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Reviewer's Choice
A Brief History of a Long War
Mariam Naiem, author
Yulia Vus and Ivan Kypibida, illustrators
Ten Speed Graphic
c/o The Crown Publishing Group
https://crownpublishing.com
9780593840153, $19.99 hc / $9.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Brief-History-Long-War-Domination/dp/0593840151
Synopsis: A beautifully illustrated and comprehensive graphic history of Ukraine's centuries-long struggle against Russian
domination, from the Middle Ages to today's devastating war, by an award-winning journalist and Ukrainian cultural
historian
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine began long before the 2014 war that led to the Russia's invasion in 2022. The
Ukrainian people have been subjected to systematic persecution and mass atrocities by Russian and Soviet authorities
across centuries - from the linguicide of the Ukrainian language and censorship of literature in the 1860s to the Holomodor
famine of the 1930s, and more.
In A Brief History of a Long War, distinguished Ukrainian scholar, activist, and journalist Mariam Naiem presents a
panoramic overview of the major moments in this longstanding conflict. Alongside gripping accounts of the historical
foundation of the modern Ukrainian state as we know it today, Naiem seamlessly incorporates current narratives about the
harrowing realities of war and the lengths citizens must go to survive.
Featuring gorgeous illustrations by Ukrainian artists Yulia Vus and Ivan Kypibida, A Brief History of a Long War is an
ode to the moments of resistance and resilience from the Ukrainian people in the face of Russia's oppressive, colonial
history.
Critique: Ukrainian scholar, activist, and journalist Mariam Naiem presents A Brief History of a Long War: Ukraine's
Fight Against Russian Domination, a black-and-white nonfiction graphic novel with orange color highlights (presumably
in honor of the late 2004 to early 2005 Orange Revolution in Ukraine, a series of civil disobedience protests prompted by
reports of fabricated election results). Thoroughly accessible to readers of all backgrounds, A Brief History of a Long War
tells of war, conquest, and mass extermination that Russia has perpetrated against Ukraine throughout history, including
the role of religion as a tool to subjugate Ukrainians, the mass starvation of the genocidal Holodomor ("execution by
hunger") perpetrated by Stalin's government in the 1930's, the cultural genocide of banning the Ukrainian language and
targeting Ukrainian writers and intellectuals for death, the 2014 seizure of Crimea and the 2022 invasion and ongoing
war..
A final quote summarizes the long and bloody history: "I would like people to know that this is not the war of one man.
Putin has merely continued Russia's aggressive politics, as attacks on neighboring countries have been part of that
country's existence for many years. We are not the first Ukrainian generation to die from injustice." A Brief History of a
Long War is worthy of the highest recommendation for school, public library, and personal collections. It should be noted
for personal reading lists that A Brief History of a Long War is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).
The AI Studies Shelf
Cognitive Kin
Christophe Kolb and Jan Rosen, authors
IdeaPress Publishing
https://www.ideapresspublishing.com
9781646872121, $32.99, HC, 750pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Cognitive-Kin-Work-Meaning-Agentic/dp/1646872126
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cognitive-kin-christophe-kolb/1148848351
Synopsis: With the publication of "Cognitive Kin: How to Work, Win, and Make Meaning with Agentic AI", co-authors
Christophe Kolb and Jan Rosen map the threshold where artificial intelligence stops being a feature and becomes a
workforce.
Kolb and Rosen draw on firsthand experience at the frontier of agentic AI and show how digital labor becomes viable, why
org charts give way to networks of intent, and how leadership shifts to orchestration. They also translate the machinery
(memory, feedback loops, tool use) into plain language, then follow the shockwave into strategy, culture, and
governance.
"Cognitive Kin" isn't tomorrow's speculation on the future of AI. It is a present-tense transition that is reshaping the
meaning of work and creating new sources of value. The advantage will belong to firms that learn to think with thinking
things -- working alongside intelligent systems without outsourcing judgment, meaning, or responsibility
Critique: Exceptionally informative, deftly presented, and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation,
"Cognitive Kin: How to Work, Win, and Make Meaning with Agentic AI" directly addresses the issues related to
generative AI and their impact on social, cultural, and business relevant technologies. Unique, timely, 'cutting edge', and
inherently fascinating, this hardcover edition of "Cognitive Kin" from IdeaPress Publishing is especially and unreservedly
recommended for personal, professional, community, corporate, and college/university library AI collections and
supplemental AI curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note #1: Dr. Christophe Kolb is the founder and CEO of Taller (https://taller.us), a global accelerator for digital
transformation that brings AI and deep tech from incubation to large-scale deployment. He works with Fortune 500
companies and ambitious enterprises to build "centaur workforces": hybrid teams of human specialists and AI agents that
redefine how organizations create, deliver, and capture value. A longtime traveler across the frontiers of advanced
technology - from neural networks and decentralized systems to quantum computing - Kolb holds a Ph.D. in Computation
& Neural Systems from Caltech and a degree in Physics & Philosophy from Oxford.
Editorial Note #2: Jan Rosen is Chief Innovation and Transformation Officer at Taller, where he designs and deploys
agentic AI architectures that change how organizations think, decide, and deliver. Before joining Taller (https://taller.us),
he led major engineering efforts at Venmo and PayPal, building the invisible machinery behind everyday payments and
in-store experiences, and driving major platform modernization. A systems engineer by training and temperament, he
moves easily from code to culture, helping enterprise leaders translate advanced strategy into running software. Rosen
holds an M.Sc. in Computer Science from Chalmers University of Technology.
The Education Shelf
Early Years Essentials
Jayne Carter, author
Poppy Gibson, author
Routledge
https://www.routledge.com
9781032825816, $34.95, PB, 230pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Early-Years-Essentials-Linking-Provision/dp/1032825812
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/early-years-essentials-jayne-carter/1147934898
Synopsis: Co-authored by Jayne Carter and Poppy Gibson, "Early Years Essentials: Linking Theory to Provision in the
Early Years" offers a wealth of evidence-based strategies and ideas to enhance the learning and development of young
children. Linked to the EYFS framework and drawing on a wide range of case studies from across the sector, "Early Years
Essentials" shows what excellent provision looks like in practice alongside summaries of key research.
Each individual chapter includes a 'pondering question' which offers the reader the opportunity to reflect on their own
knowledge, as well as providing a framework to consider how to enhance their own teaching skills.
Covering all aspects of early years practice, "Early Years Essentials" includes:
The indoor and outdoor learning environment
Observation, planning, and assessment
Working with parents and carers
The prime and specific areas of learning
Adult-child interactions
The characteristics of effective learning
Inclusion and diversity
Child and practitioner wellbeing
Also featured are reflective questions and key takeaways in every chapter. The essential text of "Early Years Essentials"
will support student and practitioner knowledge and understanding of how the EYFS principles can be effectively
embedded into best practice.
Critique: Exceptionally informative, well organized and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in presentation, "Early Years
Essentials: Linking Theory to Provision in the Early Years" by educators Jayne Carter and Poppy Gibson is a unique and
unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, and college/university library Early Education Theory &
Practices collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that this trade paperback edition of
"Early Years Essentials" from Routledge is also readily available in for education students, teachers, and school
administrators in a digital book format (Kindle, $26.59) and for academic library collections, there is a hardcover edition
(9781032825830, $186.00).
Editorial Note #1: Jayne Carter is Director of Ignite Education Ltd, providing consultancy for practitioners within the early
years and primary sector. She uses coaching as a model for change, facilitating professional conversations which are
focused on empowering others and generating growth in knowledge and skills. She is also the Programme Development
Lead at Partnership for Children (https://www.partnerforkids.org).
Editorial Note #2: Poppy Gibson is a lecturer in education at the Open University. After nearly two decades working in
education, Poppy's research now focuses on wellbeing and mental health in childhood.
(https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=AKOyBqcAAAAJ&hl=en)
The Calm College Method
Lisa Rouff, Ph.D., author
Lynda Doepker, author
https://www.lisarouff.com
Independently Published
9798993036410, $15.99, PB, 284pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Calm-College-Method-Stress-Free-Admissions/dp/B0G6JF1N6V
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-calm-college-method-lisa-rouff/1148885357
Synopsis: If you are a parent staring down the daunting college admissions process, chances are you feel anxious,
overwhelmed, and unsure where to start. Between skyrocketing competition, social pressure, and endless "must-do" lists,
even the most prepared families find themselves asking. Now with the publication of "The Calm College Method: A
Stress-Free Guide to College Admissions for Parents and Students" by co-authors Lisa Rouff and Lynda Doepker there is a
calmer, saner way to plan a college admission for there highschool graduating children.
"The Calm College Method" offers a refreshing, psychology-based approach that helps families navigate admissions with
confidence and connection instead of chaos. Drawing on decades of expertise in clinical psychology and college
consulting, Dr. Lisa Rouff and Lynda Doepker blend warmth and wisdom to show parents how to turn this stressful rite of
passage into an empowering journey of growth and self-discovery.
"The Calm College Method" covers:
Reframing college admissions as a process of self-discovery, not prestige.
Understanding why today's college admissions game is so different from when you applied, and what that means for your
family.
Letting go of the illusion of control and focus on what really matters: your teen's development and well-being.
Building a realistic, well-researched college list that truly fits your student.
Creating a timeline that reduces anxiety and gets things done.
With empathy and expert insight, "The Calm College Method" effectively helps parents step off the hamster wheel of fear
and comparison -- and instead nurture capable young adults who are ready to thrive. You as a parent can find calm in the
chaos as you empower your child to approach college (and life) with confidence and purpose with the instructional and
informational assistance of "The Calm College Method".
Critique: Exceptional, comprehensive, thoroughly 'parent friendly' in organization and presentation, "The Calm College
Method: A Stress-Free Guide to College Admissions for Parents and Students" is an extraordinary guide to dealing with all
aspects of the college admission process for both parents and their college-bound children. While also available for
personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99) for parents, students, and highschool counselors, this trade
paperback edition of "The Calm College Method" is especially and unreservedly recommended for highschool,
community, and college/university library College Admissions Guide instructional reference collections.
Editorial Note #1: Lisa Rouff (https://www.lisarouff.com) is a clinical psychologist and independent educational
consultant with more than thirty years of experience helping teens and families navigate major life transitions with clarity
and confidence. She co-founded The College Admissions Collective, where she guides students (especially those with
ADHD, anxiety, learning differences, and perfectionism) through a calmer, more structured approach to college
planning.
Editorial Note #2: Lynda Doepker is an independent educational consultant who helps students chart confident, authentic
paths to college, whether they're applying to selective universities, regional options, or navigating the process as
first-generation applicants. A first-gen college graduate herself, she brings a commitment to accessibility and years of
experience supporting high-achieving, under-resourced, and rural students. As co-founder of The College Admissions
Collective, she works with teens and families to replace stress with structure, guiding them through a thoughtful approach
to researching colleges and shaping personal narratives. Her experience as a national scholarship reader and interviewer
gives her insight into what makes a student's story stand out.
The Cookbook Shelf
Weeknight Vegetarian: Easy Vegetable Recipes for Lunch & Dinner
Joe Woodhouse
Kyle Books
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781804193471, $29.99, HC, 208pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Weeknight-Vegetarian-More-Plants-Made/dp/180419347X
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/weeknight-vegetarian-joe-woodhouse/1148257575
Synopsis: Full of deliciously simple veggie-filled recipes, "Weeknight Vegetarian: Easy Vegetable Recipes for Lunch &
Dinner" by life-long vegetarian Joe Woodhouse is perfect for the everyday home cook.
With ever recipes comprising "Weeknight Vegetarian", Woodhouse uses minimal ingredients with maximum flavour,
celebrating seasonal eating and making vegetables exciting.
A beautifully illustrated cookbook compendium, "Weeknight Vegetarian" features 90 recipes, including:
Lentil and Crunchy Veg Salad with Tahini Dressing
Oyster Mushroom Cheesesteak with Oven Chips
Fridge Drawer Fritters
Whipped Tofu with Charred Broccoli & Red Onion
Spelt Stew au Pistou
Georgian Spiced Spinach & Chickpeas
Red Lentil Moussaka
An so many, many more!
Of special note is that wherever possible recipes will highlight any make-ahead options, easy substitutions and
modifications to fit the cook's tastes or dietary needs. With tips on how to prep dishes and hacks for minimising stress in
the kitchen, "Weeknight Vegetarian" is a must-have for every vegan/vegetarian household.
Critique: Original and thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' in organization and presentation, "Weeknight Vegetarian: Easy
Vegetable Recipes for Lunch & Dinner" covers such issues as: store/cupboard essentials, seasonings, cooking with dried
beans, batch cooking, and even finicky kids and other nervous eaters. With mouth-watering full color photographs of each
finished dish, clearly laid out ingredients lists and cooking instructions, as well as cooking times, "Weeknight Vegetarian"
is a solid and unreservedly recommended pick for personal, professional, family, and community library Vegan/Vegetarian
cookbook collections. It should be noted that this hardcover edition of "Weeknight Vegetarian" from Kyle Books is also
readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $16.99).
Editorial Note: Joe Woodhouse (Instagram: @joe_woodhouse) has been vegetarian since the age of 10, teaching himself
how to cook. He later trained as a chef and spent years working in kitchens such as Vanilla Black and the Towpath Cafe, as
well as contributing to events with restaurants such as the Quality Chop house. Alongside being a chef, he is also a
photographer, shooting with clients such as Soho Farmhouse, Belazu, Marmite, Asda, Hakkasan, and Coleman's. His work
has featured in publications such as The New Yorker, Bon Appetit, Guardian, Observer, Metro, Evening Standard and Life
& Thyme.
On Fish: A Seafood Handbook
Nathan Outlaw
Kyle Books
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781804193211, $39.99 hc / $18.99 Kindle
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Nathan-Outlaw-Fish-Seafood-Handbook-ebook/dp/B0F4QJ9H2M
Synopsis: This brand new handbook from Michelin-star chef Nathan Outlaw is a must-have for anyone cooking with fish,
from home cooks to culinary students.
For anyone wanting to know more about seafood and how to cook it, Michelin-starred Nathan Outlaw has distilled three
decades of experience as a foremost fish chef into a very personal go-to cook's handbook.
Fish Basics covers fishing methods, shopping & storing plus preparation techniques and advice on curing, grilling,
smoking, pickling, barbecuing, poaching and frying.
Chapters on flat fish, round fish, oily fish, shellfish and cephalopods provide detailed knowledge about 32 individual
species including habitat, fishing and when to eat seasonally, along with cooking & serving suggestions, followed by more
than 80 recipes ranging from Brill Cured in White Wine with Grapes, Pumpkin Seeds & Basil Oil and Plaice, Aubergine &
Mushroom Curry to Anchovies with Crispy Potato Wedges and Grilled Octopus Skewers.
With recipes to suit all occasions and cooking skills, On Fish is an indispensable resource for anyone wanting to discover
and cook with sustainable fish.
Critique: Michelin-star chef Nathan Outlaw presents On Fish: A Seafood Handbook, an in-depth compendium of
preparation techniques and recipes for many different types of fish and seafood, including flat fist, round fish, oily fish, and
shellfish/cephalopods. Full-color, full-page photographs showcase the recipes, while step-by-step color photographs
illustrate the basic fish preparation techniques. On Fish: A Seafood Handbook is a superb resource for seafood cooks of all
skill and experience levels, highly recommended! It should be noted for personal reading lists that On Fish: A Seafood
Handbook is also available in a Kindle edition ($18.99).
The Science Shelf
Webb's Cosmos
Marcin Sawicki
Firefly Books
https://www.fireflybooks.com
9780228105732, $49.95
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Webbs-Cosmos-Images-Discoveries-Telescope/dp/0228105730
Synopsis: Webb's Cosmos is the definitive and most up-to-date book on the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
available today. Covering Webb's breathtaking discoveries from its launch in 2021 to 2025, Webb's Cosmos brings
together beauty, wonder, and understanding in one spectacular volume. While older books show Webb's first images, all
that was available when they were published, Webb's Cosmos includes many more images, and more recent ones.
Author Marcin Sawicki is an experienced science educator and a professional astronomer who actively uses Webb data in
his own research. In this book he offers a uniquely informed perspective on what Webb's beautiful images mean. His lucid,
engaging text takes us behind the splendor of the images and explains how they reveal information about the birth of stars,
the growth of galaxies from tiny seeds in the early cosmic epochs to the grand structures around us today, and humanity's
ongoing search for worlds beyond our Solar System.
Organized into ten richly illustrated chapters, the book explores topics such as star-forming regions where young stars form
and grow, planets that orbit distant suns, and galaxies both nearby and in the farthest reaches of the cosmos. Along the
way, readers also discover answers to frequently asked questions such as: How does NASA decide what Webb observes?
How are Webb's digital observations processed to reveal the dazzling images we see? What are the immense scales and
distances that Webb reveals?
Blending the visual beauty of a rich photo album with the insight of a working scientist and engaging prose of an
experienced science communicator, Webb's Cosmos is both a feast for the eyes and a guided tour through humanity's
newest and most powerful window on the Universe. It is the most complete and up-to-date celebration of the James Webb
Space Telescope available today.
Critique: Illustrated with jaw-dropping photographs of the universe on virtually every page, Webb's Cosmos: Images and
Discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope is an astonishingly captivating coffee table book, enriched with text
descriptions of cosmic phenomena. Just as the Hubble Space Telescope revealed sights previously unseen, the James
Webb Space Telescope draws upon research breakthroughs to extend the range of human sight and knowledge even
further. Thoroughly accessible to readers of all backgrounds, Webb's Cosmos is a "must-have" for both public and college
library science collections, worthy of the highest recommendation.
The Wildlife Shelf
Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds
Edited by Christopher Perrins
Firefly Books
https://www.fireflybooks.com
9780228105916, $59.95
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Firefly-Encyclopedia-Birds-Christopher-Perrins/dp/0228105919
Synopsis: Like no other group in the animal kingdom, birds capture our imagination. Comprehensive and up-to-date, the
Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds is the definitive single-volume guide to these infinitely fascinating creatures.
Entries written by a team of renowned biologists and conservationists give a systematic account of every bird family,
covering form and function, distribution, diet, social behavior and breeding biology. With one-eighth of all bird species
now under threat, special attention is given to environmental and conservation issues. The Encyclopedia's core articles are
complemented by special features that provide detailed coverage of particular topics. Photo stories showcase superb
examples of wildlife photography.
The clear, easy-to-read text of the Encyclopedia is enhanced by about 1,000 photographs revealing the enormous diversity
of birds in their natural habitats, from Arctic tundra to tropical rain forest. In addition, a wealth of beautifully detailed color
and line illustrations depict representative species from each family and highlight characteristic behaviors. Throughout,
"Factfiles" with distribution maps and scale drawings place essential data at the reader's fingertips.
Offering a unique combination of scholarship, accessible language, spectacular photography and detailed illustrations, the
Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds is a key reference. This authoritative and fascinating resource will appeal both to the amateur
observer of bird life and to the student of ornithology.
Critique: Illustrated with full-color artwork, photography, and distribution maps throughout, Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds
is a comprehensive resource and reference accessible to a general audience, yet filled with extensive ornithological details
about bird habitats, behaviors, life cycles, diet, plumage, conservation status, distinguishing features, and more. From
ostriches and rheas to penguins and loons, pelicans and herons, pigeons and parrots, swifts and hummingbirds, owls and
eagles, and much more, Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds offers a wealth of information and will appeal to casual browsers,
professional ornithologists, and everyone in between. Firefly Encyclopedia of Birds is highly recommended, especially for
public, college, and university library reference collections.
The Civil War Shelf
The Atlanta Campaign: Volume 2
David A. Powell
Savas Beatie LLC
www.savasbeatie.com
9781611217575, $39.95, HC, 608pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Atlanta-Campaign-Etowah-Kennesaw-Mountain/dp/1611217571
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-atlanta-campaign-david-a-powell/1147883008
Synopsis: The scope, drama, and importance of the 1864 Atlanta Campaign was on a par with Ulysses S. Grant's Overland
Campaign in Virginia. Despite its criticality and massive array of primary source material, the operations in North Georgia
have lingered in the shadows.
Author and Civil War historian David A. Powell's first of five installments comprising, "The Atlanta Campaign: Volume
1: Dalton to Cassville, May 1 - 19, 1864", treated the opening phase of the campaign -- weeks of maneuver and several
days of heavy fighting at Resaca, after which the Confederates slipped out of Sherman's traps and escaped across the
Oostanaula and Etowah rivers.
Now this second volume, "The Atlanta Campaign: From the Etowah River to Kennesaw Mountain, May 20 - June 27,
1864", marches with the armies and their leaders deeper into Georgia.
The heavyweight match unfolding between U. S. Grant and Robert E. Lee from the Wilderness to the trenches of Cold
Harbor increased the pressure on Sherman to do everything he could to prevent Joe Johnston from sending troops to
reinforce the Virginia army. Sherman had closed half the distance to Johnston's base at Atlanta, but the Army of Tennessee
had grown in numbers and the odds that were once 2 to 1 in his favor were now nearly even.
Sherman opened the second phase of the campaign on May 23 by throwing his army across the Etowah. Instead of moving
down the railroad to Allatoona, however, he marched west of Marietta to Dallas.
The next five weeks were by some measures the hardest of the entire summer as maneuvering gave way to trench warfare,
first along the New Hope Line, then Pine and Lost mountains, along the Mud Creek Line, and finally, atop the imposing
slopes of Kennesaw Mountain. The daily grind, punctuated by periodic assaults at New Hope Church, Pickett's Mill, Gilgal
Church, Pigeon Hill, and Cheatham Hill took a terrible toll on both armies.
The heavy rain through most of June made life in the field a misery, sick lists spiked, and men and horses broke down or
died. Neither side could claim victory as June drew to a close. Sherman remained undaunted. He would return to flanking.
And this time Atlanta was a mere dozen miles distant.
"The Atlanta Campaign" is multivolume study is based heavily on hundreds of primary accounts (many of which have
never been used), 21 original maps, a firm understanding of the terrain, and a keen grasp of military strategy and tactics.
Powell's "The Atlanta Campaign" is arguably this generation's definitive treatment of one of the most important and
fascinating confrontations of the entire Civil War. And it will stand the test of time.
Critique: Informatively enhanced for the readers benefit with the inclusion of twenty-one Maps, a sixty-four page
Bibliography, and a twenty-two page Index, this second volume of American Civil War historian David A. Powell's
comprehensive study is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community and
college/university library American Civil War History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. Exceptionally
well written, organized and presented, "The Atlanta Campaign: Volume 2: From the Etowah River to Kennesaw Mountain,
May 20 to June 27, 1864" from Savas Beatie is also available to students, academia, Civil War buffs, and non-specialist
general readers with an interest in the subject in a digital book format (Kindle, $23.95).
Editorial Note: David A. Powell is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute (1983) with a BA in history. His work has
appeared in many magazines and he has published more than 15 historical simulations. David's epic Chickamauga
Campaign trilogy is both award-winning and legendary, and he is nationally recognized for his tours of that important
battlefield. He is also the author of many books, including The Maps of Chickamauga and Failure in the Saddle. David and
his wife Anne live with their brace of bloodhounds in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.
(https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/302485.David_A_Powell)
The Biography/Memoir Shelf
Riding The White Bull
Jack Ratliff
https://jackratliff.net
Silver Bison Press
9798999676924, $16.99, PB, 259pp
Synopsis: "Riding the White Bull: The Making of a Navy SEAL" by Jack Ratliff is a vivid and inherently fascinating
memoir that follows one young man's personal search for meaning, taking him from college in the 1950s to the edge of
everything, ranging from riding a wild bull in a rodeo, to hitchhiking across America, to battling forest fires, to
commanding a destroyer under a mercurial captain, and to enduring the punishing trials of UDT/SEAL training.
Critique: Exceptional, informative, deftly crafted, and a compelling read from first page to last, "Riding the White Bull:
The Making of a Navy SEAL" by Jack Ratliff is an extraordinary account of an interesting life lived in interesting times
and unusual circumstances. While also available in an e-book format, this paperback edition of "Riding the White Bull:
The Making of a Navy SEAL" from Silver Bison Press is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal reading
lists, as well as community and college/university library Contemporary American Biography/Memoir collections.
Editorial Note: Raised in the remote West Texas town of Sonora, Jack Ratliff took undergraduate and law degrees from the
University of Texas. He spent four years in the Navy, first as a deck officer on a destroyer and then as a Navy SEAL. He
practiced law in El Paso for twenty years, then taught at the UT Law School for Twenty years.
Adventure on Joyland Road and Other Stories of Love and Grief: A Memoir
Lisa Rosenberg
Potter's Wheel Publishing House
https://potterswheelpublishing.com
9781950399222, $14.95, PB, 280pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Adventure-Joyland-Other-Stories-Grief/dp/1950399222
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/adventure-on-joyland-road-and-other-stories-of-love-and-grief-lisa-rosenberg/114711
0607
Synopsis: Dr. Lisa Rosenberg was widowed at the age of 68 when her husband, Jeff, died suddenly in his sleep beside her.
Though she tried desperately to save his life, Lisa was unsuccessful; Jeff had passed away silently during the night. What
followed was not only heartbreak, but an uncharted journey through grief, memory, and the quiet resilience required to
keep living.
"Adventure on Joyland Road and Other Stories of Love and Grief: A Memoir" is Lisa's poignant and deeply personal
memoir exploring love, loss, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. In this intimate account of the first eighteen
months after her husband's death, she offers her readers an unfiltered glimpse into the lived experience of grief -- its aching
tenderness, and its slow, uneven movement toward healing.
Drawing on decades of experience as a psychiatric healthcare professional, Lisa deftly blends compassion, insight, humor,
and wisdom with storytelling that is both raw and accessible. Through small, everyday moments (shared memories, sudden
absences, fleeting connections) she reflects on what it means to love deeply, to mourn honestly, and to move forward
without leaving love behind.
The stories comprising "Adventure on Joyland Road" range from the heartwarming to the heart-wrenching, revealing how
grief and love coexist, and that connection to others becomes an anchor in our darkest hours. Honest, moving, and
profoundly human, "Adventure on Joyland Road" will especially resonate with widows and widowers, caregivers, mental
health professionals, and anyone navigating the loss of a loved one.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, providing authentic
insights into the process of grief and bereavement that will, sooner or later, touch us all, "Adventure on Joyland Road and
Other Stories of Love and Grief: A Memoir" by Dr. Lisa Rosenberg is an extraordinary and compassionate account of love,
loss, and recovery that will linger in the mind and memory of the reader long after the book has been finished and set back
upon the shelf. While this paperback edition of "Adventure on Joyland Road and Other Stories of Love and Grief:
Memoir" from Potter's Wheel Publishing House is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional,
community, Senior Center, community, and college/university library Contemporary American Biography/Memoir
collections, it should be noted for readers with an interest in the subject of death and dying, grief and bereavement, loss
and emotional recovery, that it is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).
Editorial Note: Dr. Lisa Rosenberg is a psychiatric healthcare professional, writer, and widow who never expected to
navigate grief so intimately. With a master's in Psychiatric Nursing and a PhD in Educational Psychology, Dr. Rosenberg
spent 30 years as a professor at Rush University College of Nursing in Chicago, retiring as Associate Dean Emeritus. Her
career includes pioneering articles on humor in healthcare, extensive presentations, and, since 2017, senior consulting for
the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Now based in the Chicago area, she writes, mentors, and consults,
offering compassionate wisdom to those navigating grief.
The General Fiction Shelf
Futura
Michael Laser
Dana Books
9798218896010, $16.99, PB, 319pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Futura-Michael-Laser/dp/B0G9Q9GSTF
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/futura-laser/1149164089
Synopsis: Set in the year of 2045, "Futura" by Michael Laser is the dystopian novel of an authoritarian president who is
starting his third term. Protests are severely restricted. Privacy is no longer a right.
Teenagers in a New Jersey shore town skirt the new laws recklessly -- but their freedom is in jeopardy. Charming Cardo
supports himself and his ailing father by selling an illegal app.
Conservative Midwestern transplant Bob falls in love, inconveniently, with Danai --an undocumented immigrant from
Africa who lives under the constant threat of deportation.
Elora, a rebellious artist, attracts a cop's unwanted interest, with disastrous results.
Critique: Given today's 'real world' headlines currently showcasing the actions of Donald Trump with his totalitarian
excesses such as the masked violence of ICE agents, "Futura" is the contemporary dystopian novel that is second only to
George Orwell's iconic dystopian novel "1984". In his fiction near future, Michael Laser's "Futura" extrapolates the present
and thereby reveals a darker political, cultural, anti-democratic future -- all while, as a skilled and gifted storyteller,
'balancing its dread with comedy and moments of surprising heroism'. A fascinating and compelling read from start to
finish, "Futura" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, community, and college/university library
Dystopian Fiction/Political Fiction collections. It should be noted that this paperback edition of "Futura" from Dana Books
is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $5.99).
Editorial Note: Michael Laser's previous novels include Eulogy, My Impending Death, Cheater, Dark & Light, 6-321, and
Old Buddy Old Pal. He is also the author of The Word-Lover's Lexicon: A Whimsical Collection of Uncommon, Amusing,
and Useful Words (Including the Ones You Meant to Look Up but Didn't). (https://michaellaser.com)
The Carpenter and the Apprentice
Grace Zacaroli
https://www.gracezacaroli.com
Palmetto Publishing
https://www.palmettopublishing.com
9798822968530, $16.99, PB, 380pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Carpenter-Apprentice-Grace-Zacaroli/dp/B0DPGMT963
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-carpenter-and-the-apprentice-grace-zacaroli/1146203152
Synopsis: When Danat is drawn to a small town that is home to an aging carpenter, he has no idea that the things he will
experience there will offer healing from deep wounds and a path toward spiritual growth.
Devastated by the ravages of war and the loss of his family, Danat takes to the road. Pain and uncertainty are buried deep
beneath his wanderings, until he meets an elderly carpenter in a small town along the way. This man will challenge him to
grow in ways he could never have imagined.
Following a valiant but deadly battle with the invading forces, the residents of the town are forced to flee, to avoid the next
wave of terror. Danat joins them, and his learning continues.
Along the way, Aryel, a strong young woman and leader in the community, confronts self-doubt and begins to heal from
her own trauma. And Solomon, a twelve-year-old pioneer of the soul faces life with a rare innocence and grace.
Traveling as a community through uncharted lands, the group embodies the lessons of the sage carpenter, pooling their
resources, strengthening one another, and confronting a series of dramatic challenges with profound spiritual wisdom.
"The Carpenter and The Apprentice" is a classic spiritual journey with a unity consciousness theme wrapped in the
excitement of an adventure novel. Blending action and meditative philosophy, this compelling novel will hold a particular
attraction to reader with an interest in the spiritualism that is common to The Alchemist, Ancient Greek and Eastern
classics, and the samurai mythos.
Authored by real-life former psychotherapist, Grace Zacaroli, whose ongoing life coaching services and Reiki practice
have helped many on the path to deeper self-understanding, "The Carpenter and The Apprentice" will teach and persuade
its readers to embrace adventure, uncover inner peace, and find their home within.
Critique: Original, eloquent, exceptional, deftly crafted, and an inherently engaging read from start to finish, "The
Carpenter and The Apprentice" by Grace Zacaroli is about the blessings and obstacles people encounter in applying
spiritual truth to their ordinary lives lived out in extraordinary times. A novel that will linger in the mind and memory long
after it has been finished and set back upon the shelf, "The Carpenter and The Apprentice" is especially and unreservedly
recommended for personal reading lists and community library Historical Fiction, Christian Metaphysical Fiction, and
Contemporary Literary Fiction collections. It should be noted that this paperback edition of "The Carpenter and The
Apprentice" from Palmetto Publishing is also currently available in a digital book format (Kindle, $0.99).
Editorial Note: Grace Zacaroli (https://www.gracezacaroli.com) is a former psychotherapist, dedicated to personal and spiritual growth. Residing in western New York, she currently supports individuals undergoing cancer treatment and continues to practice yoga and Reiki. Grace is the proud parent of an adult son, one of her greatest teachers and a constant source of joy.
The Literary Fiction Shelf
Coal Dust on Purple Asters: A Trilogy of Short Fiction
Jeffrey L. Carrier
Anson Breck Publishing
9798990311725, $14.99, PB, 100pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Coal-Dust-Purple-Asters-Trilogy/dp/B0G8HH5RYY
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/coal-dust-on-purple-asters-jeffrey-l-carrier/1148982953
Synopsis: Set in fictional Burfield County, Kentucky, the three short stories by Jeffrey L. Carrier and comprising "Coal
Dust on Purple Asters: A Trilogy of Short Fiction" unfold during the Great Depression, when coal mining was the
dominant industry in the Kentucky mountains. These stories focus on three families caught between loyalty to the mines
that feed them and resentment of the industry that devours them. In Appalachia during that period, families clung to each
other despite poverty, tragedy, hardship and natural disasters.
In "Rain on Chinquapin Holler," Wiley Hicks' heart is torn between his mountain-bred wife and a perfumed city woman
who represents everything he both desires and despises. Meanwhile, bootleg whiskey offers both escape and enslavement.
A devastating flood forces impossible choices that leave no one unscathed.
"A Sprig of Purple Asters" follows May Owens, whose unemployed miner husband vacillates between pride and despair
while their sons' bellies grow hollow. When her opportunistic brothers arrive, May's desperate gamble saves her family by
nearly destroying it.
The final story -- "Red Snow in the Kentucky Woods" -- follows young James Herald Gibson who, after losing his father
and brother to a mine collapse, vows never to descend below ground himself, whatever the cost. His choice spirals into a
decades-long mystery of family secrets and unbearable guilt.
Throughout, characters speak in the lilting cadence of mountainfolk whose poetic speech preserves the rhythms and
phrases of their Elizabethan ancestors.
Critique: Eloquent, original, deftly crafted, and a collectively fascinating read from start to finish, "Coal Dust on Purple
Asters: A Trilogy of Short Fiction" by Jeffrey Carrier document and showcase his complete mastery of the short story
literary format. Also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $5.99), this paperback edition of "Coal Dust on
Purple Asters: A Trilogy of Short Fiction" from Anson Breck Publishing is an especially and unreservedly recommended
addition to personal reading lists, as well as community and college/university library Contemporary American Literary
Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Jeffrey L. Carrier is the author of five books -- "Upon a Lonely Hill," 1985; "Jennifer Jones: A
Bio-Bibliography," 1990; "Tallulah Bankhead: A Bio-Bibliography," 1991; "Confessions of a Kept Man," 2023; "Love, as
Always... Esmeralda," 2023 and "Things I Never Told My Father," 2024 -- he also assisted silent film actress Patsy Ruth
Miller in the writing of her memoir, "My Hollywood -- When Both of Us were Young," published in 1988.
The Romantic Fiction Shelf
Keagan: Finding the Way Home
Elle Martin
Elle Martin Books
https://ellemartinbooks.com
9798993851907, $14.99, PB, 396pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Keagan-Finding-Way-Home-Coming/dp/B0G2JB77Y4
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/keagan-elle-martin/1148985614
Synopsis: Keagan Ellery is a man torn between duty to his family ranch and a lifelong dream of making his mark in
Manhattan. But, with that one phone call, any chance for the reconciliation Keagan had always told himself he didn't want
was lost forever. He'd sworn he'd never return to the Double E Ranch. But grief has a way of rewriting the rules.
Sometimes the greatest courage isn't in leaving everything behind, but in staying to fight for love, family and the land that
shaped your soul. Because some things are worth the risk of believing in them.
"Keagan: Finding the Way Home" by Elle Martin is a gripping contemporary family drama set against the breathtaking
backdrop of Wyoming. The story follows Keagan and Shani, both of whom carry heavy burdens of grief after tragedy
strikes their families.
As they seek hope, healing, and unexpected love, Keagan and Shani, along with their children, navigate challenges,
including threats and secrets, as they try to blend their lives into one family. Through resilience and the support of their
tight-knit community, they forge a new path, proving that home is not just a place, but the people you choose again and
again.
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, and an emotionally engaging saga of a read from start to finish, "Keagan: Finding the
Way Home" is one of those novels of romance and the human condition that will linger in the mind and memory of the
reader long after the novel itself has been finished and set back upon the shelf. While also currently available for personal
reading lists in a digital book format, (Kindle, $0.99), this paperback edition of "Keagan: Finding the Way Home" from
Elle Martin Books is especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Contemporary Romance Fiction
collections.
Editorial Note #1: Elle Martin writes contemporary romance about second chances, family legacy, and the kind of love
worth fighting for. After twenty-five years in creative design, she's turned her attention to crafting stories that explore the
courage it takes to come home -- to places, people, and yourself. Her stories weave together emotional depth with authentic
characters who feel like people you'd want in your corner during life's toughest battles. "Keagan: Finding the Way Home"
launches her Coming Home series -- stories about love, loss, and the courage to build something beautiful from broken
pieces.
Editorial Note #2: Elle Martin on YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2tVxTGUzP7olxOtLmGhIDw)
Fireworks on the Fourth
Kate Harte
https://kateharte.com
Livre Press
https://www.livrepress.com
9798998736605, $18.99, PB, 266pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Fireworks-Fourth-Kate-Harte/dp/B0FDT5C5RN
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fireworks-on-the-fourth-kate-harte/1147684676
Synopsis: Set in 1992 in the Connecticut countryside where a group of intelligent but flawed women and men from two
generations are gathering to celebrate the 4th of July, "Fireworks on the Fourth" by novelist Kate Harte is the story of
Susan, a woman whose world is upended when her estranged daughter Emma arrives at her holiday party with a date -- a
man who is Susan's first love, her "Big Mistake," and possibly (but not actually) Emma's father!
The story weaves back and forth in time and place until the characters meet at the house party. Decades earlier, two of the
women faked a wedding and widowhood to hide a pregnancy. Now, fate is leading to humorous and heated exchanges
between Gen-Xers and Baby Boomers about women's rights, civil rights, and the state of the world, with flashbacks to the
'60s, '70s, and '80s, secrets being spilled, and fireworks in the bedroom as well as the sky.
Critique: Original, exceptional, and deftly crafted, "Fireworks on the Fourth" by Kate Harte is a fun and fascinating read
from start to finish and will be of special interest to fans of contemporary romance stories. While especially and
unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists and community/public library Contemporary Romance Fiction
collections, it should be noted that this paperback edition of "Fireworks on the Fourth" is also readily available in a digital
book format (Kindle, $5.99).
Editorial Note: Kate Harte (https://kateharte.com) has been a teacher, a traveler, an art historian, an archaeologist, a wife,
and a mother. She has also been an avid reader all her life and enjoyed stories of romance since she first encountered
Cinderella as a child. As a writer she is drawn to stories about women that combine experience with history, religion, and
politics. She hopes women's voices will become as strong as men's in America and in the world.
The Western Fiction Shelf
Savage
E. Jefferson Clay
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781444857115, $26.00/$22.10, PB, Large Print, 208pp
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/uk/search/9781444857221
Synopsis: The bullet caught his shoulder, and spun him around before he fell. Some fifty feet ahead, crouched behind a
gray old log with blood on his shirt was Dice with a smoke-spewing Peacemaker in his fist.
His jaws clenched against the pain, Savage could only roll away from the killer's fire. He expected every second to be his
last as he heard Dice's six-shooter bellow again. But then the rhythmic spang of Yaqui Joe's rifle overrode the deeper
sounds of the Colt. Lead ripped and tore at the killer's protective log. Through the dust and gunsmoke, Savage glimpsed
the killer's face lifting as he searched for the rifleman. Dice's Peacemaker stormed and the Winchester fell silent.
Was Yaqui Joe hit?
Savage didn't know. And there was no time to find out. Spitting sand and with his eyes stinging from gunsmoke, he leveled
his Colt on Dice's position and pulled trigger. The gun roared once before the hammer clicked on an empty shell.
Critique: "Savage" is the first title in a multi-volume series of western epic action/adventure novels by the late E. Jefferson
Clay. Now available in a large print paperback edition from the Linford Western Library for personal reading lists and
community library collections, this original series of gun-blazing action featuring the man known as Savage is a simply
riveting read and will leave western fans waiting anxiously for the next title in this simply outstanding series.
Editorial Note: E. Jefferson Clay was just one of many pseudonyms used by New South Wales-born Paul Wheelahan
(1930-2018). His books are listed online at https://www.fantasticfiction.com/c/e-jefferson-clay
Gun Law at Hangman's Creek
Cole Shelton
Lindford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781444857122, $26.00/$22.10, PB, Large Print, 192pp
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/uk/search/9781444857221
Synopsis: At first glance, Shane Preston and Jonah Jones were an odd pair - one a lean, quiet gunfighter, the other a feisty
old-timer running to fat. But they shared a special bond, and a common goal: to track down the man with the scarred face
who'd killed Shane's wife.
To do that, however, they needed money. So they hired out their guns as trouble-busters, and fought one deadly battle after
another, always in the hope that their trail would eventually cross with that of Scarface...
Critique: Another thrilling installment of author Cole Shelton's revenge quest series featuring Shane Preston and his
sidekick Jonah Jones, this large print paperback edition of "Gun Law at Hangman's Creek" from the Linford Western
Library is an extraordinary and fun read from beginning to end -- and one that will prove to be especially appreciated by
dedicated action/adventure western fans, as well as being an extraordinary and enduringly popular pick for community
library Western Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: There is a listing of books Cole Shelton available online at
https://www.fantasticfiction.com/s/cole-shelton
Riding the Timberline
Neil Hunter
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781444857245, $26.00/$22.10, PB, Large Print, 184pp
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/uk/search/9781444857221
Synopsis: Once upon a time, Will Tyrell had been the law in Madison Springs. Now he was living in self-imposed exile.
Blaming himself for a tragic accident that resulted in sudden death, he took to the high mountains where he created a new
life for himself catching and selling wild horses.
Tyrell accepted his new life and found a peace in the hills. It might have stayed that way if he hadn't come across an
injured young woman called Cassie Marchant. Alone and hampered by a broken leg, the woman found herself in Tyrell's
hands. He did what he could before moving her to the isolated cabin he called home. But that was far from the end of it -
the brutal Callender clan wasn't about to give her up as easy as all that.
With no other option, Tyrell and Cassie rode off for Madison Springs with the Callender hard in pursuit. And as time went
by Tyrell's personal feelings towards the courageous woman only increased. When they reached town, the Callenders
finally showed up and Will Tyrell was offered little choice but to stand and face the threat to his life and that of the woman
he loved and refused to give up.
Critique: An original and carefully crafted western adventure, "Riding the Timberline" by Neil Hunter is a fun read for
western fans from cover to cover. This large print paperback edition of "Riding the Timberline" from the Linford Western
Library series is especially recommended for both personal reading lists and community/public library Western Fiction
collections.
Editorial Note: A listing of books by Neil Hunter is available online at https://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/neil-hunter
Snake River Riot
Kirk Hamilton
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781444857221, $26.00/$22.10, PB, Large Print, 200pp
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/uk/search/9781444857221
Synopsis: Jake Parry and Mac McGovern were pushing their herd to market when they ran across a crooked lawman
named Gates. Gates, and a local judge named Amos Finn, were using the law to fleece the unwary, and anyone who dared
to object got thrown onto the chain gang.
That's what happened to Jake and Mac. But they weren't going to stand for it. So they escaped and started plotting their
revenge.
But revenge sometimes costs money, and they were flat broke. So they decided to raise money in a gold town along the
Snake River... and that's when their problems got a whole lot worse...
Critique: Another riveting action/adventure western from a master of the genre, this large print paperback edition of
"Snake River Riot" by Kirk Hamilton will prove to be a welcome and enduringly popular pick for community library
Western Fiction collections and the personal reading lists of dedicated western fans.
Editorial Note: There is an extensive listing of books by Kirk Hamilton at
https://www.fantasticfiction.com/h/kirk-hamilton
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Of Marriage and Murder
Phillipa Nefri Clark
Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroft.com
9781399196079, $43.50/$36.98, PB, Large Print, 234pp
Ulverscroft
https://www.ulverscroft.com/store/uk/search/9781399196079
Synopsis: Newly minted celebrant and camper van aficionado Daphne Jones pulls up in the charming town of Little
Bridges, ready to officiate the wedding of Steve Tanning and Lisa Brooker. But when Steve is murdered just minutes after
saying "I do", Daphne finds herself taking on a whole new role: amateur sleuth.
The tension between the two families was apparent from the outset. As emotions escalate, Daphne soon learns why: Steve
is the third Tanning man Lisa has married, and now the third to die in mysterious circumstances. Is this a deadly pattern of
behaviour from the young widow? Or is someone playing on Lisa's marital misfortunes to frame her for their own
murderous plans?
But as Daphne delves into the dark secrets hidden in Little Bridges, she gets dangerously close to the truth, and someone
decides the nosy celebrant has become a problem that needs solving... permanently.
Critique: A fun read and fascinating read for dedicated cosy mystery fans from cover to cover, this large print paperback
edition of Phillipa Nefri Clark's novel, 'Of Marriage and Murder" from Ulverscroft is original, extraordinary, and
unreservedly recommended for both personal reading lists and community library Mystery/Suspense collections.
Editorial Note: Phillipa Nefri Clark (https://www.phillipaclark.com) lives just outside a beautiful town in regional
Australia. She also lives in the many worlds of her imagination and stockpiles ideas beside her laptop. She writes from the
heart about love, dreams, secrets, discovery, the sea, the world as she knows it... or wishes it could be. She loves happy
endings, heart-pounding suspense, and characters who stay with you long after the final page. With a passion for music, the
ocean, nature, reading, and writing, she is often found in the vegetable garden with the dog pondering a new story.
The Trafficker
Mirela Kanini
MindStir Media
https://mindstirmedia.com
9781966799009, $13.99, PB, 268pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Trafficker-Mirela-Kanini/dp/1966799004
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-trafficker-mirela-kanini/1148146025
Synopsis: Mia is a young immigration lawyer who is engaged to be married when meets an unusual client -- Alen. He
holds a Dutch passport and is charming, rich and mysterious. He has chosen to settle permanently in the USA.
Her engagement falls apart and when she is falling hard for Alen, he disappears leaving behind only a letter asking her to
forget that he ever existed. His dark past full of secrets follows him but he does not want to lose the girl of his dreams. A
phone call between them changes everything.
Mia is searching for the truth while Alen is trying to escape his past.
Critique: Original, emotionally engaging, deftly crafted, and a compelling read from start to finish, "The Trafficker" by
author Mirela Kanini reveals her extraordinary and genuine flair for the kind of riveting storytelling style that is able to
blend romance and suspense into a memorably impressive crime thriller themed read. An especially and unreservedly
recommended pick for community library Contemporary Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for personal
reading lists that this paperback edition of "The Trafficker" from MindStir Media is also readily available in a digital book
format (Kindle, $2.99).
Editorial Note: Mirela Kanini emigrated from Eastern Europe to the United States of America in the nineties. She has
published several books in her home country. Her books are listed online at
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22133537.Mirela_Kanini
For the Love of God: A Renaissance Murder Mystery
Wynter duMaurier
Independently Published
9798277907658, $8.99, PB, 286pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Love-God-Renaissance-Murder-Mystery/dp/B0G64QF367
Synopsis: Authored by novelist Wynter duMaurier, "For the Love of God: A Renaissance Murder Mystery" is a story
steeped in intrigue and fraught with treachery.
The lifeless body of a noblewoman is unearthed from the placid waters of the river Arno, her once-vibrant presence now
reduced to a chilling spectre. The serene surface of the water belies the chaos of her violent demise, a reality that ripples
through the very heart of the privilege and wealth of Renaissance Florence. She is merely the first to perish, a harbinger of
darker deeds yet to unfold.
As Emiliano and the monks at the Benedictine abbey plunge deeper into the murky waters of this tragic event, they unveil
a labyrinthine tapestry of secrets. Betrayals are carefully hidden beneath layers of opulent silks and hushed tones.
At the same time, clandestine alliances are forged, and the stark, chilling realities of ambition, jealousy, and vengeance
pierce the once-glamorous lives of the nobility.
As the stakes escalate, it becomes increasingly clear that the perpetrator is not just driven by greed or revenge but is
ensnared in a complex play of obsession and betrayal. The dark underbelly of this noble world will not rest until the final
act of this tragedy is revealed.
Critique: Original, exceptional, deftly crafted, "For the Love of God: A Renaissance Murder Mystery" by Wynter
duMaurier is an inherently riveting read from start to finish. Memorable characters and unexpected plot twists set in the
framework of the Renaissance Era, "For the Love of God" is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended pick for
community library Historical Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated
mystery fans that this paperback edition of D"For the Love of God" is also readily available in a digital book format
(Kindle, $6.65).
Editorial Note: Wynter duMaurier lived in Italy for 5 enriching years, beginning her cultural journey in the sun-kissed land
of Sicily, where she taught English to bright-eyed children. This experience was not only rewarding but also deeply
transformative, allowing her to immerse herself in a vibrant culture filled with history and warmth. In Florence (the setting
for her novel "For the Love of God", she resided in a beautifully renovated farmhouse, its rustic charm enhanced by the
surrounding olive groves. From every window in her home, the majestic Duomo rose gracefully against the skyline, a
constant reminder of the city's rich artistic heritage.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Fleet of the Forgotten
Dan Thornton
Forgotten Publishing
https://thorntonbooks.com
9798999401908, $16.99, PB, 370pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Fleet-Forgotten-Exiles-War-Thornton/dp/B0FX3ZRN63
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fleet-of-the-forgotten-dan-thornton/1148317227
Synopsis: Ryan Anders has spent his life fighting for a place in a world that doesn't want him. Chosen by lottery to attend
the Fleet Academy, he learned quickly that survival means knowing when to keep your head down. Until the day the sky
fills with fire.
Without warning, an alien armada descends, shattering Earth's defenses and scattering its fleet in a storm of confusion and
retreat. Amid the chaos, Ryan seizes an unfinished warship. His plan is simple: get his friends clear of the slaughter. But
the moment they break orbit, the plan is gone. Now they are cut off, flying blind, forgotten.
Their enemy does not speak. Does not negotiate. -- And they will not stop until humanity is dust.
Critique: An action/adventure science fiction novel that demonstrate author Dan Thornton's master of genre, "Fleet of the
Forgotten" is original, exceptional, deftly crafted, and a fun read from cover to cover and launches a new science fiction
series 'Exiles War'. The kind and quality of story that was the mainstay of a yesteryear Golden Age of science fiction
magazines and books, "Fleet of the Forgotten" is especially and unreservedly recommended for the personal reading lists of
dedicated science fiction fans and is a prized pick for community/public library Science Fiction collections. It should be
noted that this paperback edition of "Fleet of the Forgotten" from Forgotten Publishing is also readily available in a digital
book format (Kindle, $4.99).
Editorial Note: Dan Thornton is a sci-fi author who has traded F-14 Tomcats for spaceships. A Navy veteran of the Gulf
War, he uses his military experience to ground his debut novel, Fleet of the Forgotten, in reality. Off the page, Dan is still
chasing adrenaline-whether he's riding motorcycles or cosplaying at Comic-Con.
Shift: The Shiftwork Chronicles I
J. P. Lee
https://jpleebooks.com
Apprentice House Press
https://apprenticehouse.com
9781627206563, $37.99, HC, 396pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Shift-Shiftwork-Chronicles-J-Lee/dp/1627206566
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shift-j-p-lee/1148950987
Synopsis: For seventeen-year-old Sybil, the mountains and the group called Crime are all she's ever known. As Career Day
approaches, she longs to prove herself to the magical society that both curses and fears her.
When a representative from the White House unexpectedly selects Sybil for a critical operation, she is thrust into an
unfamiliar world with higher stakes than she ever imagined. As she faces her first job, Sybil begins to question not only her
mysterious new employer but also her older brother, who harbors secrets of his own. With allegiances divided and her way
of life threatened, Sybil must decide who she can trust before it is too late and she loses all she holds close.
Set in a richly imagined, fantastical version of America, "Shift" is a premiere tale of magic, intrigue, betrayal, and
loyalty.
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, as well as an inherently fascinating and fun read from start to finish, "Shift" is an
extraordinary and unique contemporary 'alternate world' fantasy that is all the more impressive when considering that it is
author J. P. Lee's debut as a novelist and launching her 'The Shiftwork Chronicles' series. Especially and unreservedly
recommended for highschool and community library Science Fiction & Fantasy Fiction collections, "Shift" is an expert
blending of fantasy, suspense, romance, and adventure. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated
fantasy fans that this hardcover edition of "Shift" from Apprentice House Press is also readily available in paperback
(9781627206570, $26.99).
Editorial Note: J.P. Lee (https://jpleebooks.com) has been storytelling since childhood, writing her first story at the age of
eight in a notebook. She completed a full-length fantasy novel during her high school years. She received her degree in
English Language, Writing, and Rhetoric from North Carolina State University. Lee loves immersive books into which she
can escape, and that is what she desires for her readers.
The Library CD Shelf
Heart of Hearts
Steve Berndt
steveberndt.com
Privately Published
$TBA CD / $9.00 CAD
Bandcamp
https://steveberndt.bandcamp.com/album/heart-of-hearts
Performed by a grand band of talented performers on trumpet, flugelhorn, tenor saxophone, piano, guitar, organ, bass, and
drums, Heart of Hearts is an eleven track album featuring eight original compositions by Ottawa singer, trombonist, and
bandleader Steve Berndt, plus three pop-rock songs from the 70's. All of the songs have common themes of love and
integrity, emphasized through Berndt's passionate vocal performance. Heart of Hearts is a choice pick to celebrate
Valentine's Day or any day, and also makes an excellent gift! Highly recommended. The tracks are All Over Again; Heart
of Hearts; The Moment; Plus Size Love; I Saw the Light (Todd Rundgren); Hold Me Tight; Triplets A Gogo; Long Lost
Love Affair; Baby I Love Your Way (Peter Frampton); Color My World (James Pankow); and Blue Skies On Mars.
Seek & Listen: Live at the Penthouse
Rahsaan Roland Kirk
Resonance Records
www.ResonanceRecords.org
$25.99 CD / $14.99 digital
Bandcamp
https://rahsaanrolandkirklive.bandcamp.com/album/seek-listen-live-at-the-penthouse
Seek & Listen: Live at the Penthouse is a two-CD set of previously unreleased live performances by legendary jazz multi-
instrumentalist Rahsaan Roland Kirk (1935-1977). The songs include both like "Now Please Don't You Cry Beautiful
Edith" and renditions of hits like "Ode to Billie Joe". The album includes notes by Kirk biographer John Kruth, interviews
with Steve Novosel and trombonist Steve Turre, thoughts on Kirk's storied career by saxophonists James Carter and Chico
Freeman, and more. Seek & Listen: Live at the Penthouse is a treasure for connoisseurs of historic jazz, and a choice pick
for both personal and public library music collections. Highly recommended! The disc 1 tracks are The Jump Thing; Alfie;
Mingus-Griff Song; Medley: Ev'rytime We Say Goodbye, I've Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good), Sophisticated Lady,
Satin Doll; and Medley: Blues for C & T, Happy Days Are Here Again, Down By The Riverside. The disc 2 tracks are Ode
to Billie Joe; Prelude To A Kiss; Funk Underneath; Lovellevelliloqui; Now Please Don't You Cry, Beautiful Edith; and
Making Love After Hours.
The Wishing Well
All songs created and performed by the band 2002
www.2002music.com
Galactic Playground Music
$12.99 CD / $10.00 digital
Bandcamp
https://2002.bandcamp.com/album/the-wishing-well
The twenty-third album released by the band 2002 (www.2002music.com), The Wishing Well is a collection of original,
ambient new age music songs ideal for work, study, or relaxation. Evocative and flowing with the signature soundscapes of
2002, the songs reflect on personal experiences and incredible journeys, from a travel to the Four Corners region of the
United States to unbounded horizon of dreams. The Wishing Well is a wonderful addition to both personal and public
library music collections, and also makes an excellent gift! Highly recommended. The tracks are Overture: The Restless
Heart; Three Wishes; Twilight; The Spiral of Heaven; Dream Chasers; Moon Lore; A Safe Harbor; On the Wings of
Angels; Bellehaven; and Savitri's Dream.
Come Dance With Me
Nancy Hays
www.nancyhays.com
Nancy Hays Entertainment, Inc.
$19.78 CD / $9.49 MP3
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Come-Dance-Me-Nancy-Hays/dp/B00006IT5G
Come Dance With Me is an album featuring vocalist Nancy Hays' most popular original country music songs. Recorded in
Nashville and backed by members of Ronnie Milsap's band, the vibrant tracks of Come Dance With Me thrum with an
intensity that encourages the listener to move to the swing rhythms. Come Dance With Me is a treasure for country fans
and public library music collections, highly recommended! The tracks are One Thin Dime; Never Been Rocked; I'll
Believe It When I Feel It; Come Dance With Me; Deep Down; Dad; That'll Keep Me Dreaming; Leave The Light On;
Baby Don't Go; Somewhere in Denver; Ground I Walk On; Hearts Will Be Hearts; and Back In Illinois.
Forgotten Stories Suite
Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra & Sean Irvine
winnipegjazzorchestra.com
Chronography Records
chronographrecords.com
$12.99 CD / $11.49 MP3
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Stories-Suite-Winnipeg-Orchestra/dp/B0G45SQP5T
Forgotten Stories Suite is the ninth album from The Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra, Canada's first community-based, non-profit
professional jazz orchestra, featuring an extraordinary array of talented performers on trumpets, saxophones, trombones,
guitar, piano, electric bass, drums, vocals, and more. Composer and multi-instrumentalist Sean Irvine created all the music,
poetry, and lyrics of Forgotten Stories Suite; the pieces draw inspiration from a multitude of individual people's stories.
Empathetic and richly varied, Forgotten Stories Suite is a treasure for connoisseurs of modern orchestra jazz, and highly
recommended for both personal and public library music collections. The tracks are Forgotten Stories; Prologue: Studies in
Shapes of Palo Santo; 2 Brothers; Movement I: Nightmare; Longing for Texas; Movement II: Texas; A King and His
Castle; Movement III: A Perfect Castle; May He Rest; and Movement IV: Harold.
The Solastalgia Suite
Kris Davis and the Lutoslawski Quartet
Pyroclastic Records
$18.00 CD / $12.00 digital
Bandcamp
https://krisdavis.bandcamp.com/album/the-solastalgia-suite
The philosopher Glenn Albrecht invented the term "solastalgia" to describe "a form of homesickness while we are still at
home." Grammy-winning pianist and composer Kris Davis applies the concept to the danger that global climate change
could create such profound environmental disasters that Earth itself no longer feels like "home", in the music album The
Solastalgia Suite. All songs are Kris Davis' original creations, performed by Kris Davis on piano and the Lutoslawski
Quartet (Roksana Kwasnikowska on first violin, Marcin Markowicz on second violin, Artur Rozmyslowicz on viola, and
Maciej Mlodawski on cello). The eight-movement suite is a dark warning of changing weather and climate patterns, with a
smattering of cautious optimism that it is not too late to prevent the worst. The Solastalgia Suite is captivating, socially
conscious, and highly recommended for both personal and public library music CD collections. The tracks are Interlude;
An Invitation to Disappear; Towards No Earthly Pole; The Known End; Ghost Reefs; Pressure & Yield; Life on Venus;
and Degrees of Separation.
Wake Up Call: The Music of Gregg Hill
Rick Roe
roejazz.com
Cold Plunge Records
$20.00 CD
Gregg Hill Jazz
https://www.gregghilljazz.com/product-page/rick-roe-wake-up-call-the-music-of-gregg-hill
Rick Roe Jazz
https://www.roejazz.com/product-page/wake-up-call-cd
Wake Up Call: The Music of Gregg Hill is a music album featuring pianist and bandleader Rick Roe's adventurous
arrangements of jazz songs by Gregg Hill. Performed by Rick Roe on piano, Nate Winn on drums, Robert Hurst on bass,
and Marcus Elliot on tenor and soprano sax, Wake Up Call is a daring change-up that pushes the boundaries of how
masterful arrangements can reshape great music into something wondrously new that nonetheless preserves the heart and
soul of the original. Wake Up Call: The Music of Gregg Hill is highly recommended for both personal and public library
music CD collections. The tracks are Inside Straight; Sunspiration; Wake Up Call; Wide River; The Return of Mr. Pea
Modal Yodel; La Cancion; The Ringer; Hyperbarity; and Double Play.
Cactus Sessions
Bijan Taghavi
www.BijanTaghavi.com
$24.99 CD (signed) / $9.99 digital
Creator's Website
https://www.bijantaghavi.com/cactussessions.html
Cactus Sessions is a vibrant solo piano album showcasing Bijan Taghavi's masterful performance of eight beloved songs
by a variety of creators. Passionate and flowing, Cactus Sessions is a rapturous audio experience, highly recommended for
both personal and public library music collections. The tracks are Wave (Antonio Carlos Jobim); I Should Care (Axel
Stordahl and Paul Weston); I'll Remember April (Gene de Paul); Peace (Horatio Silver); Have You Met Miss Jones
(Richard Rogers); Ask Me Now (Thelonious Monk); East of the Sun (Brooks Bowman); and Desafinado (Antonio Carlos
Jobim).
The Native American Studies Shelf
The Free and the Dead
Jamie Holmes
Atria Books
c/o Simon & Schuster
www.simonandschuster.com
Blackstone Publishing
https://www.blackstonelibrary.com
9781668050613, $30.00, HC, 320pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Free-Dead-Seminole-Indigenous-Forgotten/dp/1668050617
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-free-and-the-dead-jamie-holmes/1147556434
Synopsis: From 1817 to 1858, a series of conflicts known as the Seminole Wars took place between the United States and
the tribes of Florida as they battled for the land.
Within this unconquered territory, formerly enslaved mothers and fathers and Seminole families had lived side by side for
generations, building communities in the interior, beyond the reach of the growing United States. But in 1835, the young
country took up arms against them, seeking to forcibly remove all Indigenous people and return their allies to slavery.
In the face of this terror, tribes and bands came together across racial lines to preserve their freedom from federal
interference. As the fight waged on, two men (Abraham, a free Black American, and the esteemed Creek warrior Osceola)
worked together to save their lands and their people, against overwhelming odds, from America's formidable Army of the
South.
With the publication of "The Free and the Dead: The Untold Story of the Black Seminole Chief, the Indigenous Rebel, and
America's Forgotten War", author Jamie Holmes presents a powerful and vivid exploration of an overlooked revolt and
historical alliances between Afro-descendant families and Indigenous tribes.
Critique: A masterpiece of meticulous historical research, "The Free and the Dead: The Untold Story of the Black
Seminole Chief, the Indigenous Rebel, and America's Forgotten War" by Jamie Holmes is a deftly crafted, impressively
informative, and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation. An inherently fascinating read from cover to
cover, "The Free and the Dead" is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional,
community, and college/university library Native American History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.
It should be noted for students, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that this
hardcover edition of "The Free and the Dead" from Atria Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$14.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone Audio, 9781668103296, $34.99, CD).
Editorial Note: Jamie Holmes (https://www.jamieholmesbooks.com) is a Future Tense Fellow at the New America
Foundation and a former research coordinator at Harvard University in the Department of Economics. He holds a MA from
Columbia's School of International and Public Affairs and his writing has appeared in Slate, Politico, the Christian Science
Monitor, the New Republic, the Atlantic, Foreign Policy, and the Daily Beast.
The Architecture Shelf
BROISSIN Architects: 25 Years in Silver
Gerardo Broissin Covarrubias, et al.
Actar D
c/o Actar Publishers
https://actar.com
9781638401988, $54.95, HC, 400pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Broissin-Architects-25-Years-Silver/dp/1638401985
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/broissin-architects-gerardo-broissin-covarrubias/1148715494
Synopsis: Collaboratively co-authored by the team of Gerardo Broissin Covarrubias, Jose Luis Alvarez Tinajero, and
Thelma Blake, "BROISSIN Architects: 25 Years in Silver" resists convention -- it questions, dismantles, and reveals the
friction behind the polished surface of success.
An architecture that emerges from silence, irony, and a fierce commitment to consciousness. "BROISSIN Architects: 25
Years in Silver" is not just another architecture book. It's a rift. An uncomfortable whisper between the walls of 25 years of
practice.
Here compiled are 58 built projects presented and arranged with the logic of time. But between every line and every
drawing, something else slips through: a suspicion. A resistance. An unresolved question. Thirty texts (written without
permission and unafraid of disappointment) accompany this journey. They do not explain, nor justify. They interrogate.
They dismantle comfortable narratives. They expose award-winning fictions. They mock ego and complacency. They
celebrate doubt as a design method.
"BROISSIN Architects: 25 Years in Silver" is a construction log, but also a testimony of unrest. A cartography of what we
have done and, more importantly, what we are no longer willing to do. Between drawings and words, the reader will find
architecture. But they will also find silence, rage, irony, beauty... and commitment. Because here, architecture is built
twice: once in matter, and once in consciousness... though the latter rarely pays, rarely gets published, and almost never
wins awards.
Critique: Original, informative, iconclastic, fascinating, profusely illustrated throughout, this large format (7.48 x 2 x 9.25
inches, 3.85 pounds) hardcover edition of "BROISSIN Architects: 25 Years in Silver" from Actar D is an unique and
unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, and college/university library Contemporary Architecture
collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note #1: BROISSIN Architects (https://broissin.com) is a firm of professional experts that work with clients and
specialists to devise and implement innovative solutions for the developed projects. With 20 years of experience in the
realm and having designed more than 400,000 sqm, they work all over the Mexican Republic with three offices
strategically located in Mexico City, San Luis Potosi and Tijuana. Their clients are very diverse: large and small, private
and public, profit and nonprofit. They help them grow, sustain and transform: whatever is necessary to embrace their
future. The result: projects that generate confidence, inspire security and forge long-lasting relationships.
Editorial Note #2: M.Arch, Jose Luis Alvarez Tinajero is an Architect, Educator specialist, Ambassador, Co-Editor and
Correspondent of ACTAR Publishers in Mexico, Architecture Curator of La Ciudad de las Ideas Festival . (International
Festival of Brilliant Minds), Architecture Curator of The Construction Summit - Expo CIHAC , Author of GILARDI
House - Barragan s Last Witness , Founder and Director of NODE.
Building Metabolism
Lydia Kallipoliti, editor
Areti Markopoulou, editor
Actar D
c/o Actar Publishers
https://actar.com
9781638401803, $49.95, PB, 284pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Building-Metabolism-Recipes-Resource-Cycles/dp/1638401802
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/building-metabolism-lydia-kallipoliti/1147293401
Synopsis: Co-edited by the team of Lydia Kallipoliti and Areti Markopoulou, "Building Metabolism: Recipes for Food and
Resource Cycles", stems from the expanded work produced for the 2022 Tallinn Architecture Biennale (themed EDIBLE
and curated by the authors) reimagines the "home" on both domestic and planetary scales as a digestive system, processing
human output in its various forms and converting it into actionable resources.
This portrayal of the "home" urges readers to look at resources in a visceral way; via the raw ecologies of our bodies and
the understanding that the social problems related to climate justice are not simply statistical, abstract, and disembodied.
Instead, they are intertwined with our own production and living processes, and they are landed on bodies: on the food we
eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.
Envisioning an architecture that produces resources, digests its waste, and decomposes itself, "Building Metabolism"
challenges the extractive, consumptive, and contaminating logics of the built environment. Moving beyond an
understanding of metabolism as a collection of inhabitable machines (which is a reading that carries the heavy burden of
modernism) "Building Metabolism" explores metabolism as patterns of energy and material generation and distribution
within a multiverse.
This reality does not tolerate traditional dichotomies of nature and artifice, humans and non-humans, resource, and waste;
rather, it urges the emergence of a novel network of life and death and alternative forms of matter, including non-human
agents, but also technological and cultural others.
"Building Metabolism" aims to explore the potential of all natural and technological expressions to mitigate the
contaminating and extracting nature of our desires and protocols related to the production of the built environment.
Critique: Colorfully illustrated throughout and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, knowledgeably
compiled and deftly co-edited Lydia Kallipoliti and Areti Markopoulou, "Building Metabolism: Recipes for Food and
Resource Cycles" is a an extraordinary and thought-provoking contribution to the growing library of contemporary
architectural studies and a unique, essential, unreservedly recommended acquisition for personal, professional, corporate,
and college/university library Contemporary Architecture collections and supplemental Architectural Studies
curriculums.
The Photography Shelf
Exposure: Contemporary Photographers
Amber Creswell Bell
Thames & Hudson
https://www.thamesandhudson.com
9781760765446, $50.00
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Exposure-Photographers-Amber-Creswell-Bell/dp/1760765449
Synopsis: A captivating exploration of contemporary photography and the power of the lens to observe, interpret, and
inspire.
A photograph captures a fleeting visual in time. A split second on either side can change the result entirely: the exact
moment of exposure is critical. More than simply a static image, a photograph has the power to evoke emotion, revealing
both the seen and the unseen.
In her latest collection, curator Amber Creswell Bell explores the work of forty contemporary photographers from
Australia and New Zealand, including Leila Jeffreys, Bill Henson, and Kara Rosenlund. Each artist shares insights into
their practice, ranging from the whimsical to the wild, addressing subjects as diverse as the environment, motherhood, and
identity. Some point and shoot; others meticulously curate a scene, but they all strive for creative connection with the
viewer through this common medium. Exposure captures the essence of modern photography, showcasing bold
perspectives, striking landscapes, and intimate portraits that reflect cultural richness and natural beauty.
Critique: Illustrated with striking photographic images on every page (most in full color, some in black-and-white as a
deliberate artistic style), Exposure: Contemporary Photographers is a showcase of the work of forty modern photographers
from Australia and New Zealand. The text reflects upon the motivations and artistry of each creator, and the images range
from stunning landscapes and inquisitive wildlife to thoughtful portraits of people (at least one portrait is a nude model,
but most are not), avant-garde modern art statements, and more. Captivating from cover to cover, Exposure: Contemporary
Photographers is highly recommended especially for public and university library photography collections.
The Silent Song of The African Savannah
Ian Poh Jin Tze
https://ianpohjintze.com
MONK3YSEENDO(C) PTE LTD
c/o Pacific & Court
9789819418190, $80.00, HC, 200pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Song-African-Savannah/dp/9819418194
Synopsis: Up close and personal, with both predators and prey within the game parks of Africa, "The Silent Song of The
African Savannah" by Ian Poh Jin Tze is a photo book that consists of 6 chapters of this photographer's first hand
account.
It is filled with hair raising high resolution photographs of animals within their natural habitat and highlights of South
Africa such as the Three Rondavels, the majestic Bourke's Luck Potholes amongst others and the African gastronomical
scene.
The first chapter is titled Ataraxy. It features various animals in states of serendipity. Despite squinting through my lens at
what many would consider a "ferocious predator", it's stillness made me realise I was looking into the piercing golden eyes
of a creature sharing god's creation and not a savage beast.
The second chapter, Huntian, freezes frames of various apex predators and their dilated pupils, moments before taking the
lethal pounce which would inevitably tip the delicate balance of life and death towards its final inescapable
conclusion.
The third chapter, Camaraderie, uncovers unlikely friendships amongst the animal kingdom and the mutual respect they
share for each other despite not speaking the same language or originating from totally different species.
The fourth chapter (Maternology) stirred a multitude of emotions within me as I witnessed the protective flames of the
maternal instinct and its self sacrificial nature which awakens at the softest of cries or the slightest hint of need from its
young. I discovered that not only was it a love but, it was her legacy that will echo through the ages long after the world
has forgotten her name.
The fifth chapter, Monochromatic, features black and white photographs not only revealing my emotions but also drawing
out the soul of the subject, baring its raw essence.
Finally, "The Silent Song of The African Savannah" concludes with a chapter featuring African culture such as unctuous
gastronomical delights and key landmarks in and around South Africa.
Critique: This large format (8.25 x 0.66 x 11 inches, 1.27 pounds) hardcover edition of wildlife photographer and photo
journalist Ian Poh Jin Tze's "The Silent Song of The African Savannah" from MONK3YSEENDO(C) PTE Ltd. is an
extraordinary volume showcasing full page and double page full color African wildlife photographs. There is also a small
section of shelter and food photos taken by Ian Poh Jin Tze. An ideal African safari-style wildlife photo volume for the
armchair traveler, and of special appeal to readers and aspiring photographers with an interest in African wildlife, this
edition of "The Silent Song of The African Savannah" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal,
professional, community, and college/university library Wildlife Photography collections and supplemental curriculum
studies lists.
Editorial Note: Ian Poh Jin Tze (https://ianpohjintze.com) is a freelance writer and photographer born in Singapore. He
spends approximately 300 days a year traversing the world with his beloved Rimowa camera.
The Art Shelf
Hiroshige
Henri-Alexis Baatsch
Thames & Hudson, Inc.
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9780500030585, $125.00, HC, 224pp
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Hiroshige-Henri-Alexis-Baatsch/dp/B0DX98KW7M
Barnes & Noble
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hiroshige-henri-alexis-baatsch/1147007292
Synopsis: From Henri-Alexis Baatsch (the author of Hokusai: A Life in Drawing) comes "Hiroshige" -- an illuminating
account of Utagawa Hiroshige (1797 - 1858), the last great artist of the ukiyo-e tradition.
Ukiyo-e, meaning "images of the floating world", was a ubiquitous genre of Japanese woodblock prints during Japan's Edo
period, often depicting popular actors, sumo wrestlers, beautiful women, and majestic landscapes. Hiroshige's serene,
atmospheric prints stood out from his predecessors, capturing the essence of the world around him, and eventually gained
widespread acclaim in Europe and America, influencing western European artists like Manet, Monet, and Van Gogh.
"Hiroshige" offers a fascinating look at Hiroshige's life and work, tracing the journey of a fire warden who turned to
printmaking later in life. It invites readers to follow in Hiroshige's footsteps through 19th-century Tokyo, discovering the
iconic landscapes he immortalized while traveling the famed Tokaido and Kiso Kaido roads. "Hiroshige" also features an
exceptional selection of works accompanied by vivid text, drawing from Hiroshige's diaries, his talent for humorous
poetry, taste for travel (with all its pleasures and challenges), and deep affinity for the natural world.
"Hiroshige" makes accessible a deep understanding of Hiroshige's body of work, and transports readers to Edo, Japan via
his timeless prints.
150 color illustrations
Critique: This large format (11.4 x 1.6 x 14.5 inches, 7.27 pounds) hardcover edition of "Hiroshige" from Thames &
Hudson is superbly enhanced throughout for the reader's benefit with 150 beautifully presented full color illustrations.
Informative, fascinating, and an ideal choice for a library Memorial Fund acquisition, this 'coffee-table' style edition of
"Hiroshige" is especially and unreserved for personal, professional, community, and college/university Japanese Art
History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: Henri-Alexis Baatsch is a writer and translator who lived in Tokyo in 1981 and again from 1984 to 1986,
during which time he wrote the essay that became Hokusai: A Life in Drawing. He is the author of several plays and
numerous books, including Henri Michaux: Painter and Poetry and Questions of Style. His books are listed online at
https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/219164.Henri_Alexis_Baatsch
The Art of Kaylene Whiskey
Edited by Natalie King and Iwantja Arts
Thames & Hudson
https://www.thamesandhudson.com
9781760765408, $50.00
Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Art-Kaylene-Whiskey-Believe-Love/dp/1760765406
Synopsis: Dance your way through the magical world of Kaylene Whiskey in her first major monograph.
Kaylene Whiskey (b. 1976) creates dazzling paintings with brightly colored pop stars rendered in dots and set among her
own community in remote Central Australia. She depicts female pop culture icons - including Dolly Parton, Tina Turner,
Catwoman, Cher, and Wonder Woman - woven into the Kungkarangkalpa Tjukurpa, or Seven Sisters Story. These
heroines, however, are shown partying at Iwantja Arts, where Whiskey works in Indulkana, South Australia.
Her journal - doodle style, laden with text bubbles, hearts, and rainbows - delivers lighthearted humor while channeling
potent symbols of female power in an Aboriginal setting. A visual anthem to the admiration of American media felt by
adolescents in her community, Whiskey's work draws from the country music, rock 'n' roll, and Anangu songs played in
her household growing up. Reflections and interview excerpts punctuate the richly illustrated pages in which Whiskey
describes her conceptual process - blending Anangu traditions with contemporary culture by painting jugs of Coca-Cola,
alongside mingkulpa (native tobacco plants), lollipops, honey ants, and other childhood emblems.
The first monograph on the artist, The Art of Kaylene Whiskey, features a survey by renowned curator Natalie King and an
in-depth interview with the artist, in her own words. Featuring a lenticular cover and colorfully designed throughout, the
volume also includes contributions from notable creatives Taika Waititi, Jazz Money, Zoe Whitley, Clothilde Bullen, and
April Phillips.
Critique: The Art of Kaylene Whiskey: Do You Believe in Love? is the first major monograph by contemporary
Aboriginal Australian artist Kaylene Whiskey. Featuring full-color illustrations of Whiskey's art on virtually every page, as
well edited excerpts from interviews with Whiskey between 2023 and 2025 discussing the themes, inspiration, and subject
matter of her works, The Art of Kaylene Whiskey: Do You Believe in Love? is a striking showcase of Whiskey's signature
portrayals of strong, heroic women, vibrant imagery, and bold presentation, at times juxtaposed against photographic
images of Australian scenery or wildlife. The heroines range from pop culture icons such as Dolly Parton, Tina Turner,
Catwoman, Cher, or Wonder Woman to women from legendary Aboriginal tales such as the Seven Sisters Story. The Art
of Kaylene Whiskey: Do You Believe in Love? is a welcome addition to modern art collections and personal reading
lists.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
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Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
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