1. Somethng for Nothing is narrated by a college freshman who is a bit confused by the possibility that the new "university" in town is offering diplomas for free. Well, not exactly free, as he discovers with the help of a remarkable mouse. "great, funny" "will catch you by surprise!" BUT NOT ON THE MARKET UNTIL JUNE 2010
2. Nobody's Fault is reported by an extraordinarily bright 12-year-old journalist who has some personal and editorial problems while interviewing a 105-year-old survivor of the horrifying 1906 San Francisco Earthquake and Fire. It's young-adult historical fiction with a grown-up edge to it. "...scary but funny...thought-provoking...realistic and philosophical...." Reviewed in School Library Journal, Flamingnet Book Reviews, and others.
3. A Cuisine of Leftovers, not a book of recipes, consists of short stories about some stars of Balona Society (high and low). Very likely more interesting to grown-ups and more mature young adults. "mixture of wonderful and insane" This book is a subsidy publisher's product.
4. A Perched-in Soul is a story of a terribly damaged Marine vet who's having troubles "adjusting to life." Probably more interesting to grown-ups with plenty of life experience and more mature young adults. "startling, sad, and funny"
5. The Far Side of the Moon is historical fiction about a very brave young refugee woman in California of the 1870s. "touching, inspiring" Reviewed in VOYA
6. Serving Humanity presents Simon Burberry, a suave, mysterious Englishman accidentally landing in Balona. Is he safe? Is Balona? "genteel horror," "gruesome but funny" Awarded "BEST YA FICTION" by NORCALPA (2008)
7. Verga's Blessing is "vampire fiction" about a mysterious publisher who shows up in Balona, promising fame and fortune. Patella Sackworth falls for the pitch along with many others. Will she survive and prosper, or will she come down with "The Pales"? Reviewed in School Library Journal
8. Buds demonstrates how two perhaps "spiky" young women find unanticipated friendship. "funny, touching, real"
9. An Almost Private Eye: Mystery of The Starfighter offers a "dramatic sort of term paper" by criminal justice student Joseph O. Kuhl (as told to author Joaquin Peralta), wherein would-be secret agent Joe reveals how he almost captured and exposed the famous Starfighter of Balona. Reviewed in School Library Journal
10. Emma Snow: At the Edge of the World A very bright 12-year-old narrates this literate and often hair-raising adventure, wherein Emma and her brother are abandoned in 1848 San Francisco, left to fend for themselves. Do they survive? You bet! (Now on the market.)
11. Catalog of the Musical Compositions of Stanworth Russell Beckler offers an annotated index to (and information about) a lifetime of compositions by a contemporary American composer.(Not an audio offering)"astonishing output!"
12. Just Say YES: Memoirs of a Geezer recalls the experiences of prodigious musician-media executive John Graves with a variety of celebrities over the last half-century. "Funny, insightful, memorable," says jazz great Dave Brubeck.