October 2019

Thanks to my buddy Ruben Gonzalez for insisting I read this fascinating diatribe by KISS founder Gene Simmons. Filled with all sorts of great practical tips on how to get ahead in business. Not always “politically correct,” Simmons impresses with his no-nonsense approach to succeeding financially in America.

The first comprehensive social history of jazz, this book provides an intimate and compelling look at the many forces that shaped this most American of art forms and the many influences that gave rise to jazz’s post-war styles.

Want to sound impressive at cocktail parties? Fit this quick, literary read into the conversation. In A Room of One's Own, Virginia Woolf imagines that Shakespeare had a sister – a sister equal to Shakespeare in talent, and equal in genius, but whose legacy is radically different. This imaginary woman never writes a word and dies by her own hand, her genius unexpressed. If only she had found the means to create, argues Woolf, she would have reached the same heights as her immortal sibling. In this classic essay, she takes on the establishment, using her gift of language to dissect the world around her and give voice to those who are without. Her message is a simple one: women must have a fixed income and a room of their own in order to have the freedom to create. Best of all? This summary is just a little longer than the book itself.

Beautifully written story of love, loss and a family centered around 16-year-old Melody. Coming of age tale that deals with teenage pregnancy and the impact on a family generationally written by one of today’s finest young adult authors.

More timely than ever, this entry in the Protector of the Small series is Anti-Bullying 101 while also touching on issues of bravery, friendship, and dealing humanely with refugees against a backdrop of an action-packed fantasy adventure.

A beautiful love story told to a son after his father's death. Spellbinding and philosophical. Thought provoking and causes one to wonder about our own existence.

Thank goodness for Dan Gutman! He has written so many sports books that have inspired my boys to read. When Joe Stoshack hears about Shoeless Joe Jackson – and the gambling scandal that destroyed the star player's career – he knows what he has to do. If he travels back in time with a 1919 baseball card in his hand, he just might be able to prevent the infamous Black Sox Scandal from ever taking place. And if he could do that, Shoeless Joe Jackson would finally take his rightful place in the Baseball Hall of Fame. But can Stosh prevent that tempting envelope full of money from making its way to Shoeless Joe's hotel room before the big game? Cool entry in Gutman’s Baseball Card Adventure series.

Hundreds of fascinating facts are waiting to be unearthed. Dive below the surface and find out what happens under earth and under sea – from early submarines and deep-sea life to burrowing animals and man-made tunnels. You will never look at the world in the same way again! Gorgeous design and quirky illustrations make this a book to be pored over again and again.

Our little bunny is ready to embark on his path to becoming a ninja. But is he cut out for the ninja life? Especially if it means leaving his friends behind? When a bear comes rumbling in and challenges Little Bunny, he learns a valuable lesson that all super awesome ninjas need to know—the value of having super awesome friends.

A delightful tale about one beginner and one professional ballerina living parallel lives as portrayed through warm, inviting illustrations and storyline. Children and dancers alike will love the realistic nature of this story, especially the heartwarming embrace that takes place backstage.