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The Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Musical Ink
Jon Blacker
Schiffer Publishing
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
9780764344435, $50.00, www.schifferbooks.com
Musical Ink isn't a book about music so much as it's a coverage of music-centered tattoos and the
tattooing industry as a whole. Images of tattooed musicians cross genres and cover a wide range
of both music and tattoo art styles, with pages juxtaposing photos of musician and tattoo (chosen
by the musician). Stories about the designs and how they evolved compliment a fine pictorial
coverage certain to attract both music and arts readers alike.
The Mr. Porter Paperback
Jeremy Langmead, Editor
Thames & Hudson
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110-0017
9780500291269, $29.95, www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
The Mr. Porter Paperback: The Manual for a Stylish Life, Volume One packs in over eighty color
illustrations and discusses men's styles from the perspective and experience of MrPorter.com, the
global online retail store focusing on men's styles. It's directed to new generations of men who
seek elegant and simple styles and blends interviews with insider tips on obtaining these styles.
From articles on biker jackets, polo shirts and tweed to creating one's own unique style, this is a
fine pick for any general collection appealing to men interested in fashion.
Who Owns America's Past?
Robert C. Post
Johns Hopkins University Press
2715 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4363
978142141102, $29.95, www.press.jhu.edu
Who Owns America's Past? The Smithsonian and the Problem of History offers a detailed book
about the Smithsonian and its move from collection-driven shows to content-driven exhibitions,
and is a pick for any collection strong in museum management and history. It considers different
ways the Smithsonian has chosen to design its exhibitions for different purposes, provides a
behind-the-scenes probe of the politics and arts arguments that often fueled particular exhibitions
and displays, and considers how the story of America is reflected within these choices and
arguments surrounding them. The result goes beyond a recommendation for arts holdings,
examining how American history itself is documented and presented.
Designing for Behavior Change
Stephen Wendel
O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein, Hwy N., Sebastopol, CA 95472-2811
9781449367626, $39.99, www.oreilly.com
Designing for Behavior Change is difficult to neatly 'peg': business, economics, psychology and
programming collections (among others) will all find much to like about this survey, which
applies a blend of psychology and behavioral economics to product development objectives.
From discussions of how people change behaviors to identifying a target audience and purposely
designing products to assist in this change, this blends user stories with discussions of how to
develop interface designs that are enjoyable and productive. Examples from Fitbit and other
projects are used to explain the basics of lean and agile development methods and how to design
projects that encourage positive change. Don't expect another discussion of behavioral science:
this is all about applying that foundation to real-world programming and business activities: here,
this book shines!
Embrace the Chaos
Bob Miglani
Berrett-Koehler Publishers
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 650
San Francisco, CA 94104-2916
9781609948252, $16.95, www.bkconnection.com
Embrace the Chaos: How India Taught Me to Stop Overthinking and Start Living tells of what
happened when the author accepted a chance invitation to India, the land of his birth. There he
found it to be the epitome of chaos: surprisingly, it was in India that he learned to stop trying to
control the chaos and focus on what he could control - which was his own actions and choices.
This is an inspirational story that blends an autobiography with wider-reaching ramifications for
embracing change. The author found new paths, choices and hope for his life in so doing: readers
of Embrace the Chaos will discover their own possibilities in business and persona lives alike, by
embracing this story!
Yearn
Tobsha Learner
Plume
c/o Penguin Group USA
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
978142180389, $16.00, www.penguin.com
YEARN: TALES OF LUST AND LONGING provides a fine erotic follow-up to her prior novels
and offers short stories that probe obsession and lust in various scenarios. From a movie star who
wants anonymity to a telemarketer looking for online lust and more, these short stories represent
erotic fiction at its best: variety, steamy sex scenes, and all backed by characters that come alive
with more than just sexual interests in mind. It's this attention to settings and build-up that make
YEARN an exceptional collection of erotica fiction, recommended for women who seek more
detail in such genre reading.
The Hunting/Fishing Shelf
Fishing the Coast
Don Pepper
Harbour Publishing
PO Box 219, Madeira Park, BC, Canada, V0N 2H0
9781550175974, $24.95, www.harbourpublishing.com
Fishing the Coast: A Life on the Water comes from a fisherman and industry analyst who
provides the first book written about the fishing life on the West Coast. The author fished salmon
every season from 1953 to 1969, balancing his fishing world with a career as a professional
economist. From technological changes he's seen in the fishing world to natural challenges, this
captures the experience of coastal fishing and is a fine, lively read for any who would enjoy an
action-packed account blending personal experience with industry observation.
Boone and Crockett Club's 28th Big Game Awards, 2012-2012
Boone and Crockett Club
250 Station Drive, Missoula, MT 59801
Hardcover, $49.95, www.boone-crockett.org
Boone and Crockett Club's 28th Big Game Awards, 2012-2012 is about hunting, and includes the
latest records in a book hunters can use to pinpoint North American hotspots for bagging the best
and the biggest. This volume contributes to a series that offers a complete, expanding archive of
trophy listings, with each listing include B&C gross score, final score, hunter, rank and more.
Surprisingly, this isn't just for the hunter: biologists can use trophy data in their research, wildlife
management can use it to consider hunting and wildlife statistics, and hunter-submitted stories
pair with hundreds of photos to make for an all-around winning survey.
The Automotive Shelf
CarTech Inc.
39966 Grand Avenue, North Branch, MN 55056
www.cartechbooks.com
Walt Thurn's HOW TO RESTORE YOUR C3 CORVETTE 1968-82 (9781613250372, $29.95)
provides a fine survey covering the entire restoration process, from initial disassembly to
selecting parts, making modifications and repairs, and re-assembly. With its step-by-step photos
for all major Corvette components, discussions of Corvette-specific problems, and considerations
of different model options, this is a restorer's dream and deserves a place in any automotive
how-to collection! Scotty Gosson's AMERICA'S WILDEST SHOW RODS OF THE 1960S &
1970S (9781613250365, $29.95) provides a fine survey of the show rods of two decades, and
packs its pages with color photos as it covers the major people involved in promoting, designing
and building these art cars. From customization specs and approaches to interviews with restorers
and surveys of different show rods, this is a solid pick for any transportation history holding.
David Tom's THE CARS OF TRANS-AM RACING 1966-1972 (9781613250518, $39.95)
covers the cars and history of road racing and packs in everything from car specs to race statistics
and results, color and black and white images of the cars, and anything to do with America
Trans-American Championship Road Racing. The author's forty-some years passion for his
subject lends to a coverage that is anything but light: detailed accounts of notable cars, races, and
anything associated with them will provide all the background needed for any fan of the series.
Bob McClurg's DIGGERS, FUNNIES, GASSERS & ALTEREDS: DRAG RACING'S
GOLDEN AGE (9781613251058, $29.95) talks about the golden age of drag racing, when it rose
from being a casual street sport to a professional endeavor, and is especially exciting because
author Bob McClurg was there to personally witness events and capture them with his camera.
His drag racing images of the 1960s and 70s captures top action and races, a variety of cars, and
comes together for the first time under one cover in a pick any drag racer or auto collection
simply must have!
The Cookbook Shelf
Smoothies
Eliq Maranik
H.F. Ullmann
c/o 60 Cycle Media Relations LLC
38 High Avenue, Nyack NY 10960
9783848002856, $19.99, www.ullmann-publishing.com
SMOOTHIES: REFRESHING, HEALTHY, AND DELICIOUS provides a colorful guide to all
the basics any newcomer to smoothies will need, from making fruit and berry smoothies and
vegetable smoothies to producing fruity cocktails. Each recipe comes with text pairing nutritional
information with keys to modifications and guidelines to purchasing fruit, and each offers keys to
not only purchasing fruit, but using kitchen equipment to best advantage. Over 100 color photos
makes this a lovely title for gift-giving or enjoyment: perfect for those with little experience
making smoothies!
La Tartine Gourmande
Beatrice Peltre
Roost Books
c/o Shambhala Publications, Inc.
300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-4544
www.shambhala.com
9781590307625, $35.00, www.roostbooks.com
La Tartine Gourmande: Recipes for an Inspired Life was written and photographed by the author
and provides a lovely collection of nearly 100 recipes and anecdotes. While these are inspired by
the author's native France, they pack in new ideas for classic dishes and pairs these with her
adventures abroad, which serve as the inspiration for such fare as Salmon and Watercress Quiche
and Coriander-Flavored Carrot and Zucchini Tartlets. The result's a lovely cookbook packed with
fresh, new ideas and inspirations perfect for any looking for French-based, different fare!
Ryland Peters
519 Broadway, 5th floor, New York, NY 10012
www.rylandpeters.com
Belinda Williams's DELICIOUS SOUPS: FRESH AND HEARTY SOUPS FOR EVERY
OCCASION (9781849754637, $24.95) offers a wide range of soup options, pairs soups with
full-page enticing color photos of complete products, and covers everything from simple broths
to complex gumbos, bisques and more. International influences are replete in a survey that
includes chilled soups, warm soups, and variety. Some are complex creations; others are quick
and easy, as in a Spicy Meatball Soup with Curly Kale and Roots. Some require some special
ingredients - as in a Carrot and Fennel Soup with Fresh Lemon, Dill and Nigella Seeds. Any
interested in soup will find this a visually appealing title that encourages soup enthusiasts to
move beyond the ordinary. Jane Mason's THE BOOK OF BUNS: OVER 50 BRILLIANT
BAKES FROM AROUND THE WORLD (9781849754354, $24.95) explores world cuisines as
related to different kinds of buns, and packs in color photos throughout as it provides cooks with
buns ranging from Mexican coffee buns to Estonia bacon- or ham-filled creations, Peruvian
sweet buns, and much more. The lovely color photos by Peter Cassidy really 'make' this an
appealing guide that offers a range of recipes any level of cook can enjoy.
Chronicle Books
680 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
www.chroniclebooks.com
Andrew Schloss's COOKING SLOW: RECIPES FOR SLOWING DOWN AND COOKING
MORE (9781452104690, $35.00) show how simmering, slow roasting, slow baking and other
'slow' methods using slow cookers and various equipment offer a variety of recipes that are easily
- and slowly - produced, and is recommended for any cookbook collection catering to busy
cooks. It focuses on how cooking at low temperatures improves flavors, and provides nearly a
hundred recipes any cook can easily produce. From desserts to brisket and various baked main
dishes, this is packed with appeal and color throughout, making it a fine compliment to
collections that have plenty of 'slow cooker' cookbooks but not enough overall emphasis on 'low
temperature' cooking in general. Denise Gee's SOUTHERN CASSEROLES: COMFORTING
POT-LUCKY DISHES (9781452112282, $24.95) packs in over forty Southern casserole recipes
along with color photos and focuses on easy-bake dishes that are easily customized and created.
From King Ranch Chicken to a bean, collard green and ham Soul Food with a Cornbread Cap,
this is packed with dishes that simplify the casserole process by using some frozen and
convenience foods. Busy cooks who still want the 'from scratch' feel will find this a winner!
Octopus Publishing
www.octopuspublishingusa.com
The new Gill Paul and Karen Sullivan 'Eat Yourself' series from Hamlyn provides readers with
easy steps to managing common health concerns and provides four books, each of which offers a
focus based on nutrition and desired health result. Each book is divided into two parts: recipes
and discussions of key ingredients and how they relate to health. EAT YOURSELF THIN:
SUPERFOODS & RECIPES TO BOOST METABOLISM & BURN FAT (9780600627029,
$9.99) offers keys to selecting foods that help one's system work at optimum levels that result in
losing weight and keeping it off; EAT YOURSELF HAPPY: INGREDIENTS & RECIPES FOR
A GOOD MOOD, EVERY DAY (9780600627050, $9.99) considers dozens of different types of
depression and how eating the right foods can stabilize emotions and lead to better psychological
well-being, EAT YOURSELF CALM: INGREDIENTS & RECIPES TO REDUCE THE
STRESS IN YOUR LIFE (9780600627043, $9.99) is all about stress management through foods
such as dark chocolate, mangoes, salmon and more, and EAT YOURSELF ENERGY;
INGREDIENTS & RECIPES TO POWER THROUGH THE DAY (9780600627043, $9.99)
offers a fine survey of how the same dark chocolate, mangoes, salmon and oats also help add to
energy. This is a fine series; highly recommended for any who would use better nutrition to
achieve psychological and physical health.
A Passion for Bread
Lionel Vatinet
Little, Brown & Company
c/o Hachette Book Group
237 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
www.hachettebookgroup.com
9780316200622, $35.00, www.littlebrown.com
Any who want a guide to producing good bread will find A Passion for Bread: 7 Steps to Making
Great Bread comes from a master baker who profiles the easy steps to producing foolproof
breads. Don't think this guide is just for newcomers to breads or baking, however: this offers a
range of tips for creating bread for everyone from beginners to those with some experience, and
blends stories with technical knowledge and recipes. Step-by-step color photos throughout
document every part of the process, while instructions are divided by numbers for quick,
at-a-glance understanding. From dividing and shaping breads to final fermentation, this is a
master baker's treasure trove and highly recommended for any who would bake bread or bake
better breads.
The Needlecraft Shelf
Martingale & Company
19021 Avenue NE, Bothell, WA 98011
www.martingale.com
Sara Lawson's BIG-CITY BAGS (9781604682939, $26.99) is more than another sewing book
about basic totes: it shows how to create sophisticated handbags and presents some 12
designer-style bags and purses packed with color. In the process of explaining these projects,
different techniques are covered from installing zippers and snaps to creating adjustable straps.
Patterns blend with easy step-by-step directions for customization, making for a top reference!
Donna Lynn Thomas' ON-POINT PATCHWORK: FUSS-FREE DIAGONALS USING THE
OMNIGRID ON-POINT RULER (9781604683356, $24.99) is for any quilter interested in
making complex-looking on-point patchwork for blocks, borders and sashes. Some 14 quilts for
all quilting levels use the special ruler designed by the author to rotary cut squares, rectangles and
triangles that measure evening across the diagonal for on-point patchwork. The result is a fine
pairing of innovative technique, full-page color photos, and step-by-step how-to directions for
easy recreation of the patterns and quilts. Nancy Mahoney's SIMPLE CIRCLES AND QUICK
CURVES: MACHINE APPLIQUE THE EASY WAY (9781604652915, $22.99) provides a fine
collection of curved-applique designs and teaches fusible and starch applique techniques
especially useful to any newcomer to using applique. From using precuts or cuts from a stash to
following patterns and making different blocks, this is a fine survey packed with tips and
techniques perfect for any newcomer to machine applique. Lorna Mister's KNIT PINK
(9781604683370, $24.99) provides a fine collection of over twenty ways to knit pink accessories
from shawls to bags, and is packed with knitting crafts that can be quickly done and which look
lovely for gift-giving or year-round embellishment. Full-page color photos accompany patterns
and step-by-step instructions for any with prior knitting expertise. With its varied creations and
lovely knitting projects, this is a top pick for any knitter who wants to learn about pink
accessories and their potential. Janet Rehfeldt's CROCHET PINK (9781604683530, $24.99)
provides a fine collection of nearly thirty ways to crochet accessories, and covers projects ranging
form a scarf or a shawl to hats and bags. Featured stitches, finished dimensions, and sidebars of
tips such as how to measure a square accompany crochet directions and color photos throughout.
From different kinds of crochet to clear patterns, this is a fine pick for any crocheter who wants
to turn out quick, easy, professional-looking accessories.
American Quilter's Society
PO Box 3290, Paducah, KY 42002-3290
www.americanquilter.com
Dianne S. Hire's APP IS FOR APPLIQUE (9781604601077, $24.95) features some 14 applique
floral patterns, provides applique embellishments based on these, and is a pick for any
needlework collection. Patterns, blocks and more can be mixed and matched while a series of
images offers various insights into options for placing and matching the patterns. All this is done
in full color, making for a lively and thorough coverage highly recommended for any
needleworker considering applique options. Joan Shay's REDWORK EMBELLISHED
(9781604601107, $24.95) covers not only redwork but its lesser-covered Purple-, Blue-, Black-
and Greenwork, and blends patterns with easy embroidery stitches and projects that provide
needleworkers fine new options for embellishing quilting projects or other works. 12 projects
feature different designs and themes and teach the basics, with color photos throughout adding to
a fine presentation highly recommended for any needlework library. Karen Gloeggler's JANE
AUSTEN QUILTS INSPIRED BY HER NOVELS (9781604601039, $24.95) provides a fine
survey of the only quilt Austen made, and her novels, and comes from a quilter and Austen fan
who viewed the quilt in England, then designed a quilt inspired by it. This collection of blocks
representing Jane's work provides 7 pieced quilts to readers, including clips from Austen's letters
and color photos of each piece, along with patterns and instructions for creating the quilt. The
result is a lovely survey, highly recommended for any literary quilter.
The Computer Shelf
OS X Mavericks for Dummies
Bob "Dr. Mac" LeVitus
For Dummies
c/o Wiley Professional Trade Group
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
9781118691885, $29.99, www.fordummies.com
OS X Mavericks for Dummies provides a full-color beginner's guide to making the most of a
Mac computer and teaches how to understand and work with Apple's latest operating system. The
basics are very simple and cover everything from handling menus to using the Desktop; but the
real meat lies in progressive learning instructions that build on knowledge and move the reader
easily into advanced functions from customizing Contacts and Calendar to setting up Safari,
using Messages, and handling multimedia. The color screen shots on nearly every page make
learning a snap, helping this live up to its promise of easily teaching virtually any user.
Hacking Raspberry PI
Timothy L. Warner
Que
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
9780789751560, $29.99, www.quepublishing.com
Hacking Raspberry PI provides a fine survey of the cheap, credit-card-sized computer's
capabilities and shows technicians and hackers how to use hardware hacking techniques to build
useful projects. Now, one would anticipate a technical background to use this, but this color
guide requires no prior experience with either hardware hacking or computer programming
(though, in all fairness, it's this audience most likely to choose such a book!). Photos provide
step-by-step coverage of each project to accompany easy instructions. From the basics of how the
Pi operates and how to manage files and devices with it to using it for Minecraft, and tweaking
its media and web capabilities, this even includes keys to linking it to the also-new Arduino and
their clones, and building electronic prototypes with it. Any would-be hacker needs this!
Rapid Android Development
Daniel Sauter
Pragmatic Programmers
2831 Eldorado Parkway, #103-381, Frisco, TX 75033-7438
9781937785062, $35.00, www.pragprog.com
Rapid Android Development: Build Rich, Sensor-Based Applications with Processing offers a
fine guide for creating mobile apps for Android phones and tablets using Processing, the free
language and development program, to work with Android software. There's no need for prior
knowledge of Java or Android SDK: using this free software developers can produce amazing
graphics and more in a snap. Some 40 ready-to-run demos and games accompany tips on
accessing the Android touch screen and using its sensors and images in various projects. Any
interested in Android mobile programming will find this approach specific and winning!
O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein, Hwy N.
Sebastopol, CA 95472-2811
www.oreilly.com
Raph Koster's second updated edition of A THEORY OF FUN FOR GAME DESIGN
(9781449363215, $34.99) provides a full-color, 10th anniversary version of a classic guide on
modern video games, comparing them to traditional games and exploring the very nature and
idea of 'fun' and how it is interpreted in a range of games. Some games are quickly dated while
others are fun for a long time: game developers need to know why and how this happens, and
here receive a book that blends statistics with considerations of how games evolve, why they are
fun, how they last, and how to create lasting game designs. From aesthetic appreciation to
understanding games in context and how players interact, this is an exceptional guide that will
reach game designers and players alike. Matthew A. Russell's MINING THE SOCIAL WEB
(9781449367619, $44.99) appears in its second updated edition to cover the basics of acquiring
and using social web data, and is a pick for programmers who want to understand and apply
advanced text-mining techniques to this end. Chapters are packed with example code maintained
in a public GitHub repository, show how to build interactive visualizations with D3.js, and teach
methods using real-world data as a foundation. The result links technology with business pursuits
and offers clear discussions of precision, recall, and other facets of data mining objectives. David
Pogue's WINDOWS 8.1: THE MISSING MANUAL (9781449371623, $39.99) provides a fine
update to cover 8.1's new apps and revamped features, and is a 'must' for any who would work
with 8.1 in a home or work setting. From the network system to the software options, this uses
black and white photos, screen shots, and details on everything from taskbar management to
using speech recognition and editing photos and art. Explanations are clear, easy and revealing
and make for a fine survey highly recommended for any 8.1 new user.
Murach's Visual Basic 2012
Anne Boehm
Mike Murach & Associates
4340 North Knoll Avenue, Fresno, CA 93722
9781890774738, $54.50, www.murach.com
Murach's Visual Basic 2012 is for any programmer who would get up and running quickly with
Visual Basic. From creating applications and writing data validation routines to creating solid
database applications and working with different kinds of files in VB coding environments, this
packs in programming methods written by programmers who are trained to teach the best
approaches. Basic design concepts, tools, and everything linked to business pursuits makes this
an outstanding training and reference guide, highly recommended for any programmer's
library.
The Education Shelf
Schoolwide Physical Activity
Judith E. Rink, et.al.
Human Kinetics
PO Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61820-5076
9780736080606, $52.00, www.humankinetics.com
Schoolwide Physical Activity: A Comprehensive Guide to Designing and Conducting Programs
includes a CD-ROM with forms, activities and charts and presents a solid program for K-12
teachers and administrators interested in creating effective physical activity programs for
students. From building the basics of such a program to ready-to-use activities that include games
and dances and program ideas designed for all students - including those not physically fit - this
provides a fine reference teachers and administrators will welcome as a foundation guide for
creating or tweaking a program.
Early Intervention Every Day!
Merle J. Crawford and Barbara Weber
Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company
PO Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
9781598572766, $29.95, www.brookespublishing.com
Early Intervention Every Day! Embedding Activities in Daily Routines for Young Children and
Their Families provides an effective early intervention program packed with resources for those
helping parents and caregivers support young children, and identifies some 80 skills in six key
domains for kids from birth to age three. Early interventionists will find it packed with keys to
enhancing child development, and filled with forms and tips for easy implementation.
Corwin Press
2455 Teller Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320-2218
www.corwin.com
Diane Staehr Fenner's ADVOCATING FOR ENGLISH LEARNERS: A GUIDE FOR
EDUCATORS (9781452257693, $34.95) provides a fine survey of English learners and their
relationship to the education system, and advocates the idea that teachers and administrators must
advocate for this group of students. The focus here is on techniques of such advocacy, with
chapters providing keys to understanding and influencing policy, meeting EL learning needs in
all grades, providing various education and health services to EL populations, and much more.
From assessment norms to helping EL families advocate for themselves, this is a powerful guide
educators will find filled with real-world insights and applications. John M. Murray's
DESIGNING AND IMPLEMENTING EFFECTIVE PROFESSIONAL LEARNING
(9781452257792, $36.95) is all about teacher professional development and learning, and offers
research-based strategies for planning programs and evaluating their results. Chapters are packed
with tested, real-world information on the professional training and learning process, and provide
teachers and administrators with important keys to implementing meaningful school learning and
interactions between teachers and students. The result is a fine and practical resource any school
administrator will welcome. Stephanie Hirsh and Anne Foster's A SCHOOL BOARD GUIDE
TO LEADING SUCCESSFUL SCHOOLS FOCUSING ON LEARNING (9781452290423,
$31.00) is for any district seeking to improve academics and professional learning, and comes
from two education leaders and board trustees who provide an approach that will help school
board members organize their team. Case studies focus on some twelve board-level decisions
from hiring to resource allocation, discussing how professional learning can improve
performance and how to use tools already tested to develop supportive environments. It's a fine
'must' for any education collection! Frederick M. Hess and Bror Saxberg's BREAKTHROUGH
LEADERSHIP IN THE DIGITAL AGE (9781452255491, $33.95) provides a fine teacher's
survey linking the education process to digital enhancements to learning, and is a pick for
educators, school leaders and parents who want to learn better structures for supporting the use of
technology in the schools. It's packed with insights on using new tools and concepts in
instructional approaches, and considers everything from simulations and customizing delivery to
rethinking the quality of instruction. The result is a solid reference for any who want a specific
guide to better technology instruction. DEVELOPING DIGITAL LITERACIES: A
FRAMEWORK FOR PROFESSIONAL LEARNING by Dustin C. Summey (9781455255521,
$27.00) provides a fine survey of digital literacy and provides a job-oriented program for helping
K-12 teachers blend digital literacies into their classrooms. The framework relies on resources
and personnel already in place and provides instructions on collaborative learning routines and
using technology supports in the classroom. A companion website to the book includes sample
instructional materials and links. The result is a handbook packed with not just a learning
framework, but all the tools needed to achieve success. Dorothy M. Steele and Becki
Cohn-Vargas' IDENTITY SAFE CLASSROOMS: PLACES TO BELONG AND LEARN
(9781452230900, $27.00) focuses on strategies that have a positive effect on student learning and
uses research that shows how students from all backgrounds function better in identity safe
classrooms. There teachers work to ensure students feel their identity is an asset, and here
teachers learn how to impart this feel, with strategies centered in social psychology research and
teaching practices. The result is a solid, engrossing study that will appeal to any teacher seeking
better methods for ensuring student success.
The American History Shelf
JFK and the Unspeakable
James W. Douglass
Orbis Books
PO Box 308, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0308
97815707575552500, $25.00, www.orbisbooks.com
JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died and Why It Matters appears in its 50th anniversary
edition to provide a detailed story of why President Kennedy was assassinated and why the truth
behind it all remains clouded. Douglass examines all the evidence and investigations, including
sources only available in recent years, to document the political transformation of the President
and the actions which led up to his death - actions that caused members of his own military to
view him as a traitor to his country. More than just a rehash of his death, this book probes the
underlying motivations for forces that may have wished the President dead, and provides a
powerful social and political observation that goes beyond 'whodunnit' scenarios. A 'must' for any
collection strong in Kennedy history and American politics in general!
The People's Martyr
Erik J. Chaput
University Press of Kansas
2501 West 15th Street, Lawrence, KS 66049
9780700619245, www.kansaspress.ku.edu
The People's Martyr: Thomas Wilson Dorr and His 1842 Rhode Island Rebellion provides a fine
biography of Dorr and in the process rewrites the history of the Dorr War, a pivotal conflict that
paved the way for changes in American politics. Now, many may only vaguely recall Dorr's war:
this narrative goes into great depth in revealing how his ideals about sovereignty ultimately led to
the Civil War. Any college-level collection strong in American history in general and American
political evolution will find this a solid and top guide.
The Biography Shelf
Happily Ever After
Trista Sutter
Da Capo Press
44 Farnsworth Street, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02210
www.perseusbooksgroup.com
9780738216652, $24.99, www.dacapopress.com
Happily Ever After: The Life-Changing Power of a Grateful Heart comes from a reality show TV
star who became part of a lasting love relationship, and shares author Trista Sutter's thoughts on
how she lives a thankful life. Her autobiography focuses around eleven gratitudes that result in
making mindful moves, from writing down positive thoughts that can serve as daily reminders
and admonitions to making the most of time with family, friends and loved ones. Despite life's
slings and arrows, there's plenty to be thankful for: Sutter shows how to identify these moments
and use them to best gain.
The Audiobook Shelf
Hachette Audio
237 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
www.hachetteaudio.com
David Baldacci's KING AND MAXWELL (9781478925002, $30.00) is narrated by Ron
McLarty with Orlagh Cassidy, and returns the characters of Sean King and Michelle Maxwell,
former Secret Service agents turned private investigators, in their most gripping case. What
begins as a tragic story about a soldier father's death in Afghanistan turns into a mystery when
Tyler receives communication from him. He hires Sean and Michelle to investigate - but their
probe leads to something even more dangerous, involving them in fast-paced world of treachery
and intrigue that comes to life in audio. James Patterson's CROSS MY HEART
(9781611130348, $35.00) receives a fine dual narration by Michael Boatman and Tom Wopat
and provides an equally fine Alex Cross story that tells of how one man's understanding of his
enemy's life will lead to his ability to threaten the ones Cross loves most. But if Alex tries to use
his skills to save them - they will die. This is thriller writing at its best, spiced by an unabridged
saga that packs in keys to understanding Alex Cross's life and abilities: perfect for prior fans of
the series. Boatman and Wopat also provide an abridged reading of the title (9781478924951,
$25.00) which captures the drama of the full-length reading and loses nothing in translation.
Michael Connelly's THE GODS OF GUILT (9781600247262, $40.00) receives a fine narration
by Peter Giles, a L.A. actor with many film and TV credits to his name, and offers a courtroom
thriller revolving around a lawyer's murder case where the victim was his former client. Is
Mickey to blame for this tragedy? A spellbinding novel of intrigue and justice will attract any
reader looking for a blend of legal intrigue and mystery.
Random House Audio Books
c/o The Random House Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, 5th floor, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouseaudio.com
Dave Eggers's THE CIRCLE (9780804191166, $45.00) is narrated by Dion Graham, who lends
life and his award-winning Audie Award voice to the story of a powerful internet company which
has created a linked world of users' personal lives. The Circle, run from a California campus, has
high-end parties, clubs and more and Mae is so lucky to be hired to work for them - or, is she? As
she discovers more about her new employers, she also uncovers a deadly game that soon turns
her idealism into a truly dangerous game. A fine story of intrigue evolves, certain to capture
many with its vivid and changing plot! Joe Scarborough's THE RIGHT PATH (9780804190312,
$35.00) receives a fine reading by George Newbern, whose film credits are extensive, and who
lends a seasoned and well-done voice to this story of how Republicans once were prominent in
American politics, from Ike to Reagan - and how they can rise again. It considers the political
history and effective individuals of the party, its ideals, and analyzes the problems of the modern
party. Its blend of history and political commentary makes for a fine audio survey. Deepak
Chopra, MD's WHAT ARE YOU HUNGRY FOR? (9780804128605, $35.00) provides a fine
guide to weight loss, well-being and spirituality and considers how life's complications leads
people astray, into habits which are hard to change. The desire for happiness is one factor that
can lead to fulfillment - and all choices boil down to a single question: "What am I hungry for?"
The answer is the heart of an audio, narrated by the author, that will help listeners identify the
direction where an answer may be found. Self-help collections will find this enlightening and
striking. Janet Evanovich's TAKEDOWN TWENTY (9780385366762, $32.00) is narrated by
Lorelei King, an actress and winning narrator who has recorded over 200 audios, and tells of a
New Jersey bounty hunter, Stephanie Plum, who finds herself up against the mob when one
Salvatore goes on the lam. It's up to Stephanie to not only find him, but help solve the strange
death of a top client's mother. Family relationships, elusive killers, and intrigue make for an
involving story that comes alive on audio! Tom Clancy's COMMAND AUTHORITY
(9780804163941, $50.00) receives a fine reading by Lou Diamond Phillips, who holds film
credits and a voice that is compelling and clear, and tells of Jack Ryan Junior, who must
investigate when an old family friend is poisoned by a radioactive agent traced back to a Russian
source. Involved in the investigation are international politics and campaigns to fight Russian
aggression, along with a global conflict that could destroy the world. Intrigue, espionage, and
mystery permeate a fast-paced story line that comes alive in audio and keeps listeners engrossed
to its unpredictable conclusion.
The Christian Studies Shelf
Orbis Books
PO Box 308, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0308
www.orbisbooks.com
Gustavo Gutierrez's A THEOLOGY OF LIBERATION (9780883445426, $24.00) provides a
new edition of a classic which appeared 15 years ago, and which influenced and began a
worldwide discussion of liberation theology. This new presentation includes a revision of a key
section of the original, adds essays that review how liberation theology has evolved, and provides
text that has been completely revised with inclusive language. From the Church as a sacrament of
salvation to political action in Christian history, this is a powerful scholarly analysis that belongs
in any Christian collection. Gustavo Gutierrez's WE DRINK FROM OUR OWN WELLS: THE
SPIRITUAL JOURNEY OF A PEOPLE (9781570754968, $24.00) is presented in a 20th
anniversary edition to provide a classic exploration of Latin American spirituality, and should be
part of any collection that has enjoyed popularity with Dominican priest Gustavo Gutierrez's
classic A Theology of Liberation. It explores Latin American spirituality and history and
considers the struggles of the poor and their efforts to follow Jesus Christ. From changes
experienced by the Latin American church to biblical passages reflecting on service and the
progression of spiritual growth in Latin America, this is a powerful survey Christian scholars will
find specific and outstanding.
The Judaic Studies Shelf
Kabbalah in Art and Architecture
Alexander Gorlin
Pointed Leaf Press
136 Baxter Street, New York, NY 10013
9781938461071, $60.00, www.pointedleafpress.com
The Kabbalastic idea of creation is expressed through light, space and geometric and this guide
uses a range of historical materials and images in modern art to explore the influence of
Kabbalistic spirituality on modern design. Now, this could have been featured in our Arts section
and likely will be viewed by art readers; but it's reviewed here for its importance to any spiritual
reader interested in Kabbalah's mystical philosophy and form. Ten chapters outline the
Kabbalah's representations, history, and reinterpretation in art and architecture, making this a
unique presentation worthy of consideration for both kinds of collection.
The Fashion Shelf
Fifty Fashion Looks That Changed the 1990s
Paula Reed
Octopus Publishing
236 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
9781840916270, $20.00, www.octopusbooksusa.com
Fifty Fashion Looks That Changed the 1990s comes from The Design Museum, the leading
museum devoted to modern design from furniture to fashion. Author Paula Reed was recently
appointed Group Fashion Designer and her gathers museum holdings to provide a rich
exploration of some 50 looks from the 1990s. Top models and actresses display groundbreaking
clothes in full-page black and white and color photos, while facing explanations discuss the
historical significance of these outfits. Any fashion collection will consider this a 'must'.
The Art Shelf
Thames & Hudson
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110-0017
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
Mitchell Oakley Smith & Alison Kubler's ART/FASHION IN THE 21ST CENTURY
(9780500239094, $60.00) is packed with over two hundred color illustrations and represents a
wide-ranging survey of the interplay between fashion design and the arts. From fashion designers
who work with artists on their designs and their presentation to new retail spaces evoking talents
from both, this book considers the evolution of the concept of art as fashion, revealing how
artists and designers are working together to move beyond their genres. Five thematic chapters
profile key designers, projects, and interview major figures working in this medium. Any arts or
fashion design collection will welcome this survey! Lilian Tone edits WILLIAM KENTRIDGE:
FORTUNA (9780500093764, $60.00), a survey of the South African artist acclaimed for his
works in drawing, sculpture, film and more. This monograph covers all of his works and gathers
nearly two hundred made since 1989, exploring his different expressions and how his work
reflects personal, political, and social reflections. More than a collection of images, this
accompanies views of his art with his own commentaries on his working methods and influences,
making this a 'must' for any interested in Kentridge's creations. Michael Petry's NATURE
MORTE: CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS REINVIGORATE THE STILL-LIFE TRADITION
(9780500239063, $60.00) considers how the leading artists of modern times are re-inventing the
still life, and gathers still lifes that redefine what it means to be such a work of art. Painting,
drawing, sculpture and more are revealed in a book arranged by the classical categories of
traditional still-life tradition, with chapters showing how the symbols of each 'memento mori'
represents death, change and more. With a variety of artists and styles represented, this is a 'must'
for any arts holding strong in still life representations. Kahled Azzam, from The Prince's School
of Traditional Arts, edits the very fine ARTS AND CRAFTS OF THE ISLAMIC LANDS
(9780500517024, $60.00), and provides a fine celebration of Islamic arts and crafts
recommended for arts and Islamic history holdings alike. Over a thousand illustrations in color
and black and white accompany details written by the tutors at the school (one of the world's
leading crafts study schools), and blends research with cultural history insights and specific
analysis of materials, approaches, and how to actually craft the artworks displayed. The result is a
wide-ranging survey that's a 'must' for any arts and crafts or Islamic history and culture
library.
The Psychology Shelf
Puppetry in Dementia Care
Karrie Marshall
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
400 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
9781849053921, $34.95, www.jkp.com
Puppetry in Dementia Care: Connecting Through Creativity and Joy shows how puppetry and
other art forms from music to creative storytelling can help people with dementia, and comes
from the author's combined background in nursing and counseling, as well as her care home for
people with complex needs. Chapters describe different scenarios in which puppetry can help
these connections, exploring how they can stimulate memories and promote self-esteem. There
are also strategies for introducing puppetry into daily care, and keys to using them effectively. A
fine survey results, recommended for any mental health library!
The Architecture Shelf
Creating CityCenter
William R. Smith and Scott J. Tilden, with Lynne Lavelle
W. W. Norton & Company
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
9780393733662, $45.00, www.wwnorton.com
Creating CityCenter: World-Class Architecture and the New Las Vegas provides a fine survey of
the planning of the largest privately financed building project in US history: a development
involving the construction of some seven separate buildings from hotels to convention centers,
shopping, and more - all in downtown Las Vegas. How did nearly 12,000 construction workers
transform the city's center while it was still functioning? This provides a powerful account of a
huge project that was photographed from start to finish, and is key to any collection strong in
urban renewal, architecture, or Las Vegas evolution in particular.
The Self-Help Shelf
The Untethered Soul
Michael A. Singer
New Harbinger Press
5674 Shattuck Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609
9781626250765, $21.95, www.newharbingerpublications.com
The Untethered Soul provides an inspirational self-help title that considers one's personal
relationship with self and the world, and what can be done to let loose habitual thoughts and
emotions that limit consciousness and self-realization. In a combination of spiritual and
psychological guide, The Untethered Soul discusses what happens when one 'lets go' spiritually
to find freedom from angst and negativity. Though most of this book's message is spiritual, it's
reviewed here because no self-help library will want to miss its all-embracing message.
The Smart Person's Guide to Eldercare
Jodi Lyons
Keith Publications
9781936372706, $12.95, www.keithpublications.com
The Smart Person's Guide to Eldercare is for any consumer concerned about making long-term
health care decisions, and belongs in a range of collections from social sciences and health to
general consumer libraries. The author is an eldercare consultant who helps the elderly locate
care: chapters focus on locating programs, reports, and supportive materials and places for
elderly care. From making a living will to assessing family resources and understanding quality
care issues, this is a 'must' for any facing the golden years, or assisting an elderly person in
making decisions.
Finding our Families
Wendy Kramer
Avery Books
c/o Penguin Group USA
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
9781583335260, $18.00, www.penguin.com
Finding our Families is a powerful survey, directed to donor-conceived people and their families,
and provides a fine guide on how to develop a relationship within a larger donor family. Case
histories pair with considerations of common questions, issues, and raising a donor child, and
address concerns ranging from helping a child understand their birth story to assisting in the
search for donors or half siblings if the child wants to do so. There's been very little written on
the topic, so this is an invaluable and unique guide recommended for health and self-help,
general consumer collections alike.
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Covenant with Hell
Priscilla Royal
Poisoned Pen Press
6962 E. First Ave., #103, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
www.poisonedpenpress.com
9781464201936, $24.95, www.poisonedpenpress.com
Covenant with Hell provides a fine medieval setting in a mystery steeped in the color of 1277,
and tells of Prioress Eleanor, who goes on a pilgrimage only to find an assassin there first, hoping
to murder a king. It's up to Eleanor and Brother Thomas to solve the mystery when a nun's death
indicates more than just an accident. A very fine historical murder mystery evolves.
Billionaire Blend
Cleo Coyle
Berkeley Prime Crime
c/o Penguin Group (USA)
375 Hudson Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10014
9780425252918, $25.95, www.penguin.com
Billionaire Blend: A Coffeehouse Mystery provides a fine story centered around a car bomb that
nearly kills tech whiz Eric Thorner. When Clare comes to his rescue he hires her to create an
expensive coffee blend - and in the course of her search for the best coffee she becomes involved
in the CEO's deadly world of money, games, and high-stakes competition that could result in
murder. Clare's involvement will bring her both unprecedented possibilities in her coffee
business and a focus on a different kind of murder that will involve mystery readers with its vivid
plot and exciting twists.
The Gaming Shelf
The Ultimate Player's Guide to Minecraft
Stephen O'Brien
Que Publishing
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
9780789752239, $24.99, www.quepublishing.com
Any online and computer gamer interested in Minecraft scenarios will find The Ultimate Player's
Guide to Minecraft is packed with insights into how to best experience a game which is actually
another universe entirely. From combat tips to surviving the Minecraft world, exploring and
adventuring and confronting hostiles, this is packed with color screen shots throughout along
with plenty of detail on how to build and navigate the Minecraft universe. Players - especially
beginners - will find this an in-depth coverage perfect for entering and learning about the
game!
The Dance Shelf
Beginning Tap Dance
Lisa Lewis
Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
PO Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61820-5076
9781450411981, $39.00, www.humankinetics.com
BEGINNING TAP DANCE joins others in the 'interactive dance series' and includes a web
resource packed with video clips of techniques, assignments, and more links. Beginning dancers
will find this book provides over 50 step-by-step photos to make it easy to learn and review tap,
accompanying the 'how to' with a history of the dance's styles and development. The result is a
fine addition to any collection strong in various forms of dance, and promotes a multimedia
approach that links the book to further insights on the process of dance! Any dance or sports
collection will find this an excellent addition.
The Military Shelf
Brothers at War
Sheila Miyoshi Jager
W. W. Norton & Company
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
9780393068498, $35.00, www.wwnorton.com
BROTHERS AT WAR; THE UNENDING CONFLICT IN KOREA covers the lasting impact of
the Korean War, which may have ended in 1953 for Americans, but which lasts until this day.
Ongoing tensions and military threats permeate the atmosphere and historian Jager here covers
the background of the Korean conflict, form its occupation under imperial Japan to struggles
since. The result uses newly released materials from diplomatic archives and reports to analyze
military strategies and conflicts on both sides, and is one of the finest contemporary military
analyses of Korea yet.
Osprey Publishing
4301 21st St, Suite 220B, Long Island City, NY 11101
www.ospreypublishing.com
David R. Higgins's THE SWAMP FOX: FRANCIS MARION'S CAMPAIGN IN THE
CAROLINAS 1780 (9781782006145, $18.95) provides a fine analysis of one key campaign
through the Carolinas where rebel guerrilla commander Francis Marion launched a series of
hit-and-run raids against occupiers. Battlefield photography illustrates an in-depth survey of the
unique tactics used by both sides during the Revolutionary War battle in the South, making for a
lively and engrossing saga of an amazing commander whose techniques went beyond the choices
of his times. Any military history holding will find this a specific, fine addition! Steven
MacLauchian, et.al.'s latest Bolt Action military gaming guide ARMIES OF ITALY AND THE
AXIS (9781782007708, $24.95) is an outstanding survey providing gamers and military readers
with a definitive guide to the Axis forces of World War II, and is a fine guide for Bolt Action
players looking for depth and strategy insights. Chapters cover teams, weapons, special rules and
more: all geared to the Bolt Action gaming scenario. Peter Davies' GENERAL DYNAMICS
F-111 AARDVARK (9781780966113, $18.95) packs in lovely color artwork to compliment
details on the F-111 Aardvark, which became one of the world's most successful combat aircraft
in the late 20th century. The F-111 set the pattern for combat jets design and saw action for over
40 years. This survey comes from a jet authority and provides a detailed history of the jet's
development, deployment, ad importance in the world of military aviation, and is a pick for any
military collection. China history holdings as well as military libraries will find Philip Jowett's
CHINA'S WARS: ROUSING THE DRAGON 1894-1949 (9781782004073, $40.00) is an
outstanding survey tracing China's conflicts from medieval to modern times. From the late 19th
century to 1949 China was in a state of continuous conflict from a series of rebellions and civil
war. Few titles have offered an in-depth survey of these conflicts, making CHINA'S WARS a
specific approach key to any Chinese history collection. Chapters analyze the ongoing conflict in
China and how it led to international involvements and battles with the Japanese. A 'must' for any
who would understand Asia's past and its impact on Asia's future. Carl Molesworth's CURTISS
P-40 SNUB-NOSED KITTYHAWKS AND WARHAWKS (9781780969121, $18.95) packs in
art and illustrations and covers the World War II fighter and its variants, and is a fine pick for any
interested in military aircraft history. Charts of specifications pack a survey loaded with vintage
images of the fighters in action, with discussions of battle history and strategy placing them in
perspective. The result is a fine recommendation for any military or aviation reader. Also
recommended are two additions to the 'Aircraft of the Aces' series: Greg VanWyngarden's ACES
OF JAGDSTAFFEL 17 (9781780977189, $22.95) and John Weal's ACES OF
JAGDGESCHWADER 3 'UNDET' (9781780962986, $22.95). Each book is packed with
specifications and technical discussions of the aircraft and its action in historic battles, and each
surveys the forces that led to the machine's rise and fall during war. Any military student
interested in German fighters will find these specific coverages are packed with detail and battle
insights.
The Jobs/Careers Shelf
Career Q&A
Susanne Markgren and Tiffany Eatman Allen
Information Today Inc.
143 Old Marlton Pike, Medford, NJ 08055-8750
9781573874793, $39.50, www.infotoday.com
Librarianship is a rewarding career choice but there's surprisingly few books devoted to the finer
art of achieving this career - making Career Q&A a fine choice for any aspiring librarian. It
considers the extent of a typical librarian's career, answers questions about the duties and
challenges faced by library professionals, and comes from authors who have a ten-year history of
a column devoted to library career people. Their tips along with best advice from their peers
lends to a fine coverage recommended for any aspiring librarian.
The Photography Shelf
Digital Lighting & Rendering, third edition
Jeremy Birn
New Riders
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
9780321928986, $59.99, www.newriders.com
The third updated edition of Digital Lighting & Rendering uses an all-color format with
instructions blending case studies, tutorials, and tips from a lighting pro to show how to recreate
Hollywood techniques that work in any 3D program. Chapters consider and contrast old with
new techniques for tweaking shadow maps and using basic approaches to creating effects and
composing subjects. Learn how to render in layers, mimic photographic and cinematographic
techniques, and create rich maps and 3D scenes. From throw patterns and night scenes to framing
for film and video, this provides a rich and basic reference for photographers and film students
alike.
The Traveling Photographer
Sandra Petrowitz
Rocky Nook
802 East Cota Street, 3rd Floor, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
9781937538330, $32.95, www.rockynook.com
The Traveling Photographer: A Guide to Great Travel Photography provides a fine guide to travel photos and taking better pictures on the road, and comes from an experienced travel photographer who shares her insights on taking, editing, composing and creating unique travel photos. From choosing subjects and framing an image to handling equipment, perspective and light, this focus on travel photos is an excellent resource for amateur and professional photographers alike.
The Literary Studies Shelf
Mirages
Paul herron, Editor
Swallow Press
c/o Ohio University Press
The Ridges, Building 19, Athens, OH 45701
9780804011464, $34.95, www.ohioswallow.com
MIRAGES: THE UNEXPURGATED DIARY OF ANAIS NIN, 1939-1947 provides the fifty
volume of Nin's unexpurgated diaries to be published by Swallow Press, appears seventeen years
since the last volume in the series was published, and provides a powerful examination covering
New York's evolving literary scene in the 1940s. It includes her diary entries about Henry Miller
and fellow, notable literary figures of her times, makes references to New York City literary
institutions, and provides intimate, inside perspectives on Nin and her world. Any collection
strong in her writings should consider this a 'must' reference, key to understanding her
personality, life, and times.
The Metaphysical Studies Shelf
Your Journey to Enlightenment
Simran Singh
New Page Books
c/o Career Press Inc.
220 West Parkway, Unit 12, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
9781601633002, $16.99, www.newpagebooks.com
Your Journey to Enlightenment: Twelve Guiding Principles to Connect with Love, Courage, and
Commitment in the New Dawn blends humor with insights into metaphysics and spiritual
reflection to consider the 12 guiding ideals readers can use to live in their constant potential.
From leading a life of devotion and mastering multi-dimensional experiences to becoming a
'rebel visionary' working at different levels, this provides direction and insights on the process of
change and is an inspirational pick for any new age collection.
Aliens in Ancient Egypt
Xaviant Haze
Bear & Company
c/o Inner Traditions International, Ltd.
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
www.innertraditions.com
9781591431596, $20.00, www.bearandcompanybooks.com
Aliens in Ancient Egypt is another fine pick for any collection strong in ancient history, and
discusses how stargates, free energy and antigravity technologies were involved in early Egyptian
history. It considers the evidence of aliens in ancient Egypt, how they were portrayed in Egyptian
paintings and art, and considers the connections between ancient aliens and Mars, including the
original purpose of the pyramids and how their builders knew humanity would fall into darkness.
A 'must' for any new age collection strong in ancient history, and for Egyptian history
holdings!
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Tor
c/o Tor/Forge Books
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
www.tor-forge.com
George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois edit DANGEROUS WOMEN (9780765332066,
$32.50), a weighty and powerful collection of stories focusing on strong - even dangerous -
female protagonists. Here are top names in sci fi and fantasy (Jim Butcher, Diana Gabaldon,
Nancy Kress and S.N. Stirling) and writings that range from fantasy to horror and even mystery.
Even more satisfying: all stories are new and original to this volume - over twenty of them - so
even avid fans of particular authors aren't likely to have encountered the tales elsewhere. The
result documents villains and heroines alike and is a fine, involving survey. Gillian Philip's
BLOODSTONE (9780765333285, $24.99) is Book Two in the 'Rebel Angels' series: familiarity
with its predecessor, Firebrand, is recommended in order to more readily absorb the background
involving Sithe warriors Seth and Conal MacGregor, who live in the 16th century experiencing
peace in their world even as religious conflict consumes the mortal world. Here Seth and Conal
are continuing to hunt down the Bloodstone as demanded by their queen, making journeys that
test their strength and ability to across worlds. When humans also become entangled in the
affairs of the Sithe, it's a confused and potentially deadly encounter that evolves in a gripping
addition for prior fantasy fans of Philip's world.
The Crafts Shelf
The LEGO Build-It Book, V. 1: Amazing Vehicles
Nathanael Kuipers and Mattia Zamboni
No Starch Press
38 Ringold Street, San Francisco, CO 94103-4403
9781593275037, $19.95, www.nostarch.com
The LEGO Build-It Book, V. 1: Amazing Vehicles comes from a former official designer for the
LEGO Group and shares his insider's knowledge of building LEGO vehicles. The goal is to
provide insights on options and standard parts to make a range of models, with some 10 vehicles
serving as foundations for step-by-step learning. Color renderings by co-author Mattia Zamboni
accompany discussions of building specifics that encourage LEGO fans to become better
builders. The result is a 'must' for any LEGO builder who wants to use skills to move to the next
level in LEGO vehicle construction.
The LEGO Adventure Book, Volume 2
Megan H. Rothrock
No Starch Press
38 Ringold Street, San Francisco, CO 94103-4403
9781593275129, $24.95, www.nostarch.com
The LEGO Adventure Book, Volume 2 provides a fine collection of models featuring some of
the world's most notable LEGO builders, and provides a showcase of some 100 models of cars,
boats, villages, kitchens and more. This isn't just a color survey of notable LEGO models
however; 40 accompanying step-by-step products make it easy for readers to build their own
models, from houses to trucks, and provide all the basics of how to design and create superior
LEGO models. The result is an exceptional guide that features lively LEGO possibilities and then
provides crafters with exact details on how to achieve professional-quality results, and is
recommended for any crafts reference collection where LEGO construction is of interest.
Kalmbach Books
21027 Crossroads Circle, Waukesha, WI 53186
www.kalmbachboks.com
Kieu Pham Gray's HOT & COLD JEWELRY CONNECTIONS (9782637000505, $21.99) offers
some 20 projects from a jewelry maker instructor which focus on building metalsmith skills in
the course of covering basic techniques. From stamping and adding patina to binding and
forming, handling tube rivets, soldering, and more, this uses step-by-step color photos to
supplement discussions of techniques. Tips on possible problems or better techniques round out
the information and make this a real winner! The second updated edition of Tony Koester's
REALISTIC MODEL RAILROAD OPERATION (9780890249390, $19.95) provides a fine
guide to layout design and planning a realistic model rail operation, and is recommended for
modelers interested in crafting the better layout. The focus here is on getting a basic operating
session going for any size layout that mimics real train operations. Chapters cover everything
from using a timetable and routing freight cars to traffic control and yard operations, and provide
a wealth of invaluable information model railroaders will find essential to creating a realistic,
working model. Modelers will also appreciate STRUCTURE PROJECTS FOR YOUR MODEL
RAILROAD (9780890249359, $19.95), a fine guide to using structures in a model rail setting.
Structures are often lumped in with scenery but deserve their own separate treatment: now you
have it, with STRUCTURE PROJECTS offering 17 step-by-step projects from Model Railroader
magazine that show how to assemble kits and build custom structures alike. Modelers will
welcome this in-depth treatment.
The Science Shelf
Learning from Leonardo
Fritjof Capra
Berrett-Koehler Publishers Inc.
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 650
San Francisco, CA 94104-2916
9781609949891, $29.95, www.bkconnection.com
Science, history and arts holdings alike will welcome LEARNING FROM LEONARDO:
DECODING THE NOTEBOOKS OF A GENIUS. It describes seven major aspects of da Vinci's
genius and some forty discoveries he made that weren't rediscovered until centuries later, using
his notebooks, life and achievements as the basis for examining Leonard's science and
determination to uncover the nature of life itself. Chapters cover his invention of science and
provide major insights into his discoveries, placing them in perspective of his times and psyche.
With its solid survey of method and analysis, this is a 'must' for any who would understand the
scientific side of da Vinci.
To the Denmark Strait
Dallas Murphy
Burford Books
101 East State Street, #301, Ithaca, NY 14850
9781580801737, $35.00, www.burfordbooks.com
To the Denmark Strait: Oceanographers Search for a Mysterious Current provides a firsthand
account of famous oceanographer Robert Pickart's expedition to affirm the existence and origin
of a previously unknown current between Greenland and Iceland, and is an invaluable choice for
any collection strong in oceanography and science. It provides a lively blend of Murphy's daily
journals with scientific oceanographic science and expedition experiences, combining photos by
Rachel Fletcher and Sindre Skrede with video footage by Ben Harden (on an accompanying
DVD) of life aboard the ship. The result is a powerful presentation, highly recommended for any
collection interested in ocean science, history, or issues.
Surrounded by Thunder
Tom Williams
Inspire on Purpose
9780988753365, $17.99, www.inspireonpurpose.com
Surrounded by Thunder: The Story of Darrell Loan and the Rocketmen provides a lively and
engrossing survey and comes from extensive interviews with one of America's pioneer rocket
scientists who reveals NASA's early history and how people participated in the space program. It
successfully captures the science, drama and human element of the space race, following the
dawn of the age and author Darrell Loan's witnessing of history in the making.
Moment-by-moment action reads like fiction with high drama but is packed with science and
history perfect for any general interest enthusiast of space program events.
The Gardening Shelf
Land of Enchantment Wildflowers
Willa F. Finley and LaShara J. Nieland
Texas Tech University Press
PO Box 41037, Lubbock, TX 79409-1037
9780896728226, $29.95, www.ttupress.org
Land of Enchantment Wildflowers: A Guide to the Plants of New Mexico offers a companion
volume to Lone Star Wildflowers and presents the experiences of authors who traveled
extensively throughout New Mexico. This field guide offers a simple format grouping flowers by
color and coding page edges to match, features nearly five hundred color photos, all taken by the
authors, and includes flowers, leaves and pods. Origins of names, historical uses, and all kinds of
details make this a top pick for any wildflower enthusiast pursuing New Mexico's vistas.
Ireland's Wild Orchids
Brendan Sayers & Susan Sex
Collins Press
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
9781848891692, $34.95, www.dufoureditions.com
Ireland's Wild Orchids provides a colorful guide designed to help identify the many orchids of
Ireland, and covers their conservation, location, and more. Orchid enthusiasts, more so than
nearly any other plant, are often dedicated to locating and understanding their wild origins: this
book is for any who live in or sojourn to Ireland in search of them, and covers orchids found in
fields, bogs and all environments. Any who would use a field guide to identify them must have
this excellent survey.
The Music Shelf
27
Howard Sounes
Da Capo Press
44 Farnsworth Street, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02210
www.perseusbooksgroup.com
9780306821684, $26.99, www.dacapopress.com
27: A HISTORY OF THE 27 CLUB THROUGH THE LIVES OF BRIAN JONES, JIMI
HENDRIX, JANIS JOPLIN, JIM MORRISON, KURT COBAIN, AND AMY WINEHOUSE
gathers similarities between these seemingly disparate, tragic musicians' lives and considers both
their self-destructive behaviors and their genius. Each artist receives two focuses: the first on
their life, the second on their untimely death. All six shared troubled childhoods and mental
issues - and all of them achieved a high level of success despite their misery. 27 is a powerful
survey of the '27 Club' that will appeal to any follower of either the individual musicians or their
combined musical careers, and should be in any collection strong in popular music history and
culture.
The International Studies Shelf
China's Sent-Down Generation
Helena K. Rene
Georgetown University Press
Publicity Department
Georgetown University Press
3240 Prospect Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
9781589019874, $32.95, www.press.georgetown.edu
China's Sent-Down Generation: Public Administration and the Legacies of Mao's Rustication
Program offers a detailed, in-depth analysis of Mao's program, which resettled some 17 million
urban youths to the countryside for reeducation, and is a 'must' for any collection strong in
Chinese history and social development. Chapters closely analyze the processes and purposes of
Mao's program, considering the ideology of rustication and how the program originated, was
developed and marketed, and its ultimate impact on China as a whole. From its lasting impact on
administrative efforts to how it strengthened bureaucracy as a whole, this is a key acquisition for
any who would understand the impact of Mao on present-day China.
Johns Hopkins University Press
2715 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4363
www.press.jhu.edu
Michael Wills and Robert M. Hathaway, Editors' NEW SECURITY CHALLENGES IN ASIA
(9781421410104, $55.00) focuses on the sources of new security challenges in the region, their
international impact, and how international communities can handle transnational threats and
their potential for destabilizing a country. Asian nations have found it difficult to handle these
new challenges, with limited resources and government coordination available. This book
recommends how the U.S. can help Asian nations manage their security threats, and provides a
fine guide filled with insights on the range of challenges Asia faces. A fine survey results,
recommended for any political studies collection. Andrew J. Nathan, et.al. edit WILL CHINA
DEMOCRACTIZE? (9781421412436, $29.95), creating a fine political science primer for any
interested in China's political and economic changes. Chapters consider the country's
authoritarian regime and whether it can continue its growth and approach without concurrent
political reforms that lean more towards democratic processes, and offer analysis college-level
readers of China issues will find key to understanding the region's changes.
The Two Koreas, third edition
Don Oberdorfer and Robert Carlin
Basic Books
c/o Perseus Books Group
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
www.perseusbooksgroup.com
9780465031238, $21.99, www.basicbooks.com
The third updated edition of THE TWO KOREAS: A CONTEMPORARY HISTORY has been
extensively revised and updated to bring events to the present day, considering changes in social
and cultural environments, the latest conflicts within the two Koreas, and new information on the
North Korean political succession and U.S. negotiations. With this latest information and
analysis of events rounding out coverage of a history that comes from Korea expert Robert
Carlin's forty-some years of experience in Washington, this updates a landmark 1997 history and
is a 'must' for any Asian history holding.
The Social Issues Shelf
Digital State
Simon Pont
Kogan Page USA
1518 Walnut Street, Suite 1100, Philadelphia, PA 19102
9780749468859, $19.95, www.koganpage.com
Digital State: How the Internet is Changing Everything provides a powerful survey identifying
the digital world and brings together experts from genres ranging from business and advertising
to media, publishing and law to consider how these changes are affecting individuals. It points
out trends, pitfalls, and common dilemmas presented by a digital world, considers social issues
arising from digital communications and actions, and provides a solid analysis that is
recommended for high school to college-level social issues analysis.
The Housing Bomb
M. Nils Peterson, et.al.
Johns Hopkins University Press
2715 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4363
9781421410654, $29.95, www.press.jhu.edu
The Housing Bomb: Why Our Addiction to Houses is Destroying the Environment and
Threatening Our Society offers an unusual perspective, comes from leading environmental
researchers, and questions the ongoing worldwide need for housing, identifying this drive as one
of the sources of environmental degradation. Chapters show how simple changes in household
energy use and housing choices can make big differences in environmental preservation, and they
promote ecologically friendlier choices that don't result in destruction. 'Bigger and better' isn't
necessarily desirable: The Housing Bomb explores common fallacies in thinking about housing
and offers many alternatives, and is a pick for any social issues collection, especially those strong
in urban research.
The Technology Shelf
Research Methods in Biomechanics, second edition
D. Gordon E. Robertson, et.al.
Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
PO Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61820-5076
9780736093408, $89.00, www.humankinetics.com
Research Methods in Biomechanics appears in its second updated edition and includes access to
Visual3D Educational Edition software as it surveys the range of research techniques available to
biometrics: methods frequently upgraded due to fast changes in hardware and software. This
edition surveys the latest research methods and covers analytical methods and how they apply to
human movement studies. From how to understand and build concepts to new chapters on new
techniques and research in the works, this provides a fine college-level analysis of the math and
data collection systems behind biomechanics, and makes for a fine reference for any research
interested in analyzing human movement.
The Theatre/Cinema Shelf
Applause
c/o Hal Leonard Performing Arts Publishing Group
19 West 21st Street, Suite 201, New York, NY 10010
www.halleonard.com www.applausebooks.com
Applause books publishes many fine titles for aspiring actors and film collections alike and some
of their recent titles are highly recommended for any collection strong in film and stage
references. SCENES AND MONOLOGUES OF SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE FROM THE
BEST CONTEMPORARY PLAYS (9781480331563, $19.99) provides a fine gathering of
different themes of religious faith and romantic love, and excels in representing different
perspectives in its nearly 100 scenes. Material gathered by theater expert Roger Ellis comes from
modern plays and provides many short performance pieces not widely distributed, making for an
involving collection of possibilities for students looking for quick monologues and scenes
packing the most into short pieces. JV Mercanti's IN PERFORMANCE: CONTEMPORARY
MONOLOGUES FOR MEN AND WOMEN, LATE TEENS-20s (9781480331570, $18.99)
includes monologues by teacher/director Mercanti and offers keys to pairing actors with
monologues. His book holds over 25 monologues representing what he considers to be the best
works from the last 15 years. Both books include director notes and keys to producing emotional
connections and smooth dialogue, making them choice for actors and directors alike. ELVIS
FILMS FAQ: ALL THAT'S LEFT TO KNOW ABOUT THE KING OF ROCK 'N ROLL IN
HOLLYWOOD by Paul Simpson (9781557838582, $24.99) covers all of Elvis' films and even
includes insights on which of his own movies he liked, which he wished he could have made,
and more. Much more than just a listing of films Elvis appeared in, this traces the evolution of
his career, common misunderstandings about his choices and perspectives, and the impact of
Elvis on the film industry as a whole. Elvis fans and film enthusiasts alike will find this a
compelling pick, packed with insider information and perspectives you won't find
elsewhere.
The Agriculture Shelf
Pure Poultry
Victoria Redhed Miller
New Society Publishers
PO Box 189, Gabriola Island, BC, Canada, V0R 1X0
9780865717534, $19.95, www.newsociety.com
PURE POULTRY is for any rural home and garden collection and for any library strong in
sustainable agricultural practices: it provides keys to understanding hundreds of lesser-known
poultry breeds and how to handle them, and is the first book to focus on heritage breeds of
poultry. From guidelines on care, housing, breeding and cooking to tips on choosing heritage
breeds for production purposes, this offers specifics and blends in a dose of humor to make for a
lively read on heritage poultry. Add a peppering of fun black and white photos throughout and
you have a highly recommended read for any aspiring poultry farmer at any scale.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
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