An interesting thing happened between our 22nd Anniversary issue and the May 2020 issue of Shelf Life. Or rather did not happen. The April 2020 issue was the last issue previously. It was not by choice. Of course you all are aware of the health pandemic and Covid-19. I was not able to publish any issues after that time because so many businesses had closed. Places like book stores and libraries where most copies of Shelf Life are distributed to, closed and even print shops where the issues are printed were shuttered.
Today, there are some limitations such as certain libraries will not allow publications from outside, meaning Shelf Life for the interim will be finding new areas of distribution. That is one of the reasons why this issue has a number (229) instead of the usual month, as one does not know if distribution may change again in the next while.
To say the world has changed would seem a gross understatement. Whether it will ever return to a semblance of its former self, is the question of the moment. We can only hope when a vaccine is available that life will have a degree of normalcy again. I hope that you are spending quality time with your loved ones, and doing activities together. Or if alone, that you are reading and keeping up with the world around you.
In the six or so months that we were not able to publish, the books have continued arriving at our desks and I recently counted over 300 reviews that have not been used. In this issue, I am proud to feature more than 50 titles. Reviews are a bit shorter this time around, only to attempt to fit as many books in as possible. No bookmarks are given, because all books are worthy of your consideration and time. I have also included a photo taken late January here in London of Cynthia Loyst author and co-host of the popular CTV television show THE SOCIAL. I had the pleasure of meeting her at the library when she was here with fellow Social co-host Jess Allen. Cynthia was here to promote her book, FIND YOUR PLEASURE, which is reviewed in this issue.
I should also note that I finally got around to giving Shelf Life its online presence with more than 20 on-line book review videos found on the Shelf Life Facebook page, and the You Tube Shelf Life Book Reviews channel. I hope you will check them out. I welcome your comments pro and con. So on to the reviews. It is great being back. I hope all of you reading this, take care, keep well, and above all, stay safe.
Paul Sutter
Editor/Publisher
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*** Fiction Section ***
Noir Fatale
Edited by Larry Cooper & Kacey Ezell
(Baen – 34.00 – 312 pages)
“The stories all focus on femme fatales in charge, women who play by their own rules, as dangerous as male counterparts.”
The Numbers Game
by Danielle Steel
(Delacorte Press – $38.99 – 275 pages)
“The complications from the affair and the aftermath, is what makes the book work so well..”
The Girls With No Names
by Serena Burdick
(Park Row Books – $21.99 – 333 pages)
“The book is rich in the storytelling of Burdick, as she offers a most compelling story of life turned upside down, with seemingly little hope in sight.”
The Suspect
by Fiona Barton
(Penguin Books of Canada – $24.95 – 404 pages)
“There are tense moments leading to the big reveal and the reasons for the murders. It makes THE SUSPECT a book for those who enjoy complex stories, with lots of layers, and a tremendous payoff with the finale.”
His & Hers
by Alice Feeney
(Flatiron – $37.99 – 310 pages)
“You will be impressed by the manner in which Feeney weaves the story, with great skill, and by book’s end will find more surprises than gifts under a Christmas tree.”
Forgotten Bones
by Vivian Barz
(Thomas & Mercer – $23.95 – 300 pages)
“What makes the book all the more interesting is how it combines mystery, police procedurals, and a hint of the occult thrown in for good measure.”
The Furies
by Kate Lowe
(St. Martin’s Press – $36.50 – 368 pages)
“This is a coming of age story, with an emphasis on trust and friendship. It shows how fragile life can become. Katie Lowe has created a most compelling debut novel.”
House on Fire
by Bonnie Kistler
(Atria – $32.99 – 404 pages)
“Bonnie Kistler’s debut novel HOUSE ON FIRE, seems like one of those movies of the week prevalent in the 1970’s and 1980’s, but manages to rise above them with some well-crafted characterizations and situations.”
The Shape of Night
by Tess Gerritsen
(Ballantine – $37.00 – 268 pages)
“…a radical departure for Tess Gerritsen. Known for her intense mysteries, this book has spooky elements, putting it into the category of ghostly gothic tale.”
God Shot
by Chelsea Bieker
(Catapult – $38.95 – 322 pages
“The book has so much going for it, especially those who have blind belief, without fact. GOD SHOT is a book people will discuss years from now for its content and message.”
The City We Became
by N. K. Jemisin
(Orbit – $35.00 – 438 pages)
“The book is pure fantasy, plus science-fiction, with an alien menace unlike what may have been found in previous books.”
Pretty as a Picture
by Elizabeth Little
(Viking – $36.00 – 338 pages)
“… a book that works with a slow, methodical unveiling of story and character.”
The Starless Sea
by Erin Morgenstern
(Doubleday Canada – $36.95 – 500 pages
“In many ways it is a fairy tale for adults, written structurally with fable-like elements. It will put you in awe of the writer’s creativity.”
Big Lies In a Small Town
by Diane Chamberlain
(St. Martin’s Press – $24.99 – 392 pages)
“While some fiction books revolving around art, might not seem the right formula for riveting reading, Diane Chamberlain dispels that notion with an effective story.”
Big Summer
by Jennifer Weiner
(Atria – $24.99 – 358 pages)
“BIG SUMMER is another big winner for Weiner, who reigns supreme in the world of chick-lit.”
In Another Time
by Jillian Cantor
(Harper Perennial – $33.50 – 326 pages)
“Full of depth and feeling, history is brought alive through the humanity, intimacy, and emotion of the novel’s narrative, and the author’s capacity for realistic portrayals of the emotional lives of the characters.”
Killer Instinct
by James Patterson & Howard Roughan
(Little Brown – $36.50 – 400 pages)
“Trust your instinct and add KILLER INSTINCT to your list of must read James Patterson books.”
The Doll Factory
by Elizabeth MacNeal
(Simon & Schuster – $24.99 – 326 pages)
“The last fifty or so pages, take the book to a new level, the tension as thick as a London fog. This causes every page to resonate with atmospheric charm and great tension.”
Neon Prey
by John Sandford
(Putnam – $39.00 – 390 pages)
“While not the strongest book of the series, Sandford still provides an entertaining read thanks to Davenport and the criminal company he pursues.”
Voodoo Shanghai
by Kristi Charish
(Vintage Canada – $24.00 – 418 pages)
“For those who enjoy their mystery with a strong hint of the supernatural thrown in for good measure, you cannot go wrong with VOODOO SHANGHAI.”
Benediction
by Oliver Dufault
(Arachnide – $24.95 – 400 pages)
Reviewed by John M. Milner
While it may not be remembered as a classic tale of the American West, nor is it a page turner that will keep you reading until the stroke of midnight, BENEDICTION is a worthwhile tale to be told.
The Boy from the Woods
by Harlan Coben
(Grand Central – $37.00 – 372 pages)
“The creator of many classic works of fiction, (Coben) returns with what may be his most complex, in THE BOY FROM THE WOODS. It is a book you will remember, and recommend to others.”
The Dark Bones
by Loreth Ann White
(Montlake Romance – $18.95 -436 pages)
“Book two of the DARK LURE series is most satisfying. Longer than many romantic mysteries, the book has no filler, with something happening on almost every page.”
Last Ones Left Alive
by Sarah David-Goff
(Flatiron – $36.50 – 288 pages)
“…a most competent dark tale of survival, quite com-parable to King and his best works.”
Worry
by Jessica Westhead
(Harper Perennial – $22.99 – 232 pages)
“…a book that gets better by the page. The 232 pages do not do justice to the fact we want so much more, never wishing the book to end.”
Keep You Close
by Karen Cleveland
(Doubleday Canada – $24.95 – 339 pages
“If there was ever a record for swerves and plot twists in a book, then KEEP YOU CLOSE could boast that record. Once you open the book, be prepared to be totally mesmerized by Cleveland’s style.'”
A Curve in the Road
by Julianne Maclean
(Lake Union – $21.95 – 260 pages)
“If there was ever a record for swerves and plot twists in a book, then KEEP YOU CLOSE could boast that record. Once you open the book, be prepared to be totally mesmerized by Cleveland’s style.”
A Minute to Midnight
by David Baldacci
(Grand Central – $37.00 – 420 pages)
“Baldacci keeps the suspense coming full-tilt, with one shock following another, a full-out assault on the senses by book’s end.”
A Book of Bones
by John Connolly
(Emily Bestler/Atria – $38.99 – 678 pages)
“Parker is a character you never get tired of, a skilled private investigator who is an avenging angel against a world of evil and murder.”
The Cornwalls Are Gone
by James Patterson & Brendan Dubois
(Little Brown – $36.50 – 352 pages)
“…quality Patterson. This is the second book Patterson and Brendan Dubois have co-authored. It is exceptional, like the first. Captain Amy Cornwall is an army intelligence.”
Hammer To Fall
by John Lawton
(Atlantic Monthly Press – $38.95 – 400 pages)
“…for those who prefer books to play out slowly and methodically instead of rapid fire, HAMMER TO FALL will fill that bill.”
*** Non-Fiction Section ***
That’s Why I’m A Doctor
by Mark Bulgutch
(Douglas & McIntyre – $24.95 – 242 pages)
“The stories are filled with great heart, soul, and compassion, but not every single one comes with a happy ending.”
The Napoleonic Wars
by Richard Holmes
(Andre Deutsch – $49.95 – 164 pages)
“Any historian with an interest in Napoleon will be rewarded with a most thorough look at a most interesting man and legend.”
Butterflies – Their Natural History and Diversity
by Ronald Orenstein – Photography by Thomas Marent
(Firefly – $24.95 – 224 pages)
“BUTTERFLIES, will attract you like a magnet, keeping you turning pages to view beauty in motion. This book is more than simply photos. Their history is equally as fascinating, making the book a true collector’s item.”
From the Ashes
by Jesse Thistle
(Simon & Schuster – $24.99 – 360 pages)
“The story of his life is difficult to read at times, but knowing that he pulled himself from the ashes of despair to become a role model, gives one a most satisfied feeling.”
Vegan Bible
by Marie Laforet
(Grub Street – $29.95 – 326 pages)
“There are dozens of books with such recipes, each one adding something new to the world of cooking and food preparation.”
Fortitude – American Resilience in The Era of Outrage
by Dan Crenshaw
(Twelve – $35.00 – 250 pages)
“Crenshaw’s book is one that will inspire and impress. It shows respect for every-one’s life regardless of ideals, attitudes, or political beliefs.”
Smithsonian Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life (The Definitive Visual Guide to Prehistoric Animals)
(DK Books – $65.00 – 444 pages)
“Every page is a fount of knowledge, the ideal reference and information book for all ages. It will be viewed countless times because it is such an irresistible edition.”
Bigger Bolder Baking
by Gemma Stafford
(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt – $43.00 – 322 pages)
“…her faithful viewers can learn how to prepare some of her signature dishes, with professional results.”
Dear Girls
by Ali Wong
(Random House – $35.00 – 220 pages)
“Her candor is the strong point of the book, with nothing sacred. DEAR GIRLS is a welcome book not only for her daughters, but anyone wanting to read a book filled with great advice straight from the heart.”
Louisa on the Front Lines: Louise May Alcott In the Civil War
by Samantha Sieple
(Seal Press – $35.50 – 243 pages)
Reviewed by John M. Milner
“For those legions of fans of LITTLE WOMEN, this book will serve as a supplement to the famous work, providing a context and substantial background for the story Alcott would one day have published.”
Black Sabbath & Ozzy Osbourne: The Stories Behind the Classic Songs
by Carol Clerk & Paul Elliott
(Carlton- $50.00 – 160 pages)
“This book looks at not only the life and career of the band and its members, but also the personal hurdles they faced.”
Baman 100 Greatest Moments
by Robert Greenberger
(Chartwell Books – $32.99 – 310 pages)
“The reproduction of classic covers and comic panels make this a most appealing collectible. So head to your bat cave and savor every page.”
My Mother, A Serial Killer
by Hazel Baron & Janet Fife-Yeomans
(Harper Collins – $22.99 – 262 pages)
“Lovers of true crime will find the story fascinating. It shows how one girl’s concern helped stopped a murder spree and caused justice to prevail.”
Find Your Pleasure: The Art of Living A More Joyful Life
by Cynthia Loyst
(Simon & Schuster – $32.99 – 270 pages)
“… provides a step by step guide to creating a more enjoyable life, feeling self-satisfaction from personal accomplishments.”
Scatterbrain
by Henning Beck
(Greystone – $34.95 – 336 pages)
“…the reason for the book is not to make the brain work better in terms of thought processes. It is to show the imperfections of the brain, and how such imperfections may work in your favor.”
Our Wild Calling: How Connecting With Animals Can Transform Lives – And Save Theirs
by Richard Louv
(Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill – $37.95 – 310 pages)
“…the author studies our kinship with ani-mals, and how our bond with them, will create a better planet for all.”
No More Nice Girls: Gender, Power, and Why It’s Time to Stop Playing By the Rules
by Laura McKeon
(Anansi – $22.95 – 377 pages)
“The book looks at the role of women, and how the fight for acceptance and equality has been akin to climbing a mountain, using dental floss instead of rope.”
Disgraceland: Musicians Getting Away With Murder and Behaving Very Badly
by Jake Brennan
(Grand Central – $36.50 – 288 pages)
“If you enjoy reading stories about the famous and musically dysfunctional, the book creates a most fascinating analysis of crimes and misdemeanors.”
The Vibrant Life (Eat Well, Be Well)
by Amanda Hass
(Chronicle – $42.95 – 242 pages)
“… more than a recipe book. While that is the main idea of the book, the author has incorporated much else to totally pamper your body and soul.”
My Year of Living Spiritually
by Anne Bokma
(Douglas & McIntyre – $24.95 – 256 pages)
“It has created a work where you might consider your own spiritual enlightenment. Hopefully you will achieve the same results as the author.”
The Phantom Prince: My Life with Ted Bundy (Updated and Expanded Edition)
by Elizabeth Kendall & Molly Kendall
(Abrams Press – $32.00 – 210 pages)
“The book is honest and open, as viewed from the inside looking out, rather than the outside looking in.”
High School
by Tegan Quin & Sara Quin
(Simon & Schuster – $32.00 – 369 pages)
“The book embraces those high school days in an honest, open, and most enjoyable manner.”
WWE Greatest Rivalries
by Jake Black
(DK Books – $31.99 – 200 pages)
“…the book focuses on some of the greatest rivalries ever seen in the squared circles. Fans held their breath as their favorites did battle with a nefarious rival.”
Open Book
by Jessica Simpson with Kevin Carr O’Leary
(Dey Street – $35.99 – 408 pages)
“This is an honest appraisal of her life, where she is not afraid to hold anything back.”
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.
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.
September means many things, including back to school if you have children. It also means back to a normal life as well, including less trips and closing down the cottage if you own one. This signifies more time for reading for many, and with this issue, comes over thirty reasons to read books. With something for every reading taste, we hope you will find a book or books to your liking.
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