Senior News Book Review Column--- April 2014

For several years now I have been writing a monthly book review column for the Senior News newspaper. The Senior News is aimed to the 50 and over readership with news relevant to seniors regarding various issues, humor pieces, and my review column among other things. The newspaper is a giveaway at doctor offices, stores, etc. and can be received by mail via a paid subscription. There are multiple editions across the state of Texas and therefore there is some fluctuation in content in each edition.

My column every month focuses on books of interest to the Texas audience. Therefore the books selected for the column, fiction or non-fiction, are written by Texas residents, feature Texans in some way, or would have some other connection to the Texas based readership. At least two books are covered each month in the short space I am given.

Below is/was my April 2014 column ……

The Last Death Of Jack Harbin: A Samuel Craddock Mystery

Terry Shames

Seventh Street Books (imprint of Prometheus Books)

ISBN# 978-1-61614-871-3

Paperback (also available as an e-book)

250 Pages

Back in the day just before the first Gulf War, Jack Hardin was quarterback of the Jarrett Creek High School Panthers and he was the man. He wasn’t when he came home after serving in the first Gulf War. Blind, crippled and confined to a wheelchair, abandoned by his mom and many others, Jack primarily relies on his father Bob Harbin to take care of him. The same Bob Harbin who just died of an apparent heart attack on the street in front of his house in the opening pages of The Last Death Of Jack Harbin: A Samuel Craddock Mystery arbin who has just died on the street in front of his house in the opening pages of “Thwe Last Death of JAck Harbin” by Terry Shames.

Bob Harbin’s death is just one of the many events going on in this second book of the series. As he was in A Killing At Cotton Hill Samuel Craddock, retired police chief, is the only real person around with actual law enforcement experience and training. The past may have been buried, but it coming back to life and taking a heavy toll on the town folk of Jarrett Creek, Texas in so many ways and Samuel Craddock might be the only one who can figure it out and stop those responsible.

Crochet One-Skein Wonders: 101 Projects From Crocheters Around The World

Edited by Judith Durant & Edie Eckman

Storey Publishing

ISBN# 978-1-61212-042-3

Paperback (also available in e-book format)

288 Pages

As the subtitle 101 Projects From Crocheters Around The World makes clear, variety is very much at work here in this nearly 300 page book. The projects are divided up into seven categories reflecting the weight of the skein. The explanation of those weights can be found in the glossary as are explanations of the techniques needed, abbreviations used, and other helpful information.  Instead of being at the front of the book as usually happens that informative stuff is at the back so that Crochet One-Skein Wonders begins immediately with the projects.

Featuring project diversity and variety in skill levels, the 101 projects in Crochet One-Skein Wonders are sure to work for you as well as your family and friends. The projects selected by editors Judith Durant and Edie Eckman can be made for recipients of all age levels and would be treasured gifts.

Kevin R Tipple ©2014

Review: "Crochet One-Skein Wonders: 101 Projects From Crocheters Around The World" Edited by Judith Durant and Edie Eckman

Featuring 101 Projects From Crocheters Around The World variety is very much at work here in this nearly 300 page book. The projects are divided up into seven categories reflecting the weight of the skein. The explanation of those weights can be found in the glossary as are explanations of the techniques needed, abbreviations used, and other helpful information.  Instead of being at the front of the book as usually happens that informative stuff is at the back so that Crochet One-Skein Wonders begins immediately with the projects.

Eight projects are found in the opening section titled “Thread.” It can be something to be used around the house such as the “Blooming Blossom Coaster Set” on pages 8-10 or something to be worn such as the very pretty “Butterfly Necklace” on pages 19-21 among others.  In each case the name of the creator is listed along with the supplies needed, the directions, and at least one picture of the finished project. This same format is used throughout the book.

The “Lace Weight” section follows and features four patterns. Beginning on page 27 there are patterns for three scarves and one for a cowl featured here.

“Super-Fine Weight” comes next with 20 more designs. A number of them involve cowls and scarves, but other items such as “Flower Power Purse” (pages 57-58) and the “Shell Stitch Fingerless Gloves” (pages 65-67) are featured.

“Fine Weight” begins on page 90 and features 9 projects. More scarves and glove projects can be found here as well as the “Pebble Beach Headband” (pages 92-93) and the “Spring Garden Dress” (pages 99-101) and the cute “Eliot-the-Elephant Baby Bib” (pages 102-104) and others.

Starting on page 113 are the twelve projects that make up the “Light Weight” section. More scarves and headband projects can be found here along with others such as the “Sunflower Pillow” (pages 135-138) and “Napkin Rings” (pages 139-140) and the Green Water-Bottle Holder” (pages 141-142).

“Medium Weight” comes next with more than 30 projects.  Hats and a scarfs of various types are present here as well as ones for fun things like “Bernie the Bunny” (pages 226-230) and a Kindle Cover” on page 242.

10 Projects make up the “Bulky Weight” section of the book. A “Button-Flap Cape” (pages 245-246) and a “Handpainted Shoulder Bag” on pages 256-258 among others are included in this final project chapter.

Short bios of the designers/creators in the book, a glossary of techniques, yarn weight, symbols and abbreviations follows the final project chapter. A nine page index and an ad featuring four titles aimed at knitters and an accompanying ad for four other crochet books bring this well done book to a close.

Featuring project diversity and variety in skill levels, the 101 projects in Crochet One-Skein Wonders are sure to work for you as well as your family and friends. The projects selected by editors Judith Durant and Edie Eckman can be made for recipients of all age levels and would be treasured gifts.

Crochet One-Skein Wonders: 101 Projects From Crocheters Around The World

Edited by Judith Durant & Edie Eckman

Storey Publishing

http://www.storeypublishing.com

April 2013

ISBN# 978-1-61212-042-3

Paperback (also available in e-book format)

288 Pages

$18.95

Material was obtained at my local library for my use in a future review piece for my column in the Senior News newspaper.

Kevin R. Tipple ©2013