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Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
A Texas Cowboy's Journal
Jack Bailey, author
David Dary, editor
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive
Norman, OK 73069
9780806137377 $24.95 hc
9780806146478 $14.95 pbk www.oupress.com
Volume 3 of "The Western Legacies Series", A Texas Cowboy's Journal: Up the Trail to Kansas
in 1868 is the first known, day-to-day journal written by a cowboy on a cattle drive from Texas to
Kansas, after the American Civil War. Jack Bailey, a farmer of North Texas, gives his firsthand
account of his difficult job; he tells of encounters with Indians, U.S. soldiers, Mexicans, freed
slaves, and other cowboys. Individual daily entries tend to be brief, but together they paint a vivid
picture of life on the trail, as well as working with other crewmembers, who sometimes included
African Americans, or even women and children. "Rained all night but we kept dry. It was dark +
raining when we stopped. Women mad + quarreling. Children crying. Looked like a storm
coming [sic] on us but turned off to a study hard rain. But we are all right this morning. The
women slept off their mad..." A Texas Cowboy's Journal is a solid primary historical source,
highly recommended for scholars and lay readers alike.
Butch Cassidy My Uncle: A Family Portrait
Bill Betenson
High Plains Press
PO Box 123
Glendo, WY 82213
9781937147037 $19.95 www.highplainspress.com
Penned by Butch Cassidy's great-grandson Bill Betenson, Butch Cassidy My Uncle: A Family
Portrait retells the life story of one of America's most famous outlaws. Bill's quest to learn more
about his colorful, violent, yet charismatic ancestor led him to jail basements in the American
West, to the ranch Butch once owned in Argentina, and to intense study of family archives
inherited from Butch Cassidy's younger sister, Lula Parker Betenson. A handful of vintage
black-and-white photographs illustrate this up-close-and-personal biography, and the successor
volume to Lula's classic memoir "Butch Cassidy, My Brother". Highly recommended!
The Art of Memory
Thomas R. Dilley
Wayne State University Press
The Leonard N. Simons Building
4809 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201-1309
9780814340196 $39.99 http://wsupress.wayne.edu
Cemetery historian and expert Thomas R. Dilley presents The Art of Memory: Historic
Cemeteries of Grand Rapids, Michigan, an in-depth history of the art, architecture, and purpose
of American cemeteries in general, and fifteen historic cemeteries of Grand Rapids, Michigan in
particular. Chapters explore the evolution of cemetery design and development, from religious
and decorative symbols used to the types of epitaphs and how the materials used by cemetery
makers changed. A wealth of color photography illustrates this fascinating tour through time,
space, and history.
The Needlecraft Shelf
1000 New Embroidery Designs
Joan Waldman
American Quilter's Society
PO Box 3290
Paducah, KY 42002-3290
9781604601619 $24.95 www.americanquilter.com
1000 New Embroidery Designs is a pattern book for intermediate to advanced embroiderers.
Familiary with the fundamentals of the craft is generally presumed, although a brief introduction
does refresh the reader's memory on stitch symbols, as well as how to make basic stitches
(including backstitch, right-hand stitch, chain stitch, chevron stitch, cretan stitch, and many
more). The overwhelming majority of 1000 New Embroidery Designs is devoted entirely to
wordless stitch diagrams, on grid backgrounds for ease of assessment. Each design can be
applied to quilts or any other type of decorative embroidery. An excellent and enriching resource
for creative embroiderers!
Weave Knit Wear
Judith Shangold, author
Alexis Xenakis, photographer
XRX Books
P. O. Box 965
Sioux Falls, SD 57101-0965
9781933064291 $28.95 www.knittinguniverse.com
Weave Knit Wear: Simply Fabulous Clothing and Accessories for Rigid-Heddle (and other)
Weavers is a guide featuring 30 hands-on projects for weaving fashionable clothing, none of
which requires expensive equipment, expansive space, or special threads to weave! Craftable
items include a modern serape, an Aegean tunic, a "big pockets" jacket, hats, totes, and more.
Each project is designed for creation on an affordable, 20-inch wide rigid-heddle loom. Weave
Knit Wear teaches explains its basic weaving, hand sewing, and knitting techniques in plain
terms, accessible to needlecrafters of all skill and experience levels. Full-color photography and
meticulous diagrams illuminate the steps in this "must-have" for anyone interested in broadening
their sewing horizons!
Sew Sweet Handmade Clothes for Girls
Yuki Araki, author
Tuttle Publishing
364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759
9784805313152, $16.95, www.tuttlepublishing.com
"Sew Sweet Handmade Clothes for Girls: 22 Easy-To- Make Dresses, Skirts, Pants & Tops Girls
Will Love" contains brightly illustrated instructions and a double-sided pullout pattern set for 22
simple to construct dresses, tops, skirts, and pants for girls. The book presents lovely color
photos of finished clothing items modeled by sweet young girls, followed by an alphabetically
coded list of garments with specific pages for instructions, or how to make it. Concise sewing
notes and fabric layouts plus materials lists are followed by easy to understand step by step
instructions, with measurements specified where helpful. Even inexperienced sewing moms or
dads will be able to complete these adorable projects for their daughters. Patterns and
instructions are included for camisoles, several skirts, several blouses, dresses, leggings, bags,
and even a coat. "Sew Sweet Handmade Clothes for Girls" is a bargain treasure for parents who
enjoy showing their love through clothing design and construction.
Sassy Knit Outfits for 18-Inch Dolls
Jeanne Kussrow-Larsen
Annie's
P.O. Box 8000
Big Sandy, TX 75755
9781596359741 $9.99 www.anniescatalog.com
Illustrated with full-color photography, Sassy Knit Outfits for 18-Inch Dolls lives up to its title as
a collection of hands-on projects that knitters can create to dress favorite dolls in beautiful,
original, and gloriously patterned garments. Basic familiarity with the craft of knitting and the
conventions of transcribing knitting patterns is presumed; occasional charts or stitch diagrams
help clarify aspects of the more complex projects. Sassy Knit Outfits for 18-Inch Dolls is a
wonderful way to experiment, improve one's knitting skills, and create unforgettable gifts for doll
collectors.
The Metaphysical Studies Shelf
The World's Most Haunted House
William J. Hall
New Page Books
c/o Career Press Inc.
220 West Parkway, Unit 12, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
c/o Warwick Associates (publicity)
18340 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, California 95476
9781601633378 $15.99 www.newpagebooks.com
The World's Most Haunted House: The True Story of the Bridgeport Poltergeist on Lindley
Street recounts one of the most well-documented hauntings of the modern day. Excerpts from
primary sources such as interviews, police reports, and rare documents enrich the methodical
storytelling of one of the most widely-known yet perplexedly inexplicable paranormal events. A
bibliography and an index round out this "must-have" for paranormal studies shelves with a focus
on ghosts and spirits.
Meister Eckhart
Matthew Fox
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
www.newworldlibrary.com
www.MatthewFox.org
9781608682652, $17.95, www.amazon.com
Eckhart von Hochheim O.P. (c. 1260 - c. 1328), commonly known as Meister Eckhart, was a
German theologian, philosopher and mystic, born near Gotha, in the Landgraviate of Thuringia in
the Holy Roman Empire. Eckhart came into prominence during the Avignon Papacy, at a time of
increased tensions between the Franciscan Order and Eckhart's Dominican Order of Preachers. In
later life he was accused of heresy and brought up before the local Franciscan-led Inquisition, and
tried as a heretic by Pope John XXII. He probably died before his verdict was received. Though
he lived in the thirteenth century, Meister Eckhart's deeply ecumenical teachings were in many
ways modern. He taught about what we call ecology, championed artistic creativity, and
advocated for social, economic, and gender justice. All these elements have inspired spiritual
maverick Matthew Fox and influenced his Creation Spirituality. In the pages of "Meister
Eckhart: A Mystic-Warrior for Our Times, author and Western mysticism expert Matthew Fox
creates metaphorical meetings between Eckhart and Teilhard de Chardin, Thich Nhat Hanh, Carl
Jung, Black Elk, Rumi, Adrienne Rich, and other radical thinkers. The result is profoundly
insightful, substantive, and inspiring. Very highly recommended as informed and informative
reading for students of Eckhart's life, thought and work, it should be noted that "Meister Eckhart:
A Mystic-Warrior for Our Times" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).
The Poetry Shelf
The Sparkling Jewel Of Naturalism
Selima Hill
Bloodaxe Books
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
www.dufoureditions.com
9781780371030, $26.00, www.amazon.com
Poetry is a form of literature that uses aesthetic and rhythmic qualities of language to evoke
meanings in addition to, or in place of, the prosaic ostensible meaning. "The Sparkling Jewel Of
Naturalism" is a 94 page compendium showcasing the exquisite poetry of Selima Hill. A delight
to browse through and enjoy these couplets of free verse celebrations and observations, "The
Sparking Jewel Of Naturalism" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to personal and
community library Contemporary Poetry collections. 'Skating': We Circle round and round the
freezing rink / and some of us improve and some don't // and some, like you, who dare to ask the
question / nobody dares answer, don't try.
The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf
Don Heck: A Work of Art
John Coates, author
Don Heck, artist
TwoMorrows Publishing
10407 Bedfordtown Drive
Raleigh, NC 27614
www.twomorrows.com
9781605490588 $39.95 print / $11.95 digital
Also available in a digital edition, Don Heck: A Work of Art is a biography of legendary comic
artist Don Heck, well-known a the co-creator of Marvel Comics characters such as Iron Man,
Hawkeye, and Black Widow, as well as his extensive work on the Marvel comic "The
Avengers". His 40-year comic career is the stuff of legends. Author John Coates has thoroughly
researched Heck's career, and also offers testimony from Don Heck's surviving family, his
long-time friends, and unearthed rare interviews with Heck himself. Black-and-white as well as
color images of comic pages from Heck's work illustrate this one-of-a-kind tribute. Highly
recommended!
The Audiobook Shelf
Haunted
Randy Wayne White, author
Renee Raudman, narrator
Penguin Audio
c/o The Penguin Publishing Group
375 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
9781611763362 $40.00 http://us.penguingroup.com
Haunted is the unabridged audiobook rendition of a mystery that stretches from the Civil War to
the modern day. Hannah Smith has been hired by a wealthy widow to block the destruction of a
historic home. Did the house's seller fail to give all relevant information when he closed the deal?
The house has a storied and sometimes bloody history, including its involvement in a deadly
Civil War skirmish and the alleged suicides of two previous owners. Hannah doesn't believe in
ghosts or hauntings, but the further she investigates, the more dangerous her appointed task
becomes! Suspenseful to the very end, Haunted is especially recommended for mystery
connoisseurs. 8 CDs, 10 1/2 hours.
The Wolfe Widow
Victoria Abbott, author
Carla Mercer-Meyer, narrator
Tantor Media, Inc.
6 Business Park Road
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
9781494501013 $42.99 www.tantor.com
The Wolfe Widow is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of book three of Victoria Abbott's
"Book Collector Mystery" series. Jordan Bingham enjoys her job researching rare books for Vera
Van Alst, despite Van Alst's infamous ill-temper. But then the mysterious Muriel Delgado arrives
for a seemingly unsolicited visit, and shortly afterward, Van Alst fires Jordan! What vise-like
hold does Delgado possess over Jordan's employer? Jordan's searching uncovers a lethal scheme
marked by greed, murder, and a lethal interest in Val Alst's collection of Nero Wolfe first
editions. Talented theater performer Carla Mercer-Meyer brings to life this tense and exciting
adventure, highly recommended! 9 CDs, 10 1/2 hours.
The Equalizer
Michael Sloan, author
Jeff Gurner, narrator
Macmillan Audio
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315
New York, NY 10010
9781427239266 $49.99 www.macmillanaudio.com
Written by the co-creator of classic 1980's "The Equalizer" television series, The Equalizer is an
unabridged audiobook adaptation re-imagining the core concept for the twenty-first century.
Robert McCall is a former covert operations officer for the CIA, seeking to atone for his past
crimes by serving as a troubleshooter, protector, and investigator, free of charge, to those who
need it most. Desperate people find him through the newspaper or the Internet, and with the aid
of his contacts, he serves vigilante justice to the worst of humanity. McCall's opponent this time
is a ruthless, Chechen nightclub owner who runs a high-priced assassination service, and the life
of an innocent woman is at stake! Tense and exciting, The Equalizer is especially recommended
for connoisseurs of suspense. 17 CDs, 21 hours.
The Glass Kitchen
Linda Francis Lee, author
www.LindaLeeBooks.com
Julia Whelan, narrator
Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887
Grand Haven, MI 49417
9781491530474 $29.99 www.brillianceaudio.com
The Glass Kitchen: A Novel of Sisters is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of a romantic
novel about learning to pick up the pieces and move on. Portia Cuthcart lost her claim to the
Glass Kitchen restaurant founded by her grandmother due to a succession of heartbreaking
betrayals; dejected, she abandons her passion for cooking and moves to Manhattan to be with he
sisters. But between a promise to her sisters, and an unexpected meeting with the widower
Gabriel and his two young daughters, she finds herself drawn back into cooking as not only a
means to nourish the hungry, but also as a way of life. Family can be complicated, but the ties
that bind and the love that sustains can be expressed in many ways. Highly recommended,
especially for those who treasure heartwarming romance! 9 CDs, 11 hours 2 min.
Marvel: Civil War
Stuart Moore
Graphic Audio
https://graphicaudio.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
9781599509525, $19.99, www.graphicaudio.net
The Marvel Comics universe of superheros is the backdrop for this outstanding theatrical
production and adaptation of Stuart Moore's "Civil War" story that pits Iron Man, Shield, and the
U.S. Government against Captain America, Spiderman, The Punisher, and a roster of costumed
heroes against each other over the issue of the mandatory federal government superhero
registration act that would, among other things, compel all 'secret identities' to be revealed. It's an
ideological battle over civil rights vs. public safety precipitated by a young team of superheros
called the New Warriors combating a small group of supervillians and ending in a catastrophic
explosion that wipes out both sides and a whole community of ordinary citizens. The hallmark of
Graphic Audio is one of a numerous cast enhanced with sound effects and music, all combined to
create a unique and complex listening experience that is pure action/adventure entertainment
from beginning to end. This six CD, six hour, impressively produced audio book is certain to be
an enduringly popular addition to personal and community library collections.
Iron Man: Extremis
Marie Javins
Graphic Audio
https://graphicaudio.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
9781628510225, $19.99, www.graphicaudio.net
Adapted from a graphic novel by Warren Ellis and Adi Granow, "Iron Man: Extremis" will have
immense appeal for the legions of Marvel Comics fans in this thoroughly entertaining story of
Tony Stark who meets his match at the hands of a superhuman terrorist and is saved from death
by extremis -- the same substance that created the madman in the first place. Of special note are
the deftly crafted villains who, in their own eyes, are but misunderstood heroes. Replete
throughout with sound effects, musical underscorings, and the talents of an impressive cast, "Iron
Man: Extremis" is a solid, technologically flawless production, offering a five hour, 'theatre of
the mind' entertainment from beginning to end and highly recommended for both personal and
community library audio book collections.
Nekropolis: Dead Streets
Tim Waggoner
Graphic Audio
https://graphicaudio.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/requests/new
9781628510225, $19.99, www.graphicaudio.net
"Nekropolis: Dead Streets" continues the adventures of zombie detective Matt Richter and his
vampire half-breed companion Devona in the unique city that is a sanctuary of ghouls, ghosts,
witches, and every variety of undead imaginable (and some that are unimaginable!). With wild
and unexpected twists and turns, this supernatural 'whodunnit' is a rollicking great adventure and
a true 'theatre of the mind' experience with sound effects, music, and an incredibly talented cast.
With a total running time of seven hours, this flawlessly produced, six disc, audio book
adventure is very highly recommended for personal and community library collections.
Close to Home
Lisa Jackson
Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887
Grand Haven, MI 49417
9781441877239 $36.99 www.brillianceaudio.com
Close to Home is a the unabridged audiobook rendition of a tale of grisly suspense, about the
hideous secrets lurking within a rundown old Victorian mansion. Sarah McAdams has traumatic
personal memories connected to the place, including the sudden loss of her half-sister, and her
strained relationship with her cold, distant mother. Rumors persist that the place is haunted; then,
local teenage girls start disappearing. Fearing for her own daughters' safety, Sarah must confront
the darkest terrors of her past, in order to confront the true horror of the present day. Nail-biting
to the very end, Close to Home is especially recommended to fans of the genre. 13 CDs, 15 hours
52 min.
Then Came You
Jill Shalvis, author
Karen White, narrator
Tantor Media, Inc.
6 Business Park Road
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
9781452618913 $39.99 www.tantor.com
Then Came You is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of the fifth novel in Jill Shalvis'
"Animal Magnetism" series. Veterinary intern Emily has to live in an Idaho small town for a year
to finish her scholarship, instead of moving to L.A. like she dreamed. But dreams have a funny
way of manifesting themselves, as she learns when the handsome veterinarian man she had a
one-night stand with in Reno turns out to be her new boss! Sexy, funny, and charming, Then
Came You is a lighthearted romantic delight. 8 CDs, 9.5 hours.
The Music CD Shelf
Bedstuyle
Brooklyn Shanti
c/o Rhythm & Culture Music (distribution)
2212 Massachusetts Ave. NW #215
Washington, DC 20008
c/o Press Junkie PR
9901 Brodie Lane, Suite 160, PMB 221
Austin, TX 78748
www.pressjunkiepr.com
$TBA CD / $TBA download, www.itunes.com
Brooklyn Shanti, hip-hop's official cultural ambassador to India, presents Bedstuyle, an exciting,
rhythmic emblem of the hip-hop heritage of Shanti's native neighborhood of Bedstuy, Brooklyn.
The songs range in subject from love, to civic duty, to the yearning to connect with others, and
carry a positive theme nurturing the brightest sparks of love that lie within us. The tracks are
"Midnight in Paris", "Something Beautiful", "This Feeling", "She", "Sun Salutation",
"Intervention", "Garden of Ghosts", "33 1/3", "Let It", "The Rain", "A Great Day", and "She
Acoustic)".
Cinefonia
Bombay Rickey
Cowboys & Indian
Rock Paper Scissors (publicity)
511 West 4th Street, Suite 2
Bloomington, IN 47404
$TBA www.rockpaperscissors.biz
Core members of Brooklyn-based ensemble known as Bombay Rickey present Cinefonia, an
album inspired by the rich musical traditions of India, plus inspiration from Afro-Latin, all in a
jubilant cocktail. Lyrics range from English to Spanish to the purely invented syllables of the
opening song "Taki Rari". Elements of mythology blend with kitch pop culture in this
extraordinary audio journey. The tracks are "Taki Rari", "Bombay 5-0", "Promontory Summit",
"Dum Maro Dum", "Pondicherry Surf Goddess", "El Final del Pachanga", "Coyote in the Land of
the Dead", "Queen of the Rhumba", "Pilgrim", and "Tuco's Last Stand".
Maverick
MOA
Privately Published
c/o Press Junkie PR
9901 Brodie Lane, Suite 160, PMB 221, Austin, TX 78748
www.pressjunkiepr.com
$TBA www.mynameismoa.com
Max Wild, jazz musician and electronic producer, has created his debut full-length album under
the artist's name MOA. Maverick is a vivacious fusion of acoustic and electronic elements, with
inspiration from electropop, dubstep, jazz, and African rhythmic style. A heady rush of
excitement from beginning to end, Maverick is a unique delight especially recommended for
adventurous music lovers! The tracks are "My Name is MOA", "Prelude", "Dance Tonight (feat.
Chiwoniso)", "Take Me Higher", "In My Funk", "Uncountably Infinite" (feat. Jesse Lewis),
"Hands in the Air" (feat. Jahaan Sweet), "Debo", and "Barbarian".
Lento
Youn Sun Nah
Act Music
www.actmusic.com
c/o Rock Paper Scissors (publicity)
511 West 4th Street, Suite 2, Bloomington, IN 47404
www.rockpaperscissors.biz
ACT 9030-2 $16.92 CD / $8.99 MP3 www.amazon.com
Korean-born, Paris-trained, award-winning jazz singer Youn Sun Nah presents Lento, an album
that blends European jazz with elements of pop, Korean folk, Western classical, and a dash of
metal and industrial. Jazz guitarist Ulf Wakenius, and others on bass/cello, accordion, and
percussion provide the rhythmic and melodic undercurrent to Nah's mesmerizing vocals, in these
knife-edge balanced songs sure to stir the hearts of jazz connoisseurs everywhere! The tracks are
"Lento" (3:04), "Lament" (3:40), "Hurt" (5:22), "Empty Dream" (4:20), "Momento Magico"
(5:32), "Soundless Bye" (3:44), "Full Circle" (3:36), "Ghost Riders in the Sky" (4:58), "Waiting"
(3:30), "Arirang" (4:25), and "New Dawn" (3:42).
The DVD Shelf
Meridian Qigong
Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming
YMAA Publications
PO Box 480
Wolfeboro, NH 03894-0480
9781594392955 $39.95 www.ymaa.com
Meridian Qigong is an active, exercise DVD designed to teach the viewer the Meridian Qigong
daily exercises practiced by Dr. Yang, Jwing-Ming, a Chinese martial arts master and teacher
with decades of experience. These involve yoga stretches, qigong movements, and helpful
acupressure techniques. Viewers will also learn about the interconnectedness of yoga and qigong,
and how to tap into the strength of qigong practice and acupressure to relieve common ailments
such as insomnia. An excellent supplement to health and fitness DVD collections, Meridian
Qigong welcomes the benefits of exercise yet reaches beyond, encouraging the viewer to take and
active role in his or her own wellness. Highly recommended. English language with optional
English subtitles, 180 min.
Francis: The Pope of Renewal
Goya Productions
www.goyaproductiones.com
c/o Ignatius Press
PO Box 1339
Fort Collins, CO 80522
9781586179786 $19.95 www.ignatius.com
Francis: The Pope of Renewal is a documentary about the first year of Pope Francis' service.
Francis was a virtually unknown Argentinean cardinal; since he became Pope, his humility has
won hearts and minds worldwide. His efforts have provoked a renewed appreciation for the good
works of the Catholic Church, causing a dramatic, positive shift in public opinion. Francis: The
Pope of Renewal deepens the viewer's understanding of Francis' already historic papacy, and is
especially recommended for church DVD collections. English and Spanish languages, 53
min.
Murder in Suburbia: Complete Collection
Acorn Media
c/o RLJ Entertainment
9781621720218 $59.99 www.acornonline.com
Murder in Suburbia: Complete Collection is a DVD collection of both series of the popular
British murder mystery. The upper-class, analytical Kate Ashurst and the working-class, intuitive
Emma Scribbins are team tasked with investigating murders in the seemingly idyllic suburbs of
Midford. A surprisingly lighthearted and sexy crime drama series, Murder in Suburbia has
moments of tongue-in-cheek humor, back-sass, and sisterhood, as the unlikely femme
not-so-fatale duo must take on political corruption, questionable millionaires, and money-hungry
real estate agents, in this capricious saga! 12 episodes on 4 DVDs, 579 min., SDH subtitles,
widescreen.
The Cookbook Shelf
The Holiday Kosher Baker
Paula Shoyer
Sterling Publishing Company
387 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016-8810
9781454907145 $35.00 www.sterlingpublishing.com
Gorgeous, full-color photography illuminates The Holiday Kosher Baker: Traditional &
Contemporary Holiday Desserts, a cookbook created especially to help home bakers create
traditional, kosher delicacies especially for Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur (desserts to eat after
Yom Kippur ends), Sukkot, Chanukah, Purim, Passover, and Shavuot. In addition to step-by-step
instructions, The Holiday Kosher Book is filled with tips, tricks, techniques, anecdotes, and
tidbits about kosher baking. Recipes include Chocolate and Almond Croissants, Red Velvet
Hamantaschen, Lemon and Passion Fruit Pavlova, Cheese Babka, Salted Caramel Banana Tart
Tatin, and much more. Although The Holiday Kosher Baker is intended especially for preparing
kosher treats for Jewish holidays, anyone and everyone with a sweet tooth is sure to enjoy these
tasty, mouth-watering delights! Highly recommended.
The Old Rittenhouse Inn Cookbook
Mark Phillips
Lake Superior Port Cities Inc.
PO Box 16417, Duluth, Minnesota 55816-0417
9781938229190 $24.95 www.LakeSuperior.com
Inviting color photography illustrates The Old Rittenhouse Inn Cookbook: Meals & Memories
from the Historic Bayfield B&B, a cookbook of delicious, homestyle offerings from the historic
Rittenhouse Inn. More than just a recipe collection, The Old Rittenhouse Inn Cookbook is filled
with charming anecdotes and fond memories of growing up in the former Victorian mansion
turned bed & breakfast. Recipes include Sausage-Apple French Toast, Fried Whitefish Livers,
Romaine Salad with Sherry Vinaigrette, Peach Moscato Sorbet, Mascarpone Whipped Yukon
Golds, Poached Pear Creme Brulee, and much more. A wonderful guide to crafting the finest
Midwest cuisine in the comfort of one's own home, The Old Rittenhouse Inn Cookbook is highly
recommended.
The Complete Coconut Cookbook
Camilla V. Saulsbury
Robert Rose Inc.
120 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 800
Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4P 1E2
9780778804888 $24.95 www.robertrose.ca
A handful of color photographs illustrates The Complete Coconut Cookbook: 200 Gluten-Free,
Grain-Free and Nut-Free Vegan Recipes Using Coconut Flour, Oil, Sugar and More. This
treasury of sumptuous dishes crafted from the humble coconut includes Brain Power Shake
(made with coconut water, Hass avocado, strawberries, and a banana), Coconut Flax Tortillas,
Spiced Tomato Coconut Soup, Sauteed Cherry Tomatoes (cooked with coconut oil), and much
more. The Complete Coconut Cookbook proves the coconut's versatility, especially when its
flour, oil, or natural sugar forms the perfect ingredient for a tremendous variety of vegan,
gluten-free creations. An excellent addition to cookbook collections!
Nom Nom Paleo
Michelle Tam and Henry Fong
Andrews McMeel Publishing
1130 Walnut Street
Kansas City, MO 64106-2109
9781449450335 $35.00 www.andrewsmcmeel.com
Illustrated with full-color photography throughout, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans is a
cookbook of recipes suited for the Paleo diet and lifestyle - emphasizing fresh fruits and
vegetables and modest portions of healthy meat, naturally gluten-free foods that have sustained
humans since the prehistoric era of the hunter-gatherer. Charming cartoons, tips for stocking the
kitchen and packing nutritious lunches, anecdotes and advice on the paleo lifestyle, and more
round out this wonderful, all-purpose cookbook. "...the core tenets of ancestral eating remain the
same: 1) Prioritize whole, unprocessed, nutrient-rich, nourishing foods. Eat vegetables, grass-fed
and pastured meats and eggs, wild-caught seafood, and some fruit, nuts, and seeds. 2) Avoid food
that are likely to be more harmful than healthful. Especially when regularly consumed, certain
foods can trigger inflammation, cause digestive problems, or derail our natural metabolic
processes, such as grains, legumes, sugar, and processed seed and vegetable oils." Recipes such
as Paleo Mayonnaise (made from simple ingredients rather than highly-processed, store-bought
mayonnaise), Chopped Liver + Bacon (with onion and Italian parsley), Oven-Baked Sweet
Potatoes, Watermelon Gazpacho, Slow-Roasted Duck Legs, Mocha Ice Pops, and more make
Nom Nom Paleo a choice cookbook regardless of the degree to which one abides by paleo tenets.
Highly recommended.
Fresh Cooking
Shelley Boris
Monkfish Book Publishing Company
22 East Market Street, Suite 304, Rhinebeck NY 12572
www.monkfishpublishing.com
9781939681157, $29.99, www.amazon.com
The Garrison Institute was founded in 2003 by Jonathan F. P. Rose and is a non-profit,
non-sectarian organization located in Garrison, New York. Its stated mission is "applying the
power of contemplation to social and environmental change, helping build a more
compassionate, resilient future." Drawing on current scientific research and contemplative
practices, the Institute's programs develop and disseminate contemplative-based methodologies
designed to enhance resilience, leadership and effectiveness, especially in the fields of education,
environmental/climate change, and trauma care. It holds contemplative retreats representing a
wide range of traditions and practices, selected for their conduciveness to personal growth and
positive social change. One serendipity of the institute is the fabulous quality of the meals
produced in its kitchens. Compiled by Shelley Boris and beautifully illustrated throughout with
full color photography of finished dishes and some of the beauty of the institute itself, "Fresh
Cooking: A Year of Recipes from the Garrison Institute Kitchen" is a 260 page compendium
offering a cornucopia of wonderful mealtime offerings that range from Roasted Sweet Potatoes
with Sea Salt and Lemon; Polenta with Spinach, Spring Onions, and Cheese; Haiga Rice, Sesame
Seeds, Green Shiso, and Cucumber with Mackeral; to Braise Beef Shanks with Tzatziki;
Moroccan Vegetable Stew; Roasted Cauliflower with Juniper and Black Pepper; and Baked
French Toast. Nicely organized by month and featuring seasonally appropriate menus, "Fresh
Cooking: A Year of Recipes from the Garrison Institute Kitchen" is enhanced further with a
chapter dedicated to 'Our Breakfast Buffet with Recipes; a chapter on Salad; a chapter on
establishing a quality Pantry; and a very useful index. Very highly recommended for personal,
family, professional, and community library cookbook collections, it should be noted that "Fresh
Cooking: A Year of Recipes from the Garrison Institute Kitchen" is also available in a Kindle
edition ($10.09).
Food, Family and Tradition
Lynn Kirsche Shapiro
The Cherry Press, LLC
4020 West Oakton Street, Skokie, IL 60076
Trina Kaye Organization
9780989847902, $35.00
Showcasing more than 150 hitherto unpublished kosher dishes and presented within the context
of Jewish Hungarian family life and culture prior to the onslaught of the Holocaust, "Food,
Family and Tradition: Hungarian Kosher Family Recipes And Remembrances" is a beautifully
illustrated and presented 279 page compendium of palate pleasing and appetite satisfying, fully
kosher dishes with preparation methods nicely updated for modern kitchens. Interspersed with
family reminisces and articles such as 'The Wide World of Kosher Wines', the recipes comprising
"Food, Family and Tradition" range from Goldie Weinberger's Blintzes; Mom's Salmon Patties;
Fried Liver with Onions and Potatoes; Meatloaf with Beef or Veal; and Candied Carrots; to
Latkes; My Mother's Homemade Noodles; Golden Dumplings; Lekech (Honey Cake); and Ibi's
Fresh Berry Relish. A culinary delight to simply browse through, "Food, Family and Tradition"
will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to personal, family, and community library ethnic
cookbook collections.
Eat More Dessert
Jenny Keller
Page Street Publishing
27 Congress Street, Suite 103, Salem, MA 01970
www.pagestreetpublishing.com
9781624140617, $24.99, www.amazon.com
Expertly compiled by Jenny Keller (creator of jennycookies.com), "Eat More Dessert: More than
100 Simple-to-Make & Fun-to-Eat Baked Goods From the Baker to the Stars" is a beautifully
and profusely illustrated, 224 page compendium showcasing deliciously palate pleasing baked
treats that would grace any dinning occasion from simple family mealtime to elegant celebratory
dining occasions. Each thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' recipe includes a succinct description, a
list of ingredients, preparatory instructions, and the number of servings. The dishes themselves
range from Royal Chocolate Ruffle Cake; Baby Bliss Cupcakes; Spring Garden Jenny Cookies;
and Cannon Cake Pops; to Eye Patch Rice Krispie Treats; German Chocolate Harvest Cake; Let
It Snow Coconut Cake; and First Noel Fudge. Of special note is that each chapter open with an
informative commentary that is thematically appropriate for the recipes that particular chapter
contains. Certain to be enduringly popular, "Eat More Dessert: More than 100 Simple-to-Make &
Fun-to-Eat Baked Goods From the Baker to the Stars" is very highly recommended for personal,
professional, family, and community library cookbook collections. It should be noted that "Eat
More Dessert: More than 100 Simple-to-Make & Fun-to-Eat Baked Goods From the Baker to the
Stars" is also available in a Kindle edition ($10.67).
Marshmallows
Tim Kinnaird
Barron's
250 Wireless Boulevard, Hauppauge, NY 11788
www.barronseduc.com
9781438004235, $17.99, www.amazon.com
Marshmallow is a sugar candy that, in its modern form, typically consists of sugar, whipped to a
spongy consistency, molded into small cylindrical pieces, and coated with corn starch. Some
marshmallow recipes call for eggs. This confection is the modern version of a medicinal
confection made from Althaea officinalis, the marshmallow plant. Expertly compiled and
presented by Tim Kinnaird, "Marshmallows: 100 Mouthwatering Marshmallow Treats" is a 144
page compendium comprised of beautifully illustrated recipes for palate pleasing
marshmallow-based treats that are thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' to prepare. The recipes
range from Apple Betty Marshmallows; Egg-Free Chocolate & Hazelnut Marshmallows on
Sticks; Raspberry, Rose & Lychee Marshmallows; and Salted Buttered Popcorn Marshmallows;
to Spiced Carrot Soup with Toasted Coriander Marshmallows; Marshmallow Rice Krispie
Cakes; Toasted Marshmallow Clotted Cream Ice Cream; and Lemon Marshmallow Meringue
Pie. "Marshmallows: 100 Mouthwatering Marshmallow Treats" will prove to be an enduringly
popular and prized addition to personal, professional, family, and community library cookbook
collections.
The Wine Shelf
Making Your Own Wine At Home
Lori Stahl
Fox Chapel Publishing Company
1970 Broad Street N., East Petersburg, PA 17520
www.FoxChapelPublishing.com
9781565238268, $19.99, www.amazon.com
Winemaking or vinification, is the production of wine, starting with selection of the grapes or
other produce and ending with bottling the finished wine. Although most wine is made from
grapes, it may also be made from other fruits or plants. Mead is a wine that is made with honey
being the primary ingredient after water. Winemaking can be divided into two general categories:
still wine production (without carbonation) and sparkling wine production (with carbonation -
natural or injected). The science of wine and winemaking is known as oenology. A person who
makes wine is traditionally called a winemaker or vintner. The making of a fine wine was once
the province of professionals. But with Lori Stahl's "Making Your Own Wine at Home: Creative
Recipes for Making Grape, Fruit, and Herb Wines", even the most novice of aspiring amateurs
can produce a quality wine in the privacy of their own home. Profusely and beautifully illustrated
throughout, "Making Your Own Wine at Home: Creative Recipes for Making Grape, Fruit, and
Herb Wines" provides clear step-by-step instructions and is a cornucopia of wine making ideas
and a treasury of practical advice, making it a truly extraordinary and highly recommended
addition to personal and community library collections.
The Travel Shelf
20 Things to Do in Dublin Before You Go for a Feckin' Pint
Colin Murphy and Donal O'Dea
The O'Brien Press
www.obrien.ie
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
9781847176349 $17.00 www.dufoureditions.com
Illustrated with color photography, 20 Things to Do in Dublin Before You Go for a Feckin' Pint
is a compact travel guide to enhancing one's visit to the capital and largest city of Ireland. Each of
Dublin's 20 memorable locations is paired with an extensive description, historical background,
contact information, and the vernacular lowdown on what to expect. A brief Dublin slang
glossary rounds out this excellent vacation enrichment resource - also highly recommended for
armchair travelers! The locations covered are Christ Church Cathedral, Dublinia, Dublin Castle,
St. Patrick's Cathedral, Guinness Storehouse, Grafton Street, St. Stephen's Green, National
Museum, Trinity College, Temple Bar, Old Jameson Distillery, O'Connell Street & GPO, Jeanie
Johnston Tall Ship, Garden of Remembrance, The Phoenix Park, War Memorial Gardens,
Kilmainham Gaol, Croke Park & Museum, and Glasnevin Cemetery.
Lonely Planet Thailand
China Williams, et. al.
Lonely Planet Publications
150 Linden Street
Oakland CA 94607
9781742205809 $29.99 lonelyplanet.com
A folding map to the city of Bangkok enhances Lonely Planet Thailand, part of Lonely Planet's
definitive guides for all types of travelers - from businesspeople to vacationers to prospective
expatriates. Key locations in virtually every part of the country are listed with brief text
summaries, hours of operation, phone numbers, and websites. Tips, tricks, and a handy "survival
guide" filled with advice help visitors to Thailand prepare to experience the time of their lives.
"Thais hold modesty in personal dress in high regard... The importance of modesty extends to the
beach as well. Except for urbanites, most provincial Thais swim fully clothed. For this reason,
sunbathing nude or topless is not acceptable and in some cases is even illegal. Remember that
swimsuits are not proper attire off the beach; wear a cover-up in between the sand and your
hotel." An absolute "must-have" for the Thailand-bound traveler!
A Practical Guide To My China
John Sun
China Books & Periodicals, Inc.
360 Swift Avenue, Suite 48
South San Francisco, CA 94080
www.chinabooks.com
9780835100649, $12.95, www.amazon.com
Now in a fully updated 2014 edition, "A Practical Guide to My China: How to Enjoy Traveling
in Paradise and Avoid Travel Hell" by John Sun is a 218 page compendium that will prove to be
an invaluable and indispensable resource for planning itineraries for traveling in China whether
for business or pleasure. Featured in "A Practical Guide to My China: How to Enjoy Traveling in
Paradise and Avoid Travel Hell" are top cities and cultural attractions; etiquette and local
customs; negotiation and bargaining; communication and language; budget tips and hostel
guides; Chinese cuisine; accommodation and lodging basics; travel rules and regulations; money
and budgets; health and safety; festivals and holidays; as well as weather (and how to prepare for
it). Of special note is the practical advice on what and what not to bring along. Practical and
exceptionally well organized, "A Practical Guide to My China: How to Enjoy Traveling in
Paradise and Avoid Travel Hell" should be considered a 'must' for anyone contemplating
traveling to and within China whether their reasons are personal or professional. It should be
noted that "A Practical Guide to My China: How to Enjoy Traveling in Paradise and Avoid
Travel Hell" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.91).
The Fiction Shelf
North Beach Girl / Scandal on the Sand
John Trinian
Stark House Press
1315 H Street, Eureka, CA 95501
www.starkhousepress.com
9781933586557, $19.95, 256pp, www.amazon.com
"North Beach Girl" is set in the world of San Francisco's beatniks, and "Scandal On The Sand" is
the story of a dozen strangers thrown together on an isolated stretch of beach with a dying whale
and a sadistic cop. Both are superbly reprinted pieces that showcase John Trinian's particular
literary style. Today he is perhaps best know as the writer on the popular television series The
Rockford Files starring the late James Garner. One of Trinian's most notable novels is "Once A
Thief" (New York: Manor Book, 9780532952725). The 'double novel' edition from Stark House
Press will admirably serve to introduce the late John Trinian to a whole new generation of
appreciative readers.
The American History Shelf
The Great Lawrence Textile Strike of 1912
Robert Forrant and Jurg Siegenthaler, editors
Baywood Publishing
26 Austin Avenue, Box 337
Amityville, NY 11701
9780895038623 $49.95 www.baywood.com
The Great Lawrence Textile Strike of 1912 is an anthology of essays by learned authors about a
benchmark event in the history of American labor. In 1912 Lawrence, Massachusetts, 20,000 to
25,000 immigrant workers (most of them women) from a wide array of countries went on strike
to protest a wage cut. Their actions defied assumptions that women couldn't organize for protest,
especially women of different ethnicities. The Great Lawrence Textile Strike of 1912 also
presents strong evidence against theories that the strike was motivated by outside agitators.
Individual writings include "In Harm's Way: The Lawrence Textile Strike Children's Affair",
"The 'American Dream' and the 1912 Lawrence Textile Strike", "Voices of Labor Militancy in
Lawrence, 1912-1931", "Bread and Roses: Why the Legend Lives On", and much more. Highly
recommended, especially for public and college library American History collections.
The Civil War Shelf
A Corporal's Story
George Kimball
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive
Norman, OK 73069
9780806144801 $34.95 www.oupress.com
A Corporal's Story: Civil War Recollections of the Twelfth Massachusetts is a primary testimony
of the Civil War through the eyes of George Kimball (1840-1916), a newspaperman who joined
the Twelfth Massachusetts in 1861. Kimball's eye for detail, journalistic training, and reporter's
integrity shines through in this compilations of his writings, which range from everyday army life
to the horrific toll of war, to his own personal yearnings for reconciliation. Kimball never craved
revenge upon the Confederates, despite the near-mortal wounds he suffered while in service to
the Union. A Corporal's Story is fascinating cover to cover, and highly recommended for public
and college library Civil War shelves.
The Biography Shelf
Hal Moore: A Soldier Once... and Always
Mike Guardia
Casemate Publishers
908 Darby Road
Havertown, PA19083
9781612002071 $32.95 www.casematepublishing.com
Hal Moore: A Soldier Once... and Always is an in-depth biography of one of America's most
admired soldiers, who is particularly famous due to Mel Gibson's portrayal of him in the movie
"We Were Soldiers". Moore graduated from West Point in 1945, and fought in the Korean and
Vietnam War. He was there when America's army began to use "air mobile infantry" - the
practice of delivering troops to the battle via helicopter. Moore witnessed the army's transition
from the draft to an all-volunteer force, retired as Lieutenant General in 1977, and wrote of his
experiences in the well-known boots-on-the-ground memoir, "We Were Soldiers Once... and
Young." Vintage black-and-white photography peppers this fascinating, thoroughly researched
saga of Moore's life and career in the service, highly recommended for military biography
shelves.
Healy's West
Gordon E. Tolton
Mountain Press Publishing Company
PO Box 2399
Missoula, MT 59806
9780878426348 $20.00 www.mountain-press.com
Healy's West: The Life and Times of John J. Healy is the biography of John J. Healy
(1840-1908), a notable figure of the American movement to tame the Wild West. Healy's life
stretched from Irish famine to service in the army; he challenged monopolies, traded with the
Blackfoot, engaged in masterful politics, and battled rustlers with the authority of a sheriff's
badge. Healy's West is nonfiction, yet as exciting as any novel, and a choice read any with an
interest in daily life, times, hardships, and accomplishments in this bygone era of American
history. Highly recommended!
The Crafts Shelf
Beautiful Wildflowers
Edle Catharina Norman
Sellers Publishing
161 John Roberts Road
South Portland, ME 04106
9781416245032 $16.95 sellerspublishing.com
Illustrated with full-color photography throughout, Beautiful Wildflowers: Wedding Bouquets,
Arrangements & More From Nature's Seasonal Abundance lives up to its title as treasury of
beautiful, transient, handmade creations one can assemble from freshly blooming wildflowers.
Professional florist Edle Catharina walks the reader through gathering and treating wildflowers
(including which ones last longer without water), techniques for binding stems, pairing
suggestions, and recommendations for memorable designs, and much more. Whether putting
together a tabletop centerpiece, a wonderfully smelling decoration, or a vibrant bouquet,
Beautiful Wildflowers is a superb, hands-on guide!
The Woodworking Shelf
Practical Projects for Self-Sufficiency
Chris Peterson and Philip Schmidt
Cool Springs Press
www.coolspringspress.com
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401
c/o Hachette Book Group (distribution)
237 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017-0010
9781591865957 $19.99 www.hbgusa.com
Practical Projects for Self-Sufficiency: DIY Projects to Get Your Self-Reliant Lifestyle Started
lives up to its title as a hands-on, user-friendly guide to woodworking creations that aid a more
self-reliant lifestyle. The thirty suggested woodcrafting projects are divided into four categories:
food preparation and preservation (cider press, herb-drying rack), homestead amenities (backyard
fire pit, firewood shelter), garden aids (potato-growing box, soil sifter), and raising animals
(chicken cook, brooder box, bee hive). Full color photographs and step-by-step instructions
illustrate this excellent guide for intermediate to advanced woodworkers interested in applying
their skills to the creation of useful and practical items!
The Creative Woodturner
Terry Martin
Linden Publishing
2006 South Mary, Fresno, CA 93721-9875
c/o Quill Driver Books
9781610352185 $24.95 www.woodworkerslibrary.com
World-class woodturner Terry Martin presents The Creative Woodturner is a guide for
intermediate to advanced woodworkers and hobbyists. The reader's familiarity with the basics of
how to use a chuck or sharpen a scraper is presumed; chapters focus on intricate techniques and
expert-level tools to create wooden works of fine art. Sixteen sample projects, each described at
length and illustrated with full-color photography, include wonderfully detailed boxes, vessels,
and bowls; the instructions are enhanced with comments from the art community. A treasury for
any woodworker interested in taking their decorative as well as their functional skills to the next
level!
The Buddhist Studies Shelf
How to Eat
Thich Nhat Hanh
Parallax Press
PO Box 7355
Berkeley, CA 94707
9781937006723 $9.95 www.parallaxpress.com
The second book in Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh's "The Mindfulness Essentials Series", How to
Eat is a pocket-sized guide to eating mindfully. The principles of How to Eat are in keeping the
wisdom of Zen Buddhism, but the practice of mindfulness is beneficial to readers of all faiths
and backgrounds. Simple meditations and brief reflections pepper this thoughtful guide to being
aware and grateful for the sacrifices of others, even during the simple act of enjoying a meal.
"Food as Medicine: In the original Five Contemplations as they were recited during the Buddha's
time, food was considered to be medicine. But I think that when the Buddha received good food,
he also enjoyed it. I don't think he thought of it as just taking medicine. We know that food
nourishes our bodies. But we can also appreciate and savor our food."
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
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