In this month’s roundup of the best-reviewed BookLife titles, we highlight a resource book for parents raising children with disabilities, a guide to what you need to do before you die, a science fiction bundle, and a whole lot more.

Cadicle Omnibus

Amy DuBoff

Synopsis: This omnibus collects the first three volumes of DuBoff’s galaxy-spanning epic SF series full of politics, sabotage, kidnapping, telekinesis, and clones.

PW’s Takeaway: DuBoff weaves together sympathetic characters, an intriguing plot, devious villains, exciting space adventure, and hopes pinned on a chosen savior.

Comparable Titles: Ender’s Game, Dune

Sample Line: “The planet was soon obscured by the moon that stood out as a white orb against the surrounding darkness, barren compared to most of the moons he had encountered in his travels.”

Read the review.

Uncommon Voyage

Laura Shapiro Kramer

Synopsis: Recounting the challenges and joys of caring for a child with cerebral palsy, the author offers a useful guidebook for

parents of children with special needs.

PW’s Takeaway: Kramer’s experience and empathy shine through. This is a well-thought-out guide for parents that provides a flexible and compassionate approach to learning how best to help your child and yourself.

Comparable Titles: Kids Beyond Limits

Sample Line: “I was undeterred in my mission to get everything I could for my son; that is who I became.”

Read the review.

Kicking the Bucket List

Gail Rubin

Synopsis: A not-so-grim look at how to reap life’s benefits while preparing for the inevitable: death.

PW’s Takeaway: This invaluable book is an easy-to-read, enlightening reality check.

Comparable Titles: The Art of Dying

Read the review.

Shattered

Kimberly Rae

Synopsis: In book two in the Broken series, Jean has fallen in love, but her emotional scars run deep.

PW’s Takeaway: Rae admirably approaches a difficult subject with a nice balance of romance, intrigue, and wit.

Comparable Titles: The Shack

Read the review.

Riven

Jane Alvey Harris

Synopsis: Emily’s life is a mess; her fantasies offer answers.

PW’s Takeaway: Harris’s writing is polished. She effectively explores Emily’s maelstrom of psychological coping mechanisms.

Comparable Titles: The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

Read the review.