Jolie excels at weaving a story filled with romantic angst, keeping readers guessing about where this relationship will go right up until the end. Poppy’s sensitively handled body image issues (she says, of her OnlyFans customers, “they liked me with photo editing, good lighting, and at the right angle”) and Gabe’s at-first unenlightened attitude toward her occupation (he notes, in a point-of-view chapter, “I didn’t mean to be condescending, but in a manner of speaking, the girl used sex for a living”) start out as the core romantic conflicts, but relationships from Gabe’s past, notably his ex-girlfriend Caroline and old friend, Reed, add additional layers of drama to the plot.
Dialogue surrounding Poppy’s business is sex driven, but oftentimes humorous, as are the innuendo-laced exchanges between her and Gabe. The sexual tension around these exchanges intensifies when the two move in together as temporary housemates. The heat level of intimate scenes sizzles around moderate, despite numerous references to porn and prostitution. Uncomfortable events from Poppy’s past and details of Gabe’s impending Justice Department investigation disperse the steam and lighten the heat, while creating dramatic subplots. Full of steam, drama, angst, and vibrant prose, this story is ideal for readers who prefer a cat-and-mouse element to their romance.
Takeaway: This small-town contemporary romance will draw readers in with its sexy storyline and relatable characters.
Great for fans of: Meghan March, Courtney Milan.
Production grades
Cover: A+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Mathews writes conversationally, favoring informal language and even touching on her personal experiences to entice readers and keep them engaged. This style lends an air of familiarity to a weighty subject and invites readers to imagine the day-to-day lives of these women, but at the cost of a more authoritative tone. Uncited quotes, like Sally Ride’s husband saying “Have a ball up there!” before she went into space, are indistinguishable from the chatty conversations that Mathews invents between the historical figures and other people in their lives, a likely source of confusion for younger readers and parents navigating the distinctions between fact and fiction.
Though the addition of historical images, including photographs, creates a welcome opportunity for kids to see the women and some of what they’re famous for, like a hair product of Madame CJ Walker’s, the hand-drawn illustrations from the author do little to enhance the reading experience. This is ultimately a celebration of women’s accomplishments in science and the environment—areas that are historically lacking in female leadership—and an encouragement for kids of all genders to make a difference through their inquisitiveness and perseverance.
Takeaway: Young readers who enjoy a more casual approach to history will appreciate this tribute to women trailblazers.
Great for fans of: Marlene Wagman-Geller’s Behind Every Great Man, Elena Favilli and Francesca Cavallo’s Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Tales of Extraordinary Women.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: B
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
While Ben's age remains vague—seemingly by design—Santos lends him ample agency and a big heart powered by the question “What can YOU do today to make someone happy?” Santos's writing is motivated by themes of compassion and unity, though verbosity and a leisurely pace diminish the impact of the narrative, and story developments concerning a pet and Ben’s eventual trajectory in adult life shift the focus from the inspired idea of the Happiness Club. The text tends to reiterate, in a font that doesn’t complement Eszter Miklós kaleidoscopic artwork, story beats and deeper meanings that the illustrations already convey or suggest.
Santos's portrayal of Ben's relationship with his parents and his pet fish, Jerry, is a laudable highlight that emphasizes the rewards of the kind of happy childhood that Ben is so eager to share. Readers will appreciate the attention to detail—such as the framed Caldecott honor alongside Jerry’s picture on Ben’s bookshelf—and the vibrant hues that characterize his blooming talent and enthusiasm for life. Meanwhile, Miklós's vivid illustrations and pleasing compositions effectively capture Ben's quest with nuance and effervescence. Overall, this delightful treat boasts an inspiring protagonist, diverse characters, and colorful settings.
Takeaway: A charming tale of a wunderkind that underscores the merits of love, respect, and acceptance.
Great for fans of: Kay A. Haring’s Keith Haring: The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing, Joanne Liu’s My Museum, and Jeanette Winter’s Henri’s Scissors.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: B+
Illustrations: A
Editing: B-
Marketing copy: A-
This book would be ideal for folks who are new to the art and science of baking, though formatting and style consistency throughout the book present some issues. Some sections have white text superimposed on a black background, which can be difficult to read, and some numerals are interchanged with numbers that are written out, which can confuse a reader who is elbow-deep in flour.
Readers will be drawn in by Cassine’s easygoing, conversational tone: “If only you knew how much begging, pleading, and petitioning it took for me to acquire this recipe from my paternal grandmother, Althea, then you would be both shocked and amused!” Cassine’s warm personality even informs the instructions in his recipes. “Pour your crust into a 9-inch Springform pan,” he writes, of a sour cream cheesecake, “but don’t trip if you don’t have one.” The photographs bookending the recipes, showcasing scenes of second line parades, offer a taste of his city’s vibrant culture, while photos of the dishes themselves are clear, bright, and appealing. Readers will really come to know Cassine through his introduction and reminiscences. His battle with grief is poignant, and his refreshing honesty (describing his struggles with emotional eating and negative self-talk) will be a balm to those also struggling with the same issues.
Takeaway: An appealing guide to healing through baking, New Orleans-style.
Great for fans of: Robbie Montgomery’s Sweetie Pie’s Cookbook: Soulful Southern Recipes, from My Family to Yours, Sarah M. Broom’s The Yellow House.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: C
Illustrations: A
Editing: B-
Marketing copy: B+
Though the narrative of this enthusiastic tale moves at a quick pace, not much actually happens. Martin’s cyclical storyline—Bruce comes up with a persona he can inhabit to scare away the spider; he dresses up for the part and imagines the spider in costume as well; then he moves on to his next inspiration—quickly becomes predictable. The spider is characterized as an enemy, but with only one scene where it and Bruce actually make eye contact, there’s not a great deal at stake. The abrupt ending sets the stage for a rematch, but also solidifies the feeling that something is missing, as Bruce has neither triumphed, failed, nor learned to live with a spider in his room.
The book’s strength lies in the quirkiness of its main character. Bruce possesses traits that all kids will identify with: creativity, imagination, playfulness, and a willingness to transform fear into an opportunity to be the hero. Though his ingenuity is the main draw, Bruce’s decisive metamorphosis into a crusader (“No. It’s time to be BRAVE”) is endearing. Whether young ones are afraid of spiders or just like imagination-fueled adventures featuring them as the main character, they are sure to find some laughs in this spider-scaring escapade.
Takeaway: Creative readers will enjoy this playful journey of a young boy facing down his fears.
Great for fans of: Julie Fogliano’s A House That Once Was, Sara O’Leary’s This is Sadie.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: B
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-
Leading for Justice: Supervision, Hr, and Culture
Sever offers revealing anecdotes from her career and invaluable suggestions for hiring, onboarding, and valuing workers of diverse backgrounds. From her “Ten Questions for Supervisors on the Path to Justice”: “What do I identify as a ‘good work ethic’ and ‘professional conduct,’ and how do I react to people who don’t exhibit those qualities?”
While targeted specifically at organizations committed to social justice, Leading for Justice offers insights and advice that would benefit any supervisor and HR professional committed to an inclusive workplace. Sever identifies herself as a cisgender white woman who must continually listen and learn to understand the experiences of minorities laboring within systems that haven’t traditionally valued them. She scoffs at the thought of not learning new language that individuals prefer: “If that helps someone feel included, instead of excluded, why wouldn’t I say/do that? Why would I intentionally choose not to care about people who are feeling alienated?” This vital guide, peppered with provocative questions and insights, will aid any supervisor or organization eager to work to live up to their mission.
Takeaway: An invaluable guide for HR professionals and leaders committed to social justice.
Great for fans of: Charlotte Sweeney and Fleur Bothwick’s Inclusive Leadership; Elaine Congress, Allan Luks and Francis Petit’s Nonprofit Management : A Social Justice Approach.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Asman (Jailbroke) has a pitch-perfect ear for the tropes of martial arts movies, which he uses to mock them again and again. We first meet Nick when he is apparently battling an opponent trying to strangle him with a rope—but it turns out he's simply trying to fasten a Windsor knot in his tie. He is then attacked by a local street gang, who set themselves apart with houndstooth jackets and argyle socks, and an invalid warrior cared for by elderly villagers drinks soup provided by old women, "who also peed in it." The gross and adolescent humor alternates with horrific violence, but for those hungry for this, Nunchuck City offers a feast.
The novel is populated by a series of caricatures used to create humorous vignettes. We meet Skip Baxter, the allegedly all-powerful founder of a martial arts school (but who is easily beaten by a five-year-old child), and the Turbo City mayor: "A lifelong politician, the concept of helping people was as foreign to Mayor Joe as advanced calculus to a Lhasa Apso." And there's a running joke about the stereotypically evil Saru, who thinks his name is Japanese for "glorious warrior," but really is "shitty monkey." Readers will enjoy laughing at the ongoing takeoff of actioners all the way to the cheerful conclusion.
Takeaway: Fans of martial arts movies will find much to laugh at in this lively lampoon.
Great for fans of: Harvard Lampoon, John Swartzwelder.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: B
The Caped Countess
Tella is used to relying only on herself, and the man who jumps in to interrupt a fight is at first a liability, then an annoyance as he refuses to leave her to handle her investigations alone. When they begin to work together instead of in parallel, dashing Lord Henry Fitzwilliam (“The raw bones of his face fit together in a way that was handsome; and the nose was regal enough to match that posh voice”) eventually learns Tella’s true identity and shocks her by treating her no differently—at least until a proposal of marriage complicates everything.
Despite Fitz’s assurances that he doesn’t want her to change, Tella remains afraid of commitment: She refuses to end her nighttime adventures because she blames herself for her mother’s death, and she’s convinced that anyone who gets close to her will be put in similar danger. This attitude of martyrdom persists through most of the book, making Tella a slightly frustrating heroine, but Fitz’s charm, warmth, and increasing ardor more than balance it out. Though historical accuracy is questionable at best, those who enjoy some whimsy and fun in their historical romance will love this adventurous tale. If you’ve been searching for a gender-bent Regency era Batman in love, this is your book.
Takeaway: A swashbuckling Regency romance alive with adventure, passion, and secret identities.
Great for fans of: Donna Thorland’s The Rebel Pirate, Lisa Kleypas’s The Ravenels series.
Production grades
Cover: B-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Gertcher’s loving detail throughout about late twenties fashion–Chanel, Lanvin and others—will captivate vintage fashion buffs (and, likely, make them drool with envy at Caroline’s access to couture). The clever title is a reference to the nickname the French Gendarmerie gives the detective—the elegant black cat in the window. Supporting characters, especially Annette, the granddaughter of a mob boss, who Caroline meets during an eventful appointment at Chanel’s salon, add appealing depth to the storyline.
While generally well-edited, a few clunkers distract, and some of Caroline’s internal dialogue tells more than it shows. Still, Gertcher’s clever storyline, well-drawn characters, and excellent pacing will enchant historical mystery fans (especially those who are fans of Chanel, Schiaparelli, and Lanvin) leave them eager for the Hannibal and Caroline’s next adventure, tantalizingly teased at the end of this one. This historical mystery provides an irresistible glimpse into the past, with a hero and heroine readers (especially fashionistas) will adore.
Takeaway: An irresistible historical mystery married fashion and murder in prewar France.
Great for fans of: Mary Higgins Clark, Agatha Christie.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B+
Marketing copy: A
As they come to terms with their messy pasts, La Sangre’s inhabitants discover unsettling connections that turn relationships inside out and force some residents to redefine who they are. Sal’s stepson, Corey, leans about the truth of his conception and launches into a sex-filled bender as a truck driver instead of sticking to his plans to attend Bible college– and gets caught in the cross hairs of Jessie’s tormented older sister, Maria. Dr. Ralph Owen, Jessie’s one-time psychiatrist, pitches headfirst into danger when he plays detective to unravel her death. Surveying so much violence, abuse, and rage, Father’s Day Part II will appeal to readers comfortable dwelling on the seedy, miserable aspects of small-town scandal, like the temptations of frontage-road adult book stores or truck-stop sex.
Kyriazi attempts to illuminate these lost characters’ motivations by shedding light on their pasts, though awkward dialogue and some implausible actions muddy the plotting and key thematic elements, such as the impact of abusive relationships. For these characters, lust and guilt are twined up, puritanism fighting passion, a thematic tangle that occasionally gets histrionic, as when Doyle, after a tryst, becomes convinced that Satan is personally out to claim him. Still, the unexpected ending will give readers satisfactory closure, and Kyriazi’s fallen souls engage in intriguing discussions of how to make sense of so dark a world.
Takeaway: Seamy secrets, abusive relationships, and death all collide in this small-town tragedy.
Great for fans of: Elizabeth Strout's Anything is Possible, Richard Russo's Empire Falls.
Production grades
Cover: C
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B-
Marketing copy: C
Strömmuse makes a persuasive case for the urgency of this role, noting that in most U.S. immigration courts, “Without the presence of a bilingual lawyer or family member, no one else can correct a mistake.” He supplements clear-eyed accounts of an interpreter’s role with practical tips (“Always interpret in the first person. For example: ‘I am Margarita’ or ‘I am Ángel.’) plus sample vignettes that offer opportunities to practice interpreting and demonstrate “the rigor, seriousness and high standard” expected of court interpreters. Abbreviated but not brief, one sample script covering direct and cross examinations comprises over half the manual’s pages. As in a real proceeding, questions are posed in English, while the answers come in Spanish.
An accurate representation of how attorneys organize their examinations, that hearing is organized into “blocks.” In other ways, too, the manual simulates actual court practice, demanding that readers practice simultaneous, consecutive and sight interpreting of legal terminology. The committed bilingual reader will follow along, aided by a glossary of terms and links to court documents for study. This manual will serve the beginning interpreter almost as well as real experience.
Takeaway: An inviting and practical introduction to the vital role of interpreter in immigration court.
Great for fans of: José Luis Leyva’s Companion Book for Translators and Interpreters, Susan Berk-Seligson’s The Bilingual Courtroom.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A-
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A
Favaro offers an evocative view of the idiosyncratic personalities of Treviso’s elderly, inviting readers into a world oriented around adherence to Catholic ritual and portents. One wrenching passage concerns a man with a half-paralyzed mouth attempting to chew a Communion cracker “with the same determination that a thirsty and lost man in the desert would have clung to a mere drop of dew.” Kevin himself is a relatable main character—he is affectionate toward his patients, inserting a catheter “with the utmost gentleness” lest he cause pain. At the same time Favaro gives him persuasive moments of anger and exasperation at their stubbornness. Favaro characterizes Kevin’s work with vivid colour, such as his in-home care of a couple dealing with alcoholism and cancer as well as the several traumatic deaths he witnesses.
Poetic phrases—“Sergio saw God everywhere, even in a simple sunbeam which entered the room, filtered by the curtain”—give the characters life and set the stage for Kevin’s own awakenings (“Remember that love always reaches its goal, there isn’t a single living being which doesn’t feel love”). Some translation issues, awkward editing and odd expository passages diminish the narrative’s power and clarity. But readers who stick with it will discover stories brimming with life, moments of humour, and deep insight into basic human goodness.
Takeaway: These introspective stories about an Italian nurse demonstrate the power of caring for others.
Great for fans of: Suleika Jaouad’s Between Two Kingdoms, Carolyn Jourdan’s Heart in the Right Place.
Production grades
Cover: B-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: B
Adaptive Selling: How to Succeed During Times of Disruption
Sales specialists will appreciate the authors’ creative approach, such as their emphasis on mastering four different “Social Styles”—Analytical, Driving, Amiable, and Expressive—to build rapport and increase understanding of client preferences. As they cover other crucial skills, including the importance of observation and learning how different types of individuals react to stress, Collins and Myers cover major ground without getting bogged down in jargon. They incorporate appealing charts and graphs to drive their points home while explaining complex topics with straightforward clarity, such as the need for versatility when developing the fruitful interactions that will earn client trust and respect, or the importance of decision mapping to evaluate the various influences shaping buyers' decisions.
The most useful tools are the boots-on-the-ground resources offered to aid professionals in their everyday grind, including sample questions to ask in interview sessions and “building blocks” (each keyed to one of those four social styles) to consider when prepping for a presentation or meeting: Clients of the Expressive Style will want to socialize before getting down to it, while those of the Driving Style prefer starting with an agenda. For entry level and seasoned sales professionals, Adaptive Selling offers a wealth of flexible hints and real-life skill applications to improve performance and outcomes.
Takeaway: A straight-shooting guide offering sales professionals performance-boosting tips and resources.
Great for fans of: George Siedel’s Negotiating for Success, Mike Kaplan’s Secrets of a Master Closer.
Production grades
Cover: B-
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A+
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A
Fans of the spy genre will quickly feel at home in this speedy story of deception. Readers are whisked away to Ukraine, Taiwan, Texas, Serbia, and China, the worlds of CEOs, oligarchs, assassins, and customized Devilbot drones. What’s inside this “oddly-shaped silver briefcase?” That’s for the Spy Devils to find out before it falls into the wrong hands. At times, the sprawling cast feels crowded, making it challenging for readers to keep track of the leads, but Goldberg’s crisp, inviting prose propels the adventure forward.
With cliff-hangers and clear, gritty action—“He gagged, stiffened, and jerked back as his feet spasmed against the floor, propelling him and the chair backward”— Goldberg escorts audiences behind the curtain of one of the world’s most secretive and risky professions. Dynamic scenes where the Spy Devils use any means necessary to get information from their enemies accentuate a rather quick read, and Goldberg’s past as a CIA covert action officer gives him distinctive authority to make Bridger’s story convincing. Passion and admiration for this dangerous profession shine from the pages. Espionage fans looking for a quick dip into the world of spies, lies, and justice will enjoy tagging along with Bridger and his team.
Takeaway: Global espionage and fast-paced action collide in this spy thriller.
Great for fans of: David Ignatius’s The Quantum Spy, Mark Greaney The Gray Man.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: B-
Weliver, an English professor, contracted Covid-19 at the start of the pandemic. This changed everything for this former workaholic, forcing her to slow down and reconsider the balance between mental health and modern life. Inspired in part by the Odawa and Ojibwe culture of her home state of Michigan, as well as Lao Tzu’s teachings on the elements, Weliver structures her memoir by focusing each chapter on a specific symbol tied to an animal or legend while tackling an individual challenge of life with long Covid. The result is a kaleidoscope of experiences, readings, reminiscences, and challenges to everyday thinking, offering much for inquisitive readers to relate to. Michiganders particularly will appreciate the paeans to the state’s beauty and history.
The Arrow Tree also offers a moving account of the shifting difficulties of the pandemic on all aspects of American life: quarantine, remote learning, impromptu homeschooling, and more. Weliver draws welcome attention to the long-term physical and emotional effects of Covid-19, describing how, months after she survived the virus, she still can sink into a multi-day malaise after a grueling 20-minute walk. Part pandemic memoir, part poetic reflection, The Arrow Tree is as edifying as it is emotional.
Takeaway: The lessons of the natural world shine in this lyrical and moving account of surviving Covid-19.
Great for fans of: Mary Oliver, Henry David Thoreau.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A+
Marketing copy: B+
Burch’s narrative opens with the author looking back upon her youth, memories of family, and burgeoning relationship with her husband-to-be from a perspective some fifty-plus years later. While evocative and wistful, the prose feels somewhat overblown. Once Burch shifts into a present-tense format to detail her everyday Alaskan life, however, the story gains confidence and focus. She exhibits a great eye for detail and atmosphere, bringing the frozen reaches of the Arctic Circle of 1964 to life in all their chilly, remote wonder. Readers will feel the shock of the world she portrays, one lacking almost every modern convenience.
Some elements of the Burches’ era and outsider perspective can feel jarring to contemporary readers—including the frequent use of Eskimo over Inuit and Tiger’s insistence that “the natives are satisfied with what they have and always seem to be happy.” One startling reminder of the mores of the era is that despite her unhappiness, Burch accepts that “Young women in the early 1960s didn’t question whether or not they could live the life their husband wanted. They went ahead with his wishes and hoped for the best.” Nevertheless, Burch’s resilience shines through the story, and her firsthand accounts of living off the land, Inuit-style, are vividly detailed, resulting in an intimate look at a remote culture before it was reached by the changing times.
Takeaway: An intimate portrait of everyday life amongst the Inuit people of the 1960s, as viewed through the lens of an inexperienced outsider.
Great for fans of: Fred Bruemmer's Arctic Memories: Living With the Inuit, Sheila Watt-Cloutier’s The Right to Be Cold.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: B+
