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J UN E 2017

Your guide to self-publishing


How to Boost Blog Traffic Indie Scouting Report
Ask the Editor with Betty Sargent
Book Cover Redesign 78 New Titles Listed

Move over
Lonely
Planet
How an indie author
found her niche
with a successful
line of travel guides

BY JENNIFER MCCARTNEY

C
ompeting against the worlds
top travel guides as a self-
published author and suc-
ceeding isnt easy. Publishers such
as Fodors, Rick Steves, and Lonely
Griffis and her dog, Planet invest big bucks research-
Luna, hiking in ing and publishing full-color guides
Sedona, Ariz.
to cities and countries all over the
globe. But the copywriter, content
strategist, and world traveler
Gigi Griffis found a niche with
her 11 self-published travel guides,
which have all been top-100 best-
sellers in their respective Amazon
categories.
What does her series offer that
INDIE SUCCESS
the others dont? The clue is in trails, she says. booka much smaller ask, she
the subtitles: 100 Locals Tell You Griffiss Italy guide, for example, says. As she already knew how to
Where to Go, What to Eat, and offers readers tips from locals on write code, she used a free soft-
How to Fit In. Contributors to the how to spot authentic gelato, how ware program called Calibre to
guides include food writers, tour to avoid pickpockets and local format her e-books using HTML.
guides, winemakers, photogra- scams, and when not to wear flip- Publishing books of this size is
phers, teachers, mountaineers, f lops, and e xplains why you no easy feat. Griffiss most com-
and shopkeepersall dishing their shouldnt order a cappuccino after prehensive guides (interviews with
secret tips for the best way to lunch. Rather than competing 100 locals for $21.97), for Italy,
authentically see their cities. with the big brands, her series France, and Switzerland, each run
Everyone wants to have a best has found its niche as a compan- more than 300 pages and are priced
friend in Paris to show them ion to them. On Amazon, her Italy in line with traditionally published
around, Griffis says. In a category guide is frequently bought with travel guides. Each of the smaller
crowded with big brands, she has Rick Steves Italian Phrase Book city guidesto Barcelona, Denver,
filled a gap. and Dictionary, as well as Rick New York City, Paris, Phoenix and
Griffis knew that if she wanted Steves Italy 2017. Tucson, and Pragueis priced at
to launch a successful travel series, Know when to DIY, when to $9.99 and includes interviews
her books would need to offer hire, and when to trade, says with 10 locals. The next step after
something new, which meant Griffis to other aspiring self- publishing the books was getting
ditching impersonal information publishers. For her first guide, the word out.
in favor of a more chatty, intimate she traded her skills as a copy Griffis says one of her most
feel that focused on giving locals editor in return for a book cover effective marketing strategies
a voice. That means that Griffiss design. She did the same in return was securing Amazon reviews;
guides dont include hotel listings, for editorial feedback on the book. for this she targeted only top
currency information, or restau- Instead of hiring one editor to r e v i e w e r s o n t h e s i te . E a c h
rant rankings. That information edit the whole guide, I found five reviewer has a profile, and
is well covered, and trying to cover or six and asked many of them provide email
it myself would have simply been each to take a addresses or ways to contact
reinventing the wheel, she says. section of the them if you are interested in
Those other guides dont h o n e s t re v i e w s , G r i f f i s
tell you the town wine- explains. She reached out to
makers favorite places to a b o u t 3 0 p e o p l e , w h i ch
drink or the weekend moun- resulted in honest critiques
tain guides favorite hiking of her titles.
Griffiss guides to Italy,
Prague, and Switzerland
Griffis strikes a pose in have all hit the top 10s in
Dubrovnik, Croatia. their respective Amazon
categories. And she notes
that the royalties from her book
sales cover anywhere from 35%
to 100% of her monthly expenses.
I talk about how I make money
while traveling because I want
more people to feel like they can
do that, too, if they want, Griffis
says. 

Jennifer McCartney is a free-


lance writer and editor, and
the author of the novel Afloat.

132 B O O K L I F E , J U N E 2 6 , 2 0 1 7
COVER ART

Cover Redesign
This month, Deborah Bradseth at Tugboat Design
reimagines the cover of Miles Anthony Smiths Becoming
Generation Fluxnow titled Why Career Advice Sucks
by rebranding the authors books as a new series.
To submit your book for a free cover redesign, email us at booklifeeditor@booklife.com. Original Cover

For nonfiction
covers, you
want to relate to
readers logical
sideinstead of
their emotions
so weve used
a relatable,
uncertain
This was not looking person.
just a cover
redesign, but
also a branding
of the authors The title is
new Why Sucks the main focal
series. The colors point of the new
series design,
and images will
as it will quickly
change, but the
catch readers
layout will stay
attentioneven
the same for more than the
each book in imagery used.
the series. Bright colors
for the title
will also help
attract readers.

B O O K L I F E .C O M 133
BLOGGING

The Three
Pillars of Blog
Traffic
What authors need to
do to boost their online
readerships
BY JOEL FRIEDLANDER Joel Friedlander

O
ne of the saddest sights discussions, who share passions valued by readers stumped by
online is blogs that have and interests. For authors who specific processes and can attract
been abandoned by their are trying to build communities a lot of traffic. Product reviews
creators. Many of these are authors and prepare the ground for future have also become great traffic
who have been told that blogs books, learning to integrate three magnets, with millions of people
will help them gather raving fans drivers of trafficcontent, social relying on them for buying assis-
who will promote their books. media, and searchwill deliver tance. Interviews, opinion pieces,
These authors didnt know that results. roundups of expert commentary
theres nothing more important theres no end to the kinds of
when starting blogs than getting Content content bloggers can produce if
traffic. Traffic is more important The articles a blogger publishes they know what their readers are
than content, more important are content. But bloggers need looking for.
than which software is being used to make sure content attracts
to run a blog, more important traffic. Each blog post needs a Social Media
than a fancy blog header or edito- clear reason to exist and bloggers A blog is the ideal hub to use when
rial schedule. should ask themselves these ques- expanding marketing into social
Though its true that the qual- tions before pushing the Publish media. Social accounts are out-
ity of content will make or break button: posts to attract people who can
a blog, and software and design then be encouraged to visit blogs
are important, getting traffic is Does it help someone solve a for fur ther infor mation and
a blogs existential requirement. problem? engagement. Bloggers should ask
Thats because if a blog doesnt Does it answer a question that these questions when evaluating
get traffic, it will probably die. It a lot of people are asking? their social media strategies:
will become one of those melan-
Does it make a necessary task
choly abandoned sites people easier or show a new way to do it?
Do they provide their followers
stumble across online. We dont with great content, entertain-
want that to happen, because Is it written in a way that really ment, links, or ideas?
blogging, when done right, really communicates with the people
who need it most?
Have they become known as
does return amazing rewards to trusted or entertaining resources?
the authors who pursue it. Great blog content is unique, Is there a good likelihood that
By traffic, what we mean is memorable, or helpful, or it their social media followers will
people: people who come and read answers specific questions. How-to heed their calls to action?
a r t i c l e s , w h o p a r t i c i p a te i n articles, for instance, are highly

134 B O O K L I F E , J U N E 2 6 , 2 0 1 7
BLOGGING

Savvy authors find people who their great and useful content. social media network, a blog will
are interested in their work on Getting these three elements prosper.
social media and then direct them lined up and functioning properly
to their blogs, building their own takes some work, experience, and Joel Friedlander is a book
trafficnot just the traffic for the thought. But, with the right con- designer and author; he blogs
social media site. tent, intelligently written to be about book design, marketing,
friendly to searchers in a niche and the future of the book at
Search and circulated within an active The Book Designer.
Although Facebook, Twitter, and
other social media sites now
account for a huge amount of web
traffic, responses to search que-
ries remain the single largest
source of traffic to blogs. Bloggers
need to have specific strategies
to boost their search traffic and
should ask themselves these
questions:

Have they spent time making


sure that what they publish reflects
what people are searching for?
Do they know the keywords
that are most important in the
subjects they write about?
Do they know how to do simple
search engine optimization (SEO)
on their blog posts?
Do they use blog metrics such
as those provided by Google
Analytics (a free program) to
find out which efforts are having
results?

Although SEO is a complicated


science, bloggers dont have to
learn very much to start getting
results. There are very few authors
who seem to pay attention to SEO,
and thats a big advantage for
those who do, as they may be able
to rank quite well with just a
little work.
The point is that peopleread-
ers, viewers, buyerscome for a
reason. There has to be something
to attract them, and they may
need repeated exposure before
they discover it. Thats part of
the job of authors social media
outposts: to spread the word about

W W W. P U B L I S H E R SW E E K LY.C O M 135
BOOKS TO WATCH

Scouting Report
This months roundup of the best-reviewed BookLife titles
highlights a caffeine-fueled essay collection, a YA time-travel
adventure, a biography of theoretical physicist Paul Dirac,
and more.

Blowback 07 One More Cup of


BRIAN MEEHL Coffee
TOM PAPPALARDO
Synopsis: In this first
installment in a planned Synopsis: Pappalardo visits
trilogy, when high school coffee shops to sample
quarterback Matt Grinnell brews and jot down his
is accidently sent back to impressions of baristas
1907 by an antique English and customers.
horn, his friends must work PWs Takeaway: These hilar-
to retrieve him. ious shorts are a perfect
PWs Takeaway: Meehls snarkfest.
SF adventure hits all the right notes. Believable Comparable Titles: Me Talk Pretty One Day
characters infuse energy into each scenereaders Sample Line: Over by the trees, a man takes a
will eagerly await future installments. photo of his latte. Is it on Twitter now, that
Comparable Titles: The Girl from Everywhere moment in time, the brief existence of that
Sample Line: Iris never assembled the ancient pretty floating foam leaf? Did people favorite
cor anglais when anyone was home. It was her it and retweet it? That latte photos probably
secret and the greatest mystery surrounding trending right now. Trending across the
the disappearance of Octavia Jongler. goddamned planet.
Read the review: Read the review:
publishersweekly.com/9781635051858 publishersweekly.com/9780998327808

The Absent Simply Dirac Fort


Superpower HELGE KRAGH Enterprize
PETER ZEIHAN Synopsis: Kragh KEVIN EMMET
Synopsis: In this synthesizes the FOLEY
look at the flow of biographical and Synopsis: A writer
the worlds energy intellectual in interviews his
resources, Zeihan this volume on great-uncle, who
forecasts the 21st century. theoretical physicist Paul Dirac. recalls sailing amid warships
PWs Takeaway: Zeihans knowl- PWs Takeaway: Kragh goes some battling Barbary pirates.
edge of current global affairs, way to giving Dirac and his legacy PWs Takeaway: Fine writing and
regional conflicts, and the energy the attention they deserve. gripping naval action sequences
sector is impressive. Comparable Titles: The Strangest ignite the pages of Foleys tale.
Comparable Titles: The Next Man: The Hidden Life of Paul Comparable Titles: The Pirate
Decade; A World in Disarray Dirac, Mystic of the Atom Coast
Read the review: publishers- Read the review: publishers- Read the review: publishers-
weekly.com/9780998505206 weekly.com/9781943657094 weekly.com/9781555718428

136 BOOKLIFE, JUNE 26, 2017


FIRST LINES

First Lines A Slippery Land


RICK CONTI
Fania lived in Hell.
Our monthly look at some of the best
opening lines from titles by BookLife
authors Expired Listings
D.M. BARR
This month weve got life in hell, the dead and The first What the fuck? is always the
despised, maternal funerals, and more. To submit sweetest.
a first line, email booklifeeditor@booklife.com.

The Bionics Doppelgnger


PETER GULGOWSKI GEORGE SCHWIMMER
The Network had one order. Survive. Although Im long dead, I know there are
people left who still hate me.

Wildfire
K. VANN OBRIEN After the Sucker Punch
At my mothers funeral, I listened to a LORRAINE DEVON WILKE.
preacher Id never met talk about her One is obligated by moral duty to love
soul. ones child.

F ro m Au th o r P . J . Pe ac o c k

A
CONUNDRUM
O F M U R D E R O U S F A M I LY S E C R E T S

A Conundrum is an action-packed, fast-paced read with


twists and turns in every chapter. Peacock effectively mixes
the elements of murder, family secrets, romances and lies
into an unpredictable and engaging plot. Unlike many
predictable mystery novels, this read is packed full of
intrigue, shock and suspense.
-Megan Bain - US Review of Books states

h t t p : / / w w w . p a m e l a - p ea co c k . s q u a re s p a ce . co m ISBN 978-1-64069-271-8

B O O K L I F E .C O M 137
WRITING ADVICE

Ask other day and he pleaded igno-


rance as well.
The second is to separate items
in a series, where one or more of

the
It cant be as complicated as it the items has internal punctua-
seems. Can it? Can you explain tion, such as Kristin, the flautist;
semicolons in a way I can actually Harry, the pianist; and John, the

Editer understand? Please! Marlene guitarist, gave the best perfor-


mances of their lives.

A veteran editor S emicolons can be pesky little


things. Lots of people have
trouble figuring out when and
Thats it. Maybe its not so com-
plicated after all.

answers your writing how to use them, including me,


questions until now.
The fact is, there are only two
BY BETTY KELLY SARGENT way s to use a semicolon in for-
m a l writing in English. The first
and most common is to separate Betty Kelly Sargent is the founder
Dear Editor: what could otherwise be two com- and CEO of BookWorks, coauthor
plete, closely related sentences. of The Self-Publishers Ultimate

I have never understood how to


use semicolons properly, so I
rarely use them in my writing.
For example: Sams brand new
Maserati didnt start this morn-
ing; it was out of gas, or I never
Resource Guide, and the former
editor-in-chief of William Morrow.

I know Im not the only one con- use semicolons; I dont understand If you have a question for the
fused about this. I was talking to them, or Addie loves listening editor, please email Betty Sargent
a professional writer friend the to Bach; it soothes her soul. at booklifeeditor@booklife.com.

THE LAST TRAIN


A TOKYO MYSTERY BY MICHAEL PRONKO
A look into the heart of Tokyos high-stakes,
cutthroat world of buying and selling the
most expensive property in the world.

An absorbing investigation and


memorable backdrop put this series
launch on the right track.
-Kirkus Reviews

BUY NOW michaelpronko.com/bookshop

PAGES: 348 ASIN: B071DPXP7M


Publisher: Raked Gravel Press ISBN: 978-1-942410-12-6

138 B O O K L I F E , J U N E 2 6 , 2 0 1 7
PAID LISTINGS

PW SELECT LISTINGS

New Titles from


Self-Publishers
Booksellers, publishers, librarians, and agents are encouraged to look at the 78 self-
published titles below. Each appears with a list of retailers that are selling the book
and a description provided by its author. Some of these writers are waiting to be dis-
covered; others have a track record and a following and are doing it on their own. If
you are a self-published author interested in listing titles in this section, please visit
publishersweekly.com/pw-select for more information.
Fiction American community protests. 5210-6772-7
Arkansas Summer Amazon
Anne Moose. Anne Corner Confessions: In Woodford Park, a small seaside town,
Moose. $15 paper Everyone Has a Secret. Whats Yours? Angelicas and Walters paths cross by
(303p), ISBN 978-0- Kiersten Hall. K Hall accident, drawing them into discoveries
9785232-6-8 Books. $14.95 paper about the town, themselves, and each
Amazon, BN.com (256p), ISBN 978-0- other.
This suspenseful 692-78291-0
novel is about the devastating conse- BN.com, Indiebound, The Money Ship
quences of interracial love in the Jim Kobo Joan Druett. Old Salt Press. $19.99 paper
Crow South. Be the proverbial fly (233p), ISBN 978-0-
on the wall while 14 9941246-4-7
Astrologers Proof people clean skeletons out of their Amazon
David John Jaegers. closets. Everyone has a secret. Jerushas quest for a
Shimmering Water lost pirate trove was
Productions. $14.95 Evanthias Gift: (The Gift Saga, Book 1) tortuous, involving
paper (263p), ISBN 978- Effie Kammenou. Effie treachery, adultery,
0-692-88074-6 Kammenou. $19.99 murder, and ulti-
Amazon paper (559p), ISBN 978- mately, her own arranged marriage.
A clandestine group 0-692-47183-8
uses elaborate hacking schemes to Amazon Mother, May I Be Excused: Asas Story
collect enough data to decide whether This Greek-American Latifah Free. Latifah Free. $13.99 paper
astrology is accurate. family saga follows a (244p), ISBN 978-1-5246-9076-2; $3.99
multigenerational story e-book, ISBN 978-1-
Blame of love, loyalty, and culture. An emotional 5246-9075-5
Tony Holtzman. novel about family bonds and the diffi- Amazon, AuthorHouse,
Cloudsplitter Press. cult pull between home and heritage. BN.com
$17.88 paper (367p), After his fathers death
ISBN 978-0-692- The Memory Box: and his mothers mis-
81019-4 A Novel of Love, guided loyalties, Asa
Amazon, Ingram Regret and Memory struggles from boy-
A young scientist Jay Caselberg. Jay hood into manhood. An oath would keep
overlooks a crucial experiment. As a Caselberg. $9.49 paper him from the one thing hes wanted
result, a woman dies, his marriage is (256p), ISBN 978-1- most in his life.
shattered, and the local African-

W W W. P U B L I S H E R SW E E K LY.C O M 139
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Niagara ISBN 978-1-5453- Do You Solemnly
Linda Grace. Big Rock 7081-0 Swear? A Nation of
Press. $15.95 paper Amazon Law, the Dark Side
(415p), ISBN 978-0- Fresh delights of last- Lin Wilder. Wilder Books.
9975774-0-2 ing love and good $7.99 e-book,
Amazon health in the midst of ASIN B016X95RDQ
Betrayals and secrets terrors electronic Amazon, BN.com,
lead to a deadly harassment and con- Google Play
showdown at the brink of the Horseshoe stant tracking through satellite. A former girlfriend decides to use her
Falls. 6-year-old daughter to punish Gabe
A Slice of Life... A Bit of Love... An Age of McAllister for breaking up with her.
Phat(s) Chance for Buddha in Houston Passion: Poems
(Or How I Spent My Summer Vacation) Jim Reardon. Driver Confessional
Virginia Arthur. Ecological CreateSpace. $10 paper David L. Winters.
Outreach Services. $2.99 (56p), ISBN 978-1- Carpenters Son
e-book, ASIN 5355-8320-6 Publishing. $14.99 paper
B01543RYRO Amazon (208p), ISBN 978-0-
Amazon, Apple iBooks, Reardons insight into 9977747-2-6
BN.com, Kobo, Scribd the understanding of Sabbaticalofthemind.
Just how many passion and love over net/store, Amazon
Buddhist monks can the major epochs of life. Antonio uses his Italian good looks and
fit into a 1970 Buick Electra 225 con- easy manner to elicit confessions from
vertible? Uncle Phat and his 15-year-old Time Capsule his passengers. One trip plunges him
nephew take a wacky, poignant road trip. Ideas with Ink. 101 Panya into murder, espionage, and secrets.
Publishing. $7.99 paper
Pumpkinville (188p), ISBN 978-1- Face Value:
P. Holiday Gardner. CreateSpace. $11.99 988880-01-3 A Wright & Tran Novel
paper (300p), ISBN 978-1-5173-0513-0 101panyapublishing. Ian Andrew. Book Reality
Amazon, BN.com com, Amazon, BN.com Experience. $14.99
The struggles of a Poetry and prose by a paper (318p), ISBN 978-
child actors life during 16-year-old Canadian author: excep- 0-9924641-2-7; $3.99
the 1980s are revealed tional depth provides a path to explore e-book, ISBN 978-0-
while portraying a life, love, death, betrayal, and friendship 9924641-4-1
fictional account of through the soul of a modern teen. Amazon, BN.com, Books-A-Million, Powells
Roscoe Fatty Two women combat veterans of an elite
Arbuckles traumatic Mystery/Thriller intelligence unit now make their living as
childhood during the 1920s. A Bitter Wind: PIs. While trying to hunt down a former
Time Entanglement, military analyst, theyre dragged into a
The Yoke Book 1 trafficking network.
Darrell Dunham. Halo Anita Merrick. Friesen
Publishing. $6.95 paper Press. $40.41 hardcover A Fine Line (A Sebastian Drake Novel)
(284p), ISBN 978-1- (368p), ISBN 978-1- Dan Burns. Chicago Arts Press. $26.95 hard-
61244-500-7 4602-6094-4 cover (294p), ISBN 978-0-9911694-2-9;
Amazon Anitamerrickauthor.com, $12.99 e-book, ISBN
A novel of faith, love, Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com, Chapters, 978-0-9911694-4-3
forgiveness, and Google Play, Kobo Danburnsauthor.com,
redemption for anyone searching for Sent to decipher odd hieroglyphs, Lex Amazon, BN.com, Ingram
meaning, faith, and spiritual focus in soon is dangerously susceptible to Sebastian Drake, a
their life. secrets infused in stone and must rede- struggling author with
fine imagination and reality or lose the a secret government
Poetry battle for his sanity. past, is hired to inves-
Ms. Pretty Rickey: The Street Sweeper tigate a cold murder case involving one of
Bryneen Gary. CreateSpace. $10 paper (36p), Chicagos most powerful political families.

140 B O O K L I F E , J U N E 2 6 , 2 0 1 7
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The Fixer: rapedshe was robbed. the cold, strange history of the Rock.
The Naked Man More than 5,000 tourists travel to
Jill Amy Rosenblatt. Jill Genocide: Alcatraz daily.
Amy Rosenblatt. 99 A Darcy McClain and
e-book, ASIN Bullet Thriller The Last Train
B00ZV0AFUO Pat Krapf. Thunder Glass (Detective Hiroshi
Amazon, BN.com, Kobo, Press. $5.99 e-book, Series, Book 1)
Smashwords ISBN 978-1-941300- Michael Pronko. Raked
College student Katerina Mills falls into 04-6 Gravel Press. $5.99
a dangerous world as a professional Amazon, BN.com, Ingram e-book, ISBN 978-1-
fixer, making the problems of New York Sean Ireland, the first gay presidential 942410-13-3
Citys powerful disappear, by any means candidate in U.S. history, is guaranteed Amazon, BN.com, Kobo,
necessary. the election until hes found dead at the Smashwords
Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. A novice detective tracks a vengeful
F.O.X.: A Jessica murderess through Tokyos skyscraper
James Mystery Hard Sentences: Crime Fiction Inspired offices, temples, and nightclubs.
Kelly Oliver. Kaos Press. by Alcatraz
$3.99 e-book, David James Keaton and The Lighthouse
ASIN B06XB2BLD5 Joe Clifford, eds. Broken Library
Amazon River Books. $16.95 Donald F. Averill.
Jessica James wakes paper (242p), ISBN 978- AuthorHouse. $13.99
up behind a Dumpster 1-940885-37-7 paper (210p), ISBN 978-
in downtown Chicago. After similar inci- Amazon, BN.com 1-5049-8607-6
dents, Jessica realizes she wasnt Nineteen stories detail Amazon

THE PROBLEM OF HAITI


IS NOT SOCIAL OR MATERIAL, BUT SPIRITUAL

Today, I want to help you understand the reality that exists in the
country. Haiti, like the country of Wales in 1904, has been going
through some very difficult times and a spiritual war is raging
throughout the country. God almighty sent provisions for the Welsh
to come out of the darkness with a mighty revival, just as He did on
the day of the Pentecost, to start a new history for that nation. God
will do the same for Haiti.

Available in English, French, Spanish and Creole.

Available Now At
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The adventure takes two boys and their Folger Shakespeare Library guard Lt. A small group of citizens must band
families into the backwoods of Maine Blalock is coerced into a plot to heist the together to face a shocking scenario
and armed confrontation with spies. Voynich Manuscript, on display in the their own sons and daughters and fellow
Folger Museum. citizens turned into emotionless killers
Oink: A Food for Thought Mystery by an alien parasite.
J.L. Newton. She Writes SF/Fantasy/Horror
Press. $16.41 paper Beyond the Milky Way Land of Neves:
(256p), ISBN 978-1- Aithal. CreateSpace. The Birth, Book 1
63152-212-3 $14.95 paper (362p), Jason Bourque. Toplink
Amazon, BN.com, Kobo ISBN 978-1-5228- Publishing. $14.99 paper
Pigs, poisoned corn- 5851-5; $4.95 e-book, (193p), ISBN 978-1-
bread, a feminist net- ASIN B017FI1C3I 946801-21-0
work, and a university Amazon Amazon
tainted by corporate values. Three astronauts go to A fantasy love story
space in search of a about balance, despair, and the need to
The Salad Oil King: planet that probably has water, one of survive. Come into an oasis of heaven,
An American Tale of Greed Gone Mad the basic elements for humanity to sur- where beasts and mankind thrive.
M.G. Crisci. Orca vive.
Publishing. $3.99 Land of Neves:
e-book, ISBN 978-0- The Devils Dragon The Break Through,
9914773-6-4 Jason F. Boggs. Mill City Press. $14.92 paper Book 2
Amazon, Apple iBooks, (596p), ISBN 978-1-63505-481-1; $5.99 Jason Bourque. Toplink
BN.com, Google Play, e-book, ASIN B01N34P7D6 Publishing. $24.99 paper
Kobo, Scribd Thedragontrilogy.com, Amazon, BN.com (376p), ISBN 978-1-
A high school dropout When the battle for 946801-27-2
skims millions from federal programs Earth begins, every- Amazon
before turning the salad oil industry into one will have to The epic saga of good versus evil con-
a $14 billion Ponzi scheme that rocks choose a side. An epic tinues in this second volume of the Land
Wall Street and shuts two blue-blood space opera that of Neves series.
brokerage firms. explores what it
means to be human, Return to Earth
To Be a King, Vol. 1 even if youre not. Aithal. Season Ball.
Gunner Alan Lindbloom. Harbinger Media $4.95 e-book, ASIN
Group. $19.95 paper (533p), ISBN 978-1- Francesco Augustine Bernadone: B01MY6AF67
5203-9994-2; $7.99 A Brief History of Our Tomorrows Amazon
e-book, ASIN Stan Faryna. Stan Faryna. After their shuttle met
B01N6RQ3AE $5 paper (57p), ISBN with an accident and
Amazon 978-1-5212-7850-5 landed on a strange
For those who love Amazon planet, the three astronauts return to
classic Mafia tales Zombies, machetes, Earth with the help of the aliens.
of love, honor, and permadeath in a
deception, and dark dystopian virtual
betrayal, this is the first book in the saga reality game remind us Romance/Erotica
of the Falcone family. of Shakespeares unfortunate revelation Controlling Darkness
that the course of true love never did run (The Control Series,
The Voynich Gambit smooth. Book 4)
Quintin Peterson. Ram Anna Edwards. Anna
Press. $11.95 paper The Lake Town Edwards. $1.99 e-book,
(152p), ISBN 978-0- Hunter Parker Price. ASIN B071H84ZHL
9891369-1-4 Hunter Parker Price. Amazon
Amazon, Books-A-Million $6.99 e-book, ASIN The story of Matthew
In the second Norman B0716K8LLH and Sonia and how the pain they hold
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Essential Magic (The Nonfiction ucts and services in short cycles along
Fay of Skye, Book 1) The Accidental with quick feedback, rapid adaptation to
Cara McKinnon. Stars Captain change, faster time-to-market, and con-
and Stone Books. 99 Glenn Patron. Ventura tinuous improvement.
e-book, ISBN 978-0- Publishing. $12.95 paper
9977081-0-3 (258p), ASIN Breathing Yourself Thin
Amazon, Apple iBooks, B01MRRYFWQ Qizhi Gao. Xlibris. $15.99
BN.com, Kobo Theaccidentalcaptain. paper (82p), ISBN 978-
A woman driven to learn magic. A man com, Amazon, BN.com 1-4797-3409-2
who has sworn to never cast a spell again. Learning to sail transformed a sickly, Amazon, Xlibris
But falling in love changes everything. fearful youngster into an adventurer who Qigong has been a
then found success in life and crossed part of Chinese medi-
The Walking Stick: the Atlantic Ocean in his own sailboat. cine for more than
Willow of the Wind, 2,000 years, and now
Book II Agile Scrum: its being used in the United States for
Kathy Love Cowen. Cats Your Quick Start Guide with Step-by- weight management.
Paw Plus. $2.99 e-book, Step Instructions
ASIN B01N6QCFMX Scott M. Graffius. Champion Your
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The plot has various twists and turns that


have you guessing for a bit, but the author
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Betrayal
longing for the ultimate reckoning.
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Ordainment

Quiles's writing sinks in like the sharp flagel-


lation implements of Father Bartholomew and
inflicts a feeling of guilt by association for
merely reading the printed words.
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gamesofmind.net ISBN-10: 1532011717

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Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com, Books-A- Edward IV, Englands Intimate, comprehen-
Million Forgotten Warrior sible poetry and prose
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Anthony Corbet. iUni- in Germany in the
Color Your Own Creation: verse. $27.95 paper 1970s permeates
An Adult Coloring Book Using the (466p), ISBN 978-1- zachor, remembering the Holocaust.
Opportunity to Create Your Own Images 4917-4633-2; $3.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-
Dan J. Ferraina. Xlibris. 4917-4635-6 If Youre Stuck in a Rut Try WingTips
$32.49 paper (70p), Amazon Leslie Dwyer.
ISBN 978-1-5144- As the Hundred Years War ended, a new Leslie Dwyer.
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ISBN 978-1-5144- with rebellion and battles until estab- ISBN 978-0-
7717-5 lishing a time of peace and prosperity. 9987796-1-4
Amazon Amazon, Kobo
This book lets readers Extrajoydinary: This book of tips can brighten the day.
create their own images using a series Creating Your Serene Each page has an original drawing and
of dots and boxes, enhancing drawings Life tip to delight, entertain, and heal. Steal
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Writers Group. Tullisian enjoy some zany.
Books. $19.99 hardcover
Come as Youre Not: Because God (87p), ISBN 978-0- Interview with a
Welcomes You as You Are 9977101-0-6; $5.99 Terrorist
Micah Ann Duckett. e-book, ISBN 978-0-9977101-1-3 James Rosone and
WestBow Press. $28.95 Amazon Miranda Watson.
hardcover (144p), ISBN This book should be thought of as a rec- CreateSpace. $12.95
978-1-5127-8235-6 ipe for life. The reader must provide the paper (262p), ISBN 978-
Amazon, BN.com ingredients and do all the work. The 1-5406-5130-3; $5.95
Gods character, care, result, though, will be a beautiful and e-book, ASIN
and provision are delicious life. B01MFHWCCL
showcased in this Amazon
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taken from Ducketts true overcoming- The Obama-Clinton tor who served in Iraq, 2006-2007.
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e-book, ISBN 978-0- Amazon 0-692-62000-7
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Amazon, BN.com, Book how the Democratic Party failed America Comprised of 77 short stories called
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Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, from to impact the bottom line with empathy.
Mexico to Alaska, this fast-paced, comi- First Generation Singular: Reactions to
cal romp travels through the motley and Living in Post-Holocaust Germany Mein Name Ist Peter Dietrich:
unintentional adventures of one mans Shirlee Sky Hoffman. CreateSpace. $6 paper Deatrick/Dedrick Family Heritage
unique reality. (95p), ISBN 978-1-5336-6065-7; $1.99 Ronald J. Deatrick and Claudia Barnard Coffey.
e-book, ASIN B01LXIGLH0 Outskirts Press. $23.95 paper (529p),
Amazon ISBN 978-1-4787-7792-2; $9.99 e-book,

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ASIN B01MTKZJY6 e-book, ASIN Humphrey W. Muciiri. Toplink Publishing.


Amazon, Apple iBooks, B071195YMT $12.99 paper (171p),
BN.com Amazon, BN.com ISBN 978-1-946801-
The saga of a family Prasai designed this 24-1
whose story is as book to allow readers Amazon
monumental as the to focus on the specif- Dads behavior com-
great land Peter ics right off the bat. No municates a lot to his
Dietrich adopted as complicated concepts, son.
his new home long ago. industry jargon, or arcane rituals.
To Divorce or Not to Divorce
Our Fated Century Pondering Pogos Enemy: Lenard Marlow. Xlibris. $19.99 paper (126p),
Grant Rodkey. Xlibris. One Op-Ed at a Time ISBN 978-1-5245-
$19.99 paper (224p), Herb Van Fleet. Op-Ed 7080-4
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1794-4 (148p), ISBN 978-1- In the terms that this
Amazon, Xlibris 5323-1760-6 book puts it, couples
This book is a kaleido- Amazon, BN.com, Books- are unable to decide
scopic scan of events A-Million whether to go forward
and attitudes that have affected us and Van Fleet intends this or end their marriage.
our fellow earthly travelers during the compilation of his op-ed
tumultuous period from 1917 to 2017. pieces to be useful for essays, reports, An Uncut Diamond: A Memoir
reference, discussion groups, or maybe Angela N. Hsi. Dorrance Publishing. $19
Parenting at Your Best: Powerful new ideas, or as background or support paper (274p), ISBN 978-1-4809-2635-6
Reflections and Straightforward Tips in other works. DorranceBookstore.com
for Becoming a Mindful Parent Hsi has pursued free-
Roni Wing Lambrecht. 3 Remember to Remember: dom across two conti-
Hearts Press. $19.95 The Mayan Mysteries nents. This is her story.
paper (250p), ISBN 978- Carol E. Parrish-Harra. An intense and personal
0-9979298-0-5 Toplink Publishing. $9.99 view of the modern
Amazon paper (194p), ISBN 978- history of China, Taiwan,
Reflections and tips 1-946801-51-7 and America by a scholar.
from parents who lost Amazon
their only child, shar- This compilation of Childrens/YA
ing the lessons theyve learned so others and personal insights Chatur and the Enchanted Jungle
may apply them to living in the moment into the Mayan prophecies brings a new Subhash Kommuru, illus. by Nayan Soni.
with their own children. comprehension. Kommuru Books. $5.99 paper (32p),
ISBN 978-1-946312-04-4
Parkinsons Lite: The Laughable Side Revive Your Life! Amazon, Baker & Taylor,
Marie Tomas Macioce. Schnapps Press. Rest for Your BN.com, Ingram
$9.99 e-book, Anxious Heart A story about the value
ASIN B01B43598Y Pamela Christian. of friendships over
Amazon Protocol. $16.99 paper material things. Chatur
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to cope with Parkinsons, Christian intends to help people dis-
wind up switching roles. cover truth and lifes meaning and pur- Chevalier the Queens Mouseketeer:
pose to usher in the much-needed The Hither and Yon
Personal Development Simplified: reform our world longs for. Darryl Hughes, illus. by Monique
Break Negative Patterns and Take MacNaughton. Brand X Books. $11.99 paper
Control of Your Life. Guaranteed. Sons and Dads: (38p), ISBN 978-0-9903936-0-3
Kshitij Prasai. A Life Well Created. $4.99 Who Will Reconcile Them? Amazon, BN.com

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The kingdoms of the Land Ever After and WestBow Press. Third Chronicles of Illumination:
the Far, Far Away are on the verge of war. $13.95 paper (32p), Library of Illumination, Book Eight
Chevalier the ISBN 978-1-5127- C.A. Pack. Artiqua Press. $4.99 e-book,
mouse vows to 7638-6; $3.99 ASIN B01N4APCZJ
find the missing e-book, ISBN 978- Amazon, Apple iBooks,
princess, stop the 1-5127-7637-9 BN.com, Kobo
coming war, and Amazon, BN.com, Two teens find their
fulfill his destiny. Books-A-Million, Christianbook.com romance on the skids
A boy in South Africa learns how the little after allowing a shape-
Cuties Big Adventures: ways he helps his family and friends can shifter to become
Cutie Meets Mr. Lizard add up to big rewards, and that no matter trapped between the
Felicia Di John, illus. by Terence Gaylor. Cutie how small you are, you can accomplish layers of time and space at the Library of
Series. $9.95 paper (32p), ISBN 978-0- big things. Illumination.
9987568-0-6 Uneasy Pickings:
Amazon, Apple iBooks, Oh Susannah: Its in the Bag Tales from the
BN.com, Kobo Carole P. Roman, illus. by Mateya Arkova. In-between
Cutie is a playful res- Chelshire. 99 e-book, David Patneaude. David
cue dog who lives in ASIN B071XWBB7D Patneaude. $10.99
the desert and enjoys Amazon, BN.com paper (227p), ISBN 978-
having fun, making Susannah Logan, a 1-5213-6300-3
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ing adventure. ing a very bad day. In this story compilation, Patneaude explores
Susannah stuffs her the in-between, the spaces and places
Dr. Dee Dee Dynamos Beemore Breakthru issues into her back- and shadows of people that we know (and
Oneeka Williams, illus. by Valerie Bouthyette. pack. Will she be able to confront her sometimes fear) are there.
Mascot Books. $14.95 hardcover (32p), worries before the backpack bursts?
ISBN 978-1-68401-016-5 The Very First Christmas Stocking and
Drdeedeedynamo.com, Amazon Revelations the Gifts of the Seven Coins
Dr. Dee Dee Dynamo, J.F. Tucker. Dorrance Publishing. $19 paper Terry Paul Lafargue, illus.
super surgeon, who (266p), ISBN 978-1-4809-2573-1 by Kathryn Harper. Dog
can fix problems DorranceBookstore.com Ear Publishing. $31.99
with her gifted After a tragic death, hardcover (110p),
hands, is told that Alexis questions her ISBN 978-1-4575-
the bees are dying. faith. Who can love her 5027-0; $18.99 paper
Will putting bee- when she only hurts (110p), ISBN 978-1-
hives in every gar- others? Alexis doesnt 4575-4840-6
den on the island help their population? realize how important AbeBooks, Amazon, BN.com, Google Play
she is, for the devil will The nativity story about a shepherd fam-
The Government do anything to take her. ily of seven that went to visit the baby
Peter Gulgowski. CreateSpace. $8.99 paper Jesus on the very first Christmas.
(331p), ISBN 978-1-5353- Roaming with Rudy, Washington, DC!
4965-9; $3.99 e-book, Corinne Humphrey. Sage Press. $13.95 paper Words to Say Out
ASIN B01HH5VW98 (64p), ISBN 978-0-9799972-4-2; $3.99 Loud! A Safety
Amazon e-book, Book for Children
Fifty years ago, the ISBN 978-0-9799972-6-6 Around the World
government began the Apple iBooks Connie Ellis Myers,
extermination of the Each city guide in illus. by Joseph
undesirables. Now, in author-illustrator Bergado. Say Out Loud. $9.99 paper (48p),
a government-run compound, the teen- Humphreys kids ISBN 978-0-9799127-1-9
age survivors learn they are next. travel guide series is Wordstosayoutloud.com
filled with photos, This is a book of words for children to
Jabulani illustrations, fun facts, and activity say out loud when they need help. These
Jonathan J. Stotler, illus. by Beth Restrick. pages. words can help keep them safe.

146 B O O K L I F E , J U N E 2 6 , 2 0 1 7
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HE
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REVIEWS

Fiction turmoil of a terrorist attack and reminds with a broken legand the need for a phys-
readers of individual lives as they exist ical therapist. Credible happenstance puts
during and after disruption. Lexie on his bands bus for the next few
A Bustle in the Hedgerow weeks as he keeps his tour dates. Both prox-
Ben Miller. Krac, $15.99 trade paper (440p) Fort Enterprize imity and real connection drive them into
ISBN 978-1-494403-72-0 Kevin Emmet Foley. Hellgate, $19.95 trade each others arms, but its a far cry from the
FBI agent Jack Byrne, the hero of Millers paper (284p) ISBN 978-1-55571-842-8 passion portrayed in Jacks sexually charged
twisty cat-and-mouse thriller, has become Fine writing and gripping naval action commercial hits. Maybe volume two will
a national celebrity after the publication of sequences ignite the pages of Foleys tale set deliver more heat and a happy ending.
his book about his role in solving the high- during Thomas Jeffersons presidency. In
profile murder of an NFL stars daughter. 1850, reluctant writer Harrison Oswald Ill Conceived
Though Jacks work for the Child must abandon his life of leisure when his L.C. Hayden. CreateSpace, $15 trade paper
Abduction and Serial Murder Investigative father tasks him with traveling to (414p) ISBN 978-1-491215-76-0
Resource Center has been fulfilling, hes Russellville, Ky., to interview his aging Journalist Aimee Brent, the heroine of
nonetheless tempted to enter politics after great-uncle, local hero Presley OBannon. Haydens engaging series kickoff, gets an
Sen. Montgomery Johnson, the majority Pres recounts his youthful sailing days amid opportunity to demonstrate her investiga-
leader, asks him to run for a soon-to-be- American warships battling Barbary pirates tive skills for the South Shore Carrier, a
vacant seat in Virginia. After a timely sur- for Mediterranean trade routes five decades paper in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., when
prise meeting with President Harrison earlier. Cannon fire and hand-to-hand 15-year-old Lauri Evans goes missing.
Sullivan, Jack agrees to do so. Meanwhile, combat excite, and Foley (Where Law Ends) Lauris disappearance was reported to the
theres a series of murders that he would brings key figures of the First Barbary War police by the girls elderly neighbor, Louise
normally investigate. A sadist, who comes to life on the page. A well-imagined Dietz, known as Grandma Louise because
to be known as the Playground Predator, Jefferson grapples with deciding whether she enjoyed taking care of others and hov-
has taken the lives of two nine-year-old to propose paying the ransom or military ered over people, much like grandparents
girls, leaving cryptic notes on the bodies action to Congress just before secret agent do. That Grandma Louise heard a scream
written in Serbian and Thai. Sections from William Eaton proposes a risky solution to the night Lauri vanished convinced her that
the perspective of the murderer ratchet up thwart naval blockades in hopes of winning the girl was abducted. She shares a cryptic
the tension en route to a nail-biting climax. free trade within the Mediterranean for the detail with Aimee that she withheld from
United States. The text, rife with diplo- the policethat she saw a young shadow
Dont Go, Ramanya matic tension and high-seas maneuvers over running down the hallway she and Lauri
Rush Leaming. Bridgewood, $6 e-book dangerous coral reefs, delivers concise, live on. Aimeewho she remains trauma-
(314p) ASIN B01KU37QT4 novice-friendly context clues about naval tized by nightmares of her mothers
Leamings intriguing and fast-paced terms and practices. Additionally, Foley unsolved murder, which she witnessed as a
debut follows the actions of three men masterfully invokes the horrific conditions seven-year-oldpursues the case. The trail
during the 1999 Myanmar Embassy siege of cave prisons and the dehumanizing toil to the truth about Lauri takes some sur-
in Bangkok by Burmese rebels. They are a of enslaved captive passengers and seamen prising twists, and Hayden heightens sus-
monk named Ramanya, an English priest along the early-19th-century Barbary Coast pense with scenes from the perspective of
named Father Bob, and an American teacher of North Africa. an unidentified murderer.
named Michael, something they admit
sounds like the beginning of a horrible Groupie, Vol. 1 The Last Four Digits
joke. All three have left troubled lives Susan Daugherty. Sanctuary, $2.99 e-book Julie Leo. CreateSpace, $11.99 trade paper
behind to start anew in Bangkok. Right (257p) ASIN B01N1OB1GF (252p) ISBN 978-1-5309-0206-4
before the embassy is taken, Ramanya learns Daughertys debut delivers a diffuse stop- Former attorney Lola Vega, the narrator
that the family he thought he lost in Burma and-go romance that never quite shifts into of Leos fresh, funny, romantic mystery, is
could still be alive, and sets off to find out. high gear. Physical therapist Dr. Lexie an endearing and unconventional L.A. PI.
Father Bob and Michael join his journey in Travis is a homebody, but she lets her room- Broke and living off burritos, shes prone to
order to escape their own problems. With mate drag her to a sold-out Jack Morgan awkward mishaps and has a weakness for
the help of friends and those they meet concert in their town of Knoxville, Tenn. margaritas and men (notably Michael
along the way, the trio hurries to cross the Jacks a good enough singer, and Lexie is Escobar, a gorgeous but aggravating LAPD
border into Myanmar before it is closed. fond of his earlier songs, but his recent homicide detective). When Lola looks into
Filled with excellent descriptions (a mist releases leave her cold. Despite her disdain the alleged suicide of Hollywood A-lister
filled valley, white clouds clinging to the for the direction Jacks gone in, there is a Jack Stone and subsequently discovers the
forest walls like cotton candy), this moment during the performance when they body of a second victim, she unwittingly
thoughtful tale keeps the pages turning. lock eyes and feel a mutual zing. Then a becomes a suspect in what develops into a
Leaming effectively steps back from the harrowing onstage accident leaves Jack murder case. In an effort to clear her name,

B O O K L I F E .C O M 146a
REVIEWS
Lola teams with Molly OReilly, the late competition schedule is made even more shes ready to play the heroines part. A
movie stars former psychic, who supplies complicated by her baffled realization that quirky backstory involving an ill-advised
some enjoyably irreverent humor (and com- shes attracted to the off-limits Sergei. Its elopement makes it easy to be on her side,
munications with the dead) but can feel at certainly a mixed blessing when she deter- and shes rewarded early on when love
times like an accessory. The investigation mines that he returns her regard. The interest Dylan Cakebread shows up right
takes Lola and Molly to a dog track in friends-to-lovers romance comes in a dis- on cue. The romantic relationship takes
Mexico, a Russian circus, and small-town tant second to the technical, delightful center stage as Sarah and Dylan attempt to
Pennsylvaniawith occasional stops at behind-the-scenes look at a popular sport. work through the strangeness of a new
Lolas mothers house in Glendale for a Unfortunately, the book is less of a romance romance with a few added hurdles such as a
home-cooked meal. Readers may pick up and more a love letter to skating and the mystery illness and a rough trip away
on clues before Lola does, and the Russian picturesque Cape Cod area. Subtle religious together. Sarah has encountered her fair
characters can be cartoonish, but these are overtones add to an already crowded plot, share of struggles (divorce, losing her father,
minor blemishes. occasionally injecting a rather idealistic a lifelong fight with her sister), and some
note. Fans of Yuri!!! on Ice who observe startling revelations from Dylans brother
The Last Letter some familiar story notes may be surprised send her into unfortunately familiar terri-
Susan Pogorzelski. Brown Beagle, $12.99 to learn that this book was published before tory. This is mostly easy to breeze through,
trade paper (278p) ISBN 978-0-9888751-3-5 the show aired. though the tell-all nature of the narration
Pogorzelskis exceptional debut shares takes away any opportunities for surprise
the challenges, dreams, fleeting optimism, Mellow Submarine and the dialogue can sometimes feel
and difficulties of 15-year-old Amelia Michael Atchison. CreateSpace, $12.98 trade unnatural.
Lenelli at the turn of the millennium. paper (357p) ISBN 978-1-5349-6672-7
Adolescence is hard enough, but Amelia is Tongue firmly in cheek, Atchison ven- The Pearl and the Carnelian
facing other troubles: her physical and tures into the realm of faked crimes and the Annabel Fielding. Amazon Kindle Direct
mental health are deteriorating. As the ensuing repercussions. Ever since Jenna Publishing, $5.99 e-book (419p)
symptoms of her mysterious illness Kaye disappeared, her fianc, Mike McAfee, ASIN B01LXWRXAI
worsenand the attempts to identify a has been scrutinized as the prime suspect in This uneven first novel looks at the dark
diagnosis continue to failher friends dis- her supposed death. He flees to his home- side of a naive socialites political zeal
appear into their active lives while Amelia town of Cameron, Ill., in an attempt to during the interwar period in Britain. In
wonders if her own life is ending. She escape the limelight and sort things out. 1934, Lady Lucy Fitzmartin, 19, raised in
describes her struggles in letters addressed After Jennas discovered alive and well, a rigid English home, is writing society
to Whoever you are, an imagined reader having staged her own disappearance to run articles for a newspaper, but her ambitions
who fills the companionship void. She hides off with an old boyfriend, Mikes life is once are much greater. She becomes involved
nothing, sharing the depressionand again turned upside down with the realiza- with the British Union of Fascists, a move-
thoughts of suicidethat can accompany tion that his relationship with Jenna was a ment to form a British alliance with Hitlers
sickness, pubescence, and loneliness. sham. While in Cameron, he reunites with Germany in order to avoid a war between
Pogorzelski writes this semiautobiograph- old friends who are in the midst of recov- the nations. Meanwhile, Lucy becomes
ical novel with authenticity, and her young ering from their own life disasters, including smitten with her new, exotic young ladys
character displays relentless wisdom in an Jill, an old flame from high school. A former maid, Hester Blake, whose own ambition
honest, mouths-of-babes style. one-night stand reappears, which compli- is to see grand houses and travel the world.
cates matters, as does the incessant flow of They begin a romantic relationship, dan-
Life on the Edge reality TV bigwigs with their own agendas. gerously unacceptable at that time. Lucy
Jennifer Comeaux. Jennifer Comeaux, $3.99 Atchisons knack for snappy dialogue, sharp becomes more entrenched with the Reich
e-book (342p) ASIN B01LHVM1AW witticisms, and vivid characterizations of by writing inflammatory articles, spying on
Comeaux (Gold Rush), kicking off the even minor characters make the far-fetched a friend, and attending violent protest
new Edge series, demonstrates clear passion story a fast-paced delight. meetings. Despite a plot featuring black-
for the sport of pairs figure skating, though mail and betrayal, the conclusion is rather
her writing skill doesnt quite match her Occasional Soulmates tepid, and the novels readability suffers
eagerness. At 19, Emily, a Massachussetts Kevin Brennan. CreateSpace, $9.99 trade from numerous misplaced commas; how-
figure skater, is considered at her peak. paper (260p) ISBN 978-1-5006-3839-9 ever, the author effectively captures the eras
After she succumbs to nerves on the singles Brennan (Parts Unknown) delivers a fairly political ferment.
circuit, she pairs with another young skater, well-executed take on the traditional
Chris, to tackle a new division. Theyre romantic comedy. Doctor Sarah Phelan nar- The Rebels Wrath
coached by an up-and-coming Russian, rates her life as a relationship novel (This Christopher W. Morin. Maine Authors, $17.95
Sergei, whose own skating past is shrouded is just about the spot where they usually trade paper (315p) ISBN 978-1-63381-068-6
in mystery. Emilys intense training and introduce the Love Interest, she quips) and The latest from Morin (after A Tale of Life

146b B O O K L I F E , J U N E 2 6 , 2 0 1 7
REVIEWS

& War) is a well-researched account of life love story, scandal, and mystical experience that he intends for Oliver to help him solve
after the Civil War. Sergeant Sherman is satisfying and entertaining. the murder of his wife, Kate, despite the
Jackson survives the Battle of Gettysburg official verdict that Kates death was a sui-
and in 1865 musters out of the Union army The Summer Boy: cide. Spencer keeps the twists coming in the
to return to his home town of North A Novel of Texas service of the relentlessly downbeat plot.
Scarborough, Maine, where he learns his Ray Rhamey. Platypus, $14.95 trade paper
mother has died and his father will soon (276p) ISBN 978-0-615-49906-2 Unwrap My Heart
follow. As was true for much of the country, Rhamey (The Vampire Kitty-Cat Chronicles) Alex Falcone. Completely Legitimate, $15
the war has taken a toll on the town, and does a nice job of capturing the uncertainties trade paper (176p) ISBN 978-0-9983611-0-9
Shermans father has been unable to main- and challenges of adolescence in this who- This absurdist comic romp, the story of
tain the family store. Sherman had dreamed dunit set in 1958 Texas. High school stu- a girl and a mummy enduring American
of continuing his education, but fate and dent Jesse Carver is working as a hand on the high school in the hot, dry Southwest, will
circumstances lead him to rebuild both the Box 8, a cattle ranch for the summer, along charm fans of naive protagonists. Sofia
general store and the town itself. However, with his best friend, Dudley Miller, whose Murdoch is just a normal high school girl
problems arise when violence is visited mother landed them the positions. The with a muscle-bound best friend and an
upon the town by a mysterious perpetrator, work, which includes a lot of digging holes, impenetrable obliviousness when she falls
and Rebel symbols begin to appear. The is less exciting than he imagined, and for Seth, the hot new kid who wears ban-
tension in North Scarborough rises as Buddy, the foreman, is a hard and sadistic dages and leaves piles of dust in his wake.
Sherman races to discover the truth behind taskmaster, but theres one compensation: What starts as a geography assignment on
the occurrences. Minor writing flaws the ranchers daughter, Lola Braun, whos the Middle East turns into a frequently
such as the occasional drift in point of view about 16, is already the kind of girl a boy interrupted romance that spirals into more
and an overuse of exclamation points undressed with his eyes. Lolas physical as nefarious grave robbers arrive on the
might bother some readers, but a good use attributes have also attracted the attention scene and it becomes obvious that Sofias
of period language and charming descrip- of the two Mexicans working at the Box 8, mother, who abandoned her, had some sur-
tions of late-19th-century American life and violence ensues, eventually culmi- prising secrets. The book is saddled with
will please American history buffs. nating in a murder by pitchfork. Jesse, whos unfortunate continuity errors and a ten-
scarred by the circumstances of his fathers dency to try too hard for its jokes. This isnt
The Silver Barons Wife untimely death, makes a sympathetic lead, the best introduction to Falcones writing;
Donna Baier Stein. Serving House Books, and Rhamey keeps the surprises coming. it works somewhat as a comedy but fails as
$14.95 trade paper (224p) ISBN 978-0- Fans of romantic thrillers will find a lot to a romance.
9971010-6-5 like.

Nonfiction
In this eloquent novel, Stein portrays the
independent, eccentric, and resilient woman The Tipping Point of Oliver Bass
known as Baby Doe, a legendary figure from Larry Spencer. Chalk Hill, $12.95 trade paper
Colorados silver boom. Elizabeth Lizzie (212p) ISBN 978-0-692-85986-5 The Absent Superpower:
McCourt Doe is a renowned beauty who Spencers heartfelt noir opens with a The Shale Revolution and a World
moved from Wisconsin to Colorado in the moving description of the suicide of the Without America
1870s so that her husband, Harvey Doe, narrators mother. When Oliver Bass was Peter Zeihan. Zeihan on Geopolitics, $28
could work in the silver mine that they par- five years old, Annie Bass, a depressed alco- (416p) ISBN 978-0-9985052-0-6
tially owned. Confronted with his addic- holic, jumped off San Franciscos Golden Throughout this impressive and some-
tions and womanizing, Lizzie divorces Gate Bridge. Her body was never recovered, times irreverent look at the flow of the
Harvey. He heads home to Wisconsin, but and, unsurprisingly, 12 years later, her worlds energy resources, geopolitical ana-
she stays in Colorado out of shame and death still haunts her son. Oliver blames his lyst Zeihan (The Accidental Superpower) fore-
embarrassment. What later begins as an father, Jeffrey, for the tragedy, which makes casts the 21st century, with surprising
affair with Horace Tabor, a married silver living with his father and Lorraine, Jeffreys results. He predicts that in a coming
magnate 30 years her senior, eventually third or fourth wife (Oliver has trouble Disorder, three theaters of war will dis-
turns into a loving marriage with two keeping track), an ordeal. Despite the teen- rupt the global flow of oil, yet the U.S. will
daughters. Though they are tremendously agers brilliance, he was expelled from remain uninvolved. The key is the nations
wealthy, the couple is shunned socially, and school after calling his teachers fascist ability to tap into massive shale reserves,
a financial crisis soon wipes out their for- right-wing hypocrites. His situation which Zeihan sees leading to energy inde-
tune. As Lizzies problems mount, she worsens after his father and Lorraine send pendence. Add in the U.S.s capacity for
becomes reclusive, living alone in a cabin him to Venice, Calif., to live for the summer sustained agricultural and economic pro-
with her visionsholy images and complex with Vance Briggs, an investigative reporter duction and lack of land borders with com-
dreams from her past, revealed to readers in and a former patient of his therapist step- petent military adversaries, and it can
a lyrical, meditative voice. Steins blend of mother. Vance stuns his guest by revealing retreat from long-set foreign policy patterns

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(in which it trades military protection for tuate her bosom. The memoir then exam- overridden by frequent, detailed com-
safe global trade) and return to its case-by- ines the authors first marriage, to a man plaints. There is a great deal to appreciate
case dollar diplomacy of the early 20th cen- who was careful to never touch her during in Jacobss account, but whats missing is
tury. Zeihans other predictions are even sex; abuse by her psychiatrist; and a second essential: a sense of the authors growth
more dramatic. He anticipates Russia marriage that ended in disaster. Finally she and growing self-awarenessthroughout
starting a war over oil in Eastern Europe, began a long-lived open relationship with her journey.
tensions between rivals Saudi Arabia and a man whose fear of commitment kept him
Iran erupting in the Persian Gulf, and the from kissing her on the lips. Debut author Good Food for Everyone:
major nations of Northeast Asia clashing Carrietts work is marked by fluid prose Farm Fresh Clean Eating
over control of the worlds most-trafficked tending toward the purple, especially when Danielle Gaebel. Natural Contents, $25
waterways. Zeihans knowledge of current detailing her many erotic encounters. The (194p) ISBN 978-1-48358-799-8
global affairs, regional conflicts, and the memoirs structure reveals a woman often Food blogger Gaebels first cookbook
energy sector is impressive. at odds with herself, contradictions made does little to expand the already-bloated
evident by letters professing deep attach- category of gluten-, grain-, and soy-free
The Brooklyn Wars: The Stories ment that are followed by sudden separa- recipes that are paleo and vegan friendly.
Behind the Remaking of New tions, breakups leading to unsatisfying The dishes range from familiar (roasted but-
Yorks Most Celebrated Borough reunions, and assertions that she had no ternut sage soup, kale salad, gnocchi with
Neil deMause. Second System, $14.95 trade desire to disrupt the life of a married child- sage butter, deviled eggs, rosemary roasted
paper (288p) ISBN 978-0-692-76729-0 hood love punctuated by detailed fantasies nuts) to quirky and inventive (hash-brown
DeMause (Field of Schemes) looks at urban about him. Best suited for readers who egg nests, caramelized-onion spinach dip).
development in Brooklyn, where a war of appreciate graphic depictions of sexual acts, Many of Gaebels recipes are fairly straight-
sorts has broken out over the past few this memoir will appeal to anyone whos forward. An exception is the multistep
decades between the city, its residents, and been shunned for harboring, and acting on, sweet-potato cinnamon rolls. Whats puz-
real estate developers. Covering many convention-defying desires. zling is the inclusion of a chapter on meat,
angles, including the effects of Hurricane with recipes for average fare such as chicken
Sandy, the blackout of 1977, and controver- Four Seasons in a Day: salad and Italian meatballs, as well as rec-
sies over real estate developments such as Travel, Transitions, and Letting ipes for dishes that are anything but fresh,
Metrotech and Atlantic Center, the book Go of the Place We Call Home clean, and vegan friendly, such as a recipe
brings to the forefront an ongoing and Deborah L. Jacobs. DJWorking Unlimited, for corn-dog bites that calls for plain-old
unsolved question: is whats good for the $14.95 trade paper (296p) ISBN 978-0- hot dogs. The books often arch approach
neighborhood also good for its residents? 9836970-4-6 (alternative dairy ingredients made from
DeMause, a native New Yorker, is surpris- Jacobs, a former editor at Forbes, recounts nuts are spelled mylk instead of milk)
ingly levelheaded in his approach and uses the story of a three-month trip to France, doesnt do it any favors either, leaving
a combination of historical insight and using short-term rental services to lease her homecooks to question what the focus of the
insider knowledge to inform his analysis of three-story Brooklyn town house and rent book really is.
the transformation of the borough. He homes in four different regions of France.
describes todays Coney Island as a mostly Having just seen her son off to college, An Odd Book: How the First
to a newer, cleaner (or more sanitized), less Jacobs planned the trip as a way to mark the Modern Pop Culture Reporter
quirky (or more reliable) version of what it beginning of the next chapter of her life. She Conquered New York
always was. Much has been written about and her husband arrive at their first rental R. Scott Williams. R. Scott Williams, $18.99
the topic, but this account brings a balance in the Loire Valley only to encounter the trade paper (284p) ISBN 978-0-9986997-0-7
of nostalgia and nuance to the changing first of many frustrations and disappoint- Williams (Forgotten Adventures of Richard
cityscape. ments with their lodgings at a small, untidy Halliburton) evokes the glamour and glitz
cottage owned by a winemaker. They flee of New York high society in this biography
Desire Makes the Difference to a new rental, finding only moderately of Oscar Odd McIntyre (18841938),
Jasmine Carriett. iUniverse, $14.95 trade better conditions. As the journey (and lodg- whose syndicated column, New York Day
paper (212p) ISBN 978-1-4917-9861-4 ings) gradually improve, the narrative shifts by Day, made him one of the highest-paid
Eighty-three-year-old Carriett has kept toward a more traditional travelogue with reporters of his era. The book chronicles
a copy of every word [shes] ever put on details about French culture and history McIntyres life from his upbringing in
paper and proves it in this memoir about including Jacobss recounting of a spirited Ohio, where he dropped out of high school
her late-life sexual awakening, in which she exchange with the village cheese monger and wormed his way into a job as staff
collages journal entries, letters, and narra- and anecdotes from Ernest Hemingways reporter at the Dayton Herald, through to
tive interludes. She opens with a description time in France. Ultimately, however, the his later years in the city that never sleeps,
of her childhood and a mother who forbade books narrative mainstayJacobss experi- living on Park Avenue and hobnobbing
her from wearing sweaters lest she accen- ences with short-term rental servicesis with celebrities such as impresario Flo

146d B O O K L I F E , J U N E 2 6 , 2 0 1 7
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Ziegfeld and movie stars Douglas Fairbanks child in a family living in 1950s Jackson, but at least here, the product is often syn-
and Rudy Valentino. Williams provides Miss. Family events such as weddings, opsis. The result may not be interesting
readers with a solid sense of his subjects divorces, and moving mark the early years enough for the uninitiated, or probing
character, whether through descriptions of of her life, but these are overshadowed by enough for the enthusiast.
his early clashes with his father or of his the abuse she suffers at the hands of her
social anxiety and general demeanor family members. Her father sexually abuses Simply Dirac
(McIntyre dubbed it chronic melan- her sisters, but Franklin is protected from Helge Kragh. Simply Charly, $7.99 trade paper
cholia), and draws heavily on McIntyres most of it by her sister, Angela. Ironically, (122p) ISBN 978-1-943657-09-4
prodigious output of columns as well as his its the abuse she suffers at the hands of Danish historian of science Kragh
unpublished autobiography and personal Angelas multiple personalities, who (Entropic Creation) synthesizes the biograph-
correspondence to give readers a sense of his Franklin refers to collectively as the Sisters, ical and intellectual in this concise and con-
voice as a writer. The strength of the book which is ultimately the dominant experi- sidered presentation on Paul Dirac, one of
lies in the backdrop: Williams traces the ence of her childhood that shapes Franklins the most important theoretical physicists
changing tides of the newspaper and enter- life for years to come. Common emotions of the 20th century. Diracs interest was in
tainment industries in the early decades of start to take on new meaning for Franklin quantum mechanics and quantum electro-
the 20th century while telling this little- in the form of Angelas other personalities: dynamics, so to render him simply is
known rags-to-riches story. Angry, Hero, Kind, and Sad are heavy with quite a feat. Nevertheless, Kragh strikes the
the significance each represents. Franklins right balance with the material, situating
One More Cup of Coffee memories, though powerful, feel patched Dirac in relation to his intellectual environ-
Tom Pappalardo. Object Publishing, $12.99 together rather than developed as a fluid ment while speaking to his achievements.
trade paper (154p) ISBN 978-0-9983278-0-8 narrative, and while the books resolution A physics background is not necessary for
These hilarious shorts are a perfect snark- is welcome, it feels rushed in comparison to understanding the material, but the subject
fest, combining people watching and caf the conflicts detailed throughout. Though matter is not the most accessible and there
criticism with abundant humor. Pappalardo Franklins courage is inspiring, her story is is a lot here that readers may find daunting.
visits coffee emporiums in Northampton, told from a childs viewpoint, making for a Kragh covers Diracs successes, including
Amherst, and other towns in western challenging and awkward readthe narra- his rendering of q-number algebra for
Massachusetts to sample brews ranging tive suffers without the perspective of an quantum mechanics and his theorizing on
from fabulous to putrid and to jot his adult looking back on that childhood. antimatter, as well as his misses, such as his
impressions of baristas and customers. He still-unproven speculation on monopoles
ranges from local coffeehouses to Dunkin Simply Dickens and a seemingly failed evolutionary twist
Donuts and Starbucks locations, going so Paul Schlicke. Simply Charly, $7.99 trade to physics in which constants such as
far as to reference the noncontroversy of the paper (97p) ISBN 978-1-943657-06-3 gravity change over time. However, Kragh
2015 red holiday cups; he even experiences Schlicke (Dickens and Popular walks the reader through this uncertain
coffee in his local public library. In one riff, Entertainment), a renowned Dickens terrain by highlighting Dirac the man and
he rails against the ludicrousness of far- authority, delivers a straightforward install- what typified his thought. Although not as
distant coffee pickup counters; elsewhere, ment of the Simply Charly series, which famous as some of his contemporaries,
he visits a Dunkin Donuts dominated by introduces readers to famous historical fig- Diracs life and accomplishments are further
painful country music. Pappalardos enjoy- ures. Consistent with the series format, illustrated through his personal and profes-
ment of doughnuts, pie, and other comes- Schlickes book provides a brief overview of sional relationships with luminaries such as
tibles adds delight to the collection, as does both the man and his works. Schlicke iden- Einstein, Heisenberg, and Schrdinger.
his recording of overheard conversations tifies primary influences on Dickenss Kragh goes some way to giving Dirac and
and scenes. This collection is good for a writing, including the fall of family for- his legacy the attention they deserve.
consistent supply of laughs, regardless of tunes that led to the young Dickens
whether readers live in Massachusetts or working in a boot-blackening factory, his Talking Back to the Bible:
drink coffee. lifelong love of the theater, and his pursuit A Historians Approach to
of becoming a publisher. Dickens is pre- Bible Study
My Five Sisters: sented in an accessible way meant to under- Edward Simmons. Dorrance, $19 trade paper
A Psychological Thriller Based on a score key points and take account of his (294p) ISBN 978-1-4809-2709-4
True Story of Multiple Personalities prolific literary output and the develop- Simmons, a continuing-education
Pam Franklin. Freality, $17.99 (222p) ISBN 978- ment of his craft. Although Schlickes the- teacher at Brenau University in Gainesville,
0-9962531-2-3 matic organization of the material leads to Ga., combines Bible study with historical
Franklins memoir, a retelling of her a faster pace than a chronological presenta- perspective to challenge traditional views
childhood, confronts abuse, trauma, and, tion might have had, he often doesnt on the life of Jesus and the themes of the Old
most importantly, survival. At the outset, engage the subject deeply enough. The aim Testament. In 38 chapters that he calls con-
Franklin is six years old and the youngest of the series is simplicity and accessibility, versations, Simmons offers his take on

B O O K L I F E .C O M 146e
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various topics that he examines in light of questions intended to prompt further dis- that her mother left to her in secret, before
their historical context. His study can be cussion. For readers looking to reconceptu- vanishingto sports and partying. The
controversial at times, especially for readers alize their relationship with religion, this extent of the woodwinds powers are
from more-conservative backgrounds, with book will serve as a great starting point for revealed when Iriss playing accidentally
chapters titled Did Jesus Use a Bathroom? spiritual reflection. sends Matt back to the year 1907. Sports,
Why Jesus Wasnt a Christian, and Can music, and science collide as Iris and Arky
God be Trusted? But the author believes
that asking these sorts of questions and Childrens/YA attempt to retrieve Matt while wondering
if their mother could be found, too.
measuring them against the historical con- Meanwhile, Matt must adjust to his new
text will allow the reader to go deeper into Eerie century (and playing for the Carlisle Indian
a personal understanding of God and the C.M. McCoy. Omnific, $19.99 paper (434p) Schools football team, coached by Pop
Bible. Simmons argues that viewing Jesus ISBN 978-1-62342-232-5 Warner) and figure out a way to get back to
through modern glasses results in different, A teenager gets caught in a dangerous hometime. With propulsive pacing and
more useful interpretations. When exam- supernatural conflict in McCoys promising an entertaining mix of witticisms, histor-
ining Jesus in the context of what people but overstuffed paranormal romance. ical lessons, romance, and poignant
believed at the time, for example, Jesus Hailey Hartleys dreams about a mysterious moments, Meehls SF adventure hits all the
becomes more human (with all the atten- boy become much more vivid after her older right notes. Believable characters infuse
dant temptations of humanity) and a man sister is murdered. Soon after, Hailey meets energy into each scenereaders will eagerly
with a mission rather than a messiah. him in the flesh: hes an Envoy named await future installments. Ages 12up.
Although it is somewhat scattered, the Asher, responsible for ferrying life energy
book offers fresh perspectives on everything released when someone diesacross Spit Mechs
from passages about Daniels visions to dimensional planes. The Envoys have Corbett Buchly. Lost Language, $7.49 paper
modern worship. become trapped on Earth, Hailey could be (112p) ISBN 978-0-9975009-0-5
the key to freeing them, and her life is in Ten-year-old Newton Beam is more con-
Walking on Water: danger as a result. But first shes off to Bear cerned about the upcoming school talent
Skeptics and Believers Discuss Towne University in remote Alaska to study show than about what his genius mother is
Whether Jesus Matters ParaScience, though she isnt necessarily up to in the government laboratory a mile
Anita E. Keire. Curriculum Development safe there, given such hazards as invisible beneath their house. But when Newton and
Associates, $15 trade paper (237p) ISBN 978- interdimensional portals and carnivorous friends Jorge and Jane accidentally interfere
0-9980-8770-2 splinters from man-eating trees. McCoy has with an experiment by coughing on
Using fictional composite characters from fun fleshing out the details of Haileys life mechanical supersuits powered by alien
her first book, Keire (Resurrection Dialogues) at Bear Towne, though it isnt entirely clear technology, the suits calibrate themselves to
invites the reader to a group conversation how the many supernatural aspects of the the kids DNA, which means that they must
where a variety of people from different novel fit together. Characters dont always use them to take on the Drefts, aliens bent
walks of life explore religious questions. react in believable ways (at one point Hailey on galactic conquest. Buchly wastes no time
These characters include a Catholic who has accepts a dinner invitation with the Envoy setting his Voltron-esque premise in
become disenchanted with her church, a who killed her sister without argument), motion, and he keeps the details light,
scientist who cant wrap his mind around though readers who invest in Haileys story focusing instead on the whiz-bang aspects
religions absolutes, a Jew whose daughter may be intrigued by a cliffhanger ending of this wish-fulfillment fantasy, first in a
married a Christian, and a philosopher with that sets up a sequel. Ages 14up. planned series. (Oddly, he also includes pho-
evangelical roots. They come together to netic pronunciations midstory for anime and
figure out whether Jesus matters in their Blowback 07: When the Only Jorge.) Aided by Newtons mother, Newton,
lives. Keire, a retired minister in the United Way Forward Is Back Jorge, and Jane confront the aliens at their
Church of Christ, has a good handle on what Brian Meehl. MCP, $12.95 paper (352p) base in the frigid Canadian wilderness. SF
issues can serve as stumbling blocks along ISBN 978-1-6350-5185-8 fans will enjoy seeing what the battle suits
the road to religious discovery. Many ques- In this time-bending first novel in a are capable of, but the plot moves so quickly
tionsfrom basics such as Why did Jesus planned trilogy, Meehl (Suck It up and Die) that it reads more like the scaffolding of a
have to be baptized? to the more complex creates a fascinating dichotomy between story than a fully developed one. Ages 812.
How can God allow something like the past and present. North High junior Arky
Holocaust?are explored. The author Jongler-Jinks, a sharp-witted cross-country The Lemonade Stand Cookbook:
presents context from the Bible and leads runner, is best friends with his high schools Step-by-Step Recipes and Crafts
lively conversations (which are nevertheless star quarterback, Matt Grinnell, and defen- for Kids to Makeand Sell!
respectful of different backgrounds and sive back, Danny Bender. Arkys twin sister, Kathy Strahs. Burnt Cheese, $23.95 paper
opinions) with the goal of clarifying Iris, prefers making musicespecially (130p) ISBN 978-0-9969112-1-4
Christian beliefs. Each chapter ends with playing an unusual antique English horn Cookbook author Strahs (The Ultimate

146f B O O K L I F E , J U N E 2 6 , 2 0 1 7
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Panini Press Cookbook) offers a blueprint for


entrepreneurial kids interested in starting
up their own lemonade stand businesses,
tackling stand design, advertising, and
sales. Recipes are also key, of course, and
Strahs includes a bakers dozen of beverages:
classic lemonade (along with cranberry
and mango versions), a berry smoothie, iced
teas, watermelon aqua fresca, and a few
cold-weather drinks (cocoa, hot apple
cider). Directions for various sweets and
snacks are also included, as are packaging
and craft ideas. Photographs of (and testi-
monials from) children appear throughout;
a polished design and Strahss thorough
approach make this a fresh spin on a quint-
essential summer activity. Ages 79.

What Would I Do? An A to Z Journey


Maurice M. Hebert, illus. by Megan Tennant.
Mograce, $10.95 paper (60p) ISBN 978-0-
9983319-0-4
In his first book for children, Hebert pres-
ents an alphabetical series of what-if sce-
narios featuring various adult professionals,
from an astronaut to a zookeeper. Its a solid
starting place, but most scenes dont present
intriguing dilemmas for younger readers.
Would a Fireman working the ladder do
anything but rescue a cat clinging [to] the
edge of a banner? Would a painter creating
a picture that features the beauty and
splendor/ of a new shopping center actually
attract the crowd she does? These and many
of the other setups are constructed, some-
what tortuously, around Heberts verse,
which doesnt concern itself much with
rhyme, meter, or consistency (What would
I do? If I were a Golfer/ Swinging much
better and harder than ever/ My ball landing
on top of the hole of a gopher/ What would
I do?). Tennants accompanying artwork,
which seems to channel cartoonists like
Charles Schulz and Harry Bliss, is more suc-
cessful; her skillfully drafted images bring
welcome humor to scenes of a magicians
kitchen overrun with rabbits, candy-
deprived children on a seaside boardwalk,
and zoo animals run amok. Ages 48.
The preceding reviews of
self-published titles ran in
Publishers Weekly during the
past month.

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