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Small Press Bookwatch

Volume 21, Number 3 March 2022 Home | SPBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice World History Shelf Parenting Shelf
Business Shelf Pets/Wildlife Shelf General Fiction Shelf
Historical Fiction Shelf Fantasy/SciFi Shelf Biography Shelf
Self-Help Shelf Political Science Shelf Health/Medicine Shelf


Reviewer's Choice

A German from the Ukraine: An Immigrants Journey to Oregon
Walter Ratzlaf
Bucking Horse Books
https://buckinghorsebooks.com
9781732875319, $25.00, HC, 88pp

https://mountain-press.com/products/a-german-from-the-ukraine

Synopsis: "A German from the Ukraine : An Immigrants Journey to Oregon" is the true life story of Walter Ratzlaf's astonishing journey fleeing ahead of Russian troops during World War II, his family's post-war years in Germany, and assimilating into American society.

Walter Ratzlaf was born in the small Ukrainian town of Zhitomir at the height of the greatest armed conflict the world has ever seen. Though his family of German heritage had contributed to Ukrainian society for generations, they were forced to flee for their lives ahead of the Russian advance after the battle of Stalingrad.

In "A German from the Ukraine : An Immigrants Journey to Oregon" Walter recounts the sometimes harrowing, often poignant journey of a young boy and his family as they make their way to the safety of Germany, and eventually to Portland, Oregon after World War II.

With his unique perspective, in this memoir Walt documents the struggles, hopes, and joys of an immigrant family as it forges a new life in the United States. With millions of immigrants continuing to seek safety and freedom in America, "A German from the Ukraine" will resonate with readers -- especially in these current times given the present Russian threats to an independent Ukraine.

Critique: An exceptionally well written and inherently interesting life story that is enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of 71 color and black/white photos, "A German from the Ukraine : An Immigrants Journey to Oregon" is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to personal reading lists and community library Contemporary Biography & Memoir collections.


The World History Shelf

The London Revolution 1640-1643
Michael Sturza
The Mad Duck Coalition, LLC
www.themadduckcoalition.org
9781956389036, $20.00, PB, 240pp

https://themadduckcoalition.org/product/the-london-revolution-1640-1643/

Synopsis: "The London Revolution 1640 - 1643: Class Struggles in 17th Century England" by Michael Sturza chronicles England's history through the revolution in 1641 - 1642, which toppled the feudal political system, and its aftermath. It explores how the growing capitalist economy fundamentally conflicted with decaying feudal society, causing tensions and dislocations that affected all social classes in the early modern period. In contrast with most other works, "The London Revolution 1640 - 1643" posits that the fundamental driving force of the revolution was the militant Puritan movement supported by the class of petty-bourgeois artisan craft workers, instead of the moderate gentry in the House of Commons.

Further more, "The London Revolution 1640 - 1643" traces the detrimental effects of the political alliance between the free-trade Atlantic merchants and the gentry for the revolution. Despite the conservative and contradictory nature of the English bourgeois revolution, the experience in London is the original source for democratic ideas that were codified in the 1689 Bill of Rights and then the U.S. Bill of Rights a century later.

Taken in its entirety, "The London Revolution 1640 - 1643" refutes the virulent attacks on Marxist social class analysis spearheaded by revisionist historians who would rather write the concept of revolution out of British history.

Critique: Exceptionally well organized and presented, "The London Revolution 1640 - 1643: Class Struggles in 17th Century England" is a particularly well written work of exemplary scholarship by life-long socialist, political activist, and historian Michael Sturza. Librarians should be aware that "The London Revolution 1640 - 1643" is available in a hardcover addition. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of students, academia, and the non-specialist general reader with an interest in the subject that "The London Revolution 1640 - 1643" is also readily available in a digital book format (eBook, $15.00).


The Parenting Shelf

Baby Out of Wedlock
Jim Braz, author
Jessica Braz, author
Boow, LLC
https://babyoutofwedlock.com
9781736816806, $14.99, PB, 204pp

https://www.amazon.com/Baby-Out-Wedlock-Co-Parenting-Pregnancy/dp/1736816802

Synopsis: "Baby Out of Wedlock: Co-Parenting Basics from Pregnancy to Custody" by Jim and Jessica Braz is the first and only instructional guidebook written specifically to help the millions of unmarried parents who find themselves involved with an unexpected pregnancy.

"Baby Out of Wedlock" answers all the basic questions regarding paternity tests, co-parenting relationships, child custody laws, visitation rights, support payments, and much more. The result is a better relationship with a co-parent -- and lower attorney fees!

Both Jim and Jessica Braz had a child born out of wedlock from their previous relationships. They both stumbled through terrible custody battles, making many rookie mistakes that led to important lessons learned. The information offered here could quite literally save you thousands of dollars, especially if you and your co-parent both read it. You will need an attorney to get through this no matter what, but once both parents understand what is reasonable, there should be no need for a costly, drawn-out custody battle.

"Baby Out of Wedlock" shows how to write an effective Parenting Plan and how to enforce it without repeated trips back to court. Since Jim and Jessica Braz have had personal experience from both the mother's and father's perspectives on these issues, you will get balanced, gender-neutral advice on protecting your parental rights while learning how to get along with your co-parent for the long-term.

Critique: Exceptionally well written, organized, and presented, "Baby Out of Wedlock: Co-Parenting Basics from Pregnancy to Custody" is a unique, comprehensively informative, and thoroughly 'user friendly' combination of instructional guide and 'how to' manual that is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, community, college, and university library Contemporary Parenting collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of anyone dealing with parenting a child born out of wedlock that "Baby Out of Wedlock: Co-Parenting Basics from Pregnancy to Custody" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Years before Jim and Jessica Braz married, they each had a child born out of wedlock with another partner. They wrote "Baby Out of Wedlock" to answer basic, but common questions about this situation, thereby reducing legal bills and leading to healthier co-parenting relationships. You can read more about Jim and Jessica's journey along with their sound advice by visiting their website at https://babyoutofwedlock.com


The Business Shelf

Talent: The Market Cap Multiplier
Anish Batlaw
Ideapress Publishing
https://www.ideapresspublishing.com
9781646870776, $34.95, HC, 168pp

https://www.amazon.com/Talent-Market-Multiplier-Ram-Charan/dp/1646870778

Synopsis: With the publication of "Talent: The Market Cap Multiplier", General Atlantic's Operating Partner Anish Batlaw and veteran business advisor Ram Charan, show how to build and incentivize management teams that can multiply enterprise value several times over in 4-5 years.

No matter how high your company's growth goal is, you'll get from here to there by learning from "Talent: The Market Cap Multiplier" informatively riveting narrative of the high-stakes personnel decisions and bold actions taken by CEOs, investors, and boards who grew six real (and world-class) companies, ranging from ecommerce startups to major corporations like Johnson & Johnson.

Told from both authors' firsthand vantage point inside each company, and from Batlaw's active role in shaping their outcomes, "Talent: The Market Cap Multiplier" offers a rare inside look at how shareholder value is created when CEOs move with speed and accuracy to get the right leadership teams in place.

How can corporate executives be certain that their companies can grow its value as much as these six companies did? By learning from the versatile and replicable methodology so ably presented "Talent: The Market Cap Multiplier", and which have worked effectively across geographies, cultures, and sectors.

Critique: An impressive and 'real world practical' compendium of ideas, information, examples, and thought-provoking inspiration, "Talent: The Market Cap Multiplier" is an essential and thoroughly 'reader friendly' instructional corporate personnel management guide. While an especially recommended and invaluable addition to corporate, community, college, and university library Business Management & Human Resources collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of business managers, corporate executives, entrepreneurs, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Talent: The Market Cap Multiplier" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.99).

Editorial Note #1: Ram Charan, (who is a noted expert on business strategy, execution, building a high-performance organization, 21st century leadership, corporate boards and succession), has worked with leaders of some of the world's most successful companies, including GE, Bank of America, Verizon, Coca-Cola, 3M, Merck, Aditya Birla Group, and Tata Group.

Editorial Note #2: Anish Batlaw joined General Atlantic (GA) in 2015 and leads the firm's Human Capital efforts (people, pay and performance) in support of its global portfolio companies. His responsibilities include development of GA's talent network, assessment and development of management teams, and executive compensation.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Motherpuppin Adorable
Kendra Clark
Quartette Publishing
www.thepopularpets.com
9781737414605, 282pp

https://www.amazon.com/Motherpuppin-Adorable-Better-Everyone-Elses/dp/1737414600

Synopsis: Sit. Stay. Stardom! An ordinary dog can perform simple tricks and pose in cute photos. But only a particularly prepared Adorable can rise to superior pup-ularity and gain worldwide adoration.

Laced thorough and through with wit and humor, "Motherpuppin Adorable: What to Do When Your Dog Is Better Than Everyone Else's" by Kenra Clark is a 'user friendly' guide to help you incorporate your canine companion into every aspect of your life and prep them for optimum appreciation. From the perfect name to pooch-proven home decor and do-good doggie charities, get ready to debut your dog's irresistible instincts of adorable and create a loyal fanbase that will adore your dog as much as you do.

"Motherpuppin Adorable" offers: The dog stage parent's plan to brand-building, social media marketing, and a perfect digital pup portfolio that will launch your Adorable into superstardom; Essential dog-care pointers for celebrity-status smells, health, and looks; A wardrobe of stellar fashion and brilliant accessories that's camera-ready, no matter the season; Dating and travel tips so you and your canine companion can go from dog park to Dubai, including the best dog-approved vehicles, what not to do with your pooch on a plane, and how to incorporate your pup into your big day; Hashtags, lingo, and pawsome puns that will fetch attention from the doggo influencer big leagues.

Your Adorable doesn't need to be a show dog to show off -- but they could be with this essential instructional handbook!

Critique: Charmingly illustrated, exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Motherpuppin Adorable: What to Do When Your Dog Is Better Than Everyone Else's" is an extraordinary, unusual, inspiring and informative read that is very highly recommended for the personal reading lists of anyone who has a beloved and treasured canine companion of their own. While also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $7.99), "Motherpuppin Adorable: What to Do When Your Dog Is Better Than Everyone Else's" will prove to be an immediately welcome and enduringly appreciated addition to community library Pets/Wildlife collections.

Editorial Note: Kendra Clark is a corporate attorney and founder of The Popular Pets, Madrigal Creatives, and Oui Be Well, wellness companies offering CBD-infused products powered by nature for both people and pets. An animal lover and dedicated pet parent, she has shared her life with a dog for 48 joyful but challenging-years. The countless adventures, mishaps, and milestones shared with her dogs serve as the foundation for her advice to Adorables and their owners.


The General Fiction Shelf

A Savage Generation
David Tallerman
Flame Tree Press
www.flametreepress.com
9781787582439, $24.95, HC, 352pp

https://www.amazon.com/Savage-Generation-Fiction-Without-Frontiers/dp/1787582434

Synopsis: Petty criminal Ben Silensky is determined to get his girlfriend Carlita and son Kyle free of the quarantined city they live in, enough so to risk a foolhardy crime and then to team up with Carlita's equally desperate cop cousin Nando. Once they're out, Nando is certain they'll find a place in the open prison where his uncle works, unbeknownst to him already become a survivalist colony named Funland under the management of entrepreneurial convict Plan John.

In Funland itself, guard Doyle Johnson is shocked when his ex-wife abandons his son Austin into his care. Fearing the vulnerable position he's been placed in, he recruits the help of Katherine Aaronovich, the former prison's doctor. But Aaronovich's traumatic past has left her with vulnerabilities of her own, along with radical theories on the nature of the epidemic that will place all their lives in jeopardy.

As the last vestiges of civilisation crumble, Funland may prove to be the safest or the most dangerous of places, depending on who comes out on top - and what can't be held together will inevitably be torn apart.

Critique: An inherently fascinating, impressively original, exceptionally entertaining, and deftly crafted novel that will be of particular and special interest to fans of dystopian fiction, "A Savage Generation" by author David Tallerman is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to community library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "A Savage Generation" is also readily available in a paperback edition (9781787582415, $14.95) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $6.99).

Editorial Note: Flame Tree Press is the new fiction imprint of Flame Tree Publishing. Launched in 2018 the list brings together brilliant new authors and the more established; the award winners, and exciting, original voices.

Act of Faith
Stephen Rubino
https://actoffaithbook.com
Dorrance Publishing Company
585 Alpha Drive, Suite 103, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
www.dorrancepublishing.com
9781639371389, $40.00, HC, 608pp

https://www.amazon.com/Act-Faith-Americas-conspiracy-perpetrated/dp/1639371389

Synopsis: At the intersection of the sacred and the profane, "Act of Faith" by Stephen Rubino dissects the Vatican's complicity in America's longest criminal conspiracy perpetrated against children. This multi-generational family saga is richly portrayed through an ensemble cast of unforgettable characters, revealing the secret world of the Vatican's sheltering of sexual predators to avoid bringing scandal to the faithful. "Act of Faith" offers an unflinching account of the still emerging sexual abuse scandal plaguing the Catholic Church and its impact on the survivors and their families across America.

The story chronicles the lives of siblings Francis and Elizabeth Natale, who suffer unspeakable psychological damage after being sexually abused by their trusted parish priest. As adults, Francis and Elizabeth become estranged, each hiding their secrets in dangerous double lives. He as a gifted pianist and sexually conflicted Catholic priest, she as a reckless by highly successful trial attorney.

After resigning her partnership in a major New York City law firm, Elizabeth sets out to uncover the roots of the abuse scandal and to exact her personal revenge. On a serendipitous road trip across the country, Elizabeth confronts her lifelong demons and forms an unlikely alliance with Father Thomas Atkinson, her long lost high school love who has become a Vatican whistleblower.

After a tense reunion with Francis, the trio enters the super-charged environment of high stakes litigation, exposing the Church's centuries old practice of hiding sexual predators in plain sight from the religious faithful and law enforcement. Together, the trio brings to the courthouse steps the first Federal Civil Racketeering lawsuit agains the Catholic Church.

Critique: Although a work of fiction, "Act of Faith" is a reality based story that accurately portrays America's longest running criminal conspiracy perpetrated against children by the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church. Impressively well written by an author who obviously drew from his years of professional experience and expertise with the abuses and cover- ups of predatory pedophile priests, "Act of Faith" by Stephen Rubino is unreservedly recommended for community, college, and university library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Act of Faith" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Stephen Rubino is a practicing attorney who filed the first Civil Racketeering case against the Catholic Church in 1993. For the last thirty-five years he has represented hundreds of abuse survivors throughout North America and the Canadian Arctic. For seventeen years, Mr. Rubino also served as chairman of the Childhood Sexual Abuse Litigation Group of the American Association for Justice. In 2008, Mr. Rubino was a finalist for the Public Justice Foundation's Trial Lawyer of the Year Award for his work in the Los Angeles Archdiocese and San Diego Diocese Catholic Abuse Litigation. In 2014, he received the Pioneer Award from the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP). His work has been widely profiled in print and broadcast media and he has lectured extensively on the intricacies of the cover-up and how America's Bishops have used draconian statutes of limitations to suppress what would otherwise be viable claims against the Catholic Church.

Shadow of the Son
Ivan Obolensky
Smith-Obolensky Media
www.smithobolenskymedia.com
9781947780170, $19.99, PB, 474pp

https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Son-Moon-Ivan-Obolensky/dp/1947780174

Synopsis: "Shadow of the Son" by Ivan Obolensky is the hauntingly majestic tale of broken promises, old scores settled, second chances, passion and jealousy.

What starts as a simple question from an uninvited guest descends into a complex game of move and countermove, as ties between the guests surface, and secrets behind secrets are revealed. Everyone, and all that resides at the mystical heart of Rhinebeck, must come to grips with someone who hides sadistic and malignant intentions -- one who has calculatingly affected all their lives and is determined to do the same again. Will love and loyalty triumph over darkness and diabolical cunning?

As with Eye of the Moon, be transported into a world that will captivate you and have you reading late into the night.

Critique: The impressively entertaining sequel to "Eye of the Moon", author Ivan Obolensky's new gothic novel "Shadow of the Son" is an inherently intriguing and deftly crafted story of magic, intrigue, and mystery in this. While especially and unreservedly recommended for community library General Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Shadow of the Son" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $5.99).


The Historical Fiction Shelf

The Oracle of Ur
Penny Barron
Big Sandy Press
c/o Ozark Mountain Publishing, Inc.
PO Box 754, Huntsville, AR 72740
www.ozarkmt.com
9781950639052, $22.00, PB, 328pp

https://www.amazon.com/Oracle-Ur-Penny-Barron/dp/1950639053

Synopsis: In ancient Sumer, 3800 BC indentured and forced into prostitution to survive, a reluctant seer known only as Girl, finds herself experiencing cataclysmic visions. Kaylem, most junior scribe of the Temple and her one, true friend, realizes Girl is the mouthpiece of the gods and is the only one to believe her. Somehow, Girl and Kaylem must convince the corrupt priestcraft of Ur to heed Girl's message from the gods and bring her warning to the people. Otherwise, what is the point of knowing if nobody will listen?

Critique: An original, imaginative, and fully entertaining historical novel, "The Oracle of Ur" by Penny Barron demonstrates this author genuine flair as a novelist for the kind of narrative driven storytelling style that will engage the reader's total attention from first page to last. With a roster of memorable crafted characters and plot twists, "The Oracle of Ur" is especially recommended for community library Historical Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists of New Age metaphysical enthusiasts that "The Oracle of Ur" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

Of Courage And Sacrifice
Matt Hartle
www.matthartle.com
Independently Published
9798757251615, $11.99, PB, 381pp

https://www.amazon.com/Courage-Sacrifice-Bot-Trilogy-Book/dp/B09L4SSYZH

Synopsis: The world is a deeply troubled place - years of crippling unemployment, a collapsed economy, and rampant crime have left people feeling desperate, but Adam Wesley and his friends don't care about that. They've finished classes for the final time and are looking forward to a carefree summer of parties, camping, and enjoying their first authentic tastes of freedom after high school!

Fate has another plan for them.

On their inaugural outing of the summer, the friends encounter a reconnaissance robot, or 'bot' as they are known - with disastrous results. One of the friends is grievously wounded in the exchange, kicking off a race against time to get help before it's too late!

When the friends finally make it back to the city, they find the streets are overrun with bots; martial law is in effect. People are being loaded onto buses and taken to transition camps. Anyone caught in the open is pacified and detained; not all will survive. Adam and his friends go underground, taking up with Skip, a brilliant but eccentric hacker. Skip has built a tech hideout called The Nest - a faraday cage suspended in the maintenance tunnels beneath the city. Using antiquated technology - dial-up modems and BBSs - the friends, begin to organize. Together, they will fight desperately to survive, unintentionally planting the seeds of a resistance that will become more important than any of them can imagine.

Fans of the Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins and Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson will love Of Courage and Sacrifice!

Critique: A deftly crafted dystopian science fiction action/adventure novel by an author with a genuine flair for originality and a compelling, entertaining, and narrative driven approach to storytelling, "Of Courage and Sacrifice" by Matt Hartle is especially and unreservedly recommended for community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated SciFi fans that "Of Courage and Sacrifice" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $4.99).

Editorial Note: A writer, director, designer, and VFX artist, Matt Hartle is also the author of "Short Stories Anthology: Bot Trilogy Short Stories" (9798760661951, $5.99 PB, $2.99 Kindle), a 51 page anthology of three short stories set in the Bot world -- Atticus Coven; Mark Scott; and Travis Eckhart.

Pulse Book 1
B. A. Ballec
Independently Published
9798496189286, $14.99, PB, 393pp

https://www.amazon.com/Pulse-Book-1-B-Bellec/dp/B09JDG55GG

Synopsis: "Pulse" by author B. A. Ballec is the first in a series of multi-POV dystopian sci-fi horror thrillers and is set in 2040, centered around a corporation, a creature, and a music festival. Think Fyre Festival, Black Mirror, and X-Files combined.

This deftly crafted novel deals with themes of capitalism, consumerism, business, politics, pandemics, climate change, activism, and technology while bouncing between a diverse group of characters sure to entertain almost anyone. "Pulse" is particularly notable for its fantastic use of horror, engaging world-building, and a genre-bending approach utilizing some screenplay-like formatting.

Critique: Impressively original, inherently fascinating, exceptionally well written, "Pulse" will have a very special attraction for fans of Dystopian Fiction. While especially and unreservedly recommended for community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Pulse" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $3.99).

Editorial Note: B.A. Bellec writes with a unique, modern, minimalistic approach. He is the author of Someone's Story, his award-winning debut novel called a masterpiece by multiple reviewers. Never afraid of a challenge, Bellec switched genres to bring you his dark vision that has simmered in his mind for years. In addition to writing, Bellec also creates music. He can be found on his YouTube channel and followed on social media or at www.babellec.com.


The Biography Shelf

From Schnitzel to Nockerln
Joy Winkie Viola
https://joywinkieviola.com
Dorrance Publishing Company
585 Alpha Drive, Suite 103, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
www.dorrancepublishing.com
9781638671572, $29.00, HC, 294pp

https://www.amazon.com/Schnitzel-Nockerln-Everything-Happened-Between/dp/1638671575

Synopsis: "From Schnitzel to Nockerln: And Everything That Happened in Between" is an entertaining and informative memoir in which author Joy Viola paints a tender tribute to her late husband Alfred and the many adventures they shared over their half-century together.

Both being avid bird watchers and people with a passion for the natural world, the couple visited all seven continents and enjoyed rare views and interactions with some of the world's most awe-inspiring creatures, from polar bears in the Arctic to penguins in the Antarctic.

"From Schnitzel to Nockerln: And Everything That Happened in Between" is comprised of intimate travel stories, all taken from Viola's detailed diary entries, telling of the couple's experiences in China, Saudi Arabia, Kenya, India, Australia, the Galapagos Islands, Canada, Cuba and Antarctica, and of the unique, beautiful, and often hilarious moments they had along the way.

Critique: A joyful and memorial account of their lives together, "From Schnitzel to Nockerln: And Everything That Happened in Between" is a pure pleasure from first page to last. While especially and unreservedly recommended to community library Contemporary American Biography & Memoir collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "From Schnitzel to Nockerln: And Everything That Happened in Between" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $2.99).

Editorial Note: Joy Winkie Viola obtained her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Minnesota's School of Journalism. Upon graduating, she moved to Boston where she began a 33-year career at Northeastern University in a variety of writing positions, including seven years as the senior editor of the ten-volume International Encyclopedia of Higher Education compiled there. She has also authored three books. She met her chemistry professor husband, Alfred, at Northeastern, and together they began a life-long hobby of international travel, nature photography, and birding with each having over 2,300 species on their respective birder's Life List. Devoted to golden retrievers since childhood, she has raised nearly $4 million for Golden Retriever Rescue and canine cancer research, in recognition of which she received the Verne Bower Humanitarian Award from the Golden Retriever Club of America.

I'm with Me: A Memoir
Mindy Tsai
www.mindytsai.com
Etcetera Books
9780578996011, $14.95, PB, 257pp

https://www.amazon.com/Im-Me-Memoir-Mindy-Tsai/dp/0578996014

Synopsis: At age twenty-seven, Mindy Tsai breaks up with her long-time college boyfriend and starts an odyssey that continues to this day.

Where will she live? What does she want to do with her life? These questions never occurred to her before. Realizing she is lost and unwell, Mindy spends the next fourteen years putting the pieces of her life together. She doesn't seek fulfillment in a relationship with another man, but instead, she learns to find contentment in herself and with her friends. When she finally feels it is time to start dating again, she is forty-one, and the experience is awkward.

"I'm with Me: A Memoir" details Mindy's journey as a Taiwanese-American woman learning to navigate her place in life. As one of the 47 million unmarried women in the U.S., Mindy Tsai is living proof that a woman can live joyfully and meaningfully alone. Although not accepted as the ideal, being single has great advantages. "I'm with Me" shows there is more than one right way of going through life.

Critique: With a critically important message about the virtues, values, and disadvantages of remaining unmarried in today's culture and society, "I'm with Me: A Memoir" is an inherently fascinating, insightful, thoughtful and thought-provoking life story that is as entertaining as it is instructive. While very highly recommended, especially for community, college, and university library Contemporary American Biography & Memoir collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "I'm with Me: A Memoir" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.99).

Editorial Note: Mindy Tsai is also the author of "Becoming Whole: A Memoir", in which she shares her personal and non-clinical perspective on schizophrenia. Her writing has appeared in WebMD and National Alliance on Mental Illness. Tsai currently works at a digital health consultancy and has a website (www.mindytsai.com), and is available on both Instagram and Twitter.

Last Dance: And a Loving Mother
Stephen Manning
Bowker
https://www.bowker.com
9781734624038, $29.99, HC, 277pp

https://www.amazon.com/Last-Dance-Stephen-Raymond-Manning/dp/1734624035

Synopsis: "The Last Dance" by Stephen Manning is the gripping story of how a loving family deals with many great successes life has to offer, but also how that family dealt with significant tragedies, including the loss of a son and the devastating effects of breast cancer on Mary Ann, their mother.

"The Last Dance" takes the reader on a wonderful journey through the development of a family and a strong influence on that family by a mother and her love. Mary Ann's final dance with her son at his wedding was a tribute to her strength and will power to get to that dance floor. Mary Ann lost her fight with breast cancer just 72 hours later of that precious moment that went viral on YouTube and was titled 'Mother's Last Dance'. If you google Mary Ann Manning's Last Dance you will see wonderful videos of her dance, and a great very well done online article by Today.com, and a live TV interview with Mary Ann's surviving children by KUTV only a few days after her passing.

All of these events went viral on the internet and the family received unbelievable notes of support for her and the family from around the world. These wonderful loving messages helped all the family members get through the great tragedy of Mary Ann's loss.

"The Last Dance" reveals just who Mary Ann was, and how she became a 'Loving Mother'. More importantly, how her legacy will live throughout our family development. Through the publication of "The Last Dance", all of her children, and her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren will know how the great sense of family started with our 'Loving Mother', Mary Ann Lesin Manning.

Critique: A beautifully written combination of memoir and biography showcasing and illustrating a woman's influence (in life and after her death) upon all of her family members, now and in future generations to come, "The Last Dance", by Stephen Manning will prove to be an inherently interesting and charmingly engaging read from cover to cover, as well as an enduringly welcome addition to community library Contemporary American Biography, Memoir, and Parenting collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Last Dance" is also readily available in a paperback edition (9781734624007, $16.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $7.99).


The Self-Help Shelf

The Values Delta
Devin Durrant
Cougar Press
www.thevaluesdelta.com
9781737457800, $19.95, PB, 198pp

https://www.amazon.com/Values-Delta-Positive-Difference-Professional/dp/1737457806

Synopsis: The premise of "The Values Delta: A Small & Simple Way to Make a Positive Difference in Your Personal & Professional Life" by Devin Durrant is that meaningful change will happen, when you focus on your values. That your moral compass can direct your next steps in life. But if the arrow isn't sure where to point, your efforts won't have the impact you desire.

Change that with Durrant's motivational yet simple guide to prioritizing your values and connecting them to the most treasured people and parts of your life. "The Values Delta" will help you create a meaningful difference in yourself, your company, or your organization.

You will discover: Two questions to start you on your Values Delta path; The Values Delta Report Card, a tool to measure the impact of Priority Values; Four steps to elevate moral values into your mindset and actions; Inspirational stories of finding fulfillment through values-based living; How to build The Values Delta concept into simple steps towards reaching meaningful goals.

You can create the connection between who you are and what's most important to you by carefully referring to "The Values Delta: A Small & Simple Way to Make a Positive Difference in Your Personal & Professional Life" for a values-based action plan to uplift and enrich the key aspects of your life.

Critique: Practical, effective, thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, as well as inspirationally motivating, "The Values Delta: A Small & Simple Way to Make a Positive Difference in Your Personal & Professional Life" is a highly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, corporate, college, and university library Self- Help/Self-Improvement collections. It should be noted that "The Values Delta: A Small & Simple Way to Make a Positive Difference in Your Personal & Professional Life" is also readily available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.95).

Editorial Note: Devin Durrant is the owner of multiple real estate-centric companies. After succeeding as a consensus All-American at Brigham Young University and a two-time Academic All-American, he played for the Indiana Pacers. As an elite athlete, Devin learned how important values were for team and individual success. In real estate, Devin's work and philosophy centers around adding value to his employees and properties. A motivational public speaker, Devin has spoken around the world for over 40 years and maintains an informative website at www.thevaluesdelta.com

Mandala and the Butterfly: Secrets
Ginnymarie M. Leines, author
Ruth M. Godrey, author
www.ginnymarieleines.com
iUniverse, Inc.
c/o Author House
1663 Liberty Dr. Suite #300, Bloomington, IN 47403
www.iuniverse.com
9781663219237, $22.99, PB, 136pp

https://www.amazon.com/Mandala-Butterfly-Secrets-Ginnymarie-Leines/dp/1663219230

Synopsis: "The Mandala and The Butterfly: Secrets" by the team of Ginnymarie M. Leines and Ruth M. Godrey is a celebration of the power of the human spirit illustrated with vivid stories of courage, possibility, and success.

"The Mandala and The Butterfly: Secrets" enables fully in life's secret gifts that your dreams and aspirations offer you. Real people lead the way with insights and wisdom in the pages of "The Mandala and The Butterfly: Secrets", through the sharing of stories that demonstrate and illustrate the unstoppable strength we all possess when we utilize our imagination to envision and take action in the world.

Critique: An impressively organized and exceptionally well presented, and thoroughly 'user friendly' DIY self-help/self- improvement manual that is both inspired and inspiring, "The Mandala and The Butterfly: Secrets" is highly recommended - - as is its companion workbook "The Journal: Mandala and the Butterfly" (iUniverse, 9781532999779, $19.99, PB).

Editorial Note #1: Ginnymarie M. Leines is a master certified coach and narrative coach practitioner from the International Center of Coaching, Learning Journeys. She loves people, listening to their stories, and delighting in their vision and possibility. She maintains an informative website at www.ginnymarieleines.com

Editorial Note #2: Ruth Godfrey is the founder of the International Center of Coaching, Learning Journeys, which she co-owns with her daughter, Jennie Antolak. She maintains a website at www.learningjourneys.net


The Political Science Shelf

The Right to Bear Arms
Stephen P. Halbrook
Bombardier Books
https://posthillpress.com/bombardier-books
c/o The Independent Institute
100 Swan Way, Oakland, CA 94621-1428
www.independent.org
9781637582848, $28.00, HC, 368pp

https://www.amazon.com/Right-Bear-Arms-Constitutional-Privilege/dp/1637582846

Synopsis: The U.S. Supreme Court has recognized the individual right to keep and bear arms, but courts in states that have extreme gun control restrictions apply tests that balance the right away. "The Right to Bear Arms: A Constitutional Right of the People or a Privilege of the Ruling Class?" by Stephen P. Hallbrook demonstrates that the right to peaceably carry firearms is a fundamental right recognized by the text of the Second Amendment and is part of our American history and tradition.

Halbrook's scholarly work is an exhaustive historical treatment of the fundamental, individual right to carry firearms outside of the home. Halbrook traces this right from its origins in England through American colonial times, the American Revolution, the Constitution's ratification debates, and then through the antebellum and post-bellum periods, including the history surrounding the enactment of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Critique: An important and timely contribution to our on-going national discussion over gun safety measures and 2nd Amendment rights, "The Right to Bear Arms: A Constitutional Right of the People or a Privilege of the Ruling Class?" is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to community, college, and university library Political Science, Constitutional Law, and Contemporary Social Issues collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of students, academia, political activists (on both sides of the issue of gun control), and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "The Right to Bear Arms: A Constitutional Right of the People or a Privilege of the Ruling Class?" is also readily available in a paperback edition (9781637581186, $16.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Stephen P. Halbrook is a Senior Fellow at the Independent Institute (www.independent.org) and holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and a Ph.D. in philosophy from Florida State University. One of the nation's leading legal scholars and historians on the Second Amendment, he has devoted fifty years to studying the right to keep and bear arms. He argued and won Printz v. United States and other cases in the U.S. Supreme Court, and he represented a majority of members of Congress as amici curiae in the seminal Second Amendment case of District of Columbia v. Heller.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Love Cares
Charles Towne
Advent Health Press
www.adventhealth.com
9781737250746, $24.99, HC, 224pp

https://www.amazon.com/Love-Cares-Encouraging-Alzheimers-AdventHealth/dp/1737250748

Synopsis: "Love Cares: Encouraging Words and Stories from an Alzheimer's Caregiver" is author Charles Towne's personal story about dealing with Dementia. Such a diagnosis creates fear and apprehension in the hearts of families whose loved one has received it. What to do? Where to turn? Towne had such fears and questions as he faced the long-term prospect of his wife's illness. Through short vignettes, Towne details his journey through 20 years of caregiving -- finding answers along the way. With honesty and humor, he draws you in as he navigates his challenging life, always relying on Papa God to carry him through the tough times -- and with the publication of "Love Cares" he shares them with you.

Critique: Especially and unreservedly recommended reading for anyone having to deal with dementia in themselves or a loved one, "Love Cares: Encouraging Words and Stories from an Alzheimer's Caregiver" is a candid, compelling, informative, and ultimately inspiring read from cover to cover. An urgently recommended addition to community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists (especially those of an Alzheimer's caregiver) that "Love Cares: Encouraging Words and Stories from an Alzheimer's Caregiver" is also readily available in a paperback edition (9781737250753, $16.99) and in an inexpensive digital book format (Kindle, $0.99).

Editorial Note: Charles Towne is an author and newspaper columnist. Twenty-one years of Alzheimer's caregiving presented daunting challenges, many joyous moments, much laughter, a bunch of pain, and many, many victories -- his memoir is presented in the hope that others can benefit from his experience.


James A. Cox
Editor-in-Chief
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com


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