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Library Bookwatch

Volume 17, Number 4 April 2022 Home | LBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Writing/Publishing Shelf Social Issues Shelf
American History Shelf World History Shelf Science Shelf
Cookbook Shelf General Fiction Shelf Historical Fiction Shelf
Literary Fiction Shelf Romantic Fiction Shelf Western Fiction Shelf
Mystery/Suspense Shelf Political Science Shelf Education Shelf
Computer Shelf Art Shelf Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf
Library CD Shelf Library DVD Shelf Photography Shelf
Architecture Shelf Martial Arts Shelf Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf
Money/Finance Shelf Holocaust Studies Shelf  


Reviewer's Choice


Mind Over Media: Propaganda Education for a Digital Age
Renee Hobbs
W. W. Norton & Company
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
www.wwnorton.com
9780393713503, $32.95, PB, 368pp

https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Over-Media-Propaganda-Education/dp/0393713504

Synopsis: Propaganda and disinformation is inescapable. It has become ubiquitous and everywhere in this modern era of social media and the internet.

Media literacy educators have always insisted that we are both creators and receivers of media messages. The truth of this is even more apparent in today's digital environment, with children and adults alike participating in a ubiquitous, nonstop stream of social media. Clearly, students and their parents need the tools to interpret news and information critically -- not just for school but for life in a "post-truth" world, where the lines blur between entertainment, information, and persuasion.

With the publication of "Mind Over Media: Propaganda Education for a Digital Age" media expert and academician Renee Hobbs demonstrates how a global perspective on contemporary propaganda enables educators to stimulate both the intellectual curiosity and the cultural sensitivities of students. Replete with classroom and online learning activities and samples of student work, "Mind Over Media" also provides a state-of-the-art look at the theory and practice of propaganda in contemporary society, and shows how to build learners' critical thinking and communication skills on topics including computational propaganda, content marketing, fake news, and disinformation.

Critique: The constant and daily avalanche of misinformation, propaganda, fake news, and outright lies that simply inundates social media forums and certain cable television channels. It has gotten so bad that it has become a major threat to the continuance of our traditional American democracy, and in the present pandemic, our very lives and the lives of our loved ones. That is why "Mind Over Media: Propaganda Education for a Digital Age" by Professor Renee Hobbs is not only timely but essential. While especially and unreservedly recommended for highschool, community, college, and university library Propaganda/Misinformation collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists, it should be noted for students, academia, political activists, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Mind Over Media: Propaganda Education for a Digital Age" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $16.75) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Tantor Audio, 9798200780860, $39.99, Digital Download).

Editorial Note: Renee Hobbs is an internationally-recognized authority on digital and media literacy education. She founded the Harrington School of Communication and Media at the University of Rhode Island and is Director of its Media Education Lab. Hobbs also co-founded the NAMLE (National Association for Media Literacy Education), and is the creator of the first national teacher education program in media literacy at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She won the Media Literacy Education Meritorious Service Award from NAMLE in 2015, is the author of 10 books, and over 150 scholarly articles on digital and media literacy. Her book, Mind Over Media: Propaganda Education in a Digital Age, won the 2021 PROSE Awards of Excellence from the American Association of Publishers (AAP) in Social Sciences and Education Practice & Theory.


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

A Sense of Dread
Neal Marshall Stevens
Michael Wiese Productions
12400 Ventura Blvd., #1111, Studio City, CA 91604
www.mwp.com
9781615933334, $26.95, PB, 194pp

https://www.amazon.com/Sense-Dread-Getting-Horror-Screenwriting/dp/1615933336

Synopsis: "A Sense of Dread: Getting Under the Skin of Horror Screenwriting" by veteran horror film writer and editor Neal Marshall Stevens features three main sections.

"A Sense of Dread" provides a detailed examination of the biological, psychological, and cultural bases of fear. What fears do we share with animals? What fears are uniquely human? What fears have we learned from our culture? From our families? From our experiences growing up? And what, exactly, is the difference between fear and dread?

"A Sense of Dread" then combines these ideas to explore the roots of human fear and apply them to storytelling for the screen. "The Toolbox of Dread" outlines the techniques for creating terror on the page. A wide array of horror subgenres are also explored, including why they exist, and what challenges each presents to the horror screenwriter.

"A Sense of Dread" also puts Theory into Practice, using examples from his own work to demonstrate how to apply his "toolbox" and the principles of "Dread" to put real scares into the pages of a screenplay.

Critique: A veritable 'how to' manual and textbook for aspiring and practicing screenwriters in the horror film genre, "A Sense of Dread: Getting Under the Skin of Horror Screenwriting" is an authoritative guide by one of the most experienced and successful screen writers in the genre. Comprehensive and thoroughly 'user friendly' in content, organization and presentation, "A Sense of Dread: Getting Under the Skin of Horror Screenwriting" is an essential and core addition to professional, community, film school, college, and university library Theatre/Cinema/TV instructional reference collections.

Editorial Note: Neal Marshall Stevens has been a working professional in the entertainment industry for over thirty years. He began his career at Laurel Entertainment, where he wrote multiple episodes of the anthology series Monsters. Neal worked as senior story editor for Laurel's productions of several miniseries (Stephen King's The Stand, Stephen King's The Langoliers, and Stephen King's The Golden Years), and made-for-TV movies (Precious Victims, The Vernon Johns Story, and several others). He then worked for Charles Band's Full Moon Entertainment, specializing in direct-to-video productions. Over the course of his association with Full Moon, he worked on over 50 produced motion pictures, including six entries in the popular Puppetmaster series. He also wrote and directed the feature Stitches, and has worked with Charles Band to produce several recent web series, including Trophy Heads and Ravenwolf Towers. Among other projects, Neal sold his original screenplay Deader to Dimension Pictures, which was subsequently produced as Hellraiser: Deader, and wrote the screenplay for Dark Castle's feature remake of Thirteen Ghosts.


The Social Issues Shelf

Reclaiming Your Community
Majora Carter
Berrett-Koehler Publishers Inc.
1333 Broadway, Suite 1000, Oakland CA, 94612
www.bkconnection.com
9781523000296, $22.95, PB, 216pp

https://www.amazon.com/Reclaiming-Your-Community-Neighborhood-Better/dp/1523000295

Synopsis: How can we solve the problem of persistent poverty in low-status communities? With the publication of "Reclaiming Your Community: You Don't Have to Move out of Your Neighborhood to Live in a Better One", Majora Carter argues that these areas need a talent-retention strategy, just like the ones companies have. Retaining homegrown talent is a critical part of creating a strong local economy that can resist gentrification. But too many people born in low-status communities measure their success by how far away from them they can get.

Carter, who could have been one of them, returned to the South Bronx and devised a development strategy rooted in the conviction that these communities have the resources within themselves to succeed. She advocates measures such as: Building mixed-income instead of exclusively low-income housing to create a diverse and robust economic ecosystem; Showing homeowners how to maximize the long-term value of their property so they won't succumb to quick-cash offers from speculators; Keeping people and dollars in the community by developing vibrant "third spaces" -- restaurants, bookstores, and places like Carter's own Boogie Down Grind Cafe.

"Reclaiming Your Community: You Don't Have to Move out of Your Neighborhood to Live in a Better One" is a profoundly personal book in which Carter writes about her brother's murder, how turning a local dumping ground into an award-winning park opened her eyes to the hidden potential in her community, her struggles as a woman of color confronting the "male and pale" real estate and nonprofit establishments, and so much more. It is a powerful rethinking of poverty, economic development, and the meaning of success.

Editorial: An extraordinary story of struggle and success that can be a blue print template for the urban revitalization and neighborhood salvage efforts in other major cities, "Reclaiming Your Community: You Don't Have to Move out of Your Neighborhood to Live in a Better One" is especially and unreservedly recommended for community, college, and university library City Planning & Urban Development collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be note for students, academia, professionals, political activists, governmental policy makers, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "City Planning & Urban Development" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Majora Carter is senior program director at Groundswell, a nonprofit that builds community power through equitable clean energy initiatives, as well as an urban revitalization strategy consultant, real estate developer, MacArthur Fellow, and Peabody Award - winning broadcaster. Carter founded and led the nonprofit environmental justice solutions corporation Sustainable South Bronx from 2001 onward before entering the private sector in 2008 with the Majora Carter Group. In 2017, she launched the Boogie Down Grind Cafe, the first commercial third space in the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx since the mid-1980s.


The American History Shelf

The Defoliation of America
Amy M. Hay
The University of Alabama Press
PO Box 870380, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0380
www.uapress.ua.edu
9780817321086, $49.95, HC, 328pp

https://www.amazon.com/Defoliation-America-Chemicals-Citizens-Protests/dp/081732108X

Synopsis: With the publication of "The Defoliation of America: Agent Orange Chemicals, Citizens, and Protests", Professor Amy M. Hay profiles the attitudes, understandings, and motivations of grassroots activists who rose to fight the use of phenoxy herbicides, or Agent Orange chemicals as they are commonly known, in various aspects of American life during the post-WWII era.

Professor Hay focuses her analysis on citizen responses to illuminate how regulatory policies were understood, challenged, and negotiated, contributing to a growing body of research on chemical regulatory policies, risk society, and hazardous chemicals. This informative study uncovers new understandings about the authority of the state and its obligation to society, the role of scientific authority and expertise, and the protests made by various groups of citizens.

First introduced in 1946, phenoxy herbicides mimic hormones in broadleaf plants, causing them to "grow to death" while grass, grains, and other monocots remain unaffected. By the 1950s, millions of pounds of these chemicals were produced annually for use in brush control, weed eradication, forest management, and other agricultural applications. Pockets of skepticism and resistance began to appear by the late 1950s, and the trend intensified after 1962 when Rachel Carson's Silent Spring directed mainstream attention to the harm modern chemicals were causing in the natural world.

It wasn't until the Vietnam War, however, when nearly 19 million gallons of Agent Orange and related herbicides were sprayed to clear the canopy and destroy crops in Southeast Asia, that the long-term damage associated with this group of chemicals began to attract widespread attention and alarm.

Using a wide array of sources and an interdisciplinary approach, Professor Hay significantly contributes to the robust fields of chemical toxicity, regulation, environmental management, and public health. This study of the scientists, health and environmental activists, and veterans who fought US chemical regulatory policies and practices reveals the mechanisms, obligations, and constraints of state and scientific authority in mid-twentieth-century America. Hay also shows how these disparate and mostly forgotten citizen groups challenged the political consensus and contested government and industry narratives of chemical safety.

Critique: Enhanced for academia with the inclusion of a one page listing of Figures, forty-four pages of Notes, a twenty-four page Bibliography, and a twelve page Index, "The Defoliation of America: Agent Orange Chemicals, Citizens, and Protests" is an exceptionally well researched, organized and presented study that must be considered an essential and core addition to college and university library Agricultural Science and Biological/Chemical Warfare collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted the personal reading lists of students, academia, environmental activists, governmental policy makers, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "The Defoliation of America: Agent Orange Chemicals, Citizens, and Protests" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $$47.45).

Editorial Note: Amy M. Hay is associate professor in the Department of History at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. She is also a contributor to Hazardous Chemicals: Agents of Risk and Change, 1800 - 2000 and Environmental Change and Agricultural Sustainability in the Mekong Delta.


The World History Shelf

A Historical Guide to Roman York
Paul Chrystal
Pen & Sword Books
c/o Casemate (US distribution)
www.casematepublishers.com
https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
9781526781284, $42.95, HC, 328pp

https://www.amazon.com/Historical-Guide-Roman-York/dp/152678128X

Synopsis: Considering that York was always an important Roman city there are few books available that are devoted specifically to the Roman occupation, even though it lasted for over 300 years and played a significant role in the politics and military activity of Roman Britain and the Roman Empire throughout that period. The few books that there are tend to describe the Roman era and its events in date by date order with little attention paid either to why things happened as they did or to the consequences of these actions and developments.

"A Historical Guide to Roman York" by historian and author Paul Chrystal is different from the others in that it provides an informative context to what happened here in the light of developments in Roman Britain generally and in the wider Roman Empire. "A Historical Guide to Roman York" digs below the surface and gets behind the scenes to shed light on the political, social, and military history of Roman York (Eboracum), explaining, for example, why Julius Caesar invaded, what indeed was really behind the Claudian invasion, why was York developed as a military fortress, why as one of Roman Britain's capitals? Why did the emperors Hadrian and Severus visit the fortress?

Readers will also discover how and why Constantine accepted and projected Christianity from here, York's role in the endless coups and revolts besetting the province, the headless gladiators and wonderful mosaics discovered here, and why the Romans finally left York and Roman Britain to its own defense. These intriguing historical events are brought to life by reference to the latest local archaeological and epigraphical evidence, to current research and to evolving theories relating to the city's Roman treasures, of which can be seen in the Yorkshire Museum in York, or in situ.

Critique: Exceptionally well written and impressively informative, "A Historical Guide to Roman York" is still another truly extraordinary history from Paul Chrystal, and one that is enhanced with the inclusion of Maps; fourteen Appendices; a fourteen page section of captioned black-and-photographs; a twenty-three page Further Reading bibliography; a ten page General Index; and a two page Index of Places in York and Nearby. Fully and enthusiastically recommended masterpiece of original scholarship that is an essential and unique contribution to community, college, and university library Roman History and British History collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of students, academia, and non- specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "A Historical Guide to Roman York" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.99).

Editorial Note: Paul Chrystal is the author of some seventy books published over the last decade, including recent publications such as Wars and Battles of the Roman Republic, Roman Military Disasters and Women and War in Ancient Greece and Rome. He is a regular contributor to history magazines, local and national newspapers and has appeared on BBC Radio 4, BBC World Service and on BBC local radio throughout Yorkshire and in Teesside and Manchester. He writes extensively for several Pen & Sword military history series including 'Cold War 1945 - 1991', 'A History of Terror' and 'Military Legacy' (of British cities).

Bar Kokhba
Lindsay Powell
Pen & Sword Books
c/o Casemate (US distribution)
www.casematepublishers.com
https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
9781783831852, $34.95, HC, 336pp

https://www.amazon.com/Bar-Kokhba-Defied-Hadrian-Challenged/dp/1783831855

Synopsis: In AD 132 began the bloody struggle between two strong-willed leaders over who would rule a nation.

One was Hadrian, the cosmopolitan ruler of the vast Roman Empire, then at its zenith, who some regarded as divine; the other was Shim'on, a Jewish military leader in a district of a minor province, who some believed to be the 'King Messiah'. Their's is also the tale of the clash of two ancient cultures. One was the conqueror, seeking to maintain control of its hard-won dominion; the other was the conquered, seeking to break free and establish a new nation: Israel.

During the ensuing conflict known in history as the 'Second Jewish War', the highly motivated Jewish militia sorely tested the highly trained professional Roman army. The rebels withstood the Roman onslaught for three-and-a-half years (AD 132 - 136). They established an independent nation with its own administration, headed by Shim'on as its president. The outcome of that David and Goliath contest was of great consequence, both for the people of Judaea and for Judaism itself.

So, who was this insurgent Shim'on that is known today as 'Bar Kokhba'? How did Hadrian, the Roman emperor who built the famous Wall in northern Britain, respond to the challenger? And how, in later ages, did this rebel with a cause become a hero for the Jews in the Diaspora longing for the foundation of a new Israel in modern times? "Bar Kokhba: The Jew Who Defied Hadrian and Challenged the Might of Rome" describes the author Lindsay Powell's personal journey across three continents to establish the facts.

Critique: "Bar Kokhba: The Jew Who Defied Hadrian and Challenged the Might of Rome" deftly draws upon on archaeology, art, coins, inscriptions, militaria, as well as secular and religious documents as historian Lindsay Powell impressively and knowledgeably presents a truly fascinating and exceptionally informative account of the people and events at a crucial time in Roman and Jewish history. Of special note is a Foreword specially written by Eric H. Cline. Enhanced for academia and non-specialist general readers with the inclusion of Illustrations, Plates, Maps, a Chronology, a listing of Roman and Jewish Names, a five page listing of Places to Visit, a seven page Glossary, a three page listing of Place Names, thirty-seven pages of Notes, a two page Bibliography, and a fourteen page Index, "Bar Kokhba: The Jew Who Defied Hadrian and Challenged the Might of Rome", which is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.99) will prove to be a welcome and enduringly appreciated addition to personal, community, college, and university library Roman History and Jewish History collections.

Editorial Note: Historian and writer Lindsay Powell tells the stories of the important but under-reported personalities and events of history to complete our knowledge and understanding of the past. Lindsay has a particular passion for the military history of the Roman Empire. He scours ancient documents, inscriptions, coins and museums for stories, as well as archaeological, engineering, medical and scientific reports to reveal deeper truths.

He regularly contributes to Ancient Warfare and Ancient History magazines. His articles have also appeared in Military Heritage, Desperta Ferro and Strategy & Tactics, as well as on UNRV.com. His books have been published by Pen and Sword and Osprey Publishing. He is a member of the Classical Association and the Historical Writers' Association, as well as a Friend of The Vindolanda Trust. Lindsay's appearances include BBC Radio, British Forces Broadcasting Service, HistoryHit.TV and History Channel.

The Battle of Sekigahara
Chris Glenn
Frontline Books
c/o Pen & Sword Books
https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
9781399014137, $42.95, HC, 216pp

https://www.amazon.com/Battle-Sekigahara-Greatest-Bloodiest-Decisive/dp/1399014137

Synopsis: Sekigahara was the greatest samurai battle in Japanese military history. Japan had long been at civil war until brought under the rule of Oda Nobunaga, and then, following his death at the hands of a traitorous general, that of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It was Hideyoshi who completed the unification of Japan and ushered in a period of peace.

After Hideyoshi's death in 1598, a new power struggle emerged between those loyal to the Toyotomi, and those who supported the second most powerful warlord, Tokugawa Ieyasu. With Hideyoshi gone, Ieyasu made moves that brought the ire of a number of his contemporaries, and soon the entire country was divided into two great armies, East and West. Leading the loyalist cause was Ishida Mitsunari, who gathered a force of around 130,000 samurai, while the Tokugawa commanded just 80,000.

Both sides hurried to seize strategically vital highways and castles. These attacks and sieges culminated in the decisive Battle of Sekigahara. Fought on 21 October 1600, the battle lasted just six hours, but saw the deaths of an estimated 30,000 samurai, the destruction of a number of noble families and the creation of the Tokugawa Shogunate that was to rule Japan for 260 years of relative peace. The loyalist forces, despite their superior numbers and excellent battle formations, were defeated.

In his exploration of the battle and with the publication of "The Battle of Sekigahara: The Greatest, Bloodiest, Most Decisive Samurai Battle Ever", author and historian Chris Glenn reveals the developments that led up to the outbreak of war, the characters involved, how the battle itself unfolded, and the aftermath. The weapons and armor of the time are also fully explained, along with little known customs of the samurai and their warfare.

Critique: Informationally enriched for the reader with the inclusion of Illustrations, Maps, a thirteen page Sekigahara Timeline, a sixteen page Sekigahara: Who's Who, a six page Glossary, a one page Select Bibliography, and a five page Index, "The Battle of Sekigahara: The Greatest, Bloodiest, Most Decisive Samurai Battle Ever" is as inherently fascinating read as it is a superb work of definitive and comprehensive work of original scholarship. While also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $18.99), "The Battle of Sekigahara: The Greatest, Bloodiest, Most Decisive Samurai Battle Ever" is an extraordinary, unique, and highly recommended addition to the personal reading list of students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject of the Samurai in the context of Japanese history, as well as community, college, and university library Japanese Military History collections and supplemental studies curriculums.

Editorial Note: Chris Glenn is an Australian born Japan based bilingual radio DJ, TV presenter, narrator, MC, copywriter, author, columnist, lecturer, helicopter pilot and Japanese historian, specialising in samurai castles, battles, armor and weapons. His books include the English language "The Battle of Sekigahara" (Booklocker), Samurai Castle Bilingual Guide (Shogakukan), Ninja Bilingual Guide (Shogakukan), Naganuma Ryu Troop Movement Training Manual (Kindle) amongst others. Chris is dedicated to promoting and preserving Japans' long history, deep culture, traditions, arts and crafts.

Scanderbeg
A. K. Brackob
Histria Books
www.histriabooks.com
9781592110032, $39.99, HC, 224pp

https://www.amazon.com/Scanderbeg-Castriota-Resistance-Expansion-Fifteenth/dp/1592110037

Synopsis: Scanderbeg: A History of George Castriota and the Albanian Resistanceto Islamic Expansion in Fifteenth Century Europe" by A. K. Brackob is a history of the struggle of the Albanian people led by George Castriota Scanderbeg to defend Europe against the assault of the Ottoman Turks. For a quarter of a century, from 1443 until his death in 1468, he used his military prowess to thwart the efforts of the most powerful Empire in the world at the time to subdue his tiny country.

One of the true heroes of the Middle Ages in Europe, the remarkable story of Scanderbeg remains little known outside of Albania. George Castriota defended Europe for a quarter of a century and, it can rightly be said, helped to save Western civilization from being overrun by Islam and suffering the same fate as the once mighty Byzantine Empire. "Scanderbeg: A History of George Castriota and the Albanian Resistanceto Islamic Expansion in Fifteenth Century Europe" examines the genius and remarkable achievements of Scanderbeg who helped shape the identity of the Albanian people and reveals the important contribution this small but proud nation has made to European civilization.

Although the challenges have changed over the centuries, the clash of civilizations, which the history of the Albanian struggle to fend off the Islamic onslaught illustrates, continues today. As a result, it is all the more worth noting the contribution that this tiny land, led by Scanderbeg, made in the fight to preserve Western culture and civilization. Equally important is the example set by the Albanian people in ultimately harmonizing these two great civilizations.

Critique: With the publication of "Scanderbeg: A History of George Castriota and the Albanian Resistanceto Islamic Expansion in Fifteenth Century Europe", A. K. Brackob rescues a significant figure of 15th Century European history from an undeserved obscurity. A masterpiece of original scholarship, "Scanderbeg: A History of George Castriota and the Albanian Resistanceto Islamic Expansion in Fifteenth Century Europe" is enhanced with an informative Prologue and Epilogue, and a twenty-two page bibliography of Suggested Reading.

Exceptionally well organized, presented, and inherently fascinating study, "Scanderbeg: A History of George Castriota and the Albanian Resistance to Islamic Expansion in Fifteenth Century Europe" is a unique and highly recommended addition to community, college, and university library Medieval European & Albanian History collections.

It should be noted for the personal reading lists of students, academia, historians, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Scanderbeg: A History of George Castriota and the Albanian Resistance to Islamic Expansion in Fifteenth Century Europe" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).

Editorial Note: A.K. Brackob has a Ph.D. in history from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is a specialist on the history of southeastern Europe during the Middle Ages and author of 'Mircea the Old: Father of Wallachia, Grandfather of Dracula'.

Target Rommel
Stephen Wynn
Pen & Sword Books
c/o Casemate (US distribution)
www.casematepublishers.com
https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk
9781399007122, $34.95, HC, 128pp

https://www.amazon.com/Target-Rommel-Attempts-Assassinate-Hitlers/dp/1399007122

Synopsis: Written from a German perspective, "Target Rommel: The Allied Attempts to Assassinate Hitler's General" is the story of the highly decorated and well respected General Erwin Rommel who was one of their biggest and brightest military assets. Rommel was a military strategist who thought 'outside of the box', a tactic which more than once either brought him an unexpected victory, or saved him from almost certain defeat. His reputation had been gained early in the Second World War, while commander of the 7th Panzer Division during the invasion of France, and as the commander of German forces during the North African campaign between 1941 and 1943.

Such was his influence not only as a military strategist but on the morale of the men who served under him, as well as that of the German public, that the British government decided it needed to make concerted efforts to try to capture or eliminate him, making Rommel the only German officer of the Second World War that the allied authorities were prepared to put such time, manpower and commitment into eliminating.

Two operations were put in to place to try to achieve this: Operation Flipper in November 1941, and Operation Gaff in July 1944. Both operations failed for different reasons, but just three months after the latter of the two operations, Rommel was dead, forced to commit suicide by Adolf Hitler for his part in the attempt to assassinate him on 20 July 1944. Such was the level of Rommel's popularity and importance that the Nazi authorities reported the cause of his death to be injuries sustained in an attack on his staff car by enemy aircraft. Indeed, it was only after the war that the truth behind his death was revealed.

Critique: A compelling and revelatory account of one of the lesser known events of World War II, and one with a particularly ironic conclusion when Adolph Hitler accomplished what the Allied Forces failed to achieve in two well planed attempts, "Target Rommel: The Allied Attempts to Assassinate Hitler's General" is an inherently fascinating read. Enhanced with the inclusion of historical photographs, and available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $16.99), "Target Rommel: The Allied Attempts to Assassinate Hitler's General" is recommended as a core addition to community, college, and university library World War II Military Histories & Biographies collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.

Editorial Note: Stephen Wynn is a retired police officer having served with Essex Police as a constable for thirty years between 1983 and 2013. His sons served five tours of Afghanistan between 2008 and 2013 and both were injured. This led to the publication of his first book, "Two Sons in a Warzone - Afghanistan: The True Story of a Father's Conflict", published in October 2010. Both of Stephen's grandfathers served in and survived the First World War, one with the Royal Irish Rifles, the other in the Mercantile Marine, whilst his father was a member of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps during the Second World War.


The Science Shelf

The Carriers
Anne Skomorowsky
Columbia University Press
61 West 62nd Street, New York, NY 10023-7015
http://cup.columbia.edu
9780231197663, $28.00, HC, 280pp

https://www.amazon.com/Carriers-Fragile-Heredity-Scientific-Discovery/dp/0231197667

Synopsis: A tiny mutation on the X chromosome can shape a family's history. Passed down from a "carrier" parent to a child, fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and autism. Beyond that (and a rarity among genetic disorders) some fragile X carriers not only transmit the mutation but also experience related conditions themselves. In such cases, carriers can have tremors, infertility, and psychiatric disorders that complicate raising children with fragile X syndrome -- and all too often, they suffer in silence.

"The Carriers: What the Fragile X Gene Reveals About Family, Heredity, and Scientific Discovery" investigates this common but still little-known genetic condition and its life-altering consequences.

Psychiatrist and academician Anne Skomorowsky reveals how this disorder afflicts families across generations, telling the stories of the mothers and grandparents of fragile X patients and considering how genes interact with family dynamics. She interweaves the personal narratives and family histories of the people affected by fragile X disorders with clear and accessible explanations of the science behind them. Skomorowsky unpacks the latest research on the fragile X mutation and explores the history of its discovery. She highlights the roles of women as carriers, caregivers, and researchers who have made astonishing scientific breakthroughs over the last three decades.

Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, and enhanced with an espically informative Foreword by pediatric professor and Fragile X researcher Randy J. Hagerman, "The Carriers: What the Fragile X Gene Reveals About Family, Heredity, and Scientific Discovery" is essential reading for fragile X families, including those just learning they are carriers, and for all professional and non-specialist general readers with an interested in the complexities of heredity, the ethical dilemmas of genetic medicine, and the relationship between genes and personality.

While an essential and unreservedly recommended addition to community, college, university library Genetics collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists, it should be noted for medical students, academia, medical professionals, and the general public that "The Carriers: What the Fragile X Gene Reveals About Family, Heredity, and Scientific Discovery" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $15.39).

Editorial Note #1: Anne Skomorowsky is a clinical instructor in psychiatry at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine and attending psychiatrist at NYU Langone Hospital. Her writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Scientific American, and Slate.

Editorial Note #2: Randi J. Hagerman is a distinguished professor of pediatrics at the University of California Davis Medical Center and director of the Fragile X Research and Treatment Center at the MIND Institute, where she holds an endowed chair in fragile X research.

NASA Missions to Mars
Piers Bizony
Motorbooks
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
100 Cummings Center, Suite 265D, Beverly, MA 01915
www.quartoknows.com
9780760373149, $50.00, HC, 196pp

https://www.amazon.com/NASA-Missions-Mars-History-Explore/dp/0760373140

Synopsis: Space exploration has always been about pushing boundaries, but perhaps the achievement which has most piqued a sense of possibility has been the exploration of Mars. Beginning with Soviet and American flybys in the early 1960s that were part and parcel of the Space Race, with the publication of "NASA Missions to Mars: A Visual History of Our Quest to Explore the Red Planet", space historian Piers Bizony continues with complete coverage of the Viking 1 and 2 missions of 1975 - 1976. Bizony also traces NASA's acclaimed rover program, describing the development, technologies, mission histories, and achievements of the rovers Sojourner, Opportunity, Spirit, and Curiosity -- all on the 25th anniversary of their first landing.

Comprised of simply awe-inspiring photographic images, "NASA Missions to Mars: A Visual History of Our Quest to Explore the Red Planet" book includes: An engaging and complete history of Mars exploration; A treasure trove of imagery from the NASA archives, including photos and cartography beamed home, artworks and concept drawings created during development phases, as well as photography created to document testing phases; A glimpse of future plans for Mars exploration and habitation; Coverage of orbiters sent to the red planet by not only NASA but by space agencies from Russia, India, Japan, Europe, China, and the UAE; and a two-sided 24-inch gatefold.

Humankind's fascination with Mars can be traced back to prewar science fiction. While the billions of dollars and ingenious innovations have allowed us incredible views from more than 51 million miles away, no less incredible are the insights these missions, hardware, and scientists have provided into our universe - and our own planet. "NASA Missions to Mars: A Visual History of Our Quest to Explore the Red Planet" is a complete illustrated history of those efforts.

Critique: A coffee-table style book (12.13 x 1 x 12.13 inches), "NASA Missions to Mars: A Visual History of Our Quest to Explore the Red Planet" is a unique, informative, and beautifully presented volume that is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, college, and university library Space Flight/Solar Exploration, and Astronautical Science collections in general, and Astronomy/Mars supplemental curriculum studies lists in particular. Librarians should also note that "NASA Missions to Mars: A Visual History of Our Quest to Explore the Red Planet" would make an excellent Memorial Fund acquisition selection.

Editorial Note: Piers Bizony is an experienced multimedia professional who has written about science and the history of technology for a wide variety of publishers worldwide, and has undertaken major projects for the media departments at NASA and ESA. He has also gained substantial experience within the film and television industries. The author of Quarto's Moonshots, The Art of NASA, NASA Space Shuttle: 40th Anniversary, and other titles, Bizony also worked closely with the family of Stanley Kubrick, in conjunction with Warner Bros. and fine art publishers Taschen on a large-format book about the making of 2001: A Space Odyssey.

The Skies Above
Dennis Mersereau
Mountaineers Books
1001 SW Klickitat Way, Suite 201, Seattle, WA 98134-1161
www.mountaineersbooks.org
9781680515558, $19.95, PB, 232pp

https://www.amazon.com/Skies-Above-Clouds-Everyday-Phenomena/dp/1680515551

Synopsis: Written by self-professed weather geek and trained meteorologist Dennis Mersereau, "The Skies Above: Storm Clouds, Blood Moons, and Other Everyday Phenomena" is designed to inspire equal parts amazement and curiosity. Accessible science, illuminating illustrations, and stunning photography bring the meteorological world to life. From basics such as weather fronts and types of precipitation to more unusual occurrences like polar vortexes, meteor showers, solar eclipses, and the spectacular mammatus clouds that signify a supercell thunderstorm, Mersereau tracks key phenomena across the seasons and demystifies celestial events visible to the naked eye but still enigmatic to most. He also delves into how climate change affects weather, forecasts, and other events, such as devastating wildfires and historic hurricanes churning across the Atlantic Ocean.

Critique: Comprehensive and informative, exceptionally well written and organized, "The Skies Above: Storm Clouds, Blood Moons, and Other Everyday Phenomena" provides readers with insights and understandings of the processes and events that are in the atomosphere,. Events and processes which not only reduces anxiety produced by raucous storms by understanding what is happening and why, but instills a stronger and more meaningful appreciation of the beauty of days both stormy and calm weather. While especially recommended for highschool and community library Weather Science collections, it should be noted for students, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "The Skies Above: Storm Clouds, Blood Moons, and Other Everyday Phenomena" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: After studying meteorology in college, Dennis Mersereau went off to write for the Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang and Gawker's weather vertical, The Vane, as well as for Popular Science, Mental Floss, Forbes, and The Weather Network. He also teamed up with survival experts to write The Extreme Weather Survival Manual (Outdoor Life, 2015). He maintains an informative website at www.damweather.com and can be followed on Twitter @wxdam

Selman's The Fundamentals of Imaging Physics and Radiobiology, tenth edition
Victor White, Ph.D., RT (R)
Charles C. Thomas, Publisher
2600 South First Street, Springfield, IL 62704
http://www.ccthomas.com
9780398093181, $69.95, HC, 608pp
9780398093198, $69.95, ebook

https://www.amazon.com/Selmans-Fundamentals-Imaging-Physics-Radiobiology/dp/0398093180

Synopsis: Now in its tenth edition, "Selman's The Fundamentals of Imaging Physics and Radiobiology" by Victor White is the continuation of a seminal work in radiation physics and radiation biology first published by Joseph Selman, MD, in 1954 by Charles C Thomas, Publisher, Ltd., Springfield, IL.

Many significant changes have been made in this tenth edition. Color photographs and new illustrations have been provided for several existing chapters and for the new chapters in this edition. Revisions and updates have been completed for Chapters 1 through 28, whereas Chapters 29 to 33 are all new. The overall style of Doctor Selman is still present, but, with any revision, the style of the present author is also present. In essence, the author's raison d'etre in revising this book was to better reflect current radiology practice and to honor the work of Doctor Selman.

Topics discussed in this textbook deal with the physics of x-radiation, the biological interaction of radiation with matter, and all aspects of imaging equipment and technology commonly found in the modern radiology department. The chapter on computed tomography (CT) has been heavily revised and updated. Protective measures regarding radiation safety and radiation hazards for workers and patients are thoroughly discussed and new chapters on dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound (US), fusion and molecular imaging have been added.

This new tenth edition of "Selman's The Fundamentals of Imaging Physics and Radiobiology" will be especially helpful to students about to take the ARRT (R) registry examination, but it is not a registry review book per se, and will also serves as a good overview of radiologic imaging physics for radiographers and other medical professionals.

Critique: In addition to an informative Preface and Introduction, this new tenth edition of "Selman's The Fundamentals of Imaging Physics and Radiobiology" is enhanced for academia, students and practitioners with the inclusion of a ten page Appendix (Answers to Problems), a ten page Bibliography, and a thirty page Index. While also available in a digital book format from the publisher (ebook, 9780398093198, $69.95), "Selman's The Fundamentals of Imaging Physics and Radiobiology" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, college, and university library Radiology & Ultrasound collections and supplemental curriculum textbook lists.


The Cookbook Shelf

Betty Crocker Simply Delicious Diabetes Cookbook
Sara Kwak, editor
Tony Kubat, photography
Mariner Books
c/o Harper Collins Publishers
195 Broadway, New York, NY 10002
www.BettyCrocker.com
9780358659075, $24,99 PB, $12.99 Kindle, 352pp

https://www.amazon.com/Crocker-Simply-Delicious-Diabetes-Cookbook/dp/0358659078

Synopsis: The "Simply Delicious Diabetes Cookbook: 160+ Nutritious Recipes For Foods You Love"from Betty Crocker is a jam-packed collection of healthy new recipes that are diabetic friendly. It is divided into 6 chapters including basics, breakfasts, light meals & snacks, salads and veggies, dinners, and sweet treats & refreshing drinks.

Recipes are presented with ingredients first with standard measurements, and carb choices highlighted at the top right, plus simple numbered sequenced steps for preparation. Nutritional information per serving is also listed at the end, to make conscientious dieting easier. Excellent, tempting color photos of nearly all recipes are provided, adding to flavor appeal.

Some tasty recipes include Sheet Pan-Roasted Summer Vegetables, Loaded BLT Avocado lettuce Wraps, Beef-Veggie Burgers with Honey-Horseradish Sauce, Gingersnap Apple Crisp Yogurt Bowl, Thai Peanut -Coconut Sauce, Coconut Curry Chicken, and Peach ice Cream. An emphasis on fresh fruits and veggies permeates recipes, plus different international flavors. A particularly delicious dessert recipe is the Banana-Cardamom Snack Cake, which has no added sugar. Unusual veggie treatments include the Parmesan Carrot Fries, and Roasted Asparagus with Mushrooms and Walnuts.

For international cooks, there is a handy Metric Conversion Guide on page 346.

Critique: Home chefs and families adapting their menus to the needs of diabetic consumers will greet this illustrated and kitchen cook friendly edition of "Simply Delicious Diabetes Cookbook" with unmitigated delight. Easy-to-use, and featuring a vast array of mouth-watering creations, "Simply Delicious Diabetes Cookbook" is a "must-have" for any household with a diabetic or pre-diabetic resident. Happy menu exploration and healthy cooking to all readers and fans!

Simply Plant Based
Vanita Rahman, MD
The Book Publishing Company
PO Box 99, Summertown, TN 38483
www.BookPubCo.com
9781570674044, $21.95, PB, 176pp

https://www.amazon.com/Simply-Plant-Based-Fabulous-Healthy/dp/1570674043

Synopsis: The simplest and most health-promoting diet is built on whole, plant-based foods that are low in fat, sugar, and sodium and high in fiber and nutrients. This is the ideal diet for fighting inflammation and avoiding chronic disease. But more than a diet, this is a lifestyle. And to be sustainable, the food must be delicious, interesting, and fun to eat.

"Simply Plant Based: Fabulous Food for a Healthy Life" by Dr. Vanita Rahman offers a smorgasbord of family friendly, satisfying options. When planning menus, family cooks can choose from Savory Kale Scones or Chocolate Chip Crepes for breakfast, Asian Noodle Soup or Chipotle Black Bean burgers for lunch, or Fettuccine Alfredo with Mushrooms or Veggie Lasagna for dinner. Or select from a diversity of innovative fare that includes Potato Panini, Cauliflower Wings, and Edamame Hummus, as well as international favorites, such as Baba Ghanoush and Aloo Gobi.

Eating healthy and dining well has never been easier. As a certified nutritionist, Dr Rahman also addresses nutritional concerns about plant\-based diets, including protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and soy estrogens. And as a practicing physician, cites health benefits such as weight loss; lowered blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol; reduced joint pain; and increased energy. Under her guidance, you'll experience an exciting kitchen adventure and a new lease on life.

Critique: Beautifully and profusely illustrated with full page color photographs of finished dishes, "Simply Plant Based: Fabulous Food for a Healthy Life" is a mouth watering treat to simply browse through one delicious page after another, in addition to 'cook friendly' listing of ingredients and preparation steps, each recipe also includes succinct advice for serving and storing that particular dish. Perfect for planning memorable, palate-pleasing, appetite satisfying, and healthy menus, "Simply Plant Based: Fabulous Food for a Healthy Life" will prove to be an immediately popular and prized addition to personal, professional, family, and community library cook book collections.

Editorial Note: Vanita Rahman, MD, is a board-certified physician in internal medicine. A member of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Dr. Rahman is the clinic director at the Barnard Medical Center in Washington DC where she conducts nutrition education programs, and provides patient care with an emphasis on plant-based nutrition.

Vegetariana: A Rich Harvest of Wit, Lore, & Recipes
Nava Atlas
Amberwood Press
www.TheVeganAtlas.com
9781737133407, $28.00, HC, 216pp

https://www.amazon.com/Vegetariana-Rich-Harvest-Lore-Recipes/dp/1737133407

Synopsis: First published in 1984, "Vegetariana" was one of the quirkiest entries in the field of hand-illustrated cookbooks. Now in its fourth edition (and for the first time entirely vegan) "Vegetariana: A Rich Harvest of Wit, Lore, & Recipes" by Nava Atlas is once again available for new readers to enjoy and original fans to rediscover.

While more than 170 easy recipes are at the heart of its pages, this newly updated and expanded edition of "Vegetariana" is much more than just another vegetarian cookbook -- it is an informative and entertaining sampler of literary quotations, folk wisdom, botanical lore, and historical anecdotes. So even if you don't like to cook, this is one cookbook that can be read in bed!

Taking her cues from her subjects, Nava Atlas animates the pages with whimsical pencil illustrations to create an unforgettable visual experience that will delight food lovers of all culinary persuasions. The quirky art and design of "Vegetariana" taps into a nostalgia both for beautifully illustrated books and simple, hearty food. This culinary compendium has a kind of soul and wit that "Vegetariana" became famous for.

Critique: A simple pleasure to simply browse through again and again, "Vegetariana: A Rich Harvest of Wit, Lore, & Recipes" by Nava Atlas is an ideal resource to plan palate pleasing, appetite satisfying, and truly memorable meals with. Simply stated, "Vegetariana: A Rich Harvest of Wit, Lore, & Recipes" is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, family, and community library Vegetarian Cookbook collections.

Editorial Note: Nava Atlas has written (and often illustrated) many vegetarian and vegan cookbooks, including American Harvest, 5-Ingredient Vegan, Wild About Greens, Vegan Holiday Kitchen, and Vegan Soups and Hearty Stews for All Seasons. Nava also creates trade and limited edition visual books on women's issues, notably, The Literary Ladies' Guide to the Writing Life and Secret Recipes for the Modern Wife. She maintains two web sites: The Vegan Atlas (www.theveganatlas.com) and Literary Ladies Guide (www.literaryladiesguide.com).

Saveur: The New Classics Cookbook, expanded edition
Weldon Owen, Inc.
c/o Insight Editions
PO Box 3088, San Rafael, CA 94912
www.insighteditions.com
9781681887579, $40.00, HC, 656pp

https://www.amazon.com/Saveur-Classics-Cookbook-Expanded-Recipes/dp/1681887576

Synopsis: This new and expanded edition of "Saveur: The New Classics Cookbook" features more than 50 brand new recipes ranging from dishes that emphasize vegetables and plant-based diets to delicious burritos, calzones, and more -- all with the global flavors and international cuisines that are a hallmark of Saveur.

This masterful selection celebrates the brand's authority, heritage, and depth of worldwide culinary knowledge in what will become an indispensable and treasured guide for everyone who relishes authentic cooking performed at Saveur's standard of excellence.

Offering authentic, mouthwatering recipes for virtually every type of dish (from tapas and cocktails to salads, dumplings, one pot meals, and more), essential techniques, and practical advice, this thorough collection of recipes from the pages of Saveur represents a comprehensive foundation for any home cook looking for a go-to guide from a trusted source.

This culinary compendium also includes suggested menus for holidays and special occasions, illustrative sidebars that showcase groups of ingredients (such as the Mexican pantry, different varieties of tomatoes, what makes a good tagine) or provide easy-to-follow instructions for techniques (like how to crimp a dumpling or fold an empanada); and scores of gorgeous full-color photographs that bring the cuisine to life.

Critique: Beautifully illustrated with full color photos of finished dishes, and comprised of some 1,100+ recipes, as well as expert culinary advice, tips, and tales, this newly expanded edition of "Saveur: The New Classics Cookbook" is a savory delight to browse through and an inspirational pleasure to plan menus with. Simply stated, "Saveur: The New Classics Cookbook" is an elegant, substantional, and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, family, and community library cookbook collections.

Editorial Note: Weldon Owen is an imprint of Insight Editions, a publisher of illustrated books on food & drink, photography, music, and popular culture. Elegant and informative, their books showcase the best of art, photography, and design in exquisite presentations of the bookmaker's craft.

Berber&Q: On Vegetables
Josh Katz
Kyle Books
c/o Octopus Publishing
236 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
http://www.kylebooks.com
9780857839879, 208pp

https://www.amazon.com/Berber-Vegetables-grilling-roasting-slow-cooking/dp/085783987X

Synopsis: Eating vegetables doesn't need to be boring. In fact, it can be the most joyful and satisfying way to eat. Fresh vegetables (paired with bold flavors and cooked with care) can be made the hero of every dish. In "Berber&Q: On Vegetables" by Chef Josh Katz, there are countless options to cook every type of vegetable ranging from a quick scorch in the pan and a flash of heat from the grill, to a low and slow roast, as well as methods for how to season and flavor using simple marinades, dustings of spice and deliciously sweet and sour dressings.

Taking inspiration from his travels, from London to North Africa and to the Middle East, Josh's flavor combinations are unusual and create memorable dishes that everyone will enjoy. And with conventional cooking methods included for every dish, there is no reason not to try something new. "Berber&Q: On Vegetables" features over 100 recipes, providing endless possibilities for how to transform everyday vegetables into delicious, easy to prepare dishes that don't compromise on flavor.

Critique: Beautifully and profusely illustrated throughout with the full page color photography of finished dishes, "Berber&Q: On Vegetables" is a pleasure and inspiration to browse through one palate-pleasing, appetite-satisfying recipe at a time. An ideal culinary resource for planning truly memorable menus with for any and all dining occasions, "Berber&Q: On Vegetables" is a welcome and recommended addition to personal, professional, and community library cookbook collections. It should be noted that "Berber&Q: On Vegetables" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $15.99).

Editorial Note: Josh Katz has trained in some of the best kitchens in London including Galvin Bistrot de Luxe and Ottolenghi, before being appointed head chef (2010) at Made In Camden. Berber & Q, his first restaurant, opened in 2015 to universal plaudits. Berber & Q Shawarma Bar, Josh's second restaurant, opened on Exmouth Market in 2016. Widely recognized as an expert in live fire cookery and barbecuing technique, his food is influenced by the cuisines of North Africa across the Mediterranean basin and on to the Middle East.

The Gluten-Free Cookbook
Cristian Broglia, author
Ellie Smith, editor
Phaidon Press
65 Bleecker Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10012
www.phaidon.com
9781838663131, $49.95, HC, 432pp

https://www.amazon.com/Gluten-Free-Cookbook-Cristian-Broglia/dp/1838663134

Synopsis: Featuring 350 delicious and naturally gluten-free recipes drawn from the cuisine of more than 80 countries, "The Gluten-Free Cookbook" is a simply gorgeous and comprehensive compendium of recipes that spotlights everyday dishes illustrating the diversity of recipes that are deliciously gluten-free by design, rather than being reliant upon the use of special ingredients or substitutions.

Ranging from iconic dishes to much-loved regional foods, the global recipes in this culinary compendium include Summer Rolls (Vietnam), Shrimp & Grits (USA), Steak with Chimichurri Sauce (Argentina) , Stewed Fava Beans (Egypt), Pavlova (Australia), Vegetable Pakoras (India), and Vanilla Flan (Mexico), all of which are naturally without gluten. "The Gluten- Free Cookbook" highlights vegan, vegetarian, nut-free, and dairy-free options, along with easy-to-make 30-minute meals for those in a hurry.

Critique: Especially recommended for those who are on a gluten-free diet or who are simply looking to experiment with gluten-free cooking, "The Gluten-Free Cookbook" is an ideal resource and a distinct pleasure to plan memorable menus with. A nicely illustrated and thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' compendium of step-by-step recipes for palate pleasing, appetite satisfying, and wheat-free dishes for every breakfast, lunch, and dinner dining occasion, "The Gluten-free Cookbook" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to personal, professional, family, and community library cookbook collection.

Editorial Note: Cristian Broglia started his culinary career in his hometown of Parma, Italy, before his desire to discover new cultures, recipes, and ingredients led him to cook throughout Europe, Latin America, Asia, and North America. He was the long-time executive chef of Alma (the International School of Italian Cuisine) and in 2017, he opened the research and development food laboratory CHEFin LAB.


The General Fiction Shelf

A Mother's Secret
Caroline Finnerty
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781801625364, $TBA, Large Print, PB, 478pp

https://www.ulverscroft.com/title.php?sqlCmd=isbn%3D9781801625296

Synopsis: In one split second, Aidan Whelan's perfect world is changed forever when his wife Rowan and three-year old daughter Milly are involved in a tragic accident.

Helena O'Herlihy and her husband James have been struggling in their marriage but a knock on the door telling her that James has been involved in a car crash, has Helena rushing to his side.

When Aidan and Helena bump into each other at Dublin City Hospital, they soon begin to wonder if it's more than just coincidence that brought them there. Why were Rowan and James in the car together on that fateful morning? Through their pain and tears, they form a bond as they try to piece together what really did happen on the morning of the crash.

As the lies begin to unravel and secrets are uncovered, can Aidan save what's left of his family and Helena her marriage?

Critique: A carefully crafted and complex novel by a master of the narrative driven storytelling style, "A Mother's Secret" by Caroline Finnerty is an inherently fascinating and fully engaging read from first page to last -- making this large print paperback edition from Boldwood Books a truly welcome addition to personal reading lists and community library Contemporary General Fictions.

Editorial Note: Fans of novelist Caroline Finnerty can visit her informative website at www.carolinefinnerty.ie or contact her on Facebook (carolinefinnertywriter) or on Twitter @cfinnertywriter

A Spring Surprise For The Cornish Midwife
Jo Bartlett
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781800489707, $TBA, PB, Large Print, 506pp

https://www.ulverscroft.com/title.php?sqlCmd=isbn%3D9781800489707

Synopsis: Midwife Jess knows she'll never have a baby of her own, but she's determined to still be a mum. So Jess decides to foster, providing love and support for children who desperately need it -- something Jess never had as a child when she was in foster care.

Jess loves caring for the precious babies who come into her life, but letting them go again breaks her heart every time. Can she really be a mum after all?

But then Jess finds a surprise on her doorstep in the form of a newborn baby! As the search for the missing mum begins, Jess cares for the precious babe day and night. She desperately wants to reunite mum and baby, but knows that when the day comes, her own heart will shatter.

Critique: An impressively engaging and entertaining read from cover to cover, "A Spring Surprise For The Cornish Midwife" wonderfully showcases author Jo Bartlett's imaginative talents as a novelist and will have a very special attraction for those who appreciate and outstanding and truly memorable work of contemporary women's fiction. This large print paperback edition of "A Spring Surprise For The Cornish Midwife" is especially recommended for personal reading lists and community library general fiction collections.

Editorial Note: Jo Bartlett has made up stories for as long as she can remember, but never really took it any further until writing her debut novel in 2015. Since then she has another 19 novels to her credit. A list of her novels can is at https://www.fictiondb.com/author/jo-bartlett~502522.htm

The Orphan in the Peacock Shawl
Annemarie Brear
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781801627535, $TBA, Large Print, PB, 478pp

https://www.ulverscroft.com/title.php?sqlCmd=isbn%3D9781801627535

Synopsis: Yorkshire Dales, England, 1850. As a terrible storm rages, Annabelle Wallis is shocked to find a distressed young woman at her cottage door, heavy with child. Moments later a baby girl is born. But by dawn, the mother has vanished, leaving behind the helpless child wrapped only in a silk peacock shawl.

When news spreads that Lady Eliza Hartley, sister to wealthy estate owner, John Hartley, has been found dead, Annabelle realizes the terrible secret she has stumbled on. Terrified she'll be blamed for Eliza's death, Annabelle flees to the filthy slums of York, where she plans to raise the precious orphan as her own.

But the cobbled streets of York's slums are no place for a young woman like Annabelle or a Hartley babe and John Hartley is determined to bring them both home. But Annabelle proves impossible to find. Annabelle can't hide forever from the wealthy Hartley family, but can she ever give up the baby she loves?

Critique: A deftly crafted and inherently engaging historical novel featuring skillfully drawn characters and unexpected plot developments that keep the reader fully entertained from beginning to end, this large print paperback edition of "The Orphan in the Peacock Shawl" from Boldwood Books is highly recommended, both for the ever growing number of AnneMarie Brear fans and community library general fiction collections.

Editorial Note: Australian born AnneMarie Brear writes historical novels and modern romances and sometimes the odd short story, too. She especially enjoys researching historical eras and looking for inspiration for her next book. She has a website at http://www.annemariebrear.com. She can be followed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/annemariebrear and on Twitter @annemariebrear


The Historical Fiction Shelf

Beyond The Distant Hills
Annemarie
Aurora Large Print
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781787828469, $TBA, Large Print, PB, 306pp

https://www.ulverscroft.com/title.php?sqlCmd=isbn%3D9781787828469

Synopsis: Australia, 1853. Settled in the colony, Ellen is determined to make a happy new life for her family, and forget the horrors of famine-struck Ireland. Married for security, she works hard developing their estate in order to give her children the privileged life they could have only imagined back home.

However, danger lurks when a man from her past threatens her beloved sons; and when her marriage begins to crumble, all that she thought was safe is suddenly in jeopardy.

Rafe Hamilton loves Ellen, but she is married to another; yet when he is faced with helping her once more, he doesn't hesitate to act. Only he makes a mistake which could cost him everything he always wanted.

Critique: An extraordinary, engaging, entertaining read replete with unexpected plot twists and turns, and populated with memorable characters, this large print paperback edition from Aurora Large Print of author Annemarie Brear's novel "Beyond the Distant Hills" is especially and unreservedly recommended for the personal reading lists for fans of the family saga genre, and community library General Fiction collections.

Editorial Note: Award winning author and Amazon UK bestseller novelist AnneMarie Brear has been a life-long reader and started her writing career in 1997. She has a love of history, of grand old English houses and a fascination of what might have happened beyond their walls. She is noted for her several historical family saga novels.

Stray Angel
Kay Brellend
http://www.kaybrellend.com
Magna Large Print
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9780750549356, $TBA, Large Print, PB, 396pp

https://www.ulverscroft.com/title.php?sqlCmd=isbn%3D9780750549356

Synopsis: East London, 1915. While the man she loves is away fighting, Lily Larkin wakes up at dawn to carry crates of apples to the market stall. Left in charge of Greg's warehouse, she has blossomed from a street urchin into a shrewd trades woman. But the market is very much a man's world and she attracts some unwanted visitors, including Greg's old rival Scully.

Luckily, Lily recruits her old friends, Margie and Fanny, as helping hands. But Lily has one trouble she must keep secret: before dying, her mother gave birth to a child who was spirited away. Searching every corner of the city to find her long-lost sister, Lily soon discovers there is a world of wickedness within London's poorest alleys.

Critique: An impressively original and inherently riveting read from first page to last, "Stray Angel" by author Kay Brellend is a true saga of a novel and this large print paperback edition from the British publisher Magna Large Print will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to community library General Fiction collections and the personal reading lists of fans with a particular interest in family saga novels.

Editorial Note: Kay Brellend is the author of a series of five books set in Campbell Road, Islington AKA The Bunk, due to the proliferation of doss houses there. Her fans can visit her website at http://www.kaybrellend.com for news, upcoming titles and more.


The Literary Fiction Shelf

Avenue of Champions
Conor Kerr
Nightwood Editions
c/o Harbour Publishing
www.harbourpublishing.com
9780889714182, $21.95, PB, 256pp

https://www.amazon.com/Avenue-Champions-Conor-Kerr/dp/0889714185

Synopsis: Daniel is a young Metis man searching for a way to exist in a world of lateral violence, intergenerational trauma and systemic racism. Facing obstacles of his own at every turn, he observes and learns from the lived realities of his family members, friends, teachers and lovers. He finds hope in the inherent connection of Indigenous Peoples to their land, and the permanence of culture, language and ceremony in the face of displacement.

Set in Edmonton, "Avenue of Champions" considers Indigenous youth in relation to the urban constructs and colonial spaces in which they survive -- from violence, whitewashing, trauma and racism to language revitalization, relationships with Elders, restaking land claims and ultimately, triumph. Although a work of fiction, "Avenue of Champions" is based on Papaschase and Metis oral histories and lived experience.

Critique: All the more impressive when considering that "Avenue of Champions" is short story author and poet Conor Kerr's debut as a novelist, this is an absorbing, entertaining, and thought-provoking story that showcases his genuine flair as a wordsmith and his talents for the kind of narrative driven storytelling that compels the reader's total attention from first page to last. Simply stated, "Avenue of Champions" is an inherently interesting novel that is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists, as well as community, college, and university library Contemporary Literary Fiction collections.

Editorial Note: Conor Kerr is a Metis/Ukrainian educator, writer and harvester. He is a member of the Metis Nation of Alberta, part of the Edmonton Indigenous community and is descended from the Lac Ste. Anne and Fort Des Prairies Metis communities and the Papaschase Cree Nation. His Ukrainian family settled in Treaty 4 territory in Saskatchewan. Conor works as the manager of Indigenous relations and supports at NorQuest College. In 2019, Conor received The Fiddlehead's Ralph Gustafson Poetry Prize. His writing has been anthologized in Best Canadian Stories 2020, Best Canadian Poetry 2020 and has appeared in literary magazines across Canada.

148 Charles Street
Tracy Daugherty
University of Nebraska Press
233 North 8th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588-0255
www.nebraskapress.unl.edu
9781496229748, $19.95, PB, 158pp

https://www.amazon.com/148-Charles-Street-Tracy-Daugherty/dp/1496229746

Synopsis: Professor Tracy Daugherty's historical novel "148 Charles Street" explores the fascinating story of Willa Cather's friendship with Elizabeth Shepley Sergeant. The women shared a passion for writing, for New York, and for the desert Southwest, but their sensibilities could not have been more different: Cather, the novelist of lyrical landscapes and aesthetic refinement, and Sergeant, the muckraking journalist and literary activist.

Their friendship is sorely tested when Cather fictionalizes a war that Sergeant covered as a reporter, calling into question, for both women, the uses of art and journalism, the power of imagination and witness. "148 Charles Street" is a testament to the bonds that endure despite disagreements and misunderstandings, and in the relentlessness of a vanishing past.

"148 Charles Street" explores, as only fiction can, the two writers' interior lives, and contrasts Sergeant's literary activism with Cather's more purely aesthetic approach to writing.

Critique: Deftly crafted writing, a genuine flair for portraying memorable characters, attention to historical detail, "148 Charles Street" is an eloquent, entertaining, and thought-provoking read from first page to last. While also available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $18.95), "148 Charles Street" is especially and unreservedly recommended for community, college, and university library Literary Fiction collections.

Editorial Note: Tracy Daugherty is distinguished emeritus professor of English and Creative Writing at Oregon State University. In addition to biographies of Joan Didion and Joseph Heller, he has published several novels, including High Skies, Axeman's Jazz, The Boy Orator, Desire Provoked, and What Falls Away.

Captain Underwit
Anna Faktorovich
Anaphora Literary Press
https://anaphoraliterary.com
9798750121014, $25.00, HC, 150pp

https://www.amazon.com/Captain-Underwit-Renaissance-Re-Attribution-Modernization/dp/B09K21NSSZ

Synopsis: Captain Underwit has succeeded in becoming a "paper" Captain by bribing the Lieutenant with favors and a below-value land-purchase. Underwit then sends his servant Thomas to purchase books to prepare him to actually carry out military duties, but Thomas instead purchases the "Shakespeare" Folio, and other impractical or irrelevant books in a manner that echoes Don Quixote's belief he could imitate the actions of knights in romance novels.

Meanwhile, Underwit withdraws from London into his father-in-law Sir Richard's country estate. Underwit hires Captain Sackburie to build his military acumen, but Sackburie only has him perform a few military dances before they escape to drink at a tavern.

The plot then digresses from these heavy subjects to romantic entanglements as Sir Richard's wife (Lady) attempts to have an affair with Sir Francis, and Sister flirts with Mr. Courtwell, and Lady's maid, mistress Dorothy, devises a fraudulent scheme to make suitors falsely believe she comes from an aristocratic family to secure a husband.

There are gems under this visage of simplicity, as Engine is attempting to bribe his way into a monopoly on periwigs, and Device the poet recites elegant songs to Sister that he is not sure if he has plagiarized.

The introductory materials explain that the plagiarism of the "Catch" dice-game-song that repeats in the "James Shirley"-bylined Poems &c. (1646) re-affirms Percy's ghostwriting of most "Shirley"-bylined plays as well as Captain, instead of proving "Shirley's" authorship of this group of texts, as critics have previously claimed.

Critique: A classic English country comedy from the British Renaissance era and now ably translated by Anna Faktorovich into modern English for an appreciative readership with an interest in the literature and stage dramas of the time, "Captain Underwit" is an eloquent, unique, and highly recommended contribution to academic library collections. The 14th volume in the British Renaissance Re-Attribution and Modernization Series from the Anaphora Literary Press, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of students, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Captain Underwit" is also available in a paperback edition (9798750120437, $20.00) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).


The Romantic Fiction Shelf

Nowhere Like Home
Teresa Ashby
Linford Romance Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781444848281, $TBA, Large Print, PB, 248pp

https://www.ulverscroft.com/title.php?sqlCmd=isbn%3D9781444848281

Synopsis: Beth Clarke and her younger sister Lexi have moved to the seaside town of Furze Point, where Beth is set to take over the running of The Beach Hut shop from Tom and Carol Bennett. The town welcomes them, but Lexi is unhappy, and Beth worries that she's made a mistake. Then she meets the enigmatic Noah Walsh, who has returned to Furze Point after a twenty-year absence. But not everyone is pleased to see him!

Critique: With the publication of "Nowhere Like Home" in a new large print paperback edition from the Linford Romance Library, once again author Teresa Ashby demonstrates her impressive abilities as a novelist and her mastery of the romance genre. Engaging, entertaining and memorable, "Nowhere Like Home" is an extraordinary and recommended addition to the personal reading lists of dedicated romance fans and community library Contemporary Romance Fiction collections.

Editorial Note: Teresa Ashby is best known for her short stories and serials which have featured regularly in magazines in the UK and abroad since the 1980s.


The Western Fiction Shelf

High Iron
E. E. Halleran
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781785419614, $TBA, PB, Large Print, 344pp

https://www.ulverscroft.com/title.php?sqlCmd=isbn%3D9781785419614

Synopsis: Old Hannibal Putnam was an old prospector who, having hit a bonanza just didn't know when he was licked. Not only had he set out to build a railroad on borrowed money, it had to be high up in the hills. And now there's a spy in the camp. Someone who certainly doesn't want a railroad built. Someone who would kill (and has) to stop it. That's when Hannibal decides to send for his former shooting partner, Lefty Malone. Only Lefty hasn't carried a gun in years -- but when he did he was the fasted two gun law man the west had ever seen and constantly challenged by gunman seeking to create a similar legend for themselves.

Critique: Another deftly crafted western action/adventure novel that is a riveting and compulsive page turner of a read from beginning to end, "High Iron" by veteran western novelist E. E. Halleran is populated by memorable characters, laced with unexpected plot twists, and basically one terrific read that will, in this large print paperback edition from the Linford Western Library, be a particularly popular addition to personal reading lists and community library Western Fiction collections.

The Vengeful Deputy
I. J. Parnham
Linford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781444848830, $TBA, PB, Large Print, 200pp

https://www.ulverscroft.com/title.php?sqlCmd=isbn%3D9781444848830

Synopsis: Lone Ridge was a lawless hellhole -- until the ruthless Nyle King eliminated all the gunslingers and bad men in competition with himself. Now he controls the town, and everyone who opposes him ends up dead. That's when U. S. Marshal Caine tasks his reluctant deputy Gabriel Flynn with bringing Nyle King to justice. Commandeered by Cain once again, Flynn is searching for the outlaw who killed his brother, and comes to believe King may be the key to finding him. But then King claims the recent deaths in town aren't his work, and that someone is trying to frame him -- all bets are off.

Critique: A deftly blended combination of whodunnit mystery trying to solve a series of assassinations, and blazing gunfire combat leading to an ultimate showdown with an unexpected twist, this large print paperback edition of "The Vengeful Deputy" from the Linford Western Library is one terrific gun read for dedicated western action/adventure fans and highly recommended for both personal reading lists and community library western fiction collections.

Editorial Note: Ian J. Parnahm has written 48 western novels. 32 of these books are available on Kindle. More informative details about Ian's life and work his fans can find them on his website at: http://ijparnham.blogspot.com

Lady of the Law
Melody Groves
Five Star Books
c/o Gale Cengage Learning, Inc.
20 Channel Center Street, Boston, MA 02210
https://www.gale.com/five-star
www.cengageptr.com
9781432882624, $25.95, HC, 379pp

https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Law-Maud-Overstreet-2/dp/1432882627

Synopsis: A peaceful Sunday morning shatters when Dry Creek, California's schoolhouse burns to the ground, the first of many fires. Citizens rally around Sheriff Maud Overstreet, a recently elected 30-something spinster, to help extinguish the flames.

Women in the 1870s have little control over their lives and the women of Dry Creek look to Maud as an example of women's progress. Maud soon appoints a woman as fire chief. Then several women choose to run their own businesses, much to the consternation of the male town councilors.

While searching for the arsonist, witnessing a shooting which left a man dead, questioning the new concept of insurance and assuming the salesman was the arsonist, Maud also takes on the role of campaign manager for two of her friends, both running for Mayor.

Toss in a wild romance, a rowdy town dance, establishing a school for Chinese girls and mysterious threatening notes left on her door and desk, Maud Overstreet faces each challenge with determination. She is, after all, a Lady of the Law!

Critique: A fun and inherently engaging read, "Lady of the Law" clearly showcases author Melody Groves sense of humor, skill at deftly crafting memorable characters, and her expertise at creating reader engaging plot twists and turns. "Lady of the Law" is highly recommended as a truly memorable addition to personal reading lists and community library Western Fiction collections.

Editorial Note: Melody Groves is a full-time freelance writer published in Wild West, True West, New Mexico and other magazines. After spending ten years with the New Mexico Gunfighters Association, she learned what it feels like going toe to toe with a revolver-wielding sheriff. Being both "good guy" and "bad guy" gives her a firsthand feel for what her western characters experience. Melody is also a contributing editor for Round Up magazine for Western Writers of America, as well as a contributing writer for "American Westward Expansion," a collegiate history encyclopedia. She also maintains a website at https://melodygroves.net/


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

Takeover
Edie Baylis
Boldwood Books
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print, Inc.
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781802801545, $TBA, Large Print, PB, 574pp

https://www.ulverscroft.com/title.php?sqlCmd=isbn%3D9781802801545

Synopsis: Daddy's girl Samantha Reynold lives a pampered and spoiled life. But when her beloved father is murdered, Sam's perfect life is shattered. Now, only she can step into her father's shoes and take over the family casino business, whether she likes it or not.

Sam knows nothing about the rules of this deadly new world. But she won't let her family down, especially when it looks like they could lose everything to their biggest rivals - the Stoker family, run by gorgeous, but ruthless, eldest son, Sebastian. Sebastian hasn't got time to pander to pretty girl Samantha as she plays at being boss.

Rumors are swirling around the streets of Birmingham that have the power to rip the Stoker family apart and destroy everything they've built. And Seb will stop at nothing to ensure that in this takeover, only one will succeed.

Critique: As an experienced and successful novelist, Edie Baylis writes gritty gangland fiction, using a combination of thrillers, suspense and romance. Her latest crime novel for her growing legion of fans,"Takeover", is, as usual, a compulsively compelling and fully entertaining read from cover to cover. This large print paperback addition from Boldwood Books is particular recommended for personal reading lists and community library Suspense/Thriller collections.

Jane and the Year Without a Summer
Stephanie Barron
Soho Press
853 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
www.sohopress.com
9781641292474, $27.95, HC, 336pp

https://www.amazon.com/Without-Summer-Being-Austen-Mystery/dp/1641292474

Synopsis: In May of 1816, Jane Austen was feeling unwell, with an uneasy stomach, constant fatigue, rashes, fevers and aches. She attributed her poor condition to the stress of family burdens, which even the drafting of her latest manuscript (about a baronet's daughter nursing a broken heart for a daring naval captain) cannot alleviate. Her apothecary recommends a trial of the curative waters at Cheltenham Spa, in Gloucestershire. Jane decides to use some of the profits earned from her last novel, Emma, and treat herself to a period of rest and reflection at the spa, in the company of her sister, Cassandra.

Cheltenham Spa hardly turns out to be the relaxing sojourn Jane and Cassandra envisaged, however. It is immediately obvious that other boarders at the guest house where the Austen sisters are staying have come to Cheltenham with stresses of their own -- some of them deadly. But perhaps with Jane's interference a terrible crime might be prevented.

Set during the Year without a Summer, when the eruption of Mount Tambora in the South Pacific caused a volcanic winter that shrouded the entire planet for sixteen months, and bringing a forgotten moment of Regency history to life"Jane and the Year Without a Summer" is the fourteenth novel in Stephanie Barron's critically acclaimed series, 'Being a Jane Austen Mystery'.

Critique: Another exceptionally fun read for both the legions of Jane Austen fans and all dedicated mystery buffs, "Jane and the Year Without a Summer" once again showcases author and novelist Stephanie Barron's genuinely impressive master of historical mysteries. While also available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99), ""Jane and the Year Without a Summer" is highly recommended and certain to be an enduringly popular addition to community library Historical Mystery/Suspense collections.

Editorial Note: Stephanie Barron attended Princeton and Stanford Universities, where she studied history, before going on to work as an intelligence analyst at the CIA. She wrote her first book in 1992 and left the Agency a year later. Since then, she has written twenty-nine books, including the critically acclaimed Merry Folger series, which she writes under the pseudonym of Francine Mathews.


The Political Science Shelf

The Southernization of America
Frye Gaillard, author
Cynthia Tucker, author
NewSouth Books
105 South Court Street, Montgomery, AL 36104
www.newsouthbooks.com
9781588384560, $25.95, HC, 176pp

https://www.amazon.com/Southernization-America-Story-Democracy-Balance/dp/158838456X

Synopsis: In 1974 John Egerton published his seminal work, "The Americanization of Dixie". Now journalist Cynthia Tucker and author Frye Gaillard carry Egerton's thesis forward with the publication of "The Southernization of America: A Story of Democracy in the Balance".

Comprised of a compelling series of linked essays that consider the role of the South in shaping America's current political and cultural landscape, "The Southernization of America" examines the morphing of the Southern strategy of Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan into the Donald Trump controlled Republican Party of today with its racial backlash against President Obama, the brutal policy of family separation on our southern border, its allegiance with the rise of the Christian right, its response to the white supremacist riots in Charlottesville, its attitude toward the death of George Floyd, and its involvement with respect to the January 6, 2021 attack on our nation's capitol.

"The Southernization of America" also find hope in the South too, with its legacy rooted in the civil rights years that might ultimately lead the nation (and perhaps even the Republican Part) on the path to redemption. In the pages of "The Southernization of America", co-authors Tucker and Gaillard bring to bear a multiracial perspective and their combined years of political reporting to bear on a critical moment in American history, a time of racial reckoning, and a democracy under siege.

Critique: A timely and insightful study of American political issues and practices that threaten American democracy has we have known it since the end of the American Civil War, "The Southernization of America: A Story of Democracy in the Balance" is especially and unreservedly recommended for community, college, and university library Contemporary Political Science collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted for students, academia, political activists, governmental policy makers, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in preserving our democracy that "The Southernization of America: A Story of Democracy in the Balance" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $15.95).

Editorial Note #1: Frye Gaillard is an award-winning journalist with over 30 published works on Southern history and culture, including Watermelon Wine; Cradle of Freedom: Alabama and the Movement that Changed America; The Books That Mattered: A Reader's Memoir; Journey to the Wilderness: War, Memory, and a Southern Family's Civil War Letters; Go South to Freedom; A Hard Rain: America in the 1960s, Our Decade of Hope, Possibility, and Innocence Lost; and The Slave Who Went to Congress. Writer-in-residence at the University of South Alabama, he is also John Egerton Scholar in Residence at the Southern Foodways Alliance at the University of Mississippi. He is the winner of the Clarence Cason Award for Nonfiction Writing, the Lillian Smith Book Award, and the Eugene Current-Garcia Award For Distinction in Literary Scholarship. In 2019, Gaillard was awarded the Alabama Governor's Arts Award for his contributions to literature.

Editorial Note #2: Cynthia Tucker is a Pulitzer Prize-winning syndicated columnist who has spent most of her career in journalism, having previously worked for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as an editorial page editor and as a Washington-based political columnist. She has also been featured as a political commentator on television and radio. Tucker's work as a journalist has been celebrated by the National Association of Black Journalists (who inducted her into its hall of fame), Harvard University, and the Alabama Humanities Foundation. She spent three years as a visiting professor at the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and is currently the journalist-in-residence at the University of South Alabama.

In Contempt: Defending Free Speech, Defeating HUAC
Ed Yellin, author
Jean Fagan Yellin, author
University of Michigan Press
839 Greene Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-3209
www.press.umich.edu
9780472038916, $19.95, HC, 140pp

https://www.amazon.com/Contempt-Defending-Free-Speech-Defeating/dp/0472038915

Synopsis: "YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED to be and appear before the Committee on Un-American Activities of the House of Representatives of the United States, or a duly appointed subcommittee thereof, on February 10 (Monday), 1958, at ten o'clock a.m. at City Council Chambers, City Hall, Gary, Indiana, then and there to testify touching matters of inquiry committed to said committee, and not to depart without leave of said committee."

So began a decade of hardship for Ed and Jean Yellin and their three young children as the repressive weight of the U.S. government, caught up in the throes of McCarthyism, crashed down upon their careers, their daily household budget, and their relationships to colleagues, neighbors, and their country. In Contempt is a faithful, factual testament to the enduring quality of patriotic dissent in our evolving democracy -- and a loving reconstruction of what it meant to be labeled "unAmerican" for defending the Constitution.

Critique: Timely, relevant, and a reminder of how fragile our American democracy is, "In Contempt: Defending Free Speech, Defeating HUAC" is a welcome and necessary contribution to our on-going national conversation about the value of free speech -- what it is, why it matters, and how close we have been (and still are) to losing it. This paperback edition of Ed and Jean Yellin's "In Contempt: Defending Free Speech, Defeating HUAC" from the University of Michigan Press is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, college, and university library Political Science, 20th Century American History, and Free Speech collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.


The Education Shelf

The Classroom Behavior Manual
Scott Ervin
ASCD
1703 North Beauregard Street. Alexandria, VA 22311-1714
www.ascd.org
9781416630784, $33.95, PB, 276pp

https://www.amazon.com/Classroom-Behavior-Manual-Relationships-Behaviors/dp/1416630783

Synopsis: While positive student behaviors are desired outcomes, "The Classroom Behavior Manual: How to Build Relationships with Students, Share Control, and Teach Positive Behaviors" is an instructive manual that concentrates on inputs.

How do you respond to difficult behavior in the moment when you know that punitive, compliance-based behavior management is so often ineffectual? What's the best way to prevent students from acting out in the first place? The path to success requires behavioral leadership, in which teachers strategically model and affirm the behaviors they want to see in students.

With the publication of "The Classroom Behavior Manual: How to Build Relationships with Students, Share Control, and Teach Positive Behaviors", behavior expert Scott Ervin calls on his two decades of experience and expertise to share the most effective procedures and strategies to foster positive, prosocial student behavior that supports learning, including ways to: Organize your physical classroom to support positive classroom management; Build positive teacher-student relationships; Share control with students in a way that best fosters their autonomy.

"The Classroom Behavior Manual: How to Build Relationships with Students, Share Control, and Teach Positive Behaviors" is a resource classroom teachers can return to again and again. Packed with more than 100 strategies and dozens of procedures and tools, teachers will learn how to respond to negative behaviors in non-punitive ways so that they can ensure all their students' school days are as calm, engaging, and educational as they possibly can be.

Critique: A compendium of informative insights, practical instructions, effective tips and techniques, "The Classroom Behavior Manual: How to Build Relationships with Students, Share Control, and Teach Positive Behaviors" is impressively well written, organized and presented. While also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $24.99), "The Classroom Behavior Manual: How to Build Relationships with Students, Share Control, and Teach Positive Behaviors" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, school district, college, and university library Contemporary Education instructional reference collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.

Editorial Note: Scott Ervin has worked with extremely difficult, at-risk, abused, and neglected kids for more than two decades. He has served as a principal, superintendent, and discipline specialist. As a consultant and founder of Ervin Educational Coaching, he has traveled the country teaching parents and educators alike how to be calm and assertive with children. Ervin has also taught classroom management as an adjunct professor at Antioch University Midwest and as a visiting lecturer at Ohio University, University of Dayton, and Wright State University. He also writes the syndicated newspaper column, "Ask the Kid Whisperer." He maintains an informative website at: www.ervineducationalconsulting.com

Systematic Instruction of Functional Skills for Students and Adults with Disabilities
Keith Storey, Ph.D., BCBA-D
Charles C. Thomas, Publisher
2600 South First Street, Springfield, IL 62704
http://www.ccthomas.com
9780398093808, $43.95, PB, 292pp

https://www.amazon.com/Systematic-Instruction-Functional-Students-Disabilities/dp/0398093806

Synopsis: With the publication of a newly updated and expanded third edition of "Systematic Instruction of Functional Skills for Students and Adults with Disabilities", Keith Storey provides an overview of systematic instructional strategies and for the reader's benefit writes in a format so that teachers and other service providers can immediately put the information to use.

"Systematic Instruction of Functional Skills for Students and Adults with Disabilities" specifically focuses upon systematic instruction for individuals with disabilities (school age and adults) and is generic across age groups as well as disability labels. It also focuses on improving instructional practices for students and adults with disabilities.

Practitioners may understand the importance of placing individuals in different settings (e.g., inclusive classrooms, supported employment sites) but not understand how to improve their skills once they are in that setting. "Systematic Instruction of Functional Skills for Students and Adults with Disabilities" is intended to give teachers and other service providers the instructional skills for improving the skills of the individuals that they are serving.

The most unique feature of the text is that it is written specifically for practitioners in the field (teachers and adult service providers) as well as those in training rather than being written for other academics. An advantage of this new edition of "Systematic Instruction of Functional Skills for Students and Adults with Disabilities" is that those preparing teachers and others can easily use it in methods courses as it covers instructional methodology that is seldom covered in detail in most texts.

College instructors will find the book a good choice for their classes based upon: the consistent format throughout the book; the "readability" of the book for students; the comprehensive coverage of systematic instruction; and the direct applicability to applied settings. Others providing instruction, supervision, and training to direct service providers will find "Systematic Instruction of Functional Skills for Students and Adults with Disabilities" useful, such as those working in schools as well as those in transition and adult service settings.

Critique: Enhanced for academia with the inclusion of a fourteen page Appendix of Resources, a fourteen page Author Index, and a three page Subject Index, "Systematic Instruction of Functional Skills for Students and Adults with Disabilities" is an ideal textbook and especially recommended for professional, school district, college, and university library Special Education instructional reference collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.

Editorial Note: Keith Storey was a Clinical Director at Juvo Autism and Behavioral Health Services in Oakland, California. He is also a Professor Emeritus at Touro University in Vallejo, California. He co-edited "Walking Isn't Everything: An Account of the Life of Jean Denecke" and has published over 100 articles in professional journals. His articles can be accessed at Researchgate (https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Keith_Storey). His academia page is at: https://tu-ca.academia.edu/KeithStorey, His Researchgate page is at: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Keith_Storey. He can be followed on Instagram at keith.storey.books


The Computer Shelf

Clean Craftsmanship
Robert C. Martin
Addison-Wesley Professional
c/o Pearson Technology Group
https://www.pearson.com/us
9780136915713, $44.99, PB, 416pp

https://www.amazon.com/Clean-Craftsmanship-Disciplines-Standards-Ethics/dp/013691571X

Synopsis: In "Clean Craftsmanship: Disciplines, Standards, and Ethics", the legendary Robert C. Martin ("Uncle Bob") has written the principles that define the profession (and the craft) of software development. Uncle Bob brings together the disciplines, standards, and ethics you need to deliver robust, effective code and to be proud of all the software you write.

"Clean Craftsmanship" provides a pragmatic, technical, and prescriptive guide to the foundational disciplines of software craftsmanship, along with discussions about standards, showing how the world's expectations of developers often differ from their own and helping you bring the two in sync. "Clean Craftsmanship" then concludes with the ethics of the programming profession, describing the fundamental promises all developers should make to their colleagues, their users, and, above all, themselves.

"Clean Craftsmanship" is comprised of: Practical, specific guidance for applying five core disciplines: test-driven development, refactoring, simple design, collaborative programming, and acceptance tests; How developers and teams can promote productivity, quality, and courage; The true meaning of integrity and teamwork among programmers, and ten specific commitments every software professional should make.

Critique: Comprehensive, informative, exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Clean Craftsmanship: Disciplines, Standards, and Ethics" is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to professional, community, college, and university library Software Testing, Design & Engineering collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists. It should be noted that "Clean Craftsmanship: Disciplines, Standards, and Ethics" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $26.99).

Editorial Note: Robert C. Martin wrote his first line of code at the age of 12 in 1964 and has been employed as a programmer since 1970. He is a co-founder of the website www.cleancoders.com, offering online video training for software developers, and is also the founder of Uncle Bob Consulting LLC, offering software consulting, training, and skill development services to major corporations worldwide. He served as the Master Craftsman at 8th Light, Inc., a Chicago-based software consulting firm and has published dozens of articles in various trade journals, authored many books, and is a regular speaker at international conferences and trade shows.


The Art Shelf

Artist's Guide to Drawing World Wildlife
J. C. Amberlyn
The Monacelli Press
6 West 18th Street, #2C, New York, NY 10011
www.monacellipress.com
9781580935630, $25.00, PB, 240pp

https://www.amazon.com/Artists-Guide-Drawing-World-Wildlife/dp/158093563X

Synopsis: There's a huge and amazing variety of wildlife in the world and "Artist's Guide to Drawing World Wildlife: Essential Step-by-Step Lessons for Beginners" by J. C. Amberlyn will help aspiring artist to get to know and draw it.

First, there's a section on basic techniques and concepts any artist should know when drawing animals, such as information on anatomy, body types, how to draw fur and feathers, and other useful tips. "Artist's Guide to Drawing World Wildlife: Essential Step-by-Step Lessons for Beginners" then explores many of the best-known or notable species of wildlife around the world, looking at carnivores, omnivores, and herbivores.

Most well-known mammals can be found here, plus some lesser-known ones. There's also a look at some birds and reptiles. Each section comprising "Artist's Guide to Drawing World Wildlife: Essential Step-by-Step Lessons for Beginners" focuses on a type of animal, compares similar species, and contains step-by-step drawings and other instruction to heighten the reader's skills in drawing wild animals.

Critique: Thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "Artist's Guide to Drawing World Wildlife: Essential Step-by-Step Lessons for Beginners" is a complete and comprehensive DIY instructional guide and 'how-to' manual that is unreservedly recommended -- especially for the novice artist. "Artist's Guide to Drawing World Wildlife: Essential Step-by-Step Lessons for Beginners" is particularly recommended as a school art class curriculum textbook, as well as personal, professional, community, college, and university library Art Instruction collections.

Editorial Note: J.C. Amberlyn is an award-winning artist, animator, graphic novelist, photographer, naturalist, and animal lover. The author of the Monacelli Studio's How to Draw Manga Characters, How to Draw Manga Animals, How to Draw Dogs and Puppies, How to Draw Cats and Kittens, and How to Draw Magical Mythological Creatures, Amberlyn is also the author of Watson-Guptill's bestselling Drawing Wildlife, Drawing Manga Animals, and The Artist's Guide to Drawing Animals.

Theatres of Melancholy
Patrick Mauries
Thames & Hudson, Inc.
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110-0017
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9780500094075, $65.00, HC, 256pp

https://www.amazon.com/Theatres-Melancholy-Neo-Romantics-Paris-Beyond/dp/0500094071

Synopsis: In 1926, the Galerie Druet in Paris made waves presenting a group of young painters, consisting of an international group of artists: Christian Berard and Therese Debains, both French; Russians Pavel Tchelitchew and the brothers Eugene and Leonid Berman; and the Dutchman Kristians Tonny. These artists had spurned modernist abstraction and returned to a form of figurative painting. For most of them, this was the first time they had exhibited, but their impact was considerable.

Art critic Waldemar- George baptized them the "Neo-Romantics" or the "Neo-Humanists." They were influenced by Picasso, in particular his Blue and Rose periods, but went beyond him to forge new ways of painting. These artists liked to play with forgotten references and obsolete visual devices such as trompe l'oeil. They also produced work for secondary art forms, including the theater, set design, and ballet.

In some ways, they were the first postmodernists in the history of art, yet only recently has their influence on the artists and thinkers of their time become clear. Though friends, these painters never formed a formal group or movement, and World War II sent them on different paths, with the Berman brothers and Tchelitchew moving to the United States. Before their departure, however, their activities attracted the attention and admiration of a cosmopolitan group of characters, including Gertrude Stein, Alfred Barr, Lincoln Kirstein, George Balanchine, and many others, such as leading fashion figures of the day Christian Dior and Elsa Schiaparelli.

Their brooding, often nostalgic work, reproduced here in full color along with an informative commentary, has found a new and appreciative audience in today's art scene.
240 color illustrations

Critique: Enhanced with the inclusion of 240 full color artworks, "Theatres of Melancholy: The Neo-Romantics in Paris and Beyond" by Patrick Mauries is an in-depth and detailed study of the French Neo-Romantics, a cosmopolitan group working in 1920s Paris who turned against modernist abstraction in favor of a new form of figurative painting. This coffee-table style volume (9.4 x 1.1 x 11.4 inches) is exceptional in its organization and presentation, making it an ideal and highly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, college, and university library 20th Century Art History collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.

Editorial Note: Patrick Mauriees is a Paris-based writer of many notable titles on fashion and design. Among his previous books are Maison Goossens: Haute Couture Jewelry, Jewelry by Chanel, The World According to Karl, and Androgyne.


The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf

One Thousand Years of Manga
Brigitte Koyama-Richard
Thames & Hudson
https://thamesandhudson.com
9780500296837 $39.95

https://www.amazon.com/Thousand-Years-Manga-Brigitte-Koyama-Richard/dp/0500296839

Synopsis: This definitive illustrated history of manga is an unparalleled account of the development of a form which is an integral part of Japanese art and culture and now hugely popular throughout the world.

As contemporary as this graphic art form may appear to readers outside of Japan, manga has deep roots in Japanese culture, drawing on centuries- old artistic traditions. Traces can be found in seventh-century temple paintings, folding screens decorated with comic characters, and painted medieval emakimono scrolls. The more familiar manga comics of today echo similar themes, both light-hearted and serious, and draw on narrative forms present in both sagas and skits from Japan's rich cultural heritage.

This volume spans the history of manga in all its splendor and diversity. Among the many highlights included are Hokusai's seminal Hokusai Manga of 1814, the advent of the gekiga style in the 1950s, the landmark Astro Boy by Tezuka Osamu, Lady Oscar, Riyoko Ikeda's shojo manga aimed at young girls, samurai sagas, alternative productions by the review Garo, the demons that populate the works of Mizuki Shigeru, and the latest creations from Jiro Taniguchi. Each period is covered in detail by author Brigitte Koyama-Richard and illustrated with drawings and prints.

One Thousand Years of Manga is both an informative account of the genesis of the form and a visual delight. Featuring more than four hundred illustrations and captivating texts, the book situates manga in its proper context, appreciating it for what it truly is: an integral part of Japanese art and culture that is as rich and revealing as it is popular.

Critique: Featuring a wealth of full-color, often historical art images on virtually every page, One Thousand Years of Manga is an extraordinary history of the evolution of the storytelling medium of Japanese comics. Chapters cover images on early scrolls, the rise of print caricatures, the creation modern of Japanese comic books before World War II and after, the legacy of "the God of modern manga" Tezuka Osamu, a survey of modern-day manga, and more. One Thousand Years of Manga is an extensively researched and expertly presented chronicle, sure to prove a cherished addition to public libraries and the personal shelves of manga enthusiasts alike. Highly recommended!

The Man Who Shot Chris Kyle: An American Legend
Fabien Nury, author
Bruno, artist
Laurence Crotix, colorist
Titan Comics
https://titan-comics.com
9781787737433, $29.99, HC, 176pp

https://www.amazon.com/Man-Who-Shot-Chris-Kyle/dp/1787737438

Synopsis: Chris Kyle was a Navy SEAL sniper who earned several awards for his service. His dramatic story is told for the first time in graphic novel format by the team of author/storyteller Fabien Nury, artist/illustrator Bruno, and colorist Laurence Crotix.

Kyle had published his autobiography only a year before he was murdered -- and has since been lauded as an American hero. This tragic tale adapts part of his memoir and also continues exploring the consequences and fate of those left behind after he was killed.

Critique: An inherently fascinating, impressively presented and informative read, "The Man Who Shot Chris Kyle: An American Legend" with its truly definitive conclusion is one of those books that will linger in the mind and memory long after it has been finished and set back upon the shelf. While also readily available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kinde/Comixology, $28.49), "The Man Who Shot Chris Kyle: An American Legend" is a unique and highly recommended addition to community, college, and university library American Biography and True Crime collections.

Editorial Note: Christopher Scott Kyle (April 8, 1974 - February 2, 2013) was a United States Navy SEAL sniper. He served four tours in the Iraq War and was awarded several commendations for acts of heroism and meritorious service in combat. He had over 150 kills. He was awarded the Silver Star, four Bronze Star Medals with "V" devices, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and numerous other unit and personal awards.

Kyle was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy in 2009, and published his bestselling autobiography, "American Sniper", in 2012. An eponymous film adaptation of Kyle's book, directed by Clint Eastwood, and starring Bradley Cooper as Kyle, was released two years later. In 2013, Kyle was murdered by Eddie Ray Routh at the Rough Creek Lodge shooting range near Chalk Mountain, Texas. Routh, a former Marine with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without parole. (Wikipedia)


The Library CD Shelf

Find My Joy
John Berry
www.johnberry.com
Gaither
www.gaither.com
$13.98 CD / $11.49 MP3

https://www.amazon.com/Find-My-Joy-John-Berry/dp/B09M9YVB73

Grammy-winning country music artist John Berry (b. 1959) presents Find My Joy, his latest album showcasing his talent with the acoustic guitar. A survivor of throat cancer, John Berry sings about the benevolence of Jesus' love and God's providence. Find My Joy resonates with reverence for the divine, and is highly recommended as a spiritual experience. The tracks are Great Is Thy Faithfulness, I Surrender All, Find My Joy, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, It Is Well With My Soul, Something Bigger Than Me, How Great Thou Art, Blessings, Blessed Assurance, and Live Like You.

The Water of Life
Kerani
Kerani Music Studio
www.kerani-official.com
$16.99 CD / $9.49 MP3

https://www.amazon.com/Water-Life-Kerani/dp/B09WK7SGQL

The Water of Life is a symphonic new age album inspired by water itself, a substance vital to life and renewal. A beautiful, inspired and inspiring soundscape that encourages the listener to contemplate the natural world, The Water of Life is a harmonious wonder to experience, and highly recommended for both personal and public library music collections. The tracks are The Water of Life, Healing Rain, Divine Immersion, The Blue Wonder, Sunset Lake, Cascade, The Fountain of Youth, Ocean Tides, Crystalline, and The Water of Life - epilogue.

Glass Spheres
Chris Mondak
chrismondak.com
Summit Records
www.summitrecords.com
$15.99 CD / $6.93 MP3

https://www.amazon.com/Glass-Spheres-Mondak/dp/B09S141V82

Chris Mondak (drums), Hunter Smith (Sax), Gabe Feldman (piano), Lindon McCarty (guitar), and Chris Broomhead (drums) present Glass Spheres, an original combo jazz album that explores musical influences ranging from swing and bebop to avant-garde and pop. Adventurous, inspirational, and thoroughly immersive, Glass Spheres is a "must-have" for jazz connoisseurs, an enrichment to public library music collections, and also highly recommended as an excellent gift. The tracks are Low, Oath Keeper, Brume, In Sleep, Juicy Red, The Only One, and Hats Off.


The Library DVD Shelf

Royalty Free: The Music of Kevin MacLeod
www.royaltyfreedoc.com
First Run Features
firstrunfeatures.com
$24.95 DVD

http://firstrunfeatures.com/royaltyfreevod.html

Royalty Free: The Music of Kevin MacLeod is a DVD documentary about American composer and musician Kevin MacLeod (b. 1972), who has released thousands of his original compositions royalty-free under a Creative Commons copyright license, enabling anyone to use his music for free as long as he receives attribution. This has resulted in his work being used in thousands of films, as well as commercial video games, YouTube videos, and more. Royalty Free also explores the ramifications of the digital audio revolution, which as empowered composers to effectively create an orchestra singlehandedly. The "democratization of music" has two sides - it has enabled great creativity, yet also put the livelihood of some music artists at risk, notably Broadway musicians. Royalty Free: The Music of Kevin MacLeod is as fascinating as it is insightful, and highly recommended for both personal and public library documentary collections. 91 min., English language with both English and Spanish subtitles.


The Photography Shelf

How to Photograph People
Demetrius Fordham
Ilex Press
c/o Octopus Books
236 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
www.octopusbooksusa.com
9781781578247, $24.99 pbk / $9.99 Kindle 176pp

https://www.amazon.com/How-Photograph-People-incredible-portraits/dp/1781578249

Synopsis: Whatever type of device used to take photographs, whether by a phone or a pro-spec digital camera, the most compelling subject is always other human beings. Portraiture is one of the most popular genres in photography, but it can also be one of the most daunting to undertake, especially when you're just starting out.

"How to Photograph People: Learn to take incredible portraits & more" is a comprehensive guide in which professional portrait photographer Demetrius Fordham shares his real-life experiences and expertise from years of portrait sessions to share the tips, tricks and knowledge that will let even the most novice of photographers to take their own amazing images of people.

"How to Photography People" will entertain amateur and professional photographers to: Learn from real-life portraiture examples as shot by a top pro; Gain the skills needed to create a rapport with your subject; Get all the tips and tricks for perfect posing; Master every type of portraiture from casual-looking group shots to formal studio sessions; Discover techniques that will let you get amazing pictures of people in any situation.

Critique: Profusely and expertly illustrated throughout, "How to Photograph People: Learn to take incredible portraits & more" is an DIY instructional guide and 'how to' manual for photographing people that is comprehensive and thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation. While highly recommended for personal, professional, and community library Contemporary Photography collections, it should be noted that "How to Photography People" by Demetrius Fordham is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Demetrius Fordham is an award-winning portrait photographer based in Los Angeles, California. His portrait series Transparent (2017) and Ageless Beauty (2016) were covered widely in the media and featured in international photo exhibits. In addition to portraiture, he has shot editorials for W Magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, The Wall Street Journal and Schon Magazine, and has worked with commercial clients such as Steve Madden, The American Heart Association and The Gerald J. Friedman Foundation. He is also the author of two other books by Ilex Press: What They Didn't Teach You in Photo School (2015) and If You're Bored With Your Camera, Read This Book (2017).

Michael Freeman On... Composition
Michael Freeman
Ilex Press
c/o Octopus Books
236 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
www.octopusbooksusa.com
9781781578360, $24.99, PB, 176pp

https://www.amazon.com/Michael-Freeman-Composition/dp/1781578362

Synopsis: Composition is arguably the single most powerful tool in a photographer's armory. Unconstrained by any outside influence, it can be a pure expression of individuality, and this is what makes it so important.

With the publication of "Michael Freeman On... Composition" renowned photographer Michael Freeman details both why and how composition works, from perception to visual imagination, including many practical compositional templates that vary from the Walk-in to the Frame Break to the Fibonacci Point, and which are ready to be applied to a range of camera situations.

With its all-new content from the master of photography guides, "Michael Freeman On... Composition" offers a concise and easy-to-follow format clearly explains the vital ingredients of composition, as well as real-life examples of composition in practice ably demonstrate the key elements. Of special note is how unique visuals and illustrations cut through the jargon and make the subject simple.

Critique: An ideal, comprehensive, and thoroughly 'user friendly' introduction to the value and acquisition of composition when creating a photograph, "Michael Freeman On... Composition" is an essential and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, college, and university library Contemporary Photography instructional reference collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Michael Freeman On... Composition" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Michael Freeman, professional photographer and best-selling author. Born in England in 1945, he took a Masters in Geography at Brasenose College, Oxford University, and then worked in advertising in London for six years. In 1971 he made the life-changing decision to travel up the Amazon with two secondhand cameras, and when Time-Life used many of the pictures he came back with, he embarked on a full-time photographic career.

Since then, working for clients that include all the world's major magazines, most notably the Smithsonian Magazine (for which he has shot more than 40 stories over 30 years), Freeman's reputation as one of the world's leading reportage photographers has been consolidated. Of his many books, more than 60 titles are on the practice of photography. For this photographic educational work he was awarded the Prix Louis Philippe Clerc by the French Ministry of Culture. Freeman's books on photography have been translated into 27 languages.

Shooting Film: Everything You Need to Know About Analogue Photography
Ben Hawkins, author
Lisa Kanaeva-Hunsicker, author
Ilex Press
c/o Octopus Books
236 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
www.octopusbooksusa.com
9781781578346, 192pp

https://www.amazon.com/Shooting-Film-Everything-Analogue-Photography/dp/1781578346

Synopsis: In a world where we are bombarded with visual imagery. As a photographer in a new digital age, making your photos stand out from the crowd is getting harder by the day, but film will give you that edge -- and let you discover a whole new way of shooting in the process.

"Shooting Film: Everything You Need to Know About Analogue Photography" is an in-depth and inspirational guide in which photography journalist Ben Hawkins and pro photographer Liza Kanaeva-Hunsicker reveal the techniques, tips and secrets for success when shooting film.

With "Shooting Film" as their guide, aspiring photographers will: Learn to shoot on film, from the essential basics to advanced techniques; Make the right choices with an in-depth guide to buying second-hand cameras; Master the language of film with jargon-free guides to all the vital processes; Be inspired by advice from a top pro who shoots on film; Discover the amazing imagery of the new school of analogue photographers.

Critique: Beautifully and effectively illustrated in full color throughout, "Shooting Film: Everything You Need to Know About Analogue Photography" truly lives up to its title. Comprehensive and impressively written, organized and presented, "Shooting Film" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, college, and university library Contemporary Photography instructional reference collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of all aspiring and novice photographers that "Shooting Film" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note #1: Ben Hawkins is an award-winning writer and journalist specializing in photography and creative media. He was the group editor of Practical Photography magazine, 2013-20, and regularly contributes to magazines including Amateur Photographer and Outdoor Photography. As a child, he used to 'assist' his dad in the family darkroom and developed a fascination with film and analogue technology. He has since interviewed some of the world's most revered film photographers, including Albert Watson, David Bailey and Bob Carlos Clarke.

Editorial Note #2: Liza Kanaeva-Hunsicker is a fine art and fashion photographer from Moscow, now based in New York City. She discovered her love for photography while documenting family travels when she was growing up. Liza studied Art at university in California and Paris and subsequently moved to NYC, where she decided to pursue photography professionally. After a few years of assisting, she ventured out on her own. Liza has been internationally exhibited and regularly contributes to Vogue Italia among other publications. While she still occasionally shoots digital, analogue is at the heart of her creative practice.

Edible Plants
Jimmy W. Fike
Red Lightning Books
https://redlightningbooks.com/index
9781684351718, $25.00, HC, 248pp

https://www.amazon.com/Edible-Plants-Photographic-Botanicals-America/dp/1684351715

Synopsis: For over a decade, artist and photographer Jimmy W. Fike traveled across the continental United States in an epic effort to photograph wild edible flora. "Edible Plants: A Photographic Survey of the Wild Edible Botanicals of North America" is the culmination of that journey, featuring over 100 photographs that Fike has selectively colorized to highlight the comestible part of the plant.

While the images initially appear to be scientific illustrations or photograms from the dawn of photography when plants were placed directly on sensitized paper and exposed under the sun, a closer look reveals the kind of organic beauty that instills a memorable wonder.

Fike's contemporary, place-based approach to landscape photography emphasizes our relationship to the natural world, reveals food sources, and encourages environmental stewardship. His clever and beautiful method makes it easy to identify both the specimen and its edible parts and includes detailed descriptions about the plant's wider purposes as food and medicine.

Critique: A simply gorgeous and umptuously illustrated coffee-table style volume (9.25 x 1 x 12 inches) , "Edible Plants: A Photographic Survey of the Wild Edible Botanicals of North America" will prove to be a welcome and prized addition to personal, professional, community, college, and university library Contemporary Flora & Botanical Photography collections. Also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $23.75) "Edible Plants" is especially commended to the attention of non-specialist general readers who are curious about unlocking the secrets of native North American plants through the expert commentaries that accompany each truly memorable and full color photograph.

Editorial Note: Jimmy W. Fike earned a BA in Art from Auburn University and an MFA in Photography from the Cranbrook Academy of Art. Fike's photographs have been exhibited extensively across the United States, published in the Washington Post, Boston Globe, Los Angeles Times, Mother Jones, and can be found in the permanent collections of the George Eastman Museum, St. Lawrence University, and the University of Alabama Birmingham. He currently works as Residential Art Faculty at the Estrella Mountain Community College.


The Architecture Shelf

Strange Objects, New Solids and Massive Things
Winka Dubbeldam, author
Julia van den Hout, editor
Actar D
c/o Actar Publishers
440 Park Avenue S, 17th FL, New York, NY 10016
http://actar.com
9781948765701, $54.95, HC, 354pp

https://www.amazon.com/Strange-Objects-Solids-Massive-Forms/dp/1948765705

Synopsis: For close to a century, modernism was the norm, presented to culturally aware citizens as the expression of modern life. It arrived hand in hand with medical advances, mass standardization, and a shared ideal of what the ease and speed of the modern lifestyle could offer. Only in the early years of the 21st century did our widespread allegiance begin to shift away from modernism and towards a new social realm.

The digital revolution introduced online societies, niche cultures, and digital design. Digital manufacturing facilitated opportunities of surface patterning and the fabrication of one-off special building components, removing the constraints of standardization in the construction industry and celebrating the experimental. Testing designs through prototypes allows for a much more informed decision-making process. The focus is on precise, rigorous research and development, rather than representational models.

Now, after nearly two decades of implementing digital tools, we have reached a new platform where digital design and robotic production are the norm, and by extension, digital craft and integral design are as the future. This has been particularly important in the rethinking of advanced digital design processes.

Architectonics designates the study or character of various types of structure. As showcased and examined in "Strange Objects, New Solids and Massive Things: Archi-Tectonics", from the earliest projects and regardless of scale, Archi-Tectonics has valued performance over form, design intelligence over style. Through prototypes and mock-ups, process documentation and testimonials, "Archi-Tectonics" presents 10 current and recent projects that celebrate the particular and singular over the ideal and universal.

Critique: Expertly written, organized and presented, "Strange Objects, New Solids and Massive Things: Archi-Tectonics" is a coffee-table style (9 x 1.5 x 10.75 inches) that is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $32.95) and highly recommended for person, professional, college, and university library Architecture Project Planning & Management collections, as well as a curriculum textbook and supplemental architecture studies lists.


The Martial Arts Shelf

The Science and Philosophy of Martial Arts
Alex W. Tong
Blue Snake Books
c/o North Atlantic Books
2526 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94704-2607
www.northatlanticbooks.com
9781623176655, $24.95, PB, 368pp

https://www.amazon.com/Science-Philosophy-Martial-Arts-Connections/dp/1623176654

Synopsis: Through the practice of martial arts, a person can realize their full potential -- not only in body, but in mind and spirit. With the publication of "The Science and Philosophy of Martial Arts: Exploring the Connections Between the Cognitive, Physical, and Spiritual Aspects of Martial Arts, author, sensei, and biomedical scientist Alex W. Tong shows readers how.

"The Science and Philosophy of Martial Arts" delves into the physical, mental, and spiritual components of martial arts and integrates contemporary sports psychology, kinesiology, and neuroscience into a nuanced and illuminating understanding of what martial arts practice can be.

Structured into three sections, Tong discusses: The Mind: The dao of martial arts, mental tranquility, contemporary neuroscience, and warming up the brain; The Body: Posture and stance, breathing in martial arts, and the physics of mastery and effort; The Spirit: Soul, spirit, and moving zen; nature and manifestations of the spirit.

Each section comprising "The Science and Philosophy of Martial Arts" includes observations on martial arts origins, physiology, and tangible results on martial arts training. Blending traditional and contemporary approaches, knowledge, and research, "The Science and Philosophy of Martial Arts" builds a vision of practice that elevates physical performance, awareness, decisiveness, and strength of spirit.

Critique: Impressively comprehensive, exceptionally well written, organized and presented, featuring occasional black-and- white photos, "The Science and Philosophy of Martial Arts: Exploring the Connections Between the Cognitive, Physical, and Spiritual Aspects of Martial Arts" by Alex W. Tong is essential reading for every martial arts student and practitioner. While also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.99), "The Science and Philosophy of Martial Arts: Exploring the Connections Between the Cognitive, Physical, and Spiritual Aspects of Martial Arts" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, dojo, community, college, and university library Martial Arts collections and supplemental curriculum studies list.

Editorial Note: Alex W. Tong grew up in Hong Kong, immersed in the then city-state's heritage of Chinese and European cultures. He started formal karate training while an undergraduate at the University of Oregon. A career opportunity brought him to Texas, where he founded the Japan Karate Association of Dallas while leading a highly productive cancer immunology research program at the Baylor Sammons Cancer Center. JKA Dallas celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2022, having graduated 30 black belts and produced many world-class competitors. Tong has practiced Nishiyama Shotokan Karate for 50 years. He holds the rank of hachidan (eighth-degree black belt). Tong is the current President of the American Amateur Karate Federation, the oldest national governing organization for karate competition in the United States.


The Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf

Transitions: A Director's Journey and Motivational Handbook
Pete Chatmon
Michael Wiese Productions
12400 Ventura Blvd., #1111, Studio City, CA 91604
www.mwp.com
9781615933310, $29.95, PB, 256pp

https://www.amazon.com/Transitions-Directors-Journey-Motivational-Handbook/dp/161593331X

Synopsis: Becoming a director is not just about making a film, webseries, commercial, or music video. The opportunity to direct for television is not a given because you've successfully completed a project in another medium. Turning your passion into your profession requires the ability to make transitions at the exact moment a pivot is needed, with creativity and confidence.

Of significantly and 'real world practical' help for directors across all mediums to shape their directorial career, "Transitions: A Director's Journey and Motivational Handbook" by Pete Chatmon features targeted anecdotes, worksheets, and other resources -- all of which fall into three designated categories: How-To, Self-Help, and Inspiration.

Critique: Drawing upon Pet Chatmon's years of experience and expertise, "Transitions: A Director's Journey and Motivational Handbook" is exceptionally well written, impressively comprehensive, thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation. Of immense help for the aspiring or novice directory, it has a wealth of useful tips, tricks and techniques that will interest even the more experience director. Also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $22.79) for personal reading lists, "Transitions: A Director's Journey and Motivational Handbook" is particularly and highly recommended for professional, community, college, and university library Theatre/Cinema/TV instructional reference guide collections and supplemental curriculum studies lists.

Editorial Note: With a deft ability to balance both half-hour single camera comedies and one-hour dramas, Pete Chatmon has directed episodes of HBOMax's The Flight Attendant, Insecure, Silicon Valley, and Love Life, Netflix's You and Atypical, ABC's Grey's Anatomy, Black-ish, A Million Little Things, Station 19, Mixed-ish and Single Parents, CBS's All Rise and The Unicorn, Starz' Blindspotting, FX's It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, FreeForm's Grown-ish, TBS's TheLast OG, OWN's Greenleaf, and the Apple TV+ series Mythic Quest. He is also in development on The Education ofMatt Barnes with Showtime, for which he will direct the pilot and serve as executive producer.

His debut feature as writer/director, Premium, starred Dorian Missick, Zoe Saldana, and Hill Harper, and premieredon Showtime after a limited theatrical run. Chatmon also wrote, produced, and directed 761st, a documentary on the first Black tank battalion in WWII, narrated by Andre Braugher. He received the Tribeca Film Institute "AllAccess" Program's Creative Promise Narrative Award for the heist screenplay, $FREE.99. Through The Director, his Digital Studio, he has directed, shot, and edited content for advertising agencies and Fortune 500 brands. Chatmon's career began in 2001 with the Sundance selection of his NYU thesis film, 3D, starring Kerry Washington. His most recent short film, BlackCard, premiered on HBO, and his narrative podcast, Wednesday Morning, engaged voters around the 2020 election.

He is developing several episodic concepts and feature films while booking episodes for the upcoming cable, broadcast, and streaming seasons. His podcast, Let's Shoot! with Pete Chatmon is available on YouTube, iTunes, and all podcast platforms. He can be followed on Instagram @pete- chatmon and @letsshootwithpetechatmon


The Money/Finance Shelf

Investing QuickStart Guide
Ted D. Snow, CFP, MBA
ClydeBank Media LLC
www.clydebankmedia.com
9781636100289, $24.99, PB, 311pp

https://www.amazon.com/Investing-QuickStart-Guide-Simplified-Successfully/dp/1636100287

Synopsis: Now a second edition that includes more than 100 pages of new material, the "Investing QuickStart Guide is fully updated and deftly revised for an entirely new investing environment and includes: A deeper dive into the asset classes that make up a robust portfolio including a thorough and expanded examination of investable real estate; An increased focus on managing (and reducing) your tax liabilities related to investment activities in light of new tax law developments; A tour of the pros and cons of new and emerging finance technologies (aka fintech) and an increased focus on ESG investing -- the practice of Environmental, Social, and corporate Governance sustainable investing.

Readers will discover the Secrets of Successfully Investing In: Stocks (Including Dividend Paying Stocks!); Mutual Funds; ETFS; Bonds; Index Funds; REITS and Real Estate; as well as Commodities.

Investing QuickStart Guide is ideal for: Beginners with Zero Prior Investing Experience; Reading alongside other popular financial books such as The Intelligent Investor, A Random Walk Down Wall Street, and The Little Book of Common-Sense Investing; Experienced Investors who Want to Go to the Next Level; Teaching anyone how to invest in the stock market -- even kids and teens!

The new edition of the "Investing QuickStart Guide" also covers: Everything You Need to Know Before You Make Your First Trade ; How To Take Advantage of Opportunities in the Market Without Relying on Guesswork; How to Evaluate and Compare Stocks and Other Securities ; How Disciplined Approaches to Investing Can Lead to Early Retirement and Financial Freedom ; How National and Global Economic and Geopolitical Factors Can Influence Investment Prospects!

Critique: Simply stated, the "Investing QuckStart Guide" is an ideal instruction guide and 'how to' manual to understanding the stock market and other financial tools to securing financial growth, financial success, and financial security. While unreservedly recommended for community, college, and university library Money & Finacial Management collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that the "Investing QuickStart Guide" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99) and in a spiral bound edition (9781636100517, $29.99).


The Holocaust Studies Shelf

Escape from the Ghetto
John Carr
Pegasus Books
148 West 37th Street, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10018
www.pegasusbooks.com
9781643138855, $27.99, HC, 352pp

https://www.amazon.com/Escape-Ghetto-Story-Survival-Resilience/dp/1643138855

Synopsis: In early 1940 Chaim Herszman was locked in to the Lodz Ghetto in Poland. Hungry, fearless, and determined, Chaim wnt on scavenging missions outside the wire fence -- where one day he is forced to kill a Nazi guard to protect his secret. That moment changes the course of his life and sets him on an unbelievable adventure across enemy lines.

Chaim avoids grenade and rifle fire on the Russian border, shelters with a German family in the Rhineland, falls in love in occupied France, is captured on a mountain pass in Spain, gets interrogated as a potential Nazi spy in Britain, and eventually fights for everything he believes in as part of the British Army. He protects his life by posing as an Aryan boy with a crucifix around his neck, and fights for his life through terrible and astonishing circumstances.

"Escape from the Ghetto" is the extended biography a normal boy who faced extermination by the Nazis in the ghetto and a Nazi deathcamp, and the extraordinary life he led in avoiding that fate. It's ultimately a true life story about epic hope, beauty amidst horror, and the triumph of the human spirit.

Critique: A simply riveting true life biography that reads with the pulse pounding suspense of a deftly crafted action/adventure novel, "Escape from the Ghetto: A Story of Survival and Resilience in World War II" is unreservedly recommended for community, college, and university library World War II History & Biography collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Escape from the Ghetto: A Story of Survival and Resilience in World War II" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $18.99).

Editorial Note: As the eldest son of Henry Carr (Chaim Herszman) John Carr, with the publication of "Escape From the Ghetto", has recreated his father's incredible adventure during World War II.


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Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
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Oregon, WI 53575-1129
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