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!”
Enjoy this issue!
Paul Sutter
Editor/Publisher
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*** Fiction Section ***
*** Best January Fiction ***
The Policeman’s Daughter
by Trudy Nan Boyce
(Putnam – $37.00 – 338 pages)
“This is one detective truly worth her Salt!”
Rating: 5 bookmarks
Ghosted
by Rosie Walsh
(Mantle – $24.99 – 344 pages)
“…vastly different from the majority of books on store shelves.”
Rating: 5 bookmarks
The Bad Daughter
by Joy Fielding
(Doubleday Canada – $32.00 – 356 pages)
“…very good, a great mystery both entertaining, and one that becomes a total page turner.”
Rating: 5 bookmarks
*** Rest of January Fiction ***
Dark Sacred Night
by Michael Connelly
(Little Brown – $38.00 – 448 pages)
“It is books like DARK SACRED NIGHT that reinforces precisely why we enjoy any book written by Michael Connelly.”
Rating: 4 1/2 bookmarks
The Other Lady Vanishes
by Amanda Quick
(Berkley – $36.00 – 342 pages)
“Amanda Quick can take any genre and do wonders with it.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Shattered Mirror
by Iris Johansen
(St. Martin’s Press – $36.00 – 339 pages)
“…a tense and powerful reading experience…”
Rating: 4 1/2 bookmarks
White Rose Black Forest
by Eoin Dempsey
(Lake Union – $19.75 – 258 pages)
Reviewed by Tori Levang
“Intense and emotional, and based on true historical events, the book straddles the line between the genres of historical fiction and thriller.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
Give Me Your Hand
by Megan Abbott
(Little Brown – $22.99 – 342 pages)
“…will definitely linger in your mind as the story is intense…”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
All We Ever Wanted
by Emily Giffin
(Doubleday Canada – $32.00 – 334 pages)
“…the typical superior chick-lit that Emily Giffin is noted for.”
Rating: 4 1/2 bookmarks
Vince Flynn Red War
by Kyle Mills
(Emily Bestler/Atria – $22.00 – 370 pages)
“…continues the quality work of the series…”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Under My Skin
by Lisa Unger
(Park Row Books – $22.99 – 365 pages)
“…will definitely get under your skin, but in a positive way…”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
A Darkness Absolute
by Kelley Armstrong
(Random House Canada – $29.95 – 454 pages)
“Armstrong writes the characters with dark elements that add to the chilling nature of the book.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
A Darkness of the Heart
by Gail Bowen
(McClelland & Stewart – $32.00 – 272 pages)
“…shows another side of Bowen’s writing prowess, adding new dynamics to her life and times…”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
The Crooked Staircase
by Dean Koontz
(Bantam – $37.00 – 434 pages)
“…will take the reader further into the world of suspense and intrigue…”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Twisted Prey
by John Sandford
(Putnam – $39.00 – 388 pages)
“…Sandford again proves why his books become better each time…”
Rating: 4 1/2 bookmarks
Cat Flap
by Alan S. Cowell
(St. Martin’s Press – $32.50 – 230 pages)
“For those who enjoy books with animals as a main theme, they will definitely enjoy CAT FLAP.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Seek
by Anthony O’Neill
(Skyhorse – $29.99 -216 pages)
“…it advances the story to areas (Louis) Stevenson may have envisioned if he had penned another book.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Stygian
by Sherrilyn Kenyon
(Tor – $36.50 – 660 pages)
“…book twenty-nine in the series that shows no signs of letting up, nor of Kenyon deciding to draw it to a close.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
Big Woods
by May Cobb
(Midnight Ink – $21.95 – 300 pages)
“Keep an eye out for future books from this author. She is just getting started.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
*** Non-Fiction Section ***
*** Best January Non-Fiction ***
My Squirrel Days
by Ellie Kemper
(Scribner – $32.99 – 240 pages)
“…so much to savour in this entertaining autobiography.”
Rating: 5 bookmarks
Full Disclosure
by Stormy Daniels with Kevin Carr O’Leary
(St. Martin’s Press – $36.50 – 270 pages)
“You will be pleasantly surprised at Stormy’s savvy and honesty.”
Rating: 5 bookmarks
Canoes: A Natural History in North America
by Mark Neuzil & Norman Sims
(Fitzhenry & Whiteside – $40.00 – 372 pages)
“…the authors provide a scholarly and historical approach to one of the oldest modes of transportation.”
Rating: 5 bookmarks
**** Rest of January Non-Fiction ****
Little Shoes: The Sensational Depression-Era Murders That Became My Family’s Secret
by Pamela Everett
(Skyhorse – $37.99 – 232 pages)
“…takes bold steps in reassessing a classic crime.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
A Season in the Sun: The Rise of Mickey Mantle
by Randy Roberts & Johnny Smith
(Basic Books – $36.50 – 304 pages)
“…should be required reading for children who one day envision themselves as sports stars.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Unshackling America: How the War of 1812 Truly Ended the American Revolution
by Willard Sterne Randall
(St. Martin’s Press – $41.99 – 452 pages)
Reviewed by John M. Milner
“…Randall’s brilliant tome does substantially more than simply tackle the subject of the War of 1812.”
Rating: 4 1/2 bookmarks
Star Wars: The Complete Visual Dictionary New Edition
by James Lucerno, David West Reynolds, Ryder Windham, Jason Fry & Pablo Hidalgo
(DK Books – $35.00 – 352 pages)
“With over 350 pages of the best in Star Wars, the book will entertain, illuminate, and mesmerize every fan of the movies.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Happy Down Below
by Dr. Oliver Gralla
(Greystone – $22.95 – 224 pages)
“It makes HAPPY DOWN BELOW a book to be shared by men and women in terms of sexuality, creating a more fulfilling life and intimate moments.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Kate How To Dress Like a Style Icon
by Caroline Jones
(Carlton Book – $40.00 – 210 pages)
“…you might feel like a queen after learning fashion tricks of the trade.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
The Silver Age Doom Patrol Volume One
(DC Comics – $39.99 – 380 pages)
“You will feel no doom and gloom reading this book, rather a nostalgic happiness in being reunited with the issues that brought the Doom Patrol to the comic buying public.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Tina Turner: My Love Story
by Tina Turner with Deborah Davis & Dominik Wichmann
(Atria – $34.99 – 262 pages)
“This is quite the autobiography, told from the hear with much heart and soul.”
Rating: 4 1/2 bookmarks
Adele: The Other Side – The Stories Behind Her Songs
by Caroline Sullivan
(Carlton Books – $33.95 – 160 pages)
“Fans of the singer will enjoy the photos and words that relate to her songs and her amazing career.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
The Science of Cooking (Every Question Answered To Perfect Your Cooking)
by Dr. Stuart Farrimond
(DK Books – $39.00 – 256 pages)
“The book notes how you can take your cooking skills to the next level, transforming the way you cook.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
100 Nature Hot Spots in British Columbia (The Best Parks, Conservation Areas and Wild Places)
by Lyndsay Fraser and Christina Smuth
(Firefly – $29.95 – 244 pages)
“…this book is your guide to the best British Columbia has to offer.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
Going the Distance – The Life and Works of W.P. Kinsella
by William Steele
(Douglas & McIntyre – $34.95 – 293 pages)
“…an honest assessment and retelling of the life of a literary legend.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Beyond Forgetting – Celebrating 100 Years of Al Purdy
Edited by Howard White & Emma Skagen
(Harbour Publishing – $22.95 – 173 pages)
“If Al Purdy were alive today, he would certainly appreciate the comments and the observations of his life and times.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
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.
The world is obsessed with cell phones, that is a given. As someone who does not own a cell phone, I feel a sense of relief that I do not have one that holds me prisoner. People cannot walk or sit with their heads up, as they are too busy looking down at their phones and texting. People almost bump into you walking down the street because their head is buried in the phone. Earlier in the summer when I went for morning walks, I began noticing a young man in his twenties down the block coming towards me, head lowered. I thought “Here comes another cell phone fanatic.” But lo and behold when I was within five feet of him, I saw he was not looking at a cell phone, but he was reading a book while walking. That really was quite the sight. For a month, I noticed him weekday mornings walking and reading. I am sure it was not the same book but at least he had taken the initiative to do the unusual: read a book on his way to wherever he was headed. I thought maybe there is hope for the world and that not everyone is obsessed with cell phone banter. I have not seen him since, as perhaps he is taking a different route. I wish I had stopped him and congratulated him, but he always looked so engrossed in his book. It takes one person to start a revolution, and hopefully others will take up the literary crusade like this gentleman, laying down their cell phones and picking up an actual book. And that is where we come in, hoping to offer inspiration and ideas for your reading choices, no matter where you decide to open the book.
Shelf Life would not have succeeded without many factors. They include faithful (and newer) readers, along with our terrific reviewers. But there is another aspect to the publication which, of course, revolves around the publishers of the books themselves. These 208 issues over the past twenty years would not have been possible without the companies who release an impressive amount of books year in and year out. But there is even more, the fact that publicists who publicize the books go out of their way to make sure their books are in our hands. Shelf Life has worked with so many terrific people who have come and gone along the way. One of those publicists is Karen Blair who worked for Penguin Random House Canada. She has been sending books for the two decades Shelf Life has been in operation. But as of May 2018, Karen has decided to retire. She was a publicist for forty-three years, and truly dedicated to books. It goes without saying she will be missed, along with her love and enthusiasm for the books she oversaw. Shelf Life wishes her a long, happy and healthy retirement, and a massive thank you for sending along one great book after another. We remain in debt to every publicist, past and present.
If you grew up in the 1970s, you should be familiar with the Alice Cooper song “School’s Out.” Now that July is upon us, school is definitely out for children, meaning travel time with them if they are young enough to be at home. Whether you have children or not, though, Summer signifies more leisure time, which is often where reading comes into the picture. Whether you enjoy fiction or non-fiction, the July issue is filled with great books that we recommend for your reading pleasures. Maybe you would like to step outside your reading comfort zone and pick up a book you might not usually consider. Why not? Be daring. You might be pleasantly surprised. Enjoy this issue and most of all enjoy Summer because we all know it goes way too quickly.
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