The month of June is significant for many things. Of course, it heralds the first day of Summer, longest day of the summer, end of the school year, and this year personally it is significant as well. On June 9, I turn 65, and while that represents the age of retirement for many, it makes me even more determined to find various things to keep me active. As Shelf Life has been a part of my life for 21 years, the furthest thing from my mind is closing up shop here. It is my love of books and getting others to read the latest and greatest titles, that has kept my interest at peak levels. I do not see that changing in the foreseeable future.
And as you can see from this issue, there are over thirty reasons to keep reading, as there are more than a wide range of subjects featured for book lovers of fiction and non-fiction.
As always, I thank you for picking up this issue, hopefully enjoying it, and finding books to add to your must-read list. I look forward to your comments.
Paul Sutter
Editor/Publisher
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*** Fiction Section ***
*** Best June Fiction ***
An Anonymous Girl
by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen
(St. Martin’s Press – $24.99 – 375 pages)
“…follows the same intense dialogue and plot twists that made book one a must-read.”
Rating: 5 bookmarks
Something in the Water
by Catherine Steadman
(Ballantine – $36.00 – 343 pages)
“…filled with massive twists, along with a plot that will keep one reading long after you wish to.”
Rating: 5 bookmarks
*** Rest of June Fiction ***
The Library of Lost and Found
by Phaedra Patrick
(Park Row – $31.50 – 352 pages)
“…the reader gets (a happy ending) too, a reward for joining Martha on her journey”
Rating: 4 1/2 bookmarks
Looker
by Laura Sims
(Scribner – $19.99 – 182 pages)
“Laura Sims’ debut as just the right touch of everything going for it.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Haunted
by James Patterson & James O. Born
(Little Brown – $36.50 – 317 pages)
“It creates an interesting read for those cannot get enough of Michael Bennett.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
A Measure of Darkness
by Jonathan & Jesse Kellerman
(Ballantine – $38.99 – 340 pages)
“…the same quality work that Kellerman has given readers in the past.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
The Winter Sister
by Megan Collins
(Atria – $35.00 – 328 pages)
“The book will appeal to lovers of psychological mystery.”
Rating: 4 1/2 bookmarks
Wild Justice
by Loren D. Estleman
(Forge – $34.99 – 224 pages)
Reviewed by: John M. Milner
“… an intriguing novel that fans of the Western genre will love.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Autopsy of a Boring Wife
by Marie-Renee Lavoie
(House of Anansi Press – $22.95 – 227 pages)
“…definitely not boring, rather a lively book with plenty of heart and soul.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
The Killer Collective
by Barry Eisler
(Thomas & Mercer – $35.95 – 440 pages)
“In this case, when it rains, it pours in great writing, especially where John Rain is concerned.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Verses for The Dead
by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
(Grand Central – $36.50 – 350 pages)
“The ending is typical Pendergast with heart-stopping scenes featuring alligators, bullets and an almost impossible escape.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
The Good Fight
by Danielle Steel
(Delacorte Press – $38.99 – 292 pages)
“…while far from her best book, is still worthy of your time, for whose who enjoy a relaxing read with interesting characters and interwoven storylines.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
Gale Force
by Owen Laukkanen
(Putnam – $36.00 – 372 pages)
“The intricate detail about the ship and its perils make the book a superior read.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Wolfhunter River
by Rachel Caine
(Thomas & Mercer – $22.95 – 324 pages)
“Rachel Caine once more dazzles us with her tense brand of writing, and a relentless plot you cannot get enough of.”
Rating: 4 1/2 bookmarks
The Glovemaker
by Ann Weisgarber
(Mantle – $30.99 – 296 pages)
“…a think piece as well, with moral issues as well as a plot that mesmerizes.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
The Echo Killing
by Christi Daugherty
(Minotaur – $22.50 – 377 pages)
“She has created a definitive page-turner using her expertise in newspapers covering crime and murder to the fullest.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Nine Perfect Strangers
by Liane Moriarty
(Flatiron – $35.99 – 454 pages)
“Liane Moriarty is known for her dark and somewhat humorous tales, and this one is certainly one that is all that and more at times.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
*** Non-Fiction Section ***
*** Best June Non-Fiction ***
For Alison
by Andy Parker with Ben R. Williams
(DK Books – $65.00 – 612 pages)
“…a moving story of a father’s love, and a rallying cry for common sense solutions so events like this are a thing of the past…”
Rating: 5 bookmarks
Apollo: VII-XVII
by Floris Heyne, Joel Meter, Simon Phillipson & Delano Steen Meijer
(teNeuses- $85.00 – 322 pages)
“…an absolutely breathtaking coffee table book of the highest order.”
Rating: 5 bookmarks
**** Rest of June Non-Fiction ****
Bunny Boy and Me
by Nancy Laracy
(Skyhorse – $38.99 – 252 pages)
“This is one of the most enlightening and entertaining stories you will read.”
Rating: 4 1/2 bookmarks
Don Cherry’s Hockey Greats and More
by Don Cherry
(Doubleday Canada – $29.95 – 244 pages)
“While he is not afraid to step on toes with his observations, there is nothing controversial about DON CHERRY’s HOCKEY GREATS AND MORE.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
Inside An Honor Killing: A Father and Daughter Tell Their Story
by Lene Wold
(Greystone – $32.95 – 216 pages)
“…a book that is a rallying cry for justice, aski ng the question whether such attitudes can ever change…”
Rating: 4 1/2 bookmarks
Untrue
by Wednesday Martin
(Little Brown Spark – $36.50 – 304 pages)
“Martin does a respectable job of balancing many areas, while relating scientific research with personal observation.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Jefferson: Architect of American Liberty
by John B. Boles
(Basic Books – $45.50 – 640 pages)
Reviewed by John M. Milner
“JEFFERSON delves deeply into the President’s career in politics…”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Why We Dream: The Transformative Journey
by Alice Robb
(Houghton Mifflin Harcourt – $39.00 – 266 pages)
“…Alice Robb studies that mysterious and often magical world of dreams and what they mean for us.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
History of the World Map by Map
(DK Books – $65.00 – 440 pages)
“The maps have enough information to help paint the perfect picture.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
The Opposite of Hate: A Field Guide for Repairing Our Humanity
by Sally Kohn
(Algonquin Books – $38.95 – 262 pages)
“…provides a refreshing perspective on dealing with hate.”
Rating: 4 1/2 bookmarks
The Flash The Silver Age Volume 3
(DK Books – $39.99 – 400 pages)
“…don’t speed read this book, you will want to savour every panel of the story and dialogue.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
The Ending Photographic Stories of Love, Loss, Heartbreak, and Beginning Again
by Caitlin Cronenberg & Jessica Ennis
(Chronicle – $42.95 – 144 pages)
“…a massive project that took over seven years and 50,000 photos, to come up with the finished product.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
Buseyisms: Gary Busy’s Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth
by Gary Busey with Steffanie Sampson
(St. Martin’s Press – $32.50 – 290 pages)
“Now he returns with his Buseyisms, teaching us no matter what life throws our way, one can fight back and survive.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
Norval Morriseau Man Changing Into Thunderbird
by Armand Garnet Ruffo
(Douglas & McIntyre – $24.95 – 312 pages)
“…there are still countless more positives that brought Norval Morrisseau to such prominence and respect.”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Stanley Cup: The Complete History
by Eric Zweig
(Firefly – $24.95 – 532 pages)
“…traces the history and all the teams fortunate enough to hoist the Cup on their shoulders…”
Rating: 4 bookmarks
Everyone Wins – Cooperative Games & Activities for All Ages Revised and Updated 3rd Edition
by Josette and Ba Luvmour
(New Society – $16.99 – 166 pages)
“…more than 170 games that children of all ages can participate in and have lots of fun.”
Rating: 3 1/2 bookmarks
Now that the last gasps of Winter have officially gone into hibernation for another eight months hopefully, it is always interesting to look back at the season that was. This past Winter have more time to read and review books as for a six week span, I was saddled with dizziness and lightheaded feelings which kept me more indoors than out. I would have preferred other excuses to stay indoors but this was the best I could muster under the circumstances. The result of this was encountering so many more above average books as you discover in this latest issue. Publishers have a knack for representing some of the best authors out there and whether established authors or the proverbial new kids on the block, the reader is the winner in the great authors sweepstakes.
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.
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.
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