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The Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
The Little Book of Sleep Meditations
Annie Fay Meitchik
Summersdale
www.summersdale.com
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781837995585, $13.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Little-Book-Sleep-Meditations-Mindfulness/dp/1837995583
The Little Book of Sleep Meditations: Mindfulness Exercises to Help You Sleep offers insomnia sufferers an alternative to typical sleep-inducing routines with a review of how mindfulness and meditation can aid relaxation and sleep. From visualizations and breathing exercises to movement-based meditation and practice exercises, these links between effortless sleep and meditative practices offers important 5-, 10-, and 15-minute meditations that offer solutions to sleepless nights. The presentation of these exercises in a small book that is inviting and quick to browse enhances its usefulness and attraction to those seeking quick, easy meditations for the end of the day.
The Political Science Shelf
The Poverty of Green Philosophy
Bill Sacks and Greg Meyerson
Open Universe/Carus
www.carusbooks.com
9781637700679, $29.95
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Poverty-Green-Philosophy-Marxist-Cooperative/dp/1637700679
The Poverty of Green Philosophy: A Marxist Case for Nuclear Energy in a Cooperative World contains a pro-nuclear argument that may initially be rejected by anti-nuclear readers - but ideally it will be read by both sides interested in better understanding these perspective. It argues that nuclear energy provides a path forward, contrasting it with and critiquing renewable energy resources and touting nuclear energy as the only logical replacement for dependence on fossil fuels, which both sides maintain needs to change. Whether or not one abides by the premise that nuclear energy is the more logical option, the intriguing arguments about the wellsprings of fear and prejudice, how 'energy efficiency' is defined, and how Marxist philosophy applies to the bigger picture makes for an intriguing discussion opportunity recommended especially for classrooms looking for debate material and readers interested in applied Marxist ideals.
The Interior Design Shelf
Upholstery School
Sonnaz
Kyle Books
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781804191682, $29.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Upholstery-School-Practical-Furniture-Furnishings/dp/180419168X
Upholstery School gathers projects for updating furniture in a typical home in a step-by-step guide that assumes no prior familiarity with fabric, upholstery processes, or furniture repair. One of the experts from The Repair Shop TV show has created a blueprint for understanding upholstery processes that anyone can use, creating a basic outline of techniques, tools, materials, and options that lend to upholstering in either traditional or modern styles. Packed with practical information and step-by-step black and white illustrations accented by full-page color photo spreads, Upholstery School leaves nothing to wonder about the techniques, options, and easy applications of basic upholstering.
The Theatre/Cinema Shelf
The Movie Lover's Quiz Book
Gary Wigglesworth
Summersdale Publishers
www.summersdale.com
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781837996070, $17.00
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Movie-Lovers-Quiz-Book-Questions/dp/1837996075
The Movie Lover's Quiz Book gathers over 900 questions about films, movie stars, and directors, and is recommended for movie buffs interested in trivia games and movie facts. Quizzes offer avid film fans the opportunity to test their knowledge, learn new things, and participate in movie lore and trivia with friends. The focus on characters, actors, movie events and timelines, and more tests all aspects of movie knowledge in a survey designed to challenge and engage movie buffs whose film genre interests are broad.
The Wine Shelf
A Taste for Wine
Rose Murray Brown, MW
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781840918984, $29.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Taste-Wine-tasting-masterclass-lovers/dp/1840918985
A Taste for Wine: A New Tasting Masterclass for Wine Lovers offers a course in how to taste wine that will prove perfect for newcomers to the wine world. It creates a logical progression through wine study which begins with how wine is made and how different processes affect its flavor. Readers receive lessons on diverse grape varieties, wine countries of the world, different production methods for low-alcohol wines to natural wines, and wine and food pairing options that delve into tasting practices, comparing sweetness and acidity between wines, understanding winemaking options, and much more. Peppered with color photos throughout, A Taste for Wine offers a rich assortment of insights and wine tasting approaches that are the perfect introduction for novices seeking to better understand wines.
Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book 2026
Margaret Rand, General Editor
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Publishing Group
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781784728724, $18.99
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Hugh-Johnsons-Pocket-Wine-Book/dp/1784728721
Hugh Johnson's Pocket Wine Book 2026 is the 49th edition of an annually-updated, truly 'pocket-sized' guide that continues to be the consumer go-to guide for the latest wine choices. New illustrations accompany more pages in a survey that sports more illustrations (by New Yorker contributor Hilary Fitzgerald), along with supplemental information on wine pricing, growers and wine regions of the world, recommended vintages to buy to drink either now or later, and more. While a pleasing pocket size lends to its attraction as a take-along tote to wine events and shopping, of necessity, this also translates to small-sized fonts. That noted, the guide remains an outstanding resource for all wine lovers, especially novices to the wine world who want to get up and running quickly with an authoritative guide pointing the way to the best.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Gold Dust
Catherine Asaro
Baen Books
www.baen.com
9781668072905, $28.00
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Gold-Dust-Knights-Catherine-Asaro/dp/1668072904
Major Bhajaan returns in this latest Dust Knights story, which will delight prior fans of Catherine Asaro's universe. Here three interstellar civilizations contend for Olympic honors, but the balance of competition is tilted when coach Mason discovers a group of runners which has existed for millennia, the Dust Knights. The problem is that they reside in the Undercity, which views outsiders with suspicion. Major Bhajaan, who is native to Undercity, can help - but not without political and social shifts that involve clashing armies, ideals, and individuals. A powerful story of military, political, and social confrontation emerges which will delight sci-fi readers interested in all these elements and their development.
The Familiar Spirit
D.J. Butler and Aaron Michael Ritchey
Baen Books
www.baen.com
9781668072929, $18.00
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Familiar-Spirit-Cunning-Man/dp/1668072920
The Familiar Spirit features Hiram Woolley and his son Michael, who are tasked with escorting an itinerant preacher across the border to Mexico. Hiram is already haunted by visions, but once in the Morman colonies, he faces a murder investigation that tasks them with tracking the killer through foreboding territory. Battles with ghosts, visions, bandits, and family emerge which involves graveyards, magical lore, and honoring and changing worlds in a vivid blend of fantasy and uncanny atmosphere unique to Butler's writings in general and this action-packed saga in particular.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
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