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Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Frontier Grit
Marianne Monson
Shadow Mountain
ShadowMountain.com
9781629722276 $19.99 amazon.com
Frontier Grit: The Unlikely True Stories of Daring Pioneer Women lives up to its title as an
anthology of true-life stories about twelve courageous frontier women. One disguised herself as a
man to become a skilled stagecoach driver; one became a frontier doctor long before the
profession was widely considered open to women; others championed social justice and women's
rights. Frontier Grit is an invaluable contribution to American History shelves and utterly
absorbing from cover to cover. Highly recommended, especially for public and college library
collections.
The Art of Calm
Rebecca Ascher-Walsh
National Geographic Press
101 West 104th Street, Suite 8, New York, NY 10025
www.nationalgeographic.com
9781426216374, $19.95, HC, 192pp, www.amazon.com
A perfect antidote for today's time-stressed, not-enough-hours-in-the-day urban life style, "The
Art of Calm: Photographs and Wisdom to Balance Your Life" compiled by Rebecca
Ascher-Walst is packed from cover to cover with inspirational ideas to help her readers bring
their lives back from the brink of emotional exhaustion. A perfect antidote to reducing the chaos
of everyday life, "The Art of Calm" is replete with exquisite photographs and insightful
quotations that combine to provide an opportunity to enjoy guilt-free "me" time, as well as easy
suggestions for a more peaceful existence with ideas that range from keeping a bud vase on your
desk to tucking yourself into bed an hour early with a book you love. Of special note are the
simple tips for how to unwind, ideas for spending quality time with loved ones, and illuminating
quotes offer ideas on how to slow down and savor life's simple moments. "The Art of Calm" is
enthusiastically recommended for personal reading lists and community library collections -- and
would make an ideal gift selection to give a loved one who is working too hard and enjoying life
too little.
Circles of Delight
Aaron Shepard
Shepard Publications
PO Box 280, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
www.shepardpub.com
9780938497691, $25.00, PB, 122pp, www.amazon.com
A carousel is an amusement ride consisting of a rotating circular platform with seats for riders.
The "seats" are traditionally in the form of rows of wooden horses or other animals mounted on
posts, many of which are moved up and down by gears to simulate galloping, to the
accompaniment of looped circus music. This leads to one of the alternative American names, the
galloper. Other popular names are jumper, horseabout and flying horses. "Circles of Delight:
Classic Carousels of San Francisco" is a compilation of beautifully photographed San Francisco
carousels -- and not just the marvelous horses, but all the other elements ranging from reindeer,
rams, giraffes, lions, tigers, and more! An inherently fascinating browse from first page to last,
"Circles of Delight: Classic Carousels of San Francisco" will prove to be an enduringly popular
addition to family and community library collections. For the personal reading lists of carousel
enthusiasts it should be noted that "Circles of Delight: Classic Carousels of San Francisco" is
also available in a Kindle format ($3.00).
Finding the Flavors We Lost
Patric Kuh
Ecco
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
9780062219541 $26.99 www.harpercollins.com
Finding the Flavors We Lost: From Bread to Bourbon, How Artisans Reclaimed American Food
is a fascinating book about America's culinary heritage. Food writer Patric Kuh presents profiles
"artisanal" food creators, who re-learned the all-but-forgotten crafts of making unique breads,
cheeses, and beers, in contrast to the bland homogeneity of mass-produced food. Finding the
Flavors We Lost also raises questions such as, "How big of an operation can a food company be
before it is no longer 'artisanal'?", and "Does technological progress have to come at the expense
of flavor?" Finding the Flavors We Lost is enlightening reading for culinary enthusiasts, highly
recommended.
The Computer Shelf
Microsoft Access 2016 Programming Pocket Primer
Julitta Korol
Mercury Books
c/o International Publishers Marketing
22841 Quicksilver Drive, Dulles, VA 20166
www.internationalpubmarket.com
9781942270812, $29.95, PB, 211pp, www.amazon.com
A qualified expert, Julitta Korol has published over two dozen computer books on using and
programming Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access. As part of the Pocket Primer series, Korol
specifically wrote and designed "Microsoft Access 2016 Programming Pocket Primer" for
Microsoft users who needs to master Access programming fundamentals without spending too
much time at it. "Microsoft Access 2016 Programming Pocket Primer" is a short, succinct,
instruction manual and guide to getting started. "Microsoft Access 2016 Programming Pocket
Primer" nicely covers only the things an Microsoft user needs to know to feel at home with VBA.
What Microsoft users will learn about Access programming will also apply to Excel
programming. "Microsoft Access 2016 Programming Pocket Primer" is divided into nine
chapters that progressively introduce you to programming Microsoft Access 2016 and includes a
companion disc with all of the "Hands-On" files needed to complete the chapter projects and all
the images from the text. Thoroughly 'user friendly' in tone, content, organization and
presentation, "Microsoft Access 2016 Programming Pocket Primer" is unreservedly
recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library Computer Science
collections in general, and Microsoft Access supplemental studies reading lists in particular.
The Metaphysical Studies Shelf
A Mystic Guide to Cleansing & Clearing
David Salisbury
Moon Books
c/o John Hunt Publishing, Ltd.
Laurel House, Station Approach, Alresford, Hants, SO24 9JH, UK
www.johnhuntpublishing.com
9781782796237, $15.95, PB, 140pp, www.amazon.com
David Salisbury is Wiccan clergy within Coven of the Spiral Moon, a coven based in
Washington DC. He is author of various book on witchcraft and mysticism and co-organizes The
Firefly House, one of the largest witchcraft traditions in the mid-Atlantic region of the United
States. In "A Mystic Guide to Cleansing & Clearing" he takes a new approach to the practice of
cleansing our lives. Using energetic methods from a variety of traditions and philosophies yet
geared for the pagan mind, metaphysical students and non-specialist general readers with an
interest in the subject will uncover energetic burdens and learn how to transform and clear them
from daily life. These teachings from the Western magical traditions will arm the reader with the
tools necessary to clear their space, cleanse their body, cast out negative entities, and clear the
slate for a fresh start. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "A Mystic Guide to
Cleansing & Clearing" is enthusiastically recommended for personal and community library
Metaphysical Studies collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "A Mystic
Guide to Cleansing & Clearing" is also available in a Kindle format ($5.99).
The Christian Studies Shelf
I Loved Jesus in the Night
Paul Murray
Paraclete Press
PO Box 1568, Orleans, MA 02653
9781612618951 $11.99 www.paracletepress.com
Written to celebrate the canonization of Mother Teresa (who was beatified in 2003 by Pope John
Paul II), I Loved Jesus in the Night: A Secret Revealed is the testimony of a priest who met with
Mother Teresa firsthand. Drawing upon anecdotes, primary testimonies, and Mother Teresa's
own correspondence, I Loved Jesus in the Night is emotionally moving, completely candid, and a
choice pick for Christian Studies shelves. Highly recommended!
Walking Home Together
Michael Mercer
Twenty-Third Publications
1 Montauk Ave #200, New London, CT 06320
www.23rdpublications.com
9781627851497 $14.95 amazon.com
Chaplain Michael Mercer presents Walking Home Together, an end-of-life guide especially for
Christians, covering the practical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of coming to terms with
the end of one's life. Chapters describe ways to experience God's presence in the final season of
life, coping with fear, financial issues, ways in which to help and serve others, and more.
"Advance directive forms are available from many sources, including attorneys, health care
providers, and senior citizen groups. Please be aware that each state has its own requirements for
advance directives and what they cover." Highly recommended.
Through Her Eyes
Deborah Spink Winters, editor
Judson Press
PO Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851
9780817017699 $13.99 www.judsonpress.com
Through Her Eyes: Bible Studies on Women in Scripture is an anthology of essays by a variety of
authors about 20 different women from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Not all of the
women portrayed are given specific names, yet each has something important to teach students of
the Bible. Spotlighted women include Abigail, Tamar, Joanna, Queen of Sheba, Peter's mother-
in-law, Woman with the Alabaster Jar, Pontius Pilate's wife, the mother of James and John, and
more. Through Her Eyes is highly recommended for group-based or personal Bible study, as well
as church library collections.
God So Loved the World
Robert Spitzer, S.J.
Ignatius Press
PO Box 1339, Fort Collins, CO 80522
www.ignatius.com
9781621640363, $19.95, PB, 439pp, www.amazon.com
Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D. is the former president of Gonzaga University and the founder of
the Magis Institute, which educates the public about the relationship between physics,
philosophy, reason, and faith. He is the chief education officer of the Ethics and Performance
Institute, which delivers web-based ethics education to corporations and individuals, and
President of the Spitzer Center of Ethical Leadership, which delivers similar curricula to
non-profit organizations. In "God So Loved the World: Clues to Our Transcendent Destiny from
the Revelation of Jesus" Fr. Spitzer probes in detail the major question that if an intelligent
Creator God - manifest in logical proofs, scientific evidence, and near death experiences - who is
the source of our desire for the sacred, and the transcendental desires for truth, love, goodness,
and beauty, would want to reveal himself to us personally and ultimately. Fr. Spitzer then shows
this is reasonable not only in light of our interior experience of a transcendent Reality, but also
that a completely intelligent Reality is completely positive (implying its possession of a
completely positive virtue) namely "love", defined as agape. Erudite, informative, thoughtful and
thought-provoking, "God So Loved the World" is a deftly crafted and consistently compelling
read from beginning to end. While very highly recommended for seminary and academic library
Christian Studies collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "God So Loved the
World" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).
Desperately Seeking Spirituality
Meredith Gould
The Liturgical Press
2950 Saint John's Road, PO Box 7500, Collegeville, MN 56321-7500
www.litpress.org
9780814648506, $16.17, PB, 136pp, www.amazon.com
Meredith Gould, PhD, is a sociologist with well over a decade of hands-on experience with
communications at all levels of church across denominations. She's the author of nine books
about faith and everyday life. In "Desperately Seeking Spirituality: A Field Guide to Practice",
Meredith combines practical wisdom with lived experience to explain why and when traditional
practices don't work for today's seeker and then how to choose ones that will. In short,
easy-to-read chapters and with characteristic wit, Gould provides counsel for reframing
perception to discover the sacred in everyday life. This guide is for self-identified seekers who
have tried some, many, or even all the classic spiritual practices and then, given up on them when
they stop working. In "Desperately Seeking Spirituality", Gould invites readers to embrace a
broader definition of practice that shifts focus from doing to being. Exceptionally well written,
organized and presented, "Desperately Seeking Spirituality" is unreservedly recommended for
members of the Christian community. It should be noted for personal reading lists that
"Desperately Seeking Spirituality" is also available in a Kindle edition ($13.99).
Windows Into Christ
Laurence Duthoit
Pauline Books & Media
50 St. Paul's Avenue, Boston, MA 02130-3433
9780819883681, $16.95, PB, 96pp, www.amazon.com
Coloring books for adults are proving to be enormously popular. Now Pauline Books & Media
has published "Windows Into Christ: A Coloring Book for Prayer and Meditation" that is an ideal
do-it-yourself activity based on medieval images taken from the Chartres Cathedral in Paris,
France. The each remarkable picture to be colored is accompanied by prayers and/or scripture
readings taken from the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. "Windows Into Christ" is an
extraordinary and unique way to quietly meditate and deepen personal spiritual reflection. Simply
stated, "Windows Into Christ" is enthusiastically recommended for Christians of all ages.
God's Human Future
David Galston
Polebridge Press
c/o Westar Institute
P.O. Box 346, Farmington, Minnesota 55024
www.polebridgepress.com
9781598151732, $28.00, PB, 221pp, www.amazon.com
The "death of God" movement famously declared that belief in the God of Christian tradition is
meaningless in the modern world. Does this herald the death of theology, too? No, suggests
David Galston in "God's Human Future: The Struggle to Define Theology Today". At its best,
theology is the place where tradition pushes itself to the limits of its own thought. Problems arise
when theology holds onto an old version of God, emphasizing a closed approach to religion.
How can communities foster a more open-minded and flexible approach to theology? How can
theologians respond to the pressing concerns of modern culture sensitively and intelligently
without clinging to outdated metaphors for God? Marking key features and turning points in
Western theology, Professor Galston (a University Chaplain and Adjunct Professor of Philosophy
at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, Academic Director at Westar Institute) combines
expertise in the philosophy of religion with practical experience as a facilitator in a
wisdom-based community, to guide readers through questions surrounding the future of religion.
Thoroughly 'reader friendly' in tone, commentary, organization and presentation, "God's Human
Future" is as informed and informative as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking. While very
highly recommended for community, seminary, and academic library Christian Studies
collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of clergy, students, and non-specialist
general readers with an interest in the subject that "God's Human Future" is also available in a
Kindle format ($9.99).
Between Pain & Grace
Gerald W. Peterman & Andrew D. Schmutzer
Moody Publishers
820 N. LaSalle Blvd., Chicago, IL 60610
www.moodypublishers.com
9780802409676, $22.99, PB, 350pp, www.amazon.com
One of the oldest questions every asked by mankind is: Why does suffering exist? When will it
end? Where is God in it? Despite how common suffering is, we still struggle to understand it,
and even more, to bear through it. "Between Pain and Grace: A Biblical Theology of Suffering"
by Gerald W. Peterman (Professor of Bible and Director of the Master of Arts, Biblical and
Theological Studies at Moody Bible institute) and Andrew D. Schmutzer (Professor of Biblical
Studies at Moody Bible Institute) gets to the heart of this struggle. Born from a popular college
course on suffering, "Between Pain & Grace " answers many critical questions including: Is God
personally involved in our pain and suffering?; How should Christians handle emotions like grief
and anger?; What does the Bible say about issues like mental illness, sexual abuse, and betrayal?
Striking an elegant balance between being scholarly on the one hand and heartfelt on the other,
"Between Pain and Grace" is useful both in the classroom and for personal reading. "Between
Pain & Grace" draws from Biblical Scripture, personal experiences, and even psychological
research to offer a well-rounded and trustworthy take on suffering. "Between Pain and Grace"
will provide confidence in God's sovereignty, comfort in His presence, and wisdom for life this
side of paradise. Inspired and inspiring, "Between Pain & Grace" is unreservedly recommended
to all members of the Christian community regardless of denominational affiliation. For personal
reading lists it should be noted that "Between Pain & Grace" is also available in a Kindle format
($9.99).
Mormonism For Beginners
Stephen Carter
For Beginners LLC
155 Main Street, Suite 211, Danbury, CT 06810
www.forbeginnersbooks.com
9781939994523, $15.95, PB, 176pp, www.amazon.com
"Mormonism For Beginners" by Stephen Carter is a balanced, richly engaging introduction to the
history, tenets, practices, traditions, and yes, debates and controversies of the Salt Lake City
based Mormon church. Designed for the non-specialist general reader and/or younger members
of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), "Mormonism For Beginners" presents
the history of the movement from Joseph Smith form its beginnings in the 1830s down to the
present day, along with the key doctrines of the faith in the context of everyday life, as well as the
essential scriptures. "Mormonism For Beginners" also provides a Mormon perspective on such
current social issues as polygamy, same-sex marriage, and the role of women in the LDS church
in dispassionate, even-handed terms. "Mormonism For Beginners" sheds a clear light on an often
misunderstood belief system and way of life. While unreservedly recommended for school and
academic library Christian Studies collections in general, and Mormon Church supplemental
studies reading lists, it should be noted for students and anyone with an interest in learning about
the Mormon church that "Mormonism For Beginners" is also available in a Kindle format
($9.99).
Glory and Honor
David C. Ford, et al.
SVS Press
575 Scarsdale Road, Yonkers, NY 10707
www.svspress.com
9780881415407, $32.00, PB, 456pp, www.amazon.com
The Orthodox Church embodies a living Tradition that integrates a long, unbroken practice of
marriage with its theology, cosmology, liturgy, mystical asceticism, and anthropology. As such,
the Church has a great deal to offer all those who desire to come to a deeper understanding of
marriage and family life. "Glory and Honor: Orthodox Christian Resources on Marriage" is
collection of thirty-one contributions that draw upon the riches of this Tradition to present an
inspiring vision of Christian marriage, and to offer insights and guidance about marriage and
family life that are adapted to modern questions and challenges, yet grounded firmly in the global
teaching and practice of the Church. The experienced clergy, scholars, and theologians
contributing to this volume come from a wide variety of Orthodox Christian communities present
in North America, including the Orthodox Church in America, the Russian Orthodox Church
Outside Russia, and the Antiochian, Greek, and Serbian Orthodox Archdioceses of America.
Enhanced with the inclusion of an appendix (Hierarchical Statements on Marriage); an eight page
listing of Suggest Resources, and a three page listing of the contributors and their credentials,
"Glory and Honor: Orthodox Christian Resources on Marriage" is unreservedly recommended for
personal, pastoral, seminary, and academic library Orthodox Christian Studies collections in
general, and Orthodox Marriage supplemental studies reading lists in particular.
Union With Christ
Rankin Wilbourne
David C. Cook
c/o Cook Communications
4050 Lee Vance View, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
www.cookministries.com
9781434709387, $19.99, HC, 320pp, www.amazon.com
The central and core message of "Union with Christ: The Way to Know and Enjoy God" by
Rankin Wilbourne (Pastor of Pacific Crossroads Church in Los Angeles, California) is that to
experience why the gospel is good news and answer life's most foundational questions about
identity, destiny, and purpose. We as Christians must understand what it means to be united to
Christ. The Bible says that with respect to faithful Christians, that Christ has united his life to
theirs, that they are now in Christ and Christ is in them. This almost unfathomable truth is the
central theme of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Yet few Christians today experience or
enjoy this reality. Union with Christ reveals the transformational power of this ancient doctrine
while addressing the basic questions of the human heart: Who Am I?; Why Am I Here?; Where
Am I Headed?; How Will I Get There? Nothing is more practical for living the Christian life than
union with Christ. The recovery of this reality provides the anchor and engine for your life with
God for your destiny is not only to see Christ, but to actually become like him. Thoroughly
'reader friendly' in tone, commentary, organization and presentation, "Union With Christ" is as
insightful and inspiring as it is informed and biblically grounded. While unreservedly
recommended for all members of the Christian community regardless of their denominational
affiliation, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Union With Christ" is also available
in a Kindle format ($9.99).
Christ in Every Hour
Anthony Sweat
Deseret Book Company
57 West South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
www.deseretbook.com
9781629721996, $12.99, HC, 166pp, www.amazon.com
A favorite hymn of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as
Mormons) supplicates Christ for His help in ''every hour'.' And while that's certainly true, how is
it true? Are we such sinners that we need constant access to Christ's Atonement? Or is there
something more to the Atonement, something in addition to forgiveness for our sins? What help
does Christ offer in moments when we may not need His forgiveness but do need help beyond
our own capacities? We know Christ's Atonement can save us from death and sin, but we may
not always remember that we can draw on His Atonement for help in other ways. In "Christ in
Every Hour", gospel educator Anthony Sweat (an Assistant Professor of Church History and
Doctrine at Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah) deftly explores six of Christ's divine
powers, explaining what they mean, why they're relevant, and what they can do for us as we live
life each day. Discover more about Christ's power to cleanse, heal, restore, identify with,
strengthen, and transform us, and learn how to draw upon the Lord's grace and power in every
hour of your life. Which power of Christ's Atonement do you need today? Or in this very hour?
Enhanced with the inclusion of seven pages of Notes, and a four page Index, "Christ in Every
Hour" is impressively well written and exceptionally 'reader friendly' in tone, commentary,
organization and presentation. Informative, thoughtful, insightful, inspiring, "Christ in Every
Hour" is very highly recommended and instructive. It should be noted for personal reading lists
that "Christ in Every Hour" is also available in a Kindle edition ($12.99) and in an CD audio
book format (Covenant Communications, 9781524400279, $15.99).
The Buddhist Studies Shelf
When Awareness Becomes Natural
Sayadaw U Tejaniya
Shambhala Publications, Inc.
300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-4544
www.shambhala.com
9781611803075, $17.95, 186pp, www.amazon.com
Sayadaw U Tejaniya is a Burmese monk in the lineage of Mahasi Sayadaw who teaches
meditation at Shwe Oo Min Dhamma Sukha Forest Meditation Center in Yangon (Rangoon),
Myanmar. One of his major teaching is that the flame of wisdom can be kindled in the midst of
any life, even one that might seem too full of personal and professional commitments to allow for
it. Tejaniya himself learned to cultivate awareness in the raucous years he spent in the Burmese
textile business before taking his final monastic ordination at the age of thirty-six. He draws upon
his years of experience and expertise in writing "When Awareness Becomes Natural: A Guide to
Cultivating Mindfulness in Everyday Life" for the purpose of enabling his readers to train
themselves to be aware of the clinging and aversion that arise in any situation. Tejaniya teaches
that in the Buddhist tradition, if you can learn to do that, calm and deep insight will naturally
follow. It's a method that works as well for sorting the laundry or doing data entry as it does in
formal sitting meditation. Thoroughly 'reader friendly' in tone, commentary, organization and
presentation, "When Awareness Becomes Natural" is unreservedly recommended as an
invaluable addition to personal, community, college, and university library Buddhist reference
collections in general, and supplemental Buddhism studies lists in particular. It should be noted
for students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "When
Awareness Becomes Natural" is also available in a Kindle edition ($7.99) and in an MP3 format
(Brilliance Audio, 9781531864989, $9.99).
The Crafts Shelf
Bead Sparkle
Susan Beal
The Taunton Press
63 South Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470
www.taunton.com
9781631861543, $24.95, PB, 187pp, www.amazon.com
Susan Beal blogs at WestCoastCrafty.com and is a jewelry designer and the author of many
outstanding craft books, including "Bead Simple", "Button It Up", and "Hand-Stitched Home". In
"Bead Sparkle" she draws upon her years of experience and expertise to create an beautifully
illustrated, do-it-yourself, step-by-step instructional compendium showcasing 120 original
designs for using beads to create earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, brooches, and barrettes.
Of special note is the chapter devoted to Embellishments, including botanical decor, pretty jars,
holiday sparkle, little gifts, vintage gone modern, and more. Enhanced with the inclusion of a list
of Metric Equivalents, a listing of Guest Designers, a list of Resources, and a two page Index,
"Bead Sparkle" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to personal and community
library DIY Crafts instructional resource collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists
that "Bead Sparkle" is also available in a Kindle format ($18.99).
The Art of Leather Inlay and Overlay
Lisa Sorrell
Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
www.schifferbooks.com
9780764351211, $34.99, HC, 176pp, www.amazon.com
More than 470 color photos bring in-depth detail to "The Art of Leather Inlay and Overlay: A
Guide to the Techniques for Top Results" by Lisa Sorrell who is an award-winning leather artist
and master cowboy boot maker known for her colorful and intricate designs. Profusely
illustrated, impressively well written, exceptionally and accessibly organized and presented, "The
Art of Leather Inlay and Overlay" provides a comprehensive look at the almost forgotten
decorative art of leather inlay and overlay. Leather is an often-overlooked textile, with very little
documentation on its tools and techniques, and this thoroughly 'user friendly', step-by-step guide
will fill a crucially important gap for the aspiring leather worker. These skills have historically
been passed along orally, and "The Art of Leather Inlay and Overlay" begins with a brief
introduction of the cowboy boot, since this is the discipline that's become a repository for the art
of leather inlay and overlay. Leather working novices can learn what these decorative methods
can bring to their work with details on the tools and machinery needed, and clear explanations of
the techniques. Also covered in the pages of "The Art of Leather Inlay and Overlay" are the
history of leather inlay and overlay, choosing the best leather, how to pattern and create leather
art, and basic sewing machine maintenance. "The Art of Leather Inlay and Overlay" finishes with
an illustrated, do-it-yourself guide to three outstanding leather projects. Simply stated, "The Art
of Leather Inlay and Overlay" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional,
community, college, and university library Leather Working instructional reference collections
and supplemental studies reading lists.
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Deep Six
D. P. Lyle
Oceanview Publishing
595 Bay Isles Road, 120-G, Longboat Key, FL 34228
www.oceanviewpub.com
9781608091812, $26.95, HC, 337pp, www.amazon.com
Ex-professional baseball player Jake Longly adamantly refuses to work for his father, wanting no
part of Ray's PI world. He prefers to hang out at his beachfront bar and chase bikinis along the
sugary beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama. But Ray could be persuasive, so Jake finds himself
staking out the home of wealthy Barbara Plummer, a suspected adulteress. The mission seems
simple enough hang around, take a few pictures, sip a little bourbon. Except Barbara gets
herself murdered right under Jake's nose. When Jake launches into an investigation of his target's
homicide, he quickly runs afoul of Ukrainian mobster Victor Borkov. Aided by his new girlfriend
Nicole Jemison and Tommy "Pancake" Jeffers, his behemoth employee with crazy computer
skills, Jake tries to peel away the layers of the crime. The deeper the intrepid trio delves, the
more murders start to pile up, leading them to Borkov's massive yacht -- where they just might be
deep-sixed. In "Deep Six", author D. P. Lyle has once again written a consistently compelling
novel that will riveting his reader's total attention from beginning to end. This is the stuff from
which block-buster movies are made! While unreservedly recommended for community library
Mystery/Thriller Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading list that "Deep Six"
is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).
The Widower's Wife
Cate Holahan
Crooked Lane Books
2 Park Avenue, 10th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.crookedlanebooks.com
9781629537658, $25.99, HC, 296pp, www.amazon.com
Ana Bacon, a beautiful young wife and mother, tumbled off a cruise ship into dark and deadly
waters. Ana is gone--leaving behind her wealthy husband and adorable daughter--but not
everything about her disappearance adds up. What secrets did she leave behind? Investigator
Ryan Monahan is a numbers man. So when his company sends him the Bacon case, which could
net a ten-million-dollar payout, Monahan doubts that her death is just a tragic accident. But the
husband has a substantial alibi and a number of witnesses claim to have seen Ana fall, and the
official ruling seems to hold up. Still, the more Monahan uncovers about Ana's life, the more he
realizes how many people would kill to keep her secrets hidden. And the closer he gets to the
truth, the greater the odds grow that he, too, will take a fatal fall. Impressive, exceptional,
original, "The Widower's Wife" is a compelling page-turner of a novel from beginning to end --
and clearly establishes author Cate Holahan as an especially skilled novelist of the first order.
While unreservedly recommended for community library collections, it should be noted for
personal reading lists that "The Widower's Wife" is also available in a Kindle format
($9.59).
Shadows on a Morning in Maine
Lea Wait
Perseverance Press
c/o Daniel & Daniel, Publishers
PO Box 2790, McKinleyville, CA 95519
www.danielpublishing.com
9781564745774, $15.95, PB, 240pp, www.amazon.com
Maggie Summer is making big changes in her life. The antique print dealer has taken a sabbatical
and moved to Maine to run an antiques mall with Will Brewer, her significant other. And she
will finally adopt the daughter she's been longing for. However, the troubled girl doesn't want any
part of the plan, showing affection only for the harbor seals, which remind her of her "real
mother". But someone starts shooting the seals -- and a young fisherman is murdered. Then Will
confesses a secret from his past, and Maggie begins to wonder if all her dreams will turn into
nightmares. Deftly plotted with unexpected storyline twists and turns, populated with
recognizable and memorable characters, "Shadows on a Morning in Maine" is an extraordinary
novel by a master of the Mystery/Suspense genre. Simply stated, Lea Wait's "Shadows on a
Morning in Maine" is unreservedly recommended for community library collections and the
personal reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs.
Lies of the Land
Chris Dolan
Vagabond Voices
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7, 124 Byers Road, Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
www.dufoureditions.com
9781908251688, $25.00, PB, 281pp, www.amazon.com
Prosecutor Maddy Shannon awakens in her West End Glasgow flat to a hangover and several
mysteries, starting with who is the strange man in her bed? Shortly after discovering the man's
identity, Maddy learns that his boss, a successful defense lawyer, has met a gruesome end in his
posh Merchant City office. With a bad reputation for getting too close to her cases, Maddy tries
to stand back from this one. But as the murders continue, and Maddy herself receives a disturbing
message, she realizes too close is unavoidable, and winds up in a race against the measured
malevolence of an unknown killer. "Lies of the Land" is another deftly crafted classic in author
Chris Dolan's outstanding 'Maddy Shannon Mystery' series. A consistently compelling novel of
suspense from beginning to end, "Lies of the Land" is enthusiastically recommended for the
personal reading lists of dedicated mystery fans, and will prove to be an enduringly popular
addition to community library Mystery/Suspense collections.
The Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf
Dashing, Daring, and Debonair
Herbie J. Pilato
Taylor Trade Publishing
c/o Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group
4501 Forbes Blvd., Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
www.rowman.com
9781630760526, $27.95, HC, 306pp, www.amazon.com
"Dashing, Daring, and Debonair: TV's Top Male Icons from the 50s, 60s, and 70s" by Herbie J.
Pilato is an impressive compendium of information on actors, comedians, singers, dancers, or
talk show hosts and personalities. Here are to be found everyone from George Burns and Milton
Berle to Jack Benny and Jackie Gleason to Sid Caesar and Caesar Romero, men who ignited their
own particular brand of "man-erisms". In the process, they each inspired their audience to cheer
them on whatever their guise. "Dashing, Daring, and Debonair" also features a foreword by
Adam "Batman" West. "Dashing, Daring, and Debonair" explores and celebrates the men who
invented manliness and became stars in the process. It also profiles teenage heartthrobs including
Leave it to Beaver's Tony Dow and The Partridge Family's David Cassidy, stars who left an
indelible impression on a generation of young girls. Inherently fascinating, informed and
informative, "Dashing, Daring, and Debonair" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to
community and academic library Theater/Cinema/TV collections. It should be noted for personal
reading lists that "Dashing, Daring, and Debonair" is also available in a Kindle format
($9.99).
The Self-Help Shelf
Discover Your Purpose
Rhys Thomas
Jeremy P. Tarcher
c/o Penguin Group, USA
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014-3657
www.tarcherbooks.com
9780399169243, $18.95, PB, 366pp, www.amazon.com
Rhys Thomas is a visionary author, speaker, and teacher in the field of energy medicine. Creator
of the Rhys Method(R) Life Purpose Profile System and founder of the Rhys Thomas Institute in
the Boston area, he employs energy medicine techniques to help people achieve personal and
professional transformation. In "Discover Your Purpose: How to Use the 5 Life Purpose Profiles
to Unlock Your Hidden Potential and Live the Life You Were Meant to Live", Rhys draws upon
his years of experience and expertise to write a life-changing do-it-yourself instruction manual
that shows his readers how they can discover the purpose of their lives and align their decisions
with their deepest core self, so that their lives are fulfilling, productive, and full of joy. As
insightfully informative as it is thoughtfully practical, "Discover Your Purpose" is consistently
compelling and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in tone, commentary, organization and presentation.
While unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended for community library
Self-Help/Self-Improvement instructional reference collections, it should be noted for personal
reading lists that "Discover Your Purpose" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
The Travel Shelf
Japan by Rail
Ramsey Zarifeh & Anna Udagawa
Trailblazer Publications
www.trailblazer-guides.com
9781905864751, $24.95, PB, 480pp, www.amazon.com
Japan has one of the most extensive railway systems in the world. One of the best wasy to take
advantage of Japan's impressive railway systems is to use the Japan Rail Pass. For visitors to
Japan, Trailblazer Publications has a newly updated and expanded edition of "Japan by Rail".
Utilizing this comprehensive guide in conjunction with a rail pass is the best and most
economical way to get the most out of any trip to Japan. The collaborative work of Ramsey
Zarifeh and Anna Udagawa, "Japan by Rail" offers: Practical information for planning your trip
including when to go; suggested itineraries; what to take; festivals and events; City guides and
maps for planning where to stay, where to eat, what to see in30 towns and cities; historical and
cultural background; Kilometer-by-kilometer route guides that cover train journeys from the
coast into the mountains, from temple retreat to sprawling metropolis; 33 route maps; Railway
timetables and frequency charts including Bullet trains and main routes; Customs, etiquette,
Japanese words and phrases - with kanji; kanji/hiragana/katakana for all place names mentioned
in this new edition of "Japan by Rail" so readers can point to the text when asking Japanese
speakers for directions; The extension of the shinkansen route from Nagano toKanazawa (which
is now called the Hokuriku shinkansen); Additional side trips from Tokyo including to
Kawaguchi-kofor magnificent views of Mt Fuji, and to Mito for Kairakuen, the only one ofthe
three great landscape gardens in Japan not currently mentioned in the book; Expanded coverage
of Nikko, Nagasaki, the side trip to Asosan, Beppu, and many places in the Kansai region.
Whether for business or for pleasure, "Japan by Rail" is a 'must' for any and all American
tourists, exchange students, and commercial travelers.
The Music Shelf
Chord Master, updated edition
Rikky Rooksby
Backbeat Books
c/o Hal Leonard Performing Arts Publishing Group
33 Plymouth Street, Suite 302, Montclair, NJ 07042-2677
www.halleonard.com
9781495001512, $24.99, PB, 256pp, www.amazon.com
Now in a newly updated and expanded edition, "Chord Master: How to Choose and Play the
Right Guitar Chords" by Rikky Rooksby (a guitar teacher, songwriter, composer, and writer on
popular music) is a chord dictionary that rather than just show chord shapes (which are all there
in the Chord Matrix) also explains how to use chords, with information about the theory behind
them, and attempts to answer the questions guitarists often have about chord shapes. Also
presented are usable groups of chords for beginners in relation to a variety of song styles. There
is an emphasis on the practical that is even more useful to beginners, with expanded exercises
and more audio. The multimedia component has roughly doubled the number of tracks and is 30
minutes longer. Some audio examples have a backing track arranged to stress melodic and
rhythmic elements so that when the reader puts the chords alongside, the effect is marked,
sometimes allowing for re-harmonizing the same music with a different chord progression, or a
chord progression played in more than one area of the guitar. The notation of the chord
progressions is partly redesigned, making it easier to read. In this newly revised edition more
chord types have been added to Chord Master 's Matrix (dictionary) section, with new material
about balanced chords (which remove ineffective or unnecessary doublings of notes) and about
effective chord voicing. The section about chords from famous songs is expanded with more
examples of unusual chords, including ones that players are often curious about one of the most
famous examples is the first chord of A Hard Day's Night. Thoroughly 'student friendly' in
organization and presentation, and including Online Media, "Chord Master" is an ideal
instruction manual that is unreservedly recommended for novice guitar players and would be an
ideal for music department curriculums as an introductory guitar studies textbook.
The Cookbook Shelf
Cast-Iron Cooking
Rachel Narins
Storey Publishing
210 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
www.storey.com
9781612126760, $12.95, PB, 96pp, www.amazon.com
A graduate of the California Culinary Academy, Rachael Narins is a professional chef, a culinary
educator, and a food writer based in Santa Monica, California. In "Cast-Iron Cooking: Recipes &
Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Cast-Iron Cookware" she draws upon her years of
experience and expertise to write an informed and informative compendium of instruction and
recipes for preparing memorable dishes that will please any palate and satisfy any appetite
utilizing a cast iron skillet. Profusely illustrated throughout, "Cast-Iron Cooking" begins with a
complete introduction to cast-iron cookware and then continues with showcasing an impressive
number of thoroughly kitchen cook friendly recipes ranging from Cheesy Fondue with Beer;
Mango Curry with Cashews; Brick Chicken with Sage; and Sausage & Kale with Lentils; to
Steaks with Red Wine Sauce; Flatbreads Perfect for Dips; Baked Apples with Walnuts; and
Cranberry Upside-Down Cake with Fresh or Frozen Berries. A delight to browse and inspiring to
plan menus with, "Cast-Iron Cooking" is certain to be an enduringly popular addition to personal,
family, professional, and community library cookbook collections. It should be noted that
"Cast-Iron Cooking" is also available in a Kindle format ($6.99).
The Best Homemade Vegan Cheese and Ice Cream Recipes
Marie Laforet
Robert Rose Inc.
120 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 800, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4P 1E2
www.robertrose.ca
9780778805434, $19.95, PB, 144pp, www.amazon.com
"The Best Homemade Vegan Cheese and Ice Cream Recipes" is a culinary compendium of
information and recipes written specifically for vegans and those needing to go on diets that are
dairy-free, but who do not want to give up enjoying the creamy simple pleasure of ice cream or
cheese. This collection of completely vegan but completely delicious recipes range from Cheddar
with Roasted Red Pepper; Cashew Cheese; Creamy Shallot and Chive Cheese Spread; and Nacho
Cheese Sauce; to Pistachio Ice Cream; Pineapple Lime Sorbet; Banana Blueberry Milkshake
Pops; and Black Sesame Ice Cream with Raspberry Coulis. All the featured recipes contain
natural and organic ingredients, making them healthy and surprisingly easy to prepare. With just
some organization and preparation, even the most novice kitchen chef can be creating sorbets, ice
cream, ice pops and frozen desserts along with flavorful artisanal cheeses in the warmth and
comfort of their own kitchen. Profusely illustrated throughout with full color throughout "The
Best Homemade Vegan Cheese and Ice Cream Recipes" is an ideal addition for personal and
community library cookbook collections for established vegans, as well as anyone simply
looking to embrace a dairy-free lifestyle.
SNAC it Up Cookbook with Shi
Shiona 'Shi' Curry
Spirit Reign Publishing
www.snacitup.com
9781940002798, $19.98, PB, 120pp, www.amazon.com
Shi is the 11-year old CEO of S.N.A.C. it Up! (She's Natural Approach to Cooking). Her passion
for eating healthy has translated into a desire for all children to be healthy while enjoying their
food. Since the age of four, Shi's has been fascinated by cooking shows, and has kept busy
reading every cookbook at her disposal. After "Shi" got off to a rocky start at home, she began to
speak positive affirmations over herself, and found that this made it super easy to choose healthy
foods. Furthermore, she took it to the next level by transforming healthy foods that are usually
considered "unappealing" and made them inviting and "SNACalicious". A profusely illustrated
compendium of thoroughly 'kid friendly' recipes, the featured dishes range from Simple Summer
Fruit Salad; Barbeque Crunch TLT; Cornbread Taco Pie; and Crazy 8 Pasta; to Honeydew
Lemon Cupcakes; Frozen Strawberry Raspberry Yogurt Pops; Cucarrot Salad; and Healthy Sugar
Juice. A pure pleasure to browse through, "SNAC it Up Cookbook with Shi" is ideal for parents
wanting to instill healthy eating habits and the satisfaction of kitchen cooking in their children.
Simply stated, "SNAC it Up Cookbook with Shi" is unreservedly recommended for family and
community library cookbook collections.
175 Best Instant Pot Recipes
Marilyn Haugen
Robert Rose Inc.
120 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 800, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4P 1E2
www.robertrose.ca
9780778805427, $19.95, PB, 224pp, www.amazon.com
Simply stated, the 'Instant Pot' is a busy woman's best friend when preparing meals for her
family. Instant Pots have become hugely popular over the years because they ingeniously
combine so many features into one appliance. While officially categorized as an electric pressure
cooker, it's actually a 7-in-1 programmable cooker with the functions of a pressure cooker, slow
cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute, yogurt maker and warmer -- all in one appliance! Culinary
expert Marilyn Haugen brings her extensive and creative recipe development skills to bear in
"175 Best Instant Pot Recipes: For Your Programmable Electric Pressure Cooker" with an
impressively variety of recipes that range from Tahi Coconut Chicken Soup; Cheesy Macaroni
with Prosciutto and Peas; Soul Food Oxtails with Tender Root Vegetables; and Creamy
Scalloped potatoes and Parsnips; to Spicy Maple Chicken Wings; Mississippi Delta Baby Back
Pork Ribs; Slow-Braised Ham with Maple Mustard Glaze; Tex-Mex Black Bean Dip; Dreamy
Apricot, White chocolate and Almond Cheesecake; Pumpkin Pie Custard; and Homemade
Yogurt. A pleasure to browse through and inspiring to plan meals with, "175 Best Instant Pot
Recipes" is an extraordinary and enthusiastically recommended addition to personal, family, and
community library cookbook collections.
Bread Illustrated
Editorial Staff
America's Test Kitchen
17 Station Street, Brookline, MA 02445
www.americastestkitchen.com
9781940352602, $29.95, PB, 432pp, www.amazon.com
For most of human history bread was made individually, loaf by loaf, in the home. With the
advent of bakery technology and modern life fewer and fewer women make their own bread at
home but rely on buying mass produced bread at their local grocery store. With the publication of
"Bread Illustrated: A Step-By-Step Guide to Achieving Bakery-Quality Results At Home",the
editorial staff of America's Test Kitchen have now produced an beautifully illustrated
compendium of do-it-yourself instructions on baking breads, rolls, flatbreads, and more at home.
Each master recipe is presented as a hands-on and reassuring tutorial illustrated with 6 to 16
full-color step-by-step photos. Organized by level of difficulty to make bread baking less
daunting, "Bread Illustrated" progresses from the simplest recipes for the novice baker to
artisan-style loaves, breads that use starters, and more complex project recipes. The recipes cover
a wide and exciting range of breads from basics and classics with recipes for American Sandwich
Bread; Potato Dinner Rolls; Spinach-Ricotta Calzones; and St. Lucia Buns; to Portuguese Sweet
Bread; Pumpernickel; Fig and Fennel Bread; Bakery-Style French Baguettes. Simply stated, no
personal, family, or community library cookbook collections should be considered complete or
comprehensive without the inclusion of a copy of America's Test Kitchen's "Bread Illustrated"! It
should be noted that "Bread Illustrated" is also available in a Kindle format ($28.99).
Caramel, Caramel & More Caramel!
Michal Moses & Ivana Nitzan
Imagine Publishing
c/o Charlesbridge Publishing
85 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
www.imaginebks.com
9781623540753, $18.95, HC, 128pp, www.amazon.com
Michal Moses graduated with a Grand Diploma for Cuisine and Patisserie from the Cordon Bleu
in Paris, France, and has had cookbooks published both in the USA and Israel. As the title clearly
indicates, in "Caramel, Caramel & More Caramel!: Sweet and Savory Recipes for Creative
Caramel Cuisine", Michal has assembled a culinary compendium of recipes that each feature
caramel (a beige to dark-brown confectionery product made by heating a variety of sugars).
Beautifully illustrated throughout with full color photography of finished dishes, the recipes
range from Honey Candy Apples; Chocolate Topped Maple Pecan Brittle; Salted Caramel &
Peanut Bars; Molten Chocolate Cakes with Caramel Lava; and Dulce de Leche & Toasted
Coconut Yeast Cakes; to Caramelized Onion Tart; Salted Caramel Eclairs with Espresso
Chocolate; Banana Pancakes with Peanut Butter Caramel Sauce; and Marbled pavlovas with
Chocolate Caramel Mousse. Of special note for caramel lovers is the recipe fo Panna Cotta with
Coffee Caramel. Thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' in organization and presentation, "Caramel,
Caramel & More Caramel!" is unreservedly recommended for personal, family, professional, and
community library cookbook collections. It should be noted that "Caramel, Caramel & More
Caramel!" is also available in a Kindle format ($10.99).
The Military Shelf
A Semester in the Sandbox
Adam Davidson
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
www.mcfarlandpub.com
9781476665696, $19.99, PB, $19.00, www.amazon.com
"A Semester in the Sandbox: A Marine Reservist's Iraq War Journal" by former Marine Reservist
Adam Davidson is basically his war journal and provides an un-glamorized narrative of a
common reservist's deployment to Iraq, beginning with his notification of mobilization to his
final trip home. The visceral experiences of combat are all described in candid detail, along with
hazards of homesickness, boredom and loss. In light of the rise of the Islamic State in the area
described in "A Semester in the Sandbox", Adam's personal story presents a timely account of
the challenges of restoring peace in this restive area. Exceptionally well organized and presented,
"A Semester in the Sandbox" is a welcome and informative contribution to the growing library of
Iraq War studies, memoirs, and biographies. While very highly recommended for community and
academic library American Military History collections in general, and Iraq War supplemental
studies reading lists in particular, it should be noted for personal reading lists of students and
non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "A Semester in the Sandbox" is
also available in a Kindle format ($7.99).
The Audiobook Shelf
Almost Innocent
Jane Feather
Performed by Rosalind Ashford
Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887, Grand Haven, MI 49417
9781511320429 $14.99 www.brillianceaudio.com
Almost Innocent is a romance audiobook on MP3-CD (plays on MP3-CD players or transfers to
portable devices). The story is about forbidden love between an illegitimate princess and the
knight who is sworn to protect her. She is destined for a political marriage, and the blood-soaked
battlefields of France are an ever-present threat, yet the passion he feels for her will not die. A
sensual, evocative novel, Almost Innocent is a treat for those who love the genre.1 disc, 16 hours
20 min.
Bullseye
James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge
Read by Danny Mastrogiorgio
Hachette Audio
237 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
9781478928164 $35.00 www.HachetteAudio.com
Bullseye: A Detective Michael Bennett Thriller is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of a
tense modern novel. The president of the United States is in New York for a summit at the
United Nations with the leader of Russia. But an assassination plot threatens to upend the
delicate diplomatic balance, and trigger a catastrophic world war. Detective Michael Bennett
must work quickly to uncover a cat-and-mouse plot before the unthinkable happens! Brought to
life by Danny Mastrogiorgio's talented performance, Bullseye is a choice pick for connoisseurs of
action-packed mysteries. 6 CDs, 7.5 hours.
Fire Bound
Christine Feehan
Narrated by Carol Monda
Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
9781501925993 $TBA www.recordedbooks.com
Available in CD, MP3 CD, or eAudio formats, Fire Bound: A Sea Haven Novel is the
unabridged audiobook adaptation of a dangerous yet sensual romance. Lissa Piner is a strong-
willed redhead and a talented glassblower. Her skills earn her a commission to design chandeliers
for a string of luxury hotels in Italy, but her true purpose is much darker, for she has a mission to
avenge a terrible wrong. Her bodyguard, Casimir Prakenskii, harbors secrets of his own as a
trained assassin. A spark ignites between kindred spirits in subterfuge... but will their blaze
illuminate the darkness, or consume all? Fire Bound is a choice pick for connoisseurs of the
genre. 11 CDs, 13.25 hours.
Cosega Search
Brandt Legg
Tantor Media, Inc.
6 Business Park Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
www.tantor.com
9781494519872, $34.99, CD, www.amazon.com
Ripley Gaines is a brilliant archaeologist who has spent his life searching for an elusive artifact to
prove his controversial theory about the origins of human beings. The ancient apparently eleven
million year old artifact he uncovers on an archaeological dig shocks even him. His discovery
rewrites human history and promises to change the planet's future. It's a find that the Roman
Catholic Church determines it must be suppressed -- and everyone connected with it killed to
keep them silent. The most powerful forces of the Federal Government and the Catholic Church
are align against Gaines, his friends and companions as a deadly competition for the artifact
ensues. Gaines only hope is to stay alive long enough to decode the Cosega Sequence. Very
highly recommended to the attention of dedicated science fiction fans and an enduringly popular
addition to community library audiobook collections, "Cosega Search" is the first volume in
Brandt Legg's The Cosega Sequence series and is deftly narrated by actor Danny Campell in a
complete and unabridged audiobook edition. (6 CDs, 6.5 Hours).
The Fiction Shelf
A Million Windows
Gerald Murnane
David R. Godine, Publisher
Fifteen Court Square, Suite 320, Boston, MA 02108-2536
www.godine.com
9781567925555, $18.00, PB, 200pp, www.amazon.com
"A Million Windows" by Gerald Murnane is a deftly written and unsettling investigation into the
glories and pitfalls of storytelling. Focusing on the importance of trust and the inevitability of
betrayal in writing as in life, its series of nested stories impressively explore the fraught
relationships between author and reader, child and parent, boyfriend and girlfriend, husband and
wife. Murnane's fiction is woven from images-the reflections of the setting sun on distant
windowpanes, seemingly limitless grasslands, a procession of dark-haired women, a clearing in a
forest, the colors indigo and silver-grey, and the mysterious death of a young woman-which build
to an emotional crescendo that is all the more powerful for the intricacy of its patterning. An
extraordinary and consistently compelling read from beginning to end, "A Million Windows" is
unreservedly recommended for community, college, and university library Literary Fiction
collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted that "A Million Windows" is also
available in a Kindle format ($7.37).
Honor Redeemed
Christine Johnson
Revell
c/o Baker Publishing Group
6030 East Fulton, Ada, MI 49301
www.bakerbooks.com
9780800723514, $14.99, PB, 352pp, www.amazon.com
Two years ago, Prosperity Jones waved farewell to her beloved David as the army sent him to
faraway Key West. Now with her parents gone, she has but one prospect for the future: make the
dangerous journey from Nantucket to Key West to reunite with David and secure a happier life.
Arriving penniless in the South, Prosperity is dismayed to find David married to someone else.
Scrambling to survive and nursing a broken heart, she gains the friendship (and the affection) of
a kind doctor. Could he be the answer to her loneliness? Or will her life be upended by
circumstance yet again? Once again author Christine Johnson demonstrates her impressive
mastery of the Romance genre with "Honor Redeemed", a deftly crafted and riveting read from
beginning to end. Certain to be another enduringly popular addition to community library
Romance Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Honor
Redeemed" is also available in a Kindle format ($8.13). Librarians should also note that "Honor
Redeemed" is available in a Library Binding edition (9781683240679, $35.95).
Liberty's Last Stand
Stephen Coonts
Regnery Publishing, Inc.
300 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001
www.regnery.com
9781621575078, $27.99, HC, 511pp, www.amazon.com
The president of the United States stands on an outdoor stage, flanked by powerful members of
his administration and party. Television crews are preparing for broadcast. High above the stage,
on a nearby rooftop, a decorated sniper adjusts the scope on his rifle. Afterwards, America will
never be the same. Jake Grafton and Tommy Carmellini suddenly find themselves on the wrong
side of the law when a public act of violence throws the country into chaos just before a
presidential election. After martial law is declared and rioting begins, Grafton and Carmellini
must risk everything to unravel a massive conspiracy and help a new resistance movement rise up
against an unimaginable enemy. A riveting read by a true master of the political thriller genre,
Stephen Coonts' "Liberty's Last Stand" is unreservedly recommended for community library
collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Liberty's Last Stand" is also
available in a Kindle edition ($15.87).
Fatal Identity
Marie Force
Harlequin HQN
c/o Harlequin Books
225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada, M3B 3K9
9780373789955, $7.99, PB, 393pp, www.amazon.com
As the first anniversary of her marriage to Vice President Nick Cappuano approaches, Lieutenant
Sam Holland is dreaming of Bora Bora -- sun, sand and a desperately needed break from the DC
grind. But real life has a way of intervening, and Sam soon finds herself taking on one of the
most perplexing cases of her career. Government worker Josh Hamilton begs Sam to investigate
his shocking claim that his parents stole him from another family thirty years ago. More
complicated still, his "father" is none other than the FBI director. When a member of Josh's
family is brutally murdered, Sam begins to question how deep this cover-up goes. Is it possible
the revered director was part of a baby-napping ring and that others involved are also targets?
With a killer intent on deadly revenge and her team still reeling from a devastating loss, Sam's
plate is full -- and when Nick and their son, Scotty, take ill, is her dream of a tropical anniversary
celebration in peril too? Another terrific read from author Marie Force who once again with the
publication of "Fatal Identity" demonstrates her complete mastery of the romance/suspense
genre. While very highly recommended for community library collections, it should be noted for
personal reading lists that "Fatal Identity" is also available in a Kindle edition ($6.99).
Her One and Only
Becky Wade
Bethany House Publishers
11400 Hampshire Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55438
www.bethanyhouse.com
9780764211102, $13.99, PB, 400pp, www.amazon.com
The latest romance novel from a true master of the genre, "Her One And Only" by Becky Wady
is the story of Gray Fowler, star NFL tight end, who finds himself being pursued by a stalker. So
his football team hires a protection agency to keep Gray under the watch of a bodyguard at all
times. When Gray meets Dru Porter, the agent assigned to protect him, he's indignant. How can
an attractive young female half his size possibly him safe? But Dru is a former Marine, an expert
markswoman, and a black belt. She's also ferociously determined to uncover the identity of
Gray's stalker. And she's just as determined to avoid any kind of romantic attachment between
herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past. But the closer they get to finding
the stalker, the closer they grow to each other. As the danger rises, can Dru and Gray entrust their
hearts (and their lives) to one another? "Her One And Only" is a terrifically entertaining and
consistently compelling read from beginning to end. While enthusiastically recommended for
community library Romance Fiction collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists
of author Becky Wade's legions of fans that "Her One And Only" is also available in a Kindle
format ($7.88). Community librarians should noted that "Her One And Only" is available for
their collections in a Library Binding edition (Turtleback Books, 9780606390637, $25.75,
390pp).
A House for Happy Mothers
Amulya Malladi
Lake Union Publishing
Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887, Grand Haven, MI 49417
www.brillianceaudio.com
9781503933316, $14.95, 305pp, www.amazon.com
In trendy Silicon Valley, Priya has everything she needs, including a loving husband, a career,
and a home. But the one thing she wants most is the child she's unable to have. In a Southern
Indian village, Asha doesn't have much and is raising her two children in a tiny hut. She and her
husband can barely keep a tin roof over their heads, but Asha wants a better education for her
gifted son. Pressured by her family, Asha reluctantly checks into the Happy Mothers House: a
baby farm where she can rent her only asset (her womb) to a childless couple overseas. To the
dismay of friends and family, Priya places her faith in a woman she's never met to make her
dreams of motherhood come true. Together, the two women discover the best and the worst that
India's rising surrogacy industry has to offer, bridging continents and cultures to bring a new life
into the world -- and renewed hope to each other. An inherently fascinating and consistently
compelling read from the pen of an impressively skilled and original storyteller, "A House for
Happy Mothers" by Amulya Malladi is unreservedly recommended for community library
General Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "A House for Happy
Mothers" is also available in a Kindle format ($4.99) and in an MP3 audio book edition from
Brilliance Audio (9781511366847, $9.99).
The Writing/Publishing Shelf
The Jane Austen Writers' Club
Rebecca Smith
Bloomsbury Press
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315, New York, NY 10010
www.bloomsbury.com
9781632865885, $27.00, HC, 352pp, www.amazon.com
While creative writing manuals tend to use examples from twentieth- and twenty-first-century
writers, "The Jane Austen Writers' Club: Inspiration and Advice from the World's Best-loved
Novelist" by Rebecca Smith (who teaches creative writing at the University of Southampton; was
the Writer in Residence at Jane Austen's House Museum from 2009 to 2010; and who still works
closely with the Museum, running writing workshops and judging their competition for young
writers) is the first 'how to' for aspiring writers to look at the methods and devices used by the
world's most beloved novelist. Austen was a creator of immortal characters and a pioneer in her
use of language and point of view; her advice continues to be relevant two centuries after her
death. Rebecca Smith deftly examines the major aspects of writing fiction (plotting,
characterization, openings and endings, dialogue, settings, and writing methods) sharing the
advice Austen gave in letters to her aspiring novelist nieces and nephew, and providing many and
varied exercises for writers to try, using examples from Austen's work. "The Jane Austen Writers'
Club" also provides a number of exercises and functions perfectly as a timely primer on writing
that features utterly timeless advice. As informed and informative as it is thoroughly 'user
friendly', "The Jane Austen Writers' Club" is an invaluable instructional study that is
unreservedly recommended for personal, community, college, and academic library 'how to'
collections on writing truly memorable fiction. It should be noted for personal reading lists that
"The Jane Austen Writers' Club" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
The Writer's Garden
Jackie Bennett, author
Richard Hanson, photographer
Frances Lincoln Publishers
www.franceslincoln.com
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1722
www.quartoknows.com
9780711238404, $25.99, PB, 176pp, www.amazon.com
Jackie Bennett is a former editor of "The Garden Design Journal","English Garden Magazine",
and "Gardening with the National Trust". With "The Writer's Garden: How Gardens Inspired Our
Best-Loved Authors" Jackie draws upon her years of experience and expertise to provide an
informed and informative commentary on how their gardens influenced and even inspired such
writers as Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, Beatrix Potter, Charles Dickens, Virginia Wolf, George
Bernard Shaw, Henry James, Thomas Hardy, William Wordsworth, Walter Scott, Rudyard
Kipling, and more! Beautifully and profusely illustrated throughout with the superb photography
of Richard Hanson, each entry includes an 'info box' called Written in Residence listing the
works credited with being written at the garden graced residence of that particular author.
Unique, inherently fascinating, consistently compelling, "The Writer's Garden" will prove to be
of special interest to aspiring and practicing authors, as well as garden and gardening enthusiasts
everywhere. While unreservedly recommended for community library collections, it should be
noted for personal reading lists that "The Writer's Garden" is also available in a Kindle format
($11.91).
The Automotive Shelf
Lost Road Courses
Martin Rudow
CarTech Inc.
39966 Grand Avenue, North Branch, MN 55056
www.cartechbooks.com
9781613252222, $29.95, PB, 176pp, www.amazon.com
It was a fictional movie, Cannon Ball Run, that brought coast to coast automotive racing to the
attention of the general public. But long before the film, road racing had roots in North America
that reach from coast to coast and to Canada. Some of the greatest drivers to ever compete raced
wickedly fast machines, staged epic duels on winding strips of asphalt, and created history. This
history left an enduring legacy that is revealed and celebrated in "Lost Road Courses: Riverside,
Ontario, Bridgehampton & More by road racer and road racing expert Martin Rudow who deftly
retraces road racing's glorious past and visits the defunct classic road courses across the United
States and Canada. Enhanced with photography throughout, "Lost Road Courses' will prove to be
of special interest to all dedicated fans of classic sports cars, Can-Am, Trans-Am, IndyCar,
Formula 1 races, as well as classic and unique tracks of yesteryear. Simply stated, "Lost Road
Courses" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to personal and community library
Automotive Racing History collections.
The Coloring Book Shelf
Laughter Is the Best Medicine: Coloring Book
Samantha Snyder
AKA Associates, Inc.
6007 North Sheridan Road, Apt. 15A, Chicago, IL 60660
www.akabooks.com
9780997102178, $9.95, PB, 104pp, www.amazon.com
Samantha Snyder's "Laughter Is the Best Medicine" is the eleventh and newest addition to the
hugely popular Doodle Art Alley Books series of her coloring books for adults. " Laughter Is the
Best Medicine" presents 50 doodle art images of inspiring proverbs, quotes, and sayings printed
on one side of the page for people of all ages to color. The quotes from famous authors include
Aristotle, Benjamin Franklin, Eleanor Roosevelt, William Shakespeare, Mark Twain, and more.
"Laughter Is the Best Medicine" also includes sayings from Always find a reason to smile, and
Don't forget to smile, to Everyone smiles in the same language, and Every survival kit should
include a sense of humor. Offering hours and hours of quiet and contemplative fun, "Laughter Is
the Best Medicine" is enthusiastically recommended.
The American History Shelf
The War of 1812 in Wisconsin
Mary Elise Antoine
Wisconsin Historical Society Press
816 State Street, Madison, WI 53575
www.wisconsinhistory.org
9780870207389 $28.95 hc / $9.99 Kindle amazon.com
The War of 1812 in Wisconsin: The Battle for Prairie du Chien is a scholarly examination of a
battle in the War of 1812 for the control of Prairie du Chien and the western country, a struggle
with origins stretching years before the three-day siege in July of 1814. Control of the territory
was potentially extremely lucrative, as it was inhabited by American Indians who traded valuable
furs. The shifting balance of alliances with different Indian tribes was a major component of the
deadly armed conflict. Extensively researched and objectively presented, The War of 1812 in
Wisconsin is highly recommended especially for public and college library American History
collections.
Convict Cowboys
Mitchel P. Roth
University of North Texas Press
1155 Union Circle #311336, Denton, TX 76203-5017
9781574416527 $32.95 www.unt.edu/untpress
Convict Cowboys: The Untold History of the Texas Prison Rodeo is an extraordinary, in-depth
history of America's prison rodeo, which existed from 1931 to 1986, and drew 30,000 spectators
at the height of its popularity. How did the state government lease prisoners to participate in the
rodeo? Who were the convicted criminals who willingly chose to participate, risking life and
limb to earn a handful of dollars and perform for the crowds? Researched with the craft of a
historian, and succinctly presenting incredible true stories accessible to readers of all
backgrounds, Convict Cowboys is highly recommended for public and college library collections
as well as personal reading lists.
Quarry Quest
Mark Sakry
North Star Press of St. Cloud
PO Box 451, St. Cloud, MN 56302-0451
www.northstarpress.com
9780878397532, $20.00, PB, 159pp, www.amazon.com
"Quarry Quest: The History of Stearns County Quarry Park and Nature Preserve" by Mark Sakry
(executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota and retired Stearns County
Commissioner) is a remarkably thorough history of Minnesota's Stearns County's Quarry Park
and Nature Preserve. Profusely and beautifully illustrated with full color photography throughout,
"Quarry Quest" not only highlights the granite heritage of Central Minnesota and the many
features of the park, but captures the natural beauty and serenity of this magnificent place.
Informed and informative, "Quarry Quest" is exceptionally well organized and presented. Indeed,
"Quarry Quest" would be an excellent template and example for other local and regional
histories. A model of informed and informative local Midwest American history, "Quarry Quest"
is very highly recommended for personal reading lists and community library collections.
The Railroading Shelf
Cape Breton Railways
Herb MacDonald
Cape Breton University Press
P.O. Box 5300, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, B1P 6L2
www.cbupress.ca
9781897009673, $24.95, PB, 264pp, www.amazon.com
Herb Macdonald has been researching and publishing in the field of Canadian railway history
since 1999 when he completed a Saint Mary's University MBA thesis on Nova Scotia's first
locomotive-powered railroad. A frequent contributor to Canadian Rail, the journal of the
Canadian Railroad Historical Association, he is a three-time recipient of the CRHA annual award
for best article in that journal. The most recent of those awards was for his 2010 study of early
horse-powered railways at coal mines in Cape Breton. Macdonald's work has also been published
in England by the Railway and Canal Historical Society, the Stephenson Locomotive Society and
the Institution of Civil Engineers. In "Cape Breton Railways: An Illustrated History" MacDonald
draws upon his years of research and expertise to provide a profusely illustrated history of the
Cape Breton Rail Lines which are perhaps best known for their substantial roles in the coal and
steel industries. The Cape Breton railroad was shaped by such factors as physical geography, the
availability of both capital and customers, and the distribution of population and industries.
Playing a critically important role in the life of the island, for more than a century-and-a-half
after 1829 (when the railway age first came to Cape Breton) have had a central role in supporting
change as some areas of the island evolved from a rural and agricultural society into an urban and
industrial one. Enhanced with the inclusion of illustrated with photographs, drawings, maps and
documents "Cape Breton Railways" provides an interesting and colorful picture of Cape Breton's
railways in the contexts of the economic, cultural and political events on the island and beyond.
Informed and informative, exceptionally well written, and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in tone,
content, commentary, organization and presentation, "Cape Breton Railways" is unreservedly
recommended for railroad buffs, as well as community, college, and university library Railway
collections in general, and Canadian Railroading History supplemental studies reading lists in
particular.
The Needlecraft Shelf
Crochetterie
Molla Mills
Jacqui Small LLP
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1722
www.quartoknows.com
9781910254899, $29.99, HC, 272pp, www.amazon.com
Crocheting is a process of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn, thread, or strands of other
materials using a crochet hook. The name is derived from the French term "crochet", meaning
small hook. "Crochetterie: Cool Contemporary Crochet for the Creatively-Minded" by Finnish
designer, seamstress, craftswoman and expert in the needlecraft art of crocheting Molla Mills, is
a compendium of approximately 30 trendy crochet projects that are ideal for the novice and will
prove to be of very special interest to even the most experienced practitioner. "Crochetterie" will
help anyone master crocheting basics and teach how to make a variety of pieces for different
occasions. Readers will learn how to crochet clothes and accessories for the men, women and
children in their life. They will see how to go about creating useful items for their travels such as
handy little bicycle bags and passport cases, as well as beautifully patterned rugs and cushions for
home life. "Crochetterie" also aptly demonstrates how to effectively customize clothes and bags
by adding crochet elements. With simple step-by-step instructions accompanied by clear and
detailed images as an extra guide, these stylish and unique projects will inspire readers to start
crocheting! Thoroughly 'user friendly' in tone, content and commentary, "Crochetterie" is
profusely illustrated throughout and will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to personal
and community library Needlecraft instructional and reference collections.
The Encyclopedia of Sewing Techniques
Wendy Gardiner
Search Press USA
c/o Publishers Group West
1700 Fourth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
www.searchpressusa.com
9781903975664, $19.95, PB, 160pp, www.amazon.com
Internationally accredited sewing machine expert Wendy Gardiner has been editor of leading
sewing magazines, Vogue Patterns, Sewing World and Sew Hip and has produced major books
and DVDs on sewing, which she passionately promotes as a fun, affordable hobby. She runs a
sewing resource website, iSew.co.uk which is packed with projects, tips and techniques. Wendy
also teaches, runs creative sewing weekends and is a regular guest presenter on shopping
channels Ideal World and Create & Craft TV. In "The Encyclopedia of Sewing Techniques"
Wendy draws upon her years of experience and expertise to create a unique and thoroughly 'user
friendly', step-by-step visual directory enhanced with a beautifully illustrated and inspirational
gallery of finished pieces. A complete and comprehensive instruction manual, "The Encyclopedia
of Sewing Techniques" is ideal for novice needlecrafters while having a great deal of enduring
instructional value for even the more experienced sower. Simply stated, "The Encyclopedia of
Sewing Techniques" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, and community
library Needlecraft collections in general, and instructional sewing supplemental studies
reference reading lists in particular.
The Poetry Shelf
Roads Taken
Tucker Carwile
Belle Isle Books
c/o Brandylane Publishers
5 South First Street, Richmond, VA 23219
www.brandylanepublishers.com
9781939930606, $15.95, PB, 130pp, www.amazon.com
Simply stated, Tucker Carwile is an extraordinary poet able to take the ordinary and present it as
extraordinary, to take the simple and transform it into something profound. "Roads Taken" is a
compendium of some of Carwile's favorite poems. They were selected for publication in a single
volume because they show the various roads he has taken through his life, whether right or
wrong, and express the emotional range of a life well lived. Written over a period of years, this
collection of work is the expression of his true vocation. These are poems of sorrow and pain,
battles and spirituality, the loss of friends, the beauty of nature, humor reminiscent of the past,
changes over time, and love and joy found. Tucker's decision to pursue a career instead of
following his passion for writing led him down many roads away from poetry, and away from his
true soul mate. The fifth and powerful final section of poems, "Roads to Happiness," captures the
long-awaited reunion with his beloved. After traveling miles of roads, they both ultimately
discover the true contentment that only real devotion can give. "Roads Taken" is one of those
rare volumes of verse that will linger in the mind and memory long after the book itself is
finished and set back upon the shelf. 'Never Leaving': Ever wonder about / wandering souls. /
Those never leaving, / waiting for what? // Religions say this / can never be true, / people
testifying / they have left and / then returned. // Can a soul be around / once the body / has
ended?
The Graphic Novel Shelf
Marie Antoinette: Phantom Queen
Rodolphe & Annie Goetzinger
NBM Publishing
160 Broadway, Ste. 700, East Wing, New York, NY 10038
9781681120294 $18.99 www.nbmpub.com
Marie Antoinette: Phantom Queen is a full-color, hardcover graphic novel ghost story spanning
two time periods. The tale switches between the life of Marie Antoinette in eighteenth-century
Versailles, and a female artist in 1930s France who is able to see the now-ghostly queen, and
accepts the task of helping Antoinette find eternal rest. The dignified art style lends the perfect
touch to his supernatural blend of biography and historical fantasy. Highly recommended!
Tokyo ESP 6
Hajime Segawa
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th floor, New York, NY 10016
9781942993032 $15.95 www.vertical-inc.com
Tokyo ESP 6 continues the black-and-white manga (Japanese graphic novel) series set in a world
where an unexpected event has given a sizeable portion of the population of Tokyo psychic
powers. Volume 6 concludes the arc in which Rinka, a principled young woman trained in
martial arts, risks her life in a psychic-powered underground fighting tournament to expose a
cruel slavery ring. But the tournament is only one extension of a shadowy, world-spanning, and
utterly monstrous organization, from which no one is truly safe! Action-packed excitement and
three-dimensional characters distinguish this excellent series, highly recommended.
Witchcraft Works 9
Ryu Mizunagi
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th floor, New York, NY 10016
9781942993155 $12.95 www.vertical-inc.com
Witchcraft Works 9 continues the black-and-white manga (Japanese graphic novel) fantasy series
about Takamiya, a mostly-ordinary young man mixed up in the machinations of powerful
witches... including his own little sister! Displeased by the thought of sharing her beloved older
brother with anyone else, young Kasumi jumps at the opportunity spirit Takamiya into a world
where she doesn't have any rivals for his attention. But is the magical dream really a deadly trap?
And could there be a traitor undermining the stability of the witches' Workshop? The sweeping
art style beautifully expresses this saga of magic, danger, and just a dash of whimsy!
Nichijou My Ordinary Life 4
Keiichi Arawi
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th floor, New York, NY 10016
9781942993339 $10.95 www.vertical-inc.com
Nichijou My Ordinary Life 4 is part of a flippantly comedic manga (Japanese graphic novel)
series, consisting of short skits about ordinary school kids... well, mostly ordinary. Other than the
child genius who created a living robot and gave a cat the power to talk. Or the girl with a
mysterious connection to a cruel, ill-tempered, fantasy princess. Or the male teacher with a
highly inappropriate crush on a female student. Or the female teacher who tries to capture the
robot student by drugging her and digging pits. The mayhem comes frantic and feisty, volume 4
is as good a starting point as any given the skit-comedy nature of the series!
Cinebook Ltd.
56 Beech Ave., Canterbury, Kent, CT4 7TA, UK
www.cinebook.com
c/o National Book Network (dist.)
4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
www.nbnbooks.com
Three full-color graphic novels from Cinebook featuring dramatic adventure and danger.
Vehlmann's and Bonhomme's "The Marquis of Anaon: The Beast" (9781849182782, $13.95)
continues the historical fiction adventures of a hardy cosmopolitan and freelance problem-solver,
who takes it upon himself to hunt down a monstrous beast and end its deadly predation.
Rosinski's and Dufaux's "Kyle of Klanach: Lament of the Lost Moors" (9781849183000, $13.95)
concludes a fantastic, medieval saga of intrigue, murder, and royal birthright. Mezieres' and
Christin's "Valerian and Laureline: The Wrath of Hypsis" (9781849183048, $11.95) is a science
fiction saga spanning alien worlds and spacefaring cultures. All three are choice picks for
connoisseurs of action-packed stories in fantastic settings, and highly recommended.
The Music CD Shelf
Heritage
Richard Bona and Mandekan Cubano
richard-bona.com
Privately Published
$9.99 CD / $9.49 MP3 amazon.com
Heritage is the eighth album by Richard Bona, also called "The African Sting" by his fans, and
the Afro-Cuban band Mandekan Cubano. The music draws upon the roots of Cuban music, and
its incorporation of African rhythms. A vibrant cultural fusion, the richness of Heritage
incorporates bass, guitars, electric sitar, vocals, percussion, keyboards, and more into a
passionate, stimulating listening experience. Highly recommended, especially for world music
collections. "Aka Lingala Te" (1:19), "Bilongo" (5:37), "Matanga" (2:54), "Jokoh Jokoh" (4:59),
"Cubaneando" (4:04), "Essewe Ya Monique" (1:57), "Santa Clara Con Montuno" (3:08), "Ngul
Mekon" (0:49), "Muntula Moto" (5:02), "Eva" (4:36), "Kivu" (4:28), and "Kwa Singa"
(1:15).
Wandering Soul
Hirie
www.hiriemusic.com
Rootfire Cooperative
$TBA CD / $9.49 MP3 amazon.com
Wandering Soul is the second album by the talented reggae artist Hirie, with contributions from
various special guests. The smooth, suave vocals flow into a soundscape that connects with the
senses and lifts one's spirit. Highly recommended, especially for reggae connoisseurs! The tracks
are "Wandering Soul", "Good Vibration Ft. Trevor Hall", "Renegade Ft. Nahko Bear", "Don't
Take My Ganja", "Woman Comes First Ft. Nattali Rize", "Boom Fire", "Melody of a Broken
Heart", "You Won't Be Alone", "Queen", "Almost Home", and "Ride the Wave".
Inside Out
Kristen Lee Sergeant
www.kristenleesergeant.com
Whaling City Sound
www.whalingcitysound.com
c/o Naxos of America, Inc. (dist.)
www.naxosusa.com
$13.99 CD / $8.99 MP3 www.amazon.com
Vocalist Kristen Lee Sergeant presents the debut release Inside Out, an album that transforms three 80s
pop classics into smooth jazz, as well as beautifully re-imagining jazz standards, some of which are fairly obscure. Bonus enhanced video content enriches this stylish, suave
performance. Highly recommended for connoisseurs of the genre! The tracks are "Never Will I
Marry" (3:32), "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" (4:06), "Old Devil Moon" (4:28), "Lullaby
of the Leaves" (3:38), "I Melt With You" (5:44), "So Many Stars" (4:02), "Every Breath You
Take" (3:16), "Wish I Were In Love Again" (2:06), and "It Never Entered My Mind" (2:45).
Ghost Stations
Marconi Union
www.marconiunion.com
Just Publishing
www.justmusic.co.uk
$12.99 CD / $8.99 MP3 amazon.com
UK-based group Marconi Union presents Ghost Stations, an album of atmospheric, relaxing
songs to soothe the mind and the spirit. The drifting, quiescent quality of the instrumental music
gently eases one's mind and heart after a hard day. Ghost Stations is quietly beautiful and highly
recommended. The tracks are "Sleeper", "Remnants", "Shadow Scheme", "Abandoned", "In
Silence", and "Riser".
Steppin' Up
Eric Hargett Trio, featuring Joey DeFrancesco & Gerry Gibbs
Whaling City Sound
www.whalingcitysound.com
c/o Naxos of America, Inc. (dist.)
www.naxosusa.com
$13.49 CD / $8.99 MP3 amazon.com
Baritone sax player and band leader Eric Hargett presents the funk album Steppin' Up, along with
Joey DeFrancesco on the Hammond B3 organ and piano, and Gerry Gibbs on drums. Vivacious
and proud, Steppin' Up resonates with passion, from its love songs to its all-out funk overdrive
compositions. Highly recommended, especially for fans of the genre. The tracks are "Steppin'
Up" (4:01), "West" (6:05), "Hackensack" (3:40), "Woody's Dream" (4:16), "Baretta" (6:16),
"You Don't Know What Love Is" (7:19), "Brunswick Avenue" (5:07), "Pacific Voyage" (5:46),
"Myra's Song" (6:42), and "Sunday Fog" (8:04).
The DVD Shelf
Being Poirot
Featuring David Suchet
Hosted by Stanley Tucci
Acorn Media
c/o RLJ Entertainment
www.us.RLJEntertainment.com
9781621722991 $14.99 www.acornonline.com
Being Poirot is a must-see documentary for connoisseurs of the Poirot series of television murder
mysteries based on the classic detective hero created by Agatha Christie. David Suchet, the actor
who played Hercule Poirot for twenty-five years, openly shares his personal experience of
bringing the beloved detective to life on the screen. From recounting his meeting with Christie's
family after he was first cast as Poirot, to his travels to Belgium in order to explore the roots of a
legendary Belgian character, to what Belgians themselves have to say about their famous
fictional compatriot, Being Poirot is descriptive, insightful, and highly recommended. Bonus
materials include interviews with David Sucheet on Poirot, and with Agatha Christie's grandson
Matthew Prichard. 62 min., SDH subtitles, widescreen.
Meet the Guilbys
A film by Arthur Delaire and Quentin Reynaud
First Run Features
630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213, New York, NY 10036
$19.95 www.firstrunfeatures.com
Meet the Guilbys is an eyebrow-raising comedy movie about a blended family road trip. Claire
and Maurice, each of whom endured a previous marriage, are bringing their entire family on the
road to attend Claire's father's funeral. This includes Claire's vegetarian son Alex, who carries a
secret torch for Maurice's rebellious daughter Lucie; Claire's poet brother; and Claire and
Maurice's daughter Prune, who harbors a growing fascination for the bovines of France. Meet the
Guilbys is a wacky adventure of misfits and bungles, uproarious fun! 80 min., French language
with English subtitles.
Clean Break
Written by Billy Roche
Acorn Media
c/o RLJ Entertainment
www.us.RLJEntertainment.com
$39.99 www.acornonline.com
Clean Break is a four-part crime drama on DVD by award-winning wrier Billy Roche. Frank
Mallon is a car dealer on the edge of bankruptcy; his wife has left him and his teenage daughter is
openly rebellious. Desperate for money, he devises a handsomely profitable revenge scheme
against the people who he feels have wronged him the most. But when his plans spiral out of
control, old hatreds come to light an innocent lives are at risk! A tense, riveting drama about
secrets lurking beneath the surface of a small Irish town, Clean Break is highly recommended for
suspense connoisseurs. 4 episodes on 2 DVDs, 214 min., widescreen, SDH subtitles.
John Bunyan: The People's Pilgrim
Written and Directed by Gary Wilkinson
Vision Video
P.O. Box 540, Worcester, PA 19490
$19.99 DVD / $7.99 digital www.visionvideo.com
John Bunyan: The People's Pilgrim is an enlightening DVD documentary about John Bunyan
(1628-1688), author of the Christian allegory "The Pilgrim's Progress", one of the most well-
known and influential works of spiritual literature. Bunyan lived an incredible life; from humble
origins as the uneducated son of a tinker, he miraculously survived the deadly English Civil War,
and spent years in jail for his faith; "The Pilgrim's Progress" was written during his
imprisonment. John Bunyan: The People's Pilgrim vividly portrays an extraordinary true story,
and is highly recommended for personal viewing and church library collections. 50 min., optional
English subtitles.
The Hunting/Fishing Shelf
Bird Dog Days, Wingshooting Ways
Archibald Rutledge
Edited with a new introduction by Jim Casada
University of South Carolina Press
718 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29208
9781611176544 $29.99 www.sc.edu/uscpress
Bird Dog Days, Wingshooting Ways is a compilation of writings by South Carolina poet laureate
and avid hunter Archibald Rutledge (1883-1973). Most of the stories are true tales of his life
hunting deer, turkey, quail, or grouse in the Southern heartland, from the traits of the dogs that
aided him, to the traditions surrounding Carolina Christmas hunts. Although Bird Dog Days,
Wingshooting Ways is mostly nonfiction, one long fictional story is included, "The Odyssey of
Bolio". Bird Dog Days, Wingshooting Ways is the closest one can come to the thrill of an
outdoors hunt in South Carolina without leaving one's reading chair, and highly
recommended.
The Aviation Shelf
To Lasso the Clouds
Dan A. Aldridge, Jr.
Mercer University Press
1400 Coleman Avenue, Macon, GA 31207-0001
9780881465747 $29.00 www.mupress.org
To Lasso the Clouds: The Beginning of Aviation in Georgia corrects the record of the first
airplane flight in Georgia. Disputing prior claims that give the year for Georgia's first flight as
1907 and give all credit for the feat to Ben T. Epps, Sr., To Lasso the Clouds elaborates on the
story of two intelligent young Georgians, Epps and Zumpt A. Huff, whose efforts to build a
machine that could engage in sustained, controlled flight earned them regard as a "second pair of
Wright brothers" according to at least one newspaper. A handful of vintage black-and-white
photographs, a bibliography, and an index round out this extensively researched account. To
Lasso the Clouds is a highly recommended contribution to public and college library aviation
history shelves.
The Biography Shelf
The Life and Death of Leon Trotsky
Victor Serge and Natalia Sedova Trotsky
Haymarket Books
PO Box 180165, Chicago, IL 60618
9781608464692 $17.95 www.haymarketbooks.org
The Life and Death of Leon Trotsky is a biography of Marxist revolutionary, Soviet politician,
and founding leader of the Red Army Leon Trotsky (1879-1940). Although Trotsky was a major
participant in Russia's 1917 Revolution, he was scapegoated during Stalin's murderous rise to
power, which replaced the ideals of Communism with an iron-fist dictatorship. In 1940 Trotsky
was assassinated, allegedly on Stalin's orders. Unlike other biographies, The Life and Death of
Leon Trotsky is unique in that it is by two people close Trotsky: his widow Natalia Sedova
Trotsky (who was also a Bolshevik) and Victor Serge, a revolutionary and novelist. An index
rounds out this "must-read" for anyone studying Trotsky's life and philosophy, or major figures in
modern Russian history. Highly recommended, especially for public and college library
collections.
Entwined
Joyce Wallace Scott
Beacon Press
24 Farnsworth Street, Boston, MA 02210
www.beacon.org
9780807051405 $26.95 hc / $25.99 Kindle amazon.com
The intensely personal, true story of the bond between fraternal twin sisters, Entwined: Sisters
and Secrets in the Silent World of Artist Judith Scott is part memoir, part glimpse into the story
behind an artist's blossoming potential. As young children, Joyce was inseparable from Judy, her
sister with Down syndrome. After their separation, it would be many years until Joyce came of
age and won the struggle to become Judy's legal guardian. After Joyce and Judy reunited, Judy's
untapped talent for fiber art came to light, and her winding fiber sculptures remain prestigious in
museums and galleries to this day. Entwined is highly recommended especially for artist
biography collections, and makes for rapturous reading.
The LGBT Studies Shelf
A Day in May
Charlie Bird
Merrion Press
c/o International Specialized Book Services
920 Northeast 58th Avenue, Suite 300, Portland, OR, 97213
9781785370762 $25.00 www.isbs.com
On May 23rd, 2015, Ireland became the first nation in the world to legalize same-sex marriage
equality via popular vote. A Day in May: Real Lives, True Stories gathers true stories from
people across Ireland who were directly affected by this historic decision. Occasional black-and-
white photographs enrich this moving anthology of firsthand testimonies from members of
Ireland's LGBT community. Highly recommended!
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
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Oregon, WI 53575-1129
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