June's In the Queue

These are the new Hot releases for June and a few sneak peaks for July! If you see a title you like don't forget to get in the queue.


Fiction

Save the Date by Mary Kay Andrews
A Savannah Florist scores the wedding of a lifetime that will make her the go to florist for wedding nuptials, until the bride goes missing.


FaceOff by David Baldacci
This anthology sponsored by the International Thriller Writers is destined to be a hit! Beloved characters from several different authors meet within these short stories and the results are fantastic!


The Hurricane Sisters by Dorothea Benton Franks
An enchanting tale of the ties and lies between three generations of strong women from the low country.


The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith
Cormoran Strike investigates the disappearance of an author who has just written an expose' on almost everyone he knows. When the author is found brutally murdered, Strike has to weed through a lengthy suspect list in order to  solve the case.


The Ice Cream Queen of Orchard Street by Susan Jane Gilman
This debut fiction novel is the rags to riches story of Malka Treynovski. Malka immigrates to America, is abandoned by her parents and through her determination, brashness and her drive to succeed she becomes an ice cream icon. This novel is filled with laughter and moxy and shows readers a colorful glimpse of 20th century America.


Vertigo 42: A Richard Jury Mystery by Martha Grimes
Tom Williamson knows vertigo did not kill his wife. He asks Scotland Yard to help him prove it when more suspicious deaths occur.


The Smoke at Dawn by Jeff Shaara
The Last great push of the Army of the Cumberland sets the stage for a decisive confrontation. Confederates bite back with a shocking victory at the Battle of  Chickamauga, and Chattanooga proves a true test of General Grant and his army's might.


New Books by Best Selling Authors

Wayfaring Stranger: A Novel by James Lee Burke
Power Play by Catherine Coulter
For All Time: A Novel by Jude Deveraux
Remains of Innocence by Judith A. Jance
Sight Unseen by Iris Johansen
The City: A Novel by Dean R. Koontz
Invisible by James Patterson and David Ellis
The Girls of August by Anne River Siddons
The Heist: A Novel by Daniel Silva
A Perfect Life: A Novel by Danielle Steel
Cut and Thrust by Stuart Woods


Non-Fiction

The World According to Bob: The Further Adventures of One Man and His Streetwise Cat by James Bowen
Bowen has crafted and exciting sequel that will inspire all who read it.


Hard Choices: by Hillary Rodham Clinton
This is the inside account of the crises, choices and challenges Hillary faced during her four years as America's 67th Secretary of State, and how those experiences drive her view of the future.


Sally Ride: America's First Woman in Space by Lynn Sherr
A rich biography of a fascinating woman whose life intersected with revolutionary social and scientific changes in America. Ride's life story brings inspiration to millions.

Disaster Books: Hurricanes, Floods, and Tsumanis

1935 Hurricane Monument

I have been fascinated with true accounts of disasters since I was a little kid.  I don't think it's morbid curiosity.  I like the historical aspects, the compassionate feelings the tragedies invoke, the heroes and the villains, and the improvements that we as human beings, have created to try to counteract the forces of mother nature and our past hubris.  Plus, a good disaster book almost always keeps me on the edge of my seat and wanting to read more.

Since August will be the anniversary of four major tragedies, I thought I'd highlight the books and authors that are part of a genre called disaster books.  The definition according to Wikipedia is:

"Disaster books are a literary genre involving detailed descriptions of major historical disasters, often based on the historical records or personal testimonies of survivors. Since reportage of both natural disasters and man-made disasters is commonplace, authors tend to be journalists who develop their news reports into books."

This week we will be covering hurricanes, tsunamis, and floods.  Look for other types of disaster books in the following weeks.  Give these books and authors a try--you won't be disappointed.

Johnstown, PA After the Flood

The Johnstown Flood--Johnstown, PA--May 31, 1889--An elite hunting/fishing club neglected to repair the Johnstown Dam and ignored repeated warnings of leaks and possible failure. When the dam failed, it released a 40-foot-high, 1/2-mile-wide wall of water. Traveling at 40 mph, it swarmed over Johnstown and immediately killed approx. 2,000 people. It was so powerful that the body of one resident was found in Steubenville, OH--over 100 miles away.

--The Johnstown Flood by David McCullough

--The Johnstown Flood (DVD)

Galveston after Storm

The Galveston Hurricane--Galveston, TX--September 8, 1900--over 8000 people were killed--$700 million in damages.   It was the worst natural disaster in United States history.  A seawall was finally built to protect the island.

--Isaac's Storm: A Man, a Time, and the Deadliest Hurricane in History by Erik Larson

--Galveston and the 1900 Storm: Catastrophe and Catalyst by Patricia B. Bixel

Downtown Dayton, 1913 Flood

The Great Dayton Flood--Dayton, Ohio and other cities in the Great Miami watershed--March 21-March 26, 1913--An estimated 360 people died and 65,000 were displaced.  Approx. 20,000 homes were destroyed and damages were over $2 billion.  It was the greatest natural disaster in Ohio history.  Since 1922, the Miami Conservancy District's flood control system has kept Dayton safe from floods over 1500 times.

Time of Terror: the Great Dayton Flood of 1913 by Allan W. Eckert

Washed Away: How the Great Flood of 1913... by Geoff Williams

Letters from the Attic: Stories from the Victims... by Scott D. Trost

Train Derailed by 1935 Hurricane

1935 Labor Day Hurricane--August 29-September 10, 1935--Category 5 storm--408-600 killed (mostly in the Florida Keys) and $104 million in damages.  It was the most intense hurricane to make landfall in the U. S. and the Atlantic Basin in recorded history.  The storm surge was 18-20 feet high with over 185 mph winds.  The memorial contains the ashes of approx. 300 of the victims and is made from the local Keys limestone. (keystone)

Storm of the Century: the Labor Day Hurricane of 1935 by Willie Drye

Downtown Huntington, WV During 1937 Flood

The Ohio-Mississippi River Valley Flood of 1937--from Pittsburgh, PA to Cairo, IL--January 18-February 5, 1937--385 dead, 1 million left homeless, and $8 billion in damages.  National authorities created a flood control plan with over 70 storage reservoirs.  Completed in the early 1940s, it has reduced the Ohio River flood heights. 

The Thousand Year Flood: the Ohio-Mississippi Disaster of 1937 by David Welky

1938 Hurricane

The Great New England Hurricane of 1938--September 9-September 22, 1938--Category 5 storm--682-800 deaths and over $18 billion in damages.  It knocked down an estimated 2 billion trees in New York and New England.  Eastern Long Island was hit the worst and the storm was nicknamed "The Long Island Express."  It was so strong that it created 10 new inlets on E. Long Island.  Actress Katharine Hepburn narrowly escaped death from her home in Connecticut.

Great Hurricane: 1938 by Cherie Burns

Aftermath of 2004 Tsunami

2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami--18 countries affected--December 26, 2004--Over 220,000 people killed--1/3 of which were children.  500,000 people were injured and 5 million lost their homes and/or access to food and water.  Caused by a 10-second-long, 9.0 magnitude earthquake, the tsunami traveled 375 miles in 75 minutes at 300 mph.  The wave reached 33 ft high near the epicenter.  Indonesia, Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand had the most fatalities. Of the 5000 foreign tourists killed, Sweden lost the most people with 543 dead.  The deadliest tsunami in recorded history.

Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala

Wave of Destruction: the Stories of Four Families and History's Deadliest Tsunami by Erich Krauss

Tsunami: The Aftermath (DVD)

Tsunami, the Wave that Shook the World (DVD)

The Impossible (DVD) and (Blu-ray)

Hurricane Katrina--August 23-September 3, 2005--Over 1,800 people died and it caused $108 billion in damage.  It was the costliest natural disaster and one of the deadliest hurricanes in U. S. history.

Not Left Behind: Rescuing the Pets of New Orleans by (Best Friends Animal Society)

The Storm: What Went Wrong and Why... by Mike Bryan and Ivor Van Heerden

Flood of Lies: the St. Rita's Nursing Home Tragedy by James A. Cobb Jr.

Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital by Sheri Fink

Not Just the Levees Broke by Phyllis Montana-Leblanc

1 Dead in Attic by Chris Rose

2011 Tohoku, Japan Earthquake & Tsunami--March 11, 2011--Over 21,000 deaths, over 3000 missing, and over 27,000 injured.  Caused by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake--Waves reached a height of 133 ft and traveled 6 miles inland in some places.  Estimated $235 billion in damages which makes it the costliest natural disaster in world history.  The wave also caused a partial nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima power plant.  This makes it the 2nd largest nuclear disaster after Chernobyl.

Strong in the Rain: Surviving Japan's Earthquake, Tsunami, and Fukushima Nuclear Disaster by Lucy Birmingham

3.11: Disaster and Change in Japan by Richard J. Samuels

The Harlem Hellfighters by Max Brooks

With the approach of the 100^th anniversary of the First World War, there have been a plethora of books on the material. This title, written by Max Brooks (of World War Z fame) takes a different look at things. First, his subject is just one particular unit in the war, the 369^th Infantry Regiment. The 369^th had the longest combat deployment of American units, never gave up ground, and never had a soldier captured. They fought with such ferocity and bravery that the Germans dubbed them “Harlem Hellfighters”. But this historic black regiment faced considerable discrimination from their own country even before they started training. This fictionalized graphic novel follows the enlistment, training, and battles, both at home and abroad, of the 369^th Infantry Regiment.  

In his dialogue, Brooks makes it plain that he regards the soldier’s treatment as an injustice. But that their courage and their resolve, both on the battlefield and off, demand respect. The black and white art does an excellent job of capturing the conflicting emotions of the soldiers of the 369^th and the confusion and horrors of the First World War. Overall, this is an excellent graphic novel. When you add the importance of the subject matter, this becomes one of my favorite graphic novels to come out this year. Fans of military history, civil rights history, and graphic novels will all enjoy the Harlem Hellfighters.

Disaster Books: Fires and Volcanoes

Ruins of Pompeii in the shadow of Mt Vesuvius

I have been fascinated with true accounts of disasters since I was a little kid.  It's not morbid curiosity.  I just like the historical aspects, the compassionate feelings the tragedies invoke, the heroes and the villains, and the improvements that we as human beings, have created to try to counteract the forces of mother nature and our past hubris.  Plus, a good disaster book almost always keeps me on the edge of my seat and wanting to read more.

Since August will be the anniversary of two big volcanic eruptions and two deadly fires, I thought I'd highlight the books and authors that are part of a genre called disaster books.  The definition according to Wikipedia is:

"Disaster books are a literary genre involving detailed descriptions of major historical disasters, often based on the historical records or personal testimonies of survivors. Since reportage of both natural disasters and man-made disasters is commonplace, authors tend to be journalists who develop their news reports into books."

This week we will be covering volcanoes and fires.  Look for other types of disaster books in the following weeks.  Give these books and authors a try--you won't be disappointed.

Volcanoes

Mount Vesuvius--August 24, 79 A. D.--southwest of Naples, Italy. It erupted for eight straight days and killed 20,000 people.  Hot ash mixed with water, formed a deadly crust that buried the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum.  The preserved bodies of the dead can still be seen to this day.

--From Pompeii: the Afterlife of a Roman Town by Ingrid D. Rowland
--Pompeii (2014)--DVD and Blu-ray

Mount Tambora--April 5, 1815-Spring 1817--on the island of Sumbawa in Indonesia.  The eruption spewed ash that blocked the sun and caused temperatures to drop.  This caused excessive rain, frost, and snowfall in the United States and Europe.  This lead to riots, famine, and epidemics. Over 150,000 people died and billions of dollars in crops were destroyed.

--The Year Without Summer: 1816 and the Volcano that Darkened the World and Changed History by William K. and Nicholas P. Klingaman

Krakatoa--August 26-27, 1883--an island in Indonesia. The eruption annihilated the island of Krakatoa and the resulting tsunami killed nearly 40,000 people.  This was the most powerful volcanic eruption of all time.  The explosion woke up people in Southern Australia which was over 2,500 miles away.

--Krakatoa: the Day the World Exploded by Simon Winchester

Fires

Peshtigo, WI--October 8, 1871--the whole town was destroyed in one hour and over 2000 people died.  Because the Great Chicago Fire occurred on the same day, Peshtigo's tragedy was largely overlooked.

--Firestorm at Peshtigo: a Town, It's People, and the Deadliest Fire in American History by Denise Gess and William Lutz

Great Chicago Fire--Chicago, IL--October 8, 1871--it started in Mrs. O'Leary's barn but no evidence was ever found to blame her cow.  The fire burned four square miles of town and left 90,000 people homeless.  300 people died and it overshadowed the deadlier Peshtigo fire.

--The Great Chicago Fire by Robert Cromie

Iroquois Theater Fire Memorial

Iroquois Theater Fire--December 30, 1903--Chicago, IL--the worst theater fire in U. S. history, 602 died, many which were children.  It was a new theater and advertised itself as "fireproof".  It had no working sprinklers, the fire escapes had no stairs or ladders, and 27 of the exits were padlocked shut.  This criminally negligent fire led to the adoption of stricter safety, building, and fire codes around the country.

--Chicago Death Trap: the Iroquois Theater Fire of 1903 by Nat Brandt

"The Big Burn"--August 20, 1910--Washington, Idaho, and Montana--the largest forest fire in U. S. history, it destroyed 3 million acres and killed 7 civilians and 78 firefighters. It helped pioneer the conservation of public lands and defined the role of the U. S. Forest Service as a major foe of wildfires.

--The Big Burn: Teddy Roosevelt and the Fire that Saved America by Timothy Egan

Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire--March 25, 1911 in New York City--it killed 145 people, mostly immigrant women aged 13-23.  This disaster horrified the country and changed labor laws for the better.  The 100 year memorial for the victims was held in 2011.

--Triangle: the Fire that Changed America by David von Drehle
--Triangle Fire (2011)--DVD

Morro Castle Steamship Fire--September 8, 1934--Offshore Asbury Park, NJ--a mystery including a murder, a suspicious fire, incompetence, and criminal negligence that led to the death of 133 people.

--When the Dancing Stopped: the Real Story of the Morro Castle and Its Deadly Wake by Brian Hicks

Famous Clown Emmett Kelly carrying water at Hartford Circus Fire

Hartford Circus Fire--July 6, 1944--Hartford, CT--worst circus tragedy in the United States--168 people died, 2/3 of which were children--the big top tent went up in flames and trapped scores of people inside. This tragedy led to a new flame-retardant material being used for tents.

--The Circus Fire: a True Story by Stewart O'Nan

--Hartford Circus Fire by Michael Skidgett (2014)--on order

Mann Gulch Fire Memorial

Mann Gulch Fire--August 5, 1949--Mann Gulch, Montana--1 fire watch guard and 12 smokejumpers died--worst disaster in the history of the U. S. Forest Service elite smokejumpers unit--their deaths led to updates in wildfire fighting techniques and safety procedures.

--Young Men and Fire by Norman Maclean

Best Barbecue Books!

  

Do you live for outdoor grilling? Do you enjoy barbecue, barbeque, Bar-B-Q, no matter how you spell it, BBQ provides a time when you can sit back and relax with your friends and family while the smell of slow cooked meat fills the air. There's something wonderful to be said for drinking lemonade, laughing and enjoying the great outdoors with your friends. Here are some wonderful Bar-B-Q books that will make you the envy of your neighborhood!  




All Fired Up! by Troy Black
This book is filled with expert techniques and know-how to enable every cook to start grilling like an award winning pit master!


The Best Barbecue on Earth by Rick Browne
Barbecue goes global as pit master Rick Browne travels to 26 locations, tasting, cooking, photographing and adapting some of the world's best outdoor-cooking recipes for American grill masters!


The Good Housekeeping Test Kitchen Grilling Cookbook by Good Housekeeping Editors
This is the essential resource on a favorite topic: grilling!


Wicked Good Barbecue by Andy Husbands
If you want to cook competition worthy chow and you think you've got what it takes or want inspiration from the best; crack open this book, pick up your tongs and fire away!


100 Grilling Recipes You Can't Live Without! by Cheryl and Bill Jamison
This backyard essential delivers championship recipes with the Jamison's signature lively wit that reinvigorates the endless utility of this popular cooking technique.


Soaked, Slathered and Seasoned: A Complete Guide to flavoring For The Grill by Elizabeth Karmel
Karmel offers hundreds of savory and sweet flavorings to make the most of all your favorite foods--ribs, burgers, steaks, poultry, seafood, vegetables and fruit--really anything you can cook with fire and smoke is in this book!


Ribs, Chops, Steaks & Wings by Ray Lampe
This cookbook covers it all: ribs that are fall-off-the-bone tender, juicy chops, steaks and wings sweet, spicy, tangy and in between!


Big Bob Gibson's BBQ Book by Chris Lilly
The executive chef of Bib Bob Gibson's Bar-B-Q gives the low down on their award winning seasonings and combinations. Loaded with succulent photographs, easy-to follow instruction, and colorful stories. This book honors the legacy of Big Bob Gibson and great barbeque.


Grilled Pizzas & Piadinas by Craig W. Prieve
Grilling has always been hot! Now combine it with pizza and sandwiches and you have an unbeatable combination!


Steven Raichlen's Planet Barbecue! by Steven Raichlen
This is an unprecedented marriage of food and culture. Raichlen visited 60 countries and collected 309 of the tastiest, most tantalizing, easy-to-make, and guaranteed to wow recipes from every corner of the Globe.


Barbecue Bible: Sauces, Rub, Marinades, Bastes, Butters & Glazes by Steven Raichlen
This is a 512 page celebration of sizzle, smoke, secret sauces, and everything we love about cooking over fire!


Grilling Vegan Style by John Schlimm
Nothing says summer more than a feast hot off the barbecue. 'Grilling Vegan Style' serves up backyard cooking and entertaining like never before.


Barbecue Secrets by Ron Shewchuk
This magnificent cookbook includes stories of the competitive barbecue circuit and recipes that will blow your guests away! It's the ultimate guide to the barbecue lifestyle.


Big Book of BBQ by Elizabeth Taliaferro
BBQ is a revered cultural experience in the South. This book will teach you how to cook up an authentic Southern barbeque in your own backyard.