December 2022 Prime Picks
The
Culinary Corner
America's
Test
Kitchen
www.americastestkitchen.com
Two new
cookbooks provide
excellent, vetted recipes for cooks seeking foolproof results paired
with vivid
color photos and explanations of why these dishes work, that teach
underlying
culinary concepts.
Fresh Pasta At Home: 10 Doughs, 20 Shapes, 100+
Recipes, With or
Without a Machine (9781954210332, $29.99) is a refreshing
exception to the
wealth of pasta-making books on the market that usually require an
expensive
machine or diverse dough recipes.
This book's
focus on a
few master doughs that can easily translate to a variety of shapes for
use in
either a hand-crank or electric pasta machine as well as via a rolling
pin
makes for a versatile step-by-step guide to success.
Some 100
recipes for
using the pasta in finished dishes completes the profile of
possibilities,
making Fresh Pasta At Home an
exceptionally versatile guide.
The Complete Modern Pantry: 350+
Ways to Cook Well With What's On Hand (9781954210165, $34.99)
creates base
dishes that can help busy readers then apply them to flexible finished
results.
The concept
is to
take the common characteristics of typical pantry holdings and expand
their
possibilities according to taste. From Bottom-of-the-Box Pasta with
Butter and
Cheese to Stovetop White Bean Casserole, these dishes are diverse,
appealing,
and easy. Supported by color photos of each finished dish, The Complete Modern Pantry assures that
even the busiest cook can
still produce a range of choices from basic pantry staples.
Both are
highly
recommended.
Bliss on
Toast
Prue Leith
Bloomsbury Publishing
9781639730711
$26.00
www.bloomsbury.com
Bliss on Toast features 75 recipes for
variations on toast, topping
various types of breads with spreads that range from fish to seasonal
vegetables.
Anyone who
loves
toast-based dishes, but who has previously thought of them as being
limited to
grilled cheeses, is in for a pleasant surprise, because Bliss
on Toast includes such fare as Tomatoes, Shallots &
Oregano on Black Olive Toast, Chicken Tikka with Yogurt on Nan, and
Tuna and
Corn Melt.
These are
only a few
examples of the many recipes presented which expand the concept of
toast into
appealing new arenas. Color photos throughout enhance the offerings,
adding to
the uniqueness of a cookbook which is highly recommended for culinary
collections looking for something easy and different.
The Italian
Cooking
Course
Katie Caldesi with
Giancarlo Caldesi
Kyle Books
9781914239748
$50.00
www.octopusbooks.com
There are
many
Italian cookbooks on the market, but those who choose The
Italian Cooking Course: Techniques. Masterclasses. Ingredients.
Traditional Recipes will readily come to see that this stands
out from the
crowd.
Much more
than
another recipe collection, it's a survey of Italian provinces and
dishes and
how they may be replicated at home, including cooking lessons that
teach by
example and culinary insights.
This
translates to
visual step-by-step details presented in panels covering such
Masterclass
topics as how to prepare a monkfish or how to tell when a steak is done.
These
full-flavor
discussions create an intriguing result which can be used as either an
exploration of regional Italian cuisine, an education in cooking, or an
inspirational cultural exploration. The
Italian Cooking Course holds classic Italian dishes at its
heart, liberally
peppering its survey with vintage black and white and contemporary
color photos
throughout.
Reviewer's Choice
Curious Poses
Lucy Greeves
Green Tree
9781472991485
$18.00
www.bloomsbury.com
There are so
many
yoga books on the market that one might wonder at the need for yet
another, but
Curious Poses: 50 Yoga Postures and the
Stories They Tell stands out from the crowd, adding lovely
illustrations by
Amanda Leon as it surveys yoga via quite a different approach than most.
The
combination of
the author's discoveries of these facts and the lively history
described
throughout ("On a massive granite
boulder at the UNESCO World Heritage Site near Mahabalipuram—a city on
India's
south-east coast, not far from modern-day Chennai—a man has been
standing on
one leg, with his arms stretched skyward, for almost 1,400 years.")
makes Curious Poses easy to
recommend
to a wide audience of both casual and dedicated yoga students.
Dr. Nita's
Crash
Course for Women
Nita Landry, MD,
OB-GYN
New World Library
9782608687541
$22.95
www.newworldlibrary.com
Dr. Nita's Crash Course for Women: Better Sex,
Better Health, Better
You provides an edgy, thought-provoking examination of
women's health that
clarifies and reviews the relationship between doctor and patient.
Its
underlying focus involves
an attention to exploring details that lend to not just healthier, more
informed
interactions between physician and patient, but to better understanding
of how
well-being is achieved in all arenas of life, both mental and physical.
Chapters
review
female anatomy, the process of finding the right doctor, and
understanding
common womens' concerns from STDs to PMS, informing women about sex,
health,
and changing periods of life that affect well-being.
Library
collections
looking for a positive approach to embracing women's sexuality and
health will
find that Dr. Nita's Crash Course for
Women's contemporary
review
appealing to patrons.
Hagitude
Sharon Blackie
New World Library
9781608688432
$18.95
www.newworldlibrary.com
Hagitude: Reimagining the Second Half of Life
portrays menopause and
aging in quite a different light, employing the author's background in
mythology and psychology. She gathers stories of powerful older women
who play
prominent roles in European myth and folklore.
Blackie's
special
blend of memoir, myth, and psychological insights lend to a revised
opinion
about the benefits and possibilities of women's midlife and aging
process, juxtaposing
traditional and new beliefs about the opportunities and legends of this
time of
life.
Readers
interested in
stories about aging bodies and seasoned minds will find Hagitude
attractive, thought-provoking, and replete with history
and insights.
Late Work
Joan Frank
University of New
Mexico Press
9780826364203
$19.95
www.unmpress.com
Late Work: A Literary Autobiography of Love, Loss,
and What I Was
Reading links a memoir of life experience with a literary
approach to books.
This will resonate deeply with book readers who turn to the written
word for
solace in times of trouble.
Late Work is particularly useful for
writers who already know the
cathartic value of writing and reading, pulling together the wisdom and
art of
fellow writers who have either written late in life, or in the process
of
psychological or literary struggles: "Maxwell
had to find out what he thought the best way he knew—unmuddied by voice
noise
or ego noise. A different voice spoke when thoughts were summoned,
organized,
typed out."
The result
is a
tribute to authors, writers, and the process of the word artist's
exploration
of the creative life. Late Work will
appeal to a wide audience of readers and writers.
The
Lopapeysa Sweater
Toni Carr (aka Joan
of Dark) and Kyle Cassidy
Stackpole Books
9780811739822
$29.95
www.stackpolebooks.com
The Lopapeysa Sweater: A Journey North in Search of
Iceland's Iconic
Knitwear offers a blend of travelogue and cultural inspection
in and
knitting guide. It pairs some 12 patterns for Lopi-inspired sweater
designs
with Toni Carr's journeys throughout Iceland following the history and
importance of the Lopapeysa sweater.
Color photos
abound,
highlighting first-person experiences of geothermal beaches, profiles
of
Icelandic knitters, and surveys of outstanding Icelandic knitting
designs for
all seasons.
Libraries
strong in
knitting history and guides will find added value in The
Lopapeysa Sweater, whether readers choose it for its Iceland
journey or its knitting instructions.
Mesozoic Art
Steven White and
Darren Naish, Editors
Bloomsbury
9781399401384
$40.00
www.bloomsbury.com
Mesozoic Art: Dinosaurs and Other Ancient Animals
in Art's
eye-catching cover displays a seeming incongruity: a pterodactyl being
attacked
by seagulls. This alone will lead many to probe the review of palaeoart
that is
the focus of this collection, which profiles some twenty of the best
artists
working to depict the Mesozoic era.
Zoologist
and author
Darren Naish provides basic information about these portraits,
supplementing full-page,
full-color works with biographical sketches of those who are notable in
the
field (such as Emiliano Troco) as well as rising stars such as Corbin
Rainbolt,
whose works may be lesser-known, but no less skilled.
The gorgeous
paintings are accompanied by thought-provoking notes designed to
attract
artists and scientists alike: "This
painting of the great long-frilled ceratopsian Pentaceratops captures
the idea
that some palaeoart can truly be 'high art.'"
Arts and
prehistoric
science library collections alike must place Mesozoic
Art on their lists of important, key acquisitions.
Poster Art
of the
Disney Parks, 2nd Edition
Danny Handke and
Vanessa Hunt
Disney Press
9781368062473
$50.00
www.disneybooks.com
The second
edition of
Poster Art of the Disney Parks needs
to be in any collection interested in definitive representations of
Disney's
world.
The
oversized
presentation includes more than 85 new posters, reproducing the Disney
attraction posters which have advertised and captured the park since
its
inception.
Full-page
color
renditions make for beautiful portraits of Disney's attractions,
creating
colorful interest not just for Disney fans, but for readers interested
in
advertising art and the craft of creating visual appeal. Poster
Art of the Disney Parks is very highly recommended for a
wide audience interested in poster or advertising art in general or
Disney
history in particular.
Putin's Wars
Mark Galeotti
Osprey
9781472847548
$35.00
www.ospreypublishing.com
Putin's Wars: From Chechnya to Ukraine
comes from one of the
world's leading experts on modern Russia, and outlines a history of the
various
Putin-led conflicts which have evolved since he became prime minister
and
president.
Having an
overall
history instead of the usual narrowed inspection of one war or
engagement
produces a bigger picture of intention as Russia is reinvented by
Putin's
actions and his vision of a different Russian empire in the 21st
century.
From his
military
successes and failures to the image he seeks to impart around the
world,
Putin's actions and Russian history include anecdotes and first-hand
accounts
from serving and retired Russian officers, making Putin's
Wars one of the most wide-ranging, in-depth, and
authoritative histories available. It's highly recommended as a 'must
have'
title for any library strong in modern Russian affairs.
Secret Places
Jochen Müssig,
Editor
Schiffer Publishing
9780764363672
$39.99
www.schifferbooks.com
Secret Places: 100 Undiscovered Travel Destinations
Around the World
surveys lesser-known destinations far from the usual tourist routes and
crowds.
This approach should particularly appeal to those embarking on journeys
postpandemic that eschew the usual touristy areas, yet still want high
value
from their choices.
From natural
wonders
and architectural creations to local cultures and unique activities
that
deliver high value for the dollars spent, Secret
Places comes packed with colorful images throughout, all the
information
needed for planning a trip, and profiles of places it's hard to say
farewell
to.
Readers
seeking
different travel experiences will find this book a top guide to those
places which
traditionally have received less attention, thus representing
low-population
destinations.
TwoMorrows
Publishing
www.twomorrows.com
Libraries
strong in
comic book and pop history and guides to their cultural and artistic
impact
will want to place two new arrivals from TwoMorrows on their
acquisition lists
as basic references.
Michael
Ewry's The Team-Up Company
(9781605491127,
$39.95) examines team-up comics of the Silver and Bronze ages, from DC
to
Marvel dynamic duos.
These
examinations
include profiles of their creators, chronicles of team-up episodes and
action,
trivia, and indexes that excel in in-depth information and essays
contributed
by a variety of industry experts and participants.
Color panels
of
various heroes and depictions accompany interviews and insights that
often
offer surprising revelations, such as Marv Wolfman's confession that he
doesn't
like regular team-ups "because they force you to alter your
characters."
Mark Voger's
comic
history Britmania: The British Invasion
of the Sixties in Pop Culture (9781605491158, $43.95) takes a
broader look
at pop culture by exploring the U.S.'s past passion for anything
British. This
resulted in an influx of influences in all forms of media, from music
and
television to comics, collectibles, and more.
This survey
rests on
interviews with members of top popular music groups, pairing these with
color
photos throughout. Lively discussions capture much of the energy of
excitement
that surrounded the passion for British culture among American circles:
"Some smiles are convincing but
insincere. How can we tell? We can't, really, but there was always
something
about Gerry Marsden's goofy grin that warmed the cockles."
Britmania is passionate, purposeful, and
lively enough for any
library interested in not just representing the history of pop culture
fads,
but reliving its most enthusiastic moments.
What I Want
to Talk
About
Pete Wharmby
Jessica Kingsley
Publishers
9781787758278
$19.95
www.jkp.com
What I Want to Talk About: How Autistic Special
Interests Shape a Life
isn't the anticipated memoir that the use of 'I' portends, but surveys
autistic
communication and comes from an autism advocate.
Pete
Wharmby's account
is packed with insights suitable for understanding the autism
experience,
perceptions, and means of coping with life in an uplifting, positive
manner.
From
feedback loops
and games to an autistic person's perception of life, in which "every exchange, with every person, in
every situation, is played out like this, having to judge every word,
carefully
plot my way through and deal with the catastrophe of random reactions,"
anyone
who would better understand the autism experience and approach to life
must
read What I Want to Talk About, which
ideally will be in any library interested in the subject.
Young Adult/Children
Candlewick
Press
www.candlewickpress.com
These new
arrivals
from Candlewick are recommended picks offering special, different
stories that
young picture book readers will relish.
David
Almond's The Woman Who Turned Children Into
Birds
(9781536219968, $18.99) tells of a strange old woman who moves to town
with an
unusual claim: she can turn children into birds.
Though the
adults
scoff, Dorothy can't resist the promise of flight. When she decides to
test
Nanty Solo's powers, a surprise evolves that considers and challenges
the
boundaries between adults and children.
Laura Carlin
provides
simple, yet inviting illustrations that bring this magical tale to life.
Michael
Slack's The Sun Shines on the Jungle
(9781536214727, $9.99) will especially appeal to parents seeking
life-the-flap
board books for the very young.
Beautiful
illustrations of plants, insects, birds, and animals illustrate the
food chain
with delightful color that lends to read-aloud and attraction by young
listeners.
Puffin by Martin Jenkins (9781536228502,
$17.99) receives engaging
illustrations by Jenni Desmond as it introduces kids to the natural
history of
the puffin.
The blend of
nonfiction facts and fictional drama lends Puffin
a special allure as kids enjoy a host of engaging illustrations that
explore
the puffin's life.
All are
inviting
reads that will engage the young.
Frances
Hodgson
Burnett classics
Aladdin/Simon &
Schuster
$17.99 each
www.simonandschuster.com/kids
Simon and
Schuster's
reprint of two classic stories by Frances Hodgson Burnett in hardcover
assures that
new generations will appreciate these stories.
A Little Princess (9781666916882) is a
classic rags-to-riches tale
that shines with the character of young Sara, orphaned and under the
control of
a cruel school headmistress who has fawned over her when she was rich
and works
her hard when she is impoverished. Its contemporary cover will appeal
to new,
modern audiences.
The Secret Garden (9781666916868) also
sports a revamped cover and
a back cover quote which, like its companion, are designed to pique the
interests of modern readers.
Ages 8 and
older will
appreciate both books: one with its compelling tale of a mysterious
garden and
a spoiled orphan girl who is changed because of it, and the other about
a
little girl who strives to maintain her equilibrium and generosity
against all
odds.
Having these
classics
in new editions assures interest and longevity as modern readers and
libraries
take note of their ongoing relevance to life issues.
Simon
& Schuster
www.simonandschuster.com/kids
Simon
& Schuster
publishes a host of children's books each season, and these are
especially
recommended picks for their exceptional presentations and subjects.
Stephen
Pastis, the
well-known cartoonist of Pearls Before
Swine, provides an intriguing graphic novel of a different
ilk in Trubble Town: The Why-Why's Gone
Bye-Bye
(9781534496149, $22.99).
The story is
replete
with the unexpected as orphan boy Milo, who resides in the Trubble
Orphanage
for Troubled Tots, finds his world challenged and changed by an alien
invasion.
Ages 8-12
will relish
the zany adventures that take over the town and the tots.
Helen
Lester's Bravo, Bucket Head!
(9781534493490,
$18.99) is illustrated by Lynn Munsinger and tells of shy Mousetta, who
is even
more reclusive than the usual mouse.
She runs
from
everything, but longs to be someone different; so when opportunity
comes
knocking, she puts a bucket over her head and enters the world. There,
she
discovers a surprising fact about its opportunities and others who
reflect her
reluctance to engage.
Tomie
dePaola's Book of Christmas Carols
(9781534494855,
$19.99) will reach ages 4-8 with a delightful collection of the
author's
favorite Christmas carols.
First
published in
1987, this highlights holiday traditions, pairing paintings with sheet
music
and foldout pages to bring the carols to life.
Adults
looking for a
musical carol book will find Book of
Christmas Carols attractive and perfect for family sharing.
Daniela
Sosa's Friends (9781666911474,
$18.99) will
also reach ages 4-8 with its fine picture book consideration of
different kinds
of friendships.
Its focus on
how
different friends elicit different feelings will allow adults who
interact with
kids to discuss matters of diversity, emotional connection, and
different forms
of friendship.
Steve
Small's Wellington's Big Day Out
(9781665922555,
$18.99) also gives readers ages 4-8 an engaging story—this one about an
elephant who longs to grow bigger quickly, to enter the world of
grown-ups.
When he's
given a new
jacket that proves too big for him, Wellington wonders if he will ever
grow
into it. As Wellington longs for change, young readers will absorb a
fine story
about being happy with life as it as, as well as what it will become.
All are
recommended
picks for libraries and adults looking for exceptional read-alouds.
Where's
Speedy?
Nici Gregory
Berbay Publishing
9780648953395
www.berbaybooks.com
Where's Speedy? is a picture book that
follows an ordinary boy,
George, who looks for tiny creatures in his garden. Aided by his
younger sister
Lotta, George discoveries a slug, places him in a bottle to assure his
safety,
and then becomes interested in food while Speedy makes his getaway.
Where has
Speedy
gone? And, how did he vanish so quickly?
Read-aloud adults will appreciate the opportunity to interact with the very young in solving this puzzle of a missing slug.