April represents many things. One of them is that Winter is exerting its last grips on the world, now that Spring is upon us. The other event that happens in April is another anniversary for SHELF LIFE. It was in April 1998 that the first issue of this publication was created. As I mentioned before, I had not idea whether this was going to be short term, and I would eventually decide it was time to pack it in.
Surprisingly, just the opposite occurred, the fact that the longer I have published this, the more energized I feel about showcasing the best in books. Many readers have remained faithful to Shelf Life, reading every single issue and countless readers have also come on board, telling me how much they look forward to the issues. That really is gratifying, and the main reason I continue to create every single issue. The philosophy behind Shelf Life from the beginning was to get people to read books, and when I hear from readers who had not read a book in years, but happened to take home an issue of Shelf Life, noticing a book of interest, helped reenergize their love of books, makes this so worthwhile.
I thank the readers for staying true, but I also thank the publishers who have remained with us, sending amazing books time after time. I could not have done this without them. I also owe so much to the great stable of reviewers who have been part of Shelf Life over the years. They also have been the lifeblood of this venture as well. I could not have done this alone.
We hope you will continue to read each issue to come, with the same passion, and let us hear your comments positive or negative. Thanks again to everyone!
Paul Sutter
Editor/Publisher
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*** Fiction Section ***
*** Best April Fiction ***
The Institute
by Stephen King
(Scribner – 39.99 – 560 pages)
“…King proves he still has what it takes to write important, captivating stories.”
Rating: 5 bookmarks
The Migration
by Helen Marshall
(Random House Canada – $24.95 – 293 pages)
“…it somehow reminds one of early Stephen King, thanks to unusual moments and images.”
Rating: 5 bookmarks
*** Rest of April Fiction ***
The 18th Abduction
by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro
(Little Brown – $38.00 – 386 pages)
“…the book is as good as it gets in mystery fiction.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Vendetta in Death
by J.D. Robb
(St. Martin’s Press – $38.50 – 368 pages)
“…among the best of the series, proof positive Robb still knows how to create stories that are just as riveting and anticipated as book one back in 1995.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
The Victory Garden
by Rhys Bowen
(Lake Union – $21.99 – 355 pages)
“Rhys Bowen has created a most memorable tale. THE VICTORY GARDEN is a victorious book in every sense of the word.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
The Last Train to London
by Meg Waite Clayton
(Harper – $27.99 – 452 pages)
“It is a book filled with great heart and soul, making THE LAST TRAIN TO LONDON one of the first books to add to your reading list.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
The Long Call
by Ann Cleeves
(Macmillan – $25.99 – 375 pages)
“There are multiple mysteries in the book that intersect, creating much interest.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
Who Are You Calvin Bledsoe?
by Brock Clarke
(Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill – $39.95 – 295 pages)
“At times the book seems to veer towards total slapstick. Clarke though keeps it on track…”
Rating: 4 1/2 bookmarks
City of Girls
by Elizabeth Gilbert
(Riverhead Books – $37.00 – 470 pages)
“Gilbert takes us deeply into the heart and soul of Vivian, along with those influenced by her wisdom.”
Rating: 4 1/2 bookmarks
Empire of Lies
by Raymond Khoury
(Forge – $37.99 – 448 pages)
Reviewed by: John M. Milner
“…a thrill ride of a novel you will not be able to put down once you start.”
Rating: 4 1/2 bookmarks
Call Me Evie
by J.P. Pomare
(Putnam – $35.00 – 358 pages)
“It is a tale packed with psychological tension, the reader unsure just what is happening, along with motivation for some of the character’s actions.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Akin
by Emma Donoghue
(Little Brown – $35.00 – 340 pages)
“AKIN manages to show how diverse personalities can co-exist and come to a mutual understanding in spite of so many differences.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
The Last House Guest
by Megan Miranda
(Simon & Schuster – $22.00 – 343 pages
“It makes for a stylishly effective mystery, keeping readers guessing until the truly blockbuster finale.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Blue Moon
by Lee Child
(Delacorte Press – $38.99 -356 pages)
“It is pretty well the proverbial money in the bank when you hear word of another Jack Reacher book.”
Rating: 4 1/2 bookmarks
The Vanishing Season
by Dot Hutchison
(Thomas & Mercer – $23.95 – 312 pages)
“Although THE VANISHING SEASON vanishes into the literary sunset, you can bet Dot Hutchison will return with another equally engrossing series of books. ”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
The Other Mrs. Miller
by Allison Dickson
(Putnam – $35.00 – 343 pages)
“The book grows on you the deeper you get into the book, finding this to be a classic in storytelling.”
Rating: 4 1/2 bookmarks
Watermark
by Christy Ann Conlin
(Astoria – $19.95 – 307 pages)
“(Conlin) returns with a mesmerizing collection of short stories that show an even more powerful side to her literary brilliance.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Fanny and the Mystery in the Grieving Forest
by Rune Christiansen – Translated by Kari Dickson
(Book*Hug Press – $25.00 – 190 pages)
“…a story that is told most eloquently and succinctly by one of Norway’s most noted writers.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
*** Non-Fiction Section ***
*** Best April Non-Fiction ***
A Marvelous Life – The Amazing Story of Stan Lee
by Danny Fingeroth
(St. Martin’s Press – $39.99 – 390 pages)
“…truly gets to the heart of the life of Stan Lee.”
Rating: 5 bookmarks
The Missing Millionaire
by Kate Daubs
(McClelland & Stewart – $34.95 – 354 pages)
“It makes for one powerful read, as Daub leaves no stone unturned in her quest for the truth.”
Rating: 5 bookmarks
**** Rest of April Non-Fiction ****
A New Way to Age
by Suzanne Somers
(Gallery – $37.00 – 430 pages)
“The book is most informative and if you were seeking ways to prolong life, defy aging and stay young at heart, Somers’ latest will be of great value to you.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
Keep Going: 10 Ways to Stay Creative in Good Times and Bad
by Austin Kleon
(Workman – $19.995 -216 pages)
“Kleon becomes the cheerleader for change in a most effective manner.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
Strangers in the House (A Story of Bigotry and Belonging)
by Candace Savage
(Greystone – $32.95 – 260 pages)
“Candace Savage is no stranger to quality writing, as this book proves that and much more.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
The Sun is a Compass: A 4,000-Mile Journey Into the Alaskan Wilds
by Caroline Van Hemert
(Little Brown Spark – $35.00 – 308 pages)
Reviewed by Tori Levang
“…a daring and honest memoir/adventure story about her life-changing six month journey through the North American wilderness…”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
The Human Brain Book
by Rita Carter, Susan Albridge, Martyn Page and Steven Parker
(DK Books – $45.00 – 264 pages
“The book is written on a level that any person can understand. The authors have done an excellent job of covering all the bases..'”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Super Attractor
by Gabrielle Bernstein
(Hay House – $34.99 – 215 pages)
“Chapter by chapter, she has created a solid plan giving people simple steps for forging ahead in life.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
Masters of the Battlefield
by Julian Thompson
(Andre Deutsch – $49.95 – 196 pages)
“Those who enjoy military history will find this an excellent reference source…”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
Inside: One Woman’s Journey Through the Inside Passage
by Susan Marie Conrad
(Epicenter Press – $23.95 – 272 pages)
“INSIDE is more than a journey, it is a revelation, one woman’s story conquering 1,100 miles and being all the more in tune with life because of it.”
Rating: 4 1/2 bookmarks
Aussie Fans (Uniquely Placed in Global Popular Culture)
by Cecilia Lam & Jackie Raphael
(University of Iowa Press – $69.95 – 245 pages)
“…gives a chance to learn much about the land down under in terms of popular culture.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
Vegan Everyday
by Douglas McNish
(Robert Rose – $27.95 – 576 pages)
“…with 500 recipes, even the fussiest of eaters should be able to find at least one recipe of interest.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
Are We Done Fighting (Building Understanding in a World of Hate and Division)
by Matthew Legge
(New Society Publishers – $24.99 – 330 pages)
“The book is written in a most down-to-earth manner for educators, families, and study groups to debate and respect.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
Joy Bauer’s Super Food! (150 Recipes for Eternal Youth)
by Joy Bauer
(Abrams – $37.99 – 292 pages)
“You will feel super good about yourself for taking a step in a very healthy direction with this book.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Living Lightly (Bring Happiness and Calm to Your Everyday)
by Dale Curd & Kimberly Alexander
(Harper Collins – $24.99 – 422 pages)
“There is something for every person out there, like a smorgasbord of information for peace of mind and happiness.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
*** For Younger Readers ***
Odd Gods
by David Slavin and Daniel Weitzman – Illustrated by Adam J.B. Lane
(Harper-$17.50 – 220 pages)
“…a funfest for Gods and other regular people.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
As I begin this issue, although you may read it in March, today is February 2, which is also known as Groundhog Day. While I doubt that the furry rodent can predict the weather, I am more impressed by the movie of the same name, Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray. The movie is about a man stuck in the same day because he refuses to change. He does the same thing day in and day out. Now you may wonder what that has to do with books. In a roundabout way it does. Some people love the same sort of books every time out. There is nothing wrong with that at all. You have your love of a particular author or genre. But I subtly suggest that something you venture outside your literary comfort zone, and read a book by a much talked-about author, one you may not have considered before. It might open up a new world for you, which besides your much loved author, can offer a brave new world of literary enjoyment.
Time. It is a concept we have no control over. But we can control how we spend time, to make each second of our lives more productive. I often here people saying they have no time to read a book. Well, it is not a big stretch to make time, even if it is an hour every day set aside. You are the master of your own life and in that life, making time is a possibility. Spend less time on your cell phone or computer and delve into a brave new world, where books are an escape from the complexities of life. Even more reason to read a book this month is the fact this is a leap year, and you have an extra day, February 29, to do anything you want. Why not spend that day with a book, which is where Shelf Life enters the picture. In this issue, you will find more than thirty titles, for all reading tastes. Surely there is one to pique your interest. And if you do find a book, write us and let us know what you thought about it. Hopefully it will turn into time well spent
Happy New Year and welcome to a brand new decade. Where did the last decade go, would be the question posed by many! Shelf Life has been publishing in four decades, beginning in the Spring of 1998 and now part of the 2020’s. April will celebrate our 22nd anniversary, and time truly marches on. But our mission continues to keep bringing readers the best in books, inspiring you to seek these books out and add them to your own must-read lists.
Bring on the holidays! I say it again and again; where does the time go and how did Christmas 2019 come so soon? It is here and hopefully it will be the most memorable for everyone one of you. With the holidays comes our annual Books As Holiday Gifts Buying Guide. This is our 14th Annual Issue and it is one of our most popular issues as people decide which books to buy for family and friends. There are books here for all ages, on a variety of subjects that will appeal to the young, old and the young at heart. We offer more than thirty titles for your reading and gift giving pleasures. As with all December issues, no bookmarks are given. Every book noted here is highly recommended.
we may not offer the same enthusiasm as people opening Christmas gifts on December 25, every issue of Shelf Life strives to offer people the reason to take home a copy with them from wherever they find the issues. And the fact that readers are picking us up in higher numbers than ever, issues are often gone within a week or two of their arrival, says something about the public’s need to read and to discover books worthy of their time.
Everyone has defining moments in their lives, ones that stand out from many others. I guess I had that moment late this past summer when I took my annual train trip to Toronto. It was not only to spend a leisurely day visiting old book stores and the likes. I also went with the purpose of watching a live to air taping of The Social, a popular daytime program. It is Canada’s equivalent of The View, but much more entertaining. Jess Allen, one of the ladies on the panel, arranged to get me a ticket. I had sent her issues of Shelf Life a couple of years ago, and always wanted to see a live show. I happened to get a seat in the front row and was less than thirty feet from the table where the ladies on the pane sit and debate issues of the day. People even told me they saw me on television a few times when the camera panned to the audience. After the show, the ladies come and shake hands and thank the audience for coming out. Jess came my way and shook my hand. I introduced myself and she said she was glad I could come. She also asked if she could give me a hug. First of all, no one has ever asked me that, and secondly I have never hugged anyone famous. It was a day I shall never forget and as noted a defining moment. Thank you Jess and ladies of The Social for such wonderful memories.
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