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The Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
The Examined Life
Stephen Grosz
W. W. Norton & Company
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
9780393079548, $24.95, www.wwnorton.com
THE EXAMINED LIFE: HOW WE LOSE AND FIND OURSELVES provides general readers
with an engaging survey packed with insights on everyday life and represents over twenty-five
years of psychoanalytical insights uncovering the hidden feelings behind behavior. It tells how to
create an 'examined life' through a better understanding of the basics of communication and
listening, offers a self-portrait of applied psychoanalysis, and includes stories about everyday
lives and lies. The result is an inspirational pick that will find its way not only into psychology
collections, but into the hearts and lives of everyday readers.
The Philosophy Shelf
Plato for Everyone
Aviezer Tucker
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
9781616146559, $21.00, www.prometheusbooks.com
PLATO FOR EVERYONE is a pick for any general lending library interested in easy
philosophical reviews of his works, and rewrites his dialogues as accessible short stories holding
modern settings. It handles five such Plato classic dialogues and turns them into modern writings
any can readily absorb, creating a format and focus that will help even students challenged by
Plato's ideas or basic philosophy as a whole. It's a fun introduction for any interested in breaking
into the philosophy realm.
The Christian Studies Shelf
Crossway Books
1300 Crescent Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
www.crossway.org
Martyn Lloyd-Jones's The Assurance of Our Salvation: Exploring the Depth of Jesus' Prayer for
His Own (9781433540516, $28.00) comes from a Bible teacher and preacher who here provides
a verse-by-verse of Jesus' priestly high prayer, offered hours before his betrayal by Judas and his
arrest, and is a powerful statement recorded in John 17 and here analyzed stanza by stanza. Any
Christian scholar and collections catering to them will find this a powerful spiritual analysis
packed with insights into God's plan for salvation. No Christian holding should be without this
coverage. R.C. Sproul's Matthew (St. Andrew's Expositional Commentary, 9781433531750,
$54.99) comes from a doctor who over the course of a three-year period gave some 128 sermons
on the Gospel of Matthew, edited here for a collection that links the canon with analysis and
discussion points. Christian collections will find this an in-depth probe suitable for Bible study
groups, exploring all the words and intentions of Matthew and providing an accessible format
that lends to lay readers and church leaders alike. It's a solid pastoral commentary and reference
perfect for study and discussion groups.
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
2140 Oak Industrial Drive, NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
www.eerdmans.com
Any scholarly Christian holding will welcome Barry G. Webb's THE BOOK OF JUDGES
(9780802826282, $50.00), a book of commentary on the Old Testament Book of Judges that
reveals how to understand the narrative. From analysis of the stories themselves and issues
portrayed in them to how it relates to the Christian teachings of the New Testament, this
examines biblical text to consider different interpretations and meanings to be found in Judges.
Any scholarly Christian collection devoted to Scripture analysis will find this specific, pairing
analysis with many footnotes and a bibliography for further reading. Richard F. Ward & David J.
Trobisch's BRINGING THE WORD TO LIFE: ENGAGING THE NEW TESTAMENT
THROUGH PERFORMING IT (9780802868855, $18.00) maintains that the New Testament
books were written to be performed, not silently studied - and this coverage provides a history of
such performance in the first and second centuries, the process of using an early New Testament
manuscript for performance, and how to explore these texts through modern performance
standards. The result is a powerful key to bringing the Bible to life using a different approach
than study groups employ: an approach designed to enliven any Bible study.
Classical Christian Doctrine
Ronald E. Heine
Baker Academic
c/o Baker Publishing Group
6030 E Fulton, Ada, MI 49301
9780801048730, $21.99, www.bakeracademic.com
Ronald Heine is an internationally known expert on early Christian theology, and developed this
book from a course he's taught for years. It uses the classical Christian doctrines of the Nicene
Creed to guide students on the faith, and provides an ecumenical work identifying major
personalities and history in classical Christian thinking. Each chapter ends with discussion notes,
and each offers a solid introduction to ancient faith and comparisons to modern times. A 'must'
for any interested in classical teachings and scholarly analysis.
Does Jesus Really Love Me?
Jeff Chu
Harper
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
9780062049735, $26.99, www.harpercollins.com
Does Jesus Really Love Me? A Gay Christian's Pilgrimage in Search of God in America blends a
memoir with an investigative analysis of the blend of faith, politics and sexuality in Christian
America today, and follows the path of the author after he came out to his devout Christian
parents as gay. As a believer, Chu decided to examine more closely the church contention that
Jesus loves all - and his quest led him on a cross-country journey to discover the beliefs of
followers of Christ as they related to his own homosexuality. The result is a solid, involving read
highly recommended for any Christian or social issues collection!
The American History Shelf
For God, Country & Coca-Cola, third edition
Mark Pendergrast
Basic Books
c/o Perseus Books Group
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
www.perseusbooksgroup.com
9780465029174, $21.99, www.basicbooks.com
For God, Country & Coca-Cola: The Definitive History of the Great American Soft Drink and
the Company That Makes It appears in its third revised, expanded edition to provide an
encyclopedic history of Coke and its culture. More than being the history of a drink, however, it
covers the company's evolution, the social environment of its evolution, and updates Coke
leadership to include three new chapters of CEOs Doug Daft, Neville Isdell and Muhtar Kent.
Controversies over Coke bottling, connections to paramilitary groups in other countries, and
underlying Coke culture and events makes for a lively and powerful coverage highly
recommended for any fan of popular cultural histories.
The Photography Shelf
Alvarado's Pin-Up Nudes
Robert Alvarado
Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
9780764344442, $34.99, www.schifferbooks.com
Alvarado's Pin-Up Nudes is the author's second collection of pin-up photography and relies on
unusual costuming choices and innovative modern techniques to bring the themes and models to
life. From piercings, tattoo culture and shaved bodies to stiletto high heels and sassy poses, each
model enjoys a two full pages of representation that includes different pose perspectives and
approaches. The focus on culture and surprise are classic Alvarado signatures bringing his unique
brand of pinup magic to life. Any collection strong in photography in general and pinup artistry
in particular will find this a solid reference holding attraction for photographer and
general-interest artists alike.
Rocky Nook
802 East Cota Street, 3rd Floor
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
www.rockynook.com
Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomaki and Bence Mate's The Handbook of Bird Photography
(9781937538101, $49.95) comes from three well-known wildlife photographers who here share
their professional techniques and illustrate them with solid results. Chapters cover a range of
approaches to great bird photography, from basic shooting techniques every photographer needs
to know to understanding and working with bird behavior patterns. Everything from basic skills
to advanced photo capture of a wild animal's habits is provided in a discussion designed to get
beginners up to speed quickly. The result is a powerful visual and knowledge key to getting the
most from bird photography efforts. Photographic Visions: Inspiring Images and How They
Were Made by 1X.com (9781937538309, $39.95) provides the second contribution to a
successful series exploring how classic photographic images were created, and is a pick for any
photography library. The curators of the online gallery 1X.com select the top 95 images from the
thousands on their website, all by previously unknown photographers from around the world,
then provide details about their composition and making, from stories behind the image to the
tools and photographic techniques used to capture it. A 'must' for any aspiring photographer!
Amanda Quintenz-Fielder and Philipp Scholz Rittermann's Digital Capture After Dark
(9781933952666, $39.95) covers all the common pitfalls and opportunities involved in night
photography, and is a 'must' reference for any who would overcome obstacles to produce
memorable shots. This goes beyond the usual 'how to take a picture' approach to discuss the
mechanics and specific of long-exposure photographic techniques, covering everything from
editing techniques for better output to color balancing, dealing with noise, and much more. From
toning to black and white photography, this is packed with image examples and specifics.
The Computer Shelf
Addison-Wesley Professional
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300
Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
www.informit.com/aw
James Gosling, et.al.'s THE JAVA LANGUAGE SPECIFICATION JAVA, SE7 EDITION
(9780133260229, $59.99) is written by the inventors of the Java technology and provides the
first definitive technical reference for the Java programming language. It describes all the new
features added in Java SE7, includes explanations and coverage of the formal rules of the
language versus the behavior of compilers, and includes chapters filled with code examples and
discussions of access control, class members, various statements, and much more. Any
programmer working with Java SE7 needs this reference! Michael J. Hernandez's DATABASE
DESIGN FOR MERE MORALS, 3RD EDITION (9780321884497, $49.99) provides an easy,
basic guide to database design which provides step-by-step instructions on how to design
databases that are flexible and accessible for all kinds of web applications. From defining tables
and fields to business rules and setting database objectives, this covers all relational database
systems and teaches how to design flexible databases that are trustworthy. Even those who have
never designed a database receive clear guidelines to improving generic designs and existing
structures. Tom Lindholm, et.al.'s THE JAVA VIRTUAL MACHINE SPECIFICATION, JAVA
SE 7 EDITION (9780133260441, $59.99) is also written by Java inventors and experts, and
provides detailed coverage of the Java Virtual Machine. It provides the instruction and methods
needed to handle mechanism in Java SE 7, includes the class file extensions for generics defined
in Java SE 5.0, and aligns all rules with the Java Memory Model. The result is a solid reference
any Java programmer must have.
For Dummies
c/o Wiley Professional Trade Group
111 River Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
www.wiley.com
The 12th updated edition of Edward C. Baig's MACS FOR DUMMIES (9781118517192,
$24.99) teaches the basics of how to set up and configure a Mac, covers everything form syncing
with iCloud to online safety and social networking, and provides tips on frequent tasks performed
by Mac users. No prior Mac or computer information is assumed in this title, which teaches both
very rudimentary and advanced Mac management tools, from basic surfing to iCloud storage and
management. This 12th updated edition covers everything Mac users need to know. Sean
McManus and Mike Cook's RASPBERRY PI FOR DUMMIES (9781118554210, $24.99) covers
the basics of a pocket-sized computer which holds many tricky moments. It's the item of choice
for new users who would avoid common pitfalls, requires no prior programming or Raspberry
experience, and covers everything from operating system software and configuration processes to
editing images, playing music, and installing free software. With its emphasis on clear coverage
and simple discussions, it's a 'must' for any Raspberry user.
Arduino Workshop
John Boxall
No Starch Press
38 Ringold Street
San Francisco, CO 94103-4403
9781593274481, $29.95, www.nostarch.com
Arduino Workshop: A Hands-On Introduction with 65 Projects offers a basic tutorial for
beginners and comes from an Australian electronics enthusiast who teaches how to design and
build interactive electronics. From a digital thermometer that displays temperatures on an LCD to
a GPS logger that can display travel data on Google Maps, this is packed with over sixty clear
projects that serve as stepping stones to provide skills leading to the reader's own design
processes. Arduino is a small microcontroller that only requires a computer and imagination to
create electronics marvels: this book tells how.
Computer Forensics
David Cowen, CISSP
McGraw-Hill
c/o The McGraw Hill Companies
Two Penn Plaza, 11th Floor, NY, NY 10121-2298
9780071742450, $40.00, www.mhprofessional.com
COMPUTER FORENSICS is for any who would foster a career as a computer forensics
investigator, and teaches the latest tools and methods in the field. From building a forensics lab
to transitioning from other computer fields to become a computer forensics examiner, this pairs
case studies with basic concepts covering everything from hardware choices and setting up a lab
to testing tools and storing evidence. Best practices for documentation and gathering evidence for
court are included in a title recommended for any library strong in network security.
The Business Shelf
Berrett-Koehler
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 650
San Francisco, CA 94104-2916
www.bkconnection.com
Steven Snyder's LEADERSHIP AND THE ART OF STRUGGLE: HOW GREAT LEADERS
GROW THROUGH CHALLENGE AND ADVERSITY (9781609946449, $19.95) is a pick for
any business collection strong in leadership explorations and uses real-life stories from the
author's own research studying leadership struggles to show how to understand the challenges
affecting business success. Strategies include keys to embracing struggle and offer a set of
applied tools for assuring greater life success in mastering the art of successful struggle. The
result is a guide on how to survive in adversity, how to grow from it, and how to harness its
power as a building block for greater organizational health. SPEAKING UP: SURVIVING
EXECUTIVE PRESENTATIONS by Frederick Gilbert and Scott McNealy (9781609948962,
$24.95) discusses business presentations and outlines their underlying rules: rules too often
ignored or not fully understood. This approach to executive-level presentations goes where few
manager's titles have gone before, examining the psychology and business tactics of presenting at
the highest levels and using ten years of research and hundreds of interviews to solidify the
processes' approaches and challenges. Chapters include comments from executives who explain
exactly what they do and don't want in a presentation, and provide specific examples to pair with
approaches to putting together the best presentation. Any who want to apply executive-level
presentation methods to their business approaches will find this a solid, specific and
indispensable reference, highly recommended!
Harvard Business Review Press
60 Harvard Way
Boston, MA 02163
www.hbsp.harvard.edu
Dorie Clark's REINVENTING YOU: DEFINE YOUR BRAND IMAGINE YOUR FUTURE
(9781422144138, $25.00) provides readers with a solid key to re-assessing professional
development's past, present and future and is for any who want to build clear goals and careers
that thrive on reaching them. It offers a step-by-step approach to skills assessment, personal
branding and marketing, blending case histories with interviews and examples from business and
other arenas of life. Any interested in building a new career objective will find this key to the
process of self-assessment. Robert Steven Kaplan's WHAT YOU'RE REALLY MEANT TO
DO: A ROAD MAP FOR REACHING YOUR UNIQUE POTENTIAL (9781422189900,
$25.00) comes from a leadership expert and author who regularly advises executives and
students on how to tackle questions of career and personal identity. His new book shares a
specific plan to help readers define their own success and path in life, uses his years of
experience, and provides exercises and insights designed for any who would make the most of
opportunities in life. The result is a powerful survey highly recommended for any business or
self-improvement collection. FRANCESCA GINO'S SIDETRACKED: WHY OUR
DECISIONS GET DERAILED, AND HOW WE CAN STICK TO THE PLAN
(9781422142691, $25.00) comes from a psychology professor who explores inconsistent
decision-making processes and how they affect consumer and business relationships. From
choices in managing to choices in handling friendships and what sways decisions, this provides a
solid focus pairing psychological insights and analysis to business concerns and applications. The
result is a powerful survey outlining the entire decision-making process, how it gets derailed, and
how to get it back on track.
Book Yourself Solid
Michael Port and Jocelyn Wallace
Wiley
c/o Wiley Professional Trade Group
111 River Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
9781118495421, $45.00, www.wiley.com
Any business collection strong in marketing and sales will want to acquire BOOK YOURSELF
SOLID ILLUSTRATED: THE FASTEST, EASIEST, AND MOST RELIABLE SYSTEM FOR
GETTING MORE CLIENTS THAN YOU CAN HANDLE EVEN IF YOU HATE
MARKETING AND SELLING. This reissued edition is illustrated by Jocelyn Wallace, with
clear sketches and diagrams providing satisfying insights into the finer art of lead generation and
marketing efforts. From establishing credibility and expanding markets to earning higher fees and
standout from the crowd, this survey teaches the basic rules of success but avoids the usual
weighty and challenging language of most marketing titles, making it very appealing to any
business reader or entrepreneur.
The Sports Shelf
Fitness & Health, seventh edition
Brian J. Sharkey and Steven E. Gaskill
Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
PO Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61820-5076
9780736000370, $37.00, www.humankinetics.com
The seventh updated edition of Fitness & Health provides an in-depth guide to aerobic fitness
and nutrition, and is a compendium of facts by key experts in the field who address challenges to
attaining health and fitness goals. This newly updated edition includes new content: a revised
chapter on the science of fitness, new information linking physical activity with brain health, an
entirely new chapter added to discuss behavior changes and the psychology of activity, and new
strategies to make the most of mind/body connections. The result is an exceptional reference
highly recommended for any sports or health collection serious about understanding sports and
fitness science.
The Cookbook Shelf
Flavored Butters
Lucy Vaserfirer
Harvard Common Press
535 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118
9781558328075, $15.95, www.harvardcommonpress.com
Flavored Butters teaches how to make, shape, and use flavored butters as spreads and toppings,
offering a range of recipes for butters that transform meals. From a Lemon, Dill and Garlic Butter
spread that makes all seafood 'pop' to Green Tea-Sesame Butter for dip or spreads, this pairs
color photos with easy, appealing recipes and then adds plenty of ideas for incorporating the
butters into a meal plan. Herbs, spices and common kitchen ingredients can all be blended into
butters to achieve remarkable results, and this idea makes Flavored Butters a fine, unique pick for
any cook's library.
Barbecue Crossroads: Notes and Recipes from a Southern Odyssey
Robb Walsh
University of Texas Press
PO Box 7819, Austin, TX 78713-7819
9780292752849, $24.95, www.utexasedu/utpress.com
Barbecue Crossroads: Notes and Recipes from a Southern Odyssey pairs stories, recipes and
photos from a James Beard award winner who works with documentary photographer Rufus
Lovett to take a journey through the South and its acclaimed barbecue masters. The
accompanying history blends travel and culinary lore with a survey of barbecue's changes and
evolution. The authors visit many places; some of which are deserving of their fame and others
of which have fallen by the wayside, to be replaced by less famous yet equally-adept masters at
smoke and fire. An added focus on how race influences cooking styles plus ways in which media
shows are undermining traditional barbecue culture makes for a wide-ranging, multi-faceted
cookbook and travelogue perfect for any fan of slow-cooked meats.
Ryland Peters & Small
519 Broadway, 5th floor
New York, NY 10012
www.rylandpeters.com
Jane Mason's ALL YOU KNEAD IS BREAD (9781849752572, $24.95) gathers some fifty bread
recipes from around the world and advocates that cooks will find it easy to bake great bread.
Newcomers to the art will find this user-friendly guide explains basic techniques, offers
step-by-step photos supporting the idea that bread-baking is simple, and gathers recipes from
around the world. All have been selected because they're easy to follow. Some fifty recipes run
the gamut from pita bread and cinnamon buns to rye bread and brioche. The result is an
outstanding gathering of delicious dishes, perfect for any home baker new to the finer art of bread
baking who wants an introduction that assures success. Felipe Fuentes Cruz & Ben Fordham's
REAL MEXICAN FOOD (9781849753425, $24.95) comes from the Mexican chef behind the
London restaurant Benito's Hat, and shares his family recipes for authentic feasts and casual
dining like. Vivid color photos by Peter Cassidy accompany such unique fare as a Spicy
Broad/Fava Bean Salad, Chipolte Chicken Tacos, and Carmelized Apple Burrito: the result is an
outstanding collection of Mexican dishes you won't find in other cookbooks, all tested as
authentic and appealing dishes for any Mexican home cook.
The Biography Shelf
Freefall to Fly
Rebekah Lyons
Tyndale House Publishers
351 Executive Drive
Carol Stream, IL 60188
9781414379364, $19.99, www.tyndale.com
Freefall to Fly: A Breathtaking Journey Toward a Life of Meaning talks about surrender, faith,
and spirituality in the course of providing a memoir of the author's life path, which changed from
a set course of motherhood and building a family world in the South to a struggle with a new
world when they moved to the heart of New York City. In a different cultural environment driven
by performance, Lyons experienced depression and loneliness as expectations and lifestyle
challenges soared. This memoir of her experiences charts her upward course as she finds faith
and positive experience in the face of vast change and adversity, and is a pick for spirituality and
general biography holdings alike.
By Some Miracle I Made It Out of Here
Tom Sizemore
Atria Books
c/o Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
9781451681673, $26.00, www.simonandschuster.com
By Some Miracle I Made It Out of Here: A Memoir provides a powerful autobiography by an
actor who was widely in demand in the 1990s, but who struggled with a drug problem even while
he was working. As he worked hard to stay sober long enough to act, he saw his personal life
disintegrate, from being accused of domestic violence by the world's most famous madam to
becoming a prisoner, then living in an abandoned cabin and becoming homeless. Sizemore's rise,
fall, and survival examines both the entertainment industry and his on path through it, and
provides an excellent survey of drug addiction and recovery perfect for autobiography,
entertainment and health readers alike.
I Can Barely Take Care of Myself
Jen Kirkman
Simon and Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
9781451667004, $22.00, www.simonandschuster.com
I Can Barely Take Care of Myself: Tales from a Happy Life Without Kids comes from a stand-up
comedian and actress who here speaks of her life and our baby-obsessed society. It's a support of
the "childfree by choice" movement which hosts a boatload of fun personalities, and provides
personal chapters reflecting on the questions people ask about choosing not to have children.
Autobiography blends with social assessment and a healthy dose of humor throughout to make
for a multi-faceted story that will prove appealing to any library and to those interested in both
humor and social observation.
The Friedkin Connection
William Friedkin
Harper
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
9780061775123, $29.99, www.harpercollins.com
The Friedkin Connection: A Memoir is illustrated with two 8-page color inserts and tells of
filmmaker William Friedkin and his evolution as a force in Hollywood history. It provides a
candid survey of his life and reveals the inside politics and influences of Hollywood and the
technical, artistic and business decisions he confronted as he made his films. Any interested in
the industry in general and Friedkin's evolution and achievements in particular will enjoy a vivid
autobiography that roams from his childhood to the circumstances which led him from poverty to
success in one of the most demanding artistic industries in the world.
The Criminology Shelf
Anne Perry and the Murder of the Century
Peter Graham
Skyhorse Publishing
307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10018
9781620876305, $24.95, www.skyhorsepublishing.com
Anne Perry and the Murder of the Century provides a satisfying story of convicted killer Juliet
Hulme - who penned under the name of Anne Perry - and provides the crime and ensuing trial
that captured world attention. In 1954 mystery writer Perry and her friend Pauline Parker
murdered Parker's mother in a public park in cold blood. This book covers the crime, considers
the girls' relationship, and analyzes the personalities of each in a survey that brings to life the
world, times, and relationships of the famous mystery writer. The result is especially
recommended for true crime holdings and collections already seeing interest in Anne Perry's
mystery novels.
The Travel Shelf
France's Best Trips
Oliver Berry, et.al.
Lonely Planet Publications
150 Linden Street, Oakland CA 94607
9781742209852, $24.99, www.lonelyplanet.com
39 road trips throughout France offer itineraries packed with a wide range of cultural and natural
wonders unique to France, from art and historical sights to countrysides filled with wine, food,
and nature. Overviews of trip highlights accompany discussions of classic trips, detours and side
roads, tips for outdoors adventures, and much more. Small maps and discussions of places to stay
and eat accompany candid assessments of what types of trips will appeal to different tastes, from
journeys specific to architecture and arts fans to those filled with spectacular views and car rides.
The result is a fine travel planner highly recommended for any who plan on making France their
destination.
Transylvania, second edition
Lucy Mallows
Bradt Guides
1st Floor IDC House, The Vale
Chalfont St Peter, Bucks, England, SL9 9RZ
9781841624198, $25.99, www.bradtguides.com
The second updated edition of Transylvania is an excellent choice for any planning a visit to
Romania or Hungary, and is directed to independent travelers who dream of trekking, using
private guesthouses, and traveling some of the lesser-covered roads of the countries. This second
edition has been thoroughly updated and covers all the basics of where to stay, what to eat and
drink, and what to see. Line maps throughout accompany discussions of cultural attractions
unique to each country, while tips on camping, caving and more make for a fine, specific
coverage any destination-oriented visitor will love.
The Needlecraft Shelf
Fabulous Feathers & Fillers
Sue Nickels
American Quilter's Society
PO Box 3290, Paducah, KY 42002-3290
9781604600605, $24.95, www.aqsquilt.com
Fabulous Feathers & Fillers: Design & Machine Quilting is packed with clear directions on
designing and quilting different types of feathers, then applying them to quilting pursuits.
Directions cover the basics of machine quilting on a home machine and include coverage of
fillers, using 9 projects to build skills and experience. It also includes the pattern and instructions
for the award-winning Tea at Tenby quilt she created with her sister. Any quilter looking to learn
machine quilting in general and feathers and fillers in particular will find this a winner.
C&T Publishing
1651 Challenge Drive
Concord, CA 94520-5206
www.ctpub.com
Annabel Wrigley's WE LOVE TO SEW: 28 PRETTY THINGS TO MAKE (9781607056324,
$22.95) is a recommendation for needlework and crafts collections alike, offering sewers a focus
on making everything from jewelry to handbags, t-shirts and more and providing 28 projects
designed to encourage unique approaches and crafty skills development. Color photos of each
finished project accompany sidebars of information and step-by-step close-up color photos
making for a powerful and fun recommendation for any strong in needlework skills development.
Elizabeth Barton's INSPIRED TO DESIGN: SEVEN STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL ART QUILTS
(9781607056348, $29.95) packs in exercises that guide readers through the design process
involved in producing art quilts, and is a pick for any quilter who wants to move beyond the
traditional block quilt idea. Chapters cover all the basics, from inspirations that can be translated
to a quilt to working with color and light, integrating geometric-shaped structures, and much
more. The result is a 'must' for any would-be art quilter!
Martingale
19021 Avenue NE
Bothell, WA 98011
www.martingale.com
Mary Etherington and Connie Tesene's THE BLUE AND THE GRAY: QUILT PATTERNS
USING CIVIL WAR FABRIC (9781604682540, $24.99) packs in a fine collection of projects
inspired by the Civil War, featuring some 18 traditional designs that include wall hangings, table
toppers, and even doll quilts. Each project is very different: some use fat quarters, some scraps,
and others involve matching geometric designs to create fresh, new inspirational pieces. Projects
come with names from the Civil War era, and each accompanies clear directions with a full-page
color photos and pattern instructions. A recommendation for Civil War and especially
needlework libraries alike! Megan Kreiner's CROCHET A ZOO: FUN TOYS FOR BABY AND
YOU (9781604682731, $22.99) offers projects for crocheting animals from lions and bears to
apes, and is a pick for those with basic skills who want to stitch some animals or an entire zoo.
Over 16 patterns accompany color photos and step-by-step illustrations of how to create the
crochet animal. Any who would lend their crochet skills to creating toys will find this a fine pick.
Jen Eskridge's HEXAGONS MADE EASY: MACHINE TECHNIQUES FOR EXCEPTIONAL
QUILTS (9781604882755, $24.99) tells how to create lovely hexagon quilts without y-seams or
hand sewing. It comes from an expert quilter who uses a quick facing technique as an alternative
to traditional paper piecing, streamlining and simplifying the method and offering some 15
projects in a rang of sizes, from pot holders to table runners and large quilts. Machines are used
for stitching hexagons of any size, making this an easy and unusual choice for any needlework
collection. Nancy Allen's TRIPLE-PLAY SCRAP QUILTING: PLANNED, COORDINATED
AND MAKE-DO STYLES (9781604682632, $24.99) provides a fine crafts and quilting guide
that offers beginner-friendly strategies for showcasing a range of fabrics. Some nine quilts are
each shown in three different colorways to work with scrap materials. In the process of showing
these quilts, tips, tricks and techniques for paper piecing, applique, and alternatives for different
piecing strategies to put them all together make this a fine pick for any quilter looking to use up
scraps. Amy Ellis' MODERN NEUTRALS: A FRESH LOOK AT NEUTRAL QUILT
PATTERNS (9781604683233, $24.99) gathers new blocks and quilts and teaches how to use
neutrals to make fine quilts. Fifteen quilts range in style from easy to complicated and teach the
basics of using graphic quilt designs in neutral tones. Plenty of guides teach how to use color and
patterns: this focus on neutrals provides a unique approach not found in other quilter's guides,
making it a solid pick for any quilting library. Evelyn Sloppy's LOG CABIN FEVER:
INNOVATIVE DESIGNS FOR TRADITIONAL QUILTS (9781564774118, $26.99) offers a
fine survey analyzing Log Cabin blocks and providing a twist to the traditional pattern by
blending these blocks with over kinds of quilt blocks. Some 11 projects demonstrate how to mix
these blocks, showing how to build designs and then expand them with different Log Cabin
block approaches. From cutting and sewing to assembly, this tells how to produce a new classic
quilt.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Veterinary Nursing of Exotic Pets, second edition
Simon J. Girling
Wiley-Blackwell
350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148
9780470659175, $64.99, www.wiley.com/go/medicine
Veterinary Nursing of Exotic Pets appears in its second updated edition to cover the basic
principles of nursing exotic species. From chinchillas to iguanas, it considers nutrition, handling,
husbandry, and all manner of diseases and treatments, with new coverage for this revised edition
including emergency and critical care, radiography, and small exotics such as sugargliders. Color
photos and color tabbed pages accompany discussion of common diseases of small mammals and
their treatment. Vet students and clinics will find this a solid reference compiling best practices
and considering all issues involved in management.
The Health/Medicine Shelf
Learning to Listen
T. Berry Brazelton, MD
Da Capo Press
c/o Perseus Books Group
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
www.perseusbooksgroup.com
9780738216676, $24.99, www.dacapopress.com
Learning to Listen: A Life Caring for Children provides an autobiography and medical review all
in one, tracing the evolution of his techniques that helped thousands of parents raise their
children, and showing how these techniques evolved from his work. From his anthropological
study in Kenya to researching Mayan newborns in Mexico, this tells of one who began his
medical career in the 1940s just as the field was changing to reflect modern times, and makes for
a fine review of not only Dr. Brazelton's life and achievements, but of the evolving field of
medicine itself. A fine recommendation for any medical or autobiography holding!
Jones & Bartlett
5 Wall Street
Burlington, MA 01803
www.jblearning.com
The second updated edition of Anita Finkelman and Carole Kenner's PROFESSIONAL
NURSING CONCEPTS: COMPETENCIES FOR QUALITY LEADERSHIPS (9781449649029,
$83.95) provides a detailed survey of nursing education and professional development and
engages students in recognizing the role nurses play in healthcare delivery. New information on
healthcare reform and nursing implications and content on the American Nurses Association
Principles for Documentation accompanies revisions and two entirely new chapters on
community health concerns and changing nursing practices. A student companion website
provides students with study aids for each chapter in the book. The result is a guide which
shouldn't be missed by any serious nursing study collection. Professional health reference
collections will also benefit from the addition of Joseph K.H. Ma and Boka W. Hadzija's BASIC
PHYSICAL PHARMACY (9781449653347, $85.95), a reference directed to health care
professionals and packed with basic scientific principles relating to pharmacy and drug
formulation. Chapters authored by nationally recognized scientists and pharmacologists cover
dosage forms, pharmacy systems, and novel drug delivery systems, offering students and
professionals alike in-depth details on the chemistry and features of major drug products and
delivery systems. A 'must' for any health/medicine collection.
The Technology Shelf
Artech House
685 Canton Street
Norwood, MA 02062
www.artechhouse.com
Roman Krzanowski's Metro Ethernet Services for LTE Backhaul (9781608076857, $129.00)
joins others in Artech's mobile communications reference series and provides an in-depth guide
to designing and using mobile Ethernet backhauling services in urban areas. Engineers receive
technical coverage on the service components of CE architecture, explains their interactions, and
offers descriptions of applications and technical notes on implementation and management. Any
who must choose the standards and technical documentation related to a design project will
consider this an indispensable engineering reference. Principles of GNSS, Inertial, and
Multisensor Integrated navigation Systems by Paul D. Groves (9781608070053, $169.00)
appears in its second updated edition to discuss navigation systems for engineering collections.
It's been substantially revised and expanded to provide the latest in-depth survey of systems
operation and component integration, adding many updated references and also including a new
chapter on radio positioning basics and field applications. An accompanying DVD packed with
interactive examples and basic simulation software rounds out the technical presentation in this
winning survey. Battery Power Management for Portable Devices by Yevgen Barsukov and
Jinrong Qian (9781608074914, $99.00) is written by leading engineers in the field who
document the many changes in handheld technology, and will appeal to professionals working in
the engineering field. It reviews and provides in-depth analysis of many areas of battery power
management for portable devices, offering the latest information on everything from optimizing
circuits to creating the longest possible run-time and using safety circuits to protect the new
battery properties. Examples of whole systems offer plenty of real-world applications and
insights, perfect for engineers working in the field.
The Education Shelf
Redleaf Press
10 Yorkton Court
St. Paul, MN 55117-1065
www.redleafpress.org
Early childhood collections and education holdings dealing with exceptional young children will
find Ann Gadzikowski's CHALLENGING EXCEPTIONALLY BRIGHT CHILDREN IN
EARLY CHILDHOOD CLASSROOMS (9781605541167, $34.95) a solid collection of
techniques designed to explore what it means to be exceptionally bright at the preschool and
prekindergarden levels - and how to help such children reach their full potential. Three broad
categories help educators and parents connect with these kids, building rich learning experiences
that address both their special needs and the overall regular learning style of a classroom. The
result is a rich, powerful collection of ideas for any early education holding. Judith Anne Rice's
THE KINDNESS CURRICULUM: STOP BULLYING BEFORE IT STARTS (9781605541242,
$24.95) provides early childhood educators with nearly a hundred character-building activities to
promote peace and harmony, teaching preschoolers who to develop compassion for others. New
and revised experiences are provided in this updated second edition, which teaches about love,
self-control, respect and more. Activities that aim to prevent bullying before it starts impart the
basics of prosocial values in a safe, community environment. Highly recommended!
The Social Issues Shelf
After Bin Laden
Abdel Bari Atwan
The New Press
38 Green Street, 4th floor
New York, NY 10013
9781595588999, $27.95, www.thenewpress.com
AFTER BIN LADEN: AL QAEDA, THE NEXT GENERATION is a 'must read' for any
concerned about politics, social issues, policy making, and Middle East affairs, and comes from a
journalist who examines Al Qaeda's transformations over a ten year period, when it moved from
a small group based in Afghanistan to and international movement around the world. Its focus on
using 'lone-wolf' members who sacrifice themselves for their cause and its various grassroots
tactics are still alive and growing, and its growth is here charted by a journalist who interviewed
bin Laden twice, and who provides a powerful perspective for any who would consider the
lasting effects of terrorism on the world.
Westview Press
2465 Central Avenue
Boulder, CO 80301
www.westviewpress.com
Michael Carolan's SOCIETY AND THE ENVIRONMENT: PRAGMATIC SOLUTIONS TO
ECOLOGICAL ISSUES (9780813345949, $65.00) provides readers with an excellent, new way
of understanding global environmental issues and pairs concepts and analysis of
environmentalism in thinking about global solutions to problems. It uses sociological thinking
but pairs this with political science, science, economic and geographical studies to provide a
multi-faceted survey of how societies address these larger environmental challenges. The result is
a top pick for any college-level collection strong in social issues or environmental studies. Craig
Zelizer edits INTEGRATED PEACEBUILDING: INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO
TRANSFORMING CONFLICT (9780813345093, $40.00), a college-level study which
examines how the theory of integrated peacekeeping can be applied across disciplines, from
health and media concerns to social, political and environmental applications. The theory and
practice of mainstreaming peacebuilding are considered in an anthology that provides
cutting-edge material reviewing the business and structure of the peacekeeping field as a whole.
With its strong focus on how such efforts change the nature of conflict and lend to peace, this is a
powerful survey highly recommended for any social issues holding. Kevin B. Smith and
Christopher W. Larimer's THE PUBLIC POLICY THEORY PRIMER (9780813347493, $37.00)
appears in its second updated edition to considering how public policy research has changed to
reflect new focus on processes, design, issues and theories. It provides a comprehensive and
inclusive synthesis of college-level studies and methodological approaches, outlining key debates
and controversies and offering new approaches to behavioral economics and social policies.
College-level readers will find this scholarly yet accessible read.
Our Common Wealth
Jonathan Rowe
Berrett-Koehler Publishers Inc.
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 650
San Francisco, CA 94104-2916
9781609948337, $16.95, www.bkconnection.com
Our Common Wealth: The Hidden Economy That Makes Everything Work could have been
featured in our business section, but is reviewed here for its wider discussion of economics and
their effects on human and natural paths alike. "The commons" is a term that denotes shared
environments and endeavors, and here editor and U.S. Senate aid Jonathan Rowe focuses on the
concept, its applications in economic, social and political arenas, and how it is threatened by
privatization and neglect. Struggles against pollution, overdevelopment, and corporate sales
strategies alike are analyzed with a strong eye to explaining these 'commons' and the threat to
their existence. Business, political and social science collections alike will find this lends to
wider classroom discussion and debate.
The Music Shelf
The Best Jobs in the Music Industry
Michael Redman
Hal Leonard
c/o Hal Leonard Performing Arts Publishing Group
19 West 21st Street, Suite 201, New York, NY 10010
9781476817019, $24.99, www.halleonardbooks.com
THE BEST JOBS IN THE MUSIC INDUSTRY: STRAIGHT TALK FROM SUCCESSFUL
MUSIC PROS provides a fine career guide for those who love music and who want to become
involved in more than just a performer capacity. Here is a list of such music-related jobs, along
with job requirements, potential revenue, longevity ratings, benefits and discussions of musical
careers. Each description begins with a summary designed to help readers decide on whether it's
of interest, with case histories of those involved in the career path further defining the pros and
cons of each position. Michael Redman, himself a composer and musician, interviews over sixty
professionals in the business to gain solid insights into all the options. Any aspiring music
worker will find this a solid key to success.
The Audiobook Shelf
Hachette Audio
237 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10017
www.hachetteaudio.com
Two fine audio books are powerful recommendations for any audio book collection and bring to
life their written counterparts by adding exceptionally vivid readers to the mis. Rod Dreher's
THE LITTLE WAY OF RUTHIE LEMING: A SOUTHERN GIRL, A SMALL TOWN, AND
THE SECRET OF A GOOD LIFE (9781619696273, $29.98) is narrated by the author, whose
fine evocative voice brings to life his story of a little sister diagnosed at age forty with a virulent
form of cancer. The small town the author had left behind rallied around her - and on his visits to
her, he reconnected with the community - which raised some, $43,000 to help pay medical bills.
This is as much an account of that community as it is about Ruthie's life and death, an event
which prompted to author to leave the city to move back to his hometown. A powerful testimony
to community togetherness evolves. Jeff Haynes presents PETE SEEGER: THE STORM KING
(9781619698307, $19.98) in a fine presentation of music celebrating Seeger's music. Dar
Williams, Samite and others blends Seeger's storytelling with a range of musical styles in a
remarkable collection that runs the gamut from classical to American folk, new age, and even
international influences. The result is a fine blending of music and spoken story, highly
recommended for any Seeger enthusiast. David Baldacci's TOTAL CONTROL (9781619696235,
$29.98) receives a fine reading by Jonathan Marosz, whose evocative voice brings to life the saga
of Sidney, who has a fine family and a job she loves - until a plane crash changes everything. Her
husband has secretly entered a deadly world and his disappearance leaves Sidney with a wealth
of lies and deceptions she feels compelled to track. Aided by an FBI agent, she will become part
of a violent series of encounters that will leave a trail of bodies and mysteries in its wake in this
engrossing thriller, which comes to life in audio. David Baldacci's THE HIT (9781619695211,
$39.98) receives an outstanding dual narration by actress Orlagh Cassidy and author/actor Ron
McLarty, who also has had many appearances on Broadway and in film, and tells of one Will
Robie, a skilled assassin for the U.S. government. Now fellow assassin and equal Reel has gone
rogue - and it's up to Robie to capture her. Add a touch of attraction into the mix and you have a
complex story of intrigue: a cat-and-mouse chase that hides a larger, more dangerous attack that
could affect the world. Splendid intrigue comes to life in this audio, recommended for any
collection strong in novels.
Brilliance Audio
PO Box 887
Grand Haven, MI 49417
www.brillianceaudio.com
Joel C. Rosenberg's DAMASCUS COUNTDOWN (9781423379492, $36.99) features a fine
performance by Christopher Lane and is a powerful international espionage thriller perfect for
any library strong in audio thrillers. Here Israel successfully launches a first strike on Iran, taking
out all their nuclear capabilities, involving the world in hostile interactions that could provoke
another world war. Meanwhile CIA operative David Shirazi has infiltrated the Iranian regime to
discover two nuclear warheads have survived, and threaten Israel. Can his team find them before
genocide erupts? A powerful saga, this keeps listeners engaged to the end. Penn Jillette's EVERY
DAY IS AN ATHEIST HOLIDAY! (9781469276861, $29.99) comes from one half of the music
duo Penn and Teller, and offers witty essays for believers and nonbelievers alike. His reflections
on holiday traditions, the possibility of life after death, and much more blend humor and insight
with a sense of fun as it observes everyday life and beliefs, and comments on ironies and
incongruities. Any audio listening library will find this a fun acquisition!
Highbridge Audio Books
201 Sixth Street SE, Suite 220
Minneapolis, MN 55414
www.highbridgeaudio.com
NPR's THE WAIT ALBUM: MORE OF THE BEST (9781611748628, $22.95) offers a
compendium of shows from the public radio news quiz Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!, and is a fun
listen for any who enjoy the show. It selects some of the show's most entertaining guests, from
Cal Ripken Jr. to Jane Goodall and Vince Gill, and features the quiz involving a celebrity guest
who must answer questions on a topic totally outside their area of expertise. The result is
refreshing, fun, and a lively listen. Christa Parravani's HER (9781622311743, $34.95) provides a
powerful memoir telling of the author and her identical twin Cara, raised in poverty by a single
mother. They were gifted siblings who won scholarships to a prestigious college and married
early - but when Cara became a victim of brutality, she became addicted to drugs and died. This
is Christa's account of how she faced these same demons, resisted the urges to follow in her
sister's footsteps, and ultimately became her own person. It's a powerful memoir that comes to
life in audio and deserves to be in any audio library.
Keep It Pithy
Bill O'Reilly
Random House Audio Books
c/o The Random House Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, 5th floor, New York, NY 10019
9780804128971, $25.00, www.randomhouseaudio.com
KEEP IT PITHY: USEFUL OBSERVATIONS IN A TOUGH WORLD is narrated by the author
and Dan Woren and provides a powerful unabridged production gathering the best of O'Reilly's
writings. Each chapter represents a core theme as it gathers these thoughts, culling the best from
his books and considering how his opinions have been verified as correct over the years. Any fan
of The O'Reilly Factor and Bill O'Reilly's thoughts and reflections will find his audio powerful,
backed by the voice of Dan Woren, an actor and voice-over artist.
The Military Shelf
Osprey Publishing
4301 21st St, Suite 220B
Long Island City, NY 11101
www.ospreypublishing.com
WORLD WAR II WINTER AND MOUNTAIN WARFARE TACTICS by Stephen Bull
(9781849087124, $18.95) receives fine color art by Steve Noon to accompany black and white
photos as it considers the history of winter and mountain warfare tactics during World War II.
Any military history collection will find this a solid discussion of the training, equipment and
special approaches winter warfare required, with chapters based on both wartime manuals and
critiques of what actually happened during combat. A specific 'must' for any military collection!
Robert Forczyk's KHARKOV 1942: THE WEHRMACHT STRIKES BACK (9781780961576,
$21.95) narrows its focus to the Red Army's key battle in one sector of the Eastern Front,
designed to disrupt German plans, and provides a fine survey of a campaign which developed
into one of the Red Army's greatest defeats of the war. It provides fine in-depth analysis of battle
strategy, failure and outcome and receives excellent illustrations by Howard Gerrard in a
detailed, satisfying discussion. Chris McNab's AMERICA'S ELITE: US SPECIAL FORCES
FROM THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION TO THE PRESENT DAY (9781780962849, $39.95)
provides a solid overview of the history, skills and purposes of various U.S. Special Forces over
the decades, charting these forces from the 18th century to modern times and pairing a lively
historical survey with black and white and color photos and illustrations throughout. Here is a
complete survey of how the US Army, Navy, and Air Force developed and used the concept of
elite soldiers, considering key operations, training, and technology that separates them from
regular soldiers. The combination of striking artworks and in-depth history makes this a 'must' for
any military holding. Ian Knight's THE NEW ZEALAND WARS 1820-72 (9781780962771,
$17.95) chronicles two major 19th-century wars between the British settlers in New Zealand and
the indigenous Maori, who had firearms as part of their traditional tactics. The Maori built
sophisticated defensive forts although many chose to side with the settlers: this account from an
expert on colonial warfare features rare photos and color plates to examine the tactics and
perspectives of both sides, and is a 'must' for both military and New Zealand history holdings.
Victor Kulikov's RUSSIAN ACES OF WORLD WAR I (9781780960593, $22.95) details the
encounters of the Russian Imperial Army Service, which consisted of no more than four battle
aviation groups, each controlling three or four smaller fighter detachments. This narrowed focus
details the planes, the aces, their strategies and their key battles of the times, using information
based on material newly sourced by the author from Russian military and private archives. The
result is an outstanding analysis suitable for any aviation history or World War I military holding.
Andrew West's VIETNAM: A VIEW FROM THE FRONT LINES (9781849089722, $25.95) is
based on the collection housed at the National Archives, the Center of Military History, and at
the Vietnam Archive at Texas Tech, and provides the reader with a common soldier's view of
Vietnam conflicts, from the rice paddies and swamps of the Mekong to the Marine bases around
the DMZ. It provides stories of battles, heroism, and impossible odds and traces the American
experience of Vietnam from start to finish, offering an accurate experiential portrait rather than
your usual historical analysis. Any military collection will find this powerful and revealing. Kari
Stenman and Peter de Jong's FOKKER D.XXI ACES OF WORLD WAR 2 (9781780960623,
$22.95) provides a powerful history of the elite fighter pilots of the war and the Fokker D.XXI, a
fighter which operated under primitive conditions and racked up many wins in comparison to the
Soviets. The fighter produced the first 'ace in a single mission' in World War II and featured in
many amazing missions even as it was deemed obsolete in the fighter world. This celebration
focuses on the planes, pilots and battle experiences, blending vintage black and white photos
with color illustrations throughout, and is a pick for any military or aviation history
collection.
The Fiction Shelf
The Golem and the Jinni
Helene Wecker
Harper
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
9780062110831, $26.99, www.harpercollins.com
The Golem and the Jinni provides a fine multicultural immigrant story that blends Jewish and
Arab folk mythology in telling of two supernatural creatures who arrive separately in New York
in 1899. The woman is a golem created out of clay in Poland, the man is a Jinni: a being of fire
trapped by a wizard in a copper flask and accidentally released in Manhattan. Their different
cultures and journeys as they explore their new human home makes for a fine story of
supernatural and human personalities as they predictably meet, form a strong bond, and interact
with the immigrant world around them. This magical, fun fable is a pick for any novel
collection.
Together Tea
Marjan Kamali
Ecco
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10022-5299
9780062236807, $14.99, www.eccobooks.com
Together Tea offers a debut novel that outlines the complex life of an Iranian immigrant, Mina,
and her family as the group attempts to integrate their old country ways with American culture.
There's always a difference and hard choices to make, not only between cultures but between
mother and daughter. Taken from the Persian culture they love, Mina and her family face many
changes on many levels, with differences between their comfortable old world traditions and
challenging new world encounters fueling controversy even into Mina's adulthood. Eventually
the tangled web leads back to Iran, where Mina and her mother seek to forge a better relationship.
This powerful novel of cultural understanding is recommended for any collection strong in
modern fiction.
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Dead, White and Blue
Carolyn Hart
Berkeley Prime Crime
c/o Penguin Group (USA)
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
9780425260777, $25.95, www.penguin.com
DEAD, WHITE, AND BLUE provides a new 'Death on Demand' mystery, adding to the series
and telling of a 4th of July mystery revolving around the disappearance of two tourists and a trail
of blackmail and betrayal. Annie and her husband Max find their investigations bring them into
the thick of tangled passions and motives for death in a thriller that is especially recommended
for prior fans of the series, who will appreciate a new plot, new characters and new insights.
Board Stiff
Elaine Viets
Obsidian
c/o Penguin Group (USA)
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
9780451239853, $23.95, www.penguin.com
BOARD STIFF provides a new 'Dead-End Job' mystery and tells of a customer killed in a tragic
paddle-board mishap. Company owner Jim is sure it's no accident - but PI team Helen and Phil
face one of their greatest challenges yet as what seems to be an accident evolves into a cutthroat
murder that exposes the underworld of the beachfront business and an industry laden with
resentments, simmering murder, and abuse. BOARD STIFF keeps one guessing until the end
and, steeped in beachfront culture, is a satisfying survey any mystery fan will welcome - even
newcomers to the 'Dead-End Job' setting of previous writing.
Joyland
Stephen King
Hard Case Crime
c/o Titan Books
144 Southwark Street, London SE1 OUP, UK
9781781162644, $12.95, www.titanbooks.com
JOYLAND combines two of Stephen King's favorite genres: pulp crime novels and ghosts, and
provides a fine novel set in a small-town North Carolina amusement park in 1973, where college
student Devin comes to work as a carney and becomes involved in murder and the fate of a dying
child. It's a powerful novel that crosses genres to provide readers an engrossing plot and
action-packed story in the style of pulp fiction, and it's a pick that maintains the drama and
interest of a King classic without the thousands of pages many of his novels require. Crime
fiction fans who enjoy a touch of supernatural in their reading will find this a winner!
Poisoned Pen Press
6962 E. First Ave., #103
Scottsdale, AZ 85251
www.poisonedpenpress.com
Betty Webb's THE LLAMA OF DEATH: A GUNN ZOO MYSTERY (9781464200687, $14.95)
joins others in the Gun Zoo series and is especially recommended for prior series fans. Zookeeper
Theodora takes a llama to a local Renaissance faire, only to stumble upon a dead reverend and a
crime scene made to look like the llama stomped him to death. But the obvious quickly emerges:
the 'reverend' is actually a convict, and has been killed with a crossbow. When Teddy's own
mother becomes the chief suspect and is jailed, it's up to Teddy to overcome a storm of
controversy and locate the real killer, before it's too late. Mystery holdings will find this packed
with satisfying twists of plot. Mystery collections will also welcome Clea Simon's PARROTS
PROVE DEADLY (9781464201028, $24.95), a fine Prue Marlowe 'pet noir' mystery revolving
around an animal psychic, a foul-mouthed parrot whose owner has died, and clues that boil down
to the parrot's witness of murder. Can Pru use her animal instincts and friends to get to the
bottom of a deadly case? A fine story revolving around animals will prove perfect for fans of
Braun's 'Cat' mysteries.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Blood of Dragons
Robin Hobb
Harper Voyageur
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
9780062116857, $27.99, www.harpervoyageurbooks.com
Fans of the prior volumes Dragon Keeper, Dragon Haven and City of Dragons can't miss this
ringing conclusion to the series which profiles dragon magic and fantasy encounters. A crew of
outcasts and sailors have reached the fabled lost city and ancestral source of magic after a
dangerous journey imperiling their dragons: the quest for the Silver wells that will prolong the
dragons' lives is nearly over, and the keepers are seeking the wells. But their joined search
continues fraught with peril, and involves the life or death of Tintaglia, the queen of dragons. An
engrossing epic saga concludes a series noted for its powerful twists of plot and solid
characterization.
Roc
c/o Penguin Group (USA)
375 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
www.penguin.com
S.M. Stirling provides a powerful conclusion to his Shadowspawn series in SHADOWS OF THE
FALLING NIGHT (9780451464514, $27.95), a recommendation for prior enthusiasts of the
series who can't wait for the satisfying conclusion to the fantasy. The Council of Shadows is
meeting to determine the fate of the human race but there are forces on the other side struggling
for mankind: namely Adrian Breze, a nearly pure-bred Shadowspawn, and his human mate Ellen,
who fight against Adrian's twin sister Adrienne, who would prefer to use the humans to support
Shadowspawn lifestyles as food servants. Pit ancient shapeshifters with human interests and
brother/sister struggles and you have a fast-paced fantasy that draws all facets together. Stephen
L. Antczak and James C. Bassett's CLOCKWORK FAIRY TALES: A COLLECTION OF
STEAMPUNK FABLES (9780451464941, $15.00) offers a fine gathering of steampunk stories
written by top science fiction and fantasy authors: a collection packed with tales that have never
before been printed. Fairy tales blend with technological wonders to make up the steampunk
theme, offering fine accounts of deception, danger, and surreal worlds blessed by ancient and
modern wonders operating side-by-side. Any steampunk fan will relish these originals!
The International Studies Shelf
Africa in World Politics, fifth edition
John W. Harbeson and Donald Rothchild
Westview Press
2465 Central Avenue, Boulder, CO 80301
9780813348452, $45.00, www.westviewpress.com
AFRICA IN WORLD POLITICS: ENGAGING A CHANGING GLOBAL ORDER appears in
its fifth updated edition to provide a classic consideration of Africa's evolving place in world
politics. All chapters have been completely updated to explore new issues and changes affecting
the continent since the last edition, six completely new chapters on warfare and peacekeeping
have been added, and surveys of international influences on African politics make for an updated
classic that will engage and educate the latest college-level readers on contemporary African
political and social shifts.
The Metaphysical Studies Shelf
The Alien Abduction Files
Kathleen Marden and Denise Stoner
New Page Books
c/o Career Press Inc.
220 West Parkway, Unit 12
Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
9781601632715, $16.99, www.newpagebooks.com
THE ALIEN ABDUCTION FILES: THE MOST STARTLING CASES OF HUMAN-ALIEN
CONTACT EVER REPORTED collects new case studies and evidence that support alien
abduction, and comes from two expert investigators and media professionals in the field. From
the science that explains alien technology to messages conveyed by ETs to abductees and
evidence of alien phenomena, this collects hair-raising stories and dramatic accounts supported
by multiple eyewitnesses. Any collection strong in alien coverages will find this enlightening and
engrossing.
The Antiques/Collectibles Shelf
Pictures from a Distant Country
Dr. Richard Doty
Whitman Publishing
4001 Helton Drive
Florence, Alabama, 35630
0794832555, $24.95, www.whitman.com
PICTURES FROM A DISTANT COUNTRY: SEEING AMERICA THROUGH OLD PAPER
MONEY packs a 296-page hardcover with details linking the nation's overall history with a
history of its early currency evolution, focusing on the days when there was no federal money in
circulation and private banks and businesses issued currency. Vignettes and enlarged bank-note
engravings are packed into ten chapters that focus on 1800s U.S. history which will delight fans
of general American history; but it's the currency collector who will delight in the appendix of
full sized notes, cross-referenced to the narrative and including an index arranged state, city and
bank to discuss individual notes. Any collector of obsolete paper money and many a history buff
will find this discussion fascinating.
The DVD Shelf
The Real Winning Edge
Diane Preston-Reilly
Zondervan Publishing House
5300 Patterson Avenue, S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49530
9780310889854, $26.99, www.zondervan.com
The Real Winning Edge provides an inspirational DVD on how teens can overcome abuse,
parental issues and more and provides a visual inspirational piece that discusses faith and wise
choices. Any involved in youth ministry will find this lends to optimistic solutions and
discussions, with episodes documenting teen successes and how their basic values development
lent to high achievement choices. A fine recommendation for any spiritual community looking
for videos documenting teen achievement.
Doctor Who: Series Seven, Part Two
BBC America
7475 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite #1100
Bethesda, MD 20814
No ISBN, $24.98, www.bbcamerica.com
Doctor Who: Series Seven, Part Two offers the second half of series seven telling of the Doctor's
search for Clara, an 'impossible girl' who keeps dying and re-appearing in another form. Here the
battle aliens, are trapped in a Russian sub with a monster, and face ghosts including the Crimson
Horror of Victorian England and a new army of upgraded, more powerful Cyberman. The
episodes are written by top science fiction artists while this DVD includes two episode prequels
in a pick for any Doctor Who collection.
The Railroading Shelf
Garden Railway Basics
Kevin Strong
Kalmbach Publishing Company
21027 Crossroads Circle
Waukesha, WI 53186
9780890248355, $19.95, www.kalmbach.com
GARDEN RAILWAY BASICS: FROM CONCEPT TO CONSTRUCTION TO UPKEEP
provides model railway fans with everything needed to plan and build a successful garden rail
model. Ten years of advice from Garden Railways columnist Kevin Strong contributes to a
handbook filled with everything needed to get started in garden railway construction, offering a
foundation of knowledge that will appeal to novices and experienced hobbyists alike. Color
photos and clear descriptions make this a solid reference.
The Science Shelf
The Science of Miracles: Investigating the Incredible
Joe Nickell
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
9781616147419, $18.00, www.prometheusbooks.com
The Science of Miracles: Investigating the Incredible uses the author's forty-plus years of
experience in tracking down mysteries to reveal on-site examinations, lab experiments and other
investigations into claims of miracles around the world. From miraculous images and relics to
miracle healing experiences and visionary observations, chapters apply scientific investigation
and principles of proof to miracle claims, blending a paranormal investigator's approach to
spiritual experience. The result is a lively analysis that spirituality and science holdings alike
should find engrossing and revealing.
Self-Observation in the Social Sciences
Joshua W. Clegg, Editor
Transaction Publishers
10 Corporate Place South, Piscataway, NJ 08854
9781412849494, $49.95, www.transactionpub.com
Self-Observation in the Social Sciences brings together papers offering solutions to basic
questions in psychology and social interaction, making this a pick for any college-level collection
strong in either discipline. History, theory, and the roots of techniques of self-observation and
applied psychology provide an analysis of the dichotomy between objective and subjective
techniques, exploring the foundations of psychological thought and its applications. The result is
a scholarly reference which any college-level student of psychology and applied social science
concepts will find involving.
Supersymmetry and Beyond
Gordon Kane
Basic Books
c/o Perseus Books Group
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
www.perseusbooksgroup.com
9780465080465, $16.99, www.basicbooks.com
Supersymmetry and Beyond: From the Higgs Boson to the New Physics explains high-level
particle and experimental physics to lay readers and is a top recommendation for any
general-interest science reader. It covers the basics of the Standard Model and its fundamental
science, introduces the theory of supersymmetry, and offers in-depth yet accessible reviews of
modern physics discoveries and theories. This reprint has been fully revised and updated to
provide a lively discussion for any interested in physics theory, but who lack a scientific
background.
The Psychology Shelf
Brainwashed
Sally Satel and Scott O. Lilienfeld
Basic Books
c/o Perseus Books Group
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
www.perseusbooksgroup.com
9780465018772, $26.99, www.basicbooks.com
BRAINWASHED: THE SEDUCTIVE APPEAL OF MINDLESS NEUROSCIENCE comes
from a psychiatrist and a psychologist who reveal how many of the real-world applications of
neuroscience gloss over its limitations, serving to confuse the purposes and sources of behavior
and identity management. The field of neuroscience has expanded to include technologies which
have provided many groundbreaking insights into how the human brain works - but have they
really answered the basic mysteries remaining in psychology itself? This provides an important
survey of brain imaging advancements and the pros and cons of applying physical to
psychological science.
The Interior Design Shelf
Designers Abroad
Michele Keith
Monacelli Press
236 West 27th Street, 4th floor
New York, NY, 10001-5906
9781580933513, $50.00, www.monacellipress.com
DESIGNERS ABROAD: INSIDE THE VACATION HOMES OF TOP DECORATORS
features over twenty vacation homes and over 200 color photos of them, offering a range of
interior design insights on themes that range from a Paris studio to a house atop a cliff in Nova
Scotia. Different environments require different interior and exterior designs: this collection of
top designer answers to design challenges offers unique projects that are accompanied by
in-depth discussions of how the design was created and carried out. Any who would apply the
vacation home theme to unique structures will find this a winning discussion perfect for any
interior design or architecture collection, loaded with full color photos throughout and plenty of
detail on design.
The Art Shelf
Rodin & Eros
Pascal Bonafoux
Thames & Hudson
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110-0017
9780500239001, $34.95, www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
August Rodin's sculptures and artworks depicted sexuality and erotic desire in a range of ways,
and this chronological survey Rodin & Eros offers a powerful journey through the artist's
personal life and influences guiding his perspective and focus. From his relationships with
women to his friendships with fellow artists and the social controversies surrounding his
sculptures, this becomes much more than another collection of Rodin pieces, providing a
powerful historical analysis of morality, social trends, and artistic influences key to
understanding his works. Any collection strong in sculpture history in general or Rodin's history
in particular will find this an excellent acquisition.
The Fashion Shelf
The Label Book of Clothing Culture
Thomas Rusche
Daab Media
Scheidtweilerstr. 69, 50933 Cologne, Germany
9783942597258, $95.00, www.daab-online.com
The Label Book of Clothing Culture surveys over 40 top labels within the clothing industry, and
is a top pick for any collection concerned with fashion design and industry history. It's a
coffee-table style book packed with history, fashion design insights, and company profiles, and
it's loaded with examples of fashion trends and evolving styles that will prove revealing and
perfect for any student of clothing culture. From craftsmanship to style trends, this covers all the
top features and attractions of the clothing industry in depth and detail, and is a 'must' for any
collection strong in fashion design.
The Crafts Shelf
Easy Beading V. 9
Bead Style Magazine
Kalmbach Publishing Company
21027 Crossroads Circle, Waukesha, WI 53186
9780871167835, $29.95, www.kalmbachbooks.com
EASY BEADING appears in its ninth updated volume packing in hundreds of jewelry-making
ideas from Bead Style magazine, and is a pick for any collection strong in jewelry crafts. Some
80 illustrated projects represent the best picks of the 9th year of the publication and provides
stylish projects that use a range of materials, from gemstones and metal to chain and pearls.
Hundreds of step-by-step photos accompany easy instructions and compliment full-page photos
of completed projects and project lists. Very highly recommended for any collection appealing to
jewelry makers and crafters.
Crystal Play
Anna Elizabeth Draeger
Kalmbach Publishing Company
21027 Crossroads Circle, Waukesha, WI 53186
9780871164766, $21.95, www.kalmbachbooks.com
CRYSTAL PLAY: FUN & FABULOUS DESIGNS FOR STITCHED JEWELRY comes from a
jewelry designer who provides 25 new designs for bracelets, beaded beads, and different
accessories, offering a key to her own unique design process. Materials lists, step-by-step
illustrated directions, and ideas for color and design accompany color photos throughout in a fine
collection of stitching and jewelry projects for any crafter.
The Writing/Publishing Shelf
Kicking in the Wall
Barbara Abercrombie
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
9781608681563, $15.95, www.newworldlibrary.com
KICKING IN THE WALL: A YEAR OF WRITING EXERCISES, PROMPTS, AND QUOTES
TO HELP YOU BREAK THROUGH YOUR BLOCKS AND REACH YOUR WRITING
GOALS offers creative advice from a creative writing teacher and provides exercises to help
writers overcome blocks. It's a daily workout for any who would kick start their creativity,
offering exercises on everything from dreaming to childhood and changing. Each entry opens
with a quote from a writer, then one to three exercises based on the quote. Dozens of exercises
completed by the author's own students make for a fine compendium of inspiration perfect for
any aspiring writer.
Editor-Proof Your Writing
Don McNair
Quill Driver Books
2006 South Mary, Fresno, CA 93721
9781610351782, $16.95, www.quilldriverbooks.com
Editor-Proof Your Writing: 21 Steps to the Clear Prose Publishers and Agents Crave provides a
foolproof method for identifying common misused, overused words and errors that lead
publishers and agents to reject manuscripts at the first page, and comes from a veteran editor who
shows how to change dull or error-laden copy to sparkling, fresh text. Over 40 years as a
professional editor and writing instructor lend expertise to these suggestions, which eliminates
the common approach of making the same mistakes over and over again. Most of the corrections
involve removing a few specific words. Any who would edit weak verb forms, redundancies, and
more will find this a solid, professional approach to editing one's own work for maximum
impact.
Scribblin' for a Livin'
Thomas J. Reigstad
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
9781616145927, $19.00, www.prometheusbooks.com
Scribblin' for a Livin': Mark Twain's Pivotal Period in Buffalo provides an engaging portrait of
Twain at a point in his life when he lived in Buffalo, worked as an editor, and became committed
to full-time newspaper work. It considers his work environment and influences at the Buffalo
Morning Express, offering anecdotes about his colleagues and fun work habits and providing
original Twain stories and illustrations not previously reprinted. The result is a fine insight into
how Twain the writer evolved, filled with rare photos and a pick for Twain students and scholars
of American literature and writing as a whole.
The Science Writers' Handbook
The Writers of SciLance
Da Capo Press
c/o Perseus Books Group
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
www.perseusbooksgroup.com
9780738216560, $17.50, www.dacapopress.com
The Science Writers' Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to Pitch, Publish, and Prosper in
the Digital Age is edited by Thomas Hayden and Michelle Nijhuis and analyzes the challenges
facing science writers who pursue careers, and how to achieve success. From key skills needed
for quality science writing to maintaining a work-life balance in a home office setting and
supporting oneself on fluctuating freelance monies, this is packed with powerful strategies key to
success, and is a pick for any writing and publishing collection as well as many a science
holding.
Vivid and Continuous
John McNally
University of Iowa Press
119 West Park Road
Iowa City, IA 52242-1000
9781609381561, $19.95, www.uiowapress.org
VIVID & CONTINUOUS: ESSAYS AND EXERCISES FOR WRITING FICTION provides
college-level readers with a helpful key to becoming a writer, offering a supplement to beginning
courses in writing that focuses on lessons and exercises supporting a writer's efforts. Novels and
short stories are used as examples to support lessons that help would-be writers think more
deeply about their work. From building characters to using humor, this is packed with clear
pathways to success.
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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