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Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
The Beginner's Book of Meditation
Attila Orosz
Privately Published
9781503333277, $14.99, 238pp, www.beginnersmeditation.info
Synopsis: Meditation is a practice in which an individual trains the mind or induces a mode of
consciousness, either to realize some benefit or for the mind to simply acknowledge its content
without becoming identified with that content, or as an end in itself. "The Beginner's Book of
Meditation" will allow anyone to learn meditation and breathing techniques forms that are easy to
follow and enhanced as a learning experience with down to earth instructions, regardless of any
particular spiritual or religious views. "The Beginner's Book of Meditation" allows the
meditation student and practitioner to truly understand what meditation really is and build up
their own personal practice. "The Beginner's Book of Meditation" features nine breathing
techniques, ten sitting and two moving meditation methods, a perfect base upon which to build a
meditation practice.
Critique: A comprehensive and thoroughly 'user friendly' introduction to meditation basics, "The
Beginner's Book of Meditation" by Attila Orosz is an ideal instruction manual that is very highly
recommended for personal, community, and academic library instructional reference collections.
It should be noted for personal reading lists that a slightly modified version of "The Beginner's
Book of Meditation" is available in a Kindle edition from www.amazon.com.
Soul Mothers' Wisdom
Bette J. Freedson
Pearlsong Press
PO Box 58065, Nashville, TN 37205
www.pearlsongpress.com
Elevate Communications
9781597190770, $18.95, 198pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: Millions of heroic single mothers around the world, poor and rich, are rearing their
own or someone else's children. Deaths, separations and divorces, and military deployments send
many more women into single mother status every year, while other "hidden" single mothers
bring up children virtually alone as fathers are ill, disabled, disengaged or just plain disinterested.
In "Soul Mothers' Wisdom: Seven Insights for the Single Mother" clinical social worker Bette
Freedson shares seven key insights she has identified through years of workshops, counseling
sessions, and her own self-examination as a single mother. She gently guides often-overwhelmed
single mothers to a strong personal identity, a rediscovery of resilience, strength, and courage,
and an affirmation of parenting purpose. "Soul Mothers' Wisdom" helps the woman parenting on
her own understand that she can create the life she wants and become the woman she desires to
be, transforming challenges into opportunities and solutions, chaos into calm, and discovering (or
re-discovering) all she has to offer to her children and her self. "Soul Mothers' Wisdom" offers
single mothers the knowledge, counseling and affirmation to help them and their children
thrive.
Critique: Informative, thoughtful, and thoroughly 'user friendly', "Soul Mothers' Wisdom: Seven
Insights for the Single Mother" will prove to be an impressively helpful read for any mother
trying to deal with the stress and just plain hard work that motherhood requires in our
contemporary world. Very strongly recommended for community library Parenting Studies
instructional reference collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Soul
Mothers' Wisdom: Seven Insights for the Single Mother" is also available in a Kindle edition
($6.99).
Where's Stephanie
Lenora Livingston
CrossBooks
One Life Way Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234
www.CrossBooks.com
Bohlsen Group
9781462744862, $19.99, 152pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: It's 1982 and Ian Weber is engaged. But amid that happiness, Ian finds out a former
girlfriend is pregnant. In a dramatic and successful act, Anna, Ian's mother, prevents her
grandchild from being aborted. More than anything, Anna wants her grandchild to be a part of
her life. When Stephanie is born, she is placed for adoption. Still intent to have Stephanie in her
life, Anna places clues in the child's file at the Department of Social Services, hoping one day, by
some miracle, Stephanie will use the clues to find her. Author Lenora Livingston captures the
intense grief of the birth families who gave up Stephanie for adoption, while at the same time,
showing the immeasurable joy of the adoptive family. Livingston recounts the amazing story of
the parallel lives of Anna and her granddaughter, Stephanie. Although they live over one hundred
miles apart, their paths often cross. "Where's Stephanie?: A Story of Love, Faith, and Courage" is
based on real-life events. Realizing others are facing similar situations, Livingston provides
readers with a list of adoption groups that can help in search for surrendered family members.
This story shows that what may seem impossible can come true.
Critique: An irresistibly engaging and extraordinary read from beginning to end, "Where's
Stephanie? A Story of Love, Faith, and Courage" is a unique and exceptionally compassionate
true story and one that deserves as wide a readership as possible. Very highly recommended for
community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Where's
Stephanie?: A Story of Love, Faith, and Courage" is also available in a paperback edition
(9781462744879, $14.99) and in a Kindle format ($9.89).
Soul External: Rediscovering The Great Blue Heron
Steven H. Semken, author
Andrew R. Driscoll, artist
Ice Cub Press
205 North Front Street, North Liberty, IA 52317
www.icecubepress.com
9781888160628, $24.95, 144pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: There is a very real, center-of-the-world spot lurking in an unknown valley of
northeastern Kansas, where chalky old growth trunks of sycamore trees and a slow moving
stream exist alongside the nests, the souls, and the lives of great blue herons. "Soul External:
Rediscovering The Great Blue Heron" is a book of both fact and fiction, of myth, sense-of-place,
spirit, and magic. Reader s will embark on a literary and visual journey unlike any other; will
(re)discover a wild and captivating realm full of lore, hearsay, myth, and spirit. "Soul External" is
a combined effort of author and artist seeking to express their mutual sense of the significance
and sacred in the natural world. Through a narrative centered upon the great blue heron scripted
words play with graphic arrangements punctuated by drawings. All culminate in producing a
fuller meditation having semiotic and aesthetic significance regarding this perfect circle of
life.
Critique: A fascinating read that is both thoughtful and thought-provoking, "Soul External:
Rediscovering The Great Blue Heron" offers an extraordinary literary experience that will linger
in the mind long after the book is finished and set back upon the shelf. Of special note are the
occasional quotations from a variety of sources. Certain to be an enduringly popular addition to
both community and academic library collections, "Soul External: Rediscovering The Great Blue
Heron" is very highly recommended and contemplative reading.
The Cookbook Shelf
Your Kids: Cooking!
Barbara Brandt
Pukka Publishing
2434 Riata Road, Missoula, MT 59808
Smith Publicity
www.yourkidscooking.net
9780982595213, $39.95, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: "Your Kids: Cooking!: A Recipe for Turning Ordinary Kids into Extraordinary Cooks"
is a fun and engaging hands-on cooking program for kids 8 and up that prepares kids for a
lifetime of healthy eating by teaching them how to turn fresh, wholesome ingredients into healthy
and delicious meals. Much more than a just another children's cookbook, "Your Kids: Cooking!"
offers a multimedia cooking program that teaches kids how to cook in a structured, fun, and
engaging way. Through the seamless coordination of step-by-step demonstrations on the DVD
with written and pictorial directions in the book itself, budding chefs are effortlessly guided
through the preparation of 20 delicious and healthy meals the whole family can enjoy. Upon
completing the program, young chefs will have acquired all the cooking skills, techniques,
methods and confidence they need to cook virtually anything they want. In addition to learning to
cook, kids also learn the basics of nutrition and how to make healthy food choices.
Critique: Spiral bound allowing it to lay flat on a kitchen table or counter, "Your Kids: Cooking!:
A Recipe for Turning Ordinary Kids into Extraordinary Cooks" is profusely illustrated with
finished dishes and step-by-step preparation instructions for all twenty of the featured dishes.
Deftly organized into two Sections, the first of which is basic information on getting ready in the
kitchen to cook and the second comprised of ten 'lessons' featuring recipes, "Your Kids:
Cooking!: A Recipe for Turning Ordinary Kids into Extraordinary Cooks" is thoroughly 'kid
friendly' throughout. The dishes range from French Toast; Baked Penne with Bacon and peas;
Tamale Pie; Strawberry Shortcake; and Oatmeal Fruit Bars; to Eggs Benedict; Chicken Fried
Steak; Apple Crisp; and Shepard's Pie. A third and final section features a 'Stack Chart' for
recording the mastery of specific recipe lessons and 'My Cooking Journal' where a young cook
can record comments and notes on their experience. Very highly recommended for family
cookbook collections, it should be noted that "Your Kids: Cooking!: A Recipe for Turning
Ordinary Kids into Extraordinary Cooks" is enhanced further with the inclusion of a two-hour
DVD with step-by-step demonstrations for making each featured recipe.
The Business Shelf
Marketing Above The Noise
Linda J. Popky
Bibliomotion Inc.
39 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA 02445
www.bibliiomotion.com
Cave Hendricks Communications
9781629560373, $27.95, 224pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: "Marketing Above the Noise: Achieve Strategic Advantage with Marketing that
Matters" takes a contrarian approach to most business marketing 'how to' books by not focusing
on social media, digital marketing, or other new tactics, and instead helping organizations
understand: The critical upfront work needed to really understand customers, markets and unmet
needs; The value of consistent, focused messaging; Why empowering employees to effectively
represent the brand is so critical; How to thrive in an age of user-generated content and customer
driven marketing; Why it's key not to confuse selling with installing. "Marketing Above the
Noise" introduces the Dynamic Market Leverage Model, which measures marketing clout by
looking at eight core marketing disciplines and five additional Leverage Factors that can help an
organization focus on key aspects of their marketing function that will provide the most
significant return on their marketing investment.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Marketing Above the Noise:
Achieve Strategic Advantage with Marketing that Matters" is a critically important and
iconoclastic read recommended for business managers, entrepreneurs, and corporate executives.
While a 'must' for company, community, and academic library Business Marketing instructional
reference collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Marketing Above the
Noise" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).
Marketing Above the Noise
Linda J. Popky
Bibliomotion
https://bibliomotion.com
Cave Henricks Communications
9781629560373, $27.95, 224pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: Marketing today is out of control. With all the new marketing techniques accessible to
the masses, it's becoming harder and harder to stand out from the crowd. The result is more and
more messages, hitting us more often in new and more intrusive ways. For customers, it's a lot of
noise. Through her work with a wide range of organizations from small companies to
professional service providers to Fortune 500 companies, Linda Popky has developed Dynamic
Market Leverage, an approach to help cut through the clutter, stand out, and effectively build
business. "Marketing Above the Noise: Achieve Strategic Advantage with Marketing that
Matters" takes a contrarian approach by not focusing on social media, digital marketing, or other
new tactics, and instead helping organizations understand: The critical upfront work needed to
really understand customers, markets and unmet needs; The value of consistent, focused
messaging; Why empowering employees to effectively represent the brand is so critical; How to
thrive in an age of user-generated content and customer driven marketing; Why it's key not to
confuse selling with installing. "Marketing Above The Noise" introduces the Dynamic Market
Leverage Model, which measures marketing clout by looking at eight core marketing disciplines
and five additional Leverage Factors that can help an organization focus on key aspects of their
marketing function that will provide the most significant return on their marketing
investment.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Marketing Above the Noise:
Achieve Strategic Advantage with Marketing that Matters" is as practical as it is 'user friendly'
and very highly recommended for community and academic library Business Studies reference
collections. A 'must' for anyone charged with the responsibility of marketing goods or services in
a highly competitive commercial environment, it should be noted for personal reading lists that
"Marketing Above the Noise" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).
The Fiction Shelf
No-See-Me and the Amazing Crimson Stick
Mary Verdick
AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200, Bloomington, IN 47403-5161
www.authorhouse.com
9781496958488, $19.95, 310pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: Quite by accident, Meggie Dawson stumbles across an amazing stick as a child, an
intriguing object that, all her life, often intervenes on her behalf, pointing her in the right
direction. She is desperately in love with her stepbrother, Josh Hawkins, no relation, and he loves
her too. But feeling a call from God, he leaves their Connecticut home and becomes a priest,
joins the Jesuits, and is sent to Africa as a missionary. Meanwhile, Meggie, although
heartbroken, marries Josh's best friend, Ben Brown; has three children; and is reasonably happy.
Until Josh, finally realizing he can't change the world, leaves the priesthood after twenty-five
years and goes home, hoping to return to the arms of Meggie, who is sorely tempted. It is an
absorbing tale of faith and love, with more than a touch of magic.
Critique: A terrific novel by an original talent, Mary Verdick's "No-See-Me and the Amazing
Crimson Stick" is truly exceptional and a solidly entertaining story from beginning to end.
Verdick's ability to deftly craft a complex plot and populate it with memorable characters clearly
documents her as a particularly gifted novelist and one who will leave her reader's looking
eagerly toward her next effort. Also available in a hardcover edition, "No-See-Me and the
Amazing Crimson Stick" is strongly recommended for community library General Fiction
collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted that "No-See-Me and the Amazing
Crimson Stick" is available in a Kindle edition ($3.99) as well.
The Vatican Files
Jerzhy Knuteman
Omniscient Publishing
www.thevaticanfiles.com
9781893353206, $18.99, 558pp
Synopsis: There has been an alien influence on human development since the dawn of Man. It's
the 1930s and evil is spreading its tentacles through European countries still reeling from World
War I. Adolph Hitler, intent on conquering the world, makes a pact with evil alien entities to
provide him the military might he needs to overwhelm any country or alliance that might stand in
his way. Illuminati thieves steal an ancient manuscript from a secret Vatican archive, intent on
exposing its contents and destroying the Catholic Church at its core. To save the world and the
Catholic Church, the Pope dispatches a covert team of military-hardened Jesuit operatives to
disrupt the Nazi war machine, recover the ancient manuscript, and prevent alien influence from
reaching the highest levels of American government.
Critique: Jerzhy Knuteman's "The Vatican Files" is part historical novel, part supernatural
thriller, and part science fiction alternate history. An impressive read by an impressive author,
"The Vatican Files" is highly recommended for community library fiction collections. For
personal reading lists is should be noted that "The Vatican Files" is also available in a Kindle
edition ($8.99).
Taconite Creek
John Luthens
Cable Publishing
14090 East Keinenen Road, Brule, WI 54820
9781934980507, $14.95, 230pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: Set amidst the whispering white pines and sun-scorched slopes of northern Wisconsin's
Gogebic Range, "Taconite Creek" is the story of a young boy follows two crusty diehard
fisherman to an abandoned mine on Taconite Creek. In the brawling wilderness of sacred water,
he discovers the secrets of fly fishing and the iron-willed fervor needed to confront the secrets
deep within his soul.
Critique: Even thought "Taconite Creek" is the debut novel of John Luthens it clearly documents
him as a particularly gifted storyteller able to deftly craft an entertaining tale that soon grips the
reader's total attention and holds it firmly from beginning to end. Wonderfully entertaining and
original, "Taconite Creek" is very highly recommended for community library General Fiction
collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted that "Taconite Creek" is also available in
a Kindle edition ($9.95).
Loss Angeles: Stories
Mathieu Cailler
Short Story America
221 Johnson Landing Road, Beaufort, SC 29907
www.shortstoryamerica.com
The Barrett Company Communications
9780988249745, $25.00, 226pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: "Loss Angeles: Stories" is author Mathieu Cailler's debut collection of short stories.
Cailler weaves tales which bring to life the deeply-human experience with loss and its range of
outcomes. From loneliness to recovered relationships, from despair to redemption, from
heartbreak to humor, these fifteen stories illuminate the sadness, bewilderment, conflict and
ultimate hope which can come from each human being's inevitable encounters with loss.
Critique: This outstanding collection of fifteen deftly written short stories range from 'Over the
Bridge' and 'Graveyard Shift', to 'Blowing Out the Candles' and 'When Men Wore Hats'. Clearly
author Mathieu Cailler is a master of the short story format and "Loss Angeles: Stories" is a
superbly crafted volume of truly memorable stories making it highly recommended for
community library General Fiction collections and personal reading lists.
Lo! Jacaranda: A Spanish Gypsy's Cante Jondo
Harry Freiermuth
Trafford Publishing
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
www.trafford.com
Bohlsen Group
9781490753447, $30.12, 98pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: "Lo! Jacaranda: A Spanish Gypsy's Cante Jondo" is the story of a young,
Spanish-Gypsy woman in 1760s Spain. As fate would have it, she is born and raised as the
daughter of a wealthy ranchero owner. A beautiful life of prosperity and love stretches on before
her as the day of her betrothal approaches. However, before the wedding, her gypsy heritage is
revealed, and her joy melts away. The Spanish Inquisition condemns her to be burnt at the stake,
but always-resourceful Jacaranda escapes and disguises herself as a man. She finds work on a
slave ship headed to New Spain, but just when she gets comfortable, pirates seize her ship. To
stay alive, she joins their motley crew, only to be sold as a slave once they reach their destination.
Blessedly, she is purchased by a missionary who frees her and employs her at his mission in
California, still believing her to be a man. There, Jacaranda meets the native tribes of the region
and befriends them. However, her troubles are far from over as the Inquisition follows and seeks
to punish her for a life of running from who she is.
Critique: Enhanced with a profusion beautiful illustrations, "Lo! Jacaranda: A Spanish Gypsy's
Cante Jondo" is a compelling and entertaining read that showcases the storytelling talents of
author Harry Freiermuth. A very highly recommended and engaging read from beginning to end,
it should be noted that "Lo! Jacaranda: A Spanish Gypsy's Cante Jondo" is also available in a
Kindle edition ($3.99).
The Midwife Factor
GiGi Gossett
iUniverse, Inc.
c/o Author House
1663 Liberty Dr. Suite #300, Bloomington, IN 47403
Bohlsen Group
9781491743911, $24.95, 454pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: Only a kindly midwife knows that Nicola Moldovan, a fifteen-year-old Romanian
teenager living in Cincinnati, gave birth to identical twin girls nineteen years ago. The twins,
separated at birth, have grown up on different continents, unwittingly sharing thoughts, feelings,
and dreams with each other without any idea they are sisters. But just as the now elderly midwife,
Flossie Walker, decides to pen a tell-all letter to the families involved, a sinister plot unfolds in a
Budapest prison. Morgan Wellington, the adopted daughter of a Nobel Prize winning physician
and his wife, has always secretly yearned to know her true biological identity-even more so after
her Hungarian roommate tells her about a look-alike in Budapest and invites her to visit the
country to see for herself. Meanwhile, Morgan's parents, curious as to why their daughter has
spontaneously traveled to Budapest, hire private investigator Lynn Davis to discover the truth.
While Lynn tries to make sense of several perplexing scenarios, a habitual criminal puts the final
touches on an evil plan that will change everything. "The Midwife Factor" is an international
mystery in which past secrets are revealed as two girls separated at birth attempt to find their way
back to each other, with the help of a private investigator and the midwife who brought them into
the world.
Critique: A novel of complexity, emotional struggle, and unexpected twists and turns, "The
Midwife Factor" is a compelling read from beginning to end. A solid entertainment deftly crafted
by an extraordinarily talented novelist, GiGi Gosett's "The Midwife Factor" is also available in a
hardcover edition 9781491743928, $34.95) which is very strongly recommended for community
library General Fiction collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted that "The
Midwife Factor" is also available in a Kindle edition ($5.99).
Large is the Smallest We've Got
Jed Hamilton
aSys Publishing
http://largeisthesmallest.com
9781910757147, $11.99, 298pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: An unlikely mix of characters is thrown together by the 1994 Los Angeles earthquake.
Then they spend the next five years tearing themselves apart. A biting satire set in a chaotic
Hollywood. Quirky, funny, and dark. "Large is the Smallest We've Got: A Jigsaw Puzzle" has a
bittersweet love-triangle at its core, and is ultimately moving while never losing touch with a wry
sense of the absurd.
Critique: A deftly crafted novel by an impressively talented writer, "Large is the Smallest We've
Got: A Jigsaw Puzzle" is a compelling and entertaining read from beginning to end. Very highly
recommended for personal reading lists and community library General Fiction collections.
Compulsion
Meyer Levin
Fig Tree Books
www.figtreebooks.net
Goldberg McDuffie Communications
9781941493021, $15.95, 480pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: Judd Steiner and Artie Straus have it all: wealth, intelligence, and the world at their
feet as part of the elite, upper-crust Jewish community of 1920s Chicago. Artie is handsome,
athletic, and popular, but he possesses a hidden, powerful sadistic streak and a desire to
dominate. Judd is a weedy introvert, a genius who longs for a companion whom he can idolize
and worship. Obsessed with Nietzsche's idea of the superhuman, both boys decide to prove that
they are above the laws of man by arbitrarily picking and murdering a Jewish boy in their
neighborhood.
Critique: Meyer Levin's "Compulsion" is a fictionalized portrayal of the infamous case of
Leopold and Loeb. Paying close attention to historical detail, "Compulsion" is a deftly crafted
novel that documents author Meyer Levin as a particularly gifted storyteller that will keep his
readers total engaged from beginning to end. Highly recommended for community library
General Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Compulsion" is
also available in a Kindle edition ($10.99).
The End Of Healing
Jim Bailey
The Healthy City
956 Court Avenue, D222, Memphis, TN 38163-001
www.TheHealthyCity.org
MM Book Publicity
9780985420307, $33.95, 516pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: Don Newman, a resident physician at the renowned University Hospital, awakens to
the screams of his pager in a windowless call room in the middle of the night. He runs to the dark
ward to attend to a dying woman strapped to a bed and realizes-despite working long and hard to
become a doctor and having sworn to do no harm-harm has become his business. So begins Dr.
Newman's quest to become a healer in a system that puts profits ahead of patients. He abandons
his plans to become a cardiologist and enrolls in an Ivy League graduate program in health
system science, where an unorthodox professor promises to guide him ever deeper into the dark
secrets of the healthcare industry. Don joins fellow students-the alluring Frances Hunt, a sharp
nurse practitioner, and Bruce Markum, a cocky, well-connected surgeon-on a journey through the
medical underworld. When Dr. Newman unearths evidence of a conspiracy stretching from the
halls of Congress to Wall Street and even to his small campus, his harmless course of study
becomes deadly serious. Will he be silenced? Or will he find a way to save his patients and
others from needless torture?
Critique: Author Jim Bailey's debut novel, "The End Of Healing" is an outstanding read that is as
thoughtful and thought-provoking as it is fully engaging from beginning to end. On a theme that
could be ripped from today's newspaper headlines, "The End Of Healing" focuses on how
America's healthcare industry has become corrupted, along with other fundamental institutions
such as the American government and even the hallowed halls of academia. A riveting read that
is highly recommended for community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading
lists that "The End Of Healing" is also available in a Kindle edition ($7.99).
The StorySellers
Mickey Bender
Lulu Publishing
3101 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27607-5436
www.lulu.com
9781483420486, $12.95, 192pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: Sometimes the mess we find ourselves in is not entirely our own creation. Take
Samuel Fischer, a respected physician nearing the end of his career who sells his medical
practice. After the papers are signed, he's abruptly fired, while his wife is promoted to business
manager. Sam is confused and furious when he confronts his wife. She slams a door on the ugly
argument, bolting from the house to go for a bike ride in the rain. And she's hit by a car. Dr.
Fischer sinks into a deep depression until he decides to change lives and become a business
angel, hoping to meet people and create a new identity. Fischer is exposed to all sorts of
individuals and ideas- getting pitched on health clubs, luxury goods, jazz guitar, and music
therapy. He reflects on these proposals with Debbie Flynn, an outgoing realtor who has adopted
Sam as some sort of pet project. But it turns out that Debbie has devils of her own. When she has
a flashback, Debbie's past is revealed, perhaps unlocking Samuel Fischer's future.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, author Mickey Bender has a genuine flair for deftly crafting
characters and engage them in a riveting story that results a memorable novel that will linger in
the mind and memory long after it is finished and set back upon the shelf. "The StorySellers" is
very highly recommended for both personal reading lists and community library General Fiction
collections.
Narvla's Celtic New Year
Therese Gilardi
Privately Published
The Barrett Company Communications
9780986281129, $9.99, 280pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: Narvla's life is as precisely choreographed as the routines that have made her a national
step-dancing champion. She has a loyal best friend, a devoted boyfriend, and a lock on admission
to her dream college, the University of Notre Dame. Until her mother is named U.S. Ambassador
to Ireland, and her life unravels. First Narvla receives a disturbing picture of her boyfriend and
her best friend. Then she struggles to qualify for the Irish elite step-dancing squad, and her grades
plummet. But the biggest obstacle in Narvla's new life is Dublin Boy, a cheeky musician with a
disdain for academics and a distrust of Americans. Although Narvla is upset when she's paired
with Dublin Boy for the most important semester of her life, her real concern is the growing
attraction she feels toward him. As the Celtic New Year unfolds, Narvla is pushed to abandon her
lifelong need for control and embrace the charm of the unexpected.
Critique: An impressive literary debut for author Therese Gilardi, "Narvla's Celtic New Year" is a
deftly written work that is as engaging as it is entertaining. This is one of those novels that linger
in the mind long after it is finished and set back upon the shelf. Very highly recommended for
community library General Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that
"Narvla's Celtic New Year" is also available in a Kindle edition ($2.99).
Swing
Philip Beard
Van Buren Books
www.philipbeard.net
MM Book Publicity
9780986247415, $14.95, 324pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: John Kostka is three feet tall but larger than life, moving through the world on gloved
hands and powerful arms as if on a set of parallel bars. Henry Graham is a ten year-old boy
whose father has just left home for good. When the two meet at a downtown bus stop, all they
seem to have in common is their love of the 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates. But that is enough to begin
a life-long friendship that, eventually, enables both men to confront old enemies and heal old
wounds.
Critique: A terrific novel be a truly gifted writer, "Swing" is as entertaining a read as it is
thoughtful and thought-provoking. This is one of those rare works of fiction that will linger long
in the mind, memory and imagination after it is finished and set back upon the shelf. A 'must' for
all baseball fans, "Swing" is certain to be an enduringly popular addition to community library
General Fiction and Sports Fiction collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted that
"Swing" is also available in a Kindle edition ($4.99).
The Christian Studies Shelf
Pope Francis: The Last Pope?
Leo Lyon Zagami
CCC Publishing
530 8th Ave. #6; San Francisco, CA 94118
www.cccpublishing.com
9781888729542, $16.95, 224pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: In "Pope Francis: The Last Pope?: Money, Masons and Occultism in the Decline of the
Catholic Church", author Leo Lyon Zagami reveals the possible reasons for the choice of
historical abdication of Benedict XVI and traces the process that led to the election of Cardinal
Bergoglio: the Pope who many have prophesied will be the last to hold that sacred office and will
bring the Catholic Church to its end. "Pope Francis: The Last Pope?" details the history of this
prophecy, which was hidden away in the Vatican for hundreds of years and predicts that the reign
of the last Pope will herald the beginning of "great apostasy" followed by "great tribulation." It
also explores the recent scandals in the Catholic Church and addresses questions including What
pressures decreed the end of the pontificate of Benedict XVI? What powers have an interest for
the Church to end? and What is the relationship between the Vatican and the New World Order?
Perfect for anyone interested in prophecies about the end times, "Pope Francis: The Last Pope"
reveals the truth about what numerology says about the last Pope and the darkness that may
follow him, as well as fascinating investigations into the gay lobby, Freemasonry, and the Jesuit
agenda in the Vatican and how it relates to the first Borgia Pope, the legend of the White Pope
and the Black Pope, and how Benedict's resignation may fulfill an ancient prophecy.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Pope Francis: The Last Pope?:
Money, Masons and Occultism in the Decline of the Catholic Church" is as informed and
informative as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking. Offering an iconoclastic perspective,
"Pope Francis: The Last Pope?" will have an immense interest for seminary students and
theologians, as well as non-specialist general readers with an interest in the Roman Catholic
Church in general, and the future of the papacy in particular.
Historical Atlas of Ancient Christianity
Angelo Di Berardino & Gianluca Pilara
ICCS Press
PO Box 949, 1300 Eagle Road, St. Davids, PA 19087
www.iccspress.com
9781624280009, $124.95, 478pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: The collaborative work of Fr. Angelo Di Berardino (the former president of the
Augustinianum in Rome) and Gianluca Pilara (who has also collaborated with Angelo di
Berardino in the translation and editing of numerous books of the Ancient Christian Commentary
on Scripture in Italian) the "Historical Atlas of Ancient Christianity" is the first of its kind to
provide a detailed picture of the early church's physical presence in the empire, tracing
Christianity's geographical footprint upon the map of the ancient world. Complete with 59
full-color and detailed maps, illustrations of important monuments and places, and an up-to-date
scholarly bibliography, the "Historical Atlas of Ancient Christianity" serves both as a valuable
reference work and a useful teaching tool. The "Historical Atlas of Ancient Christianity" will
serve as an indispensable tool for those desiring to study the ancient Christian period in its
historical as well as its geographical context.
Critique: Produced with flawless production values, informed and informative, the "Historical
Atlas of Ancient Christianity" is impressively informed and informative. Exceptionally well
written, organized and presented, the "Historical Atlas of Ancient Christianity" is enthusiastically
recommended for seminary, community, and academic library Christian Studies reference
collections. It would be especially appropriate for non-specialist general readers with an interest
in studying the early Christian movement. The "Historical Atlas of Ancient Christianity" would
also make a perfect Memorial Fund acquisition choice for any library collection.
Seven Last Words
Terry Minchow-Proffitt
Middle Island Press
PO Box 354, West Union, WV 26456
www.middleislandpress.com
Word Slinger Publicity
9780692373309, $15.00, 64pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: Christ's final words from the cross (known as the seven sayings from the Gospels)
have a compelling resonance. They have been pondered anew throughout the millennia by
Christians and non-Christians alike the world over. Forged within the crucible of suffering, they
have the capacity to awaken, to transform our way of beholding God and one another. In "Seven
Last Words", poet and pastor Terry Minchow-Proffitt gives us seven poems based on these
sayings, along with an in-depth interview with Mud Season Review. With brevity that begs to be
savored, "Seven Last Words" renders a powerful portal into the love that continues to radiate
during the darkest of times
Critique: Inspired and inspiring, former pastor Terry Minchow-Proffitt's "Seven Last Words" is
exceptional and highly recommended reading for all members of the Christian community
regardless of denominational affiliation.
The Health/Medicine Shelf
The Cancer Solution
Jack C. Westman, M.D.
Archway Publishing
http://www.archwaypublishing.com
The Cadence Group
9781480813083, $20.00, 310pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: "The Cancer Solution: Taking Charge of your Life with Cancer" by Dr. Jack C.
Westman shows how much of the failure against a successful conclusion to the so-called 'War on
Cancer' has to do with the definition of cancer. "The Cancer Solution" is a wake-up call and a
call to action for cancer patients, their loved ones and the general public. Conventional cancer
care needs to be vastly improved according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the
National Cancer Institute. Patients know it firsthand. They are obliged to accept chances for
5-year survival with likely debilitation rather than complete remissions (cures). Everyone is
paying the price of excessive cancer care costs in their health care insurance. Cancer cells rise
and are killed by surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. The many kinds of cancer cells are the
products of the disease neoplasia that can emerge from normal cells in our bodies' organs and
tissues. The old model of treatment being determined by a tumor's location in the body without
regard for the molecular characteristics of the patient or the tumor and for the environment of the
tumor must give way to a new model of that focuses on how cancer cells evade the natural
defenses in the body's immune system that prevent and stop the formation of cancer cells through
the process of neoplasia. This kind of research is finally beginning to lead to the successful
treatment of some forms of cancer and should be given the highest priority. "The Cancer
Solution" is a usable handbook for cancer for both patients and health professionals, "The Cancer
Solution" empowers patients to take control of their life with cancer and advocate for improving
cancer research and treatment.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "The Cancer Solution" is
extraordinarily well informed and informative. An invaluable addition to both community and
academic library Health/Medicine instructional reference collections, it should be noted that "The
Cancer Solution" is also available in a hardcover edition (9781480813106, $38.00) and in a
Kindle format ($3.99).
Vertigo! When the World Spins Out of Control
Linda Howard Zonana
Outskirts Press, Inc.
10940 S. Parker Road, #515, Parker, CO 80134
The Carrier Company
9781478701538, $11.95, 224pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: "Vertigo! When the World Spins Out of Control" is about "vestibular" illnesses - those
that arise in the inner ear and precipitate the sickening experiences of vertigo and imbalance,
usually without warning. "Vertigo! When the World Spins Out of Control" provides an
exploration of the vertigo experience itself, and descriptive analysis of the problems that can
occur in searching for effective therapy and a sense of understanding. "Vertigo! When the World
Spins Out of Control" is unique in that more than fifty people were interviewed in order to
provide a good look at a variety of real life experiences. Many of their stories are threaded
through the text as examples. Included are chapters on the psychological effects of illness,
challenges encountered in seeking help, conventional and unconventional treatments, anatomy
and functioning of the ear, as well as a history of the development of a scientific understanding of
vertigo. "Vertigo! When the World Spins Out of Control" does not recommend any specific
solutions, but rather seeks to provide some understanding of these illnesses and their
ramifications, as well as options for coping with them. The sections of "Vertigo! When the
World Spins Out of Control" devoted to strictly medical information were reviewed by an
experienced otolaryngologist.
Critique: Linda Zonana, the author of "Vertigo! When the World Spins Out of Control" has a
diagnosis of Meniere's Disease, one of the diseases of the inner ear. Her own struggles in dealing
with the condition led her to do the research and interviews that culminated in the writing of this
book. Informed and informative, "Vertigo! When the World Spins Out of Control" is very highly
recommended for both community and academic library Health/Medicine reference collections
and should be considered a critically important read for anyone suffering from inner ear trauma.
For personal reading lists it should be noted that "Vertigo! When the World Spins Out of
Control" is also available in a Kindle edition ($8.99).
The Cancer Solution
Jack C. Westman, M.D., M.S.
Archway Publishing
c/o AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200, Bloomington, IN 47403-5161
The Cadence Group
9781480813083, $20.00, PB, 310pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: "The Cancer Solution: Taking Charge of your Life with Cancer" by Dr. Jack C.
Westman, shows how much of the failure of the War on Cancer (and more importantly, much of
the potential for finally winning it) has to do with the definition of cancer. "The Cancer Solution"
is a wake-up call and a call to action for cancer patients, their loved ones and the general public.
Conventional cancer care needs to be vastly improved according to the American Society of
Clinical Oncology and the National Cancer Institute. Patients know it firsthand. They are obliged
to accept chances for 5-year survival with likely debilitation rather than complete remissions
(cures). Everyone is paying the price of excessive cancer care costs in their health care insurance.
Cancer cells rise and are killed by surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. It seems like cancer is a
disease. But the sun does not rotate around the Earth, and cancer is not a disease. The many kinds
of cancer cells are the products of the disease neoplasia that can emerge from normal cells in our
bodies' organs and tissues. Cancer research going forward will focus on how cancer cells evade
the natural defenses in the body's immune system that prevent and stop the formation of cancer
cells through the process of neoplasia. This kind of research is finally beginning to lead to the
successful treatment of some forms of cancer and should be given the highest priority. A usable
handbook for cancer for both patients and health professionals, "The Cancer Solution" empowers
patients to take control of their life with cancer and advocate for improving cancer research and
treatment.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "The Cancer Solution" is
especially recommended for non-specialist general readers with an interest in medical options,
research, and treatment modalities. Informed and informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking,
"The Cancer Solution" should be a part of every community, medical school, and academic
library Health/Medicine reference collections in general, and Cancer Studies supplemental
reading lists in particular. It should be noted that "The Cancer Solution" is available in a
hardcover edition (9781480813106, $38.00) and in a Kindle format ($3.99).
The Biography Shelf
In Silence and Dignity
Kate Okoli
Tate Publishing
127 East Trade Center Terrace, Mustang, OK 73064
www.tatepublishing.com
9781490753379, $15.99, 268pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: "In Silence and Dignity: The Single Mother Story" is a true story of the determination
and doggedness of single parents around the world in their pursuit to see that they survive with
their children within the community where they live. "In Silence and Dignity" shows the
determination of a single mother, Chinua, who lost everything during the Nigerian civil war and
later came back to live in a city where she has strong ties and connection with the father of her
children, who assisted her temporarily to find her feet within the community. "In Silence and
Dignity" exposes the shame, tears, and pain of single mothers and their daily struggles and
travails with their children. "In Silence and Dignity" emphasizes African culture and
heritage.
Critique: Kate Okoli is a Human Rights lawyer who has dual qualifications in two jurisdictions.
She is also an Entrepreneur and a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England and Wales. She
presently runs her own law practice in the UK. Kate Okoli and is the Chief Executive of the
nonprofit called The Beautiful Mind Foundation -- an organization birthed out of a passionate
need to give single mothers and their children a voice, while at the same time encouraging young
people of marriageable age to desire healthy relationships free from any kind of abuse within
their community. She has written "In Silence and Dignity: The Single Mother Story' as a strong
advocate of healthy relationships free from any kind of abuse and in the belief that a healthy
family unit free from any form of abuse is the bedrock of a successful society. Very highly
recommended and beneficial reading, it should be noted for community and academic library
collections that "In Silence and Dignity" is also available in a hardcover edition
(9781490753393, $25.99). For personal reading lists, "In Silence and Dignity" is available in a
Kindle edition ($3.99) as well.
Jimmy Van Heusen: Swinging on a Star
Christopher A. Coppula
Twin Creek Books
2603 Elm Hill Pike, Suite P, Nashville, TN 37214
www.twincreekbooks.com
9780984534517, $25.95, 545pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: You know his music, but chances are you don't know him. Jimmy Van Heusen, the
composer of such hits as Swinging on a Star, Love and Marriage, All the Way, and High Hopes,
was content to let his music speak for itself. While his legacy is inextricably linked with Frank
Sinatra, Van Heusen was much more than a song writer for the stars. Van Heusen is the last
associate of the Rat Pack to have his story told.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, informative, and entertaining, "Jimmy Van Heusen:
Swinging on a Star" is a long awaited and much overdue biographical tribute to the life and
accomplishments of one of America's finest songwriters of the mid-twentieth century. Very
highly recommended for community and academic library 20th Century American Music
reference collections, "Jimmy Van Heusen: Swinging on a Star" is certain to be an enduringly
popular and much appreciated acquisition.
An Improbable Journey
Susan Schenkel
BrightField Books
9780989437721, $12.95, 188pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: "An Improbable Journey: A True Story of Courage and Survival During World War II"
is the personal story of a how a wealthy, prominent German-Jewish family was torn apart, first by
suicide, then by Hitler, leaving sixteen year old Siddi, the youngest of the family, on her own in
Nazi Germany. Through an extraordinary chain of events, she found herself in Central Asia.
Leon, a handsome Polish Jew, worked his way up from poverty to become a successful salesman.
Through an equally extraordinary chain of events, he also found himself in Central Asia. Siddi
and Leon met and fell in love in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Together, they struggled to survive
hunger, homelessness, deadly epidemics, a black market economy, and Soviet police harassment.
After the war, they managed to get from Central Asia to a displaced persons camp in Southern
Germany. Along the way, they had a baby. Incredibly, in the DP camp, this Jewish couple
developed an enduring friendship, which defied the hatreds of the time, with a German woman
and put their baby girl into her care. An Improbable Journey presents the historical context and
provides many vignettes that describe Siddi and Leon's different worlds and the people in them:
the sister who met King Edward VIII; the puritanical daughter of a brothel owner; the Jewish best
friend who survived living underground in Berlin. "An Improbable Journey" is a story of the
triumph of the human spirit. It is a story about people who beat incredible odds and about the
courage, love, friendship, and hope that keep the human race going.
Critique: A psychologist and a writer in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Susan Schenkel is an
extraordinarily talented storyteller whose "An Improbable Journey" is as engaging and
informative as it is thoughtful and occasionally inspiring. A welcome addition to the growing
library of World War II era biographies and very highly recommended for both community and
academic library collections -- as well as the personal reading lists for those who enjoy stories of
ordinary human triumphs over extraordinary and hazardous circumstances.
I Will Never Forget
Elaine C. Pereira
JACE Woods Press
www.IWillNeverForgetBook.com
9781936840762, $19.95, 280pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: It is painfully difficult to watch loved ones decline as dementia ravages their mind,
destroying memories, rational thinking, and judgment. In her touching memoir, "I Will Never
Forget: A Daughter's Story of Her Mother's Arduous and Humorous Journey through Dementia",
Elaine Pereira shares the heartbreaking and humorous story of her mother's incredible journey
through dementia. Pereira begins with entertaining glimpses into her own childhood and feisty
teenage years, demonstrating her mother's strength of character. Years later, as Betty Ward
started to exhibit bizarre behaviors and paranoia, Pereira was mystified by her mom's amazing
ability to mask the truth. Not until a revealing incident over an innocuous drapery rod did Pereira
recognize the extent of her mother's Alzheimer's. As their roles shifted and a new paradigm
emerged, Pereira transformed into a caregiver, blindly navigating dementia's unpredictable haze.
But before Betty's passing, she orchestrated a stunning rally to control her own destiny via a
masterful, Houdini-like escape.
Critique: Alzheimer's accounts for 60% to 70% of cases of dementia. It is a chronic
neurodegenerative disease that usually starts slowly and gets worse over time. The most common
early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events (short-term memory loss). As the
disease advances, symptoms can include: problems with language, disorientation (including
easily getting lost), mood swings, loss of motivation, not managing self care, and behavioral
issues. As a person's condition declines, she or he often withdraws from family and society.
Gradually, bodily functions are lost, ultimately leading to death. Although the speed of
progression can vary, the average life expectancy following diagnosis is three to nine years. "I
Will Never Forget" is a powerful heartwarming story that helps others know that they are not
alone in their journey and brings a very special humanity to the cold medical statistics of
Alzheimer dementia. Very highly recommended for community library Health & Medicine
collections, for personal reading lists it should be noted that "I Will Never Forget" is also
available in a Kindle edition ($3.99).
Torn Together
Shaaren Pine & Scott Magnuson
AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200, Bloomington, IN 47403-5161
Bohlsen Group
9781496965844, $16.95, 202pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: "Torn Together: One Family's Journey Through Addiction, Treatment, & the
Restaurant Industry" is a memoir, written by recovering alcoholic and addict husband, Scott
Magnuson, and codependent wife, Shaaren Pine. "Torn Together" chronicles Scott's addiction as
his illness infects everyone around him, his eventual treatment, and the recovery process the
whole family undertakes. "Torn Together" is also the story of The Argonaut, one of revitalized H
Street, NE's first restaurants, the struggle to get off the ground, rebuild after a terrible fire, and to
keep going as the family is falling apart.
Critique: As compelling as it is candid, "Torn Together: One Family's Journey Through
Addiction, Treatment, & the Restaurant Industry" is ultimately a story of the triumph of the
human spirit over catastrophic setbacks, some of which were self-inflicted, others were the
unexpected tragedies that can beset us all. An impressive and intensely personal memoir, "Torn
Together" is an extraordinary read with the hardcover edition (9781496965851, $27.99) being
highly recommended for community library American Biography collections. For personal
reading lists it should be noted that "Torn Together" is also available in a Kindle edition
($3.99).
Romantic Violence
Christian Picciolini
Goldmill Group
917 W. Washington Blvd., Suite 213, Chicago, IL 60607
http://www.christianpicciolini.com
Kaye Publicity
9780986240423, $16.00, 356pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: At 14 years old, Christian Picciolini, a bright and well-loved child from a good family,
had been targeted and trained to spread a violent racist agenda, quickly ascending to a highly
visible leadership position in America's first neo-Nazi skinhead gang. Just how did this young
boy from the suburbs of Chicago, who had so much going for him, become so lost in extremist
ideologies that would horrify any decent person? "Romantic Violence: Memoirs of an American
Skinhead" is a poignant and gripping cautionary tale that details Christian's indoctrination when
he was barely a teen, a lonely outsider who, more than anything, just wanted to belong. A fateful
meeting with a charismatic man who recognized and took advantage of Christian's deep need for
connection sent the next decade of his life into a dangerous spiral. When his mentor went to
prison for a vicious hate crime, Christian stepped forward, and at 18, he was overseeing the most
brutal extremist skinhead cells across the country. From fierce street brawls to drunken white
power rallies, recruitment by foreign terrorist dictators to riotous white power rock music,
Picciolini immersed himself in racist skinhead culture, hateful propaganda, and violence.
Ultimately Christian began to see that his hate-filled life was built on lies. After years of battling
the monster he created, he was able to reinvent himself. Picciolini went on to become an
advocate for peace, inclusion, and racial diversity, co-founding the nonprofit Life After Hate,
which helps people disengage from hate groups and to love themselves and accept others,
regardless of skin color, religious belief, or sexual preference.
Critique: Impressively written and remarkably candid, Christian Picciolini's autobiography should
be a part of every public and academic library collection in every American community
throughout the country. With the rising tides of racism and anti-immigrant rhetoric, the need for a
personal testimony such as "Romantic Violence: Memoirs of an American Skinhead" has never
been more urgent if our body politic is to be alert to the dangerous of the kind of fanaticism that
continues to lure so many young people today. Very highly recommended, it should be noted for
personal reading lists that "Romantic Violence: Memoirs of an American Skinhead" is also
available in a Kindle edition ($5.99).
Host of Memories
Peter Rupert Lighte
Acausal Books
27 Haslet Avenue, Princeton, NJ 08540
www.acausalbooks.com
Blessingway Author Services
9780991252978, $15.95, 344pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: This collection of personal stories by Peter Rupert Lighte reveals just how powerfully
one man's present has been shaped by the richness of his past. Following his parents' divorce in
segregated pre-Castro Miami in the late 1950s, Lighte moved with his fragile mother to New
York City, where he was raised amidst a community of eccentric and loving relatives and friends.
In "Host of Memories", he shares tales of his early years as an awkward "only child"; his Jewish
roots; his fortuitous encounters with Chinese culture; his embrace of sexuality; life in Beijing,
London, Hong Kong, and Tokyo; dreams of fatherhood; and much more. He ultimately finds his
future husband (a distinguished English composer) and, together with their two adopted
daughters, a sense of belonging.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, these deftly written bits of an
intensely personal memoir are an inherently fascinating, engaging, and entertaining read that is
very highly recommended for personal, community and academic library American Biography
collections.
The Fashion Shelf
Natural to Knockout Makeup, Beauty & You: Techniques for Straight Corrective Makeup
Carol Brown
Images & Illustions LLC
Westwind Book Marketing
9781495136078, $59.95, 192pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: "Natural to Knockout Makeup, Beauty & You: Techniques for Straight Corrective
Makeup" by professional make up artist and cosmetologist is a straight forward no-nonsense
approach to basic straight corrective makeup application techniques. The use of foundation,
highlight, concealing techniques, shading, contouring, and how you can create the look that is
right for you and brings out your best features. How you use basic color application, and dry
shading and how to properly use powders to set the makeup for long lasting effects. See how you
can look at your face and determine your own individual look. See what you actually need and
get familiar and comfortable with who you are and in your own skin and your assets and
liabilities. Take this chance to make your statement as the beautiful Woman you truly are. Use
every single advantage you have, Don't make purchases that end up in your makeup drawer.
Learn everything you can, gain valuable knowledge, and make the most out of your makeup.
Critique: Cosmetics (also known as makeup or make-up) are care substances used to enhance the
appearance or odor of the human body. They are generally mixtures of chemical compounds,
some being derived from natural sources (such as coconut oil) and many being synthetics. In the
U.S., the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which regulates cosmetics, defines cosmetics as
"intended to be applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness,
or altering the appearance without affecting the body's structure or functions". This broad
definition includes any material intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product. The FDA
specifically excludes soap from this category. "Natural to Knockout Makeup, Beauty & You:
Techniques for Straight Corrective Makeup" is a complete course of instruction, is spiral bound
so as to be able to lay flat upon a table or counter. Exceptionally well written, organized,
presented, and thoroughly 'user friendly', "Natural to Knockout Makeup, Beauty & You:
Techniques for Straight Corrective Makeup" is very highly recommended for aspiring makeup
artists as well as women who simply want to improve their personal makeup skills.
The Autism Shelf
The Autism Parents' Guide To Reclaiming Your Life
Deanna Picon
Your Autism Coach LLC
www.yourautismcoach.com
9781497581227, $24.95, 96pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: "The Autism Parents' Guide To Reclaiming Your Life: How To Build The Best Life
While Successfully Raising A Child With Autism" autism expert Deanna Picon offers
information and support designed specifically for the mothers and fathers of children with
autism. Herself the mother of a non-verbal, autistic son, autism coach Picon has created this
unique instruction guide and manual to help parents: Reclaim their lives and take control again;
Understand autism's impact on themselves, their families and their personal worlds; Meet the
challenges of parenting a child with autism; Build the best life possible for themselves and their
families. No one has to let autism define them or defeat them. "The Autism Parents' Guide To
Reclaiming Your Life" will help give parents have the power to fight back against autism and
succeed.
Critique: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction,
verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. Parents usually
notice signs in the first two years of their child's life. The signs typically develop gradually, but
some children with autism will reach their developmental milestones at a normal pace and then
regress. As practical and informative as it is 'user friendly' and reassuring, "The Autism Parents'
Guide To Reclaiming Your Life: How To Build The Best Life While Successfully Raising A
Child With Autism" is should be considered essential reading for any parent or family member
having to deal with an autistic child.
The Metaphysical Studies Shelf
The Empowered Empath
Rose Rosetree
Women's Intuition Worldwide, LLC
116 Hillsdale Drive, Sterling, VA 20164-1201
www.rose-rosetree.com
9781935214328, $18.95 print / $9.99 Kindle, 322pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: Empathy is the capacity to understand what another person is experiencing from within
the other person's frame of reference. If you were born an empath, you weren't just born as a
Highly Sensitive Person. Every empath is a highly, highly sensitive person. In "The Empowered
Empath: Owning, Embracing, and Managing Your Special Gifts", Rose Rosetree shows how to
use the power of your mind to stay stable -- energetically, mentally, spiritually; how to position
your empath's consciousness appropriately, and without forcing; and offers systematic training
with the only trademarked system in America that was developed to help the most highly
sensitive persons: empaths. Indeed, "The Empowered Empath" showcases Rose Rosetree's
personal system of Empath Empowerment, which is uniquely effective to help empaths with their
special sensitivity while having fun in the process.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "The Empowered Empath:
Owning, Embracing, and Managing Your Special Gifts" is an informed and informative
instruction guide and manual that is very highly recommended reading. It should be noted that
"The Empowered Empath" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Grydscaen: Tribute
Natsuya Uesugi
Xlibris Corporation
1663 South Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403-5161
www.xlibris.com
Bohlsen Group
9781499058048, $23.99, PB, 426pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: The short stories that make up the science fiction anthology "Grydscaen: Tribute"
focus on the hackers. Intrusion, infiltration, government overreach, selling data, smuggling psi
inducer drugs, and social engineering-it is all covered. When the young adult Faid is solicited by
George, the rich and powerful member of the corporate board of the SenseNet, Faid's life in the
Echelons drastically changes. Besides becoming George's host, Faid starts the Packrat hackers
and embarks on his mission of taking down the government and stopping them from rounding up
psychics for experimentation. Faid recruits Acolyte from the Terror Hack to run an elite group of
hackers called the Acolytes. When Raven, a hacker known for getting away clean, gets
confronted on a job with Faid. It is not too long until the government tracks him down. And we
meet Rom, the homeless psychic. But he is hiding something. He just might be the most elite
hacker the Packrats have. Intrigue, fast-paced action, and technology, "Grydscaen: Tribute"
shows where the hackers rule. Whose side are you on?
Criteria: An impressive anthology of deftly crafted short stories by Natsuya Uesugi, "Grydscaen:
Tribute" is a terrifically entertaining read that is especially recommended to the attention of
science fiction fans. Certain to be an enduringly popular addition to community library
collections, "Grydscaen: Tribute" is also available in a hardcover edition (9781499058024,
$34.95). For personal reading lists it should be noted that "Grydscaen: Tribute" is available in a
Kindle edition ($3.99) as well.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Diary of an Airdale
P. J. Erickson
CreateSpace
4900 LaCross Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406
Word Slinger Publicity
9781508422280, $9.99, 256pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: "Diary of an Airdale" is the story of a puppy's first year from the puppy's point of view.
that will appeal to dog lovers of all ages. If you have never owned a dog and are considering one,
"Diary of an Airedale" will provide some valuable advice on raising the new canine addition to a
family, as well as a few interesting dog facts and lots of chuckles. As dog folk know, their canine
friends are really people in fur coats. They think, feel, talk, work and play, and Airedales are
renowned for their sense of humor. In short, they are a lot like us their human companions.
Critique: A charming, deftly crafted, original, thoroughly engaging story that not only entertains
but occasional informs as well, "Diary of an Airdale" is very highly recommended for community
library collections. For the personal reading lists of dedicated dog lovers it should be noted that
"Diary of an Airdale" is also available in a Kindle edition ($2.99).
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Organs of Greed
A. A. Fowler, MD
Home Use
9780615860848, $12.00, 360pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: Where will it all end? What happens when the overheated medical market place of the
21st century drives runaway technology and rushed advances in drug development? Doctor
Steven Fisher, a prominent heart transplant surgeon, gets a full dose of those possibilities as he
races to crack open a secret conspiracy. Fighting for his life and fighting against time, Fisher
confronts the treacherous scheme to save his close friends and to rescue the world of transplant
medicine.
Critique: Author A. A. Fowler draws upon his many years of experience and expertise to deftly
craft a novel that could be pulled right from tabloid headlines concerning illegal organ harvesting
and transplants. A terrific read from start to finish, "Organs of Greed" is highly recommended for
community library General Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that
"Organs of Greed" is also available in a Kindle edition ($6.99).
Missing
Bob Adamov
Packard Island Publishing
www.packardislandpublishing.com
9780978618452, $24.95, 320pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: Ace investigative reporter Emerson Moore has the tables cruelly turned on him
following the murder trial and conviction of Detroit mobster, Jimmy Diamonds. During a wildly
daring prison van hijacking and go-fast boat escape on the Detroit River, Moore incurs a severe
head injury during a gun battle (delete this). When the getaway boat is found abandoned on Lake
Erie, Moore is missing. That's not all that's missing. When Diamonds learns that Moore's
memory is missing, he convinces Moore that he's Manny Elias, one of organized crime's top
hitmen. Moore/Elias is whisked to the backwaters of Cedar Key, Florida by Mafioso Fat Freddy
Fabrizio to be "retrained" in the art of killing. Moore/Elias later surfaces in Ohio where
Diamonds uses him to take revenge on former criminal associates in Detroit, Columbus,
Cleveland and Chagrin Falls. Completing one deadly assignment after another, Moore/Elias is
unable to reveal his identity to a beautiful woman he befriends near his Wooster hideout. A
confrontation with rival hitman Santoro at a Lake Erie marina leads to the eventual death of one
person who holds the key to Elias true identity. Things are further complicated when two of
Moore s ex-SEAL buddies, Mike 'Madog' Adams and Sam Duncan find themselves in the cross
hairs of Moore's weapon and Moore/Elias is ordered to kill them in what is another exciting
showdown and satisfying finish to a complex series of twists and turns.
Critique: A compelling and entertaining novel by a compelling and entertaining novelist,
"Missing" clearly documents author Bob Adamov as a master of the action/adventure genre. An
original and page-turner of a read from beginning to end, "Missing" is certain to prove an
enduringly popular addition to community library collections.
A Newly Crimsoned Reliquary
Donna Fletcher Crow
Greenbrier Book Company, LLC
PO Box 12721, New Bern, NC 28561
www.greenbrierbooks.com
9781938684968, $14.99 PB, $5.99 Kindle, 264pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: Who will be the next victim of the murderer stalking the shadows of Oxford's
hallowed shrines? Translating an ancient document in an Oxford convent should be a harmless
venture, but Felicity just can't seem to avoid danger. It's hardly Felicity's fault that severed body
parts start showing up in ancient holy reliquaries. Or that Felicity and one of the nuns is
assaulted. Felicity's curiosity leads her to wonder why the nuns are in danger. Or why an ancient
document would appear to be at the heart of the matter. Her expertise is called upon, and she
quickly realizes that there is a lot at stake when others stand to gain, from what at first glance,
appears to be a minor point of law, long forgotten. Her life is made busier when Antony arrives
in Oxford with a group of students. Although she's happy to see him, he is surprised that Felicity
has forged an uneasy friendship with his estranged sister. Then Antony is called home when an
uncle dies, Antony realizes that hurt feelings must be laid to rest if his relationship with his sister
is to improve. Left alone at the convent, the exultation of All Saints' Day plunges to the anguish
of grief on All Souls', when Felicity discovers yet another body, forcing her to ask: Who will be
the next victim of the murderer stalking the shadows of Oxford's hallowed shrines?
Critique: A riveting good mystery by a superbly talented novelist with an impressive mastery of
the mystery/suspense genre, "A Newly Crimsoned Reliquary" by Donna Fletcher Crow is a
gripping and entertaining literary experience that will not soon be forgotten by its enthusiastic
readers. Indeed, for those to whom "A Newly Crimsoned Reliquary" is their first introduction to
Donna Fletcher Crow's Monastery Murder series, there is also "An Unholy Communion" (Lion
Fiction, 9781782640042, $14.99 PB, $9.99 Kindle); "A Darkly Hidden Truth" (Monarch Books,
9780857210500, $14.99 PB, $9.99 Kindle); and "A Very Private Grave" (Monarch Books,
9781854249685, $14.99 PB, $9.99 Kindle).
Death And A Cup Of Tea
Jess Faraday, editor
Elm Books
1175 State Highway 130, Laramie, WY 82070
9781941614020, $11.95 PB, www.elm-books.com
Synopsis; Knowledgeably compiled and deftly edited by Jess Faraday, "Death And A Cup Of
Tea" is an outstanding anthology showcasing eight deftly crafted murder mysteries by
exceptionally talented writers. The featured mysteries include: Lee Mullins' 'Edith Jones Got
Game'; Albert Tucher's 'Miss Winser Will Pour'; Robert D. Hughes' 'A Cup of Chai'; 'Lynn
Finger's 'Fear on Eight Legs'; Sharon Nelson's 'Civility: Worth A Try When All Else Fails';
Stefanie Rico's 'Eggs-tra-ordinary Happenstance'; Wendy Worthington's 'A Nice Cup of
Homicide'; and Cheryl Korte's 'A Garden of Simples'.
Critique: A superb collection of 'Tea Time' oriented mystery thriller short stories, "Death And A
Cup Of Tea" is wonderfully entertaining and highly recommended for mystery buffs everywhere!
It should be noted that "Death And A Cup Of Tea" is also available in a Kindle edition
($4.95).
Steele Resolve
Kimberly Amato
Little Crown Productions
http://littlecrownproductions.com
http://littlecrownproductions.com/contact
Blink PR
9780986393310, $6.99, 156pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: Jasmine Steele's life was exactly where she had wanted it to be. She had the love of her
life, a job as a detective and never gave up on her dream of writing the next great novel. It's true
what they say about life, it changes without warning, and Jasmine's dreams slammed to a halt the
minute her brother was killed. Between guilt, becoming the guardian of her nephew, hiding her
grief - she lost her soulmate, her dreams and ultimately herself. Now Steele is now faced with a
series of murders that pulls her back into her brother's case and puts everyone around her in grave
danger. Forced to face her demons, Steele must find out who the killer is before she loses
someone else she loves. The killer doesn't care who dies, especially if it keeps Steele quiet -
permanently. Sometimes your worst enemy is yourself.
Critique: A terrifically entertaining read by a terrifically talented author, "Steele Resolve" by
Kimberly Amato is very highly recommended and would prove an enduringly popular addition to
community library collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted that "Steele Resolve"
is also available in a Kindle edition ($2.99).
The American History Shelf
Hazelet's Journal
J. H. Clark
Old Stone Press
www.oldstonepress.com
http://hazeletsjournal.com
9781938462009, $29.95, 277pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: "Hazelet's Journal" by J. H. Clark is an original Alaska Gold Rush saga that takes place
in the Copper River Country 1898 to 1902. It is a remarkable true story, not only about a man and
his family, but about a nation finding its way into the twentieth century. "Hazelet's Journal" is a
timeless story about a restless nation and the great American spirit that our country was founded
upon. This is a true, unedited American story, told in the journalist's original voice, now captured
for generations to come.
Critique: J. H. Clark is the great-grandson of George Cheever Hazelet whose personal story of
adventure and hardship is what comprises the pages of "Hazelet's Journey". A terrific read from
beginning to end, "Hazelet's Journey is certain to be an enduringly popular addition to
community library collections and would prove to be a valued acquisition for academic library
Alaskan History and American Biography collections. For personal reading lists it should be
noted that "Hazelet's Journey" is also available in a Kindle edition ($8.49).
Mrs. Lee's Rose Garden
Carlo DeVito
Cider Mills Press
P.O. Box 454, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
www.cidermillspress.com
9781604335460, $17.95, 160pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: "Mrs. Lee's Rose Garden: The True Story of the Founding of Arlington National
Cemetery" is the intensely personal story of Arlington National Cemetery's earliest history as
seen through the lives of three people during the outbreak of the Civil War: Mary Ann Randolph
Custis Lee, Robert E. Lee, and Montgomery C. Meigs. With all the majesty and pathos of a
Greek tragedy, this story unfolds as the war's inevitable spiral of betrayal, tragedy, loss, and death
begins, ultimately transforming the nation's most famous country estate into its most sacred
ground. In the years before the war, the Arlington estate sat like an American Acropolis towering
above Washington. Mary Custis Lee was known as the Rose of Arlington, a brash, young,
willful, and charming young woman, indulged by her famous father, George Washington Parke
Custis, the grandson of George Washington. Artistic, well read, and highly intelligent, she was an
avid gardener who spent as much time as possible tending the numerous flowerbeds of the
Arlington Mansion, along with her mother and her three daughters. Handsome and dashing,
Robert E. Lee was easily the most promising soldier of his generation. But long before he was a
field commander he was also a great success in the Army Corps of Engineers, having worked on
major projects around the U.S. His friend, Montgomery C. Meigs, who had served under Robert,
was a scion of Philadelphia society, and rose to become the engineer responsible for helping to
complete the capital, and one of the most accomplished builders of his generation. When the time
for war arose, Lee refused the opportunity to head the Union Army. He could not draw his sword
against his own state, his own people, and instead accepted a commission in the Confederate
Army, pitting himself against many of his old comrades. Thus began a series of events that would
ultimately pit these three against each other. Mrs. Lee's Rose Garden is an intimate retelling of
Arlington National Cemetery's tragic beginnings, and sheds new light on this profound chapter in
American history.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, informed and informative, "Mrs. Lee's Rose Garden: The
True Story of the Founding of Arlington National Cemetery" is a fascinating read from beginning
to end. A detailed and documented historical account of one of the nation's most iconic
memorials, "Mrs. Lee's Rose Garden: The True Story of the Founding of Arlington National
Cemetery" is very highly recommended for community and academic library American History
and Civil War Studies reference collections and supplemental studies lists. For personal reading
lists it should be noted that "Mrs. Lee's Rose Garden: The True Story of the Founding of
Arlington National Cemetery" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).
The Psychology Shelf
Anatomy of Delusion
Henry Kellerman
American Mental Health Foundation Books
PO Box 8, Riverdale, NY 10471-0003
http://americanmentalhealthfoundation.org
9781590564325, $25.00, 208pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: A delusion is a belief held with strong conviction despite superior evidence to the
contrary. As a pathology, it is distinct from a belief based on false or incomplete information,
confabulation, dogma, illusion, or other effects of perception. Delusions typically occur in the
context of neurological or mental illness, although they are not tied to any particular disease and
have been found to occur in the context of many pathological states (both physical and mental).
However, they are of particular diagnostic importance in psychotic disorders including
schizophrenia, paraphrenia, manic episodes of bipolar disorder, and psychotic depression. Yet, it
is accepted that preventing or curing delusional thinking has not yet acquired a tactical procedure
or approach. What this ostensibly means is that the essence of any bona fide delusion is simply
not understood by the vast majority of theoretical and/or practicing clinicians. It means that
historically, the trigger, the motive, and the psychic arrangement of forces of the phenomenon
defined as delusion have been elusive. "Anatomy of Delusion" by psychologist and
psychoanalyst Henry Kellerman explores what a delusion is, then provides an analytical and
descriptive explanation of firsthand modalities of treatment for this mental disorder. Of special
note are the illustrative case histories cited.
Critique: Extraordinarily well written, organized and presented, "Anatomy of Delusion" is
informed and informative reading, making it highly recommended for personal, community, and
academic library Psychology/Psychology/Counseling reference collections and supplemental
studies reading lists. For personal reading lists it should be noted that "Anatomy of Delusion" is
also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).
Autism Causes, Prevention and Treatment
John Cannell, M. D.
Sunrise River Press
39966 Grand Avenue, North Branch, MN 55056
http://www.sunriseriverpress.com
Teszler PR, Inc.
9781934716465, $19.95, 208pp. www.amazon.com
Synopsis: Autism affects 1 in every 68 American newborns. Cases of autism are increasing at a
rate of 12% every year and families spend up to $100,000 per year to manage this disease;
lifetime expenses may exceed $3 million per sufferer. What has changed to cause this rapid rise
in the incidence of autism spectrum disorder? Who s the most susceptible? And what can be
done about it? "Autism Causes, Prevention and Treatment: Vitamin D Deficiency and the
Explosive Rise of Autism Spectrum Disorder" is truly groundbreaking work in which autism
researcher Dr. John Cannell provides the most comprehensive and compelling explanation to
date regarding the causes, prevention strategies, and treatment protocols that, in many cases,
reverse autistic symptoms. Dr. Cannell (founder of the Vitamin D Council) draws on decades of
research to make the strong case that vitamin D is very important in preventing autism and that
high doses of vitamin D can be quite successful in treating some people with an autism spectrum
disorder. He provides a thorough explanation of the relationship between autism and vitamin D,
dispels many of the existing theories related to causes of autism, and presents a solid foundation
for a revolutionary new approach to preventing and treating autism. Also included is a thorough
discussion about obtaining safe levels of vitamin D through supplementation, sunlight, and diet.
Heartwarming and encouraging case studies round out this innovative new book.
Critique: Exceptionally well and clearly written so as to be of immediate and practical value to
medical professionals and non-specialist general readers alike, "Autism Causes, Prevention and
Treatment: Vitamin D Deficiency and the Explosive Rise of Autism Spectrum Disorder" is a
valued and highly recommended addition to medical school, academic, and community library
Health/Medicine reference collections in general, and Autism supplemental studies reading lists
in particular. For personal reading lists it should be noted that "Autism Causes, Prevention and
Treatment: Vitamin D Deficiency and the Explosive Rise of Autism Spectrum Disorder" is also
available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).
The Religion/Spirituality Shelf
Nine Jewels of Night
Beverly Lanzetta
Blue Sapphire Books
http://bluesapphirebooks.com
Bob Todd Publicity
9780984061617, $18.00, 284pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: "Nine Jewels of Night: One Soul's Journey into God" is a profoundly moving personal
account of theologian and spiritual teacher Beverly Lanzetta's search for a new expression of the
eternal quest for truth. With open-hearted storytelling, she chronicles her growing restlessness to
answer a spiritual call until on a gorgeous autumn day, in her twenty-ninth year, she is converted
by a series of revelations beyond the boundaries of established religions to the one reality at the
heart of all religions, and to an entirely singular path of contemplation. Lanzetta's compelling and
intimate portrayal of the ensuing thirty-eight years invites you to reflect on your own spiritual
path as it gently draws you into questions about the nature of God, the monastic heart, suffering,
the inner dimensions of mystical experience, composing a contemplative life, following a radical
path of devotion, the search for solitude, trusting one's inner voice, loving the Divine, and being
empty of self.
Critique: As thoughtful and thought-provoking as it is inspired and inspiring, "Nine Jewels of
Night: One Soul's Journey into God" by Beverly Lanzetta is both intimate and illuminating. A
compelling, life-changing read, "Nine Jewels of Night: One Soul's Journey into God" is very
highly recommended, especially as a template for anyone seeking a spiritual path of their own. It
should be noted for personal reading lists that "Nine Jewels of Night: One Soul's Journey into
God" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).
The Travel Shelf
An Artist and a Writer Travel Highway 1 Central
Janice Stevens, author
Pat Hunter, illustrator
Craven Street Books
c/o Quill Driver Books
2006 South Mary, Fresno, CA 93721
www.quilldriverbooks.com
www.CravenStreetBooks.com
978-1610352192, $26.95, 130pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: The California State Highway 1 is a narrow strip of roadway between the cliffs and the
ocean on the very edge of the continent. Blessed with spectacular natural landscapes, inspiring
ocean views and the echoes of California history, Highway 1 is a scenic drive like no other. "An
Artist and a Writer Travel Highway 1 Central" takes the reader on a unique literary and artistic
journey through the natural and man-made beauty of California's central coast. Lavishly
illustrated with over 100 original full-color Pat Hunter watercolors depicting gorgeous
landscapes and architectural treasures, "An Artist and a Writer Travel Highway 1 Central" is a
thinking person's travel guide that reveals hidden treasures and unexpected delights. Written as a
memoir of the authors' tour along the highway, "An Artist and a Writer Travel Highway 1
Central" takes an appealingly idiosyncratic perspective, as the authors record their explorations
off the beaten path, their serendipitous discoveries, and their personal reactions to the places and
people they encounter. A satisfying and contemplative mixture of captivating artistry and
personal essay, "An Artist and a Writer Travel Highway 1 Central" reinvents the travel guide as a
literary form.
Critique: The sequel to the Janice Stevens and Pat Hunter's previously acclaimed book "An Artist
and a Writer Travel Highway 1 North", "An Artist and a Writer Travel Highway 1 Central " is a
unique, beautifully presented, entertainingly visualized travelogue that is an armchair traveler's
treat. With its flawless production values, "An Artist and a Writer Travel Highway 1 Central" is
very highly recommended for personal reading lists and community library collections.
The Education Shelf
Let Scholarships Pay the Way
Eve-Marie Andrews
FriesenPress
www.friesenpress.com
www.findingmoneyforcollege.com
9781460216064, $19.99, 136pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: The ultimate goal of a college student should be to let scholarships pay the way. There
are millions of dollars in grants and scholarships waiting for students like you. The average
student who is serious about winning money for college earns about $5,000 to $8,000 using the
Andrews System, and a number of students have even won $60,000 to $80,000 or more. Winning
scholarships is the way to pay for college tuition, books and fees, but there is more to it. In "Let
Scholarships Pay the Way", the author's Andrews System guides readers through the scholarship
application process and also offers essential tips on other ways to earn and save money
throughout their college years and beyond.
Critique: Comprehensive, practical, and above all -- user friendly! Simply stated, "Let
Scholarships Pay the Way" will prove to be an invaluable reference for college bound students
and their parents. It should be a core part of highschool, college, university, and community
library scholarship instructional reference collections, "Let Scholarships Pay the Way" is also
available in a hardcover edition (9781460216071, $28.99). For personal reading lists, "Let
Scholarships Pay the Way" has a Kindle edition ($4.99) as well.
The Parenting Shelf
The Grammie Guide
Jan Eby, et al.
Tell-A-Gram Publishing LLC
PO Box 2071, Saratoga, CA 95070-0071
www.thegrammieguide.com
97814367544863, $19.95, 232pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: In "The Grammie Guide: Activities and Answers for Grandparenting Today", four
savvy grammies share their early childhood expertise and the current research on the importance
of play for children from birth to age five in an ultimate guide for becoming the grandmother
little children run to hug. Including more than 500 simple, screen-free activities, "The Grammie
Guide" provides grandmothers with friendly advice and helpful, clever ideas for both indoor and
outdoor play. Projects are divided into age ranges and include special sections on music, books,
and art for young children, plus a special "Grandpa" chapter. The activities are rounded out by an
update on what's new in equipment from cribs to car seats, reminders and tips on ages and stages,
safety guidelines, and a discussion of why and how to limit screen time.
Critique: An exceptional and successful collaboration, "The Grammie Guide: Activities and
Answers for Grandparenting Today" will prove an invaluable and enduringly popular addition to
community library parenting collections and is an ideal compendium of 'kid friendly' activities
for grandparents wanting to bond with their grandkids. For personal reading and reference lists it
should be noted that "The Grammie Guide: Activities and Answers for Grandparenting Today" is
also available in a Kindle edition ($12.99).
The Environmental Studies Shelf
Overdevelopment, Overpopulation, Overshoot
Tom Butler, editor
Goff Books
420 E 55th St, Suite 7F, New York, NY 10022-5142
http://www.goffbooks.com
9781939621238, $50.00, 330pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: Every problem facing humanity, from poverty to violent conflict over resources, is
exacerbated by a ballooning human population - and so is every problem facing nature, including
ecosystem loss, species extinctions, and climate chaos. But why is the demographic explosion
and its effects ignored by policymakers and the media? Why do important people within the
global environmental movement itself avoid the great challenges of the population issue? Isn't it
time to start talking about the equation that matters most to the future of people and the planet?
Overpopulation + Overdevelopment = Overshoot. Compiled and edited by conservationist Tom
Butler (who is the Editorial Projects Director of the Foundation for Deep Ecology and the
President of the Northeast Wilderness Trust), "Overdevelopment, Overpopulation, Overshoot" is
as large and dramatic as the topic it covers. In an exhibit-format treatment with provocative
photos from across the globe, "Overdevelopment, Overpopulation, Overshoot" moves beyond
insider debates and tired old arguments by maintaining that population numbers and consumption
both matter. Framed by essays from population experts Eileen Crist and William Ryerson, as
well as a forward by human rights activist Musimbi Kanyoro, the heart of "Overdevelopment,
Overpopulation, Overshoot" is a series of photo essays illuminating the depth of the damage that
human numbers and behavior have caused to the Earth -- and which threatens humanity's
future.
Critique: Impressively and expertly written, organized and presented, "Overdevelopment,
Overpopulation, Overshoot" is an essential and core addition to community and academic library
Contemporary Environmental Issues reference collections and supplemental studies reading lists.
In addition to professionals and students of environmental issues, "Overdevelopment,
Overpopulation, Overshoot" is a thoroughly accessible and recommended for non-specialist
general readers with an interest in global environmental and human population impact issues and
concerns.
The Art Shelf
CP Cats: A Complete Guide to Drawing Cats in Colored Pencil
Gemma Gyling, author
Ann Kullberg, editor
www.annkullberg.com
CreateSpace
4900 LaCross Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406
9781506188188, $30.99, 122pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: Any level of artist can benefit from "CP Cats: A Complete Guide to Drawing Cats in
Colored Pencil" -- especially the absolute novice. "CP Cats" is full of detail, detail and more
detail; teaching aspiring arts how to draw every imaginable kind of fur, eyes, ears, muzzles, paws
and whiskers. Artists will learn different kinds of strokes with examples for each plus how and
where to use them. "CP Cats" trains the artist's eye to see and recreate the direction of fur and
which stroke to use. With the help of "CP Cats", artists will practice and perfect the art of
drawing expressive cat eyes and create beautiful blended backgrounds for cat paintings with
confidence and skill. Every step in "CP Cats" is accompanied by large, beautiful drawings and
easy-to-follow, comprehensive instruction. "CP Cats" is enhanced with the inclusion of 16
mini-demos and 4 full step-by-step lessons, along with more than 180 images.
Critique: A perfect instruction guide for beginning artists, and featuring a great deal of value for
even the more experienced artist wanting to gain skill at portraying cats (and other fur bearing
animals), "CP Cats: A Complete Guide to Drawing Cats in Colored Pencil" is a thoroughly 'user
friendly' and strongly recommended addition to personal, school art class, and community library
Art Instruction reference collections and supplemental studies reading lists.
The Sports Shelf
Never Foul A Jump Shooter
Daniel Yost
Incorgnito Publishing Press
33 South Wilson Avenue, Suite 113, Pasadena, CA 91106
www.incorgnitobooks.com
9780986195303, $18.95, 164pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: "Never Foul A Jump Shooter: A Guide to Basketball Lingo, Lessons and Laughs",
began as the author Daniel Yost was having fun with a few quirky basketball expressions, such
as "penetrate and dish" and "a foul waiting to happen". But then it just kept growing into a
humorous look at wonderfully colorful basketball expressions. But "Never Foul A Jump Shooter"
is not a dictionary. Yost's story has a beginning, middle and end. The next time you're watching a
game and you hear an announcer say, "The bank is open", or a post-game interviewer ask a
player, "How big was this win?" and the player answer, "It was huge", or hear a player "thanking
God" after a victory, just open "Never Foul A Jump Shooter", find the term and have a chuckle.
Because basketball is about life, and life is better when we can all laugh at ourselves just a
little.
Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Never Foul A Jump Shooter: A
Guide to Basketball Lingo, Lessons and Laughs" is a quick, easy, and above all, an informative
read from beginning to end. "Never Foul A Jump Shooter: A Guide to Basketball Lingo, Lessons
and Laughs" is a "must" for all basketball fans and would make an enduringly popular addition to
community library Sports & Athletics collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted
that "Never Foul A Jump Shooter: A Guide to Basketball Lingo, Lessons and Laughs" is also
available in a Kindle edition ($5.99).
The Criminology Shelf
30 Illegal Years To The Strip
Bill Friedman
CreateSpace
4900 LaCross Rd., North Charleston, SC 29406
9781508529453, $19.99, 524pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: In "30 Illegal Years To The Strip", author Bill Friedman reveals the inside story of
Prohibition's most powerful leaders, who later went on to run elegant, illegal casinos across
America, before moving on to build the glamorous Las Vegas Strip gambling resorts. The seven
leaders of the three dominating Prohibition gangs imported the world's finest liquors on a
massive scale. Although in an illegal and dangerous business, these seven espoused traditional
business values and rejected the key tools of organized crime - monopoly, violence, and vendetta.
This made them the most unlikely gangsters to rise to underworld leadership. But they earned
every criminal's respect, and fate made them the most powerful gangland leaders in American
history. In the mid 1900s, these seven leaders stood up to, and restrained, America's worst
villains. The seven prevented many gangland wars and killings. Unbelievably, the most
murderous and most psychopathic gang leaders not only admired them but supported them in
gangland conflicts. These were the first gangs to work closely together in mutual interest. Joining
these three dominating liquor-importers was the violent Chicago Capone gang, as they partnered
in both illegal and legal businesses during and after Prohibition. They were also close allies in the
complexities, treachery, and violence of underworld politics. Exposed for the first time are the
roles actually played by gang leaders Ben Siegel, Meyer Lansky, Charlie Luciano, Frank
Costello, Joe Adonis, Al Capone, John Torrio, Frank Nitti, and Moe Dalitz. Some of these seven
leaders became powerful overworld political kingmakers. Allied with them in New York City
politics was Arnold Rothstein, the ultimate gambler. His murder is one of several major gangland
killings finally solved here. The biggest-drawing entertainer in these gang leaders' illegal-casino
and Strip-resort showrooms was comedian Joe E. Lewis. He single-handedly saved the
Copacabana from bankruptcy and turned it into America's most famous and glamorous nightclub.
The careers and relationships of the gang leaders, who together would go on to build the Las
Vegas Strip, are presented for the first time in this thoroughly documented, in-depth, authentic
history of how organized crime developed.
Critique: Featuring amazingly comprehensive and superbly presented historical details that
includes 546 source notes, many addendums that expose the serious fallacies and outright
fictions of previous books about early organized crime, "30 Illegal Years To The Strip: The
Untold Stories Of The Gangsters Who Built The Early Las Vegas Strip" is based on 48 years of
research that began when Bill Friedman was drafted during the Vietnam War. A conscientious
objector, he was ordered to spend his alternative service in Las Vegas hanging out with gangsters
to study the history and operation of organized crime. A serendiptidous result was the
culmination of almost five decades of painstaking research and the production of "30 Illegal
Years To The Strip". Uniquely informed and informative, "30 Illegal Years To The Strip" is very
highly recommended for community and academic library collections, as well as supplemental
studies reading lists for students of the history of 20th Century organized crime in America. For
personal reading lists it should be noted that "30 Illegal Years To The Strip" is also available in a
Kindle edition ($9.99).
The Self-Help Shelf
Enough Already: Create Success on Your Own Terms
Mike Iamele
Conan Press
www.bostonwellnesscoach.com
9781573246477, $14.95, 193pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: In a world where success means owning a company before your 30th birthday, Mike
Iamele seemed to have it all. By the age of 24, he was already making piles of money at his own
public relations firm. And it was killing him. Literally. When a stress-induced illness brought
him to his knees, he began to question everything he believed about success. And everywhere he
turned, he met other young entrepreneurs who were praying to the temples of money, status, and
power--and making themselves stressed and sick. Mike decided he'd had enough. He was ready
to find success on his own terms. Mike Iamele now has a thriving practice as a wellness coach,
and in the pages of "Enough Already: Create Success on Your Own Terms" he'll help you figure
out what a successful life looks like for you -- and how to get it.
Critique: Exceptionally and impressively well written, organized and presented, "Enough
Already: Create Success on Your Own Terms" is one of the most practical, applicable, inspiring,
and thoroughly 'user friendly' self-help instruction guides to come along in quite awhile. A highly
recommended addition to community library Self-Help/Self-Improvement collections, it should
be noted for personal reading lists that "Enough Already: Create Success on Your Own Terms" is
also available in a Kindle edition ($8.99).
The Folktale/Fairytale Shelf
The Legend of Bob Wire
Sam Skinner
Mindstir Media
1931 Woodbury Avenue, Suite 182, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Word Slinger Publicity
9780986214974, $9.99, 26pp, www.amazon.com
Synopsis: Compiled by Sam Skinner, "The Legend of Bob Wire" is a collection of stories passed
down from generations of ranchers, oilfield roughnecks, and boot and saddle makers. These
stories along with a vivid imagination have been rolled into a Western legend of epic
proportions. A story of transition, grit, and heroics, "The Legend of Bob Wire" chronicles a way
of life that is still ongoing today. The lessons learned here will last a lifetime.
Critique: Destined to be a classic compendium of American folklore akin to the stories of Paul
Bunyon or Johnny Appleseed, "The Legend of Bob Wire" is a terrifically entertaining read and
highly recommended for community and academic library collections.
James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
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