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Jim Cox Report: January 2026
Dear Publisher Folk, Friends & Family:
I feel a bit nostalgic thus month as we start off a new year (and one that will see the 50th Anniversary of the Midwest Book Review in September). I went and looked up the website dedicated to the life and accomplishments of my original mentor in the book review business -- the late Dr. John Ohliger. I was very surprised and pleased to see that someone had added my eulogy of (and history with) John and the story behind our joint creation of what was to become the Midwest Book Review. It is a rather colorful story about me and John -- and here is a direct link to it for those who might be interested:
https://johnohliger.com/artman/publish/article_20.shtml
One of the perks of my job here at the Midwest Book Review is that I get to discover things about the publishing industry in general -- and books/authors in particular. Last month (and I've been in this business for 49 years -- 50 come September) I discovered something new for we who are dedicated bibliophiles that was fun, practical, and free!
This is it -- If you have an author you really like and want to read everything they've ever had published, all you need to do is type the following into your Google Machine:
The Author's Name followed by the words Book List
Here are two examples that were how I found out about this little tool:
Agatha Christie Book List
Edgar Rice Burroughs Book List
This little tip will enable you to access a wealth of directly relevant websites dedicated to the particular author you are interest in. Try it. It's a lot of fun -- and often informatively surprising!
Now for the subject of: Using Goodreads as a Book Marketing Tool.
Again, it is super easy. Just type "How to post on Goodreads" into your Google Machine and up pop a wealth of websites dedicated to promoting, marketing, and selling books using what Goodreads has to offer you including:
The Ultimate Guide to Goodreads for Authors
https://kindlepreneur.com/how-to-use-goodreads-for-authors
Authors: How to promote your books on Goodreads
https://help.goodreads.com/s/article/Goodreads-Author-How-to-promote-your-books-on-Goodreads-1553870940588
How to Set Up Your Goodreads Author Profile
https://aspiringauthor.com/set-up-goodreads-author-profile
Goodreads for Authors: How to Promote Your Book on Goodreads
https://www.authorsrepublic.com/learn/blog/116/how-to-promote-your-book-on-goodreads
And so many, many more websites on and about this subject of using Goodreads as a marketing tool for your books!
Quote of the Month
"I'm going to go do this crazy thing. I'm going to start this company selling books online."
-- Jeff Bezos
Website of the Month
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com
Now here are reviews of books with a special relevance for authors, publishers, and dedicated bibliophiles:
How to Write a Children's Picture Book
Kate Jerome
https://www.katejerome.com
Levenger Circa
889007704421, $59.50, Spiral Bound, 144pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Levenger-Childrens-Picture-Discbound-Notebook/dp/B0FPZR1HHH
Levenger Circa
https://www.levenger.com/products/circa-how-to-write-a-childrens-picture-book-discbound-refill
Synopsis: With the publication of "Levenger Circa: How to Write a Children's Picture Book", children's books author Kate Jerome draws upon her many years of experience, expertise and success to create a complete, spiral bound, DIY instructional course that will prove invaluable for aspiring (and practicing) writers of children's books. It comes in the form of a Discbound Notebook by Levenger Circa and as a writing journal for prospective authors features 17 Tab Sections, a Fold-Out Storyboard, a Translucent Cover, and a Refillable Disc Notebook. Providing a complete children's book themed writing workshop under one cover. Thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, this unique format for "How to Write a Children's Picture Book" by Kate Jerome is especially and unreservedly recommended pick for both personal and professional writing and publishing instructional reference collections.
Editorial Note: Kate Jerome (https://www.katejerome.com) has an extraordinary career that seamlessly blends corporate leadership with creative prowess. An accomplished publishing executive, award-winning children's book author, and inter-generational product expert, she brings an exceptional blend of storytelling, educational insight, and strategic leadership to her work. Kate began her career as a high school biology teacher before transitioning into educational publishing. Rising quickly through the ranks at Scott Foresman, she ultimately served as its President and as a Senior Vice President on the HarperCollins Executive Board. Her leadership helped shape high-impact K–12 curriculum programs that advanced reading, science, and environmental literacy nationwide.
As a staunch advocate of STEM, Kate launched her own company, KNI, to collaborate with National Geographic in developing an award-winning science series for kids. With a portfolio that now boasts over 200 fiction and nonfiction books, her contributions to children's literature are vast and varied. One of her notable works includes Who Was Amelia Earhart? a part of Penguin's esteemed New York Times best-selling Who Was? series. Her most recent series on ocean conservation for middle school students, OceanX Adventures, is being done in collaboration with the Dalio Foundation's nonprofit OceanX initiative.
Kate also served as President of the innovative publishing company, Insight Editions, where she led the development of award-winning titles across pop culture, nature, and the arts.
Opening the Gate to New Worlds: How to Write a Book Children Will Treasure
Lauren Bingham
Independently Published
9798291073148, $15.49, HC, 128pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Opening-Gate-New-Worlds-Children/dp/B0FJF7PLTK
Synopsis: Once upon a time, we were all young readers. We were new to books, and each book we saw filled us with delight. Through books, we learned about places and people far away in space and time. We went on adventures through our imagination and found ourselves inspired, entertained, and educated every time we turned the page.
Do you often think of your favorite childhood book? Do you wish you could write a book for the children in your life? Have you ever wished you could tell a story to younger generations?
With the publication of "Opening the Gate to New Worlds: How to Write a Book Children Will Treasure", author Lauren Bingham draws upon her own experience and experiste in writing for children to examine what makes a good children's book -- and how you can put this knowledge to work by writing your own book for young readers.
"In Opening the Gate to New Worlds: How to Write a Book Children Will Treasure" provides aspiring children's book writers with a wealth of ideas and exercises to help:
Consider who you are building your book for, from choosing the right age group and audience for your book
Understand how a children's book differs from an adult reader's book
Determine how you will interact with your young readers
Find your voice as a children's author, and
Feel confident even though this project might be more challenging than you imagined
From vocabulary and detail to presenting topics in a way that connects with new readers on a level they can understand, Bingham examines the aspects of writing for children that require special consideration. Starting with some of the earliest stages of writing a children's book, topic, structure, and choosing your preferred age group to write for, Bingham gently and kindly leads aspiring children's authors through some of the most important parts of writing a book that children will love.
"In Opening the Gate to New Worlds: How to Write a Book Children Will Treasure" will help the new writer get started with:
Helpful exercises that can help you get on the "write" track
Relatable examples to demonstrate the concepts discussed
Examples, excerpts, and analysis so readers can see what works best for their style and audience
Whether you are interested in writing the next best-selling children's book or looking for some help in capturing family stories for future generations, in the pages of "In Opening the Gate to New Worlds: How to Write a Book Children Will Treasure" by seasoned author Lauren Bingham you will find a treasury of wit and wisdom -- as well as success in writing for young readerrs and find your books in K-12 school library collections.
Critique: A complete workshop/seminar in a DIY book form, "In Opening the Gate to New Worlds: How to Write a Book Children Will Treasure" is highly recommended for community library Writing/Publishing collections -- and a 'must' for anyone wanting to write for children, be it fiction or non-fiction, at preschool, elementary school, middle school levels. Exceptionally well organized and presented, this large format (6.24 x 0.48 x 9.24 inches, 8.8 ounces) hardcover edition of "In Opening the Gate to New Worlds: How to Write a Book Children Will Treasure" is also readily available in paperback (979-8290087283, $13.98) and currently in digital book format (Kindle, $0.99, Amazon).
Editorial Note: Lauren Bingham grew up in a house full of books. A dedicated bibliophile by first grade, she often got into trouble for voraciously consuming any written material - from consuming Reader's Digest cover to cover in one sitting to completing library books before they even made it home. Lauren has been avidly writing for pure passion since childhood, and thanks to the internet for providing a comfortable place where all writers are welcome. Ghostwriting and copywriting since the early 2000s, she believes strongly that there is a story in each of us. (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22011978.Lauren_Bingham)
Unpacking My Father's Bookstore
Laurence Roth
Rutgers University Press
https://www.rutgersuniversitypress.org
9781978836600, $29.95, HC, 330pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Unpacking-Fathers-Bookstore-Laurence-Roth/dp/1978836600
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unpacking-my-fathers-bookstore-laurence-roth/1146594823
Synopsis: With the publication of "Unpacking My Father's Bookstore", author Laurence Roth brings to life the history of J. Roth / Bookseller of Fine & Scholarly Judaica, which was a microcosm of the Los Angeles Jewish community from 1966 to 1994 and one of the premier Jewish bookstores in the United States.
Blending critical analysis with a personal account of growing up in his father's bookstore, and connecting both to larger forces that helped shape Jewish and American book retailing in the twentieth-century, Laurence Roth crafts a richly felt narrative about his family's Jewish experience in America. It is a reminder, too, that while most independent bookstores like J. Roth Bookseller disappear from history, these retailers often had outsized effects on their communities.
Breaking with conventional modes of scholarship, "Unpacking My Father's Bookstore" tells a unique and troubled story that rarely gets told, one that is both personal and analytical, theoretical but rooted in the everyday.
Critique: A deftly crafted account that is part memoir, part biography, part history, "Unpacking My Father's Bookstore" is an inherently fascinating and informative read from start to finish and one that will be especially appreciated by readers with an interest in Jewish literary culture, the struggles of an independent bookstore and its management, as well as its enduring value to the community it served. Enhanced with the inclusion of a six page photo gallery, a two page listing of Locations and Dates in Operations, a four page listing of Acknowledgments, and a thirteen page Index, "Unpacking My Father's Bookstore" is a unique and unreservedly recommended pick for community and college/university library Contemporary Jewish Biography/Memoire collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that this hardcover edition of "Unpacking My Father's Bookstore" from the Rutgers University Press, is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $28.45, Amazon).
Editorial Note: Laurence Roth is the Charles B. Degenstein Professor of English and director of the Jewish & Israel Studies Program and The Build Collaborative at Susquehanna University, Pennsylvania. He is the author of Inspecting Jews: American Jewish Detective Stories (Rutgers University Press, 2003), and coeditor, with Nadia Valman, of The Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Jewish Cultures.
A Bookshop of One's Own
Jane Cholmeley
Bloomsbury Academic
c/o Bloomsbury Publishing
www.bloomsbury.com
9798881806217, $34.00, HC, 386pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Bookshop-Ones-Own-Group-Change/dp/B0DJC677N9
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-bookshop-of-ones-own-jane-cholmeley/1143608948
Synopsis: What was it like to start a feminist bookshop, in an industry dominated by men? How could a lesbian thrive in Thatcher's time, with the government legislating to restrict her rights? How do you run a business when your real aim is to change the world?
Silver Moon was the dream of three women – a bookshop with the mission to promote the work of female writers and create a much-needed safe space for any woman. Founded in 1980s London against a backdrop of homophobia and misogyny, it was a testament to the power of community, growing into Europe's biggest women's bookshop and hosting a constellation of literary stars from Margaret Atwood and Maya Angelou to Angela Carter.
While contending with day-to-day struggles common to other booksellers, plus the additional burdens of misogyny and the occasional hate crime, Jane Cholmeley and her booksellers created a thriving business. But they also played a crucial and relatively unsung part in one the biggest social movements of our time.
"Bookshop of One's Own, A: How a Group of Women Set Out to Change the World" is a fascinating slice of social history from the heart of the women's liberation movement, from a true feminist and lesbian icon. Written with heart and humour, it reveals the struggle and joy that comes with starting an underdog business, while being a celebration of the power women have to change the narrative when they are the ones holding the pen.
Critique: Unique, deftly crafted, informative, insightfully thought-provoking, and an inherently fascinating read from first page to last, "Bookshop of One's Own, A: How a Group of Women Set Out to Change the World" is an extraordinary account that will be of immense value and appeal to readers with an interest in the role of the bookshop to a community. While a special and unreservedly recommended pick for community and college/university library collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated bibliophiles, authors, publishers, and aspiring independent bookstore proprietors that this hardcover edition of "Bookshop of One's Own, A: How a Group of Women Set Out to Change the World" from Bloomsbury Academic is also readily available in a British paperback edition from Amazon -- (Mudlark, 978-0008651077, $12.30, 384pp).
Editorial Note #1: The Silver Moon Women's Bookshop was a feminist bookstore at 68 Charing Cross Road in London, England, founded in 1984 by Jane Cholmeley, Sue Butterworth, and Jane Anger. They established Silver Moon Bookshop to promote women's writing, serve a community of readers and encourage discussion of women's issues. The shop served both as a safe space for women to participate in literary events and a resource centre to learn about local feminist initiatives. Jane Cholmeley and Sue Butterworth also founded Silver Moon Books, publishers of lesbian romance and crime fiction. In Autumn 1986 Sue Butterworth created the shop's newsletter Silver Moon Quarterly, reaching out nationwide and internationally. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Moon_Bookshop)
Editorial Note #2: Jane Cholmeley is a key figure in British feminism and books, the co-founder of Silver Moon Women's Bookshop, which became the largest of its kind in Europe. Silver Moon created a safe space for women and proudly made women's writing central and visible on the best bookselling street in the world. It quickly came to play a vital role in the second-wave feminist movement. Operating in a male-dominated space, the stop was often subject to threats of arson but maintained a safe space for customers, with community activism at its core. The bookshop frequently hosted writers such as Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, and Margaret Attwood. Sandi Toksvig nominated Jane Cholmeley as a Gay Icon in the National Portrait Gallery's exhibition of that name in 2009 and Jacqueline Wilson named Jane her feminist icon in Stylist, 2018.
Three Wee Bookshops at the End of the World
Ruth Shaw
Isis Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781399195904, $42.00/$35.70, Large Print, PB, 276pp
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/us/search/9781399195904
Synopsis: "The Bookseller at the End of the World" described the first part of Ruth Shaw's tumultuous life, touching readers in powerful ways. It became an international bestseller, translated into eleven languages.
Now "Three Wee Bookshops at the End of the World" picks up Ruth's story with more charming, heartbreaking, brave and funny tales. Having found the love of her life, Lance, she tells of their sailing adventures together, world travels, conservation efforts and their wee bookshops.
Life has never been easy for Ruth but, despite that, her memoir is full of extraordinary people and situations -- many of them being laugh-out-loud funny. Tales from the bookshops are interwoven with Ruth's story, along with expert book recommendations.
Written in Ruth's characteristic style, this is an absorbing memoir that traverses the highs and lows of a life lived to the full, creating another deeply satisfying read.
Critique: Of special and particular interest to readers who enjoy stories involving the writing, publishing, the operations and eccentricities of managing an independent book store (or bookshop as the English have it), the "Three Wee Bookshops at the End of the World" will prove to be a deftly crafted, fun and informative read from start to finish. Of special appeal to dedicated bibliophiles (and anyone who has ever daydreamed of owning their own little bookstore), this large print paperback edition of "Three Wee Bookshops at the End of the World" from Isis Books is especially recommended for personal and community library Contemporary and International Biography & Memoir collections.
Editorial Note: Ruth Shaw runs a cluster of three wee bookshops in remote Manapouri in the far south of New Zealand. She lives with her husband, Lance. In 2022 she published her first memoir, The Bookseller at the End of the World, which has since become a critically acclaimed national and international treasure. It has been translated into Italian, Dutch, German, Turkish, Chinese, Swedish, Russian, Slovakian, Korean, Spanish and Arabic. She is also the author of Bookshop Dogs.
"The Midwest Book Review Postage Stamp Hall Of Fame & Appreciation" is a monthly roster of well-wishers and supporters. These are the generous folk who decided to say 'thank you' and 'support the cause' that is the Midwest Book Review by donating to our postage stamp fund.
Deb Koehler -- "Amoran"
Mirela Kanini -- "The Trafficker"
Victoria Alvear -- "The Cleansing"
K. Lang Slattery -- "Ashes and Ruins"
Cynthia Sally Haggard -- "Maiden Tomb"
Lennox Caige -- "An American Spectacle"
Laura Bonazzoli -- "Our Share of Morning"
Deven Greene -- "Happy Sun Farm: Behind the Facade"
Finding Dimes Publishing
Elizabeth Frazier -- Waldmania! PR
In lieu of (or in addition to!) postage stamp donations, we also accept PayPal gifts of support to our postage stamp fund for what we try to accomplish in behalf of the small press community.
Simply log onto your PayPal account and direct your kindness (in any amount and at your discretion) to the Midwest Book Review at: SupportMBR [at] aol.com (The @ is replaced by "[at]" in the above email address, in an attempt to avoid email-harvesting spambots.)
If you have postage stamps to donate, or if you have a book you'd like considered for review, then send those postage stamps (always appreciated, never required), or a published copy of that book (no galleys, uncorrected proofs, or Advance Reading Copies), accompanied by a cover letter and some form of publicity release to my attention at the address below.
All of the previous issues of the "Jim Cox Report" are archived on the Midwest Book Review website at www.midwestbookreview.com/bookbiz/jimcox.htm. If you'd like to receive the "Jim Cox Report" directly (and for free), just send me an email asking to be signed up for it.
So until next time -- goodbye, good luck, and good reading!
Jim Cox
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive, Oregon, WI, 53575
www.midwestbookreview.com
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
www.midwestbookreview.com
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