Scottoline and Serritella (who are mother and daughter) are back again in “Have a Nice Guilt Trip,” a witty and fun excursion into the lives of both authors. Though the pieces have appeared in other publications they are together for the first time in the same collection. The two authors comment on many subjects ranging from dating and relationships to living alone in a home. The most surprising thing I found with “Have a Nice Guilt Trip” are the many unflattering things Lisa reveals about herself, and I was surprised she would be that honest.
Lisa Scottoline and Francesca Serritella
St Martin’s Press
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
9780312640095, $24.99, www.amazon.com
My Journey West Virginia to Korea to W.V.U.
“My Journey West Virginia to Korea to W.V.U.” takes place long ago in a country so different from today. The author tells stories of basketball games, other sports, being in high school, tours of duty in the military and after. “My Journey West Virginia to Korea to W.V.U.” has a nice flow that takes readers along a sentimental journey of a kinder and gentler world before the Korean War and after.
Jack Elbon
c/o Bookstand Publishing
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
9781618635617, $11.95 www.amazon.com
“Middle School Save Rafe!” begins with Rafe unable to register for the fall semester of school unless he goes through a one week boot camp called “The Program.” It is the hope of the principal of the school that he will learn some valuable lessons that will help him stay out of trouble. Adults and kids can read and enjoy the Middle School novels and “Middle School Save Rafe!” is a great addition to the series.
James Patterson & Chris Tebbetts
Little Brown and Company
c/o Hachette Book Group USA
237 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
9780316322126, $13.99 www.amazon.com
Middle School Ultimate Showdown
“Middle School Ultimate Showdown,” the 5th book in the series is a little bit different from the previous ones. This time the authors, James Patterson and Julia Bergen have filled the work with commentaries by Rafe and his sister Georgia as well as fun games and activities for kids to do. Also there are many different lessons on how to deal with bullying. “Middle School Ultimate Showdown” is great fun for all ages to enjoy.
James Patterson & Julia Bergen
Little Brown and Company
c/o Hachette Book Group USA
237 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
9780316322119, $13.99 www.amazon.com
Most of us like pizza and “Pizza in Pienza” is the story of where and how pizza began. The author also did the artwork and she traces the different ingredients that make up a pizza pie. She takes readers step by step on how to make a great pizza. Written for kids “Pizza in Pienza” is for all ages to have a deeper appreciation of this very special food that so many of us love.
Susan Fillion
David R. Godine Publisher
Post Office Box 450
Jeffrey New Hampshire 03452
9781567924596, $17.95 www.amazon.com
When I saw the name Richard Adams I thought, is this the same one who wrote “Watership Down?” I wondered because it has been a long time since I had seen anything new from that author. I am pleased to say it is the same writer and like “Watership Down.” “The Tyger Voyage” deals with animals with human characteristics who go on a bold quest. This time Adams has geared the story to a younger audience, writing in poetic form instead of prose and there is artwork by Nocola Bayley that further enhances the tale. “The Tyger Voyage” would make a perfect animated movie for all ages.
Richard Adams & Nicola Bayley
David R. Godine Publisher
Post Office Box 450
Jeffrey New Hampshire 03452
9781567924916, $15.95 www.amazon.com