Well, here we are again at another Shelf Life Anniversary. This issue signifies our 21st anniversary, and each time out I become redundant when I state, “Where did the time go?” The Spring of 1998 was when this publication was started, and through 215 previoius issues has grown in leaps and bounds to a publication I could not be prouder of. No, we are not as big circulation-wise as some newspapers and magazines, but that was never the intent. I simply want to create a publication that tried to inspire people to pick up books and read them. I wanted readers to find books that interested them and even tried to pique their interest in finding books outside their comfort zone. From the feedback, that has happened a lot, which makes me even happier. Some who had not read a book in years were encouraged to do so, and that too is another plus of Shelf Life. In a wold where reading has taken a backseat at times to texting and video games, diehard book lovers still exist and as long as they do, as long as they continue to pick us up, then this mission is far from over. I continue to thank the amazing publishers who have remained faithful to Shelf Life, sending exceptional books to review and promote. And, of course, thank you to the readers, and last but not least the incredible reviewers past and present, who were just as dedicated to books and getting the message across to read these titles.
Now, on to the books!
Paul Sutter
Editor/Publisher
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*** Fiction Section ***
*** Best April Fiction ***
The Clockmaker’s Daughter
by Kate Morton
(Atria – $24.99 – 484 pages)
“…it is the telling of the tale from so many perspectives past and present, that truly rivets the reader to the story.”
Rating: 5 bookmarks
The Dream Daughter
by Diane Chamberlain
(St. Martin’s Press – $24.99 – 366 pages)
“…a powerful and riveting tale, one that is truly unforgettable.”
Rating: 5 bookmarks
Freefall
by Jessica Barry
(Harper – $29.99 – 355 pages)
“…one of those books that once you open it, you will have the toughest time putting it down…”
Rating: 5 bookmarks
*** Rest of April Fiction ***
Fairy Tale
by Danielle Steel
(Delacorte – $38.99 – 277 pages)
“…has that Danielle steel magic, thanks in part to one of the most vile villains ever to grace the pages of her books.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
River Bodies
by Karen Katchur
(Thomas & Mercer – $22.95 – 292 pages)
“…Karen Katchur begins this series with an explosive and engrossing tale that will inspire readers to return for more.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Tailspin
by Sandra Brown
(Grand Central – $35.50 – 434 pages)
“…a story with conflict, confusion, and attraction.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Miss Kopp Just Won’t Quit
by Amy Stewart
(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt – $37.00 – 310 pages)
“One cannot wait to meet the Kopp sisters again for another enjoyable visit.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
The Forbidden Door
by Dean Koontz
(Bantam – $37.00 – 434 pages)
“Koontz knows how to keep this series fresh…”
Rating: 4 1/2 bookmarks
Double Blind
by Iris & Roy Johansen
(St. Martin’s Press – $37.99 – 325 pages)
“…the sixth book in the series, containing the same intense plot and mystery…”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Red White Blue
by Lea Carpenter
(Knopf – $35.95 – 383 pages)
“…definitely a book that does not follow the rules of narration and tone.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
Plum Rains
by Andromeda Romano-Lax
(Soho Press – $31.95 – 389 pages)
Reviewed by: Tori Levang
“Part science fiction, part historical fiction, PLUM RAINS is a unique and enthralling look at the present and our near future.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
Cottage by the Sea
by Debbie Macomber
(Ballantine – $36.00 -337 pages)
“…succeeds on all counts, making it one of the most enjoyable books Debbie Macomber has ever written.”
Rating: 4 1/2 bookmarks
After Nightfall
by A.J. Banner
(Lake Union – $35.95 – 248 pages)
“This is the ideal book if you want a mystery where nothing is in black and white and the puzzle becomes murkier the more you read.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
The Silhouette Girl
by V.C. Andrews
(Gallery – $19.99 – 360 pages)
“…in the typical style of Andrews and it offers the same sort of plot twists and characters that millions came to love over the tenure of the author.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Into the Night
by Sarah Bailey
(Grand Central – $34.00 – 416 pages)
“Sarah Bailey adds interest and intrigue the further we delve into the book.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Probably Claws
by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown
(Bantam – $36.00 – 330 pages)
“…we suspend disbelief and just enjoy them for what that are…This book is far from a ‘cat’astrophe.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
Points North
by Howard Frank Mosher
(St. Martin’s Press – $33.99 – 202 pages)
“The ten stories in the book sum up the writing skills of Mosher in ways few could ever duplicate.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
*** Non-Fiction Section ***
*** Best April Non-Fiction ***
Fly Girls: How Five Daring Women Defied All Odds and Made Aviation History
by Keith O’Brien
(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt – $40.00 – 338 pages)
“…the ultimate tribute to the first female flyers who looks to the skies for inspiration and challenge.”
Rating: 5 bookmarks
Led Zeppelin All the Songs The Story Behind Every Track
By Jean-Michael Guesdon & Philippe Margotin
(Black Dog & Leventhal – $65.00 – 612 pages)
“…the authors review every recording they made, giving fans and casual viewers the story behind every track.”
Rating: 5 bookmarks
**** Rest of April Non-Fiction ****
The Vanity Fair Diaries
by Tina Brown
(Picador – $26.00 – 436 pages)
“….an entertaining but ‘fair’ overview of her Vanity Fair life and times.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
SuperGirl: The Silver Age Volume Two
(DC Comics – $39.99 – 305 pages)
“Anyone who grew up with Action Comics will enjoy seeing the issues again.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Raw: The First 25 Years
by Jake Black, Jon Hill & Dean Miller
(DK Books – $32.00 – 200 pages)
“Fans will be in their glory as they look back at a quarter-century of the heroes and villians who graced the ring.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
The Godfather: The Official Motion Picture Archives
by Peter Cowie
(Carlton – $40.00 – 164 pages)
“Fans of THE GODFATHER will enjoy this nostalgic tribute to the movie that changes cinema forever.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
The American Negro Theatre and the Long Civil Rights Era
by Jonathan Shandell
(University of Iowa Press – $70.00 – 216 pages)
“The thoroughness of htis book makes it a most enjoyable read…”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Where Do We Go From Here (Two Years in the Resistance)
by Bernie Sanders
(St. Martin’s / Thomas Dunne – $36.50 – 270 pages)
“He looks at the world during the past two years of the Trump White House.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
The Battle of Waterloo
by Peter and Dan Sanow
(Andre Deutsch – $34.95 – 160 pages)
Reviewed by John M. Milner
“…beautifully illustrated, the pages rich with paintings of the battle and key figures…”
Rating: 4 1/2 bookmarks
A Star is Born (Judy Garland and the Film That Got Away)
by Lorna Luft and Jeffrey Vance
(Running Press – $36.50 – 248 pages)
“…the book discusses the making of the film and shaping it into a classic.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
The Cowkeeper’s Wish: A Genealogical Journey
by Tracy Kasaboski & Kristen Den Hartog
(Douglas & McIntyre – $32.95 – 448 pages)
“One can only image the amount of time necessary to research this book.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Burning Down the Haus
by Tim Mohr
(Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill – $39.95 – 393 pages)
“The book burns with intensity in so many ways….”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
The World According to Tom Hank: A Homage to America’s Dad
by Gavin Edwards
(Grand Central – $34.00 – 345 pages)
“It is nice to read a celebrity profile that is free of negatives or controversy.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Woodstock 1969 (The Lasting Image of the Counter Culture)
Text by Ettagale Blauer & Jason Laure – Photographs by Jason Laurie
(Skyhorse – $38.99 – 140 pages)
“The authors take us back to the rock festival through words and pictures.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
The Science of Supercars
by Martin Roach, Neil Waterman & John Morrison
(Firefly – $29.95 – 224 pages)
“The book pretty well shows from almost day one the evolution of the car.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
The Hidden Life of Trees
by Peter Wohlleben
(Greystone/David Suzuki Institute – $29.95 – 272 pages)
“The book is a science lesson in these pages…”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
The Seawee Chronicles: A World at the Water’s Edge
by Susan Hand Shetterly
(Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill – $24.95US – 272 pages)
“…truly a chronicle at what we find around water’s edge…”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
There are many reasons to celebrate the month of March. The first day of Spring arrives, daylight savings time is observed. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated, but in the world, it begins for many publishing houses with the new Spring arrivals. While the first three items noted are exciting for many, personally the release of Spring titles are what Shelf Life looks forward to even more. Having seen the catalogues and requesting some of the titles, we can assure you there are many great titles arriving soon from many of the authors you can have grown to love, and anticipate new releases from. So all we can say is stay tuned to upcoming issues. Shelf Life has always promised to offer the best in books for your reading consideration, and that is something we vow to honor we hope you enjoy this latest issue.
ebruary, being the month of love, hearts and cupids, indirectly relates to what Shelf Life is about. There are no hearts and cupids generally, but when it comes to love, we try and foster the love of books. One thing we strive to encourage most, is to go beyond your comfort level in reading, and look for books of other genres. Those who might love mysteries only, might be hesitant to open a book that has elements of fantasy or horror, but as we often discover from people who write us, they took a chance beyond what they were used to and actually liked it. The same, of course, goes for non-fiction and trying books one might not normally read. You may not like every single book of that nature, but the main thing is seeking knowledge beyond what one normally enjoys. And life, like reading, is keeping yourself open to change and new things. And what is the worst that could happen? You might find a new area for reading enjoyment. We hope that happens.
Welcome to 2019 and Happy New Year to all! Hard to believe another year has passed into the ether as they say, but hopefully this year will be memorable for everyone out there. A new year also brings a new selection of books, where one again, we fulfill our praise to offer reviews of the best in books. As always, hopefully we inspire you to head to your bookstore and purchase many of the titles. There is little question they are worthy of your attention and hard-earned money. Keep those emails coming with your suggestions and comments about our choices. In the immortal words of the late comedic legend Jackie Gleason, “and away we go!”
Welcome to the 13th Annual Books as Holiday Gifts special issue. We’re not superstitious around here, because the books included in the issue are far from unlucky. In fact, reading them will be your lucky day, because all of them are perfect for your own library or for giving to others as holiday gifts. Books make the perfect present, as they are always welcome whether at Christmas, for birthdays, or any other occasion. In fact, you don’t need an excuse to give someone a book. Or you can treat yourself. They are welcome any time of year. In that regard, we offer a cross-section of books for many interests, and hope our choices will end up as your choices as well. As in the case with previous Books as Holiday Gifts special issues, no bookmarks are given as all books are highly recommended.
No matter what profession a person may be in, criticism makes one wiser and more aware of the likes and dislikes aimed at them. Shelf Life has always welcomed criticism and we enjoy receiving both positive and negative, though in honesty the positives do outnumber the negatives. Comments keep us on our toes and don’t think simply because we recently celebrated our twentieth anniversary, that we are simply resting on our laurels. No sure. The reason I noted this is the October 2018 issue generated above-average comments simply because of the front cover and new Shelf Life logo and we felt it was time for a change. Most people like the new type style. One person even commented they thought it was a new publication because the logo was different. We hope they were not disappointed it was still us. The bottom line is, please continue conversing with us about the books we feature, what you like to see, and anything else on your mind. We thank you for all feedback. Now on to the books!
Over the years, SHELF LIFE has used different phrases to try and catch the attention of the reader. “Read them and reap, reviews you can use,” and “books worth a look,” are but a few. The latest “Experience the need to read,” came as a result of discussion with a friend. He askes me after publishing and editing Shelf Life for twenty years, why I continued to do so. My response initially was because it is challenging and I love books. Then I said, “I want people to experience the need to read.” He nodded vigorously and said, “I like that.” He even picked up a pen and paper and wrote those words down. Words like this have been my mantra in a manner of speaking. Having been a constant reader since age 10 and now in my sixties, I continue to find joy within the pages of books no matter what the subject. But there is an even greater reason for people to “experience the need to read.” Research has noted that because dementia and Alzheimer’s have become so prominent, we must find ways to keep the brain stimulated. Reading they said was one of those ways. I endorse this heartily. It may not halt the onset of diseases, but anything to give you the fighting chance is paramount and certainly a positive. In this issue are more than thirty reasons to read, and surely there are topics and books that must pique your interest. Hopefully, we are doing our little part to encourage people never to just sit and do nothing. Reading a book is a memorable experience, one that hopefully this publication will encourage people to do for many years to come.
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