12 Books to Read in April

I often talk about the physical (print) books on my reading list, but I sometimes forget to let you know what's new on my eReader. Here are 12 books (all to be published in April) that caught my attention.

Traveling to New Places

• The Alaskan Laundry by Brendan Jones: Set in Alaska, this novel follows Tara Marconi's transformation from Philadelphia athlete and baker to commercial fisherman in the harsh northern latitudes. Themes: friendship, self-discovery, new starts (Mariner Books) • Before We Visit the Goddess by Chitra Banerjie Divakaruni: Set in India and America, this is the story of three generations of women whose choices have unexpected consequences. Themes: mothers & daughters, cultural expections (Simon & Schuster) • Chasing the North Star by Robert Morgan: Set in the 1850s, this novel follows the journey of Jonah Williams who escapes from his South Carolina plantation to find freedom in the north. Themes: human spirit, friendship, survival (Algonquin). • A Fierce and Subtle Poison by Samantha Mabry: Set in Puerto Rico, this murder mystery finds its foundation in folklore and tales of the "girl filled with poison," who may or may not be dangerous. Themes: first love, culture clash, folk beliefs (Algonquin Books for Young Readers)

Nonfiction Picks

• Jungle of Stone by William Carlsen: This is the true story of the early-1800s discovery of the fabled cities of the ancient Maya. Facing an unforgiving environment, two men survived a 2,500-mile journey to tell the world of their discoveries. History (William Morrow) • The Last Voyageurs by Lorraine Baoissoneault: In 1976 a group of Midwestern teens and high school teachers set out to reenact the 3,300-mile journey of French explorer La Salle. This is the story of their adventure told against the backdrop of the original 1680 expedition. History, travel (Pegasus) • The Path by Michael Puett and Christine Gros-Loh: Written for the general public, this book is based on Harvard professor Puett's very popular Chinese philosophy class, which has transformed the lives of hundreds of students. Philosophy (Simon & Schuster) • Pistols and Petticoats by Erika Janik: The subtitle tells it all--"175 Years of Lady Detectives in Fact and Fiction." This book explores the trials and tribulations of the strong women who found a place in real-life law enforcement or in the pages of crime novels. Women's issues (Beacon Press)

Family and Women

• The Railwayman's Wife by Ashley Ray: Set in 1948 in Australia, this is the story of a young widow trying to come to terms with life as a single parent and a World War II veteran whose poetry seems to have been bled away. Themes: healing, moving forward, friendship (Atria) • Sunday's on the Phone to Monday by Christine Reilly: Set over thirty years in New York City, this is the story of a couple and then a family settling into its maturity. Themes: sisters, loyalty, family love (Touchstone) • Three-Martini Lunch by Suzanne Rindell: Set in the late 1950s in New York City, this novel centers on three young adults whose publishing dreams--as authors or editors--are tested by personal choices and cultural expectations. Themes: ambition, friendship, the price of success (Putnam) • The Year We Turned Forty by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke: Set during modern times, this novel gives three fifty-year-old best friends a do-over of their fortieth year. What would they do differently? Themes: friendship, choices, fate (Washington Square Press)

What's on your eReader for April?

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Reading on Topic: 3 Books for Dog Lovers

Although the Beth Fish Reads household is currently petless (sad face), we both grew up in families of dog lovers and have a soft spot in our hearts for four-legged companions.

All three books in today's Reading On Topic: Dogs are perfect for animal lovers. The first might turn you into an animal rights activist, and the others will make you smile and maybe even cry a little. In any case, you'll want to add all of them to your reading list.

A Matter of Breeding by Michael Brandow (Beacon Press, 2015, ISBN: 9780807033432). This is a well-crafted exposé on how kennel clubs, dog shows, and status-seeking humans have caused much pain and suffering for their dog companions--all in the name of purity of breed. Journalist turned dog-care professional, Brandow relies on a combination of research and personal experience to demonstrate how breeding for "desirable" traits has led to numerous medical problems for the dogs in question. For example, some breeds have chronic breathing problems, congenitally weak bones, and even digestive issues. Written in an easy-to-read style, A Matter of Breeding is an important book for every dog lover.

Good Dog edited by David Dibenedetto (HarperWave, 2014, ISBN: 9780062242358). Editor Dibenedetto put together a collection of beautifully written short pieces about man's best friend, all of which first appeared in the "Good Dog" column of Garden & Gun magazine. All kinds of authors--from novelist Jill McCorkle to humorist Roy Blount Jr and journalist T. Edward Nickens--contributed their recollections of working dogs, rescue dogs, and family companions. Humor, love, and respect radiate from these personal stories of people and their pets. Some of my favorites are the stories of the role dogs played in bringing couples together and the sweet recollections of favorite childhood pets. Put Good Dog on your bedside table and read these moving tales (tails?) one or two at a time.

Dog Crazy by Meg Donohue (William Morrow, 2015, ISBN: 9780062331038). Author Meg Donohue makes no secret of her love of furry friendship in her newest novel. This story is about Maggie Brennan, who works as a pet bereavement counselor and volunteers as a dog rescuer, and focuses on how important our pets are in our daily lives and how their love can heal the most troubled soul. The deep emotions surrounding the loss of a much-loved dog are lightened with humor, romance, and a mystery. I haven't yet read this novel, but the reviews of Dog Crazy assure me that despite the potential for tears, the story is ultimately uplifting. This sounds like the perfect read for a lazy Saturday afternoon, especially with a cup of tea and a beloved dog or two curled up at your side. (And I can't help but love the cover!)

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