MBR: The Fiction Shelf
Midwest Book Review
Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austin Addict
Laurie Viera Rigler
Plume
c/o Penguin Publishing Group
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014-3658
9780452296169, $15.00 www.penguin.com
An outstanding work of fiction, Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austin
Addict is funny and intriguing and tells of one Courtney Stone, a
modern girl caught in Jane Austin's era. It offers the parallel story
of Jane Mansfield, a gentleman's daughter from Regency England who
awakens in Courtney's fast-paced modern LA life, and finds herself
challenged by technology and romance alike. A fine and funny saga
ensues, perfect for Jane Austin fans.
From the Dead
John Herrick
SegueBlue
17209 Chesterfield Airport Road, Suite 205, St. Louis, MO 63005
9780982147016, $14.95, www.johnherrick.net
When you finally get it back together, it can fall apart all over
again. "From the Dead" tells the story of Jesse Barlow who tries to
put his life back together after a disastrous life in Hollywood. Faced
with the son he never knew he had, he finds that as his life gets
better, it can get worse all over again in the blink of an eye. "From
the Dead" is a solid read with a powerful spiritual message.
An Ideal For Living
Marhsall Moore
Lethe Press
118 Heritage Ave, Maple Shade, NJ 08052
9781590212318, $155.00, www.marshallmoore.com
Love decays if you don't maintain it. "An Ideal for Living" is the
story of Grace and Robert, both who are trying to get what they've
lost back. Grace has lost her husband to constant affairs, while
Robert has lost his gay lover James. Both find that to get what they
once had back, no solution is easy as author Marshall Moore presents a
story of trying to find happiness and what extent people will go. "An
Ideal for Living" is an enticing and fine read, highly recommended.
Fo Sho Derrty
Tha Genarall
Willenium Publishing & Production, Inc.
PO Box 2131, St. Louis, MO 63032
9780982717691, $14.95
There are some avenues where you don't want your son to follow in your
footsteps. "Fo Sho Derrty" tells the story of a father who runs the
drug empire in St. Louis, Missouri. His son seems to be following in
his footsteps, which is the last thing Big Ace wants him to do. A
story filled with distinct St. Louis flavor and a powerful message,
"Fo Sho Derty" is a fine novel, highly recommended.
All About Eve
Carol Hightshoe
Wolfsinger Publications
4260 Cassidy St, Security, CO 80911
9780981623375, $14.95, www.wolfsingerpubs.com
There is no biblical character who has inspired more from the
imagination. "All About Eve" is a braintrust of many writers as they
discuss the topic of the first woman, and the mythos that has
developed around the world. The origin of evil, the fall of man, and
the many interpretations roll these stories into one book making for a
riveting read, hard to put down. "All About Eve" is a collection that
simply shouldn't be missed.
Desires of the Heart
Beverly Taylor
DellArte Press
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
9781450100106, $13.99, www.beverlytaylorbooks.com
Love will sometimes not be realized as such until it's too late.
"Desires of the Heart" tells the story of Carson and Katharine as they
are split from their perfect lives as Cindy Lomax comes into their
lives. Carson, strayed by Cindy's charms, soon finds himself realizing
his mistakes, but the damage may already be done, and the faith of
love could be irreparable. "Desires of the Heart" is a riveting
romance, sure to please.
The Chat Pack
Kris Condi
Champagne Books
#35069-4604 37 ST SW, Calgary, AB T3E 7C7, Canada
9781897445976, $14.95
Someone to talk to is worth a lot in the world. "The Chat Pack" tells
the story of five women, with not a lot in common but nonetheless find
comfort in one another's company through instant messaging. The tale
of these five women and how they soon intertwine leads to a fulfilling
novel that many women will relate to. "The Chat Pack" is a volume that
shouldn't be overlooked.
Revenge for Old Times' Sake
Kris Neri
Cherokee McGhee Mystery
124 Peyton Road, Williamsburg, VA 23185
9780979969454, $16.95
Vengeance is something that never gets old. "Revenge for Old Times'
Sake" tells the story of Tracy, a woman dealing with the fact that her
husband Drew seems to be neck deep in accusations of killing his boss.
But an easy case to clear seems difficult when exes, mothers, and
grudges all show up to murk the once slightly clear waters. "Revenge
for Old Times Sake" is a choice pick and very highly recommended read.
Dog Ears
Dog
Dangit Press
10735 Linden Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133
9780982658970, $4.88
A dog's loyalty is something that cannot be matched. "Dog Ears: A Tail
of Christmas Comfort" is a tale following Dog as he faces a greater
mission that will test his devotion to his family and much more. A
Christian tale for dog lovers, "Dog Ears" is a treasure that shouldn't
be missed for either.
Dr. Hackenbush Gets a Job
Ginger Mayerson
Wapshott Press
PO Box 31513, Los Angeles, CA 90031
9780982581308, $12.00, www.wapshottpress.com
Employment is one of the most frightening things that can happen. "Dr.
Hackenbush Gets a Job" is the story of Jazz singer Mabel Hackenbush as
she faces her situation of being a secretary as her ideal life is
derailed. Not without her adventures in spite of this delve into the
status-quo, "Dr. Hackenbush Gets a Job" is a fine read that is well
worth considering.
Standing in for Lana
Richard Frattali
1547 Clay Street, Apartment 110, San Francisco, CA 94109-3856
Hammonasset House Books
64 Edgecomb Street, Mystic, CN 06355
9780980189483, $15.95, www.hammonassethouse.com
Perhaps more intriguing than the stories of Hollywood is the stories
behind the stories. "Standing in for Lana" is a collection of short
stories focusing on the questions that lie beneath the many aspects of
Hollywood's actors and people who have captivated the imaginations of
millions around the world. "Standing in for Lana" is a choice pick for
any want another slice of Hollywood.
Graveyard Blues
Harriet Rzetelny
Hamilton Stone Editions
PO Box 45, Maplewood, NJ
9780980178630, $14.95, www.graveyardbluesmystery.com
The effort needed to maintain the status quo can seem all the more
crushing. "Graveyard Blues" is the story of Molly Lewin as she
confronts the crushing environment around her. A homecare worker, she
faces a client's murder, and the pending eviction of everyone at a low
rent complex as big business wants to take over their land. Crushed
between family issues, the murder, and the loss of home for people
with few other options, "Graveyard Blues" is a fascinating and
intriguing mystery not to be missed.
The Mermaid's Pendant
Leann Neal Reilly
Zephon Books
3 Billings Way, Framingham, MA 01701
9780982687505, $19.95, www.nealreilly.com
When the magic ends, you need more to make a relationship remain
strong. "The Mermaid's Pendant" draws inspiration from the Little
Mermaid to tell a story of the realities of marriage, and what happens
when the starting magic ends and the realities of life start to sink
in. A beautifully crafted fantasy that shows much symbolism and
wisdom, "The Mermaid's Pendant" is a fine pick that shouldn't be
missed.
The Silent
Rebecca Kenney
Journey Forth
1700 Wade Hampton Blvd., Greenville, SC 29614-0060
9781606820544, $8.99
Threats are nothing to be taken lightly in today's high schools. "The
Silent" is a Christian novel as Nikki struggles to deal with high
school when teachers receives threatening e-mails. Working with
detectives as well as the challenges of coming of age, Nikki seems
stretched in all directions. "The Silent" is a fine read that many
young readers will relish.
The Antiracism Trainings
David Reich
BlazeVox
303 Bedford Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216
9781935402794, $22.00, www.blazevox.org
Race has always been made to made a bigger deal than it really is.
"The Antiracism Tranings" tells the story of a 1990s Boton as a
religious centers delves into race and encounters its own snags along
the way when approaching it, as author David Reich presents a humorous
and thoughtful view on the perception of race and religion in today's
world. "The Antiracism Trainings" is a choice addition to literary
fiction collections.
Summer Sanctuary
Laurie Gray
Luminous Books
13245 Blacktern Way, Carmel, IN 46033
MaryGlenn McCombs Book Publicist (publicity)
2817 West End Avenue, Suite 126-274
9781935462347, $11.95, www.maryglenn.com
Even when you're trying to escape the world, it can still find you.
"Summer Sanctuary" tells the story of Matthew as he tries to cope with
the world as it falls apart around him. Troubled by his family, he
finds comfort in science, and soon finds a girl called Dinah. As
Matthew tries to help Dinah, he soon realizes there's more to the
world than himself and that he can make the difference. An insightful
coming of age novel, "Summer Sanctuary" is a read well worth
considering.
The Last Track
Sam Hilliard
Buddhapuss Ink LLC
518-7 Old Post Road, PO Box 323, Edison, NJ 08817-4683
9780984203512, $15.95, www.buddhapussink.com
The ability to find people is a powerful one, but not without its
pitfalls. "The Last Track" tells the story of Mike Brody, master
tracker and former special forces operative. Charged with hunting for
lost young man through the wilderness of Montana, Mike is faced with
his toughest challenge yet, as a killer is on the loose as well, and
everything lies on Mike's talents. "The Last Track" is an exciting
adventure and mystery, highly recommended.
Beauty Marks
Melissa Groeling
Aonian Press
c/o J.A. Rock & Co.
9710 Traville Gateway Drive, #305, Rockville, MD 20850
9781596635753, $14.95, www.rockpublishing.com
A hard front is not unbreakable. "Beauty Marks" tells the story of
Anne martin, a bartender at the Trok, a hardcore bar where nothing is
conventionally pretty and Anne has to be prepared to lay down the law
if need be. But her life is on the road to change, and she may find
that there's more to life than heavy metal and fighting. "Beauty
Marks" is a fine tale and a romance that women in offbeat lifestyles
will strongly relate to.
The Heater
John Conlee
Pale Horse Books
706 Monumental Avenue, Williamsburg, VA 23185
9780971036246, $13.95, www.palehorsebooks.com
The modern athlete has taken much of the place of the warrior in
today's society. "The Heater" tells of Ty Duffy, a ball player faced
with a truly unique set of events. John Conlee crafts a tale blending
baseball and Celtic Mythology well, and gives readers a read that is
riveting and entertaining, making "The Heater" a truly unique and
special read.
The Journey Home
Michael Baron
The Story Plant
PO Box 4331, Stamford, CT 06907
9780981956862, $5.99, thestoryplant.com
Home is a vague term that means so much but can be so radically
different. "The Journey Home" is a novel telling of three individuals
as they search for what home means for them. A son wants his mother's
love, a mother wants that honeymoon, and a man simply wants the place
he sees in his head to be real. "The Journey Home" is an exciting
poignant read, not to be missed.
Finders Weepers
Syd Carle
The Peppertree Press
1269 First Street, Suite 7, Sarasota, FL 34236
9781936051878, $19.95, www.peppertreepublishing.com
Scars take years to heal, especially mental ones. "Finders Weepers" is
the story of Paula Stevens as she's trying to recover from a sexual
assault in 1953. Through her life and her friends, she hopes to find
true love and self-worth, but there is no such thing as a paradise
without adversity. "Finders Weepers" is a poignant tale of recovery
and friendship, highly recommended.
The Redesign of Tomorrowland
Bert
L.N. Smith Publishing
3818 Birch Avenue, Madison, WI 53711
9780965331623, $9.95
Could the exponential increase in scientific progress be dooming
mankind? "The Redesign of Tomorrowland" is a work of speculative
fiction from a man who only signs as Bert, as he presents a tale of
how mankind's progress may have more negative effects than they
understand. With many intriguing ideas, "The Redesign of Tomorrowland"
is a read well worth considering.
The Cigar Maker
Mark Carlos McGinty
7th Avenue Productions
3353 Polk St. NE, Minneapolis, MN 55418
9780615343402, $19.95, www.thecigarmaker.net
From one tumultuous home to another. "The Cigar Maker" tells the story
of Salvador Ortiz as he leaves Cuba at the end of the nineteenth
century to find a better life in America. But he finds that the
streets of Tampa are just as shady as the streets of Cuba, and finds
that keeping his family together and strong will be a struggle no
matter where he is, as he faces off with the clashes of culture and
history surrounding him. "The Cigar Maker" is a fine read, highly
recommended.
Wolf Spirit
Beverly Lein
Inkwater Press
6750 SW Franklin Street, Suite A, Portland, OR 97223-2542
9781592994663, $19.95, www.inkwaterpress.com
Attunement with nature is there for everyone, it just needs to be
found. "Wolf Spirit: The Story of Moon Beam" tells of a young white
girl and how she comes to live in the Northern forests of Canada,
where danger and death potentially lurk behind every corner. With the
help of an Indian Chief, Rachel finds that the forests have much to
teach her, and she has things to teach the forest. "Wolf Spirit" is a
fine read that young readers will relish.
War with Pigeons
Tae Kim
aStoryTelling
109 East Hamilton Avenue, Englewood, NJ 07631
9780984435937, $24.95, www.astorytelling.com
There is more to an estate than simply money. "War with Pigeons" tells
the story of Peter, as he receives a collection of his friends
reflections and memoirs. Through the novel, Tae Kim gives readers a
vivid picture of Asian American society and how the Asian culture
still remains prominent in their lives at many levels of society. "War
with Pigeons" is an intriguing and fascinating novel, highly
recommended.
Shhh
Raymond Federman
Starcherone Books
PO Box 303, Buffalo, NY 14201
9780984213306, $18.00, www.starcherone.com
A shattered family, and the only pieces left are fading memories.
"Shhh: The Story of a Childhood" draws from Raymond Federman's own
experiences as he tries to piece together the memories of his
childhood the best he can, and where his mind fails, he offers his own
poignant spin into the realm of fiction, as he brings readers what he
believes is a snapshot of the broken lives of the Holocaust before
they were broken. "Shhh" is a fascinating read, highly recommended.
Secret Graces
Kathryn Magendie
Bell Bridge Books
PO Box 67, Smyrna, GA 30533
9780984325696, $19.65, www.kathrynmagendie.com
Family is something you can never shake, and must face problems with
together. "Secret Graces" tells the story of Vee, as she faces the
shattered remains of the hopes and dreams of several generations of
her family, while facing her own life and problems along the way.
"Secret Graces" is a riveting read that will ring quite well and true
with many readers, and give them much comfort in relevance, reminding
them they aren't alone.
Touch
Adania Shibli
Clockroot Books
c/o Interlink
46 Crosby Street, Northampton, MA 01060
9781566568074, $13.00, www.clockrootbooks.com
When you live in a persistent warzone, every day is a new challenge.
"Touch" is a novella following a young girl in modern Palestine, as
she faces life's challenges as he world continues to rage on around
her. From the simple processes of life to the constant tragedies,
"Touch" proves to be a fascinating and insightful novella, not to be
missed.
Uncharted Journey
Harold G. Ross
Sunflower University Press
1531 Yuma, PO Box 1009, Manhattan, KS 66505
0897452771, $4.95
Out on one's own for the first time is always a sobering experience.
"Uncharted Journey" tells the story of a young man faced with being
out in the world in the Old West armed with only his wits and faith,
uprooted from his serene and idealistic life. A coming of age tale of
facing and overcoming adversity, "Uncharted Journey" is an adventurous
read that shouldn't be missed.
Blood Oath
Christopher Fansworth
Putnam
c/o Penguin Group
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
Goldberg McDuffie Communications (publicity)
444 Madison Avenue, Suite 3300, New York, NY 10022
9780399156359, $24.95
Humanity is a threat to itself, but it doesn't mean it's the only
threat. "Blood Oath" tells the story of ambitious white house staffer
Zach Barrows as he discovers that something has been sworn to the
Presidential staff for over a century, The President's vampire,
Nathaniel Cade. Cade is tasked with protecting the American public
from a more intimidating threat of the supernatural, who lives unaware
through his efforts. "Blood Oath" is a fun supernatural fantasy that
entertains readers well with its setting and characters.
Waking Up
Joe Traum
Cambridge House Press
c/o Sterling & Rosss
115 W. 29th St. New York, NY 10001
9780982139127, $14.95, www.camhousepress.com
Losing a child is a devastating event none want to ever have to face.
"Waking Up "tells the story of the downward spiral of Michael Hayes,
faced with the murder of his eleven year old son and the challenges
that spiraled out from this event. Becoming entangled with the search
for the truth, his life falls apart, and he finds himself losing far
more than his son. "Waking Up" is a riveting thriller, sure to
entertain many a reader.
I, Benjamin
Theodore Enslin
McPheron & Company
PO Box 1126, Kingston, NY 12402
9780929701905, $10.00, www.mcphersonco.com
There are many choices and routes through life and few of them are
ever clear. "I, Benjamin" is the story of a traveler with unique
abilities, and the choices he makes as he encounters others like him
along his journey. Faced with the unknown, Author Theodore Enslin
hopes to discuss our choices and the unknown thoroughly in his
writing. "I, Benjamin" is a poignant and recommended read.
The Accordionist's Son
Bernardo Atxaga
Graywolf Press
250 Third Avenue North, Suite 600, Minneapolis, MN 55401
9781555975555, $15.00, www.graywolfpress.org
A little reflection can make it all become clearer. "The
Accordionist's Son" is a fictionalized memoir as author Bernado Atxaga
tells the story of David Imaz, an aging man remembering his life as he
comes from a s mall village in the Basque Country to his modern life
in a California Ranch. A story spanning centuries with a focus on the
Spanish Civil War, "The Accordionist's Son" proves to be a poignant
and thoughtful read, not to be missed.
Recovering Apollo 8
Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Golden Gryphon
3002 Perkins Road, Urbana, IL 61802
9781930846623, $24.95, www.goldengryphon.com
So many possibilities, so many results. "Recovering Apollo 8: And
Other Stories" is a collection of science fiction from Kristine
Kathryn Rusch, as she presents her brand of alternate history science
fiction, telling tales of what could have been in the past and today,
analyzing our world through it while being highly entertaining.
"Recovering Apollo 8" is a choice and highly recommended pick that
shouldn't be missed by sci-fi readers.
Riddles of Belief and Love
Lin Zhe
Dog Ear Publishing
4010 W. 86th Street, Ste H, Indianapolis, IN 46268
9781608442843, $23.95, www.dogearpublishing.net
The last hundred years of Chinese history have been some of the most
tumultuous times in history. "Riddles of Belief and Love" is a novel
that takes place in a special place. Author Lin Zhe draws her own
personal history to tell a story of a typical Chinese family as they
face the Chinese civil wars, World War II, and trying to find their
identity under the Cultural Revolution, and how they remember the
constants through it all - home and family. "Riddles of Belief and
Love" is a choice read for literary fiction collections, highly
recommended.
The Bradbury Report
Steven Polansky
Weinstein Books
345 Hudson Street, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10014
9781602861220, $24.95, www.weinsteinbooks.com
With new technology comes new moral issues. "The Bradbury Report"
tells the tale of America in 2071, where a widow approaching elderly
status finds himself drawn into the world of cloning and its moral
objections. In America, every living person has a clone to serve as
parts in its health system, but there lies a deeper concern when these
clones can be sapient, real beings, as human as the people they're
cloned from. "The Bradbury Report" asks a lot of questions and proves
to be a riveting thriller.
This House, This Town
Robert Hamblin
Southeast Missouri State University Press
MS 2650, One University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
9780982248959, $12.00
A bit of history can be relished and lived in. "This House, This Town:
One Couple's Love Affair with An Old House and a Historic Town" is a
memoir from Robert Hamblin, discussing how he and his wife restored an
old Victorian era house and found their home with it, and the
surrounding town. Arguing for the importance of historic preservation
in today's rapidly modernizing world, "This House, This Town" is a
choice and very highly recommended read.
The Singer's Gun
Emily St. John Mandel
Unbridled Books
2000 Wadsworth Boulevard, #195, Lakewood, CO 80214
9781936071647, $24.95, www.unbridledbooks.com
Family is family, no matter how corrupt they are. "The Singer's Gun"
is a novel of Anton Waker, a man surrounded by criminals who only
wants to find his own life. But family doesn't forget, and Anton finds
that it's hard to leave the family business behind, no matter how hard
he wants to try. "The Singer's Gun" is a riveting and exciting read,
well worth considering for crime fiction readers.
Kyra Kyralina
Panait Istrati
Talisman House
PO Box 896, Greenfield, MA 01302
9781584980759, $16.94
Much insight of the time can be gained through a novel, and "Kyra
Kyralina" is no different. Written in the 1920s by Panait Istrati,
Christopher Sawyer-Laucanno translate this Romanian work which gave
rise in Eastern Europe to the Modernist writing of the time, also
providing a literary picture of a Romania separated from the Ottoman
Empire. "Kyra Kyralina" is a historic and valuable read for any
literary fiction collection.
Empty Mile
Matthew Stokoe
Akashic Books
PO Box 1456, New York, NY 10009
9781936070121, $16.95, www.akashicbooks.com
Sometimes just maintaining the status quo is a challenge all in
itself. "Empty Mile" tells the story of Johnny Richardson, who wants
to right an old wrong. He soon learns small town America can be more
deadly than any big city as he becomes embroiled in the town's
politics, all while trying to protect who he loves and solving that
old problem. "Empty Mile" is a choice read that shouldn't be
overlooked by crime fiction fans.
Exit Blue
Ivan G. Goldman
Black Heron Press
PO Box 133396, Mill Creek, WA 98082
9780930773946, $23.95, www.blackheronpress.com
Denmark has always been the hub of the world's terrorists. "Exit Blue"
is a satirical novel telling of an America where the blue states have
seceded from the Union and the resulting America that remains.
Pursuing Denmark as the current leader of terror with a political
dynasty gripping the White House and the vice presidency ruled by
someone not quite all there from a secret base in the mountains, "Exit
Blue" is a humorous and sometimes frightening look at what America
could become.
I Hotel
Karen Tei Yamashita
Coffee House Press
79 Thirteenth Avenue NE, Suite 110, Minneapolis, MN 55413
9781566892391, $19.95, www.coffeehousepress.org
Every group of people had their own fight for liberty. "I Hotel" is
collection of novellas all tying into a greater story, focusing on the
International Hotel and the yellow power movement, where Asian
Americans made their bid for equal rights. A riveting story with
countless entertaining people and characters, "I Hotel" is a choice
read and a very highly recommended pick.
Moon Spinners
Sally Goldenbaum
Plume
c/o Penguin Publishing Group
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014-3658
9780451229885, $23.95 www.penguin.com
MOON SPINNERS provides a fine new Seaside Knitters mystery - the third
in the series - and provides a fine summer read for knitters as it
tells of the Seaside Knitters' new project - helping their friend open
a cafe. When car accident reeks of murder, the Knitters spring into
action in this fine story, recommended for any mystery library.
Tell-All
Chuck Palahnluk
Doubleday
c/o Random House
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
9780385526357, $24.95 www.doubleday.com
TELL-ALL is set in old Hollywood and offers a novel from the
perspective of one Hazie Coogan, who for decades has tended to one
Katherine Kenton. When a gentleman caller woos her, Hazie fears danger
when she discovers she's already written a celebrity memoir -
foretelling Miss Kathie's death in a coming musical. A fine story of
intrigue and Hollywood drama evolves, perfect for any general lending
library.
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