This is a bit late thanks to a migraine yesterday, but here are this week’s new releases.

**Housekeeping Note** After doing a little research and coming across the American Foundation for the Blind’s tips on making my blog more accessible to those who are visually impaired, links will no longer open up in a brand new window.

Fiction/Literature/Romance

Judas by Amos Oz – From the International bestseller and winner of the International Literature Prize comes a new story set in post-World War II Jerusalem. Part love story, part coming of age story, and an allegory for the state of Israel and the biblical tale from which it draws its name.

Memoirs of a Polar Bear by Yoko Tawada – Yes, you read that right, “Memoirs of a Polar Bear”. In this case, it’s actually memoirs of three polar bears, not just one. Three generations, Grandmother, Mother & Son, who are part of an East Germany circus and are writers in their own right.

Holly & Hopeful Hearts: A Bluestocking Belles Collection by Amy Rose Bennett, Jessica Cale, Susana Ellis, Sherry Ewing, Jude Knight, Caroline Warfield, and Nicole Zoltack – A holiday collection of eight romance novellas by these talented authors (Jude Knight writes two of them). All of the novellas are based around the idea that the Duchess of Haverford is having a Yuletide House Party & New Year’s Eve ball, during which she intends to raise money for her favorite cause and promote whatever marriages she can. All of our heroes & heroines set out with their pocketbooks firmly clutched and their hearts in protective custody. Or are they?
While this is only available as an e-book, 25% of the proceeds are being donated by the authors to the Malala Fund.

Mystery/Cozy Mystery/Thriller

This Was a Man by Jeffrey Archer – The last installment in the Clifton Chronicles series. “This Was a Man, the captivating final installment of the Clifton Chronicles, a series of seven novels that has topped the bestseller lists around the world, and enhanced Jeffrey Archer’s reputation as a master storyteller, opens with a shot being fired, but who pulled the trigger, and who lives and who dies? ” (Description from Amazon) – Non-Cozy

The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer – An ex-agent from an agency so clandestine it doesn’t have a name is on the run from her former employers.  – Non-Cozy

Cat Got Your Diamonds by Julie Chase – The first in the new “Kitty Couture Mystery” series. “Grandeur and opulence are everything in the famed New Orleans Garden District where pets are family and no bling is too big. Opening Furry Godmother, pet boutique and organic treat bakery, is Lacy Marie Crocker’s dream come true–until the glitter gun used to make her Shih Tzu tutus becomes a murder weapon. And Lacy becomes public enemy #1.” (Description from Amazon) – Cozy Mystery

Science Fiction/Fantasy

At the Sign of Triumph (Safehold Series) by David Weber – In this latest installment of the Safehold series, The Church of God Awaiting and the tiny island realm of Charis are facing off. Everyone is certain that The Church of God Awaiting is going to simply crush Charis. After all, it only holds 2% of Safehold’s population, no matter how prosperous it is. But Charis isn’t going down without a fight. Will freedom prevail or will it be crushed forever?

Jim Henson’s Labyrinth Artist Tribute by Jim Henson and others – “In the thirty years since its original release in 1986, Jim Henson’s timeless fantasy film Labyrinth has captured the minds and imaginations of authors, artists, filmmakers, and fans across the world. In honor of the film’s 30th anniversary, return to the world of Labyrinth and see the beloved characters, imaginative locations, and unforgettable moments as realized by a collection of uniquely original artistic voices in an unprecedented celebration of the cult classic thirty years in the making.” (Description from Amazon)

Hindsight by Mindy Tarquini – Hindsight is a contemporary fable designed to help us remember that we should live this life as if it is the only one we will ever have. In it, our heroine can remember all of her past lives and desperately wants to change her future, but in order to do that, she’ll need to confront her own shortcomings.

Non-Fiction – History/Biography/Politics

Culloden: Scotland’s Last Battle & the Forging of the British Empire by Trevor Royle – “A vigorous and authoritative history of last major battle fought between Scottish and English forces, ending all hope of the Stuarts reclaiming the throne and forming the bedrock for the creation of the British Empire. The Battle of Culloden in 1746 has gone down in history as the last major battle fought on British soil: a vicious confrontation between the English Royal Army and the Scottish forces supporting the Stuart claim to the throne. But this wasn’t just a conflict between the Scots and the English: the battle was also part of a much larger campaign to protect the British Isles from the growing threat of a French invasion.” (Description from Amazon)

Looking For Votes in All the Wrong Places: Tales & Rules from the Campaign Trail by Rick Ridder – “Rick Ridder, a long-time political strategist who has been called “a political version of Columbo,” has been at the center of some of America’s most epic political battles ― everything from presidential death matches to the legalization of marijuana.” As he takes us along on some of his past journeys, he reveals 22 rules of campaign management and provides examples of them.

The Comedians: Drunks, Thieves, Scoundrels, and the History of American Comedy by Kliph Nesteroff – “Jokes change from generation to generation, but the experience of the comedian transcends the ages: the drive, jealousy, heartbreak, and triumph. From the Marx Brothers to Milton Berle to George Carlin to Eddie Murphy to Louis CK—comedy historian Kliph Nesteroff brings to life a century’s worth of rebels and groundbreakers, mainstream heroes and counterculture iconoclasts, forgotten stars and workaday plodders in this essential history of American comedy.” (Description from Amazon)

Non-Fiction – Science/Nature/Technology

The Revenge of Analog by David Sax – “A funny thing happened on the way to the digital utopia. We’ve begun to fall back in love with the very analog goods and ideas the tech gurus insisted that we no longer needed. Businesses that once looked outdated, from film photography to brick-and-mortar retail, are now springing with new life. Notebooks, records, and stationery have become cool again. Behold the Revenge of Analog.” (Description from Amazon)

Night Sky with the Naked Eye: How to find Planets, Constellations, Satellites, and Other Night Sky Wonders without a Telescope by Bob King – “Gain a deeper appreciation of the universe and our place in it with Night Sky with the Naked Eye. Learn how to spot the International Space Station, follow the moon through its phases, forecast an aurora and watch a meteor shower along with traditional night sky activities such as identifying the bright planets, stars and constellations. Fun activities embrace modern technology with the best apps and websites that make it easy for anyone to observe the greatest spectacles of the sky without a telescope or other expensive equipment.” (Description from Amazon)

The Left Brain Speaks, the Right Brain Laughs by Ransom Stephens – “In The Left Brain Speaks, but the Right Brain Laughs, physicist Ransom Stephens explains the interesting and often amusing tale of how the human brain works. Using understandable metaphors and easy to follow language, Stephens gives readers of any scientific level an introduction to neuroscience and shows them how things like creativity, skill, and even perception of self can grow and change by utilizing the body’s most important muscle.” (Description from Amazon)

Teen Fiction & Non-Fiction

The ABC’s of LGBT+ by Ashley Mardell – “The 21st Century has seen very positive movement for LGBT+ rights in the last few years – the overturning of DOMA, SCOTUS ruling in favor of the Marriage Equality Act, American transgender politicians elected to office and landmark moments such as Apple becoming the most valuable company in the world under the leadership of an openly gay CEO. We are living in a post-binary world where gender fluency and awareness of how people identify is essential. Ashley Mardell, one of the most trusted voices on YouTube, presents a detailed look at all things LGBT+. Along with in-depth definitions, personal anecdotes, helpful infographics, resources, and more, Mardell’s book is proof it does get better every day in a world where people are empowered by information and understanding.” (Description from Amazon)

Timekeeper by Tara Sim – “In an alternate Victorian world controlled by clock towers, a damaged clock can fracture time–and a destroyed one can stop it completely.” (Description from Amazon)

Four-Four-Two by Dean Hughes – A story of a young boy who joined the fight during World War II and fought in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, a regiment made up completely of Japanese-Americans. Not only will he and his fellow officers face the horrors of combat, but they will also have to fight persistent prejudices and will develop friendships deeper than he knew possible.

Children’s Books – Picture Books & Easy Readers

Alphonse, That is Not Ok to Do! by Daisy Hirst – Big sister, Natalie, and little brother, Alphonse, like a lot of the same things. But when Alphonse starts drawing on Natalie’s things and eating her favorite book, she’s had enough. A cute story about sibling squabbles and the loving bond beneath them.

The Fix-It Man by Susan Hood & Arree Chung – “Meet Joshua James, the fix-it man. If he can’t fix it, no one can! When a stinky problem arises, Joshua James takes matters into his own hands with a little help from his younger sister, Sophie. This playful read-aloud story with catchy text and imaginative illustrations is sure to inspire young inventors everywhere.” (Description from Amazon)

Ham-Ham-Hamsters (Penguin Young Readers, Level 2) by Bonnie Bader – A wonderful fact and photo-filled book about hamsters that any young reader will love.

Children’s Books – Chapter Books & Non-Fiction

How Cities Work (Lonely Planet Kids) by James Gulliver Hancock, Jen Feroze, and Lonely Planet Kids – “Get ready to explore the city in a whole new way. This innovative book for younger readers is packed with city facts, loads of flaps to lift, and unfolding pages to see inside buildings and under the streets.” (Description from Amazon)

Race the Night by Kirsten Hubbard – Without you, there’d be no hope for the world. Because you are the world. That’s what Eider’s teacher says and she knows her teacher is right, but as time goes on, Eider starts questioning things and trying to find truth and meaning not only in what her teacher says, but in her world as well.

Tooth or Dare (Shark School #7) by Davy Ocean & Aaron Blecha – Harry Hammer and Rick Reef are in fierce competition for who can lose the most shark teeth. The prize? A trip to Dregoland, Shark Point’s most amazing amusement park to ride the new ride before anyone else along with the opportunity to meet Gregor the Gnasher, superstar wrestler. Will Harry pull off the win or will Rick be the one riding the new ride first?

Wonderful Winter: All Kinds of Winter Facts and Fun by Bruce Goldstone – “Winter is a season of wondering and waiting. We wonder why some trees lose their leaves while others stay green all winter long. We wait for the first snowfall―and then wonder at how amazing each snowflake is. We wonder how animals manage to live in the cold. And we can’t wait to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. With vivid photographs, lively explanations, and creative craft ideas, Bruce Goldstone presents all the fascinating facts that make winter so wonderful!” (Description from Amazon)