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Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Scammed by Statistics
Edward Zaccaro & Daniel Zaccaro
Hickory Grove Press
3151 Treeco Lane, Bellevue, IA 52031
9780967991573, $17.95
Charts and graphs are good ways to present information, but the cunning con can use it to warp
the information without ever truly lying. "Scammed by Statistics" is the Zaccaros' guide to
statistics and how they are manipulated and lead people astray with the simplest of changing the
terms of the data and presenting it in a way to shift the opinion of the viewer. Calling out the
tobacco industry and how some data is used incorrectly, "Scammed by Statistics" is a thoughtful
read that offers much to understand about the misuse of statistics.
When Mom and Dad Need Help
Michael C. Campbell
Iffenwen Publishing Company
PO Box 168, Painesville, OH 44077-0168
9780974298405, $24.95, www.iffenwen.com
It can often prove hard to care for your parents when they finally need it. "When Mom and Dad
Need Help: Help Your Family Achieve The Quality of Life You All Deserve" is a guide for those
individuals who are faced with parents with care needs. This leads to decisions that could impact
decades of your life, so it's very important to be informed and prepared before deciding to care
for your parents personally or considering a senior care facility. Breaking down costs, the
pressures, and the worries, "When Mom and Dad Need Help" is a read that should be strongly
considered and is very highly recommended.
The Heart of the Wedding
Gerald Fierst
Parkhurst Brothers
415 North McKinley Street, Suite 510
Little Rock, AR 72205
KSB Promotions (publicity)
55 Honey Creek NE, Ada, MI 49301
9781935166221, $19.95, www.pbros.net
The wedding is far more than an announcement of commitment. "The Heart of the Wedding" is a
guide from Gerald Fierst, as he discusses the importance of the wedding, discussing in length
what the marriage means and the many levels of planning. Marriage to him is defining one's role
in society, an act of faith that is not necessarily bound by faith, and a major part of the human
experience. With plenty of thought and wisdom, "The Heart of the Wedding" is well worth
considering for anyone considering going down the aisle.
The Poetry Shelf
Things a Cowboy Sees
Rod Miller
Port Yonder Press
6332-33rd Avenue Drive, Shellsburg, IO 52332
9781935600077, $9.95, www.portyonderpress.com
The world of the cowboy has not completely come to an end as time rolled on. "Things Cowboy
Sees and Other Poems" is a collection of poetry from Rod Miller, who comes at readers with a
bit of common sense and offers his experiences from his view of the world with entertaining
verse and interesting perspective. "Things a Cowboy Sees and Other Poems" is a fine assortment,
very much worth considering. "Landing Gear": I can (and do) go on at some length/about my
rodeo days/and the sad fact is, both they and I/look better through the passing years' haze./But the
truth of it all can be summed up/in a lot fewer words than that:/My bronc riding career, when all's
said and done,/sure was hard on hats.
One Sleeve
Richard Carr
Evening Street Press
7652 Sawmill Road, #352, Dublin, OH 43016-9296
0982010591, $16.00, www.eveningstreetpress.com
The reality behind all our lives is really quite frightening. "One Sleeve" is a collection of poetry from Richard Carr, who speaks with an honesty that holds nothing back, and manages to leave readers with much to think about. Excellent verse and excellent reading, "One Sleeve" is a chapbook that would do well in any poetry collection. "The Elephant Hides Behind Her Long, Shy Eyelashes": The elephant hides behind her long, shy eyelashes./One sleeve is in love and can't stop looking at her.//I like the zoo because it exhibits only the obvious./The giraffe is self-explanatory./One Sleeve is a glutton./Never satisfied with an explanation,/he wants three scoops of ice cream stacked on a cone,/all chocolate.//He licks it methodically: around, up./I lick the side of my hand.
I Never Wanted to Say Goodbye
Arlene Klein
Designing Poet
PO Box 18747, Sarasota, FL 34276
9780965091534, $9.95, www.designingpoet.com
Such a connection can be formed with a pet that losing them can be like losing a relative. "I Never Wanted to Say Goodbye" is a collection of poems from Arlene Klein aimed at those coping with the loss of a pet. With simple verse and black and white photographs throughout, "I Never Wanted to Say Goodbye" is an excellent and to the point read for any who want something to uplift them after tragedy.
Other Romes
Derek Mong
Saturnalia Books
105 Woodside Rd., Ardmore, PA 19003
9780981859187, $14.00, www.saturnaliabooks.org
Poet Derek Mong has claimed many awards for his work, and "Other Romes" demonstrates his
work proudly. Taking inspiration from the classics, Mong demonstrates a unique relationship
between what endures and the sensationalism of life. "Other Romes" is a fun, thoughtful, and
very much recommended collection of verse. "A-Fib": lives inside this lie://heartbeats simply
sync/up the body's clock//and repeat in one direction. Truth is,//like two boots in snow/retracing
their tracks/every ticker tip-/toes over ground once/covered, till each beat/flips to face what
path//it's tread and sprints home- sick toward beginning --/marking, as comets/do, its pinnacle//by
all its burns off in turning. The skin//grows hot, cooks layers/it forgot to shed,//till the flesh is
lens/our blood pools under//like a stoplight sunk/into the body,//a rewinding so/gaudy it blinds
us//to the future, days/of which simply drift//away unnoticed,/beats we bargained off/for a less
distant/dark and this thought, small//enough to carry:/between two unknown//points the shortest
walk/is always the one//already traveled.
Err
Shane Rhodes
Nightwood Editions
PO Box 1779, Gibsons, BC V0N 1V0
9780889712560, $18.95, www.nightwoodeditions.com
Life's vices can combine into one volatile cocktail. "Err" is a collection of poetry from Shane
Rhodes, as he talks on the dark underbelly of life and what we're searching for when we're under
there. Pulling no punches and speaking on every subject he can think of, "Err" is riveting work
that values entertainment alongside its message. "In Flanders Red Square": On Flanders orders
the red poppies battle/With the crosses on file on file/That signified; Our Dutch place in the
sky/Where one hundred spirits, nod bravely,/Fly dilute amid male guns.//We are Inoperative.
Short/Summoning suffered, we lived,/Felt night's discernment, loved/The glow of sun, saw
perdition in another,/And we are rumoured words in Flanders fold.//Lift this noisy enmity as your
own:/To you of missing h ands we throw the light;/Be keep of yours to understand./In faith
breaking us we untire and die,/While in Flanders red square poppies multiply.
Detours & Diversions
Nancy Scott
Main Street Rag Publishing Company
PO Box 690100, Charlotte, NC 28227
9781599482996, $7.00
Her job is helping others face the endeavors life has given them. "Detours & Diversions" is a
collection of poetry from Nancy Scott, a social worker for the state of New Jersey, who shares
her views of the world, which are both poignant and offbeat."Detours & Diversions" is a
charming read and reminder that we all have problems, it's simply finding the strength in our
selves and others to face them, while remembering to have fun with it. "Brief Bio": I was
Playmate of the Month in 1964, theater critic for the San Francisco Examiner, Texas singer and
songwriter for over 30 years, teacher of the deaf, weaver, poet, pediatrician,/ researcher, and art
historian./I wrote a book about cruising the Virgin islands, ran a health clinic in Zambia./I've
been married several times,/ currently to Dave. We live on a bluff/overlooking Lake
Hamilton./Years ago, I wed Thomas, a burglar,/while he was still in prison./I've produced many
children,/going back to the 1700s. I lived a full life,/and died in 2003, according to Google.
What Other Choice
Jeremy Halinen
Exquisite Disarray
808 S Cushman Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405
9780983044802, $12.95, www.exquisitedisarray.org
Jeremy Halinen holds nothing back because life has never held anything back. "What Other
Choice" is no-holds barred poetry from Halinen, who comes at readers with a certain unique flare
that can't be duplicated. Winner of the 2010 Exquisite Disarray First Book Poetry Contest, "What
Other Choice" is quite the pick, enthusiastically recommended. "Wanting Hours": One can't bury
a bird/that dies in flight/but flies on.
Letters
Peter Liptak
Exile Press
2355 Fairview Avenue North, #191
Roseville, MN 55113
9781936342143, $15.95, www.exilepress.com
The letters of our alphabet have more inspiration behind them then pure utility. "Letters" is a
blending of artwork and poetry from Peter Liptak, as he presents a series of pieces inspired by the
alphabet with alliteration right there behind it. With dedicated thought and verse, "Letters" is an
excellent meeting of the two mediums, highly recommended. "An H-Illusioned Heart": Checked
and in check//once stood and still standing/tall and broad in their handling/Of all affairs of heart
and head/emerged a fantasy of forms banding.//Joined by a bar of yellow,/bright of spirit but ever
mellow./A checked past, the two were wed,/Married to form an H to bellow//Of happy hearts as a
letter read.../Its image ever hovering in your head.
Nymph, Dun, and Spinner
Dolores Hayden
David Robert Books
PO Box 541106, Cincinnati, OH 45254-1106
9781936370061, $18.00
Our world is a clash of many things, and to understand any of it, you have to understand them all.
"Nymph, Dun, and Spinner" is a collection of poetry from Dolores Hayden, as he focuses on the
world and its many elements in her own attempts of coping with it, dragging readers along for the
ride. "Nymph, Dun, and Spinner" is a fine set of works, not to be missed. "Carpenter's Lace":
Sawn with bright, ingenious blades,/wooden lilies bounding porches/open petals summer
wide./Gothic windows. Late nights. Torches./Bandsaw pistils rise inside./Men and women writhe
in hay, seek to burn, blow trumpets, howl,/underneath the pulpit's sway,/speak in wondrous
tongues. And foul./Methodist madness cuts two ways,/jigsaws sweethearts, souls
enslaved,/meeting lasts for thirty days,/saved, I'm saved, I'm saved, I'm saved.
The Man Who Wrote on Water
Pablo Medina
Hanging Loose Press
231 Wyckoff St. Brooklyn, NY 11217
9781934909195, $18.00, www.hangingloosepress.com
Life faces with far more questions than answers that could ever exist. "The Man Who Wrote on
Water" is a collection of poetry from New Yorker Pablo Medina, as he writes on life, loves,
frustrations, curiosities, and more. A man of many mediums of writing including novels,
translations, and essays, "The Man Who Wrote on Water" is a sage pick for anyone who loves
poetry. "What He Wanted" He tended his garden/to no avail.//A branch of the mango tree waving
hello.//He did not want his wife or children,/least of all God, fawning over him.//To live well, to
die poorly, to know/that death is your mother and your beauty/and your baby and your
whore.//The mockingbird was singing across/the washed-out sky./He wanted that song to carry
him forever.
Ab Antiquo, Ab Aeterno
Brandon Gene Petit
Orchestrion
50 Old Mountain Road, Port Jervis, NY 12771
9780615382333, $13.99
Life is not about one thing, then why should any work be? "Ab Antiquo, Ab Aeterno" is a blend
of writing and poetry from Brandon Gene Petti as he discusses life and life's many dimensions
through both fiction and verse. With a certain poignance and reverence of the interconnection of
everything, "Ab Antiquo, Ab Aeterno" is a solid and choice pick for poetry collections. "In Her
Absence": In the blonde rays of sunlight,/I found the sacred grove told me by my window//And I
smelled the flowers and thought it was her.../But it was only a part of the game that she
plays//She is, after all, at a crossroads with my mind/And the grove altogether is just a glimpse of
the forbidden.
The Environmental Studies Shelf
The Smart Guide to Geothermal
Donal Blaise Lloyd
PixyJack Press
PO Box 149, Masonville, CO 80541
9780977372485, $19.95, www.pixyjackpress.com
The energy of heat can be used in safe and efficient ways that allows comfort at reduced
environmental impact. "The Smart Guide to Geothermal" discusses geothermal heating and
cooling, something that can be effectively applied to any home, no matter how old, using energy
from the earth to heat or cool homes. Explaining the technology and how to use it in one's home,
"The Smart Guide to Geothermal" is a strongly recommended read for anyone who wants to use
or understand geothermal technology for their home.
Caribbean Monk Seals
John Hairr
Coachwhip Publications
1505 English Brook Dr., Landisville, PA 17538
9781616460631, $14.95
As humanity develops further, the lives of many exotic species are threatened. "Caribbean Monk
Seals: Lost Seals of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea" discusses this creature that is now
extinct and the history and ecosystem of the Gulf of Mexico region. Drawing on accounts with
humanity's interactions with the creature, author John Hairr strives to warn readers that
conservation is not something that can be delayed upon. "Caribbean Monk Seals" is a strongly
recommended read of environmental conservation.
The Fiction Shelf
Bending the Boyne
J. S. Dunn
Seriously Good Books
999 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 200
Naples, FL 33108
9780983155416, $17.99, www.seriouslygoodbooks.net
Humanity has always fought for its survival, from the stone age to the information age. "Bending
the Boyne" is a blend of historical fiction and mythology as J. S. Dunn tells the story of Bronze
Age Europe and one tribes resilience in the face of rampaging marauders that want to claim
Boann and Cian's lands for their own, having to shove their thinking pursuits to the side to
survive. Drawing on ancient creation myths, "Bending the Boyne" is a read with a unique setting
that will prove very difficult to put down.
The Leader of the Lost People
J. Steven Carr
Argus Enterprises
PO Box 914, Kernersville, NC 27285
9780984619580, $17.99, www.a-argusbooks.com
The drive to improve the lives of children often requires going against the highly selfish. "The
Leader of Lost People" tells the story of an ambitious assistant principal named Rick Goodman
who wants to improve his failing school. But his good intentions are not celebrated, as people's
jobs are on the line, and one's own paycheck outweighs good education. A novel of problems that
face many schools, "The Leader of Lost People" is a thoughtful read that has a strong message
along with its entertainment.
His Mistake
Melissa Lowes
Virtual Tales
PO Box 822674, Vancouver, WA 98682
9781935460343, $8.95, www.virtualtales.com
As war consumes everything around them, their very concept of love will change forever. "His
Mistake" follows Frances Thompson and her new husband are shuffled through love. And along
the way, she may find love once more in a way that she never knew possible. Blending the
oppression of war with finding new love, "His Mistake" is an intriguing work of romance and
life, very much recommended.
Hellfire & Damnation
Connie Corcoran Wilson
The Merry Blacksmith Press
70 Lenox Ave., West Warwick RI 02893
www.hellfireanddamnationthebook.com
9780615439624, $10.95, www.amazon.com
A simpler life doesn't stop the horrors of the world. "Hellfire & Damnation" is a collection of
short stories of the horror genre from Connie Corcoran Wilson. With an eye for the darkness of
the world, she explores the concepts of faith, tradition, and much more, blending these concepts
into stories that will entertain, frighten, and enlighten. "Hellfire & Damnation" is an excellent
collection to add to any horror short fiction collection.
Shattered Dreams
Laura Landon
Prairie Muse
2840 S. 70th St. STE 7 #316, Lincoln, NE 68506
9780983074106, $10.00, www.amazon.com
Lies and deceits do not form the most stable basis of love. "Shattered Dreams" follows the
unique relationship of Earl Brentan Montgomery and Lady Elyssa Prescott, who come together
out of Brentan's wish to gain access to a horse, agreeing to spend two weeks with the traditionally
undesirable Elyssa. But when love enters the picture legitimately, the truth of the agreement will
shatter both of their lives. "Shattered Dreams" is a romance with a unique approach, very much
worth considering.
History of Santa Monica
Michael J. Atwood
Aqueous Books
PO Box 12784, Pensacola, FL 32591
9780982673409, $14.00, www.aqueousbooks.com
One city can both be the hopes and dreams of some and the nightmares of others. "History of
Santa Monica" is a collection of short stories from Michael J. Atwood, as he uses the Hollywood
neighbor as a setting of those who want to become a star and those treating their battle wounds of
those attempts. With a certain dedication to the town, "History of Santa Monica" proves to be an
entertaining and enlightening read.
The Memory Closet
Ninie Hammon
Kingstone Media Group
4420 Bay Forest Lane, Fruitland Park, FL 34731
9780979903533, $14.99
Sometimes the past is best left forgotten. "The Memory Closet" tells the story of Anne Mitchell,
who experienced something so terrible at age eleven that the first ten years is forever lost to her.
Wanting to find what was lost to her anyway, despite fearing the consequences, she digs deeper,
with warnings from her grandmother being ineffective. For the truth of what happened that she
lost, she may lose more than she has already lost. "The Memory Closet" is a fascinating story of
digging into the past and facing the monsters you've forgotten.
Scars
Cheryl Rainfield
WestSide Books
60 Industrial Road, Lodi, NJ 07644
9781934813324, $16.99, www.socalpr.net
Pain isn't without its therapeutic side. "Scars" is tragic story of Kendra, faced with the dark
memories of abuse as a young child, unable to put a finger on who's responsible for her terror.
Even with support, she finds herself cutting herself for some sort of relief from her life, and the
only hope being to bring her mind together and face the truth behind her life. A sad story that is
too close to reality, "Scars" is very much worth reading, highly recommended.
Aldric & Anneliese
Harry E. Gilleland
4RV Publishing
PO Box 6482, Edmond, OK 73083
9780982659403, $14.99
Building a nation is something that is by no means easy. "Aldric & Anneliese" is a novel
following Aldric, champion of his nation who helped build it from a loose association of tribes.
But this success comes with its own price, and it may take everything he has gotten to succeed.
When love enters it, the stakes become all the higher. "Aldric & Anneliese" is a wise read and a
top pick for medieval fiction readers.
Until I Return
Kenneth E. Nowell
Vero House
5460 Corsica Place, Vero Beach, FL 32967
9780982827901, $16.99, www.verohousepublishing.com
Those who would lead the world will find their leadership challenged by his return. "Until I
Return: Dawn of the Shining Darkness" is a spiritual thriller as author Kenneth E. Nowell, as he
puts the modern world on the path to prophecy, speaking on the coming return of Christ and what
would possibly lead up to that. A thriller that will entice Christian readers, "Until I Return" is
highly recommended.
Zygielbaum's Journey
Norman Beim
New Concept Press
425 West 57 Street-Suite 2J, NY, NY 10019
9780931231179, $18.95
There is nothing more terrifying than knowing of evil and being powerless to stop it.
"Zygielbaum's Journey" is a blend if history and fiction from Norman Beim, as he tells the story
of Shmuel Zygielbaum, an actual individual who was wise enough to see Nazi Germany's cruel
plots for what it was. Seeking to expose the truth, he pleaded his case to others and found his
claims ignored. "Zygielbaum's Journey" is a remarkable story of the drive of one man who was
unfortunately ignored.
Losing the Light
Brian Cartwright
Atlatl Press
PO Box 292655, Dayton, OH 45429
9780982628188, $7.95, www.atlatlpress.com
The last hurrah always keeps us going when it all seems lost. "Losing the Light" tells the story of
photographer Quique Martinez who is faced with his waning career. Traveling the world, he
might finally find what he's looking for, but he might lose everything, even his life. A story of
pride and drive to succeed, "Losing the Light" is an excellent read and is very much
recommended reading.
Innoou
Bruce Adam
Ara Pacis Publishers
PO Box 1202, Des Plaines, IL 60017-1202
9780966131895, $19.95, www.arapacispublishers.com
Through discovering the past, we can see much about our selves. "Innoou" follows archeologist
Hector Wolf as he uncovers a giant stone statue. As people surround him, there is much personal
discovery to go with the historical discovery. A story filled with intriguing characters with a
fascinating backdrop, "Innoou" is not to be overlooked by anyone looking for a literary story of
people who discover themselves and face life.
The Edge of Freedom
John Willingham
Inkwater Press
6750 SW Franklin Street, Suite A
Portland, OR 97223-2542
9781592994465, $22.95, www.inkwaterpress.com
Heroism is expecting failure yet acting anyway. "The Edge of Freedom" is a historical novel that
John Willingham states he has researched well to stay true to most of the facts of the Texas
revolution and the battle for the Alamo, telling a dual story of Texan James Fannin and Mexican
Jose de Urrea. Drawing a dramatic personal drama with the backdrop of the famous battle, "The
Edge of Freedom" is an exciting and slightly educational read, highly recommended.
Hidden Mickey 3 Wolf!
Nancy Temple Rodrigue
Rodrigue & Sons Co.
9780974902647, $12.99, www.Double-Rbooks.com
Survival is heightened even further when you add career to the table. "Hidden Mickey 3 Wolf!" follows Dr. Claude Houser as he tries to guide himself and his boss, the legendary Walt Disney. Having to rely on a questionable security guard named Wolf. Faced with blackmail, Claude finds himself in the lead to finding something that resembles peace and trying to figure out simply who to trust is the hardest step. "Hidden Mickey 3 Wolf!" is a fascinating work of intrigue and fun, highly recommended.
The Ship Tossed Upon the Sea
Gerald Trites
BlackAvon Books
PO Box 318, Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, B0J 2E0
9780986561504, $15.99
Life's challenges cannot be fled from. "The Ship Tossed Upon the Sea and Other Stories" is a
collection of short fiction from dedicated writer Gerald Trites as he focuses on the problems of
life and how we all cope with them differently, even though we all ultimately seek the same
result. "The Ship Tossed Upon the Sea and Other Stories" is a thoughtful read of life's crushing
dilemmas, how we face them, and how they change us.
A Christmas Gift
Diane Craver
Whimsical Publications
2633 Jackson Pike, Batavia, OH 45103
9781936167364, $7.95
A secret can't be secret forever. "A Christmas Gift" follows Justin Reeves, a man who has
everything he could ever ask for as a father. But when his daughter discovers a bit of his past, the
truth jumps out and shakes his serene life and offers a lot more challenges. Drawing on her own
experiences, Diane Carver presents a thoughtful story that won't be easy to put down. "A
Christmas Gift" is a wonderful read of facing the past for your children.
Scimitar
Robin Raybould
Tetrabiblion Books
9780615433165, $18.95, www.scimitarthebook.com
As the last bastion of the Roman Empire is threatened by a new empire, it all lies on the
shoulders of one Eduardo Ferrucci. "Scimitar" tells the story of a bookshop clerk exiled out of his
native Italy and finds himself in between the battle between the rising Turkish empire and the
waning Eastern Roman Empire. A work of historical fiction, Robin Raybould has a certain
unmatched dedication to historical accuracy as he tells this tale. "Scimitar" is a fine addition to
general fiction and is very highly recommended.
Ghost Runners
Robert Rubenstein
All Things That Matter Press
301 Oriental Blvd 4F, Brooklyn, NY 11235
9780984621651, $16.99
It wasn't just the hatred in Germany that many Jews feared, it was the hatred everywhere else.
"Ghost Runners" follows two Jewish-American athletes as they are poised to participate in the
1936 Berlin Olympic games and find that Hitler is not their main concern, but those who would
sabotage their own countryman. Based on a true story, "Ghost Runners" is a choice pick for those
who want World War II-driven historical fiction.
Pink Noise
Leonid Korogodski
Silverberry Press
PO Box 492, Sharon, MA 02067
9780984360826, $25.95
The brain and the computers share one thing - they find they both have predators that seek to
corrupt and destroy them. "Pink Noise" traces Nathi, brain doctor who lost his own five hundred
years ago. As his next case challenges him, he soon finds that the advancements of science leads
the natural brain, science, and more colliding with mystical forces out to control what they can
and destroy what they can't. "Pink Noise" is a riveting science fiction thriller, highly
recommended.
Bathe Me
Kevin Farran
Kit Publishing
154 Parklane Drive, Stratholme, AB, T1P 1V8, Canada
9780986727306, $9.99, www.kitpublishing.com
The American dream is something pursued, not often achieved. "Bathe Me" follows a Ugandan
couple immigrating to America, in particular, Boulder, Colorado. But in the efforts to leave
oppression behind they find that no such thing is easily done, as Joseph finds the weight of his
family and the desire to have a good life all riding on his actions. "Bathe Me" is a fascinating
read of the challenges set in front of immigrants in America.
The Book of Eli
Sam Moffie
MillCity Press
212 3rd Avenue North, Suite 290
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Mighty Scribe (publicity)
46990 Courtyard Sqaure, Sterling, VA 220164
9781936107353, $14.95, www.millcitypublishing.com
Redemption is a funny thing as Eli Canaan will quickly discover. "The Book of Eli" follows Eli
Canaan as his life falls apart, as the world suddenly turns on him and the path to something
resembling normalcy is everything but. With a strong dose of humor and spirituality, "The Book
of Eli" is a fun and entertaining read that shouldn't be quickly overlooked.
Dance with the Shadow Machine
Joel Goodman
Quiltron Press
715 Buffalo Street, Johnson City, TN 37604
9780982862506, $24.00, www.quiltron.com
The debate between liberty and security in America will rage on for quite some time. "Dance
with the Shadow Machine" is a novel that delves into this debate as Joel Goodman spins a story
of Daniel and Charlie's involvement in a crisis that threatens America's future as this conflict
comes to a head. "Dance with the Shadow Machine" is a must for fans of speculative fiction with
a big dose of political intrigue.
Fat People
Bill Schubart
Magic Hill
144 Magic Hill Rd., Hinesburg, VT 05461
9780615397511, $15.00, www.schubart.com
Food is good, food is great, but like all things, overindulgence is the opposite of good. "Fat
People" is a collection of short stories from Bill Schubart that discusses the addiction and
indulgence of life and how easy it is to go down this path in one's life, and how food becomes the
one thing that drives us forward. "Fat People" is an insightful read, very highly
recommended.
Apostle Rising
Richard Godwin
Black Jackal Books
c/o Rose Carrano Public Relations
151 W 19 Street, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10011
9780956711304, $14.95, www.blackjackalbooks.com
Failure is haunting when it costs lives. "Apostle Rising" tells the story of Detective Frank Castle
as he tries to hunt down a second serial killer, who seems to follow the patterns of the first all too
closely for his liking. Believing it to be a copycat with inside information, Castle uses everything
he knows how to make sure a second killer doesn't slip through his hands, something he's not
sure he could live with. "Apostle Rising" is a riveting mystery and thriller that won't be easy to
put down.
A Watershed Year
Susan Schoenberger
Guideposts
16 East 34th Street, New York, NY 10016
9780824948566, $14.99, www.guideposts.org
The wishes of a dead friend can let you confront what you left behind. "A Watershed Year"
follows Lucy as she copes with the lost love and best friend in Harlan. As she receives
posthumous e-mails from him, she embraces motherhood, adopting a Russian boy who is
struggling with his own young life, coming from tragedy. Thoughtful and uplifting reading of the
power of a mother and family, "A Watershed Year" is an excellent pick for those seeking a good
drama in novel form.
The World History Shelf
303 Squadron
Arkady Fieldler
Aquila Polonica
10850 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 300
Los Angeles, CA 90024
9781607720058, $21.95, www.aquilapolonica.com
True heroism comes when everything is lost yet you still fight on to win. "303 Squadron: The
Legendary Battle of Britain Fighter Squadron" speaks of Polish fighter pilots who went above
and beyond the call of duty to protect the last hope against the Nazis dominance of Europe in
World War II - England. Telling the story of the unit, how it was formed and what battles they
served in and really made their skill known, "303 Squadron" is a remarkable read that is an
excellent addition to any military history collection.
The Popes of Avignon
Edwin Mullins
BlueBridge
240 West 35th Street, Suite 400, New York, NY 10001
9781933346328, $14.95, www.bluebridgebooks.com
Rome was not the only place that papacy ever called home. "The Popes of Avignon: A Century
in Exile" traces this history of how anarchy in Italy drove the seat of the papacy to Avignon, a
then lesser known city in Southern France. For seventy years, the papacy remained there, and
even after the return to Rome, those in defiance of the papacy such as the antipopes, called
Avignon their home. Painting a picture of the chaotic time and its challenges, "The Popes of
Avignon" is an intriguing history of the middle ages through the eyes of the papacy.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Forced Heritage
Victoria & Matthew Hewitt
Dalata Press
PO Box 5243, Paris, KY 40362
9781449928384, $12.95, www.thedenebianempire.com
There's never time for romance, but sometimes you simply can't wait. "Forced Heritage" is a
science fiction novel set in the far flung future as Falisha McGadin, agent of the Galactic Council
is on the search for the truth behind the Denebian Empire's illegal cold fusion technology. But
her investigation may be compromised, as she fights her attraction to Lord Jason Terrell, emperor
of the Denebians. Blending romance with political intrigue in a science fiction setting, "Forced
Heritage" is a read that will be hard to put down for any fan of all three genres, highly
recommended.
An Agreement with Hell
Dru Pagliassotti
Apex Publications
PO Box 24323, Lexington, KY 40524
9780984553549, $14.95, www.apexbookcompany.com
When multiple worlds are threatened, strange alliances are quickly formed. "An Agreement with
Hell" is a battle of good and evil, as extra-dimensional creatures spill onto Earth and a priest and
magick practitioner find themselves as humanity's representation to prevent Earth, along with
everything else, from all going to hell. As they walk the dimensions and see things they should be
not seen, "An Agreement With Hell" is a fascinating spin of good, evil, faith, and fantasy, and
will prove to be a hard volume to put down.
Dreadfully Ever After
Steve Hockensmith
Quirk Classics
215 Church Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
9781594745027, $12.95, www.quirkclassics.com
It can be hard to let go of life's love, even into undeath. "Dreadfully Ever After" is a sequel to the
unique novel 'Pride and Prejudice and Zombies', following Elizabeth Bennet and regency
England as they continue to cope with society's pressures alongside the roaming zombies in the
countryside. When her beloved is faced with infection, she fights her better instincts in hopes of
finding some semblance of a cure for the zombies that swarm the countryside. "Dreadfully Ever
After" is a must for fans of the first, highly recommended.
The Battle for Tomorrow
Frederick Bell
Alternative Views Publishing
2324 Erwin Road, 12th Floor, Durham, NC 27705
www.alternativeviewspublishing.com
9780982307922, $23.95, www.amazon.com
No one faces extinction gladly. "The Battle for Tomorrow" is a unique novel of ecology, as
author Frederick Bell tells a story of Ilon, one who is scheduled for extinction, as he looks to the
hunted Egris for support, set in a futuristic world where animals can be scheduled for extinction
by the dominant species. With a unique setting and a certain unique philosophy, "The Battle for
Tomorrow" is very much worth considering for fantasy and science fiction readers.
Those Who Fight Monsters
Justin Gustainis, editor
Hades Publications
PO Box 1714, Calgary, Alberta T2P 2L6, Canada
9781894063487, $14.95, www.hadespublications.com
Some detectives embrace the night, and all the horrors that come with it. "Those Who Fight
Monsters: Tales of Occult Detectives" is a collection of short stories from an assortment of
today's best science fiction and fantasy authors, as they focus on stories of detectives of varying
normalcy themselves as they face the vampires, werewolves, and other monsters who lurk
through the night and cause more trouble than your standard nefarious human. "Those Who Fight
Monsters" is an excellent collection with plenty of original ideas and fun reading.
Wandering Lark
Laura J. Underwood
Yard Dog Press
710 W. Redbud Lane, Alma, AR 72921-7247
9780982470466, $18.00
Sharing a body, having a bounty on your head, and having one's friends threatened is no one's
idea of a good time. "Wandering Lark" is the second book of Laura J. Underwood's "The
Demon-Bound" Duology, following Alaric as he faces the many problems as he travels the land,
facing the cruelty of people, demons, and so much more. In search for something that resembles
normalcy, "Wandering Lark" is an exciting adventure of large scale fantasy, very highly
recommended.
The Presence
Paul Black
Novel Instincts
6008 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75206
9780972600743, $15.00
Science can be a boon to humanity, but it can also be its bane. "The Presence" is a science fiction
thriller set in a future where reality is something manufactured by corporations. Sonny Chaco is
charged with finding something that resembles law in this world. As he tails one billionaire CEO
who may have made those billions with a bit foul tactics, he finds that the reality manufacture
industry is more tumultuous than he could ever hope, and that throwing some romance only
complicates the complicated. "The Presence" is an exciting read that should prove hard to put
down.
State of Mind
Sven Michael Davison
Bedouin Press
PO Box 570169, Tarzana, CA 91357-0169
9780966614923, $25.95, www.stateofmindbook.com
As the human brain is better understood, a reality where it is hacked as easy as a computer may
not be that far off. "State of Mind" tells the tale of fired homicide detective Jake Travissi, who
embraces a second chance with Homeland security by accepting the installation of the P-Chip
into his brain, a chip that can regulate the body's processes to give physical superiority through
greater metabolism and enhancements. But the chip has unforeseen side effects..."State of Mind"
is a science fiction thriller of the person and the mind and the importance of free will, highly
recommended.
The Biography Shelf
Grace Under Pressure
Sean O'Rourke
Unlimited Publishing, LLC
1588322041, $15.99, www.amazon.com
Evan Shipman was a man with a storied existence. "Grace Under Pressure" is a biography of
horse racer, soldier, voice of horse racing, and contemporary of Hemingway Evan Shipman by
Sean O'Rourke, who has studied Shipman's storied life. Telling his story well throughout the first
half of the twentieth century in his constantly changing and never boring state, "Grace Under
Pressure" is a biography well worth considering.
Blind But Now I See
Kent Gustavson
Blooming Twig Books
c/o Cardinal Publishing Group
2402 N. Shadeland Ave., Suite A
Indianapolis, IN 46219
9781933918433, $14.95, www.bloomingtwigbooks.com
When you lose your sight, you gain a greater appreciation for sound, especially music. "Blind But
Now I See: The Biography of Music Legend Doc Watson" tells the story of this blind from near
birth individual who embraced music and became an icon of the folk revival with his mountain
roots and dedicated musical life. Covering many details of the man's life, some never before seen,
"Blind But Now I See" is an excellent addition to any musical biography collection especially
those with any focus on folk and country.
The Relationship Shelf
Incredible Dating Adventures... Next!!
Angela LaTorre
CHB Media
3039 Needle Palm Drive, Edgewater, FL 32141
www.incredibledatingadventures.com
9780982281925, $12.99, www.amazon.com
Trial and error is a strange way to approach love, but it can be effective. "Incredible Dating
Adventures...Next!!: Live, Love, Laugh...and Sometimes Cry" is a blend of dating advice guide
and memoir as Angela LaTorre recounts what she learns through countless failed dates, regaling
readers with entertaining stories of disaster with the lesson she learned from each. For those who
want a laugh about love, "Incredible Dating Adventures...Next!!" is an excellent pick and very
solidly recommended.
Secrets of Happy Couples
Kim Olver
Inside Out Press
PO Box 2666, Country Club Hills, IL 60478
9780982754900, $14.95, www.secretsofhappycouples.com
Why do some people go a century together and others can't last a week? "Secrets of Happy
Couples: Loving Yourself, Your Partner, and Your Life" is a personal and empowering read from
Kim Olver, as she offers her experience as a counselor and life coach, stating that couples happy
with each other are happy with themselves - and it starts with the self. With wisdom on
identifying one's own problems, dealing with these problems by yourself and together, and
meeting your partner's needs as well as yourself, "Secrets of Happy Couples" is a top pick for
anyone who wants to understand how to make relationships work.
The Christian Studies Shelf
Arete Again
Tobin E. Wilson
San Juan Publishing
PO Box 923, Woodinville, WA 98072
9780970739988, $16.95, www.sanjuanbooks.com
The discipline of Christ asks for us to be better people, to ourselves and those around us. "Arete
Again: Missional Adventures in Theology and Life" is a discussion of theology, philosophy, and
our world, as Tobin Wilson presents his own studies drawing on his experiences in ministry and
the importance of mission in making the world a better place. Candid and straightforward as he
blends philosophy and memoir well, "Arete Again" is a collection very much worth considering,
highly recommended.
A Different Priest
Albert Vanhoye
Convivium Press
7661 NW 68th Street, Suite 108, Miami, FL 33166
9781934996201, $26.99, www.conviviumpress.com
Jesus wasn't like any other spiritual teacher of his time. "A Different Priest: The Epistle to the
Hebrews" examines discusses of Jesus and his lessons and values as they are presented
throughout the Bible. With scholarly research and more, Albert Vanhoye uses his extensive
knowledge and study of this particular subject in Christian history to provide a complete and
comprehensive read that prove "A Different Priest" an excellent and core addition to religious and Christian studies collections in community and college libraries.
The Child with Autism Learns About Faith
Kathy Labosh
Future Horizons
721 West Abram Street, Arlington, TX 76013
9781935274193, $14.95, www.FHautism.com
To share faith is important to many parents, and Autism does present a few obstacles. "The Child
with Autism Learns About Faith" is a guide to teaching Christianity and faith to those young
individuals facing autism. Kathy Labosh presents the stories of the Bible and the tenants of faith
to help parents help their children understand and much more. "The Child with Autism Learns
About Faith" is a must for any Christian parent with an autistic child.
Proof of the Afterlife
Br. Gary Joseph
Mercy Books
Servants of the Father of Mercy
PO Box 42001, Los Angeles, CA 90042
9780615410098, $19.95, www.servantsofthefather.org
For thirty minutes, Gary Joseph was dead. "Proof of the Afterlife" is a Christian and devotional
tale as Brother Gary Joseph offers his own testimony to the existence of the afterlife, as he relays
his story of his death and return to the world of the living, saying that there is something after and
to remember that no one is gone for good, that they wait on the other side. Of metaphysical and
Christian interest, "Proof of the Afterlife" is very much worth considering for anyone looking for tales of
real people's brushes with the afterlife.
Framing Faith
Sarah Piccini
Tribute Books
PO Box 95, Archbald, PA 18403
9780982256589, $24.95, www.framingfaith.com
Faith has inspired people to create brilliant things. "Framing Faith: A Pictorial History of
Communities of Faith" is a blend of art and photography as Sarah Piccini provides the words
describing these works as Ivana Pavelka offers photography to display this unique work.
Churches for centuries have proved to be community centers and evidence of that still reigns
strong in the modern day. "Framing Faith" is a fine read for those who have a fondness for
religious work, very highly recommended.
Get Wisdom!
Ruth Younts
Shepherd Press
PO Box 24, Wapwallopen, PA 18660
9781936908127, $8.99, www.shepherdpress.com
At youth, there is much to learn about faith. "Get Wisdom!: 23 Lessons for Children About
Living for Jesus" is a guide for parents who want to inspire their children further in life with faith
and more. With simple language and plenty of illustrations, Ruth Younts offers plain wisdom and
plenty to consider for Christian parents. Aimed at elementary school students, "Get Wisdom!" is
a strong pick for any Christian teaching for youths.
Free Gifts Every Day
Tanya Guerrier
Benevolent Butterfly Press
PO Box 59205, Chicago, IL 60659-0205
9780982658604, $12.95, www.freegiftseveryday.com
The blessings of life lie there to be embraced. "Free Gifts Everyday: Your Simple Guide to an
Abundant Life Now" is a spiritual guide from Tanya Guerrier is a guide to embracing the
blessing of life that may not be obvious but is there for us. Highly spiritual with a devotion to
God, Guerrier encourages readers to find their own blessing to make the most of their life. "Free
Gifts Everyday" is not to be overlooked by those seeking a bit of daily empowerment.
The Revelation of Ares
Maison de la Revelation
Adira
21st Floor, 590 Madison Avenue, NY, NY 10022
29018210703, $49.95, www.adira.net
Some people find that faith is more to them than the Bible reveals. "The Revelation of Ares:
From an Ordinary Chapel Just as From a Burning Bush" traces the writing of Brother Michel, a
formerly atheistic engineer who found God and much more, encouraging man to change
themselves and change the world around them. Stating this wisdom is one for any faith regardless
of label, "The Revelation of Ares" comes with a powerful message and is a read very much worth
considering for students of the world's faith.
Blessing and Prayers for Married Couples
Isabel Anders
Liguori Publications
1 Liguori Drive, Liguori, MO 60357-9999
9780764819339, $15.99
It can be easy to lose faith in your marriage as it continues on. "Blessing and Prayers for Married
Couples: A Faith Full Love" is a Christian affirmation guide aimed at encouraging a continued
happy marriage for years to come. Prayer for instance, can be a couple thing that encourages
intimacy with not only each other, but God as well. Thoughtful reading for any Christian couple
who wants to make their faith stronger, "Blessing and Prayers for Married Couples" is not to be
overlooked.
The Joshua Priest
Barbara Benjamin
Nepperhan Press
P.O. 1448, Yonkers, NY 10702
9780979457975, $12.95, www.nepperhan.com
Love is a powerful message to preach. "The Joshua Priest: A Biography of Faith" follows the life
of Father Joseph Francis Girzone, and his spread of a certain missionary discipline known as
Joshua, which emphasizes Jesus's unconditional love and compassion for mankind. His story is
one of driven faith and will uplift many a Christian reader. "The Joshua Priest" is a remarkable
read for anyone seeking a tale of ministry and devoted faith.
The Memoir Shelf
Bluff Island Rescue Service
Stephanie Hubbard
Blackfoot Press
9781453716809, $21.00, www.amazon.com
Loneliness has its perks, but it's clearly not without its problems. "Bluff Island Rescue Service" is
a memoir from Stephanie Hubbard as she reflects on her upbringing on the isolated island called
Bluff island, telling a unique story of a unique childhood, and how she went into the world to
create a life that both she and her father could be proud of. With a bit of humor and honesty,
"Bluff Island Rescue Service" is a thoughtful addition to any general memoir collection.
Vodka On My Wheaties
Ann Lloyd
Biographical Publishing Company
95 Sycamore Drive, Prospect, CT 06712-1493
1929882572, $19.95, www.biopub.co.cc
No one's life is anything that resembles normal. "Vodka On My Wheaties" is a memoir of Ann
Lloyd, as she expresses her own journey through eight decades of life, finding that nothing about
her is normal, and she shares her story well and leaves readers with humor and a strong message.
"Vodka On My Wheaties" is an excellent read, a fine addition to any memoir collection.
Gated Grief
Leila Levinson
Cable Publishing
14090 E. Keinenen Rd., Brule, WI 54820
9781934980545, $24.95, www.cablepublishing.com
Horror leaves an imprint on the mind that's hard to get rid of. "Gated Grief: The Daughter of a GI
Concentration Camp Liberator Discovers a Legacy of Trauma" is a memoir of Leila Levinson
going over the files and photos that her father left behind to come to terms with the horror and
awfulness that the liberating American soldiers faced as they walked onto the field of the Nazi's
atrocities. A poignant reflection on history, "Gated Grief" is a memoir that anyone who has faced
the worst of mankind should consider.
George's Candy
George Ratz
BullsEye Publishing
PO Box 24024, Saint Simons, GA 31522
9781890181505, $14.95, www.bullseyepublishing.com
Love knows no race or allegiance. "George's Candy" is a memoir as George Ratz tells his story of
how, through a woman named Candy, his time in Vietnam was made all the more interesting as
he was tested every step of the way before looking at the remotest chance of returning home.
"George's Candy" is a unique read of the Vietnam war and what some people found had nothing
to do with the bigger conflict behind it all.
I Am Going Where I Belong
Hans Lindor
Enaz Publications
PO Box 030064, Elmont, NY 11003
9781592322657, $15.00, www.blackbookplus.com
In turmoil, lives are lost, yet some live on in shambles. "I Am Going Where I Belong" is author
Hans Lindor telling the story of Chriscile Leger, a mother of two who is forced out of Haiti after
political unrest leads to a coup d'etat. Above all else, Lindor tells a mother's story of living for
her children and going through anything and everything to do so. With a unique flare in the
writing style, "I Am Going Where I Belong" is a strongly recommended addition to any
international memoir collection.
Ripples of Wisdom
Nancy Sceibe
Raven Productions
PO Box 188, Ely, MN 55731
9780981930756, $17.95, www.ravenwords.com
There is a certain level of wisdom exclusive to women. "Ripples of Wisdom: A Journey Through
Mud and Truth" tells the story of Nancy Scheibe, who after hitting a half century of life
embarked on a journey down the tumultuous Mississippi river, and along the way, met with other
women who have passed that milestone in their lives to share that certain bit of wisdom. "Ripples
of Wisdom" is a thoughtful read, not to be overlooked.
A Summer in '69
Dee Davidson Dosch
Eloquent Book
845 Third Avenue, 6th Floor-6016, New York, NY 10022
9781609112073, $11.50, www.amazon.com
Europe attracts many young adventurers and Europe always rises to the challenge of providing
such adventures. "A Summer in '69" traces one such adventure as Dee Davidson Dosch come to
appreciate his own run to adulthood as with two of her best friends, she traveled Europe and
learned much of how to world works. With a certain profound nature, "A Summer in '69" is a fun
and exciting blend of travelogue and memoir.
The Civil War Shelf
A Genteel Spy
Judith Riker Damon, editor
Two Peas Publishing
PO Box 1193, Franlin, TN 37065
9780984077380, $14.95, www.twopeaspublishing.com
Espionage was no easier during the lack of foreign foe in the civil war. "A Genteel Spy: The
Inspiring Odyssey of Martha Broyles Royce and her family During the Civil War" is a
dramatized memoir of family and intrigue set in this tumultuous time where the division of friend
and foe often paid no mind to family line. Packed cover to cover with plenty of intrigue to keep
readers going, "A Genteel Spy" is a very unique civil-war read, very highly recommended.
The Self-Help Shelf
Who Do You See in the Mirror?
Joseph A. Williams
Common Sense Management Strategies
Henderson, NV, 89011
9780615268552, $23.95, www.drjawcsms.com
It's easy to judge others, but it's harder to judge yourself. "Who Do You See in the Mirror?:
Change Irresponsible Behavior in the Workplace to Responsible Behavior" is an inspirational
read from Joseph A. Williams as he advises readers to find the flaws in their own behavior and to
help those around them move towards becoming more productive people and better workers
above all. "Who Do You See In the Mirror?" is a sage read with a strong message, very highly
recommended.
Peace in the Heart & Home
Charlette Mikulka
Kittacanoe Press
113 Main Street, Newton, NJ 07860
9780984490301, $19.95, www.peaceintheheartandhome.com
Harmony in the home makes for a better life for all who live there. "Peace in the Heart & Home:
A Down-to-Earth Guide to Creating a Better Life for You and Your Loved Ones" is a guide to
improving the home life to live a more harmonious state. Charlette Mikulka draws on her
experience as a psychotherapist, but more importantly a wife and mother, to offer wisdom on
dealing with those you live with more pleasantly, drawing on real world events, with tips on
those who have recently chosen to live under the same roof. "Peace in the Heart & Home" is an
excellent pick that shouldn't be overlooked for those who want to avoid a hostile home.
Beat Binge Drinking
Donna J. Cornett
People Friendly Books
PO Box 5441, Santa Rosa, CA 95402
9780976372066, $18.95, www.drinklinkmoderation.com
Too much of anything can lead to serious problems. "Beat Binge Drinking" is aimed at teenagers
and college students, those who are easily overwhelmed and pressured into binge drinking. With
tips and tricks to approach drinking moderately and knowing when to stop - and how much to
stop - Donna Cornett gives readers a thoughtful and intellectual approach for drinking well and
avoiding dependency. "Beat Binge Drinking" is something to consider for those approaching
drinking age or as a gift.
The Power of 1 to 10
Stacy Studnik
A Cubed Press
2875 NE 191st Street, Suite 400, Aventura, FL 33180
9780615403519, $18.95
Life comes with stress; it's pretty much a guarantee. "The Power of 1 to 10: Achieving Harmony
Through Perspective" is a self-help guide from Stacy Studnik as she provides a simple system to
find a bit of sanity in our insane world. Encouraging readers to decide if the stress is worth
certain events and how to manage your personal resources better, "The Power of 1 to 10" comes
with plenty of sage wisdom and is well worth considering.
The Parenting Shelf
Birds + Bees + Your Kids
Amy Lang
Peanut Butter Publishing
2925 Fairview Avenue East, Seattle, WA 98102
9781598490916, $14.95, www.birdsandbeesandkids.com
Just like kids don't like to think about their parents having sex, the reverse is also true. "Birds +
Bees + Your Kids: A Guide to Sharing Your Beliefs About Sexuality, Love, and Relationships"
is a guide for parents dreading that oh so awkward conversation with their children, that masks a
terrifying reality of them having sex. Encouraging a route that encourages abstinence yet realizes
that temptation lurks everywhere, Amy Lang also encourages parents to teach their children
about safe sex so they are much more likely to be smart about it when they inevitably go down
that road. "Birds + Bees + Your Kids" is a strongly recommended pick for any parent who is
unsure of how to approach the topic with their children.
The Fashion Shelf
The Look Book
Erika Stalder
Zest Books
35 Stillman Street, Suite 121, San Francisco, CA 94107
9780981973388, $18.99, www.zestbooks.net
Attaining something that's all your own is the goal of good fashion. "The Look Book: 50 Iconic
Beauties and How to Achieve Their Signature Styles"looks at the style that the past century of
celebrities have revolutionized fashion, analyzing everything form the hairstyles to eyelashes,
lipstick, and more to show how the look has been broken down and evolved. "The Look Book" is
a fascinating study of fashion, very highly recommended.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
The Misadventures of Belle & Chloe
Doyle Walker
Wild Icon Publishing Group
9780979933547, $19.99, www.wildicon.com
Our four legged friends provide us with companionship and constant amusement. "The
Misadventures of Belle & Chloe: A Book of Short Stories About Two Insane Chocolate Labs
Growing up in Texas" is aimed at those young individuals and those young at heart who want to
go above and beyond the antics of normal dogs. With plenty of care-taking tips along with the
stories, "The Misadventures of Belle & Chloe" is a fine pick for any canine adorer, not to be
overlooked.
Rabbits
Marie Mead
Nova Maris Press
PO Box 384, Sheboygan, WI 53082-0384
9780978622619, $18.95, www.novamarispress.com
These simple creatures can bring the joy needed to get through the day. "Rabbits: Gentle Hearts,
Valiant Spirits: Inspirational Stories of Rescue, Triumph, and Joy" is a book aimed at those with
a love for the pet rabbits and the comfort they can bring to the lives of those that keep them.
Telling the stories of these creatures and what they have done, "Rabbits" is a moving read that is
a choice and top pick for anyone who have grown to love these little furry critters.
The Metaphysical Studies Shelf
Astrology and the Archetypal Power of Numbers
Joe Landwehr
Ancient Tower Press
230 W 1st #119, Mountain View, MO 65548
9780974762623, $19.95, www.ancient-tower-press.com
Numbers can mean more than simply quantity. "Astrology and Archetypal Power of Numbers:
Part One: A Contemporary Reformulation of Pythagorean Number Theory" is a metaphysical
discussion of the role of numbers in spirituality and how to apply them more thoughtfully.
Stating the values and meanings behind numbers, Joe Landwehr gives readers much to ponder on
the deeper values of these integers. "Astrology and Archetypal Power of Numbers" is an
excellent pick, highly recommended.
The Social Issues Shelf
Racism, The Bible, and the American Dream
Elreta Dodds
Press Toward the Mark Publications
PO Box 02099, Detroit, MI 48202
Maryglenn McCombs (publicity)
2817 West End Avenue, Suite 126-274
Nashville, TN 37203
9780966039047, $17.95, www.amazon.com
Even under a black president, the topic of race is more important than ever. "Racism, The Bible,
and the American Dream: From Slavery to Obama" analyzes the issue of race today, through the
interpretations of the Bible which author Elreta Dodds states has been wrongfully used to justify
racism. Dodds also discussing the strong existence of institutionalized racism, and how it can be
fought in today's worlds. Strongly faith driven, "Racism, the Bible, and the American Dream" is a
thoughtful and recommended read for those who still believe race is a serious issue in the
American culture.
Zimbabwe's Exodus
Jonathan Crush & Daniel Tevera, editors
Southern African Migration Programme
152 Albert Street, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6 Canada
9781920409227, $39.95, www.amazon.com
Sometimes the land cannot support as many people as the people would like it to. "Zimbabwe's
Exodus: Crisis, Migration, Survival" analyzes Zimbabwe's population crisis and how the world
has been assisting with Zimbabwe's continuing problem with its people trying to survive. A study
in migration as a whole, Jonathan Crush & Daniel Tevera compile a series of thoughts and
opinions from many writers on Zimbabwe's crisis and its effects on human migration.
"Zimbabwe's Exodus" is a fine study and very highly recommended reading for those concerned
with international crisis.
The Cookbook Shelf
Cooking for One
Mark Erickson
Lebhar-Friedman Books
249 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011
9780867308228, $24.95, www.lfbooks.com
Just because you're alone doesn't mean you are limited to a can of ravioli. "Cooking for One: A
Seasonal Guide to the Pleasures of Preparing Delicious Meals for Yourself" is a cookbook with a
focus on the individual in portion size. Recipes are designed to be simple and have great variety,
as Mark Erickson guides readers on making many dishes, from stir-frys, pizzas, soups and stews,
and many more, including desserts. Divided into seasons to help find what's in season for
maximum freshness and taste, "Cooking for One" is a thoughtful and useful read for those who
don't always have the privilege of guests, yet don't want to eat another TV dinner.
Shortcuts to Gourmet Cooking
Frances Schaffer
Infusionmedia Publishing
140 North 8th Street, Suite 214
The Apothecary, Lincoln, NE 68508-1353
www.infusionmediapublishing.com
9780971867758, $29.95, www.amazon.com
Gourmet cooking only has to seem like it takes hours upon hours. "Shortcuts to Gourmet
Cooking and Family Favorites" is a guide to making those exquisite dishes with less preparation
and more flare. With a simplicity of instructions that removes the effort not the taste, Frances
Schaffer guides readers on how to make the simplest and classical dishes more effectively, with
an emphasis on natural ingredients to create a more authentic taste. "Shortcuts to Gourmet
Cooking and Family Favorites" is well laid out and very highly recommended reading.
Tastefully Small Savory Bites
Kim Hendrickson
Salvia Press
45 South Pearl Street, Pearl River, NY 10965
9780984431502, $18.95, www.kimhendrickson.com
Little bite of big taste have been the idea behind Hors D'oeuvres. "Tastefully Small Savory Bites"
is a cookbook aimed at creating these little dishes that will bring unique flavors to the table for
many events, as appetizers as snacks, and more. Options include uses for meat eaters,
vegetarians, sweet and savory, and much more. For anyone who wants to make their entertaining
cuisine be something truly special as their main course, "Tastefully Small Savory Bites" is a fine
addition to cookbook collections.
The International Studies Shelf
Why China Will Never Rule the World
Troy Parfitt
Western Hemisphere Press
125 Rothesay Avenue, PO Box 1401
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, E2L 4H8
9780986803505, $20.95, www.amazon.com
China has quickly become one of the world's leading superpowers. "Why China Will Never Rule
the World: Travels in the Two Chinas" traces the history behind China's rise to power, as author
Troy Parfitt draws on his own travels through Taipei, residing their for a decade, traveling
through South East Asia and providing a unique view of the culture and what it means to the
world at large. "Why China Will Never Rule the World" is a fascinating travelogue, not to be
overlooked for those with an interest in modern China and where it is going.
The Religion/Spirituality Shelf
Turbulence in the River
Michael Sawaya
The Observant Press
1600 Ogden St., Denver, CO 80218
9780615287140, $18.95, www.mulliganandco.com
You can have all the money in the world but if you don't have contentment, you don't have
anything. "Turbulence in the River: Restoring Your Spiritual Birthright" is the spiritual
enlightenment of Michael Sawaya as he came to discover his own spiritual faith and life.
Encouraging readers to find what they live for and to find their own creators, "Turbulence in the
River" is a poignant read for anyone who wants to find that spiritual aspect missing from their
life.
The Antiques/Collectibles Shelf
Collecting Tech
Peter F. Stone
Astragal Press
8075 215th Street West, Lakeville, MN 55044
9781931626309, $42.95, www.astragalpress.com
As science marches on, the relics of our progress can prove quite intriguing. "Collecting Tech:
Appreciating and Collecting Historical Technology" is a guide to those who collect technologies
of years past and use them to embrace the innovations and engineering that mankind has
embraced throughout its history. Telling the stories of these devices, their creation, stories of
their application, and much more, each entry contains a full color photograph, specifications, and
more. From guns to communications to electricity to photographs, "Collecting Tech" is a must
for anyone who sees the romance of the innovations of years past.
The Theatre/Cinema Shelf
Henry Ford's Moving Picture Show
Phillip W. Stewart
PMS Press
PO Box 1496, Crestview, FL 32536
9780981744476, $39.95, www.pmspress.com
Dominance of the auto industry alone was not enough for Henry Ford. "Henry Ford's Moving
Picture Show: An Investigator's Guide to the Films Produced by the Ford Motor Company" looks
at Henry Ford's foray into motion pictures, as he formed a motion picture studio in 1914. Ford
made primarily non-fiction styled endeavors, focusing on news and educational products, while
supporting America through the World War. Philip W. Stewart focuses on this decade of
dominance from Ford in the movie theater, covering 935 films produced by the company and
putting it all in perspective. "Henry Ford's Moving Picture Show" is a complete and
comprehensive study on the period, and a core addition to any film history collection.
The Health/Medicine Shelf
Pottenger's Prophecy
Gray Graham, Deborah Kesten, Larry Scherwitz
White River Press
PO Box 3561, Amherst, MA 01004
9781935052333, $20.00, www.whiteriverpesss.com
You are what you eat in more ways than you know. "Pottenger's Prophecy: How Food Resets
Genes for Wellness or Illness" discusses epigenetics, the concept that the foods you eat can
activate or deactivate genes that may predispose you to certain diseases and health concerns.
Discussing the science behind it and how to use it to its fullest, the authors lay out what one
needs to do to embrace this science for better health. "Pottenger's Prophecy" is a sage read and
very much recommended for those looking for a new path to health.
Healthy Lifestyle
Pamela Holtzman
B Soulful Publishing
1217 McHenry Rd., #235, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
9780615418674, $29.95, www.pamelaholtzman.com
There's more to health than diet and exercise. "Healthy Lifestyle: Path of Wellness" is a blend of
spiritual and health guide as Pamela Holtzman advises readers on how to cope with a healthier
lifestyle, advising readers to remember themselves as they go through life, keep their spirits high,
and coming to the reality that health isn't difficult. Presented in full color demonstrating many
exercises and other practices, "Healthy Lifestyle" is a thoughtful read with plenty of good advice
for making life much more worth living.
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Blotto, Twinks, and the Ex-King's Daughter
Simon Brett
Felony & Mayhem Press
156 Waverly Place, New York, NY 10014
MaryGlenn McCombs (publicity)
2817 West End Avenue, Suite 126-274
9781934609699, $14.95, www.felonyandmayhem.com
Getting down to the truth of it is an urgent matter when faced with a kidnapping, but who says
you can't have fun with it. "Blotto, Twinks, and the Ex-King's Daughter" is a humorous and fun
mystery as author Simon Brett introduces Blotto and Twinks, children of the Duke of Tawcester.
When a former king's daughter goes missing, hope lies on the dim witted Blotto, who has no
chance without his brilliant sister Twinks. For fans of Golden age mystery, "Blotto, Twinks, and
the Ex-King's Daughter" is a fun read that shouldn't be overlooked.
The Seventh Angel
Jeff Edwards
Stealth Books
9780983008514, $14.99, www.navythriller.com
The nuclear arsenal of the former Soviet Union is something that is very much to be feared. "The
Seventh Angel" is a riveting thriller from Jeff Edward, telling a tale of a military revolt that
seizes some of the nation's Nuclear arsenal with a clear intent of seeking to recapture the glory of
the Soviet Union and threatens the rest of Russia as well as the rest of the world with brute force.
"The Seventh Angel" is a story of one group having the fate of the world in their hands as they
race against nuclear annihilation, very highly recommended.
Breeders
Barney Rostaing
Coolgrove Press
512 Argyle Road, Brooklyn, NY 11218
9781887276511, $16.95
Romance cares not for color. "Breeders" is a unique take on romance as the white Pat McGoohey
takes the colored Len Thomas with him to spin a story of the criminal underworld that entangles
horse racing and much more. A fun and enticing read with plenty of intrigue that will make it
hard to put down, "Breeders" is a very fun read that really shouldn't be passed up by either
romance or thriller readers, very highly recommended.
McGowan's Return
Rob Smith
Drinian Press
PO Box 63, Huron, OH 44839-0063
9780983306900, $14.95
If the cost for justice is injustice, is the price too high? "McGowan's Return" is a police thriller
following Darnell Wilson, a Lakewood detective who may have cracked the case in a series of
murders. But faced with his only way to confirm his theory, he may have to let another woman
die, and that fact spurns him to look for further answers. A riveting criminal thriller, "McGowan's
Return" is an exciting read that will prove hard to put down.
Blood Memory
Skip Clark
Bent Key Press
PO Box 2184, Apopka, FL 32704
9781935720003, $14.95, www.bentkeypress.com
Tapping into one's own mysterious talents comes with a price tag of its own. "Blood Memory" is
the story of Rick Blane, as he finds himself embroiled in a bitter challenge of corruption with
peace and love eluding him. His only way out may be to tap into what he calls his blood memory,
memories passed onto him through generations. But looking into these has its benefits, and Rick
will soon be asking if it's worth the cost. "Blood Memory" is a riveting work of suspense.
Murder Half Baked
Kathleen Delany
Camel Press
PO Box 70515, Seattle, WA 98127
9781603818285, $17.95, www.camelpress.com
Murder has an annoying tendency to muck up wedding plans. "Murder Half Baked" is the story
of one Ellen McKenzie, fiance to Dan Dunham, Santa Louisa Chief of Police. With an invested
interest in finding the truth, Ellen does what she can to move along the case but finds that
throwing her hat into the crime solving ring may leave her with more problems than a ruined
wedding. "Murder Half Baked" is an exciting and fun mystery that will keep the pages
turning.
The Travel Shelf
Taking Root in Provence
Anne-Marie Simons
Distinction Press
354 Hastings Rd, Waitsfield, VT 05673
9780980217575, $15.95, www.distinctionpress.com
France is a romantic destination for many, but it's not all it's cracked up to be at first sight.
"Taking Root in Provence" is a discussion of not only visiting Provence, France, but also calling
it home sweet home. Author Anne-Marie Simons has seen a good deal of it, and presents her
ideas for those who want to try this endeavor. Touching on everything from food, culture, and
more, her information will help readers decide if France truly is the best place for them. "Taking
Root in Provence" is an excellent addition to any travel collection with a focus on France.
Museum Companion to Los Angeles
Borislav Stanic
Museon Publishing
PO Box 17095, Beverly Hills, CA 90209-2095
9781889224039, $24.95
The art and relics of history can prove to quite intriguing to the history buff. "Museum
Companion to Los Angeles" is a guide to the museums and similar attractions throughout Los
Angeles, as Borislav Stanic shows what these facilities have to offer in full color, showing where
to find them with ease and more. Organized well for ease of use, "Museum Companion to Los
Angeles" is a must for any history buff who will soon find themselves in the Los Angeles
area.
The Human Sexuality Shelf
The Power of O
Marcus Raphael
Golden Era Books
PO Box 5603, San Mateo, CA 94402-0603
9780970696946, $19.95, www.goldenerabooks.com
Wholeness of life is something many pursue, but not everyone truly finds. "The Power of O:
How Sacred Places will Reveal the Secrets of Oneness, Nothingness, Orgasms" is a new age
style spirituality book as Marcus Raphael reflects on his own thoughts and travels, channeling the
mysticism and magic of many cultures. Stating that coming to terms that one is everything and
nothing as well as the spiritual and magical nature of orgasms, "The Power of O" is a spiritual
book that shouldn't be overlooked for followers of new age philosophy.
The Education Shelf
Teaching Intercultural Rhetoric and Technical Communication
Barry Thatcher & Krk St. Amant, editors
Baywood
26 Austin Avenue, PO Box 337, Amityville, NY 11701
9780895033772, $58.95, www.baywood.com
The world is smaller than ever, as many nations can converge to create a single product.
"Teaching Intercultural Rhetoric and Technical Communication: Theories, Curriculum,
Pedagogies, and Practices" discusses this development of culture and business, discussing the
need for businesses to understand the business culture of the countries they work with to avoid a
nasty misunderstanding which can lead to a major profit and time loss for all those involved.
Combining knowledge, research, theory, and much more, Barry Thatcher & Kirk St. Amant lead
a group of thinkers who offer much practical and wise thought for succeeding in a business plan
not constrained by a single culture or nation. "Teaching Intercultural Rhetoric and Technical
Communication" is an excellent resource for any business leader.
The Business Shelf
Follow That Customer!
Egbert Jan Ven Bel, Ed Sander, Alan Weber
Racom Communications
150 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2800, Chicago, IL 60601
9781933199269, $39.95, www.ijimc.com
Sales are what drive business, and every failed sale is a setback. "Follow That Customer!: The
Event-Driven Marketing Handbook" is a sales advisory guide from three individuals who use
their combined technical and business experience to advise readers on being on the ball on how
to land the next sale. The first step of course, is having the right thing to sale, knowing what
people want, and offering that product. Explaining this business philosophy that has its roots in
the old school mail order catalogs, "Follow That Customer!" is a business guide with sage advice
that should be embraced by anyone who is in charge of landing sales for their business.
The Women's Studies Shelf
Second Blooming for Women
Kathleen Vestal Logan
Second Blooming Books
15115 Highway 36, Deadwood, OR 97430
www.secondbloomingforwomen.com
9780974383255, $16.00, www.amazon.com
Life doesn't end at fifty, so why do many women treat it like it does? "Second Blooming for
Women: Growing a Life That Matters After Fifty" is an inspirational guide aimed at women
meeting a half century of life and wants to make that second half as fun as the first. More than
ever, women are in charge of their own destiny, and Kathleen Vestal Logan & E. L. Smith give
women advice on making the most of their lifestyle. "Second Blooming for Women" is a guide
filled with sage advice for the aging woman who wants to feel they still matter,
recommended.
The African-American Studies Shelf
Continental Drift
Fitzgerald Chinemerem Ajoku
Coastline Books
212 Edwards Place, Yonkers, NY 10703
9780615298863, $14.95
When looking to the homeland of their ancestors, African Americans have a very different
experience. "Continental Drift: The African American Experience" is a discussion of life's
experiences through the eyes of Fitzgerald Chinemerem Ajoku as he shares his experiences of
how the African American people have shifted far from their heritage, and how vast the cultural
divide is when compared to European or Asian immigrants. Written by the son of Nigerian
immigrants, "Continental Drift" is a fascinating study of culture and globalization, very highly
recommended.
The Sports Shelf
Strategies of a Fantasy Baseball Camp
Mark Magers
Wordclay
1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200, Bloomington, IN 47403
9781604818277, $11.95
Fantasy Baseball is success based on best predicting player's performance over the season.
"Strategies of a Fantasy Baseball Champ" is an advice guide on those who want to get a leg up on
the game of baseball and better understand it for more success in their league. Designed for easy
reference, "Strategies of a Fantasy Baseball Champ" is a wise read for the sports fan with a strong
drive to win.
The Money/Finance Shelf
All In Against the IRS
Stephen Fishman
Pipsqueak Press
1406 Scenic Ave., Berkeley, CA 94708
9780983290704, $12.95, www.pipsqueak-press.com
Losing isn't tax deductible. "All In Against the IRS: Ever Gambler's Tax Guide" is a guide from
Stephen Fishman as he advises aspiring gamblers about the tax dangers that come along with it.
Explaining the tax system in relation to many different aspects of gambling from card games to
sports betting, the myths surrounding internet gambling, and becoming a true professional, "All
in Against the IRS" is a must have for anyone who gambles and wants to avoid a run in with the
big bad IRS.
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
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