Pick of the Month:
Quite simply the single best
book of that month's
Recommended Reading!
From the September 2014 Issue
Cannon Fodder
Margaret Taylor
Margaret Taylor, Publisher
9781311269942 $3.99
Website: http://steamtrainsandghosts.wordpress.com/
Ordering links: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/424257
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cannon-fodder-margaret-r-taylor/1119059298
http://www.amazon.com/Cannon-Fodder-Margaret-R-Taylor-ebook/dp/B00JD0GNEU
Cannon Fodder is the perfect example of a book which doesn't know exactly what it wants to be - a mystery, a fantasy, or a young adult read - and in normal circles, that would spell trouble. But add more than a healthy dose of unexpected humor, which is relatively rare in any of these genres, and you have a superior read filled with unpredictable moments, ironic observations, and a young protagonist who isn't at all sure that his ultimate goal is to live up to his training as an evil overlord.
Usually when a story tries to combine too many disparate elements, it falls short. Cannon Fodder holds the rare ability to shine in all genres, whether its reader seeks a solid, involving mystery, a fantasy replete with destructive gods and evil schemes, or a young adult coming-of-age exploration.
Perhaps it's the humor that binds everything together, but Cannon Fodder goes beyond an entertaining read to stand out as a memorable, exceptional story recommended for any who want a story line that stands out from the crowd and creates genre-breaking action.
Cannon Fodder
Margaret Taylor
Margaret Taylor, Publisher
9781311269942 $3.99
Website: http://steamtrainsandghosts.wordpress.com/
Ordering links: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/424257
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cannon-fodder-margaret-r-taylor/1119059298
http://www.amazon.com/Cannon-Fodder-Margaret-R-Taylor-ebook/dp/B00JD0GNEU
Cannon Fodder is the perfect example of a book which doesn't know exactly what it wants to be - a mystery, a fantasy, or a young adult read - and in normal circles, that would spell trouble. But add more than a healthy dose of unexpected humor, which is relatively rare in any of these genres, and you have a superior read filled with unpredictable moments, ironic observations, and a young protagonist who isn't at all sure that his ultimate goal is to live up to his training as an evil overlord.
Usually when a story tries to combine too many disparate elements, it falls short. Cannon Fodder holds the rare ability to shine in all genres, whether its reader seeks a solid, involving mystery, a fantasy replete with destructive gods and evil schemes, or a young adult coming-of-age exploration.
Perhaps it's the humor that binds everything together, but Cannon Fodder goes beyond an entertaining read to stand out as a memorable, exceptional story recommended for any who want a story line that stands out from the crowd and creates genre-breaking action.
From the August 2014 Issue
Who Says That’s Art? A Commonsense View of the Visual Arts
Michelle Marder Kamhi
Pro Arte Books
Paperback: 978-0-9906057-0-6 $TBA
Kindle edition: 978-0-9906057-1-3
E-Pub: 978-0-9906057-2-0 $9.99
http://mmkamhi.com/proarte
There's so many evolving, changing and controversial styles moving from artistic circles into the general public that it's refreshing to have an accessible, scholarly survey that considers the foundations of not only what is art, but what is NOT art.
Michelle Marder Kamhi is both a scholar and an art critic: with these credentials to her name one might expect a dry or ponderous rendition, but Who Says That's Art? is quite the opposite, providing a lively and specific discussion that invites artists, patrons, critics and the general public alike to consider the standards of art and what differentiates real art from more casual pursuits.
As such, this is a top recommendation for any who would consider the foundations of art, its contemporary applications and critical standards, and who would debate these ideas both within and outside of the artistic community.
Who Says That’s Art? A Commonsense View of the Visual Arts
Michelle Marder Kamhi
Pro Arte Books
Paperback: 978-0-9906057-0-6 $TBA
Kindle edition: 978-0-9906057-1-3
E-Pub: 978-0-9906057-2-0 $9.99
http://mmkamhi.com/proarte
There's so many evolving, changing and controversial styles moving from artistic circles into the general public that it's refreshing to have an accessible, scholarly survey that considers the foundations of not only what is art, but what is NOT art.
Michelle Marder Kamhi is both a scholar and an art critic: with these credentials to her name one might expect a dry or ponderous rendition, but Who Says That's Art? is quite the opposite, providing a lively and specific discussion that invites artists, patrons, critics and the general public alike to consider the standards of art and what differentiates real art from more casual pursuits.
As such, this is a top recommendation for any who would consider the foundations of art, its contemporary applications and critical standards, and who would debate these ideas both within and outside of the artistic community.
From the July 2014 Issue
41 Strange
Diane Doniol-Valcroze & Arthur K. Flam
Amazon Digital Services
978-0-615-97935-9 $3.99
http://www.amazon.com/41-Strange-Diane-Doniol-Valcroze-ebook/dp/B00JMJ32Q4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1401637934&sr=1-1&keywords=9780615979359
It's rare to find a short story collection whose offerings not only excel in bizarre turns of plot, but which provide satisfyingly diverse tales that constantly lead readers in unanticipated directions, but 41 Strange is such a creation and is especially recommended for fans of Ray Bradbury's classic 'The Illustrated Man' or followers of Serling's classic 'The Twilight Zone' TV series. Take a look at look at any of the stories in 41 Strange - say, 'Cut It Short', in which a door-to-door salesman peddles something nobody else has … a customizable calendar. Much like Ray Bradbury's famous 'The Illustrated Man', his calendars tell a story and entwine their readers in terrible tales which grab victims such as innocent Betty, who normally has a routine to dissuade all salespeople who come to her door.
Macabre, engrossing, and well-done: if you like the ironies and drama of 'The Twilight Zone' and appreciate the short-short story form with a literary focus that excels in unexpected concluding twists of tale, 41 Strange is very highly recommended!
41 Strange
Diane Doniol-Valcroze & Arthur K. Flam
Amazon Digital Services
978-0-615-97935-9 $3.99
http://www.amazon.com/41-Strange-Diane-Doniol-Valcroze-ebook/dp/B00JMJ32Q4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1401637934&sr=1-1&keywords=9780615979359
It's rare to find a short story collection whose offerings not only excel in bizarre turns of plot, but which provide satisfyingly diverse tales that constantly lead readers in unanticipated directions, but 41 Strange is such a creation and is especially recommended for fans of Ray Bradbury's classic 'The Illustrated Man' or followers of Serling's classic 'The Twilight Zone' TV series. Take a look at look at any of the stories in 41 Strange - say, 'Cut It Short', in which a door-to-door salesman peddles something nobody else has … a customizable calendar. Much like Ray Bradbury's famous 'The Illustrated Man', his calendars tell a story and entwine their readers in terrible tales which grab victims such as innocent Betty, who normally has a routine to dissuade all salespeople who come to her door.
Macabre, engrossing, and well-done: if you like the ironies and drama of 'The Twilight Zone' and appreciate the short-short story form with a literary focus that excels in unexpected concluding twists of tale, 41 Strange is very highly recommended!
From the June 2014 Issue
The Renaissance
D. Medina Lasansky, Editor
Periscope Publishing Ltd./Prestel, Distributors
9781934772256 $45.00
www.prestel.com
It's important to note, first off, that The Renaissance is no light read for general-interest audiences, but a scholarly work covering different aspects of the Renaissance, from its doctrines, politics and social impact to the art and popular culture that evolved from its concepts and heritage. Thus its audience will be college-level readers who want not the usual (singular) focus on Renaissance art, but a wider-ranging collection of scholarly essays that each holds different themes and perspectives.
But if you expect a singular, weighty affair, you're in for a big surprise: The Renaissance is quite the contrary, offering important connections between classic Renaissance affairs and modern history and culture that results in some surprising twists. One wouldn't expect Lady Gaga to be part of such a history, for example. And yet, there she is - along with satisfyingly diverse explorations connecting Renaissance culture to modern affairs.
While its primary audience will still be art and history collections strong in Italian Renaissance subjects, The Renaissance Revised, Expanded, Unexpurgated could (and should) reach beyond the realm of the scholar into the general-interest world and is highly recommended as a surprisingly accessible, involving read.
The Renaissance
D. Medina Lasansky, Editor
Periscope Publishing Ltd./Prestel, Distributors
9781934772256 $45.00
www.prestel.com
It's important to note, first off, that The Renaissance is no light read for general-interest audiences, but a scholarly work covering different aspects of the Renaissance, from its doctrines, politics and social impact to the art and popular culture that evolved from its concepts and heritage. Thus its audience will be college-level readers who want not the usual (singular) focus on Renaissance art, but a wider-ranging collection of scholarly essays that each holds different themes and perspectives.
But if you expect a singular, weighty affair, you're in for a big surprise: The Renaissance is quite the contrary, offering important connections between classic Renaissance affairs and modern history and culture that results in some surprising twists. One wouldn't expect Lady Gaga to be part of such a history, for example. And yet, there she is - along with satisfyingly diverse explorations connecting Renaissance culture to modern affairs.
While its primary audience will still be art and history collections strong in Italian Renaissance subjects, The Renaissance Revised, Expanded, Unexpurgated could (and should) reach beyond the realm of the scholar into the general-interest world and is highly recommended as a surprisingly accessible, involving read.
From the May 2014 Issue
One Heartbeat Past Normal
Dennis Timothy
Amazon Digital Services
ASIN: B00IHI0MXM $8.95
http://www.amazon.com/Heartbeat-Past-Normal-Dennis-Timothy-ebook/dp/B00IHI0MXM
It's rare to find a collection of short stories where the author has truly mastered the form: and by 'mastered', I mean has put together a diverse selection of themes and writings that excel in unexpected twists. One Heartbeat Past Normal is such a collection, and receives top recommendation as a truly remarkable exploration of the strengths of the short story form.
Some are one-page zingers; others hold several pages of detail.
Dennis Timothy's forte lies in little twists of plot that lead readers along a seemingly-predictable path, then change at the last minute. For seasoned readers who continually seek and seldom find true surprises, this is simply a delight.
Twilight Zone fans, sit up and take note: if you like this genre, you will love One Heartbeat Past Normal!
One Heartbeat Past Normal
Dennis Timothy
Amazon Digital Services
ASIN: B00IHI0MXM $8.95
http://www.amazon.com/Heartbeat-Past-Normal-Dennis-Timothy-ebook/dp/B00IHI0MXM
It's rare to find a collection of short stories where the author has truly mastered the form: and by 'mastered', I mean has put together a diverse selection of themes and writings that excel in unexpected twists. One Heartbeat Past Normal is such a collection, and receives top recommendation as a truly remarkable exploration of the strengths of the short story form.
Some are one-page zingers; others hold several pages of detail.
Dennis Timothy's forte lies in little twists of plot that lead readers along a seemingly-predictable path, then change at the last minute. For seasoned readers who continually seek and seldom find true surprises, this is simply a delight.
Twilight Zone fans, sit up and take note: if you like this genre, you will love One Heartbeat Past Normal!
From the April 2014 Issue
Gateway to Intimacy: A Married Couple's Guide to Love, Romance, Passion, and Phenomenal Sex
Ed Gomez
Millstone Press
978-0-9911686-0-6 $16.95
www.millstonepress.com
Would that every newly-married couple pick up Gateway to Intimacy! A lot of grief would be avoided.
Now, there are numerous 'sex manuals' on the market - and surprisingly, most focus on improving physical prowess over mental change: not so Gateway to Intimacy, which approaches intimacy from the psychological perspective and maintains that without attention to a courtship that involves the heart, mind and soul - any physical expression will fall short of its mark.
Its focus on 'Relationship-Building Sex' strategies is for readers who would move beyond sexual fantasy and other enhancements to embrace the deeper spiritual and psychological insights that contribute to exceptional experience.
Gateway to Intimacy: A Married Couple's Guide to Love, Romance, Passion, and Phenomenal Sex
Ed Gomez
Millstone Press
978-0-9911686-0-6 $16.95
www.millstonepress.com
Would that every newly-married couple pick up Gateway to Intimacy! A lot of grief would be avoided.
Now, there are numerous 'sex manuals' on the market - and surprisingly, most focus on improving physical prowess over mental change: not so Gateway to Intimacy, which approaches intimacy from the psychological perspective and maintains that without attention to a courtship that involves the heart, mind and soul - any physical expression will fall short of its mark.
Its focus on 'Relationship-Building Sex' strategies is for readers who would move beyond sexual fantasy and other enhancements to embrace the deeper spiritual and psychological insights that contribute to exceptional experience.
From the March 2014 Issue
Timelapse
Lorrie Farrelly
9781469953502
Amazon Digital Services (ebook, $3.99)
CreateSpace (paperback, $11.69)
ACX (audiobook, price varies)
http://www.amazon.com/Lorrie-Farrelly/e/B008P3LJ0O
https://sites.google.com/site/yourbestreads
It may be because this reviewer maintains a bias towards 'timeslip' novels; or it could be that because of this bias, it's easy to spot a timeslip story that moves beyond anticipation into the realm of the unexpected … but whatever the reason, Timelapse certainly hit its mark with a complex story that's never easy or predictable.
It's a 'what if' thriller that borders on a detective story but its method is anything but canned, while its changing action embraces romance, intrigue, and time travel all in the same story.
If this seasoned reader of timeslip stories can find an exceptional read in Timelapse, so will any audience that enjoys genre-busting adventures centered around believable protagonists and satisfying twists of plot.
Timelapse
Lorrie Farrelly
9781469953502
Amazon Digital Services (ebook, $3.99)
CreateSpace (paperback, $11.69)
ACX (audiobook, price varies)
http://www.amazon.com/Lorrie-Farrelly/e/B008P3LJ0O
https://sites.google.com/site/yourbestreads
It may be because this reviewer maintains a bias towards 'timeslip' novels; or it could be that because of this bias, it's easy to spot a timeslip story that moves beyond anticipation into the realm of the unexpected … but whatever the reason, Timelapse certainly hit its mark with a complex story that's never easy or predictable.
It's a 'what if' thriller that borders on a detective story but its method is anything but canned, while its changing action embraces romance, intrigue, and time travel all in the same story.
If this seasoned reader of timeslip stories can find an exceptional read in Timelapse, so will any audience that enjoys genre-busting adventures centered around believable protagonists and satisfying twists of plot.
From the February 2014 Issue
The Bullies' Predatory Footprint
Terri Ryan
Amazon Digital Services
ASIN: B00F3AJP62 978-09523249-42 $12.99
http://www.amazon.com/Bullies-Predatory-Footprint-Terri-Ryan-ebook/dp/B00F3AJP62/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1389288132&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Bullies+Predatory+Footprint
You simply can't refute the lasting importance of The Bullies' Predatory Footprint, which compiles writings of experts in the field who consider not just your usual schoolyard bullying practices, but toxic behavior patterns throughout society as a whole.
In expanding the discussion to follow such behaviors from school to the workplace and beyond, The Bullies' Predatory Footprint goes far beyond most discussions that revolve around childhood bullying to consider its wide-ranging effects on home, school, and personal life into adult years.
It's about time that the focus on bullying expanded its boundaries of thinking: this does the job.
The Bullies' Predatory Footprint
Terri Ryan
Amazon Digital Services
ASIN: B00F3AJP62 978-09523249-42 $12.99
http://www.amazon.com/Bullies-Predatory-Footprint-Terri-Ryan-ebook/dp/B00F3AJP62/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1389288132&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Bullies+Predatory+Footprint
You simply can't refute the lasting importance of The Bullies' Predatory Footprint, which compiles writings of experts in the field who consider not just your usual schoolyard bullying practices, but toxic behavior patterns throughout society as a whole.
In expanding the discussion to follow such behaviors from school to the workplace and beyond, The Bullies' Predatory Footprint goes far beyond most discussions that revolve around childhood bullying to consider its wide-ranging effects on home, school, and personal life into adult years.
It's about time that the focus on bullying expanded its boundaries of thinking: this does the job.
From the January 2014 Issue
Tales From Little Lump - Alien Season
Jeff Folschinsky
ASIN: B00FJIEID8 $.99
http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Little-Lump-Alien-Season-ebook/dp/B00FJIEID8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1386274163&sr=1-1&keywords=Tales+From+Little+Lump+-+Alien+Season
When you still think about the plot of a story months beyond its initial reading, that's the mark of an exceptional tale - and Tales From Little Lump - Alien Season more than fits this bill.
Perhaps it's because this reviewer is already a Christopher Moore fan and used to Moore's wry sense of humor; perhaps it's because that combination of odd characters and hilarious representations isn't readily seen in novels these days, and perhaps it's because the spoof on aliens and government deception is couched in language and settings readers can readily have fun with.
However way you cut it, Tales From Little Lump - Alien Season is both difficult to easily categorize and a fun, fun read for any looking for out-of-the-box tales.
Tales From Little Lump - Alien Season
Jeff Folschinsky
ASIN: B00FJIEID8 $.99
http://www.amazon.com/Tales-Little-Lump-Alien-Season-ebook/dp/B00FJIEID8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1386274163&sr=1-1&keywords=Tales+From+Little+Lump+-+Alien+Season
When you still think about the plot of a story months beyond its initial reading, that's the mark of an exceptional tale - and Tales From Little Lump - Alien Season more than fits this bill.
Perhaps it's because this reviewer is already a Christopher Moore fan and used to Moore's wry sense of humor; perhaps it's because that combination of odd characters and hilarious representations isn't readily seen in novels these days, and perhaps it's because the spoof on aliens and government deception is couched in language and settings readers can readily have fun with.
However way you cut it, Tales From Little Lump - Alien Season is both difficult to easily categorize and a fun, fun read for any looking for out-of-the-box tales.
