Professional Documents
Culture Documents
A Win
For Indie
Authors
After embracing self-
publishing, Ian Andrew,
the winner of the 2017
BookLife Prize, sets his
sights on helping other
independent authors
BY NICOLE AUDREY SPECTOR
F
ace Value, Ian Andrew’s detective
thriller and the winner of the 2017
BookLife Prize, is packed with action
and suspense. It’s easy to imagine that a
first draft was dashed off in a storm of
passion, the author seldom pausing to
apply edits until after everything was
down on paper. But, in fact, Andrew edited
the novel section by section as he wrote
it, taking contemplative breathers to review
and perfect each scene before advancing
to the next.
® INDIE SUCCESS
“That constant back-and-forth with ambitious writing plans
allows me to tighten the story Ian Andrew (by this time next year he
as I go,” Andrew says. “I also anticipates having the fourth
like my details and write almost Wright & Tran novel published
visually, so I have to be cautious and the fifth nearly completed),
that I don’t slow the story down Andrew plans on further build-
too much because of that.” ing out BRE.
Andrew, who has worked as Now for the kangaroo in the
an intelligence officer special- room (hey, he’s in Australia):
izing in antisubmarine warfare, what will he make of this
is also mindful to give readers BookLife victory? Well, first he’ll
the grit and adventure they may finish processing the shock of
associate with upper-level mil- the win.
itary operations. But, most of “Not in the slightest did I think
this stuff is pure fiction. I’d win,” Andrew says. “I simply
“The majority of real intelligence gathering work thought the fact that the competition included a
is boring, but with a novel you get to leave out all [critique] from the professional reviewers of
of the humdrum and concentrate on the exciting Publishers Weekly was too good to miss. As each
highlights,” Andrew says. “I think being able to round went by and I continued to progress, I became
use appropriate language and having a handle on more excited, yet was just happy to have gotten
the equipment and techniques helps set up believ- as far as I did. I am honestly not sure what the
able scenarios.” reality will bring, but I would like to think a major
Writing under a pseudonym from the rural south- opportunity would be for increased exposure of
west of Western Australia, Andrew self-published my novels to a much wider audience.”
Face Value, the first of the Wright & Tran series, in Less unclear is what he’ll do with the $5,000 writ-
2015, followed by the second in the series, Flight ing stipend. “Part of it will go on a gift for my wife,
Path, in 2016, and the third, Fall Guys, last spring. Jacki, and part of it will go on a signet ring for me,”
“I went indie in 2014 after I finished my first novel, he says. “I think it’s important there are some tactile,
A Time to Every Purpose, [which was] cross-genre, material things that I can look to and that will remind
not easy to pigeonhole, and had a religious twist to me of the award. Most of it will be plowed back into
it,” explains the 52-year-old writer. “Also, I wasn’t the business of writing and will probably fund a
20 years old and didn’t have the luxury of waiting promotional trip back to the U.K. in April.”
for a decade or more to be ‘discovered.’ After the On a broader note, Andrew is hopeful that this
fifth rejection letter, I decided to go it alone. When achievement will give a boost to fellow indie crime
it featured as an Amazon bestseller in not only its authors—and perhaps the self-publishing category
genre, but overall in the top 100 Amazon lists, I felt as a whole. “[Indie] crime thrillers are already an
quite vindicated.” amazingly strong genre, so I don’t believe that it
needs much in the way of help; however, in the
Help an Author Out wider indie author world, a high-profile award like
Andrew also feels a calling to help other authors this—backed by an industr y powerhouse like
get their work out there. He’s been running Book Publishers Weekly, with almost 150 years of history
Reality Experience, a publishing-on-demand service behind it—can’t do anything but strengthen the
since 2015. indie author brand,” he says. “I honestly do not
“Having learnt by trial and error how to inde- see that indies and traditional pathways should
pendently publish a novel, I thought it would be be pitted against one another. I see it simply that
good to run some training courses for other authors indie offers a new way, new opportunities, and
wishing to do the same,” Andrew says. “After a added diversity for the world of books.” ■
lot of the training sessions, authors said thanks,
but then asked if I could publish it for them. That Nicole Audrey Spector is a writer whose work has
brought about the Book Reality Experience.” Along appeared in the Atlantic, the New Yorker, and Vogue.
40 B O O K L I F E , J A N UA RY 2 2 , 2 0 1 8
® COVER ART
Cover Redesign
This month, Michelle Argyle at Melissa Williams Design
reimagines the cover of Mr. Nachron’s List by Mike
Corbett, who praised the new cover and thanked Argyle
for “stimulating the part of us that connects eye to brain.”
To submit a book for a free cover redesign, email us at booklifeeditor@booklife.com. Original Cover
Showcasing
the image of
the man in the Replacing the
boat reveals photograph
the book’s main with an illus-
character and tration gives the
its focus. cover and the
story a more
whimsical feel.
Choosing a font
that matches
the feel of the
artwork drives
home the fan-
tastical elements
The subtitle
of the book in
indicates the
a way that will
book’s theme
hook fans of
and will appeal
the genre.
to the intended
audience.
42 B O O K L I F E , J A N UA RY 2 2 , 2 0 1 8
Spirits watch over Juanita. But who is she? A mystic in love
who holds life sacred? Or a ghost-possessed railroad saboteur?
”Like Ursula K. Le Guin, Hill pays attention to the anthropology of her invented
culture in ways that enrich the story greatly.”
-Kirkus Reviews, September 1, 2017
”Steampunk as it should be, with mysticism and adventure, an alternate history that warns about
what could happen and a coming of age story that should appeal to teens and adults alike.”
-Irene Radford, Author of the Merlin’s Descendants Series
”Veteran author, Laurel Anne Hill, adeptly empowers her heroine, Juanita, to go to hell and back
in a compelling coming of age story. She’ll surprise the reader with uncharted territory delving
into the shamanic mysticism of Native American and Mexican cultures. Get ready to barrel down
the tracks in this alternate history, ‘habanero’ steampunk adventure.”
-Elizabeth Crowens, author of Silent Meridian,
First in Category for the Chanticleer Review's 2016 Goethe Award
www.laurelannehill.com
ISBN (Trade): 978-1-937818-47-0 | ISBN (Hardcover): 978-1-937818-80-7 | Pages: 352 | Publisher: Sand Hill Review Press
® MARKET SHARE
The Value
of Free
Why it’s time to stop
complaining that writing
is being devalued
BY JANE FRIEDMAN
Jane Friedman
A
publishing success story her work for free, ever complained accessibility (ease of use or
that continues to receive that “no one values poetry any- access), and patronage (reward-
mainstream (and indus- more”? Unlikely. But I hear that ing the creators we love).
try) media attention is that of complaint about the value of the It does little good for writers
Rupi Kaur’s Milk and Honey. One written word, in some form, every to complain to their readers or
wonders how many more profiles week, from all types of authors to the industry that their writing
can be written of Kaur, though who believe literature is being isn’t properly valued. Piracy isn’t
the story offers multiple angles: devalued in our culture—whether something that people will be
her work was first self-published, by Amazon’s low prices, the huge shamed into abandoning, or that
for example, and it’s a collection quantity of written material now will go away only if we put more
of poetry. Who reads and buys available for cheap or free, or effort toward stamping it out.
poetry anymore? Young people all-you-can-read subscription Writers (and publishers, too)
who use Instagram, it turns out. plans such as Kindle Unlimited. receive better rewards for their
Kaur started publishing her Early in the digital revolution time and energy when they con-
work on Tumblr in 2013, then of media and publishing, I dis- sider the packaging and context
moved to Instagram in 2014. That covered Kevin Kelly’s brilliant that can be charged for—and that
same year, she self-published a article “Better Than Free.” Kelly people are happy to pay for.
collection of her poetr y on explains eight specific contexts We see through communities
Amazon; soon, her popularity in which something is “better such as Wattpad, Tapas, or China
caught the attention of a tradi- t h a n f re e .” S o m e o f t h e m o st Literature (and through Kaur)
tional publisher. Milk and Honey applicable to wr iters include that there are readers of litera-
has now sold more than a million personalization (e.g., signed ture delivered digitally via mobile
copies and has been on the New author copies), immediacy (get- apps. Readers may not directly
York Times bestseller list for 52 ting something in beta version pay for the majority of that con-
consecutive weeks. or as soon as it is released), tent or experience, but writers
Do you suppose that Kaur, while authenticity (a guarantee of an and publishers can still capture
she was writing and publishing authorized high-quality version), value from tips and donations,
44 B O O K L I F E , J A N UA RY 2 2 , 2 0 1 8
MARKET SHARE ®
subrights and licensing, advertis- value down the road?” and packaging content or a story
ing, compilations and bundles, Many writers meet disappoint- between two covers—is only one
and (of course) traditional print ment when they’re only one or type of offering on today’s con-
sales. two books into a career and find sumption spectr um, and not
In nonfiction, Instagrammers, themselves constantly giving their necessarily the most profitable
bloggers, and podcasters produce work away because no readership or exciting one. While a book may
volumes upon volumes of free has been developed yet and there carry the same appeal and value
digital content over the course is no demand for the work. At as it did 100 years ago to a certain
of months and years that can such a time, it can feel natural for segment of the market (particu-
then be curated and winnowed them to blame readers and believe larly those who fetishize reading
down into a single, cohesive book that their work isn’t valued. The and books), it ignores a whole
that people pay for, or into an truth most likely is that the work other group of readers who could
annual event or online course or doesn’t yet hold any market value, be interested and nurtured if only
community. or that the author hasn’t found authors think through what read-
When producing something for the package or context that would ers value in terms of experience
free, authors are opening the offer value worth paying for. or access. ■
door to new fans. Instead of ask- There’s no question that market
ing, “Will this cannibalize my dynamics have changed and the Jane Friedman teaches digital
sales?” or, “Am I giving too much supply of writing in the market media and publishing at the
away?” it’s much smarter to ask, today outpaces demand. The tra- University of Virginia and is
“Will this lead to a new reader ditional value that a writer or the former publisher of
who will pay for something they publisher has provided—producing Writer’s Digest.
B O O K L I F E .C O M 45
® BOOKS TO WATCH
Scouting Report
In this month’s roundup of the best-reviewed BookLife
titles, we highlight a romantic comedy, a mystery, a historical
novel, a guide to creative success, and an essay collection
about aging and maturity.
46 B O O K L I F E , J A N UA RY 2 2 , 2 0 1 8
FIRST LINES ®
䨀伀䤀一
First Lines 琀栀攀 戀漀漀欀ⴀ琀漀ⴀǻ氀洀
瀀氀愀琀昀漀爀洀
Our monthly look at some of the best
first lines from titles by BookLife
authors
We kick off 2018 with atheist children and
funerals for the living. To submit a first line to
BookLife, email booklifeeditor@booklife.com.
Void If Detached
SARAH BOWEN
“If cobblers’ kids have no shoes, then
do preachers’ kids have no religion?”
The Inventress
MARY VICTORIA JOHNSON
“It’s odd, attending the funeral of 最椀瘀攀 礀漀甀爀 猀琀漀爀礀 愀 挀栀愀渀挀攀
最椀瘀攀 礀漀甀爀 猀琀漀爀礀 愀 挀栀愀渀挀攀
someone who is still alive.” 琀漀 戀攀 瘀椀猀甀愀氀椀稀攀搀
琀漀 戀攀 瘀椀猀甀愀氀椀稀攀搀
戀爀椀渀最 礀漀甀爀 爀攀愀搀攀爀猀 愀渀 攀渀琀椀爀攀氀礀
戀爀椀渀最 礀漀甀爀 爀攀愀搀攀爀猀 愀渀 攀渀琀椀爀攀氀礀
The Little Green Wagon 渀攀眀 爀攀愀搀椀渀最 攀砀瀀攀爀椀攀渀挀攀
渀攀眀 爀攀愀搀椀渀最 攀砀瀀攀爀椀攀渀挀攀
M.D. CARTER
“While caught in Death’s grip, the 攀砀瀀愀渀搀 礀漀甀爀 愀甀搀椀攀渀挀攀
攀砀瀀愀渀搀 礀漀甀爀 愀甀搀椀攀渀挀攀
human mind begins to change.”
戀礀 愀琀琀爀愀挀琀椀渀最 瘀椀猀甀愀氀ⴀ瀀攀爀挀攀椀瘀椀渀最
戀礀 愀琀琀爀愀挀琀椀渀最 瘀椀猀甀愀氀ⴀ瀀攀爀挀攀椀瘀椀渀最
瀀攀漀瀀氀攀 愀氀氀 漀瘀攀爀 琀栀攀 眀漀爀氀搀
瀀攀漀瀀氀攀 愀氀氀 漀瘀攀爀 琀栀攀 眀漀爀氀搀
Be Still the Water
KAREN EMILSON
“I have watched old people die, and 匀瀀攀挀椀愀氀 漀û攀爀 昀漀爀 䤀一䐀䤀䔀 䄀唀吀䠀伀刀匀㨀
young ones, too. Most endings are the
same so I’d be foolish to expect my Ⰰ 挀椀渀攀ⴀ戀漀漀欀猀
Ⰰ 挀椀渀攀ⴀ戀漀漀欀猀
passing will be much different.” 愀猀 最椀瘀攀愀眀愀礀猀
愀猀 最椀瘀攀愀眀愀礀猀
昀漀爀 愀甀琀栀漀爀ᤠ猀 戀漀漀欀
昀漀爀 愀甀琀栀漀爀ᤠ猀 戀漀漀欀
The Korean Word for Butterfly
昀愀渀猀
JAMIE ZERNDT
“Joe and I were complete frauds.” 挀椀渀攀ⴀ戀漀漀欀猀⸀挀漀洀⼀瀀眀
B O O K L I F E .C O M 47
® WRITING ADVICE
the
metaphors.” a paragraph no unnecessar y
This style has been a problem sentences for the same reason
for writers for more than 2,000 a drawing should have no unnec-
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Four strangers return Vietnam War, this is Throughout her years as a mother,
to say goodbye to the a tale of intrigue, Dunleavy has written poems relevant to
doomed old house that betrayal, and crime her experiences as she moved along the
gave them shelter over among soldiers on path of her life.
the course of 90 years the same side in an
and discover that their unpopular war. Peace in Pieces:
safe old refuge is not A Memoir Told
yet done giving. Sardinian Silver Through Poetry
A. Colin Wright. Toplink Peggy Belles. Peggy
My God! My Country, My Son Publishing. $11.99 paper Belles. $15 paper (102p),
Peter Ford. Ford Publishing. $14.95 paper (196p), ISBN 978-1- ISBN 978-0-692-
(154p), ISBN 978-0-692- 947938-83-0 93656-6
93842-3 Amazon, BN.com Amazon, BN.com
Amazon, BN.com To assimilate into the This is a collection of 41 poems that
Sergeant Wanton con- strange and belong grapple with the complexity of living. It is
fronts several battles: to a society different from his own has a story of trading impenetrable armor for
with his son, Will; his always been young Englishman Arthur real power and courage in vulnerability.
conscience; and racism. Fraser’s desire.
Armed with the word of The Unravelled Heart
God, Will stands against his father with a Unleashed Kathy Parker. Balboa Press. $14.99 paper
personal battle. Along the way, they learn Skye Blaine. Berkana (196p), ISBN 978-1-
several lessons. Publications. $18 paper 5043-1097-0
(324p), ISBN 978-0- AbeBooks, Amazon,
Potlatch: A Comedy 9779483-6-9 BN.com, Book
Bruce Hartman. Swallow Amazon Depository, Booktopia,
Tail Press. $12.95 paper After a rollover car Kobo
(286p), ISBN 978-0- accident in which Parker offers a reflec-
9889181-9-1 Zephyr is pitched from the van and tion on trauma, abuse,
Amazon bolts into the wilds of central Oregon, love, loss, and healing. These poems
Alice Coggins, 24, Carolina’s, Rowan’s, and Zephyr’s lives seek to piece together the heart torn by
battles the Potlatch— collide with Afghan vet Moss Westbury. sorrow and empower it.
a vast conspiracy of conspicuous waste
directed by the powers that be to keep The World Explored, the World Suffered: Mystery/Thriller
her and her fellow millennials from doing The Exeter Lectures The China Connection: A Lieutenant
anything useful. Michael R.D. James. Morales Mystery
Paragon Publishing. A.J. Basinski. A.J. Basinski.
A Prophet Without $12.99 paper (280p), $2.99 e-book,
Honor: A Novel of ISBN 978-1-78222- ASIN B07863PNKF
Alternative History 548-5 Amazon
Joseph Wurtenbaugh. G Amazon When Lieutenant
Realist Ink. $7.99 The first volume of a Morales is accused of
e-book, ISBN 978-1- trilogy of philosophical/educational trying to murder his
64008-232-8 lectures embedded in a fictional narra- wife, Sun Li, he searches the world for
Amazon, Kobo tive of human drama/tragedy. the real attacker.
Written in epistolary form, this novel
focuses on the one great unrealized Poetry The Consequence
opportunity of the 20th century. Mom’s Poetry of War
Kathleen Dunleavy. Xlibris. Brian Oldham. Brian
QL 4 $15.99 paper (82p), ISBN Oldham. $9.95 paper
James Garrison. TouchPoint Press. $15.99 978-1-5245-9095-6; (360p), ISBN 978-0-
paper (378p), ISBN 978-1-946920-00-3 $4.99 e-book, ISBN 978- 9994748-1-5
Amazon, BN.com 1-5245-9094-9 Amazon, Ingram
Set in the Mekong delta during the Amazon Elijah McCoy was
B O O K L I F E .C O M 51
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trained to kill. He returned from the war To become a lady, Is it more important to have roots or
in Afghanistan and must overcome his Grace needs the mag- wings? This destination romance, set in
demons or become the monster he fears ical Heart Tree, but the the beautiful mountains of Tennessee
he may be. tree’s help requires an and Colorado, examines that question.
evil heart and blood
Force of Impact sacrifice. A fantasy of Sky’s the Limit
Bryan Cassiday. good and evil, sorcer- Elle Aycart. Elle Aycart Productions. $9.99
CreateSpace. $16.99 ers and dragons. paper (342p), ISBN 978-1-
paper (392p), ISBN 978- 981987-44-3; $3.99
1-5483-0766-0 Ghost Bully e-book, ASIN B078LFDCGK
Amazon, BN.com Brian Corley. Brian Amazon, Apple iBooks,
Hired by a horror nov- Corley. $4.99 e-book, BN.com, Kobo
elist, tormented L.A. ISBN 978-1-5323- A contemporary romance
PI Ethan Carr becomes enmeshed in a 6218-7 about a cosmopolitan
conspiracy involving an elite clandestine Amazon girl who ends up
club of masked members in Hollywood The story of a haunting “trapped” by accident in a Minnesota
who like to play deadly games. gone wrong for the town full of doomsday preppers .
haunter, or what happens when a ghost
The Torch Betrayal unintentionally creates a better ghost. Talon (Rise of the Pride, Book 1)
Glenn Dyer. TMR Press. A paranormal coming-of-age story. Theresa Hissong. Theresa Hissong. 99¢
$15.99 paper (345p), e-book,
ISBN 978-0-9991173- Romance/Erotica ASIN B01CF3NCA4
0-9 The Last Sunset Amazon, Apple iBooks,
Amazon, Ingram Daniel Jay Paul. Xlibris. BN.com, Kobo,
When confidential $31.99 hardcover (240p), Smashwords
directives for ISBN 978-1-4010- In the backwoods of
Operation Torch, the invasion of North 3426-9 Mississippi, a pride of
Africa, go missing, OSS agent Conor Amazon, BN.com panthers learns how to
Thorn must recover the plans before the A restless college stu- live among humans after being discovered.
Nazis thwart the crucial mission. dent discovers new
meaning for life and love through friend- Nonfiction
Untethered ship with an 83-year-old man confined 8 Steps to Starting a Business:
John Bowie. SilverWood in a nursing home. How to Quickly Gain the Skills You’ll Need
Books. $13.49 paper John B. Vinturella. iUniverse.
(192p), ISBN 978-1- The Sea Wolf: Blood Boon $20 paper (274p), ISBN
78132-667-1 Melony Malsom. 978-1-5320-2152-7; 99¢
Amazon, Book CreateSpace. $14.99 e-book, ISBN 978-1-
Depository paper (325p), ISBN 978- 5320-2153-4
Seeing a case file left 1-977779-07-6 Amazon
out at her station, an undercover police Amazon An entrepreneur for
constable grabs an opportunity: use A pirate captain battles over 40 years, Vinturella
John Barrie (ex–Special Air Service and a vampire over pos- explores how to sharpen business skills,
nightclub doorman) against her drug- session of a beautiful identify opportunities, and approach
dealing boyfriend. Irish woman. Taking on her troubled past, business planning in this guide for
he must risk everything to save her. entrepreneurs.
SF/Fantasy/Horror
Dragons, Kings, and the Blazing Seeds of Intention Beyond the Black Stump of Eternity:
Slicklizzard Heart Trees, Book 1: Andrea Thome. Andrea A Toolkit for Understanding the Deeper
Scindinvian Battles and the Black Thome. $14.95 paper Meaning to Life, Its Existence and
Magic Draco Ice Dragons (312p), ISBN 978-0- Global Issues
Lynn A. Dalton. Dorrance Publishing. $18 9978504-2-0 David Shaun Larsen. David Shaun Larsen.
paper (244p), ISBN 978-1-4809-5236-2 Amazon, Ingram, $14.99 paper (354p), ISBN 978-0-648-
Dorrancebookstore.com Smashwords 19971-7; $9.99 e-book, ISBN 978-0-648-
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Microvita: future relativistic rockets and the notion Children’s/YA
Exploring a New Science of Reality of converting a baryonic standard model Cakewalk
Hans-Joachim Rudolph. spacecraft into a neutrinolike state. Neil Ruttenberg, illus. by Abigail Wilson.
AuthorHouse. $33.99 Double Dragon Publishing. $5.39 e-book,
paper (112p), ISBN 978- Take Back Your Life: ASIN B077Q7LYPL
1-5246-9113-4; $3.99 A Caregiver’s Guide Amazon
e-book, ISBN 978-1- to Finding Freedom Two sisters cross an
5246-9114-1 in the Midst of America ravaged by an
Amazon Overwhelm extraterrestrial eco-
The book portrays the Loren Gelberg-Goff. system that threatens
concept of microvita in a physics frame- Well Within Publishing. to devour Earth and all
work. It also presents various microvita $14.95 paper (202p), its occupants.
models and illustrates the material with ISBN 978-0-9994011-0-1
narratives as well as the author’s own Amazon, Apple iBooks, BN.com, Book GAAK:
experiences. Depository, Google Play Groovy Ass Alien
Learn to take as good care of yourself as Kreatures
Miss Right for Mr. Right: you do of others in your life. Reconnect Darryl Hughes, illus. by
A Good Man Is Not Hard to Find to a loving connection, stop arguing, and Monique MacNaughton.
Lee Speights. get cooperation from others so you can Brand X Books. $19.98
AuthorHouse. $13.99 take back your life. paper (244p), ISBN 978-
paper (108p), ISBN 978- 0-9903936-7-2
1-5246-5656-0; $7.99 The Transition, Initiated by Copernicus Amazon, BN.com, Ingram
e-book, ISBN 978-1- and Galileo, from Religion to Science: Four misfit teens defend their small sub-
5246-5655-3 The Beckoning Bridge Many Find urban town and the world from invasion
Amazon Difficult or Impossible to Cross by kooky aliens.
This book explores Lawrence H. Wood.
and analyzes women’s unique qualities iUniverse. $28.99 paper I Can Read
and advises women—and sometimes (444p), ISBN 978-1- Doris L. Hicks. Xlibris. $21.99 paper (26p),
men as well—on how to find and sustain 5320-2457-3; $3.99 ISBN 978-1-5434-2345-7; $4.99 e-book,
a successful relationship with someone e-book, ISBN 978-1- ISBN 978-1-
of the opposite sex. 5320-2458-0 5434-2346-4
Amazon Amazon
The Other Side of the Mic Wood introduces the This book is
Cecil Miller. Xlibris. $19.99 paper (278p), brilliant investigators who resolved the designed to
ISBN 978-1-5434- mysterious illusions that formed religion. help children
2618-2; $3.99 e-book, The solving system termed science led increase
ISBN 978-1-5434- to discoveries that turned supernatural vocabulary,
2609-0 belief to the laws of physics. think critically, develop reading skills,
Amazon and learn the Christian story of God and
Miller’s book is about The Universe Green Door: creation.
aviation history and Why Are We Here?
the pilot, and goes Andrey Cherepanov. Andrey Cherepanov. Li’l Booger Buddies Inventors Help
behind the scenes of the air traffic con- $8 paper (96p), ISBN 978-1-973390-04-6 Out a New Friend
troller. Amazon Heather Konet. CreateSpace. $9.99
This book examines key metaphysical paper (26p), ISBN
The Relativistic questions such as an 978-1-979068-
Rocketeer: Vol. 1 origin of the universe, 17-8
James M. Essig. Xlibris. Earth and humanity’s Amazon
$39.99 e-book, ISBN place in it, the mystery The Li’l Booger
978-1-5245-5346-3 of evolution, the role of Buddies go on a
BN.com consciousness, and mission in space
The book explores far- others. to find junk for building their inventions.
ranging techniques for They discover a planet where they use
54 B O O K L I F E , J A N UA RY 2 2 , 2 0 1 8
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Peppercorn’s Magic:
A Live Stage Comedy or
F I Z A PAT H A N P R E S E N T S
B O O K L I F E .C O M 55
® REVIEWS
Fiction coffee leads to a delicious quickie and ulti- serious crimes, lands another baffler after
mately to the inevitable relationship- Oxford painting conservator Emma Jevons
killing confession. The tension plays out as apparently dies from smallpox. The possible
Daughter of Aithne Luke’s hurling team prepares for interna- revival of that disease is disturbing enough,
Karin Rita Gastreich. Orb Weaver, $16 trade tional competition. Fans of lightweight but Declan and his colleagues are even more
paper (386p) ISBN 978-0-9972320-2-8 fluff will consume this story in a single alarmed when the infectious disease spe-
The first two books of Gastreich’s Silver sitting. cialist raises the prospect that Emma was
Web fantasy trilogy followed the magic- killed by a genetically modified virus that
wielding Eolyn from a childhood with the The Emperor and the Spy would be resistant to vaccination. Graff
old witch Ghemena to her adult life as the Stan S. Katz. Horizon Productions, $19.95 maintains suspense by providing the per-
leader of the magas (female mages) and the trade paper (540p) ISBN 978-0-9903349-6-5 spectives of Emma’s stalker and “a wealthy
queen of Moisehén. She’s married to her Katz’s promising debut, a fictional Russian megalomaniac.” Vivid character-
long-time love, King Akmael, and together account of real-life American spy Sidney izations complement the solid plotting.
they raise their children. When the trusted Mashbir, is hobbled by an overwhelming
Ghemena inexplicably kidnaps Eolyn’s number of editing errors and patches of Love, Murder & Mayhem:
stepdaughter, Princess Eliasara, dark forces weak prose. After helping the U.S. settle Cosmic Tales of the Heart Gone
conspiring to destroy Eolyn, Akmael, and the conflict with Pancho Villa in 1916, Deadly Wrong
the magas seize the opportunity to strike Mashbir takes assignments that send him Edited by Russ Colchamiro. Crazy 8, $4.99
with chaos and death. As the situation to New York, to Japan in the interwar years e-book (292p) ASIN B072W6GYDL
grows more dire, Gastreich raises the stakes (where he befriends high-level officials, For this light and breezy collection,
by restricting Eolyn’s magic and keeping including Emperor Hirohito), and to Colchamiro (Crossline) gathers 15 high-
most of her allies all but powerless. Eolyn Australia during WWII to help the war energy and sentimental stories of love, fatal
is a standout character, and her desperate efforts in Southeast Asia. Mashbir is por- crimes of passion, and paranormal trouble-
and cunning attempts to save her kingdom trayed here as a talented mediator for peace making. Among several routine terrestrial
and family enhance both her development who moves in impressive circles; Charles and interstellar police procedurals, standout
and the prose. Gastreich retains the best Lindbergh, generals Pershing and stories weave in urban fantasy, time travel,
elements of love, war, and plotting from her MacArthur, Charlie Chaplin, and F.D.R. all superheroes, and rogue robots. In
previous books while deepening Eolyn with appear. The characterizations of these his- Colchamiro’s own trippy “The Hardwicke
grief and war-weariness that add to her torical figures are wonderfully conceptual- Files,” an interdimensional PI partners with
determination to make peace. Fans of the ized, though their dialogue can come across an arson investigator on the eve of
trilogy won’t want to miss this hard-hitting as awkward (“Shucks, it’s gotten me into a Astropalooza to learn who killed an amo-
finish. heap of trouble in the past”). Editing prob- rous singer. In Glenn Hauman’s short and
lems also proliferate, ranging from typos creepy “Make It Didn’t Happen,” a teenager
Earning It and formatting inconsistencies to a regret- receives a message from her future self that
Angela Quarles. Unsealed Room, $3.99 table overuse of italics and ellipses. Readers warns of an impending attacker. In Patrick
e-book (161p) ISBN 978-0-9905400-8-3 who can overlook those flaws will be Thomas’s romantic “As Time Goes By,” an
Quarles’s taut little contemporary sets up rewarded with an enthusiastic take on the ex-con who can manipulate time turns his
a steamy affair with a forgivably contrived life of a little-known but influential person- skills to saving his wife’s life. Lois Spangler’s
case of mistaken identity. After a 10-year ality in American history. melancholy murder investigation, “A
absence, newly minted sports doctor Pepper Matter of Principle,” finds AI detective
Rodgers returns to her hometown of The Golden Hour: Dani questioning an older model AI who
Sarasota, Fla. Even before she hangs out her A Nora Tierney English Mystery admits guilt but wants to protect her
shingle, an old friend sets her up on a blind M.K. Graff. Bridle Path, $12 trade paper beloved employer. In “DuckBob: Killer
date. What harm can come from coffee with (316p) ISBN 978-0-9908287-8-5 Service,” Aaron Rosenberg continues the
a good-looking lawyer named Rick? And In Graff’s fast-paced fourth mystery fea- slapstick adventures of his duck-headed
the man sitting alone at a table in the Mocha turing expat American Nora Tierney (after alien abductee, now at the mercy of his
Cabana looks more like a young god. 2015’s The Scarlet Wench), Nora, the suc- literal-minded and murderous automatic
Pepper’s just been through an unceremo- cessful writer of a series of books for children house system. Colchamiro’s crew provides
nious breakup and a long dry spell, and just featuring a band of fairies in England’s Lake an entertaining mix of styles for fans of
the sight of this guy is arousing. The looker District and the mother of a 10-month-old cross-genre SF/F.
in question is in fact Pepper’s high school son, comes to believe that she’s being
nemesis, Luke Haas, a retired SEAL, and he stalked. For help, she turns to her signifi- Must Love More Kilts
sees no harm in pretending to be Rick the cant other, Det. Insp. Declan Barnes of the Angela Quarles. Unsealed Room, $4.99 e-book
lawyer after Pepper mistakes him for the Thames Valley CID. Meanwhile, Declan, (202p) ASIN B0753G6P2Q
person she’s supposed to meet. But the who has a reputation for successfully solving Quarles returns to late-17th-century
55a B O O K L I F E , J A N UA RY 2 2 , 2 0 1 8
REVIEWS ®
Scotland in the hot and sexy fourth Must gilding technique and the bubonic along with a suspect, but these develop-
Love time travel romance (after Must Love plague—is woven seamlessly throughout ments don’t create much narrative tension.
Kilts). Fiona Campbell, a determined and the narrative, resulting in a vivid, trans- Though Orr doesn’t explore her characters’
forthright woman, has travelled back in portive novel. psychological states in any depth, she suc-
time to the late 17th century, and thinks cessfully delivers a quiet story about unex-
that she is destined to fulfill the family The Road to Alexander pected life events and the honest love that
legend about a woman named Fiona who Jennifer Macaire. Accent Press, $12.99 trade binds no matter what.
saved her ancestor, William Campbell, from paper (368p) ISBN 978-1-78615-467-5
a MacCowan warrior bearing a crescent- Macaire’s imaginative opening entry in The Weight
shaped scar above a Celtic knot on his chest. the Time for Alexander series transports Hubert Crouch. Serpentine, $15 trade paper
But Duncan MacCowan, the man she must time-traveling journalist Ashley Riveraine (366p) ISBN 978-1-548323-96-7
protect William from, is also her newly back 3,000 years to 333 BCE via a frozen Crouch puts his years as a litigator to
handfasted partner. As Fiona and Duncan magnetic beam to interview the legendary good use in his third legal thriller featuring
travel with MacLeod warriors to Dunvegan king and military general Alexander the Fort Worth, Tex., attorney Jace Forman
Castle, the sizzling attraction between Great. Ashley loses her ability to return (after 2015’s The Word). Jace is approached
them becomes impossible to ignore, and home when Alexander pulls her out of the by Cal Connors, a prominent colleague who
they explore the possibility of making their beam believing she is the goddess specializes in going after Big Pharma, about
handfasting into a true marriage. Fiona tries Persephone. Alexander is unaware that representing him in a defamation suit. The
to reconcile her desire to be with Duncan Ashley is from the future, and she must not magazine Texas Matters has published a
with her duty to her family legend, and do or say anything to change history or she cover story accusing Connors of paying off
Duncan begins to open his heart to the pos- will be erased. She soon becomes Alexander’s an expert witness to file false reports about
sibility of love. With just the right amount lover (steamy scenes ensue) and a resourceful a medication’s side effects. After passing on
of period detail, scorching sensuality, and a operator in a society in which people rely on the opportunity, Jace ends up on the other
strong, independent heroine, Quarles’s omens, oracles, and gods in everyday life. side, defending the reporter, Leah Rosen,
latest brings historical Scotland to life. Alexander’s relationships—with his treach- against Connors’s claims. Meanwhile,
erous mother, Olympias, his three wives, Leah’s piece has prompted a federal investi-
The Painter’s Apprentice and his troops—are reasonably well-devel- gation into her target by an ambitious fed-
Laura Morelli. The Scriptorium, $19.99 trade oped. The book’s most engrossing sequence eral prosecutor, and both Connors and his
paper (406p) ISBN 978-1-942778-92-9 sees Alexander matching wits with the colleague and daughter, Christine, don’t
Morelli’s second entry in the Venetian Persian king, Bessus, while pursuing him in balk at considering murder to protect their
Artisans series (following The Gondola a grueling ride that sees many men and interests. Crouch extends the suspense out-
Maker) is a Renaissance story rich in art and horses die. A loose ending will entice readers side the courtroom with the acquittal of a
love, yet tempered by sacrifice and hard to find out what lies ahead in the series. creep, Michael Randazzo, who once
times during the bubonic plague’s siege of abducted and tormented Leah and is now
Venice in 1510. Lovely, titian-haired Maria The Unexpected Resolution: working on an elaborate revenge. Fast
Bartolini, daughter of Venice’s preeminent Book 10 of the Jolie Gentil Cozy pacing and believable characters will make
gold leaf artisan and a skilled gilder herself, Mystery Series this a treat for fans of Steve Martini.
falls in love with Cristiano Bianco, a low- Elaine L. Orr. Lifelong Dreams, $8.99 trade
born Saracen gold-beater working in their paper (264p) ISBN 978-0-9863380-6-9 ★ When They Were Young:
studio. Maria’s father discovers the romance, Orr’s family-focused 10th Jolie Gentil A Sam Dawson Mystery
and she is dispatched to illustrious painter mystery (after Holidays in Ocean Alley) finds Steven W. Horn. Granite Peak, $27.50 (316p)
Master Trevisan’s workshop to study pig- sometime sleuth Jolie and her fiancé, ISBN 978-0-9835894-8-8
ment technique until she can marry within Scoobie, preparing for their intimate New A well-crafted plot and flesh-and-blood
their guild. While helping Trevisan craft Year’s Eve wedding in Ocean Alley, N.J. characters lift Horn’s superior third Sam
gilded, decorative wooden panels for a con- Then Scoobie’s long-absent father shows up Dawson mystery (after 2015’s When Good
vent, Maria also keeps a secret and fends off in the local hospital following a car acci- Men Die). Sam, a gifted photographer whose
a meddlesome maid and an extortionist dent. After the father succumbs to his inju- images all tell a clear story with “a begin-
boatman. When her old neighborhood is ries, Scoobie meets the younger brother he ning, a middle, and an end,” has had the ill
quarantined, Maria loses contact with her didn’t know he had, Terry. As Scoobie and luck to repeatedly make grim discoveries.
family and Cristiano. As the Black Death Jolie come to terms with becoming Terry’s He makes another one while walking his
devastates the city and loved ones are sepa- guardian, Orr touches on such issues from dog in Wyoming’s Medicine Bow National
rated, the characters struggle for strength; the past as Scoobie’s abusive childhood and Forest—the frozen corpse of a 12-year-old
when the plague begins to lift, Maria at first Jolie’s disastrous first marriage. Suspicions girl. The coroner’s initial verdict is that the
struggles but eventually finds her calling. that Scoobie’s father’s death was a homicide child, identified as Lilly Darnell, who went
Substantive period detail—especially about arise only in the latter part of the novel, missing in Colorado months earlier, died of
B O O K L I F E .C O M 55b
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Nonfiction
exposure, but further testing reveals the in framing, if not in editorial content). The
presence of ketamine, a date-rape drug. The gags are of-the-moment jabs at online com-
prospect that she was abused becomes more merce, such as the worker who discovers his
likely after Lilly’s image appears among the house is on fire because Google is pitching Growing Gills:
photographs of naked children found in the him fire extinguisher ads. Though send-ups How to Find Creative Focus When
possession of Oscar Roberts, who has of surreal buzz phrases such as “brand lad- You’re Drowning in Your Daily Life
harassed Annie George, Sam’s publisher and dering” (depicted as a climb from snack Jessica Abel. Jessica Abel, $11.99 trade paper
former significant other. The investigation chips to world peace) and “growth hacking” (257p) ISBN 978-1-5212-7787-4
into Lilly’s fate builds toward a powerful, may elicit a chuckle of recognition from Cartoonist Abel (Trish Trash #2) delivers
unexpectedly moving conclusion. Fans of those in the know, the humor only skates a motivating productivity guide for people
regional whodunits will be rewarded. over the essential absurdity of marketing who have trouble finishing creative proj-
and sales, and none of it cuts deep. ects. Her four-part system is variously
The Witches of BlackBrook Fishburne’s collection is ready-made for designed to help readers define the
Tish Thawer. Amber Leaf, $2.99 e-book PowerPoint inserts and may be the year’s dilemmas blocking their efforts, learn to
(270p) ASIN B00V5MW5CI best gift for a dad who happens to be a sales build personal paths to project completion,
Thawer’s tale of witch sisters trying to director and doesn’t need another tie; execute plans, and stay on track. Using
find one another throughout multiple lives beyond that, it is difficult to imagine an questions (“What do I have to have done to
doesn’t live up to its potential. In 1693 in audience for this industry-insider batch of call it finished?”) and exercises (“Take your
Ipswich, Mass., Karina is burned at the Dilbert-lite satire. big project and break it down into action
stake for being a witch. Before she dies, she steps”) that call for insightful examination
casts a spell that flings her and her two sis- ★ Your New Best Friend of one’s desires and habits, Abel discusses
ters into the future to be reborn. After 300 Jayne Denker. Gemma Halliday, $11.99 trade numerous reasons for not accomplishing
years, Karina, now known as Trin Hartwell paper (304p) ISBN 978-1-5470-7538-6 goals. These include emotional causes such
and living in BlackBrook, N.Y., has found Good intentions go awry in this delicious as procrastination and anxiety and logistical
one sister but still searches for the other. romantic comedy by Denker (the Marsden or organizational factors such as coordi-
Without her, the trio can never regain the series). During a chance encounter with an nating family, work, and personal respon-
power they had in their original lives. After upset young woman, 29-year-old real estate sibilities. The plan of attack is as thorough
meeting Caris Hardy and her cousin Jason, agent Melanie Abbott hands out some well- and astute as the assessment questions,
Trin thinks Caris is the missing sister. meaning suggestions and soon finds herself providing practical and detailed actions
However, sinister forces are working to keep in a thriving business as a professional friend, that target problematic habits. Abel calls
them apart. The flashbacks to the 1690s are advice giver, and matchmaker. Denker nods on would-be creators to systematically
interesting, but they don’t add much to the to Jane Austen’s Emma and George Bernard review their productivity, done using
story. Despite keeping memories of their Shaw’s Pygmalion with her likable protago- “tracking document” spreadsheets, and
past lives, the characters are thinly drawn, nist, who’s dubbed Henrietta Higgins by the employ countermeasures against distrac-
leaving the reader to rely on awkward expo- local paper. Judgmental, self-confident tion, such as turning off the notifications on
sition drops to understand them. There’s no Melanie rises to stardom by bluntly doling their mobile devices. Abel’s tone is straight-
chemistry between the romantic leads, and, out resolute advice to remold the characters forward and encouraging throughout as she
though the villain is surprising, the climax in her small Massachusetts seaside town. promotes self-reflection and self-under-
has no tension. There’s just not much here Denker credibly conveys her fall from grace standing as the keys to productivity.
for readers to sink their teeth into. and the consequences of her inaccurate pre-
dictions, along with her inability to examine ★ Over the Hill and Gaining Speed:
Your Ad Ignored Here: Cartoons herself and her insensitivity, which cause Reflections in Retirement
from 15 Years of Marketing, heartaches for both Melanie and her clients. Kay G. Rock. CreateSpace, $14.95 trade pa-
Business, and Doodling in Meetings The relationship between Melanie and her per (238p) ISBN 978-1-5375-9400-2
Tom Fishburne. Marketoonist, $19.95 trade childhood friend Connacht Garvey strongly Rock, a columnist for the Bucks County
paper (214p) ISBN 978-0-9990703-1-4 parallels that of Austen’s Emma and Mr. Herald in Lahaska, Pa., speculates and
Fishburne, who first started doodling as Knightley; Connacht repeatedly scolds reflects on the wonders of aging, the
a business school student and now runs a Melanie for her blunders. Her gradual devel- splendor of maturity, and the richness of
cartoon content studio, selects highlights opment of self-awareness and determination retirement in this delightful collection of
from 15 years of his single-page cartoons, to repair the damage she’s caused are heart- columns and original essays. The pieces are
which poke light fun at life in the meeting- warming. In addition to Melanie’s lively infused with a breezy nonchalance, wit, and
happy, jargon-crazed marketing industry. first-person narrative, there are a few sur- insightful observations, as when she tours
Fishburne’s simple but effective style prises that keep this sweet story about social the Mercer Museum in Doylestown, which
mimics the daily newspaper strips he idol- graces entertaining. she observes was “a visceral and evocative
ized in his youth (particularly the Far Side process and it reminded me that even in the
55c B O O K L I F E , J A N UA RY 2 2 , 2 0 1 8
REVIEWS ®
heart of autumn or winter, we can still expe- this cheery formulation of a simple method tion to detail, and talent for choosing the
rience spring.” Exploring topics such as how for compassionate living. Schroeder sees life perfect noun or verb,” but she offers little
familial relationships deepen as one nears as a “dance of differentiation and attach- insight into the individual articles or how
death, the American national character, and ment, autonomy and interdependence,” and they relate to the work of women journalists
how people learn about themselves through views the building of a collaborative human at large. The articles are entertaining but
celebrations, holidays, and other remem- community as “the great human task.” To the selection is narrow and there’s no clear
brances, the collection packs a cumulative accomplish this task, he provides six prac- message about women or their role in jour-
punch of good cheer. Rock also offers a few tices: compassionate seeing, heartfelt lis- nalism or as journalists.
tips on how to soak up life’s goodness by tening, intentional welcoming, joyful
prodding readers to “ask yourself questions, sharing, grateful receiving, and cooperative Walking Through Sunflowers:
listen to your words, listen to your body, building. For each chapter, Schroeder Through Deepest France on the
read, network, and hibernate” in order to explains a teaching, provides a story from Road to Compostela
find happiness and success. Though aging his own life that demonstrates an early lack Denise Fainberg. Lulu.com, $20.99 e-book
can bring its demands, the author shows of understanding, presents a mantra to (282p) ISBN 978-1-312-97197-4
how the journey can be exciting and invigo- center oneself into the practice, and ends Dehydration, sunburn, exhaustion, and
rating in this wide-ranging collection of with an example of the practice working monster blisters populate Fainberg’s emo-
winsome short-takes. successfully. Although he doesn’t probe too tionless account of the Camino de Santiago
deeply into the philosophical underpin- pilgrimage through France and Spain. After
A Pocketful of Seeds nings of his steps, he does ruminate on the Fainberg and her husband, Patrick, spent
Debbie Johnson. Deep River, $16.99 trade universality of his principles—particularly over a month walking 300 miles of the
paper (335p) ISBN 978-1-9402-6999-3 clear are the parallels between Christian Camino de Santiago pilgrim route across
A simple premise guides this graceful prayer and Buddhist meditation as forms of Spain to the shrine of St. James the apostle
book from social worker Johnson: every heartfelt listening. Never veering into ego- in 2002, they returned in 2003 to walk 500
person has been given a pocket full of seeds tism, this gentle, grateful, and relatable miles of the French Le Puy branch from
to plant for positive change. The “seeds” are book will serve any readers looking for prac- Haute-Loire to the Spanish border, a two-
practical ways of reaching out on a daily tical steps toward spiritual fulfillment. month journey. Fainberg dryly recounts
basis, and Johnson provides prompts tai- their journey, for which they are ill-pre-
lored to every day of the year. General topics The Stories We Tell: pared, lacking proper footwear and food for
are offered in alphabetical order. The daily Classic True Tales by America’s their vegetarian diet. Fainberg and Patrick
seed challenge follows some thoughts by Greatest Women Journalists walk at different paces, which sparks a
the author (Scripture is used minimally). Edited by Patsy Sims. Sager Group, $26.95 debate: is the pilgrimage the walk itself,
Though well-intentioned, some of the daily trade paper (390p) ISBN 978-0-9980793-1-8 carried out in quiet prayer, or is it visiting
seeds aren’t very specific in their inspira- Editor Sims (Can Somebody Shout Amen!) all the holy sites along the way? A sur-
tion: “Show compassion to someone today,” assembles the work of 20 writers in this prising dearth of emotional insight leaves
“Get creative in crossing borders,” “Extend broad anthology of long-form journalism only a straightforward diary account of sites
a hand.” Others, such as “What are your by women. It provides a who’s who of maga- seen and people met, with little spiritual
community’s needs?” or “How can you pro- zine journalism over the past half century contemplation. Fainberg, who frequently
tect the young and vulnerable in your with plenty of famous names but few sur- takes short cuts on the journey that cut out
world?”, seem a bit daunting in their scope prises. The anthology includes Joan certain shrines, only briefly explains at the
and might require more than a day’s devo- Didion’s seminal essay “Some Dreamers of end that “the act of walking, though, itself
tional time to tackle. Spread among the the Golden Dream,” about a woman in becomes a form of devotion. Not because
devotions are thoughts that will inspire California convicted of killing her husband, it’s painful... but just because.” Fainberg’s
readers to make a difference on a daily basis, originally published in 1966, as well as enjoyable research into the heritage of the
such as considering where a donation could Gerri Hirshey’s 1998 profile of blues legend region is the sole saving grace of this poorly
be made, hugging a loved one, or posting a B.B. King for Rolling Stone and Susan organized book.
note to make someone smile. This well- Orlean’s 2004 profile of Spanish bullfighter
meaning book will uplift any reader
searching for daily inspirations.
Cristina Sánchez for Outside magazine. The
book skews heavily toward works published Children’s/YA
in the New Yorker, including Melissa Fay
Practice Makes Purpose Greene’s “Wonder Dog,” Suzannah The Many Ways to Say I Love You
C. Paul Schroeder. Hexad, $13.95 trade paper Lessard’s “The Split,” and a handful of Kristy Kurjan, illus. by Tyler Parker. KPO
(212p) ISBN 978-0-692-83087-1 Lillian Ross’s “Talk of the Town” pieces Creative, $7.95 board book (16p) ISBN 978-0-
Schroeder, formerly a Greek Orthodox from over the years. In the introduction 9860750-3-2
priest, takes inspiration from “the great Sims praises all 20 writers for their “meticu- An alligator parent and child serve as
spiritual masters of the Egyptian desert” in lous research and reporting, careful atten- guides to different ways to demonstrate
B O O K L I F E .C O M 55d
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feelings of love. Kurjan’s verses sometimes in Thailand with her archeology professor look at the wonders of the sky in this first
read like they’re searching to complete a father, who is excavating a Roman ship, even book in a planned series from British writer
rhyme (“A wave goodbye.../ A hug hello.../ though her annoying older sister, Clymene, Leigh-Brown. Dismissed as “dim” by his
There are many ways our love can show,” is there, too. After Daisy’s mother arrives to stepfather, the unnamed boy magically
she begins), but their reassuring message pick up the girls, a transportation strike assembles a towering structure of objects
comes through. Parker’s blocky digital forces the three of them to join her father and and buildings that lets him ascend into the
illustrations include an array of secondary grad assistant Helen on a steamer ship trans- heavens: “He scrambled up his toy box,
animal characters: an owl hoots at the moon, porting the artifact he’s dug up. Then pirates wardrobe, Dad’s grandfather clock,/ the car,
and a chef pig and beret-wearing hippo pro- hijack the ship, a storm sinks it, and the the shed, the house, the school, his Auntie’s
vide international perspective (“ ‘Amore’ in Tannenbaums wash ashore on a small island. office block.” From there, he hitches a ride
Italy.../ ‘Je t’aime’ in France.../ Love can be Daisy is steadfast and intelligent, and her on a passing dirigible, watching as ever-
expressed through dance”). Aside from a casual first-person narration quickly estab- changing clouds take the shapes of various
potentially offensive reference to “Eskimo lishes a rapport with readers. Daisy’s parents animals and objects, followed by the light
kisses” (performed by a pair of polar bears get little development as characters, though, shows of sunset and a glowing aurora. The
in parkas), it’s a bright, cozy look at verbal and Clymene is portrayed as a typical selfish meter of Leigh-Brown’s verse is solid,
and nonverbal expressions of affection. Up older sibling, one who can get surprisingly though the rhymes have a tendency to
to age 3. (BookLife) violent. Despite the dangers presented by become convoluted or repetitive (“The next
brushes with pirates and survival in the cloud looked enormous like a monstrous
Missing Tyler wild, the story never feels all that tense, but giant whale”). But Chilean artist Lira’s
Tamara Palmer. Santel ePublishing, $14.95 readers should enjoy watching Daisy’s quick dramatic vistas more than compensate,
paper (228p) ISBN 978-1-5428-8470-9 thinking in action during her paradise bringing the boy’s journey to vivid, cine-
A teenage girl grapples with the unex- adventure. A sequel, Daisy in Exile, is also matic life. Is it an imaginary journey or
pected death of her twin brother in Palmer’s available. Ages 8–12. a magical one? Either way, it shows how
first novel. Kit Carlin, 15, is a few days away children can find some solace when their
from completing her freshman year at an Tillie Heart and Soul families fall short. Ages 4–8.
Atlantic City, N.J., high school when her Mary Atkinson. Maine Authors Publishing,
twin brother, Tyler, is killed in a bicycle $14.95 paper (160p) ISBN 978-1-63381-108-9
accident. Kit and her parents are devas- Atkinson introduces a relatable heroine
tated, and they all seek comfort, but rarely in 10-year-old Tillie, who never knew her
with each other. Kit’s father starts spending father and whose volatile mother is away at
more time away from home, her mother a treatment center to get sober. Tillie lives
zones out watching TV and pursues a law- in Massachusetts with her loving gay uncle
suit related to Tyler’s death, and Kit feels in a piano factory converted to lofts and
forgotten and invisible as she grieves. artist studios. An avid roller skater, Tillie is
Grandma Carlin is one of Kit’s few confi- eager to take part in the annual skate-a-thon;
dantes, along with Tyler’s best friend she also hopes that her mother might be able
Brandon and Lex, a girl Kit meets at a to attend. After Tillie and her friend Shanelle
summer job at the Jewish Community meet new student Gloria, Tillie becomes
Center. Palmer traces Kit’s healing path increasingly self-conscious about not having
over the summer, but several characters and a parent around. Atkinson excels at
their relationships are vaguely developed exploring the girls’ shifting friendship
(it’s particularly difficult to get a real sense dynamics and the difficulty of managing
of who Tyler was), and the discussions of expectations when it comes to an unreliable
religion, reincarnation, and alcohol abuse loved one. The conclusion may not surprise
never really dig below the surface, resulting many readers, but Tillie’s honest voice reso-
in an underwhelming coming-of-age story. nates, and secondary characters, notably
Ages 12–up. Uncle Fred and the surrounding community
of artists, are equally genuine. Ages 8–12.
Daisy and the Pirates
J.T. Allen. Sumus, $7.99 paper (216p) I’ll Never See That Cloud Again:
ISBN 978-1-5204-0007-5 The Boy’s First Adventure
Eleven-year-old Daisy Tannenbaum must Daniel Leigh-Brown, illus. by Felipe Luna Lira.
outwit a group of pirates while keeping her CreateSpace, $12.99 paper (22p) ISBN 978-1-
family safe in this enjoyable series opener. 5485-4020-3
Daisy is excited to be spending the summer A contemplative boy gets an up-close
55e B O O K L I F E , J A N UA RY 2 2 , 2 0 1 8
SELECT_FULL_0514_Layout 1 5/15/14 2:49 PM Page 1
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