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Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
A Brief History of a Long War
Mariam Naiem, author
Yulia Vus and Ivan Kypibida, illustrators
Ten Speed Graphic
c/o The Crown Publishing Group
https://crownpublishing.com
9780593840153, $19.99 hc / $9.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Brief-History-Long-War-Domination/dp/0593840151
Synopsis: A beautifully illustrated and comprehensive graphic history of Ukraine's centuries-long struggle against Russian
domination, from the Middle Ages to today's devastating war, by an award-winning journalist and Ukrainian cultural
historian
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began long before the 2014 war that led to the Russia's invasion in 2022. The
Ukrainian people have been subjected to systematic persecution and mass atrocities by Russian and Soviet authorities across
centuries - from the linguicide of the Ukrainian language and censorship of literature in the 1860s to the Holomodor famine
of the 1930s, and more.
In A Brief History of a Long War, distinguished Ukrainian scholar, activist, and journalist Mariam Naiem presents a
panoramic overview of the major moments in this longstanding conflict. Alongside gripping accounts of the historical
foundation of the modern Ukrainian state as we know it today, Naiem seamlessly incorporates current narratives about the
harrowing realities of war and the lengths citizens must go to survive.
Featuring gorgeous illustrations by Ukrainian artists Yulia Vus and Ivan Kypibida, A Brief History of a Long War is an ode
to the moments of resistance and resilience from the Ukrainian people in the face of Russia's oppressive, colonial
history.
Critique: Ukrainian scholar, activist, and journalist Mariam Naiem presents A Brief History of a Long War: Ukraine's Fight
Against Russian Domination, a black-and-white nonfiction graphic novel with orange color highlights (presumably in honor
of the late 2004 to early 2005 Orange Revolution in Ukraine, a series of civil disobedience protests prompted by reports of
fabricated election results). Thoroughly accessible to readers of all backgrounds, A Brief History of a Long War tells of war,
conquest, and mass extermination that Russia has perpetrated against Ukraine throughout history, including the role of
religion as a tool to subjugate Ukrainians, the mass starvation of the genocidal Holodomor ("execution by hunger")
perpetrated by Stalin's government in the 1930's, the cultural genocide of banning the Ukrainian language and targeting
Ukrainian writers and intellectuals for death, the 2014 seizure of Crimea and the 2022 invasion and ongoing war..
A final quote summarizes the long and bloody history: "I would like people to know that this is not the war of one man.
Putin has merely continued Russia's aggressive politics, as attacks on neighboring countries have been part of that country's
existence for many years. We are not the first Ukrainian generation to die from injustice." A Brief History of a Long War is
worthy of the highest recommendation for school, public library, and personal collections. It should be noted for personal
reading lists that A Brief History of a Long War is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).
Tennessee: The Volunteer State
Jacqueline Hope Raynor
Firefly Books
https://www.fireflybooks.com
9780228105886, $24.95
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Tennessee-Volunteer-Jacqueline-Hope-Raynor/dp/0228105889
Synopsis: Tennessee may be small in size with a population of just over 7 million, but it is a heavy-hitter when it comes to
its influence on popular music and American culture in the 20th century. The capital, Nashville, is the heart of country
music performance and production, with its long- running Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame and the legendary
stretch of honky-tonks and dance halls known as the District.
Tennessee's many historical and contemporary attractions include:
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, containing some of the highest mountains in eastern North America, is the
most-visited national park in the United States.
The Appalachian Trail, this world-famous hiking trail, spanning almost 2,200 miles, passes through Tennessee and attracts
more than 3 million hikers each year.
The Hermitage, President Andrew Jackson's 1,120-acre plantation, is now a museum that features exhibits covering all
aspects of plantation life.
Shiloh National Military Park, commemorating the battlefield of Shiloh, the Shiloh National Cemetery and other historical
landmarks.
The Titanic Museum, a two-story museum shaped like the Titanic, located in Pigeon Forge.
Critique: Illustrated with gorgeous full-color photography on virtually every page, Tennessee: The Volunteer State is an
armchair traveler's delight. Each photograph captures a notable place or feature located in Tennessee, and is paired with a
descriptive text caption: "With seating for up to 900 guests, the Showstreet Palace Theater at Dollywood hosts a variety of
performances, including musical tributes, gospel concerts, and interactive shows." This lightweight, visually stunning
coffee-table book is a joy to page through, and also makes an excellent gift! Highly recommended.
The Traveling Tree
Michio Hoshino
Gaia
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781856755900, $19.99 HC, $9.99 Kindle, 192pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Travelling-Tree-Michio-Hoshino/dp/1856755908
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-traveling-tree-michio-hoshino/1148351828
The Traveling Tree: Lessons from a Nomadic Life is translated by Eli K.P. William and explores Michio Hoshino's travels
through wildlife and nature. If the book sounds familiar, that's because it was first published in 1994, reprinted 57 times
since, and now provides new generations of naturalists and adventurers a powerful survey about Hoshino's love of
photography and nature. Though Hoshino's photos have received worldwide acclaim, with The Traveling Tree only
expanding his reach in the 20 years since his death, no prior familiarity with him or Japanese culture is needed in order to
appreciate this book's exquisite focus. The Traveling Tree's reappearance in a format that will lend to gift-giving is to be
celebrated.
The AI Studies Shelf
Cognitive Kin
Christophe Kolb and Jan Rosen, authors
IdeaPress Publishing
https://www.ideapresspublishing.com
9781646872121, $32.99, HC, 750pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Cognitive-Kin-Work-Meaning-Agentic/dp/1646872126
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cognitive-kin-christophe-kolb/1148848351
Synopsis: With the publication of "Cognitive Kin: How to Work, Win, and Make Meaning with Agentic AI", co-authors
Christophe Kolb and Jan Rosen map the threshold where artificial intelligence stops being a feature and becomes a
workforce.
Kolb and Rosen draw on firsthand experience at the frontier of agentic AI and show how digital labor becomes viable, why
org charts give way to networks of intent, and how leadership shifts to orchestration. They also translate the machinery
(memory, feedback loops, tool use) into plain language, then follow the shockwave into strategy, culture, and
governance.
"Cognitive Kin" isn't tomorrow's speculation on the future of AI. It is a present-tense transition that is reshaping the meaning
of work and creating new sources of value. The advantage will belong to firms that learn to think with thinking things --
working alongside intelligent systems without outsourcing judgment, meaning, or responsibility
Critique: Exceptionally informative, deftly presented, and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation,
"Cognitive Kin: How to Work, Win, and Make Meaning with Agentic AI" directly addresses the issues related to generative
AI and their impact on social, cultural, and business relevant technologies. Unique, timely, 'cutting edge', and inherently
fascinating, this hardcover edition of "Cognitive Kin" from IdeaPress Publishing is especially and unreservedly
recommended for personal, professional, community, corporate, and college/university library AI collections and
supplemental AI curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note #1: Dr. Christophe Kolb is the founder and CEO of Taller (https://taller.us), a global accelerator for digital
transformation that brings AI and deep tech from incubation to large-scale deployment. He works with Fortune 500
companies and ambitious enterprises to build "centaur workforces": hybrid teams of human specialists and AI agents that
redefine how organizations create, deliver, and capture value. A longtime traveler across the frontiers of advanced
technology - from neural networks and decentralized systems to quantum computing - Kolb holds a Ph.D. in Computation &
Neural Systems from Caltech and a degree in Physics & Philosophy from Oxford.
Editorial Note #2: Jan Rosen is Chief Innovation and Transformation Officer at Taller, where he designs and deploys
agentic AI architectures that change how organizations think, decide, and deliver. Before joining Taller (https://taller.us), he
led major engineering efforts at Venmo and PayPal, building the invisible machinery behind everyday payments and in-store
experiences, and driving major platform modernization. A systems engineer by training and temperament, he moves easily
from code to culture, helping enterprise leaders translate advanced strategy into running software. Rosen holds an M.Sc. in
Computer Science from Chalmers University of Technology.
The Education Shelf
Early Years Essentials
Jayne Carter, author
Poppy Gibson, author
Routledge
https://www.routledge.com
9781032825816, $34.95, PB, 230pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Early-Years-Essentials-Linking-Provision/dp/1032825812
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/early-years-essentials-jayne-carter/1147934898
Synopsis: Co-authored by Jayne Carter and Poppy Gibson, "Early Years Essentials: Linking Theory to Provision in the Early
Years" offers a wealth of evidence-based strategies and ideas to enhance the learning and development of young children.
Linked to the EYFS framework and drawing on a wide range of case studies from across the sector, "Early Years Essentials"
shows what excellent provision looks like in practice alongside summaries of key research.
Each individual chapter includes a 'pondering question' which offers the reader the opportunity to reflect on their own
knowledge, as well as providing a framework to consider how to enhance their own teaching skills.
Covering all aspects of early years practice, "Early Years Essentials" includes:
The indoor and outdoor learning environment
Observation, planning, and assessment
Working with parents and carers
The prime and specific areas of learning
Adult-child interactions
The characteristics of effective learning
Inclusion and diversity
Child and practitioner wellbeing
Also featured are reflective questions and key takeaways in every chapter. The essential text of "Early Years Essentials" will
support student and practitioner knowledge and understanding of how the EYFS principles can be effectively embedded into
best practice.
Critique: Exceptionally informative, well organized and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in presentation, "Early Years Essentials:
Linking Theory to Provision in the Early Years" by educators Jayne Carter and Poppy Gibson is a unique and unreservedly
recommended addition to personal, professional, and college/university library Early Education Theory & Practices
collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that this trade paperback edition of "Early Years
Essentials" from Routledge is also readily available in for education students, teachers, and school administrators in a digital
book format (Kindle, $26.59) and for academic library collections, there is a hardcover edition (9781032825830,
$186.00).
Editorial Note #1: Jayne Carter is Director of Ignite Education Ltd, providing consultancy for practitioners within the early
years and primary sector. She uses coaching as a model for change, facilitating professional conversations which are focused
on empowering others and generating growth in knowledge and skills. She is also the Programme Development Lead at
Partnership for Children (https://www.partnerforkids.org).
Editorial Note #2: Poppy Gibson is a lecturer in education at the Open University. After nearly two decades working in
education, Poppy's research now focuses on wellbeing and mental health in childhood.
(https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=AKOyBqcAAAAJ&hl=en)
The Calm College Method
Lisa Rouff, Ph.D., author
Lynda Doepker, author
https://www.lisarouff.com
Independently Published
9798993036410, $15.99, PB, 284pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Calm-College-Method-Stress-Free-Admissions/dp/B0G6JF1N6V
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-calm-college-method-lisa-rouff/1148885357
Synopsis: If you are a parent staring down the daunting college admissions process, chances are you feel anxious,
overwhelmed, and unsure where to start. Between skyrocketing competition, social pressure, and endless "must-do" lists,
even the most prepared families find themselves asking. Now with the publication of "The Calm College Method: A
Stress-Free Guide to College Admissions for Parents and Students" by co-authors Lisa Rouff and Lynda Doepker there is a
calmer, saner way to plan a college admission for there highschool graduating children.
"The Calm College Method" offers a refreshing, psychology-based approach that helps families navigate admissions with
confidence and connection instead of chaos. Drawing on decades of expertise in clinical psychology and college consulting,
Dr. Lisa Rouff and Lynda Doepker blend warmth and wisdom to show parents how to turn this stressful rite of passage into
an empowering journey of growth and self-discovery.
"The Calm College Method" covers:
Reframing college admissions as a process of self-discovery, not prestige.
Understanding why today's college admissions game is so different from when you applied, and what that means for your
family.
Letting go of the illusion of control and focus on what really matters: your teen's development and well-being.
Building a realistic, well-researched college list that truly fits your student.
Creating a timeline that reduces anxiety and gets things done.
With empathy and expert insight, "The Calm College Method" effectively helps parents step off the hamster wheel of fear
and comparison -- and instead nurture capable young adults who are ready to thrive. You as a parent can find calm in the
chaos as you empower your child to approach college (and life) with confidence and purpose with the instructional and
informational assistance of "The Calm College Method".
Critique: Exceptional, comprehensive, thoroughly 'parent friendly' in organization and presentation, "The Calm College
Method: A Stress-Free Guide to College Admissions for Parents and Students" is an extraordinary guide to dealing with all
aspects of the college admission process for both parents and their college-bound children. While also available for personal
reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99) for parents, students, and highschool counselors, this trade paperback
edition of "The Calm College Method" is especially and unreservedly recommended for highschool, community, and
college/university library College Admissions Guide instructional reference collections.
Editorial Note #1: Lisa Rouff (https://www.lisarouff.com) is a clinical psychologist and independent educational consultant
with more than thirty years of experience helping teens and families navigate major life transitions with clarity and
confidence. She co-founded The College Admissions Collective, where she guides students (especially those with ADHD,
anxiety, learning differences, and perfectionism) through a calmer, more structured approach to college planning.
Editorial Note #2: Lynda Doepker is an independent educational consultant who helps students chart confident, authentic
paths to college, whether they're applying to selective universities, regional options, or navigating the process as
first-generation applicants. A first-gen college graduate herself, she brings a commitment to accessibility and years of
experience supporting high-achieving, under-resourced, and rural students. As co-founder of The College Admissions
Collective, she works with teens and families to replace stress with structure, guiding them through a thoughtful approach to
researching colleges and shaping personal narratives. Her experience as a national scholarship reader and interviewer gives
her insight into what makes a student's story stand out.
The Cookbook Shelf
Weeknight Vegetarian: Easy Vegetable Recipes for Lunch & Dinner
Joe Woodhouse
Kyle Books
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781804193471, $29.99, HC, 208pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Weeknight-Vegetarian-More-Plants-Made/dp/180419347X
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/weeknight-vegetarian-joe-woodhouse/1148257575
Synopsis: Full of deliciously simple veggie-filled recipes, "Weeknight Vegetarian: Easy Vegetable Recipes for Lunch &
Dinner" by life-long vegetarian Joe Woodhouse is perfect for the everyday home cook.
With ever recipes comprising "Weeknight Vegetarian", Woodhouse uses minimal ingredients with maximum flavour,
celebrating seasonal eating and making vegetables exciting.
A beautifully illustrated cookbook compendium, "Weeknight Vegetarian" features 90 recipes, including:
Lentil and Crunchy Veg Salad with Tahini Dressing
Oyster Mushroom Cheesesteak with Oven Chips
Fridge Drawer Fritters
Whipped Tofu with Charred Broccoli & Red Onion
Spelt Stew au Pistou
Georgian Spiced Spinach & Chickpeas
Red Lentil Moussaka
An so many, many more!
Of special note is that wherever possible recipes will highlight any make-ahead options, easy substitutions and
modifications to fit the cook's tastes or dietary needs. With tips on how to prep dishes and hacks for minimising stress in the
kitchen, "Weeknight Vegetarian" is a must-have for every vegan/vegetarian household.
Critique: Original and thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' in organization and presentation, "Weeknight Vegetarian: Easy
Vegetable Recipes for Lunch & Dinner" covers such issues as: store/cupboard essentials, seasonings, cooking with dried
beans, batch cooking, and even finicky kids and other nervous eaters. With mouth-watering full color photographs of each
finished dish, clearly laid out ingredients lists and cooking instructions, as well as cooking times, "Weeknight Vegetarian" is
a solid and unreservedly recommended pick for personal, professional, family, and community library Vegan/Vegetarian
cookbook collections. It should be noted that this hardcover edition of "Weeknight Vegetarian" from Kyle Books is also
readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $16.99).
Editorial Note: Joe Woodhouse (Instagram: @joe_woodhouse) has been vegetarian since the age of 10, teaching himself
how to cook. He later trained as a chef and spent years working in kitchens such as Vanilla Black and the Towpath Cafe, as
well as contributing to events with restaurants such as the Quality Chop house. Alongside being a chef, he is also a
photographer, shooting with clients such as Soho Farmhouse, Belazu, Marmite, Asda, Hakkasan, and Coleman's. His work
has featured in publications such as The New Yorker, Bon Appetit, Guardian, Observer, Metro, Evening Standard and Life
& Thyme.
On Fish: A Seafood Handbook
Nathan Outlaw
Kyle Books
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781804193211, $39.99 hc / $18.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Nathan-Outlaw-Fish-Seafood-Handbook-ebook/dp/B0F4QJ9H2M
Synopsis: This brand new handbook from Michelin-star chef Nathan Outlaw is a must-have for anyone cooking with fish,
from home cooks to culinary students.
For anyone wanting to know more about seafood and how to cook it, Michelin-starred Nathan Outlaw has distilled three
decades of experience as a foremost fish chef into a very personal go-to cook's handbook.
Fish Basics covers fishing methods, shopping & storing plus preparation techniques and advice on curing, grilling, smoking,
pickling, barbecuing, poaching and frying.
Chapters on flat fish, round fish, oily fish, shellfish and cephalopods provide detailed knowledge about 32 individual species
including habitat, fishing and when to eat seasonally, along with cooking & serving suggestions, followed by more than 80
recipes ranging from Brill Cured in White Wine with Grapes, Pumpkin Seeds & Basil Oil and Plaice, Aubergine &
Mushroom Curry to Anchovies with Crispy Potato Wedges and Grilled Octopus Skewers.
With recipes to suit all occasions and cooking skills, On Fish is an indispensable resource for anyone wanting to discover
and cook with sustainable fish.
Critique: Michelin-star chef Nathan Outlaw presents On Fish: A Seafood Handbook, an in-depth compendium of
preparation techniques and recipes for many different types of fish and seafood, including flat fist, round fish, oily fish, and
shellfish/cephalopods. Full-color, full-page photographs showcase the recipes, while step-by-step color photographs
illustrate the basic fish preparation techniques. On Fish: A Seafood Handbook is a superb resource for seafood cooks of all
skill and experience levels, highly recommended! It should be noted for personal reading lists that On Fish: A Seafood
Handbook is also available in a Kindle edition ($18.99).
The Art and Craft of Japanese Cooking
Nancy Singleton Hachisu
Tuttle
https://tuttlepublishing.com
9784805319895, $35.00
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Art-Craft-Japanese-Cooking-Artisans/dp/4805319895
Synopsis: In this striking, highly personal volume, acclaimed cookbook author Nancy Singleton Hachisu introduces readers
to the regional chefs and artisans at the heart of Japan's unique food culture. Bringing to bear more than three decades of life
in the Japanese countryside and over a decade as a food writer and champion of artisanal Japanese food traditions, she offers
unique recipes, spectacular photographs and insightful essays about chefs and producers across Japan.
The 140 recipes - created by seven remarkable Japanese chefs - use local, seasonal ingredients to deliver intense,
sophisticated flavors in an approachable way. Each of these Franco-Japanese, Italianate-Japanese and classic, yet modern
Japanese dishes have been meticulously tested in the author's home kitchen. Readers will find here:
Essays on regional producers of artisanal food items ranging from sea greens and umeboshi to potato flour, air-dried fish,
miso, soy sauce and Japanese malt whisky
Refreshing starters such as Squid and Yugao Gourd Salad with Shiso Vinaigrette, and Smoked Pacific Saury with Pickled
Myoga and Chrysanthemum
Savory mains such as Salt-Grilled Butterfish with Smashed Tofu, and Grilled Pigeon, Clam, Taro, Leeks & Dried
Treviso
Japanese influenced Franco and Italianate dishes such as Snapper with Yuzu Beurre Blanc and Abalone with Sweet Potato
and Abalone Liver Risotto
And many more plant- and seafood-focused dishes
Hachisu's passion for food traditions is shared by the chefs and artisans - making this book an inspiration for anyone who
appreciates food on a deeply personal level. Yet it is also a cookbook to be splashed on, marked up, and used to reproduce
the very best that Japanese cuisine has to offer in their own kitchens.
Critique: The Art and Craft of Japanese Cooking: Artisans, Chefs, Recipes is a storied cookbook filled not only with 140
recipes (created by seven talented Japanese chefs) of fine Japanese cuisine, but also fascinating essays about Japanese
culinary culture, and the regional producers of artisanal food ingredients in different regions of Japan. These ingredients
include sea greens, umeboshi, potato flour, air-dried fish, miso, soy sauce, or Japanese malt whiskey, and more. A treasure
for connoisseurs of fine Japanese cuisine, The Art and Craft of Japanese Cooking is highly recommended for both personal
and public library cookbook collections.
Eat Like a Greek
Marina Georgallides
Hamlyn
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9780600639299, $29.99, HC, 240pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Eat-Like-Greek-Delicious-Recipes/dp/0600639290
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/eat-like-a-greek-marina-georgallides/1148176745
Synopsis: With the publication of "Eat Like a Greek: 100 Quick, Easy, Delicious Recipes", Marina Georgallides shares 100
easy-to-follow Greek and Cypriot recipes drawn from her childhood, using fresh ingredients and surprisingly simple
cooking methods.
"Eat Like A Greek" includes:
Dips & appetizers (including Tirokafteri, a spicy feta dip made with hot peppers)
Breads (including Greek Flatbread, soft, fluffy and foldable breads)
Meat & fish (including Biftekia, the Greek version of a burger patty)
Vegetarian & vegan (including Dolmades Cake, an adaptation of the classic Greek mezze dish of stuffed vine)
Desserts & pastries (including Easy Tiropita, a classic savory Greek pastry stuffed with cheese and egg)
Rooted in tradition but designed to be adapted to American family kitchens, Marina's recipes make the flavorful dishes that
she grew up with accessible to all cooks. From a Portokalopita recipe that doesn't require you to oven dry the filo pastry to a
flatbread recipe that only needs one hour proving time, no dish is out of reach.
Critique: Fully living up to its subtitle, "Eat Like a Greek: 100 Quick, Easy, Delicious Recipes" is a compendium of
ethically authentic, appetite satisfying, palate pleasing, and kitchen cook friendly recipes for all dining occasions both
formal and informal. Magnificently illustrated with full color, full page photographs of finished dishes making it ideal for
menu planning ideas, "Eat Like a Greek" will prove an immediate and enduringly popular pick for personal, family,
professional, and community library Ethnic Cookbook collections. It should be noted that this hardcover edition of "Eat
Like a Greek" from Hamlyn is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $15.99).
Editorial Note: Marina Georgallides (@chefmarinie) is a Greek-Cypriot London-based food blogger. Her journey into food
content creation started in earnest at the beginning of 2021 when she made a promise to herself to post a recipe every single
day for a month. She gradually galvanized an audience through her food series, 'Just Jamming', which paved the way for
subsequent food series like Noughties Nostalgia, Only Cans and Eat Like a Greek. She is online at:
instagram.com/chefmarinie / tiktok.com/@chefmarinie / youtube.com/@chefmarinie
The Miso Cookbook
Misa Enomoto
Tuttle Publishing
www.tuttlepublishing.com
9784805319871, $16.99, HC, 96pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Miso-Cookbook-Umami-Rich-Incredible-Probiotic/dp/4805319879
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-miso-cookbook-misa-enomoto/1148639319
Synopsis: Miso is produced by fermenting soybeans with salt and koji yeast. Not only is it packed with nutrition and gut-friendly
probiotics - supporting immunity, digestion, anti-aging and recovery from fatigue - it enhances the flavor of any dish you
add it to. Use it in miso soups, Japanese and Western-style meals, even snacks and desserts. It boosts umami, tenderizes
meats and brings a new level of deliciousness to your cooking!
In this beautifully illustrated book, Japanese fermentation expert and cookbook author Misa Enomoto shares her passion for
miso - a staple in Japanese kitchens for centuries.
She presents 87 delicious recipes based around this incredibly versatile ingredient, including:
Next-Level Miso Soups like Onion, Carrot & Ginger and Hearty Pork with Root Vegetables
Snacks and Sides like Miso Butter Toast and Carrot & Walnut Miso Slaw
Main Dishes like Miso Fried Chicken, Miso-Marinated Grilled Pork and Shiso Miso Gyoza
Noodle and Rice Dishes like Miso Carbonara and Miso Butter Chicken Curry
Sweet-Salty Desserts like Miso Cheesecake and Miso Banana Bread
Dressings, Sauces and Dips like Cheesy Miso Dip, Sesame Miso Sauce and Onion Miso Dressing
Japanese chef Enomoto also shows you how to make your own overnight miso at home along with other popular Japanese
fermented seasonings like shio koji. These simple, economical recipes will transform your cooking and improve your health
in the process!
Critique: Thoroughly 'kitchen cook friend' in organization and presentation, "The Miso Cookbook" by Misa Enomoto is a
showcase compendium featuring 87 authentic, umami-rich recipes featuring Japan's acclaimed probiotic superfood!
Beautifully illustrated, clear step-by-step instructions, and an amazing resource for creating authentic Japanese cuisine
themed meals for any and all dining occasions, "The Miso Cookbook" is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended
addition to personal, family, professional, and community library Japanese Cuisine Cookbook collections.
Editorial Note: Misa Enomoto is a chef and fermentation master and the author of Fermentation for Life (Tuttle) as well as
several books in her native Japan. Her areas of specialization include small-batch miso, rice bran and desserts and sweets
made with mirin. Follow her on YouTube at "Misa Enomoto's Seasonal Cooking," or visit her website:
www.futari-gohan.jp, which offers seasonal handicraft and recipe ideas for couples.
The Apothecary Chef
Natasha Macaller
Kyle Books
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781804192801, $34.99 HC, $18.99 Kindle, 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
The Apothecary Chef: Recipes with Beneficial Herbs & Plants for a Long and Healthy Life features 80 recipes, including
those from award-winning international chefs, that support healthier eating, focusing on plants that promote health and
longevity. This requires some harvesting ability (which can translate to a farmer's market or a home garden, as well as a
field) for fresh ingredients and an interest in foods that are actively linked to health. Recipes backed by full-page color
photos include Four Fish and Herb Stew, pairing fish with loveage sprigs, dill fronds, onion, lemon, and carrot; Vegetable
Garden Tea Cakes made with ginger, apple, carrots, spices, and maple syrup; and Baby New Potato, Egg & Herb Salad with
fennel, loveage, new potatoes, and a herb cream sauce packed with basil, tarragon, and mint. The Apothecary Chef is highly
recommended for its original recipes, health-oriented focus, and broader applications of fresh herbs than most cookbooks
offer.
The Health/Medicine Shelf
5-Minute Chair Yoga for Seniors
Kierstie Payge Dolezal
Sasquatch Books
www.sasquatchbooks.com
9781632176240, $16.99, PB, 160pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/5-Minute-Chair-Yoga-Seniors-Confidence/dp/1632176246
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/5-minute-chair-yoga-for-seniors-kierstie-payge-dolezal/1147924684
Synopsis: With the publication of "5-Minute Chair Yoga for Seniors: Simple Exercises to Improve Mobility and Reclaim
Your Confidence", experienced yoga teacher Kierstie Payge Dolezal has created a 'reader friendly' and accessible guide to
gentle movement that supports healthy aging. Specifically designed especially for seniors over 60, the exercises comprising
"5-Minute Chair Yoga for Seniors" will prove invaluable in helping you reduce stiffness, ease pain, and build core strength
and flexibility through simple practices you can do anytime -- with just five minutes and a sturdy chair.
Kierstie has taught thousands of seniors how to move with more ease and confidence. Her compassionate, step-by-step
guidance makes every exercise safe, approachable, and achievable. Whether you are tasked with rebuilding strength after an
injury, seeking core exercises for seniors, or simply wanting a calm daily routine, you will find everything you need to
begin.
"5-Minute chair Yoga for Seniors" includes:
45+ gentle movements that improve balance, flexibility, and functional strength
Clear instructions and modifications for all ability levels, including limited mobility
9 complete 5-minute sequences for quick daily chair yoga routines
Large-print text and easy-to-follow illustrations for stress-free learning
Breathwork, meditation, and mindfulness practices to soothe the nervous system
Guidance to build your own personalized routine to practice at your own pace
You don't need to be flexible or a previously experienced yoga practitioner. With "5-Minute Chair Yoga for Seniors", all
you will need is a chair, your breath, and five minutes a day to reclaim your mobility, restore confidence, and feel better --
one supportive movement at a time.
Critique: Thoroughly 'reader/user' friendly in organization and presentation, "5-Minute Chair Yoga for Seniors: Simple
Exercises to Improve Mobility and Reclaim Your Confidence" by yoga instruction professional Kierstie Payge Dolezal
features 'how to' illustrations for various yoga chair bound exercises and DIY step-by-step instructions for each movement.
Simply stated, "5-Minute Chair Yoga for Seniors" is an especially and unreservedly recommended pick for personal,
professional, community, Senior Citizen Center, and community library Health/Yoga/Exercise instructional reference
collections for seniors ages 60 and older. It would also be invaluable for younger yoga practitioners with medical issues that
would prevent other forms of yoga based exercise. It should be noted that this trade paperback edition of "5-Minute Chair
Yoga for Seniors" from Sasquatch Books is also readily available in a spiral-bound edition (9781632176332, $16.99) and in
a digital book format (Kindle, $13.99).
Editorial Note: Kierstie Payge Dolezal has dedicated her life to sharing and connecting through yoga, blending her athletic
background with teachings from some of the world's most respected instructors. She specializes in helping students find
strength, balance, and transformation through mindful practice. She been working with seniors for the past six years,
tailoring her approach to meet their unique needs and abilities.
Food Noise
Dr. Jack Mosley
Short Books
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781804193341, $19.99 PB, $10.99 Kindle, 272pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Food-Noise-medications-nutrition-cravings/dp/1804193348
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/food-noise-jack-mosley/1147138476
Food Noise makes the case for a combined approach to losing weight that pairs smarter nutritional choices with weight loss
medications. It teaches how to use the latest weight loss drugs safely and in conjunction with better eating habits, identifying
"food noise" as the inner voice of hunger that too often causes people to eat too much. Filled with a blend of science, lively
applications, and considerations of how weight is gained, lost, or managed, Food Noise's holistic and inclusive approach to
diet provides not just ideals, but specifics on using FLP-1s to help achieve diet goals. The inclusion of 50 recipes and a
7-day meal plan supports the effort with invaluable tips.
The Parenting Shelf
Teach a Kid to Save
Stephen Day
Revell
c/o Baker Publishing Group
www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
9780800747848, $39.99, HC, 208pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Teach-Kid-Save-Hands-Approach/dp/0800747844
Baker Publishing Group
https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/products/9780800747534_teach-a-kid-to-save
Synopsis: Some of the toughest choices we make in adult life are about money, and so often we feel uninformed, unsure,
and ill-prepared. We want better for our kids, but how do we teach them the things we never quite learned?
"Teach a Kid to Save: A Fun, Hands-On Approach to Building Smart Money Habits" by Stephen Day is a go-to, hands-on,
research-based guide to teaching your kids about the wise use of money and the value of work through an innovative,
interactive mini-economy.
In the mini-economy, kids have jobs, earn a play-money income, make a plan for their money, shop at the household store,
and even create their own businesses. The mini-economy gives kids a chance to practice making meaningful choices about
money and work, helping them build healthy lifelong habits.
With chapters on work, rest, generosity, saving, spending, and entrepreneurship, as well as a quick-start guide, templates,
visual aids, conversation starters, and a special appendix for homeschoolers.
Critique: Impressively 'reader/user' friendly in organization and presentation, "Teach a Kid to Save: A Fun, Hands-On
Approach to Building Smart Money Habits" by Stephen Day is the all-in-one DIY resource that is ideal for parents and
caregiver to teach children of any age the kind of life-long money management skills that will make the difference between
living in poverty or prosperity. While especially and unreservedly recommended for family and community library Parenting
and Money/Finance Managing collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "Teach
a Kid to Save" from Revell is also readily available in paperback (9780800747534, $16.99) and in a digital book format
($16.14).
Editorial Note: Stephen Day (https://www.drstephenday.com) is a term associate professor in the Virginia Commonwealth
University (VCU) School of Business, director of the VCU Center for Economic Education, and chairperson of the Virginia
Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy. He is the author of many peer-reviewed articles on teaching kids about
money, and his ideas have been featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Junior Scholastic. He has
helped hundreds of teachers create mini-economies in their classrooms, and he runs a household mini-economy with his
own children.
The Science Shelf
Webb's Cosmos
Marcin Sawicki
Firefly Books
https://www.fireflybooks.com
9780228105732, $49.95
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Webbs-Cosmos-Images-Discoveries-Telescope/dp/0228105730
Synopsis: Webb's Cosmos is the definitive and most up-to-date book on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) available
today. Covering Webb's breathtaking discoveries from its launch in 2021 to 2025, Webb's Cosmos brings together beauty,
wonder, and understanding in one spectacular volume. While older books show Webb's first images, all that was available
when they were published, Webb's Cosmos includes many more images, and more recent ones.
Author Marcin Sawicki is an experienced science educator and a professional astronomer who actively uses Webb data in
his own research. In this book he offers a uniquely informed perspective on what Webb's beautiful images mean. His lucid,
engaging text takes us behind the splendor of the images and explains how they reveal information about the birth of stars,
the growth of galaxies from tiny seeds in the early cosmic epochs to the grand structures around us today, and humanity's
ongoing search for worlds beyond our Solar System.
Organized into ten richly illustrated chapters, the book explores topics such as star-forming regions where young stars form
and grow, planets that orbit distant suns, and galaxies both nearby and in the farthest reaches of the cosmos. Along the way,
readers also discover answers to frequently asked questions such as: How does NASA decide what Webb observes? How
are Webb's digital observations processed to reveal the dazzling images we see? What are the immense scales and distances
that Webb reveals?
Blending the visual beauty of a rich photo album with the insight of a working scientist and engaging prose of an
experienced science communicator, Webb's Cosmos is both a feast for the eyes and a guided tour through humanity's newest
and most powerful window on the Universe. It is the most complete and up-to-date celebration of the James Webb Space
Telescope available today.
Critique: Illustrated with jaw-dropping photographs of the universe on virtually every page, Webb's Cosmos: Images and
Discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope is an astonishingly captivating coffee table book, enriched with text
descriptions of cosmic phenomena. Just as the Hubble Space Telescope revealed sights previously unseen, the James Webb
Space Telescope draws upon research breakthroughs to extend the range of human sight and knowledge even further.
Thoroughly accessible to readers of all backgrounds, Webb's Cosmos is a "must-have" for both public and college library
science collections, worthy of the highest recommendation.
The Wildlife Shelf
Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds
Edited by Christopher Perrins
Firefly Books
https://www.fireflybooks.com
9780228105916, $59.95
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Firefly-Encyclopedia-Birds-Christopher-Perrins/dp/0228105919
Synopsis: Like no other group in the animal kingdom, birds capture our imagination. Comprehensive and up-to-date, the
Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds is the definitive single-volume guide to these infinitely fascinating creatures.
Entries written by a team of renowned biologists and conservationists give a systematic account of every bird family,
covering form and function, distribution, diet, social behavior and breeding biology. With one-eighth of all bird species now
under threat, special attention is given to environmental and conservation issues. The Encyclopedia's core articles are
complemented by special features that provide detailed coverage of particular topics. Photo stories showcase superb
examples of wildlife photography.
The clear, easy-to-read text of the Encyclopedia is enhanced by about 1,000 photographs revealing the enormous diversity of
birds in their natural habitats, from Arctic tundra to tropical rain forest. In addition, a wealth of beautifully detailed color
and line illustrations depict representative species from each family and highlight characteristic behaviors. Throughout,
"Factfiles" with distribution maps and scale drawings place essential data at the reader's fingertips.
Offering a unique combination of scholarship, accessible language, spectacular photography and detailed illustrations, the
Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds is a key reference. This authoritative and fascinating resource will appeal both to the amateur
observer of bird life and to the student of ornithology.
Critique: Illustrated with full-color artwork, photography, and distribution maps throughout, Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds is
a comprehensive resource and reference accessible to a general audience, yet filled with extensive ornithological details
about bird habitats, behaviors, life cycles, diet, plumage, conservation status, distinguishing features, and more. From
ostriches and rheas to penguins and loons, pelicans and herons, pigeons and parrots, swifts and hummingbirds, owls and
eagles, and much more, Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds offers a wealth of information and will appeal to casual browsers,
professional ornithologists, and everyone in between. Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds is highly recommended, especially for
public, college, and university library reference collections.
The Civil War Shelf
The Atlanta Campaign: Volume 2
David A. Powell
Savas Beatie LLC
www.savasbeatie.com
9781611217575, $39.95, HC, 608pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Atlanta-Campaign-Etowah-Kennesaw-Mountain/dp/1611217571
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-atlanta-campaign-david-a-powell/1147883008
Synopsis: The scope, drama, and importance of the 1864 Atlanta Campaign was on a par with Ulysses S. Grant's Overland
Campaign in Virginia. Despite its criticality and massive array of primary source material, the operations in North Georgia
have lingered in the shadows.
Author and Civil War historian David A. Powell's first of five installments comprising, "The Atlanta Campaign: Volume 1:
Dalton to Cassville, May 1 - 19, 1864", treated the opening phase of the campaign -- weeks of maneuver and several days of
heavy fighting at Resaca, after which the Confederates slipped out of Sherman's traps and escaped across the Oostanaula
and Etowah rivers.
Now this second volume, "The Atlanta Campaign: From the Etowah River to Kennesaw Mountain, May 20 - June 27,
1864", marches with the armies and their leaders deeper into Georgia.
The heavyweight match unfolding between U. S. Grant and Robert E. Lee from the Wilderness to the trenches of Cold
Harbor increased the pressure on Sherman to do everything he could to prevent Joe Johnston from sending troops to
reinforce the Virginia army. Sherman had closed half the distance to Johnston's base at Atlanta, but the Army of Tennessee
had grown in numbers and the odds that were once 2 to 1 in his favor were now nearly even.
Sherman opened the second phase of the campaign on May 23 by throwing his army across the Etowah. Instead of moving
down the railroad to Allatoona, however, he marched west of Marietta to Dallas.
The next five weeks were by some measures the hardest of the entire summer as maneuvering gave way to trench warfare,
first along the New Hope Line, then Pine and Lost mountains, along the Mud Creek Line, and finally, atop the imposing
slopes of Kennesaw Mountain. The daily grind, punctuated by periodic assaults at New Hope Church, Pickett's Mill, Gilgal
Church, Pigeon Hill, and Cheatham Hill took a terrible toll on both armies.
The heavy rain through most of June made life in the field a misery, sick lists spiked, and men and horses broke down or
died. Neither side could claim victory as June drew to a close. Sherman remained undaunted. He would return to flanking.
And this time Atlanta was a mere dozen miles distant.
"The Atlanta Campaign" is multivolume study is based heavily on hundreds of primary accounts (many of which have never
been used), 21 original maps, a firm understanding of the terrain, and a keen grasp of military strategy and tactics. Powell's
"The Atlanta Campaign" is arguably this generation's definitive treatment of one of the most important and fascinating
confrontations of the entire Civil War. And it will stand the test of time.
Critique: Informatively enhanced for the readers benefit with the inclusion of twenty-one Maps, a sixty-four page
Bibliography, and a twenty-two page Index, this second volume of American Civil War historian David A. Powell's
comprehensive study is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community and
college/university library American Civil War History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. Exceptionally
well written, organized and presented, "The Atlanta Campaign: Volume 2: From the Etowah River to Kennesaw Mountain,
May 20 to June 27, 1864" from Savas Beatie is also available to students, academia, Civil War buffs, and non-specialist
general readers with an interest in the subject in a digital book format (Kindle, $23.95).
Editorial Note: David A. Powell is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute (1983) with a BA in history. His work has
appeared in many magazines and he has published more than 15 historical simulations. David's epic Chickamauga
Campaign trilogy is both award-winning and legendary, and he is nationally recognized for his tours of that important
battlefield. He is also the author of many books, including The Maps of Chickamauga and Failure in the Saddle. David and
his wife Anne live with their brace of bloodhounds in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.
(https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/302485.David_A_Powell)
The Biography/Memoir Shelf
Joan Crawford: A Woman's Face
Scott Eyman
Simon and Schuster
www.simonandschuster.com
9781668047309, $31.00, HC, 464pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Joan-Crawford-Womans-Scott-Eyman/dp/1668047306
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/joan-crawford-scott-eyman/1147112009
Synopsis: Joan Crawford burst out of her poverty-stricken youth to become a bright young movie star in the 1920's, drawing
the admiration of F. Scott Fitzgerald and the attention of audiences worldwide. She flourished for decades, working for
multiple studios in every genre from romance to westerns (Mildred Pierce, Johnny Guitar), musicals to noir (Torch Song, A
Woman's Face), and being directed by a young Steven Spielberg in one of her last appearances. Along the way she
accumulated four husbands, an Academy Award for Best Actress, and the undeniable status of a legend.
Joan Crawford: A Woman's Face looks at the reality of this remarkable woman through the prism of groundbreaking
primary research, interviews with friends and relatives, and with the same insightful analysis of character and motive that
author Scott Eyman brought to John Wayne and Cary Grant, among others.
Joan Crawford was a woman like no other, and Joan Crawford: A Woman's Face is the first full telling of her dazzling,
turbulent life.
Critique: A definitive biography of the iconic film actress Joan Crawford (March 23, 1906 - May 10, 1977), "Joan
Crawford: A Woman's Face" is informatively enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of a six page
Bibliography, thirty-two pages of Notes, and a nineteen page Index, and a one page listing of the Photo Credits. With her
life and work deftly organized and presented in three major sections by biographer Scott Eyman, this comprehensive and
impressively well written study is a 'must' for the legions of Joan Crawford fans and American Cinematic History buffs.
While an unreservedly recommended pick for personal reading lists, as well as community and college/university
library10th Century American Biography/Memoir collections and supplemental 20th Century American Cinematic History
curriculum studies lists, it should be noted that this hardcover edition of "Joan Crawford: A Woman's Face" from Simon &
Schuster is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $16.99).
Editorial Note: Scott Eyman (https://scotteyman.com/about-scott-eyman) is the author or co-author of eighteen books,
including the bestseller John Wayne and Pieces of My Heart and You Must Remember This with actor Robert Wagner.
Eyman, formerly the literary critic at The Palm Beach Post, also writes book reviews for The Wall Street Journal, and has
written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, and the Chicago Tribune.
Riding The White Bull
Jack Ratliff
https://jackratliff.net
Silver Bison Press
9798999676924, $16.99, PB, 259pp
Synopsis: "Riding the White Bull: The Making of a Navy SEAL" by Jack Ratliff is a vivid and inherently fascinating
memoir that follows one young man's personal search for meaning, taking him from college in the 1950s to the edge of
everything, ranging from riding a wild bull in a rodeo, to hitchhiking across America, to battling forest fires, to commanding
a destroyer under a mercurial captain, and to enduring the punishing trials of UDT/SEAL training.
Critique: Exceptional, informative, deftly crafted, and a compelling read from first page to last, "Riding the White Bull: The
Making of a Navy SEAL" by Jack Ratliff is an extraordinary account of an interesting life lived in interesting times and
unusual circumstances. While also available in an e-book format, this paperback edition of "Riding the White Bull: The
Making of a Navy SEAL" from Silver Bison Press is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists, as
well as community and college/university library Contemporary American Biography/Memoir collections.
Editorial Note: Raised in the remote West Texas town of Sonora, Jack Ratliff took undergraduate and law degrees from the
University of Texas. He spent four years in the Navy, first as a deck officer on a destroyer and then as a Navy SEAL. He
practiced law in El Paso for twenty years, then taught at the UT Law School for Twenty years.
Adventure on Joyland Road and Other Stories of Love and Grief: A Memoir
Lisa Rosenberg
Potter's Wheel Publishing House
https://potterswheelpublishing.com
9781950399222, $14.95, PB, 280pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Joyland-Other-Stories-Grief/dp/1950399222
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/adventure-on-joyland-road-and-other-stories-of-love-and-grief-lisa-rosenberg/114711
0607
Synopsis: Dr. Lisa Rosenberg was widowed at the age of 68 when her husband, Jeff, died suddenly in his sleep beside her.
Though she tried desperately to save his life, Lisa was unsuccessful; Jeff had passed away silently during the night. What
followed was not only heartbreak, but an uncharted journey through grief, memory, and the quiet resilience required to keep
living.
"Adventure on Joyland Road and Other Stories of Love and Grief: A Memoir" is Lisa's poignant and deeply personal
memoir exploring love, loss, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. In this intimate account of the first eighteen
months after her husband's death, she offers her readers an unfiltered glimpse into the lived experience of grief -- its aching
tenderness, and its slow, uneven movement toward healing.
Drawing on decades of experience as a psychiatric healthcare professional, Lisa deftly blends compassion, insight, humor,
and wisdom with storytelling that is both raw and accessible. Through small, everyday moments (shared memories, sudden
absences, fleeting connections) she reflects on what it means to love deeply, to mourn honestly, and to move forward
without leaving love behind.
The stories comprising "Adventure on Joyland Road" range from the heartwarming to the heart-wrenching, revealing how
grief and love coexist, and that connection to others becomes an anchor in our darkest hours. Honest, moving, and
profoundly human, "Adventure on Joyland Road" will especially resonate with widows and widowers, caregivers, mental
health professionals, and anyone navigating the loss of a loved one.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, providing authentic
insights into the process of grief and bereavement that will, sooner or later, touch us all, "Adventure on Joyland Road and
Other Stories of Love and Grief: A Memoir" by Dr. Lisa Rosenberg is an extraordinary and compassionate account of love,
loss, and recovery that will linger in the mind and memory of the reader long after the book has been finished and set back
upon the shelf. While this paperback edition of "Adventure on Joyland Road and Other Stories of Love and Grief: Memoir"
from Potter's Wheel Publishing House is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community,
Senior Center, community, and college/university library Contemporary American Biography/Memoir collections, it should
be noted for readers with an interest in the subject of death and dying, grief and bereavement, loss and emotional recovery,
that it is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Dr. Lisa Rosenberg is a psychiatric healthcare professional, writer, and widow who never expected to
navigate grief so intimately. With a master's in Psychiatric Nursing and a PhD in Educational Psychology, Dr. Rosenberg
spent 30 years as a professor at Rush University College of Nursing in Chicago, retiring as Associate Dean Emeritus. Her
career includes pioneering articles on humor in healthcare, extensive presentations, and, since 2017, senior consulting for
the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Now based in the Chicago area, she writes, mentors, and consults,
offering compassionate wisdom to those navigating grief.
The General Fiction Shelf
Futura
Michael Laser
Dana Books
9798218896010, $16.99, PB, 319pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Futura-Michael-Laser/dp/B0G9Q9GSTF
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/futura-laser/1149164089
Synopsis: Set in the year of 2045, "Futura" by Michael Laser is the dystopian novel of an authoritarian president who is
starting his third term. Protests are severely restricted. Privacy is no longer a right.
Teenagers in a New Jersey shore town skirt the new laws recklessly -- but their freedom is in jeopardy. Charming Cardo
supports himself and his ailing father by selling an illegal app.
Conservative Midwestern transplant Bob falls in love, inconveniently, with Danai --an undocumented immigrant from
Africa who lives under the constant threat of deportation.
Elora, a rebellious artist, attracts a cop's unwanted interest, with disastrous results.
Critique: Given today's 'real world' headlines currently showcasing the actions of Donald Trump with his totalitarian
excesses such as the masked violence of ICE agents, "Futura" is the contemporary dystopian novel that is second only to
George Orwell's iconic dystopian novel "1984". In his fiction near future, Michael Laser's "Futura" extrapolates the present
and thereby reveals a darker political, cultural, anti-democratic future -- all while, as a skilled and gifted storyteller,
'balancing its dread with comedy and moments of surprising heroism'. A fascinating and compelling read from start to
finish, "Futura" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, community, and college/university library
Dystopian Fiction/Political Fiction collections. It should be noted that this paperback edition of "Futura" from Dana Books
is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $5.99).
Editorial Note: Michael Laser's previous novels include Eulogy, My Impending Death, Cheater, Dark & Light, 6-321, and
Old Buddy Old Pal. He is also the author of The Word-Lover's Lexicon: A Whimsical Collection of Uncommon, Amusing,
and Useful Words (Including the Ones You Meant to Look Up but Didn't). (https://michaellaser.com)
The Carpenter and the Apprentice
Grace Zacaroli
https://www.gracezacaroli.com
Palmetto Publishing
https://www.palmettopublishing.com
9798822968530, $16.99, PB, 380pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Carpenter-Apprentice-Grace-Zacaroli/dp/B0DPGMT963
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-carpenter-and-the-apprentice-grace-zacaroli/1146203152
Synopsis: When Danat is drawn to a small town that is home to an aging carpenter, he has no idea that the things he will
experience there will offer healing from deep wounds and a path toward spiritual growth.
Devastated by the ravages of war and the loss of his family, Danat takes to the road. Pain and uncertainty are buried deep
beneath his wanderings, until he meets an elderly carpenter in a small town along the way. This man will challenge him to
grow in ways he could never have imagined.
Following a valiant but deadly battle with the invading forces, the residents of the town are forced to flee, to avoid the next
wave of terror. Danat joins them, and his learning continues.
Along the way, Aryel, a strong young woman and leader in the community, confronts self-doubt and begins to heal from her
own trauma. And Solomon, a twelve-year-old pioneer of the soul faces life with a rare innocence and grace.
Traveling as a community through uncharted lands, the group embodies the lessons of the sage carpenter, pooling their
resources, strengthening one another, and confronting a series of dramatic challenges with profound spiritual wisdom.
"The Carpenter and The Apprentice" is a classic spiritual journey with a unity consciousness theme wrapped in the
excitement of an adventure novel. Blending action and meditative philosophy, this compelling novel will hold a particular
attraction to reader with an interest in the spiritualism that is common to The Alchemist, Ancient Greek and Eastern
classics, and the samurai mythos.
Authored by real-life former psychotherapist, Grace Zacaroli, whose ongoing life coaching services and Reiki practice have
helped many on the path to deeper self-understanding, "The Carpenter and The Apprentice" will teach and persuade its
readers to embrace adventure, uncover inner peace, and find their home within.
Critique: Original, eloquent, exceptional, deftly crafted, and an inherently engaging read from start to finish, "The Carpenter
and The Apprentice" by Grace Zacaroli is about the blessings and obstacles people encounter in applying spiritual truth to
their ordinary lives lived out in extraordinary times. A novel that will linger in the mind and memory long after it has been
finished and set back upon the shelf, "The Carpenter and The Apprentice" is especially and unreservedly recommended for
personal reading lists and community library Historical Fiction, Christian Metaphysical Fiction, and Contemporary Literary
Fiction collections. It should be noted that this paperback edition of "The Carpenter and The Apprentice" from Palmetto
Publishing is also currently available in a digital book format (Kindle, $0.99).
Editorial Note: Grace Zacaroli (https://www.gracezacaroli.com) is a former psychotherapist, dedicated to personal and spiritual growth. Residing in western New York, she currently supports individuals undergoing cancer treatment and continues to practice yoga and Reiki. Grace is the proud parent of an adult son, one of her greatest teachers and a constant source of joy.
The Historical Fiction Shelf
Anneke Jans in the New World
Sandra Freels
https://sandrafreels.com
She Writes Press
www.shewritespress.com
9798896360322, $17.99, PB, 208pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Anneke-Jans-New-World-Novel/dp/B0FD42VN9B
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/anneke-jans-in-the-new-world-sandra-freels/1147607273
Synopsis: "Anneke Jans in the New World" by Sandra Freels is set in 1630, with Anneke Jans, who has just arrived in the
fledgling colony of New Netherland with her husband, Roelof, and their two young daughters to create a new life for herself
and her family. One of very few women in the colony, Anneke quickly realizes that she will need to make her own rules if
she is to survive.
When Roelof dies, Anneke marries Everardus Bogardus, the flamboyant minister of the Dutch Reformed Church. With this
marriage, Anneke joins the elites of the colony -- but when the colony's new director provokes war with the region's
American Indians and her new husband emerges as the head of the anti-war opposition, she also finds herself in the midst of
political turmoil. As difficulties mount, she must rely more than ever on her quick wits to protect herself and her growing
family.
Although a work of fiction, "Anneke Jans in the New World" is based on real events, as novelist Sandra Freels tells the
story of an ordinary woman who lived an extraordinary life in the New World.
Critique: Original, exceptional, engaging, deftly crafted, and a simply fascinating read from start to finish, "Anneke Jans in
the New World" by Sandra Freels is especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Historical Fiction
collections. It should be noted the personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "Anneke Jans in the New World"
from She Writes Press is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.99).
Editorial Note: Sandra Freels (https://sandrafreels.com) majored in Russian at Indiana University and completed a PhD in
Slavic Languages and Literatures at Stanford University. The author of three textbooks, she headed the Russian program at
Portland State University for many years. An interest in genealogy led her to the Council Records of New Netherland and
the delicious stories of the people who once lived there. She claims descent from Anneke Jans and sixteen other major and
minor characters in Anneke Jans in the New World.
A Deeper Well: The Story of the Woman at the Well
Jill Eileen Smith
Fleming H. Revell Company
c/o Baker Publishing Group
www.revellbooks.com
9780800747961, $39.99, HC, 368pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Deeper-Well-Story-Woman/dp/0800747968
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-deeper-well-jill-eileen-smith/1147595933
Synopsis: In ancient Israel, soon after Nessa is of marriageable age, her father gives her to a wealthy widowed friend,
capitalizing on her beauty to bring in the highest bride-price he can find. Nessa is devastated, as she had begged to marry
Lavi, who returned her love and saw more in her than her appearance. Nessa's betrothal leads to Lavi's departure,
compounding her grief, and she can never forget her forbidden first love.
Nessa tries to accept her fate, but after only a year of marriage, tragedy hits her new family. She is sent back to her father,
who quickly finds a young man who wants to marry the most beautiful woman in Sychar. Misfortune follows Nessa as she
is passed from one marriage to the next -- until she meets an unusual Jewish rabbi at the town's well one afternoon, and her
life is forever changed.
Critique: With her latest biblical novel, "A Deeper Well: The Story of the Woman at the Well", by gifted storyteller Jill
Eileen Smith deftly weaves an historically and biblically rich New Testament story of Jesus and the woman at the well with
many husbands, but the one she was currently living with she was not married to. Bringing a fresh perspective of faith and
redemption, this iconic biblical-era historical fiction is a simply riveting read from start to finish and will prove a welcome
pick for community library biblically based fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this
hardcover edition of "A Deeper Well" from Revell is also readily available in paperback (9780800744809, $18.99) and in a
digital book format (Kindle, $18.99).
Editorial Note: Jill Eileen Smith (www.JillEileenSmith.com) is the author of many biblical novels, including her first series,
The Wives of King David. She has since published twenty-five fiction and nonfiction books. She loves Jesus and His Word
and all things related to learning more about the women God has immortalized in Scripture.
The Literary Fiction Shelf
Coal Dust on Purple Asters: A Trilogy of Short Fiction
Jeffrey L. Carrier
Anson Breck Publishing
9798990311725, $14.99, PB, 100pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Coal-Dust-Purple-Asters-Trilogy/dp/B0G8HH5RYY
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/coal-dust-on-purple-asters-jeffrey-l-carrier/1148982953
Synopsis: Set in fictional Burfield County, Kentucky, the three short stories by Jeffrey L. Carrier and comprising "Coal Dust
on Purple Asters: A Trilogy of Short Fiction" unfold during the Great Depression, when coal mining was the dominant
industry in the Kentucky mountains. These stories focus on three families caught between loyalty to the mines that feed
them and resentment of the industry that devours them. In Appalachia during that period, families clung to each other
despite poverty, tragedy, hardship and natural disasters.
In "Rain on Chinquapin Holler," Wiley Hicks' heart is torn between his mountain-bred wife and a perfumed city woman
who represents everything he both desires and despises. Meanwhile, bootleg whiskey offers both escape and enslavement. A
devastating flood forces impossible choices that leave no one unscathed.
"A Sprig of Purple Asters" follows May Owens, whose unemployed miner husband vacillates between pride and despair
while their sons' bellies grow hollow. When her opportunistic brothers arrive, May's desperate gamble saves her family by
nearly destroying it.
The final story -- "Red Snow in the Kentucky Woods" -- follows young James Herald Gibson who, after losing his father
and brother to a mine collapse, vows never to descend below ground himself, whatever the cost. His choice spirals into a
decades-long mystery of family secrets and unbearable guilt.
Throughout, characters speak in the lilting cadence of mountainfolk whose poetic speech preserves the rhythms and phrases
of their Elizabethan ancestors.
Critique: Eloquent, original, deftly crafted, and a collectively fascinating read from start to finish, "Coal Dust on Purple
Asters: A Trilogy of Short Fiction" by Jeffrey Carrier document and showcase his complete mastery of the short story
literary format. Also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $5.99), this paperback edition of "Coal Dust on
Purple Asters: A Trilogy of Short Fiction" from Anson Breck Publishing is an especially and unreservedly recommended
addition to personal reading lists, as well as community and college/university library Contemporary American Literary
Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Jeffrey L. Carrier is the author of five books -- "Upon a Lonely Hill," 1985; "Jennifer Jones: A
Bio-Bibliography," 1990; "Tallulah Bankhead: A Bio-Bibliography," 1991; "Confessions of a Kept Man," 2023; "Love, as
Always... Esmeralda," 2023 and "Things I Never Told My Father," 2024 -- he also assisted silent film actress Patsy Ruth
Miller in the writing of her memoir, "My Hollywood -- When Both of Us were Young," published in 1988.
Every Happiness
Reena Shah
Bloomsbury Publishing
www.bloomsbury.com
9781639733002, $28.99, HC, 320pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Every-Happiness-Novel-Reena-Shah/dp/1639733000
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/every-happiness-reena-shah/1147282044
Synopsis: Deepa and Ruchi are 12 years old when they first meet at their Catholic school in India, but their connection is
swift and lasting. As the two girls grow up and face their families' expectations and the limits of their ambitions, their
friendship is marked by intimacy, jealousy, and suppressed desire.
When, in their twenties, Deepa marries a doctor and moves from India to the suburbs of Connecticut, Ruchi quickly finds an
engineer bound for the same state and follows her friend across the world. But life in the United States is different than
either woman expects.
Deepa's daughter seeks affection Deepa refuses to give, and Ruchi's son resists her smothering care. At the same time,
Deepa and Ruchi find their closeness tested by a growing class disparity, competing family needs, and the differences in
their desires.
Ultimately, when Ruchi discovers a dangerous secret about Deepa's husband's wealth, both women are forced to weigh the
tangled bonds of their friendship with their lives, and their families', in the burgeoning Indian American community.
Critique: Original, extraordinary, and a deeply engaging read from start to finish, "Every Happiness" by author Reena Shaw
showcases her considerable storytelling talents and is unreservedly recommended for readers with an interest in deftly
crafted novels about life long friendships and the generational differences/conflicts between immigrant parents and their
American born children. While a prized pick for community library Contemporary Literary Fiction collections, it should be
noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "Every Happiness" from Bloomsbury Publishing is also
available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Reena Shah (https://www.reenadshah.com) is a writer, editor, and teacher. Her work has been featured in the
Masters Review, Electric Literature, Joyland, BBC, the American Prospect, National Geographic, and the Guardian, among
other publications. She has been awarded fellowships and residencies from the Martha Heasley Cox Center for Steinbeck
Studies, Millay Arts, Tin House, Sustainable Arts Foundation, Cuttyhunk Island Residency, and the Fulbright Foundation.
She received an MFA in fiction from the Michener Center for Writers, where she won the Keene Prize for Literature.
The Romantic Fiction Shelf
Keagan: Finding the Way Home
Elle Martin
Elle Martin Books
https://ellemartinbooks.com
9798993851907, $14.99, PB, 396pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Keagan-Finding-Way-Home-Coming/dp/B0G2JB77Y4
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/keagan-elle-martin/1148985614
Synopsis: Keagan Ellery is a man torn between duty to his family ranch and a lifelong dream of making his mark in
Manhattan. But, with that one phone call, any chance for the reconciliation Keagan had always told himself he didn't want
was lost forever. He'd sworn he'd never return to the Double E Ranch. But grief has a way of rewriting the rules.
Sometimes the greatest courage isn't in leaving everything behind, but in staying to fight for love, family and the land that
shaped your soul. Because some things are worth the risk of believing in them.
"Keagan: Finding the Way Home" by Elle Martin is a gripping contemporary family drama set against the breathtaking
backdrop of Wyoming. The story follows Keagan and Shani, both of whom carry heavy burdens of grief after tragedy strikes
their families.
As they seek hope, healing, and unexpected love, Keagan and Shani, along with their children, navigate challenges,
including threats and secrets, as they try to blend their lives into one family. Through resilience and the support of their
tight-knit community, they forge a new path, proving that home is not just a place, but the people you choose again and
again.
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, and an emotionally engaging saga of a read from start to finish, "Keagan: Finding the Way
Home" is one of those novels of romance and the human condition that will linger in the mind and memory of the reader
long after the novel itself has been finished and set back upon the shelf. While also currently available for personal reading
lists in a digital book format, (Kindle, $0.99), this paperback edition of "Keagan: Finding the Way Home" from Elle Martin
Books is especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Contemporary Romance Fiction collections.
Editorial Note #1: Elle Martin writes contemporary romance about second chances, family legacy, and the kind of love
worth fighting for. After twenty-five years in creative design, she's turned her attention to crafting stories that explore the
courage it takes to come home -- to places, people, and yourself. Her stories weave together emotional depth with authentic
characters who feel like people you'd want in your corner during life's toughest battles. "Keagan: Finding the Way Home"
launches her Coming Home series -- stories about love, loss, and the courage to build something beautiful from broken
pieces.
Editorial Note #2: Elle Martin on YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2tVxTGUzP7olxOtLmGhIDw)
Fireworks on the Fourth
Kate Harte
https://kateharte.com
Livre Press
https://www.livrepress.com
9798998736605, $18.99, PB, 266pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Fireworks-Fourth-Kate-Harte/dp/B0FDT5C5RN
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fireworks-on-the-fourth-kate-harte/1147684676
Synopsis: Set in 1992 in the Connecticut countryside where a group of intelligent but flawed women and men from two
generations are gathering to celebrate the 4th of July, "Fireworks on the Fourth" by novelist Kate Harte is the story of Susan,
a woman whose world is upended when her estranged daughter Emma arrives at her holiday party with a date -- a man who
is Susan's first love, her "Big Mistake," and possibly (but not actually) Emma's father!
The story weaves back and forth in time and place until the characters meet at the house party. Decades earlier, two of the
women faked a wedding and widowhood to hide a pregnancy. Now, fate is leading to humorous and heated exchanges
between Gen-Xers and Baby Boomers about women's rights, civil rights, and the state of the world, with flashbacks to the
'60s, '70s, and '80s, secrets being spilled, and fireworks in the bedroom as well as the sky.
Critique: Original, exceptional, and deftly crafted, "Fireworks on the Fourth" by Kate Harte is a fun and fascinating read
from start to finish and will be of special interest to fans of contemporary romance stories. While especially and
unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists and community/public library Contemporary Romance Fiction
collections, it should be noted that this paperback edition of "Fireworks on the Fourth" is also readily available in a digital
book format (Kindle, $5.99).
Editorial Note: Kate Harte (https://kateharte.com) has been a teacher, a traveler, an art historian, an archaeologist, a wife,
and a mother. She has also been an avid reader all her life and enjoyed stories of romance since she first encountered
Cinderella as a child. As a writer she is drawn to stories about women that combine experience with history, religion, and
politics. She hopes women's voices will become as strong as men's in America and in the world.
At Morning's Light
Lauraine Snelling & Kiersti Giron
Bethany House Publishers
c/o Baker Publishing Group
www.bethanyhouse.com
9780764245756, $29.99, HC, 320pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Mornings-Light-Christian-Historical-Midwestern/dp/0764245759
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/at-mornings-light-lauraine-snelling/1147013280
Synopsis: Maya Bredesen and her husband plan to journey from Norway to a new life at her cousin's boardinghouse in
America, but on one last fateful fishing trip, a fierce winter storm steals away her husband. With her dreams for the future
crushed, Maya is left grieving on the voyage to Iowa, accompanied instead by her brother, who plans to finish his seminary
degree.
Arriving at a boardinghouse spilling over with orphans and a newly married couple, Maya struggles to find her place amid
the chaos. A new friendship develops between her and Eben Miller, the reserved, kind farmer next door, but just as Maya
begins to recover from her wounded heart, more tragedy engulfs her. As she and Eben weather trials together, can they
overcome the difficulties this new land holds when it seems so far from becoming home?
Critique: Co-authored by Lauraine Snelling and Kiersti Giron, "At Morning's Light" is a deftly crafted novel of romance set
on the Midwestern American frontier. Original, fun and heartwarming, "At Morning's Light" will prove an enduringly
popular pick for community library Historical Romance collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of the
legions of Lauraine Snelling fans that this hardcover edition of "At Morning's Light" from Bethany House is also readily
available in paperback (9780764243530, $18.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $15.56).
Editorial Note #1: Lauraine Snelling (www.LauraineSnelling.comis the award-winning author of more than one hundred
books, fiction and nonfiction, for adults and young adults. Her books have sold more than five million copies.
Editorial Note #2: Kiersti Giron (www.KierstiGiron.com) writes stories and collaborates on historical fiction series with
bestselling author Lauraine Snelling. When she's not writing, Kiersti loves drinking tea, adventuring with her family, and
teaching writing and literature.
The Caregiver at Wounded Knee
Debby Lee
Barbour Publishing
www.barbourbooks.com
9798891512900, $14.99, PB, 256pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Caregiver-Wounded-Knee-Enduring-Hope/dp/B0F712KPF4
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-caregiver-at-wounded-knee-debby-lee/1147343809
Synopsis: Rose Rushing Water, an Oglala Sioux trained back East in nursing, is torn between two brothers -- one who seeks
to appease the government and one who fights to cling to the old ways at all costs.
Tribal policeman Nathaniel Gray Cloud struggles to keep peace on the reservation and support his sister, who is also
desperate to hold on to family traditions.
Can Rose and Nathaniel find a peace that comes only from God, or will they lose their families and their lives as tensions
reach a boiling point at Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota?
Critique: Original, exceptional, emotionally engaging, and a simply riveting read from start to finish, "The Caregiver at
Wounded Knee" is a carefully crafted historical romance by novelist Debby Lee has a Native American theme and is
unreservedly recommended for both personal reading lists and community library Historical Romance collections. It should
be noted that this paperback edition of "The Caregiver at Wounded Knee" from Barbour Publishing is also readily available
in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.28) and in a large print hardcover edition (Thorndike Press Large Print,
9781420534528, $34.00).
Editorial Note: Debby Lee (www.booksbydebbylee.com) was raised in the cozy little town of Toledo, Washington. She has
been writing since she was a small child, and has written several novels, but never forgets home. The Northwest Christian
Writers Association and Romance Writers of America are two organizations that Debby enjoys being a part of.
The Western Fiction Shelf
Savage
E. Jefferson Clay
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781444857115, $26.00/$22.10, PB, Large Print, 208pp
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/uk/search/9781444857221
Synopsis: The bullet caught his shoulder, and spun him around before he fell. Some fifty feet ahead, crouched behind a gray
old log with blood on his shirt was Dice with a smoke-spewing Peacemaker in his fist.
His jaws clenched against the pain, Savage could only roll away from the killer's fire. He expected every second to be his
last as he heard Dice's six-shooter bellow again. But then the rhythmic spang of Yaqui Joe's rifle overrode the deeper sounds
of the Colt. Lead ripped and tore at the killer's protective log. Through the dust and gunsmoke, Savage glimpsed the killer's
face lifting as he searched for the rifleman. Dice's Peacemaker stormed and the Winchester fell silent.
Was Yaqui Joe hit?
Savage didn't know. And there was no time to find out. Spitting sand and with his eyes stinging from gunsmoke, he leveled
his Colt on Dice's position and pulled trigger. The gun roared once before the hammer clicked on an empty shell.
Critique: "Savage" is the first title in a multi-volume series of western epic action/adventure novels by the late E. Jefferson
Clay. Now available in a large print paperback edition from the Linford Western Library for personal reading lists and
community library collections, this original series of gun-blazing action featuring the man known as Savage is a simply
riveting read and will leave western fans waiting anxiously for the next title in this simply outstanding series.
Editorial Note: E. Jefferson Clay was just one of many pseudonyms used by New South Wales-born Paul Wheelahan
(1930-2018). His books are listed online at https://www.fantasticfiction.com/c/e-jefferson-clay
Gun Law at Hangman's Creek
Cole Shelton
Lindford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781444857122, $26.00/$22.10, PB, Large Print, 192pp
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/uk/search/9781444857221
Synopsis: At first glance, Shane Preston and Jonah Jones were an odd pair - one a lean, quiet gunfighter, the other a feisty
old-timer running to fat. But they shared a special bond, and a common goal: to track down the man with the scarred face
who'd killed Shane's wife.
To do that, however, they needed money. So they hired out their guns as trouble-busters, and fought one deadly battle after
another, always in the hope that their trail would eventually cross with that of Scarface...
Critique: Another thrilling installment of author Cole Shelton's revenge quest series featuring Shane Preston and his
sidekick Jonah Jones, this large print paperback edition of "Gun Law at Hangman's Creek" from the Linford Western
Library is an extraordinary and fun read from beginning to end -- and one that will prove to be especially appreciated by
dedicated action/adventure western fans, as well as being an extraordinary and enduringly popular pick for community
library Western Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: There is a listing of books Cole Shelton available online at
https://www.fantasticfiction.com/s/cole-shelton
Riding the Timberline
Neil Hunter
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781444857245, $26.00/$22.10, PB, Large Print, 184pp
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/uk/search/9781444857221
Synopsis: Once upon a time, Will Tyrell had been the law in Madison Springs. Now he was living in self-imposed exile.
Blaming himself for a tragic accident that resulted in sudden death, he took to the high mountains where he created a new
life for himself catching and selling wild horses.
Tyrell accepted his new life and found a peace in the hills. It might have stayed that way if he hadn't come across an injured
young woman called Cassie Marchant. Alone and hampered by a broken leg, the woman found herself in Tyrell's hands. He
did what he could before moving her to the isolated cabin he called home. But that was far from the end of it - the brutal
Callender clan wasn't about to give her up as easy as all that.
With no other option, Tyrell and Cassie rode off for Madison Springs with the Callender hard in pursuit. And as time went
by Tyrell's personal feelings towards the courageous woman only increased. When they reached town, the Callenders finally
showed up and Will Tyrell was offered little choice but to stand and face the threat to his life and that of the woman he
loved and refused to give up.
Critique: An original and carefully crafted western adventure, "Riding the Timberline" by Neil Hunter is a fun read for
western fans from cover to cover. This large print paperback edition of "Riding the Timberline" from the Linford Western
Library series is especially recommended for both personal reading lists and community/public library Western Fiction
collections.
Editorial Note: A listing of books by Neil Hunter is available online at https://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/neil-hunter
Snake River Riot
Kirk Hamilton
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781444857221, $26.00/$22.10, PB, Large Print, 200pp
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/uk/search/9781444857221
Synopsis: Jake Parry and Mac McGovern were pushing their herd to market when they ran across a crooked lawman named
Gates. Gates, and a local judge named Amos Finn, were using the law to fleece the unwary, and anyone who dared to object
got thrown onto the chain gang.
That's what happened to Jake and Mac. But they weren't going to stand for it. So they escaped and started plotting their
revenge.
But revenge sometimes costs money, and they were flat broke. So they decided to raise money in a gold town along the
Snake River... and that's when their problems got a whole lot worse...
Critique: Another riveting action/adventure western from a master of the genre, this large print paperback edition of "Snake
River Riot" by Kirk Hamilton will prove to be a welcome and enduringly popular pick for community library Western
Fiction collections and the personal reading lists of dedicated western fans.
Editorial Note: There is an extensive listing of books by Kirk Hamilton at
https://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/kirk-hamilton
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Of Marriage and Murder
Phillipa Nefri Clark
Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781399196079, $43.50/$36.98, PB, Large Print, 234pp
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/uk/search/9781399196079
Synopsis: Newly minted celebrant and camper van aficionado Daphne Jones pulls up in the charming town of Little
Bridges, ready to officiate the wedding of Steve Tanning and Lisa Brooker. But when Steve is murdered just minutes after
saying "I do", Daphne finds herself taking on a whole new role: amateur sleuth.
The tension between the two families was apparent from the outset. As emotions escalate, Daphne soon learns why: Steve is
the third Tanning man Lisa has married, and now the third to die in mysterious circumstances. Is this a deadly pattern of
behaviour from the young widow? Or is someone playing on Lisa's marital misfortunes to frame her for their own
murderous plans?
But as Daphne delves into the dark secrets hidden in Little Bridges, she gets dangerously close to the truth, and someone
decides the nosy celebrant has become a problem that needs solving... permanently.
Critique: A fun read and fascinating read for dedicated cosy mystery fans from cover to cover, this large print paperback
edition of Phillipa Nefri Clark's novel, 'Of Marriage and Murder" from Ulverscroft is original, extraordinary, and
unreservedly recommended for both personal reading lists and community library Mystery/Suspense collections.
Editorial Note: Phillipa Nefri Clark (https://www.phillipaclark.com) lives just outside a beautiful town in regional Australia.
She also lives in the many worlds of her imagination and stockpiles ideas beside her laptop. She writes from the heart about
love, dreams, secrets, discovery, the sea, the world as she knows it... or wishes it could be. She loves happy endings,
heart-pounding suspense, and characters who stay with you long after the final page. With a passion for music, the ocean,
nature, reading, and writing, she is often found in the vegetable garden with the dog pondering a new story.
The Trafficker
Mirela Kanini
MindStir Media
https://mindstirmedia.com
9781966799009, $13.99, PB, 268pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Trafficker-Mirela-Kanini/dp/1966799004
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-trafficker-mirela-kanini/1148146025
Synopsis: Mia is a young immigration lawyer who is engaged to be married when meets an unusual client -- Alen. He holds
a Dutch passport and is charming, rich and mysterious. He has chosen to settle permanently in the USA.
Her engagement falls apart and when she is falling hard for Alen, he disappears leaving behind only a letter asking her to
forget that he ever existed. His dark past full of secrets follows him but he does not want to lose the girl of his dreams. A
phone call between them changes everything.
Mia is searching for the truth while Alen is trying to escape his past.
Critique: Original, emotionally engaging, deftly crafted, and a compelling read from start to finish, "The Trafficker" by
author Mirela Kanini reveals her extraordinary and genuine flair for the kind of riveting storytelling style that is able to
blend romance and suspense into a memorably impressive crime thriller themed read. An especially and unreservedly
recommended pick for community library Contemporary Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for personal
reading lists that this paperback edition of "The Trafficker" from MindStir Media is also readily available in a digital book
format (Kindle, $2.99).
Editorial Note: Mirela Kanini emigrated from Eastern Europe to the United States of America in the nineties. She has
published several books in her home country. Her books are listed online at
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22133537.Mirela_Kanini
For the Love of God: A Renaissance Murder Mystery
Wynter duMaurier
Independently Published
9798277907658, $8.99, PB, 286pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Love-God-Renaissance-Murder-Mystery/dp/B0G64QF367
Synopsis: Authored by novelist Wynter duMaurier, "For the Love of God: A Renaissance Murder Mystery" is a story
steeped in intrigue and fraught with treachery.
The lifeless body of a noblewoman is unearthed from the placid waters of the river Arno, her once-vibrant presence now
reduced to a chilling spectre. The serene surface of the water belies the chaos of her violent demise, a reality that ripples
through the very heart of the privilege and wealth of Renaissance Florence. She is merely the first to perish, a harbinger of
darker deeds yet to unfold.
As Emiliano and the monks at the Benedictine abbey plunge deeper into the murky waters of this tragic event, they unveil a
labyrinthine tapestry of secrets. Betrayals are carefully hidden beneath layers of opulent silks and hushed tones.
At the same time, clandestine alliances are forged, and the stark, chilling realities of ambition, jealousy, and vengeance
pierce the once-glamorous lives of the nobility.
As the stakes escalate, it becomes increasingly clear that the perpetrator is not just driven by greed or revenge but is
ensnared in a complex play of obsession and betrayal. The dark underbelly of this noble world will not rest until the final act
of this tragedy is revealed.
Critique: Original, exceptional, deftly crafted, "For the Love of God: A Renaissance Murder Mystery" by Wynter duMaurier
is an inherently riveting read from start to finish. Memorable characters and unexpected plot twists set in the framework of
the Renaissance Era, "For the Love of God" is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended pick for community library
Historical Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated mystery fans that this
paperback edition of D"For the Love of God" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.65).
Editorial Note: Wynter duMaurier lived in Italy for 5 enriching years, beginning her cultural journey in the sun-kissed land
of Sicily, where she taught English to bright-eyed children. This experience was not only rewarding but also deeply
transformative, allowing her to immerse herself in a vibrant culture filled with history and warmth. In Florence (the setting
for her novel "For the Love of God", she resided in a beautifully renovated farmhouse, its rustic charm enhanced by the
surrounding olive groves. From every window in her home, the majestic Duomo rose gracefully against the skyline, a
constant reminder of the city's rich artistic heritage.
The Lady on Esplanade
Karen White
Berkley Books
c/o Penguin/Random House
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com
9780593549490, $29.99, 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, and an inherently fascinating read from start to finish, "The Lady on Esplanade"
effectively showcases author Karen White's truly extraordinary storytelling skills and her genuine flair as a novelist for the
kind of narrative drive style that holds the reader's full attention. "The Lady on Esplanade", with its theme of ghosts,
mystery, and an amateur female sleuth is very highly recommended for both personal reading lists and community library
Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted that this hardcover edition of "The Lady on 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 co-author of The Forgotten Room.
Death of a Groom
M. C. Beaton
Grand Central Publishing
c/o Hachette Book Group
www.hachettebookgroup.com
9781538774755, $28.00, HC, 240pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Death-Groom-Hamish-Macbeth-Mysteries/dp/1538774755
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/death-of-a-groom-m-c-beaton/1147516392
Synopsis: It is February and the Scottish Highlands village of Lochdubh is dealing with heavy snow and freezing
temperatures. Sergeant Hamish Macbeth can handle the weather, but with a surprise influx of high-society visitors for a
Valentine's Day wedding at Tommel Castle Hotel, he has bigger problems.
The guest list includes not one, but two women from his own romantic past! And Hamish isn't the only one disrupted by the
arrival of the wedding party. The groom (the supposedly suave and sophisticated Darius Palmerston) is involved in a series
of incidents in the local pub. Tensions between guests and villagers escalate until, shortly after the lavish wedding
ceremony, a body is found in the hotel dining room.
The gruesome killing means Hamish suddenly has a murder investigation on his hands, one with a very long list of
suspects.
Critique: Another deftly crafted and riveting 'whodunnit' mystery from the mind and imagination of M. C. Beaton, "Death of
a Groom" is a 'must' for the legions of her fans in general, and fans of the Hamish Macbeth mystery novels in particular. An
original and fun read from start to finish, "Death of a Groom" is an exceptional and unreservedly recommended pick for
community library Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of
"Death of a Groom" from Grand Central Publishing is also readily available in paperback (9781538779163, $30.00) and in a
digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: M. C. Beaton (https://www.mcbeaton.com/en-us) is the author of the Agatha Raisin novels (the basis for the
hit series on Acorn TV and public television) as well as the Hamish Macbeth series. Born in Scotland, Beaton started her
career writing historical romances under several pseudonyms as well as her maiden name, Marion Chesney.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Fleet of the Forgotten
Dan Thornton
Forgotten Publishing
https://thorntonbooks.com
9798999401908, $16.99, PB, 370pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Fleet-Forgotten-Exiles-War-Thornton/dp/B0FX3ZRN63
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fleet-of-the-forgotten-dan-thornton/1148317227
Synopsis: Ryan Anders has spent his life fighting for a place in a world that doesn't want him. Chosen by lottery to attend
the Fleet Academy, he learned quickly that survival means knowing when to keep your head down. Until the day the sky
fills with fire.
Without warning, an alien armada descends, shattering Earth's defenses and scattering its fleet in a storm of confusion and
retreat. Amid the chaos, Ryan seizes an unfinished warship. His plan is simple: get his friends clear of the slaughter. But the
moment they break orbit, the plan is gone. Now they are cut off, flying blind, forgotten.
Their enemy does not speak. Does not negotiate. -- And they will not stop until humanity is dust.
Critique: An action/adventure science fiction novel that demonstrate author Dan Thornton's master of genre, "Fleet of the
Forgotten" is original, exceptional, deftly crafted, and a fun read from cover to cover and launches a new science fiction
series 'Exiles War'. The kind and quality of story that was the mainstay of a yesteryear Golden Age of science fiction
magazines and books, "Fleet of the Forgotten" is especially and unreservedly recommended for the personal reading lists of
dedicated science fiction fans and is a prized pick for community/public library Science Fiction collections. It should be
noted that this paperback edition of "Fleet of the Forgotten" from Forgotten Publishing is also readily available in a digital
book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Editorial Note: Dan Thornton is a sci-fi author who has traded F-14 Tomcats for spaceships. A Navy veteran of the Gulf
War, he uses his military experience to ground his debut novel, Fleet of the Forgotten, in reality. Off the page, Dan is still
chasing adrenaline-whether he's riding motorcycles or cosplaying at Comic-Con.
Shift: The Shiftwork Chronicles I
J. P. Lee
https://jpleebooks.com
Apprentice House Press
https://apprenticehouse.com
9781627206563, $37.99, HC, 396pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Shift-Shiftwork-Chronicles-J-Lee/dp/1627206566
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shift-j-p-lee/1148950987
Synopsis: For seventeen-year-old Sybil, the mountains and the group called Crime are all she's ever known. As Career Day
approaches, she longs to prove herself to the magical society that both curses and fears her.
When a representative from the White House unexpectedly selects Sybil for a critical operation, she is thrust into an
unfamiliar world with higher stakes than she ever imagined. As she faces her first job, Sybil begins to question not only her
mysterious new employer but also her older brother, who harbors secrets of his own. With allegiances divided and her way
of life threatened, Sybil must decide who she can trust before it is too late and she loses all she holds close.
Set in a richly imagined, fantastical version of America, "Shift" is a premiere tale of magic, intrigue, betrayal, and
loyalty.
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, as well as an inherently fascinating and fun read from start to finish, "Shift" is an
extraordinary and unique contemporary 'alternate world' fantasy that is all the more impressive when considering that it is
author J. P. Lee's debut as a novelist and launching her 'The Shiftwork Chronicles' series. Especially and unreservedly
recommended for highschool and community library Science Fiction & Fantasy Fiction collections, "Shift" is an expert
blending of fantasy, suspense, romance, and adventure. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated fantasy
fans that this hardcover edition of "Shift" from Apprentice House Press is also readily available in paperback
(9781627206570, $26.99).
Editorial Note: J.P. Lee (https://jpleebooks.com) has been storytelling since childhood, writing her first story at the age of
eight in a notebook. She completed a full-length fantasy novel during her high school years. She received her degree in
English Language, Writing, and Rhetoric from North Carolina State University. Lee loves immersive books into which she
can escape, and that is what she desires for her readers.
Sight Unseen
Alexis Marie
https://www.alexismariewrites.net
47 North
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662536793, $16.99, PB, 397pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Sight-Unseen-Alexis-Marie/dp/1662536798
Synopsis: Veda Thorne is living on borrowed time. After exhausting every magical cure for the fatal curse trapped inside
her, she's accepted her fate. But Veda's self-imposed isolation begins to crack when she's asked to tutor Antaris, a child
whose pain calls to her own.
Hiram Ellis left his wealthy, prejudiced family years ago. Now unexpectedly thrust into single fatherhood, he returns to his
hometown, determined to build a life far from the cold privilege that stifled his own childhood. The last thing he expects is
to be drawn to the fiercely protective, sharp-tongued woman helping his son.
When a trail of enchanted spider lilies leads Hiram and Veda to discover their deadly tie to a prolific serial killer, they're
forced to set aside their differences to unearth long-buried secrets. But the truth is as deadly as Veda's curse, and both come
at a devastating cost. As victims mount and motives emerge, their greatest challenge is choosing to trust and love each
other.
Critique: Offering an original and deftly crafted blending of romance, fantasy and suspense, "Sight Unseen" is an
extraordinary and fun read from start to finish. All the more impressive when considering that this is author Alexis Marie's
debut as a novelist, "Sight Unseen" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists and community
library collections. It should be noted that this paperback edition of "Sight Unseen" from 47 North is also readily available
in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Editorial Note: Alexis Marie (https://www.alexismariewrites.net) grew up in the suburbs of Georgia with her mom. She is
married, has one sister, and can be found either under a heated blanket with her laptop and dog at her side or out in the
garden pleading with her plants to stay alive in the Southern heat.
Ship of Spells
H. Leighton Dickson
www.hleightondickson.com
Entangled
c/o Red Tower Books
https://entangledpublishing.com
9781649379139, $32.99, HC, 512pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Spells-Deluxe-Limited-Leighton-Dickson/dp/1649379137
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ship-of-spells-h-leighton-dickson/1146890604
Synopsis: When Ensign Bluemage Honor Renn is rescued from the wreckage of her first naval post, she expects death or
disgrace. Instead, she wakes aboard the Touchstone, a mythic vessel whispered of in dockside ballads and royal war rooms
alike. With a crew of misfits. A mysterious, elven captain. And a mission tied to the Dreadwall, the crumbling barrier that
has kept the Overland and Nethersea from open war for a hundred years.
But the tragedy that sank her last ship didn't just take lives -- it left something behind.
Now Renn carries a secret everyone wants. A magik that's chimeric, arcane...and slowly killing her. But the captain's
mission may be her only chance to survive, even if he still doesn't trust her.
Caught between privateers, princes, and spies, Renn knows each choice could sink her future -- or set the sea on fire.
Critique: Original, clever, and a fun read from cover to cover, "Ship of Spells" by H. Leighton Dickson will hold a particular
appeal to fans of action/adventure, high fantasy, and romance. As an author, Dickson demonstrates a genuine flair for the
kind of immerse storytelling style that will immediately engage and hold the attention of the enthralled read for start to
finish. While especially and unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists and community library Heroic Fantasy
collections, it should be noted for Dickson's growing legions of dedicated fantasy fans that this hardcover edition from
Entangled is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: H. Leighton Dickson (www.hleightondickson.com) lives on the north shore of Lake Superior where the
winters are long, and the forest is at her back door. A self-confessed naturalist, world traveler and science geek, she writes
full time and is the author of over ten novels. When she is not chasing dogs, cats, foxes or grandchildren, Heather also
works with several not-for-profit orgs to showcase the arts and culture of Northwestern Ontario.
Baen Books
www.baen.com
Two new arrivals from Baen are recommended to sci-fi readers who enjoy fast-paced, engrossing stories.
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Dragons-Gone-Build-Dragon-Sequence/dp/166807303X
Dan Koboldt's Dragons Gone Wild (9781668073032, $18.00) presents a story in which a genetic engineer helps domesticate
dragons for pets and military use. The latest mandate is for him to adapt them to deal with ecological issues in various
places of the world. As Noah Parker and his dragon horde tackle environmental disasters around the globe, trouble is
brewing back home. It could be that his dragon deployment is about to implode in a most unpleasant way. Fast-paced action,
the quandaries of shared custody of small dragons, and delightfully whimsical moments that provide comic relief to serious
confrontations and issues make Dragons Gone Wild a winner.
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Liaden-Universe%C2%AE-Sharon-Lee/dp/1668073048
Sharon Lee and Steve Miller's I Dare (9781668073049, $18.00) is set in the Liaden Universe and is especially recommended
for prior fans of this world. Here scout, heir, and husband Van Con yos'Phelium reappears to wreck havoc and introduce
danger to his Clan and civilization in general. The clash between two yos'Pheliums threatens to change civilization itself as
a powerful space opera emerges to draw new readers and prior fans alike.
Both of these new science fiction titles are inviting, well-written surveys of strange new worlds and civilizations gone
awry.
The Library CD Shelf
Heart of Hearts
Steve Berndt
steveberndt.com
Privately Published
$TBA CD / $9.00 CAD
Bandcamp
https://steveberndt.bandcamp.com/album/heart-of-hearts
Performed by a grand band of talented performers on trumpet, flugelhorn, tenor saxophone, piano, guitar, organ, bass, and
drums, Heart of Hearts is an eleven track album featuring eight original compositions by Ottawa singer, trombonist, and
bandleader Steve Berndt, plus three pop-rock songs from the 70's. All of the songs have common themes of love and
integrity, emphasized through Berndt's passionate vocal performance. Heart of Hearts is a choice pick to celebrate
Valentine's Day or any day, and also makes an excellent gift! Highly recommended. The tracks are All Over Again; Heart of
Hearts; The Moment; Plus Size Love; I Saw the Light (Todd Rundgren); Hold Me Tight; Triplets A Gogo; Long Lost Love
Affair; Baby I Love Your Way (Peter Frampton); Color My World (James Pankow); and Blue Skies On Mars.
Seek & Listen: Live at the Penthouse
Rahsaan Roland Kirk
Resonance Records
www.ResonanceRecords.org
$25.99 CD / $14.99 digital
Bandcamp
https://rahsaanrolandkirklive.bandcamp.com/album/seek-listen-live-at-the-penthouse
Seek & Listen: Live at the Penthouse is a two-CD set of previously unreleased live performances by legendary jazz multi-
instrumentalist Rahsaan Roland Kirk (1935-1977). The songs include both like "Now Please Don't You Cry Beautiful
Edith" and renditions of hits like "Ode to Billie Joe". The album includes notes by Kirk biographer John Kruth, interviews
with Steve Novosel and trombonist Steve Turre, thoughts on Kirk's storied career by saxophonists James Carter and Chico
Freeman, and more. Seek & Listen: Live at the Penthouse is a treasure for connoisseurs of historic jazz, and a choice pick
for both personal and public library music collections. Highly recommended! The disc 1 tracks are The Jump Thing; Alfie;
Mingus-Griff Song; Medley: Ev'rytime We Say Goodbye, I've Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good), Sophisticated Lady, Satin
Doll; and Medley: Blues for C & T, Happy Days Are Here Again, Down By The Riverside. The disc 2 tracks are Ode to
Billie Joe; Prelude To A Kiss; Funk Underneath; Lovellevelliloqui; Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith; and
Making Love After Hours.
The Wishing Well
All songs created and performed by the band 2002
www.2002music.com
Galactic Playground Music
$12.99 CD / $10.00 digital
Bandcamp
https://2002.bandcamp.com/album/the-wishing-well
The twenty-third album released by the band 2002 (www.2002music.com), The Wishing Well is a collection of original,
ambient new age music songs ideal for work, study, or relaxation. Evocative and flowing with the signature soundscapes of
2002, the songs reflect on personal experiences and incredible journeys, from a travel to the Four Corners region of the
United States to unbounded horizon of dreams. The Wishing Well is a wonderful addition to both personal and public
library music collections, and also makes an excellent gift! Highly recommended. The tracks are Overture: The Restless
Heart; Three Wishes; Twilight; The Spiral of Heaven; Dream Chasers; Moon Lore; A Safe Harbor; On the Wings of
Angels; Bellehaven; and Savitri's Dream.
Come Dance With Me
Nancy Hays
www.nancyhays.com
Nancy Hays Entertainment, Inc.
$19.78 CD / $9.49 MP3
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Come-Dance-Me-Nancy-Hays/dp/B00006IT5G
Come Dance With Me is an album featuring vocalist Nancy Hays' most popular original country music songs. Recorded in
Nashville and backed by members of Ronnie Milsap's band, the vibrant tracks of Come Dance With Me thrum with an
intensity that encourages the listener to move to the swing rhythms. Come Dance With Me is a treasure for country fans and
public library music collections, highly recommended! The tracks are One Thin Dime; Never Been Rocked; I'll Believe It
When I Feel It; Come Dance With Me; Deep Down; Dad; That'll Keep Me Dreaming; Leave The Light On; Baby Don't Go;
Somewhere in Denver; Ground I Walk On; Hearts Will Be Hearts; and Back In Illinois.
Forgotten Stories Suite
Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra & Sean Irvine
winnipegjazzorchestra.com
Chronography Records
chronographrecords.com
$12.99 CD / $11.49 MP3
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Stories-Suite-Winnipeg-Orchestra/dp/B0G45SQP5T
Forgotten Stories Suite is the ninth album from The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, Canada's first community-based, non-profit
professional jazz orchestra, featuring an extraordinary array of talented performers on trumpets, saxophones, trombones,
guitar, piano, electric bass, drums, vocals, and more. Composer and multi-instrumentalist Sean Irvine created all the music,
poetry, and lyrics of Forgotten Stories Suite; the pieces draw inspiration from a multitude of individual people's stories.
Empathetic and richly varied, Forgotten Stories Suite is a treasure for connoisseurs of modern orchestra jazz, and highly
recommended for both personal and public library music collections. The tracks are Forgotten Stories; Prologue: Studies in
Shapes of Palo Santo; 2 Brothers; Movement I: Nightmare; Longing for Texas; Movement II: Texas; A King and His
Castle; Movement III: A Perfect Castle; May He Rest; and Movement IV: Harold.
The Solastalgia Suite
Kris Davis and the Lutoslawski Quartet
Pyroclastic Records
$18.00 CD / $12.00 digital
Bandcamp
https://krisdavis.bandcamp.com/album/the-solastalgia-suite
The philosopher Glenn Albrecht invented the term "solastalgia" to describe "a form of homesickness while we are still at
home." Grammy-winning pianist and composer Kris Davis applies the concept to the danger that global climate change
could create such profound environmental disasters that Earth itself no longer feels like "home", in the music album The
Solastalgia Suite. All songs are Kris Davis' original creations, performed by Kris Davis on piano and the Lutoslawski
Quartet (Roksana Kwasnikowska on first violin, Marcin Markowicz on second violin, Artur Rozmyslowicz on viola, and
Maciej Mlodawski on cello). The eight-movement suite is a dark warning of changing weather and climate patterns, with a
smattering of cautious optimism that it is not too late to prevent the worst. The Solastalgia Suite is captivating, socially
conscious, and highly recommended for both personal and public library music CD collections. The tracks are Interlude; An
Invitation to Disappear; Towards No Earthly Pole; The Known End; Ghost Reefs; Pressure & Yield; Life on Venus; and
Degrees of Separation.
Wake Up Call: The Music of Gregg Hill
Rick Roe
roejazz.com
Cold Plunge Records
$20.00 CD
Gregg Hill Jazz
https://www.gregghilljazz.com/product-page/rick-roe-wake-up-call-the-music-of-gregg-hill
Rick Roe Jazz
https://www.roejazz.com/product-page/wake-up-call-cd
Wake Up Call: The Music of Gregg Hill is a music album featuring pianist and bandleader Rick Roe's adventurous
arrangements of jazz songs by Gregg Hill. Performed by Rick Roe on piano, Nate Winn on drums, Robert Hurst on bass,
and Marcus Elliot on tenor and soprano sax, Wake Up Call is a daring change-up that pushes the boundaries of how
masterful arrangements can reshape great music into something wondrously new that nonetheless preserves the heart and
soul of the original. Wake Up Call: The Music of Gregg Hill is highly recommended for both personal and public library
music CD collections. The tracks are Inside Straight; Sunspiration; Wake Up Call; Wide River; The Return of Mr. Pea
Modal Yodel; La Cancion; The Ringer; Hyperbarity; and Double Play.
Cactus Sessions
Bijan Taghavi
www.BijanTaghavi.com
$24.99 CD (signed) / $9.99 digital
Creator's Website
https://www.bijantaghavi.com/cactussessions.html
Cactus Sessions is a vibrant solo piano album showcasing Bijan Taghavi's masterful performance of eight beloved songs by
a variety of creators. Passionate and flowing, Cactus Sessions is a rapturous audio experience, highly recommended for both
personal and public library music collections. The tracks are Wave (Antonio Carlos Jobim); I Should Care (Axel Stordahl
and Paul Weston); I'll Remember April (Gene de Paul); Peace (Horatio Silver); Have You Met Miss Jones (Richard
Rogers); Ask Me Now (Thelonious Monk); East of the Sun (Brooks Bowman); and Desafinado (Antonio Carlos
Jobim).
The Call
Bellbird
bellbird.band
Constellation Records
cstrecords.com
$15.00 CD / $9.00 digital / $30.00 vinyl
Bandcamp
https://bellbirdband.bandcamp.com/album/the-call
The Call is an avant-garde jazz album of original songs created by the talented Bellbird quartet, which consists of Allison
Burik on alto saxophone and bass clarinet, Claire Devlin on tenor saxophone, Eli Davidovici on bass, and Mili Hong on
drums. The Call experiments with transcending the usual de facto role of select musical instruments - horns provide
underlying rhythm, while acoustic bass and drums shape the music. Notably, The Call does not shy away from modern
social and political issues such as the threat of climate change. "Blowing on Embers" in particular is expressly dedicated to
the hope that Palestine may one day be free from bombing, starvation, and oppression. The Call is profound, memorable,
and highly recommended. The tracks are Firefly Pharology; Murmuration; Soft Animal; Blowing on Embers; Eternity
Perspective; Phthalo Green; The Call; and Mourning Dove.
Alchemy
Wayne Alpern
waynealpern.com
Henri Elkan Music
$TBA CD / $9.49 MP3
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Alchemy-Wayne-Alpern/dp/B0FLNHCLRF
The twelfth music album by composer Wayne Alpern, Alchemy has a title that reflects Alpern's desire to draw from diverse
sources in the quest to create something new and exciting. Inspired by elements of the classics, Americana,
experimentalism, dance floor jazz, Broadway theater and more, Alchemy transcends boundaries and styles. Performed by
Grammy winner Imani Winds with Brandon Patrick George on flute, Toyin Spellman-Diaz on oboe, Kevin Newton on horn,
Mark Dover on clarinet, and Monica Ellis on bassoon, Alchemy is a "must" for avant-garde music enthusiasts! The tracks
are Stomp; Gigue; Burlesca; Impromptu; Masquerade; Partita; Elegy; Overture; Rag; Invention; Scherzo; and
Capriccio.
Reckless Meter
Convergence
Capri Records
www.caprirecords.com
$19.58 CD / $8.99 MP3
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Reckless-Meter-Convergence/dp/B0FPHNQ1P6
The acclaimed modern jazz ensemble Convergence consists of Eric Gunnison on piano, Greg Gisbert on trumpet and
flugelhorn, John Gunther on saxophones, Mark Patterson on trombone, Mark Simon on bass, and Paul Romaine on drums.
Together they present the album Convergence, which showcases their flair for bold improvisation before a live audience.
All the songs of Reckless Meter are the original creations of individual band members. Reckless Meter lives up to its title
with an exciting drive, adventurous melodies, and solos performed with panache. Highly recommended! The tracks are Big
Boot (Mark Simon); Springaling (John Gunther); Margaret Clara (Mark Patterson); It's One or Not One (Paul Romaine);
Master Jake (John Gunther); Cauldron (Eric Gunnison); Coyote Moon (Greg Gisbert); and Reckless Meter (Mark
Simon).
Home
Keith Oxman with Derek Banach, Clint Dadian, Bill McCrossen, and Todd Reid
Capri Records
www.caprirecords.com
$16.99 CD / $8.99 MP3
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Home-Keith-Oxman/dp/B0FV126VWG
Saxophonist Keith Oxman, trumpeter Derek Banach, guitarist Clint Dadian, bassist Bill McCrossen, and drummer Todd
Reid present Home, a collaborative jazz album created in tribute and celebration of home, beloved family members, fellow
mentors, and more. Most of the tracks are original music. From ballads to blues, the music has a central theme of
appreciation for help from those who came before, and the joy of building a legacy for those who will come after. Home is
highly recommended for both personal and public library music collections, and also makes an excellent gift. The tracks are
True Lou; Hardenesque; Serenata - Leroy Anderson - EMI Mills Music. Inc. ASCAP (arrangement by Keith Oxman); Don't
Throw in the Powell; Home (Where Shadows Fall) - Geoffrey Clarkson, Harry Clarkson, and Peter Van Steeden - Geoffrey
Clarkson Music Co. ASCAP; Pam Cousin Steve; Stray Killer; The Jazz Brothers Visit Curtis Street; Detective Acosta and
the Case of the Misplaced Square; Owen's Defense; Opus for Wherda; and An Extraordinary Rose.
Found Memories
Carolyn Trowbridge
Carolyn Trowbridge Music
https://www.carolyntrowbridge.com
$TBA CD / $10.00 digital
Bandcamp
https://carolyntrowbridge.bandcamp.com/album/found-memories
Vibraphone and percussion master Carolyn Trowbridge presents Found Memories, a jazz album of original songs created by
Trowbridge and performed by Trowbridge on vibraphone, Alex Coke on flute, Bryan Sunderman on guitar, Mario
Castellanos on bass, and Nick Tozzo on drums and percussion. Exciting, fluid, and adventurous, Found Memories is a
"must-have" for connoisseurs of vibraphone music and avant-garde jazz, highly recommended! The tracks are Thank You
For the Memories, Thank You For the Laughs; Duchess of Sheba; Chopin's Seance; Grackle vs. Tacotarian; The Lonely
Frost Flower; Tookey's Engine; Turtle Heart; The Old Woman Who Never Grew Older; Physalia's Journey; and
Onward.
The Native American Studies Shelf
The Free and the Dead
Jamie Holmes
Atria Books
c/o Simon & Schuster
www.simonandschuster.com
Blackstone Publishing
https://www.blackstonelibrary.com
9781668050613, $30.00, HC, 320pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Free-Dead-Seminole-Indigenous-Forgotten/dp/1668050617
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-free-and-the-dead-jamie-holmes/1147556434
Synopsis: From 1817 to 1858, a series of conflicts known as the Seminole Wars took place between the United States and
the tribes of Florida as they battled for the land.
Within this unconquered territory, formerly enslaved mothers and fathers and Seminole families had lived side by side for
generations, building communities in the interior, beyond the reach of the growing United States. But in 1835, the young
country took up arms against them, seeking to forcibly remove all Indigenous people and return their allies to slavery.
In the face of this terror, tribes and bands came together across racial lines to preserve their freedom from federal
interference. As the fight waged on, two men (Abraham, a free Black American, and the esteemed Creek warrior Osceola)
worked together to save their lands and their people, against overwhelming odds, from America's formidable Army of the
South.
With the publication of "The Free and the Dead: The Untold Story of the Black Seminole Chief, the Indigenous Rebel, and
America's Forgotten War", author Jamie Holmes presents a powerful and vivid exploration of an overlooked revolt and
historical alliances between Afro-descendant families and Indigenous tribes.
Critique: A masterpiece of meticulous historical research, "The Free and the Dead: The Untold Story of the Black Seminole
Chief, the Indigenous Rebel, and America's Forgotten War" by Jamie Holmes is a deftly crafted, impressively informative,
and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation. An inherently fascinating read from cover to cover, "The
Free and the Dead" is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and
college/university library Native American History 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 "The
Free and the Dead" from Atria Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99) and as a complete
and unabridged audio book (Blackstone Audio, 9781668103296, $34.99, CD).
Editorial Note: Jamie Holmes (https://www.jamieholmesbooks.com) is a Future Tense Fellow at the New America
Foundation and a former research coordinator at Harvard University in the Department of Economics. He holds a MA from
Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs and his writing has appeared in Slate, Politico, the Christian Science
Monitor, the New Republic, the Atlantic, Foreign Policy, and the Daily Beast.
The Architecture Shelf
BROISSIN Architects: 25 Years in Silver
Gerardo Broissin Covarrubias, et al.
Actar D
c/o Actar Publishers
https://actar.com
9781638401988, $54.95, HC, 400pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Broissin-Architects-25-Years-Silver/dp/1638401985
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/broissin-architects-gerardo-broissin-covarrubias/1148715494
Synopsis: Collaboratively co-authored by the team of Gerardo Broissin Covarrubias, Jose Luis Alvarez Tinajero, and
Thelma Blake, "BROISSIN Architects: 25 Years in Silver" resists convention -- it questions, dismantles, and reveals the
friction behind the polished surface of success.
An architecture that emerges from silence, irony, and a fierce commitment to consciousness. "BROISSIN Architects: 25
Years in Silver" is not just another architecture book. It's a rift. An uncomfortable whisper between the walls of 25 years of
practice.
Here compiled are 58 built projects presented and arranged with the logic of time. But between every line and every
drawing, something else slips through: a suspicion. A resistance. An unresolved question. Thirty texts (written without
permission and unafraid of disappointment) accompany this journey. They do not explain, nor justify. They interrogate.
They dismantle comfortable narratives. They expose award-winning fictions. They mock ego and complacency. They
celebrate doubt as a design method.
"BROISSIN Architects: 25 Years in Silver" is a construction log, but also a testimony of unrest. A cartography of what we
have done and, more importantly, what we are no longer willing to do. Between drawings and words, the reader will find
architecture. But they will also find silence, rage, irony, beauty... and commitment. Because here, architecture is built twice:
once in matter, and once in consciousness... though the latter rarely pays, rarely gets published, and almost never wins
awards.
Critique: Original, informative, iconclastic, fascinating, profusely illustrated throughout, this large format (7.48 x 2 x 9.25
inches, 3.85 pounds) hardcover edition of "BROISSIN Architects: 25 Years in Silver" from Actar D is an unique and
unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, and college/university library Contemporary Architecture
collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note #1: BROISSIN Architects (https://broissin.com) is a firm of professional experts that work with clients and
specialists to devise and implement innovative solutions for the developed projects. With 20 years of experience in the
realm and having designed more than 400,000 sqm, they work all over the Mexican Republic with three offices strategically
located in Mexico City, San Luis Potosi and Tijuana. Their clients are very diverse: large and small, private and public,
profit and nonprofit. They help them grow, sustain and transform: whatever is necessary to embrace their future. The result:
projects that generate confidence, inspire security and forge long-lasting relationships.
Editorial Note #2: M.Arch, Jose Luis Alvarez Tinajero is an Architect, Educator specialist, Ambassador, Co-Editor and
Correspondent of ACTAR Publishers in Mexico, Architecture Curator of La Ciudad de las Ideas Festival . (International
Festival of Brilliant Minds), Architecture Curator of The Construction Summit - Expo CIHAC , Author of GILARDI House
- Barragan s Last Witness , Founder and Director of NODE.
Building Metabolism
Lydia Kallipoliti, editor
Areti Markopoulou, editor
Actar D
c/o Actar Publishers
https://actar.com
9781638401803, $49.95, PB, 284pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Building-Metabolism-Recipes-Resource-Cycles/dp/1638401802
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/building-metabolism-lydia-kallipoliti/1147293401
Synopsis: Co-edited by the team of Lydia Kallipoliti and Areti Markopoulou, "Building Metabolism: Recipes for Food and
Resource Cycles", stems from the expanded work produced for the 2022 Tallinn Architecture Biennale (themed EDIBLE
and curated by the authors) reimagines the "home" on both domestic and planetary scales as a digestive system, processing
human output in its various forms and converting it into actionable resources.
This portrayal of the "home" urges readers to look at resources in a visceral way; via the raw ecologies of our bodies and the
understanding that the social problems related to climate justice are not simply statistical, abstract, and disembodied.
Instead, they are intertwined with our own production and living processes, and they are landed on bodies: on the food we
eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.
Envisioning an architecture that produces resources, digests its waste, and decomposes itself, "Building Metabolism"
challenges the extractive, consumptive, and contaminating logics of the built environment. Moving beyond an
understanding of metabolism as a collection of inhabitable machines (which is a reading that carries the heavy burden of
modernism) "Building Metabolism" explores metabolism as patterns of energy and material generation and distribution
within a multiverse.
This reality does not tolerate traditional dichotomies of nature and artifice, humans and non-humans, resource, and waste;
rather, it urges the emergence of a novel network of life and death and alternative forms of matter, including non-human
agents, but also technological and cultural others.
"Building Metabolism" aims to explore the potential of all natural and technological expressions to mitigate the
contaminating and extracting nature of our desires and protocols related to the production of the built environment.
Critique: Colorfully illustrated throughout and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, knowledgeably
compiled and deftly co-edited Lydia Kallipoliti and Areti Markopoulou, "Building Metabolism: Recipes for Food and
Resource Cycles" is a an extraordinary and thought-provoking contribution to the growing library of contemporary
architectural studies and a unique, essential, unreservedly recommended acquisition for personal, professional, corporate,
and college/university library Contemporary Architecture collections and supplemental Architectural Studies
curriculums.
The Photography Shelf
Exposure: Contemporary Photographers
Amber Creswell Bell
Thames & Hudson
https://www.thamesandhudson.com
9781760765446, $50.00
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Exposure-Photographers-Amber-Creswell-Bell/dp/1760765449
Synopsis: A captivating exploration of contemporary photography and the power of the lens to observe, interpret, and
inspire.
A photograph captures a fleeting visual in time. A split second on either side can change the result entirely: the exact
moment of exposure is critical. More than simply a static image, a photograph has the power to evoke emotion, revealing
both the seen and the unseen.
In her latest collection, curator Amber Creswell Bell explores the work of forty contemporary photographers from Australia
and New Zealand, including Leila Jeffreys, Bill Henson, and Kara Rosenlund. Each artist shares insights into their practice,
ranging from the whimsical to the wild, addressing subjects as diverse as the environment, motherhood, and identity. Some
point and shoot; others meticulously curate a scene, but they all strive for creative connection with the viewer through this
common medium. Exposure captures the essence of modern photography, showcasing bold perspectives, striking
landscapes, and intimate portraits that reflect cultural richness and natural beauty.
Critique: Illustrated with striking photographic images on every page (most in full color, some in black-and-white as a
deliberate artistic style), Exposure: Contemporary Photographers is a showcase of the work of forty modern photographers
from Australia and New Zealand. The text reflects upon the motivations and artistry of each creator, and the images range
from stunning landscapes and inquisitive wildlife to thoughtful portraits of people (at least one portrait is a nude model, but
most are not), avant-garde modern art statements, and more. Captivating from cover to cover, Exposure: Contemporary
Photographers is highly recommended especially for public and university library photography collections.
The Silent Song of The African Savannah
Ian Poh Jin Tze
https://ianpohjintze.com
MONK3YSEENDO(C) PTE LTD
c/o Pacific & Court
9789819418190, $80.00, HC, 200pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Song-African-Savannah/dp/9819418194
Synopsis: Up close and personal, with both predators and prey within the game parks of Africa, "The Silent Song of The
African Savannah" by Ian Poh Jin Tze is a photo book that consists of 6 chapters of this photographer's first hand
account.
It is filled with hair raising high resolution photographs of animals within their natural habitat and highlights of South
Africa such as the Three Rondavels, the majestic Bourke's Luck Potholes amongst others and the African gastronomical
scene.
The first chapter is titled Ataraxy. It features various animals in states of serendipity. Despite squinting through my lens at
what many would consider a "ferocious predator", it's stillness made me realise I was looking into the piercing golden eyes
of a creature sharing god's creation and not a savage beast.
The second chapter, Huntian, freezes frames of various apex predators and their dilated pupils, moments before taking the
lethal pounce which would inevitably tip the delicate balance of life and death towards its final inescapable conclusion.
The third chapter, Camaraderie, uncovers unlikely friendships amongst the animal kingdom and the mutual respect they
share for each other despite not speaking the same language or originating from totally different species.
The fourth chapter (Maternology) stirred a multitude of emotions within me as I witnessed the protective flames of the
maternal instinct and its self sacrificial nature which awakens at the softest of cries or the slightest hint of need from its
young. I discovered that not only was it a love but, it was her legacy that will echo through the ages long after the world has
forgotten her name.
The fifth chapter, Monochromatic, features black and white photographs not only revealing my emotions but also drawing
out the soul of the subject, baring its raw essence.
Finally, "The Silent Song of The African Savannah" concludes with a chapter featuring African culture such as unctuous
gastronomical delights and key landmarks in and around South Africa.
Critique: This large format (8.25 x 0.66 x 11 inches, 1.27 pounds) hardcover edition of wildlife photographer and photo
journalist Ian Poh Jin Tze's "The Silent Song of The African Savannah" from MONK3YSEENDO(C) PTE Ltd. is an
extraordinary volume showcasing full page and double page full color African wildlife photographs. There is also a small
section of shelter and food photos taken by Ian Poh Jin Tze. An ideal African safari-style wildlife photo volume for the
armchair traveler, and of special appeal to readers and aspiring photographers with an interest in African wildlife, this
edition of "The Silent Song of The African Savannah" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal,
professional, community, and college/university library Wildlife Photography collections and supplemental curriculum
studies lists.
Editorial Note: Ian Poh Jin Tze (https://ianpohjintze.com) is a freelance writer and photographer born in Singapore. He
spends approximately 300 days a year traversing the world with his beloved Rimowa camera.
The Judaic Studies Shelf
The Modern Quest for Torah Understanding
Rabbi Rafael Grossman
https://www.rafaelgrossman.com
Mazo Publishers
https://www.mazopublishers.com
9781956381917, $16.95, PB, 192pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Modern-Quest-Torah-Understanding-Commentaries/dp/1956381910
Synopsis: Written with an impressive clarity and conviction by Rabbi Rafael Grossman, the erudite essays comprising "The
Modern Quest for Torah Understanding: Incisive Essays On Trending Jewish Topics With Commentaries drawn from
Beresheet" delve into pressing current Jewish issues through the lens of classical and modern commentary found in the
Book of Beresheet.
With insight and relevance, Rabbi Grossman confronts the spiritual questions of our time, drawing timeless lessons from the
Torah's earliest narratives.
Whether studied individually or explored in group settings, the essays call for a return to reflective, discerning Torah study -
an approach that nurtures enduring faith and meaningful engagement with tradition.
Rabbi Grossman urges readers to move beyond rote scholarship and embrace Torah as a vibrant, intellectual, and profoundly
personal journey toward truth and divine connection.
Critique: Dealing with such diverse issues as the Holocaust, Zionism, Anti-Semitism, Judaic Theology, the Diaspora, Israel,
and more, "The Modern Quest for Torah Understanding: Incisive Essays On Trending Jewish Topics With Commentaries
drawn from Beresheet" is exceptionally well organized and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in presentation. Thoughtful and
thought-provoking, "The Modern Quest for Torah Understanding" is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended
addition to personal, professional, synagogue, community, and college/university library Contemporary Judaic Studies
collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for rabbinical students, academia, and
non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that this paperback edition of "The Modern Quest for Torah
Understanding" from Mazo Publishers is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.13).
The Gardening Shelf
Japanese Garden Design
Marc Peter Keane, author
Haruzo Ohashi, photography
Tuttle Publishing
www.tuttlepublishing.com
9784805319321, $29.99, HC, 176pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Japanese-Garden-Design-Peter-Keane/dp/4805319321
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/japanese-garden-design-marc-peter-keane/1100637269
Synopsis: With the publication of "Japanese Garden Design" landscape architect Marc Peter Keane presents a complete
overview of the history and development of the principles that underlie all Japanese gardens -- a respect for nature combined
with profound concepts of aesthetics and structure.
Keane is one of the world's leading designers of Japanese-style gardens and he describes in detail the historical influences of
Confucian, Shinto and Buddhist ideas that have linked poetry and philosophy to the tangible forms of gardens in Japan.
Creative inspiration is found in prehistoric Japanese conceptions of nature, gardens of the Heian-era aristocrats,
world-renowned Zen Buddhist temple rock gardens and tea gardens; compact courtyard gardens and large-scale Edo-era
stroll gardens.
Detailed explanations of these basic forms identify and interpret the symbolism and principles behind them and explain how
they are still in active use today. Topics covered in "Japanese Garden Design" include:
Early Gardens: Poetry in Paradise
Gardens of the Heian Aristocrats
Zen Gardens: The Art of Emptiness
The Tea Garden: A Spiritual Passage
Tsubo Gardens: Private Niches
Edo Stroll Gardens: A Collector's Park
Filled with gorgeous photographs by Haruzo Ohashi and expert text by leading garden designer Marc Peter Keane,
"Japanese Garden Design" explains both the theory and practice of Japanese gardening from an insider's point of view. It
will be treasured by all Japanese garden lovers and visitors to Japan.
Critique: Extraordinarily informative, beautifully illustrated, and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional,
community, and college/university library Japanese decorative gardening collections and supplemental Gardening Design
curriculum studies lists, it should be noted that originally published in paperback (2004), this new hardcover edition of
"Japanese Gardening Design" from Tuttle Publishing is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note #1: Marc Peter Keane (https://www.mpkeane.com) is an American landscape architect who has been
designing gardens in Kyoto, Japan, for twenty years. He is a research fellow at the Research Center for Japanese Garden Art,
and the author of many books on gardens and nature including Sakuteiki (Tuttle).
Editorial Note #2: Haruzo Ohashi born in Osaka City in 1927 and went to Tokyo in 1957 to become a freelance
photographer. Specializing in Japanese garden and landscape. A listing of his work is available at
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/630785.Haruzo_Ohashi
The Needlecraft Shelf
A Love of Cloth & Thread: Woodland Walks
Tilly Rose
Search Press
https://www.searchpress.com
9781800921900, $19.95 pbk / $18.95 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Love-Cloth-Thread-embroidery-iron/dp/180092190X
Synopsis: A stunning collection of over 25 woodland-themed designs to transfer, embroider and cherish, from best-selling
textile artist Tilly Rose. Create your own unique, embroidered, heirloom textiles using these easy-to-use iron-on transfers
and a sprinkle of Tilly magic.
Tilly's unique designs have been carefully selected and hand-stitched with love. Inspired by a love of visiting ancient
woodlands and wooded pastures, you can choose from a variety of delicate arrangements such as ivy, mistletoe, bluebells,
leaves, posies of clover and even a sweet little hedgehog, robin, moth and toadstools.
Each of the seasonal designs includes advice on Tilly's chosen stitches and threads and comes with accompanying insights
into its historical influences
Choose from a variety of delicate arrangements such as ivy, mistletoe, bluebells, leaves, posies of clover and even a sweet
little hedgehog, robin, moth and toadstools
There are over 25 reusable iron-on transfers, which can be cut out, stored in the pocket at the back of the book, and used
multiple times each, allowing you to create an array of beautiful designs
A detachable illustrated stitch guide is also included in the book, which makes the perfect handy reference to pop in your
sewing bag when stitching on the go
Tilly takes you on a journey to uncover the magic and mystery hiding among beautiful woodland greenery through the
patterns, shapes and textures found throughout the changing seasons. Once you've created the 25 stunning designs, follow
Tilly's inspirational ideas to combine transfer designs of your choice into a gorgeous 'Woodland Whispers' Patchwork
Collage - a wonderfully unique piece to capture and preserve your own woodland memories and make into a personalized
textile collage to hang or display as you wish.
Critique: In addition to full-color photography and project instructions, A Love of Cloth & Thread: Woodland Walks also
includes over 25 original embroidery designs with iron-on transfers. These transfers are consumable, meant to be impressed
on to fabric with a hot iron; detailed instructions walk the reader through the process step by step. Basic, illustrated stitching
techniques and accessible patterns make Woodland Walks thoroughly accessible to needlecrafters of all skill and experience
levels. The designs are sorted by season and include winter jasmine, hawthorn blossom, wild honeysuckle, blackberry
bramble, and more. Highly recommended! It should be noted for personal reading lists that Woodland Walks is also
available in a Kindle edition ($18.95).
Island Knitting
Erika Aberg
Search Press
https://www.searchpress.com
9781800923546, $29.95 hc / $24.55 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Island-Knitting-collection-knitting-landscapes/dp/1800923546
Synopsis: Embark on a knitting journey through the captivating landscapes of Shetland, the Hebrides, Gotland and Blido
with best-selling author and knitwear designer Erika Aberg (@wynja). This stunning book features 20 timeless patterns
inspired by the sea, wind and spirit of each island, perfect for knitters seeking one-of-a-kind garments infused with a touch
of coastal magic.
From the outer Hebrides, whose 'poetry, history and stories are visible in the landscape', to Shetland, 'an island world of
colours, light and patterns', discover the joy of creating unique pieces that reflect the essence of these captivating
destinations.
Each chapter begins with an evocative and personal introduction to one of the islands, exploring its history and culture. This
is followed by 5 stunning knitting patterns per chapter.
Each of the 20 exquisite hand-knitting patterns, from cozy sweaters and warm socks to stylish shawls, contains detailed
pattern instructions and easy-to-follow color charts.
The essential techniques section at the start covers all the key knitting information you need, including tips on increasing
and decreasing, working with more than one yarn color and grafting.
For knitters who are interested in the provenance and heritage of the sheep and wool the designs are knitted with, the book
also contains a fascinating insight into the islands' native breeds, desirable properties of wool and an insight into the
tradition of knitting in island life.
A treat for knitters and armchair travellers alike, Island Knitting invites you to explore the rugged beauty of these four
unique islands: the Scottish islands of Shetland and the Hebrides, and the Swedish islands of Gotland and Blido. Immerse
yourself in the rich history, vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes of each location as you learn to knit 20 beautiful
garments inspired by the colors and culture of each island.
Critique: Illustrated with full color photography throughout, as well as helpful black-and-white tables and diagrams, Island
Knitting: Beautiful Knitting Patterns Inspired by Coastal Landscapes is a wonderful repository of 20 knitting patterns.
Intermediate to advanced knitters can incorporate the patterns into sample projects such as "Seaweed Sweater", "Sea Foam
Socks", "Peat Vest", and much more. In addition to extensive instructions, the text is replete with the history, lore, and
culture of beautiful Scottish and Swedish islands. Island Knitting is both a treasure for needlecrafters and a coastal vacation
for armchair travelers. Highly recommended! It should be noted for personal reading lists that Island Knitting is also
available in a Kindle edition ($24.55).
The Easy Guide to Machine Quilt Making
Carolyn Forster
Search Press
https://www.searchpress.com
9781782219941, $25.95
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Guide-Machine-Quiltmaking-patchwork/dp/1782219943
Synopsis: The complete beginner's guide to machine quilting, from best-selling author, Carolyn Forster. Discover 1 classic
quilt block worked 30 different ways, for a cohesive range of inspiring, beginner-friendly designs!
Carolyn has taught hundreds of beginners to quilt, and this book follows her tried-and-tested teaching method for getting
started. Using one classic block design (the Sawtooth Star), a multitude of inspiring techniques and a clever use of fabric,
she shows you how to sew over 30 different star blocks with ease. Build up your skills as you go, and create a stunning and
unique heirloom quilt to be proud of.
SKILL-BUILDING STRUCTURE: Each of the 30 blocks introduces a new patchwork technique that's more challenging
than the last to build your skills gradually. From the simple Four Patch and Flying Geese units through to the brain-testing
Split Quarter Square Triangles, you'll cover core patchwork methods that are essential for making your first quilt, and will
be invaluable for quilts in years to come.
COMPLETE QUILTING GUIDE: Once you've made up your star blocks, discover how to put them together. There's advice
on different layout options; adding strips ("sashing" or "coping strips"); squares ("posts") and borders; quilting; attaching
binding; labelling; and much more
MIX AND MATCH DESIGN: All the blocks in the book are 12-inch square, so it's easy to mix and match your favorite
motifs to create your own unique quilt. And, with just a few quick-to-learn math formulas, Carolyn shows you how to sew
any size quilt you like for even more tailoring potential.
Carolyn's friendly, tried-and-tested techniques make this the perfect beginner's introduction to quilting.
Critique: The Easy Guide to Machine Quilt Making is a beginner's guide to machine quiltmaking by experienced teacher
Carolyn Foster. The first section walks the reader through setup tasks choosing a sewing machine and fabrics, how to use
tools designed for cutting and piercing, and how to pin, sew, and press patchwork. The second and third sections use
detailed instructions and full-color illustrations to show how to create 12-inch (30-centimeter) quilt blocks in thirty different
designs that can be mixed and matched. Quilt care guidelines, sample quilting recipes, and a handy glossary round out this
excellent hands-on starter guide. Highly recommended!
Needle Felting Art
Jo Lochhead
Search Press
https://www.searchpress.com
9781800923317, $24.95 pbk / $20.06 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Needle-Felting-Art-mixed-media-woodland/dp/1800923317
Synopsis: Create works of art with wool: use needle-felting and mixed-media techniques to create 12 delightful
woodland-themed projects. Needle Felting Art is by popular crafter and author Jo Lochhead, creator of the Crafty Kit
Company (@craftykitcompany).
Inspired by the Scottish countryside and a worldwide palette of woodlands, wildlife and open skies, all 12 projects reflect
the rich textures and colors of nature. You'll find everything from autumn leaves to woodland animals, with each design
capturing a little piece of that outdoor beauty to place inside your home.
It's easy to get started: whether you are a complete beginner, or just looking for artistic inspiration, needle felting is an easy,
enjoyable craft. Everything you need to get started is covered in the book: from key tools and essential techniques, to
framing and displaying your finished pieces.
12 inspiring projects, clearly explained: follow the illustrated step-by-step instructions and use the full-size outlines to create
your own stunning nature-inspired scenes. Push your creative boundaries: incorporate embroidery techniques, watercolor,
felt fabric and small foraged items, which add extra dimension and texture to bring your woodland scenes to life.
With just a few simple tools and some wool fibers, you too can create beautiful wool-painted woodland works of art!
Critique: Needle Felting Art: 12 Mixed-Media Woodland Projects to Paint and Sew is a hands-on craft project for making
beautiful, woodland-themed decorations that combine needle felting with sewing, embroidery, and basic mixed media
techniques (such as preserving leaves with glycerine). Step-by-step instructions with full-color illustrations make Needle
Felting Art easy to use for needlecrafters of all skill and experience levels. Needle Felting Art is a treasure for adventurous,
nature-loving needlecrafters, highly recommended. It should be noted for personal reference lists that Needle Felting Art is
also available in a Kindle edition ($20.06).
The Art Shelf
Hiroshige
Henri-Alexis Baatsch
Thames & Hudson, Inc.
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9780500030585, $125.00, HC, 224pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Hiroshige-Henri-Alexis-Baatsch/dp/B0DX98KW7M
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hiroshige-henri-alexis-baatsch/1147007292
Synopsis: From Henri-Alexis Baatsch (the author of Hokusai: A Life in Drawing) comes "Hiroshige" -- an illuminating
account of Utagawa Hiroshige (1797 - 1858), the last great artist of the ukiyo-e tradition.
Ukiyo-e, meaning "images of the floating world", was a ubiquitous genre of Japanese woodblock prints during Japan's Edo
period, often depicting popular actors, sumo wrestlers, beautiful women, and majestic landscapes. Hiroshige's serene,
atmospheric prints stood out from his predecessors, capturing the essence of the world around him, and eventually gained
widespread acclaim in Europe and America, influencing western European artists like Manet, Monet, and Van Gogh.
"Hiroshige" offers a fascinating look at Hiroshige's life and work, tracing the journey of a fire warden who turned to
printmaking later in life. It invites readers to follow in Hiroshige's footsteps through 19th-century Tokyo, discovering the
iconic landscapes he immortalized while traveling the famed Tokaido and Kiso Kaido roads. "Hiroshige" also features an
exceptional selection of works accompanied by vivid text, drawing from Hiroshige's diaries, his talent for humorous poetry,
taste for travel (with all its pleasures and challenges), and deep affinity for the natural world.
"Hiroshige" makes accessible a deep understanding of Hiroshige's body of work, and transports readers to Edo, Japan via his
timeless prints.
150 color illustrations
Critique: This large format (11.4 x 1.6 x 14.5 inches, 7.27 pounds) hardcover edition of "Hiroshige" from Thames &
Hudson is superbly enhanced throughout for the reader's benefit with 150 beautifully presented full color illustrations.
Informative, fascinating, and an ideal choice for a library Memorial Fund acquisition, this 'coffee-table' style edition of
"Hiroshige" is especially and unreserved for personal, professional, community, and college/university Japanese Art History
collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: Henri-Alexis Baatsch is a writer and translator who lived in Tokyo in 1981 and again from 1984 to 1986,
during which time he wrote the essay that became Hokusai: A Life in Drawing. He is the author of several plays and
numerous books, including Henri Michaux: Painter and Poetry and Questions of Style. His books are listed online at
https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/219164.Henri_Alexis_Baatsch
The Art of Kaylene Whiskey
Edited by Natalie King and Iwantja Arts
Thames & Hudson
https://www.thamesandhudson.com
9781760765408, $50.00
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Art-Kaylene-Whiskey-Believe-Love/dp/1760765406
Synopsis: Dance your way through the magical world of Kaylene Whiskey in her first major monograph.
Kaylene Whiskey (b. 1976) creates dazzling paintings with brightly colored pop stars rendered in dots and set among her
own community in remote Central Australia. She depicts female pop culture icons - including Dolly Parton, Tina Turner,
Catwoman, Cher, and Wonder Woman - woven into the Kungkarangkalpa Tjukurpa, or Seven Sisters Story. These heroines,
however, are shown partying at Iwantja Arts, where Whiskey works in Indulkana, South Australia.
Her journal - doodle style, laden with text bubbles, hearts, and rainbows - delivers lighthearted humor while channeling
potent symbols of female power in an Aboriginal setting. A visual anthem to the admiration of American media felt by
adolescents in her community, Whiskey's work draws from the country music, rock 'n' roll, and Anangu songs played in her
household growing up. Reflections and interview excerpts punctuate the richly illustrated pages in which Whiskey describes
her conceptual process - blending Anangu traditions with contemporary culture by painting jugs of Coca-Cola, alongside
mingkulpa (native tobacco plants), lollipops, honey ants, and other childhood emblems.
The first monograph on the artist, The Art of Kaylene Whiskey, features a survey by renowned curator Natalie King and an
in-depth interview with the artist, in her own words. Featuring a lenticular cover and colorfully designed throughout, the
volume also includes contributions from notable creatives Taika Waititi, Jazz Money, Zoe Whitley, Clothilde Bullen, and
April Phillips.
Critique: The Art of Kaylene Whiskey: Do You Believe in Love? is the first major monograph by contemporary Aboriginal
Australian artist Kaylene Whiskey. Featuring full-color illustrations of Whiskey's art on virtually every page, as well edited
excerpts from interviews with Whiskey between 2023 and 2025 discussing the themes, inspiration, and subject matter of her
works, The Art of Kaylene Whiskey: Do You Believe in Love? is a striking showcase of Whiskey's signature portrayals of
strong, heroic women, vibrant imagery, and bold presentation, at times juxtaposed against photographic images of
Australian scenery or wildlife. The heroines range from pop culture icons such as Dolly Parton, Tina Turner, Catwoman,
Cher, or Wonder Woman to women from legendary Aboriginal tales such as the Seven Sisters Story. The Art of Kaylene
Whiskey: Do You Believe in Love? is a welcome addition to modern art collections and personal reading lists.
Drawing is Important
Tom Froese
Rockport
c/o Quarto
quarto.com
9780760399460, $24.99 pbk / $23.74 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Drawing-Important-Lifelong-Practice-Journey/dp/0760399468
Synopsis: Make drawing a rewarding daily habit with this practical and encouraging guide.
What if drawing wasn't just something you did when inspiration struck - but an essential part of your daily life? Drawing Is
Important by illustrator and educator Tom Froese is an inspiring and practical guide to building a sustainable daily drawing
practice, embracing consistency over perfection.
Through insightful essays and creative exercises, Froese builds on his popular Skillshare class of the same name to make the
case for why drawing every day - without pressure for results - can lead to greater creativity, artistic growth, and personal
satisfaction. This book offers motivation, mindset shifts, and practical guidance to help you develop a habit of drawing
regularly, no matter your skill level or experience.
Inside, you'll find:
Encouraging insights on why daily drawing leads to creative breakthroughs
Exercises to build consistency and make drawing a natural part of your day
Techniques for overcoming perfectionism and creative fears
A beautiful design that inspires creativity on every page
Whether you're an experienced artist looking to reinvigorate your practice or a beginner eager to build confidence, Drawing
Is Important will help you make drawing a joyful, meaningful part of your daily life.
Critique: Drawing is like any other skill - it has to be practiced regularly to stay sharp or improve. Drawing is Important:
How to Start a Lifelong Daily Drawing Practice is a useful guide for artists of all skill and experience levels, from budding
amateurs to professionals seeking to create a daily rhythm to hone their craft, and everyone in between. Full-color
illustrations illuminate the basic principles to making drawing part of one's daily routine, and offer advice specific to
beginners (such as recommended starter kits) and professionals ("When Drawing Is Your Day Job"). "Having a personal
Daily Drawing Practice will ensure that you always stay in touch with your creative impulses, regardless of how things are
going in your main line of work. I find it's easy to stay in autopilot with client work, while drawing makes me more
intentional about staying creatively challenged and inspired." Drawing is Important is a "must-have" for anyone with a keen
interesting in drawing, highly recommended. It should be noted for personal reading lists that Drawing is Important is also
available in a Kindle edition ($23.74).
Paint 50: Watercolour Nature
Clarice Gomes
Search Press
https://www.searchpress.com
9781800923041, $19.95 pbk / $13.85 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Paint-50-Watercolour-paintings-super-easy/dp/180092304X
Synopsis: Create colorful, softly blended vignettes of delicate flowers, juicy grapefruit, fluffy bumblebees, striking
toadstools and more!
Over the course of 50 simple watercolor projects - including exotic fruit, iconic trees, vibrant insects and traditional flowers
- this beginner-friendly title will teach you how to paint! Each project can be completed in six to eight simple steps, using a
small selection of colors and a handful of easy-to-follow watercolour techniques.
No prior knowledge of watercolor techniques needed - This book contains a short list of tools and materials needed to get
started and a clear and informative guide to the basic techniques needed.
No drawing skills required - Some simple outlines are included where necessary, but at the heart of Clarice's painting style
is the mantra 'go with the flow': be bold and creative and learn to work with the marks you make.
Suitable for artists of all levels - Clarice's clear instructions guide the reader from start to finish in a way that makes it easy
for anyone to pick up a brush and learn how to paint in her loose, characterful style.
Latest title in the bestselling series - Animals and Flowers have already been published and are selling extremely well.
Whether you want to create a hand-painted card, decorate your wall or maybe you simply want to learn the relaxing art of
painting with watercolors, with 50 cute motifs to choose from, you'll easily find something to inspire you.
Critique: Featuring full-color illustrations of the step-by-step creation of sample designs, Paint 50: Watercolour Nature -
From Basic Shapes to Amazing Paintings in Super-Easy Steps lives up to its title. An introduction walks the reader through
the basics of using watercolor painting materials, including staple painting techniques. The 50 natural painting subjects
examined in depth include a cherry blossom tree, a bumblebee, a feather, a jellyfish, a watermelon, a butterfly, carrots, and
much more. Beautiful and practical, Paint 50: Watercolour Nature is a choice pick for aspiring artists, highly recommended.
It should be noted for personal reference lists that Paint 50: Watercolour Nature is also available in a Kindle edition
($13.85).
Ready to Paint in 30 Minutes: Seascapes in Watercolour
Matthew Palmer
Search Press
https://www.searchpress.com
9781800921047, $19.95 / $15.67 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Ready-Paint-30-Minutes-Seascapes/dp/1800921047
Synopsis: Short on time but bursting with creativity? Learn to paint dynamic watercolor seascapes with these 33
quick-and-easy, skill-building projects. Best-selling author Matthew Palmer has included all his tried-and-tested tips and
techniques, along with step-by-step instructions and full-size tracings for all 33 stunning projects.
This beginner's course in watercolor contains a series of 33 ocean-themed painting projects, each designed to take 30
minutes or fewer, and structured to build up your skills gradually. Start simple with still water and rippling tides, then move
on to creating crashing waves, coastal buildings, boats and sun-bleached sand.
Designed for busy hobby artists who want to snatch moments to paint here or there, each of these compact projects is
explained in 10 steps or fewer and is accompanied by a full-size outline on tracing paper. Seascapes in Watercolour covers
watercolor basics, building up from core watercolor techniques including preparing paper and paint and blending.
Each of the 33 quick and easy exercises takes no more than 30 minutes and will teach you how to create a new and inspiring
subject - including wild waves, lightning on the ocean, yachts, palm trees and rocky shores. The exercises are all worked at
postcard size - ideal for a 6 x 4in watercolor pad.
At the end of the book discover 3 larger scale finished paintings that demonstrate how to integrate the techniques you've
learned into vibrant and inspiring seascapes; these complete paintings also have an accompanying actual-size tracing.
Critique: Ready to Paint in 30 Minutes: Seascapes in Watercolour lives up to its title as a hands-on guide, including usable
tracings for 33 step-by-step painting projects. Using the tracings is not required, but they can be helpful for beginning artists
who are not yet comfortable drawing freehand. Using the tracings is a two-step process: first the artist scribbles over the
lines on the back of the tracing with a soft pencil, then the artist positions watercolour paper under the tracing and draws
over the lines on the top, so that pressure from the pencil transfers the graphite from the scribbling on to the watercolour
paper, in preparation for painting. Each of the painting projects has a two-page spread of dedicated instructions, packed with
tips, tricks, techniques, and full-color illustrations. Ready to Paint in 30 Minutes: Seascapes in Watercolour is a treasure for
aspiring watercolour painters, highly recommended. It should be noted for personal reference lists that Ready to Paint in 30
Minutes: Seascapes in Watercolour is also available in a Kindle edition ($15.67).
Comic Art Superheroes
Sam Hart
Search Press
https://www.searchpress.com
9781800922624, $24.95
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Comic-Art-Superheroes-Villains-Monsters/dp/1800922620
Synopsis: Create your own jaw-dropping comic art characters who burst off the page with personality and power! This is the
essential, practical guide to creating believable, unique characters, authored by influential artist Sam Hart, a comic book
guru of over 30 years.
Aimed at young teens and upwards, this must-have guide is the perfect introduction to creating dynamic, memorable comic
book superheroes, supervillains and monsters. With step-by-step instructions and skill-building exercises integrated
throughout for fun, fast results, you will build your characters from the ground up:
Start with a comprehensive introduction to the human form, looking at muscles, movement and amplifying characteristics
for a superhuman finish
Give your characters charisma and personality through their facial expressions, head movements and masks
Clothe your characters: from spandex to fabric, this section contains everything you need to know to give your superhero
their vital, identifying costume
Translate power onto paper (from flight, strength and speed, to x-ray vision, magic and even weaponry)
Create believable, dynamic action poses
Once you master the basics, you'll move on to advanced skills like creating dramatic perspective, adding narrative and
inking to create comic-style tone and shading. Sam also shares special secrets on creating drama and dynamics through
layout - a key element of comic book art!
With a foreword from John Higgins, prominent comic book artist and writer best known for his coloring work on two of the
biggest and most groundbreaking graphic novels of all time - Watchmen and The Killing Joke, this is the must-have guide
to bringing your own comic art to life.
Critique: Filled with both black-and-white and color illustrations to demonstrate drawing techniques, often step by step,
Comic Art Superheroes: Your Master Guide To Drawing Awesome Heroes, Villains and Monsters lives up to its title. An
easy-to-follow guide to physically or digitally drawing superhero or supervillain comic book characters, Comic Art
Superheroes covers techniques for drawing faces, expressions, uniforms, action, visual FX representing superpowers, and
more. Comic Art Superheroes is a "must-have" for aspiring artists with a keen interest in the superhero genre, highly
recommended!
The Crafts Shelf
Crafting the Wheel of the Year
Claire Gelder and Deb Bowen
Search Press
https://www.searchpress.com
9781800922372 $25.95 pbk / $21.82 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Crafting-Wheel-Year-magical-projects/dp/180092237X
Synopsis: Craft in harmony with the changing seasons; create 17 stunning projects designed to connect you with the natural
world and aid your magical practice. Discover a range of crafts, including knitting, crochet and macrame, and work with
natural materials including pinecones, flowers and twigs.
The turning of the seasons, known as the Wheel of the Year, is rich in history and forms an integral part of various
modern-day magical practices. Structured seasonally to guide you through the year, this inspiring book will ground and calm
you as you get creative and is suitable for crafters of all abilities. Renowned author and podcaster Deb Bowen introduces
each of the 8 seasons with warmth, clarity and insight, while each of the 17 projects has been lovingly created by
best-selling craft author Claire Gelder.
A range of 17 inspiring projects with all the necessary techniques clearly described. Revel in the warmth and joy of summer
with a glorious flower crown for Beltane; decorate your table with cute and cuddly knitted pumpkins for Samhain (autumn);
create festive cheer with a rowan berry garland for Yule (winter); and welcome the coming spring with a macrame hanging
jar glowing with dried flowers.
Natural crafts inspired by the world around you: discover a range of projects that incorporate natural items, from a smudge
stick made from rosemary and dried rose petals, a Brigid's cross woven from reeds and a wand, crafted from fallen or
beach-combed wood.
Included with each holiday are corresponding crystals and essential oils: the crystals offer you an insight into the mineral
kingdom; the essential oils will elicit fragrances that beckon you to fond memories and awaken your senses.
A fascinating introduction to each of the 8 seasons, and historical insights into the traditions and rituals that shape our world
today.
Critique: Filled cover to cover with full-color photography illustrating the steps of each project, Crafting the Wheel of the
Year: 17 Magical Projects to Honour Nature's Seasons is a thoroughly accessible, multidiscplinary crafter's delight. Crafters
of all skill and experience levels will enjoy these hands-on creations with seasonal themes. Different projects involve simple
knitting, flower crowns, garlands, macrame, cross stitch, and more, inviting readers who may be familiar with one craft to
try something new and exciting! Highly recommended. It should be noted for personal reading lists that Crafting the Wheel
of the Year is also available in a Kindle edition ($21.82).
The Interior Design Shelf
The Story of the Interior
Graeme Brooker
Thames & Hudson
https://www.thamesandhudson.com
9780500027592, $85.00
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Story-Interior-Shaped-Rooms-Shape/dp/0500027595
Synopsis: An exhilarating and eclectic volume on the social, cultural, and technological history of interior design from
prehistory to the present day, exploring how spaces shape our lives.
The majority of our lives are spent indoors, yet we rarely, if ever, stop to ask ourselves the origins or reasons behind the
ideas and forms of our interior spaces. From traditional nomadic dwellings to state-of-the-art airports, The Story of the
Interior explores an exciting array of inside spaces from around the world to reveal how the fundamental elements of a room
have evolved and endured.
Organized in three parts - The Room, The Private Interior, and The Public Interior - the book presents a fascinating account
of how the interior has been conceived and thought of from antiquity to the present day. By calling to attention the most
basic elements of inside space - walls, doors, windows, furniture, ambience to name a few - this engaging exploration delves
into how private and public interiors actively shape the way we live, work, learn, and play.
Using a thematic approach, author Graeme Brooker digs into the elements of the interior found in both historic spaces and
cutting-edge contemporary interiors. The book spans a wide range of iconic and off beat examples. Brooker deftly guides
readers through interiors as diverse as Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater, Olafur Eliasson's The Weather Project, the Prada
store in Marfa, Texas, and Sou Fujimoto's NA House, as well as the rock-cut Buddhist temples of India, medieval European
castles, and ancient Egyptian tombs, to unveil the drastically different and surprisingly similar spaces that surround us. The
result is a fascinating tour of global interiors, tracing the genesis and evolution of these spaces and how they help us
understand human presence and behavior.
Critique: Illustrated with lavish, full-color photography on virtually every page, The Story of the Interior: How We Have
Shaped Rooms and How They Shape Us is a scholarly analysis of both private and public interior designs worldwide, from
grand historic spaces to contemporary interiors. From the interiors created by celebrated architects like Frank Lloyd right
and Olafur Eliasson, to rock-cut Buddhist temples in India, medieval European castles, ancient Egyptian tombs, and more,
The Story of the Interior is an extraordinary tour rich with historical and cultural lore as well as deep insights into the human
psyche. Suggested further reading, a list of illustration sources, and an index round out this grand, in-depth study, highly
recommended especially for public and college library Architecture and Interior Design collections.
The Jewelry Shelf
Vivienne Westwood & Jewellery
Text and introduction by Alexander Fury
Foreword by Andreas Kronthaler
Special photography by Philippe Lacombe
Thames & Hudson
https://www.thamesandhudson.com
9780500028438, $70.00
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Vivienne-Westwood-Jewellery-Alexander-Fury/dp/0500028435
Synopsis: Vivienne Westwood's jewellery creations in a beautifully produced volume, published in close collaboration with
the house and authored by fashion - and Westwood - expert Alexander Fury.
This lavish survey of Vivienne Westwood jewellery evokes the heady blend of luxury and rebellion that is the house's
signature style. Whether a skillfully rendered safety-pin brooch, a hand-strung "broken" pearl necklace, or the iconic
Westwood orb in crystal, these are pieces that define the house's codes. The book centers on specially photographed
vignettes, interspersed with catwalk shots and images of Westwood herself wearing her pieces to form a compendium that
will inspire and inform any jewellery or fashion aficionado.
Following an introduction by renowned fashion journalist Alexander Fury, which acquaints readers with the recurring
motifs, techniques, and inspirations of the world of Vivienne Westwood jewellery, the book presents some two hundred
pieces arranged by theme. From punk masterworks, such as the "Hardcore Paperclip Earrings" and "Chaos Necklace,"
through the pastel-toned "Flower Skull Necklace" and "Rubber Earrings," to the recycled-can "Simone Earrings" and the
pagan "Conkers Necklace," contemporary creations mingle with reimagined classics. A full range of jewellery is included:
necklaces, pendants and chokers; earrings and nose rings; brooches, pins, badges, and medals; tiaras and coronets;
bejeweled sunglasses; cuffs and bangles. Each piece is identified with its name, fashion season, and what is often an
extraordinary range of materials. Through evocative still-life vignettes and close-ups, images of catwalk models, and
stunning portraits of Vivienne Westwood, this glittering volume welcomes readers to a vibrant world that draws on the
house's rich heritage.
Critique: An introduction and relatively brief text by veteran fashion journalist Alexander Fury begins Vivienne Westwood
& Jewellery. The vast majority of the pages are devoted entirely to full-color photographs of nearly two hundred of her
avant-garde artistic creations, each with a brief caption of the jewellery piece's name and what it was made for. Most
photographs focus on the jewelllery by itself; some show it worn by people. From recycled-can "Simone Earrings" to
bejeweled sunglasses, papier-mache tiaras, a charm belt with carvings of a heart, hand, and phallus, and much more,
Westwood's creations push the boundaries of media, form, function, and art. A striking, unforgettable compendium,
Vivienne Westwood & Jewellery is highly recommended especially for university modern art collections.
The Self-Help Shelf
The Power of Moving On
John Purkiss
Monoray
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781800963603, $18.99 PB, $10.99 Kindle, 272pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Food-Noise-medications-nutrition-cravings/dp/1804193348
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-power-of-moving-on-john-purkiss/1147389067
The Power of Moving On: How to Let Go and Live the Life You Want is a study in empowerment and action that will
especially appeal to self-help readers willing to do the work to define the requirements and elements of their own
transformation. It offers exercises to help categorize desires, tools for identifying and addressing negative beliefs that thwart
the ambition to change, and insights on how to enact changes to support choice and change in the outer world. From
manifesting happy, harmonious relationships to learning how to listen to oneself and get rid of patterns of pain, The Power
of Moving On outlines routines and life approaches that can be changed with the help of this book's admonitions and
insights. It's a top pick for self-help collections and readers interested in transformative approaches to life.
The Metaphysical Studies Shelf
Celtic Magic: A Practitioner's Guide
Brigid Ehrmantraut
Thames & Hudson, Inc.
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9780500029732, $24.95, HC, 208pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Celtic-Magic-Practitioners-Brigid-Ehrmantraut/dp/0500029733
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/celtic-magic-brigid-ehrmantraut/1147800628
Synopsis: Druids and divination, curses and charms: the ancient Celtic world was filled with magic and intrigue, but how
and why did people practice magic? "Celtic Magic: A Practitioner's Guide" by academician Brigid Ehrmantraut is an
informative guide through Celtic-speaking regions exploring the different ways people interacted with magic. Some sought
aid through deities and dedications, while others used spells and curse tablets to wish ill on their enemies. With the
medieval period, magic collided with popular religion, saints overtook the old gods, and witches, shape-shifters, and spirit
battles became but tropes of medieval literature.
"Celtic Magic: A Practitioner's Guide" deftly delves into gods and practices that shaped the lives of Celts through antiquity.
It reveals forgotten gods like Cernunnos and Esus, immortalized on the Pillar of the Boatmen in Paris, and explores the
sanctuary of Sequana, goddess of healing at the Seine's source.
But magic wasn't always benevolent; curses like those etched on the famous Larzac tablet, expose a darker side to magic
practitioners. While Classical accounts of magic offer tantalizing glimpses into lurid rituals and wild druids, their accounts
blur fact and fiction.
This journey through the Celtic world sweeps into medieval Wales and Ireland, touching on Scotland and Brittany in the
process. Protective prayers, such as St. Patrick's loricae, and miraculous tales from saints' lives reveal the interplay of magic
and religion. The power of star signs and medicinal charms connect Celtic practices to broader medieval traditions. Celtic
Magic also includes tips and tricks for personal practice, including creating curses, dedicating religious offerings to the
gods, and a medieval Welsh hangover cure.
Critique: Inherently fascinating, impressively informative, truly exceptional, "Celtic Magic: A Practitioner's Guide" is an
extraordinary and highly prized pick for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Metaphysical
Studies/Celtic Magic collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for metaphysical studies
students, magic/wiccan practitioners, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that this hardcover
edition of "Celtic Magic: A Practitioner's Guide" from Thames & Hudson is also available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$20.98).
Editorial Note: Brigid Ehrmantraut is an expert in Celtic languages and literature. She is currently a junior research fellow at
St John's College, University of Cambridge in the department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse, and Celtic. Originally from
Washington, she studied at Princeton University and is also the author of Classical Myth in Medieval Ireland.
(https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/history/people/bke1)
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
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