review

… the cookbook that collects favorite foods from every state in the union? The Great American Cookbook by Clementine Paddleford has 500 time-tested recipes. Little stories throughout each state tell of how some of the recipes came to be. Ever hear of “Zimtsterne,” commonly known as Cinnamon Stars or Potato Kugel? Both are favorites in Illinois.

… the spellwines that Vinearts make? Laura Anne Gilman created a unique form of magic for her book Flesh and Fire*. Although other people can use some of the power in the wines they make, only Vinearts can reach the magic in the grapes to make spellwines and use them to their full potential.

… a blueberry donut with chocolate frosting, sprinkles, stars and a sour gummy bear on top? You might think that this was the Tragic Toppings* of Jessica Beck’s new novel, but you’d be wrong.

… the dogs and people who work together in search and rescue? In Scent of the Missing, Susannah Charleson describes her experiences working with Puzzle, a Golden Retriever she trained to do search and rescue.

…the beautiful, great western parts of the United States? Adventures in America’s Western Parks: Great Train Rides, Lodges & Inns takes a train ride from Union Station in Chicago to Glacier National Park. If you go coach fare, it’s not terribly expensive. This is one super trip you’ll enjoy whether you actually visit in person or just sit back and be an armchair traveler.

… the vampires in San Francisco? Christopher Moore’s Bloodsucking Fiends* is a wonderfully funny story filled with odd characters and bizarre situations. Jody Stroud didn’t believe in vampires until she woke up under a dumpster, burned by sunlight and craving blood. C. Thomas (Tommy) Flood is a would-be writer from Indiana who works nights at a Safeway.

…what you shouldn’t wear?  Oh No She Didn’t: The Top 100 Style Mistakes Women Make and How to Learn From Them by Clinton Kelly helps you identify and avoid common fashion mistakes. You don’t have to watch TLC’s ‘What Not to Wear” to know that this book will be funny, insulting, politically incorrect, sarcastic, and very informative.

…the funny-looking high school student?

… the unpopular principal who was murdered? Laura Alden’s Murder at the PTA* is set in Wisconsin. Bookstore owner and divorced mom of two, Beth Kennedy gets talked into running for a slot on the PTA board when the school principal is murdered.

…the hidden city on the border between our world and the Realm of the elves? Welcome to Bordertown, edited by Holly Black and Ellen Kushner, brings readers back to one of the first shared worlds of urban fantasy.