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Wisconsin Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Rethinking College: A Guide to Thriving Without a Degree
Karin Klein
Harper Horizons
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
www.harpercollins.com
9781400334476, $29.99, HC, 256pp
https://www.amazon.com/Rethinking-College-Thriving-Without-Degree/dp/1400334470
Synopsis: It is a common belief that a college degree is the only path to success. But many college graduates end up mired
in debt and underemployed, working jobs that don't even require a degree. The good news? There are many promising
career options for those who don't want to or can't attend college.
With the publication of "Rethinking College: A Guide to Thriving Without a Degree", award-winning journalist Karin
Klein sets out a new path for our country's students and their families. Klein examines why the traditional college-for-all
model has been overhyped and is growing less relevant, then shares practical advice and real-world examples of exactly
how others have succeeded without a four-year degree.
"Rethinking College" reveals an abundance of alternative paths, including white-collar apprenticeships, certificate
programs, entrepreneurship, creative careers, residential public-service work, and more.
"Rethinking College" will guide you step-by-step toward a broad range of fulfilling and well-paid careers that don't require
a degree -- ranging from pilots, costume designers, influencers, writers, computer programmers, corporate headhunters,
film editors, and so many more.
Critique: "Rethinking College: A Guide to Thriving Without a Degree" from Harper Horizon is especially and
unreservedly recommended reading for: Those who are unsure of their next education or career steps; Those looking to
make a job pivot; Parents seeking guidance for their child; School counselors who want to offer their students more and
better options. While also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99), "Rethinking College" must be considered a
high value core addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Contemporary
Education/Vocational Education collections.
Editorial Note: Karin Klein (www.latimes.com/people/karin-klein) has been a member of the Los Angeles Times editorial
board for the past 20 years, covering education, medicine, science, and environment, and was a regular columnist for the
Sacramento Bee for four years. She shared in two staff Pulitzer Prizes for coverage of breaking news and was the 2006
recipient of the Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship for Editorial Writers, the Logan Science Writing Fellowship at Woods Hole
and Arctic Alaska, and the Metcalf Institute Environmental Writing Fellowship. She also has won numerous national,
regional, and local journalism awards, including the Education Writers Association award for her creation of an interactive
education page for The Times.
The Writing/Publishing Shelf
The Poet's Guide to Publishing
Katerina Stoykova
McFarland & Company
https://mcfarlandbooks.com
9781476694153, $19.99, PB, 189pp
https://www.amazon.com/Poets-Guide-Publishing-Conceive-Arrange/dp/147669415X
Synopsis: With the publication of "The Poet's Guide to Publishing: How to Conceive, Arrange, Edit, Publish and Market a
Book of Poetry" from McFarland & Company, Katerina Stoykova provides an ideal DIY guide to publishing poetry.
This instructional 'how to' guide is specifically designed for the poet on a journey from producing a pile of poems to
celebrating at a book launch. If you have been writing poetry for some time and have accumulated a volume of work, "The
Poet's Guide to Publishing" will meet you where you are in your book creation or publication process.
"The Poet's Guide to Publishing" is organized into five sections to mimic the distinct phases of conceiving, arranging,
editing, publishing, and promoting a poetry collection. Each section provides a mix of theoretical materials and practical
assignments to demystify and ground the publication process.
Critique: Comprehensive, thoroughly DIY 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, Katerina Stoykova's "The Poet's
Guide to Publishing: How to Conceive, Arrange, Edit, Publish and Market a Book of Poetry" is a 'must' for any and all
writers of poetry who would like to see their work published and marketed to their intended readership. The equivalent of a
4-Week poetry publishing workshop under one cover, "The Poet's Guide to Publishing" is especially and unreservedly
recommended for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Writing/Publishing collections.
Editorial Note: Katerina Stoykova is the founder and senior editor of Accents Publishing, where she has selected, edited,
and published more than 100 poetry collections. She also serves as the director of the Kentucky Book Festival, the Director
for the Center of the Book in Kentucky and hosts the Accents podcast on WUKY 91.3 in Lexington, Kentucky. She can be
seen on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@accents.publishing
The Education Shelf
50 Strategies for Learning without Screens
Tom Rademacher
Shell Education
c/o Teacher Created Materials
https://www.teachercreatedmaterials.com
9798765965733, $24.99, PB, 80pp
https://www.amazon.com/50-Strategies-Learning-without-Screens/dp/B0CV9JX557
Synopsis: In a world buzzing with screens, "50 Strategies for Learning without Screens" by Tom Rademacher offers
educators engaging, hands-on learning experiences tailored for various grade levels -- preschool & K-12.
Each individual strategy deliberately steps away from the digital noise, concentrating on future-ready skills such as
curiosity, critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, and compassion.
These practical strategies are crafted to engage students and foster deeper learning competencies. This resource provides
strategies that empower students to navigate a world driven by innovation, adaptability, and critical thinking.
With complete sample lessons and digital resources, classroom teachers can seamlessly integrate these strategies into their
curriculum. The adaptability of each strategy allows customization to fit individual content, style, and, most importantly,
the diverse needs of students, making education a personalized and enriching journey.
Critique: Given the ubiquity of smart phones and the continuing rise of social media, this large format paperback edition of
Tom Rademacher's "50 Strategies for Learning without Screens" from Shell Education is an ideal and 'real world practical'
resource for K-12 classroom teachers, as well as family daycare, preschool, and community library Education
Theory/Student Management collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for school district
in-service training programs, and personal reading lists of parents and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the
subject that "50 Strategies for Learning without Screens" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $19.94)
as well.
Editorial Note: Tom Rademacher (www.mrtomrad.com) has spent the last two decades devoted to students and education.
As an acquisitions editor, he acquires, develops, and sometimes writes books with the goal of helping educators do the
hard work of teaching well. He's the author of It Won't Be Easy and Raising Ollie and has written for Huffington Post,
Education Post, City Pages, and more. As an educator, Tom was named Minnesota's 2014 Teacher of the Year, spoke at
national conferences and TEDx events, and was interviewed by the BBC, the Associated Press, and Education Week.
Understanding and Teaching Religion in US History
Karen J. Johnson & Jonathan M. Yeager, editors
University of Wisconsin Press
www.uwpress.wisc.edu
9780299346300, $34.00, HC, 344pp
https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Teaching-Religion-History-Goldberg/dp/0299346307
Synopsis: Religion is deeply embedded in American history, and one cannot understand American history's broad
dynamics without accounting for it. Without detailing the history of religions, teachers cannot properly explain key themes
in US survey courses, such as politics, social dynamics, immigration and colonization, gender, race, or class.
From early Native American beliefs and practices, to European explorations of the New World, to the most recent
presidential elections, religion has been a significant feature of the American story.
With the publication of "Understanding and Teaching Religion in US History", a diverse group of eminent historians and
history teachers provide a practical tool for teachers looking to improve history instruction at the upper-level secondary and
undergraduate level.
Co-edited by Karen J. Johnson and Jonathan M. Yeager, "Understanding and Teaching Religion in US History" offers a
breadth of voices and approaches to teaching this crucial part of US history. Religion can be a delicate topic, especially in
public education, and many students and teachers bring strongly held views and identities to their understanding of the
past. The editors and contributors aim to help the reader see religion in fresh ways, to present sources and perspectives that
may be unfamiliar, and to suggest practical interventions in the classroom that teachers can use immediately.
Critique: In addition to an informative introduction (Why Religion Matters in Teaching US History) by co-editors and
academicians Johnson and Yeager, "Understanding and Teaching Religion in US History" is comprised of twenty-three
erudite articles deftly organized into two major sections (Frameworks for Teaching Religion in American History &
Teaching Religion in American History in Specific Periods). Additionally there is a complete listing of the contributors
and their credentials, as well as a thirteen page Index. A part of the University of Wisconsin Press 'Harvey Goldberg Series
for Understanding and Teaching History', this hardcover edition of "Understanding and Teaching Religion in US History"
is an exceptional and unreservedly recommended addition to personal reading lists, as well as community and
college/university library American History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note #1: Karen J. Johnson, an associate professor and chair of history at Wheaton College, is the author of One in
Christ: Chicago Catholics and the Quest for Interracial Justice.
Editorial Note #2: Jonathan M. Yeager is the LeRoy A. Martin Professor of Religious Studies at the University of
Tennessee at Chattanooga. He is the author of Jonathan Edwards and Transatlantic Print Culture, named Book of the Year
by the Jonathan Edwards Center at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School.
Sets and Numbers for the Very Young
Irving Adler & Ruth Adler, authors
Peggy Adler, illustrator
BearManor Media
www.bearmanormedia.com
9798887711294, $18.00, PB, 47pp
https://www.amazon.com/Sets-Numbers-Young-Irving-Adler/dp/B0C7FH6JMP
Synopsis: This boy has two cars with which he hears,
One nose that he blows.
Two lips with which he sips.
Two hands on which he sometimes stands.
This girl is on her way to school.
Her clothes are clean and neat.
She has two hats upon her head.
And one shoe on her feet.
Ears, lips, hands, feet, fingers, hats, shoes -- all come in sets. Many things come in sets. They may be sets of ten or two,
one or three or a thousand. A number tells how many.
With sets and numbers young readers will learn about adding and taking away, about matching and comparing, about
putting together and taking apart, about left and right, about before and after, about counting."Sets and Numbers for the
Very Young" will help children to see all that they can learn from sets and numbers!
Critique: An ideal supplement for home-schooling families, preschool and daycare center workers, and elementary school
classroom math themed curriculums, "Sets and Numbers for the Very Young" features a good many DIY exercises that are
both fun and educational. It should be noted that "Sets and Numbers for the Very Young" is also readily available in a
digital book format (Kindle, $4.00) as well.
Editorial Note #1: Irving Adler, whose book The New Mathematics was the first on its subject for the adult general reader,
wrote "Sets and Numbers for the Very Young" for very young children with his wife Ruth. The holder of a Ph.D. in pure
mathematics from Columbia University, Irving Adler was an instructor in math at Columbia as well as at Bennington
College and was formerly head of the mathematics department of a New York City public high school.
His wife Ruth taught mathematics in public schools In the Greater New York area. Ruth Adler died in 1968, one year prior
to the publication of this book by The John Day Company. Irving Adler had 87 titles to his name when he passed away in
2012, at almost 100 years of age. His books were published in 31 countries, in 19 different languages.
Editorial Note #2: Peggy Adler is the daughter of Irving and Ruth Adler and author of BearManor's Peggy's Puzzles -
Volume One (2023) and Pallenberg Wonder Bears - From The Beginning (2022). Previously, she authored the 2019, award
winning pictorial history, Images of America CLINTON (Arcadia) and five books for New York City publishers (The John
Day Company & Franklin Watts). Additionally, Ms Adler illustrated two dozen books and provided art for the Bronx Zoo;
the Humane Society of the United States; Little, Brown & Company and many others.
The Health/Medicine Shelf
Smile, It's All Connected!
Dr. Claire Stagg
TriMark Press
www.TriMarkPress.com
9798988206187, $39.99, PB, 315pp
https://www.amazon.com/Smile-Its-Connected-Claire-Stagg/dp/B0D1RK885F
Synopsis: With the publication of "Smile, It's All Connected! Whole Health Through Balance" Dr. Claire Stagg primary
message is that the teeth and mouth are profoundly connected with the health of the rest of the body, and vice versa. These
connections are far more extensive than most dentists are aware of! Health Connections Dentistry(R) is Dr. Stagg's
holistic, integrative and comprehensive way of practicing dentistry.
In "Smile, It's All Connected! Whole Health Through Balance", Dr. Stagg reveals the interconnection between oral
systemic health and overall well-being in a captivating and enlightening way. By partnering with patients, her passion for
knowledge and helping others "think outside the box", Dr. Stagg helps them take charge of their journey toward root cause
healing and optimal health, instead of temporarily covering up symptoms that will only get worse and result in poor
health.
She also connects dental and oral solutions to medical conditions via conservative approaches to dental care with an
emphasis on growth development and maintenance of the facial skeleton and airways, from infancy to puberty and
beyond.
"Smile, It's All Connected! Whole Health Through Balance" is designed to help specifically the lay person and will benefit
many generations to come. Readers are also invited to visit HealthConnectionsDentistry.com for more groundbreaking
opportunities to be empowered, a means of finding knowledge and health wellness, thereby accelerating the momentum of
changes in all care delivery for the mastery of humanity.
Critique: This large format (11 x 8.5 x 0.75 inches, 1.94 pounds) paperback edition of Dr. Claire Stagg's "Smile, It's All
Connected! Whole Health Through Balance" from TriMark Press exceptionally 'reader friendly' in organization and
presentation, making it an ideal, comprehensive, and unreservedly recommended textbook for dental school and
college/university collections and supplemental Dentistry curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: Dr. Claire Stagg (https://smileprofessionals.com) received her Doctorate in Dental Surgery (DDS) from the
University of Bordeaux, France, in 1982. She was awarded her Fellowship by the American Academy of Craniofacial Pain
in 2008 and completed a Master of Science from Tufts University of Dental Medicine in 2011, with a focus on the area of
Craniofacial Pain. She also has extensive training in Dental Rehabilitation, TMJ and Sleep Breathing Disorders.
The Cookbook Shelf
A Recipe for Every Day of the Year
Francesca Huntingdon
Hamlyn
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9780600638261, $24.99, HC, 384pp
https://www.amazon.com/Recipe-Every-Day-Year-timeless/dp/060063826X
Synopsis: Compiled by Francesca Huntingdon, "A Recipe For Every Day of the Year" is a magnificent collection of 365
recipes presenting a year long menu that is interesting and varied.
Reflecting the changing seasons and linking to events on key dates (pumpkin-spiced for Halloween, festive goose for
Christmas) these wonderful and 'kitchen cook friendly' dishes offer a wide range of recipes that change according to the
seasons, which coincides with the key seasonal fruits and vegetables at grocery stores and farmers markets.
Whether you are craving a hearty breakfast, or you want to tantalize your taste buds with an indulgent dinner, browse
through "A Recipe For Every Day of the Year" for a joyful celebration of tried-and-true favorite dishes.
Dive straight in to discover 365 recipes, with their easy-to-follow instructions, and covering many sweet and savoury
dishes including stews, casseroles, pot roasts, risottos and desserts.
Critique: A carefully developed collection of 365 delicious recipes (one to cook on every day of the year and reflective of
the changing seasons), "A Recipe For Every Day of the Year" is a delight to browse through and to plan memorable menus
with. Also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99), Francesca Huntingdon's "A Recipe For Every Day of the
Year" is an especially recommended pick for personal, family, professional, and community library cookbook
collections.
Editorial Note: Francesca Huntingdon is a home cook, recipe writer and food stylist based in Bath. She has over 20 years
of experience - learning to cook from her mother, grandmother and brothers. She specialises in creating inspiring,
dependable and fuss-free recipes - with a strong emphasis on flavour - that can help anyone become a better cook.
The Wizard of Oz: The Official Cookbook
Elena P. Craig, Emma Carlson Berne, and Elizabeth Fish, authors
Insight Editions
www.insighteditions.com
9798886635195, $29.99, HC, 176pp
https://www.amazon.com/Wizard-Oz-Official-Cookbook/dp/B0CL3BP76V
Synopsis: With the publication of "The Wizard of Oz: The Official Cookbook", the iconic film legions of fans can now
celebrate a timeless classic with more than 70 dishes drawn from the charming fantasy world of The Wizard of Oz! Filled
with magically tasty mains, appetizers, and desserts straight from the Emerald City, this family-friendly cookbook includes
an enchanting roster of recipes that fans will love.
With this deluxe cookbook, you won't need to leave Kansas (or your home) to share a magical meal. Featuring full-color
photography, comprehensive nutritional information, and helpful tips and tricks, "The Wizard of Oz: The Official
Cookbook" will prove that there's no place like home!
Critique: Also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.99), "The Wizard of Oz: The Official Cookbook" showcases
more than 70 palate pleased, appetite satisfying, kitchen cook friendly recipes of dishes inspired by Dorothy, the Cowardly
Lion, the Tin Man, and so many other residences of Oz will bring a very special culinary magic from the Emerald City into
your kitchen. Enhanced with the inclusion of beautifully full color photographs of the finished dishes, "The Wizard of Oz:
The Official Cookbook" is a very special and unreservedly recommended pick for personal, professional, and community
library cookbook collections.
Editorial Note #1: Elena Pons Craig (www.epcfoodstyling.com) is a food and prop stylist and recipe developer with more
than 25 years of experience in culinary design, marketing, photography, and publishing. With her husband and two
children, she has developed superhero cooking skills that cross generations, genders, and genres.
Editorial Note #2: Emma Carlson Berne (www.emmacarlsonberne.com) is an author who often writes about food, history,
and pop culture. Her other books include The Minecraft Cookbook and The Ultimate Driving Book, as well as the thrillers
Never Let You Go and Still Waters. Emma lives in Cincinnati with her husband, two cats, and three boys who loved
"helping" her watch The Wizard of Oz as she researched this book.
Editorial Note #3: Liz Fish (www.instagram.com/lizfishcooks) is a recipe developer and caterer with more than 45 years in
the food industry. Having lived in London, Istanbul and NYC, her love for food has gained her a community wherever she
goes. Her interest in developing recipes started as a food columnist and cooking instructor for expats, teaching them how
to make foods they were familiar with but using locally available ingredients.
Pixar: The Official Cookbook
Tara Theoharis & S. T. Bende
Insight Editions
www.insighteditions.com
9781647229702, $39.99, HC, 224pp
https://www.amazon.com/Pixar-Official-Cookbook-Tara-Theoharis/dp/1647229707
Synopsis: Launch your kitchen "to infinity and beyond," with "Pixar: The Official Cookbook", an inspiring, high-quality
culinary compendium featuring more than 75 delicious recipes inspired by beloved Pixar films! This comprehensive,
family-friendly cookbook features nearly every Pixar short and film in chronological order and includes a creative
collection of colorful appetizers, mains, and desserts that fans will adore, from Ratatouille from Ratatouille to Trenette al
Pesto from Luca!
With more than 75 recipes, there is a movie themed dish for everyone from young fans to experienced foodies to enjoy.
Featuring stunning, in-world photography, suggestions for alternate ingredients, and tips and tricks from beloved
characters, "Pixar: The Official Cookbook" is the perfect companion for family chefs everywhere!
Critique: One of the most beautifully illustrated cookbooks ever based on animated movie characters, Pixar: The Official
Cookbook features full-color photos of the finished dishes showcased in a kitchen cook friendly format of stet-by-step
recipes will help ensure successful and memorable menus for both formal and informal dining. Also readily available in a
digital book format (Kindle, $16.99), this edition of "Pixar: The Official Cookbook" will prove to be a popular and
treasured addition to personal, family, and community library cookbook collections.
Editorial Note #1: Tara Theoharis (https://taratheoharis.com) is the creator of the recipe and party blog The Geeky Hostess
and author of The Minecrafter's Cookbook and Break an Egg! The Broadway Cookbook. She loves creating approachable
recipes inspired by her favorite fandoms.
Editorial Note #2: S.T. Bende (www.stbende.com) is a young-adult and children's author, known for the Norse mythology
series Viking Academy and the Aere Saga. She's also written books for Disney, Lucasfilm, Pixar, The Jim Henson
Company, and Marvel. She lives on the West Coast, where she spends far too much time at Disneyland, and she dreams of
skiing on Jotunheim and Hoth. www.stbende.com
Let's Bake: Over 100 Dessert Recipes for Gifting & Giving
Gail Sweeney
Hatherleigh Press
c/o The Hatherleigh Foundation
www.hatherleighpress.com
9781578269600, $25.00, HC, 272pp
https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Bake-Recipes-Gifting-Sharing/dp/1578269601
Synopsis: The most satisfying part of baking is the happiness it brings to ourselves and to others. This spirit of giving is
baked into the pages of "Let's Bake: Over 100 Dessert Recipes for Gifting & Giving", a unique and very special cookbook
by experienced baker Gail Sweeney.
From traditional favorites to new creations, "Let's Bake" offers a bevy of options for gifting and sharing from your kitchen
with additional features such as:
Best way to present what you've made at a gathering
Tips on wrapping/packaging or gift boxing
Occasions and celebrations best suited for certain recipes
Furthermore, this edition of "Let's Bake" from Hatherleigh Press is lavishly illustrated, making it a pleasure to simple
browse through as well as ideal for gift giving occasions.
Some of the incredible recipes specifically chosen for their ease of sharing and gifting comprising "Let's Bake"
include:
Irish Whiskey Bread Pudding
Toffee Pecan Crunch
Mango Chocolate Tart
Easy Chocolate Lava Cakes
15-Layer Hazelnut Cake
Lemon Bars with Blackcurrant Jam
Dulce de Leche Alfajores
Maple Cookies -- And so much more!
Critique: Fun to simply browse through one delicious baked goods page at a time and ideal as a DIY instructional guide for
family bakers at all skill levels, "Let's Bake: Over 100 Dessert Recipes for Gifting & Giving" will prove an unconditionally
prized and high value addition to personal, family, professional, and community library Baked Goods, Baking Cookbook,
and Baked Desert collections.
The Bento Lunchbox
Sachiko Horie, author
Makiko Itoh, translator
Tuttle Publishing
www.tuttlepublishing.com
9784805318195, $18.99, PB, 144pp
https://www.amazon.com/Bento-Lunchbox-Delicious-Japanese-Lunches/dp/4805318198
Synopsis: "The Bento Lunchbox: Delicious Japanese Box Lunches in 30 Minutes or Less" by Sachiko Horie (and ably
translated into English by Makiko Itoh) provides easy, step-by-step instructions showing how to create six basic box
lunches with many variations, and over 125 different recipes in a rainbow of colors -- the key to making your lunchbox
look great.
American family cooks will enjoy learning how to make fun and easy Japanese style bento lunch boxes with a variety of
basic preparations, such as:
Steamed rice with teriyaki chicken, sesame spinach and sauteed root vegetables
Egg salad sandwiches with crunch carrots and cucumbers
Ramen noodles with warm dipping sauce, savory pork and spinach
Picnic bento with nori rolls, crispy mackerel, miso green beans and glazed sweet potatoes
Culinary author Sachiko Horie is a trained nutritionist who provides calorie counts for each recipe along with tips for
healthy, balanced lunches that appeal to kids and adults. Detailed menu plans, make-ahead instructions, and color-coded
assembly diagrams ensure that the entire family will be out the door on time with beautiful bento lunches in hand!
Critique: Beautifully and profusely illustrated throughout, :The Bento Lunchbox: Delicious Japanese Box Lunches in 30
Minutes or Less" is thoroughly 'user friendly' and provides practical inspiration for something a little different (and fully
Japanese) for lunch menus. Fun to browse through and inspiring to plan lunch menus with, "The Bento Lunchbox" is a
unique, special, and unreservedly recommended pick for personal, family, and community library Ethnic Cookbook
collections. It should be noted that "The Bento Lunchbox" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$18.04) as well.
Editorial Note #1: Sachiko Horie is a nutritionist, food coordinator and culinary artist in Japan. She worked at the Yoko
Yusei Culinary Arts School before starting her own business. She appears regularly in the media and is renowned for her
simple, tasty, and healthy recipes for bentos, home-style meals, snacks, baby food and more. Her books include 3 Dishes in
15 Minutes! A Month of Super Shortcut Low-Carb Dinners, Shop for a Week and Use it All Up! A Month of Low-Carb
Dinners (both from Shufu to Seikatsu Co.) and Cute Cutouts for Grownups (Shufu no Tomo Co.).
(https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sachiko-Horie)
Editorial Note #2: Makiko Itoh (https://justhungry.com/about) writes the food blog, Just Hungry, established in 2003. It
has been featured numerous times by the press including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago
Tribune, The Guardian, Epicurious, Gourmet Magazine, Saveur, The Japan Times, Cooking Light and Food and Wine, and
much more.
Fermentation for Life
Misa Enomoto
Tuttle Publishing
www.tuttlepublishing.com
9784805318065, $19.99, HC, 112pp
https://www.amazon.com/Fermentation-Life-Japanese-Probiotic-Rich-Ingredients/dp/4805318066
Synopsis: Now with the publication of "Fermentation for Life: 100 Easy Japanese Inspired Recipes Using Probiotic-Rich
Ingredients", American family cooks can harness the probiotic powers of fermented foods so well known to the Japanese --
at every meal! From breakfast to midnight snacks, these fermentation-forward recipes comprising "Fermentation for Life"
contain intensely rich flavors and healthy probiotic power in every mouthful.
From simple sauces, soups, salads and stir fries to elegant main courses, savory snacks and decadent desserts,
"Fermentation for Life" covers all the bases!
With "Fermentation for Life", fermentation expert and lifestyle guru Misa Enomoto offers readers dozens of ways to
incorporate fermented foods into their daily meals so they can eat foods that taste better and are better for you all the time
with:
Hearty Soups (From Green Onion & Tofu, to Broccoli & Bacon, and Curried Corn & Cheese Miso)
Simple Salads (Daikon Radish Kimchi, Soybean Yogurt Salad and Avocado & Cherry Tomatoes with Kimchi)
Familiar Dishes Transformed (Natto Carbonara, Chicken Tenders with Sesame Miso, Chicken Amazake Teriyaki and
Amazake French Toast)
Delicious Stir Fries (Stir-fried Pork and Cabbage with Miso, Chicken and Kimchi Stir Fry, Sweet and Sour Pork and Spicy
Beef Bulgogi)
Beverages (Blueberry Lassies, Carrot Vinegar Smoothies, Black Vinegar Ginger Ale and Salt Koji Lemon Soda)
Decadent Desserts and Snacks (Amazake Banana Ice Cream, Strawberry Yogurt Cream Parfait, White Miso Cookies and
Rich Sake Lees Cheesecake).
Critique: This large format hardcover edition of Misa Enomoto's "Fermentation for Life: 100 Easy Japanese Inspired
Recipes Using Probiotic-Rich Ingredients" from Tuttle Publishing is beautifully illustrated throughout with full color
photos of finished dishes. Each individual and authentically Japanese recipe is fully 'American kitchen cook friendly' in
organization and presentation. Highly recommended for personal, professional, and community library Ethnic Cookbook
collections. It should be noted that "Fermentation for Life" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $18.99) as
well.
Editorial Note: Misa Enomoto is a chef and fermentation master and the author of Pickled Vegetables, Quick Miso Recipes
for a Healthy Life and Easy Preserved Seasonal Foods. Her areas of specialization include small-batch miso, rice bran and
desserts and sweets made with mirin. She can be followed on YouTube at "Misa Enomoto's Seasonal Cooking," Instagram
@misa_enomoto or Twitter @misa_enomoto or visit her website: www.futari-gohan.jp, which offers seasonal handicraft
and recipe ideas for couples.
Coffee Creations
Celeste Wong
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781784729615, $22.99, HC, 192pp
https://www.amazon.com/Coffee-Creations-delicious-recipes-perfect/dp/1784729612
Synopsis: The first book from internationally renowned coffee expert and top barista Celeste Wong and showcasing 90
delicious recipes of creating that perfect cup, "Coffee Creations" is a comprehensive and foolproof guide to every coffee
beverage you might ever have contemplated making at home and some you haven't.
Celeste provides friendly and accessible advice on equipment, how to choose between beans, ground coffee and pods, as
well as which roasts and flavours you should select to maximise on flavour and suit personal preferences.
Recipes are divided into chapters including: Mastering your 'traditional' barista creations at home (cappucino, latte, flat
white, macchiato and cortado); Hot days (iced lattes and cold brews); Cold days (Baileys and Biscoff lattes); Evenings in
(coffee cocktails from espresso martinis to cold brew negronis); Novelty creations (dalgona, unicorn and orange juice and
espresso); Baking with coffee (cheat's coffee ice cream and the perfect coffee and walnut cupcakes).
Critique: Beautifully illustrated throughout with color photographs of finished beverages, professional barista Celeste
Wong's "Coffee Creations" is a 'must' for the legions of adventurous coffee enthusiasts and a prized pick for personal,
professional, and community library collections. It should be noted that "Coffee Creations" is also readily available in a
digital book format (Kindle, $10.99) as well.
Editorial Note: Celeste Wong (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celeste_Wong) has held top positions in leading artisan cafes
all over the world for well over a decade. Born in Dunedin, New Zealand, since migrating to the UK, Celeste has been
listed as one of five top baristas in the Financial Times and noted for her excellence in a plethora of other publications. She
is the coffee expert at Olive magazine and has appeared on BBC One's Saturday Kitchen and NBC's The Today Show as a
coffee expert. (Instagram: @the_girl_in_the_cafe)
The World History Shelf
The Handy World War II Answer Book
Richard Estep
Visible Ink Press
www.visibleinkpress.com
9781578598397, $69.95, HC, 480pp
https://www.amazon.com/Handy-World-War-Answer-Book/dp/1578598397
Synopsis: From the Pearl Harbor attack and the D-Day invasion to the Holocaust and the Manhattan Project, World War II
has had a lasting impact on the world. Larger-than-life heroes and villains were minted: Hitler, MacArthur, Stalin, and
Churchill, to name a few. The ballistic missile, atomic bomb, radar, and other inventions were developed that came to
define modern life.
The impact of World War II cannot be underestimated. This Visible Ink Press edition of "The Handy World War II Answer
Book" by Richard Estep looks at the Blitzkrieg, Hiroshima, concentration camps, and the rest of the war's history. It also
answers 550 of the most intriguing questions about the war ranging from Why did Italy and Germany become allies?, to
Who were the Desert Rats?, to Why was Iwo Jima so difficult for the Americans to capture?, to What happened to the
Japanese emperor Hirohito?
Fought all over the world, there were battles and operations, warships and warplanes, guns and bombs, attacks and sieges,
soldiers and leaders. There was despair and victory, triumph and tragedy, struggle and sacrifice. Learn all about the conflict
in "The Handy World War II Answer Book"!
Critique: An extraordinary compendium of information about World War II, and featuring more than 120 photos and
graphics, "The Handy World War II Answer Book" is a fascinating and comprehensive tome that also features a helpful
bibliography and an extensive index. Simply stated, "The Handy World War II Answer Book" is a clear and unreservedly
recommended addition to personal, professional, K-12 school, college/university, and community/public library 20th
Century Military History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that "The Handy World
War II Answer Book" is also readily available in a paperback edition (9781578598106, $29.95) and in a digital book
format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Richard Estep (www.richardestep.net) is a paramedic and paranormal investigator who hails from Great
Britain, and currently make my home in the United States. His work features on the TV series "Haunted Case Files,"
"Haunted Hospitals," and "Paranormal 911." When he is not traveling the world collecting ghost stories and investigating
haunted houses, he is writing about those very same places, or having fun writing fiction with a distinctly supernatural
theme to it.
The Money/Finance Shelf
Experiencing The American Dream
Mark Matson
Wiley
c/o Wiley Professional Trade Group
www.wiley.com
9781394262045, $29.95, HC, 400pp
https://www.amazon.com/Experiencing-American-Dream-Invest-Extraordinary/dp/1394262043
Synopsis: "Experiencing The American Dream: How to Invest Your Time, Energy, and Money to Create an Extraordinary
Life" by Mark Matson is a compelling instructional with clear and potentially life-altering truths about economics and
investing. As you read it, you will be engaging in a profound exploration of your family's financial future.
You will discover what investing is, how it works, and how it can help fulfill your purpose for life. You will also have the
opportunity to alter your relationship to money and investing in a way that leaves you, and those you care about,
powerfully pursuing your dreams.
If you're committed to creating a life of freedom for you and those you love, you can benefit from what "Experiencing the
American Dream" has to teach you. It's a breakthrough in financial education, backed by Nobel Prize winning research,
designed to provide you with the tools to cultivate your financial future.
Critique: Exceptionally well written and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "Experiencing The
American Dream: How to Invest Your Time, Energy, and Money to Create an Extraordinary Life" is especially relevant
and invaluable reading for anyone with an interest in creating and maintaining financial stability and the development of a
fiscally health financial future for themselves and their loved ones. 'Real World' practical and impressively comprehensive
as a DIY instructional guide, "Experiencing The American Dream" by financial investment expert Mark Matson is a solid
and highly recommended pick for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Money Management &
Financial Investment collections.
Editorial Note: Mark Matson (www.MatsonMoney.com) is an American entrepreneur, author, and innovator in the fields
of investing science and financial education. He is the creator of training and development workshops, investing platforms,
and tools that make Nobel Prize winning investing research accessible to investors and helps transform their relationship to
money.
The Biography/Memoir Shelf
Journey from the North: A Memoir
Storm Jameson
Pushkin Press
www.pushkinpress.com
9781805330448, $35.00, HC, 800pp
https://www.amazon.com/Journey-North-Memoir-Storm-Jameson/dp/1805330446
Synopsis: Featuring an informative introduction by Vivian Gornick, "Journey from the North: A Memoir" is a
compulsively readable, beautifully written account of Margaret Ethel Storm Jameson (8 January 1891 - 30 September
1986), a fascinating twentieth-century woman and the life she lived. This is a candid, affecting portrait of a woman who
loathed domesticity and explores how she sought to balance a literary career with political commitment.
Towards the end of her life, Storm Jameson began her memoir by asking, "can I make sense of my life?" This question
propelled her through an extraordinary reckoning with how she had lived: her early years in Whitby, shadowed by her
tempestuous, dissatisfied mother; an early, unhappy marriage and repeated flights from settled domesticity; a tenaciously
pursued literary career, always dogged by a lack of money; and her lifelong political activism, including as the first female
president of English PEN, helping refugees escape Nazi Germany.
In a richly ironic, conversational voice, Storm Jameson also tells of the great figures she knew and events she witnessed:
encounters with H.G. Wells and Rose Macaulay, travels in Europe as fascism was rising and a 1945 trip to recently
liberated Warsaw. Throughout, she casts an unsparing eye on her own motivations and psychology, providing a rigorously
candid and lively portrait of her life and times.
Critique: Written with an impressive eloquence and literary skills, Storm Jameson's "Journey from the North: A Memoir"
is the extraordinary account of an extraordinary woman who lived in extraordinary times. A simply fascinating and
compelling read from start to finish, "Journey from the North: A Memoir" is an especially and unreservedly recommended
pick for community and college/university library 20th Century Women's Biography/Memoir collections. It should be
noted for personal reading lists that "Journey from the North: A Memoir" is also readily available in a digital book format
(Kindle, $21.99).
Editorial Note: Margaret 'Storm' Jameson was an English journalist and author. Born and raised in Whitby, she gained a
scholarship to study English at the University of Leeds. After graduating with a First-Class degree, she moved to London
where she became active in politics and began to write. Jameson remained committed to politics and literature throughout
her life: she published a total of forty-five novels, as well as criticism, short stories and innumerable political articles; she
was also the first female president of the British section of International PEN. In later life, she turned to writing her
memoirs and produced the two volumes of Journey from the North, initially published in 1969 and 1970. Storm Jameson
died in 1986 at the age of ninety-five.
Editorial Note #2: Vivian Gornick Vivian Gornick is an American radical feminist critic, journalist, essayist, and
memoirist. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivian_Gornick)
Son of the Old West
Nathan Ward
Grove/Atlantic, Inc.
www.groveatlantic.com
9780802162083, $28.00, HC, 368pp
https://www.amazon.com/Son-Old-West-Ward-Nathan/dp/0802162088
Synopsis: With the publication of "Son of the Old West: The Odyssey of Charlie Siringo, Cowboy, Detective, Writer of the
Wild Frontier" biographer Nathan Ward reveals that no figure in the Old West lived or shaped its history more fully than
Charlie Siringo.
Born in Matagorda, Texas in 1855, Charlie went on his first cattle drive at age twelve and spent two decades living his
boyhood dream as a cowboy. As the dangerous, lucrative "beeves" business boomed, Siringo drove longhorn steers north
to the burgeoning Midwest Plains states' cattle and railroad towns, inevitably crossing paths with such legendary figures as
Billy the Kid, Bat Masterson, and Shanghai Pierce.
In his early thirties he joined the Pinkerton Detective Agency's Denver office, using a variety of aliases to investigate
violent labor disputes and infiltrate outlaw gangs such as Butch Cassidy's train robbing Wild Bunch. As brave as he was
clever, he was often saved by his cowboy training as he traveled to places the law had not yet reached.
Siringo's bestselling, landmark 1885 autobiography, "A Texas Cowboy", helped make the lowly cowboy a heroic symbol
of the American West. His later memoir, "A Cowboy Detective", influenced early hard-boiled crime novelists for whom
the detective story was really the cowboy story in an urban setting.
Sadly sued into debt by the Pinkertons determined to prevent their sources and methods from being revealed, Siringo
eventually sold his beloved New Mexico ranch and moved to Los Angeles, where he advised Hollywood filmmakers, and
especially actor William S. Hart, on their early 1920s Westerns, watching the frontier history he had known first-hand
turned into romantic legend on the screen.
In his old age, Charlie Siringo was called "Ulysses of the Wild West" for the long journey he took across the western
frontier. This edition of "Son of the Old West" from Grove Atlantic brings him and his legendary world vividly to life.
Critique: Informatively enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of a four page Selected Bibliography, a four
page Epilogue Memories, a six page listing of Acknowledgments, eighteen pages of Notes, and an eighteen page Index,
"Son of the Old West: The Odyssey of Charlie Siringo, Cowboy, Detective, writer of the Wild Frontier" is a seminal,
documented, and fascinating biography of a unique and remarkable character from America's western frontier. While
especially and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library 19th Century American
Biography/Memoir collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Son of the Old West" is also readily
available in a paperback edition (9780802163660, $19.00) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Nathan Ward is the author of The Lost Detective: Becoming Dashiell Hammett, which was nominated for
the Edgar and Anthony awards, as well as Dark Harbor: The War for the New York Waterfront. He has written for the
New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Crimereads, and Westword and was an editor at American Heritage Magazine for
several years. Though he lives in Brooklyn, NY, he has had a lifelong interest in the American West and its history.
Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers
Ian O'Connor
Mariner Books
www.marinerbooks.com
Harper Audio
www.harperaudio.com
9780063297869, $29.99, HC, 368pp
https://www.amazon.com/Out-Darkness-Mystery-Aaron-Rodgers/dp/0063297868
Synopsis: Aaron Rodgers is among the two or three most talented players to ever hold the most important job in American
football -- the quarterback. He also stands as the most mysterious and polarizing figure in the modern-day national pastime
that is professional football.
From his controversial Covid stance, to his methods of spiritual awakening, to his estrangement from his family, to his
high-profile romances, to his devastating Achilles injury a mere four plays into his New York Jets career, Rodgers has long
dominated the NFL's news cycle.
At thirty-nine, in search of a challenge that would rejuvenate him, Rodgers divorced the iconic Green Bay Packers of
Vince Lombardi fame for the Jets, who have not appeared in a Super Bowl since Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon.
The trade made Rodgers the biggest story in the biggest league in the biggest market. By far.
That story only got bigger when Rodgers shockingly went down on the night of 9/11, in front of a packed house that roared
for him when he took the field carrying an American flag, and in front of the biggest Monday Night Football audience in
ESPN history, peaking at more than 25 million viewers across all platforms. Rodgers then shocked the world by pulling off
the fastest recorded comeback from an Achilles tear, returning to practice eleven weeks after surgery. Remarkably enough,
he would have played again in the 2023 season, at age 40, had the Jets remained in playoff contention.
In writing "Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers", biographer Ian O'Connor uses hundreds of original
interviews to pull back the curtain and answer the most penetrating questions about the league's most enigmatic player.
Just like he did in his defining biographies of sports icons as Bill Belichick, Mike Krzyzewski, Derek Jeter, Jack Nicklaus,
and Arnold Palmer, O'Connor reveals all sides of an all-time great and delivers a portrait of a complex man that will
forever shape the way he is viewed.
Critique: An absolute 'must read' pick for dedicated NFL fans in general, and the legions of Aaron Rogers fans in
particular, "Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers" is a definitively informative and exceptionally well
presented biography. While especially and unreservedly recommended for community and college/university library Sports
Biography/Memoir collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that this edition of Ian O'Connor's "Out of the
Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers" from Mariner Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle,
$14.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Harper Audio, 9798874623791, $45.95, CD).
Editorial Note: Ian O'Connor (www.ian-oconnor.com) is the author of five previous books, including four straight New
York Times bestsellers - Coach K, Belichick, The Captain, and Arnie & Jack. He has finished in first place twenty times in
national writing contests, including those conducted by the Pro Football Writers of America, Golf Writers Association of
America, the Society of Professional Journalists, and the Associated Press Sports Editors, who named him the No. 1
columnist in the country in his circulation category three times. O'Connor has been a columnist at ESPN, The New York
Post, USA Today, and The New York Daily News.
My Mother's Dream
George Henderson
Charles C. Thomas, Publisher
https://www.ccthomas.com
9780398094515, $29.95, PB, 184pp
https://www.amazon.com/My-Mothers-Dream-First-Generation-College/dp/0398094519
Synopsis: "My Mother's Dream: The Story of a First-Generation College Student" by George Henderson is an inherently
fascinating, impressively inspiring life story of a boy whose African-American family was forced by white supremacists to
leave their home and move out of the state to be safe from life threatening, race driven persecution. It's the story of a boy
growing up with an understandable antagonism toward whites, the power of a parents' dream that their child would have a
better life than themselves, of what it was like to become the first member of a family to graduate highschool and then
college.
It is also the story of the influence and impact teachers, school counselors, nurses, and other personnel have upon the
students during their education K-12 education and beyond.. Their assistance can be helpful or hurtful to whatever
generation of students they are helping.
Critique: "My Mother's Dream: The Story of a First-Generation College Student" from Charles C. Thomas Publishers is
deftly crafted, emotionally engaging, and simply impressive memoir by George Henderson that is especially and
unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and college/university library African-American
Biography/Memoir collections and supplemental Contemporary Black History curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: George Henderson, the author of "Race and the University: A Memoir" has a listing of all his books at
https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/15043779.George_Henderson
Two Wars
David Colson
TriMark Press
www.TriMarkPress.com
9798990600119, $21.95, PB, 222pp
https://www.amazon.com/Two-Wars-David-Colson/dp/B0D481BN3W
Synopsis: David Colson's first war was in Vietnam. The second occurred when he came home and fought battles on the
streets of Atlanta dealing and using drugs.
A hippie of the late 60s and early 70s, David was a kid who was nervous and excited when he was drafted, witnessed
horrors as a helicopter gunner in some of the toughest arenas in 'Nam, and returned to a home that was no longer the
same.
A true and honest recount of his life, "Two Wars" tells the ultimate experience of what it was like fighting, and then
returning from a war no one wanted. Everything you've heard is true. David knows this because he lived it -- and now
share it with you.
Critique: Impressively well written, candid, fascinating, thought-provoking, and an emotionally engaging read from start to
finish, this edition of David Colson's "Two Wars" from Trimark Press is expressly and unreservedly recommended for
personal reading lists, as well as community and college/university library Contemporary American Biography/Memoir
collections.
Editorial Note: David Colson's stories are vivid, as if he has just lived through the experience instead of remembering
incidents from 50 years ago. He sums up his saga by saying that he also carries happy memories with children. "Life goes
on," he writes. "I am now retired and living in my home state of Florida. I try to live a Christian life now."
The General Fiction Shelf
All They Need to Know
Eileen Goudge
https://eileengoudge.com
Lake Union Publishing
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662518126, $16.99 PB, 335pp
https://www.amazon.com/All-They-Need-Know-Novel/dp/1662518129
Synopsis: On the run from her abusive husband, Kyra Smith hits the road. Destination unknown. With a neglected dog she
rescued in tow, she lands in the peaceful California town of Gold Creek and is immediately befriended by an openhearted
group of women called the Tattooed Ladies Club. They're there for Kyra -- and for each other.
The maternal Frannie is a tattoo artist struggling with a troubled daughter. Suzy is a self-described fashionista grandma
bearing a painful estrangement from her son. Then there's Jo, whose enviable marriage is coming undone. And bookstore
owner Marisol. She longs for the kind of romance she only reads about. For them, and for Kyra, fortunes can change.
Just as Kyra parlays her artistic talents into a new career, and finally meets a man she can trust in and love, her ex tracks
her down. He has a twisted plan to upend everything she now holds dear. Marshaling her renewed power and wisdom,
Kyra will stop at nothing to put the past behind her. Once and for all. Whatever it takes.
Critique: An emotionally riveting read from start to finish (and also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $3.99), "All
They Need To Know" by author Eileen Goudge is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended pick for personal
reading lists and community library Women's Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Eileen Goudge (www.eileengoudge.com) is the author of more than twenty novels, including Garden of
Lies, One Last Dance, and The Diary. Eileen draws from her own experiences in writing women's fiction, exploring
recurring themes of sisterhood/friendship bonds, the joys and heartaches of romance, and reversals of fortune. Eileen got
her start as a ghostwriter for the popular teen series Sweet Valley High, which spawned multiple spin-offs and a TV
series.
Veridian Sterling Fakes It
Jennifer Gooch Hummer
Lake Union Publishing
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662518997, $16.99, PB, 255pp
https://www.amazon.com/Veridian-Sterling-Fakes-Jennifer-Hummer/dp/1662518994
Synopsis: Freshly graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design, Veridian Sterling is ready to hang her work in any of
the countless New York galleries that are sure to give her a show. The problem is only one will, and they're not interested
in her art so much as her personal assistant skills.
No glitz, no glam, and definitely none of the money she needs to help her struggling mother finally realize her dream of
starting her own business after having sacrificed everything for Veri to go to art school. So when she overhears her new
boss discussing the impressive finder's fee for a lost van Gogh, Veri takes matters into her own hands. Maybe her own
artwork isn't celebrated, but she knows how to copy what is, and maybe those skills can help lead to a discovery.
But when a famous art dealer takes her under his wing (and his charming driver takes her interest), Veri realizes she's in
deeper than she expected, and quite possibly with the wrong people. With her mother's dreams and her own future at stake,
Veri will have to pull out every trick she can think of to wipe her canvas clean and erase the mess she's created before she
goes down for someone else's crimes.
Critique: Original, clever, and a fun read from cover to cover, "Veridian Sterling Fakes It" by author Jennifer Gooch
Hummer will be of exceptional interest to fans of Contemporary General Fiction that are populated with deftly crafted and
memorable characters embedded in an inherently interest and unpredictable plot line. Highly recommended for community
library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that this edition of "Veridian Sterling Fakes It" is also
readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99) as well.
Editorial Note: Jennifer Gooch Hummer (https://jennifergoochhummer.com) received her BA in English from Kenyon
College before moving to Los Angeles to work as a script reader for a variety of production companies. She is also the
award-winning author of Girl Unmoored and Operation Tenley.
Between the Sound and Sea
Amanda Cox
Fleming H. Revell Company
c/o Baker Publishing Group
www.revellbooks.com
9780800742744, $17.99, PB, 336pp
https://www.amazon.com/Between-Sound-Sea-Inspirational-Contemporary/dp/0800742745
Synopsis: Every family has its secrets. Josephina Harris wouldn't mind if her family still had a few of their own after a
lawsuit tarnishes their name. When an opportunity opens to become a temporary keeper of a decommissioned lighthouse
on a North Carolina island, she jumps at the chance to escape her small town to oversee the restoration of the
lighthouse.
As the work begins, "Joey" discovers strange notes tucked deep in the crevices of the old stone walls -- pages torn from a
lighthouse keeper's log signed by someone named Mae who recounts harrowing rescues at sea. Fascinated by a woman
lighthouse keeper, Joey digs into the past only to discover there's never been a record of a lighthouse keeper by that
name.
When things start to go amiss on the island, locals are convinced that it is the ghost of the lighthouse keeper and his
daughter who were lost at sea during World War II. As Joey sifts through decades of rumors and legends and puts together
the pieces of the past, what emerges is a love story -- and one that's not over yet.
Critique: A multiple Christy Award winner, with the publication of "Between the Sound and the Sea" once again author
and skilled storyteller Amanda Cox is your guide upon the raging seas of young love, heartbreaking loss, and learning to
risk it all for a chance at happiness in here newest and timeless novel. A fun and interesting read from cover to cover,
"Between the Sound and the Sea" is an ideal choice for community library fiction collections and readily available for
personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $17.09) as well.
Editorial Note: Amanda Cox (AmandaCoxWrites.com) is the Christy Award-winning author of The Edge of Belonging,
The Secret Keepers of Old Depot Grocery, and He Should Have Told the Bees. She holds a bachelor's degree in Bible and
theology and a master's degree in professional counseling, but her first love is communicating through story. Her studies
and her interactions with hurting families over a decade have allowed her to create multidimensional characters that
connect emotionally with readers.
The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux
M. J. Robotham
Head of Zeus
https://headofzeus.com/home
9781035901104, $28.99, HC, 336pp
https://www.amazon.com/Scandalous-Life-Ruby-Devereaux/dp/1035901102
Synopsis: From a teenager in wartime England to a veteran of modern-day London (via 1950's New York, the Swinging
Sixties, Cold War Berlin, Venice and Vietnam) Ruby Devereaux has lived one hell of a life: parties, scandals and conflict
zones, meeting men and adventure along the way. In a writing career spanning seven decades and more than twenty books,
she's distilled everything into her work. Or has she?
Now beyond her 90th year, Ruby's energy is ebbing and her beloved typewriter put away. Until a call from her publisher
presents Ruby with an ultimatum, and the impetus to embark on one last book -- "warts and all", as she says. Even in her
dotage, Ruby M Devereaux has the power to surprise, because whatever this author does, she does on her own terms.
Always.
Ruby is finally about to reveal the secrets of her infamous life!
Critique: Written in the style of a memoir, "The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux" is a fun rollercoaster of a ride
through the latter half of the 20th Century as a woman details her life through an epic and fascinating story of a woman's
adventures in an relentlessly evolving world, With the publication of "The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux" author M.
J. Robinson raises her novel to an impressive level of literary excellence. While especially and unreservedly recommended
for community/public library 20th Century American General Fiction, it should be noted for personal reading lists that
"The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux" is also readily available in a paperback edition (9781035901128, $18.99) and in
a digital book format ($2.99).
Editorial Note: M. J. Robotham saw herself as an aspiring author from the age of nine, but was waylaid by journalism,
birth, children and life. After twenty years as a midwife and an MA in Creative Writing, she is now a full-time author,
writing as Mandy Robotham. (https://www.bookseriesinorder.com/mandy-robotham)
Once More from the Top
Emily Layden
Mariner Books
www.marinerbooks.com
9780063315099, $28.00, HC, 320pp
https://www.amazon.com/Once-More-Top-Emily-Layden/dp/0063315092
Synopsis: Everyone in America knows Dylan Read, or at least has heard her music. Since releasing her debut album her
senior year of high school, Dylan's spent fifteen years growing up in the public eye. She's not only perfected her skills
when it comes to lyrics and melody; she's also learned how to craft a public narrative that satisfies her fans, her label, and
the media. In the circles of fame and celebrity in which she now travels, the careful maintenance of Dylan Read pop star is
often more important than the songs themselves.
And so lots of people think they understand everything about Dylan Read. But what no one knows is the part of her origin
story she has successfully kept hidden: her childhood best friend Kelsey vanished the year before Dylan became famous.
Now, as Dylan's at the height of her career, Kelsey's body is found at the bottom of their hometown lake -- forcing Dylan to
reckon with their shared past, her friend's influence on her music, and whether there's more to their story than meets the
eye.
Critique: Original, deftly crafted, emotionally engaging, and a compulsive page turner of a read from start to finish, "Once
More from the Top" by novelist Emily Layden provides a simply riveting read -- one that will linger in the mind and
memory long after it has been finished and set back upon the shelf. With its themes of friendship, ambition, and the cost of
fame, "Once More from the Top" is a perfect pick for community/public library Contemporary Literary Fiction collections.
It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Once More from the Top" is also readily available in a paperback edition
(9780008587802, $19.99) and in digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).
Editorial Note: Emily Layden (www.emilylayden.com) is a graduate of Stanford University. Her writing has appeared in
The New York Times, Marie Claire, The Billfold, and Runner's World. "All Girls" (St. Martin's Press, 2021) was her first
novel. Find her at emilylayden.com or on Instagram @emilylayden
The Historical Fiction Shelf
Hill of Secrets:
Galina Vromen
https://www.galinavromen.com
Lake Union Publishing
c/o Amazon Publishing
9781662520792, $16.99, PB, 384pp
https://www.amazon.com/Hill-Secrets-Novel-Galina-Vromen/dp/1662520794
Synopsis: Los Alamos, 1943. The US Army has gathered scientists to create the world's first nuclear weapon. Their
families, abruptly moved to the secret desert base with no explanation, have simple orders: Stand by. Make do. Above all,
don't ask questions.
Christine, forced to abandon her art restoration business in New York for her husband's career, struggles to reinvent herself
and cope with his increasing aloofness.
Gertie, the inquisitive teenage daughter of a German Jewish refugee physicist enlists Christine to help her unravel hidden
truths and deal with parents haunted by their past.
Gertie's father, Kurt, anguished by what the Nazis have done to his family and bent on defeating them, carries burdens he
longs to share but cannot confide in his wife -- leading him to find comfort elsewhere.
And Jimmy, a young army technician, falls for Gertie but is unsure if even her deep affection can overcome his agonizing
self-doubts.
Will so much secrecy save them or destroy them?
Critique: "Hill of Secrets" is a deftly crafted World War II era novel with which author Galina Vromen reveals a special
talent for the kind of narrative driven historical fiction that makes for a fascinating and entertaining read from start to
finish. Also available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $3.99), "Hill of Secrets" is unreservedly
recommended for community/public library Historical Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Galina Vromen (www.galinavromen.com) launched and directed two reading readiness programs in Israel,
one in Hebrew (Sifriyat Pijama) and one in Arabic (Maktabat al-Fanoos). During her tenure, the two programs gifted
twenty million books to young children and their families and were named US Library of Congress honorees for best
practices in promoting literacy. Vromen's stories have been performed on NPR's Selected Shorts program and appeared in
magazines such as American Way, the Adirondack Review, Tikkun, and Reform Judaism. She has an MA in literature
from Bar-Ilan University in Israel and a BA in media and anthropology from Hampshire College in Massachusetts.
The Paris Understudy
Aurelie Thiele
Alcove Press
www.alcovepress.com
Blackstone Audiobooks
https://www.blackstonelibrary.com
9781639108619, $29.99, HC, 320pp
https://www.amazon.com/Paris-Understudy-Novel-Aur%C3%A9lie-Thiele/dp/1639108610
Synopsis: 1938. Paris Opera legend Madeleine Moreau must keep newcomer Yvonne Chevallier, whose talent she fears,
off the stage. As the long-standing star of the opera, she is nowhere near ready to give up her spotlight. The perfect
solution: enlist Yvonne as her understudy so she can never be upstaged.
When Madeleine is invited to headline at Germany's preeminent opera festival, she is sure this will cement her legacy. But
war is looming, and when she learns that Adolf Hitler himself will be in attendance, she knows she's made a grave error.
As Madeleine makes a hurried escape back to France, Yvonne finds herself unexpectedly thrown into the limelight on the
German stage.
When a newspaper photograph shows Hitler seemingly enraptured by Yvonne, Yvonne's life is upended. While she is
trying frantically to repair her reputation at home, Yvonne's son is captured and held as a prisoner of war. Desperate to free
her son, she makes an impossible choice: turn to the enemy.
As the Nazis invade Paris, both women must decide what they are willing to do in pursuit of their art. They form an
unlikely alliance, using their fame to protect themselves and the people they love from the maelstrom of history.
Painting an enrapturing portrait of resilient wartime women, "The Paris Understudy" is a kind of love letter to the arts and
a stark depiction of the choices we make to survive,
Critique: A simply riveting and deftly crafted read from start to finish, "The Paris Understudy" by novelist Aurelie Thiele
will have a special appeal to fans of World War II era fiction and the drama of two formerly competitive women coming
together for a common cause -- the survival of themselves and their loved ones under Nazi occupation. While also
available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $17.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book
(Blackstone Audio, 9798228006805, $45.95, CD) superbly narrated by Katherine Anderson, this Alcove Press edition of
"The Paris Understudy" is especially and unreservedly recommended for community/public library 20th Century Historical
Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Aurelie Thiele (https://amsterlit.com/thiele-aurelie) is French American and lives in Dallas, TX. She has
studied writing at the UCLA Extension School and Bennington Writing Seminars.
The Romantic Fiction Shelf
Close Knit
Jenny Colgan
Avon Books
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
www.harpercollins.com
9780063386662, $30.00, HC, 336pp
https://www.amazon.com/Close-Knit-Novel-Jenny-Colgan/dp/0063386666
Synopsis: In the northernmost reaches of Scotland, where a string of little islands in the North Sea stretches towards
Norway, lives Gertie MacIntyre, a proud island girl by birth. Her social circle is small but tight: family and friends,
particularly the women in her knitting circle.
In the whitewashed cottages of their hometown, everyone knows everyone, and the ladies of the knitting circle know more
than most. In a place of long dark winters and geographic isolation, the knitting circle is a precious source of gossip, home,
laughter, and comfort for them all. And while she knits, Gertie's busily plotting what to do with the rest of her life.
When Gertie develops a crush on Callum Frost, who owns the local airline, she dares herself to take a job as an air
stewardess on the little plane that serves the local islands. Terrifying at first, the sixteen-seat puddle jumper also offers the
first taste of real freedom she's ever known. Will Gertie's future lie in the skies? Or will she need to go further afield to
find the adventure she craves?
Critique: A perfectly crafted and fun read from cover to cover, "Close Knit" by author Jenny Colgan showcases her
impressive and narrative driven storytelling skills. While also readily available for personal reading lists in a paperback
edition (9780063260566, $18.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99), "Close Knit" is an unreservedly
recommended pick for community/public library Contemporary Romance Fiction collections.
Editorial Note: Jenny Colgan (www.jennycolgan.com) is the author of numerous novels, including The Christmas
Bookshop, The Bookshop on the Corner, Little Beach Street Bakery, and Christmas at the Cupcake Cafe. Jenny, her
husband, and three children live in a genuine castle in Scotland.
How to Fall for a Scoundrel
Kate Bateman
St. Martin's Paperbacks
c/o St. Martin's Press
https://us.macmillan.com/smp
9781250907370, $8.99, PB, 304pp
https://www.amazon.com/How-Fall-Scoundrel-Majestys-Rebels/dp/1250907373
Synopsis: As a founding member of King & Co., London's most successful private investigation firm, studious Eleanor
Law delights in secretly proving that women can solve crimes just as well as men. When a charming con man pretends to
be her fictional boss, "Charles King", Ellie knows he's lying, but accepting the scoundrel's offer of help might just be the
key to cracking her new case and recovering a priceless manuscript.
"Henri Bonheur" (or "Harry" as he asks to be called) claims his criminal past is behind him, but a man who steals and
seduces with such consummate ease can never be trusted. As the investigation draws them deeper into danger and desire,
Ellie's infuriated to realize she's developed feelings for her law-breaking accomplice.
How can she love the scoundrel when she doesn't even know his real name? And what will happen when Harry's past
finally catches up with him?
Critique: A 'must' for the legions of Regency Romance fans, "How to Fall for a Scoundrel" by novelist Kate Bateman is an
original and fun read from cover to cover and will prove to be an exceptionally popular pick for personal reading lists and
community library Historical Romance collections.
Editorial Note: Kate Bateman (also writing as K. C. Bateman) is a bestselling author of historical romances, including her
RITA(R)-nominated Renaissance romp, The Devil to Pay, the Ruthless Rivals series A Reckless Match, A Daring Pursuit,
and A Wicked Game, the Bow Street Bachelors series This Earl of Mine, To Catch an Earl, and The Princess and the
Rogue, along with the novels in the Secrets & Spies series To Steal a Heart, A Raven's Heart, and A Counterfeit Heart.
(https://www.kcbateman.com)
Perfectly Wicked
Lindsay Lovise
Alcove Press
www.alcovepress.com
9781639109531, $29.99, HC, 304pp
https://www.amazon.com/Perfectly-Wicked-Novel-Lindsay-Lovise/dp/1639109536
Synopsis: There have always been rumors that something magical is afoot at Wicked Good Apples. Rain during droughts
and other inexplicable happenings have long haunted the Maine orchard, but only Holly Celeste and her family know the
truth: the Celestes are just a little wicked.
Despite the magical secret ingredient in their cider, the family business is floundering. When Connor Grimm, a charming
and nationally beloved paranormal investigator, requests to film an episode of his popular TV show on the mysterious
farm, Holly reluctantly accepts. She knows the publicity could be the miracle her family needs -- as long as Connor doesn't
manage to actually make any paranormal discoveries while he's there.
Intent on keeping Connor in the dark and pushing him toward the ghost story believed by the locals, Holly joins him as he
interviews eyewitnesses, hunts for old records, and unearths potentially devastating stories from the past. Despite her
resolution to dislike him, she begins to fall for the only man who's ever made her feel like strange could be normal.
As Connor gets closer to uncovering the real secrets behind the orchard, his and Holly's blooming romance begins to
threaten everything they value -- Connor's commitment to his career and Holly's commitment to protect her family.
Critique: A delightful mix of romance and magic, "Perfectly Wicked" by author Lindsay Lovise showcases a distinctive
and narrative driven story telling style that is as compelling as it is original. A fun read that will have tremendous appeal to
fans of supernatural rom-com fantasy, "Perfectly Wicked" -- which is also readily available in a digital book format
(Kindle, $14.99) -- is a unique and unreservedly recommended pick for community/public library collections and personal
reading lists.
Editorial Note: Lindsay Lovise (https://lindsaylovise.com) writes paranormal and historical romances with quirky heroines
and a dash of mystery. Although she earned degrees in English and teaching, she always knew she wanted to write stories
about love. When she's not writing, Lindsay is reading (probably romance), drinking coffee, and avoiding laundry. She
currently lives in New York but was born and raised in Maine, where the winters make for perfect reading weather.
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Death on the Tiber: A Flavia Albia Novel
Lindsey Davis
Minotaur Books
c/o St. Martin's Publishing Group
www.minotaurbooks.com
Blackstone Audiobooks
https://www.blackstonelibrary.com
9781250906717, $29.00, HC, 368pp
https://www.amazon.com/Death-Tiber-Flavia-Albia-Novel/dp/1250906717
Synopsis: First century Rome is plagued by all the evils the have beset major cities since time immemorial: crime,
corruption, squalor, and worst of all, tourists. When a barge full of those entitled creatures arrives in Rome, they hit all the
touristy hot-spots (the Amphitheater, the Capitol, the dodgy bars with dubious entertainments) before departing for the
next destination - leaving behind one of their party, dead and floating in the Tiber.
While the authorities first try to pass her death off as a suicide, it's quickly proved that the victim strangled to death and her
body dumped. When Flavia Albia, a private informer, learns that the victim was in Rome searching for the man who
abandoned her, Florius, Albia's vicious nemesis, Albia is determined to find out the truth behind the murder and finally
have her revenge.
Florius is the husband of the leader of the Balbinus, one of Rome's most vicious criminal gangs, giving him even more
reason to have murdered his former mistress. Currently engaged in a brutal turf war, with bodies dropping everywhere,
Florius is fighting for his very survival and has little interest in one dead body. Now Albia must risk everything, including
the life she has carefully built, if she is finally to bring Florius to justice. If justice is even possible.
Critique: Author and novelist Lindsey Davis is an extraordinarily talented storyteller whose latest mystery set in ancient
Rome continues to raise her mystery novels to a very impressive level of literary excellence. A fun and fascinating read
from start to finish, her newest novel, "Death on the Tiber", will prove to be a welcome and enduringly popular pick for
community/public library Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of the growing
legions of Lindsey Davis fans that "Death on the Tiber" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99)
and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone Audio, 9798874838997, $45.95, CD).
Editorial Note: Lindsey Davis (https://lindseydavis.co.uk) was born and raised in Birmingham, England. After taking an
English degree at Oxford and working for the civil service for thirteen years, she "ran away to be a writer." Her
internationally bestselling novels featuring ancient Roman detective Marcus Didius Falco include Venus in Copper, The
Iron Hand of Mars, Nemesis and Alexandria. She is also the author of Rebels and Traitors, set during the English Civil
War. Davis is the recipient of the Crime Writers' Association Cartier Diamond Dagger Award, the highest accolade for
crime writers, as well as the Ellis Peters Historical Dagger Award and the Authors' Club Best First Novel award.
To Err is Cumin
Leslie Budewitz
Seventh Street Books
https://www.seventhstreetbooks.com
c/o Simon & Schuster
https://www.simonandschuster.com
Blackstone Audiobooks
https://www.blackstonelibrary.com
9781645060857, $18.95, PB, 236pp
https://www.amazon.com/Err-Cumin-Spice-Shop-Mystery/dp/1645060853
Synopsis: Pepper Reece, owner of the Spice Shop in Seattle's Pike Place Market, wants nothing more than to live a quiet
life for a change, running her shop and working with customers eager to spice up their cooking. But when she finds an
envelope stuffed with cash in a ratty old wingback left on the curb, she sets out to track down the owner.
Pepper soon concludes that the chair and its stash may belong to young Talia Cook, new in town and nowhere to be seen.
Boz Bosworth, an unemployed chef Pepper's tangled with in the past, shows up looking for the young woman, but Pepper
refuses to help him search. When Boz is found floating in the Ship Canal, only a few blocks from Talia's apartment, free
furniture no longer seems like such a bargain.
On the hunt for Talia, Pepper discovers a web of connections threatening to ensnare her best customer. The more she
probes, the harder it gets to tell who's part of an unsavory scheme of corruption -- and who might be the next victim.
Between her quest for an elusive herb, helping her parents remodel their new house, and setting up the Spice Shop's first
cooking class, Pepper's got a full plate. Dogged by a sense of obligation to find the rightful owner of the hidden treasure,
she keeps on showing up where she's not wanted, asking probing questions.
One mistake, and she could find herself cashing out!
Critique: A fun and original read from cover to cover for all cozy mystery fans, "To Err is Cumin" is author Leslie
Budewitz newest 'whodunnit' novel and apart of her 'A Spice Shop Mystery' series from Seventh Street Books. Superbly
written, "To Err is Cumin" is a deftly crafted cozy culinary mystery featuring an avid amateur female sleuth confronted
with a deadly murder mystery with cliff hanger plot twists that fully engage the reader down to the final page. While
especially and unreservedly recommended as a popular pick for community library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should
be noted for personal reading lists that this paperback edition of "To Err is Cumin" is also readily available in a digital
book format (Kindle, $9.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone Audio, 9798874847333, $45.95,
CD).
Editorial Note: Leslie Budewitz (www.lesliebudewitz.com) blends her passion for food, great mysteries, and the Northwest
in two cozy mystery series, the Spice Shop Mysteries, set in Seattle's Pike Place Market, and the Food Lovers' Village
Mysteries, set in NW Montana. She also writes moody suspense under the pen name Alicia Beckman. Leslie is the winner
of three Agatha Awards -- 2013 Best First Novel for "Death Al Dente" DENTE, the first Food Lovers' Village mystery;
2011 Best Nonfiction, and 2018 Best Short Story, for "All God's Sparrows," her first historical fiction. A past president of
Sisters in Crime and a former board member of Mystery Writers of America, she lives and cooks in NW Montana.
The Grim Sleeper
Gretchen Rue
Crooked Lane Books
www.crookedlanebooks.com
9781639108657, $30.99, HC, 304pp
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-grim-steeper-gretchen-rue/1144540807
Synopsis: Amateur witch Phoebe Winchester is excited to host her first big author event at the Earl's Study, her book and
tea store. The author, Sebastian Marlow, is a famous birder excited to put Raven Creek on the map for his rediscovery of a
presumed-extinct bird. When Sebastian is found dead before his planned bird hike, where he expected to prove the
existence of the bird to fellow birding enthusiasts, it's obvious someone wanted him to be extinct, too.
Sebastian had a few unfriendly encounters with his staff -- including his recently fired manager, who was seen arguing
with him at the author event. Phoebe is determined to figure out who killed Sebastian, worried that it will negatively affect
her store's image that her biggest guest author got killed. With the clock ticking, she enlists the help of Rich Lofting, the
handsome local private investigator, to help her look into the murder.
It's not long before another victim is pecked off and someone close to Phoebe is the suspect. She'll have to work quickly to
uncover the killer and figure out who's up to fowl play in the third charming book in this warm and witchy series.
Critique: Adding a little Wiccan witchcraft to the mix, "The Grim Sleeper" by novelist Gretchen Rue is an original and
deftly crafted cozy mystery that includes an amateur female sleuth, a first class 'whodunnit' murder mystery, and more plot
twists and turns than an Oklahoma tornado. A fun and memorable read from cover to cover, "The Grim Sleeper" is a solid
pick for community library Mystery/Suspense collections. For personal reading lists of cozy mystery (and Wiccan) fans it
should be noted that "The Grim Sleeper" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $17.99) and as a complete and
unabridged audio book (Dreamscape Media, 9798228000988, $45.99) flawless narrated by Kristin Price.
Editorial Note: Gretchen Rue (www.sierradean.com/gretchenrue) is a secondary pen-name from author Sierra Dean. She is
a talented cozy mystery author, whose works include The Witches' Brew and Lucky Pie series from Crooked Lane
Books.
A Killer Clue
Victoria Gilbert
Crooked Lane Books
www.crookedlanebooks.com
Blackstone Audiobooks
https://www.blackstonelibrary.com
9781639106431, $30.99, HC, 304pp
https://www.amazon.com/Killer-Clue-Hunter-Clewe-Mystery/dp/163910643X
Synopsis: When Eloise Anderson, the owner of an antiquarian bookshop, arrives at the grand Aircroft estate to ask retired
librarian Jane Hunter and eccentric collector Cameron Clewe for help, Jane and Cam expect a bookish inquiry. But the
bookseller has a different sort of assistance in mind -- clearing her mother's name of a murder Eloise is convinced she
didn't commit.
Eloise's mother has just died after spending many years in prison for allegedly killing Eloise's father. Armed with new
information found in her mother's effects, the bookseller is determined to uncover the true killer so her mother can rest in
peace, even though the case is now colder than ice. When Jane tracks down the original detective from the investigation
and discovers him stabbed to death in Eloise's bookshop, Jane and Cam are sure this murder is connected to the cold case.
They think it's the same killer, but the police unfortunately have their own prime suspect, and this time around it's
Eloise.
Cam and Jane's cold-case sleuthing turns urgent -- find who committed the murders or watch another innocent woman rot
in jail as a cold-blooded killer walks free.
Critique: Victoria Gilbert is one of the best mystery writers working today. Her mastery of the cozy mystery genre
continues evident with the publication of "A Killer Clue" which has all the elements a cozy mystery fan would need -- a
plucky albeit amateur female sleuth and a 'whodunnit' murder mystery for her to solve. An original and fun read from start
to finish, "A Killer Clue" is an ideal pick for community library Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for the
personal reading lists of the growing legions of Victoria Gilbert fans that "A Killer Clue" is also readily available in a
digital book format (Kindle, $18.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone Audio, 9798228001213,
$45.95, CD) narrated by Carrington MacDuffie.
Editorial Note: Raised in a historic small town at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Victoria Gilbert
(https://victoriagilbertmysteries.com) turned her early obsession with books into a dual career as an author and librarian.
Now retired after over 30 years in the library field, she's worked as a reference librarian, research librarian, and university
library director. Victoria writes the Blue Ridge Library mystery series, the Booklover's B&B mystery series, and the Hunter
and Clewe traditional mystery series for Crooked Lane Books. A member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime,
and International Thriller Writers, Victoria lives in North Carolina.
A Slay Ride Together With You
Vicki Delany
Crooked Lane Books
www.crookedlanebooks.com
Blackstone Audiobooks
https://www.blackstonelibrary.com
9781639108794, $29.99, HC, 288pp
https://www.amazon.com/Slay-Together-Year-Round-Christmas-Mystery/dp/1639108793
Synopsis: Rudolph, New York, shop owner Merry Wilkinson's best friend Vicky Casey is newly engaged to Chef Mark
Grosse and is moving into the historic Cole House -- a home surrounded by drama, intrigue, and a possible haunting that is
in desperate need of renovation.
The wedding is just three weeks away, but all is not bliss for the newly engaged couple as estranged relatives of the late
owner fight over her will. Then, late one night, Vicky and Merry come across a dead body in the garden of Cole House --
and Mark is the one standing over the corpse.
As Detective Diane Simmonds focuses on Mark as the prime suspect, Vicky asks for Merry's help to clear her fiance's
name in time for the wedding. As they dig deeper into the connection between the house, Cole relatives, and town
residents, past and present, it becomes clear that plenty of people wanted the victim dead.
With a bakery to run, the busy Easter weekend fast approaching, a house to renovate, and a fiance to clear of a murder
accusation, Vicky's wedding may end up on the chopping block. It's up to Merry to put aside the chocolate bunnies and
stuffed rabbits and help her best friend save her wedding - and her life.
Critique: "A Slay Ride Together With You" by talented novelist Vicki Delany has everything the dedicated cozy mystery
lover requires -- an original 'whodunnit' murder mystery to be solved by an amateur female detective and friends. A fun
read from start to finish, this hardcover edition of "A Slay Ride Together With You" from Crooked Lane Books is an
especially commended pick for community library Mystery/Suspense collections and is readily available for personal
reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $17.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone Audio,
9798874849665. $45.95, MP3-CD; 9798874849658,$45.99, Audio CD) narrated by Dina Pearlman.
Editorial Note: Vicki Delany (http://vickidelany.com) is the Canadian author of more than thirty novels/novellas in several
of mystery's subgenres. Born in Manitoba and raised in Ontario, she is the former president of the Crime Writers of
Canada, a member of Capital Crime Writers, and a member of Sisters in Crime.
Cabaret Macabre
Tom Mead
The Mysterious Press
www.mysteriouspress.com
c/o Penzler Publishers
https://penzlerpublishers.com
9781613165300, $26.95, HC, 291pp
https://www.amazon.com/Cabaret-Macabre-Tom-Mead/dp/1613165307
Synopsis: Victor Silvius has spent nine years as an inmate at The Grange, a private sanatorium, for the crime of attacking
judge Sir Giles Drury. Now, the judge's wife, Lady Elspeth Drury, believes that Silvius is the one responsible for a series of
threatening letters her husband has recently received. Eager to avoid the scandal that involving the local police would
entail, Lady Elspeth seeks out retired stage magician Joseph Spector, whose discreet involvement in a case Sir Giles
recently presided over greatly impressed her.
Meanwhile, Miss Caroline Silvius is disturbed after a recent visit to her brother Victor, convinced that he isn't safe at The
Grange. Someone is trying to kill him and she suspects the judge, who has already made Silvius' life a living hell, may be
behind it. Caroline hires Inspector George Flint of Scotland Yard to investigate.
The two cases collide at Marchbanks, the Drury family seat of over four hundred years, where a series of unnerving events
interrupt the peace and quiet of the snowy countryside. A body is discovered in the middle of a frozen pond without any
means of getting there and a rifle is fired through a closed window, killing a man but not breaking the glass. Only Spector
and his mastery of the art of misdirection can uncover the logical explanations for these impossible crimes.
Critique: Richly atmospheric and traditional, "Cabaret Macabre" by Tom Mead is a combination 'whodunnit' & 'how'd they
do it' mystery that will be considered on the same literary level as any of Arthur Conan Doyle's novels. "Cabaret Macabre"
is the third book in Tom Mead's Joseph Spector series (whose books can be enjoyed in any order) and will have immense
appeal to readers with an interest in stories murder mystery stories featuring amateur sleuths and traditional detective work.
It should be noted for the personal reading lists of historical mystery fans that "Cabaret Macabre" is also readily available
in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (HighBridge Audio,
9798874830281, $45.95, CD).
Editorial Note: Tom Mead (https://tommeadauthor.com) is a Derbyshire mystery writer and aficionado of Golden Age
crime fiction. His debut novel, Death and the Conjuror, was an international bestseller, nominated for several awards, and
named one of the best mysteries of the year by The Guardian and Publishers Weekly. Its sequel, The Murder Wheel, was
described as "pure nostalgic pleasure" by the Wall Street Journal and "a delight" by the Daily Mail. It was also named one
of the Best Traditional Mysteries of 2023 by CrimeReads.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Hell Divers XII: Heroes
Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Blackstone Publishing
https://www.blackstonelibrary.com
9798212386739, $26.99, HC, 448pp
https://www.amazon.com/Hell-Divers-XII-Heroes/dp/B0CST7T982
Synopsis: The Forerunner has decimated the Vanguard Islands in a surprise attack from the Trident warship. King Kade
Long (seeing no alternative) accepts a peace deal, committing to a perilous mission with X, the "Immortal", to activate
weather-modification reactors at the poles. But as Kade and X set off, the fragile peace is threatened by Gran Jefe's
one-man guerrilla war against the psychopathic knight, General Jack. Meanwhile, halfway across the world, Michael and
his family begin to settle into their new life in the Canary Islands, only to discover that it's not the sanctuary they believed
it was.
Diving into the most inhospitable territory yet, the Hell Divers face horrific monsters bred for a single purpose: to keep
them out at any cost. Their only hope of defeating the monsters and restoring the planet is for enemies to unite behind the
Immortal and finally work together. But with blood being shed back home, these heroes may have nothing left to save.
In "Hell Divers XII: Heroes", beloved characters will confront their fates in a desperate bid to resurrect the world, though
not all will live to see the dawn of a new era.
Critique: An absolute 'must read' for the legions of Nicholas Sansbury Smith fans, "Hell Divers XII: Heroes" will also have
a distinctive appeal for readers with an interest in deftly crafted action/adventure techno thrillers, dystopian novels, and
post-apocalyptic science fiction. While especially recommended for community/public library collections, it should be
noted for personal reading lists that "Hell Divers XII: Heroes" is also available in a paperback edition (9798212386715,
$16.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.99).
Editorial Note: Nicholas Sansbury Smith (https://nicholassansburysmith.com) is the author of the Hell Divers series, the
Orbs series, the Trackers series, the Extinction Cycle series, the Sons of War series, and the new E-Day series. He worked
for Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management in disaster mitigation before switching careers to focus on
storytelling.
When Among Crows
Veronica Roth
Tor Books
c/o Tor/Forge Books
www.tor-forge.com
9781250855480, $19.99, HC, 176pp
https://www.amazon.com/When-Among-Crows-Veronica-Roth/dp/1250855489
Synopsis: Pain is Dymitr's calling. His family is one in a long line of hunters who sacrifice their souls to slay monsters.
Now he's tasked with a deadly mission: find the legendary witch Baba Jaga. To reach her, Dymitr must ally with the very
ones he's sworn to kill.
Pain is Ala's inheritance. A fear-eating zmora with little left to lose, Ala awaits death from the curse she carries. When
Dymitr offers her a cure in exchange for her help, she has no choice but to agree.
Together they must fight against time and the wrath of the Chicago underworld. But Dymitr's secrets (and his true motives)
may be the thing that actually destroys them!
Critique: Impressively original, exceptionally well written, compelling, and a fun read from cover to cover, "When Among
Crows" by author Veronica Roth will prove a welcome and enduringly popular pick for community/public library Fantasy
Fiction collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of all dedicated action/adventure fantasy fans that
"When Among Crows" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99).
Editorial Note: Veronica Roth (https://veronicarothbooks.com) is the author of the Divergent series (Divergent, Insurgent,
Allegiant, and Four: A Divergent Collection), the Carve the Mark duology (Carve the Mark, The Fates Divide), The End
and Other Beginnings collection of short fiction, Chosen Ones, and many short stories and essays.
The Vampire of Kings Street: A Mystery
Asha Greyling
Crooked Lane Books
www.crookedlanebooks.com
Tantor Media
https://tantor.com
9781639108671, $29.99, HC, 272pp
https://www.amazon.com/Vampire-Kings-Street-Mystery/dp/163910867X
Synopsis: Having a resident vampire is just the thing for upper-class New Yorkers - besides being a status symbol, they
make excellent butlers or housekeepers. The only thing they require in return is a drop or two of blood and a casket to shut
out the dawn's early light.
Tolerated by society only if they follow a strict set of rules, vampires are seen as "less than" - and as the daughter of
immigrants, Radhika knows firsthand how this feels. Accused of murder, her undead client Mr. Evelyn More, knows that
the cards are stacked against him.
With the help of a journalist friend and a diminutive detective inspector, Miss Dhingra sets out to prove her client's
innocence and win his freedom. Failure will mean Mr. More's death, the end of her dreams of becoming a successful
attorney, and the loss of the vampire Miss Dhingra has begun to call her friend.
Critique: Offering a deftly crafted, original, and alternative paranormal mystery that includes a series delightful characters,
and insightful social commentary, "The Vampire of Kings Street" is all the more impressive when considering that it is
author Asha Greyling's debut as a novelist. A fun read from start to finish, it should be noted that "The Vampire of Kings
Street" will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular pick for community/public library Fantasy Fiction collections
and is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $17.99) and audio book edition (Tantor Audio, 9798874884017,
$39.99, CD) ably narrated by Soneela Nankari.
Editorial Note: Asha Greyling (https://ashagreyling.com) lives in Maryland with her furry four-footed muses, Gwin the
terrier and a guinea pig who thinks she's a cat. She likes nothing more than swinging in the playground (unless the local
children scare her off), collecting acorns, or sitting down with a good book.
Rainier's Legacy
Chad Corrie
Dark Horse Books
https://www.darkhorse.com
9781506741048, $19.99, PB, 304pp
https://www.amazon.com/Rainiers-Legacy-Chad-Corrie/dp/1506741045
Synopsis: The connected short stories comprising Chad Corrie's anthology, "Rainier's Legacy" features Corwyn Danther,
"Famed Bard of the Midlands," as he faces off with halfling highwaymen, long-forgotten horrors, mystical encounters,
conniving con men, and an old flame with some questionable machinations, along with a few other surprises.
Welcome to Tralodren, a world rich in history, faith, and tales of adventure -- of which these stories are but a handful of
many. With a mixture of humor, adventure, insight, and wonder get ready to explore Tralodren in a whole new light. No
epic struggles. No grand, glorious schemes. Just a pragmatically pacifistic bard and some of his varied adventures.
The seven stories comprising "Rainier's Legacy" from Dark Horse Books include:
"Rainier's Legacy" -- Corwyn takes part in an expedition to the Northlands looking for the answer of eternal life but soon
finds himself in a wild adventure where his own life hangs in the balance.
"Maiden Rock" -- While visiting a shrine infrequently sought after by the faithful, Corwyn draws closer to the divine,
birthing an encounter that will stay with him the rest of his life.
"Where Dreams Go to Die" -- During a strong downpour, Corwyn finds a cemetery next to an inn in which he takes
shelter. He soon discovers, however, that this is no ordinary inn, and both it and the cemetery are more connected than he
could ever imagine.
"Charity for Halflings" -- A fruitless search leads Corwyn and an old dwarven friend traveling alone on a road at night,
wherein they meet up with some halfling highwaymen who receive more than they were expecting from the duo.
"Sellswords and Snake Oil" -- When two demon hunters arrive in a small village, Corwyn and his dwarven friend get
wrapped up in a strange series of events that become more confusing and life-threatening the further they progress.
"The Forgotten" -- While running for his life in the Grasslands of Gondad, Corwyn comes upon a neglected memorial from
a once mighty empire. Curious and eager to escape his pursuers, he begins an investigation, leading to a supernatural
encounter.
"The More Things Change" -- While on vacation for the summer, a request for aid from an old flame soon sends Corwyn
into a mess of halfling thieves, ancient tombs, treasure, and some other rather messy issues he finds hard-pressed to get out
of so easily.
Critique: Starring one bard in seven action/adventure episodes, "Rainier's Legacy" a a fun, original, and memorable read
from first page to last. A compendium of Heroic Fantasy tales, "Rainier's Legacy" will prove to be an immediate and
enduringly popular pick for personal reading lists and community/public library Fantasy Fiction collections. It should be
noted that this paperback edition of "Rainier's Legacy" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99) as
well.
Editorial Note: Chad Corrie (https://chadcorrie.com) has enjoyed creating things for as far back as he can remember, but it
wasn't until he was twelve that he began to write. Since then he's written comics, graphic novels, prose fiction of varying
lengths, and an assortment of other odds and ends. His work has been published in other languages and produced in print,
digital, and audio formats. He also makes podcasts.
What We Sacrifice for Magic
Andrea Jo DeWerd
Alcove Press
www.alcovepress.com
Blackstone Audiobooks
https://www.blackstonelibrary.com
9781639108756, $18.99, PB, 304pp
https://www.amazon.com/What-We-Sacrifice-Magic-Novel/dp/1639108750
Synopsis: It's 1968, and the Watry-Ridder family is feared and respected in equal measure. The local farmers seek out their
water charms, and the teenagers, their love spells. The family's charms and spells, passed down through generations of
witches descending from the Black Forest, have long served the small town of Friedrich, Minnesota.
Eldest daughter Elisabeth has just graduated high school -- she is expected to hone her supernatural abilities to take over
for her grandmother, the indomitable Magda. She's also expected to marry her high school sweetheart and live the rest of
her life in Friedrich. But all she can ask is, why her? Why is her path set in stone, and what else might be out there for
her?
She soon discovers that magic isn't the only thing inherited in her family. That magic also comes with a great price -- and a
big family secret. The more she digs, the more questions she has, and the less she trusts the grandmother she thought she
knew. Who is Elisabeth without her family? She must ultimately decide what she's willing to sacrifice for her family, for
their secrets and their magic, or risk it all to pave her own way.
Critique: All the more impressive when considering that "What We Sacrifice for Magic" is author Andrea Jo DeWerd's
debut as a novelist. Navigating the bittersweet tension between self-discovery and living up to familial expectations, "What
We Sacrifice for Magic" is a compelling and fantasy infused story of coming into one's own. Of special appeal to readers
with an interest in historical fantasy intermixed with romance and the occult, "What We Sacrifice for Magic" is a welcome
and recommended pick for community/public library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "What
We Sacrifice for Magic" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99) and as a complete and
unabridged audio book (Blackstone Audio, 9798874881405, $45.95, CD) deftly narrated by the storytelling talents of Sara
Van Beckum.
Editorial Note: Andrea Jo DeWerd (www.ajdewerd.com) is a writer, a speaker, and the founder of the future of agency
LLC, a book marketing and publishing consulting agency. Andrea received her MS in publishing from New York
University and BA in English from George Washington University. What We Sacrifice for Magic is her first novel.
The Music CD Shelf
Poetry Project
D.D. Jackson
ddjackson.com
Privately Published
$25.00 CD / $15.00 digital
https://ddjackson.bandcamp.com/album/digital-album-96-khz-24-bit-download-with-32-page-full-color-digital-booklet
Multiple Emmy-winning jazz pianist/composer/producer D.D. Jackson presents Poetry Project, an original album of
contemporary vocal jazz transforming Canadian poetry into an unforgettable performance. The lyrics are drawn from
curated works of talented poets, while all music is written, arranged, and produced by D.D. Jackson. Five Juno-winning
performers including D.D. Jackson as well as vocalists Laila Biali and Sammy Jackson bring this melliflous, visionary, and
transcendent album to life. Poetry Project is an extraordinary treasure for poetry and jazz connoisseurs alike, and also
makes an excellent gift. The tracks are Mavety Street; A Pavane for Georgie; So, Say I; Daylight Shooting in Little Italy;
Because You Squeezed Back; The Father's Dream; 2641 Fuller Terrace; Self-Composed; On Silence; Alternating Current;
I Call; Coda: The Blues; and Daedalus' Lament.
Everything You Could Be
Christopher Parnis
christopherparnis.com
Privately Published
$TBA CD / $5.00 CAD digital
https://christopherparnis.bandcamp.com/album/everything-you-could-be
Everything You Could Be is an instrumental jazz album performed by Christopher Parnis on double bass and his
bandmates - Christian Antonacci on trumpet and flugelhorn, Matt Greenwood on electric guitar, Brian Dickinson on piano,
and Aaron Blewett on drum set. Most tracks are written and arranged by Christopher Parnis, except for a couple by other
composers. Everything You Could Be explores the depth and beauty of jazz improvisation among a quintet of highly
skilled music artists, and is a treasure for connoisseurs of modern-day original jazz. The tracks are Unsettling Blue
(Unblinking), Opportunity, D.D.Q., Guitar Intro (Matt Greenwood), Measured Response (Mark Parnis), Everything You
Could Be, A False Start, and The Cradle.
Silent Boomer X
Zack Foley
zackfoley.com
Jazzheads
jazzheads.com
$TBA CD / $TBA digital
https://open.spotify.com/album/2rnIc97mDwAJdBsVBJTIVY
https://music.apple.com/us/album/silent-boomer-x/1762672639
Tenor vocalist Zack Foley, bassist Frank Wagner, and drummer C.J. Everett present Silent Boomer X, an album of beloved
classic jazz songs performed with nontraditional flair. The album's title reflects how the three musicians each belong to
different generations - Everett is of the Silent Generation, Wagner is a Baby Boomer, and Foley is part of Generation X.
Together they present fresh new takes on the songs they perform, even updating some lyrics to reflect the modern-day era.
Silent Boomer X is a choice pick for vocal jazz enthusiasts, highly recommended. The tracks are Let's Have Another Cup
of Coffee, Don't Blame Me, I Used to be Colorblind, Old Folks, Pick Yourself Up, Two for the Road, I'll See You in My
Dream, Turn Out the Stars, and Everything I Love.
Letting Go of a Dream
Jake Noble
jakenoble.bandcamp.com
Privately Published
$TBA CD / $7.00 digital
https://jakenoble.bandcamp.com/album/letting-go-of-a-dream
Letting Go of a Dream is the debut album of bassist Jake Noble, who personally composed its seven contemporary jazz
songs about self-discovery and personal transformation. The free-flowing instrumental music is performed by Jake Noble
on bass, Autumn Dominguez on alto saxophone, Mike Clement on guitar for two tracks, Seth Collins on piano, and Tanner
Guss on drums. Letting Go of a Dream is highly recommended, especially for jazz connoisseurs in search of rich new
soundscapes to experience while working, relaxing, or engaging in creative pursuits. The tracks are What Could Have
Been, The Push Factor, Acceptance of the Journey, Farewell to the Kid From Spring, One the Up and Up, Alice's Point of
View, and Theme for a New Age.
A Change of Pace
Greg Amirault
gregamirault.org
Privately Published
$TBA
A Change of Pace is the latest contemporary jazz album performed by the Greg Amirault trio (Greg Amirault on guitar,
Adrian Vedady on bass, and Andre White on drums). Six of the tracks are original compositions by Greg Amirault; three
tracks are beloved classics. A Change of Pace lives up to its title with a varied offering of jazz styles, including two pieces
inspired by Nova Scotia folk music traditions. The result is an adventurous, imaginative soundscape ideal for stirring
creativity and imagination. Highly recommended, especially for jazz connoisseurs. The tracks are That's a Fact, I Wish I
Knew (by Harry Warren), On a Swing, Ballade pour La Butte, If I Had You (James Campbell), A Change of Pace,
Ancestral Routes, Besame Mucho (Consuelo Velasquez), and Open String Blues.
Breaking Stretch
Patricia Brennan Septet
patriciabrennanvibes.com
Pyroclastic Records
$18.00 CD / $12.00 digital
https://patriciabrennanpyroclastic.bandcamp.com/album/breaking-stretch
Vibraphonist, marimbist, and composer Patricia Brennan combines her talent with Jon Irabagon on alto and soprano
saxophones, Mark Shim on tenor saxophone, Adam O'Farrill on trumpet and electronics, Kim Cass on bass, Marcus
Gilmore on drums, and Mauricio Herrera on percussion to create Breaking Stretch, an extraordinary jazz album performed
by a superbly coordinated septet. Breaking Stretch draws upon a wide variety of inspirations, from New Mexico folklore to
Afro-Caribbean rhythms to funk, salsa, and brass band. Breaking Stretch is a multifaceted experience, highly
recommended especially for jazz connoisseurs seeking something new and adventurous! The tracks are Los Otros Yo (The
Other Selves), Breaking Stretch, 555, Palo de Oros (Suit of Coins), Suenos de Coral Azul (Blue Coral Dreams), Five Suns,
Mudanza (States of Change), Manufacturers Trust Company Building, and Earendel.
Tides
Philip Weberndoerfer
weberndoerfer.com
Shifting Paradigm Records
$13.98 CD / $8.91 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/Tides-Philip-Weberndoerfer/dp/B0D7T7XHZP
Tides is an album of original music performed by Philip Weberndoerfer on guitar, Richard Mikel on bass, Peter
Traunmueller on drums, and Dayna Stephens on saxophones. All songs are composed by Weberndoerfer except for Little
B's Poem (by Bobby Hutcherson) and My Ideal (by Richard A. Whiting, Newell Chase, and Leo Robin). Tides is intricate,
thoughtful, smoothly performed, and an immersive delight for connoisseurs of virtuoso-quality guitar. Highly
recommended. The tracks are Little B's Poem, Low Gravity, Peace of Constance, My Ideal, Salted Sweets, Suspense and
Certainty, Simple Task, The Gypsy, and One Of These Days.
Emi's Song
Neil Adler
Neiladlerharmonica.com
EJA Records
$TBA CD / $9.49 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D8K98CG3
Emi's Song is a collaborative album featuring Neil Adler on piano and chromatic harmonica, Jeff Buenz on six-string bass,
Akira Tana on drums, and Carlitos Medrano on congas. There are three original compositions (Emi's Song, Blue's for
McCoy, and Nelson's Son), three jazz standards that deserve higher recognition, two piano features, two rhythmic pieces
ideal for dancing, and more. Overflowing with the excitement and energy of an unrehearsed live trio session, Emi's Song is
a delight for jazz connoisseurs and highly recommended. The tracks are Emi's Song, Besame Mucho, Yearnin', Tell Me a
Bedtime Story, Blues for McCoy, Bill Evans Medley, The Peacocks, Nelson's Son, Tenderly/That's All, Los Tres Golpes,
Century Rag, and Donna Lee.
Moonshine
Marc Ciprut
www.marcciprut.com
White Label
$TBA CD / $7.12 MP3
https://www.amazon.com/Moonshine-Marc-Ciprut/dp/B0D275HSF1
Guitarist, songwriter, and producer Marc Ciprut presents Moonshine, an album of original jazz-blues-rock fusion. All
songs are written by Marc Ciprut, whose mastery of the guitar is supported by a medley of talented musicians on bass,
drums, percussion, wurlitzer, organ, and clarinet. Bold and brimming with vivacious energy, Moonshine is a captivating
experience and highly recommended especially for connoisseurs of the genre. The tracks are Moonshine, No Compromise,
Cutie, Who Got Next?, No Mas Blues, No More Room, Slippery Slope, and Funk You.
The Business Shelf
Data Culture: Develop An Effective Data-Driven Organization
Dr. Shorful Islam
Kogan Page Inc.
www.koganpage.com
9781398614222, $131.00, HC, 232pp
https://www.amazon.com/Data-Culture-Effective-Data-Driven-Organization/dp/139861422X
Synopsis: With the publication of "Data Culture: Develop An Effective Data-Driven Organization", data expert Shorful
Islam explores how data leaders can develop and nurture a data-driven culture tailored to their organization's needs. It
outlines the types of data leadership and teams needed and the key building blocks for success, such as team recruitment,
building and training, leadership, process, behavioural change management, developing, sustaining and measuring a data
culture, company values and everyday decision making.
"Data Culture" also explores the nuances of how different types of data cultures work with different types of companies,
what to avoid and the differences between building a data culture from scratch and changing an existing data culture from
within.
"Data Culture" is a hands-on guide with which senior data leader Shorful Islam takes his readers through how to
successfully establish or change a data culture, sharing his expertise in behavioural change psychology and two decades of
experience in fostering data culture in organizations. Supported throughout by real-world examples and cases, this will be
an essential read for all data leaders and anyone involved in developing a data-driven organizational culture.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Data Culture: Develop An Effective Data-Driven
Organization" is an ideal selection as a textbook in the subject of data collection and an unreservedly recommended
addition to personal, professional, corporate, community, and college/university library Business Management, Data
Mining, Information Management, and Strategic Business Planning collections and supplemental MBA studies lists. It
should be noted for MBA students, academicians, and corporate executives that "Data Culture: Develop An Effective
Data-Driven Organization" is also available in a paperback edition (9781398614208, $37.99) and in a digital book format
(Kindle, $36.09).
Editorial Note: Shorful Islam (https://bedatasolutions.com/team/shorful) is the CEO of Be Data Solutions and the Founder
of Subatomic Analytics and also serves as the Chief Data Scientist at Tribal Worldwide and as a Data and Behavioural
Science Advisor to OutThink. With a career spanning over 20 years of industry experience in data analytics, Islam has
helped some of the world's largest companies with their data strategies. He has headed up data analytics teams at a range of
institutions and organizations spanning the NHS, local government, ITV, Adam&eveDDB and Wunderman. With his
strength in starting, growing and nurturing teams, Islam is experienced in building data cultures within organizations,
allowing data analysts and data scientists to thrive. He has a PhD in Psychology.
Category Management in Purchasing
Jonathan O'Brien
Kogan Page Inc.
www.koganpage.com
9781398613812, $229.00, HC, 576pp
https://www.amazon.com/Category-Management-Purchasing-Strategic-Profitability/dp/1398613819
Synopsis: Now in a newly updated and expanded fifth edition from Kogan Page, "Category Management in Purchasing: A
Strategic Approach to Maximize Business Profitability" by Jonathan O'Brien equips those working in procurement with
the tools they need to ensure effective procurement in an ever changing landscape. Combining practical advice and theory,
this essential resource is crucial for developing successful purchasing strategies. Covering new technology-driven
approaches to category management, this new edition outlines digital transformations and technological advancements,
from digital sourcing platforms to new tools and systems.
This new fifth edition also provides readers with the knowledge to approach complex sourcing situations not only
effectively, but also sustainably. Including new guidance on how organizations and businesses can implement
sustainability into their procurement strategies, Jonathan O'Brien recontextualizes category management in a time when
responsible sourcing is more important than ever. This highly regarded and essential text provides what everyone in
procurement needs when striving to make category management a reality.
Critique: A highly respected and comprehensive textbook and instructional guide on the subject of effective purchasing
practices by business managers and entrepreneurs to insure financial profitability with respect to revenues and resources,
this fifth edition of Jonathan O'Brien's "Category Management in Purchasing: A Strategic Approach to Maximize Business
Profitability" is an essential, core addition to personal, professional, corporate, and college/university library Business
Management/Finances collections and supplemental MBA curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for MBA students,
academia, corporate executives and entrepreneurs that this fifth edition of "Category Management in Purchasing: A
Strategic Approach to Maximize Business Profitability" is also readily available in a paperback edition (9781398613799,
$58.45) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $55.51).
Editorial Note: Jonathan O'Brien (http://jonathanobrien.co.uk) is the CEO of Positive Purchasing Ltd, based in Plymouth,
UK. With over 30 years of experience, he has helped equip global organizations to increase their purchasing capability
through digital platforms, training, education and working directly with practitioners and executive teams. He is also the
author of Supplier Relationship Management, Negotiation for Procurement and Supply Chain Professionals, The Buyer's
Toolkit, and Sustainable Procurement -- all published by Kogan Page.
Business Continuity Management
James Crask
Kogan Page Inc.
www.koganpage.com
9781398614895, $204.00, HC, 352pp
https://www.amazon.com/Business-Continuity-Management-Organization-Resilience/dp/1398614890
Synopsis: It is critical that every business has a strong continuity plan in the face of heightened global risk and large-scale
disruption. This newly updated and expanded second edition of "Business Continuity Management: A Practical Guide to
Organization Resilience and ISO 22301" by James Crask offers a straightforward and practical guide to building effective
contingency plans and maintaining a resilient organization. Included tips, tools and templates, enable "Business Continuity
Management" to be a crucial guide to approaching business-wide disruption. It also includes practical solutions built from
the author's personal experience managing hundreds of projects in a variety of business settings.
This fully updated second edition of "Business Continuity Management" contains new case studies and guidance on the
latest organizational challenges, including geopolitical risks, climate change, supply chain disruptions and how businesses
can make effective decisions in a world of endless data. With key performance indicators, templates and checklists
covering planning, response, reporting and assurance, "Business Continuity Management" is an essential resource for
business continuity and resilience professionals.
Critique: Thoroughly 'reader friendly' in style, organization and presentation, this new second edition of James Crask's
"Business Continuity Management: A Practical Guide to Organization Resilience and ISO 22301" from Kogan Page is a
welcome and recommended pick for personal, professional, community, corporate, and college/university library Risk
Management & Strategic Business Planning collections and supplemental MBA curriculum studies lists. It should be noted
for MBA students, academia, corporate executives, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that
"Business Continuity Management: A Practical Guide to Organization Resilience and ISO 22301, 2nd Edition" is also
available in a paperback edition (9781398614871, $54.54) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $54.66).
Editorial Note: James Crask is Managing Director of Strategic Risk Consulting for Marsh. He has extensive experience of
delivering Business Continuity Management, Crisis Management, Supply Chain and Operational Resilience projects across
a wide range of industries. He previously worked for PwC where he was responsible for building the firm's enterprise
resilience advisory services. He has also held Head Risk Management roles for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority in
the UK and for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). James in an Honorary Member of the Business Continuity Institute (BCI). He is based in London.
Embedding Sustainability
Pia Heidenmark Cook & Lisen Wiren
Kogan Page Inc.
www.koganpage.com
9781398616271, $176.00, HC, 352pp
https://www.amazon.com/Embedding-Sustainability-Drive-Organizational-Transformation/dp/1398616273
Synopsis: For organizations to truly embody sustainability, it must infuse all operations at all levels. Sustainability change
agents need to be the conductors of the orchestra, making sure everyone has the same objective, is working with the same
goals and is moving at the same pace.
Co-authored by Pia Heidenmark Cook and Lisen Wiren, "Embedding Sustainability: How to Drive Organizational
Transformation" from Kogan Page charts the journey from purpose, scope and assessment to strategy, implementation and
integration. It also outlines the steps required to engage and commit employees to deliver to the same goals, creating a
workplace where success is achieved through collective effort.
Drawing on impressive experience, the co-authors share valuable tools and tips, lessons and coaching, factoring in
different organizational maturity levels, international contexts and cultural differences and stakeholder mapping.
"Embedding Sustainability" explores leadership principles, values, culture, strategies and engagement methods, while also
providing mid-senior sustainability professionals with guidance and encouragement to continue with their work and avoid
common mistakes, plus prioritizing their own wellbeing. It will help sustainability change agents navigate the unique
challenges of this role, find solutions to problems and maintain a positive outlook.
Critique: Comprehensive, 'real world practical', applicable to any corporate/business operations at any level, "Embedding
Sustainability: How to Drive Organizational Transformation" is an ideal textbook on the subject of creating/adapting a
business to genuine and ethical sustainabilities as part of the 'Green Revolution' in response to climate change and other
environmental detriments from a corporate/business origin. Highly recommended for personal, professional, community,
corporate, and college/university library Business Ethics and 'Green Business' collections and supplemental MBA
curriculum studies lists, "Embedding Sustainability: How to Drive Organizational Transformation" is also available for
students, entrepreneurs, corporate executives, governmental policy makers, and non-specialist general readers with an
interest in the subject in a paperback edition (9781398615809, $50.00) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $52.00).
Editorial Note #1: Pia Heidenmark Cook is a senior ESG and sustainability leader, executive and advisor with over 25
years of global industry experience spanning multiple sectors, including professional services, healthcare, sports retail,
sustainable materials and hospitality. She was IKEA's Chief Sustainability Officer between 2017-2020, which under her
tenure become one of the top three sustainability brands ranked by Globescan and managed to decouple growth from CO2
emissions. She is based near Hoganas, Sweden.
Editorial Note #2: Lisen Wiren is a sustainable business leader with over 15 years of industry experience. Her extensive
background includes tackling labour migration and human rights issues in South East Asia and advancing sustainability in
product design and working with social entrepreneurship. Her leadership led IKEA to win the most sustainable retailer
award and a nomination for Wiren for the prestigious Sustainability Manager of the Year award in the Netherlands. Key to
her approach is the seamless integration of sustainability into every function and team to reach the set organizational goals.
She is based in Helsingborg, Sweden.
Shareworthy
Robin Landa & Greg Braun
Columbia Business School Publishing
c/o Columbia University Press
https://cup.columbia.edu
9780231208260, $35.00, HC, 256pp
https://www.amazon.com/Shareworthy-Advertising-Powerful-Connections-Storytelling/dp/023120826X
Synopsis: In today's highly competitive marketplace, a brand must tell meaningful stories that resonate with their target
audiences across media channels. People want more than a utilitarian benefit -- they want stories that are ultimately what
will drive them to engage with brands. And we want to align ourselves with brands that are ethical and purpose-driven and
that take responsibility for their actions and messaging.
Co-authored by Robin Landa and Greg Braun, and featuring an informative Foreword by David Lubars, "Shareworthy:
Advertising That Creates Powerful Connections Through Storytelling" is indispensable book that reveals what makes
brand stories "shareworthy" and guides readers through creating relevant and resonant advertising.
Combining practitioner and academic perspectives, Landa and Braun offer a roadmap for conceiving and developing
creative advertising campaigns that are responsible and inclusive - and that audiences enthusiastically share. They
demonstrate that shareworthy storytelling embraces diversity, equity, inclusion, purpose, and brand activism and eschews
tropes, stereotypes, and negative messaging.
"Shareworthy" features candid interviews with expert practitioners spanning diverse global communities who share the
hard-earned wisdom of their award-winning campaigns, as well as insightful case studies from major companies such as
Amazon, Nike, the New York Times, and Dove. Timely and actionable, "Shareworthy" also shows current and aspiring
marketing professionals how to craft a story, connect with the audience, and embrace social responsibility throughout.
Critique: Informatively enhanced for the reader's benefit with twenty-two pages of Notes and an eleven page Index,
"Shareworthy: Advertising That Creates Powerful Connections Through Storytelling" is a complete course of instruction
under one cover and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, corporate, and college/university
library Business Advertising/Marketing collections and supplemental MBA curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for
the personal reading lists of MBA students, corporate advertising executives, entrepreneurs, and non-specialist general
readers with an interest in the subject that "Shareworthy" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $19.24).
Editorial Note #1: Robin Landa is a distinguished professor in the Michael Graves College, Kean University. She is a
globally recognized ideation and creativity expert, creative director, and design educator. Landa is the author of twenty-six
books and writes articles for periodicals such as Fast Company, Inc., and the Harvard Business Review. The Carnegie
Foundation counts her among the "Great Teachers of Our Time."
Editorial Note #2: Greg Braun is the retired dep. global chief creative officer of Commonwealth/McCann and a lecturer at
the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He was previously the executive vice president/national executive creative
director of Innocean-USA and president of WPP's PULSE. Braun led campaigns for brands such as Chevrolet, Toyota,
United Airlines, Starbucks, and Hyundai and has created work for the Super Bowl, the Oscars, and the FIFA World
Cup.
Influencer Marketing Strategy, 2nd Edition
Gordon Glenister
Kogan Page Inc.
www.koganpage.com
9781398615250, $134.00, HC, 360pp
https://www.amazon.com/Influencer-Marketing-Strategy-Influencers-Business/dp/1398615250
Synopsis: This new and updated second edition of "Influencer Marketing Strategy: How Influencers Can Help Grow Your
Business" by Gordon Glenister covers a range of such essential topics as broad scale celebrity endorsement to
micro-influencers with niche, highly targeted followings.
This second edition of "Influencer Marketing Strategy" from Kogan Page also features new content on platforms such as
Be Real, Whatsapp and Wechat and how understanding cultural differences is key to finding the right influencer for your
brand. It also includes new case studies from industries such as travel and tech, demonstrating the huge opportunities it
presents for organizations and industries of all sizes.
"Influencer Marketing Strategy" is the ultimate DIY guide for marketers, walking readers through the key considerations of
incorporating influencer marketing into a wider marketing strategy. This includes the legal and ethical impacts of working
with influencers and how to measure the effectiveness of campaigns. "Influencer Marketing Strategy" provides everything
organizations need to understand and implement a successful influencer marketing strategy.
Critique: With the rise of social media as a form of individual and mass communication, "Influencer Marketing Strategy:
How Influencers Can Help Grow Your Business: 2nd Edition" continues to be essential reading for entrepreneurs and
corporate executives charged with development and implementation of marketing strategies, including advertising and
publicity campaigns that include 'influencers' in this new media. Thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and
presentation, "Influencer Marketing Strategy: How Influencers Can Help Grow Your Business, 2nd Edition" is an essential
and core addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university Web Marketing/Publicity/Promotion
collections and supplemental MBA curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that it is also available for personal reading
lists in a paperback edition (9781398615236, $41.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $37.90).
Editorial Note: Gordon Glenister (https://gordonglenister.com) is based in Cambridge, UK, and Global Head of Influencer
Marketing for the Branded Content Marketing Association. He has over 25 years' experience in promotional marketing. He
is the host of 2 podcasts Influence, the global podcast that shines a spotlight on influencer marketing and Growing your
Influence online. He runs his own consultancy and regularly speaks around the world on influencer marketing and
membership Gordon runs his own influencer course - helping individuals become influencers. Gordon Glenister was
previously Director General of the British Promotional Merchandise Association for 11 years.
The Resilient Culture
Liane Spencer, et al.
Kogan Page Inc.
www.koganpage.com
9781398618329, $92.00, HC, 256pp
https://www.amazon.com/Resilient-Culture-Collective-Resilience-Business/dp/1398618322
Synopsis: Co-authored by the team of Liane Stephan, Silke Rupprecht, Chris Tamdjidi, and Michael Mackay
Richards,"The Resilient Culture: How Collective Resilience Leads to Business Success" is a truly groundbreaking guide to
lasting success through practical and original frameworks for building resilience at work. It draws upon the authors'
experiences of working with leading organizations such as HSBC, Ikea and a leading F1 team to demonstrate the impact of
resilient cultures.
Featuring insights on resilient habits, team dynamics and workplace wellbeing, "The Resilient Culture" draws upon
decades of corporate and academic expertise to offer the insights you need to reach new heights of business
performance.
Critique: It's no secret that to survive and thrive in today's highly volatile business world companies must be resilient with
respect to both anticipated and unforseen market forces.
The Resilient Culture: How Collective Resilience Leads to Business Success" from Kogan Page is the ideal DIY course of
instructions on how to do just that. An important and highly relevant addition to personal, professional, community,
corporate, and college/university Business Management collections and supplement MBA curriculum studies lists, it
should be noted for the essential reading lists for corporate executives, business managers, and entrepreneurs, and MBA
students that "The Resilient Culture" is also readily available in a paperback edition (9781398618305, $24.95) and in a
digital book format (Kindle, $24.69).
Editorial Note #1: Chris Tamdjidi is co-Managing Director of Awaris, a leading mindfulness and resilience consultancy.
He has led resilience projects for over 50 companies. He is based in Cologne, Germany.
Editorial Note #2: Liane Stephan is co-Managing Director of Awaris and a systemic coach, sports psychologist and
certified psychotherapist. She is based in Cologne, Germany.
Editorial Note #3: Dr. Silke Rupprecht is Director of Research at Awaris and teaches mindfulness at the University of
Oxford Mindfulness Centre. She is based in Hamburg, Germany.
Editorial Note #4: Michael Mackay Richards is a global economic and political research analyst and certified meditation
instructor with the British School of Meditation. He works freelance for the research arm of The Economist Group, as well
as for Fitch. He is based in London, UK.
The Christian Studies Shelf
The Joy of Advent
Rebecca Grabill & Stephen Grabill, authors
Clare Theresa Gray, illustrator
Paraclete Press
www.paracletepress.com
9781640609556, $24.99, HC, 208pp
https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Advent-Family-Celebrations-Christmas/dp/1640609555
Synopsis: From Advent through Epiphany, and co-authored by Rebecca and Stephen Grabill, "The Joy of Advent: Family
Celebrations for Advent & the Twelve Days of Christmas" is a compendium of activities for all ages -- including daily
Bible readings, reflections, songs, and prayers, provide a guided celebration that will infuse depth and delight throughout
the Advent and Christmastide season.
Enhanced with lovely illustrations by Claire Theresa Gray, this edition of "The Joy of Advent" from Paraclete Press gives
Christian families the opportunity to come together and focus their hearts on the scarlet thread of Christmas (Christ's love
and sacrifice) woven through the tapestry of Scripture, and utilizing the Jesse Tree, to create poignant memories and
beloved traditions.
Critique: An ideal selection for the gift giving season of Christmas and a welcome pick for personal, family, church, and
community library family activity collections, it should be noted that "The Joy of Advent: Family Celebrations for Advent
& the Twelve Days of Christmas" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99) as well.
Editorial Note #1: Rebecca Grabill is mother of six and author of children's books Halloween Good Night (Atheneum
Books for Young Readers), Violet and the Woof (Katherine Tegan Books/HarperCollins), and A Year With Mama Earth
(Eerdman's Books for Young Readers), as well as the poetry collection, Sweetened Condensed (Flying Ketchup Press), and
essays on global platforms such as ScaryMommy.com. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from
Hamline University and a B.A. in Religion and Philosophy from Calvin University. She is also an awardee of the
Sustainable Arts Foundation.
Editorial Note #2: Stephen J. Grabill, Ph.D., theological consultant on this project (and conveniently Rebecca's husband),
is general editor of the NIV Stewardship Study Bible (Zondervan, 2009) and co-author and executive producer of the film
series For the Life of the World, which has sold more than 250,000 copies and reached 1.5 million viewers. He also has
numerous academic titles to his name, teaches social ethics at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, and has 20 years
experience as a senior research theologian, author, and speaker. Currently he is Director of Moja University and co-founder
of the IT startup, Moja Market LLC, which will bring e-commerce and education to Sub-Saharan Africa.
Editorial Note #3: Clare Therese Gray is the author, illustrator and pattern designer behind the popular Instagram account
@claretheresegray. She creates artworks for textiles, paper craft and fabric collections, packaging and homewares. Inspired
by the natural environment of her rural Hampshire surroundings, she lives and works on a farm with her husband and
young family. After studying Painting at Art School in Norwich she went on to the Drawing Year at the Royal Drawing
School where she focused on imaginative and observational drawing & printmaking before launching a freelance design
career. She is also the author of two books, 'Woodland Watercolor: A Colouring Workbook' and 'Painting Nature with
Clare: Create Beautiful Gouache Motifs of the Garden, Countryside, Sea, River and Forest' published with Page Street
Publishing. She has illustrated the children's picture books, 'The Agnes Series' published with DK. Her patterns can be
found around the world on children's and women's apparel, luxury toiletries, stationery, ceramics and decorative
objects.
The Book of Saints
Jo Rose
Firefly Books Ltd.
www.fireflybooks.com
9780228105053, $29.95, HC, 224pp
https://www.amazon.com/Book-Saints-History-Christ-Present/dp/0228105056
Synopsis: Who are saints? The Catholic Church recognizes more than 10,000 people who were "saintly", but that does not
mean "weak". These men and women had lives of sacrifice, hard work, struggle and suffering.
Saints often accomplished great things. They took on corrupt governments, battled enriched orthodoxies (occasionally
within the Church itself), and fought superstitious ignorance. They healed the sick, baptized the enslaved, and often
traveled thousands of miles under the worst conditions imaginable. And they often endured persecution and even death for
their positions and beliefs.
With the publication of "The Book of Saints: A History of Saints From the Time of Christ to the Present Day", Jo Rose
profiles more than 150 saints, each chosen for how worthwhile their lives were and how interesting their stories and
achievements continue to be. Each one is accompanied by a timeline of birth and death, when they were canonized, what
their feast day is, who they patronize and other names they may be known as.
Also accompanying each profile is a full-color classic artwork -- paintings, mosaics and murals by masters. Often churches
and convents associated with the saint are depicted, and for each several paragraphs of text frame the saint's
importance.
The 150+ saints are categorized as:
Saints of Martyrdom (Thomas Becket)
Saints of the Word of the Book (Saint Jerome)
Saints of the Bible (John the Baptist, Mary Magdalene)
Saints of Vision and Ecstasy (Joan of Arc)
Saints of the Cloth (Brendan the Voyager)
Saints of Mission and Conversion (Patrick)
Saints of Noble Blood (King David of Scotland).
Full of insightful stories and useful information, "The Book of Saints" offers a rich history for anyone wanting to know
about the heroes of the Catholic Church.
Critique: This large format (8.5 x 1 x 10.75 inches, 2.5 pounds) hardcover coffee-table style edition of "The Book of
Saints: A History of Saints From the Time of Christ to the Present Day" is beautifully, elegantly, and profusely illustrated
throughout. Informative, inspiring, and a joy to simply browse through one page at a time, "The Book of Saints: A History of
Saints From the Time of Christ to the Present Day" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, family,
church, seminary, community, and college/university library Catholic/Christian history collections.
Editorial Note: Jo Rose (www.researchgate.net/profile/Jo-Rose) holds degrees from Harvard and the University of
Cambridge and teaches courses on mythology and European magic traditions at the University of Oklahoma.
The Judaic Studies Shelf
Uncovered: Women's Roles, Mitzvot, and Sexuality in Jewish Law
Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash
Urim Publications
c/o KTAV Publishing House
www.UrimPublications.com
9789655243758, $29.95, HC, 392pp
https://www.amazon.com/Uncovered-Womens-Mitzvot-Sexuality-Jewish/dp/9655243753
Synopsis: With the publication of "Uncovered: Women's Roles, Mitzvot, and Sexuality in Jewish Law " from Urim
Publication, Rabbanit Nechama Goldman Barash offers a clear and nuanced perspective on the issues that have shaped
Jewish women's roles, religious identity, and ritual obligations across millennia.
Rabbanit Barash guides the reader through the rich tapestry of Jewish legal sources and historical contexts, making them
accessible to the novice and even more compelling to fluent text readers. "Uncovered" will empower readers to engage in
informed discussions about the Jewish woman's place in the multifaceted mosaic of faith and practice.
Critique: An impressive and seminal work of exceptional scholarship, "Uncovered: Women's Roles, Mitzvot, and
Sexuality in Jewish Law" is deftly scripted, impressively well organized, and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in presentation --
making it an ideal and unreservedly recommended contribution to personal, professional, community, synagogue, and
college/university library Women in Judaism History &Theology collections and supplemental Gender/Sexuality in
Religion curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: Nechama Goldman Barash made aliyah from Philadelphia over 20 years ago after graduating from Stern
College. She studied for three years in Matan's Advanced Talmud Institute and finished a master's degree in Talmud at
Bar-Ilan University. She is a graduate of Nishmat's Yoetzet Halacha program and has been certified to teach brides before
their weddings, as well as qualifying as a sex educator through Yahel and the Eden Center. She also studied for three years
in Matan's advanced halakha program, Hilkhata.
Editorial Note: Nechama is the Director of the Pardes Learning Seminar. She teaches contemporary halakha and Talmud at
Matan and Pardes, as well as Talmud and women and halakha in Torah V'Avodah (TVA), a Bnei Akiva gap year program
based in Matan. She is an active member of Beit Hillel and participates in interfaith dialogue through Roots, based in Gush
Etzion, Israel. (www.pardes.org.il/faculty/nechama-goldman-barash)
The Art Shelf
Draw Manga: 10 Step-by-Step Projects
Keroko James
GMC Books
c/o The GMC Group
www.gmcbooks.com
9781784946371, $24.99, PB, 128pp
https://www.amazon.com/Draw-Manga-Step-Step-Projects/dp/1784946370
Synopsis: Manga refers to the Japanese graphic novel and comic strip art based on line drawings of characters noted for
their highly stylized facial features. Manga is one of the most popular forms of comic illustration today. "Draw Manga: 10
Step-by-Step Projects" by Keroko James is for anyone interested in drawing manga, from beginners who want to learn the
basics of drawing figures and poses to more experienced artists who are keen to discover the key techniques and details
that make manga art so distinct.
Each project covers an element of drawing manga, from faces, body shapes and proportions to different angles and
expressions and creating action poses. This bite-size approach allows the reader to build up their skills and confidence
before they create more ambitious drawings of their own. The book finishes with composition ideas and how to add
backgrounds, giving the reader the tools they need to create their own manga stories.
In contrast to most manga books, "Draw Manga: 10 Step-by-Step Projects" features fully illustrated step-by-step
instructions for every stage of the projects, so even the most novice reader will know exactly when and where each line or
detail should be added. There is also a wealth of tips and advice to help avoid common pitfalls and difficulties, based on
the author's years of experience tutoring manga workshops.
Critique: A complete course of step-by-step instruction on Manga illustration under one cover, this large format (8.5 x 0.5
x 11 inches, 1.34 pounds) paperback edition of Keroko James' "Draw Manga: 10 Step-by-Step Projects" is impressively
thorough, completely DIY 'user friendly' in organization and presentation -- making it an ideal and unreservedly
recommended pick for personal, professional, community, art school, and college/university library Manga & Pop Culture
Art collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: Keroko James (http://neokeroko.com) is a Japanese illustrator, graphic designer and manga tutor based in
north London. Since 2017 she has run Froggy Manga, providing manga drawing classes for children. She has also worked
with local authorities to deliver manga workshops in local libraries and youth groups and gives workshops as a part of
children's parties.
She grew up loving manga and anime culture in the 1970s and 80s in Japan, which eventually led to her earning a BA in
Fine Art. In 2008 she moved across the world to the UK, exhibiting at Hyper Japan and Comic Con. She also ran Manga
Social Night, a monthly gathering of manga and anime fans, for seven years. Keroko loves to draw and enjoys promoting
Japanese culture to anyone who is interested.
Draw Amazing Faces
Pypah Santos
Quarry Books
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartous.com
9780760389218, $22.99, PB, 144pp
https://www.amazon.com/Draw-Amazing-Faces-Basics-Develop/dp/0760389217
Synopsis: "Draw Amazing Faces: Learn the Basics and Develop Your Own Style" is your go-to reference for crafting
stunning portraits from scratch. Join Pypah Santos, the celebrated artist and YouTube sensation, as she unveils:
Techniques for both male and female faces of different ages
Signature techniques for rendering hair, including different types, textures, and styles
Shading and rendering techniques that infuse vitality into your portraits
Inspiration for developing your distinct style in portraying fantastic faces
QR codes linked to videos that further demonstrate important techniques
Step-by-step guidance for constructing heads from diverse angles, mastering proportions, sketching facial features, and
eliciting a spectrum of expressions
"Draw Amazing Faces: is your DIY instructional guide to the captivating world of portraiture. With Pypah's expertise, you
will master the intricacies of portraying faces using her straightforward techniques. Whether you're a fine artist, illustrator,
comic book artist, you will elevate your artistry, infuse life into your sketches, and uncover your distinct style, all while
honing your ability to create awe-inspiring, lifelike faces.
Critique: Thoroughly and impressively 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, this large format (8.5 x 0.36 x 11
inches, 1.4 pounds) paperback edition of Pypah Santos' "Draw Amazing Faces: Learn the Basics and Develop Your Own
Style" from Quarry Books is an ideal addition to personal, professional, highschool, community, art school, and
college/university library Art Portraiture & Figure Studies collections and supplemental Pen/Ink Drawing curriculum
studies lists. It should be noted for aspiring artists that "Draw Amazing Faces: Learn the Basics and Develop Your Own
Style" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $17.49).
Editorial Note: Filipa "Pypah" Santos (www.pypahsart.com) was born and raised in Porto, Portugal, then moved to the
United Kingdom to pursue her art education. She now lives and works as a freelance artist and YouTube content creator in
Manchester, England. Pypah is driven to help others explore their creative interests, improve their art skills, and develop
their own style. She can be found on: Instagram: @pypahs_art, YouTube: @Pypahsart, and on Pinterest: @pypahs_art
The Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors
Ben Carter
Quarry Books
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartous.com
9780760385845, $30.00, HC, 176pp
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Low-Fire-Glazes-Potters-Sculptors/dp/076038584X
Synopsis: With the publication of "The Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors: Techniques,
Recipes, and Inspiration for Low-Temperature Firing with Big Results", glazing expert Ben Carter invites the reader to
explore the creative possibilities of an incredibly versatile range of glazes with this comprehensive guide for ceramic artists
of all levels of experience.
Specifically designed to unlock the world of low-fire glazes with "The Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and
Sculptors" challenges the belief that serious artists work exclusively with high-temperature materials, sharing years of
research on crafting exquisite low-fire pots and glazes. This instruction manual delves into the benefits of firing at lower
temperatures, explores the visual nuances of low-fire glazes, and witnesses renowned artists thriving in this temperature
range.
Illustrated with stunning photography of work by Carter and other artists, this visually captivating resource covers:
1. Insights into the benefits and visual attributes of low-fire glazes
2. Guidance on setting up a glaze lab
3. An explanation of how glaze is formulated
4. Troubleshooting tips for common glaze faults
5. Designing and making test tiles
6. Techniques for layering, using glaze as form, integrating decals, atmospheric firing, and more
7. Tried-and-true glaze recipes for varied finishes and color creation
Critique: A complete, comprehensive, and 'user friendly' course of instruction in the art and craft of low-temperature
glazing, "Whether you are new to the world of ceramic glazes or looking to expand your knowledge of low-fire glazes,
"The Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for Potters and Sculptors: Techniques, Recipes, and Inspiration for
Low-Temperature Firing with Big Results" is an unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional,
community, college and university library Ceramic Art & Craft instructional reference collections. It should be noted that
this large format (8.25 x 0.69 x 10.25 inches, 2 pounds) hardcover edition of "The Complete Guide to Low-Fire Glazes for
Potters and Sculptors" from Quarry Books is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $22.99).
Editorial Note: Ben Carter (www.carterpottery.com) is a studio potter and workshop instructor and the author of Mastering
the Potter's Wheel. He received his BFA in ceramics/painting from Appalachian State University and his MFA in ceramics
from the University of Florida. He has lectured and presented workshops at universities and craft centers in the United
States, China, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand and exhibited internationally in numerous invitational and juried
shows. Ben's work has been featured in the Australian Journal of Ceramics, Pottery Making Illustrated, and Ceramics
Monthly; Pottery Making Illustrated named him Ceramic Arts 2016 Yearbook Artist of the Year. Since 2012, he has been
hosting and producing the popular podcast, Tales of a Red Clay Rambler. (www.talesofaredclayrambler.com)
The Needlecraft Shelf
Crochet Stars
Noreen Crone-Findlay
Stackpole Books
www.stackpolebooks.com
c/o Globe Pequot
https://www.globepequot.com
9780811774222, $12.95, PB, 32pp
https://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Stars-Customizable-Projects-Inspiration/dp/0811774228
Synopsis: With the publication of "Crochet Stars: 25+ Customizable Projects Full of Love, Laughter, and Inspiration" by
Noreen Crone-Findlay you are invited to adorn your life with crochet stars!
These easy and fun to crochet stars can be used for so many things! Start by making the seven star designs in various sizes.
Then use your stars to create projects such as a picture frame for your favorite "star," a holiday ornament, or a magic wand.
Decorate a journal cover or make earrings. Make multiple stars into a garland or mobile. The stars can be sewn or pinned
onto clothing as mending patches or a fashion accessory.
Once you've mastered the basic stars, customize with beads, ribbons, lace, and other embellishments to make each one
your unique creation!
These little stars are perfect for using up small bits of yarn and for keeping in your bag for crocheting on the go. The 28
ideas presented in "Crochet Stars" are a great place to start, but once you start crocheting stars, the sky is the limit!
Critique: Thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "Crochet Stars: 25+ Customizable Projects Full of
Love, Laughter, and Inspiration" will prove an enduringly welcome addition to personal, professional, and community
library needlecraft instructional reference collections for the benefit of crochet practitioners at all skill levels . It should be
noted that "Crochet Stars: 25+ Customizable Projects Full of Love, Laughter, and Inspiration" is also readily available
from Stackpole Books in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.00).
Editorial Note: Noreen Crone-Findlay is a fiber artist, author, designer, weaver, YouTube video-tutorial diva with 13,000
subscribers, loom designer, workshop facilitator, crocheter, and doll maker, and knitter. Over the last 45+ years, her
designs have appeared in many magazines She is the author of Potholder Loom Weaving and Peg Looms and Weaving
Sticks, as well other books and numerous magazine articles. She lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and maintains an
active website and blog (www.tottietalkscrafts.com) and is active on Facebook, Etsy, Twitter, Instagram, and
Pinterest.
Unofficial Taylor Swift Crochet
Lee Sarton
https://www.cococrochetlee.com
Quarry Books
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartoknows.com
9780760392553, $22.99, PB, 144pp
https://www.amazon.com/Unofficial-Taylor-Swift-Crochet-Projects/dp/0760392552
Synopsis: "Unofficial Taylor Swift Crochet: 20+ Projects Inspired by the Music and Style Icon" is unique and captivating
collection of needlecraft projects deftly combines the world of crochet with the charm of the pop sensation Taylor
Swift.
"Unofficial Taylor Swift Crochet" offers an amazing range of projects spanning fashion, home decor, amigurumi, and
accessories. Each piece captures Taylor's signature aesthetic, ensuring a harmonious blend of elegance and fun. With
projects suited to various skill levels (from beginners to more experienced crocheters) "Unofficial Taylor Swift Crochet"
invites you to create stunning pieces for yourself or your favorite Swifties.
Curated by designer extraordinaire Lee Sartori (@coco.crochet.lee), "Unofficial Taylor Swift Crochet" features more than
20 projects from top crochet designers, ensuring a vibrant and varied crafting experience including:
Projects inspired by some of Swift's most popular songs, including "Me!" Taylor Doll, "All Too Well" Scarf, "Style"
Newsboy Cap, "Cardigan" Sweater, "Blank Space" Journal Cover, "Bejeweled" Headband, and more.
A variety of crochet techniques, including amigurumi, filet crochet, granny squares, and more
"Taylor Made" tips for customizing the designs
"Unofficial Taylor Swift Crochet" also offers a charming exploration of crochet blended with the essence of Taylor Swift's
style. With projects for every skill level and every "era," you can unleash your crafting prowess.
Critique: The perfect blending of pop culture with the art of crocheting, Lee Sartori's "Unofficial Taylor Swift Crochet:
20+ Projects Inspired by the Music and Style Icon" from Quarry Books is a 'must' for needlecrafters who are also Taylor
Swift fans. Suitable for all skill levels, "Unofficial Taylor Swift Crochet" is an welcome and fun pick for personal,
professional, and community library Crocheting instructional reference collections.
Editorial Note: Lee Sartori is the crochet designer behind CoCo Crochet Lee. Lee's passion is designing modern, wearable
garments, and adorable amigurumi. The author of five crochet books, she was formerly a guest host on the popular
PBS/CreateTV Show Knit & Crochet Now, as well as a cast member of Annie's Creative Studio. Lee is the in-house
designer for Lion Brand and works with Jimmy Beans Wool, WeCrochet, and other companies. She lives in Halifax,
Canada. Instagram: @coco.crochet.lee & Facebook: Coco Crochet Lee
Knitted Menagerie
Sarah Keen
GMC Books
c/o The GMC Group
www.gmcbooks.com
9781784946166, $26.99, PB, 144pp
https://www.amazon.com/Knitted-Menagerie-Sarah-Keen/dp/1784946168
Synopsis: With the publication of "Knitted Menagerie", needlecrafter Sarah Keen sowcases 30 adorable animals to knit,
ranging from sealife to birds, insects to mammals. In these bright and colorful pages is to be found everyone's favourites --
including a lion, an elephant, blue whale, meerkats and a llama.
The patterns vary in complexity, ensuring there's something for everyone. Complete beginners or more experienced
knitters can be reassured by the comprehensive illustrated techniques section provided. Packed with fun and motivating
photography that shows each of the projects from different angles, "Knitted Menagerie" is sure to delight the knitter and
the lucky receiver of these gorgeous, knitted creatures.
Critique: Exceptionally 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, this large format ( 8.25 x 0.6 x 9.25 inches, 2.31
pounds) paperback edition of Sarah Keen's "Knitted Menagerie" from GMC Publications provides 30 fun and
easy-to-follow knitting patterns for an eclectic array of animals. Of special attractions to needlecrafters with an interest in
learning how to create stuff animals, "Knitted Menagerie" will prove a welcome and popular pick for personal and
community library Needlecraft/Knitting instructional reference collections.
Editorial Note: Sarah Keen works as a freelance pattern designer and finds calculating rows and stitches challenging, but
fascinating. She is experienced in designing knitted toys for children and also enjoys writing patterns for charity. This is
Sarah's tenth book for GMC Publications. Sarah lives in Ceredigion, Wales, UK.
(www.ravelry.com/designers/sarah-keen)
Pom Pom Pom Animals
Henry Le
GMC Books
c/o The GMC Group
www.gmcbooks.com
9781784946647, $26.99, PB, 168pp
https://www.amazon.com/Pom-Animals-Adorable-Using-Pompoms/dp/1784946648
Synopsis: "Pom Pom Pom Animals" by Henry Le is comprised of ingenious animal projects, that are perfect for
needlecrafters wanting to take their pompom-sculpting skills to the next level.
Ideal for the pompom enthusiast looking for a new challenge, or wanting to learn something new, or to just make that
perfect pompom gift to really impress friends and family, "Pom Pom Pom Animals" an ideal DIY instructional step-by-
step 'how-to' guide.
The projects comprising "Pom Pom Pom Animals" go way beyond the miniature size of most pompom crafts. These
amazing creations are sculptural works of art, using traditional pompom-making and needle-felting techniques to
manipulate yarn in astonishing ways.
Beginners can start with the bunny, hedgehog and raccoon to learn the basic principles and then challenge themselves a bit
more by progressing to the other animals. The animal heads can be made by themselves and used as cute accessories to use
on keychains or brooches.
Critique: This large format (2.4 x 0.2 x 2.9 inches, 1.5 pounds) paperback edition of "Pom Pom Pom Animals" from GMC
Publications features 12 cute and realistic animal pompom projects, has bright, colorful design in the popular Japanese
kawaii style, along with quirky gallery of photographs. It is especially suitable for beginners as well as more experienced
pompom makers, includes simple-to-follow diagrams and step-by-step instructions, and make perfect gifts for animal
lovers and Pom Pom Pom fans to display and admire. Henry Le's "Pom Pom Pom Animals" is an ideal and unreservedly
recommended pick for personal and community library Needlecraft & Stuffed Animal Creation instructional reference
collections.
Editorial Note: Henry Le (www.henryledesign.com) specializes in making small, cute pompoms that can be turned into
accessories, such as keyrings, earrings and necklaces. He takes choosing the correct colours for his creations very seriously,
using many different colour tones. He also focuses on turning the pompoms into appealing and unusual shapes, combining
with needle felting techniques. He lives in Vietnam.
The Gardening Shelf
Quiet Beauty: The Japanese Gardens of North America
Kendall H. Brown, author
David M. Cobb, photographer
Tuttle Publishing
www.tuttlepublishing.com
9784805318652, $24.99, PB, 176pp
https://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Beauty-Japanese-Gardens-America/dp/4805318651
Synopsis: Japanese-style gardens have been a part of North American culture for over 150 years, delighting visitors with
serene landscapes that instill tranquility. "Quiet Beauty: The Japanese Gardens of North America" provides an intimate
look at the 25 most notable Japanese-style public gardens in the United States and Canada. Illustrated with more than 180
stunning color photographs, "Quiet Beauty" will be a welcome addition to the library of every garden enthusiast. This
revised edition includes an amended list of 75 important gardens. It also describes major new additions at the featured
gardens.
The showcased Japanese gardens comprising "Quiet Beauty" include:
The Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Nitobe Memorial Garden at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver
The Japanese Garden in the Fort Worth Botanic Garden
The Garden of the Pine Winds in the Denver Botanic Gardena
The Japanese Garden in the Montreal Botanical Garden
Tenshin'en (The Garden of the Heart of Heaven) in the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, Florida
The Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix in Margaret T. Hance Park
The Garden of the Pine Wind, Garvan Woodland Garden in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Critique: Originally published in hardcover (2013), this new large format paperback edition of "Quiet Beauty: The
Japanese Gardens of North America" features an elegant and informative blend of descriptive commentary with captioned
full color photography that will have a very special appeal to readers with an interest in Japanese Gardens. While also now
available in a digital book format (Kindle, $18.42), "Quiet Beauty is an elegant and unreservedly recommended addition to
personal, professional, community, and college/university library Gardens & Gardening collections.
Editorial Note #1: David M. Cobb (https://dmcobbphoto.com) is a member of NANPA (North American Nature
Photography Association) and PPA (Professional Photographers of America). He lives in the Pacific Northwest.
Editorial Note #2: Kendall H. Brown is Professor of Asian Art History in the Art Department at California State University
Long Beach. He received BA and MA degrees in history and art history from the University of California, Berkeley and a
Ph.D. in art history from Yale University. Dr. Brown publishes actively in several areas of Japanese art. He is a leading
figure in the study of Japanese gardens in North America, and authored the book, Japanese-Style Gardens of the Pacific
West Coast. (https://www.csulb.edu/school-of-art/page/kendall-brown)
The Wine/Liquor Shelf
One Thousand Vines: A New Way to Understand Wine
Pascaline Lepeltier
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781784729233, $55.00, HC, 352pp
https://www.amazon.com/One-Thousand-Vines-Understand-Wine/dp/178472923X
Synopsis: Winner of an OIV Award 2024, with the publication of "One Thousand Vines: A New Way to Understand
Wine", internationally celebrated sommelier Pascaline Lepeltier answers all the important questions about wine.
With three main parts (Reading Vines, Reading Landscapes and Reading Wines), "One Thousand Vines" challenges
preconceived ideas about the vine and its wine. It explains where we are now, how we got here, and shows us a way
forward - in how grapes will be grown, made into wine, sold and enjoyed.
While "One Thousand Vines" isn't an encyclopedia or an atlas, it does answers all the important questions about wine and
offers the reader keys to understand the links between the bottle and the producers, terroirs and vineyards which give birth
to it. With a refreshingly unique approach, star sommelier Pascaline Lepeltier offers those curious about wine not only the
answers but also the tools to understand it by oneself.
Critique: This large format (9.25 x 1.13 x 10.75 inches, 3.61 pounds) coffee-table style hardcover edition of "One
Thousand Vines: A New Way to Understand Wine" from Mitchell Beazley is profusely illustrated throughout with maps,
schematics and drawings in support of an informative and thoroughly 'reader friendly' text. While especially and
unreservedly recommended as an essential and core addition to personal, professional, community, college and university
library Wine Growing/Wine Pairing instructional reference collections, it should be noted that this edition of "One
Thousand Vines" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $27.99) as well.
Editorial Note: Pascaline Lepeltier (www.pascalinelepeltier.com) is probably the most decorated female sommelier on the
planet. She is one of only 25 or so women to have been certified a Master Sommelier, and was the first woman to be
named Meilleur Sommelier de France and also Meilleur Ouvrier de France (MOF). Pascaline has written for various
prominent wine guides and books in France, and is a contributor to The Oxford Companion to Wine.
The World Atlas of Whisky 3rd edition
Dave Broom
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781784726737, $55.00, HC, 352pp
https://www.amazon.com/World-Atlas-Whisky-3rd-distilleries/dp/1784726737
Synopsis: Award-winning author and whisky expert Dave Broom profiles more than 400 distilleries and explores more
than 800 whiskies with this newly expanded and updated third edition of "The World Atlas of Whiskey". There has been
major growth in the world of whisky in the last decade, with many more distilleries opening, and this newly updated third
edition brings includes them all.
"The World Atlas of Whisky: 3rd Edition" is the only guide the dedicated whiskey connoisseur and the newcomer to fine
whiskeys will ever need in order to understand everything there is to know about the world of whisky. This is a beautifully
illustrated, in-depth and comprehensive journey through the history, process, distilleries and expressions of world
whiskies, featuring detailed full-colour maps. Heritage, romance, flavour and craftsmanship are all celebrated in this
complete study of this most versatile of drinks.
As of 2022, the global American Whiskey market was estimated at USD 11825.64 million, and it's anticipated to reach
USD 20546.52 million in 2028. Whisky has become the best-selling spirit category for on-premises consumption in recent
years in the US. There are now approx. 2,000 distilleries in the US -- increasing by more than double in the last
decade.
Critique: This large format (9.8 x 1.13 x 11.3 inches, 4.08 pounds) coffee-table style hardcover edition of "The World
Atlas of Whisky 3rd edition", fully 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, informatively profiles more than 500
distilleries and 480 expressions tasted. Arguably that makes this fully updated edition a highly prized and unreservedly
recommended pick for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Alcoholic Spirts & Whiskey
collections.
Editorial Note: Dave Broom (www.thewhiskymanual.uk) has written 13 books. He has won many awards, including two
Glenfiddich prizes and, in 2013, he won the prestigious IWSC Communicator of the Year Award. In 2015, he won The
Spirited Award for Best Cocktail & Spirits writer, and, in 2018, The Way of Whisky won an Andre Simon prize. In 2020
he was awarded Best Drinks Writer at the Fortnum & Mason awards. He has been a contributing editor to Whisky
Magazine, scotchwhisky.com and Malt Advocate.
Scotch: The Balmoral Guide to Scottish Whisky
Cameron Ewen & Moa Reynolds
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781784729516, $26.99, HC, 224pp
https://www.amazon.com/Scotch-Balmoral-guide-Scottish-whisky/dp/1784729515
Synopsis: From the experts behind the world-famous SCOTCH whisky bar, located at the iconic Edinburgh hotel The
Balmoral, "Scotch: The Balmoral Guide to Scottish Whisky" is an essential guide that will tell you everything you need to
know about Scottish whisky.
"SCOTCH" an ideal introduction to tasting whisky, as well as providing answers to key questions, such as if color depicts
quality, whether you should decant your bottle and if it is ever acceptable to mix your dram.
Readers will discover the hand-picked 100 best whiskies behind the SCOTCH bar, complete with distillery profiles, tasting
notes and a personal comment from Head Whisky Ambassador, Cameron Ewen.
Complemented by atmospheric photography of SCOTCH, this is an essential reference for every dedicated whisky
drinker.
"SCOTCH" showcases more than 50 distilleries including: Glenmorangie, Glenfiddich, The Macallan, The Glenlivet,
Ardbeg, Bruichladdich and many more!
Critique: Profusely illustrated in full color throughout (and especially presenting images of all the various and distinctive
whiskey bottles from the various distilleries), "Scotch: The Balmoral Guide to Scottish Whisky" by co-authors and
whiskey experts Cameron Ewen and Moa Reynolds is a seminal, informative, and fascinating read from first page to last.
While also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.99), "Scotch: The Balmoral Guide to Scottish Whisky" is
unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Wine/Beer/Liquor
reference and identification collections.
Editorial Note #1: In 2013, The Balmoral, Scotland's most prestigious luxury hotel, brought to life its vision of opening
SCOTCH, one of the best stocked whisky spots in Scotland, now home to around 500 Scottish whiskies from distilleries
old and new. Whisky Ambassador and Bar Manager Cameron Ewen brings both knowledge and passion to SCOTCH.
Having joined the team in 2015, Ewen has spent time with a variety of whisky producers, further increasing his knowledge
of Scotland's greatest exports. His warm personality coupled with the relaxed ambience makes SCOTCH one of
Edinburgh's must-visit bars.
Editorial Note #2: Moa Reynolds is a whisky writer and spirits judge. Her writing covers primarily Instagram, YouTube
and blogging where also collaborates with whisky brands from all over the world. She has contributed to publications such
as the Whiskey Wash, Whisky Magazine, Allt Om Whisky and the Scotch Malt Whisky Society's Unfiltered. She won the
Icons of Whisky Scotland (IWSC) Communicator of the Year 2021 and was shortlisted for the IWSC Spirits
Communicator Award 2022.
In Fine Spirits
Joel Harrison & Neil Ridley
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781784729387, $24.99, HC, 224pp
https://www.amazon.com/Fine-Spirits-Complete-Distilled-Drinks/dp/1784729388
Synopsis: The culture of enjoying quality spirits and liquors is now in a new golden age. With the publication of "In Fine
Spirits: A Complete Guide to Distilled Drinks" by co-authors and experts Joel Harrison and Neil Ridley is an accessible
and authoritative guide to the world of distilled drinks.
Across gin, whisky, tequila, rum and vodka, as well as no and low-alcohol alternatives, "In Fine Spirits" examines not just
how each spirit is made, but also the culture, history, cocktails and characters key to the success of each.
"In Fine Spirits" is specifically designed and intended for anyone who wants to understand more about the bottles in their
cabinet, as well as the colorful history and narratives of the countries, drinks, bars and people that have helped create the
global renaissance of luxury liquor and fine spirits.
Critique: Thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation (which includes a wealth of full color
photos/illustrations), this hard cover edition of "In Fine Spirits: A Complete Guide to Distilled Drinks" from Mitchell
Beazley offers an comprehensive, informed and informative DIY reference on the subject of distilled alcoholic beverages
and drinks. While a seminal and unreservedly recommended pick for personal, professional, community, and
college/university library Wine/Beer/Liquor collections, it should be noted for the non-specialist general reader with an
interest in the subject that "In Fine Spirits: A Complete Guide to Distilled Drinks" is also readily available in a digital book
format (Kindle, $11.99) as well.
Editorial Note: Joel Harrison & Neil Ridley are at the forefront of providing expertise and innovation in the drinks world.
From whisky to gin, cognac to cocktails, the duo has a wealth of knowledge to share with audiences across the globe. They
have written seven books on whisky and distilled drinks, winning the 2015 Fortnum and Mason Drink Book of the Year
Award for Distilled. They are both Keepers of the Quaich, one of the highest accolades in the Scotch whisky industry, were
made Mousquetaires d'Armagnac in recognition of their services to the global promotion of the brandy, Rectifiers of the
Gin Guild for their work within the growing gin market and are both Liverymen for the Worshipful
The Sports Shelf
There is no Second
Magnus Wheatley, author
Seahorse Publishers
https://seahorsepub.com
9781399987004, $44.48, HC, 206pp
https://www.amazon.com/There-Second-definitive-account-Americas/dp/1399987003
Synopsis: "There is no Second: The definitive account of the first race in 1851 for what would become 'America's Cup'" by
Magnus Wheatley is the story of the America's Cup yachting race and how it came to be. The America's Cup has had a rich
source of interpretation over its 173-year history. It's most famous phrase - "There is no second" - sums up a unique
sporting event with idiosyncratic rules defined by an ancient document, the Original Deed of Gift of 1857, but has never
been attributed and was thought to be 'apocryphal.'
After extensive research going back to source documents, articles and Royal, Naval and National archives, the name of the
'signal master' who may well have uttered the famous line to Her Majesty Queen Victoria onboard the Royal Yacht
Victoria & Albert in 1851 is revealed alongside a deep analysis of the circumstances and political climate that resulted in a
simple trial of speed around the Isle of Wight between the Old and New World becoming the most famous, and coveted
yacht race in the world.
Author and journalist Magnus Wheatley has spent decades reporting on the America's Cup for a variety of global
newspapers, international magazines and websites, and currently works inside the ropes for the Louis Vuitton 37th
America's Cup in Barcelona. Covering the period from the trophy's acquisition in 1848 by the Marquess of Anglesey
through the famous race of August 22nd 1851 itself and on to the trophy's gifting to the New York Yacht Club and its first
defence in 1870, "There is no Second: is a detailed and documented account of how 'America's Cup' came into being and
essential reading for all 'students of the Cup' seeking to understand its genesis as the pinnacle of international yacht
racing.
Critique: A seminal, comprehensive, and deftly crafted history of an iconic yachting event, "There is no Second: The
definitive account of the first race in 1851 for what would become 'America's Cup' from Seahorse Publishing is an
inherently fascinating and informative read from start to finish. While especially and unreservedly recommended for
community and college/university library Sailing/Yachting history collections, it should be noted for the personal reading
lists of all dedicated Americas Cup fans that "There is no Second" is also readily available in a paperback edition
(9781068658907, $22.86) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $16.50).
Editorial Note: Magnus Wheatley (www.yachtracingpodcast.com/magnus-wheatley) is a British sailing writer and
America's Cup aficionado Magnus Wheatley has been obsessed with yacht racing's oldest and most prestigious competition
since he was in his mid-teens.
The Travel Shelf
Hidden Japan
Chiara Terzuolo, author
Justine Wong, illustrator
Smith Street Books
c/o Rizzoli
www.rizzoliusa.com
9781922754752, $27.50, Flexibound, 264pp
https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Japan-Guidebook-Tokyo-Beyond/dp/1922754757
Synopsis: With the publication of "Hidden Japan: A Guidebook to Tokyo & Beyond" from Smith Stree Books, author and
guide Chiara Terzuolo takes us on a journey through Tokyo and its surrounding cities, uncovering the hidden treasures that
lie beneath the well-trodden hustle and bustle of one of the world's most-traveled destinations.
From tucked-away bars to quirky vending machines, themed walks to secret tea houses, "Hidden Japan" is your guide to
the art of wandering off the beaten path. With chapters on the Nature, Food, History, Art and Late-Night destinations that
you'll find only in Tokyo, Hidden Japan has detailed recommendations for every kind of traveler.
Critique: Enhanced throughout with stunning illustrations by Justine Wong, "Hidden Japan: A Guidebook to Tokyo &
Beyond " is an essential and invaluable itinerary planning resource for anyone looking to explore Japan's many hidden
cultural treasures. Exceptionally well organized and thoroughly 'user friendly' in presentation, "Hidden Japan" is an
especially and unreservedly recommended pick for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Japan
Travel Guide collections.
Editorial Note #1: Chiara Terzuolo's connection with Japan began around 2007, and she has been a Tokyo resident since
2011. A creative jack-of-all-trades, she is a writer/editor, tourism consultant, opera singer, narrator and anchor for a
Japanese language program on NHK, Japan's national broadcaster. Previously, she has published The Vegan Guide to
Tokyo with Smith Street Books. (https://www.chiaraterzuolo.com)
Editorial Note #2: Justine Wong (www.patternsandportraits.com) is a food, book, and lifestyle illustrator based in Toronto.
She is the creator behind the project '21 Days in Japan: An Illustrative Study on Japanese Cuisine,' consisting of paintings
of 100 meals discovered while she traveled Japan. Justine has since lived in Tokyo for a year and enjoys illustrating for
editorial publications, storybooks, and advertising campaigns.
World Heritage Sites, 9th Edition
UNESCO
Firefly Books Ltd.
www.fireflybooks.com
9780228104933, $35.99, PB, 1032pp
https://www.amazon.com/World-Heritage-Sites-Definitive-UNESCO/dp/0228104939
Synopsis: The World Heritage List of historically significant sites is a valuable tool in the battle to preserve cultural and
natural heritage. Its strict criteria mean only the most extraordinary and important sites qualify, such as the Great Pyramids,
the Statue of Liberty, Machu Picchu, the Great Barrier Reef, the Taj Mahal and the Grand Canyon. Natural and
human-made creations both qualify for this kind of celebration and protection.
Firefly last published World Heritage Sites (8th edition) in 2017. It has been unavailable for years until its now published
and updated/expanded 9th Edition. When the world experienced the COVID pandemic, the UNESCO Site Committee
could not meet internationally. But between 2017 and 2023, UNESCO has added 120 more sites and this current 9th
edition now includes such newly designated places as:
Anticosti (Canada)
Astronomical Observatories of Kazan (Russia)
Ancient City of Qalhat (Oman)
Babylon (Iraq)
Bale Mountains National Park (Ethiopia)
Frontiers of the Roman Empire -- Danube (Austria)
Historic Center of Odesa (Ukraine)
Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks (USA)
Jewish Medieval Heritage of Erfurt (Germany)
Old town of Kuldiga (Latvia)
Padua's 14th century frescoes (Italy)
Porticoes of Bologna (Italy)
Sudanese Style Mosques in Cote D'Ivoire
Viking-Age ring fortresses (Denmark)
...and almost 100 more.
Critique: Each site is accompanied by a full-color locator map, and about 700 are shown in a color photograph. "World
Heritage Sites: The Definitive Guide to All 1,199 UNESCO World Heritage Sites" is a definitive reference, an ideal
volume for the armchair traveler to simply browse one page at a time as they learn the history of each site, as well as a
valued resource with which to plan travel itineraries to 1199 sites around the world. This newly expanded and updated 9th
edition of the "World Heritage Sites: The Definitive Guide to All 1,199 UNESCO World Heritage Sites" is a unique and
unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and college/university library Travel Guide and
World Atlas collections.
Editorial Note: Founded in 1945, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has the
ambitious goal to build peace in the minds of men and women through education, social and natural science, culture and
communication. It is based in Paris, France.
The Parenting Shelf
Beyond Inclusion: How to Raise Anti-Ableist Kids
Carrie Cherney Hahn
Chicago Review Press
www.chicagoreviewpress.com
9780914090687, $18.99, PB, 268pp
https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Inclusion-Raise-Anti-Ableist-Kids/dp/0914090682
Synopsis: If the question is "How do you raise anti-ableist kids?" the answer is "Become anti-ableist and then model it
through intention and action for your children."
Parents want to be inclusive of their disabled and neurodivergent neighbors and want to pass these values along to their
children. What holds them back is not having the education or experience on how to appropriately do this. With the
publication of "Beyond Inclusion: How to Raise Anti-Ableist Kids", Carrie Cherney Hahn breaks down fifteen common
forms of ableism, with explanations, examples, and first-person accounts. Doing better starts with knowledge.
Hahn offers activities and perspectives that help parents understand the ableism that exists within them and supports their
ability to process and dismantle it so that they can model anti-ableist practices for their kids. Each chapter comprising
"Beyond Inclusion" offers children's resources that parents can use to nurture informed and anti-ableist ideals in their
kids.
Inclusion is actually the bare minimum. Our work is to show our children how to become more understanding, more
accepting, and more appreciative of disabled and neurodivergent people.
Critique: A timely and invaluable contribution to our on-going national conversation regarding parenting in modern times,
"Beyond Inclusion: How to Raise Anti-Ableist Kids" is a ground-breaking and seminal book the is informative enhanced
for the reader with the inclusion of a ten page Bibliography, a two page listing of Books For Your Child's Library, a one
page Chapter Reflection Guide, and a twelve page Index. While unreservedly recommended for personal, professional,
community, and college/university library Parenting Hyperactive/Disabled Children collections, it should be noted for
parenting reading lists that this edition of "Beyond Inclusion" from the Chicago Review Press is also readily available in a
digital book format (Kindle, $8.99) as well.
Editorial Note: Carrie Cherney Hahn, MA, CCC-SLP, is a pediatric speech-language pathologist and mother. She has
served all ages of children in a variety of settings. Hahn facilitated an autism support group for parents, created a parent
education newsletter for families at KidsCare Home Health, and has presented on topics of using visual supports to
enhance communication, supporting caregivers of disabled children, and ableism in service provision at professional
conferences, universities, and for family advocacy groups. She now has her own practice serving clients through direct
therapy and support and uses her business page to share information about disability and neurodivergence. Her writing has
appeared on iNFORM and Dystinct magazine. (https://on.dystinct.org/author/carrie-cherney-hahn)
The Computer Shelf
Confident Cloud
Adora Nwodo
Kogan Page Inc.
www.koganpage.com
9781398616240, $71.00, HC, 272pp
https://www.amazon.com/Confident-Cloud-Uncover-Essentials-Computing/dp/1398616249
Synopsis: Cloud computing is part of our everyday lives, from cloud backups of personal data to cloud platforms powering
businesses around the world. But do you really understand how cloud computing works? "Confident Cloud: Uncover the
Essentials of Cloud Computing" by Adora Nwodo is an introductory and comprehensive guide that demystifies key
concepts and gives you the confidence you need to succeed in this sector.
This edition of "Confident Cloud" from Kogan Page includes key concepts from FinOps and DevOps to Kubernets and
automation. This is supported by practical guidance on working in the industry, alongside a variety of fascinating case
studies, clarifying how cloud infrastructure is effectively deployed and maintained.
Critique: Providing a thoroughly 'reader friendly' and comprehensive course of information and explanation of cloud
computing, "Confident Cloud: Uncover the Essentials of Cloud Computing" is a very confidently recommended addition
to personal, professional, community, corporate, and college/university library Computer Science collections and
supplemental curriculum studies lists. This edition of "Confident Cloud: Uncover the Essentials of Cloud Computing" is
also readily available for students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject in a paperback edition
(9781398615670, $17.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $$19.99).
Editorial Note: Adora Nwodo (https://adoranwodo.com) is a software engineer who develops mixed-reality products at
Microsoft. She frequently shares her insights on cloud technology and careers on her blog and popular YouTube channel.
She is the founder of NexaScale, a social enterprise aimed at offering and sharing new opportunities for projects and work
experiences within the tech sector. A sought-after public speaker, thought leader and author, she is based in Cambridge,
UK.
The Interior Design Shelf
The Romantic Minimalist: Simple Homes with Soul
Atlanta Bartlett & David Coote
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Books
https://www.octopusbooks.co.uk
9781784729547, $39.99, HC, 224pp
https://www.amazon.com/Romantic-Minimalist-Simple-Homes-Soul/dp/178472954X
Synopsis: "The Romantic Minimalist: Simple Homes with Soul" is beautifully presented volume of interior designs by
Atlanta Bartlett and Dave Coote that explore a new type of minimalism.
This isn't the 1990s version where lonely sofas sat in monastic empty rooms but an altogether softer approach to interior
design. The emphasis is in appreciating the imperfect, encouraging self-expression and never compromising on comfort -
all while keeping the core principles of simplicity, utility and elegance firmly in sight.
This new minimalism has romance and nostalgia at its heart. It celebrates the plain and simple things in life; loves old,
time-worn treasures; shuns materialism in favor of sustainability and creates a home to soothe the soul. "The Romantic
Minimalist: Simple Homes with Soul" includes stunningly photographed case studies of homes, alongside chapters on
topics ranging from color usage and storage, to sustainability and sourcing found objects from nature. It is the perfect
manual for curating elegant and soothing living spaces.
Critique: Elegant, inspiring, fascinating, and a pleasure to simply browse through one page at a time, this large format (9.5
x 0.81 x 11.25 inches, 2.82 pounds) coffee-table style hardcover edition of "The Romantic Minimalist: Simple Homes with
Soul" from Mitchell Beazley includes an introductory commentary (The Creative Journey) and is divided into three major
sections (The New Romantics; The Elements; The Homes), along with a two page Index. While also available for personal
reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $17.99), "The Romantic Minimalist: Simple Homes with Soul" is an
especially recommended pick for professional, community, and college/university library Interior Design & Home
Decoration collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.
Editorial Note: Atlanta Bartlett and Dave Coote are a British design duo known for their distinctive and eclectic approach
to interior design and lifestyle aesthetics. Having each worked successfully in the magazine, photography and design
industries, this prolific couple have been producing books, interiors, furniture, products, sets, magazines features and
cabins, both together and individually, that have been highly sought after for the last 35 years. Between them they have
authored five books, The Relaxed Home, At Home with White, Easy Elegance, Pale & Interesting and Keep it Simple (all
published by Ryland Peters & Small). These books explore their design philosophy of teaming old with new, contrasting
rough with smooth, pairing femininity with utility, celebrating the handcrafted and rooting everything they do in a strong
eco-conscious ethic.
The Metaphysical Studies Shelf
Atlas of Paranormal Places
Evelyn Hollow
Ivy Press
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartoknows.com
9780711287969, $30.00, HC, 224pp
https://www.amazon.com/Atlas-Paranormal-Places-Journey-Supernatural/dp/0711287961
Synopsis: With the publication of "Atlas of Paranormal Places: A Journey to the World's Most Supernatural Places",
Evelyn Hollow showcases fascinating paranormal activity on a chilling, nerve-wracking global tour of 100 haunted
locations. The reader will set out on a uniquely dark armchair journey, and learn about the shocking supernatural events,
ghosts and unexplained phenomena that have captivated humankind for as long as we have told stories to each other,
looked to the skies, and wondered whether we really are alone.
The paranormal places showcased in Evelyn Hollow's "Atlas of Paranormal Places" from Ivy Press include: The Island of
the Dolls in Mexico (where a haunted recluse has hung hundreds of creepy dolls from trees); The St. Augustine Lighthouse
in Florida, (the eerie former home of three girls trapped beneath a wheelbarrow); Gunnuhver Mud Pool in Iceland (infected
by the spirit of a maddened criminal); Turkmenistan's Door to Hell (an infernal crater still blazing after half a century) --
and so much more!
Then there are the legends about spirits that rise from the dead, places where the crops don't grow, or sites where strange
lights are seen at night -- glaciers that bleed, ghost towns, crumbling castles, disused (and active) cemeteries, eerie forests,
and freak nature patterns.
"That Atlas of Paranormal Places" informatively covers these sites in all their mysterious glory, and recounts what
happened, what continues to happen, and what may explain these phenomena. Hauntings, aliens, moving rocks, and all
manner of paranormal activity are covered, in manmade as well as natural surroundings abound in its pages.
Critique: This large format (7.53 x 0.81 x 10.45 inches, 1.65 pounds) hardcover edition of the "Atlas of Paranormal Places:
A Journey to the World's Most Supernatural Places" is enhanced for the reader's benefit with a profusion of full color
photographs and numerous maps. Informed and informative, and also readily available from Ivy Press in a digital book
format (Kindle, $28.50), "Atlas of Paranormal Places: A Journey to the World's Most Supernatural Places" is an
extraordinary, fascinating, and unreservedly recommended pick for personal, professional, community, and
college/university library Metaphysical/Supernatural Travel Guide collections.
Editorial Note: Evelyn Hollow (https://evelynhollow.com) is a double academy award winning Scottish writer and
paranormal psychologist. She was a resident author at Esoterica Zine for more than four years, was the recipient of the
2015 Lonely Planet Travel Writing Scholarship, the occult columnist for Corvid Culture, and has taught writing classes at
everywhere from universities to arts festivals. She has also been featured in exhibitions at ESAF and is the creator of The
Baer Archive. She is a former psychology lecturer and holds a Master of Research degree in Paranormal Psychology. She
now consults as a paranormal psychologist and expert for various TV shows and podcasts -- most recently the smash-hit
BBC shows The Battersea Poltergeist and Uncanny. She is also 1/4 of the team on the new TV show Spooked Scotland
airing on the Discovery Channel in May 2022. Evelyn gives guest talks on paranormal history and the quantum physics of
anomalous phenomena.
Owl Magick
Rieka Moonsong
Rock Point
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
www.quartoknows.com
9781631069963, $19.99, HC, 160pp
https://www.amazon.com/Owl-Magick-Fascinating-Connections-Traditions/dp/1631069969
Synopsis: First introduced to the general public in the Harry Potter movies, owls have had a long association with the
metaphysical and the magical.
With the pubication of "Owl Magick: Explore Our Fascinating Connections with These Birds Through Folklore and
Magickal Traditions" by Rieka Moonsong, you can now unlock the secrets of Owl Magick as you embark on a journey to
find your mystical companion and explore the profound connections between owls and the realms of ancient wisdom.
You will begin your quest to understand the symbolic significance of owls by delving into the captivating history, folklore,
and myths that have woven these majestic birds into the fabric of various cultures. You will explore the diverse tales of
owls and their revered status in Native American, African, Japanese, and other mythologies.
"Owl Magick" will guide you through the many mesmerizing lessons on owls, such as: Unveiling the historical and
mythological threads that bind owls to magical narratives; Diving into the captivating characteristics of different owl
species, from their distinctive physical attributes to their nocturnal prowess; Discovering the art of identifying, attracting,
and forming a profound connection with your owl familiar; Exploring the deeper meanings behind owl messengers and
guides, and how to harmonize with their spiritual energies; Integrating the wisdom of owls into your spell work and rituals,
enhancing the mystical potency of your practice.
With "Owl Magick" you will be able to immerse yourself in the captivating allure of owls as you nurture your mystical
abilities, strengthen your bond with these ethereal creatures, and awaken the enchanting powers that will guide you on the
path to becoming the witch of your dreams. Embrace the magical essence of owls and let the ancient wisdom of folklore
and mythology illuminate your spiritual journey.
Critique: A seminal and ground-breaking combination of history and DIY studies, "Owl Magick: Explore Our Fascinating
Connections with These Birds Through Folklore and Magickal Traditions" will prove to be a unique and prized addition to
personal, professional, community, and college/university library Metaphysical & Wiccan Studies collections. It should be
noted for private reading lists that "Owl Magick" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99) as
well.
Editorial Note: Rieka Moonsong is a Wiccan high priestess and mesa-carrying, Andean-trained shaman. She has made it
her life's work to assist others in healing, transforming, and better understanding their true purpose. She offers one-on-one
consultations that bring balance and clarity in times of indecision or confusion. Her services include divination, healing,
soul work, and more. She can be followed on Instagram @justamountainwitch
Becoming Baba Yaga
Kris Spisak
Hampton Roads Publishing Company
c/o Red Wheel Weiser (distribution)
https://redwheelweiser.com
9781642970517, $16.95, PB, 224pp
https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Baba-Yaga-Trickster-Feminist/dp/1642970514
Synopsis: When darkness, fear, and instability inundate our daily lives, folktale figures like Baba Yaga speak to the
dichotomy of our existence -- the hope and the horror, the magic and the mundane. At once an old hag and an enchantress,
a demon and wish granter, a feminist and nothing more than a fairytale, Baba Yaga is an endlessly complex folktale
character.
With the publication of "Becoming Baba Yaga: Trickster, Feminist, and Witch of the Woods", author Kris Spisak provides
an in-depth look at the Baba Yaga mythos and history through Slavic folklore. Filled with historical and cultural context,
analyses, and the stories themselves that add depth to the conversation. A comprehensive resource for anyone hoping to
learn more about this ambiguous character and how her multifaceted presence still ripples through the present day,
Becoming Baba Yaga is as thoughtful as it is illuminating.
Spisak explores Baba Yaga's connection to nature as an Earth goddess and as an herbalist. She also delves into the Shadow
Self and Baba Yaga's aspect as a trickster and places her in a modern context as not merely a witch of the woods but also
as an archetype and force for finding your own path. Becoming Baba Yaga shares how she is both a force for good as much
as evil and a feminist before her time.
Critique: A seminal and inherently fascinating study from start to finish, "Becoming Baba Yaga: Trickster, Feminist, and
Witch of the Woods" is enhanced for the reader's benefit with occasion B/W illustrations. A fun and informative read,
"Becoming Baba Yaga" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and
college/university library Metaphysical & Mythology Studies collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It
should be noted for students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Becoming Baba Yaga"
is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone Audio,
9798874882334, $39.99, CD)
The Enneagram Map to Your Deeper Self
Sandra C. Smith
Hampton Roads Publishing Company
c/o Red Wheel Weiser (distribution)
https://redwheelweiser.com
9781642970609, $18.95, PB, 288pp
https://www.amazon.com/Enneagram-Map-Your-Deeper-Self/dp/1642970603
Synopsis: Enneagram is a nine-sided star polygon with various configurations. An enneagram of personality is a model of
human personality illustrated by an enneagram figure. (Wikipedia)
With clarity and consistency, "The Enneagram Map to Your Deeper Self: Living Beyond Your Type" by Certified
Narrative Enneagram teacher Sandra C. Smith shows how to understand your Enneagram type without reinforcing the
patterns of your type. Sandra has taught the Enneagram internationally as a tool for personal, professional, and spiritual
development for over twenty-two years. She shows readers how to deepen their use of the Enneagram in support of their
spiritual lives as well as psychological health.
The gift of the Enneagram is its accuracy to show us the motivations beneath behaviors and egoic patterns that limit us and
keep us from growing. "The Enneagram Map to Your Deeper Self" discusses the makeup of these patterns and gives us a
greater capacity to unhook from them. Free from these habits, we are able to live more mindfully and grow into our full
dimensionality, becoming more of ourselves.
Sandra provides a detailed teaching of the components of the Enneagram type structures along with type-specific practices
to counter automatic patterns. Also included are contributions from a diverse range of Enneagram practitioners. With their
help, she dives into the components of the Enneagram types to tease out the patterns and pitfalls preventing us from living
our radiance.
Prayers, poems, and practices beckon us out of our confining comfort zones and into witnessing and honoring our
lives.
Critique: Thoroughly 'reader friendly' in commentary style, organization, and presentation, "The Enneagram Map to Your
Deeper Self: Living Beyond Your Type" by Sandra C. Smith, MDiv is a complete DIY course of instruction that will be
especially appreciated pick for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Metaphysical Studies
collections. It should be noted for both students and practitioners that "The Enneagram Map to Your Deeper Self" is also
readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99) as well.
Editorial Note: Sandra Smith, MDiv, teaches the Enneagram internationally as a tool for personal, professional, and
spiritual growth. She is a certified Narrative Enneagram teacher and an IEA (International Enneagram Association)
accredited professional. Through her business, AlchemyWorks, she offers organizational Enneagram trainings, public
workshops, and retreats. Drawing from her business background and theological education, she weaves the practical and
the compassionate in her teaching and consulting. Sandra cocreated and cohosts the podcast Heart of the Enneagram,
which explores dimensions of the nine unique Enneagram perspectives through interviewing guests of all nine types. Since
its release, the podcast has been distributed to listeners in eighty countries. She lives in North Carolina.
The Hirschfeld Broadway Tarot: Deck and Guidebook
Emil McGill, author
Al Hirschfeld Foundation, contributor
RP Studio
https://www.rp-studio.com
9780762486984, $30.00, Card Deck & Guidebook, 12pp
https://www.amazon.com/Hirschfeld-Broadway-Tarot-Deck-Guidebook/dp/0762486988
Synopsis: There is something innately spiritual and magical about the theater, from its stories and artists to the magic that
happens on stage.
With the publication of "The Hirschfeld Broadway Tarot: Deck and Guidebook", spiritual practitioner, tarot card reader,
and former Broadway publicist Emily McGill, captures this inexplicable energy and has now cast Broadway characters,
icons, and performers in traditional tarot roles, knowing that these characters and their stories will reveal something
deeper, beyond traditional interpretations of the tarot.
These figures have just been waiting to be cast in this deck, like Maria & Tony from West Side Story as "The Lovers" and
Jean Valjean from Les Miserables as the "Justice" card. In the guidebook, McGill offers an interpretation and reading of
each card, filled with references to the characters and plays themselves.
The art in this deck is from none other than famous artist and Broadway legend Al Hirschfeld. His instantly recognizable
black and white work is a staple not only in the Broadway scene but all over the world. The images, provided by the Al
Hirschfeld Foundation, help cement this deck as the ultimate tarot deck for Broadway and theater lovers.
"The Hirschfeld Broadway Tarot: Deck and Guidebook" includes: Deluxe tarot package. Includes 78 cards (3 X 5 inches),
a guidebook (4 3/4 X 6 inches, 120 pages), an inner card box, and a magnetic closure keepsake outer box.
A fully illustrated guidebook that includes images of each card, alongside card descriptions and suggested interpretations,
as well as sample card spreads to guide your practice.
Official Al Hirschfeld art and foundation support with the guidebook, cards, and box all containing art by Al Hirschfeld
which was officially provided by the Al Hirschfeld foundation for purposes of this deck.
Critique: Unique, special, and a 'must' for tarot practitioners who like the ideal of utilizing the world of Broadway Theatre
and the iconic artwork/illustrations of Al Hirschfeld, "The Hirschfeld Broadway Tarot: Deck and Guidebook" is especially
and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and college/university library Tarot Deck
collections.
Editorial Note #1: Emily McGill is a spiritual seeker, soul translator, and storytelling strategist. She is currently pursuing a
Master of Arts in Psychology with a focus on spirituality. Emily has been invited to read tarot for many events and has
been featured in publications including Bustle, New York Post, and Playbill. A former Broadway and entertainment
publicist and consultant, Emily has worked on over 20 Broadway shows, including credits on A Raisin in the Sun,
Memphis, Billy Elliot, and more. (www.emilymcgillentertainment.com/broadwaytarot)
Editorial Note #2: AI Hirschfeld (1903-2003) was a caricaturist best known for his calligraphy-style, Black and White
caricatures of theatre, film, music, and dance stars. He has been featured in almost all major publications and his work
captured the essence and magic of performances and productions. He won countless awards in his lifetime, had a theatre
named after him, and continues to inspire artists through the work of the AI Hirschfeld foundation, which promotes his
work, the arts, and art education. (www.alhirschfeldfoundation.org/bio)
Editorial Note #3: In order to help honor our planet and reduce waste, we have only shrink wrapped the interior cards,
rather than the keepsake box. Please feel confident that your product is not defective or used, but rather represents a step
we are taking to protect our collective home. When you open your deck, you will find that the actual cards inside the box
are shrink wrapped for protection and to ensure first use by the buyer.
Shamanic Star Wisdom Oracle
Lisa Bipitz, author
Petra Kuhne, illustrator
EarthDancer
c/o Inner Traditions International, Ltd.
www.innertraditions.com
9798888501214, $19.99, Card Deck, 44 Cards/112pp
https://www.amazon.com/Shamanic-Star-Wisdom-Oracle-Guidebook/dp/B0CSBTD4PW
Synopsis: Has your intuition told you that your soul originated in the stars? Have you had an encounter with star beings or
aliens, or have a deep inner knowing that they are real? You are not alone, nor are you a strange or isolated case. You are
part of the cosmic family of starseeds. Welcome home!
With "Shamanic Star Wisdom Oracle: 44-Card Deck and Guidebook" the team of author Lisa Bipitz and illustrator Petra
Kuhne invite you to explore the wisdom of star beings from across the galaxy, including the innate spiritual gifts you have
inherited through your starseed ancestors.
Fourteen star families are represented on the cards, including Pleiadians, Hathors, Draconians, and Sirians, and each card
shares a talent or quality from the star being shown, such as courage, empathy, beauty, wisdom, or healing power.
The accompanying guidebook explores the meaning of each card and the star being shown as well as providing an
affirmation and an exercise to implement the theme of the card. It explains how shamanic and indigenous cultures have
long known that human life on Earth has extraterrestrial origins. For example, the ancient cultures of North and South
America recognize 12 planets with human-like life in other solar systems, indigenous Hawaiians believe their ancestors
came from the Pleiades, and lore in Peru and Bolivia contains accounts of a golden boat that came from the heavens.
"Shamanic Star Wisdom Oracle" also describes how to use the cards to discover your original spirit family in the stars, get
in touch with them telepathically, unleash the dormant power in your DNA, and protect yourself from negative aliens.
Designed to bring you closer to your own star essence as well as support the personal and cosmic healing needed to assist
in Earth's ascension process, "Shamanic Star Wisdom Oracle" enables you to learn about your intergalactic connections
and remember your soul purpose as a starseed.
Critique: "Shamanic Star Wisdom Oracle: 44-Card Deck and Guidebook" is an essential and unreservedly recommended
pick for anyone with an interest in shamanism, divination, and the metaphysical implications of extraterrestrial life. This
edition of "Shamanic Star Wisdom Oracle" is a high value addition to personal, professional, community, and
college/university library Metaphysical Studies & Card Deck collections.
Editorial Note #1: Lisa Biritz has traveled around the world learning shamanic traditions, including the Hawaiian tradition
of Huna, Sandra Ingerman's core shamanism, and the healing practices of Medicine Chief Sun Bear. She lives with her
family in Austria and Hawaii. Petra Kuhne, illustrator and workshop leader, has been working with visionary teacher
Chuck Spezzano for almost 20 years. Her motifs mostly originate in imaginative, almost fairytale scenes, as well as in
spiritual worlds. The illustrator for Oracle of the Birds, she lives in Germany. (https://www.instagram.com/lisabiritz)
Editorial Note #2: Petra Kuhne (www.petralefaye.de) is an illustrator and workshop leader who has been working with
visionary teacher Chuck Spezzano for almost 20 years. Her motifs mostly originate in imaginative, almost fairytale scenes,
as well as in spiritual worlds. She lives in Germany.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
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Oregon, WI 53575-1129
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e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
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