.
Critique: Featuring all the elements that go into the making of a good cozy mystery, "One-Week Odyssey" by Carolyn
Brodeur is a deftly crafted and thoroughly fun read from start to finish. Especially and unreservedly recommended for
community library Mystery/Suspense collections and the personal reading lists of all dedicated small town themed cozy
mystery fans. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "One-Week Odyssey: A
Blackwater Lake Cozy Mystery" from Belle Isle Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$9.99).
Editorial Note: Carolyn Brodeur (https://blackwaterlakemysteries.com) studied English and writing, nurturing her dream of
becoming an author of fiction one day. Carolyn grew up binge reading book series by authors such as Anne McCaffrey,
Carolyn Keene, and Christopher Pike, enjoying genres like sci-fi, paranormal, and mysteries. However, she truly found her
niche when she discovered cozy mysteries while working for a Homeowners Association.
A Case of Life and Limb: The Trials of Gabriel Ward
Sally Smith
Raven Books
c/o Bloomsbury Publishing
www.bloomsbury.com
9781639737178, $28.99, HC, 320pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Case-Life-Limb-Trials-Gabriel/dp/1639737170
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-case-of-life-and-limb-sally-smith/1147708460
Synopsis: Christmas Eve, 1901. Gabriel Ward KC is hard at work on a thorny libel case involving London's most famous
music hall star, Topsy Tillotson, and its most notorious tabloid newspaper, the Nation's Voice, but the Inner Temple
remains as quiet and calm as ever. Quiet, that is, until a severed hand arrives in the post.
While the hand's recipient, Temple Treasurer Sir William Waring, is rightfully shaken, Gabriel is filled with curiosity.
Who would want to send such a thing? And why? But as more parcels arrive-one with fatal consequences-Gabriel realizes
that it is not Sir William who is the target, but the Temple itself.
Someone is holding a grudge that has already led to at least one death. Now it's up to Gabriel, and Constable Wright of the
City of London Police, to find out who, before an old death leads to a new murder.
Critique: With all the makings of a first class historical cozy mystery, "A Case of Life and Limb" by gifted novelist and
former British barrister Sally Smith is an extraordinary and fun read for mystery fans from start to finish. Great characters,
unexpected plot twists, and a satisfying (if surprising) finale, "A Case of Life and Limb" is especially and unreservedly
recommended for community library Historical Mystery/Suspense Fiction collections. It should be noted for the personal
reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs that this hardcover edition of "A Case of life and Limb" from Raven Books is also
readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.13).
Editorial Note: Sally Smith spent all her working life as a barrister and later King's Counsel in the Inner Temple. After
writing a biography of the famous Edwardian barrister, Sir Edward Marshall Hall KC, she retired from the bar to write full
time. A Case of Mice and Murder, her first novel, was inspired by the historic surroundings of the Inner Temple in which
she still lives and works and by the rich history contained in the Inner Temple archives. A Case of Mice and Murder is the
first in a series starring the reluctant sleuth Sir Gabriel Ward KC.
The Water Lies
Amy Meyerson
www.amymeyerson.com
Thomas & Mercer
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662531972, $28.99, HC, 347pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Water-Lies-Amy-Meyerson/dp/1662531974
Synopsis: Heavily pregnant with her second child, Tessa Irons has enough on her mind without her toddler throwing
tantrums at the local coffee shop. The boy is inconsolable, shouting "Gigi!" to a woman Tessa's never seen before -- and
never will again. The next morning, the woman's body is dredged up from the canal outside the Ironses' posh Venice Beach
home, and Tessa's gut tells her it's no coincidence.
Barb Geller refuses to believe that her daughter's death was just some drunken accident. She heads to California for
answers, where she crosses paths with Tessa. Together they hunt for the truth, certain they'll find a connection between
their children.
But the police don't believe them. Tessa's husband dismisses her worries as pregnancy jitters, and even though people are
always watching along the canals, no one saw a thing. Tessa and Barb only have each other, their intuition, and the
creeping sense of danger that grows with every shocking revelation.
Critique: As an author, Amy Meyerson is gifted with a genuine talent for the kind of narrative drive storytelling style that
fully engages the reader's rapt attention from start to finish. Her newest novel, "The Water Lies" is an extraordinary and
original suspense thriller that will hold a particular interest for fans of amateur female sleuths having to solve a murder
mystery against tremendous odds and skeptical authorities. A simply riveting read from cover to cover, "The Water Lies" is
highly recommended, especially for community library Contemporary Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for
the personal reading lists of cozy mystery fans that this hardcover edition of "The Water Lies" from Thomas & Mercer is
also available in paperback (9781662531989, $16.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Editorial Note: Amy Meyerson (www.amymeyerson.com) is the author of The Bookshop of Yesterdays, The Imperfects,
and The Love Scribe. Her books have been translated into eleven languages and are frequently chosen for best-of lists,
including lists from Good Morning America, Publishers Weekly, The Christian Science Monitor, Library Journal, The
Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Texas Library Association's Lariat List. Meyerson completed her graduate work in creative
writing at the University of Southern California, where she now teaches in the writing department.
Behind These Four Walls
Yasmin Angoe
https://yasminangoe.com
Thomas & Mercer
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662529696, $28.99, HC, 367pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Behind-These-Four-Walls-Novel/dp/1662529694
Synopsis: Isla Thorne had a rough start in life. Orphaned young, she spent her formative years in a group home where she
met her best friend, Eden Galloway. At sixteen, they decide to run away to LA... but Eden never makes it.
It's been ten years since Eden vanished. And Isla's determined to find her.
She begins at the last place Eden visited: the Corrigan mansion in Virginia. Eden claimed to have unfinished business
there. Posing as an aspiring journalist, Isla insinuates herself into the wealthy family's home and begins searching for the
truth.
The more she digs, the more Isla discovers Eden isn't who she thought she was. Was she even a victim, or did Eden plan
this all along? Desperate for answers and to keep her identity hidden, Isla finds an ally in one of the Corrigan sons. But as
she wades deeper into this power-hungry family's secrets and lies, she finds herself in the crosshairs of a bloodline that's
more lethal than loyal.
Critique: An impressive novel of suspense from start to finish, author Yasmin Angoe presents a genuine flair for
developing engaging characters and the kind of cliff hanger plot twists that make for a riveting and memorable read. While
"Behind These Four Walls" is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for community library Contemporary
Suspense/Thriller collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs that this
hardcover edition of "Behind These Four Walls" from Thomas & Mercer is also available in paperback (9781662529672,
$16.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Editorial Note: Yasmin Angoe (https://yasminangoe.com) is the author of Her Name Is Knight. Yasmin received the 2020
Eleanor Taylor Bland Crime Fiction Writers of Color Award, was a Goodreads 2024 People's Choice nominee for Mystery
& Thriller, and was a finalist for the Library of Virginia's People's Choice Award for Fiction. She's a member of several
organizations including Crime Writers of Color, Sisters in Crime, and the International Thriller Writers.
Stuart Woods' Blown Away
Brett Battles
G. P. Putnam's Sons
c/o Penguin Group
www.penguin.com
9780593854747, $30.00, HC, 368pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Stuart-Woods-Blown-Teddy-Novel/dp/0593854748
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/stuart-woods-blown-away-brett-battles/1147078417
Synopsis: Former CIA operative Teddy Fay whisks away to join Peter and Hattie Barrington in Palm Springs. But his hope
for a relaxing vacation vanishes when he attends a prominent actor's annual birthday party, where he witnesses a heated
squabble between two women, only for one of them to turn up dead the next day.
Teddy investigates who might be lurking in the shadows and uncovers a web of intrigue involving a sinister plan to take
over a cutting-edge energy company. If he doesn't act fast, valuable secrets risk falling into the wrong hands, but more
importantly innocent lives could be in jeopardy.
Critique: Featuring a popular character created by the late novelist Stuart Wood in a new novel by Brett Battles, with the
publication of "Stuart Woods' Blown Away", once again former CIA operative Teddy Fay returns for yet another thrilling
Hollywood adventure. Simply packed from cover to cover with action packed cliff-hanger suspense, "Stuart Woods' Blown
Away" is a fun and riveting read for the legions of dedicated mystery/suspense fans. This is the stuff of which block-buster
movies are made!
Highly recommended for personal and community library collections, it should be noted that this hardcover edition of
"Stuart Woods' Blown Away" from Putnam is also available in a large print paperback edition (Random House Large
Print, 9798217168903, $32.00) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Also very highly recommended are the previous volumes in the Teddy Fay series: "Stuart Woods: Deep Water", "Stuart
Woods: Near Miss", "Stuart Woods: Golden Hour", Stuart Woods: Finders Keepers", "Stuart Woods: Smolder". "Stuart
Woods: Obsession".
Editorial Note #1: Stuart Woods (www.StuartWoods.com) was the author of more than ninety novels, including the #1
New York Times bestselling Stone Barrington series. A native of Georgia and an avid sailor and pilot, he began his writing
career in the advertising industry, Chiefs, his debut in 1981, won the Edgar Award. Woods passed away in 2022.
Editorial Note #2: Brett Battles (https://brettbattles.com) is the author of more than forty novels, including the Jonathan
Quinn, Rewinder, Project Eden, and Night Man Chronicles series. He is a three-time Barry Award nominee, winning for
Best Thriller in 2009 for his novel The Deceived.
The Lie She Wears
Elle Marr
https://ellemarr.com
Thomas & Mercer
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662528330, $16.99, PB, 331pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Lie-She-Wears-Elle-Marr/dp/1662528337
Synopsis: Museum curator Pearl Davis always had a strained relationship with her mother, Sally. Growing up, she rarely
felt her mother's love. So many things about her mother's behavior never added up. But when Sally dies unexpectedly, she
leaves Pearl a letter from the grave... confessing to murder.
Suddenly, Pearl has even more questions than she has answers. She suspects the letter is just a sign of her mother's
diminished state of mind -- until she finds human remains in Sally's garden. With the help of a friend, Pearl begins
searching for the truth of her mother's actions -- and as she does, more cryptic notes emerge. But these letters aren't just
clues behind a confession. They're a warning. Sally was terrified of something.
When more remains are discovered, it's clear whatever secrets Sally died with are now Pearl's to bear. And as darkness
closes in, Pearl fears that her mother's past could be the death of her.
Critique: A deftly crafted novel of intense psychological suspense, "The Lie She Wears" by Elle Marr is an extraordinary
and riveting read from cover to cover. While especially and unreservedly recommended as a popular pick for community
library collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated mystery/suspense fans that this paperback
edition of "The Lie She Wears" from Thomas & Mercer is also readily a in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Editorial Note: Elle Marr (www.ellemarr.com) is also the author of Your Dark Secrets, The Alone Time, The Family
Bones, Strangers We Know, Lies We Bury, and The Missing Sister. Originally from Sacramento, Elle graduated from UC
San Diego before moving to France, where she earned a master's degree from Sorbonne University in Paris. She now lives
and writes in Oregon with her family.
The Bishop Murder Case
S.S. Van Dine
Pushkin Vertigo
c/o Pushkin Press
www.pushkinpress.com
9781805335368, $18.95, PB, 394pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Bishop-Murder-Case-Van-Dine/dp/1805335367
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-bishop-murder-case-s-s-van-dine/1103620086
Synopsis: A series of gruesome murders has left the jazz age Manhattan in shock.
When Cock Robin is found dead with an arrow through his chest, New York's DA calls in amateur detective and
professional flaneur Philo Vance to solve the case. But this mystery proves to be more challenging than Vance could have
imagined, and a cunning presence seems to be constantly one step ahead of him. As Vance investigates, more gruesome
murders occur, and a sinister pattern begins to emerge: each perverse death is staged to represent a line from a nursery
rhyme.
In an even more disturbing twist, after each murder, the perpetrator sends a note to the press, signed simply 'The Bishop.'
As more deaths go unsolved, the murderer's hubris grows, and each act is more brazen than the last. Vance must move
quickly to stop the Bishop's bloody spree among the upper echelons of New York society.
Critique: Set against the elite backdrop of Manhattan during the Jazz Age and featuring Philo Vance, a distinctive and
erudite private detective, "The Bishop Murder Case" by S.S. Van Dine is arguably one of the great classic detective stories
of its time. This intricate and skillfully crafted murder mystery (originally published in 1929) is a time-lost treasure
brought back into print in paperback by Pushkin Vertigo for a new generation of armchair detectives and is an unreservedly
recommended pick for personal reading lists and community library Mystery/Suspense collections.
Editorial Note: S.S. Van Dine is the nom de plume of a very popular American writer and art critic named Willard
Huntington Wright, who was famous for writing detective novels. He is best remembered for creating the 1920s popular
fictional character, Detective Philo Vance. This character was immensely well known on radio programs and in movies
besides featuring in Van Dine's books. Author Van Dine was considered an important figure in the cultural circles of the
avant-grade during the pre-First World War era in New York. He had adopted the pen name to keep his real identity
concealed in the literary world. Author Van Dine was born on October 15, 1888, in Charlottesville, Virginia.
(https://www.bookseriesinorder.com/s-s-van-dine)
Dastardly Deeds Down on the Farm
Cynthia Hickey, author
Linda Baten Johnson, author
Teresa Ives Lilly, author
Janice Thompson, author
Barbour Publishing
www.barbourbooks.com
9798891512245, $14.99, PB, 448pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Dastardly-Deeds-Down-Farm-Mysteries/dp/B0DWQLRKXP
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dastardly-deeds-down-on-the-farm-cynthia-hickey/1148336474
Synopsis: "Dastardly Deeds Down on the Farm" from Barbour Publishing is a compendium of cozy mystery stories by four
gifted writers showcasing amateur sleuths having to muck and muddle their way through mysterious disappearances and
deaths in the barnyard!
Hog Wild by Cynthia Hickey
Shelby Dickens' idyllic hog farm turns chaotic when her prized hog vanishes before the county fair. Racing against time,
she uncovers rivalries and secrets, risking everything to expose the truth and restore honor.
The Dark Side of the Moo by Linda Baten Johnson
Liv Olsen returns from university to her home at Friendly Farm - a place that lives up to its name until the dairy cows
become seriously ill and the vet is murdered in the barn. Moo-sterious happenings keep Liv looking over her shoulder as
she turns amateur sleuth.
Fowl Deed by Teresa Ives Lilly
April transformed her homestead into an egg farm, chicken-inspired gift store, and Airbnb, then hosted the local farmer's
market - all to keep the town's realtor, Jeff Barr, plus the bank from taking over the property. But when Jeff is found dead
by the chicken coop, April must solve the murder or lose it all.
Searching for Sunshine by Janice Thompson
Jessie Kingston responds to an ad to breed her thoroughbred mare, Cosmic Sunshine, with Derby winner Like the Wind.
But this opportunity of a lifetime turns disaster when her horse goes missing while in the care of the breeder.
Critique: Original, clever, deftly crafted, and a thoroughly fun read from cover to cover, the four farm related cozy mystery
short stories by four gifted authors that comprise "Dastardly Deeds Down on the Farm" is especially and unreservedly
recommended to the attention of the legions of cozy mystery fans and will prove an enduringly popular acquisition for
community library Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of
"Dastardly Deeds Down on the Farm: 4 Cozy Mysteries" from Barbour Press is also available in a digital book format
(Kindle, $12.98).
Editorial Note #1: Cynthia Hickey (https://cynthiahickey.com) has taught writing at many conferences and small writing
retreats. She and her husband run the publishing press, Winged Publications, which includes some of the CBA's best
well-known authors.
Editorial Note #2: Janice Thompson (https://janiceathompson.com) writes romantic comedies, cozy mysteries, nonfiction
devotionals, and musical comedies for the stage.
Editorial Note #3: Linda Baten Johnson (https://www.lindabatenjohnson.com) won blue ribbons for storytelling, and
dreamed of making up tales to entertain. Linda earned her Master of Arts degree in English and history, worked as a
Realtor, a teacher, and logged many volunteer hours.
Editorial Note #4: Teresa Ives Lilly (https://www.fantasticfiction.com/l/teresa-ives-lilly) is the author of a variety of
Christian Novellas and Novels. She is also the author of over 250 unit studies for teachers and homeschoolers.
Earthquake Shack
Susie Hara
Arte Publico Press
www.artepublicopress.com
9798893750218, $19.95, PB, 240pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Earthquake-Shack-Garc%C3%ADa-Miller-Mystery/dp/B0F186NXFN
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/earthquake-shack-susie-hara/1147125180
Synopsis: Sadie Garcia Miller is in her office in San Francisco's Mission District when her cousin, Al, who she has not
seen since childhood, walks in looking to hire her. She has no intention of helping him because she promised her
grandfather years ago not to have anything to do with the Jewish gangster side of the family.
When Al offers both money and information about her father's mysterious death years before, Sadie says she will at least
listen to his request. His daughter Ruth's house has disappeared -- completely vanished! It was one of the original cottages,
or earthquake shacks, built by the Army and the Parks Commission after the 1906 quake to provide housing for displaced
people. About 5,000 tiny wooden homes were constructed, all with redwood walls, fir flooring and cedar shingles. They
need Sadie's help to find it.
Intrigued by the case and desperate to learn more about her father's possible murder, Sadie agrees to investigate the
situation despite the family "business", which Al claims is completely legit these days. Soon she discovers a tangle of
intergenerational family conflicts, meets an obsessed housing activist and stumbles into a romance with a femme PI on the
same trail. And when Sadie finds herself tied up in a dark warehouse, she realizes there's much more at stake than just a
missing building! Featuring a half-Mexican, half-Jewish investigator, this entertaining mystery uncovers a little-known
aspect of American history.
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, clever and engaging, "Earthquake Shack" is an inherently fun and fascinating suspense
thriller of a read from start to finish. Author Susie Hara demonstrates a genuine and creative flair for the kind of narrative
driven and history-laced storytelling that raises her mystery novel to an impressive level of literary excellence. This
paperback edition of "Earthquake Shack" from Arte Publico Press is especially and unreservedly recommended as a
popular pick for community library Mystery/Suspense collections and the personal reading lists of dedicated mystery
buffs.
Editorial Note: Suzie Hara (https://susiehara.net) is the author of "The House on Ashbury Street" (Mumblers Press, 2023)
and "Finder of Lost Objects" (Ithuriel's Spear, 2014), which was a Lambda Literary Award Finalist and winner of an
International Latino Book Award. Her stories have appeared in several anthologies, including Fractured Lit Anthology 2
and Fast Girls. Her play, Lost and Found in the Mission, written with Rowena Richie, won the Best Ensemble award in the
San Francisco Fringe Festival. She has received fellowships from the Millay Art Colony, Ragdale Foundation and Virginia
Center for the Creative Arts. She is a member of the writing communities The Ruby and Page Street Writers.
The Second Son
Simon Gervais and Ryan Steck, authors
https://simongervaisbooks.com
https://ryansteck.com
Thomas & Mercer
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662529290, $16.99, PB, 347pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Second-Son-Thriller-Chase-Burke/dp/1662529295
Synopsis: Soldier-turned-sommelier Chase Burke may have traded his rifle for bottles of wine, but violence and conspiracy
aren't through with him yet. First, his intelligence analyst brother is killed in a covert op gone wrong and branded a traitor.
Then a brutal ambush at the restaurant where Chase works leaves the woman he is romantically involved with clinging to
life.
Scrambling to clear the family name and protect his secret love, Chase teams up with NYPD Detective Alice Doyle, a
single mother fighting battles of her own. Together they uncover a powerful criminal syndicate whose unscrupulous
influence sweeps the globe -- and strikes painfully close to home.
As elite mercenaries close in, Chase is dragged back into the dangerous world he thought he'd escaped. Facing a mother
losing her memory and a past that never forgets, he fights to win a zero-sum game where trust can be lethal. But when all
seems lost, an unlikely ally could help turn the tide.
Critique: A deftly crafted espionage thriller of a read from cover to cover, "The Second Son", co-authored by the team of
Simon Gervais and Ryan Steck, is the stuff of which block-buster action/adventure movies are made. A solid and highly
recommended pick for community library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of
fans of police procedurals and military thrillers that this paperback edition of "The Second Son" from Thomas & Mercer is
also currently available in a digital book format (Kindle, $1.99).
Editorial Note #1: Simon Gervais (https://simongervaisbooks.com) is a former federal agent specializing in protective
operations and counterterrorism. He spent nearly twenty years in the military and in law enforcement. His assignments
took him all over Europe and the Middle East. He's the New York Times and #1 Amazon bestselling author of 15 exciting
thrillers, one of these titles (Robert Ludlum's The Blackbriar Genesis) was written for the Robert Ludlum estate. Simon's
Clayton White series is presently being adapted for TV by CBS Studios with Jerry Bruckheimer TV attached to produce,
and his Pierce Hunt series is being adapted for TV by Sobini Films.
Editorial Note #2: Ryan Steck (https://ryansteck.com) is the author of "Fields of Fire", "Lethal Range", "Redd Christmas",
"Out for Blood", "Gone Dark", "Ted Bell's Monarch", and "Ted Bell's Warmonger". He is also a freelance editor, the
founder and editor-in-chief of The Real Book Spy.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Sudden Quiet: Book 1: Island and Main
Joshua Veith
https://www.joshuaveith.com
Independently Published
9798281411936, $65.00, HC, 486pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Island-Main-Sudden-Quiet-Book/dp/B0F7LN8FQT
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/island-and-main-joshua-veith/1145640286
Synopsis: Society has collapsed, the modern age has expired, and global mortality is curving toward 99 percent. In
northern Michigan, the electrical grid has been down for over a year.
Three scouts, all uninfected, start on a mission from Beaver Island to the darkened mainland.
They're on a search for allies and information, led by Keith Two-Crow, a Vietnam veteran and Ojibwe elder. Keith's two
charges, Mukwa and Miin, are foster siblings unrelated by blood but connected to the green-pulse of the planet by their
adoptive grandmother, Samantha, a traditional healer and mystic.
After reaching the mainland, the scouts are targeted by traffickers, befriended by eco-elves, and are astonished at Mother
Nature's resurgence and recovery.
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, compelling, "Sudden Quiet: Book 1: Island and Main" by novelist Joshua Veith is Book
1 of a trilogy and will have an extraordinary appeal to readers with an interest in Dystopian/Post-Apocalyptic fiction.
While "Sudden Quiet: Book 1: Island and Main" is a dark and dramatic exploration of the collapse of human civilization, it
also has an ultimate message of hope, healing, and redemption made possible by the perseverance and recovery made
possible by the support of community and a respect for the healing qualities of nature. An entertaining and fascinating read
from start to finish, "Sudden Quiet: Book 1: Island and Main" is especially and unreservedly recommended for community
library Science Fiction collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated SF fans that this hardcover
edition of "Sudden Quiet: Book 1: Island and Main" is also readily available in paperback (9781961302624, $19.95) and in
a digital book format (Kindle, $7.95).
Editorial Note: Joshua Veith (https://www.joshuaveith.com) is an educator, adventurer, and outdoor enthusiast. He earned
an MA in Literature from Eastern Michigan University. Josh strives to be an Indigenous ally, recognizing that traditional
relationships with the environment offer the most sustainable pathways for humankind's interaction with the planet.
John Hopkins: At the Heart of England
Shane Terry
Independently Published
9798269388908, $20.99, PB, 394pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/John-Hopkins-At-heart-England/dp/B0FVY8B273
Synopsis: John Hopkins can see ghosts. And if that wasn't hard enough to explain, as a Supernatural Private Investigator,
they hang around until he has solved the mystery of their demise. But Tim's death is going to lead him dangerously close to
his own...
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, and a 'must' for fans of supernatural fantasy fiction featuring a a private investigator, a
noir style mystery, compulsive page turning suspense -- and ghosts! A memorable and fun read from cover to cover, "John
Hopkins: At the Heart of England" by Shane Terry is a unique and unreservedly recommended pick for personal reading
lists and community library Contemporary Urban Fantasy Fiction collections. It should be noted that this paperback edition
of "John Hopkins: At the Heart of England" is also currently available in a digital book format (Kindle, $0.99).
Editorial Note: An online listing of books by Shane Terry can be found at Goodreads:
(https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/60472718.Shane_Terry)
The Place Where They Buried Your Heart
Christina Henry
Berkley Books
c/o Penguin/Random House
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
9780593953952, $30.00, HC, 320pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Place-Where-They-Buried-Heart/dp/0593953959
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-place-where-they-buried-your-heart-christina-henry/1146937727
Synopsis: On an otherwise ordinary street in Chicago, there is a house. An abandoned house where, once upon a time,
terrible things happened. The children who live on this block are told by their parents to stay away from that house. But of
course, children don't listen. Children think it's fun to be scared, to dare each other to go inside.
Jessie Campanelli did what many older sisters do and dared her little brother Paul. But unlike all the other kids who went
inside that abandoned house, Paul didn't return. His two friends, Jake and Richie, said that the house ate Paul. Of course
adults didn't believe that. Adults never believe what kids say. They thought someone kidnaped Paul, or otherwise hurt him.
They thought Paul had disappeared in a way that was ordinary, explainable.
The disappearance of her little brother broke Jessie's family apart in ways that would never be repaired. Jessie grew up, had
a child of her own, kept living on the same street where the house that ate her brother sat, crouched and waiting. And
darkness seemed to spread out from that house, a darkness that was alive -- alive and hungry.
Critique: With author Christina Henry's deft blending of supernatural thriller with action/adventure fantasy presented in a
present day scenario, "The Place Where They Buried Your Heart" is a compulsory read from cover to cover. This is the
stuff of which nightmare's are made and a riveting read that will linger in the mind and memory long after the book has
been finished and set back upon the shelf. Highly recommended for the fans of macabre and ghostly tales, "The Place
Where They Buried Your Heart" is recommended for community library Horror/Fantasy Fiction collections. It should be
noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "The Place Where They Buried Your Heart" from Berkley
Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Christina Henry (https://www.christinahenry.net) is a horror and dark fantasy author whose works include
The House That Horror Built, Good Girls Don't Die, Horseman, Near the Bone, The Ghost Tree, The Girl in Red, The
Mermaid, Lost Boy, The Chronicles of Alice series (Alice, Red Queen and Looking Glass) and the seven-book urban
fantasy Black Wings series. Her short stories have been featured in the anthologies Elemental Forces, Cursed, Twice
Cursed, Giving the Devil His Due and Kicking It.
A Curse of Ashes
Sariah Wilson
www.sariahwilson.com
Montlake
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662527487, $28.99, HC, 525pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Curse-Ashes-Eye-Goddess/dp/1662527489
Synopsis: Princess Lia of Locris is the unlikeliest person to be Ilion's defender. Once, she would have gladly seen the entire
adversarial nation burn. But much has changed. Ilion is home to too many innocents, including her sister. Besides, there is
no escaping the goddess's command -- especially as Lia is Ilion's prophesied savior.
With that mortal obligation come rules: She must never consummate her marriage to Xander, prince of Ilion, lest she lose
her powers of divine magic when she needs them most. Physically bonded to share each other's pain, these former enemies
have grown from merely attracted to something more profound. But what future can they have when Lia's destiny requires
sacrificing her life?
As enemies close in and war threatens everything they love, Lia and Xander must find a way to follow the goddess's laws
while also accepting the truth in their hearts - before the prophecy demands its final, fatal price.
Critique: Heroic fantasy from a female perspective, "A Curse of Ashes" is the third title in author Sarah Wilson's 'The Eye
of the Goddess' series. Exceptional, original, creative, written with Wilson's genuine flair for the kind of narrative driven
storytelling style that immerses her readers from start to finish, "A Curse of Ashes", with its impressive blending of
romance and action/adventure, is highly recommended for community/public library Fantasy Fiction collections. It should
be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated fantasy fans that this hardcover edition of "A Curse of Ashes" from
Montlake is also readily available in paperback (9781662534195, $16.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle,
$4.99).
Editorial Note: Sariah Wilson (www.sariahwilson.com) is the author of more than two dozen romantic fantasy and
contemporary romance novels, including A Tribute of Fire and A Vow of Embers in the Eye of the Goddess series, The
Chemistry of Love, and Roommaid.
The Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter
Brionni Nwosu
www.brionninwosu.com
Lake Union Publishing
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662530883, $28.99, HC, 383pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Wondrous-Life-Loves-Nella-Carter/dp/1662530889
Synopsis: Most humans cower in the face of Death. Not Nella May Carter. She sees him. She doesn't hide. Instead, she
bargains.
Born enslaved in eighteenth-century Georgia, Nella still believes in the will to survive amid the most untenable of
conditions, in the glory of life, and in the ultimate goodness of the human race. She asks that Death (who is doubtful and
curious) to allow her to live long enough to prove it.
He's giving Nella all the time in the world.
Challenged, Nella embarks on an epic journey across the globe and centuries. Each new incarnation records the joys and
losses, and the friendships and heartbreaks, throughout her lifetimes. When she meets handsome and passionate professor
Sebastian Moore (the first man to whom she has ever revealed her secrets) Nella yearns for the mortality that escapes her.
She can't bear to leave this love behind.
As Death keeps watch, has Nella's journey come to an end? Or is a new one just beginning?
Critique: Impressively original, deftly crafted, and of particular appeal to readers with an interest in the subject of what
immortality would be like, "The Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter" by Brionni Nwosu is an extraordinary and
fascinating read from start to finish. Having created a world of magical realism that incorporates an African-American
historical perspective, "The Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter" will prove a uniquely popular pick for community
library Fantasy Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "The
Wondrous Life and Loves of Nella Carter" from Lake Union Publishing is also readily available in paperback
(9781662530890, $16.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $1.99).
Editorial Note: Brionni Nwosu (www.brionninwosu.com) is a writer, educator, and joyful creative based in the vibrant city
of Nashville, where she lives with her husband and their three children. After more than a decade teaching students and
mentoring teachers, she shifted her storytelling craft from a side passion to center stage. A 2021 We Need Diverse Books
mentee under Rajani LaRocca, Brionni writes bold, heartfelt fiction that explores connection, purpose, and what it means
to live a life well.
Snake-Eater
T. Kingfisher
www.redwombatstudio.com
47 North
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662525094, $16.99, PB, 271pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Snake-Eater-T-Kingfisher/dp/1662525095
Synopsis: With only a few dollars to her name and her beloved dog Copper by her side, Selena flees her past in the city to
claim her late aunt's house in the desert town of Quartz Creek. The scorpions and spiders are better than what she left
behind.
That's because in Quartz Creek, there is a strange beauty to everything, from the landscape to new friends, and more blue
sky than Selena's ever seen. But something lurks beneath the surface.
Like the desert gods and spirits lingering outside Selena's house at night, keeping watch. Mostly benevolent, says her
neighbor Grandma Billy. That doesn't ease the prickly sense that one of them watches too closely and wants something
from Selena she can't begin to imagine.
When Selena's search for answers leads her to journal entries that her aunt left behind, she discovers a sinister truth about
her new home: It's the haunting grounds of an ancient god known simply as "Snake-Eater," who her late aunt made a
promise to that remains unfulfilled.
Snake-Eater has taken a liking to Selena, an obsession of sorts that turns sinister. And now that Selena is the new owner of
his home, he's hell-bent on collecting everything he's owed!
Critique: Original, imaginative, clever, deftly crafted, and a suspense thriller of a fantasy from start to finish, "Snake-Eater"
by T. Kingfisher is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for community library Contemporary Fantasy
Fiction collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated paranormal fantasy fans that this
paperback edition of "Snake-Eater" from 47 North is also currently available in a digital book format (Kindle, $1.99).
Editorial Note: T. Kingfisher (www.redwombatstudio.com) is the Hugo Award - winning author of fantasy, horror, and
occasional oddities, including What Feasts at Night, Nettle & Bone, What Moves the Dead, Thornhedge, A House with
Good Bones, and A Sorceress Comes to Call. Under a pen name, she also writes bestselling children's books.
Fallen Gods
Rachel Van Dyken
https://rachelvandykenauthor.com/books
Entangled
c/o Red Tower Books
https://entangledpublishing.com
9781649374677, $32.99, HC, 528pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Fallen-Deluxe-Limited-Rachel-Dyken/dp/1649374674
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fallen-gods-rachel-van-dyken/1144501901
Synopsis: They said the Gods were myth. That the Giants were only stories told around dying fires.
They lied.
The Gods aren't dead -- they are only sleeping, locked in mortal bodies, scattered across the world, waiting for the right
spark to wake them. And my father is the most ruthless of them all.
He raised me to obey. To bleed. To be his blade when the time came. Now he's sending me to Endir University, a place
filled with ancient bloodlines and deadly secrets, to steal back Mjolnir, the hammer of legend. If I fail, everyone I love
dies.
But Aric Erikson wasn't part of the plan. He is the enemy's heir. Distant. Dangerous. And... the one person I can't afford to
fall for. He's closed himself off completely behind a wall of ice, but the more I'm ordered to unravel him, the harder it
becomes to remember where the lies end and I begin.
There's only a mission I never chose (and a man I was never meant to love) standing between me and a war that will decide
the fate of the world.
But if I'm the spark, maybe he's the fuse. And the Gods? They're about to wake up angry.
Critique: "Fallen Gods" by Rachel Van Dyken is an extraordinary heroic fantasy saga from the perspective of a female
heroine. A superbly crafted action adventure, "Fallen Gods" is a fun and riveting read from start to finish and will prove to
be an immediate and enduringly popular pick for personal reading lists and community library Romantic Fantasy
collections. It should be noted for fans of Epic Fantasy that this Hardcover Edition of "Fallen Gods" from Entangled: Red
Tower Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Rachel Van Dyken (https://rachelvandykenauthor.com/books) is the author of regency, contemporary, and
now Epic Fantasy romances.
Undead and Unwed
Sarn Tschida
Quirk Books
www.quirkbooks.com
9781683694724, $17.99, PB, 320pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Undead-Unwed-Novel-Sam-Tschida/dp/1683694724
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/undead-and-unwed-sam-tschida/1146661867
Synopsis: Tiffenie may be three hundred years old, but she's still a hot mess. As a vampire, she is tragically single, works a
dead-end job at a blood bank, and spends her nights marathoning Hallmark Channel movies with her cat.
When Tiffenie inherits a fixer-upper home in Valentine, Vermont, thanks to a case of mistaken (okay, stolen) identity, she
seizes the chance to get her life back on track. With her newly undead neighbor (it was an accident!) in tow, Tiffenie is
determined to live out her holiday rom-com dreams in this picture-perfect town.
But between the mystery of her stolen identity, small-town drama, and the arrival of her insufferable vampire ex-boyfriend
Vlad, getting her happily ever after with a hot Christmas tree farmer won't be easy. To uncover what she truly desires,
Tiffenie must embark on a journey of self-acceptance for the first time in her immortal life. Luckily, it's never too late to
start therapy.
Critique: An original, imaginative, hilarious, clever, and quirky blend of vampire fantasy and rom-com story, "Undead and
Unwed" by Sam Tschida is a fun and fascinating read from cover to cover. Of special appeal to fans of vampire tales
and/or Hallmark Channel style romance movies. Certain to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to
community/public library Fantasy/Vampire Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that this
paperback edition of "Undead and Unwed" from Quirk Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$10.99).
Editorial Note: Sam Tschida (https://www.samtschida.com/books) is the founder of Smut University and writes rom-coms
and mysteries while braving the Minnesota winter. She is the author of "Siri, Who Am I?" and "Errands and
Espionage".
Artificial Truth
J. M. Lee, author
Sean Lin Halbert, translator
Amazon Crossing
9781662529580, $16.99, PB, 223pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Artificial-Truth-Novel-J-M-Lee/dp/1662529589
Synopsis: In the virtual city of Alegria, fantasies are made real, innumerable lifetimes are lived, and even death itself is a
survivable experience. An escape from reality that changed the landscape of artificial intelligence, it is home to more than
one hundred million people. Though it's been six years since Alegria's creator (revolutionary tech genius KC Kim) died of
cancer, his legacy is alive in the pinnacle of KC's genius: an AI named Allen who surges with KC's memories.
As hard as KC's widow, Minju, and her new husband, Junmo, try to move on, Minju can't shake the unnerving feeling that
somehow, from somewhere, KC is watching. She sees a stranger who bears an uncanny resemblance to him. A pair of
KC's custom-made shoes arrive at her doorstep. And someone has booked a Tokyo hotel room where she and KC shared
happier times. Certain of nothing except KC's mad innovation, Minju can only imagine what he is accomplishing without
even existing.
If KC is reaching out from an infinity of memories, what are his plans for Minju and Junmo, and how can they hope to
escape KC's all-seeing grasp? And whose plans are they, really? The possibilities are frightening.
Critique: Original, eloquent, exceptional, "Artificial Truth" by Korean author J. M. Lee will hold a very strong appeal for
readers with an interest in a deftly crafted science fiction novel extrapolated from today's emerging AI technologies. A fun
and fascinating read from start to finish, "Artificial Truth" is ably translated into English for an American readership by
Sean Lin Halbert. While this paperback edition of "Artificial Truth" from Amazon Crossing is a strongly recommended
and unique pick for community library Science Fiction collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of
dedicated SF fans that it is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $1.99).
Editorial Note #1: J. M. Lee (https://www.joeyverse.com) is an author whose books have sold millions of copies in Korea,
where he was born and raised. He is the author of Broken Summer (currently in production for a television series); Painter
of the Wind (which was adapted into an award-winning South Korean television series); The Boy Who Escaped Paradise;
and The Investigation -- which was nominated for the Independent Foreign Fiction Prize and was the winner of Italy's
prestigious Premio Selezione Bancarella award.
Editorial Note #2: Sean Lin Halbert holds an MA in Korean literature from Seoul National University. He is the recipient
of the LTI Korea Translation Award for Aspiring Translators, the Korea Times Modern Korean Literature Translation
Award, and the GKL Translation Award. Artificial Truth is his seventh translated book. Sean lives in Seoul and teaches at
LTI Korea Translation Academy. (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21261365.Sean_Lin_Halbert)
Gold Dust
Catherine Asaro
Baen Books
www.baen.com
9781668072905, $28.00
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Gold-Dust-Knights-Catherine-Asaro/dp/1668072904
Major Bhajaan returns in this latest Dust Knights story, which will delight prior fans of Catherine Asaro's universe. Here
three interstellar civilizations contend for Olympic honors, but the balance of competition is tilted when coach Mason
discovers a group of runners which has existed for millennia, the Dust Knights. The problem is that they reside in the
Undercity, which views outsiders with suspicion. Major Bhajaan, who is native to Undercity, can help - but not without
political and social shifts that involve clashing armies, ideals, and individuals. A powerful story of military, political, and
social confrontation emerges which will delight sci-fi readers interested in all these elements and their development.
The Familiar Spirit
D.J. Butler and Aaron Michael Ritchey
Baen Books
www.baen.com
9781668072929, $18.00
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Familiar-Spirit-Cunning-Man/dp/1668072920
The Familiar Spirit features Hiram Woolley and his son Michael, who are tasked with escorting an itinerant preacher
across the border to Mexico. Hiram is already haunted by visions, but once in the Morman colonies, he faces a murder
investigation that tasks them with tracking the killer through foreboding territory. Battles with ghosts, visions, bandits, and
family emerge which involves graveyards, magical lore, and honoring and changing worlds in a vivid blend of fantasy and
uncanny atmosphere unique to Butler's writings in general and this action-packed saga in particular.
The Audiobook Shelf
Anatomy of a Gildy Episode
Peggy Adler
Blackstone Publishing
https://www.blackstonelibrary.com
9798228588103, $29.95, CD (0.50 Hours)
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Gildy-Episode-Marjories-Gildersleeve/dp/B0FBBNYNX3
Blackstone Publishing
https://www.blackstonelibrary.com/anatomy-of-a-gildy-episode?sp=611361
Synopsis: The Great Gildersleeve was a successful and popular radio comedy series broadcast in the United States from
August 31, 1941 to 1958.
In "Anatomy of a Gildy Episode", author Peggy Adler offers a compelling, behind-the-scenes look at The Great
Gildersleeve -- one of radio's most iconic comedies.
Through a single 1947 episode, Adler explores the artistry of Emmy-nominated scriptwriter John Ogden Whedon -- tracing
his impact from radio's Golden Age to the birth of the television sitcom. With a full transcript, historical context, and
insights into Whedon's multigenerational writing legacy, this audio book edition of "Anatomy of a Gildy Episode" is
essential listening for fans of classic media and pop culture historians alike.
This audio book edition features the complete episode of The Great Gildersleeve: "Marjorie's Hotrod Boyfriend".
Critique: Informative and fun from start to finish, this complete and unabridged CD audio book edition of "Anatomy of a
Gildy Episode: The Who's Who of GG470129 Marjorie's Hotrod Boyfriend: The Great Gildersleeve; John Whedon and
Beyond" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, community, and college/university library Comedic
Radio History audio book collections. The digital book edition (Kindle, 9.99) features the complete episode of The Great
Gildersleeve: "Marjorie's Hotrod Boyfriend," with Peggy Adler's Anatomy of a Gildy Episode included as a downloadable
PDF.
Editorial Note: Peggy Adler (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peggy_Adler) made her first professionally published
illustration for a New York publishing Company when she was thirteen years old and has written and illustrated many
books since then. She's a Marquis Who's Who Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement honoree; a 2001 recipient of
the Association of Former Intelligence Officers' General Richard G. Stilwell Award; and a former police commissioner,
who currently chairs the Town of Clinton, Connecticut's Historic District Commission.
The Excalibur Code
Rob Jones, author
Simon Mattacks, narrator
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781806000203, $100.95/$85.81, CD (8 Hours 59 Minutes)
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781806000203
Synopsis: When ex-army officer and UNESCO archaeologist Max Hunter is sent to Normandy on the trail of England's
missing crown jewels, he thinks he's in for a few easy weeks.
But when the ancient Mont Saint-Michel abbey is attacked by gunmen, Hunter and his research assistant Lauren Lane are
forced to flee for their lives with a mysterious treasure chest hidden for centuries inside the abbey. After evading the
assassins, Hunter and Lauren find something inside the chest with world-changing consequences.
The search for the truth sees Hunter join back up with Amy Fox and the rest of HARPA, as they race across Europe in the
footsteps of an enigmatic warrior monk, trying to decipher his ancient code and beat the armed assassins to the greatest
treasure of all-time.
Critique: Superbly narrated by vocal actor Simon Attacks, "The Excalibur Code" by action/adventure novelist Rob Jones is
an extraordinary saga that will hold immense appeal for fans of high energy suspense thriller sagas. While especially
appropriate and recommended for community library Contemporary Action/Adventure audio book collections, it should be
noted that this complete and unabridged CD edition of "The Excalibur Code" is also readily available from Boldwood
Books in an MP3-CD format (9781806000210, $100.95/$85.81) and in a large print paperback edition.
Editorial Note #1: Rob Jones (www.robjonesnovels) has published over 40 novels in the genres of action-adventure,
action-thriller and crime. Many of his chart-topping titles have enjoyed #1 rankings in genre and all of his Joe Hawke,
Hunter Files and Jed Mason books have been international bestsellers.
Editorial Note #2: Sim Attacks is a seasoned and talented vocal actor whose many book projects (and a sample of his
narrative style) are listed online at https://narrator.page/n/simon_mattacks.
Doctor Who: The Third Monsters Collection
Maureen O'Brian, et al., performers
BBC Radio
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781529983104, $130.95/$111.31, CD (19 Hours 50 Minutes)
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781529983104
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/search/doctor%20who%20the%20third%20monsters%20collection
Synopsis: A superbly produced BBC Radio/Studies production, "Doctor Who: The Third Monsters Collection" is
comprised of five classic TV novelizations that pitch the Doctor against an array of monstrous foes.
In Daleks: The Chase the First Doctor and his friends must flee from the path of a Dalek execution squad.
The Macra Terror awaits the Second Doctor, Ben, Polly and Jamie within an apparently idyllic Earth colony.
In Doctor Who and the Web of Fear the Yeti have colonized the London Underground, at the behest of the Great
Intelligence.
Doctor Who and the Mutants relates the oppression of the Solonian people at the hands of Earth authorities.
In Doctor Who and the State of Decay the Doctor, Romana, Adric and K9 encounter the terrifying Great Vampire.
Talented narrators and actors Maureen O'Brien, Anneke Wills, David Troughton, Jon Culshaw and Geoffrey Beevers read
these thrilling tales, with Nicholas Briggs as the voice of the Daleks and John Leeson as the voice of K9.
Critique: Simply and emphatically stated, this complete and unabridged audio book edition of "Doctor Who: The Third
Monsters Collection" from the BBC is an absolute 'must' for the legions of Doctor Who fans and will prove to be a truly
enduring and popular addition for personal and community library Science Fiction themed audio book collections. It
should be noted that this CD edition with its hard shell plastic casing is also readily available in an MP3-CD format
(9781529983111, $130.95/$111.31).
Editorial Note: There is a complete listing of all the CD & MP3-CD formatted Doctor Who audio book stories at:
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/doctor%20who
Arthur Conan Doyle: A BBC Radio Drama Collection
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author
Full Cast Narration
BBC Radio
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781529983128, $90.95/$77.31, CD (7 Hours 16 Minutes)
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781529983128
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/search/arthur%20conan%20doyle
Synopsis: "Arthur Conan Doyle: A BBC Radio Drama Collection" is a compendium of BBC Radio dramatizations and
readings of some of Arthur Conan Doyle's other works - plus extracts from his letters and a bonus drama by Bert
Coules.
Arthur Conan Doyle is well known as the creator of Sherlock Holmes, but he also wrote numerous works in which the
great detective played no part. Included here is a selection of his best works in which Sherlock Holmes played no part.
This audio book format collection opens with the first of three BBC radio dramas featuring the hot-tempered,
larger-than-life scientist and explorer Professor Challenger. 'The Lost World' stars David Robb as Challenger, he heads on
an expedition to a plateau in the Amazon Basin. Following this drama we have two further dramatizations starring Bill
Paterson as Challenger this time.
In 'When the World Screamed', he sets out on a bold mission to be recognized by Mother Earth, while 'The Disintegration
Machine' sees him investigating dastardly Latvian inventor Theodore Nemor. 'The Captain of the Polestar' drama tells the
chilling story of a ship trapped in the Arctic, and stars Alec Heggie as Craigie, a man haunted by a strange apparition.
Also included are the short stories 'Playing With Fire', 'How It Happened', 'One Crowded Hour', 'The Fall of Lord
Barrymore', 'The Sealed Room' and 'The Lost Special' (read by Edward de Souza, Sam Dale, Christopher Harper and David
Schofield), and the fascinating series Arthur Conan Doyle: A Life in Letters, in which Forbes Masson and John Dougal
read extracts from his correspondence to his mother about marriage, fatherhood, killing off Holmes and going into politics.
Finally, how the author ran for Parliament in 1900 and lost is explored in Bert Coules' biographical drama Vote For Conan
Doyle!, starring John Sessions.
First published 1883 ('The Captain of the Polestar'), 1898 ('The Sealed Room', 'The Lost Special'), 1900 ('Playing With
Fire'), 1911 ('One Crowded Hour'), 1912 ('The Lost World'), 1912 ('The Fall of Lord Barrymore'), 1913 ('How It
Happened'), 1928 ('When The World Screamed'), 1929 ('The Disintegration Machine'), Cast and credits Written by Sir
Arthur Conan Doyle Track list Dramatizations:
Critique: Deftly produced and featuring a full cast of talented actors, "Arthur Conan Doyle: A BBC Radio Drama
Collection" is an absolute 'must' for the legions of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle fans -- especially for those whose only
experience with this legendary author are his Sherlock Holmes stories. This CD edition with its sturdy plastic clamshell
style casing is especially and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library audio book
collections. It should be noted that "Arthur Conan Doyle: A BBC Radio Drama Collection" is also readily available in an
MP3-CD format (9781529983135, $90.95/$77.31).
Editorial Note: There is a readily available and complete listing of audio book editions distributed for American library
collections for the various Arthur Conan Doyle novels and stories at
"https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/search/arthur%20conan%20doyle)
Shield of Mercia
M. J. Porter, author
Sean Barrett, narrator
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781836175094, $107.95/$91.76, CD (10 Hours 27 Minutes)
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781836175094
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/search/shield%20of%20mercia
Synopsis: 836 AD, Mercia, Britain
Following a brutally cold winter, King Wiglaf of Mercia is in the ascendancy. Even Wessex's Archbishop of Canterbury
extraordinarily ventures to Mercia to broker a religious accord. But, can the hard-won peace prevail?
Viking raiders threaten Wessex. These blood-thirsty warriors are fast, skillful and have no reticence about killing those
who stand in their way. Their aim isn't to rule but to overwhelm, slaughter and take ill-gotten wealth.
King Wiglaf is no fool. As the Vikings push to overwhelm Wessex, Mercia's lands look insecure. King Wiglaf needs the
shields of Mercia's warriors to prevent the overwhelming advancement of their deadliest enemy yet.
To save Mercia, Icel must first prevail over the two men who mean to end his life; King Ecgberht of Wessex and his son,
Aethelwulf of Kent and only then the marauding Viking army for whom boundaries have no meaning.
Critique: Unrelenting action, attention to historical detail, deftly crafted characters, and a simply riveting plot from start to
finish, "Shield of Mercia" by novelist M. J. Porter is set in the dark and bloody times of Mediaeval England and fully
brought to life with the dramatic narrative storytelling talents of Sean Barrett in this Boldwood Books complete and
unabridged audio book production. A part of Porter's 'The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles' series, this CD edition with its
sturdy clamshell casing, is particularly appropriate and highly recommended for community library Historical Fiction
audio book collections. It should be noted that it is also available from Boldwood Books in an MP3-CD format
(9781836175100, $107.95/$91.76) and in a large print trade paperback edition (9781836175155, $42.00/$35.70).
Editorial Note #1: M J Porter (https://www.mjporterauthor.com) is the acclaimed author of historical fiction set in early
age of the English, the Saxons and the Vikings (set as a whole before the Norman Conquest), as well as five 20th-century
historical mysteries and a fantasy.
Editorial Note #2: Sean Justin Barrett is an established British actor and successful audio book narrator.
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Se%C3%A1n_Barrett_(actor))
War Lord: Scourge of Rome
Adam Lofthouse, author
David Thorpe, narrator
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781836785255, $107.95/$91.76, CD (10 Hours 14 Minutes)
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781836785255
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/search/war%20lord%20scourge%20of%20rome
Synopsis: Alaric has been home for a year. He went north and saved the Cimbri, just as he said he would. But the cost has
been higher than he ever thought. A shadow of the War Lord he once was, he now trades in amber and dotes on his
children.
A simple life. And with it, contentment. But he knew this couldn't last forever; peace isn't for someone like him, and sure
enough trouble finds him once again. A routine journey south turns into a new and unknown wave of danger as
red-cloaked legionaries attack, causing confusion and carnage.
Warriors dressed as Romans have been scouring the country, slaughtering innocent people, and leaving Roman footprints
wherever they march. But things are not what they seem, and it falls to Alaric to don his armour once more, and march his
Ravensworn in pursuit of a mysterious enemy that could destabilize his world beyond repair.
Critique: The final installment of the superbly crafted 'Enemy of the Empire' series by author Adam Lofthouse, "War Lord:
Scourge of Rome" completes the saga of Alaric in the time of Rome's withdrawal of its legions from Britain that began in
"Raven: Defier of Rome", the continued with "Outlaw: Nemesis of Rome" and then "Eagle and the Flame: Shadow of
Rome". Brilliantly narrated by David Thorpe, especially and unreservedly recommended for community and public library
Historical Fiction themed audio book collections, it should be noted that this complete and unabridged CD audio book
with its sturdy clamshell casing from Boldwood Books is also readily available in an MP3-CD format (9781836785262,
$107.95/$91.76) and in a large print trade paperback edition (9781836785316, $42.00/$35.70).
Editorial Note #1: Adam Lofthouse (https://www.adamlofthouse.com) has for many years held a passion for the ancient
world. After ten years of immersing himself in stories of the battles that forged our history, he decided to have a go at
writing one for himself. He lives in Kent, UK
Editorial Note #2: Throughout his successful vocal acting career, David Thorpe has narrated a vast range of stories across
different genres. From a heart-warming romance to a spine-tingling thriller, he has a way of captivating audiences and
making the story truly come alive.
(https://masternarrators.com/experience-the-magic-of-david-thorpes-audiobook-narrations)
Desolation
Keith Moray, author
John Telfer, narrator
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781837034260, $107.95/$91.76, CD (9 Hours 43 Minutes)
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781837034260
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/search/desolation
Synopsis: 1361, York. England. As the country recovers from the war with France, and whispers that the pestilence has
returned to England grow louder, fear is in the heart of every nobleman and commoner alike. Sir Ralph de Mandeville,
ex-solider and newly appointed Justice of the Peace is sent to Langbarugh, just outside York, to investigate the murder of
Coroner Sir Boderick de Whitby.
More deaths quickly follow, and while these are swiftly dealt with as plague victims, Sir Ralph and his two assistants
Merek and Peter soon uncover something altogether more horrifying... A greater evil is at large in the northern
wapentakes.
As panic escalates and the lines between plague and murder blur, Sir Ralph is thrust into a desperate race against time.
Every shadow hides a potential killer, every cough could be a death knell. Can he unmask a murderer lurking in the
terrifying shadow of the Black Death before they're all consumed by a terror more sinister than any plague?
Critique: A part of author Keith Moray's 'Ralph de Mandeville Mystery Series', "Desolation" is a deftly crafted and
compelling mix of mystery, history, and suspense. This complete and unabridged audio book edition of "Desolation" is
exceptionally well narrated by the impressive storytelling talents of experienced narrator John Telfer. The result is a true
'theatre of the mind' experience that will be of special and particular interest to fans of the medieval era 'whodunnit' murder
mystery genre. While an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended pick for community library Mystery/Suspense
audio book collections, it should be noted by dedicated mystery buffs that this CD edition of "Desolation" from Boldwood
Books is also readily available in an MP3-CD format (9781837034277, $107.95/$91.76) and in a large print trade
paperback edition (9781837034338, $42.00/$35.70).
Editorial Note #1: Keith Moray (https://keithmorayauthor.com) is the crime writing pen-name of Keith Souter, part-time
doctor, medical journalist and novelist. He is a member of the Crime Writer's Association, International Thriller Writers,
the Society of Authors and the Medical Journalists Association. His crime novels published by Sapere Books are set on the
Scottish island of West Uist, featuring Inspector Torquil McKinnon. He also writes the Sandal Castle Medieval Thrillers
series and soon a series set in ancient Egypt.
Editorial Note #2: John Telfer trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School after a degree in Music and Theatre at the
University of York. He has appeared in more than 35 plays with the Bristol Old Vic company, and other theatre work
includes tours with Cambridge, New Vic and Royal National Theatre companies. His television credits include parts in
The Bill and Casualty and he spent 5 years in the BBC Television drama, Bergerac, playing John Nettles' side-kick, Willie
Pettit. He also has considerable radio experience and joined the cast of The Archers in 2003 as the vicar, the Rev Alan
Franks. He is a regular audiobook voice, and works as a narrator for The Bristol Ensemble and Brodsky String
Quartet.
A Lake District Christmas Murder
Rebecca Tope, author
Julia Franklin, narrator
Soundings
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781399194266, $100.95/$85.81, CD (8 Hours 53 Minutes)
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781399194266
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/search/a%20lake%20district%20christmas%20murder
Synopsis: As Christmas draws near, Simmy Henderson is invited to a party in Glenridding at the heart of the Lake District.
However, the festivities are overshadowed by two alarming discoveries: a man's body in the beck above the village and a
vulnerable newborn baby, apparently abandoned by its mother.
Caught in the hidden tensions of Glenridding's inhabitants, Simmy is drawn into the investigation. The season of goodwill
has been eclipsed by far darker emotions and a murderer must be found .
Critique: "A Lake District Christmas Murder" is the 14th title in Rebecca Tope's 'Lake District' murder mystery series. Her
brilliant storytelling style (one that has earned her legions of dedicated fans) is brought vividly to life in a true 'theatre of
the mind' experience with the extraordinary narration given by Julia Franklin. Featuring a hard clamshell casing for an
extended shelf life, this 8 CD edition of "A Lake District Christmas Murder" is a solid and enduringly popular pick for
community library Mystery/Suspense audio book collections. It should be noted that this complete and unabridged audio
book from Soundings is also available in an MP3-CD format (9781399194273, $100.95/$85.81) and in a large print trade
paperback edition (9781444854411, $42.00/$35.70).
Editorial Note #1: Rebecca Tope (http://www.rebeccatope.com) is the author of three crime series that are respectively set
in the Cotswolds, Lake District and West Country. She lives on a smallholding in rural Herefordshire, England, where she
enjoys the silence and plants a lot of trees.
Editorial Note #2: There is a listing of books narrated by Julia Franklin available online at AudioBooks
(https://www.audiobooks.com/browse/narrator/3659/julia-franklin)
The Library CD Shelf
Reflections on The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man
Mark Turner
Giant Step Arts
giantsteparts.org
$TBA CD / $15.00 digital
Bandcamp
https://markturnerjazz.bandcamp.com/album/reflections-on-the-autobiography-of-an-ex-colored-man
Tenor saxophonist Mark Turner presents Reflections on The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man, a jazz album that
investigates social issues raised by civil rights activist James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) in his semi-fictional novel
about a biracial man who could "pass" as a white person during a threatening time in American history. Mark Turner's
original compositions, masterful tenor sax, and thoughtful narration are supported by Jason Palmer on trumpet, David
Virelles on piano, profit & organ, Matt Brewer on acoustic & electric bass, and Nasheet Waits on Drums. Seamlessly blending American history, dramatic storytelling, and masterful musical performance
into a multifaceted whole, Reflections on The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man is highly recommended for both
personal and public library music collections. The tracks are Anonymous; Juxtaposition; Pulmonary Edema; New York;
Europe; The Texan...The Soldier; Mother...Sister...Lover; Pragmatism; Identity Politics; and Closure.
Liberty Now!
Phil Haynes & Free Country
Corner Store Jazz
www.cornerstorejazz.com
$15.00 CD / $15.00 digital
Corner Store Jazz
https://www.cornerstorejazz.com/product/liberty-now
Bandcamp
https://philhaynesmusic.bandcamp.com/album/liberty-now
Phil Haynes and the socially conscious "jazz-grass" string band Free Country present Liberty Now! a two-disc music
album that explores modern political issues with a caution that the "good ol' days" weren't necessarily as good as claimed,
especially not for disadvantaged Americans. Free Country consists of Drew Gress on bass & vocals, Jim Yanda on guitar
& vocals, Hank Roberts on cello & lead vocals, and Phil Haynes on drums & vocals. The first CD consists of original
songs written by Free Country members; the second CD is Free Country's performance of classic and iconic American
songs. Liberty Now! lives up to its title and is worthy of the highest recommendation for both personal and public library
music collections. The disc 1 tracks are Situation Ethnics (Yanda); Past Time (Yanda); Strands of Liberty (Haynes);
Higgens (Roberts); Diaphana (Gress); Confetti (Gress); Corner Store Strut (Haynes); Joy (Haynes); Next of Kin (Yanda);
The Wire (Roberts); Home Road (Yanda); and Dawn on the Gladys Marrie (Haynes). The disc 2 tracks are The Way the
West Was Won; She'll be Comin' Round the Mountain; Revolution; Dakota Hymn; Johnny Guitar; Joshua Fought the
Battle of Jerico; Simple Gifts; Respect; What's Going On; To Ancreon in Heaven; The Defense of Fort McHenry; America
the Beautiful; Fanfare for the Common Man; and What a Wonderful World.
Homesteaders
Dave Mossing
www.davemossing.com
Bent River Records
$20.00 CAD CD / $11.00 CAD digital
Bandcamp
https://davemossing.bandcamp.com/album/homesteaders
The debut album of talented jazz trumpeter and composer Dave Mossing, Homesteaders is an introspective soundscape
commemorating the homesteaders who first immigrated to Saskatchewan, Canada and built a living there, including
Mossing's own ancestors. All songs are Mossing's original compositions, performed by Mossing on trumpet as well as
Jean-Michel Pilc on piano, Ira Coleman on bass, and Jim Doxas on drums. Homesteaders is an outstanding musical
celebration of Canada's early homesteaders and their storied legacy, highly recommended for both personal and public
library music collections. The tracks are Homesteaders; Interlude I; St. Olaf; Interlude II; Dirge; Interlude III; From What
You Have Given; Day Trip; Grace; Big Muddy; and Kindred.
Curtains of Light
Whitney Ross-Barris
whitneyrb.com
Privately Published
$20.00 CAD CD / $9.00 CAD digital
Creator's Website
https://whitneyrb.com/music-merch
Bandcamp
https://whitneyrb.bandcamp.com/album/curtains-of-light
Toronto jazz singer-songwriter Whitney Ross-Barris presents Curtains of Light, an album of Whitney's original songs.
Whitney's memorable lead vocals (and piano playing in "Sentrees") is supported by a plethora of exemplary musicians
contributing on alto, tenor, & baritone sax; trumpet; violin & viola; cello; guitar; bass; percussion; and background vocals.
Curtains of Light defies genres, incorporating elements of jazz, choral, neo-soul, spoken word, and folk into songs that tell
stories about human longing, the need to connect, the treasure that is community, and the perilous dilemma when such
vital things seem out of reach. Curtains of Light is a treasure for personal and public library music collections, highly
recommended. The tracks are Bourgeois Reverie; Up in the Night; Bird of Paradise; Sentrees; Stranger; Park Life; Sunrise;
There You Are; Just Waiting to be Asked; If I Were You; Only at Night; Midwinter Blue; and Curtains of Light.
Big Band Country
Nancy Hays
www.nancyhays.com
Nancy Hays Entertainment, Inc.
$10.97 CD / $9.49 MP3
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Big-Band-Country-Nancy-Hays/dp/B003LDKLP2
As the title suggests, Big Band Country is a fusion of country and big band music sung by Nancy Hays with the full
support of a brass band. A vivacious celebration of both genres, Big Band Country encourages the listener to move with
the swing, or better yet, get up and dance! Big Band Country is a choice pick for both personal and public library music
collections, highly recommended. The tracks are True Love; Tell Me I'm Crazy; Cheek to Cheek; Someday Soon; Mr. Man
in the Moon; Teach Me Tonight; Feels Like Home; Sentimental Ol' You; If I Were Brave; Dad; and Sweetest Thing.
Along the Coppermine Ridge
Rudy Adrian
Spotted Peccary Music
www.SpottedPeccary.com
$16.00 CD / $10.00 digital
Bandcamp
https://rudy-adrian.bandcamp.com/album/along-the-coppermine-ridge
Along the Coppermine Ridge is a new ambient electronic music album by talented creator Rudy Adrian. All tracks are
written, recorded, and mixed by Adrian; the title track is a live improvisation. Inspired by the work of photographer John
Johns, who captured scenes of New Zealand's breathtaking natural beauty in his work, Along the Coppermine Ridge draws
upon a rich medley of sounds to conjure a majestic tapestry of flowing music. Reverent, insightful, and inspirational,
Along the Coppermine Ridge is a treasure for connoisseurs of the genre. The tracks are Castle Rocks; Ridgetop Clouds;
The Higher Path; Where the Skylarks Sing; Memories of Thursday; Along the Coppermine Ridge; Moorlands; Serpentine
River; Alpine Tarn, Autumn Snow; and Showers in the Ranges.
Imagining
Alan Matthews
alanmatthewsmusic.com
Privately Published
$15.00 CD / $15.00 digital
Bandcamp
https://alanmatthews.bandcamp.com/album/imagining
Imagining is a new age solo piano album composed and performed by Alan Matthews. The music is warmly beautiful with
a slightly surreal touch, reflecting the impressionism-style art of the album's cover. Imagining lives up to its title, with
music that gently stirs the mind to reach greater heights. Highly recommended! The tracks are Imagining; Through Child's
Eyes; Angels Fly Away; Now Is Forever; If Wishing Made It So; Divine Light; One Way Life; Standing Still; Dodging
Clouds; Hiding in the Sun; Open Ocean; In a Million Years; and Just a Dream.
Sacred Balance
Dan Chadburn
www.DanChadburn.com
Privately Published
$15.99 CD with digital download / $8.79 MP3
Creator's Website
https://www.danchadburn.com/albums-store
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Balance-Dan-Chadburn/dp/B0FNVS9B1X
Sacred Balance is a new age solo piano album by award-winning pianist and composer Dan Chadburn, who composed,
arranged, performed, and recorded all songs. Together with his husband and musical collaborator Tom Nichols, Dan
Chadburn has performed to benefit numerous charitable causes and compose choral anthems for GALA choruses. Sacred
Balance is a winding musical tour, created to honor the memory of artist and cherished friend Mark Alan Smith, who
passed away after battling cancer. The songs reflect the search for beauty and balance in a chaotic world, and encourage the
listener to reflect, meditate, and open one's mind to learning and understanding. Highly recommended! The tracks are
Sacred Balance; Blessed Be; Descending to Heaven; Beyond Imagination; Four Months; Cosmic Resonance; Walking
Each Other Home; One Day Soon; Patches; Waiting; Quick Costume Change; The Long Goodbye; Thirteen; and Lost and
Found.
Classics Reimagined: Impromp2
Ted Rosenthal Trio
www.tedrosenthal.com
Privately Published
$15.00 CD / $9.49 MP3
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Classics-Reimagined-Ted-Rosenthal-Trio/dp/B0FNNKDDHZ
Spinney Media
https://store.spinneymedia.com/products/ted-rosenthal-trio-classics-reimagined-impromp2-cd
Classics Reimagined: Impromp2 is an album of pianist Ted Rosenthal's reimagining of great classic works. Performed by
Ted Rosenthal on piano, Noriko Ueda on bass, Quincy Davis on drums, Tim Horner on drums, Ken Peplowski on clarinet,
and Sara Caswell on violin, Classics Reimagined: Impromp2 is an exciting and adventurous new way to experience these
timeless works, and highly recommended for both personal and public library music collections. The tracks are Waltz in C-
Sharp Minor (F. Chopin); Slavonic Dance (A. Dvorak); Mazurka in A Minor (F. Chopin); The Old Castle (M.
Mussorgsky); Vocalise (S. Rachmaninoff); Allegretto from Symphony No. 3 (J. Brahms); "Pathetique" Sonata, 2nd
Movement (L. v. Beethoven); "Pathetique" Sonata, 3rd Movement (L. v. Beethoven); Salut d'Amour (E. Elgar); Je Te
Veux (E. Satie); and Waltz in Ab (F. Chopin).
Marina
All compositions by Lena Bloch Publishing
Poems by Marina Tsvetaeva
www.lenabloch.com
Fresh Sound Records
$TBA CD / 8.99 Euro digital
Bandcamp
https://freshsoundrecords1.bandcamp.com/album/marina
Russian-born saxophonist/composer Lena Bloch and the Bloch quintet present "Marina", a music album inspired by the
work of Russian poet Marina Tsvetaeva (1892-1941). All music compositions are by Lena Bloch, although the poetic
lyrics are by Tsvetaeva herself. Performed by vocalist Kyoko Kitamura, Jacob Sacks on piano, Ken Filiano on bass,
Michael Sarin on drums, and Lena Bloch on saxophone, "Marina" is an extraordinary tribute that explores Tsvetaeva's
poetic genius through the fluid and responsive medium of jazz. Highly recommended! The tracks are I Refuse; Insomnia;
Marina; Such Tenderness; Tired; Immeasurable; and The Time Will Come.
Murmurations
Kate Wyatt Trio
katewyattpiano.com
Privately Published
$20.00 CAD CD / $10.00 CAD digital
Bandcamp
https://katewyatt.bandcamp.com/album/murmurations
Murmurations is a contemporary jazz album by the Kate Wyatt Trio, which consists of Kate Wyatt on piano, Adrian
Vedady on bass, and Louis-Vincent Hamel on drums. Aside from their vibrant cover of the classic "Mack the Knife" by
Kurt Weill, all songs are original compositions by members of the trio. Inspired by the extraordinary coordination of flocks
of starlings or similar birds moving in unison, Murmurations captures the moment-to-moment intensity of musical
interplay, spontaneity, improvisation and adaptation. Highly recommended! The tracks are Mack the Knife (K. Weill);
Murmurations (K. Wyatt); Sunrise (A. Vedady); Coruscation (K. Wyatt); Finding (K. Wyatt); Patience (K. Wyatt); Going
to the Sun (K. Wyatt); Bardo (L-V. Hamel); Succession (K. Wyatt); Embers (A. Vedady); and Music is Beautiful (A.
Vedady).
There's beauty enough in being here
Noam Lemish
noamlemish.com
TPR Records
tprrecords.ca
$17.00 CAD CD / $10.00 CAD digital
Bandcamp
https://noamlemish.bandcamp.com/album/theres-beauty-enough-in-being-here-2
"There's beauty enough in being here" is a music album of original compositions by pianist Noam Lemish, performed by
Lemish on piano, Sundar Viswanathan on alto & soprano saxophones and bansuri, Andrew Downing on double bass, and
Nick Fraser on drums. Inspired by a Fernando Pessoa poem about the deeply spiritual resonance within the most mundane
and everyday events, "There's beauty enough in being here" is an extraordinary musical tour that draws upon Lemish's
talent and experience in creating both jazz and classical works. "There's beauty enough in being here" lives up to its title,
and is highly recommended. The tracks are Song for Rona; Aviv (Spring); Song for Milly; Kadrin Gatshor (Gratitude); It
was there all along; San Francisco is my Copenhagen; There's beauty enough in being here; The poignancy of Now (based
on a theme by Robert Schumann); and Kadrin Gatshor (Reprise).
Kinda Out West
Aretha Tillotson
arethatillotson.com
Bent River Records
bentriverrecords.macewan.ca
$TBA CD / $9.00 CAD digital
Bandcamp
https://arethatillotson.bandcamp.com/album/kinda-out-west
Kinda Out West is the second album (as a leader) by bassist Aretha Tillotson. The title reflects on Tillotson's love for
Western Canada. The original songs, all composed by Aretha Tillotson, celebrate the heritage, musicians, and culture of
the Alberta province. Performed by the talented quartet of Tillotson on bass, Ingrid Jensen on trumpet, Christine Jensen on
alto saxophone, and Dave Laing on drums, the jazz of Kinda Out West draws inspiration from great chordless bands of
legendary saxophonists Sonny Rollins and Ornette Coleman in the 1950's and 1960's and their classic 1957 album "Way
Out West". Passionate and independent, Kinda Out West is a standout contribution to modern jazz collections, highly
recommended. The tracks are Jill of All; Kinda Out West; Cricklewood Lane; Lullaby to Those Before; Sphere of
Influence; 35; Gauche Caviar; Sad Junie (To Highway Jake); and Kinda Out West (Alt Take).
Nyaeba
Rich Brown
Whirlwind Recordings
whirlwindrecordings.com
$14.00 CD / $10.00 digital / $28.00 vinyl
Bandcamp
https://richbrown-whirlwind.bandcamp.com/album/nyaeba
Nyaeba is an original, solo album by Rich Brown, showcasing his talent for creative composition and mastery of the bass
guitar. All songs are created and performed by Rich Brown, on 6-string electric bass and 4-string semi-acoustic fretless
bass. The music weaves the saga of a fictional griot (a West African historian, storyteller, praise singer, poet, and/or
musician) who journeys across the world and tells of his travels. A lively musical soundscape celebration of travel and
learning, Nyaeba is highly recommended especially for international and multicultural music collections. The tracks are
Ukudlala; The Sum of our Tears (Gently Falling); Heart of a Lonely Woman; Nyaeba (The Griot); Kalagala Ebwembe;
Sowetoiera; Turiyasangitananda - The Transcendental Lord's Highest Song of Bliss (Meditation for Alice Coltrane); and
The Kingdom of Heaven is Within.
Return of the Light
Joe Elefante's Wheel of Dharma
www.joeelefantemusic.com
Privately Published
$13.99 CD / $9.49 MP3
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Return-Light-Joe-Elefante/dp/B0FJSD2V8V
Pianist, saxophonist, vocalist, composer, arranger, and band leader Joe Elefante presents the Return of the Light, a
mellifluous jazz album and part of Joe Elfante's Wheel of Dharma series. All songs are by Joe Elefante except for the
classics "Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder)" by Brian Wilson and Tony Asher, and "Some Other Blues" by John
Coltrane. Performed by Joe Elefante on piano and vocals, Freddie Hendrix on trumpet and flugelhorn, Erena Terakubo on
alto saxophone, Sameer Shankar on bass, and David Heilman on drums, Return of the Light explores themes of
compassion, connection, and healing. Uplifting and beautiful, Return of the Light is highly recommended especially for
connoisseurs of inspirational jazz. The tracks are Jazz for Dummies; Mudita; Return of the Light; Cromwell; Ankara
Blues; Nobly Born; Don't Talk (Put Your Head on My Shoulder); Simple Girl; Loving Kindness; Sore on the Floor; and
Some Other Blues.
Playing Favorites Featuring Kelsey Wallner
Chris Rottmayer
chrisrottmayer.com
Privately Published
$20.00 CD / $9.00 digital
Bandcamp
https://chrisrottmayer.bandcamp.com/album/playing-favorites
Playing Favorites Featuring Kelsey Wallner is a vocal jazz collaboration between pianist Chris Rottmayer and vocalist
Kelsey Wallner, supported by Clark Sommers on acoustic bass and Matt Endres on drums. Most of the smooth, resonant
songs were composed or arranged by Wallner; a few classic favorite selections are by other creators. Playing Favorites
Featuring Kelsey Wallner is a consummately graceful performance and a treasure for connoisseurs, highly recommended.
The tracks are Everything Happens To Me (Dennis/Adair, arr. Wallner); One Note Samba (Jobim/Mendonca, arr.
Wallner); Voyage (Kenny Barron); Velho Piano (Caymmi/Pinheiro, arr. Wallner); On The Street Where You Live
(Loewe/Lerner, arr. Wallner); Firm Roots (Cedar Walton); Sail Away (Tom Harrell); I'm Too Sweet (Kelsey Wallner);
Love Ain't Free (Kelsey Wallner); Love Dance (van Lins); and Never Will I Marry (Frank Losser, arr. Wallner).
The Light & The Fury
The Outernet
Privately Published
$30.00 AUD CD / $20.00 AUD digital
Bandcamp
https://theouternet.bandcamp.com/album/the-light-the-fury
The Light & The Fury is an electric jazz-rock album of original songs composed by Phil Turcio and performed by The
Outernet (Phil Turcio on piano and keyboards, Emilio Kormanic on guitars, Pete Mollica on bass, and Pete Drummond on
drums). The Light & The Fury also showcases Turcio's extraordinary mixing talents, as he programs and transforms the
band's recordings into supersonic musical expressions. A fast-paced, transcendental journey, The Light & The Fury is
highly recommended especially for connoisseurs of intense, avant-garde music. The tracks are The Fury; The Crossing pt I;
The Crossing pt II; Mortal; Menacing Images; We Remember; Running From The Aliens pt I; Running From The Aliens
pt II; Running From The Aliens pt III; and The Light.
Of The Near And Far
Patricia Brennan
patriciabrennanvibes.com
Pyroclastic Records
pyroclasticrecords.com
$18.00 CD / $12.00
Bandcamp
https://patriciabrennan.bandcamp.com/album/of-the-near-and-far
Vibraphonist, marimbist, and composer Patricia Brennan presents Of The Near And Far, a wondrous fusion of jazz,
classical, and alt-rock influences into a sweeping, original soundscape inspired by the constellations. An extraordinary
team of talented musicians bring Brennan's far-reaching vision to life: Modney on violin, Pala Garcia on violin, Kyle
Armbrust on viola, Michael Nicolas on cello, Sylvie Courvoisier on piano, Miles Okazaki on guitar, Kim Cass on bass,
John Hollenbeck on drums and percussion, Arktureye on electronics, Patricia Brennan on marimba and vibraphone with
electronics, and Eli Greenhoe as conductor. Of The Near And Far is a choice pick for avant-garde music collections, highly
recommended. The tracks are Antlia; Aquarius; Andromeda; Citlalli; Lyra; Aquila; and When You Stare Into The
Abyss.
Running Through My Mind
David Bailis
www.davidbailis.com
Create or Destroy
$TBA CD / $10.00 digital
Bandcamp
https://davidbailis.bandcamp.com/album/running-through-my-mind-2
Running Through My Mind is a jazz album David Bailis, performed by Bailis on guitar, Caroline Davis on alto saxophone,
Andrew Links on piano and keyboards, Jordan Scannella on bass, and Kenneth Salters on drums. All songs are David
Bailis' original compositions except for two renditions of popular favorites, "Joy Inside My Tears" by Stevie Wonder and
"Jealous Guy" by Donny Hathaway. Bailis is an elite runner (a 2:53 marathoner, triathlete, and coach), and Running
Through My Mind is strongly inspired by his own love of the sport. The passionate, challenging, and sweeping music feels
like a tribute to every sports player who pushes their own limits, and great listening during a morning jog or run! Highly
recommended. The tracks are Ordinary Trash; Angles; Telepathy; Star Sign; Zenith; Joy Inside My Tears; Comet; and
Jealous Guy.
Prawntail
Prawntail trio
Endectomorph Music
www.endectomorph.com
$15.00 CD / $12.00 digital
Bandcamp
https://prawntail.bandcamp.com/album/prawntail
Brooklyn-based piano trio Prawntail present their self-titled debut album of original songs, all composed by Prawntail's
members: pianist Evan Main, bassist Walter Stinson, and drummer Steven Crammer. The songs are unapologetically
intense, even political; the track "There's a Special Place in Hell for the Reagans" specifically calls out the Reagan
administration's neglect during the AIDS epidemic that contributed to hundreds of thousands of AIDS-related deaths in the
1980's and beyond. Prawntail is a showstopping introduction and hopefully a portent of more to come from this talented
trio! The tracks are Meryl (E. Main); There's a Special Place in Hell for the Reagans (W. Stinson); Ripple (S. Crammer);
Prince '37 (S. Crammer); Flop Sweat (E. Main); For the Morrow (S. Crammer); Fire (Sale) (E. Main); and Get a Job (W.
Stinson).
sayr: salt | thirst
Jussi Reijonen
www.jussireijonen.com
Privately Published
15.00 Euro CD / 9.00 Euro digital / 27.00 Euro vinyl
Bandcamp
https://jussireijonen.bandcamp.com/album/sayr-salt-thirst
"sayr: salt | thirst" is a solo string music album by Finnish-born guitarist, Arabic oud player, and composer Jussi Reijonen.
In addition to the guitar and the oud, Reijonen also weaves the Finnish kantele, the Moroccan sintir, and the West African
kora into his striking, original improvisations. A genre-defying creative exploration, "sayr: salt | thirst" is highly
recommended especially for avant-garde music collections. The tracks are sola; sarvi; sae; and keinu in the "salt" section,
and koto; kuori; karna; sae; kiedo; aina; and ennen in the "thirst" section.
The Photography Shelf
Macro Photography: The Universe at Our Feet, 2nd Edition
Don Komarechka
Routledge
https://www.routledge.com
9781032782232, $180.00, HC, 328pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Macro-Photography-Universe-Our-Feet/dp/1032782234
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/macro-photography-don-komarechka/1146731169
Routledge
https://www.routledge.com/Macro-Photography-The-Universe-at-Our-Feet/Komarechka/p/book/9781032769844
Synopsis: This new and expanded second edition of industry staple "Macro Photography: The Universe at Our Feet" by
Don Komarechka, addresses every challenge that a macro photographer might encounter, from beginner problems like
focus and motion blur, to more complex issues with magnification and diffraction, lighting and composition, and so much
more.
Komarechka is an acknowledged expert in the field of Macro Photography and this newly updated second edition of
"Macro Photography: The Universe at Our Feet" begins by giving a brief overview of what Macrophotography is, before
delving into the best practices and techniques needed to capture brilliant macro photographs.
It is also packed from cover to cover with crisp HD images, case studies, exercises and workflows, all to supplement
reader comprehension. The newly expanded second edition includes all new content, such as editorial case studies, new
detail in high-magnification workflows, expert insights into software tools such as Zerene Stacker and Helicon Focus, and
much more. The rest of the content has also been thoroughly revised and updated to account for the latest tools and
techniques in the field.
With its concise and informal approach, "Macro Photography: The Universe at Our Feet: 2nd Edition" will prove to be an
extremely useful and accessible resource for professional photographers and photography students interested in all things
Macro Photography.
Critique: The profusely illustrated, large format (7 x 0.9 x 9.9 inches, 2.42 pounds), hardcover edition of "Macro
Photography: The Universe at Our Feet: 2nd Edition" by Don Komarechka is impressively comprehensive, an ideal
curriculum textbook, and thoroughly 'reader/user' friendly in organization and presentation. Motivating, inspiring, and
definitive, "Macro Photography: The Universe at Our Feet: 2nd Edition" is an unreservedly recommended pick for
personal, professional, community, and college/university library Photography collections and supplemental curriculum
studies lists. It should be noted that this hardcover edition of "Macro Photography: The Universe at Our Feet: 2nd Edition"
from Routledge is also readily available in paperback (9781032769844, $58.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle,
$58.99).
Editorial Note: Don Komarechka (https://www.donkom.ca/about) is a nature, macro and landscape photographer located
near Varna, Bulgaria. From auroras to pollen, insects to infrared, much of Don's photographic adventures reveal a deeper
understanding of how the universe works. Exploring the world that we cannot see with our own eyes has been a common
thread in Don's career as a professional photographer and educator. Don's work often pushes up against the technical
limitations of modern camera equipment and the physical limitations of light itself. His work with moving pictures has
been utilized in documentary films from CBC, BBC, Discovery, National Geographic and others.
Tashiding: Beyond Earth and Sky
Douglas Hamilton, author
Norman Barker, author
ORO Editions
www.oroeditions.com
9781961856868, $75.00, HC, 348pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Tashiding-Gardens-Douglas-Tsognie-Hamilton/dp/1961856867
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/tashiding-douglas-hamilton-jr/1147214796
Synopsis: The simply stunning, full color photography and the elegant design comprising "Tashiding: Beyond Earth and
Sky, The Gardens of Douglas & Tsognie Hamilton" by co-authors Douglas Hamilton Jr. and Norman Barker take the
reader on a truly exquisite visual tour of the property and its development, including the origins and culture of its owners --
Douglas Hamilton former president and chairman of The Walters Museum in Maryland and Tsognie Wangmo, the eldest
child of the last king of Sikkim, shortly before the Himalayan royal kingdom was taken over by India.
Once a Tibetan monastery, "Tashiding" beautifully showcases the joining of two distinct cultures, and how their Western
and Eastern backgrounds are manifest in the landscapes, garden themes, sculpture, ornament, and the house's interiors.
Everyone who has visited Tashiding is moved by the experiential sensation of the landscape's different places.
In developing Tashiding's four-seasons gardens, Douglas and Tsognie envisioned an environment that invites a sense of
harmony and well-being -- part arboretum, part park, and part Xanadu. This is a garden exquisitely designed for both
walking and quiet contemplation, for feeling the thrill of the wind on a cool March day or for sitting in the teahouse on a
rainy afternoon, watching the wind form abstract ripples on the surface of the lake.
Magnificent full page and double page photographs take the reader on an exquisite visual tour of the property, exploring its
varied influences, including the family histories and cultures of its owners. The breathtaking images celebrate the beauty of
the numerous gardens throughout the seasons.
Critique: This large format (12.5 x 2 x 9.5 inches, 5.6 pounds) coffee-table style hardcover edition of "Tashiding: Beyond
Earth and Sky, The Gardens of Douglas & Tsognie Hamilton" by Douglas Hamilton Jr. and Norman Barker is
informatively enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of a Foreword by Kate Markert, a four page Plant
Listing, a two page listing of Suggested Reading, a one page Acknowledgments, and a three page Index, this beautifully
crafted edition of "Tashiding: Beyond Earth and Sky, The Gardens of Douglas & Tsognie Hamilton" from ORO Editions is
unreservedly recommended for personal, community, and college/university library Regional/Residential/Vernacular
Architecture and Photography collections. It should be noted that "Tashiding: Beyond Earth and Sky, The Gardens of
Douglas & Tsognie Hamilton" is an ideal selection for Library Memorial Fund acquisition.
Editorial Note #1: Douglas Hamilton Jr. is a self-taught gardener who credits his lifelong curiosity about the natural world,
horticulture, travel, and Asian aesthetics as inspirations for the gardens he and his wife, Tsognie, developed at Tashiding.
Douglas serves as board chair of Hamilton Associates and related entities, a family of entrepreneurial companies where he
served as CEO for thirty-seven years. A former board chair and president of Baltimore's renowned Walters Art Museum,
Douglas has also served on the board of the Bhutan Foundation as well as those of the McDonogh School and the Valleys
Planning Council. Douglas and Tsognie have two sons, Douglas III and Palden, and three granddaughters, Charlotte, Alice,
and Tara.
Editorial Note #2: Norman Barker is a Professor of Pathology and Art as Applied to Medicine at the Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine. Norman is an award-winning science photographer, writer, and designer. His work appears
in textbooks, journals, and museums worldwide. His photographs are in the permanent collections of more than forty
museums, including the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History, the George Eastman Museum, the American Museum of
Natural History, and the Science Museum in London. He is an Accredited Senior Imaging Scientist and a Fellow of the
Royal Photographic Society in Great Britain and the Biocommunications Association.
Editorial Note #3: Foreword writer Kate Markert, executive director of Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens since
2010, knows something about transforming a public treasure in the heart of northwest Washington, DC, into a major,
landscaped destination.
The Mathematics Shelf
Another Sort of Mathematics
J. Jacob Tawney
Encounter Books
www.encounterbooks.com
9781641774444, $34.99, HC, 328pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Another-Sort-Mathematics-Necessary-Containing/dp/1641774444
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/another-sort-of-mathematics-jacob-tawney/1146909727
Synopsis: "Another Sort of Mathematics: Selected Proofs Necessary to Finally Acquire an Education in Mathematics" is
not a curriculum textbook, but an extensive and thought-provoking listing of some things from mathematics you should
experience but probably were never required to experience.
The theorems and proofs comprising "Another Sort of Mathematics: Selected Proofs Necessary to Finally Acquire an
Education in Mathematics" represent, in a small way, some of the best that has been said within the discipline of
mathematics by professional mathematicians.
There is something unique in the human soul that can only be satisfied by wondering about mathematics. And that means,
regardless of your background, "Another Sort of Mathematics: Selected Proofs Necessary to Finally Acquire an Education
in Mathematics" is ideal reading for anyone seeking to reclaim their mathematical inheritance, to embrace the
mathematician within themselves, and who choose to wonder.
Critique: Original, exceptional, thoughtful and thought-provoking, "Another Sort of Mathematics: Selected Proofs
Necessary to Finally Acquire an Education in Mathematics" is a unique, insightful, and extraordinary introduction to the
science and application of mathematics. While "Another Sort of Mathematics: Selected Proofs Necessary to Finally
Acquire an Education in Mathematics" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional,
community, and college/university library Mathematics collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists, it should be
noted for students, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that this hardcover edition of
"Another Sort of Mathematics: Selected Proofs Necessary to Finally Acquire an Education in Mathematics" from
Encounter Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $34.95).
Editorial Note: J. Jacob ("Jake") Tawney has been enamored by mathematics for as long as he can remember, from
kindergarten to calculus. But he truly fell in love with it during his sophomore year at Denison University during a course
on mathematical proofs. After completing an undergraduate degree in mathematics and computer science from Denison, he
continued his studies at The Ohio State University. There he earned a master's degree in mathematics, submitting a thesis
on the mathematics of juggling. During his time in Ohio, Tawney taught at Upper Arlington High School and the
Pontifical College Josephinum, including courses in Euclid and the philosophy of mathematics. In 2014 he relocated his
family to Phoenix, Arizona, to join Great Hearts Academies, where he currently serves as the chief academic officer.
The Pets Shelf
The Dog's Table
Joelle Jay, author
R. A. Young, author
BenBella Books
www.benbellabooks.com
9781637747766, $28.95, HC, 304pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Dogs-Table-Real-Food-Healthier-Pups_from/dp/1637747764
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dogs-table-joelle-jay/1146925585
Synopsis: Dogs love food, and just like human diets, the best canine diets feature natural, whole-food ingredients and
homemade meals. Co-authored by Joelle Jay and R. A. Young, and backed by extensive research on dog health, "The
Dog's Table: 120+ Easy Real-Food Recipes for Happier, Healthier Pups -- from Eggs Benedog to Seafood Pawella" is the
definitive guide to feeding your canine companions. Real food is not just tastier and fresher, it will help your dog live
better for longer.
Creators of dog foodie sensation @TheCedLife Joelle Jay and R.A. Young share 120 delicious, healthy recipes for dog
chefs seeking to create an enriching, food-forward lifestyle for dogs. Combining the latest nutrition science, convenience,
and common pantry staples, The Dog's Table is a comprehensive guide to an optimal canine diet.
"The Dog's Table" covers:
Simple, daily one-pot meals like Chicken Pup Thai and Bison Barkshuka
Pup-friendly versions of your own favorites, including Chicken Doodle Soup, Lapawgna, and Puptato Gratin Pie
Festive foods and low-carb desserts for special occasions, like Diner Burger and Fries, Bark Wellington, Soft Carob Chip
Cookies, and Frosted Layer Cake
Plus, tips for creative meal-planning and key nutrition guidelines for dogs from all walks of life, from puppies to working
adult dogs and seniors
Backed by extensive research on dog health, and accompanied by full-color recipe photographs, "The Dog's Table" is the
definitive guide to feeding your canine companions. Real food is not just tastier and fresher, it will help your dog live
better -- for longer.
Critique: An absolute 'must' for anyone with a beloved canine companion (or who hope to have one), "The Dog's Table:
120+ Easy Real-Food Recipes for Happier, Healthier Pups -- from Eggs Benedog to Seafood Pawella" is an extraordinary
and unreservedly recommended resource. Profusely illustrated throughout with full color photography, "The Dog's Table"
covers adult canine meals, special diets, meals for 'Foodie Pups'. Also included is vital information on dog nutrition basics,
three pages of Notes, and a six page Index. Thoroughly 'dog owner friendly' in organization and presentation, it should be
noted for personal, professional, and community library Canine Pets & Veterinarian collections that this hardcover edition
of "The Dog's Table" from BenBella Books is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.99).
Editorial Note #1: Joelle Jay is a musician, designer, and content creator. Alongside her long-time collaborator, Robin, she
launched TheCedLife, a social media sensation known for creating dog meals so irresistible that even humans are jealous.
In its first year, TheCedLife garnered over 200 million views. After successfully self-publishing an ebook, The Dog's
Tablemarks her debut full-length print book. Joelle also serves as cofounder and creative lead of Precious Creatures
Co.
Editorial Note #2: R. A. Young is a technologist, researcher, and content creator. As TheCedLife's audience expanded,
R.A. turned his focus to the science of dog nutrition and health. He now leads the Precious Kitchen newsletter, one of the
top-selling publications on Substack, and co-founded Precious Creatures Co., where he heads product development.
The Cartography Shelf
Telling Stories with Maps
Allen Carroll
Esri Press
www.esri.com/esripress
9781589488847, $69.99, HC, 244pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Telling-Stories-Maps-Place-Based-Narratives/dp/1589488849
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/telling-stories-with-maps-allen-carroll/1147021298
Synopsis: From scraping patterns in sand to drawing intricate lines on vellum and paper, to charting every place on the
planet, humans have used maps as a powerful storytelling medium. The advent of the digital age has revolutionized the
creation, distribution, and consumption of maps. The web created enormous opportunities for storytelling, enabling maps
to dance and weave, partnering with other multimedia elements (photos, video, audio, text) to tell countless tales about our
world.
Featuring a foreword by renowned travel writer and cofounder of Lonely Planet Tony Wheeler, "Telling Stories with
Maps: Lessons from a Lifetime of Creating Place-Based Narratives" bridges both the analog and digital realms,
showcasing how maps themselves tell stories and enrich narratives by providing context and insight. Richly illustrated
throughout with examples from traditional maps to the latest digital visualizations, "Telling Stories with Maps" is an
essential guide for anyone interested in the powerful storytelling potential of maps.
Topics covered in "Telling Stories with Maps" includes:
How storytelling is fundamental to our humanity
Comparing and contrasting the use of words, images, and maps in storytelling
How maps help us tackle the who, what, when, where, why, and how
Considerations for the deep connection between maps and memory
How cartography and location-based storytelling have changed during the digital age
How the author and his collaborators refined storytelling techniques to create printed wall maps and atlas plates
The roles that maps play in narrative context
Readers will learn:
15 approaches to storytelling and place-based topics
How exposure to maps and geography can change how we think
Storytelling approaches suited for digital media yet honoring the centuries-old conventions of cartography
How to develop multimedia stories with the ability to employ motion and interactivity for your audience
Practical features and functions of ArcGIS StoryMaps, Esri's storytelling platform, with insight and inspiration you can
apply to your stories.
"Telling Stories with Maps" is a winding armchair journey ranging from thoughts on how our brains process spatial
information to practical tips on creating stories. It will guide and inspire the creation place-based narratives that intrigue
readers.
Critique: Informed, informative, fascinating "Telling Stories with Maps: Lessons from a Lifetime of Creating Place-Based
Narratives" is a complete course in the use of purpose of maps from antiquity down to the modern age. Exceptional and
thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and illustrated presentation, "Telling Stories with Maps" is a unique and
unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library cartography
collections and supplemental Geographic Information Systems curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for students,
academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that this hardcover edition of "Telling Stories
with Maps" from Esri Press is also readily available in paperback (9781589487970, $44.99) and in a digital book format
(Kindle, $44.99).
Editorial Note #1: Allen Carroll brings his experience from both the National Geographic Society and Esri into his writing.
Carroll spent more than a decade of his 27-year career at National Geographic Society as chief cartographer. In 2010,
Caroll joined Esri and founded its ArcGIS StoryMaps team, which developed web tools that enabled hundreds of
thousands of individuals and organizations to tell place-based stories combining interactive maps and multimedia
content.
The Library of Lost Maps
James Cheshire
Bloomsbury Publishing
www.bloomsbury.com
9781639734283, $40.00, HC, 384pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Library-Lost-Maps-Archive-Progress/dp/1639734287
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-library-of-lost-maps-james-cheshire/1146846583
Synopsis: Tucked just beyond offices and a lecture hall in the heart of London lies a turquoise door. Intrigued, James
Cheshire stepped through and was astonished by what he found inside: thousands of maps and atlases, spilling out of
wooden drawers. It was a map library.
With the publication of "The Library of Lost Maps: An Archive of a World in Progress", cartography expert Cheshire
transports us to the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, when the library's maps were wielded for war and negotiated during
peace; when its charts traced, for the first time, the icy peaks of the Himalayas.
Maps have played a vital role in shaping our scientific knowledge of the world, inspiring the theory of plate tectonics and
showing the impact of climate change. They have also guided politicians, encouraging both beneficial reforms and horrific
conquests, the consequences of which we live with today.
Brimming with surprising discoveries and stunning four-color map reproductions, "The Library of Lost Maps" unveils the
power of maps to remind us of our past and inspire us toward a better future.
Critique: The history of the world is a history of maps. "The Library of Lost Maps: An Archive of a World in Progress" by
renowned geographer James Cheshire takes the reader on an inherently fascinating tour through a forgotten collection of
maps that shaped the last 200+ years of Western history. Profusely illustrated throughout, "The Library of Lost Maps" is
enhanced for the readers benefit with the inclusion of a two page listing of Further Reading, a ten page Map Gallery, and a
four page Index. Unique, special, instructive, "The Library of Lost Maps" is an original and especially recommended pick
for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Cartography collections and supplemental curriculum
studies list. It should be noted for students, academia, cartographers, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in
the subject of Maps & Cartography that "The Library of Lost Maps" from Bloomsbury Press is also available in a digital
book format (Kindle, $9.24).
Editorial Note: James Cheshire (https://jcheshire.com) is Britain's only Professor of Geographic Information and
Cartography. A world-leading map maker, his cartographic creations have been enjoyed by millions. He is an elected
fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences and has been recognized with many prestigious awards from the likes of the
Royal Geographical Society and the British Cartographic Society. His co-authored book Atlas of the Invisible won the
American Association of Geographer's Globe Award.
Atlas of Borders: Walls, Migrations, and Conflict in 70 Maps
Delphine Papin, author
Bruno Tertrais, author
Xemartin Laborde, cartographer
Thames & Hudson, Inc.
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9780500030493, $39.95, HC, 192pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Borders-Walls-Migrations-Conflict/dp/B0DXSN1MSX
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/atlas-of-borders-delphine-papin/1147732499
Synopsis: The history of the world is a history of borders.
There are borders that are easily crossed and borders that are entirely impassable; there are visible borders (sometimes
demarcated by fences, walls, flags, and posts) and invisible borders (not seen on a physical map and oftentimes restrictive
of access to targeted populations). There are land borders, maritime, political, and cultural borders.
With the publication of "Atlas of Borders: Walls, Migrations, and Conflict in 70 Maps", cartographer Xemartin Labortle
presents 70 case studies through maps and infographics. While the co-authors, Delphine Papin and Bruno Tertrais, are two
experts in geopolitics who reflect on the modern world through the lens of border lines, helping readers make sense of a
complex world.
"Atlas of Borders" also addresses conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, the repercussions of Brexit, the Covid-19
pandemic, and the migration of peoples around the globe. Featuring up-to-date maps, "Atlas of Borders" also covers the
aquatic borders of the Svalbard Islands, the borders of the eastern Mediterranean and the Blue Line dividing Lebanon and
Israel.
In a confusing and at times chaotic world that seemingly defies interpretation, this unique atlas sheds light on larger issues
behind the lines that separate or connect us.
Critique: A seminal and groundbreaking study that is impressively informative, deftly organized, thoroughly 'reader
friendly in presentation, as well as enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of 200 illustrations, this large format
(10.2 x 0.9 x 9.8 inches, 2.58 pounds) hardcover edition of the "Atlas of Borders: Walls, Migrations, and Conflict in 70
Maps" from Thames & Hudson is an original and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional,
community, and college/university library Cartography and International Relations collections and supplemental
curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note #1: The head of the Infography and Cartography department at the Le Monde newspaper, Delphine Papin
also works at the French Institute of Geopolitics. (https://www.geopolitique.net) .
Editorial Note #2: Bruno Tertrais (https://www.nato-pa.int/node/57695) is deputy director of the Foundation for Strategic
Research and the Associate Expert at the Institute Montaigne. He specializes in geopolitics and international relations, and
he has written numerous books on these subjects.
Editorial Note #3: Xemartin Laborde is a cartographer and infographic designer at Le Monde.
(https://www.lemonde.fr/en/signataires/xemartin-laborde)
The Humor Shelf
MISFIT 4
Mister John
Yak Publishing
www.yakpublishing.com
9798999220516, $24.99, HC, 220pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Misfit-4-Mister-John/dp/B0FRXQQK3W
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/misfit-4-mister-john/1148323147
Synopsis: Mister John hasn't had a home street or mailing address for over half his life. He's never made a mortgage or car
payment, nor has he rented an apartment or house. He's never had children or a cup of coffee, so he doesn't know about
those things either. Yet, he once held valid driver's licenses from three countries on three continents.
Does this small-town boy from humble beginnings live in another reality? Yes, after realizing at an early age that if he
lived a life like most everyone else, he'd get a life like most everyone else. John wanted something different. John got
something different, and then some, and then some more.
From his earliest memories to his latest doings, with the publication of MISFIT 4 (like each of the three previous volumes
in this unique series), Mister John recounts 36 of his humorous, reflective, inherently interesting, deftly crafted, thoughtful,
and thought-provoking short stories. When taken together, what emerges for the reader is the story of his serendipitous
life.
Authentic, skillfully written memoir storytelling, this is a truly impressive and special series that tells a compelling tale.
Mister John's unique perspective on life, presented in make-you-laugh, make-you-cry, make-you-think stories he hopes to
pass along to generations of appreciative readers, will leave you enlightened.
Critique: Original, unusual, exceptional, and an inherently fascinating blend of wry humor, engaging anecdotes, and
memorably life based incidents and insights, "MISFIT 4" is a compelling read and an introduction to a writer/author whose
remarkable and memorable storytelling talents are on full display. Highly recommended for personal reading lists and
community library Humor collections, it should be noted that this hardcover edition of "MISFIT 4" from Yak Publishing is
also readily available in paperback (9798999220547, $14.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.99).
Editorial Note: John's life took a sharp turn to the different on April Fools' Day 1991 when he accepted a position to teach
computers and math at United Arab Emirates University located in the desert oasis city of Al Ain. On the Men's Campus
his first year, he taught on the Women's Campus for the next seven, one of the first unmarried Western men permitted to
do so. He returned to the UAE in 2001, the Higher Colleges of Technology hiring him to develop a CAD/Interior Design
program at Sharjah Women's College. Where he met Sue, a native of Canada and his wife-to-be. With the program in
place, John transferred to Dubai Women's College to again teach computers and math. In 2007, John and Sue retired, at the
age of 44, moving to their riverfront property off a dead-end dirt (they aspired to gravel) road in the mountains near
Vilcabamba, Ecuador, where they currently reside.
The Philosophy Shelf
Pragmatism and Idealism
Robert B. Brandom
Oxford University Press
www.oup.com/us
9780192870216, $16.99, PB, 160pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Pragmatism-Idealism-Representation-Reality-Lectures/dp/0192870211
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pragmatism-and-idealism-robert-b-brandom/1142096685
Synopsis: "Pragmatism and Idealism: Rorty and Hegel on Representation and Reality" is a slender compendium of the
Spinoza Lectures at the University of Amsterdam by Professor Robert B. Brandom who offers a pragmatist approach to
representation and reality, drawing on Richard Rorty and Hegel.
During the last decade of his life, Rorty emphasized the anti-authoritarian credentials of his pragmatism. He came to see
pragmatism as the fighting faith of a second phase of the Enlightenment. The first stage, as Rorty construed it, concerned
our emancipation from nonhuman authority in practical matters: issues of what we ought to do and how things ought to be.
The envisaged second stage addresses rather our emancipation from nonhuman authority in theoretical matters.
Professor Brandom shows how pragmatism moves beyond the traditional model of reality as authoritative over our
cognitive representations of it in language and thought, to a new conception of how discursive practices help us cope with
the vicissitudes of life.
Hegel anticipates the challenge to the very idea of objective reality as providing norms for thought which Rorty believed
required us to enact a second phase of the Enlightenment. Unlike Rorty, Hegel presents a detailed, constructive,
anti-authoritarian, non-fetishistic, social pragmatist account of the representational dimension of conceptual content.
At its heart, "Pragmatism and Idealism: Rorty and Hegel on Representation and Reality" is an account of the social
dimension of discursive normativity in terms of reciprocal recognition, and an account of the historical dimension of
discursive normativity in terms of a distinctive new conception of reason: the recollective rationality that turns a past into a
tradition. His idealism thereby offers a concrete pragmatist alternative to Rorty's global semantic and epistemological
anti-representationalism.
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, intellectually engaging, "Pragmatism and Idealism: Rorty and Hegel on Representation
and Reality" by Professor Robert B. Brandom is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to
college/university library Philosophy collections and supplemental Social & Political Philosophy curriculum studies lists.
It should be noted for the personal reading lists of philosophy students, academia, and non-specialist general readers with
an interest in the subject that this paperback edition of "Pragmatism and Idealism: Rorty and Hegel on Representation and
Reality" from the Oxford University Press is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.49).
Editorial Note: Robert B. Brandom is Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh and a Fellow
of both the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the British Academy. He delivered the John Locke Lectures at the
University of Oxford and the Woodbridge Lectures at Columbia University. Brandom is the author of many books,
including Making It Explicit, Reason in Philosophy, and From Empiricism to Expressivism -- all from the Harvard
University Press. (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/177093.Robert_B_Brandom)
Get a Life! A Guide to Finding a Philosophy to Live By
Alan Poon
Paper Tiger Publishing
https://papertigerpublishing.com
9781069711205, $11.99, PB, 177pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Life-Guide-Finding-Philosophy-Live/dp/1069711209
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/get-a-life-a-guide-to-finding-a-philosophy-to-live-by-alan-poon/1148136390
Synopsis: "Get a Life! A Guide to Finding a Philosophy to Live By" was written by Alan Poon specifically for the benefit
of readers who are searching for meaning in a world that increasingly feels hollow. To let his readers know that they are
not alone. That as modern life casts off the traditional anchors of the past, so many of us are left adrift.
What Alan presents in the pages of "Get a Life!" is a kind of introductory tour through the wisdom of the ages to
rediscover what has been lost. Exploring transformative ideas drawn from eight of humanity's greatest philosophies
ranging from Buddhist calm, to Existentialist courage, to Epicurean delight, to Confucian duty -- and everything in
between.
Wisdom comes in many shapes and sizes, and "Get a Life!" reveals alternatives to the script contemporary society has
given us when it comes to questions like: Why is life worth living? What things are worth fighting for? How do we be
good and do good?
"Get a Life!" mercilessly cuts through the mumbo jumbo of academia with clarity and wit to distill complicated ideas into
plain English, focusing on practical insights to live a life of purpose, fulfillment, and happiness. Whether you're a seeker,
skeptic, or simply feeling stuck, "Get a Life!" presents a roadmap to finding a philosophy of life that's right for you.
Critique: Original, extraordinary, emotionally and intellectually engaging, "Get a Life! A Guide to Finding a Philosophy to
Live By" by Alan Poon is exceptionally well written, organized and presented, making it an especially and unreservedly
recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Self-Help/Self-Improvement
and Contemporary Philosophy collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that this paperback
edition of "Get a Life! A Guide to Finding a Philosophy to Live By" from Paper Tiger Publishing is also readily available
in a digital book format (Kindle, $3.99).
Editorial Note: Alan Poon was born in Hong Kong and grew up in Vancouver. As a child, he read a complete encyclopedia
set for fun (it's like Wikipedia, but printed!). He had a reputation as a teenage rebel, writing his own answers on
multiple-choice tests and fearlessly opening the door to debate Jehovah's Witnesses. Armed with an engineering degree, he
works as a mailman and has no credentials to talk about philosophy. That hasn't stopped him from trying.
The Judaic Studies Shelf
The Art & Practice of Living Wondrously
Ronit Ziv-Kreger, editor
Maggid Books
c/o Koren Publishers Jerusalem Ltd.
www.korenpub.com
9781592647118, $29.95, HC, 280pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Art-Practice-Living-Wondrously-Momentum/dp/1592647111
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-art-and-practice-of-living-wondrously-ronit-ziv-kreger/1148116740
Synopsis: Knowledgeably compiled and deftly edited by Ronit Ziv-Kreger, "The Art & Practice of Living Wondrously" is
more than just another volume of inspirational readings. Rather it is a roadmap to embracing life fully -- even in moments
of uncertainty.
Science confirms what wisdom has always taught us: experiencing awe and wonder, even briefly, enhances our well-being,
deepens our connections, and builds resilience. "The Art & Practice of Living Wondrously" is collection of commentary
and insights by learned contributors on weaving wonder into our daily lives, offering stories and insights from some of the
most brilliant minds and soulful thinkers of our time.
Among those contributors is the renowned psychologist, author, and Holocaust survivor Dr. Edith Eger who describes
wonder as a lifeline in times of turmoil: "In the face of trauma and despair, wonder becomes a lifeline, reminding us that
beauty exists even in darkness. It shifts our focus from what we have lost to what is still possible, opening our hearts to
connection and hope as an active choice."
"The Art & Practice of Living Wondrously" is your invitation to embrace life more fully, with wisdom and curiosity
guiding the way. Of special note is rising through pain and confusion by uncovering wonder even in life's challenges.
Becoming an agent of hope and thereby fortifying yourself and those around you with strength and meaning.
Critique: Featuring an informative Introduction and Epilogue, the thirty-two articles comprising "The Art & Practice of
Living Wondrously" are deftly organized into three major sections (Nurturing Relationships, Navigating Through
Challenging Straits, Being An Agent Of Hope). A seminal and groundbreaking volume, "The Art & Practice of Living
Wondrously" is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, synagogue, community, and
college/university library Judaic Theology and Jewish Life collections. It should be noted that this hardcover edition of
"The Art & Practice of Living Wondrously" from Maggid Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$8.99).
Editorial Note: Ronit Ziv-Kreger is Momentum's director of education and evaluation. With a PhD from MIT and decades
of study in Jewish spiritual teachings, including Mussar, she brings over twenty-five years of experience designing and
leading major educational initiatives. Since joining Momentum in 2016, she has advanced bold, data-driven programs that
foster impact across communities and institutions. She is also editor of The Art and Practice of Living Wondrously
(Koren/Maggid, 2025) and author/editor of Year of Growth (2017 - 2022) and Soul Full: Gateways to Jewish Prayer
(Koren/Maggid, 2025). Her work focuses on unity without uniformity.
The Buddhist Studies Shelf
The Radical Path of Somatic Dharma: Radiant Body, Radiant Mind
Will Johnson
Inner Traditions International, Ltd.
www.innertraditions.com
9798888500484, $16.99, PB, 144pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Radical-Path-Somatic-Dharma-Radiant/dp/B0CY9KJ28W
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-radical-path-of-somatic-dharma-will-johnson/1145074477
Synopsis: With the publication of "The Radical Path of Somatic Dharma: Radiant Body, Radiant Mind", and from a
Buddhist perspective, Will Johnson eloquently argues that the modern practice of seated meditation is in serious need of
reformation. What began as a living, vibrant, and felt practice (the primary practice of the Buddhist path to spiritual
realization) has somehow painted itself into a corner of frozen stillness, divorced from a lived, bodily experience.
Presenting an accessible and deeply felt guide to sitting meditation as an active exploration, Johnson offers a revitalized
understanding of this essential spiritual practice through deeper connection with the body. He maintains that the
thought-focused mode of consciousness of modern rigid seated meditation introduces patterns of holding and tension into
our bodies and virtually guarantees that awakening will not occur. He then explains how our focus on thought, rather than
embodied experience, results in a numbing of our connection to our physical self and the dimming of the body's natural
somatic radiance, which in turn leads to the nagging presence of chronic pain, a general sense of malaise, and the inability
to get comfortable in our own bodies.
However, this "consciousness of separation" can be overcome. In the pages of "The Radical Path of Somatic Dharma:
Radiant Body, Radiant Mind" Johnson presents a wide range of practices, including 14 meditations, to support the
awakening of breath and presence in the body, drawing on techniques from Buddhist, Sufi, and somatic wisdom traditions
as well as methods from his studies with Ida Rolf and Judith Aston.
Through the radical path of conscious sitting, Johnson shows how to transform your sitting meditation practice into a fully
natural mudra of greater grace from which radiance will naturally flow. As the egoic perspective is dissolved, and chronic
pain and discomfort are lessened, practitioners begin to feel a new, enlightened, bodily radiance -- what Johnson calls "The
Great Wide Open".
Critique: Informative, thoughtful, thought-provoking, erudite and iconoclastic, "The Radical Path of Somatic Dharma:
Radiant Body, Radiant Mind" offer a Buddhist perspective and is simply fascinating reading that is especially
recommended to students of Buddhism and practitioners of meditation. Exceptionally well written, organized and
presented, "The Radical Path of Somatic Dharma: Radiant Body, Radiant Mind" is an extraordinary and extended treatise
that will prove to be a popular pick for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Buddhist
Meditation, Rituals & Practices collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that this
paperback edition of "The Radical Path of Somatic Dharma: Radiant Body, Radiant Mind" from Inner Traditions is also
readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.99).
Editorial Note: Will Johnson (https://www.embodiment.net/about) is the director of the Institute for Embodiment Training
and the founder of Bambu Hueco, a retreat center in Costa Rica that views the body as the doorway to spiritual growth and
transformation. The author of several books, including Breathing through the Whole Body and Eyes Wide Open, he
teaches a deeply body-oriented approach to sitting meditation at Buddhist centers around the world.
The Religion/Spirituality Shelf
Spiritually Homeless
Kris Girrell
https://krisgirrell.com
MSI Press
http://msipress.com
9781957354774, $19.95, PB, 220pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Spiritually-Homeless-Kris-Girrell/dp/1957354771
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/spiritually-homeless-kris-girrell/1148276611
Synopsis: For the masses of humans who consider themselves to be Spiritual But Not Religious, with the publication of
"Spiritually Homeless" author Kris Girrell offers as a kind of map through the wilderness of sorting out what we believe
and how we can codify and own that as our own "religion".
Girrell aptly serves as a guide for those undaunted explorers of faith and religion. Using his own journey and accounts
from dozens of other spiritual explorers, he lays out what it means to be spiritually homeless, how we got here, how to find
our people and ultimately our home in the world of spirituality.
"Spiritually Homeless" is replete with examples, ranging from what spiritual development looks like, to navigating
spiritual impasse and even offers tips on how to select a spiritual director. "Spiritually Homeless" is essential reading for
anyone who feels the tug of spirituality pulling them out beyond the walls and credos of traditional religions.
Critique: Original, engaging, thought-provoking, deftly crafted, a bit iconoclastic, and assuredly motivating spiritually,
"Spiritually Homeless" is an extraordinary and thoroughly 'reader friendly' treatise that is also available in a digital book
format (Kindle, $9.99) and is especially and unreservedly recommended for the personal reading lists for clergy, seminary
students, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject of Faith, Reason, Religion & Spirituality.
Editorial Note: Kris Girrell (https://krisgirrell.com) is an avid student of life, as seen through the lenses of psychology and
theology.
The Travel Shelf
100 Classic Hikes Oregon
Eli Boschetto
Mountaineers Books
www.mountaineersbooks.org
9781680516241, $24.95, PB, 576pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/100-Classic-Hikes-Oregon-Mountains/dp/1680516248
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/100-classic-hikes-oregon-eli-boschetto/1147066086
Synopsis: The varied landscapes of the state of Oregon are a year-round hikers paradise, offering an abundance of volcanic
peaks, dramatic coastlines, lush forests, wide-open high deserts, winding canyons, and sparkling alpine lakes.
With the publication of "100 Classic Hikes Oregon", hiking expert and author Eli Boschetto shares his deep knowledge
and passion for trails and Oregon's hiking community.
Designed for use by day hikers and backpackers alike, this new guidebook highlights the state's best natural spaces along
with routes of historical or cultural significance. Boschetto provides options for both shortening or extending many hikes
so everyone can find the route that matches their skill and energy level -- and, of course, includes distance and time for
each route as well as difficulty rating, elevation gain, permit information, and more.
Critique: "100 Classic Hikes Oregon" by Oregon hiking and outdoors expert Eli Boschetto is a completely new,
comprehensive, full-color guide to the most iconic trails across Oregon. Of special note is the inclusion of detailed
full-color topography maps and stunning color photos complement every trail, as well as trail lists for wildflower viewing,
fishing, views, waterfalls, and more. Exceptional, informative, and an ideal resource for planning Oregon based itineraries
and excursions, "100 Classic Hikes Oregon" thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation -- making it
especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, and community library Hiking & Camping
instructional reference collections. It should be noted that this trade paperback edition of "100 Classic Hikes Oregon" is
also available from Mountaineers Books in a digital book format (Kindle, $24.95).
Editorial Note: Eli Boschetto (www.PCTOregon.com) is a professional hiker, writer, and author based in Portland,
Oregon, and has put more than 6000 miles under his hiking boots exploring the mountains and wilderness areas throughout
the western US and Canada. He is the author of Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Oregon and Urban Trails Portland, both
published by Mountaineers Books. Eli is also an accomplished outdoor photographer and has worked as a Northwest
correspondent for Backpacker magazine as well as editor of Washington Trails magazine. Visit him online on Facebook
and Twitter @pctoregon
The Wine Shelf
Wine Pairing for the People
Cha McCoy
Harvest
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
www.harpercollins.com
9780063329676, $35.00, HC, 272pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Wine-Pairing-People-Communion-Certified/dp/0063329670
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wine-pairing-for-the-people-cha-mccoy/1146931785
Synopsis: Wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs often say food and wine that grows together, goes together, and that spicy,
tangy, salty, and sweet flavors are a challenge to pair. But what about foods from regions where wine grapes aren't
prevalent? What about global cuisines (many of which are outside of Europe) that celebrate heat and tang? Don't these
traditional foods deserve the perfect wine pairing?
Cha McCoy, Certified Sommelier and owner of The Communion wine boutique, knows that good foods and wines go
together and that the cuisines of Africa, Asia, and the Americas are just as worthy of great pours.
"Wine Pairing for the People: The Communion of Wine, Food, and Culture from Africa and Beyond" is a first-of-its-kind
guidebook in which McCoy pairs wines with foods from Africa, Asia, and beyond, blending practical information with a
side of aspirational armchair travel. McCoy shares her journey of learning and connecting with deep culinary traditions and
regional cuisines around the world, diving in by continent and then by region or country, from Africa to the Caribbean,
from Latin America to the United States of America, and Asia, and exploring their winemaking regions.
Throughout, you will see pairing lists and menus to easily find wines to savor with whatever food you are craving, whether
it's Moroccan Tagine, Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Mexican Elote, Shrimp Po' Boy, Peach Cobbler, or Pad Thai. Plus, "Wine
Pairing for the People" features 25 recipes for global fare from renowned chefs and mixologists that represent the heritage
of each destination, with food accompanied by suggested wine pairing, to complete the meal.
Whether you are curious about what to eat on your next trip abroad, want to try out a local restaurant, or are looking to
explore a new cuisine to cook at home, "Wine Pairing for the People" will not only guide you on what to eat but how to
best highlight the flavor of your meals with successful pairings. Complete with a foreword by Stephen Satterfield, and
stunning photographs, maps, and illustrations throughout, "Wine Pairing for the People" is a groundbreaking resource that
boldly declares: Wine is for everyone!
Critique: Beautifully and profusely illustrated throughout, "Wine Pairing for the People: The Communion of Wine, Food,
and Culture from Africa and Beyond" by wine and dining expert Cha McCoy is a seminal study that is eloquent,
informative, and imaginatively instructive. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Wine Pairing for the
People" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and college/university library
Wine/Beer/Liquor collections. It should be noted for non-specialist general readers with an interest in Wine Tasting, Wine
Making, and Cuisine paring with Wines that this hardcover edition of "Wine Pairing for the People" from Harvest is also
readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $17.99).
Editorial Note: Cha McCoy (https://www.chamccoy.com) is an entrepreneur, educator, and event producer. As a certified
sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, she developed The Communion, a wine dinner series that offers an
inviting, accessible approach to gathering and enjoying wine. This experience inspired her to open her first
brick-and-mortar store, The Communion Wine & Spirits. The dinner series was profiled in Food & Wine, and Cha was
named one of Wine Enthusiast's 40 Under 40. Cha has held coveted positions, such as Cherry Bombe's first beverage
director, the head of beverage for the Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and a sommelier at a Michelin-starred restaurant in
Portugal. Passionate about education, she spends her spare time mentoring and teaching at her alma mater, Syracuse
University, where she served as an adjunct professor, educating and inspiring new wine drinkers.
A Taste for Wine
Rose Murray Brown, MW
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781840918984, $29.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Taste-Wine-tasting-masterclass-lovers/dp/1840918985
A Taste for Wine: A New Tasting Masterclass for Wine Lovers offers a course in how to taste wine that will prove perfect
for newcomers to the wine world. It creates a logical progression through wine study which begins with how wine is made
and how different processes affect its flavor. Readers receive lessons on diverse grape varieties, wine countries of the
world, different production methods for low-alcohol wines to natural wines, and wine and food pairing options that delve
into tasting practices, comparing sweetness and acidity between wines, understanding winemaking options, and much
more. Peppered with color photos throughout, A Taste for Wine offers a rich assortment of insights and wine tasting
approaches that are the perfect introduction for novices seeking to better understand wines.
Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book 2026
Margaret Rand, General Editor
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781784728724, $18.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Hugh-Johnsons-Pocket-Wine-Book/dp/1784728721
Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book 2026 is the 49th edition of an annually-updated, truly 'pocket-sized' guide that
continues to be the consumer go-to guide for the latest wine choices. New illustrations accompany more pages in a survey
that sports more illustrations (by New Yorker contributor Hilary Fitzgerald), along with supplemental information on wine
pricing, growers and wine regions of the world, recommended vintages to buy to drink either now or later, and more.
While a pleasing pocket size lends to its attraction as a take-along tote to wine events and shopping, of necessity, this also
translates to small-sized fonts. That noted, the guide remains an outstanding resource for all wine lovers, especially novices
to the wine world who want to get up and running quickly with an authoritative guide pointing the way to the best.
The Sports Shelf
The Soccer 100
The Athletic Soccer Staff, author
Oliver Kay, author
James Horncastle, author
William Morrow & Company
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
www.harpercollins.com
9780063412675, $45.00/$42.00, HC, 784pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Soccer-100-Athletic/dp/0063412675
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-soccer-100-the-athletic/1147011322
Synopsis: "The Soccer 100" is a celebration of the beautiful game and its 100 greatest players, ranging from the pre-World
War II exploits of Dixie Dean to the modern-day genius of Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.
These players left legacies, redefined the game with trademark skills, and grew into national icons. They have their stats
(the goals, the wins, the trophies) but, more importantly, they have their stories.
One World Cup winner owned a nightclub that briefly transformed a corner of industrial Germany into one of the hippest
places around. An Austrian forward's death is still shrouded in mystery. A striker who might have become a telephone
technician had he not been spotted playing soccer was eventually elected president of his country.
And there are unanswered questions. How did Pele's Brazil shirt from the 1958 World Cup quarterfinal go missing in a
Welsh school? Which goalkeeper was so good that one opponent considered scoring against him akin to "winning a
trophy"?
Through extensive research and interviews, The Athletic soccer staff, led by Oliver Kay and James Horncastle, discovered
angles and tales that shine a new light on the sport's most compelling characters.
They faced an impossible riddle, too: Of the thousands of players to hit the pitch, who is the best? Their efforts to find the
answer took the foremost sports newsroom on a journey, and what emerges is more than a ranking. Through all-new, vivid
portraits of each athlete, The Soccer 100 is a tribute to the greatest players to have ever graced the most popular sport on
the planet.
Critique: A brilliant presented, impressively informative, and deftly written history of Soccer Heroes and their inspiring
stories, "The Soccer 100" is a 'must read' selection for the legions of soccer fans and is especially and unreservedly
recommended for community and college/university library Sports/Soccer History/Biography collections. It should be
noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "The Soccer 100" from William Morrow is also readily
available in a digital book format (Kindle, $22.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (HarperCollins Christian,
9798228690677, $59.95, CD).
Editorial Note #1: The Athletic has built the world's largest sports newsroom by focusing on deep reporting, expert
analysis, and unmatched journalism to drive its storytelling. It recently became a part of the New York Times
company.
Editorial Note #2: Oliver Kay is a senior writer at The Athletic having previously spent 19 years at The Times, and is a
veteran of 11 World Cups and European Championships. His first book, Forever Young: The Story of Adrian Doherty,
Football's Lost Genius, won both the Football Book of the Year and Sports Book of the Year awards at the British Sports
Book Awards in 2017. James Horncastle is a senior writer for The Athletic, specializing in Italian and European football.
He speaks Italian, has lived in Rome, and is a regular contributor to the BBC and TNT Sports. In September 2024, he was
awarded the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for his contribution to promoting Italian football and strengthening the
cultural ties between Italy and the United Kingdom. (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/oliver-kay)
Editorial Note #3: James Horncastle (https://jameshorncastle.com) is a football/soccer writer. He speaks Italian, has lived
in Rome and specializes in Serie A, but follows all the major leagues, from Spain and Germany to England and France. His
articles have featured on BBC Sport, Fox Soccer, ESPN and can also be found in FourFourTwo, Champions, When
Saturday Comes and The Blizzard. He has occasionally been known to put in guest appearances on Guardian Football
Weekly and BBC Five Live too.
The Theatre/Cinema Shelf
The Scenographic Model, third edition
Darwin Reid Payne, Ronald Naversen, and Brad M. Carlson
Southern Illinois University Press
www.siupress.com
9780809339761, $43.00, PB, 232pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Scenographic-Model-Darwin-Reid-Payne/dp/0809339765
Southern Illinois University Press
https://www.siupress.com/9780809339761/the-scenographic-model
Synopsis: This newly updated and expanded third edition of "The Scenographic Model" by the late and noted scenographer
Darwin Reid Payne, builds (with contributions by Ronald Naversen and Brad M. Carlson) upon Payne's original theories
and exercises to provide a modern exploration of the practice of theatrical modelmaking.
With chapters on traditional and contemporary materials, tools, and techniques, this third edition of "The Scenographic
Model" aptly serves as a foundational guide to understanding the historical, theoretical, and practical aspects of
scenographic modelmaking, making it essential for the beginner, generalist, and professional design practitioner.
This new third edition of "The Scenographic Model" begins with a brief history of the scenographic model and explores
how modelmaking has adapted to changes in materials, technology, and commercial influences over time. It then details
setting up a safe, productive model-building studio before introducing the types and purposes of various scenographic
models.
It goes on to instruct the reader in constructing common model elements and accessories.
Later chapters explore how the models reveal stage space and create mood and atmosphere through tonal shading and
lighting; discuss the use of found objects, collage techniques, and projection models in scenic design; and delve into 3D
printing and computer routering.
The final chapter provides information on various aspects of photography and image sharing related to design and
production communication.
This comprehensive text provides information not just from theater but also from other modeling disciplines and sources,
including architecture, film, dioramas, dollhouse modeling, and model railroading. A useful resource for high school,
community college, university, and community theater enthusiasts, it is also an excellent reference book for theater
designers throughout the country.
Critique: This illustrated, large format (8 x 0.9 x 10 inches, 1.46 pounds), paperback third edition of "The Scenographic
Model" by the team of co-authors Darwin Reid Payne, Ronald Naversen, and Brad M. Carlson, is informative enhanced for
the reader's benefit with the inclusion of an Introduction (The Sceneographic Model in History), eight pages of Notes, a six
page Bibliography, and a six page Index. A complete and comprehensive course of DIY instruction, this new and expanded
third edition of "The Scenographic Model" from the Southern Illinois University Press is especially and unreservedly
recommended for personal, community, and college/university library Stage Craft, Model Building, and 3D Printing
instructional reference collections and supplemental Theatre Department curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note #1: Darwin Reid Payne was a professor emeritus of scenic design at Southern Illinois University
Carbondale. He is the author of Materials and Craft of the Scenic Model, Theory and Craft of the Scenographic Model,
The Scenographic Imagination, and Computer Scenographics.
(https://www.meredithfh.com/obituaries/darwin-reid-payne)
Editorial Note #2: Ronald Naversen, (Ph.D.) is a professor emeritus of scenic design at Southern Illinois University
Carbondale. He has worked as a freelance designer for numerous theatres including Westport Country Playhouse in
Connecticut, the Vitalist Theater of Chicago, and the New Harmony Theater in Indiana. He has published articles in
TD&T, Stage Directions, and Theatre Crafts. (https://www.ronaldnaversen.com)
Editorial Note #3: Brad M. Carlson is an associate professor of theatre design and Chair of the Department of
Communication and Theatre Arts at Truman State University, where he teaches scenic design, and stagecraft. His
professional design work has been featured at The Rose Theatre in Omaha, The Human Race Theatre in Dayton, Victory
Gardens Theater in Chicago, and the New London Barn Playhouse, in New Hampshire.
(https://www.bradcarlson.com)
The Movie Lover's Quiz Book
Gary Wigglesworth
Summersdale Publishers
www.summersdale.com
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781837996070, $17.00
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Movie-Lovers-Quiz-Book-Questions/dp/1837996075
The Movie Lover's Quiz Book gathers over 900 questions about films, movie stars, and directors, and is recommended for
movie buffs interested in trivia games and movie facts. Quizzes offer avid film fans the opportunity to test their
knowledge, learn new things, and participate in movie lore and trivia with friends. The focus on characters, actors, movie
events and timelines, and more tests all aspects of movie knowledge in a survey designed to challenge and engage movie
buffs whose film genre interests are broad.
The Business Shelf
Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane
Brian Schubring, author
Linda Schubring, author
Wiley
c/o Wiley Professional Trade Group
www.wiley.com
Blackstone Publishing
https://www.blackstonelibrary.com
9781394338092, $24.00, HC, 144pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Unfolded-Lessons-Transformation-Origami-Crane/dp/1394338090
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unfolded-brian-schubring/1146693152
Synopsis: With the publication of "Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane", co-authors Brian and
Linda Schubring have created a provocative allegory to help individuals and leaders develop a sense of their true identity,
permission to dream, and courage to transform
"Unfolded" is an allegory about an origami crane's dream of becoming a paper plane, Unfolded imparts a philosophy and
strategy to help leaders meet their full potential, cultivate better relationships, and grow their leadership capacity. Through
purposeful storytelling, "Unfolded" encourages readers to join a journey of transformation, self-acceptance, and
expression, helping them unpack their identity and build confidence in themselves.
Readers will learn how to look within to navigate their lives and about the importance of understanding the internal map of
their life story, lived experiences, lessons learned, and shaping relationships.
"Unfolded" gives readers permission to dream and shows readers how to:
Work with your feelings of self-doubt, fear, shame, guilt, and judgment when taking the next step forward
See play as practice in disguise, and trying as intentional practice
Track stories, maps, creases, folds, and dreams to look at your life and learn something important
"Unfolded" is also a critical business book empowering individuals and leaders to begin a discussion on personal
wellbeing and professional influence, and help their people understand how meaningful relationships and lived experiences
are shaping how they show up on their teams, their families, and in the world.
Critique: A unique, original, and effective approach to business organization leadership, management, motivation and
improvement, "Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami Crane" is impressively well written, organized and
presented -- making it an ideal and unreservedly recommended addition for personal, professional, community, corporate,
and college/university library Business Management collections and supplemental MBA curriculum studies lists. It should
be noted for MBA students, academia, corporate executives, business managers, entrepreneurs, and non-specialist general
readers with an interest in the subject that this hardcover edition of "Unfolded: Lessons in Transformation from an Origami
Crane" from Wiley is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.00) and as a complete and unabridged
audio book (Blackstone Publishing, 9798228676121, $45.95, CD).
Editorial Note #1: Brian Schubring is the founder of Leadership Vision Consulting. With expertise in behavioral
psychology, clinical counseling, and applied neuroscience, he empowers individuals and teams to achieve their fullest
potential. A natural leader and athlete, Brian's journey includes excelling in hockey before pivoting to compete in over 50
marathons, 250 triathlons, and three Ironman triathlons. His nearly 40 years as a fitness instructor reflect his unwavering
dedication to health and growth, both physical and personal. Brian's unique blend of strategic insight and human
connection continues to inspire transformation in leaders and organizations worldwide.
Editorial Note #2: Dr. Linda Schubring is the president and owner of Leadership Vision Consulting, bringing decades of
experience in leadership and organizational culture. Previously, she served in university administration and as VP of
Employee Experience and Culture at an IT consulting firm where she led transformative initiatives. Linda earned a Doctor
of Intercultural Studies from Fuller Theological Seminary with research centered on how multinational leaders navigate
change in diverse European cultural contexts. As a breast cancer survivor, Linda brings a profound understanding of
resilience and the human capacity for growth through adversity. Her empathy and insight inspire those around her to
navigate challenges with courage and find meaningful paths forward.
The Metaphysical Studies Shelf
Making Tarot Magic
Briana Saussy, author
Theresa Reed, foreword
Weiser Publishers
c/o Red Wheel/Weiser
www.redwheelweiser.com
9781578638765, $19.95, PB, 248pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Making-Tarot-Magic-Remedies-Transform/dp/1578638763
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/making-tarot-magic-briana-saussy/1146811771
Synopsis: In various traditions around the world, divination is not a stopping point; it's the beginning. Someone may come
to tarot (or other forms of divination) to receive insight into their situation but also to glean a diagnosis and treatments to
remedy problems. These "treatments" are often magical rituals or ceremonies the querent could perform for themselves or
have someone else perform on their behalf. Each tarot card has specific recommendations for what kind of magic and ritual
might be appropriate to address a specific concern -- you just need to learn how to read them with an eye to their inner
magic.
With respect to "Making Tarot Magic: Rituals and Remedies to Transform Readings into Action" by tarot expert Briana
Saussy:
Each section of the book is dedicated to a single magical condition: abundance, healing, love, justice, and more.
Every tarot card has an interpretation seen through the lens of and with respect to the magical condition the section has
focused on.
Techniques are given for the types of magical work best suited to a particular card's presence and meaning in a
reading.
Suggested intentions provide guidelines for what attitude or spirit you may want to infuse your work with to produce the
best result.
Includes magic basics, ritual and ceremonial suggestions, and recipes.
Readers will learn to work with sacred vessels, candles and oil lamps, incense, sachets, spiritual baths, herbs and roots,
magical words, prayers and petitions, sacred waters, textile magic, and spirits.
"Making Tarot Magic" teaches you how to tune in, interpret the issue, and find the remedy.
Critique: Comprehensive, reader friendly in organization and presentation, and an especially recommended pick for
aspiring and professional tarot readers alike, "Making Tarot Magic: Rituals and Remedies to Transform Readings into
Action" by Briana Saussy is an ideal, DIY instructional guide and 'how to' manual on applying magical tarot readings to
real world applications. Informed and informative, this trade paperback edition of "Making Tarot Magic: Rituals and
Remedies to Transform Readings into Action" is a prized pick for personal, professional, community, and
college/university library Metaphysical Studies: The Tarot collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should
be noted that "Making Tarot Magic: Rituals and Remedies to Transform Readings into Action" from Weiser Books is also
available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Briana Saussy (https://brianasaussy.com/about-briana) is an author, storyteller, teacher, spiritual counselor,
and founder of the Sacred Arts Academy, where she teaches magic, divination, ceremony, and other sacred arts for
everyday life. She is well-grounded in the world's great religious and intellectual traditions, as well as Western
psychological practices. She holds a BA and MA in Eastern and Western classics, philosophy, mathematics, and science
and is a student of ancient Greek and Sanskrit. Briana's work has been featured in The Paris Review, Yoga Journal,
Enchanted Living, and more.
Prosperity Magic
Rachel Patterson
https://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk
Moon Books
c/o Collective Ink Books
https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com
9781803419763, $19.95, PB, 232pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Prosperity-Magic-Spell-Working-Abundance/dp/1803419768
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/prosperity-magic-rachel-patterson/1146850784
Synopsis: From the author of Fate and Fortune magazine's ever-popular Witch That Gets You Rich column. Rachel
Patterson now presents "Prosperity Magic: Spell Working for Abundance, Money, and Prosperity", an ideal introduction to
the realm of money-making magic.
But that is not all. Abundance and prosperity can manifest in all kinds of ways - in the form of cold hard cash, or equally,
in the form of friends, family, love, and happiness. "Prosperity Magic" provides a plethora of general magical suggestions,
spell workings, tips, and correspondences for creating all kinds of prosperity, abundance, and money-making magic to
enrich and enhance your life, as well as recover from debts, because sometimes we need that, too.
All the spells compiled and presented in "Prosperity Magic" are straightforward and uncomplicated, often using items and
ingredients easily found in any home, kitchen, and cupboard.
The overarching message of "Prosperity Magic" is that money magic shouldn't be complicated. It should involve simple
steps for creating and manifesting the comfortable life you deserve, not just for you but also for those you care about -- and
that you deserve in abundance in all areas of your life!
Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Prosperity Magic: Spell Working for Abundance, Money,
and Prosperity" will prove to be an invaluable and enduringly appreciated introduction to the use of Wiccan magick to
promote financial and emotional success in our personal and professional lives. Fascinating, informative, thought-
provoking, and thoroughly 'reader/user' friendly in style and approach, "Prosperity Magic" is a seminal and unreservedly
recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Metaphysical Studies &
Wiccan Practices collections and supplemental curriculum lists. It should be noted for Wiccan students and practitioners
that this paperback edition of "Prosperity Magic" from Moon Books is also available for personal reading lists in a digital
book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Rachel Patterson (https://www.rachelpatterson.co.uk) is an English witch who has been walking the Pagan
pathway for over thirty years. She has had over 30 books published (so far). Her passion is to learn, she loves to study and
has done so from books, online resources, schools and wonderful mentors over the years and still continues to learn each
and every day but has learnt the most from actually getting outside and doing it. Rachel gives talks to pagan groups and
co-runs workshops with the Kitchen Witch Coven. A regular columnist with Fate & Fortune magazine, she also
contributes articles to several magazines such as Pagan Dawn and Witchcraft & Wicca. You will find her regular
ramblings on her own personal blog and YouTube channel. Rachel is host for the Pagan Portals Podcast, (Moon Books
Publishing). Her craft is a combination of old religion witchcraft, Wicca, hedge witchery, kitchen witchery and folk
magic.
The Criminology Shelf
Until She's Found: A Daughter's Journey of Love, Loss, and Justice
Stacey Andrade King, author
Nancy Jo Publishing
https://nancyjoandrade.org
9798993429502, $10.99, PB, 90pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Until-Shes-Found-Daughters-Journey/dp/B0FY2K8VYS
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/until-shes-found-stacey-andrade-king/1148616838
Synopsis: When twelve-year-old Stacey's mother, Nancy Jo Andrade, went missing, her world shattered. What followed
the devastating discovery that Nancy Jo had been murdered were decades of painful uncertainty -- her body never being
found and her family's relentless fight for justice by a system that faltered.
In this riveting and personal account, Stacey shares what it means to live in the aftermath of violent crime - not as a
headline, but as a daughter, sister, and survivor. Through her eyes, readers witness the silence left behind, the ongoing
battle with courts and sentencing, and the haunting absence of closure.
"Until She's Found: A Daughter's Journey of Love, Loss, and Justice Taken Away" is not about answers. It is about the
questions that never stop. It is about the weight of absence, the resilience of love, and the unrelenting pursuit of justice for
those who can no longer speak for themselves.
For families who have endured similar loss, Stacey offers recognition and solidarity, as well as a collection of resources to
help navigate the impossible journey of surviving violent crime. For others, this is an unflinching glimpse into the human
cost of violence - a story that demands compassion, awareness, and change.
Stacey Andrade King's story stands as both testimony and tribute: to her mother's life, to the families forever marked by
murder, and to the enduring fight for justice when the system fails.
Critique: Heartbreaking, emotionally engaging, but ultimately positive, "Until She's Found: A Daughter's Journey of Love,
Loss, and Justice Taken Away" is an exceptional memoir that will hold immense appeal for readers with an interest in the
impact of crime on ordinary families, about the struggle to deal with unspeakable tragedy. Exceptionally well written and
presented, "Until She's Found" is especially and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library
Contemporary American Biography/Memoir collections, and supplemental Criminology curriculum studies lists. It should
be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "Until She's Found" from Nancy Jo Publishing is also
readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $5.99).
Editorial Note: Stacey Andrade King is a writer, speaker, and advocate for victims' rights. She honors her mother's memory
by raising awareness of the challenges faced by families affected by violent crime, sharing resources for survivors, and
promoting victim-centered reform. Stacey lives with her family and remains committed to seeking justice for all families
whose lives have been forever changed by violent crime. She established "The Nancy Jo Foundation", a non-profit
organization dedicated to helping families with missing children to honor her mother. (https://nancyjoandrade.org).
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
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Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
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