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Wisconsin Bookwatch

Volume 11, Number 9 September 2016 Home | WBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Computer Shelf Metaphysical Studies Shelf
Christian Studies Shelf Buddhist Studies Shelf Crafts Shelf
Mystery/Suspense Shelf Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf Self-Help Shelf
Travel Shelf Music Shelf Cookbook Shelf
Military Shelf Audiobook Shelf Fiction Shelf
Writing/Publishing Shelf Automotive Shelf Coloring Book Shelf
American History Shelf Railroading Shelf Needlecraft Shelf
Poetry Shelf Graphic Novel Shelf Music CD Shelf
DVD Shelf Hunting/Fishing Shelf Aviation Shelf
Biography Shelf LGBT Studies Shelf  


Reviewer's Choice

Frontier Grit
Marianne Monson
Shadow Mountain
ShadowMountain.com
9781629722276 $19.99 amazon.com

Frontier Grit: The Unlikely True Stories of Daring Pioneer Women lives up to its title as an anthology of true-life stories about twelve courageous frontier women. One disguised herself as a man to become a skilled stagecoach driver; one became a frontier doctor long before the profession was widely considered open to women; others championed social justice and women's rights. Frontier Grit is an invaluable contribution to American History shelves and utterly absorbing from cover to cover. Highly recommended, especially for public and college library collections.

The Art of Calm
Rebecca Ascher-Walsh
National Geographic Press
101 West 104th Street, Suite 8, New York, NY 10025
www.nationalgeographic.com
9781426216374, $19.95, HC, 192pp, www.amazon.com

A perfect antidote for today's time-stressed, not-enough-hours-in-the-day urban life style, "The Art of Calm: Photographs and Wisdom to Balance Your Life" compiled by Rebecca Ascher-Walst is packed from cover to cover with inspirational ideas to help her readers bring their lives back from the brink of emotional exhaustion. A perfect antidote to reducing the chaos of everyday life, "The Art of Calm" is replete with exquisite photographs and insightful quotations that combine to provide an opportunity to enjoy guilt-free "me" time, as well as easy suggestions for a more peaceful existence with ideas that range from keeping a bud vase on your desk to tucking yourself into bed an hour early with a book you love. Of special note are the simple tips for how to unwind, ideas for spending quality time with loved ones, and illuminating quotes offer ideas on how to slow down and savor life's simple moments. "The Art of Calm" is enthusiastically recommended for personal reading lists and community library collections -- and would make an ideal gift selection to give a loved one who is working too hard and enjoying life too little.

Circles of Delight
Aaron Shepard
Shepard Publications
PO Box 280, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
www.shepardpub.com
9780938497691, $25.00, PB, 122pp, www.amazon.com

A carousel is an amusement ride consisting of a rotating circular platform with seats for riders. The "seats" are traditionally in the form of rows of wooden horses or other animals mounted on posts, many of which are moved up and down by gears to simulate galloping, to the accompaniment of looped circus music. This leads to one of the alternative American names, the galloper. Other popular names are jumper, horseabout and flying horses. "Circles of Delight: Classic Carousels of San Francisco" is a compilation of beautifully photographed San Francisco carousels -- and not just the marvelous horses, but all the other elements ranging from reindeer, rams, giraffes, lions, tigers, and more! An inherently fascinating browse from first page to last, "Circles of Delight: Classic Carousels of San Francisco" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to family and community library collections. For the personal reading lists of carousel enthusiasts it should be noted that "Circles of Delight: Classic Carousels of San Francisco" is also available in a Kindle format ($3.00).

Finding the Flavors We Lost
Patric Kuh
Ecco
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
9780062219541 $26.99 www.harpercollins.com

Finding the Flavors We Lost: From Bread to Bourbon, How Artisans Reclaimed American Food is a fascinating book about America's culinary heritage. Food writer Patric Kuh presents profiles "artisanal" food creators, who re-learned the all-but-forgotten crafts of making unique breads, cheeses, and beers, in contrast to the bland homogeneity of mass-produced food. Finding the Flavors We Lost also raises questions such as, "How big of an operation can a food company be before it is no longer 'artisanal'?", and "Does technological progress have to come at the expense of flavor?" Finding the Flavors We Lost is enlightening reading for culinary enthusiasts, highly recommended.


The Computer Shelf

Microsoft Access 2016 Programming Pocket Primer
Julitta Korol
Mercury Books
c/o International Publishers Marketing
22841 Quicksilver Drive, Dulles, VA 20166
www.internationalpubmarket.com
9781942270812, $29.95, PB, 211pp, www.amazon.com

A qualified expert, Julitta Korol has published over two dozen computer books on using and programming Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Access. As part of the Pocket Primer series, Korol specifically wrote and designed "Microsoft Access 2016 Programming Pocket Primer" for Microsoft users who needs to master Access programming fundamentals without spending too much time at it. "Microsoft Access 2016 Programming Pocket Primer" is a short, succinct, instruction manual and guide to getting started. "Microsoft Access 2016 Programming Pocket Primer" nicely covers only the things an Microsoft user needs to know to feel at home with VBA. What Microsoft users will learn about Access programming will also apply to Excel programming. "Microsoft Access 2016 Programming Pocket Primer" is divided into nine chapters that progressively introduce you to programming Microsoft Access 2016 and includes a companion disc with all of the "Hands-On" files needed to complete the chapter projects and all the images from the text. Thoroughly 'user friendly' in tone, content, organization and presentation, "Microsoft Access 2016 Programming Pocket Primer" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library Computer Science collections in general, and Microsoft Access supplemental studies reading lists in particular.


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

A Mystic Guide to Cleansing & Clearing
David Salisbury
Moon Books
c/o John Hunt Publishing, Ltd.
Laurel House, Station Approach, Alresford, Hants, SO24 9JH, UK
www.johnhuntpublishing.com
9781782796237, $15.95, PB, 140pp, www.amazon.com

David Salisbury is Wiccan clergy within Coven of the Spiral Moon, a coven based in Washington DC. He is author of various book on witchcraft and mysticism and co-organizes The Firefly House, one of the largest witchcraft traditions in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. In "A Mystic Guide to Cleansing & Clearing" he takes a new approach to the practice of cleansing our lives. Using energetic methods from a variety of traditions and philosophies yet geared for the pagan mind, metaphysical students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject will uncover energetic burdens and learn how to transform and clear them from daily life. These teachings from the Western magical traditions will arm the reader with the tools necessary to clear their space, cleanse their body, cast out negative entities, and clear the slate for a fresh start. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "A Mystic Guide to Cleansing & Clearing" is enthusiastically recommended for personal and community library Metaphysical Studies collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "A Mystic Guide to Cleansing & Clearing" is also available in a Kindle format ($5.99).


The Christian Studies Shelf

I Loved Jesus in the Night
Paul Murray
Paraclete Press
PO Box 1568, Orleans, MA 02653
9781612618951 $11.99 www.paracletepress.com

Written to celebrate the canonization of Mother Teresa (who was beatified in 2003 by Pope John Paul II), I Loved Jesus in the Night: A Secret Revealed is the testimony of a priest who met with Mother Teresa firsthand. Drawing upon anecdotes, primary testimonies, and Mother Teresa's own correspondence, I Loved Jesus in the Night is emotionally moving, completely candid, and a choice pick for Christian Studies shelves. Highly recommended!

Walking Home Together
Michael Mercer
Twenty-Third Publications
1 Montauk Ave #200, New London, CT 06320
www.23rdpublications.com
9781627851497 $14.95 amazon.com

Chaplain Michael Mercer presents Walking Home Together, an end-of-life guide especially for Christians, covering the practical, psychological, and spiritual aspects of coming to terms with the end of one's life. Chapters describe ways to experience God's presence in the final season of life, coping with fear, financial issues, ways in which to help and serve others, and more. "Advance directive forms are available from many sources, including attorneys, health care providers, and senior citizen groups. Please be aware that each state has its own requirements for advance directives and what they cover." Highly recommended.

Through Her Eyes
Deborah Spink Winters, editor
Judson Press
PO Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851
9780817017699 $13.99 www.judsonpress.com

Through Her Eyes: Bible Studies on Women in Scripture is an anthology of essays by a variety of authors about 20 different women from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. Not all of the women portrayed are given specific names, yet each has something important to teach students of the Bible. Spotlighted women include Abigail, Tamar, Joanna, Queen of Sheba, Peter's mother- in-law, Woman with the Alabaster Jar, Pontius Pilate's wife, the mother of James and John, and more. Through Her Eyes is highly recommended for group-based or personal Bible study, as well as church library collections.

God So Loved the World
Robert Spitzer, S.J.
Ignatius Press
PO Box 1339, Fort Collins, CO 80522
www.ignatius.com
9781621640363, $19.95, PB, 439pp, www.amazon.com

Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D. is the former president of Gonzaga University and the founder of the Magis Institute, which educates the public about the relationship between physics, philosophy, reason, and faith. He is the chief education officer of the Ethics and Performance Institute, which delivers web-based ethics education to corporations and individuals, and President of the Spitzer Center of Ethical Leadership, which delivers similar curricula to non-profit organizations. In "God So Loved the World: Clues to Our Transcendent Destiny from the Revelation of Jesus" Fr. Spitzer probes in detail the major question that if an intelligent Creator God - manifest in logical proofs, scientific evidence, and near death experiences - who is the source of our desire for the sacred, and the transcendental desires for truth, love, goodness, and beauty, would want to reveal himself to us personally and ultimately. Fr. Spitzer then shows this is reasonable not only in light of our interior experience of a transcendent Reality, but also that a completely intelligent Reality is completely positive (implying its possession of a completely positive virtue) namely "love", defined as agape. Erudite, informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking, "God So Loved the World" is a deftly crafted and consistently compelling read from beginning to end. While very highly recommended for seminary and academic library Christian Studies collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "God So Loved the World" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).

Desperately Seeking Spirituality
Meredith Gould
The Liturgical Press
2950 Saint John's Road, PO Box 7500, Collegeville, MN 56321-7500
www.litpress.org
9780814648506, $16.17, PB, 136pp, www.amazon.com

Meredith Gould, PhD, is a sociologist with well over a decade of hands-on experience with communications at all levels of church across denominations. She's the author of nine books about faith and everyday life. In "Desperately Seeking Spirituality: A Field Guide to Practice", Meredith combines practical wisdom with lived experience to explain why and when traditional practices don't work for today's seeker and then how to choose ones that will. In short, easy-to-read chapters and with characteristic wit, Gould provides counsel for reframing perception to discover the sacred in everyday life. This guide is for self-identified seekers who have tried some, many, or even all the classic spiritual practices and then, given up on them when they stop working. In "Desperately Seeking Spirituality", Gould invites readers to embrace a broader definition of practice that shifts focus from doing to being. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Desperately Seeking Spirituality" is unreservedly recommended for members of the Christian community. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Desperately Seeking Spirituality" is also available in a Kindle edition ($13.99).

Windows Into Christ
Laurence Duthoit
Pauline Books & Media
50 St. Paul's Avenue, Boston, MA 02130-3433
9780819883681, $16.95, PB, 96pp, www.amazon.com

Coloring books for adults are proving to be enormously popular. Now Pauline Books & Media has published "Windows Into Christ: A Coloring Book for Prayer and Meditation" that is an ideal do-it-yourself activity based on medieval images taken from the Chartres Cathedral in Paris, France. The each remarkable picture to be colored is accompanied by prayers and/or scripture readings taken from the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament. "Windows Into Christ" is an extraordinary and unique way to quietly meditate and deepen personal spiritual reflection. Simply stated, "Windows Into Christ" is enthusiastically recommended for Christians of all ages.

God's Human Future
David Galston
Polebridge Press
c/o Westar Institute
P.O. Box 346, Farmington, Minnesota 55024
www.polebridgepress.com
9781598151732, $28.00, PB, 221pp, www.amazon.com

The "death of God" movement famously declared that belief in the God of Christian tradition is meaningless in the modern world. Does this herald the death of theology, too? No, suggests David Galston in "God's Human Future: The Struggle to Define Theology Today". At its best, theology is the place where tradition pushes itself to the limits of its own thought. Problems arise when theology holds onto an old version of God, emphasizing a closed approach to religion. How can communities foster a more open-minded and flexible approach to theology? How can theologians respond to the pressing concerns of modern culture sensitively and intelligently without clinging to outdated metaphors for God? Marking key features and turning points in Western theology, Professor Galston (a University Chaplain and Adjunct Professor of Philosophy at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, Academic Director at Westar Institute) combines expertise in the philosophy of religion with practical experience as a facilitator in a wisdom-based community, to guide readers through questions surrounding the future of religion. Thoroughly 'reader friendly' in tone, commentary, organization and presentation, "God's Human Future" is as informed and informative as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking. While very highly recommended for community, seminary, and academic library Christian Studies collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of clergy, students, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "God's Human Future" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).

Between Pain & Grace
Gerald W. Peterman & Andrew D. Schmutzer
Moody Publishers
820 N. LaSalle Blvd., Chicago, IL 60610
www.moodypublishers.com
9780802409676, $22.99, PB, 350pp, www.amazon.com

One of the oldest questions every asked by mankind is: Why does suffering exist? When will it end? Where is God in it? Despite how common suffering is, we still struggle to understand it, and even more, to bear through it. "Between Pain and Grace: A Biblical Theology of Suffering" by Gerald W. Peterman (Professor of Bible and Director of the Master of Arts, Biblical and Theological Studies at Moody Bible institute) and Andrew D. Schmutzer (Professor of Biblical Studies at Moody Bible Institute) gets to the heart of this struggle. Born from a popular college course on suffering, "Between Pain & Grace " answers many critical questions including: Is God personally involved in our pain and suffering?; How should Christians handle emotions like grief and anger?; What does the Bible say about issues like mental illness, sexual abuse, and betrayal? Striking an elegant balance between being scholarly on the one hand and heartfelt on the other, "Between Pain and Grace" is useful both in the classroom and for personal reading. "Between Pain & Grace" draws from Biblical Scripture, personal experiences, and even psychological research to offer a well-rounded and trustworthy take on suffering. "Between Pain and Grace" will provide confidence in God's sovereignty, comfort in His presence, and wisdom for life this side of paradise. Inspired and inspiring, "Between Pain & Grace" is unreservedly recommended to all members of the Christian community regardless of denominational affiliation. For personal reading lists it should be noted that "Between Pain & Grace" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).

Mormonism For Beginners
Stephen Carter
For Beginners LLC
155 Main Street, Suite 211, Danbury, CT 06810
www.forbeginnersbooks.com
9781939994523, $15.95, PB, 176pp, www.amazon.com

"Mormonism For Beginners" by Stephen Carter is a balanced, richly engaging introduction to the history, tenets, practices, traditions, and yes, debates and controversies of the Salt Lake City based Mormon church. Designed for the non-specialist general reader and/or younger members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), "Mormonism For Beginners" presents the history of the movement from Joseph Smith form its beginnings in the 1830s down to the present day, along with the key doctrines of the faith in the context of everyday life, as well as the essential scriptures. "Mormonism For Beginners" also provides a Mormon perspective on such current social issues as polygamy, same-sex marriage, and the role of women in the LDS church in dispassionate, even-handed terms. "Mormonism For Beginners" sheds a clear light on an often misunderstood belief system and way of life. While unreservedly recommended for school and academic library Christian Studies collections in general, and Mormon Church supplemental studies reading lists, it should be noted for students and anyone with an interest in learning about the Mormon church that "Mormonism For Beginners" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).

Glory and Honor
David C. Ford, et al.
SVS Press
575 Scarsdale Road, Yonkers, NY 10707
www.svspress.com
9780881415407, $32.00, PB, 456pp, www.amazon.com

The Orthodox Church embodies a living Tradition that integrates a long, unbroken practice of marriage with its theology, cosmology, liturgy, mystical asceticism, and anthropology. As such, the Church has a great deal to offer all those who desire to come to a deeper understanding of marriage and family life. "Glory and Honor: Orthodox Christian Resources on Marriage" is collection of thirty-one contributions that draw upon the riches of this Tradition to present an inspiring vision of Christian marriage, and to offer insights and guidance about marriage and family life that are adapted to modern questions and challenges, yet grounded firmly in the global teaching and practice of the Church. The experienced clergy, scholars, and theologians contributing to this volume come from a wide variety of Orthodox Christian communities present in North America, including the Orthodox Church in America, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, and the Antiochian, Greek, and Serbian Orthodox Archdioceses of America. Enhanced with the inclusion of an appendix (Hierarchical Statements on Marriage); an eight page listing of Suggest Resources, and a three page listing of the contributors and their credentials, "Glory and Honor: Orthodox Christian Resources on Marriage" is unreservedly recommended for personal, pastoral, seminary, and academic library Orthodox Christian Studies collections in general, and Orthodox Marriage supplemental studies reading lists in particular.

Union With Christ
Rankin Wilbourne
David C. Cook
c/o Cook Communications
4050 Lee Vance View, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
www.cookministries.com
9781434709387, $19.99, HC, 320pp, www.amazon.com

The central and core message of "Union with Christ: The Way to Know and Enjoy God" by Rankin Wilbourne (Pastor of Pacific Crossroads Church in Los Angeles, California) is that to experience why the gospel is good news and answer life's most foundational questions about identity, destiny, and purpose. We as Christians must understand what it means to be united to Christ. The Bible says that with respect to faithful Christians, that Christ has united his life to theirs, that they are now in Christ and Christ is in them. This almost unfathomable truth is the central theme of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Yet few Christians today experience or enjoy this reality. Union with Christ reveals the transformational power of this ancient doctrine while addressing the basic questions of the human heart: Who Am I?; Why Am I Here?; Where Am I Headed?; How Will I Get There? Nothing is more practical for living the Christian life than union with Christ. The recovery of this reality provides the anchor and engine for your life with God for your destiny is not only to see Christ, but to actually become like him. Thoroughly 'reader friendly' in tone, commentary, organization and presentation, "Union With Christ" is as insightful and inspiring as it is informed and biblically grounded. While unreservedly recommended for all members of the Christian community regardless of their denominational affiliation, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Union With Christ" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).

Christ in Every Hour
Anthony Sweat
Deseret Book Company
57 West South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101
www.deseretbook.com
9781629721996, $12.99, HC, 166pp, www.amazon.com

A favorite hymn of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as Mormons) supplicates Christ for His help in ''every hour'.' And while that's certainly true, how is it true? Are we such sinners that we need constant access to Christ's Atonement? Or is there something more to the Atonement, something in addition to forgiveness for our sins? What help does Christ offer in moments when we may not need His forgiveness but do need help beyond our own capacities? We know Christ's Atonement can save us from death and sin, but we may not always remember that we can draw on His Atonement for help in other ways. In "Christ in Every Hour", gospel educator Anthony Sweat (an Assistant Professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah) deftly explores six of Christ's divine powers, explaining what they mean, why they're relevant, and what they can do for us as we live life each day. Discover more about Christ's power to cleanse, heal, restore, identify with, strengthen, and transform us, and learn how to draw upon the Lord's grace and power in every hour of your life. Which power of Christ's Atonement do you need today? Or in this very hour? Enhanced with the inclusion of seven pages of Notes, and a four page Index, "Christ in Every Hour" is impressively well written and exceptionally 'reader friendly' in tone, commentary, organization and presentation. Informative, thoughtful, insightful, inspiring, "Christ in Every Hour" is very highly recommended and instructive. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Christ in Every Hour" is also available in a Kindle edition ($12.99) and in an CD audio book format (Covenant Communications, 9781524400279, $15.99).


The Buddhist Studies Shelf

When Awareness Becomes Natural
Sayadaw U Tejaniya
Shambhala Publications, Inc.
300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-4544
www.shambhala.com
9781611803075, $17.95, 186pp, www.amazon.com

Sayadaw U Tejaniya is a Burmese monk in the lineage of Mahasi Sayadaw who teaches meditation at Shwe Oo Min Dhamma Sukha Forest Meditation Center in Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar. One of his major teaching is that the flame of wisdom can be kindled in the midst of any life, even one that might seem too full of personal and professional commitments to allow for it. Tejaniya himself learned to cultivate awareness in the raucous years he spent in the Burmese textile business before taking his final monastic ordination at the age of thirty-six. He draws upon his years of experience and expertise in writing "When Awareness Becomes Natural: A Guide to Cultivating Mindfulness in Everyday Life" for the purpose of enabling his readers to train themselves to be aware of the clinging and aversion that arise in any situation. Tejaniya teaches that in the Buddhist tradition, if you can learn to do that, calm and deep insight will naturally follow. It's a method that works as well for sorting the laundry or doing data entry as it does in formal sitting meditation. Thoroughly 'reader friendly' in tone, commentary, organization and presentation, "When Awareness Becomes Natural" is unreservedly recommended as an invaluable addition to personal, community, college, and university library Buddhist reference collections in general, and supplemental Buddhism studies lists in particular. It should be noted for students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "When Awareness Becomes Natural" is also available in a Kindle edition ($7.99) and in an MP3 format (Brilliance Audio, 9781531864989, $9.99).


The Crafts Shelf

Bead Sparkle
Susan Beal
The Taunton Press
63 South Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470
www.taunton.com
9781631861543, $24.95, PB, 187pp, www.amazon.com

Susan Beal blogs at WestCoastCrafty.com and is a jewelry designer and the author of many outstanding craft books, including "Bead Simple", "Button It Up", and "Hand-Stitched Home". In "Bead Sparkle" she draws upon her years of experience and expertise to create an beautifully illustrated, do-it-yourself, step-by-step instructional compendium showcasing 120 original designs for using beads to create earrings, necklaces, bracelets, pendants, brooches, and barrettes. Of special note is the chapter devoted to Embellishments, including botanical decor, pretty jars, holiday sparkle, little gifts, vintage gone modern, and more. Enhanced with the inclusion of a list of Metric Equivalents, a listing of Guest Designers, a list of Resources, and a two page Index, "Bead Sparkle" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to personal and community library DIY Crafts instructional resource collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Bead Sparkle" is also available in a Kindle format ($18.99).

The Art of Leather Inlay and Overlay
Lisa Sorrell
Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
www.schifferbooks.com
9780764351211, $34.99, HC, 176pp, www.amazon.com

More than 470 color photos bring in-depth detail to "The Art of Leather Inlay and Overlay: A Guide to the Techniques for Top Results" by Lisa Sorrell who is an award-winning leather artist and master cowboy boot maker known for her colorful and intricate designs. Profusely illustrated, impressively well written, exceptionally and accessibly organized and presented, "The Art of Leather Inlay and Overlay" provides a comprehensive look at the almost forgotten decorative art of leather inlay and overlay. Leather is an often-overlooked textile, with very little documentation on its tools and techniques, and this thoroughly 'user friendly', step-by-step guide will fill a crucially important gap for the aspiring leather worker. These skills have historically been passed along orally, and "The Art of Leather Inlay and Overlay" begins with a brief introduction of the cowboy boot, since this is the discipline that's become a repository for the art of leather inlay and overlay. Leather working novices can learn what these decorative methods can bring to their work with details on the tools and machinery needed, and clear explanations of the techniques. Also covered in the pages of "The Art of Leather Inlay and Overlay" are the history of leather inlay and overlay, choosing the best leather, how to pattern and create leather art, and basic sewing machine maintenance. "The Art of Leather Inlay and Overlay" finishes with an illustrated, do-it-yourself guide to three outstanding leather projects. Simply stated, "The Art of Leather Inlay and Overlay" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, college, and university library Leather Working instructional reference collections and supplemental studies reading lists.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

Deep Six
D. P. Lyle
Oceanview Publishing
595 Bay Isles Road, 120-G, Longboat Key, FL 34228
www.oceanviewpub.com
9781608091812, $26.95, HC, 337pp, www.amazon.com

Ex-professional baseball player Jake Longly adamantly refuses to work for his father, wanting no part of Ray's PI world. He prefers to hang out at his beachfront bar and chase bikinis along the sugary beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama. But Ray could be persuasive, so Jake finds himself staking out the home of wealthy Barbara Plummer, a suspected adulteress. The mission seems simple enough hang around, take a few pictures, sip a little bourbon. Except Barbara gets herself murdered right under Jake's nose. When Jake launches into an investigation of his target's homicide, he quickly runs afoul of Ukrainian mobster Victor Borkov. Aided by his new girlfriend Nicole Jemison and Tommy "Pancake" Jeffers, his behemoth employee with crazy computer skills, Jake tries to peel away the layers of the crime. The deeper the intrepid trio delves, the more murders start to pile up, leading them to Borkov's massive yacht -- where they just might be deep-sixed. In "Deep Six", author D. P. Lyle has once again written a consistently compelling novel that will riveting his reader's total attention from beginning to end. This is the stuff from which block-buster movies are made! While unreservedly recommended for community library Mystery/Thriller Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading list that "Deep Six" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).

The Widower's Wife
Cate Holahan
Crooked Lane Books
2 Park Avenue, 10th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.crookedlanebooks.com
9781629537658, $25.99, HC, 296pp, www.amazon.com

Ana Bacon, a beautiful young wife and mother, tumbled off a cruise ship into dark and deadly waters. Ana is gone--leaving behind her wealthy husband and adorable daughter--but not everything about her disappearance adds up. What secrets did she leave behind? Investigator Ryan Monahan is a numbers man. So when his company sends him the Bacon case, which could net a ten-million-dollar payout, Monahan doubts that her death is just a tragic accident. But the husband has a substantial alibi and a number of witnesses claim to have seen Ana fall, and the official ruling seems to hold up. Still, the more Monahan uncovers about Ana's life, the more he realizes how many people would kill to keep her secrets hidden. And the closer he gets to the truth, the greater the odds grow that he, too, will take a fatal fall. Impressive, exceptional, original, "The Widower's Wife" is a compelling page-turner of a novel from beginning to end -- and clearly establishes author Cate Holahan as an especially skilled novelist of the first order. While unreservedly recommended for community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Widower's Wife" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.59).

Shadows on a Morning in Maine
Lea Wait
Perseverance Press
c/o Daniel & Daniel, Publishers
PO Box 2790, McKinleyville, CA 95519
www.danielpublishing.com
9781564745774, $15.95, PB, 240pp, www.amazon.com

Maggie Summer is making big changes in her life. The antique print dealer has taken a sabbatical and moved to Maine to run an antiques mall with Will Brewer, her significant other. And she will finally adopt the daughter she's been longing for. However, the troubled girl doesn't want any part of the plan, showing affection only for the harbor seals, which remind her of her "real mother". But someone starts shooting the seals -- and a young fisherman is murdered. Then Will confesses a secret from his past, and Maggie begins to wonder if all her dreams will turn into nightmares. Deftly plotted with unexpected storyline twists and turns, populated with recognizable and memorable characters, "Shadows on a Morning in Maine" is an extraordinary novel by a master of the Mystery/Suspense genre. Simply stated, Lea Wait's "Shadows on a Morning in Maine" is unreservedly recommended for community library collections and the personal reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs.

Lies of the Land
Chris Dolan
Vagabond Voices
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7, 124 Byers Road, Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
www.dufoureditions.com
9781908251688, $25.00, PB, 281pp, www.amazon.com

Prosecutor Maddy Shannon awakens in her West End Glasgow flat to a hangover and several mysteries, starting with who is the strange man in her bed? Shortly after discovering the man's identity, Maddy learns that his boss, a successful defense lawyer, has met a gruesome end in his posh Merchant City office. With a bad reputation for getting too close to her cases, Maddy tries to stand back from this one. But as the murders continue, and Maddy herself receives a disturbing message, she realizes too close is unavoidable, and winds up in a race against the measured malevolence of an unknown killer. "Lies of the Land" is another deftly crafted classic in author Chris Dolan's outstanding 'Maddy Shannon Mystery' series. A consistently compelling novel of suspense from beginning to end, "Lies of the Land" is enthusiastically recommended for the personal reading lists of dedicated mystery fans, and will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to community library Mystery/Suspense collections.


The Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf

Dashing, Daring, and Debonair
Herbie J. Pilato
Taylor Trade Publishing
c/o Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group
4501 Forbes Blvd., Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
www.rowman.com
9781630760526, $27.95, HC, 306pp, www.amazon.com

"Dashing, Daring, and Debonair: TV's Top Male Icons from the 50s, 60s, and 70s" by Herbie J. Pilato is an impressive compendium of information on actors, comedians, singers, dancers, or talk show hosts and personalities. Here are to be found everyone from George Burns and Milton Berle to Jack Benny and Jackie Gleason to Sid Caesar and Caesar Romero, men who ignited their own particular brand of "man-erisms". In the process, they each inspired their audience to cheer them on whatever their guise. "Dashing, Daring, and Debonair" also features a foreword by Adam "Batman" West. "Dashing, Daring, and Debonair" explores and celebrates the men who invented manliness and became stars in the process. It also profiles teenage heartthrobs including Leave it to Beaver's Tony Dow and The Partridge Family's David Cassidy, stars who left an indelible impression on a generation of young girls. Inherently fascinating, informed and informative, "Dashing, Daring, and Debonair" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to community and academic library Theater/Cinema/TV collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Dashing, Daring, and Debonair" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).


The Self-Help Shelf

Discover Your Purpose
Rhys Thomas
Jeremy P. Tarcher
c/o Penguin Group, USA
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014-3657
www.tarcherbooks.com
9780399169243, $18.95, PB, 366pp, www.amazon.com

Rhys Thomas is a visionary author, speaker, and teacher in the field of energy medicine. Creator of the Rhys Method(R) Life Purpose Profile System and founder of the Rhys Thomas Institute in the Boston area, he employs energy medicine techniques to help people achieve personal and professional transformation. In "Discover Your Purpose: How to Use the 5 Life Purpose Profiles to Unlock Your Hidden Potential and Live the Life You Were Meant to Live", Rhys draws upon his years of experience and expertise to write a life-changing do-it-yourself instruction manual that shows his readers how they can discover the purpose of their lives and align their decisions with their deepest core self, so that their lives are fulfilling, productive, and full of joy. As insightfully informative as it is thoughtfully practical, "Discover Your Purpose" is consistently compelling and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in tone, commentary, organization and presentation. While unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended for community library Self-Help/Self-Improvement instructional reference collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Discover Your Purpose" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).


The Travel Shelf

Japan by Rail
Ramsey Zarifeh & Anna Udagawa
Trailblazer Publications
www.trailblazer-guides.com
9781905864751, $24.95, PB, 480pp, www.amazon.com

Japan has one of the most extensive railway systems in the world. One of the best wasy to take advantage of Japan's impressive railway systems is to use the Japan Rail Pass. For visitors to Japan, Trailblazer Publications has a newly updated and expanded edition of "Japan by Rail". Utilizing this comprehensive guide in conjunction with a rail pass is the best and most economical way to get the most out of any trip to Japan. The collaborative work of Ramsey Zarifeh and Anna Udagawa, "Japan by Rail" offers: Practical information for planning your trip including when to go; suggested itineraries; what to take; festivals and events; City guides and maps for planning where to stay, where to eat, what to see in30 towns and cities; historical and cultural background; Kilometer-by-kilometer route guides that cover train journeys from the coast into the mountains, from temple retreat to sprawling metropolis; 33 route maps; Railway timetables and frequency charts including Bullet trains and main routes; Customs, etiquette, Japanese words and phrases - with kanji; kanji/hiragana/katakana for all place names mentioned in this new edition of "Japan by Rail" so readers can point to the text when asking Japanese speakers for directions; The extension of the shinkansen route from Nagano toKanazawa (which is now called the Hokuriku shinkansen); Additional side trips from Tokyo including to Kawaguchi-kofor magnificent views of Mt Fuji, and to Mito for Kairakuen, the only one ofthe three great landscape gardens in Japan not currently mentioned in the book; Expanded coverage of Nikko, Nagasaki, the side trip to Asosan, Beppu, and many places in the Kansai region. Whether for business or for pleasure, "Japan by Rail" is a 'must' for any and all American tourists, exchange students, and commercial travelers.


The Music Shelf

Chord Master, updated edition
Rikky Rooksby
Backbeat Books
c/o Hal Leonard Performing Arts Publishing Group
33 Plymouth Street, Suite 302, Montclair, NJ 07042-2677
www.halleonard.com
9781495001512, $24.99, PB, 256pp, www.amazon.com

Now in a newly updated and expanded edition, "Chord Master: How to Choose and Play the Right Guitar Chords" by Rikky Rooksby (a guitar teacher, songwriter, composer, and writer on popular music) is a chord dictionary that rather than just show chord shapes (which are all there in the Chord Matrix) also explains how to use chords, with information about the theory behind them, and attempts to answer the questions guitarists often have about chord shapes. Also presented are usable groups of chords for beginners in relation to a variety of song styles. There is an emphasis on the practical that is even more useful to beginners, with expanded exercises and more audio. The multimedia component has roughly doubled the number of tracks and is 30 minutes longer. Some audio examples have a backing track arranged to stress melodic and rhythmic elements so that when the reader puts the chords alongside, the effect is marked, sometimes allowing for re-harmonizing the same music with a different chord progression, or a chord progression played in more than one area of the guitar. The notation of the chord progressions is partly redesigned, making it easier to read. In this newly revised edition more chord types have been added to Chord Master 's Matrix (dictionary) section, with new material about balanced chords (which remove ineffective or unnecessary doublings of notes) and about effective chord voicing. The section about chords from famous songs is expanded with more examples of unusual chords, including ones that players are often curious about one of the most famous examples is the first chord of A Hard Day's Night. Thoroughly 'student friendly' in organization and presentation, and including Online Media, "Chord Master" is an ideal instruction manual that is unreservedly recommended for novice guitar players and would be an ideal for music department curriculums as an introductory guitar studies textbook.


The Cookbook Shelf

Cast-Iron Cooking
Rachel Narins
Storey Publishing
210 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
www.storey.com
9781612126760, $12.95, PB, 96pp, www.amazon.com

A graduate of the California Culinary Academy, Rachael Narins is a professional chef, a culinary educator, and a food writer based in Santa Monica, California. In "Cast-Iron Cooking: Recipes & Tips for Getting the Most out of Your Cast-Iron Cookware" she draws upon her years of experience and expertise to write an informed and informative compendium of instruction and recipes for preparing memorable dishes that will please any palate and satisfy any appetite utilizing a cast iron skillet. Profusely illustrated throughout, "Cast-Iron Cooking" begins with a complete introduction to cast-iron cookware and then continues with showcasing an impressive number of thoroughly kitchen cook friendly recipes ranging from Cheesy Fondue with Beer; Mango Curry with Cashews; Brick Chicken with Sage; and Sausage & Kale with Lentils; to Steaks with Red Wine Sauce; Flatbreads Perfect for Dips; Baked Apples with Walnuts; and Cranberry Upside-Down Cake with Fresh or Frozen Berries. A delight to browse and inspiring to plan menus with, "Cast-Iron Cooking" is certain to be an enduringly popular addition to personal, family, professional, and community library cookbook collections. It should be noted that "Cast-Iron Cooking" is also available in a Kindle format ($6.99).

The Best Homemade Vegan Cheese and Ice Cream Recipes
Marie Laforet
Robert Rose Inc.
120 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 800, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4P 1E2
www.robertrose.ca
9780778805434, $19.95, PB, 144pp, www.amazon.com

"The Best Homemade Vegan Cheese and Ice Cream Recipes" is a culinary compendium of information and recipes written specifically for vegans and those needing to go on diets that are dairy-free, but who do not want to give up enjoying the creamy simple pleasure of ice cream or cheese. This collection of completely vegan but completely delicious recipes range from Cheddar with Roasted Red Pepper; Cashew Cheese; Creamy Shallot and Chive Cheese Spread; and Nacho Cheese Sauce; to Pistachio Ice Cream; Pineapple Lime Sorbet; Banana Blueberry Milkshake Pops; and Black Sesame Ice Cream with Raspberry Coulis. All the featured recipes contain natural and organic ingredients, making them healthy and surprisingly easy to prepare. With just some organization and preparation, even the most novice kitchen chef can be creating sorbets, ice cream, ice pops and frozen desserts along with flavorful artisanal cheeses in the warmth and comfort of their own kitchen. Profusely illustrated throughout with full color throughout "The Best Homemade Vegan Cheese and Ice Cream Recipes" is an ideal addition for personal and community library cookbook collections for established vegans, as well as anyone simply looking to embrace a dairy-free lifestyle.

SNAC it Up Cookbook with Shi
Shiona 'Shi' Curry
Spirit Reign Publishing
www.snacitup.com
9781940002798, $19.98, PB, 120pp, www.amazon.com

Shi is the 11-year old CEO of S.N.A.C. it Up! (She's Natural Approach to Cooking). Her passion for eating healthy has translated into a desire for all children to be healthy while enjoying their food. Since the age of four, Shi's has been fascinated by cooking shows, and has kept busy reading every cookbook at her disposal. After "Shi" got off to a rocky start at home, she began to speak positive affirmations over herself, and found that this made it super easy to choose healthy foods. Furthermore, she took it to the next level by transforming healthy foods that are usually considered "unappealing" and made them inviting and "SNACalicious". A profusely illustrated compendium of thoroughly 'kid friendly' recipes, the featured dishes range from Simple Summer Fruit Salad; Barbeque Crunch TLT; Cornbread Taco Pie; and Crazy 8 Pasta; to Honeydew Lemon Cupcakes; Frozen Strawberry Raspberry Yogurt Pops; Cucarrot Salad; and Healthy Sugar Juice. A pure pleasure to browse through, "SNAC it Up Cookbook with Shi" is ideal for parents wanting to instill healthy eating habits and the satisfaction of kitchen cooking in their children. Simply stated, "SNAC it Up Cookbook with Shi" is unreservedly recommended for family and community library cookbook collections.

175 Best Instant Pot Recipes
Marilyn Haugen
Robert Rose Inc.
120 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 800, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4P 1E2
www.robertrose.ca
9780778805427, $19.95, PB, 224pp, www.amazon.com

Simply stated, the 'Instant Pot' is a busy woman's best friend when preparing meals for her family. Instant Pots have become hugely popular over the years because they ingeniously combine so many features into one appliance. While officially categorized as an electric pressure cooker, it's actually a 7-in-1 programmable cooker with the functions of a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, saute, yogurt maker and warmer -- all in one appliance! Culinary expert Marilyn Haugen brings her extensive and creative recipe development skills to bear in "175 Best Instant Pot Recipes: For Your Programmable Electric Pressure Cooker" with an impressively variety of recipes that range from Tahi Coconut Chicken Soup; Cheesy Macaroni with Prosciutto and Peas; Soul Food Oxtails with Tender Root Vegetables; and Creamy Scalloped potatoes and Parsnips; to Spicy Maple Chicken Wings; Mississippi Delta Baby Back Pork Ribs; Slow-Braised Ham with Maple Mustard Glaze; Tex-Mex Black Bean Dip; Dreamy Apricot, White chocolate and Almond Cheesecake; Pumpkin Pie Custard; and Homemade Yogurt. A pleasure to browse through and inspiring to plan meals with, "175 Best Instant Pot Recipes" is an extraordinary and enthusiastically recommended addition to personal, family, and community library cookbook collections.

Bread Illustrated
Editorial Staff
America's Test Kitchen
17 Station Street, Brookline, MA 02445
www.americastestkitchen.com
9781940352602, $29.95, PB, 432pp, www.amazon.com

For most of human history bread was made individually, loaf by loaf, in the home. With the advent of bakery technology and modern life fewer and fewer women make their own bread at home but rely on buying mass produced bread at their local grocery store. With the publication of "Bread Illustrated: A Step-By-Step Guide to Achieving Bakery-Quality Results At Home",the editorial staff of America's Test Kitchen have now produced an beautifully illustrated compendium of do-it-yourself instructions on baking breads, rolls, flatbreads, and more at home. Each master recipe is presented as a hands-on and reassuring tutorial illustrated with 6 to 16 full-color step-by-step photos. Organized by level of difficulty to make bread baking less daunting, "Bread Illustrated" progresses from the simplest recipes for the novice baker to artisan-style loaves, breads that use starters, and more complex project recipes. The recipes cover a wide and exciting range of breads from basics and classics with recipes for American Sandwich Bread; Potato Dinner Rolls; Spinach-Ricotta Calzones; and St. Lucia Buns; to Portuguese Sweet Bread; Pumpernickel; Fig and Fennel Bread; Bakery-Style French Baguettes. Simply stated, no personal, family, or community library cookbook collections should be considered complete or comprehensive without the inclusion of a copy of America's Test Kitchen's "Bread Illustrated"! It should be noted that "Bread Illustrated" is also available in a Kindle format ($28.99).

Caramel, Caramel & More Caramel!
Michal Moses & Ivana Nitzan
Imagine Publishing
c/o Charlesbridge Publishing
85 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
www.imaginebks.com
9781623540753, $18.95, HC, 128pp, www.amazon.com

Michal Moses graduated with a Grand Diploma for Cuisine and Patisserie from the Cordon Bleu in Paris, France, and has had cookbooks published both in the USA and Israel. As the title clearly indicates, in "Caramel, Caramel & More Caramel!: Sweet and Savory Recipes for Creative Caramel Cuisine", Michal has assembled a culinary compendium of recipes that each feature caramel (a beige to dark-brown confectionery product made by heating a variety of sugars). Beautifully illustrated throughout with full color photography of finished dishes, the recipes range from Honey Candy Apples; Chocolate Topped Maple Pecan Brittle; Salted Caramel & Peanut Bars; Molten Chocolate Cakes with Caramel Lava; and Dulce de Leche & Toasted Coconut Yeast Cakes; to Caramelized Onion Tart; Salted Caramel Eclairs with Espresso Chocolate; Banana Pancakes with Peanut Butter Caramel Sauce; and Marbled pavlovas with Chocolate Caramel Mousse. Of special note for caramel lovers is the recipe fo Panna Cotta with Coffee Caramel. Thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' in organization and presentation, "Caramel, Caramel & More Caramel!" is unreservedly recommended for personal, family, professional, and community library cookbook collections. It should be noted that "Caramel, Caramel & More Caramel!" is also available in a Kindle format ($10.99).


The Military Shelf

A Semester in the Sandbox
Adam Davidson
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
www.mcfarlandpub.com
9781476665696, $19.99, PB, $19.00, www.amazon.com

"A Semester in the Sandbox: A Marine Reservist's Iraq War Journal" by former Marine Reservist Adam Davidson is basically his war journal and provides an un-glamorized narrative of a common reservist's deployment to Iraq, beginning with his notification of mobilization to his final trip home. The visceral experiences of combat are all described in candid detail, along with hazards of homesickness, boredom and loss. In light of the rise of the Islamic State in the area described in "A Semester in the Sandbox", Adam's personal story presents a timely account of the challenges of restoring peace in this restive area. Exceptionally well organized and presented, "A Semester in the Sandbox" is a welcome and informative contribution to the growing library of Iraq War studies, memoirs, and biographies. While very highly recommended for community and academic library American Military History collections in general, and Iraq War supplemental studies reading lists in particular, it should be noted for personal reading lists of students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "A Semester in the Sandbox" is also available in a Kindle format ($7.99).


The Audiobook Shelf

Almost Innocent
Jane Feather
Performed by Rosalind Ashford
Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887, Grand Haven, MI 49417
9781511320429 $14.99 www.brillianceaudio.com

Almost Innocent is a romance audiobook on MP3-CD (plays on MP3-CD players or transfers to portable devices). The story is about forbidden love between an illegitimate princess and the knight who is sworn to protect her. She is destined for a political marriage, and the blood-soaked battlefields of France are an ever-present threat, yet the passion he feels for her will not die. A sensual, evocative novel, Almost Innocent is a treat for those who love the genre.1 disc, 16 hours 20 min.

Bullseye
James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge
Read by Danny Mastrogiorgio
Hachette Audio
237 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
9781478928164 $35.00 www.HachetteAudio.com

Bullseye: A Detective Michael Bennett Thriller is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of a tense modern novel. The president of the United States is in New York for a summit at the United Nations with the leader of Russia. But an assassination plot threatens to upend the delicate diplomatic balance, and trigger a catastrophic world war. Detective Michael Bennett must work quickly to uncover a cat-and-mouse plot before the unthinkable happens! Brought to life by Danny Mastrogiorgio's talented performance, Bullseye is a choice pick for connoisseurs of action-packed mysteries. 6 CDs, 7.5 hours.

Fire Bound
Christine Feehan
Narrated by Carol Monda
Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
9781501925993 $TBA www.recordedbooks.com

Available in CD, MP3 CD, or eAudio formats, Fire Bound: A Sea Haven Novel is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of a dangerous yet sensual romance. Lissa Piner is a strong- willed redhead and a talented glassblower. Her skills earn her a commission to design chandeliers for a string of luxury hotels in Italy, but her true purpose is much darker, for she has a mission to avenge a terrible wrong. Her bodyguard, Casimir Prakenskii, harbors secrets of his own as a trained assassin. A spark ignites between kindred spirits in subterfuge... but will their blaze illuminate the darkness, or consume all? Fire Bound is a choice pick for connoisseurs of the genre. 11 CDs, 13.25 hours.

Cosega Search
Brandt Legg
Tantor Media, Inc.
6 Business Park Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
www.tantor.com
9781494519872, $34.99, CD, www.amazon.com

Ripley Gaines is a brilliant archaeologist who has spent his life searching for an elusive artifact to prove his controversial theory about the origins of human beings. The ancient apparently eleven million year old artifact he uncovers on an archaeological dig shocks even him. His discovery rewrites human history and promises to change the planet's future. It's a find that the Roman Catholic Church determines it must be suppressed -- and everyone connected with it killed to keep them silent. The most powerful forces of the Federal Government and the Catholic Church are align against Gaines, his friends and companions as a deadly competition for the artifact ensues. Gaines only hope is to stay alive long enough to decode the Cosega Sequence. Very highly recommended to the attention of dedicated science fiction fans and an enduringly popular addition to community library audiobook collections, "Cosega Search" is the first volume in Brandt Legg's The Cosega Sequence series and is deftly narrated by actor Danny Campell in a complete and unabridged audiobook edition. (6 CDs, 6.5 Hours).


The Fiction Shelf

A Million Windows
Gerald Murnane
David R. Godine, Publisher
Fifteen Court Square, Suite 320, Boston, MA 02108-2536
www.godine.com
9781567925555, $18.00, PB, 200pp, www.amazon.com

"A Million Windows" by Gerald Murnane is a deftly written and unsettling investigation into the glories and pitfalls of storytelling. Focusing on the importance of trust and the inevitability of betrayal in writing as in life, its series of nested stories impressively explore the fraught relationships between author and reader, child and parent, boyfriend and girlfriend, husband and wife. Murnane's fiction is woven from images-the reflections of the setting sun on distant windowpanes, seemingly limitless grasslands, a procession of dark-haired women, a clearing in a forest, the colors indigo and silver-grey, and the mysterious death of a young woman-which build to an emotional crescendo that is all the more powerful for the intricacy of its patterning. An extraordinary and consistently compelling read from beginning to end, "A Million Windows" is unreservedly recommended for community, college, and university library Literary Fiction collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted that "A Million Windows" is also available in a Kindle format ($7.37).

Honor Redeemed
Christine Johnson
Revell
c/o Baker Publishing Group
6030 East Fulton, Ada, MI 49301
www.bakerbooks.com
9780800723514, $14.99, PB, 352pp, www.amazon.com

Two years ago, Prosperity Jones waved farewell to her beloved David as the army sent him to faraway Key West. Now with her parents gone, she has but one prospect for the future: make the dangerous journey from Nantucket to Key West to reunite with David and secure a happier life. Arriving penniless in the South, Prosperity is dismayed to find David married to someone else. Scrambling to survive and nursing a broken heart, she gains the friendship (and the affection) of a kind doctor. Could he be the answer to her loneliness? Or will her life be upended by circumstance yet again? Once again author Christine Johnson demonstrates her impressive mastery of the Romance genre with "Honor Redeemed", a deftly crafted and riveting read from beginning to end. Certain to be another enduringly popular addition to community library Romance Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Honor Redeemed" is also available in a Kindle format ($8.13). Librarians should also note that "Honor Redeemed" is available in a Library Binding edition (9781683240679, $35.95).

Liberty's Last Stand
Stephen Coonts
Regnery Publishing, Inc.
300 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001
www.regnery.com
9781621575078, $27.99, HC, 511pp, www.amazon.com

The president of the United States stands on an outdoor stage, flanked by powerful members of his administration and party. Television crews are preparing for broadcast. High above the stage, on a nearby rooftop, a decorated sniper adjusts the scope on his rifle. Afterwards, America will never be the same. Jake Grafton and Tommy Carmellini suddenly find themselves on the wrong side of the law when a public act of violence throws the country into chaos just before a presidential election. After martial law is declared and rioting begins, Grafton and Carmellini must risk everything to unravel a massive conspiracy and help a new resistance movement rise up against an unimaginable enemy. A riveting read by a true master of the political thriller genre, Stephen Coonts' "Liberty's Last Stand" is unreservedly recommended for community library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Liberty's Last Stand" is also available in a Kindle edition ($15.87).

Fatal Identity
Marie Force
Harlequin HQN
c/o Harlequin Books
225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada, M3B 3K9
9780373789955, $7.99, PB, 393pp, www.amazon.com

As the first anniversary of her marriage to Vice President Nick Cappuano approaches, Lieutenant Sam Holland is dreaming of Bora Bora -- sun, sand and a desperately needed break from the DC grind. But real life has a way of intervening, and Sam soon finds herself taking on one of the most perplexing cases of her career. Government worker Josh Hamilton begs Sam to investigate his shocking claim that his parents stole him from another family thirty years ago. More complicated still, his "father" is none other than the FBI director. When a member of Josh's family is brutally murdered, Sam begins to question how deep this cover-up goes. Is it possible the revered director was part of a baby-napping ring and that others involved are also targets? With a killer intent on deadly revenge and her team still reeling from a devastating loss, Sam's plate is full -- and when Nick and their son, Scotty, take ill, is her dream of a tropical anniversary celebration in peril too? Another terrific read from author Marie Force who once again with the publication of "Fatal Identity" demonstrates her complete mastery of the romance/suspense genre. While very highly recommended for community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Fatal Identity" is also available in a Kindle edition ($6.99).

Her One and Only
Becky Wade
Bethany House Publishers
11400 Hampshire Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55438
www.bethanyhouse.com
9780764211102, $13.99, PB, 400pp, www.amazon.com

The latest romance novel from a true master of the genre, "Her One And Only" by Becky Wady is the story of Gray Fowler, star NFL tight end, who finds himself being pursued by a stalker. So his football team hires a protection agency to keep Gray under the watch of a bodyguard at all times. When Gray meets Dru Porter, the agent assigned to protect him, he's indignant. How can an attractive young female half his size possibly him safe? But Dru is a former Marine, an expert markswoman, and a black belt. She's also ferociously determined to uncover the identity of Gray's stalker. And she's just as determined to avoid any kind of romantic attachment between herself and the rugged football player with the mysterious past. But the closer they get to finding the stalker, the closer they grow to each other. As the danger rises, can Dru and Gray entrust their hearts (and their lives) to one another? "Her One And Only" is a terrifically entertaining and consistently compelling read from beginning to end. While enthusiastically recommended for community library Romance Fiction collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of author Becky Wade's legions of fans that "Her One And Only" is also available in a Kindle format ($7.88). Community librarians should noted that "Her One And Only" is available for their collections in a Library Binding edition (Turtleback Books, 9780606390637, $25.75, 390pp).

A House for Happy Mothers
Amulya Malladi
Lake Union Publishing
Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887, Grand Haven, MI 49417
www.brillianceaudio.com
9781503933316, $14.95, 305pp, www.amazon.com

In trendy Silicon Valley, Priya has everything she needs, including a loving husband, a career, and a home. But the one thing she wants most is the child she's unable to have. In a Southern Indian village, Asha doesn't have much and is raising her two children in a tiny hut. She and her husband can barely keep a tin roof over their heads, but Asha wants a better education for her gifted son. Pressured by her family, Asha reluctantly checks into the Happy Mothers House: a baby farm where she can rent her only asset (her womb) to a childless couple overseas. To the dismay of friends and family, Priya places her faith in a woman she's never met to make her dreams of motherhood come true. Together, the two women discover the best and the worst that India's rising surrogacy industry has to offer, bridging continents and cultures to bring a new life into the world -- and renewed hope to each other. An inherently fascinating and consistently compelling read from the pen of an impressively skilled and original storyteller, "A House for Happy Mothers" by Amulya Malladi is unreservedly recommended for community library General Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "A House for Happy Mothers" is also available in a Kindle format ($4.99) and in an MP3 audio book edition from Brilliance Audio (9781511366847, $9.99).


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

The Jane Austen Writers' Club
Rebecca Smith
Bloomsbury Press
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315, New York, NY 10010
www.bloomsbury.com
9781632865885, $27.00, HC, 352pp, www.amazon.com

While creative writing manuals tend to use examples from twentieth- and twenty-first-century writers, "The Jane Austen Writers' Club: Inspiration and Advice from the World's Best-loved Novelist" by Rebecca Smith (who teaches creative writing at the University of Southampton; was the Writer in Residence at Jane Austen's House Museum from 2009 to 2010; and who still works closely with the Museum, running writing workshops and judging their competition for young writers) is the first 'how to' for aspiring writers to look at the methods and devices used by the world's most beloved novelist. Austen was a creator of immortal characters and a pioneer in her use of language and point of view; her advice continues to be relevant two centuries after her death. Rebecca Smith deftly examines the major aspects of writing fiction (plotting, characterization, openings and endings, dialogue, settings, and writing methods) sharing the advice Austen gave in letters to her aspiring novelist nieces and nephew, and providing many and varied exercises for writers to try, using examples from Austen's work. "The Jane Austen Writers' Club" also provides a number of exercises and functions perfectly as a timely primer on writing that features utterly timeless advice. As informed and informative as it is thoroughly 'user friendly', "The Jane Austen Writers' Club" is an invaluable instructional study that is unreservedly recommended for personal, community, college, and academic library 'how to' collections on writing truly memorable fiction. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Jane Austen Writers' Club" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).

The Writer's Garden
Jackie Bennett, author
Richard Hanson, photographer
Frances Lincoln Publishers
www.franceslincoln.com
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1722
www.quartoknows.com
9780711238404, $25.99, PB, 176pp, www.amazon.com

Jackie Bennett is a former editor of "The Garden Design Journal","English Garden Magazine", and "Gardening with the National Trust". With "The Writer's Garden: How Gardens Inspired Our Best-Loved Authors" Jackie draws upon her years of experience and expertise to provide an informed and informative commentary on how their gardens influenced and even inspired such writers as Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, Beatrix Potter, Charles Dickens, Virginia Wolf, George Bernard Shaw, Henry James, Thomas Hardy, William Wordsworth, Walter Scott, Rudyard Kipling, and more! Beautifully and profusely illustrated throughout with the superb photography of Richard Hanson, each entry includes an 'info box' called Written in Residence listing the works credited with being written at the garden graced residence of that particular author. Unique, inherently fascinating, consistently compelling, "The Writer's Garden" will prove to be of special interest to aspiring and practicing authors, as well as garden and gardening enthusiasts everywhere. While unreservedly recommended for community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Writer's Garden" is also available in a Kindle format ($11.91).


The Automotive Shelf

Lost Road Courses
Martin Rudow
CarTech Inc.
39966 Grand Avenue, North Branch, MN 55056
www.cartechbooks.com
9781613252222, $29.95, PB, 176pp, www.amazon.com

It was a fictional movie, Cannon Ball Run, that brought coast to coast automotive racing to the attention of the general public. But long before the film, road racing had roots in North America that reach from coast to coast and to Canada. Some of the greatest drivers to ever compete raced wickedly fast machines, staged epic duels on winding strips of asphalt, and created history. This history left an enduring legacy that is revealed and celebrated in "Lost Road Courses: Riverside, Ontario, Bridgehampton & More by road racer and road racing expert Martin Rudow who deftly retraces road racing's glorious past and visits the defunct classic road courses across the United States and Canada. Enhanced with photography throughout, "Lost Road Courses' will prove to be of special interest to all dedicated fans of classic sports cars, Can-Am, Trans-Am, IndyCar, Formula 1 races, as well as classic and unique tracks of yesteryear. Simply stated, "Lost Road Courses" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to personal and community library Automotive Racing History collections.


The Coloring Book Shelf

Laughter Is the Best Medicine: Coloring Book
Samantha Snyder
AKA Associates, Inc.
6007 North Sheridan Road, Apt. 15A, Chicago, IL 60660
www.akabooks.com
9780997102178, $9.95, PB, 104pp, www.amazon.com

Samantha Snyder's "Laughter Is the Best Medicine" is the eleventh and newest addition to the hugely popular Doodle Art Alley Books series of her coloring books for adults. " Laughter Is the Best Medicine" presents 50 doodle art images of inspiring proverbs, quotes, and sayings printed on one side of the page for people of all ages to color. The quotes from famous authors include Aristotle, Benjamin Franklin, Eleanor Roosevelt, William Shakespeare, Mark Twain, and more. "Laughter Is the Best Medicine" also includes sayings from Always find a reason to smile, and Don't forget to smile, to Everyone smiles in the same language, and Every survival kit should include a sense of humor. Offering hours and hours of quiet and contemplative fun, "Laughter Is the Best Medicine" is enthusiastically recommended.


The American History Shelf

The War of 1812 in Wisconsin
Mary Elise Antoine
Wisconsin Historical Society Press
816 State Street, Madison, WI 53575
www.wisconsinhistory.org
9780870207389 $28.95 hc / $9.99 Kindle amazon.com

The War of 1812 in Wisconsin: The Battle for Prairie du Chien is a scholarly examination of a battle in the War of 1812 for the control of Prairie du Chien and the western country, a struggle with origins stretching years before the three-day siege in July of 1814. Control of the territory was potentially extremely lucrative, as it was inhabited by American Indians who traded valuable furs. The shifting balance of alliances with different Indian tribes was a major component of the deadly armed conflict. Extensively researched and objectively presented, The War of 1812 in Wisconsin is highly recommended especially for public and college library American History collections.

Convict Cowboys
Mitchel P. Roth
University of North Texas Press
1155 Union Circle #311336, Denton, TX 76203-5017
9781574416527 $32.95 www.unt.edu/untpress

Convict Cowboys: The Untold History of the Texas Prison Rodeo is an extraordinary, in-depth history of America's prison rodeo, which existed from 1931 to 1986, and drew 30,000 spectators at the height of its popularity. How did the state government lease prisoners to participate in the rodeo? Who were the convicted criminals who willingly chose to participate, risking life and limb to earn a handful of dollars and perform for the crowds? Researched with the craft of a historian, and succinctly presenting incredible true stories accessible to readers of all backgrounds, Convict Cowboys is highly recommended for public and college library collections as well as personal reading lists.

Quarry Quest
Mark Sakry
North Star Press of St. Cloud
PO Box 451, St. Cloud, MN 56302-0451
www.northstarpress.com
9780878397532, $20.00, PB, 159pp, www.amazon.com

"Quarry Quest: The History of Stearns County Quarry Park and Nature Preserve" by Mark Sakry (executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota and retired Stearns County Commissioner) is a remarkably thorough history of Minnesota's Stearns County's Quarry Park and Nature Preserve. Profusely and beautifully illustrated with full color photography throughout, "Quarry Quest" not only highlights the granite heritage of Central Minnesota and the many features of the park, but captures the natural beauty and serenity of this magnificent place. Informed and informative, "Quarry Quest" is exceptionally well organized and presented. Indeed, "Quarry Quest" would be an excellent template and example for other local and regional histories. A model of informed and informative local Midwest American history, "Quarry Quest" is very highly recommended for personal reading lists and community library collections.


The Railroading Shelf

Cape Breton Railways
Herb MacDonald
Cape Breton University Press
P.O. Box 5300, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, B1P 6L2
www.cbupress.ca
9781897009673, $24.95, PB, 264pp, www.amazon.com

Herb Macdonald has been researching and publishing in the field of Canadian railway history since 1999 when he completed a Saint Mary's University MBA thesis on Nova Scotia's first locomotive-powered railroad. A frequent contributor to Canadian Rail, the journal of the Canadian Railroad Historical Association, he is a three-time recipient of the CRHA annual award for best article in that journal. The most recent of those awards was for his 2010 study of early horse-powered railways at coal mines in Cape Breton. Macdonald's work has also been published in England by the Railway and Canal Historical Society, the Stephenson Locomotive Society and the Institution of Civil Engineers. In "Cape Breton Railways: An Illustrated History" MacDonald draws upon his years of research and expertise to provide a profusely illustrated history of the Cape Breton Rail Lines which are perhaps best known for their substantial roles in the coal and steel industries. The Cape Breton railroad was shaped by such factors as physical geography, the availability of both capital and customers, and the distribution of population and industries. Playing a critically important role in the life of the island, for more than a century-and-a-half after 1829 (when the railway age first came to Cape Breton) have had a central role in supporting change as some areas of the island evolved from a rural and agricultural society into an urban and industrial one. Enhanced with the inclusion of illustrated with photographs, drawings, maps and documents "Cape Breton Railways" provides an interesting and colorful picture of Cape Breton's railways in the contexts of the economic, cultural and political events on the island and beyond. Informed and informative, exceptionally well written, and thoroughly 'reader friendly' in tone, content, commentary, organization and presentation, "Cape Breton Railways" is unreservedly recommended for railroad buffs, as well as community, college, and university library Railway collections in general, and Canadian Railroading History supplemental studies reading lists in particular.


The Needlecraft Shelf

Crochetterie
Molla Mills
Jacqui Small LLP
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1722
www.quartoknows.com
9781910254899, $29.99, HC, 272pp, www.amazon.com

Crocheting is a process of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn, thread, or strands of other materials using a crochet hook. The name is derived from the French term "crochet", meaning small hook. "Crochetterie: Cool Contemporary Crochet for the Creatively-Minded" by Finnish designer, seamstress, craftswoman and expert in the needlecraft art of crocheting Molla Mills, is a compendium of approximately 30 trendy crochet projects that are ideal for the novice and will prove to be of very special interest to even the most experienced practitioner. "Crochetterie" will help anyone master crocheting basics and teach how to make a variety of pieces for different occasions. Readers will learn how to crochet clothes and accessories for the men, women and children in their life. They will see how to go about creating useful items for their travels such as handy little bicycle bags and passport cases, as well as beautifully patterned rugs and cushions for home life. "Crochetterie" also aptly demonstrates how to effectively customize clothes and bags by adding crochet elements. With simple step-by-step instructions accompanied by clear and detailed images as an extra guide, these stylish and unique projects will inspire readers to start crocheting! Thoroughly 'user friendly' in tone, content and commentary, "Crochetterie" is profusely illustrated throughout and will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to personal and community library Needlecraft instructional and reference collections.

The Encyclopedia of Sewing Techniques
Wendy Gardiner
Search Press USA
c/o Publishers Group West
1700 Fourth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
www.searchpressusa.com
9781903975664, $19.95, PB, 160pp, www.amazon.com

Internationally accredited sewing machine expert Wendy Gardiner has been editor of leading sewing magazines, Vogue Patterns, Sewing World and Sew Hip and has produced major books and DVDs on sewing, which she passionately promotes as a fun, affordable hobby. She runs a sewing resource website, iSew.co.uk which is packed with projects, tips and techniques. Wendy also teaches, runs creative sewing weekends and is a regular guest presenter on shopping channels Ideal World and Create & Craft TV. In "The Encyclopedia of Sewing Techniques" Wendy draws upon her years of experience and expertise to create a unique and thoroughly 'user friendly', step-by-step visual directory enhanced with a beautifully illustrated and inspirational gallery of finished pieces. A complete and comprehensive instruction manual, "The Encyclopedia of Sewing Techniques" is ideal for novice needlecrafters while having a great deal of enduring instructional value for even the more experienced sower. Simply stated, "The Encyclopedia of Sewing Techniques" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, and community library Needlecraft collections in general, and instructional sewing supplemental studies reference reading lists in particular.


The Poetry Shelf

Roads Taken
Tucker Carwile
Belle Isle Books
c/o Brandylane Publishers
5 South First Street, Richmond, VA 23219
www.brandylanepublishers.com
9781939930606, $15.95, PB, 130pp, www.amazon.com

Simply stated, Tucker Carwile is an extraordinary poet able to take the ordinary and present it as extraordinary, to take the simple and transform it into something profound. "Roads Taken" is a compendium of some of Carwile's favorite poems. They were selected for publication in a single volume because they show the various roads he has taken through his life, whether right or wrong, and express the emotional range of a life well lived. Written over a period of years, this collection of work is the expression of his true vocation. These are poems of sorrow and pain, battles and spirituality, the loss of friends, the beauty of nature, humor reminiscent of the past, changes over time, and love and joy found. Tucker's decision to pursue a career instead of following his passion for writing led him down many roads away from poetry, and away from his true soul mate. The fifth and powerful final section of poems, "Roads to Happiness," captures the long-awaited reunion with his beloved. After traveling miles of roads, they both ultimately discover the true contentment that only real devotion can give. "Roads Taken" is one of those rare volumes of verse that will linger in the mind and memory long after the book itself is finished and set back upon the shelf. 'Never Leaving': Ever wonder about / wandering souls. / Those never leaving, / waiting for what? // Religions say this / can never be true, / people testifying / they have left and / then returned. // Can a soul be around / once the body / has ended?


The Graphic Novel Shelf

Marie Antoinette: Phantom Queen
Rodolphe & Annie Goetzinger
NBM Publishing
160 Broadway, Ste. 700, East Wing, New York, NY 10038
9781681120294 $18.99 www.nbmpub.com

Marie Antoinette: Phantom Queen is a full-color, hardcover graphic novel ghost story spanning two time periods. The tale switches between the life of Marie Antoinette in eighteenth-century Versailles, and a female artist in 1930s France who is able to see the now-ghostly queen, and accepts the task of helping Antoinette find eternal rest. The dignified art style lends the perfect touch to his supernatural blend of biography and historical fantasy. Highly recommended!

Tokyo ESP 6
Hajime Segawa
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th floor, New York, NY 10016
9781942993032 $15.95 www.vertical-inc.com

Tokyo ESP 6 continues the black-and-white manga (Japanese graphic novel) series set in a world where an unexpected event has given a sizeable portion of the population of Tokyo psychic powers. Volume 6 concludes the arc in which Rinka, a principled young woman trained in martial arts, risks her life in a psychic-powered underground fighting tournament to expose a cruel slavery ring. But the tournament is only one extension of a shadowy, world-spanning, and utterly monstrous organization, from which no one is truly safe! Action-packed excitement and three-dimensional characters distinguish this excellent series, highly recommended.

Witchcraft Works 9
Ryu Mizunagi
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th floor, New York, NY 10016
9781942993155 $12.95 www.vertical-inc.com

Witchcraft Works 9 continues the black-and-white manga (Japanese graphic novel) fantasy series about Takamiya, a mostly-ordinary young man mixed up in the machinations of powerful witches... including his own little sister! Displeased by the thought of sharing her beloved older brother with anyone else, young Kasumi jumps at the opportunity spirit Takamiya into a world where she doesn't have any rivals for his attention. But is the magical dream really a deadly trap? And could there be a traitor undermining the stability of the witches' Workshop? The sweeping art style beautifully expresses this saga of magic, danger, and just a dash of whimsy!

Nichijou My Ordinary Life 4
Keiichi Arawi
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th floor, New York, NY 10016
9781942993339 $10.95 www.vertical-inc.com

Nichijou My Ordinary Life 4 is part of a flippantly comedic manga (Japanese graphic novel) series, consisting of short skits about ordinary school kids... well, mostly ordinary. Other than the child genius who created a living robot and gave a cat the power to talk. Or the girl with a mysterious connection to a cruel, ill-tempered, fantasy princess. Or the male teacher with a highly inappropriate crush on a female student. Or the female teacher who tries to capture the robot student by drugging her and digging pits. The mayhem comes frantic and feisty, volume 4 is as good a starting point as any given the skit-comedy nature of the series!

Cinebook Ltd.
56 Beech Ave., Canterbury, Kent, CT4 7TA, UK
www.cinebook.com
c/o National Book Network (dist.)
4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
www.nbnbooks.com

Three full-color graphic novels from Cinebook featuring dramatic adventure and danger. Vehlmann's and Bonhomme's "The Marquis of Anaon: The Beast" (9781849182782, $13.95) continues the historical fiction adventures of a hardy cosmopolitan and freelance problem-solver, who takes it upon himself to hunt down a monstrous beast and end its deadly predation. Rosinski's and Dufaux's "Kyle of Klanach: Lament of the Lost Moors" (9781849183000, $13.95) concludes a fantastic, medieval saga of intrigue, murder, and royal birthright. Mezieres' and Christin's "Valerian and Laureline: The Wrath of Hypsis" (9781849183048, $11.95) is a science fiction saga spanning alien worlds and spacefaring cultures. All three are choice picks for connoisseurs of action-packed stories in fantastic settings, and highly recommended.


The Music CD Shelf

Heritage
Richard Bona and Mandekan Cubano
richard-bona.com
Privately Published
$9.99 CD / $9.49 MP3 amazon.com

Heritage is the eighth album by Richard Bona, also called "The African Sting" by his fans, and the Afro-Cuban band Mandekan Cubano. The music draws upon the roots of Cuban music, and its incorporation of African rhythms. A vibrant cultural fusion, the richness of Heritage incorporates bass, guitars, electric sitar, vocals, percussion, keyboards, and more into a passionate, stimulating listening experience. Highly recommended, especially for world music collections. "Aka Lingala Te" (1:19), "Bilongo" (5:37), "Matanga" (2:54), "Jokoh Jokoh" (4:59), "Cubaneando" (4:04), "Essewe Ya Monique" (1:57), "Santa Clara Con Montuno" (3:08), "Ngul Mekon" (0:49), "Muntula Moto" (5:02), "Eva" (4:36), "Kivu" (4:28), and "Kwa Singa" (1:15).

Wandering Soul
Hirie
www.hiriemusic.com
Rootfire Cooperative
$TBA CD / $9.49 MP3 amazon.com

Wandering Soul is the second album by the talented reggae artist Hirie, with contributions from various special guests. The smooth, suave vocals flow into a soundscape that connects with the senses and lifts one's spirit. Highly recommended, especially for reggae connoisseurs! The tracks are "Wandering Soul", "Good Vibration Ft. Trevor Hall", "Renegade Ft. Nahko Bear", "Don't Take My Ganja", "Woman Comes First Ft. Nattali Rize", "Boom Fire", "Melody of a Broken Heart", "You Won't Be Alone", "Queen", "Almost Home", and "Ride the Wave".

Inside Out
Kristen Lee Sergeant
www.kristenleesergeant.com
Whaling City Sound
www.whalingcitysound.com
c/o Naxos of America, Inc. (dist.)
www.naxosusa.com
$13.99 CD / $8.99 MP3 www.amazon.com

Vocalist Kristen Lee Sergeant presents the debut release Inside Out, an album that transforms three 80s pop classics into smooth jazz, as well as beautifully re-imagining jazz standards, some of which are fairly obscure. Bonus enhanced video content enriches this stylish, suave performance. Highly recommended for connoisseurs of the genre! The tracks are "Never Will I Marry" (3:32), "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" (4:06), "Old Devil Moon" (4:28), "Lullaby of the Leaves" (3:38), "I Melt With You" (5:44), "So Many Stars" (4:02), "Every Breath You Take" (3:16), "Wish I Were In Love Again" (2:06), and "It Never Entered My Mind" (2:45).

Ghost Stations
Marconi Union
www.marconiunion.com
Just Publishing
www.justmusic.co.uk
$12.99 CD / $8.99 MP3 amazon.com

UK-based group Marconi Union presents Ghost Stations, an album of atmospheric, relaxing songs to soothe the mind and the spirit. The drifting, quiescent quality of the instrumental music gently eases one's mind and heart after a hard day. Ghost Stations is quietly beautiful and highly recommended. The tracks are "Sleeper", "Remnants", "Shadow Scheme", "Abandoned", "In Silence", and "Riser".

Steppin' Up
Eric Hargett Trio, featuring Joey DeFrancesco & Gerry Gibbs
Whaling City Sound
www.whalingcitysound.com
c/o Naxos of America, Inc. (dist.)
www.naxosusa.com
$13.49 CD / $8.99 MP3 amazon.com

Baritone sax player and band leader Eric Hargett presents the funk album Steppin' Up, along with Joey DeFrancesco on the Hammond B3 organ and piano, and Gerry Gibbs on drums. Vivacious and proud, Steppin' Up resonates with passion, from its love songs to its all-out funk overdrive compositions. Highly recommended, especially for fans of the genre. The tracks are "Steppin' Up" (4:01), "West" (6:05), "Hackensack" (3:40), "Woody's Dream" (4:16), "Baretta" (6:16), "You Don't Know What Love Is" (7:19), "Brunswick Avenue" (5:07), "Pacific Voyage" (5:46), "Myra's Song" (6:42), and "Sunday Fog" (8:04).


The DVD Shelf

Being Poirot
Featuring David Suchet
Hosted by Stanley Tucci
Acorn Media
c/o RLJ Entertainment
www.us.RLJEntertainment.com
9781621722991 $14.99 www.acornonline.com

Being Poirot is a must-see documentary for connoisseurs of the Poirot series of television murder mysteries based on the classic detective hero created by Agatha Christie. David Suchet, the actor who played Hercule Poirot for twenty-five years, openly shares his personal experience of bringing the beloved detective to life on the screen. From recounting his meeting with Christie's family after he was first cast as Poirot, to his travels to Belgium in order to explore the roots of a legendary Belgian character, to what Belgians themselves have to say about their famous fictional compatriot, Being Poirot is descriptive, insightful, and highly recommended. Bonus materials include interviews with David Sucheet on Poirot, and with Agatha Christie's grandson Matthew Prichard. 62 min., SDH subtitles, widescreen.

Meet the Guilbys
A film by Arthur Delaire and Quentin Reynaud
First Run Features
630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213, New York, NY 10036
$19.95 www.firstrunfeatures.com

Meet the Guilbys is an eyebrow-raising comedy movie about a blended family road trip. Claire and Maurice, each of whom endured a previous marriage, are bringing their entire family on the road to attend Claire's father's funeral. This includes Claire's vegetarian son Alex, who carries a secret torch for Maurice's rebellious daughter Lucie; Claire's poet brother; and Claire and Maurice's daughter Prune, who harbors a growing fascination for the bovines of France. Meet the Guilbys is a wacky adventure of misfits and bungles, uproarious fun! 80 min., French language with English subtitles.

Clean Break
Written by Billy Roche
Acorn Media
c/o RLJ Entertainment
www.us.RLJEntertainment.com
$39.99 www.acornonline.com

Clean Break is a four-part crime drama on DVD by award-winning wrier Billy Roche. Frank Mallon is a car dealer on the edge of bankruptcy; his wife has left him and his teenage daughter is openly rebellious. Desperate for money, he devises a handsomely profitable revenge scheme against the people who he feels have wronged him the most. But when his plans spiral out of control, old hatreds come to light an innocent lives are at risk! A tense, riveting drama about secrets lurking beneath the surface of a small Irish town, Clean Break is highly recommended for suspense connoisseurs. 4 episodes on 2 DVDs, 214 min., widescreen, SDH subtitles.

John Bunyan: The People's Pilgrim
Written and Directed by Gary Wilkinson
Vision Video
P.O. Box 540, Worcester, PA 19490
$19.99 DVD / $7.99 digital www.visionvideo.com

John Bunyan: The People's Pilgrim is an enlightening DVD documentary about John Bunyan (1628-1688), author of the Christian allegory "The Pilgrim's Progress", one of the most well- known and influential works of spiritual literature. Bunyan lived an incredible life; from humble origins as the uneducated son of a tinker, he miraculously survived the deadly English Civil War, and spent years in jail for his faith; "The Pilgrim's Progress" was written during his imprisonment. John Bunyan: The People's Pilgrim vividly portrays an extraordinary true story, and is highly recommended for personal viewing and church library collections. 50 min., optional English subtitles.


The Hunting/Fishing Shelf

Bird Dog Days, Wingshooting Ways
Archibald Rutledge
Edited with a new introduction by Jim Casada
University of South Carolina Press
718 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29208
9781611176544 $29.99 www.sc.edu/uscpress

Bird Dog Days, Wingshooting Ways is a compilation of writings by South Carolina poet laureate and avid hunter Archibald Rutledge (1883-1973). Most of the stories are true tales of his life hunting deer, turkey, quail, or grouse in the Southern heartland, from the traits of the dogs that aided him, to the traditions surrounding Carolina Christmas hunts. Although Bird Dog Days, Wingshooting Ways is mostly nonfiction, one long fictional story is included, "The Odyssey of Bolio". Bird Dog Days, Wingshooting Ways is the closest one can come to the thrill of an outdoors hunt in South Carolina without leaving one's reading chair, and highly recommended.


The Aviation Shelf

To Lasso the Clouds
Dan A. Aldridge, Jr.
Mercer University Press
1400 Coleman Avenue, Macon, GA 31207-0001
9780881465747 $29.00 www.mupress.org

To Lasso the Clouds: The Beginning of Aviation in Georgia corrects the record of the first airplane flight in Georgia. Disputing prior claims that give the year for Georgia's first flight as 1907 and give all credit for the feat to Ben T. Epps, Sr., To Lasso the Clouds elaborates on the story of two intelligent young Georgians, Epps and Zumpt A. Huff, whose efforts to build a machine that could engage in sustained, controlled flight earned them regard as a "second pair of Wright brothers" according to at least one newspaper. A handful of vintage black-and-white photographs, a bibliography, and an index round out this extensively researched account. To Lasso the Clouds is a highly recommended contribution to public and college library aviation history shelves.


The Biography Shelf

The Life and Death of Leon Trotsky
Victor Serge and Natalia Sedova Trotsky
Haymarket Books
PO Box 180165, Chicago, IL 60618
9781608464692 $17.95 www.haymarketbooks.org

The Life and Death of Leon Trotsky is a biography of Marxist revolutionary, Soviet politician, and founding leader of the Red Army Leon Trotsky (1879-1940). Although Trotsky was a major participant in Russia's 1917 Revolution, he was scapegoated during Stalin's murderous rise to power, which replaced the ideals of Communism with an iron-fist dictatorship. In 1940 Trotsky was assassinated, allegedly on Stalin's orders. Unlike other biographies, The Life and Death of Leon Trotsky is unique in that it is by two people close Trotsky: his widow Natalia Sedova Trotsky (who was also a Bolshevik) and Victor Serge, a revolutionary and novelist. An index rounds out this "must-read" for anyone studying Trotsky's life and philosophy, or major figures in modern Russian history. Highly recommended, especially for public and college library collections.

Entwined
Joyce Wallace Scott
Beacon Press
24 Farnsworth Street, Boston, MA 02210
www.beacon.org
9780807051405 $26.95 hc / $25.99 Kindle amazon.com

The intensely personal, true story of the bond between fraternal twin sisters, Entwined: Sisters and Secrets in the Silent World of Artist Judith Scott is part memoir, part glimpse into the story behind an artist's blossoming potential. As young children, Joyce was inseparable from Judy, her sister with Down syndrome. After their separation, it would be many years until Joyce came of age and won the struggle to become Judy's legal guardian. After Joyce and Judy reunited, Judy's untapped talent for fiber art came to light, and her winding fiber sculptures remain prestigious in museums and galleries to this day. Entwined is highly recommended especially for artist biography collections, and makes for rapturous reading.


The LGBT Studies Shelf

A Day in May
Charlie Bird
Merrion Press
c/o International Specialized Book Services
920 Northeast 58th Avenue, Suite 300, Portland, OR, 97213
9781785370762 $25.00 www.isbs.com

On May 23rd, 2015, Ireland became the first nation in the world to legalize same-sex marriage equality via popular vote. A Day in May: Real Lives, True Stories gathers true stories from people across Ireland who were directly affected by this historic decision. Occasional black-and- white photographs enrich this moving anthology of firsthand testimonies from members of Ireland's LGBT community. Highly recommended!


James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com


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