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Reviewer's Choice
Consolidated Wisdom
Gene S. Jones
www.genejoneswisdom.com
Dreamquest Publishing
9780998324029, $24.95 Paperback/$9.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/CONSOLIDATED-WISDOM-ULTIMATE-QUOTATIONS-HAPPINESS/dp/0998324027
Consolidated Wisdom: The Ultimate Book of Quotations for Success, Happiness and Health gathers insights and advice from ancient to modern times, serving as a source of inspiration for those who struggle with modern challenges.
The delight of this presentation lies not only in the diversity of quotes that Gene S. Jones cultivates, but in the book's arrangement, which injects these quotes into chapters with subjects as diversely appealing as 'Business & Leadership', 'War & Peace', 'Feng Shui, Health & Harmony' and 'Observing Human Nature.' This organization allows for a specific form of navigation on the reader's part -- one which eschews the usual placement of admonitions and advice in typical quote collections in favor of a novel approach.
Jones emphasizes the historical context of wisdom and experience, juxtaposes words from all kinds of sources and perspectives, and maintains a bigger-picture perspective on the issues confronting humanity, which have emerged over human history and remain as relevant today as they did in the past. Also notable is the extent of attribution to the authors of these quotes. Jones takes the time to succinctly note each author's background, historical era, and key contributions and influences, placing each quote within the context not only of shared themes, but the disparate writers who created them.
The result is a consideration of wisdom and ageless admonitions that should serve not just as an inspirational read, but as an example of historical and social perceptions of what constitutes success and happiness.
Libraries and book club discussion groups interested in a collection that is lively, wide-ranging, and in-depth in its presentation and interpretation of phrases and sayings will welcome Consolidated Wisdom as a standout. It's highly recommended for historical, inspirational, and psychological value and enlightenment.
The Cookbook Shelf
The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook
America's Test Kitchen
www.americastestkitchen.com
9781954210875, $40.00 HC, $34.99 PB, $20.99 Kindle, 496pp
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Cooking-Cookbook-10th-Anniversary/dp/1954210876
If The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook sounds familiar, that's because it originally appeared in 2014 to become an instant NY Times bestseller, selling some 700,000 copies. All its recipes were re-engineered dishes for couples instead of families, making it a guaranteed success for those seeking smaller meal options and recipes. This revised 10th anniversary edition packs in over 200 new recipes (making its contents some 700 dishes in total), providing more plant-based offerings, plus air-fryer dishes to make the most of current trends and modern technology. Lest novices think that scaling down recipes merely involves cutting them in half, it should be noted that spices don't scale, cooking times can vary immensely for reduced sizes, and challenges emerge from such circumstances as halving an egg in a recipe. Some 17 new chapters reduce food waste and, along with the recipes, provide tips on main courses and leftover usage alike. Add in the wealth of small, appealing color photos throughout that pair well with 'why this recipe works' insights for a sterling winner in The Complete Cooking for Two Cookbook. It should be part of any cook's collection, as well as libraries catering to them.
The Antiques/Collectibles Shelf
Antiques Handbook & Price Guide 2024-2025
Judith Miller
Miller's Publishing
c/o Octopus Books, Dist.
www.octopusbooksusa.com
9781784729431, $49.99 HC, $27.99 Kindle, 600pp
https://www.amazon.com/Millers-Antiques-Handbook-Price-2024-2025/dp/1784729434
Because Judith Miller's Antiques Handbook & Price Guide receives regular updates, each edition proves an authoritative reference that either stands alone well or, when taken into consideration with its preceding incarnations, helps readers trace price trends. The book first appeared in 1979 to easily earn the title of being of the most updated collector's general guide on the market.
Over 8,000 antiques, from ceramics and furniture to jewelry and textiles, are included in this latest edition. Some 600 pages are packed with color photography, including not only small but clear images suitable for identification purposes, but sidebars of reference data about particular companies or makers, and their histories.
All these elements make Antiques Handbook & Price Guide 2024-2025 a resounding 'must' for any library or individual seeking an authoritative, industry-respected guide to the latest antiques values.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Warbound
Larry Correia
Baen Books
www.baen.com
9781982193348, $18.00
https://www.amazon.com/Warbound-Grimnoir-Chronicles-Larry-Correia/dp/1982193344
Author Larry Correia is a magician. His ability to build fantasy based on strong psychological foundations and personality makes all of his books compelling; but perhaps none so much as in Warbound, when he lends his hand to both an alternative history set in the 1930s and an urban fantasy.
In this story, magic comes not from human or faerie endeavors, but from a living creature that fled another universe in the 1850s. The magical Power has the perfect hiding place on Earth... until it is not. Add PI Jake Sullivan's magic savvy and detective prowess into the confrontation with a magic-eating predator for a vivid story that walks mean streets with disparate twists, from space pirates and knights to suicide missions when the creature's hunger threatens Earth.
Sci-fi readers will relish the world-building (and world-destroying) saga of unusual alliances, heroes, and impossible efforts to save Earth and survive.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
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