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Internet Bookwatch

Volume 21, Number 6 June 2011 Home | IBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice American History Shelf World History Shelf
Travel Shelf Health/Medicine Shelf Science Shelf
Pets/Wildlife Shelf Parenting Shelf Education Shelf
Memoir Shelf Philosophy Shelf Economics Shelf
Social Issues Shelf Agriculture Shelf Art Shelf
Photography Shelf Cookbook Shelf Writing/Publishing Shelf
Gardening Shelf Political Science Shelf Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf
Business Shelf Religion/Spirituality Shelf Woodworking Shelf
Fiction Shelf Mystery/Suspense Shelf Environmental Studies Shelf
Judaic Studies Shelf Crafts Shelf Music Shelf
Library CD Shelf Library DVD Shelf Audiobook Shelf
Archaeology Shelf Nautical Shelf Language Studies Shelf
Poetry Shelf Library Science Shelf Biography Shelf
Folktale/Fairytale Shelf Sports Shelf Native American Shelf
Islamic Studies Shelf Military Shelf Civil War Shelf
Gaming Shelf Needlecraft Shelf Christian Studies Shelf
Computer Self Metaphysical Studies Shelf Holocaust Studies Shelf
Homeowner's Shelf Humor Shelf Self-Help Shelf
Hunting/Fishing Shelf Buddhist Studies Shelf Fantasy/SciFi Self
Psychology Shelf Railroading Shelf Architecture Self
Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf Dance Shelf Judicial Studies Self


Reviewer's Choice

Door to the River
Aram Saroyan
David R. Godine Publisher
PO Box 450, Jaffrey, NH 03452
9781567923964, $17.95, www.blacksparrowbooks.com

Overcoming the shadow of one's father is the goal of many sons. "Door to the River: Essays & Reviews from the 1960s into the Digital Age" is a collection of writings from a kid of the 60s with an overbearing father. Author Aram Saroyan has since had success as a novelist and playwright, fueled by the drive to become his own writer. Covering his work throughout his life and including discussions of America after the September 11th, 2001 attacks, Saroyan provides an intellectual and scholarly set of thoughts. An excellent addition to literature and literary criticism collections, "Door to the River" is highly valuable.

Terrific Women Teachers
Helen Wolfe
Second Story Press
20 Maud Street Ste 401, Toronto, ON M5V 2M5
9781897187869, $10.95, www.secondstorypress.ca

Exceptional teachers are the unsung heroes of our world. "Terrific Women Teachers" is an entry into the Women's Hall of Fame series from Helen Wolfe, as she focuses on ten of these women who went beyond the call of duty for the name of education. From women who innovated whole new systems of education to those who have managed to teach the supposedly un-teachable, Helen Wolfe uses her own experience to shed light on these real world heroes. "Terrific Women Teachers" does well in showing those who have broken through the barriers of sexism and improved the world in their own ways.

The House of Wisdom
Jim Al-Khalili
Penguin Press
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
9781594202797, $29.95, www.penguin.com

The House of Wisdom: How Arabic Science Saved Ancient Knowledge and Gave Us the Renaissance offers a fine survey of the Islamic world's scientific innovations which enabled the European Renaissance, following the history of innovations in science and culture that were the result of medieval scholars of the East. The path and lasting legacy of Arabic science is revealed in a fine survey of how these Arab discoveries influenced European minds in a fine history recommended for any college-level collection strong in either science history or Middle Eastern studies.

Turn & Jump
Howard Mansfield
Down East Books
PO Box 679, Camden, ME 04843
9780892728169, $24.95, www.downeast.com

TURN & JUMP: HOW TIME AND PLACE FELL APART considers the disconnection of time and how it's become divorced from place, and uses small town experiences and American history to chart how time and place were once inseparable, but now experience rifts. Small towns used to set pace according to the sun and time keeping was a local affair: historic preservationist Howard Mansfield considers clocks, time, and vanished habits alike in a powerful assessment of the changing nature of both time and community. Any general lending library will find this a lively discussion.

The Wichita Divide
Stephen Singular
St. Martin's Press
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
9780312625054, $26.99, www.stmartins.com

THE WICHITA DIVIDE: THE MURDER OF DR. GEORGE TILLER AND THE BATTLE OVER ABORTION is more than just a true crime story: it chronicles the volatile history of the abortion debate, and is a pick for any social issues history shelf; particularly at the college level. This uses the life and death of a controversial abortion doctor to consider the point at which legal and social boundaries collide. Chapters expose an underlying Civil War over the issue, chronicling the debates over abortion rights and the location of Wichita in particular, a divided focal point of contention. A 'must' for any collection strong in abortion surveys.

Atria Books
1230 Avenue of the Americas, NY, NY 10020
www.beyondword.com

Howard H White's BELIEVE TO ACHIEVE: SEE THE INVISIBLE, DO THE IMPOSSIBLE (9781582701721, $14.95) offers a fine self-help guide discussing how extraordinary people are infused with desire to change and realize their innate abilities. The author interviews those who have achieved such goals, covering favorite athletes and how they reached their dreams. Sports and self-help collections alike will find these vignettes packed with power and insights! Elizabeth Rusch's GENERATION FIX: YOUNG IDEAS FOR A BETTER WORLD (9781582700670, $10.95) offers real-life stories of 'Generation Fixers' who invented programs and products to better the lives of those around them. A series of vignettes shows how these 'fixers' developed ideas that ultimately made life better for those around them, and makes for a solid pick for any lending library.


The American History Shelf

The Invention of Brownstone Brooklyn
Suleiman Osman
Oxford University Press
198 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016-4314
9780195387315, $29.95, www.oup.com

The Invention of Brownstone Brooklyn: Gentrification and the Search for Authenticity in Postwar New York tells of a notorious industrial slum of the 1940s and 1950s which by the 1980s had become a Mecca for hip bars, yoga studios, and expensive townhouses. This follows the history of the area's makeover, surveying New York City history, culture, and the origins of gentrification processes as they link to cultural changes. Collections interested in New York City history and urban renewal in particular will find this a specific, involving account of one slum's amazing changes.

Penguin Books
c/o Penguin Group
375 Hudson Street, 4th floor
New York, NY 10014
www.penguin.com

Edward Glaeser's TRIUMPH OF THE CITY: HOW OUR GREATEST INVENTION MAKES US RICHER, SMARTER, GREENER, HEALTHIER, AND HAPPIER (9781594202773, $29.95) comes from an urban economist who offers insights on how cities work and are our best hope for the future. Cities are actually the greenest, healthiest and richest places to live rather than the dirty, poor, crime ridden representations of the worst of humanity. Chapters explore the history of cities and maintain that urban environments bring out the best in humankind. Urban studies and social issues collections alike will find this revealing. Daniel J. Sharfstein's THE INVISIBLE LINE: THREE AMERICAN FAMILIES AND THE SECRET JOURNEY FROM BLACK TO WHITE (9781594202827, $27.95) offers a fine history of three families that represent the complexity of race in this country. The Gibsons were wealthy landowners in South Carolina who became white in the 1760s, the Spencers were farmers in Appalachia in the 1840s and toed the line between white and black, and the Walls represented the rising black middle class in post-Civil War Washington, D.C. Their stories offer both diverse and connected experiences key to discovering America's underlying race rules and perceptions.

From Slave to Untouchable
Paul Kalra
Antenna Publishing Co.
PO Box 23826, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
9780964717374 $18.95 pbk
9780964717367 $23.95 hc

From Slave to Untouchable: Lincoln's Solution chronicles slavery in the United States, and the tensions over it that ultimately led to the Civil War. Author Paul Kalra contends that the suffering of the Civil War could have been avoided had American settlers followed the Catholic slave code, a system that recognized the humanity of slaves, rather than the dehumanizing Protestant code. From Slave to Untouchable also contends that the dark legacy of the Constitution that once used the might of the law to support slaveholders persists in modern times, as African-Americans are still viewed as "untouchable" second-class citizens by whites. Notes and an index enhance this stinging indictment of America's history of the deprivation of human liberty.

Iron Will
Terry S. Reynolds & Virginia P. Dawson
Wayne State University Press
4809 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201-1309
9780814335116, $44.95, www.wsupress.wayne.edu

It takes a certain fortitude to call piles of rock and danger a workplace. "Iron Will: Cleveland-Cliffs and the Mining of Iron Ore, 1847-2006" looks at the mining community and history that emerged from Cleveland, with the only surviving independent mining company in America in the Cleveland-Cliffs company which operated for well over a century. Through depression and war, the story of the company is a unique picture of the shifts of American business and society. A studious and scholarly history that has a message far bigger than one company and one town, "Iron Will" is a fine addition to any American history collection especially those with a focus on business.

Pacific Gibraltar
William Michael Morgan
Naval Institute Press
291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402
9781591145295 $34.95 www.navalinstitute.org

William Michael Morgan (professor of strategic studies, Marine Corps War College) presents Pacific Gibraltar: U.S.-Japanese Rivalry Over the Annexation of Hawai'i, 1885-1898, an in-depth examination of the American annexation of Hawai'i. Although Hawai'i was annexed during the Spanish-American War of 1898, Hawai'i was not a war spoil in the vein of the Philippines; there had been an ongoing drive to annex Hawai'i during the previous quarter-century, driven by the land's strategic value as a cornerstone to defend the West Coast. Tokyo's efforts to secure voting rights for its nationals was the hot trigger for a bitter dispute between the two nations in 1897; Japan deployed warships to Honolulu and formally opposed annexation, before the McKinley administration endorsed it. This 1897 crisis put the issue of annexation to the fore, and sparked the votes that would result in a joint resolution of the annexation the following year. Pacific Gibraltar traces the flow of historical events step by step, in this absorbing dissection of a crucial turning point in Hawai'ian and American history.

The Forgotten Generation
Lisa L. Ossian
University of Missouri Press
2910 LeMone Boulevard, Columbia, MO 65201
9780826219190 $29.95 www.umsystem.edu/upress

The Forgotten Generation: American Children and World War II is a close study of the sacrifices made by children during the difficult times of World War II. Children were seldom sheltered from the concentrated war effort; they heard news of battles over the radio, worked in munitions factories, saved money for war bonds, and watched their fathers, uncles, and brothers leave to serve overseas. Chapters examine how the war affected their family life, school life, and even their play. This "forgotten generation", between the Greatest Generation and the Baby Boomers, has long been overlooked in American history; The Forgotten Generations seeks to reconstruct and fill in the gaps of how harsh wartime realities would bring about a coming of age for youth across America. Highly recommended, especially for public and college library American history shelves.

Dawn of Desegregation
Ophelia De Laine Gona
University of South Carolina Press
718 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29208
9781570039805 $29.95 www.sc.edu/uscpress

In 1947, pastor and school principal Joseph A. De Laine garnered support from his neighbors and led them in a challenge to South Carolina's "separate but equal" policy of racial segregation in schools. Their lawsuit, Briggs v. Elliott, would become one of the first five school segregation lawsuits argued consecutively before the Supreme Court in 1952, leading to the historical decision Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka that would end legalized segregation in American public schools. Dawn of Desegregation: J.A. De Laine and Briggs v. Elliott is a blend of memoir and American history, written by the daughter of Rev. De Lane, that seeks to give credit where credit is due with regard to the people and efforts responsible for righting a generations-long injustice. An insider's view of events, including personal portrayals of NAACP attorney Thurgood Marshall and federal district judge J. Waties Waring distinguish this absorbing and uplifting true story.

"First Among Equals"
Hans L. Trefousse
Fordham University Press
2546 Belmont Avenue, University Box L, Bronx, NY 10458-5172
9780823224685 $60.00 hc
9780823224692 $20.00 pbk, www.fordhampress.com

Written by Hans Trefousse (1921-2010), Distinguished Professor of History at Brooklyn College and at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, "First Among Equals": Abraham's Reputation During His Administration is evenhanded look at how President Abraham Lincoln was perceived by his contemporaries. Chapters closely study just how difficult it was for Lincoln to sustain his popularity, as well as earn his renomination and reelection, with the astounding conclusion that it wasn't until his assassination that the greatness of his legacy would come to be fully and fairly appreciated. An exhaustive catalogue of notes support this thoughtful and well-argued thesis, highly recommended.

The Poker Bride
Christopher Corbett
Atlantic Monthly Press
841 Broadway, New York, NY, 10003
9780802145277, $14.95, www.groveatlantic.com

In an alien world, escaping a place where they were treated as property, being a chip in a poker game was nothing new. "The Poker Bride: The First Chinese in the Wild West" is a unique peer into the history of Western America where the Gold Rush not only brought Americans from the East, but a flood of immigrants from China. Christopher Corbett, a professor of journalism, uses the story of how one woman escaped being a Chinese concubine only to be used as property anyway but still finding a bit of serenity and happiness. "The Poker Bride" is an intriguing study of the earliest Chinese American immigrants, highly recommended.

Our Centennial Indian War and the Life of General Custer
Frances Fuller Victor
University of Oklahoma
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
9780806141732, $29.95, www.oupress.com

Cast as incompetent, a war hero, the life of General Custer is an intriguing one. "Our Centennial Indian War: And the Life of General Custer" looks at this figure through the eyes of his contemporaries, republished 140 years later, drawing from many sources at the time to paint a picture of what happened and Custer's role and thoughts in the bigger picture. Frances Fuller Victor's writing still remains readable despite his period, and with an introduction from modern historian Jerome A. Green, "Our Centennial Indian War" a core and solid addition to any history and biography collection with a focus on contemporary accounts.


The World History Shelf

Abandoned Mansions of Ireland
Tarquin Blake
The Collins Press
DuFour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781848890619, $52.95, www.dufouredtions.com

With a history as vast as Ireland's, there are plenty of relics of its vast past. "Abandoned Mansions of Ireland" is a photography book packed with the history behind these buildings and what led to their fates. A combination of ruin exploration and urban exploration, these ruins are from hundreds of years ago to a few years ago. Each page is presented in full color with the story of the subject matter explained. For anyone with an interest in ruins of the past and present, "Abandoned Mansions of Ireland" should prove to be an endlessly fascinating coffee table work.

Brian Boru, King of Ireland
Roger Chatterton Newman
Mercier Press, Unit 3B, Oak House
Bessboro Rd., Blackrock, Cork, Ireland
pr@mercierpress.ie
9781856357197, $26.95, www.amazon.com

"Brian Boru, King of Ireland" is famous as the Irish leader who drove the Vikings out of Ireland and "came closer than any other Irishman has to uniting Ireland." He died at the Battle of Clontarf on Good Friday, 1014. He is credited with the taming of the Danes of Limerick and the Norsemen of Dublin, and he also challenged and overthrew the control of the Ui Neill clan upon the throne of Ireland. Sometimes called 'the Emperor of the Irish,' Brian Boru was both a statesman and a strategist, a careful commander and a patron of education and the Church. Brian Boru has left a confusing but compelling mark on Irish history. "Brian Boru, King of Ireland" seeks to present a coherent collection of the known facts of his impact on the shape of Irish history.

Treason of the Heart
David Pryce Jones
Encounter Books
900 Broadway, Suite 601, New York, NY 10003
9781594035289 $23.95 www.encounterbooks.com

Treason of the Heart: From Thomas Paine to Kim Philby is a historical examination of the minds, motives, and deeds of British people who adopted foreign causes as their own. From Thomas Paine, who embraced American independence as a means to humble England, to the British nationals who supported Napoleon in hope that he would conquer their homeland, to glory-seeking idealogues like Lord Byron and Lawrence of Arabia, to those who chose to follow Communism or Nazism, Treason of the Heart chronicles the contradictions and intellectual reasoning behind them all. A thought-provoking study with insights into human nature directly relevant to understanding today's complex world, Treason of the Heart is a highly recommended addition to world history shelves.

The Grocers
Andrew Seth & Geoffrey Randall
Kogan Page
1518 Walnut Street, Suite 1100, Philadelphia, PA 19102
9780749461041, $24.95, www.koganpage.com

Convenience is a booming industry. "The Grocers: The Rise and Rise of the Supermarket Chains" discusses the rise of today's major nationwide grocers such as Walmart and many others, changing the face of the grocery store in modern America, as well as in Europe. In addition, the internet has become a major force even in groceries, as authors Andrew Seth & Geoffrey Randall present an intriguing study of how this stores dominance affects the business world as a whole. For those interested in how these grocery juggernauts came to be, "The Grocers" is an intriguing study of modern economics and business, very highly recommended.

A Massacre Averted
Nancy Klancher
Markus Wiener Publishers
231 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
9781558765320, $24.95, www.markuswiener.com

No empire collapses quietly. "A Massacre Averted: An Armenian Town, an American Nurse, and the Turkish Army They Resisted" is a history of the falling of the Ottoman Empire and the massacre that almost came down upon an Armenian town. An American relief nurse was sent there, and chronicles the events of the crisis, painting a picture of this major shift in world history and the resistance shown to the Turkish army. "A Massacre Averted" is an educational walk of history and story of unsung heroes, highly recommended reading, core addition to world history collections.

Cities of the Maya in Seven Epochs
Steve Glassman & Armando Anaya
McFarland
Box 611, Jefferson, NC 28640
9780786448487, $38.00, www.mcfarlandpub.com

Through thousands of years, the Mayan's civilization remained strong. "Cities of the Maya in Seven Epochs: 1250 BC to AD 1903" looks to the history of the Mayan people through their cities, broken into seven epochs by their own cultural calendar. The society, highly advanced compared to its contemporaries for the longest time, remained strong as many tribes passed through their cities and its lore and legend to this day is felt strong. With black and white photography of sites throughout and plenty of maps, "Cities of the Maya in Seven Epochs" is a strong pick for any fan of Mayan history.


The Travel Shelf

Unexpected New York
Sandy Miller
Interlink Publishing Group
46 Crosby St., Northampton, MA 01060-1804
9781566568050, $25.00, www.interlinkbooks.com

Unexpected New York includes photos by Juliana Spear and offers an informal guide to New York businesses, buildings, history and events that stand out even from the wealth of tourist literature written about the city. It's written by a New Yorker who loves her city and specializes in capturing areas and influences of New York that are rare insights into the city's culture and connections. New Yorkers and visitors alike will appreciate the unusual focus of this blend of travelogue and cultural insight.

The Cheap Bastard's Guide to Las Vegas
Shaena Engle
Globe Pequot Press
246 Goose Lane, Suite 200, Guilford, CT 06437
9780762760022, $14.95, www.globepequot.com

The Cheap Bastard's Guide to Las Vegas offers a fine survey of free and cheap stuff in Las Vegas, uncovered by the 'Cheap Bastard who provides keys to bargains and where to find them. From being entertained for free or nearly free to locating free bars and clubs, museums and more, this is packed with loads of inexpensive choices in a city noted for its expensive pastimes, and is a 'must' for any planning a budget trip to Las Vegas.

Lonely Planet Publications
150 Linden Street, Oakland CA 94607
www.lonelyplanet.com

Bradley Mayhew, et.al.'s BHUTAN (9781741049190, $26.99) is packed with over thirty maps, appears in a fourth updated edition, and covers a little-known world and traveler's destination perfect for any independent, destination-bound researcher. From festivals and road trips to sidebars covering events of note, this is packed with colorful destination features perfect for any who are planning a trip to Bhutan. Independent travelers will also relish the sixth updated edition of SCOTLAND (9781741793246, $22.99), which includes a pull-out map of Edinburgh to accompany the latest updated listings detailing where to go, stay, eat, and what to see in Scotland. From historic villages to rural locales, this is packed with details gathered by Neil Wilson and Andy Symington and recommended for any European travel collection. Sara Benson, et.al.'s ZION & BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARKS (9781741045741, $19.99) is a 'must' for any traveler journeying to one of these amazing places. It offers detailed itineraries, best hiking routes, and family-friendly options perfect for any independent traveler interested in seeing the outdoors. Also recommended is BALI & LOMBOK by Ryan Ver Berkmoes (9781741297046, $23.99), surveying the culture and attractions of the two Indonesian islands in a fine take-along tote. Maps, listings, and sidebars of at-a-glance information make this a fine choice. CROATIA by Anja Mutic and Iain Stewart (9781741795950, $22.99) achieves the same thing for Croatia: offering a narrowed focus to a region usually included only in a larger consideration and thus offering visitors specifics other guides don't have. Maps, keys to islands and coastal areas, and listings of hotels, pensions and more provide everything the independent traveler needs to enjoy a visit to Croatia.

To A Mountain in Tibet
Colin Thubron
Harper
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
9780061768262, $24.99, www.harpercollins.com

TO A MOUNTAIN IN TIBET blends a memoir with a travel guide and recounts the author's journey to Kailas, the holiest mountain on earth. His trek began after the death of his mother, the last remaining member of his family, and it recounts an arduous journey by foot through a remote world few Westerners visit. Any general travel collection will find this an inspirational read.

Touring the Carolinas' Civil War Sites, second edition
Clint Johnson
John F. Blair, Publisher
1406 Plaza Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
9780895874030 $19.95 www.blairpub.com

Maps and black-and-white photographs pepper Touring the Carolinas' Civil War Sites, a blend of history and travel guide to historic places in North and South Carolina. Now in an updated second edition, Touring the Carolinas' Civil War Sites features 21 tours. A user-friendly guide, Touring the Carolinas' Civil War Sites is enthusiastically recommended both for visitors to the Carolinas and for armchair travelers interested in vicariously re-living pivotal moments in American military history. Also highly recommended for Civil War tourists is Johnson's "Touring Virginia's and West Virginia's Civil War Sites" (9780895874023, $19.95), also in a newly updated second edition.

Over the Hill
Shirley Elder Lyons
Jetty House
c/o Peter E. Randall Published
PO Box 4726, Portsmouth, NH 03802-4726
9780982823644, $20.00, www.perpublisher.com

Adventure knows no age. "Over the Hill Hikers: And How They Grew...And Grew...and Grew" tells the story of Shirley Elder Lyons and Elizabeth MacGregor as they share their experiences traveling long and far in the paths and wilderness in New Hampshire. The pair of retirees attracted more like them, and Lyons shares her experiences in the group and tells a story of adventure, age, and community. "Over the Hill Hikers" is a fine read with plenty of wisdom to absorb, highly recommended.

Eating Las Vegas
John Curtas, Max Jacobson, Al Mancini
Guidebooks
c/o Huntington Press
3665 Procyon Street, Las Vegas, NV 89103
1935396390, $12.95, www.huntingtonpress.com

It's not all about gambling and big flashy lights, there's some good food there too. "Eating Las Vegas: The 50 Essential Restaurants" is a guide to fifty of the best restaurants in city. Compiling these restaurants by type with plenty of quick information such as location, opening hours, cost of food, type of food, and plenty of reviews, the authors encouraging readers to visit them all to 'eat Las Vegas'. "Eating Las Vegas" is a choice pick for anyone who may be setting to visit the famous city soon.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Smoke Damage
Michael Schwalbe
Borderland Books
c/o University of Wisconsin Press
publicity@uwpress.wisc.edu
9780981562087, $19.95, www.uwpress.wisc.edu

A war fought with smoke instead of bullets still has casualties. "Smoke Damage: Voices from the Front Lines of America's Tobacco Wars" chronicles the stories of those who have been affected from tobacco and what damage has been felt. From those who have survived cancer, those who have lost loved ones, lawmakers, farmers, and many others. Each entry brings forth a piece of evidence into the puzzle of the relationships of Americans and tobacco. "Smoke Damage" is a thoughtful study of modern tobacco, enthusiastically recommended.

Medicinal Plants in Australia
Cheryll Williams
Rosenberg
c/o International Specialized Book Services
920 NE 58th Ave., Suite 300, Portland, OR 97213-3786
9781877058790, $69.95, www.isbs.com

Nature can be our greatest ally in fighting what ails us. "Medicinal Plants in Australia: Volume 1 Bush Pharmacy" looks to the vast and unique wilderness of Australia and the many beneficial medicines that lie in this pile of medicine. Composed by Cheryll Williams, a medicinal expert with well over two decades of experience, she discusses how these common plants have affected human history and how they can continue to help us in years to come. Chapters are broken down into the many types of bushes throughout the region, with a full color photos elaborating the appearance of these plants, as well as a focus on the codependent creatures that go with these plants. "Medicinal Plants in Australia" is a core addition to any Medicinal studies collection with either a focus on plants or international medicine.

When Your Spouse Has a Stroke
Sara Palmer & Jeffrey B. Palmer
John Hopkins Press
2715 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4363
9780801898877, $19.95, www.press.jhu.edu

A stroke changes everything, for yourself, and for your loved ones. "When Your Spouse Has a Stroke: Caring for Your Partner, Yourself, and Your Relationship" discusses the effect of the stroke on the couple, and how partners can take it upon themselves to assist in the recovery during this time of need. Sara and Jeffrey Palmer use their combined psychological and medical expertise to help readers understand that the support of a spouse is invaluable, but one shouldn't act so much that they destroy themselves. With plenty of practical and wise advice, "When Your Spouse Has a Stroke" is a must for any feeling burdened by their love's crisis.

Bulimia
Lindsey Hall & Leigh Cohn
Gurze
PO Box 2238, Carlsbad, CA 92018
9780936077512, $16.95, www.gurze.net

Bulimia can wreak havoc on your digestive system, your teeth, and your general health. "Bulimia: A Guide to Recovery" discuses the effects of bulimia with plenty of frank advice and wisdom for breaking free of this nasty habit which can have very serious long term health repercussions. As hundreds of former bulimics speak out on this disease and how it can be overcome, complete with a two week guide to help kick the habit, "Bulimia: A Guide to Recovery" is highly recommended to those trying to kick the habit themselves or know someone else with a serious issue.

Lexicomp
1100 Terex Road, Hudson, OH 44236
www.lexi.com

The second updated edition of Lawrence I. Gaum, DDS, FADSA, FICD, FADI's ORAL SURGERY FOR THE GENERAL DENTIST (9781591952879, $69.95) provides students and dentists with a manual packing in over six hundred photos of surgical cases. Twenty new cases are included within 12 new sections in a lay-flat, spiral-bound book that covers everything from what to do when roots fracture to handling impacted teeth, cysts, and more. A specific dental resource for students and practitioners alike! Diedra L. Bragalone, BSPharm, MBA, BCOP's DRUG INFORMATION HANDBOOK FOR ONCOLOGY, ninth edition (9781591952909, $49.95) offers a complete handbook to chemotherapy regimens and is a top pick for any interested in oncology treatments. Updates to this new, thick 'pocket' tote include 18 new drug monographs, 38 new chemotherapy routines, special updates on new cancer therapies and safe handling of hazardous drugs, and more. Highly recommended!

21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart
Neal D. Barnard, MD
Grand Central Publishing
c/o Hachette Book Group
237 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
9780446583817, $25.99, www.hachettebookgroup.com

21-Day Weight Loss Kickstart: Boost Metabolism, Lower Cholesterol and Dramatically Improve Your Health comes from a doctor who has long been on the front of cutting-edge research on what it really takes to lose weight and promote optimal health. From eating the right foods to encourage appetite reduction to burning calories faster and reducing cholesterol as much as drugs can do, this combines weight loss with health goals and is a fine pick for any dieter's arsenal of 'how to' strategies.

Effective Patient Education, fourth edition
Donna R. Falvo
Jones and Barlett
40 Tall Pine Drive, Sudbury, MA 01776
9780763766252, $97.95, www.jbpub.com

The fourth updated edition of Effective Patient Education: A Guide to Increased Adherence is written by a nursing expert and former Chair of patient Education for the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, and gives clinicians tools needed to become effective patient educators. It offers specific strategies for communicating an action plan to a patient, using an approach that considers the patient as a partner in the education process, and it pinpoints common challenges and concerns that can interfere with patient compliance. Any practicing clinician or nurse needs this excellent guide.

Patient Education: A Practical Approach, second edition
Richard D. Muma and Barbara Ann Lyons
Jones and Barlett
40 Tall Pine Drive, Sudbury, MA 01776
9781449630188, $75.95, www.jbpub.com

The second updated edition of Patient Education: A Practical Approach includes an online access code and offers proven methods for helping patients understand diseases and treatments. It's been extensively revised and expanded with the latest, new information about behavior modification, alternative medicine, and more and provides patient education materials in both print and electronic form. A 'must' for any patient education collection!

Eating Disorders Sourcebook, third edition
Sandra J. Judd, Editor
Omnigraphics
Box 31-1640, Detroit MI 48231-1640
9780780811430, $95.00, www.omnigraphics.com

The third updated edition of Eating Disorders Sourcebook provides basic consumer health information about anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and more, packing in over fifty chapters discussing eating disorders, risk factors, their medical complications, treatment, and prevention. The latest medical findings relating to eating disorders make for a fine reference recommended for any general lending library with a strong health reference section.

Cancer Sourcebook, sixth edition
Karen Bellenir, Editor
Omnigraphics
Box 31-1640, Detroit MI 48231-1640
9780780811454, $95.00, www.omnigraphics.com

The sixth updated edition of Cancer Sourcebook packs in over seventy-eight chapters with the latest information, from cancer risk factors and prevention to research, discussions of recurrent and advanced cancer, and treatment options and screening exams. General-interest collections will find this a powerful survey for consumers seeking the latest information on cancer treatments and options.

The Vaccine Epidemic
Louise Kuo Habakus, MA and Mary Holland, JD
Skyhorse Publishing
307 West 36th St., 11th Floor, New York NY 10018
9781616082727, $24.95, www.skyhorsepublishing.com

The Vaccine Epidemic offers a close inspection of vaccine safety and how biased science is threatening our human rights and health. Public health officials state vaccines are safe and effective - but there is great potential to injure and case death, and this book focuses on the debate surrounding parental vaccination choices in this country, considering issues ranging from the right to vaccination choice to case histories of parents, children and soldiers who have suffered injury as a result. Keys to action conclude the account.

W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
www.wwnorton.com

Daniel A. Hughes's ATTACHMENT-FOCUSED FAMILY THERAPY WORKBOOK (9780393706499, $29.95) comes with a therapy session DVD and outlines key ways which therapists can facilitate spontaneous connections between parent and child. From case examples and worksheets to sample question-and-answer formats and scenarios, this workbook offers all the strategies and tools to effectively handle attachment-focused family therapy issues, and to see that issues are effectively addressed. Any collection catering to therapists will find it engrossing and filled with pointers to success! General lending libraries as well as health collections will relish Margaret Wehrenberg's THE 10 BEST-EVER DEPRESSION MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES (9780393706291, $19.95), a guide to understanding brain functions in the depression process and how they can be changed. From why depression is so common to what the depressed person can do to alleviate symptoms, this uses the latest neuroscience research but provides a very simple method for understanding (and more importantly, applying) paths to positive change. A seasoned clinician provides the ten most effective strategies for moving from depression to a state of hope. Carolyn Daitch's ANXIETY DISORDERS; THE GO-TO GUIDE FOR CLIENTS AND THERAPISTS (9780393706284, $25.95) is a fine recommendation for college-level collections strong in psychology and psychotherapy. It documents the rise of anxiety and anxiety-based disorders, and comes from a therapist who has find clients benefit most when they actively participate in their therapy and are knowledgeable about anxiety disorders. She cover the basics of these disorders and uses case histories to show how patients managed them. Highly recommended!

Body Confidence
Mark MacDonald
HarperOne
353 Sacramento St., Suite 500
San Francisco CA 94111-3653
9780061997273, $26.99, www.harperone.com

BODY CONFIDENCE: VENICE NUTRITION'S 3-STEP SYSTEM THAT UNLOCKS YOUR BODY'S FULL POTENTIAL comes from a personal trainer and nutritionist who became frustrated with the false information prevalent in the fitness and weight loss industries. His experience inspired him to found Venice Nutrition, a fitness program that spread across the country - and his advice here provides a different approach that focuses on stabilizing blood sugar levels to prevent the body from storing fat or burning muscle. It's a powerful pick for any interested in improving body image and approaching weight control and exercise with different parameters in mind, and will see popularity in any general lending library.

Eat
Ian K. Smith. MD
St. Martin's Press
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
9780312548438, $24.99, www.stmartins.com

EAT: THE EFFORTLESS WEIGHT LOSS SOLUTION offers an easy daily eating plan which avoids the concept of dieting and offers keys to eating naturally and normally in a way that enhances body and lifestyle. Here ten 'Rules for Good Eating' offer easy keys to success, from choosing colorful foods to accepting carbs as part of a normal nutrient requirement. Proteins, fiber, portion management and secret calories are all discussed in this fine pick for any health-oriented collection.


The Science Shelf

The Clockwork Universe
Edward Dolnick
HarperCollins
10 East 53rd St., New York NY 10022-5299
9780061719516, $27.99, www.harpercollins.com

THE CLOCKWORK UNIVERSE: ISAAC NEWTON, THE ROYAL SOCIETY & THE BIRTH OF THE MODERN WORLD comes from an acclaimed science writer who takes readers to seventeenth century Europe and the age when scientific discoveries changed how mankind viewed the world. Centered around Sir Isaac Newton and the Royal Society, this explores the world's first scientific organization and its lasting impact uncovering nature's laws. From religious foundations to scientific approaches, this comes from a writer who planned a career in theoretical mathematics before becoming a science writer. His lively writing style is accessible to a wide audience.

Once & Future Giants
Sharon Levy
Oxford University Press
198 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016-4314
9780195370126, $24.95, www.oup.com

Once & Future Giants: What Ice Age Extinctions Tell Us About the Fate of Earth's Largest Animals analyzes clues surrounding the Pleistocene megafauna extinction events around the world, using fossil records to piece together the prehistoric evidence to form a picture of the animals' final days. Humans are revealed to be the likely culprits in not just that extinction, but present extinction events, and chapters consider how humans influence extinctions past and present, also surveying conservation efforts around the world.

Quantum Man: Richard Feynman's Life in Science
Lawrence M. Krauss
Great Discoveries
c/o W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393064711, $24.95, www.wwnorton.com

Quantum Man: Richard Feynman's Life in Science comes from a theoretical physicist and author who offers a fine biography of Richard Feynman, documenting his vivid life in science and his evolving role not just as a physicist, but as an ambassador for science in the public eye. From his changing personality and theories which presented an image at odds with the traditional concept of physicists as geeks to his contributions to modern physics, this is a powerful survey of how Feynman assessed scientific problems and produced engrossing revelations.

A Graphic Guide to the DNA Molecule That Shook the World
Israel Rosenfeld, Edward Ziff, Borin Van Loon
Columbia University Press
61 West 62nd Street, New York, NY 10023-7015
9780231142717, $19.95, www.cup.columbia.edu

The collaborative work of Israel Rosenfeld, Edward Ziff and Borin Van Loon, A Graphic Guide to the DNA Molecule That Shook the World provides an authoritative survey examining the history, science and facts behind DNA. It's a combination of genetics and graphic novel, combining cartoons with personal vignettes, history, and science and is a top recommendation for any general lending library.

Dinosaurs
John J. Meier, editor
H. W. Wilson
950 University Avenue, Bronx, NY 10452
9780824211073, $55.00, www.hwwilson.com

There's a lot more to learn from Dinosaurs than a bunch of dead lizards walked the earth. "Dinosaurs" serves as a reference to the many scientific disciplines that hide behind Dinosaurology. From looking deeper into what Dinosaurs were, the meaning behind fossils, their connections in evolution to things you would never think of, what led to their demise, and how science keeps revising history as we know it. Studious and scholarly, John J. Meier compiles many writers research on the topic and serves as both an introductory and a read for those who want to learn more about it all. "Dinosaurs" is an excellent addition to any scientific reference collection.

Changes in the Technological Landscape
Svante Lindqvist
Science History Publications
PO Box 1240, Sagamore Beach, MA 02562-1240
9780881354003, $35.00

Understanding the history of science allows you to draw on the lessons of the past. "Changes in the Technological Landscape: Essays in the History of Science and Technology" is a collection of essays and discussion on these topics, as Svante Lindqvist puts a scholarly eye on it all. From the spectacle, the purpose of studying this history, particular events in history that offer much credence to the need of scientific history, the purpose of the Nobel prize and much more, "Changes in the Technological Landscape" is studious with plenty of thoughts for historians, scientists, and non-specialist general readers.

Modern Communications Jamming
Richard A. Poisel
Artech House
685 Canton Street, Norwood, MA 02062
9781608071654, $169, www.artechhouse.com

Communication is power in the modern day, and taking that power is key to modern success. "Modern Communications Jamming: Principles and Techniques" discusses jamming technology in recent years. Removing ability to use radio, internet, telephone, and other communications has been a proven effective tactic in today's warfare that often finds itself rolling into cities and on smaller battlefields where one wrong move can spell the end for an enemy. Designing proper jammers for a certain frequency and being prepared with your own antijamming technology, evaluating effectiveness and performance, and much more, Richard A. Poisel offers a scholarly study with hard science and mathematics and countless illustrations to help the concepts be better understood. Covering all the most recent technological developments and how they have transformed this arms race, "Modern Communications Jamming" is a studious guide for any technology research collection, regardless of the ultimate purpose of the application of the jamming technology.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

A Field Guide to Coastal Fishes
Val Kells and Kent Carpenter
Johns Hopkins University Press
2715 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218
0801898382, $25.00, www.press.jhu.edu

A Field Guide to Coastal Fishes from Maine to Texas provides a fine, accurate identification guide to over 1,000 nearshore and offshore fishes that live in brackish and marine waters from Maine to Texas. The authors have decades of experience and biology background: their guide packs in over 1,000 color illustrations accompanying descriptions of each fish and insights about their habitats, distribution and more. Any serious biology collection interested in these regional coastal fishes needs this reference!

A Wildlife Collection
Kurt L. Krueger
Krueger Northwoods Photography
7142 Timbershore Lane, Three Lakes, WI 54562
9781616237417, $39.95, www.kurtkruegerphotos.com

There is a certain natural beauty to America that simply can't be replicated elsewhere. "A Wildlife Collection: Celebrating Wisconsin's Conservation Ethic" is a combination study of the conservation efforts that Wisconsin has taken throughout its history retain that beauty, with full color glossy photographs of various aspects of Wisconsin's nature, its countless species of animal, flora, and landscape that combine into such a pretty sight. Working both as a study of nature and coffee table nature photography book, "A Wildlife Collection" is an excellent pick for anyone looking for either, expertly compiled by one Kurt L. Krueger.

Building Blocks for Performance, second edition
Bobbie Anderson with Tracy Libby
Alpine Publications
PO Box 7027, Loveland, CO 80537
9781577791058, $29.95, www.amazon.com

Competition is pushing your dog to go further than usual, and special training is needed to give them many an advantage. "Building Blocks for Performance" is in its second edition for owners of competition dogs and puppies who want to train them for performance without overworking them and working against them. Stating that a strong bond is needed for the most success and that play is the best way to work together training and bonding, "Building Blocks for Performance" is perfect for those who want to do more than teach their dog new tricks, they want to teach them the best tricks.

Among Penguins
Noah Strycker
Oregon State University Press
121 The Valley Library, Corvallis, OR 97331-4501
9780870716294, $19.95, www.oregonstate.edu

A species flourishing in the harshest of climates, penguins have remained a strong curiosity for centuries. "Among Penguins: A Bird Man in Antarctica" reflects on author Noah Strycker, a bird scientist by trade, as he tells of how he spent much of his life studying penguins and their tenacity to live on the harsh frozen wasteland of Antarctica. Driven by his study of this unique creatures, he tells of what it takes to study these birds, and what can be learned from them. For those with an interest in the lengths science will go or an interest in penguins, "Among Penguins" is an excellent addition to community and college library memoir and animal science collections.


The Parenting Shelf

What Can I Do
Tahir Yaqoob
New Earth Labs
PO Box 5672, Baltimore, MD 21210
9780974168906, $24.95, www.newearthlabs.com

It's a nightmare many parents face - seeing your child's homework and being clueless yourself. "What Can I Do To Help My Child with Math When I Don't Know Any Myself?" is a guide for parents who want to help their children but aren't the best with the math themselves. Stating that helping doesn't mean knowing all the answers yourself, Tahir Yaqoob offers simple advice to help their children grasp their homework at any level, whether it be long division or calculus. "What Can I Do" is a worthy consideration for any parent seeking ways to help their children succeed in school.

Fetus to Fifth Grade
David V. Schapira
Strategic Book Group
PO Box 333, Durham, CT 06422
9781609762193, $14.00, www.strategicpublishinggroup.com

Parenting is a monumental task, that even the most confident of parents shouldn't wave off advice. "Fetus to Fifth Grade: The Most Up to Date Scientific Evidence on Pregnancy, Child Care, and Parenting" is a guide for mothers who want to consider everything as they raise their child from conception through those first ten years of life which form so much about a child's personality and the life that lies ahead of them. "Fetus to Fifth Grade" is packed cover to cover with information from international physician David V. Schapira, worth considering for parents who want to avoid screwing up as much as possible in their child's life.


The Education Shelf

You Know The Fair Rule, third edition
Bill Rogers
Australian Council for Educational Research
c/o International Specialized Book Services
920 NE 58th Ave. Suite 300, Portland, OR 97213-3786
9780964319746, $39.95, www.isbs.com

Being a good teacher is more than being able to teach the material. "You Know the Fair Rule: Strategies for Positive and Effective Behaviour Management and Discipline in Schools" is a guide for teachers who want to create a fair and just syllabus for discipline in their classrooms, as Dr. Bill Rogers shares his experience at the many levels of education and what can be done to deal with student anger, keeping discipline consistent through staff, and what to do when dissent and unruliness seems to be on a much more than individual basis. "You Know the Fair Rule" is full of useful information for any educator who wants to step up their discipline practices.

Visual Support for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders
Vera Bernard-Opitz & Anne Hausler, authors
AAPC
P.O. Box 23173, Overland Park
Shawnee Mission, KS 66283
9781934575826, $37.95, www.aapcpublishing.net

With an informative foreword by Gary Mesibov, Ph.D., "Visual Support for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: Materials for Visual Learners" by Vera Bernard-Opitz and Anne Hausler is an invaluable resource for parents and teachers of children with ASD (and others) who are primarily visual learners. Four chapters filled with color photo illustrations provide information on levels of structure, establishing basic structure of teaching settings, prototypes of tasks, and designing and structuring tasks and individual activities, plus a chapter on resources. Many practical ideas and approaches that have been successfully used to teach children who are visual learners are suggested. In addition to many specific suggested tasks, tools and approaches, each task has a shaded grid that identifies and categorizes specific teaching targets and goals, for example. This instructor's handbook or suggestion manual is proof that a picture is truly worth a thousand words, especially in teaching children with ASD.

Essays & Term Papers
Michelle McLean
Career Press
220 West Parkway, Unit 12, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
9781601631404, $14.99, www.careerpress.com

In college, you can't take any short cuts when trying to succeed. "Essays & Term Papers" is a guide for making the most out of one's major papers in both high school and college. Michelle McLean applies a certain expertise on how to write effective papers, the editing process, the what is expected in high end college courses. For anyone with college aspirations and want to avoid a rude awakening, "Essays & Term Papers" is an excellent resource that shouldn't be overlooked.

Book Clubbing!
Carol Littlejohn
Linworth
c/o ABC CLIO
130 Cremona Drive, Santa Barbara, CA
9781586834142, $35.00, www.abc-clio.com

A book club is an excellent way to encourage reading where it matters most - young people." Book Clubbing: Successful Book Clubs for Young People" is a guide to setting up book clubs for young people with the aim of encouraging reading through adolescence and the teenage years. With plenty of activity ideas to make books more appealing for those kids who may be reluctant to join in, encouraging learning and discussion about the subject matter. For any educator who wants to make the book club fun, "Book Clubbing" is an excellent and choice research, enthusiastically recommended.

Motivating Students
Carolyn Chapman & Nicole Vagle
Solution-Tree
555 North Morton Street, Bloomington, IN 47404
9781935249788, $29.95, www.solution-tree.com

Motivation can be the key ingredient between a student's success and failure in school. "Motivating Students: 25 Strategies to Light the Fire of Engagement" is a guide for educators and other academic leaders who want to encourage education as valuable in their students at any level. Key subjects are making sure no student falls too much behind, remembering to find some fun even in the most drudging of subjects, while remembering to keep expectations high to drive kids to succeed. With plenty of highly researched strategies presented, authors Carolyn Chapman & Nicole Vagle want to make sure enthusiasm remains high with the teachers as well as the students. "Motivating Students" is an invaluable educational guide for those who see boredom and frustration as the bane of higher learning.

Teaching Boys
Kathleen Palmer Cleveland
ASCD
1703 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria, VA 22311-1714
9781416611509, $27.95, www.ascd.org

Learning can seem like quite a drag if you're struggling to simply get by in the grades. "Teaching Boys Who Struggle in School: Strategies That Turn Underachievers Into Successful Learners" is a guide for parents and educators who want to help young men who are struggling to learn and understand the curriculum. With research and study, that is well done, Kathleen Palmer Cleveland presents useful information on finding the missing pieces to this educational puzzle and helping underachievers reach their maximum potential. "Teaching Boys Who Struggle in School" is an invaluable read for the teacher who wants to reach out to these boys who can be lost to poor lives due to bad education.

Autism & Reading Comprehension
Joseph Porter
Future Horizons
721 West Abram Street, Arlington, TX 76013
9781935274155, $19.95, www.FHautism.com

Autism doesn't mean illiteracy. "Autism & Reading Comprehension" is a guide for lesson plans for teachers of Autistic children at the elementary school level. Joseph Porter, an educational expert presents an easy to use system to help Autistic children grasp reading using the lessons and ideas that follow within. Boasting 90 hours worth of instruction along with a CD filled with useful resources and more, "Autism & Reading Comprehension" is a wise pick for any educator who wants to help Autistic children be the best readers they can be.

Teacher's Survival Guide
Cynthia G. Simpson & Vicky G. Spencer, & Jeffrey P. Bakken
Prufrock Press
5926 Balcones Drive, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78731
9781593635411, $19.95, www.prufrock.com

It's easy to leave kids out when caught up in the swing of teaching. "Teacher's Survival Guide: The Inclusive Classroom" is another entry in Prufrock press's series of Educational guides, this time focusing on the inclusive classroom, for teachers who have to teach many students of differing ability levels, which often leaves the problem of either leaving some students bored or confused. With tips on what to do to keep everyone involved, catching who is failing to follow, and more, "Teacher's Survival Guide" is packed with plenty of ideas and curriculum suggestions that any teacher should highly consider. Also from Prufrock Press of Educational interest is "Preventing Challenging Behavior in Your Classroom" (9781593637187, $24.95, www.prufrock.com), a guide to detecting when behavior will be a problem and intervening to solve the problem before it starts.

Young Children with ADHD
George J. DuPaul & Lee Kern
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
9781433809637, $59.95, www.apa.org

Early identification of any problem is the best way to overcome it. "Young Children with ADHD: Early Identification and Intervention" discusses Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, which can lead to much difficulty in learning for young children. Too often the disorder goes ignored and leaves children falling behind. George J. DuPaul & Lee Kern, an educational psychologist, and a professor of special education respectively, approach this problem with scholarly intent and offer much to consider for both educators and parents. For anyone who wants or needs to be able to recognize the early stages of ADHD, "Young Children with ADHD" is a core addition to any pediatric psychology or education collection, enthusiastically recommended.

A Cord of Three Strands
Soo Hong
Harvard Education Press
8 Story Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
9781934742549, $29.95, www.harvardeducationpress.org

Non-English speaking parents care deeply about their children's progress in school, but their language may make it difficult for them to contribute. "A Cord of Three Strands" discusses how educational leaders can be more inclusionary to these parents who can often feel like outsiders. Soo Hong speaks with experience on how to make these parents feel they can make a difference and feel apart of the greater educational movement for their own children and others as well. Stating that this is an urgent issue, "A Cord of Three Strands" is worth considering for any parent or educational leader who wants better for their students.

Academic Therapy Publications
20 Commercial Blvd., Novato, CA 94949-6191
www.academictherapy.com

Academic Therapy Publications is a leading publisher of classroom instructional materials for special needs children -- particularly in the field of learning disability and remedial reading. Three of their newest series are especially to be recommended as classroom curriculum supplements for remedial reading: Tom & Ricky Mystery Series Set 1 and Set 2, and Near Star Planets. Originally published in 1980, author Bob Wright's five volume sets (each individual paperback title is 48 pages) have been updated and revised to reflect contemporary times and interests. The content has been leveled to approximately 75% decodable text, 20% sight words, and 5% challenge words. Enhanced with new artwork by Patrick Faricy with a first grade reading level but appeal for struggling readers ages 10 to 14, the two new sets of Tom & Ricky Mysteries (Set 1, 9781571285515, $22.00 and Set 2, 9781571285577, $22.00) continue to be exceptional and highly recommended. The five volume "Near Star Planet" series (9781571285805, $22.00) follows the same instructional and reading level format as the Tom & Ricky Mystery sets and is comprised of science fiction stories bound to have an immense appeal (especially to young adolescent male readers): Space Pirates; The Evil Plot, The Bird People, The Thought Lab, and Trouble at the Space Station. All three of these offerings from Academic Therapy Publications are especially appropriate and recommended for classroom as well home-schooling curriculums.

Successful Online Learning
Theresa A. Middleton Brosche and Michelle Feavel
Jones & Bartlett
40 Tall Pine Drive, Sudbury, MA 01776
9780763776190, $50.95, www.jbpub.com

Successful Online Learning: Managing the Online Learning Environment Efficiently and Effectively is a top pick for high school to college-level students who are new to online learning. It includes proven strategies and tips for success and teaches the basics of how to efficiently used the online learning environment. From working in groups and communicating to managing an online course and overcoming technological barriers, this comes packed with keys to success.

Corwin Press
2455 Teller Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
www.corwin.com

Pamela Nevills's BUILD THE BRAIN FOR READING: GRADES 4-12 (9781412961110, $34.95) offers a hands-on guide to literacy applying the latest neuroscience findings on learning, and is a top pick for any studying the relationship between brain development and phonemic awareness. From identifying areas where students struggle to applying research-based methods on all content areas, this is packed with important learning keys recommended for any working with grades 4-12. Jann H. Leppien and Jeanne H. Purcell edit PARALLEL CURRICULUM UNITS FOR SCIENCE GRADES 6-12 (9781412965422, $38.95), a fine survey based on the best-selling title THE PARALLEL CURRICULUM offering user-friendly guides for creating more thoughtful lessons that include more students. From connecting science to society through studying history and literature to integrating field-tested and standard-based strategies for success, this covers study components, provides sample lessons, and includes online tools such as handouts, PowerPoint presentations, and more. Alan M. Blankstein and Paul D. Houston edit LEADERSHIP FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE AND DEMOCRACY IN OUR SCHOOLS (9781412981613, $30.95), a fine survey of practical strategies for promoting socially responsible school cultures. This explores concepts of equality and character and considers issues involved in moral teaching and imparting socially responsible values in kids. Educators receive guidelines on how to implement democratic practices in the classroom in this outstanding survey. Nancy P. Gallavan's NAVIGATING CULTURAL COMPETENCE IN GRADES K-5: A COMPASS FOR TEACHERS (9781412978491, $31.95) helps ensure young children make a successful transition from home to school, and offers an eight-point 'cultural compass' for creating a grade-appropriate inclusive curriculum. Chapters offer activities and strategies perfect for any working with kids from various cultural backgrounds, and provide keys to connecting a child's home life and ethnic background with school life. Educators need this!

The Early Childhood Coaching Handbook
Dathan D. Rush and M'Lisa L. Shelden
Brookes Publishing
Box 10624, Baltimore MD 21285-0624
1598570676, $34.95, www.brookespublishing.com

The Early Childhood Coaching Handbook is a pick for any working with children with special needs, and offers evidence-based coaching methods to help early childhood practitioners support professionals and families in the process of handling these special needs kids. From understanding the five basics of coaching practices and how to conduct a positive coaching session to adjusting coaching techniques to meet parent and educator needs, this is recommended for developmental specialists in early education, and any college-level collection catering to such programs.


The Memoir Shelf

Major Dream
Dr. Jin Kyu (Suh) Robertson
Privately Published
9781460989425 $14.95 http://housemaidetoharvard.blogspot.com

Major Dream: From Immigrant Housemaid to Harvard PhD, Volume 1 is the debut American memoir (her Korean memoir has already been quite successful at a half-million copies sold) of a Korean-born woman whose career has spanned the gamut from factory girl, waitress, and housemaid to US Army Major and radio talk show host. In her story, she speaks of how to improve one's own life by seeking out opportunity and working to achieve one's dream. A handful of black-and-white photographs illustrate this inspirational life story of dedication and the drive to succeed.

Far Out Isn't Far Enough
Tomi Ungerer
Phaidon
180 Varick Street, Fourteenth Floor, New York, NY 10014
9780714860770, $29.95, www.phaidon.com

They thought they could escape it all. They weren't successful. "Far Out Isn't Far Enough" is a memoir from graphical illustrator Tomi Ungerer as he recollects his decision to leave New York City for Gull Harbor, Nova Scotia. Telling the story of adapting to rural life, he brings a tale that it isn't all that different. Tales of livestock, agriculture going awry are the meat of his tale. Along with the illustrations done by Ungerer himself, "Far Out Isn't Far Enough" is certainly a humorous read that won't be easy to be put down once picked up.

Finding Balance
Sue Hickey
Demos Health
11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10036
9781936303144, $19.95, www.demoshealth.com

When standing on you own volition is a challenge all its own, life can prove quite difficult. "Finding Balance: Healing from a Decade of Vestibular Disorders" is a health memoir from Sue Hickey, who speaks on her own experiences with Vestibular disorders, a broad name that covers many conditions such as vertigo, balance issues, and more. Learning to live life with them is the route many must take until they discover the treatment for them, "Finding Balance" is a fine read, and very much recommended reading for those with the disorder, or have family with it.

Gray Matter
David Levy
Tyndale
10152 S. Knoll Circle, Highlands Rach, CO 80130
9781414339757, $14.99, www.tyndale.com

When you understand so much science behind the human brain, it can be hard to grasp the concept of a soul behind it all. "Grey Matter" is a memoir with a bit of faith from David Levy, a medical doctor who specializes in Neurosurgery. Through plying his trade, Levy has found as lives lie in his hands, the power of prayer and faith has a profound effect on many lives of his patients in such a way that it has inspired him in a way. "Grey Matter" is a fascinating look at faith and its effects and inspirations on those who have taken the job of saving lives.

Roses For Marie
Ron Clement DeLelles
Jenkins Group
1129 Woodmere Ave., Suite B, Traverse, City, MI 49686
9780615354071, $18.99

Life was much different a hundred years ago, yet much the same. "Roses for Marie: A Remarkable Journey of Discovery in Bulgaria" is a unique recollection from Ron Clement DeLelles as he speaks on the history of his family, telling the story of his grandparents, freshly immigrated to America in a new world and pursuing their own view of the American dream. Drawing on his own visit to his homeland, the story he shares is touching, warm, with a reverence for the Bulgarian culture and the drive of parents to give better lives for their children. "Roses for Marie" is a unique and fascinating work of memoir, very highly recommended.

Keep True
Howard Pawley
University of Manitoba Press
301 St. John's College, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3T 2M5
9780887557248, $27.95, www.uofmpress.ca

It takes much to stay resilient in a rapidly changing time. "Keep True: A Life in Politics" is the memoir of Howard Pawley, who served his province Manitoba for the better part of two decades, serving as Premier, the highest office in the province for a period of that time. Facing a national crisis in Canada, the Quebec separatists, human rights, military, facing scandal, and much more, "Keep True" offers insight into the drive of Canadian politics, very highly recommended reading.

They That Laugh Win
Evelia Cobos
Rio Grande Books
925 Salamanca NW, Los Ranchos, NM 87107
9781890689728, $16.95, www.nmsantos.com

If you get fun and a story out of it, it was all worthwhile. "They That Laugh Win: To Dr. Ruben Cobos with Love" is a memoir from Evelia Cobos, who writes of her father and tells of his journeys through folklore and the blend of cultures that the Southwestern United States has become, telling his story, and telling the story of the Hispanic American family as a whole. "They That Laugh Win" is a poignant and dedicated read, a fine addition to biography and memoir collections.

No Bread For Mandela
Ahmed Kathrada
The University Press of Kentucky
663 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY 40508-4008
9780813133751, $19.95

There are those who must suffer in their quest against injustice. "No Bread for Mandela: Memoirs of Ahmed Kathrada, Prisoner No. 468/64" is a memoir and recollection of Ahmed Kathrada, friend of former South African President Nelson Mandela, who served as his parliamentary counselor, who continues into the modern day to fight against the racism that remains strong in today's South Africa. For those seeking memoir about those who fight against racism and racial injustice around the world, "No Bread for Mandela" proves to be a fine pick.


The Philosophy Shelf

Philosophy of Human Rights
David Boersema
Westview Press
2465 Central Avenue, Boulder, CO 80301
9780813344928, $46.00, www.westviewpress.com

Philosophy of Human Rights combines primary readings by noted authorities to consider the theory and application of human rights to basic social and political concerns. College-level students of either philosophy or social issues will find chapters packed with scholarly insights on basic rights concepts, covering the scope of rights, their nature, and how they apply to issues and modern debates.

Reading Negri: Marxism in Age of Empire
Pierre Lamarche, ax Rosenkrantz, David Sherman, Editors
Open Court Books
70 East Lake St., Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60601
9780812696554, $39.95, www.opencourtbooks.com

Reading Negri: Marxism in Age of Empire comes from a key Marxist theorist well known for his striking new analysis of globalization he co-authored with Michael Hardt in 2000. Most accounts of Negri focus on Empire: this differs in providing a collection of essays offering readers a fuller picture of Negri's thoughts, using all his works and discussing the great texts of philosophy in their context. College-level collections strong in philosophy or Negri should consider this a key acquisition!

The Etiquette of Freedom
Gary Snyder & Jim Harrison
Counterpoint
1919 Fifth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
9781582436296, $28.00, www.counterpointpress.comu

Free from captivity, free from the structure of humanity, what does it really mean to be wild? "The Etiquette of Freedom: Gary Snyder, Jim Harrison, and the Practice of the Wild" is a collections of discussions between the authors Gary Snyder and Jim Harrison discuss their lives and opinions of the wild, deep ecology, and more. In a humorous and conversational style, "The Etiquette of Freedom" will prove an enlightening and fun read, and comes with the movie 'The Practice of the Wild', for a more complete experience.

Rawls
Sebastiano Maffettone
Polity
350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148
9780745646510, $24.95, www.politybooks.com

John Rawls brought much thought to the world on the matters of social justice and our work towards it. "Rawls" is an introduction to the man's philosophy and why it resonates so strongly with many political philosophers in the modern day. Breaking down into three parts connected to his three works that discuss social justice, liberalism, and law as the topics of his books, Sebastinano Maffetonne brings an educational read that presents it all well and leaves readers with what they need to know to pursue deeper learning. "Rawls" is an excellent addition to any community and college library collection.


The Economics Shelf

Reconciling Trade and Climate
Tracey Epps & AndrewGreen
Edward Elgar Publishing
9 Dewey Court
Northampton, MA 01060-3815
www.e-elgar.com
9781849800068, $125.00, www.amazon.com

The World Trade Organization (WTO) was created to facilitate international trade. International trade is impacted and influenced by many factors, chief among which is climate. The earth is clearly undergoing climate change which has dramatic impacts upon a variety of trade issues including agriculture and agricultural products. The collaborative work of Tracey Epps (Senior Trade Law Adviser, New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade) and Andrew Green (Faculty of Law, University of Toronto, Canada), "Reconciling Trade and Climate: How the WTO Can Help Address Climate Change" is a 280-page compendium of impeccable scholarship that begins with an informative introduction reflecting the necessity of reconciling international trade rules and climate policies. What follows is a series of superbly researched and presented issues involving linkages between trade and climate change, trade rules and domestic policies, unilateral action to compel countries to take climate change action, and multilateral solutions that will increase environmentally sound and beneficial trading. Enhanced with a comprehensive index, "Reconciling Trade and Climate" is a strongly recommended and seminal contribution to professional and academic library International Economics reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

The Next American Economy
William J. Holstein
Walker & Company
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
9780802777508, $26.00, www.walkerbooks.com

The state of the American economy isn't going to simply fix itself, yet some people sit and wait for it to do so. "The Next American Economy: Blueprint for a Real Recovery" is a discussion of the economy from William J. Holstein, stating that innovation drives the economy, and that while it may be accepted there is nothing new under the sun, innovation still occurs and in many parts of the country it has already started to grind the gears towards recovery. America has always been the pioneer of industry by creating new industries for it to succeed in, and finding that new industry is the key to America's financial future. "The Next American Economy" is a fine study, a must for any student of the economy, businessman or just amateur student of the insanity.

The Invisible Handcuffs of Capitalism
Michael Perelman
Monthly Review Press
146 West 29th Street, Suite 6W, New York, NY 10001
9781583672297, $19.95, www.monthlyreview.org

Capitalism can be a working system, but it is not a perfect one. "The Invisible Handcuffs of Capitalism: How Market Tyranny Stifles the Economy by Stunting Workers" analyzes the problems that our economy faces by looking at the smallest gears and cogs that make it work, the working class. Michael Perelman diagnoses the problems with American capitalism, looking at how the worker has become the enemy, how the shadowy underbelly of it all is showing more than ever, and the light at the end of the tunnel. Trying to show the real problems that haunt today's economics, "The Invisible Handcuffs of Capitalism" brings forth many truths and many solutions.


The Social Issues Shelf

The Crash Course
Chris Martenson, PhD
Wiley
c/o Wiley Professional Trade Group
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
9780470927649, $27.95, www.wiley.com

THE CRASH COURSE: THE UNSUSTAINABLE FUTURE OF OUR ECONOMY, ENERGY, AND ENVIRONMENT explains our current economic predicament, its links to issues of environment and energy, and why our money system places impossible demands upon finite world resources. From rising levels of debt based on assumptions of future economic growth to dwindling oil supplies, this provides a fine survey of the root causes of our current state and offers consumers keys to protecting families from undue risks. Any general lending library must have this!

Life Without Oil
Steve Hallett with John Wright
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781616144012, $26.00, www.prometheusbooks.com

LIFE WITHOUT OIL: WHY WE MUST SHIFT TO A NEW ENERGY FUTURE provides a powerful argument for changing our energy consumption habits and comes from an environmental scientist and veteran journalist who maintain we're at the end of a two-hundred-year energy surplus, and about to experience a decline in oil production. We must plan for a future without reliance on oil - which includes assessing facts and making decisions key to upholding the global economy. An outstanding survey!

Final Jeopardy
Stephen Baker
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
222 Berkeley St., Boston MA 02116
9780547483160, $24.00, www.hmhbooks.com

Final Jeopardy: Man vs. Machine and the Quest to Know Everything tells of an IBM computer that battled human champions in a match on the quiz show Jeopardy. When Watson trounced the competition and proved there was a future for smart machines, it raised all kinds of questions about the future of humanity itself. This follows the story of Watson's development, using the author's exclusive access to the project to provide insider details unavailable elsewhere. Science or general-interest collections will find this a winner!

Raising Elijah
Sandra Steingraber
Da Capo Press
c/o Perseus Books Group
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
www.perseusbooksgroup.com
9780738213996, $26.00, www.dacapopress.com

Raising Elijah: Protecting Our Children in an Age of Environmental Crisis comes from a biologist who uses her own family concerns as a foundation for linking key events in her children's lives to world environmental concerns. From bug spray and deck treatment options and household hazards to chemical reforms and a child's special vulnerabilities, Sandra Steingraber provides an involving survey of childhood and environmental risk factors.

Walk Out Walk On
Margaret Wheatley and Deborah Frieze
Berrett-Koehler Publishers
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 650
San Francisco, CA 94104-2916
9781605097312, $24.95, www.bkconnection.com

WALK OUT WALK ON: A LEARNING JOURNEY INTO COMMUNITIES DARING TO LIVE THE FUTURE NOW shows how seven sample communities around the world changed their structure and embraced alternative options. It shows people who succeeded in changing beliefs and created healthier communities, and covers examples from around the world. Color photos enhance a text blending interviews with social, political and cultural analysis in a survey suitable for college-level and general lending collections alike!

Lost and Found
Geneen Roth
Viking
c/o Penguin Group USA
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
9780670022717, $25.95, www.penguin.com

LOST AND FOUND: UNEXPECTED REVELATIONS ABOUT FOOD AND MONEY offers a fine survey in a memoir about recovering from a major money disaster. Roth sought out advice over the years from a range of experts: unable to process their advice, she drifted until disaster hit - then adapted new methods of coping with financial challenges. LOST AND FOUND shows that how we eat and spend have roots in compulsions and unconscious beliefs. Her survey examines relationships to money and how it can be gained and dissolved, and is a fine recommendation for both general and social issues libraries.

Girls Like Us
Rachel Lloyd
Harper
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
9780061582059, $24.99, www.harpercollins.com

GIRLS LIKE US: FIGHTING FOR A WORLD WHERE GIRLS ARE NOT FOR SALE, AN ACTIVIST FINDS HER CALLING AND HEALS HERSELF blends a memoir and autobiography with a story of evolving women's issues, telling of a woman who became a victim of commercial sexual exploitation - and how she escaped. Her immersion in an industry of sexual trafficking in New York City and how she escaped makes for a powerful story of not only the author, but the girls she worked with - girls as young as eleven. A powerful story of exploitation and recovery evolves, perfect for any social issues or women's issues collection.

Final Rights
Joshua Slocum & Lisa Carlson
Upper Access Inc.
87 Upper Access Road, Hinesburg, VT 05461
9780942679342, $19.95, www.upperaccess.com

Death has been stripping people of the dignity it once has, thanks to profiteers seeing your corpse as a dollar sign. "Final Rights: Reclaiming the American Way of Death" delves into the death industry and its exploitation of grieving families. Stating that one can control and fight this exploitation before they passed on, or encouraging funeral processions outside of a funeral home. Joshua Slocum & Lisa Carlson provide intellectual approach to the grieving process so one doesn't have to mourn their money as well as their loved one. "Final Rights" is a must to be considered for anyone who wants to be prepared for the unfortunate.

We Were Not Orphans
Sherry Matthews
University of Texas Press
PO Box 7819, Austin, TX 78713-7819
9780292725591, $29.95, www.utexaspress.com

When no one claims you, responsibility falls to the state, and the state is not always the best parental figure. "We Were Not Orphans: Stories from the Waco State Home" is a study from Sherry Matthews, who reflects on her own experiences with the home, and speaks to those who formerly called the place home. Through it all, she found the sad reality of abuse and strict discipline during the formative years, and those who remember their childhood there fondly. An intriguing collection of stories of the impact a state home has on many children, "We Were Not Orphans" is a choice addition to any social issues collection with an added focus on history.

Kids First
David L. Kirp
Public Affairs Books
250 West 57th Street, Suite 1321, New York, NY 10107
9781586489472, $24.99, www.publicaffairsbooks.com

If there's no future, there is no point. "Kids First: Five Big Ideas for Transforming Children's Lives and America's Future" discusses what needs to be done to help the future of America, by improving the situation that children grow into to help them live up to the their full potential. David L. Kirp writes that this process starts even before conception, by making the parental experience one that is less punishing. From making the most of those formative years, to a wider availability of college education to those who wish to seek it, "Kids First" is an excellent read on what needs to be done to ensure a more glowing future for America and the rest of the world.

Cash-for-Childcare
Jorma Sipila, Katja Repo, and Tapio Rissanen, editors
Edward Elgar Publishing
9 Dewey Court, Northampton, MA 01060-3815
9781849804233 $110.00 www.e-elgar.com

Cash-for-Childcare: The Consequences for Caring Mothers is an anthology of essays by learned authors discussing a potentially controversial child care policy adopted by multiple Nordic nations: Cash for Childcare, in which mothers receive money from the government for taking care of their children rather than pursuing a job in the workforce. Social researchers have suggested that incentivizing women to withdraw from the workforce disempowers them; economists have questioned the financial wisdom of having the state pay for private care; and individuals from all walks of life observed questionable consequences of the policy. Cash-for-Childcare: The Consequences for Caring Mothers examines both the positive and the negative sides of this policy, discussing how it can be used to give families more options as well as its drawbacks. An excellent choice for social issues collections and reference shelves.

The Politics of Protection
Elizabeth G. Ferris
Brookings Institution Press
1775 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036
9780815721376, $32.95, www.brookings.edu

The best of intentions won't bring miracles. "The Politics of Protection: The Limits of Humanitarian Action" discuss the reality of trying to do the right thing in our violent and chaotic world. Discussing the principles of humanitarianism, the basics of human rights, and the protocol that must be followed when foreign aid is offered to those in need. Chapters cover the challenges of finding the money, what lies in the future for humanitarianism, and much more. A scholarly study that should be considered for anyone who wants to understand why no one person or organization can face all the evil in the world, "The Politics of Protection" is a crucial addition to any international studies collection focusing on human rights.

American Tensions
William Reichard, editor
New Village Press
PO Box 3049, Oakland, CA 94609
9780981559384, $19.95, www.newvillagepress.net

The melting pot isn't an easy blend, as the boiling nature within it can prove quite nasty. "American Tensions: Literature of Identity and the Search for Social Justice" is a collection of fiction, poetry, essays, and much more from various authors who speak on the continued push forward as America tries to be that harmonious union of peoples up front, and the much darker conflict that lands underneath it all. Through literature and nonfiction, these writers provide many opinions and views to grant readers the many conflicting perspectives in our nation today. For those who want to gain a greater understanding in our nation's push for equality, "American Tensions" is a thoughtful and very highly recommended read.

Diverse by Design
Christopher Schoreder
Utah State University
3078 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-3078
9780874218060, $26.95, www.usupress.org

America has invited diversity upon itself, despite many of its citizens wishes. "Diverse by Design: Literary Education within Multicultural Institutions" analyzes diversity and America's thoughts towards it. Christopher Schroeder, an associate professor of the English language, delves into America's schizophrenic wish for diversity while at the same time condemning it with some pushing for a single official language. Through the study of one particular university in the Midwest, Schoroeder offers a good deal of food for thought in America's progress and regression of being inclusionary but exclusionary. "Diverse by Design" is well worth considering for those with an interest in studying race and culture in America today.


The Agriculture Shelf

Urban Agriculture
David Tracey
New Society Publishers
PO Box 189, Gabriola Island, British Columbia, V0R 1X0
9780865716940, $21.95, www.newsociety.com

With the growing global population, a contribution to one's own self-sustainability goes a long way. "Urban Agriculture: Ideas and Designs for The New Food Revolution" is a guide to Urban agriculture, which just may be the key to humanity's survival in the future where space becomes more and more of a growing problem. The windowsills and lawns are the next generation's farms, and David Tracey informs readers on how to work it, and get fresh and healthy vegetables from their own bounty. "Urban Agriculture" is a choice pick for those who want to make a difference with their fertile land now.

The City Homesteader
Scott Meyer
Running Press
2300 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
9780762440856, $20.00, www.runningpress.com

Every human takes up space, not just to live but for its sustenance. "The City Homesteader: Self-Sufficiency on Any Square Footage" is a guide for being as self-sufficient as possible when space is at a premium, such as in a packed city. In the modern age, rediscovering self-sufficiency may be what's needed to keep the world able to feed us all, and Scott Meyer walks readers through everything they need to know to embrace this practice through growing a little of their own, food preservation, even raising chickens and much more. For anyone who is looking to make their drain on the world a little less, "The City Homesteader" is an excellent read, well worth considering.


The Art Shelf

Picasso Horses
Laurence Madeline, Dominique Dupuis-Labbe & Jean-Louis Gourand
Hudson Hills Press
PO Box 205, 74-2 Union Street
Manchester, VT 05254
9781555953607, $65.00, www.hudsonhills.com

Picasso Horses opens with a few articles providing the artistic history of Picasso's horses, then moves to black and white sketches and color plates representing them. It accompanies an exhibition of more than fifty works, many of which have rarely been exhibited in public, and is an outstanding survey for any Picasso collection: especially art libraries who have students interested in Picasso's approaches to form and sketching.

Toys of the Avant-Garde
Jose Lebero Stals, Juan Bordes, & Carlos Perez
Hudson Hills Press
PO Box 205, 74-2 Union Street
Manchester, VT 05254
9781555953638 $56.00 www.hudsonhills.com

Toys of the Avant-Garde offers a fine survey of toys that may also be considered works of art, blending art history with toy construction. Full color photos and illustrations of these toys accompany histories of European artists who created them, providing a unique survey which will appeal primarily to college-level arts collections but also holds the potential to cross over into collector shelf realms.

Caterpillage
Harry Berger Jr.
Fordham University Press
2546 Belmont Ave, Bronx, NY 10458
9780823233137, $35.00, www.fordhampress.com

A still life is more than just some fruit in a bowl. "Caterpillage" tracks this particular discipline of painting as it was developed by the Dutch in the 1600s. Iconography was a major aspect, as insects and the plants they dined on proved to be a metaphor for much more than that, and the discipline still continues on to this day. With full color glossy inserts of various works, "Caterpillage" is a thorough history of this discipline and proves to be quite complete and comprehensive, making it a core addition to community and college art and history collections.

American Paints to 1945
Corcoran Gallery of Art
500 Seventeenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006
Hudson Hills Press LLC
3556 Main Street, Manchester, VT 05254
9781555953614, $60.00, www.hudsonhills.com

American art has had its own unique evolution that is both similar and quite different from their European cousins. "Corcoran Gallery of Art: American Paintings to 1945" traces the development of American art through its later colonial days to just before the modern period before World War II. The Corcoran Gallery of Art was founded in 1869 and has proven to be quite the dedication to American art ever since its inception. Landscapes, portraits, and other settings are displayed in full color reproductions from American artists with much discussion on their style and how this shifted the direction of American art. "Corcoran Gallery of Art" is a fine coffee table choice for art lovers as well as a scholarly look at the development of American art history.

Twentieth-Century Egyptian Art
Mona Abaza
American University in Cairo Press
420 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10018
9789774163944, $49.50, www.aucpress.com

Modern Egyptian art has little to do with the scrawls of ancient civilization. "Twentieth-Century Egyptian Art: The Private Collection of Sherwet-Shafei" is a study of the modern country's art as one of its famous and reputable art gallery owners presents over two hundred works that come from throughout the twentieth century, showing the changes of the nation's art and society throughout the century from the earliest works which show strong ties to tradition to how they are thrown to the side as the century rolls on. Discussing Sherwet-Shafei's collection as well, "Twentieth-Century Egyptian Art" is filled with full color reproductions and makes for a strong pick for anyone looking for a coffee table art collection, highly recommended.

Portrait Jewels
Diana Scarisbrick
Thames & Hudson
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
9780500515570, $45.00, www.thamesandhudsonusa.com

Jewels were not only jewelry to enhance the status of the person, but also their image. "Portrait Jewels: Opulence & Intimacy from the Medici to the Romanovs" traces the history of this practice of jewels around the portrait of a rich and powerful person and the inclusion of such items in the portraits themselves as well. A practice with roots with the rise of the Medici family that waned with the tragic fall of the Russian ruling family Romanov, this history proves as a study for lovers of jewelry and its role in history. Countless historical creations and art is shown, making "Portrait Jewels" a fine read and coffee table book for any connoisseur of jewelry history.


The Photography Shelf

Serial Photography
Harold Mante
Rocky Nook
26 West Mission St. Suite 3, Santa Barbara CA 93101
9781933952734, $39.95, www.rockynook.com

Serial Photography: Using Themed Images to Improve Your Photographic Skills explains how to focus your photographic work on themes, objects and colors and offers a series of tips on how to incorporate this perspective into photographic efforts and new images. Many of the author's own photos serve as examples explaining concepts and the idea of producing serial projects. This can be used as either a textbook or a course guide by amateurs and professionals alike, and is a pick for any serious photography collection.

Course Technology
20 Channel Center St., Boston MA 02210
www.courseptr.com

The sixth updated edition of BEN LONG'S COMPLETE DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY (1435459202, $44.99) is 'the' book of mention for any interested in the latest digital photography options. New material covering Photoshop CS5, CameraRaw6, and more offer insights into all the latest programs and techniques and teach how to handle equipment and take the best shots. Image editing, composition, and shooting panoramas are only a few of the topics all enhanced by many striking color photo examples throughout, making this a top recommendation for any photographer's collection! Photography libraries will also welcome Lindsay Adler's FASHION FLAIR FOR PORTRAIT AND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY (1435458842, $34.99), a coverage that shows how to apply the concepts of fashion photography to portrait and wedding photography needs. From using fashion concepts to make a wedding portrait stand out to lighting and camera tricks, this teaches how to maximize the fashion fair approach for outstanding results. David Busch and Alexander S. White's CANON POWERSHOT G12 GUIDE TO DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY (1435459504, $29.99) provides a fine, specific guide to the digital Canon model and is a pick for any owners, whether newcomers or old hands. It shows how to use all its controls and features, from selecting the best autofocus mode to understanding the 'fad' that is HDR photography and using the camera's advanced shooting and movie-making capabilities.

iPhoto '11: The Missing Manual
David Pogue & Lesa Snider
O'Reilly
1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
9781449393236, $34.99, www.oreilly.com

iPhoto '11: The Missing Manual is a 'must' for any interested in Macs and digital photography, showing how to organize a collection and how to share images online. iPhoto 11 is perfect for Mac users who wish to transfer photos from a digital camera, organize them, and more: this manual tells how, covering all the basics of editing raw files, fixing images, setting up a Flickr account, and more.

Green Screen Glamour Photography Made Easy
Jack Watson
Atlantic Publishing
1405 SW 6th Ave, Ocala FL 34471-0640
9781601386731, $39.95, www.atlantic-pub.com

Green Screen Glamour Photography Made Easy offers keys to creating glamour photo images using Green Screen technology, is accompanied by a DVD and software, and offers specifics into a technique for compositing two images together in which color from one is removed, revealing another image behind it. This technology was once only for advanced photographers: now a wider audience has access to it, with software paired with a specific book for digital video pros and photographers alike. A fine, specific guide for any in-depth photography library!

Painting with Light
Jan Leonardo Woellert & Joerg Miedza
Rocky Nook
26 West Mission Street Ste 3, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
9781933952741, $39.95, www.rockynook.com

Light itself has become our artistic tool. "Painting with Light: Light Art Performance Photography" delves into this particular discipline of photography, that blends the more traditional light painting with performance art is a guide to using this practice to create awe inspiring pieces. Long exposure times, careful choreography, and good setting all blend into something that's created without digital editing but is quite fascinating in itself. "Painting with Light" is a choice pick for anyone who wants to use this method to create something truly unique and special by their own hand.

Chinese Sentiment
Shen Wei
Charles Lane Press
8E Charles Lane, New York, NY 10014
9780981877020, $65.00, www.charleslanepress.com

A changing landscape is something that the people of China face, and Shen Wei seeks to capture this transformation on film. "Chinese Sentiment" is a series of photographs as she hopes to use her art to find this shifting picture of people, showing the departure of China from the communism and for everyone nature it was known for to a society that shows individualism as a bigger picture and the changing picture of it all. Shen Wei shows a China that is not entirely known to the west, and makes "Chinese Sentiment" an excellent pick for one looking for a coffee table book with an international focus or international photography collections in general.

Chasing the Light
Ibarionex Perello
New Riders
c/o Pearson
1249 Eighth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
9780321752505, $44.99, www.newriders.com

Bright lights aren't the most plentiful resource for a photographer who wants to see something real. "Chasing the Light: Improving Your Photography with Available Light" is a guide for photographers who want to make the most out of limited light, with plenty of tips and tricks for understanding how low light works with one's camera and using what you have to the greatest extent. Chapters cover contrasts, other facts on picture quality, and how light plays into black and white photography. "Chasing the Light" is a useful reference for photographers who want to deal with the less than ideal conditions outside a studio.


The Cookbook Shelf

The Art of Breakfast, How to Bring B & B Entertaining Home
Dana Moos
Down East Books
PO Box 679, Camden, ME 04843
9780892729401, $28.95, www.downeast.com

Inspired by the menus of Bed and Breakfast establishments known for pampering their clientele, "The Art of Breakfast" contains many frankly fancy or unusual imaginative recipes for scrumptious breakfast entrees. For the most important meal of the day, and a festive beginning to any day, try a recipe from "The Art of Breakfast." The stunning color photographs are wonderful page turners, tempting the reader to try many unusual brunch entrees. Chapters are divided into the fruit course, sweet and savory entrees, baked goods, side dishes and garnishes, sauces, syrups and flavored butters, and guest gifts and menus. How about Pineapple, Cherry and Pecan Cheese Crepes? Or Chive and Cream Cheese Scrambled Eggs in Wonton Cups? In the baked goods section is a recipe for Blueberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies that is a story of persistence in its making. Some of the creative sides are Roasted Fennel Bulbs, Chilled Asparagus with Curry Lime Aioli, and Roasted Tomato and Swiss Tart. Unusual sauces, syrups and butters can transform an ordinary breakfast menu, and the Guest Gift and Menus provide the frosting on the B & B cake. For the hostess who wishes to pamper her guests, "The Art of Breakfast" is the perfect culinary inspiration.

The Wild Blueberry Book
Virginia M. Wright
Down East Books
PO Box 679, Camden, ME 04843
9780892729395, $14.95, www.downeast.com

"The Wild Blueberry Book" is a fascinating combination of fun facts and history about Maine's wild blueberry crops and fabulous, imaginative recipes displaying a full range of applications of the wild blueberry's versatility as a healthful, natural, delicious food. Filled with color photos and illustrations and fascinating anecdotes about the harvesting of the wild blueberry, "The Wild Blueberry Book" is sure to entice newcomers to the blue tasty fruits to try them in recipes and to visit the only state where they are commercially harvested. There is nothing like the flavor of the tiny wild blueberry. And there are so many different varieties, each more tasty than the last! Star recipes are found for Duck Breast with Wild Blueberry Sauce, Blueberry Cobbler, and surprisingly, Baked Stuffed Lobster. The serious production of blueberries and the serious competition of the Blueberry Pie Wars must be seen to be believed. "The Wild Blueberry Book" is as great a gift to tourism as it is to culinary creations. From the blue ribbon recipes to the memoirs of a family who plans vacations annually to participate in the blueberry harvest, "The Wild Blueberry Book" is all about experiencing the wild blueberry where it grows best.

Quick & Easy Christmas
Vickie Hutchins and Jo Ann Martin, editors
Gooseberry Patch
2500 Farmers Dr., #110, Columbus, Ohio 43235
9781936283781, $16.95, www.gooseberrypatch.com

"Quick & Easy Christmas" is the latest collection of scrumptious holiday recipes from Gooseberry Patch. Featuring recipes for breakfast and brunch, snacks and appetizers, soups, sides, and salads, mains, desserts, and slow cooker, "Quick & Easy Christmas" has something delicious and easy to prepare for every holiday entertainment need. For such a festive, busy time of year, these are the perfect stress reducers - a winning backlist of fabulous foods that are wonderfully easy to pull together in that very busy 24-day period. Particularly appealing and praised for its flexibility is the section titled Slow Cooker." Here are pages of mouth-watering main courses that can be easily thrown into the crock pot and left to simmer to perfection whil running off to do any of the other myriad delightful tasks and activities that be-gem the season. From the classic Wacky Beef Roast to the Creamy Rice Pudding, these recipes fill out the need for a hot and tasty meal from beginning to end. Of course there are also festive holiday desserts and confections, Holiday Cranberry Trifle, Chocolate Fudge Pie, and Eggnog Cake are just a few that sound exquisitely tempting. All recipes are attractively presented with description, charming homey illustrations in black and whiteand green, and clear instructions, as well as including special extra tips and ideas for Christmas activities and crafts. "Quick & Easy Christmas" is an attractive, sturdy, plastic spiral-bound recipe collection that is sure to please all palates and become a classic Christmas cooking resource.

At My Grandmother's Knee
Faye Porter
Thomas Nelson Publishers
P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214
9781401600365, $24.99, www.thomasnelson.com

"At My Grandmother's Knee: Recipes and Memories Handed Down by Women of the South" is a nostalgic recipe and memory collection that draws on a variety of Southern home cooking traditions. A celebration of many grandmothers' favorite culinary creations, "At My Grandmother's Knee" is as tempting to the palate as it is to the legions of memories it represents. In keeping with the theme, each recipe is introduced with a paragraph description of the woman responsible for creating it. Here we have Granny's Corn Casserole, Ham A La Mamie, Esther's Apple Cake, and Nanny's Bridal Salad, not to mention Sweet Slaw, Sawdust Salad, B. B.'s Turnip Greens, and many more. Recipes are divided into 12 categories, including breakfast, breads, appetizers, side dishes, main dishes, and five separate chapters for different kinds of desserts. It is impossible to read through "At My Grandmother's Knee" without finding a familiar sounding recipe that begs to be made and eaten again. Recipes are clearly explained and ingredients are listed in order of use. Described by the author/editor as "part cookbook and part history book," At My Grandmother's Knee" captures the warmth and affection of many a home-cooked meal in the South.

Authentic Cuban Cuisine
Martha Abreu Cortina
Pelican
1000 Burmaster Street, Gretna, LO 70053
9781589809550, $25.00, www.pelicanpub.com

As they break away from their mother nations and take something from the new land to create something new entirely. "Authentic Cuban Cuisine" looks at the blend of Hispanic and native culture that has blended into the Cuban style of cooking. Packed cover to cover with recipes and full color photos, and much more, each recipe outlines what is needed to produce and comes with simple instructions. With dishes to suit many tastes and for many meals from breakfast to dessert, "Authentic Cuban Cuisine" is a must for anyone who wants to try a taste of Cuban cooking.

The New Southern Garden Cookbook
Sheri Castle
The University of North Carolina Press
116 S. Boundary St., Chapel Hill, NC 27514-3808
9780807834657, $35.00, www.uncpress.unc.edu

There is a certain joy to dining on your own months worth of hard work. "The New Southern Garden Cookbook: Enjoying the Best From Homegrown Gardens, Farmers' Market, Roadside Stands, & CSA Farm Boxes" is a guide for those who grow their own gardens and want to use the gardens as a base of deciding what to cook, so that they are always eating fresh throughout most of the year. Recipes are not for vegetarians only, as they also include some southern style meat dishes. For many methods and many tastes with easy to follow instructions for Crispy Chicken Thighs, Yellow Tomato Gazpacho, Blueberry and Pecan Snack Cake, and so much more, "The New Southern Garden Cookbook" is a resource that no gardening Southern cook should be without.

Tupelo Honey Cafe
Elizabeth Sims
Andrews McMeel Universal
1130 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO 64106-2109
9781449400644, $29.99, www.andewsmcmeel.com

A bit of sweetness goes far in making something special. "Tupelo Honey Cafe: Spirited Recipes from Asheville's New South Kitchen" draws from the recipes of the Tupelo Honey Cafe, which for the past ten years and change has been making itself a culinary attraction in Asheville, North Carolina. With its own spin on Southern American classics, Elizabeth Sims follows the kitchen's focus on local produce and meat, spinning them into something new and flavorful. "Tupelo Honey Cafe" is a fine cookbook with recipes for every season and every meal of the day, very highly recommended.

101 Easy Everyday Recipes
Vickie Hutchins and Jo Ann Martin, editors
Gooseberry Patch
2500 Farmers Dr., #110, Columbus, Ohio 43235
9781936283958, $14.95, www.gooseberrypatch.com

"101 Easy Everyday Recipes" is an attractive, practical, spiral bound collection of tasty recipes to feed a family every day. Filled with color-photo illustrations, "101 Easy Everyday Recipes" covers the family's nutritional needs for breakfast, supper, dinner, side dishes, and desserts in five chock-full chapters. This user-friendly cook's sampler is attractively organized with one recipe, a photo illustration, and a contributor's credit and notes per page, Here are some eye-catchers to consider: BBQ Beef & Wagon Wheels Salad, Zippy Broiled Catfish, Spicy Carrot Fries, and Joyce's Chocolate Chip Pie. If that doesn't tempt the reader, there are sure to be other selections that will. All recipes are easy to follow and prepare, and use ingredients that are readily available. The contributors' anecdotes add to the charm and appeal of each handcrafted family-pleasing recipe.

The Worry-Free Kitchen
Kumiko Ibaraki
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South 7th Floor, New York, NY 10016
9781935654070, $14.95, www.vertical-inc.com

Trying to cut the fat out of your life can prove difficult when all your favorite foods have so much tasty fat. "The Worry-Free Kitchen: Everyday Dishes Without Oil and Fat" is a cookbook with plenty of recipes dedicated to emulating the taste and appearance of high fat fried dishes without the fat and oil that goes with it. Each recipe comes with easy to follow instructions with illustrated steps and pictures of the dish presented in full color. For anyone trying to cut fat out of their diet without going insane, "The Worry-Free Kitchen" is an ideal diet cookbook.

A Tiger in the Kitchen
Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan
Voice
c/o Hyperion Books
77 West 66th Street, New York, NY 10023-6298
9781401341282, $14.99, www.hyperionbooks.com

A Tiger in the Kitchen: A Memoir of Food and Family documents the author's year spent cooking with her female relatives. Born in the Year of the Tiger, Tan was raised in Singapore by parents who allowed her to avoid traditional training while exploring the wider world - so she never learned how to cook. By her mid-thirties she was curious about the culture she had lost touch with - so she moved to Singapore to spend a year learning to cook her childhood favorites. A TIGER IN THE KITCHEN offers a vivid account of her culinary explorations.

Blue Ribbon Desserts
Cook's Country
America's Test Kitchen
1933615796, $29.95, www.cookscountry.com

Blue Ribbon Desserts comes from the editors of Cook's Country and provides a powerful collection culled from recipe boxes, Junior League cookbooks, and more. The editors tested and perfected their favorites to offer not just foolproof recipes, but superior, top results. Regional favorites from a Brooklyn baker's Chocolate Blackout Cake to an unusual 7Up Pound Cake make for over 120 heirloom recipes from the hit TV show. Any general lending collection seeking basic, appealing dessert favorites will find this a superior presentation!

Coffee Talk
Morton Satin
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781591026884, $21.95, www.prometheusbooks.com

Coffee Talk: The Stimulating Story of the World's Most Popular Brew comes from a food expert who describes how coffee has come the center of social living. From a history of coffee and how its consumption evolved to fit social circles to the economics and production of coffee, this packs in a fine survey for any general lending library.

Chasing Chiles
Kurt Michael Friese, Kraig Kraft, Gary Paul Nabhan
Chelsea Green Publishing Company
PO Box 428
White River Junction, VT 05001-0428
9781603582506, $17.95, www.chelseagreen.com

CHASING CHILES: HOT SPOTS ALONG THE PEPPER TRAIL provides a fine survey of the cultural and culinary traditions of pepper use around the world. The authors journey to eight pepper-growing states in search of rare chilies, presenting a combination of travelogue and food insight. No recipes - plenty of recipe titles are already on the market - just lots of culinary and cultural insights into how the pepper became part of diets around the world, making this a solid pick for any general-interest collection.

Home Dairy
Ashley English
Lark Crafts
c/o Lark Books
387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016
9781600596278, $19.95, www.larkcrafts.com

HOME DAIRY WITH ASHLEY ENGLISH provides a fine survey of how to make dairy products either from milking animals or from milk from the grocery. It offers a fine key to producing butter, yogurt, cheeses and ice creams and introduces home dairy-makers who chose to make all their own staples from scratch. Color photos, recipes, and basic techniques for making home dairy products make this a top pick for any who would make diary products from scratch.

If It Makes You Healthy
Sheryl Crow & Chuck White with Mary Goodbody
St. Martin's Press
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
9780312568953, $29.99, www.stmartins.com

If It Makes You Healthy: More Than 100 Delicious Recipes Inspired by the Seasons comes from a rock star activist and mother whose relationship with her personal chef Chuck White led to better eating habits. White taught her how to keep her diet wholesome yet accessible for a busy work schedule: this offers over a hundred seasonal recipes reflecting both her touring schedule needs and her desire for healthier fare. Color photos of such dishes as Pecan-Crusted Trout and Grilled Peaches and Cream abound.

Vij's At Home
Meeru Dhalwala & Vikram Vij
Douglas & McIntyre
1094 Flex Drive, Jackson TN 38301
9781553655725, $35.00, www.douglas-mcintyre.com

Vij's At Home: Relax, Honey - The Warmth & Ease of Indian Cooking celebrates shared meals with family and friends and comes from owners of Vij's, a Vancouver Indian restaurant notable for its regional interpretations of Indian foods. Stories and recipes blend in this cookbook, which pairs quick preparation techniques with notes on each dish's unique attributes. From Kidney Beans and Rice and Chickpeas in Star Anise to Chicken, Tomato and Green Bean Curry, this is packed with flavor and chatty insights perfect for all levels of Indian cooks and any ethnic culinary library.

Wiley
c/o Wiley Professional Trade Group
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
www.wiley.com

Sandra Lee's BAKE SALE COOKBOOK (9780470645598, $19.95) packs in over a hundred fifty ideas for producing winning desserts for a bake sale, adding nearly three hundred color photos to over two hundred pages of recipes and tips. These offer fresh new twists on favorite desserts that not only feature tested dishes for perfect results, but tell how to create fast-selling attractive items for a bake sale. Vegetarian Times' EVERYTHING VEGAN (9780470547885, $29.95) provides over two hundred healthy recipes for any seeking to cook vegan foods, packing in color photos and discussions of the science supporting the nutritional benefits of a vegan diet. Recipes all come with full nutritional analysis and include many international influences in this treasure trove of healthy vegan fare, perfect for any general lending collection.


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

A Librarian's Guide On How To Publish
Srecko Jelusic & Ivanka Stricevic
Neal-Schuman Publishers
100 William Street, Suite 2004
New York, NY 10038-4512
www.neal-schuman.com
9781843346197, $80.00, www.amazon.com

Eighty dollars might seem a very high price for a 200-page instruction manual specifically written and designed by the collaborative team of Srecko Jelusic (Vice Rector in Chargee of International Relations, publishing, and library, and an Associate Professor at the University of Zadar, Croatia) and Ivanka Stricevic (Assistant Professor, Department of Library and Information Studies, University of Zadar, Croatia), but publishing is a fundamental responsibility and a basic element of the job of a librarian as they are responsible for producing library catalogs, bibliographies, monographs, scientific papers, exhibition catalogs, periodicals, and reports. Fairly unique in the professional literature for Library Science, "A Librarian's Guide On How To Publish" (part of the 'Chandos Information Professional Series') will prove to be an invaluable and practice compendium and instructional guide that will insure professional standards of quality as Professors Jelusic and Stricevic address and explain all the procedures librarians will need when undertaking any of this publishing projects and duties. Of special note is the attention paid to electronic publications and such issues as production schedules, timetables, and project finances. "A Librarian's Guide On How To Publish" is an essential and core addition to professional and academic Library Studies instructional reference collections and should be considered mandatory reading for anyone charged with the responsibility of publishing within and for the library market.

19th Century American Writers on Writing
Brenda Wineapple
Trinity University Press
One Trinity Place, San Antonio, TX 78212-7200
9781595340696, $18.95, www.tupress.com

America was a new nation, and America's writers answered the call for creating a literary legacy we can be proud of. "19th Century American Writers on Writing" tries to gain an understanding of these great minds by looking at what they have written on their trade, writing, be it in the form of essays, poetry, prose or else. With additional notes from Literary history student Brenda Wineapple, placing her expertise to grant greater understanding, "19th Century American Writers on Writing" is a strong pick for any literary history collection with a focus on American literature.

Writing and Illustrating the Graphic Novel
Daniel Cooney
Barron's
250 Wireless, Hauppauge, NY 11788
9780764146299, $23.99, www.barronseduc.com

Writing and Illustrating the Graphic Novel: All New Edition provides a fine survey sharing the secrets of creating character, plotlines, and how to bring drama to a graphic novel story. The basics of drawing are covered, including digital rendering, in a fully illustrated step-by-step presentation of both black and white and color sketches.

Writing the Paranormal Novel
Steven Harper
Writer's Digest Books
4700 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236
1599631342, $17.99, www.writersdigest.com

Writing the Paranormal Novel: Techniques and Exercises for Weaving Supernatural Elements Into Your Story provides writers with a fine reference on how to build successful supernatural elements into any story line. Whether handling magic and vampires or creating a twist of plot and a believable subplot, this covers writers' techniques and tells how to research a novel and get it published. An outstanding survey results!

Writer's Digest Books
4700 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236
www.writersdigest.com

Donald Maass's THE BREAKOUT NOVELIST: CRAFT AND STRATEGIES FOR CAREER FICTION WRITERS (1582979901, $24.99) uses lay-flat hardcover spiral binding to make it easy for shelving and reference alike and comes from a veteran literary agent who uses his workshops and previous books to provide writers with keys to getting a novel recognized. Examples from modern authors from all genres teach the basics of writing great fiction and offer important insights into the differences between ordinary and exceptional writing. The story-by-story analysis and comparisons and invaluable for any novelist. Larry Brooks' STORY ENGINEERING: MASTERING THE 6 CORE COMPETENCIES OF SUCCESSFUL WRITING (9781582979984, $17.99) examines the basic of what makes a good story or screenplay superior. From the design and elements that make up a story to how it handles six specific aspects of storytelling to become superior, this is a pick for any novelist who wants to improve their writing style.


The Gardening Shelf

Modern Homestead
Renee Wilkinson
Fulcrum Publishing
4690 Table Mountain Drive, Suite 100, Golden, CO 80403
9781555917487, $26.95, www.fulcrumbooks.com

Farming your land is back in vogue after a century. "Modern Homestead: Grow, Raise, Create" is a guide to getting started with gardening, as Renee Wilkinson offers a complete and comprehensive guide to the process. Designed to be used with any amount of space from a windowsill to a backyard, Wilkinson's guide will walk readers through managing the plants, and provide information on raising hens and other animals in small space as well. "Modern Homestead" is for those who want to make their own steps towards self-sufficiency even in today's world of city living.

Everyday Eden
Christina Symons & John Gillespie
Harbour Publishing
PO Box 219, Madeira Park, BC, V0N 2H0
9781550175387, $29.95, www.harbourpublishing.com

Recycling is more than just a special bin. "Everyday Eden: 100+ Fun, Green Garden Projects for the Whole Family to Enjoy" is a guide to those who want to embrace a green life more effectively no matter where they are. Christina Symons & John Gillespie come with plenty of ideas from growing crops out of unusual containers, what can be harvested from a home garden, and how to get the family involved. With no shortage of range on the ideas in any sort, "Everyday Eden" is a must for the person who wants the most for themselves and the environment.

Growing Vegetables, Flowers, and Herbs from Containers
Lizz Shepherd
Atlantic Publishing Group
1405 SW 6th Ave., Ocala, FL 34471-0640
9781601383471, $24.95, www.atlantic-pub.com

When you don't have a place for natural soil, you make a place. "Growing Vegetables, Flowers, and Herbs from Containers: Everything You Need to Know Explained Simply" is a starter guide for those who don't have ground to garden with but are willing to use containers to form the foundation for their gardening endeavors. Explaining the basics and differences from traditional gardening, Lizz Shepherd equips readers with knowledge they need to make the most of their limited space. "Growing Vegetables, Flowers, and Herbs from Containers" is a studious and very useful resource for any hopeful space-less gardener.

Gardening, Naturally
Sara Williams & Hugh Skinner
Coteau Books
2517 Victoria Avenue, Regina, SK S4P OT2, Canada
9781550504491, $24.95, www.coteaubooks.com

Pesticides have many draw backs, so trying to grow without them is the preferred endeavor of many small gardeners. "Gardening, Naturally: A Chemical-Free Handbook for the Prairies" is a guide to gardeners who want to want to grow their garden for beauty, for food, and for anything else completely free of any chemicals or pesticide interference. Sara Williams & Hugh Skinner guide readers through everything they need to know to keep their gardens growing and heavy without resorting to pesticides and growth chemicals. "Gardening, Naturally" is well worth considering for anyone who wants to embrace organics for their own garden.

Storey Publishing
210 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
www.storey.com

Edward C. Smith's THE VEGETABLE GARDENER'S CONTAINER BIBLE (9781603429757, $19.95) tells how to grow food in pots, tubs and other containers and shows how to reap big harvests in small spaces, providing the basics of growing food in containers with less digging, weeding and even less watering. Anyone with a patio or balcony can successfully use this book, which picks the best of garden produce to grow in all kinds of containers and shows how to grow a productive backyard garden - without a back yard! Tammi Hartung's HOMEGROWN HERBS (9781603427036, $19.95) tells how to infuse a yard with organic herbs, offering a guide to planting and harvesting the best of nature's bounty. From preparing herbal baths and mixing custom seasoning blends from a garden to making healing tinctures and homemade body creams, this covers over 100 herbs and all their possible applications along with how to grow them successfully.

Growing Vegetables & Herbs
Ruth Lively, Editor
Taunton Press
63 South Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470
9781600853364, $24.95, www.taunton.com

Taunton's Complete Guide to Growing Vegetables & Herbs is a fine pick for any who have tried to grow a vegetable garden, and offers an authoritative reference to growing herbs and veggies at home. From what to grow and where to plant it to getting the most from a garden, this offers tips from gardening experts who share their knowledge on building raised beds, keeping a garden pest-free, and designing a working garden.


The Political Science Shelf

Real Common Sense
Brian Kahn
Seven Stories Press
140 Watts Street, New York NY 10013
9781609801267, $19.95, www.sevenstories.com

Real Common Sense: Using Our Founding Values to Reclaim Our Nation and Stop the Radical Right from Hijacking America is a strong recommendation for current affairs, political and social issues shelves alike, and lifts part of its title for Thomas Paine's famous 1776 pamphlet COMMON SENSE. Brian Kahn's book advocates cutting rhetoric and spin and identifying and following American values. By emphasizing consumerism over citizenship and entertainment over education this country has veered way off course, and REAL COMMON SENSE provides values keys that return the captain to the helm in a powerful survey recommended for any lending collection, whether public library or school.

Rollback
Thomas E. Woods, Jr.
Regnery Publishing, Inc.
One Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
9781596981416 $27.95 www.regnery.com

A main selection of the Conservative Book Club, Rollback: Repealing Big Government Before the Coming Fiscal Collapse is a strident call to arms concerning America's immediate and impending fiscal disaster - the national debt has quite simply ballooned too high, and threatens to destroy the nation's economy. Author Thomas E. Woods, Jr. contends that the only way to avert catastrophe is to drastically revamp our collective understanding of government. Chapters severely denounce liberal ideology and policies, sharply criticize the Federal Reserve, call out big business for inducing the government to intervene in the marketplace, explore the government's culpability in ratcheting up the costs of health care, and more. Rollback demands smaller government and less spending as an absolute necessity to political survival - including cuts to "off the table" or "untouchable" parts of government such as the military and entitlements. Rollback is an invaluable contribution to an extremely urgent national debate.

The Stewart/Colbert Effect
Amarnath Amarasingam, editor
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
9780786458868 $40.00 www.mcfarlandpub.com

"Satire in the form of news is not new, but Comedy Central's duo have become a much more socially significant force, not just poking fun at figures in the news, but launching a full-scale attack on the media and the messages simultaneously." The Stewart/Colbert Effect: Essays on the Real Impacts of Fake News offers ten essays by scholarly authors examining the political and social repercussions of the wildly popular Comedy Central network satire shows, The Daily Show with John Stewart and The Colbert Report. Do these shows primarily have a cathartic or informational function, especially in an era when more and more people say they turn to fake comedy shows to get their news? What is the role of satire in politics, and to what extent does it actually influence public opinion? Essays include "Stoned Slackers or Super-Citizens? The Daily Show Viewing and Political Engagement of Young Adults", "It's All About Meme: The Art of the Interview and the Insatiable Ego of the Colbert Bump", "I Am the Mainstream Media (and So Can You!)", and much more. Notes and references round out this apt examination of a burgeoning social phenomena with potential long-term repercussions in not only politics, but also how news media itself is perceived and consumed. Highly recommended especially for college library political and media studies shelves.

Satire + Dissent
Amber Day
Indiana University Press
601 North Morton Street, Bloomington, IN 47404-3797
9780253222817, $22.95, www.iupress.indiana.edu

The modern media has become a far cry from the hard hitting journalism of a century ago. "Satire + Dissent: Interventions in Contemporary Political Debate" brings to attention how humor and satire has become the leading way of dissent and commentary on today's politics. Speaking on programs like The Daily Show, the documentaries of Michael Moore, and activist groups such as Billionaires for Bush. "Satire + Dissent" is an intriguing dissection of concourse in American society today and its impact on the politics of the people.


The Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf

The Art of Immersion
Frank Rose
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393076011, $26.95, www.wwnorton.com

THE ART OF IMMERSION: HOW THE DIGITAL GENERATION IS REMAKING HOLLYWOOD, MADISON AVENUE, AND THE WAY WE TELL STORIES provides a fine account of the next generation of media and those who are changing its systems and presentations. Stories today are changing the boundaries imposed by print, film and video, combing formats and creating three-dimensional narratives for the world to see. Chapters document these changes and discuss the future of media as a whole.

The Script-Selling Game
Kathie Fong Yoneda
Michael Wiese Productions
12400 Ventura Blvd. #1111, Studio City, CA 91604
9781932907919, $19.95, www.mwp.com

The Script-Selling Game offers a revised, updated edition of a classic guide to how the movie and TV business works, and comes from an author who has worked in film and television for more than 30 years. Her positions working with Disney, Paramount TV and others makes for a solid insider's approach to story analysis for live-action and animation projects alike, offering script writers keys to breaking into the Hollywood market. From common mistakes new writers make - such as submitting a script in the wrong format - to how writers over-use dialogue, this is packed with keys to success and is a top pick for any would-be Hollywood script writer!

A Shot in the Dark
Jay Holben
Course Technology
20 Channel Center St., Boston MA 02210
143545863X, $44.99, www.courseptr.com

A SHOT IN THE DARK: A CREATIVE DIY GUIDE TO DIGITAL VIDEO LIGHTING ON (ALMOST) NO BUDGET shows that good lighting doesn't require extensive hardware. Film directors can produce near-professional results with their own equipment and a little more savvy about lighting - and this book is the place to turn to for more details. From techniques to hands-on projects that pave the way to creating this lighting to obtaining tools from inexpensive resources, this makes for an outstanding reference any small production director on a budget should have.

Visions, Images, and Dreams
Eric A. Goldman
Holmes and Meier
PO Box 943, Teaneck, 07666
9780841914377, $19.95, www.holmesandmeier.com

Directors make films that speaks their beliefs, and Jewish film makers are no different. "Visions, Images, and Dreams: Yiddish Film - Past & Present" discusses Jewish cinema, be it made in America, Israel, or elsewhere in the world. Eric Goldman walks readers through the history of it all, speaking of the concerns that faced the Jewish people around the world and how their films reflected their anxiety, as well describing the rise and fall of its golden age, and hints of a comeback. "Visions, Images, and Dreams" serves as a dual purpose addition to both film history collections as well as Judaic studies collections.


The Business Shelf

Awaken, Align, Accelerate
Scott E. Nelson & Jason G. Ortmeier
Beaver's Pond Press
7104 Ohms Lane, Suite 101, Edina, MN 55439
9781592983919, $75.00, www.beaverspondpress.com

With the right man in the driver's seat, something good can become great. "Awaken, Align, Accelerate: A Guide to Great Leadership" is a guide and compilation of thought on how one becomes a truly great leader in the business world. A good business leader must truly believe in the product, and must be driven to push it to succeed. Stating that becoming a good leader is not something simply that happens overnight and must be grown into, Scott Nelson and Jason Ortmeier bring their counseling experience to the table. A good leader must be able to push themselves further as they push others, be quick to make good decisions, realizing what is and isn't working as well as avoiding conflict. Packed cover to cover with plenty of principles elaborately explained, "Awaken, Align, Accelerate" is a must for any business trying to inspire its managers and leaders to greater heights, a core resource for any Business studies community and college library collection with a focus on leadership.

The Retail Doctor's Guide to Growing Your Business
Bob Phibbs
Wiley-Blackwell
350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148
9780470587171, $19.95, www.wiley.com

When your business is stagnate, a quick diagnosis and cure is needed to prevent any long term damage to growth. "The Retail Doctor's Guide to Growing Your Business: A Step-By-Step Approach to Quickly Diagnose, Treat, and Cure" is a guide to making one's business succeed by identifying the problems and fixing them swiftly and effectively. Suggesting renovations of business model to increase profit, using the Internet, how personality plays into it, avoiding panic, and much more, "The Retail Doctor's Guide to Growing Your Business" is a must for anyone who wants to make their retail business flourish, highly recommended.

Handbook of Research on New Venture Creation
Kevin Hindle and Kim Klyver, editors
Edward Elgar Publishing
9 Dewey Court
Northampton, MA 01060-3815
9781847200952 $240.00 www.e-elgar.com

Handbook of Research on New Venture Creation collects essays by learned authors discussing the findings of new venture creation research. Chapters discuss the process of setting an agenda; theoretical perspectives; collecting measurement data; and the contexts that directly apply to new venture creation. Examples help flesh out these meticulous business and economic theories about entrepreneurship, in this scholarly text especially recommended for college library school of business collections. "Entrepreneurship can be characterized as the realization of an innovation where one or a few persons can be identified as those who ensure the realization. Sometimes, but not always, it implies the establishment of one's own new firm. This implies involving and motivating other people to support the realization of the idea, convincing other people of its value and to make a profit in economic terms."

The Social Media Survival Guide
Deltina Hay
Quill Driver Books
2006 S. Mary Street, Fresno, CA 93721-3311
9781884995705, $24.95, www.quilldriverbooks.com

If you don't do social media, you're already failing. "The Social Media Survival Guide: Strategies, Tactics, and Tools for Succeeding in the Social Web" is a guide for businesses or those in charge of their businesses social media connections to make the most of today's social media craze that seems to be here to stay for quite some time. With advice on simplifying the daunting task of learning it all from scratch, author Deltina Hay constructs her guide with the amateur in mind, complete with plenty of screen shots. "The Social Media Survival Guide" is a must for any novice who wants to shed that description from their Web 2.0 skills.

The 10 Laws of Enduring Success
Maria Bartiromo
Crown Business
c/o The Random House Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
9780307452535, $15.00, www.crownbusiness.com

The 10 Laws of Enduring Success pairs insights from Maria Bartiromo's personal experience in the business world with her keys to ultimate success, and comes from a successful journalist who reveals pivotal moments in her professional life. Part memoir/autobiography and part business reflection, this shows how she gained her business savvy, what she learned from interacting with powerful world figures, and how to achieve success under any condition. An outstanding and readable business book, this will reach into general lending collections as well as business libraries.

Customer Service: New Rules for a Social Media World
Peter Shankman
QUE
c/o Pearson Technology Group
800 East 96th St., Indianapolis, IN 46240
078974709X, $19.99, www.quepublishing.com

Customer Service: New Rules for a Social Media World tells how to deliver amazing customer service using social media as a vehicle. Author Peter Shankman draws on vast experience as a founder of the online growth company HARO to provide solutions for building customer loyalty, trust and credibility online. From organizing a social media team on a budget to earning customer loyalty and rebuilding that loyalty after taking a public 'hit' online, this is a powerful pick for any business collection and especially for smaller entrepreneurs seeking to promote their products online.

Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York NY 10019-7420
www.amacombooks.org

Wayne Rogers with Josh Young's MAKE YOUR OWN RULES: A RENEGADE GUIDE TO UNCONVENTIONAL SUCCESS (0814416578, $23.00) comes from the former star of the MASH TV series who is also a successful entrepreneur who has applied his technique to a range of business pursuits, from a vineyard and a chain of convenience stores to a restaurant, a film distribution company and more. His formula for success shares four decades of experience and is invaluable for any business entrepreneur's library! Jim Hasse compiles and edits PERFECTLY ABLE: HOW TO ATTRACT AND HIRE TALENTED PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (0814415644, $27.95), a top pick for business collections appealing to human resources professionals. It's packed with real-world examples of innovative HR practices at major corporations, and offers insights gained from Lighthouse International's cross disability online career network. Stories of how people with disabilities have handled real-life workplace challenges pinpoint misconceptions and realities about hiring the disabled, making this a key text for any HR manager.

Wiley
c/o Wiley Professional Trade Group
111 River Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
www.wiley.com

Jay Baer and Amber Naslund's THE NOW REVOLUTION: 7 SHIFTS TO MAKE YOUR BUSINESS FASTER, SMARTER, AND MORE SOCIAL (9780470923276, $24.95) provides a powerful analysis from media experts who present their seven-point plan for using the social web for business promotion. It goes beyond web applications to cover all aspects of a changed job and business world, from hiring and empowering a different type of employee to developing a humanized workplace, responding more effectively to customer concerns, and communicating better. Business collections will find it a more diverse approach than most. Carla O'Dell and Cindy Hubert's THE NEW EDGE IN KNOWLEDGE (9780470917398, $45.00) explores how knowledge management is changing the way business is conducted. Many leading businesses have used KM to further their pursuits, applying its principles to get ahead. Decades of experience from the authors' key center for KM analytics and training result in the best practices drawn from their firm's unique research in a pick that shows how to implement an organization-wide KM strategy that works. Ed Fuller's YOU CAN'T LEAD WITH YOUR FEET ON THE DESK (9780470879610, $29.95) provides a powerful survey on building business relationships and comes from the managing director and president of Marriott Lodging. It offers advice on and keys to connecting with and doing business with people in any culture and comes from a leader who grew Marriott's international business from sixteen hotels in six countries to 400 properties in seventy countries. From cultural and social barriers to success to handling bureaucracy and building shared values in a business partnership, this is a 'must' for any manager seeking to build business connections. THE GOOGLE RESUME by Gayle Laakmann McDowell (9780470927625, $22.95) tells how to land a job at a top tech company and how to prepare for a career using important insights into the tech industry's needs. Author Gayle Laakmann McDowell worked with Apple and Microsoft and provides key advice on everything from choosing an internship to support school study to selecting the part-time job that will help a student stand apart from other applicants when it's time for full-time hire. Any collection strong in job searches and tech industry insights will find this a winner.

Berrett-Koehler
235 Montgomery St. #650, San Francisco CA 94104-2916
www.bkconnection.com

Dave Basarah's PREDICTIVE EVALUATION: ENSURING TRAINING DELIVERS BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATIONAL RESULTS (9781605098241, $39.95) tells how to assess and improve programs before, during and after delivery, showing trainers and business owners alike how to forecast training's benefits to a company and measure against these predictions of success. From identifying specific goals you want to instill in participants to developing measures of how employees adopt the target beliefs and goals for positive business results, this is a 'must' for any business owner. Also highly recommended is Vicki Halsey's BRILLIANCE BY DESIGN: CREATING LEARNING EXPERIENCES THAT CONNECT, INSPIRE AND ENGAGE (9781605094229, $18.95) provides a powerful tool for educators, coaches and business leaders alike, offering keys to applying innovative design techniques to training models. From expanding connections with case studies to templates for navigating content and conducting a superior learning session, this is a pick for any business collection appealing to coaches. Also recommended is Marvin Weisbord and Sandra Janoff's FUTURE SEARCH (9781605094281, $29.95), which appears in its third updated, expanded edition with nine new chapters packed with new cases and examples. Keys to using FutureSearch to help implement business plans show its many successes around the world, and apply it to formal research studies and issues of diversity and change. Handouts, sample client workbooks, and more are included among the tools to applying FutureSearch to business endeavors, making this an excellent pick for any manager or libraries catering to them.

You Can't Fire Everyone
Hank Gilman
Penguin Portfolio
c/o The Penguin Publishing Group
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
9781591843788, $25.95, www.penguin.com

You Can't Fire Everyone and Other Lessons from an Accidental Manager tells how journalist Hank Gilman aspired to be great, writing about important events - and found himself in the position of an editor in charge of difficult reporters who presented him with many management issues. YOU CAN'T FIRE EVERYONE tells how he turned these challenges into assets, and discusses the difficult transition of going from friend or co-worker to boss. Business collections will find this a winner!

The Evolution of Revolutions
Patrick H. Howe
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781616142353, $25.00, www.prometheusbooks.com

The Evolution of Revolutions: How We Create, Shape and React to Change blends historical analysis with business savvy and case studies to examine how an innovation successfully translates to a revolution. It comes from a researcher and economist who provides ideas on how to foster such innovations and is based on his analysis of more than two-dozen revolutions in business, sports, science and politics. Marketing strategies based on change and revolution are revealed in the course of understanding the entire process, making this a recommendation for any college-level collection strong in either business or social issues.

Atlantic Publishing
1405 SW - 6th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471-0640
www.atlantic-pub.com

Larisa Lambert's THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO GOOGLE ADWORDS (9781601383181, $24.95) is written for business owners who want to market and promote their business through content advertising on the Internet. Chapters apply different methods for direct marketing and teach all the basics of Google AdWords, from researching keywords and choosing a niche to singing up for AdWords and posting ads. Any small business entrepreneur looking at AdWords for the first time needs this insider's guide! Office building designers and business owners considering renovation options need Jackie Bondanza and Martha Maeda's HOW TO DESIGN AND BUILD A GREEN OFFICE BUILDING (9781601382412, $24.95), which considers building options that lend to health and resource conservation. Chapters packed with details on energy efficiency, green building materials, indoor environmental quality, regulations, and alternative energy will appeal to architects and planners as well, making for a versatile presentation. THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SUCCESSFUL EVENT PLANNING by Shannon Kilkenny (9781601386991, $39.95) provides a fine revised, second edition including information on timely practices and creative marketing techniques for events. A companion CD-ROM with the book offers checklists of details and worksheets to help coordinate an organized event. Business and general collections will find this packed with specifics!


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

Sisters in the Faith
Glendyne R. Wergland
University of Massachusetts Press
PO Box 429, Amherst, MA 01004
9781558498631 $24.95 www.umass.edu/umpress

Independent scholar Glendyne R. Wergland presents Sisters in the Faith: Shaker Women and Equality of the Sexes, an extensively researched examination of the celibate Shaker faith, which deliberately attempted to institutionalize equality of the sexes after the passing of its founder Mother Ann Lee in 1788. Sisters scrutinizes the results, and the amount of success the Shakers had in achieving this goal. Chapters discuss why women joined the Shakers, how those outside the community perceived them, the degree to which gender limitations concerning daily work were lifted, and which gender-based conflicts remained intractable. Of particular interest is how strong visions - a hallmark of the Shaker faith - were sometimes used as a means to wield power or expel members from the church. Ultimately, however, Wergland concludes that the Shaker model was a trailblazing example of women's rights, especially during a patriarchal cultural era of America's history. A superb addition to religious history and women's studies shelves, highly recommended.

Gods Behaving Badly
Pete Ward
Baylor University
One Bear Place, #97363, Waco, TX 76798-7363
9781602581500, $24.95, www.baylorpress.com

Who needs God when you have Entertainment Tonight? "Gods Behaving Badly: Media, Religion, and Celebrity Culture" looks at the culture in today's society surrounding celebrity and how some have taken the celebrity world as a new Bible, embracing their lives and following them closely. Not a condemnation for Ungodliness, Pete Ward instead hopes to explore this intriguing version of culture that has been embraced by the western world, and the parallels to traditional religious faith. "Gods Behaving Badly" is an intriguing and very scholarly read, highly recommended for anyone who looks at the celebrity culture with an inquisitive eye.

Humanity
Michael Ipgrave & David Marshall
Georgetown University Press
3420 Prospect Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
9781589017160, $24.95, www.press.georgetown.edu

No matter what god or lack of god we look to, there is no changing the fact that we are all human. "Humanity: Texts and Contexts, Christian and Muslim Perspectives" is a meeting of many Christian and Muslim speakers, as they met in 2007 under the guidance of Georgetown University and the Archbishop of Canterbury. The discussion is aimed not at God, but of humanity, as they use both spirituality, logic, and differing world view to create a truly unique discussion. "Humanity" is a scholarly read for anyone who ponders the nature of man, and an excellent addition to community and college library religion and philosophy collections.

Great American Catholic Eulogies
Carol DeChant
ACTA Publications
4848 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640
9780879464493, $29.95, www.actapublications.com

A eulogy is one last dedication to the memory of someone dear. "Great American Catholic Eulogies" traces the history of Catholicism in America through its eulogies through the country's few centuries of existence. Carol DeChant presents these speeches to show the progression and brand of Catholicism that America has made its own. Those eulogized are from many walks of life, painting a wide picture of how American Catholics remember. With a foreword by Thomas Lynch, known for his work with HBO Program Six Feet Under, "Great American Catholic Eulogies" is a thoughtful and intriguing look at American Catholicism, a core addition to Religion and Christianity collections.

The New Trinity
Jack Burch
DeVorss Publications
PO Box 25061, Albuquerque, NM 87125
9780875168616, $18.95, www.devorss.com

The concepts of spirituality have a trinity all their own. "The New Trinity: Your Secular Pathway to Personal Spirituality" is Jack Burch's own wisdom and advice to creating one's own spirituality separate from, but not excluding religious faith. He presents his own journey through spirituality and how he found his own enlightenment that was separate from what one normally faces with faith. Driven and spiritual writing for anyone looking for enlightenment that is definitely human, "The New Trinity" may be exactly what readers are seeking.

How to Be a Perfect Stranger
Stuart M. Matlins & Arthur J. Magida
Skylight Paths
PO Box 237, Sunset Farms Offices, Rt. 4, Woodstock, VT 05091
9781594732942, $19.99, www.skylightpaths.com

Very few in this world understand every faith perfectly. "How to Be a Perfect Stranger: The Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook" is a guide to living a religious diverse society, such as is apparent in the United States. Stuart M. Matlins & Arthur J. Magida compile a collection of wisdom on the many faiths of the world that will often be encountered, granting a crash course in what is appropriate when visiting people of such faiths, taking part in a celebration, and other tenets of faith. "How to Be a Perfect Stranger" is a solid and recommended exploration of faith for those who don't want to appear clueless or offensive.

Peace a Day at a Time
Karen Casey
Conari Press
c/o Red Wheel, Weiser, Conari, Hampton Roads
65 Parker Street, Suite 7, Newburyport, MA 01950
9781573242677, $14.95, www.redwheelweiser.com

Wisdom is not something that comes all at once. "Peace a Day at a Time: 365 Meditations for Wisdom and Serenity" is a collection of a year's worth of affirmations from Karen Casey, who with each day of the year, comes at readers with a virtue, an elaboration and a quote, each discussing many angles of one's life. "Peace a Day at a Time" is a fine pick for those who want a bit of sage advice every single day of the year.

From a Far Country
Catharine Randall
The University of Georgia Press
330 Research Drive Athens, GA 30602-4901
9780820338200, $44.95, www.ugapress.org

A devotion to one's faith that makes you cross the ocean for it is a devotion indeed. "From a Far Country: Camisards and Huguenots in the Atlantic World" seeks to tell the history of the Huguenots and Camisards, two groups of French Protestants who mostly chose to travel across the Atlantic to the new world for their faith and new opportunities. This migration contributed to the growing exchange of ideas that existed between the Atlantic world and how it was assimilated into standard faith in American society today. "From a Far Country" is an intriguing study on how faiths move and change each other, a strong pick for any religious history collection.

The Maronites
Paul Naaman
Cistercian Publications
c/o Liturgical Press
3642 Monks Road, Trappist, KY 40051
9780879072438, $24.95, www.litpress.org

Although united by their faith in Christ and God, the Maronites are another interesting study of the many variations of faith under the banner of Christianity. "The Maronites: The Origins of an Antiochene Church" discusses this particular sect in great detail, as Abbot Paul Naaman offers a scholarly discussion of this faith that has over ten million followers around the world, embracing the teachings of a Christian priest in the fifth century, serving as the major sect of Christianity by many Christians in the Middle East and Arab World. "The Maronites" is an excellent addition to any study of the many Christian faiths around the world.

HarperOne
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
www.harperone.com

Father Jonathan Morris's GOD WANTS YOU HAPPY: FROM SELF-HELP TO GOD'S HELP (9780061913563, $24.99) comes from a Catholic priest and FOX news analyst who debunks the notion we need 'self-help' books, and promotes the idea that real happiness is achieved through faith and God's help. Using a self-help framework to present the teachings of Jesus, Father Jonathan offers a different take on how to use faith and love to cure ailments, inviting readers to become proactive believers based on faith. Christian collections will find this thought-provoking and moving. Brian D. McLaren's NAKED SPIRITUALITY: A LIFE WITH GOD IN 12 SIMPLE WORDS (9780061854019, $25.99) examines what people are seeking in a spiritual relationship with God, and why their goals are too often missing from organized religion. A dozen spiritual practices that can lead to a spiritual life are outlined here in a survey intended to strip the layers from spirituality to reveal true belief that happens when symbols and status of public religious programs are set aside.

The Belief Instinct
Jesse Bering
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393072990, $26.95, www.wwnorton.com

THE BELIEF INSTINCT: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SOULS, DESTINY, AND THE MEANING OF LIFE comes from an evolutionary psychologist who draws on research in the fields of evolutionary and developmental psychology to offer insights into the psychological foundations of why we believe. It uses the latest scientific evidence to argue that our religious reflex is a human trait with evolutionary benefits, and it uses hard science to analyze the logical origins of God. Health, spirituality and science collections alike will find this a winner!


The Woodworking Shelf

Blanket Chests
Scott Gibson & Peter Turner
The Taunton Press
63 South Main Street, PO Box 5507, Newtown, CT 06470-5507
9781600852992, $24.95, www.taunton.com

Expression can come in the form of even one's furniture. "Blanket Chests: Outstanding Designs From 30 of the World's Finest Furniture Makers" is a guide for those who take pride in constructing their own furnishings. Scott Gibson & Peter Turner come at readers with an assortment of designs and advice on creating their own blanket chests and other large wooden containers, with special attention to the details and making the most of it all. "Blanket Chests" is packed with full color photographs of the ideas for construction and much more, making it a strong pick for any carpentry, hobby, and crafts collection.


The Fiction Shelf

Spanish Grant
L. L. Foreman
Sagebrush
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print (USA), Inc.
PO Box 1230
West Seneca, NY 14224-1230
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9780753187418, $29.99, www.amazon.com

Clearly, L. L. Foreman is a gifted storyteller with a genuine knack for spinning an Old West yarn that has action-adventure at its most spellbinding. In "Spanish Grant" we have a cowboy, Rory Ballinashawn, who has a poker game grudge against Rogue Bishop that can only be settled by gunplay. Just as they are about to settle things between them out in the bush, some outlaws holding up a stagecoach distract them. It doesn't help matters when a second gang show up to pull a young woman from the stage and make off with her. Despite their mutual grudge, Rogue and Rory both hold to the western notion about defending women folk and so begins their rescue which will hold many a twist and turn before it ends with guns blazing! A riveting read, this Sagebrush publication of "Spanish Grant" is a large print edition making it an especially recommended addition to community library collections.

The Crepe Makers' Bond
Julie Crabtree
Milkweed Editions
1011 Washington Avenue South, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55415
9781571316936, $16.95, www.milkweed.org

At the end of childhood and at the birth of independence, it all lies on the line. "The Crepe Makers' Bond" follows a group of friends as they unite in the last year of middle school, trying to escape the control of their parents and live their own lives. A coming of age novel that encourages readers to remember friendship and what comes with it, "The Crepe Makers' Bond" is a strongly recommended read and gift to any young adult reader facing their own adulthood soon.

The Lightkeeper's Ball
Colleen Coble
Thomas Nelson
PO Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214
The B&B Media Group (publicity)
ajennings@tbbmedia.com
9781595542687, $14.99, www.tbbmedia.com

For many of a failing family, marriage is the only path to comfort. "The Lightkeeper's Ball" is the story of a failing American rich family. The Stewart's family's fortune depends on good marriage, as young Olivia must take her deceased sister's place to marry one Harrison Bennett, her dead sisters fiance. Using an old English title, Olivia finds herself going across the country as Lady Devonworth, and must find that hand. But challenged with keeping up a deception and finding the truth about her sister, as well as her faith, "The Lightkeeper's Ball" is a thoughtful blend of nineteenth century romance and high society, with a positive Christian message blended in as well.

This Thing Called the Future
J. L. Powers
Cinco Puntos Press
701 Texas Avenue, El Paso, TX 79901
9781933693958, $16.95, www.cincopuntos.com

Education is key, especially when trying to free yourself and your family from superstition. "This Thing Called the Future" is a novel following young Khosi as she faces the town of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, her hometown. As her grandmother seems to waste away and superstition dominates her mother, Khosi finds it on herself to try to stay on school, as it's her and her grandmother's hope of ever finding a better life for her and her sister. "This Thing Called the Future" is a fine work of international fiction, painting a vivid picture of shantytown life in Southern Africa.

A Bouquet of Barbed Wire
Andrea Newman
Serpent's Tail
c/o Profile Books
sarah.ward@profilebooks.com
9781846687723, $14.95, www.serpentstail.com

One sour event can spiral a family spinning out of control. "A Bouquet of Barbed Wire" is a family drama novel adapted from the Independent Television show in the United Kingdom following Peter Manson and the crumbling nature of his family after his daughter conceives a child by a man he despises. Riveting intrigue of familial crisis, "A Bouquet of Barbed Wire" will grip readers and not let go, and prove as a catalyst to watch the television program.

The I.O.U.
Elle
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
9781593093457, $12.00, www.simonandschuster.com

Even as you pass middle age, there may be some growing up to do yet. "The I.O.U." follows Lena Macy, as she faces her boring reality as her lust isn't sated. When a stranger enters her life and shows her the spark she may need to sate her desires, she realizes a lot about herself and what surrounds her as she tries to compromise her good upbringing with her most primal desires. "The I.O.U." is a fun and riveting erotic novel, highly recommended.

Another Dawn
Kathryn Cushman
Bethany House
c/o Baker
11400 Hampshire Ave S., Bloomington, MN 55438
9780764208256, $14.99, www.bethanyhouse.com

No one can run forever, and the longer you run, the bigger the problems you face when you stop. "Another Dawn" follows Grace Graham, a woman who has faced every crisis in her life by fleeing from it. But as her sister tries to plea with her to return home to care for her sick father, she is met with an ultimatum, face the problems she left behind or lose them all forever. Choosing to face all she left behind, she finds that the urge to flee will become stronger than ever. "Another Dawn" is an excellent contemporary novel that will resonate with many readers.

The Bed Book of Short Stories
Joanne Hichens
Modjaji Books
c/o Michigan State University Press
1405 South Harrison Rd., Rm 25, East Lansing, MI 48823-5245
9781920397319, $29.95, www.msupress.msu.edu

A bed is the centerpiece for much of our lives. "The Bed Book of Short Stories" is a collection of stories compiled by Joanne Hichens who presents stories from a wide array of authors who speak on the bed from the innocence of a good night's rest to the spiciness of the love making to the tragedy of death. With a strong topic and many ways to go, "The Bed Book of Short Stories" is an excellent pick and solid addition to any general short fiction collection.

A Port in the Storm
Judy Genandt
Gale Cengage Learning
200 First Stamford Place, Stamford, CT 06902
9781594149511, $25.95, www.cengage.com

To cut your own path through life is all one can really hope for. "A Port in the Storm" is the story of Margaret Ward, rebellious woman of 1885, who sets out to make her own way throughout her life in her small Wyoming town, coming from Boston. Pursuing love from a local heir, her boldness makes her friends and costs her but never leaves her bored. "A Port in the Storm" is a fun work of romance and historical fiction, recommended reading.

Oddballs
Manchan Magan
Brandom
c/o DuFour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9780863224249, $22.95, www.brandonbooks.com

When life throws curveballs, it doesn't throw them one at a time. "Oddballs" follows Rachel, who faced with the recent death of a boyfriend and the introduction to adulthood, finds companionship in a strange woman claiming to be long lost aunt. Dragged into this aunt's unusual life, Rachel meets the bizarre reality of life head on, and quickly learns much about it all. A unique, offbeat and humorous coming of age tale, "Oddballs" is a worthwhile pick for general fiction readers.

The Stormchasers
Jenna Blum
Plume
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014-3658
9780452297135, $15.00, www.penguin.com

The bond of siblings is a truly unique one. "The Stormchasers" is a novel following Karena Jorge, who through her young life takes care of her bipolar brother Charles. Charles embraces storm chasing, and in dedication to her brother, Karena follows. But when a certain event separates them, it isn't until twenty years later Karena is forced to face what happened that day. "The Stormchasers" is a thoughtful read of the lengths of familial love, highly recommended.

The Hessian Drummer Boy of Newport
Walter K. Schroder
Heritage Books
100 Railroad Ave. #104, Westminster, MD 21157
9780788452758, $21.00, www.heritagebooks.com

The war of the drummer boy is one concerned with survival over victory... "The Hessian Drummer Boy of Newport" "The Hessian Drummer Boy of Newport" is a novel of the revolutionary war, taking a view of the conflict that is seldom seen. A young German boy, peter Bauer, serves as the protagonist as Walter K. Schroder spins a unique story of crossing the Atlantic to face what may be death. "The Hessian Drummer Boy of Newport" is a fine read, well worth considering for those seeking historical fiction set in the American Revolution.

All for One
Melody Carlson
David C. Cook
4050 Lee Vance View, Colorado, CO 80918
9781434764935, $14.99, www.davidccook.com

When a friendship lasts a life time, it becomes more than that. "All for One" is the story of a sisterhood of four women who happen to have the same first name Linda. Going by their middle names, their friendship has gone on since the first grade, as author Melody Carson tells the story of these lifelong friends coming back to their hometown and facing the problems of their lives. A moving story of the extent of friendship facing unusual odds, "All for One" is a fun, poignant, and moving read that may women will relate to.

The Sojourn
Andrew Krivak
Bellevue Literary Press
NYU School of Medicine, 550 First Avenue, OBV 640, New York, NY 10016
9781934137345, $14.95, www.blpress.org

When the America Dream fails, one man returns home only to be handed a rifle. "The Sojourn" follows Jozef Vinich as he returns home to Austria-Hungary after tragedy returns him home from Colorado. Thrown into World War I, he must survive and find something to call a life through all the turmoil and shifts in his life. "The Sojourn" is an excellent work of historical fiction, that should prove riveting and hard to put down.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

The Delta Solution
Patrick Robinson
Vanguard Press
387 Park Avenue South, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10016
9781593156473, $25.99, www.perseusbooksgroup.com

When your trade is not one of great nobility, attention is the last thing you want to attract. "The Delta Solution" is an exciting thriller from Patrick Robinson as he presents another chapter in the Mack Bedford series as Mack joins with Seal Team 10 as they are tasked with recovering two American ships from the Indian Ocean, held hostage by Somalian pirates. Tasked with bringing justice to the lawless, Mack's task won't be easy, but he must rise to it to free the ocean from terror. "The Delta Solution" is a fun and recommended military thriller, not to be overlooked for action and adventure fiction collections.

Hotbed
Bill James
The Countryman Press
c/o WW Norton
PO Box 748, 1206 VT Route 12, Woodstock, VT 05091
9780881509502, $23.95, www.countrymanpress.com

Peaceful competition seems like a lie, especially in the drug business. "Hotbed" is an entry into the Harpur & Iles mystery series from Bill James, as he tells the story of a city split between two drug lords, tolerated because the alternative is worse. But co-existence is something that won't stay existing, as war is brewing, and the tolerance of their businesses seems to be coming to a head. As Iles and Harper, two police detectives, find themselves drawn into the conflict, they must act quick to find peace for the town unless violence spills onto their streets. "Hotbed" is a riveting thriller and mystery, a fun and very highly recommended read.


The Environmental Studies Shelf

The Quiet World
Doug Brinkley
Harper
c/o HarperCollins
10 East 53rd St., New York NY 10022-5299
9780062005960, $29.99, www.harpercollins.com

THE QUIET WORLD: SAVING ALASKA'S WILDERNESS KINGDOM comes from a historian who builds upon the environmental issues he discussed in his prior best-selling title THE WILDERNESS WARRIOR, detailing the history of America's most beautiful natural resource. The fight to save Alaska's wilderness and wildlife is detailed from John Muir to modern times, and makes for a powerful survey recommended for any collection interested in Alaska, environmental studies, or wildlife history.

The Smart Guide to Geothermal
Donal Blaise Lloyd
Pixyjack Press
Box 149, Masonville, CO 80541
9780977372485, $19.95, www.pixyjackpress.com

The Smart Guide to Geothermal: How to Harvest Earth's Free Energy for Heating & Cooling explains how homeowners and builders can use geothermal heat pumps to heat and cool. Most similar discussions of the subject are technical and weighty: this is offered in a format homeowners and general lending collections alike can easily access, and is especially recommended for any considering a home renovation.

Climate Coup
Patrick J. Michaels, editor
Cato Institute
1000 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20001
9781935308447, $24.95, www.cato.org

Global Warming is affecting our world, but the question is why are we acting as if the apocalypse is coming? "Climate Coup: Global Warming's Invasion of Our Government And Our Lives" is an assortment of essays from many writers from the Cato Institute and compiled by Patrick J. Michaels. The essays focus on the gross over-reaction connected to global warming and how it is being abused for certain agendas, and leading our country in the wrong direction. From the hysteria's effect on the United States, education, the rest of the world, the economics of it all, and more, the essays within offer wisdom that hopes to bring the hysteria down and cease the problem being used as a buzz word. "Climate Coup" provides many intriguing thoughts and insights on Global Warming and its true impact on our world.


The Judaic Studies Shelf

Creating Space Between Peshat & Derash
Hayyum J. Angel
KTAV Publishing House
930 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
9781602801769, $25.00, www.ktav.com

The figures of the Bible are often put on a high pedestal, some viewing them as saints with no sin. But by understanding they too are imperfect and understanding them, we may understand the word of God more completely. "Creating Space Between Peshat & Derash: A Collection of Studies on Tanakh" is a collection of essays from Rabbi Hayyum J. Angel, as he presents his scholarly studies on many accepted Biblical events. Looking at the past students of the Tanakh, challenging the status of Israelites of the Chosen people, the failures of Moses, his views may prove controversial, but they are endlessly fascinating and provide much food for thought. "Creating Space Between Peshat & Derash" is an excellent read, a core addition to any Judaic or Religious studies collection.


The Crafts Shelf

Say It With Style 2
Tanya Fox, Editor
DRG
306 East Parr Road, Berne, IN 46711-1138
9781596353473, $19.95, www.drgnetwork.com

SAY IT WITH STYLE 2 packs in over a hundred quotable quotes for any card-making project, arranging them in alphabetical order and including all types of card celebrations from birthdays and get-well cards to holidays and more. Proverbs, verses from the Bible, historical quotes and literary references abound in this collection of phrases tied to handmade cards and other memory crafts.

The Elemental Journal
Tammy Kushnir
North Light Books
c/o F+W Media
4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236
www.fwpublications.com
1440305366, $24.99, www.mycraftivitystore.com

THE ELEMENTAL JOURNAL: COMPOSING ARTFUL EXPRESSIONS FROM ITEMS CAST ASIDE tells how to create expressive books from salvaged materials and provides fifteen journal projects based on found objects and materials. From searching for unique materials to applying them to a variety of journals, this provides fun for writers and crafts artists alike.

Surface Treatment Workshop
Darlene Olivia McElroy & Sandra Duran Wilson
North Light Books
c/o F+W Media
4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236
www.fwpublications.com
1440308241, $24.99, www.mycraftivitystore.com

Surface Treatment Workshop: Explore 45 Mixed-Media Techniques illustrates 45 mixed-media techniques that add depth to artwork, featuring swatches and descriptions of techniques and offering projects from two artists that show how to combine them into finished works of art. All styles and levels of skill will benefit from this outstanding guide, which packs in color examples throughout!

Patterns in Polymer
Julie Picarello
Kalmbach
PO Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187-1612
9780871164094, $21.95, www.kalmbachbooks.com

The personal touch is all too often missing from jewelry. "Patterns in Polymer: Imprint & Accent Bead Techniques" is a collection of do it yourself fashion advice to those who want to create their own fashions out of polymer, as Julie Picarello walks readers on how to make their own polymer projects and use them effectively, and what to avoid in your construction. Practical and stylish, for anyone who has a do it yourself spirit to their accessories, "Patterns in Polymer" is an excellent pick for crafts and jewelry collections.

Beading
Rankin Street Press
c/o Sterling
67 Broadway, Asheville, NC 28801
9781600599934, $9.95, www.sterlingpublishing.com

Beads are excellent tools to add some personality to your belongings. "Beading: 20 Great Weekend Projects" is a collection of plenty of simple and to the point beading projects for jewelry and other items. Presented in full color with plenty of photos, it walks readers step by step through projects with plenty of advice to add their own spin. For anyone who loves beads and wants to embrace them better in their work, "Beading: 20 Great Weekend Projects" is an excellent pick for the novice crafts person.

Origami Inspirations
Meenakshi Mukerji
AK Peters
5 Commonwealth Road, Suite 2C, Natick, MA 01760
9781568815848, $24.95, www.akpeters.com

A piece of paper has so much potential. "Origami Inspirations" is a guide filled with origami projects to be taken on by those of varying skill levels with origami. Presented in full color, Meenakshi Mukerji proceeds to break down the projects into step by step instructions, an introductory of many basic techniques, and organizes the projects based on the predominant technique in each. For anyone looking to get into origami or those who have some knowledge but seeking more ideas, "Origami Inspirations" may be what they are looking for.


The Music Shelf

A Year Without Rain
Selena Gomez & The Scene
Hal Leonard
7777 W, Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, WI 53213
9781617803185, $16.99, www.halleonard.com

"A Year Without Rain" is a piano vocal songbook containing music and lyrics for ten songs performed by Selena Gomez and the Scene. In addition to the title song, the book contains "Round & Round," "Rock God," Off the Chain," "Intuition," and "Live Like There's No Tomorrow," plus more. Piano score is of intermediate difficulty (pop style). Cover photos of Selena Gomez and The Scene are in full color. "A Year Without Rain" is an excellent book of songs for the aspiring pop diva with alto to mezzo range.

J. S. Bach Piano Concerto in F minor
(BWV 1056) (music score plus CD)
Hal Leonard Corporation
7777 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53213
9781423462491, $12.99, www.halleonard.com

The "J. S. Bach Piano Concerto in F minor" music plus CD performance by Polina Osetinskaya and the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra of Moscow is a bargain for classical piano soloists of intermediate to advanced ability. Consisting of three movements, I - Allegro Maestoso, II- Largo, and III- Presto, this is a very good value for ambitious piano soloists. The enclosed CD helps the performer realize the intentions of the composer in the score.

Easy Classics Piano Masters (Highlights)
Erika Feuchtner Macris, editor
East Coast Books, Inc.
P.O. Box 13142, Hauppauge, NY 11788
77780, $10.95, www.santorellapublications.com

Including selections for the intermediate pianist from works of Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Handel, Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Schumann and more, "Easy Classics Piano Masters (Highlights): Easy-To-Play Arrangements from the World's Great Piano Masters" is a handy collection of shorter classic works that are accessible to the developing pianist. Including music for over 30 shorter compositions, "Easy Classics Piano Masters Highlights" has something to appeal to every young maestro in need of a challenging recital piece. Clear, large notation and script is embellished by humorous illustrations of composers and explanations of musical terms. "Easy Classics Piano Masters" belongs on every piano pedagogy shelf. Also recommended in this same series is "Easy Classics Beethoven for the Piano (77765, $10.95)," "Easy Classics Bach for the Piano (77760, $10.95)," and "Easy Classics Mozart for the Piano (77775, $10.95)." The last is from Karamar Publishing Inc., 255 Oser Avenue, Hauppauge, NY 11788.

Debussy Clair de Lune and Reverie Original Piano Edition
transcribed unedited original arranged by Jonathon Robbins
Santorella Publications
P.O. Box 60, Danvers, MA 01923
TS315, $10.95, www.santorellapublications.com

"Debussy Clair de Lune and Reverie Original Piano Edition" includes clearly notated manuscripts plus added performance and background notes and a concert CD of both pieces performed by Dean Mora. This French Impressionist pair of classic piano pieces deserves top recognition among music teachers and pianists. The edition is faultless. Also recommended in this series is the Easy Piano Edition of "Debussy Clair de Lune and Reverie (TS314, $10.95)," which is transcribed and arranged for early intermediate pianists, also with performance CD.

Hey Buddy
Gary W. Moore
Savas Beatie
PO Box 4527, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
9781932714975, $25.00, www.heybuddybook.com

Buddy Holly revolutionized popular music, but just how much he changed it may not be understood. "Hey Buddy: In Pursuit of Buddy Holly, My New Buddy John, and My Lost Decade of Music" is a memoir of music, as Gary Moore reflects on his late discovery of Buddy Holly, as a man who wasn't a massive fan of rock music in general. When he hears a tribute song dedicated to the musician, he becomes fascinated with the man and his work, and studies that became of Buddy, and theorizes the path of music with a living Buddy through the 60s and 70s. "Hey Buddy" is an intriguing tribute to the legendary musician, highly recommended.

The Do-Re-Mi System of Music Notation Shorthand
John Underwood
Dorrance Publishing Co., Inc.
701 Smithfield Street, 3rd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
9780805957594, $8.00, www.dorrancepublishing.com

"The Do-Re-Mi System of Music Notation Shorthand" is an instruction manual of a convenient musical shorthand notation that can be helpful to amateur composers and readers/performers of music. An 8 -tone basic notation system is adapted with numbers and syllables and chord notations to represent musical notation for any simple song. chapters are presented on Melody, Chords, Minor Keys, and Examples, which shows the system applied to 7 familiar tunes. "The Do-Re-Mi System of Music Notation Shorthand" is a handy, practical toolbox for the modern musician/composer.


The Library CD Shelf

God Bless the Hunger
Gabriel Birnbaum
boywithoutgod.com
c/o Flipswitch (publicity)
PO Box 2207, Bloomington, IN 47404-2207
$TBA www.flipswitchPR.com

Boston songwriter Gabriel Birnbaum presents a new music CD via his "Boy Without God" pen name, God Bless the Hunger. The traditions of soul music play a prominent role in this collection of songs anchored by Birnbaum's unforgettable baritone voice. Overflowing with emotion, the songs call to sex, love, death, desire, and the elusive human pursuit of happiness, though success in that pursuit is undoubtedly a most chancy affair. God Bless the Hunger superbly encapsulates the quintessential dilemma of the human condition, and is highly recommended.

Nagez Rameurs
Genticorum
c/o Rock Paper Scissors (publicity)
511 West 4th Street, Suite 2
Bloomington, IN 47404
$26.27 www.rockpaperscissors.biz

Nagez Rameurs (the title means "Pull Together, Rowers!"), is a music CD album by Genticorum, a trio of musicians whose guitar, flute, fiddle, and vocal performance is grounded in Quebec tradition and culture, yet reaches out to borrow elements of Scottish, Irish, and even Norwegian folk. Nagez Rameurs tells stories through its songs - especially adventures of people who traveled to North America throughout history. A flowing and beautiful celebration of human ingenuity, flair, and drive, Nagez Rameurs is an excellent addition to public library and international music CD collections. The tracks are "Tout le long du voyage" (4:50), "Turlutte hirsute" (4:11), "Nagez Rameurs" (4:37), "Les Menteries" (4:40), "Galope Doux Bedon" (3:41), "Reel circulaire" (6:03), "Grand voyageur sur la drave" (4:41), "Valse des poales" (4:04), "Quand chus parti du Canada" (5:43), "Violon Guerisseur" (5:21), and "Canot decorce" (5:14).

Aratan N Azawad
Terakaft
World Village
c/o Rock Paper Scissors (publicity)
511 West 4th Street, Suite 2
Bloomington, IN 47404
$15.74 www.rockpaperscissors.biz

The international band Terakaft ("Caravan") crafts their music steeped in Tuareg history and the culture of the Saharan desert in Aratan N Azawad ("Children of the Azawad"), an album that calls for national unity and hope. Though Terakaft stays close to traditional music forms, there is room for elements of Tuareg rock to mingle freely with West African guitar, as well as bass grooves and drums. The positive message of Aratan N Azawad reaches far beyond any one group of people, and is absolutely invaluable in today's turbulent world. The tracks are "Alghalem" (3:40), "Talikoba" (3:16), "Aratan N Azawad" (4:71), "Aman Wi Kawalnen" (3:46), "Ahod" (3:42), "Idiya Idohena" (2:35), "Amazzagh" (3:54), "Ahabib" (5:02), "Akoz Imgharen" (2:50), "Wer Essinen" (3:50), "Kek Amidi Nin" (3:32), "Hegh Tenere" (3:37).


The Library DVD Shelf

Creating Castles
Crystal Productions
PO Box 2159
Glenview, IL 60025-6159
9781562906702 $29.95 www.crystalproductions.com

Creating Castles is a DVD guide to creating eye-catching replicas of medieval castles from inexpensive materials such as cardboard, paper rolls, and clay. Using paint and colored pencil to add decorations and the appearance of texture, host Peggy Flores demonstrates simple, easy-to-follow creative techniques. Creating Castles lives up to its title and is a wonderful, user-friendly addition to arts and crafts DVD libraries. 24 min.

Spirit Bear
Questar, Inc.
307 North Michigan Ave., Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60601
9781594646553 $19.99 www.questarentertainment.com

Spirit Bear is a family-friendly movie revealing the true story of Simon Jackson, an introspective teenager whose life was saved by a rare white Kermode bear. When he learns that only four hundred of these critically endangered bears still live, he becomes a political activist on their behalf. Encouraged by his friend and trusted mentor Lloyd Blackburn, Simon challenges the money-hungry forest industry and even the government. Earning the protection of 2,500 square miles of Princess Royal Island is Simon's triumph, in this momentous story of how one person truly can make a difference. 91 minutes. Also recently released by Questar is the documentary "Chicago Cubs: The Heart and Soul of Chicago" (9781594646508, $24.95).

Candymaking
Sharyn Pak
On Air Video Inc.
8203 Westminster Rd., Elkins Park, PA 19027
$16.95 www.onairvideo.com

Sharyn Pak is the host of Candymaking, a user-friendly DVD tutorial to the joy of making seven different types of candy: dripped/drizzled candy, clusters/turtles/bark, molded candies, peanut brittle, filled candies, lollipops, and saltwater taffy. No expensive materials are required outside of standard kitchen utensils and possibly some candy molds. An excellent "how-to" demonstrative video for cooks of all skill and experience levels, Candymaking is highly recommended to candy lovers everywhere - and as a resource for making unique, sweet-toothed gifts with the perfect homemade touch! 76 min.

Get Extremely Ripped! Revved to the Max
Jari Love
c/o 411 Video Information
PO Box 1223, Pebble Beach, CA 93953
$14.99 www.411videoinfo.com

Get Extremely Ripped! Revved to the Max is a DVD exercise program hosted by Jari Love, who specifically designed a workout to promote weight loss and vigorous activity without the skeletal stress of running, or the complicated footwork of dancing. Three- to ten-pound dumbbells are the only exercise equipment needed (although an optional step is helpful) for this workout that appears to be strength training at first glance, but feels like heart-pounding cardio. Get Extremely Ripped! Revved to the Max lives up to its title with two 30-minute workouts, and is a choice pick for fitness buffs of all skill and experience levels. 60 min.

Breathe: The Perfect Harmony of Breathing
Fabio Andrico and Yamila Diaz
Yantra Yoga
www.yantrayoga.org
c/o 411 Video Information
PO Box 1223, Pebble Beach, CA 93953
$19.95 www.411videoinfo.com

Certified yoga instructor Fabio Andrico and professional model Yamila Diaz present Breathe: The Perfect Harmony of Breathing, an instructional DVD about the Tibetan tradition of Yantra Yoga with especial focus on training in techniques of abdominal breathing. Simple exercises with roots in venerated traditions help the viewer incorporate ancient breathing techniques into everyday life for better health, awareness, and clarity of mind. Accessible to viewers of all fitness levels and backgrounds, Breathe is an excellent supplement to yoga DVD libraries. 120 min.

Belly Beautiful Workout, volume 2
Patricia Friberg
www.bellybeautifulworkout.com
411 Video Information
PO Box 1223, Pebble Beach, CA 93953
$19.95 www.411videoinfo.com

Belly Beautiful Workout Volume 2: Postnatal Fitness and Busy Mom Workout continues fitness instructor Patricia Friberg's excellent DVD series designed especially to help mothers stay in shape - including mothers who have given birth through cesarian section. Volume 2 focuses on staying slim after one's baby is born; program segments concentrate on exercises to tone the belly, build strength in postural muscles, rehabilitate the pelvic floor and deep abdominal muscles, reduce stress, promote endurance and much more. No expensive exercise equipment is required, although a small fitness ball and a foot resistance band (not included) are recommended. An excellent, user-friendly exercise program ideal for mothers of all backgrounds and fitness levels, Belly Beautiful Workout is an excellent baby shower gift! 80 min.

Reality Films
info@reality-entertainment.com
PO Box 91, Foresthill, CA 95631
$24.95 www.reality-entertainment.com

Three new DVDs from Reality Films explore the unknown, the mysterious, and the fantastic. "Witchcraft: The Magick Rituals of the Coven" ($19.95, 75 min.) covers the history of traditional witchcraft as practiced in the United Kingdom, modern-day witchcraft, and shines a spotlight on the infamous behavior of the "Witchfinder General" Matthew Hopkins and his ruthless persecution of women he labeled as "witches". A visit to the Swan Inn, the location of the Witch trials, as well as Hopkins alleged grave rounds out this haunting movie. "The Gods from Planet X" ($24.95, 180 min.) is a two-DVD set in the "Ancient Astronauts" series about how ancient extraterrestrial visitors could be responsible for historical miracles and evidence of gods that walked among men. Particular focus is upon excavations of the ancient Sumerians, which reveal that they co-existed with superhuman beings called the "Anunnaki", as well as an alleged planet of the gods called "Nibiru", sometimes considered the "12th Planet", with an elliptical orbit that brought it near Earth every 360,000 years. Also in the "Ancient Astronauts" series is "Our Extraterrestrial Legacy" ($24.95, 240 min. with special features), an in-depth examination of the cultural imprint that the Anunnaki may have left behind, and much more. All three DVDs are mesmerizing contributions to any metaphysical library.

The Making of the President: The 1960s
c/o Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
$59.99 www.acornonline.com

Produced by Oscar nominee David L. Wolper, The Making of the President: The 1960s is a 3-DVD boxed set of the Emmy award-winning television documentary about presidential politics during the 1960, 1964, and 1968 elections. Rare film footage of behind-the-scenes moments enhances the insightful commentary of cutthroat political maneuverings. Two bonus programs, one a 1964 tribute to John F. Kennedy and a close look at Lyndon B. Johnson, round out this excellent, educational set especially recommended for public library DVD collections. 3 DVDs, 237 min. plus 76 min. bonus, SDH subtitles.

Dirty Business
A film by Peter Bull
Bullfrog Films, Inc.
PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547
$295.00 www.bullfrogfilms.com

An award-winning documentary, Dirty Business: "Clean Coal" and the Battle for Our Energy Future is a sober examination of the industry that currently provides half of America's electrical power: coal. Coal power comes with heavy societal and environmental costs, and is the largest single source of greenhouse gases; can it really be made "clean" in a sustainable, long-term sense? What are the innovations to reduce coal's impact on the environment, and is it possible to produce renewable fuel sources on a scale large enough to replace coal? Dirty Business looks for answers everywhere from West Virginia, Nevada, and New York to China and Saskatchewan, and its eye-opening revelations make it a choice pick for public and school library DVD collections. Also from Bullfrog Films is the highly recommended "A Lot in Common: A Documentary by Rick Bacigalupi" (1594584435, $275.00), an accessible film following the transformative effect that turning a vacant lot into a garden has on a Berkeley, California community of neighbors.

Burning in the Sun
Cambria Matlow & Morgan Robinson
Bullfrog Films, Inc.
PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547
1594589119 $295.00 www.bullfrogfilms.com

Burning in the Sun is an award-winning documentary (83 and 22 min. versions available on one DVD) about how alternative energy can literally bring electrical power to the powerless. 26-year-old Daniel Dembele has chosen to return to his homeland of Mali and begin a logical business building solar panels - a trailblazing effort to harness the enormous power of the sun in an extraordinary hot nation. Daniel's ultimate goal is to bring electricity to people's households, 99% of which live without power. His efforts bring jobs, renewable energy, and empowerment in this intellectually and emotionally uplifting true story. A choice pick for school and public library DVD collections. 83 min., SDH subtitles. Also highly recommended is the Bullfrog Films documentary "Forgiveness: A Time to Love and a Time to Hate" (1594589992, $550.00, 2 DVDs, 84 min. each plus 95 min. extras), a film by Helen Whitney about the role and power of forgiveness in crimes ranging from the murder of Amish children to the lethal consequences of a violent '60s protest to acts of genocide in Rwanda and modern Germany's efforts to come to terms with the Holocaust.

The Pale Horse
Starring Julia McKenzie
Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
9781598286663 $29.99 www.acornonline.com

As seen on the PBS "Mystery!" television series, The Pale Horse is a movie adaptation of one of Agatha Christie's classic Miss Marple murder mysteries. When Miss Marple (played by Julia McKenzie) receives a most unusual list of names from her friend Father Gorman, moments before his murder on a London street, she discovers that the people the list are dying one by one. She follows the evidence to the Pale Horse Inn in Hampshire, a dark place run by three modern-day witches. Miss Marple struggles to figure out the mystery before the serial death toll rises to claim her as well! The Pale Horse is a treat and makes an excellent gift for fans of British mysteries, and a bonus program consisting of an earlier adaptation of "The Pale Horse" starring Colin Buchanan, Jean Marsh, and Andy Serkis is included. 89 min. plus 101 min. bonus, widescreen, SDH subtitles.

Magic of Flight
Bennet Watt HD Productions, Inc.
13021 - 244 Avenue SE, Issaquah, WA 98027
9781934682593 $24.95 www.Bennett-Watt.com

Recorded in widescreen digital high-definition with Dolby stereo sound, Magic of Flight is an exceptional contribution to the Discoveries... America Special Edition series, touching on the history of flight through visits to places like the Wright Brothers Museum and the Air Force Museum, and celebrating flight through spectacular footage of wonders such as the Dover Air Show, powered parachutes, a hang gliding school in action and much more. A beautiful and extraordinary tour of the many ways to study and practice flying in America, Magic of Flight is highly recommended especially to aviation buffs everywhere. Also a choice pick from Bennett-Watt HD Productions is "Alaska Rainbows" (9781604900088, $19.95), a fishing documentary that takes the viewer on a captivating armchair tour of Alaska's natural splendor.

Under the Hammer
Starring Richard Wilson, Jan Francis
and featuring John Gielgud
Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
9781598285666 $49.99 www.acornonline.com

Under the Hammer collects episodes of a British series that blends drama, romance, and intrigue. Written by John Mortimer, creator of "Rumpole on the Bailey", Under the Hammer takes place at a high-stakes auction house, where social maneuverings and monetary profit are as revered as much as (if not more than) artistic genius and passion. Painting department heads Ben Glazier (played by Richard Wilson) and Maggie Perowne (played by Jan Francis) have disparate interests - Ben loves nothing more than uncovering the mysteries around lost objects d'art (when he's not vying for Maggie's attention), while Maggie has set her sights on the mysterious and charming wine expert Nick Roper. Deliciously subtle machinations characterize this multilayered television series, highly recommended to anyone who loves a solid British drama. 7 episodes on 2 DVDs, 357 min., full screen, SDH subtitles. Also highly recommended is Acorn Media's presentation of "The Feathered Serpent Complete Series" (9781598283518, $39.99, 300 min.), which presents all 12 episodes of the British cult classic starring Patrick Troughton (known for his starring role in "Doctor Who") as a Machiavellian Aztec priest, in a dramatic odyssey of the heroes and villains of an ancient civilization.

Search for the Great Sharks
Inception Media Group
3130 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 400, Santa Monica, CA 90403
c/o Greenleaf & Associates
vicki@greenleafandassociates.com
$19.98 www.inceptionmediagroup.com

Search for the Great Sharks is a Blu-ray documentary originally created for exhibition in IMAX theatres. Remastered in high-definition, Search for the Great Sharks lives up to its title with an extraordinary tour of shark species in oceans across the world. Stunning underwater photography distinguishes this up-close and personal tour of fierce predators in their natural habitat. A choice pick for shark enthusiasts everywhere! 46 min., widescreen. Also from Inception Media Group is the highly recommended Blu-ray production, "The Greatest Places" ($19.98, 40 min., widescreen) a captivating worldwide tour of the Earth's most extraordinary geographical locations and natural wonders.

Flabs 2 Abs
Craig & Matt Lewandowski
Flabs2Abs LLC
PO Box 44312 Indianapolis, IN 46244
No ISBN, $19.95, www.flabs2abs.com

Flabs 2 Abs tells the truth behind weight loss and teaches how to go on a 30-day weight loss program. The focus is on quick weight loss and toning: the creators of the program succeeded in changing their bodies in a 30-day period in a quest to lose 25 pounds. This DVD pairs a nutrition program with cardio and other exercises that begin with a 20-minute walk and go on from there. Any who wish to lose weight will find this a winning approach!

Breathe: The Perfect Harmony of Breathing
Fabio Andrico and Yamila Diaz
Yang Tantra
c/o Shang Shung Institute - USA
18 Schoolhouse Road
P.O. Box 278, Conway, MA 01341
No ISBN, $19.95, www.yantrayoga.org

Breathe: The Perfect Harmony of Breathing is a solid pick for any DVD collection focusing on yoga or new age applications. It comes from a certified yoga master who demonstrates simple exercises to strengthen purposeful breathing, and presents exercises developed by Fabio Andrico, inspired by his experience of many yoga systems. New age and collections seeing interest in yoga topics will find this a top pick!


The Audiobook Shelf

Khan: Empire Of Silver
Conn Iggulden
Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
C5756, $123.75, www.recordedbooks.com

"Khan: Empire Of Silver" is a superbly written historical novel by Conn Iggulden which tells the story of Genghis Khan's brothers, sons, and grandsons after the founder of the Mongol empire has died. It's a deftly intertwined and completely riveting tale of intrigue, rivalry, conquest, and blood politics. This Recorded Books audio edition if flawlessly recorded and features an especially effective narration by Richard Ferrone -- who does complete justice to Conn Iggulden's grand saga of generational conflict and the astonishing accomplishments of the generation that succeeded Genghis. Of special note is how the Mongols, on the brink of conquering all of Europe, were stopped not by opposing armies but by the politics of succession back home. A complete and unabridged, 12 disc edition, "Khan: Empire Of Silver" is especially recommended for community library audio book collections. For those new to Conn Iggulden, also highly recommended is his earlier novels "Genghis: Lord Of The Bow" and "Genghis: Bones Of The Hill" which are also available as complete and unabridged audio books from Recorded Books.

Summer Rental
Mary Kay Andrews, author
Isabel Keating, narrator
Macmillan Audio
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315, New York, NY 10010
9781427212740 $39.99 www.macmillanaudio.com

Summer Rental is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of a novel following multiple women (and one man) in their mid-thirties, as each contemplates the direction in which she should take her professional, home, and love life. Ellis has been fired from the job she devoted herself to, leaving her to wonder whether her years of dedication were wasted; Julia's romantic life is and future are crippled by her blinding insecurities; Dorie has been betrayed by the man she trusted most; all three of them, best friends since childhood, now retreat together to a common location to figure out their lives. Their landlord, Ty Bazmore, has his own share of financial and other problems; complicating his life is the growing mutual attraction he shares with Ellis. Maryn Shackleford, a fugitive woman in need of a place to hide and a new identity, joins the unlikely mix, in this eye-opening novel about working through the tangles in one's life. A one-of-a-kind vacation story brought to vibrant life through Isabel Keating's audio performance, Summer Rental is highly recommended. 12 CDs, 15 hours.

Vaclav & Lena
Haley Tanner, author
Kirby Heyborne and Rebecca Lowman, narrators
Random House Audio Books
c/o The Random House Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, 8th floor, New York, NY 10019
9780307932716 $35.00 www.randomhouse.com

Vaclav & Lena is the unabridged audiobook production of two people who meet as children in an ESL class in Brooklyn, then are separated by the vagaries of fate. Vaclav is an outgoing young boy; Lena is struggling to learn English but takes comfort in the affections of Vaclav and his family. When Lena disappears from school, Vaclav wonders where she has gone; he says goodnight to her each night for years, until on the eve of her seventeenth birthday he learns the truth. Acclaimed actor Kirby Heyborne and award-winning actress Rebecca Lowman bring the these two star-crossed confederates to life in this emotionally moving story about the steadfast bond between two people. 8 CDs, 10 hours.

Morning Song
Susan Todd and Carol Purington, editors
Macmillan Audio
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315
New York, NY 10010
9781427212764 $14.99 www.macmillanaudio.com

Morning Song: Poems for New Parents is an audiobook anthology of poetry about how the responsibility of caring for and raising a human life completely transforms a family. Verse from sources ranging from the Bible and traditional songs to Dickinson, Yeats, Frost, and contemporary poets make Morning Song an exceptional listening experience, and a superb gift for new parents everywhere. Highly recommended. 1 CD, 1 hour.

Steam Dreamers Of Inverness: Part 3
ZBS Foundation
174 North River Road
Fort Edward, NJ 12828
www.zbs.org
1931654522, $22.50, www.amazon.com

The third installment of the thrilling adventures of Jack Flanders and his two companions, Claudine and Mojo, continue in this 2 disk audio book. Once again Flanders, Claudine, and Mojo embark upon a kind of Victorian era holographic projector room to board a zeppelin, 'The Illuminato'. This time they come across a floating island with strange vegetation guarded by a creature that is part woman and part plant. The creation of a mad botanist, our intrepid trio discover a forbidden tomb and risk being turned into sentient trees! Flawlessly recorded, imbued with impressive sound effects, and providing the listener with a true 'theatre of the mind' experience, "Steam Dreamers Of Inverness: Part 3" will leave Jack Flanders' legions of fans looking eagerly toward 'Steam Dreamers Of Inverness: Part 4'!

Dinner with Mugabe
Heidi Holland, author
Deidre Rubenstein, narrator
Bolinda Publishing
186 S Long Swamp Rd, Jackson, ME 04921
9781742143767 $103.95 www.bolinda.com

Heidi Holland presents a piercing study of the iron-fisted national leader of Zimbabwe, a nation plagued by repression, unemployment, and decreasing life expectancy. Dinner with Mugabe: The Untold Story of a Freedom Fighter Who Became a Tyrant exposes the true story of the man behind the corrupt regime; once a freedom fighter, now a merciless autocrat, culminating in a December 2007 interview. This unabridged audiobook adaptation is narrated by award-winning Australian actress Deidre Rubenstein, and is a fascinating expose of what makes a tyrant tick. 11 CDs, 13 hours 9 min.

Everlasting
Alyson Noel, author
Katie Schorr, narrator
Macmillan Audio
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315, New York, NY 10010
9781427212528 $29.99 www.macmillanaudio.com

Everlasting is the audiobook adaptation of the sixth and final installment of the "Immortals" series, accessible to young adult and adult readers alike. Damen and Ever have conquered their deadliest enemies and yearn to consummate their love, but to do so they must find a cure for the poison corrupting Damen's body. Together they travel to Summerland, a place of scorched earth and eternal rain, and it is here that they will learn the true reason why fate comes between them time and again. A passionate and powerful story of love that transcends lifetimes, Everlasting will prove a popular choice for public library audiobook collections. 7 CDs, 9 hours.

Hitman
Howie Carr
Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
www.recordedbooks.com
9781441776006, $118.00, www.amazon.com

Organized crime is a hard, dangerous, and all-too-often lethal way to make an easy living. Johnny Martorano, a gangland enforcer and assassin is living proof of that assertion. "Hitman: The Untold Story Of Johnny Martorano" by 'Boston Herald' newspaper columnist Howie Carr is the personal and detailed biography of a man who has confessed to twenty murders, most of which were done in behalf of and at the direction of Whitey Bulger, one of Boston's most feared and brutal criminal gang leaders. This complete, unabridged, flawlessly recorded,10 disk, 12 hour and 30 minute, audio book edition is superbly narrated by Keith Szarabaljka. "Hitman" is the story of gangland power plays and rivalries, law enforcement corruption (including members of the FBI in the Boston office), the kinds of criminal enterprises engaged in, and includes Irish mobsters, Mafia wise guys, gamblers, and how power was maintained within organized criminal conspiracies, as well as how these criminal groups were eventual taken down by State and Federal authorities. Of special note is the concluding chapter listing "where they are now" for the principle characters noted in this amazingly candid biography right up until the year 2010. "Hitman" is an absolute 'must' for anyone with an interest in the history of organized crime.

A Stainless Steel Rat is Born
Harry Harrison
Brilliance Audio
1704 Eaton Dr, Grand Haven MI 49417
1441881441, $29.99, www.brillianceaudio.com

A Stainless Steel Rat is Born receives a fine performance by Phil Gigante and provides Book 6 in the 'rat' series, a prequel to the original story that tells of teen Slippery Jim, who leaves his farmboy origins to begin a life of crime. His plan to enter the prison school of crime lessons makes for an involving story spiced with more adventures on the planet Spiovente fighting feudal wars, all brought to life by veteran narrator Phil Gigante's marvelous voice.

Blood, Bones & Butter
Gabrielle Hamilton
Random House Audio
1745 Broadway, 8th floor, New York, NY 10019
9780739332443, $40.00, www.randomhouseaudio.com

Blood, Bones & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef receives a fine narration by the author, who is herself the chef/owner of a restaurant in New York and who here provides a fine culinary memoir of her experiences. It follows her journey through many a kitchen around the world, where she learns the basics of hospitality, and it makes for an outstanding culinary survey.

Hachette Audio
237 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017-0010
www.hachetteaudio.com

Preston & Child's GIDEON'S SWORD (9781600249976, $34.98) provides an outstanding narration by John Glover, who has extensive Broadway credits to his name, as it tell of Gideon, who witnessed his father's murder at the age of twelve and at the age of twenty-four, learns his father was framed and deliberately slaughtered. His dying mother's wish for vengeance sends him on a mission to find the man who caused his father's death in this outstanding saga of a dangerous quest. Kate Atkinson's STARTED EARLY, TOOK MY DOG (9781607886785, $34.98) receives Graeme Melcom's fine Broadway acting voice as it tells of a security worker who makes a dangerous purchase, only to find she has sold her soul and freedom in the process. Pursued by neglected dogs, unwanted kids and secrets, Tracy finds herself on a dangerous journey in this unabridged saga.

Penguin Audio
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
www.penguin.com

Amy Chua's BATTLE HYMN OF THE TIGER MOTHER (9780142429105, $29.95) is narrated by author Amy Chua herself, who does a fine job of capturing the drama and cultural clashes of a mother, two daughters, and two dogs. At odds with Western indulgences, Amy Chua decided to raise her daughters the Chinese way - a way which involves arming them with skills and strong work habits. Tiger mothers view childhood as a training period for life: Chua's daughters received lessons in math, speed drills, and hours of practicing instruments. The results created empowered lives, documented in this moving audio autobiography. Patricia Cornwell's PORT MORTUARY (9780142428726, $29.95) receives a fine reading by Kate Burton and provides a new Scarpetta mystery telling of a port for the dead and a case that could shut down Scarpetta's new facility and run her personally and professionally. Kate Burton, Broadway actress and TV star, adds drama and vivid life to this engrossing account! Gayle Forman's WHERE SHE WENT (9780142428252, $25.95) receives a fine narration by Dan Bittner, who holds many Broadway and theatre productions to his name and who spices this story, a sequel to the best-selling IF I STAY. It's been three years since Adam's loved saved Mia after a terrible accident - and three years since she walked out of his life. Now living on opposite coasts, a return home sparks new feelings from the past in this account, told from Adam's point of view. Margaret George's ELIZABETH 1 (9780142429136, $49.95) features a fine reading by actress Kate Reading, who bring to life the detailed biographical survey of Elizabeth Tudor, queen of England. Elizabeth hated war and dressed lavishly but was conservative elsewhere in her life: this offers a detailed survey of her life and times and comes alive under audio treatment. Donald Rumsfeld's KNOW AND UNKNOWN: A MEMOIR (9781611760002, $39.95) receives a fine survey narrated by the author himself and telling of Rumsfeld's rise to fame. From his coming of age during the Depression and World War II to his challenges as Bush's secretary of defense, this is a unique personal observation of his life and his career - and blends in his blunt opinions on world figures. Alex Berenson's THE SECRET SOLDIER (9780142428924, $39.95) receives a powerful narration by George Guidall, a top audiobook narrator, and provides the lively story of a Saudi king losing his hold on his family and people as a series of terrorist attacks puts the kingdom on edge. An undercover investigation leads to danger as John Wells finds his life endangered by his investigations. A fine survey, this is a pick for any audio collection specializing in thrillers.


The Archaeology Shelf

Being and Becoming Indigenous Archaeologists
George Nicholas
Left Coast Press
11630 North Main Street, #400 Walnut Creek, CA 94596
9781598744989, $34.95, www.LCoastpress.com

The stereotype of the archeologist, the white guy in khaki, is quickly fading. "Being and Becoming Indigenous Archaeologists" is a collection of tales from those peoples who have taken up the discipline of archeology, studying the land that's under them that the western world seeks history from. 36 individuals speak out, on dealing with views from their own people, which has written archaeology as a colonialist profession. Granting a unique international perspective of the practice of archeology, "Being and becoming Indigenous Archaeologists" is a strong addition to any community library collection that tackles social issues or archeology itself.


The Nautical Shelf

RMS Titanic: Owner's Workshop Manual
David F. Hutchings and Richard de Kerbrech
Zenith Press
c/o Quayside Publishing Group
400 - 1st Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55401
9780760340790, $28.00, www.zenithpress.com

RMS Titanic: Owner's Workshop Manual provides an outstanding survey of the Titanic's technical specifications, and is a top pick for any interested in the ship and its systems. It focuses on the design and construction of the passenger ship and offers color and black and white photos, diagrams, ad reproductions, and more and is a specific, top reference for any collection strong in Titanic history and events.

Lubber's Log
William L. Gills
Llumina Press
7915 W. McNab Rd., Tamarac, FL 33321
9781605944845, $12.95, www.lubberslog.com

There are adventures to be had at sea in the modern day. They just happen to not involve pirates and discovering new worlds. "Lubber's Log" is a memoir and nautical guide from William L. Gills who offers his experience to newbies who are taking their love for the adventure of the seas into a bigger and tougher to manage boat. Sailing with his wife, he brings down to earth wisdom as well as stories of his own adventures and misadventures. "Lubber's Log" is a strongly recommended read for any boating enthusiast with aspirations for bigger challenges.

Eagle Seamanship, fourth edition
Eric Jones & Christopher Nolan
Naval Institute Press
291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402
9781591146315, $25.95, www.nip.org

A good ship can sail forever. "Eagle Seamanship: A Manual for Square-Rigger Sailing" discusses the Eagle, a 75 year old vessel that continues to set sail on the sea. In this fourth edition, Captain Eric Jones and Lieutenant Christopher Nolan expand their in depth reference on what it takes to get this classical ship sailing well, as it is given to the members of the Eagle's crew. For those with a fascination with naval history, "Eagle Seamanship" will prove an excellent and very highly recommended pick, not to be missed.


The Language Studies Shelf

A Martial Reader: Selections from the Epigrams
Craig Williams
Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers
1570 Baskin Road, Mundelein, IL 60060
9780865167049, $19.00, www.bolchazy.com

Turning a phrase is not a modern invention, as the Romans did it like crazy. "A Martial Reader: Selections from the Epigrams" delves into the work of Martial, looking into the words and phrases he used to commentate on the roman world, offering explanations and translations of his Latin work, complete with vocabulary and with expanded understanding of the Latin world. "A Martial Reader: Selections from the Epigrams" is a worthy pick for any student of Latin or world languages in general.


The Poetry Shelf

The Spirit of a Poem
Aazam Yaqoob
A-Way
132 Homeland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21212
9780974168913, $12.95 http://a-way.biz

"The Spirit of a Poem" is a deeply personal bouquet of meditational poems with original illustrations that take the reader on significant inner pathways. Categorized as a type of emotional poetry, "The Spirit of a Poem" evolves effortlessly from inner monologue or stream of consciousness to whimsical haiku and back, making little dips and bows along the way, like a poet's nod of recognition. Observations of nature, reactions after taking a test, inspired imaginings, all these things provide grist for the poet's mill. Some lovely moments await the careful reader, both in the visually entrancing, spare illustrations, and in the quiet flow and spin of images and language. "The Spirit of a Poem" could appeal to either a child or an adult. In either case, each poem invites the reader to cast off and follow wherever the drifting leaf-boat of the poem's heart takes him. An example is the haiku-like poem entitled 'Summer,' accompanied by an illustration of a jaunty, crayoned red bird on a brown branch, against a deep violet background: "Heat beams down on me/ Green grass tall, blowing in little wind/ When summer's gone, fall"

Northerners
Seth Abramson
Western Michigan University
1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008
9781930974968 $15.00 www.wmich.edu

Winner of the 2010 Green Rose Prize, Prize, Northerners is an anthology of free-verse poetry by poet, essayist, and staff attorney Seth Abramson. Poems particularly scrutinize precepts and principles which form the building blocks of civilization, and their relevance projected into lives of individuals from historical times to the modern day. An introspective connection of repercussions throughout short and long-term history, Northerners is extraordinary in its insight and highly recommended. "Home Causes Blindness": You have seen big men get bigger // You have seen the knifeblades / the rivers make, / though they take a thousand years / and nine border wars to do it / You have seen soldiers soldier / mothers mother / leaders lead and everyone else be / everyone else / in the story of you // Among the flags of the millennium / were eighteen flags, / and when nine advanced painfully / across a plain / it was to you they came // You have sent boys to the borders / on the strength of their own words / only // You have seen stout men grow / stouter / You have seen women who ache / ache more / You have done it by seeing to it / those loving you never leave you.

A Dream of Dragons
William Lange, author
Mary Azarian, illustrator
Bunker Hill Publishing
285 River Road, Piermont, NH 03770
9781593730895 $19.95 www.bunkerhillpublishing.com

Based on true events, A Dream of Dragons is the story of a Norwegian family's trials, tribulations, and triumphs. Their adventures and exploits span the course of two hundred years and two continents. What particularly distinguishes A Dream of Dragons is its epic verse format, hearkening to the ancient, traditional storytelling style of Norse culture, and its striking black-and-white woodcut-style illustrations. A uniquely immersive and memorable read from cover to cover, highly recommended. "A lonely, quiet boy, his spirit stirred / by music no one else on the farm could hear. / Evenings found him standing on the cliffs, / still listening, while the sea breeze stirred his hair. / The sky dimmed to its long summer twilight, / and seemed to shimmer, as if a breeze / disturbed translucent curtains at a window. / A moment later the curtains caught fire, / and the lights were dancing in the sky!"

Journey to Wisconsin
Fabu
Parallel Press
372 Memorial Library, 728 State Street, Madison, WI 53575
9781934795248 $10.00 http://parallelpress.library.wisc.edu

Written by Fabu, the third Madison Poet Laureate, Journey to Wisconsin: African American Life in Haiku is a thoughtful poetry chapbook encapsulating generations of pioneer family perseverance and history. Most the story is told in haiku verse; a few poems adopt free verse format. An ultimately heartening chronicle of braving life's challenges above and beyond that of survival, Journey to Wisconsin is highly recommended. "Passion rushes by / On the wings of startled youth / Is there earth below? // Wild-hearted daughters / Run barefoot on glass strewn / Asphalt hot with heat. // Rainbow barrettes snap / Every which way, good kinkies / Escape to freedom."

Song of the Taxidermist
Aurian Haller
Goose Lane
330-500 Beaverbrook Court, Fredericton, NB Canada E3B 5X4
9780864926494, $17.95, www.gooselane.com

What we call our own tends to tell a very unique story. "Song of the Taxidermist" is a collection of poetry from Aurian Haller as he offers his own lyrical and musical nature and distills it into a unique poetry experience as he offers his thoughts on the possessions we value in our life and the values it expresses for us. "Song of the Taxidermist" is intriguing and very highly recommended reading, not to be missed by poetry collections looking for something quite different. "Belongings": 1. Letter Opener//could not cut the firmest tomato,/must feel good/to hold, ceremonial./You're more likely to bleed/from paper or the message it carries./Handwritten mail sits/at the bottom where you'll take/greater care in teasing out its contents./A knife has a crooked grin, while the opener,/a sheep/seeking gentle passage,/follows the fold.

Army Cats
Tom Sleigh
Graywolf Press
250 Third Avenue N, Suite 600, Minneapolis, MN 55401
9781555975838, $15.00, www.graywolfpress.com

Our animalistic tendencies seem to come out much more than they honesty should. "Army Cats" is a collection of poetry from Tom Sleigh who uses his verse as a tool to discuss our more primal nature and how it still drives our lives even in our supposedly civilized world. "Army Cats" is a thoughtful collection of poetry with a strong message. "To Death": You won't wipe away my joy/in my seaweed skin, my hunched neck,/my folds and creases you hide in/even as I throw my arm around you and lie//my leg sweaty and cooling next to yours./I know you make my face more/interesting to me on this beautifully//lit stage made to look like an open/field where I wander in your theater/of fantasies touching God knows what//in this delirium of bodies/in this noisy club where everybody's drinking and that's you leaning over//secretly spitting in everybody's drink.

Circles Where the Head Should Be
Caki Wilkinson
University of North Texas Press
1155 Union Circle #311336, Denton, TX 76203-5017
9781574413090, $12.95, www.unt.edu.untpress

Answers are more elusive than we'd like, but til we get them, we make it up as we go along. "Circles Where the Heads Should Be" is a collection of poetry from young, new poet Caki Wilkenson who offers her collection on trying to make sense of our world, and the fronts we put up when we're losing our mind. "Circles Where the Heads Should Be" is a simple, yet poignant volume, highly recommended. "Storm and Stress": That a spider web supports a bead of rain/is as significant/as rain's resolve, poised where some spinneret/has pitched its threads aslant,/since, held of holding, each endures a strain--/one presses, one reacts./Don't ask me what it's worth. Despite the facts/of matter's favored states,/such concentration's of no consequence/beyond this life, a net/tailored to break, too late for recompense/when weight evaporates.

Vendange Tardive
Peter Reading
Bloodaxe Books
c/o DuFour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
9781852248840, $18.95, www.dufoureditions.com

Just because you're foretelling doom, doesn't mean you can't put a bit of rhythm to it. "Vendange Tardive" is a collection of poetry from Peter Reading, a prolific poet who has tracked Britian's long history and feels we are in decline and facing extinction. "Vendange Tardive" is a poignant read that must be considered for those looking for poetry with a certain message to it. "Fabulous": Demeter tutored Triptolemus/in agriculture and lent him/her winged chariot,/wherein/he traversed the globe, regaled/the Third World with grain...

Gongora's Shorter Poetic Masterpieces In Translation
Diane Chaffee-Sorace
ACMRS
Arizona State University
PO Box 874402, Tempe, AZ 85287-4402
9780866984058, $80.00, www.amazon.com

One of the principle Spanish poets of Renaissance era (1561-1627), Luis de Gongora y Argote came from Cordoba nobility and although originally intended for a career in the law, gave up his university enrollment in 1580 to write poetry in between card games. Not just a poet, Gongora was also a composer of music, a painter, proficient in languages, knowledgeable of literatures as well as classical mythologies. Eventually he became a member of the clergy (and by all lights not a very good one). But as a poet Gongora found his true calling as is demonstrated in the pages of "Gongora's Shorter Poetic Masterpieces In Translation", a bi-lingual compilation of his work ably translated with commentary by Diane Chaffee-Sorace (Professor of Spanish, Loyola University, Maryland). Organized into seven major categories (Amorous Poetry; Moral, consolatory, and Laudatory Poetry; Religious Poetry; Satirical and Burlesque Poetry; Funeral Poetry; Lyrical and Other Poetry), "Gongora's Shorter Poetic Masterpieces In Translation" is additionally enhanced by a bibliography of 'Works Cited or Consulted', and two indexes (English/Spanish and Spanish/English), making this a truly seminal and scholarly contribution to academic library Medieval & Renaissance studies collections. Also very highly recommended is Professor Chaffee-Sorace's previous work on Gongora, "Gongora's Poetic Textual Tradition: An Analysis of Selected Variants, Versions, and Limitations of His Shorter Poems" (Tamesis Books, 9780729302807, $50.00).

Fall Higher
Dean Young
Copper Canyon Press
PO Box 271, Port Townsend, WA 98368-9931
9781556593116, $22.00, www.coppercanyonpress.org

What we all seek isn't something so perfect as to not come with its own pain. "Fall Higher" is a collection of poetry from Dean Young who speaks on the imperfection of love and how in spite of it all, we still want it, and how it motivates our lives. "Fall Higher" is a fun and introspective read from a highly lauded and experienced poet, highly recommended. "Late Valentine": We weren't exactly children again,/too many divorces, too many blood panels,/but your leaning into me was a sleeping bird./Sure, there was no way to be careful enough,/even lightning can go wrong but when the smoke/blows off, we can admire the work the fire's done/ironing out the wrinkles in favor of newer ones,/ashy furrows like the folds in the brain/that signal the switchbacks and reversals/of our thought and just as brief. Your lips/were song, your hair everywhere./Oh unknowable, fidgeting self, how little bother you were then, no more than a tangerine rind. Oh unknowable/other, how I loved your smell.

Crane Creek, Two Voices
Robb Jackson & Vanessa Furse Jackson
Fithian Press
PO Box 2790, McKinleyville, CA 95519
9781564745118, $14.00, www.danielpublishing.com

Dialogue and conversation is as part of poetry as it is any other medium. "Crane Creek, Two Voices" is a collection of poetry from Robb Jackson and Vanessa Furse Jackson as their dialogue comes out and offers two different yet complimentary opinions on our life, the male and female, and the many sides to every story. "Crane Creek, Two Voices" is an original and thoughtful concept, highly recommended. "Love's First Saying": When leaves rain/gently river-put/lakeward bobbing sunlight/grapevines sieve air music-fine/while robins feed-hop vine/to vine to leave the forest floor/crunching our feet expose ourselves/webbed in leafless shadows held--/a great bird, nameless, river-touches/something white -- gliding -- snatched unsaid.

The Mind
John Fitzgerald
Salmon Poetry
c/o DuFour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781907056604, $21.95, www.salmonpoetry.com

Emotion is a strange subject, powering us through our lives whether we want it to or not. "The Mind" is a collection of poetry from John Fitzgerald as he considers our world of emotions and the consciousness and power of the mind. Thoughtful and leaving readers thinking, "The Mind" is an excellent collection and very highly recommended. "Seventy-five": When I contemplate the mind,/the words come out to join in the search./These are the very same, in costumes and disguises.//That must be so because of fear./Is that asking too much to believe?/Most of the pages are shredded vertically.//Strips on the floor speak of muses and past./Intent upon nothing other than remaining in that very place,/like leaves at the foot of a tree.


The Library Science Shelf

The Challenge of Library Management
Wyoma Vanduinkerken & Pixey Anne Mosley
American Library Association
50 E. Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611
9780838911020, $52.00, www.alastore.ala.org

Change is a good thing, but at the time, it sometimes seems like it's not. A good leader is needed to make it all move smoothly. "The Challenge of Library Management: Leading with Emotional Engagement" is a guide to becoming an excellent leader in the environment of the library, to fight drama and other workplace problems that often emerge. From dealing with the shifting of responsibilities, working with staff, dealing with the several types of change such as reorganizing space, staff restructuring, and more, authors Wyoma Vanduinkerken & Pixey Anne Mosley offer their expertise as professors of the field to use good psychology and communication in making everything work well as a leader of people. "The Challenge of Library Management" is a strongly recommended pick for any librarian leader who expects to see daunting leadership challenges in their future.

Plagiarism Education and Prevention
Cara Bradley
Chandros Publishing
c/o Neal-Schuman
100 William Street, Suite 2004, New York, NY 10038
9781843345848, $80.00, www.chandrospublishing.com

With the internet, theft has gotten easier than ever. "Plagiarism Education and Prevention: A Subject-Driven Case-Based Approach" discusses plagiarism in today's world, where the growing size of our libraries and the advent of the internet have challenged the fight against plagiarism. Stating that there is no blanket solution, Cara Bradley, a librarian with years of experience and who has worked for educational libraries for much of that time, presents her studies and proposed solutions to help Academia's fight against dishonesty. She breaks down plagiarism in many subjects and classes from history to law, to mathematics and the sciences. Stating that the fight is not one size fits all, she does well in describing the differing approaches needed. "Plagiarism Education and Prevention" is a must for anyone who must take it on themselves to foil academic dishonesty, a core addition to both education and library science collections in community and college libraries.


The Biography Shelf

Pink Boots and a Machete
Mireya Mayor
National Geographic Books
1145 0 17th St. NW, Washington DC 20036-4688
9781426207211, $26.00, www.nationalgeographic.com/books

Pink Boots and a Machete: My Journey from NFL Cheerleader to National Geographic Explorer describes the author's thrilling adventures in an engrossing memoir telling of her transition from a sheltered cheerleader in Miami to her current globe-trotting adventure life. Mireya survived a plane crash in the jungle, tracked gorillas in the Congo, and more: her passion for wildlife and her discoveries and travels make for an eye-opening, engrossing read perfect for any general lending library.

Big in China
Alan Paul
HarperCollins
10 East 53rd St., New York NY 10022-5299
9780061993152, $25.99, www.harpercollins.com

BIG IN CHINA: MY UNLIKELY ADVENTURES RAISING A FAMILY, PLAYING THE BLUES, AND BECOMING A STAR IN BEIJING recounts his changes playing music and raising three American children in Beijing. Alan Paul moved to China when his wife got a job as the China Bureau Chief for the Wall Street Journal. His three-and-a-half year experience documents challenges he and his family faced living in China, and also tells of his time fronting Woodie Alan, a blues band he formed with a Chinese partner. An outstanding account, this is a pick for any general collection.

One Hundred Names for Love
Diane Ackerman
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393072419, $26.95, www.wwnorton.com

One Hundred Names for Love: A Stroke, A Marriage, and the Language of Healing provides a powerful account of a gifted husband's devastating stroke and a wife who faced a grim prognosis for his recovery. A wordsmith, Paul Ackerman was unable to identify a drawing or swallow his food without choking after his stroke. How his wife coped and even devised a new kind of language therapy based on her background in brain science lends to a heartwarming story of success and love that should be in every general lending library.

Every Day by the Sun
Dean Faulkner Wells
Crown
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
9780307591043, $25.00, www.crownpublishing.com

EVERY DAY BY THE SUN: A MEMOIR OF THE FAULKNERS OF MISSISSIPPI blends biography with memoir and is written by the niece of William Faulkner, the oldest surviving Faulkner of her generation. Her exploration of family relationships and her history of the Faulkners of Mississippi provides a powerful survey blending anecdotes, stories, and family history and is paired with family drawings, letters and telegrams collected by the author. A 'must' for any definitive Faulkner collection and any American literature library.

Sheepish
Catherine Friend
DaCapo Press
c/o Perseus Books Group
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
www.perseusbooksgroup.com
9780306818448, $16.00, www.dacapopress.com

SHEEPISH: TWO WOMEN, FIFTY SHEEP AND ENOUGH WOOL TO SAVE THE PLANET tells of the author's journey from an urban existence to a farm, where she owned ducks, goats, fifty sheep and several acres of Minnesota farmland. Her experiences with life on the farm in general and her sheep in particular offers a warm series of personal anecdotes to reveal her passion for the land, insights into unauthorized sheep breeding and sharing experiences, and more, in a lively pick for any general lending library.

Prodigal Father Pagan Son
Anthony "Lt" Menginie and Kerrie Droban
Thomas Dunne Books
c/o St. Martin's Press
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
9780312576547, $24.99, www.thomasdunnebooks.com

Prodigal Father Pagan Son: Growing Up Inside the Dangerous World of the Pagans Motorcycle Club tells of a son abandoned by his drug addict mother and raised by a motorcycle gang leader and his club. His memoir examines the inner sanctum of outlaw motorcycle clubs and provides a powerful survey by a son who grew up there and a reporter who immersed herself in their lifestyle to get inside their secretive world. Any general-interest lending library will find this an involving, moving memoir!

Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention
Manning Marable
Viking
c/o Penguin Group USa
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
9780670022205, $30.00, www.penguin.com

Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention is packed with new information and revelations that go beyond the prior definitive AUTOBIOGRAPHY and provide a fine history of race and class in America. It follows Malcolm X's troubled youth, his parents' activism and his own involvement in the Nation of Islam, and is based on extensive interviews with Louis Farrakhan and others, as well as previously unseen FBI files and details from the Nation of Islam's own records. A powerful survey of Malcolm X's life and times, this must be alongside any collection with interest in his formerly-definitive AUTOBIOGRAPHY.

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana
Gayle Tzemach Lemmon
Harper
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
9780061732379, $24.99, www.harpercollins.com

The Dressmaker of Khair Khana: Five Sisters, One Remarkable Family, and the Woman Who Risked Everything to Keep Them Safe tells of five sisters in Kabul whose lives are changed when the Taliban seize control of the city. Kamila is banned from teaching and confined to her home and becomes sole breadwinner for her five siblings when her father and brother are forced to flee. Her sewing business would help mobilize her community under the Taliban in this engrossing blend of biography and Afghani cultural history, recommended for both general-interest collections and those with a focus on Afghanistan history and culture.

Cold-Blooded Kindness
Barbara Oakley
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781616144197, $26.00, www.prometheusbooks.com

COLD-BLOODED KINDNESS: NEUROQUIRKS OF A CODEPENDENT KILLER, OR JUST GIVE ME A SHOT AT LOVING YOU, DEAR, AND OTHER REFLECTIONS ON HELPING THAT HURTS is a recommendation for general-interest collections and offers the true story of an eccentric mother of five who wanted to help society's outcasts. She took in animals and people alike, over-extended her meager resources, and often neglected her own children in pursuit of her higher interests. Ultimately she shot and killed her husband. This saga pinpoints dangers of codependency and offers an engrossing saga of how caring impulses can mask deadly concerns. Psychology and general libraries alike will find this fascinating - and disturbing.

Black Sheep
John F. Wukovits
Naval Institute Press
291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402
9781591149774 $34.95 www.navalinstitute.org

Military historian John F. Wukovits presents Black Sheep: The Life of Pappy Boyington, an in-depth biography of U.S. Marine Gregory "Pappy" Boyington, who served in the Pacific theater during World War II. From his tumultuous early life, marked by abusive parents and a succession of family moves, to his military career and his membership as one of the Flying Tigers in Burma and China, to his legendary exploits as a Corsair pilot in the South Pacific and his time in Japanese prison camps, Black Sheep paints the picture of an extraordinary fighter in every sense of the word. Wukovits maintains that Boyington's performance record was lacking among the Flying Tigers because they considered him an outsider; but when he was in command of the Black Sheep Squadron, he excelled as a teacher and leader, and his squadron was one of the most successful in the Pacific. Black Sheep is enthusiastically recommended as a vibrant and unforgettable portrait of a gifted World War II ace. Also from Naval Institute Press is the highly recommended "Battle Surface!" (9781591145325, $34.95), an in-depth chronicle of the military service of the USS Parce and its dedicated crew.

John Romano & George Engel
Jules Cohen & Stephanie Brown Clark
University of Rochester Press
668 Mt. Hope Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620-2731
9781580462952, $50.00, www.urpress.com

A lifetime of study leads to major progress of a science. "John Romano & George Engel: Their Lives & Work" looks at these two physicians who spent fifty years in the University of Rochester's Medical school faculty and offered much to furthering the training and status of their students and the profession. Tracing both of their life's story, their educational history, and interviews with those who knew them. A fascinating study into the men of medicine and what drove their dedication to the science and teaching, "John Romano & George Engel" is an ideal addition to biography collections with a focus on education and medicine.

Cordelia Harvey
Bob Kann
Wisconsin Historical Society Press
816 State Street, Madison, WI 53706
9780870204586, $12.95, www.wisconsinhistory.org

Patriotism knows no gender, but in the Civil War, women could not bear arms. "Cordelia Harvey: Civil War Angel" is an entry in the Badger Biographies Series, following one particular woman who jumped at the chance to do her part in serving the Union. Through it all, she helped pushed the Union to build a military hospital and soldier's home. Bob Kann shows her story, and makes for a unique tale of forgotten history. "Cordelia Harvey" is a solid addition to any Civil War and biography collection. Also in the Badger Biographies Series is "Lucius Fairchild: Civil War Hero" (9780870204609, $12.95), telling the story of a businessman turned warrior.

Valentine T. McGillycuddy
Candy Moulton
The Arthur H. Clark Company
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
9780870623899 $34.95 www.ahclark.com

Award-winning author Candy Moulton presents Valentine T. McGillycuddy: Army Surgeon, Agent to the Sioux, the biography of an exceptional man who served as a topographer, a cartographer, a physician, and an Indian agent, Valentine T. McGillycuddy (1849-193). His noted deeds include mapping the U.S.-Canadian border; treating the wounded from the battle of the Rosebud, the Little Bighorn, and Slim Buttes; looking after Crazy Hourse during the leader's final moments; and working as an agent to the Sioux at Pine Ridge, where he had conflicts with Chief Red Cloud concerning the government's assimilation policies. Also of note is the story of McGillycuddy's loyal first wife Fanny, who traveled west with her husband and wrote about the daily labors and trials of camp life. An excellent addition to college and public library American biography, history, and Native American studies shelves, Valentine T. McGillycuddy: Army Surgeon, Agent to the Sioux is highly recommended.

Millard Fillmore
Paul Finkelman
Times Books
c/o Henry Holt & Company
175 - 5th Avenue, Suite 400, New York, NY 10010-7725
9780805087154 $23.00 www.henryholt.com

American legal history specialist Paul Finkelman presents Millard Fillmore, a straightforward biography of the man who served as President of the United States of America in 1850-1853, after the death of president Zachary Taylor. Fillmore is notorious for doing very little to help an already deteriorating state of the nation on the road to the Civil War. Congress was clashing fiercely over the issue of slavery; Fillmore responded by supporting the demands of the South and enforcing the Fugitive Slave Act, widening the gulf between himself and other northerners as well as sowing a split within his own Whig political party that would prove its doom. Fillmore was so strongly racist that he could only run for re-election as one of the anti-immigrant and anti-Catholic Know-Nothing Party; he was soundly defeated. His most visionary accomplishment was to dispatch Commodore Matthew Perry on the historical voyage destined to open Japan to the West; otherwise he is notorious as a President who did next to nothing worthy of lasting note. Finkelman's biography is a detailed, thorough yet highly accessible chronicle of Fillmore's life and (lack of) works, highly recommended especially for public and college library biography shelves.

Obasanjo
John Iliffe
James Currey
c/o Boydell & Brewer
668 Mt. Hope Ave., Rochester, NY 14620
9781847010278, $80.00, www.boydellandbrewer.com

Order and peace are rare commodities in modern Africa, and there are those who play a major role in trying to drive the chaos in a more desirable direction. "Obasanjo: Nigeria & the World" discusses Olusegun Obasanjo, a man who has spent much of his life in the hostile and tumultuous political climate of Nigeria, serving as an elected president from 1999 until 2007, and how Nigeria seemingly fell apart soon after he left office. Examining his life and career as a whole in search of understanding the man and his country, "Obasanjo" is a scholarly and very highly recommended study of an international figure who has helped put Nigeria on the course it is today, for better or for worse.

There You Have It
John Bloom
University of Massachusetts Press
East Experiment Station, 671 North Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01003
9781558498372, $24.95, umpress.umass.edu

The greatest icon in sports journalism did not pick that as his first choice of career. "There You Have It: The Life, Legacy, and Legend of Howard Cosell" tells the story of the world famous voice, who at first had dreams of a career in law, but turned to the birth of the sports broadcasting career, and through that, he not only paved the way for future broadcasters, but still did his own part in the social issues of the day. "There You Have It" tells a story of life and its contradictions and eccentricities that author John Bloom feels will resonate strongly with the modern world.


The Folktale/Fairytale Shelf

Folktales of the Jews
Dan Ben-Amos, editor
Jewish Publication Society
2100 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
9780827608719, $75.00, www.jewishpub.org

A people leave their records of their existence, although not always literal, with their literature. "Folktales of the Jews: Volume 3: Tales from the Arab Lands" is a collection of traditional folk tales which have their roots in this Arabic lands, from times ancient and through it all. Divided into stories that are meant to be moral fables, to mythology and legend, to humor, the stories are diverse and prove to be quite the entertaining and thoughtful cultural study. "Folktales of the Jews" is an excellent addition to any world literature collection, and to go along the two previous compilations.


The Sports Shelf

The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Tennis, fourth edition
Price World Publishing
1300 W. Belmont Ave., Suite 20G, Chicago, IL 60657
9781932549577, $16.95, www.sportsworkout.com

Tennis is a game more of speed and technique, but strength should not be neglected. "The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Tennis" is the fourth edition from Sportsworkout.com, designed to give advice on strength training for those who take their tennis playing seriously, who want to build strength without sacrificing speed. Good weight training reduces chance for injury and allows quicker motor skills, both fine and gross. With advice for training in every step of the season and off season, "The Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Tennis" is an absolute must for anyone who wants to step up their tennis game to the next level.

The Athlete's Clock
Thomas W. Rowland
Human Kinetics
PO Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61825-5076
9780736082747, $19.95, www.humankinetics.com

The human body is not a machine meant to run 24/7. "The Athlete's Clock: How Biology and Time Affect Sport Performance" discusses time and biology and their impact on the athlete. Breaking down the science of marathons, sprints, and more, Dr. Thomas W. Rowland offers a deep study in how to build one's body and alter the physiology to better cope with the challenges of their chosen athletic challenge. Natural rhythm, what happens every second in one's body under high stress and more make "The Athlete's Clock" an intriguing study and one that is very much recommended reading for athletes.

The Right Time
Wes Singletary
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
9780786435722 $29.95 www.mcfarlandpub.com 1-800-253-2187

The Right Time: John Henry "Pop" Lloyd and Black Baseball is the biography of one of the greatest baseball players of his time - John Henry "Pop" Lloyd, a star of the Negro National League. Although Lloyd played in the era before baseball's integration, and would never spend a day in the white major leagues, his skill as a shortstop and batter were the stuff of legends. His career spanned an extraordinary number of teams, as he "followed the money" across America and sometimes to Cuba, and he continued playing excellently into his 40s. A handful of vintage black-and-white photographs illustrate this solid biographical portrait of a widely respected and beloved athlete.

Sport Finance, second edition
Gil Fried, et.al.
Human Kinetics
Box 5976, Champaign, IL 61825-5076
0736067701, $73.00, www.hkusa.com

SPORT FINANCE appears in an updated, second edition to show students how to apply financial concepts to the ideas of sport management and operations. College-level sport finance courses offer keys for students interested in becoming involved in the sport industry, from clubs to retail and professional settings, and this new edition expands coverage on business structures, ethical guidelines, and more. Newly updated examples and case studies keep the concepts and examples current.

Shunt: The Story of James Hunt
Tom Rubython
Myrtle Press
tomrubython@themyrtlepress.com
http://www.themyrtlepress.com
9780956565600, $30.20, www.amazon.com

Shunt: The Story of James Hunt documents the life of a race car driver as notorious for his wild personality and many girlfriends as he was for racing. Despite his off-track activities, he also was known as the fastest driver on the Formula One circuits in the 1970s - and this definitive biography focuses on his life in sports. His researchers have provided a solid focus on the extent of his driving career, from his early days to the last hours of his life, and examines his astonishing rise in fame. No racing library should be without this detailed examination, which captures not only his career but his times.

Human Kinetics
Box 5976, Champaign, IL 61825-5076
www.hkusa.com

The fourth updated edition of Paul M. Pedersen, et.al.'s CONTEMPORARY SPORT MANAGEMENT (0736081674, $89.00) provides students with a fine overview of sport management, presenting discussions of the basic aspects of the profession and its requirements. This revised edition offers a full-color format, blends in an online study guide, and teaches the legal, cultural, historical and psychology aspect of sport management. Three new chapters cover youth and community sport. Any college-level sports business library will find this a solid reference! General appealing to snow bunnies will relish Chris Fellows' TOTAL SKIING (0736083650, $24.95), from a renowned ski instructor who shares his proven step-by-step program for assessing skiing skills and identifying exercises to enhance these skills. Sample programs for each skier type offer guidance for dryland and on-snow drills for all levels of ski performance, making this a top pick for any general lending library or sports collection. Joseph F. Signorile's BENDING THE AGING CURVE: THE COMPLETE EXERCISE GUIDE FOR OLDER ADULTS (0736074457, $44.00) pairs a book with a DVD package and provides a training program for older adults. It offers strategies for improving body composition and flexibility and offers a series of tests that allow you to assess your clients' strengths and weaknesses. Videos of these exercises complete the presentation and provide professional trainers with a powerful resource and prescription for safer, more effective elder exercise! Krista Austin, PhD, CSCS and Bob Seebohar, MS, RD, CSSD, CSCS's PERFORMANCE NUTRITION: APPLYING THE SCIENCE OF NUTRIENT TIMING (0736079459, $24.95) is a fine recommendation for any who would optimize training and improve performance. Theory is blended with the latest research in nutrient timing and offers a survey of sport nutrition that belongs on the shelves of any serious sports library. Chapters recommend approaches for a range of sport types, from endurance to combative and team sports, and include food lists for nutrition plans, food functionality, and more. Bill I. Campbell and Marie A. Spano edit NSCA'S GUIDE TO SPORT AND EXERCISE NUTRITION (0736083499, $39.00), a fine survey offering guidelines on nutrition needs for a range of sports and exercise clientele. Fitness professionals receive advice on nutrition for a range of aspirations, from competition to individual fitness programs, and will appreciate the in-depth survey of food selection, digestion, and more. Any who want to improve training and performance will find this a top reference perfect for any fitness professional!


The Native American Shelf

The People Are Dancing Again
Charles Wilkinson
University of Washington Press
PO Box 500096, Seattle, WA 98145-5096
9780295990668, $35.00, www.washington.edu/uwpress

Heritage struggles to survive under certain pressure, and the Indians of the Oregon Coast found this challenge to their existence quite difficult. "The People Are Dancing Again: The History of the Siletz Tribe of Western Oregon" traces the history of a confederacy of tribes in the Oregon Coast region who facing cruelty by the then territorial United States Government, struggled to survive and hold on to what evidence of their ancestors they could. With the drive of greed and resources, the Siletz had to fight a political battle every step of the way to be a recognized tribe, a fight that continues to this day. "The People Are Dancing Again" traces the history of this tribe culturally and the struggles of a modern Native American tribe.

Sacraments & Shamans
Scott McCarthy
Blue Dolphin Publishing
PO Box 8, Nevada City, CA 95959
9781577332466, $17.95, www.bluedolphinpublishing.com

By understanding the innate faith in us all, you understand God. "Sacraments and Shamans: A Priest Journeys Among Native Peoples" is the religious memoir of Father Scott McCarthy, who as a catholic priest has sought to visit and learn of the faithful practices of the Native American people on both continents, seeking to learn so much more about everything around faith and what it means to all us, free from the formal institution of faith. "Sacraments and Shamans" is a fascinating read for anyone interested in the many faiths that make up our world.

The New Politics of Indian Gaming
Kenneth N. Hansen and Tracy A. Skopek, editors
University of Nevada Press
Mail Stop 0166, Reno, NV, 89557-0166
9780874178425 $49.95 www.unpress.nevada.edu

The New Politics of Indian Gaming: The Rise of Reservation Interest Groups is an extraordinary anthology of essays by learned authors concerning how legalized gaming on Indian reservations has become a major source of revenue for Native American nations, with enormous political and social repercussions. Chapters study how different Native American peoples have sought to preserve their economic gains; how the reversion of a number of federal responsibilities to the states through the Indian Gaming Regulator Act of 1988 has placed tribal governments into new and sometimes factitious relationships the states they would operate in; how tribal political strategies now involve direct lobbies of the state and federal governments, as opposed to a previous focus on the judicial system and the Bureau of Indian Affairs; and much more. An invaluable contribution to Native American studies shelves examining how legalized gambling continues to transform tribal and national political discourse, The New Politics of Indian Gaming is highly recommended.


The Islamic Studies Shelf

Sufism
Carl W. Ernst, PhD
Shambhala Publications, Inc.
300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-4544
9781590308844 $19.95 www.shambhala.com

Written by Islamic studies specialist Carl W. Erns, PhD, Sufism: An Introduction to the Mystical Tradition of Islam lives up to its title as a comprehensive analysis of the oft-misunderstood mystic branch of the Islamic faith, presented in terms accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Chapters cover the history and origins of Sufism; its saints and what sainthood means to the faith; its poetry, music, and dance; and its role in the contemporary world. Notes, a discography, and an index round out this superb primer, highly recommended especially for public and college library religious studies shelves.


The Military Shelf

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
Graeme Douglas
Zenith Press
c/o Quayside Publishing Group
400 First Avenue North, Suite 300
Minneapolis, MN 55401
9780760340776, $28.00, www.zenithpress.com

Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress covers one of the biggest symbols of American military might during World War II: a plane which spearheaded the bomber offensive over Germany. This book packs in specific insights on owning, servicing and flying the bomber, packing in well over 200 color photos and diagrams to pair history with hardware analysis and aviation and military insights like. Military and aviation libraries will find it a compelling visual pick!

This Time We Win: Revisiting the Tet Offensive
James S. Robbins
Encounter Books
900 Broadway, Suite 601, New York NY 10003-1239
9781594032295, $25.95, www.encounterbooks.com

This Time We Win: Revisiting the Tet Offensive offers a fine survey of battlefield history and comes from a national security expert and Washington Times senior editorial writer who attacks myths surrounding Tet, the turning point in the war. The public had become disillusioned with Vietnam before Tet - but the majority wanted to escalate efforts and finish the job, not pull out. President Johnson ignored those advocating for a counter-attack and instead called for negotiations and declined to run for another term. This offers a hard-hitting analysis of the legacy of these decisions and is a recommended pick for any collection strong in Vietnamese military history.

Unjustly Dishonored
Robert H. Ferrell
University of Missouri Press
2910 LeMone Boulevard, Columbia, MO 65201
9780826219169 $29.95 www.umsystem.edu/upress

Robert H. Ferrell (Professor Emeritus of History, Indiana University) presents Unjustly Dishonored: An African American Division in World War I, a thoughtful study of the 92nd Division of the U.S. Army in World War I, the only African-American division of the American Expeditionary Forces in France. Nearly 28,000 black soldiers formed its ranks; it was part of the largest and most costly battle in U.S. history, the battle of the Meuse-Argonne. Yet when part of the 368th Infantry Regiment buckled, the entire division's reputation was permanently tarnished. Unjustly Dishonored questions whether this poor evaluation is warranted, especially given the military efforts and accomplishments of the division as a whole. Chapters pay particular attention to engineer regiment and artillery brigade, as well as the 92nd capture of the Bois Frehaut during the last days of the war. Notes, a bibliography, and an index round out this excellent and thoughtful addition to military history shelves.


The Civil War Shelf

Andersonvilles of the North
James M. Gillispie
University of North Texas Press
PO Box 311336, Denton, TX 76203-1336
9781574413113 $14.95 www.unt.edu/untpress

Andersonvilles of the North: The Myths and Realities of Northern Treatment of Civil War Confederate Prisoners is a thoughtful study of how the North treated Confederate prisoners during the American Civil War. Drawing its information primarily from Northern and Southern documentation, Andersonvilles of the North claims that the postulate of Union prisons as willfully negligent and cruel to Confederate prisoners is flawed at best, distorted at worst. Andersonvilles of the North closely examines Union efforts to improve hygiene, quarantine sick prisoners, and vaccinate against smallpox, both in its troops and in its prisons - efforts hampered by a widespread lack of understanding about diseases (and the top killer, dysentery/diarrhea, had no effective cure at the time). "One must consider that the overall 12% mortality rate was not out of line for large military camps, especially stationary ones, in the mid-nineteenth century... In the end, Northern officials appear to have done the best they could at the time for Confederate prisoners of war. Tragically that was often not enough." A superb addition to Civil War history and studies shelves, highly recommended especially for public and college library collections.


The Gaming Shelf

Make Your Own MMORPG
Aaron C. Callahan
Fose Media
c/o Ingram, Baker & Taylor (distribution)
www.makeyourownmmorpg.com
9780983171607 $29.99 www.fosemedia.com

Make Your Own MMORPG: How to Plan, Build and Run Your Own Online Multiplayer Game does not contain specific computer programming instructions - instead, it's packed cover to cover with tips, tricks, techniques, recommendations, and warnings for would-be MMORPG creators, with the presumption that they already possesses all the requisite technical skills in their software platform of choice. Chapters cover how to create a coherent game design document, how to balance challenge and fun factor in one's game, how to successfully market one's game and attract new players, how to deal with malicious players/hacks/bugs/exploits, and even how to effective outsource the most laborious or difficult programming duties. Of particular interest are the pros and cons given for the many different revenue models available for MMORPGs - from "freemium" (a game that is initially free to play but requires a premium payment for access to the entire game), to "cosmetic" (a game that only charges for minor customizations that don't directly affect gameplay), "buy once" (no ongoing subscription), "donation based", "ad supported", "surveys" (induces players to take an online survey rather than pay for premium content), and "sponsor". Links to a wealth of useful online resources round out the solid basic advice in this highly accessible, user-friendly guide for anyone considering launching their own MMORPG for fun or profit.

Thundercloud Galaxy
Braden Campbell and Kevin Siembieda
Palladium Books
39074 Webb Court, Westland, MI 48185-7606
9781574571837, $20.95, www.palladiumbooks.com

There is nothing scarier than the unknown. Except when you learn what the unknown is. "Thundercloud Galaxy: Rifts Dimension Book 14" is a source book for the Rifts pen and paper role-playing game system, focusing on the mysterious and enigmatic Thundercloud galaxy, as players and game masters are introduced to countless new races, creatures, and adventures with a focus on the truly bizarre and unknown that even our imaginations can't comprehend. "Thundercloud Galaxy" is not to be missed by the Rifts playing diehards.

Slay the Spanish!
Timothy Taylor
Everyman Chess
c/o The Globe Pequot Press
PO Box 480, 246 Goose Lane, Guilford, CT 06437-0480
9781857446371, $27.95, www.everymanchess.com

Some strategies seem impossible to beat, but with the right preparation, you learn that no strategy is bulletproof. "Slay the Spanish: Weapons Against the Ruy Lopez" is a guide to beating the Spanish Opening, also referred to as the Ruy Lopez. With strategies for both black and white sides, Timothy Taylor, US Open Chess Champion, provides his expertise with good wisdom to help any player win more games and be better prepared against the Spanish Opening. "Slay the Spanish" is a reference that should be considered by any blooming student of the game.

The Golden Age of Video Games
Roberto Dillon
CRC Press
Suite 300
6000 NW Broken Sound Parkway NW
Boca Raton, FL 33487
9781439873236 $39.95 www.crcpress.com

Video game industry expert Roberto Dillon presents The Golden Age of Video Games, a straightforward chronicle of the rise (and setbacks) of video games, consoles, and home computers, with especial focus on their earliest origins in the 1940s through the close of twentieth century; a much briefer summary of video game history during the twenty-first century as well as the history of handheld gaming is also present. From the very first commercial games and home consoles, to Japan's earliest involvement in video games, to the great video game crash of 1983 that almost completely killed the market, to the technological leaps and bounds achieved across the decades, The Golden Age of Video Games is an excellent, succinct, and thoroughly accessible history. Highly recommended.


The Needlecraft Shelf

Knitting Vintage
Claire Montgomeria
Barron's
250 Wireless Boulevard, Happauge, NY 11788
9780764146626, $16.99, www.barronseduc.com

With the right talent, you can resurrect old fashions quite well. "Knitting Vintage: 30 Knitting Projects Inspired by Period Fashions" is a knitting book aimed at remaking retro styles and turning them into one's own, looking at the past hundred years of fashion as inspiration all its own. 1920s to the 1980s all present ideas, from cardigans to waistcoats, to headbands and legwarmers, projects are abound and knitters will find something fun to make that will have its own place in fashion in the 2010s. "Knitting Vintage" is a top pick for needle-hobbyists who want something old in their something new.

Threads Sewing Guide
Carol Freisa, editor
The Taunton Press
63 South Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470
9781600851445, $34.95, www.Taunton.com

"Threads Sewing Guide: A Complete Reference from America's Best-Loved Sewing Magazine" is a complete manual for home sewers of every level and interest. Adapted from articles in the parent magazine, "Threads," this color photo-filled sewer's manual contains sixteen chapters of excellent instructions and advice for every conceivable sewing project. From selecting notions, fabric, and patterns to serger sewing, construction techniques and even couture techniques and inner garment construction, "Threads Sewing Guide" has concise, clear, step by step instructions for how to proceed. There is also a chapter on surface embellishment and of course, garment mending and repair. "Threads Sewing Guide" is invaluable for the home sewer, the individual costume designer, and the intermediate to advanced garment creator. "Threads Sewing Guide" belongs on every home sewer's reference shelf. It also makes a lovely gift.

Martingale & Company
19201 - 120th Ave NE, Suite 102, Bothell, WA 98011-9511
www.martingale-pub.com

Barbara Warholic's SEWING POTTERY BY MACHINE (9781604680294, $22.99) is a recommendation for any needlework collection looking for different projects. It teaches how to wrap fabric strips around cording to make coiled pots, showing how to make traditional pottery shapes using the method on seven sample projects. Any needleworker with a fabric stash will find this a winner, packed with color photos and examples of how to sew pottery by machine. A bonus CD of patterns comes with Kay MacKenzie's INSPIRED BY TRADITION (9781604680225, $22.99), which provides some 50 applique block patterns following up to her EASY APPLIQUE BLOCKS title. Here the new designs teach how to blend them into fabric, offering a line drawing for each tracing and tips on hand and fusible machine applique alike. Any collection seeing enthusiasm from her prior book must have this followup! Sheryl Thies' GET HOOKED ON TUNISIAN CROCHET: LEARN HOW WITH 13 PROJECTS (9781604680355, $22.99) teaches different applications for Tunisian crochet, offering a collection of garments, accessories, and items for home decor which use the Tunisian crochet technique. Pieces range from easy to intermediate, are identified for different skills levels, and include color photos of finished pieces as well as materials and stitch guides. A top pick for any crocheter seeking something different!

Sensational Bead Embroidery
Sherry Serafini
Lark Crafts
c/o Lark Books
387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016
9781600596728, $24.95, www.larkcrafts.com

Sensational Bead Embroidery is for any crafter who would incorporate needlework into jewelry-making efforts. It covers the basics of Sherry Serafini's signature bead embroidery, showing how she selects her designs and puts together her pieces. All the basics of bead embroidery are covered in a fine series of projects perfect for bead-making and jewelry-making audiences alike!


The Christian Studies Shelf

Psalter
William Baer
Truman State University
100 E. Normal Ave., Kirksville, MO 63501
9781935503101, $15.95, www.tsup.truman.edu

Faith has driven people for generations. "Psalter: A Sequence of Catholic Sonnets" is a collection of religious poetry in sonnet form as William Baer dedicates his faith with a certain drive and faith, and comes with love and spirit among it all. "Psalter" is a top pick for any Catholic who also has a taste for poetry, highly recommended. "David": The putrid sea lies right beneath my cave,/and the stinking rising sulfur burns my eyes,/for nothing can survive in this smoldering grave,/where every bird and plant and creature dies,/where even the valleys and the hills are dead;/for this is "desolation," a world apart,/with the Mountain of Sodom looming straight ahead,/where all is dark and barren like my heart./Lord, help me in my lonely, useless life,/hunted by the king, like a treacherous slave,/without my friends, my brothers, or my wife,/just waiting to be slaughtered in my cave./O Lord, I know not what to do,/so in this valley of death I turn to You.

The Emergent Christ
Ilia Delio
Orbis Books
Price Bldg, Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 10545
9781570759086, $22.00, www.orbisbooks.com

Evolution is not wholly incompatible with Christian theology. "The Emergent Christ: Exploring the Meaning of Catholic in an Evolutionary Universe" seeks to reconcile evolution and Catholic theology, stating that God's intention and power are the power behind evolutionary theory, and that clinging the to the teachings of Aristotle is archaic and dated. Coming at readers with a sure to be controversial collection of theology, science, and much more, "The Emergent Christ" will enlighten and grant credence to faith in today's world where it seems everything is explained more and more by science.

5 Spiritual Solutions for Everyday Parenting Challenges
Richard and Linda Eyre
Deseret Book Company
PO Box 30178, Salt Lake City, UT 84130
9781606419335, $19.99, www.deseretbook.com

Parenting is a challenging aspect for anyone, regardless of faith. "5 Spiritual Solutions for Everyday Parenting Challenges" is a guide to Mormon parenting from Richard and Linda Eyre as they channel faith to help parents through the most daunting task that they will face in their lives - parenting. Offering takes from typical Mormon wisdom, the Eyres offer many suggestions for the many problems that come from child rearing, from rebellion, boredom, siblings, and much more. "5 Spiritual Solutions for Everyday Parenting Challenges" is a strong pick for Mormon parents, although the wisdom may ring strong regardless of faith.

Particular Examen
James F. McElhone
Roman Catholic Books
PO Box 255, Harrison, NY 10528
9781934888193, $17.95

No one is perfect, and solving that flaw is what brings one closer to Christ. "Particular Examen" is a book of faith written by Father James F. McElhone as he speaks on the weaknesses we each have and how to correct them by embracing faith, and overcoming them. To make a more perfect self is the path of the saint, and McElhone speaks well on helping readers go down that path in their lives. "Particular Examen" is a choice pick for any Catholic who views self-improvement as an excellent virtue.

Behaving in Public
Nigel Biggar
Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
2140 Oak Industrial Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
9780802864000, $16.00, www.eerdmans.com

To be preachy is to be rejected, but one should not completely hide their faith in everyday life. "Behaving in Public: How to Do Christian Ethics" discusses Christianity and its place in the modern debate and public forum. Nigel Biggar seeks to marry common sense and nature with religious discussion, something that many Christians feel split by, breaking between their faith and their morality often. With much to think about for any theological thinker, "Behaving in Public" is a core addition to any modern Christian studies collection.

Growing Kingdom Character
Tom Yeakley
Nav Press
PO Box 35001, Colorado Springs, CO 80935
9781615216147, $12.99, www.navpress.com

The Bible provides many exceptional characters, and many exceptional leaders. "Growing Kingdom Character: Practical, Intentional Tools for Developing Leaders" teaches readers on how to look to the Bible, learn from its lessons and create good leadership in oneself and others, in life, and in business. Drawing strongly on faith with plenty of practical advice, "Growing Kingdom Character" is sage wisdom that shouldn't be overlooked by any everyday leader of men.

Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary
J. D. Douglas & Marrill C. Tenney
Zondervan
5300 Patterson Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530
9780310229834, $29.99, www.zondervan.com

The Bible, regardless of one's faith, is one of the most important written works in world history. "Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary: The Most Accurate and Comprehensive One-Volume Bible Dictionary Available" is a comprehensive Biblical study as Zondervan presents and alphabetical glossary of the countless characters, places, items, and other concepts that are present throughout the old and new testaments. With well over seven thousand entries and color photos of the historical locations and relics, "Zondervan Illustrated Bible Dictionary" is an excellent pick for any studious Christian and for community and college library collections with a focus on Christianity.

At Home with God
Gavin Long
Paraclete Press
PO Box 1568, Orleans, MA 02653
9781557256850, $26.99, www.paracletepress.com

God is not something to be considered only for Sunday. "At Home with God" is a reference guide to finding faith and God in everyday life, with daily considerations to remember in life to find God and spirituality in faith in every avenue. With plenty of ideas and prayers for mealtimes, gatherings, and more, "At Home with God" is a guide for anyone who wants to bring God into a more prominent role around their home and in their life.

Answers to Common Questions About The End Times
Timothy J. Demy & Thomas Ice
Kregel Publications
733 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
9780825426582, $9.99, www.kregel.com

The end will come at some time or another, but when is a question that leaves way too many questions being asked. "Answers to Common Questions About the End Times" is a discussion of the end of the world and what does the Bible truly say about it. Discussed by Bible teachers and scholars Timothy Demy and Thomas Ice, they discuss rapture, the second coming, and the reality of heaven and hell. "The End Times" is worth considering for those who want to understand Revelations through the eyes of scholarship, highly recommended.

Becoming Whole and Holy
Jeannine K. Brown, et.al.
Baker Academic
c/o Baker Books
Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
9780801039256, $24.99, www.bakerbooks.com

Becoming Whole and Holy: An Integrative Conversation About Christian Formation provides a scholarly, college-level discussion about the relationship between wholeness and holiness, drawing on three authors' specialties in biblical analysis, social sciences and ethics to consider spiritual formation and experiencing a communal fullness of life. From language and content in discerning the purpose of God to visions of becoming, this packs in important keys to Biblical understanding.

Weird: Because Normal Isn't Working
Craig Groeschel
Zondervan Publishing House
5300 Patterson Avenue, S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49530
9780310327905, $19.99, www.zondervan.com

Weird: Because Normal Isn't Working provides a simple manual for living a Christ-centered life, explaining why 'normal' isn't working any more for so many Americans and how the author's 'weird' views on scheduling, money and serving God can help people break free from normal routines into a more fulfilling life. If you want a meaningful life - Groeschel's 'weird' offers something different, keyed to modern Christian living.

William B. Eerdmans Publishing
2140 Oak Industrial Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
www.eerdmans.com

Ron Austin's PEREGRINO: A PILGRIM JOURNEY INTO CATHOLIC MEXICO (9780802865847, $19.99) blends a guidebook with a memoir and history to explore the spiritual foundations of Catholic Mexico. Austin, a devout Catholic, here invites fellow Catholics to make a pilgrimage to Mexico to uncover its cultural identity and Catholic roots, pairing color photos of Christian icons and art with a survey of Mexico's Catholic cultural heritage. Blending the format of guide, Catholic history and cultural tribute, this offers a fine exploration of the spiritual heart of Catholic Mexico and will especially appeal to Catholic collections. Darrell L. Block and Robert L. Webb edit KEY EVENTS IN THE LIFE OF THE HISTORICAL JESUS: A COLLABORATIVE EXPLORATION OF CONTEXT AND COHERENCE (9780802866134, $70.00), written by a team of evangelical scholars who examine twelve selected episodes in his life. Six events from his ministry at large and six from his activity in Jerusalem are used to probe his life and work, with essays considering the social, cultural and spiritual impact of his achievements. Each chapter is the work of a single author and these essays offer debate for any serious, scholarly Christian history holding.


The Computer Shelf

Step by Step
Elena Kosinska and Chris Leeds
O'Reilly Media
1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
9780735639010, $44.99, www.oreilly.com

When learning doesn't feel like a job, it's much easier to embrace. "Step by Step: Microsoft Expression Blend 4" is a guide to learning how to use the Microsoft Silverlight programming tool Expression Blend to create the application with the features they desire. Broke down in an easy to follow and learn style, authors Elena Koskinska & Chris Leeds seek to present a comprehensive instructional manual to use Expression to the fullest, with tips on side programming as well. "Step by Step" is a complete and comprehensive resource for anyone looking to get the most out of Expression Blend and Silverlight, a must have reference.

iMovie '11 & iDVD: The Missing Manual
David Pogue & Aaron Miller
O'Reilly
1005 Gravenstein, Hwy N.
Sebastopol, CA 95472-2811
9781449393274, $39.99, www.oreilly.com

iMovie '11 & iDVD: The Missing Manual offers the book that should have been in the box, and teaches the basics of how to create a professional video from raw footage, add transitions, and design movie previews. From distributing a movie on smartphones and one's own website to exporting to YouTube, Facebook and other social media networks, this is packed with a range of applications for any who would work with iMovie 11 and iDVD.

R Cookbook
Paul Teetor
O'Reilly
1005 Gravenstein Hwy North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
9780596809157, $39.99, www.oreilly.com

R Cookbook packs in over 200 practical recipes and helps users perform data analysis with R quickly and efficiently. It gathers task-oriented 'recipes' that already have the calculations embedded, addresses specific problems they apply to, and discusses solutions and how they work. Data programmers learn how to create vectors, handle input and output data, work with probability, create graphic displays, and more. Data analysts will find this a unique, invaluable guide!

Beginning Java SE 6 Game Programming, third edition
Jonathan S. Harbour
Course Technology
20 Channel Center Street, Boston MA 02210
1435458086, $34.99, www.courseptr.com

The third updated edition of Beginning Java SE 6 Game Programming is a recommendation for beginning game programmers who already have some Java experience but who want to learn how to create games using the latest version of the Java SDK, Java 6. Easy language uses tutorials and examples showing how to write short programs that reinforce programming concepts. A step-by-step foundation is presented that creates key building blocks of knowledge in a pick for any game programming collection.

GPU Pro2
Wolfgang Engel, Editor
A.K. Peters
5 Commonwealth Road, #2C, Natick, MA 01760
9781568817187, $69.95, www.akpeters.com

GPU Pro2 offers the second volume in the GPU Pro book series, offering hands-on advice and procedures for resolving common graphics programming issues. Any who have the basics down will find this progresses to cover advanced rendering techniques and keys to integrating shadow maps and more. From post-processing effects on mobile devices to visibility for games, this offers advanced, specific formulas and keys in a pick especially recommended to accompany others in the series.

Microsoft Press
c/o O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein, Hwy N., Sebastopol, CA 95472-2811
www.microsoft.com/mspress

Joan Lambert and Joyce Cox's MOS STUDY GUIDE FOR MICROSOFT WORD, EXCEL, POWERPOINT & OUTLOOK EXAMS, 2010 (9780735648753, $44.99) includes an ebook of practice files, an exam discount offer, and chapters packed with exam prep for MOS certification. From objective-by-objective reviews and hands-on practice tests to reviews that explain concepts and their many applications, this is packed with keys to success and is a 'must' for any MOS exam-taker! Mike Snyder, Jim Steger and Brendon Landers' MICROSOFT DYNAMICS CRM 2011 STEP BY STEP (9780735648906, $34.99) provides easy numbered steps, screenshot examples, and tips for using practice files for hands-on experience and is a top pick for any student of Microsoft Dynamics CRM 2011. It teaches how to profile customer relationships, track customer activity, and access data in other areas from Outlook to the web, and it surveys campaigns, contracts and more. Learn to set up a dashboard of key metrics, copy campaign records, and create and edit a Knowledge Base with this outstanding guide! Dino Esposito's PROGRAMMING MICROSOFT ASP.NET 4 (9780735643383, $59.99) provides a fine guide to developing ASP.NET web solutions, and is a definitive guide for any web developer's collection. From learning how to configure ASP.NET to choosing server controls, managing sessions and using patterns for presentation, this is packed with examples and code and is a top recommendation for any programmer working with ASP.NET 4. Rob Miles' LEARN PROGRAMMING NOW: MICROSOFT XNA GAME STUDIO 4.0 (9780735651579, $29.99) tells game programmers how to create games for Xbox 360, Windows Phone 7 and other applications, teaching the basics while assuming no prior knowledge of computer programming. The basics of XNA and C# programming are revealed in projects that bring game ideas to life and teach how to build game objects, capture sounds, and create networked games. A fine pick for any game programmer's collection! Raffaele Garofalo's BUILDING ENTERPRISE APPLICATIONS WITH WINDOWS PRESENTATION FOUNDATION AND THE MVVM MODEL VIEW VIEWMODEL PATTERN (9780735650923, $19.99) tells how to create line-of-business applications with MVVM design, teaching the basics of UI design patterns and how to use the application for different project goals. Business programmers and developers will appreciate the hands-on tutorial covering all its basics plus practice exercises to reinforce learning. MICROSOFT EXPRESSION BLEND 4 STEP BY STEP (9780735639010, $44.99) teaches how to design rich user interfaces for Microsoft Silverlight-based applications using Expression Blend 4. It provides step-by-step approaches to using interactive elements without writing code, packing in screen images to help check work and showing how to build skills using ready-made practice files. Any collection strong in Microsoft Expression 4 must have this practice guide!

PKI Uncovered
Andre Karamanian, Srinivas Tenneti, Francois Dessart
Cisco Press
c/o Pearson Technology Group
800 East 96th St., Indianapolis, IN 46240
1587059169, $65.00, www.ciscopress.com

PKI Uncovered: Certificate-Based Security solutions for next-Generation Networks provides a powerful survey sharing best practices and experiences drawn from helping Cisco customers deploy PKI in different kinds of organizations, and is a must for any developer planning a PKI system. From secure remote access and using certificates to manage identity to offering guidelines for using PKI with Cisco operations and troubleshooting, this pairs case study examples with technical insights and is a 'must' for any networking library strong in security protocols.


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

The Herbal Alchemist's Handbook
Karen Harrison
Red Wheel/Weiser/Conari
65 Parker Street, Suite 7, Newburyport, MA 01950-4600
9781578634910 $21.95 www.redwheelweiser.com

The Herbal Alchemist's Handbook: A Grimoire of Philtres, Elixirs, Oils, Incense, and Formulas for Ritual Use lives up to its title as a user-friendly guide to herbalism, ancient alchemy, and practical magick. Author Karen Harrison applies her expertise in the field to this materia magica of more than 150 herbs as well as recipes for incense, oils, bath salts, herbal amulets, and philtres. Astrological influences are fully taken into account in this accessible compendium, highly recommended especially for new age and metaphysical reference shelves.

Gardens of the Elder Gods
M. Don Schorn
Ozark Mountain Publishing
PO Box 754, Huntsville, AR 72740
9781886940123, $17.00, www.ozarkmt.com

The universe is an ancient thing, and a few thousands years is nothing in the universe. "Gardens of the Elder Gods" is a metaphysical study of the existence of civilization and contact with other worlds made by M. Don Schorn, whose research on the topic tries to find proof of otherworldly meddling in our ancient history, the role of the great flood, and the ancient advancements of mankind. "Gardens of the Elder Gods" is filled with musings for the metaphysical thinker to ponder, recommended.

The Life Cycle of the Human Soul
Ralph Metzner
Regent Press
2747 Regent Street, Berkeley, CA 94705
9781587902130, $25.00, www.regentpress.com

In our early life, our fresh minds are tracking anything and everything. "The Life Cycle of the Human Soul" is the argument of Ralph Metzner that those earliest moments of our being are an imprint on our soul, starting our journey through the many stages of our lives. Stating our lives as we live them are only a small part of our existence, he reaches into metaphysical territory as he seeks to explain our role in the greater universe than surrounds us. "The Life Cycle of the Human Soul: Incarnation - Conception, Birth - Death - Hereafter - Reincarnation" is worth considering for those who want a different opinion on their life and what lies after.

Embodying Osiris
Thom F. Cavalli
Quest Books
c/o Theosophical Publishing House
PO Box 270, Wheaton, IL 60187-0270
9780835608800, $15.95, www.questbooks.net

Alchemy has left behind its state as a pseudo-science only to come back out as a spiritual journey. "Embodying Osiris: The Secrets of Alchemical Transformation" is a meeting of disciplines, as Thom F. Cavalli twists the ideas of Jungian psychology, Alchemy, and mythology together to present one discussion of philosophy and channel the very spirit of reinvention and self-renewal. With plenty of intriguing thoughts and theories, "Embodying the Osiris" is an excellent addition to any psychology and spirituality collection.

The Great Airship of 1897
J. Allan Danelek
Adventures Unlimited Press
303 Main Street, Kempton, IL 60946-0074
9781935487036, $16.95, www.adventuresunlimitedpress.com

The advancement of technology is filled with quiet successes and failures, but taking to the skies shouldn't be a success kept quiet. "The Great Airship of 1897: A Provocative Look at the Most Mysterious Aviation Event in History" discusses the existence of a dirigible that may have existed ten years before the Zeppelins of Germany began to take hold. In the Midwest, reports stated seeing the flying balloon, but are they creations of imagination and sensationalist journalists, or did an American create an airship before the Germans? "The Great Airship of 1897" is an intriguing study of forgotten history, recommended reading.


The Holocaust Studies Shelf

The Beasts of Buchenwald
Flint Whitlock
Cable Publishing
14090 E Keeinenen Rd., Brule, WI 54820
9781934980705, $24.95, www.cablepublishing.com

The worst monsters can hide behind the gentlest of demeanor. "The Beasts of Buchenwald: Karl & Ilse Koch, Human-Skin Lampshades, and the War-Crimes Trial of the Century" looks at the story of this couple and their vicious side. At home, it would have seemed like any other family, Ilse Koch faced a sensational war crimes tribunal after the war for her part in the atrocity, as her husband faced death by corruption. Chronicling the couple's story with much thought and detail, "The Beasts of Buchenwald" is an endlessly fascinating read, a core addition to any history or Holocaust studies collection.


The Homeowner's Shelf

Scott Cohen's Poolscapes
Scott Cohen
Schiffer Publishing
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
9780764337406, $39.99, www.schifferbooks.com

A pool can be far more than a rectangular area with water in it. "Scott Cohen's Poolscapes: Refreshing Ideas for the Ultimate Backyard Resort" is an idea book for those who want to embrace the pool as more than recreation, but as a place to fully enjoy leisure no matter the situation. Blending photography with architectural advice, Cohen and Elizabeth Lexau give readers plenty of wisdom on how to create something truly special with their pool, beyond a swimming hole. Discussing the area around the pool, such as bars, grills, chairs, and how the atmosphere blends together, "Scott Cohen's Poolscapes" is a must for anyone looking to design their own high end personal paradise.

Pest Control Simplified for Everyone
Danny Ledoux
Universal-Publishers
23331 Water Circle, Boca Raton, FL 33486-8540
9781599428376, $25.95, www.universal-publishers.com

Unwelcome guests who make life unpleasant for you are beatable, you just need to know how. "Pest Control Simplified for Everyone: Kill, Repel, or Mitigate Pests With or Without Pesticides" is a guide to winning the fight against the insect kind in one's own home front. Danny Ledoux advises readers on how to deal with a wide array of bugs and pests in their home, in a way that doesn't lead to later problems like damaging your yard or the environment. From termites to lice to ants and more, "Pest Control Simplified for Everyone" is very much recommended for anyone who wants to strike against these pests more effectively.


The Humor Shelf

Devil's Ink
Jeffrey C. Pugh
Fortress Press
PO Box 1209, Minneapolis, MN 55440
9780800698140, $11.95, www.fortresspress.com

Evil is very good at keeping up with the times. "Devil's Ink: Blog From the Basement Office" is a presentation of the blog of evil, as Jeffrey C. Pugh presents a more tech savvy and modern Satan who shares his opinions and paints a literal devil's advocacy of some subjects. With a blend of humor and wisdom, "Devil's Ink" is a unique, fun, and very thoughtful read, not to be passed up by religious readers who have a sense of humor.


The Self-Help Shelf

The Power of Your Past
John P. Schuster
Berrett-Koehler Publishers Inc.
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 650
San Francisco, CA 94104-2916
9781605098265, $15.95, www.bk-life.com

The Power of Your Past: The Art of Recalling, Reclaiming, and Recasting Your Past to Become a Better Leader shows that our pasts are the most under-utilized resource for any wanting positive change. Exercises are provided that link past events to achieving sounder interpretations, and are accompanied by inspiring histories of those who have experienced transformation through their own personal and professional pasts.

The Promise of Hope
Edward Grinnan
Guideposts
16 East 34th Street, New York, NY 10016
9780824948153, $19.99, www.edwardgrinnan.com

Yourself holds the power to make a better you. "The Promise of Hope: How True Stories of Hope and Inspiration Saved My Life and How They Can Transform Yours" is a guide to inspiration from Edward Grinnan who advises readers on how to use stories of those who overcame the odds of life to rise up and make something more of themselves and apply their success to their own life. Drawing on Grinnan's own experiences on how such tales spurred him to overcome the rough times of his life, "The Promise of Hope" is profound and is an advocacy of hope against all odds in our lives that sometimes feel too daunting to face head on.

Reboot Your Life
Catherine Allen & Collaborators
Beaufort Books
27 West 20th Street, Suite 1102, New York, NY 10011
Smith Publicity (publicity)
1930 E. Marlton Pike, Suite I-46, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
9780825305641, $15.95, www.rebootbreak.com

No one can live their life at a nonstop pace. "Reboot Your Life: Energize Your Career & Life by Taking a Break" is an advisory read for those who want to set their life on a more thoughtful path, by taking a step back away from it all to better assess one's hopes and dreams and where one is going on their current path. From talking one's superiors into allowing a sabbatical, to making the most of the break, to the differing degrees of away time, "Reboot Your Life" is thoughtful and insightful reading for anyone who wants to live at their best productivity.

The Four Purposes of Life
Dan Millman
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
9781932073492, $17.00, www.newworldlibrary.com

What makes you get up in the morning? "The Four Purposes of Life: Finding Meaning and Direction in a Changing World" is a guide to finding one's goals and purposes in life, as Dan Millman offers his reflections on why we live our lives, and push ourselves further. As we learn, as we find our purpose and try to live up to goals, and much more, there is much to remember so we don't leave our chosen path. "The Four Purposes of Life" is a thoughtful read with plenty of useful affirmation, highly recommended.


The Hunting/Fishing Shelf

Upper Columbia Flyfisher
Steven Bird
Frank Amato Publications
PO Box 82112, Portland, OR 97282
9781571884480, $35.00, www.amatobooks.com

If you want trout, you shouldn't look anywhere but the Columbia River. "Upper Columbia Flyfisher: Notes, Stories, & Secrets from the Shining Reach" gives readers a blend of fishing guide and memoir, speaking of this mighty river that feeds some of the best trout streams in the world. Steven Bird presents a volume that will educate and entertain fishers who want to get the most out of these rivers, organized by season so that readers can find information and stories relevant to current conditions. "Upper Columbia Flyfisher" is filled with knowledge that will please trout-lovers everywhere.


The Buddhist Studies Shelf

The Ninth Karmapa's Ocean of Definitive Meaning
Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche
Snow Lion Publications
PO Box 6483, Ithaca, NY 14851
9781559393706 $16.95 www.SnowLionPub.com

The Ninth Karmapa's Ocean of Definitive Meaning presents one of the most famous text on Mahamudra, originally written by the Ninth Karmapa (1556-1603). Traditionally, this text has only been available to advanced students; Khenchen Thrangu Rinpoche made the decision to share publically publish and share the core teachings during a retreat he led in 2001. Thrangu Rinpoche's presentation makes accessible a classic text about the artificial separation between phenomena and emptiness; chapters include "Looking Carefully at the Experience of Not Finding Anything", "Looking at the Mind within the Occurrence of Thought", "Pointing Out That Emptiness Is Spontaneous Presence", "Pointing Out That Spontaneous Practice Is Self-Liberation", and much more. An invaluable addition to Kagyu lineage Buddhist studies shelves, The Ninth Karmapa's Ocean of Definitive Meaning to advanced students and practitioners of the faith.

Bardo Teachings
Lama Lodu
Snow Lion
605 West State Street, PO Box 6483, Ithaca, NY 14850
9781559393669, $14.95, www.snowlionpub.com

Death is only the end if you view it as such. "Bardo Teachings: The Way of Death & Rebirth" is a book of Buddhist spirituality as Lama Lodu examines the philosophy and spirituality behind death through the microscope of Buddhism, describing the process of death, rebirth, and what of the afterlife. In a simple to read and understand format, "Bardo Teachings" is an excellent pick for anyone looking for a greater understanding of the Buddhist cycle of death.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

The Cypress House
Michael Koryta
Little, Brown
c/o Hachette Book Group
237 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
9780316053723, $24.99, www.hachettebookgroup.com

THE CYPRESS HOUSE is a top recommendation for any general lending library seeing popularity in supernatural fiction. Arlen is able to see death in a man's eyes - but when he awakens on a train one evening and sees his fellow passengers are doomed, he tries to warn them. Only a teen believes him and they abandon the train, only to find themselves trapped at an isolated boardinghouse in the path of a hurricane. Can they really beat their destiny? A gripping supernatural thriller evolves.

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Zombie Jim
Mark Twain and W. Bill Czolgosz
Gallery Books
c/o Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
9781451609783, $15.00, www.simonandschuster.com

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Zombie Jim provides a fine literary mix taking the Finn legend and adding a modern element in which the dead arise from a mutant strain of TB, causing a son to flee his undead father and journey down the Mississippi. The added zombie intrigue and fantasy segment makes for an involving remake of the Mississippi coming of age classic - and will be a pick for any fan of the old Huck Finn and the new science fiction focuses.

The Amazon Legion
Tom Kratman
Baen Books
Box 1403, Riverdale, NY 10471
9781439134269, $24.00, www.baen.com

The Amazon Legion tells of a colony planet where one Carrera has had his revenge, destroying those who had ruined his life by killing his family in a terrorist attack. Now there's political strife between warring factions over a nuclear armed United Earth Peace Fleet - and the Amazon Regiment is entrusted with the job of finishing freeing the planet - by placing women and children at the forefront of battle. An outstanding military fantasy emerges, recommended for any sci fi collection strong in military settings.

Blind Man's Bluff
Peter David
Gallery Books
c/o Simon and Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 14th fl.
New York, NY 10020
9780743429603, $16.00, www.simonandschuster.com

Another Star Trek: New Frontier title is recommended for collections that have seen prior enthusiasm for Peter David's AFTER THE FALL and MISSING IN ACTION. Here Captain Calhoun faces a dual threat from two dangerous forces - a mysterious alien rate bent on the destruction or domination of humanity, and a living creature turned computer simulation that represents a growing menace for the Federation. A fine tense science fiction thriller evolves!

Caledor: A Tale of the Sundering
Gav Thorpe
The Black Library
c/o BL Publishing
1525 Hulse Road, Unit 1, Pt. Pleasant, NJ 08742
9781849700511 $8.99 www.blacklibrary.com

The grand conclusion to the Sundering fantasy trilogy, Caledor: A Tale of the Sundering chronicles the darkest hour of the land of Ulthuan. The cruel Witch King has sent his dark elves to lay waste to the land, and deliver genocide to the high elves. Prince Caledor has claimed the Phoenix Crown and champions Ulthuan's last hope, in this action-packed, earth-shattering epic about making a final stand against all-encompassing darkness. Highly recommended.


The Psychology Shelf

The Aging Intellect
Douglas H. Powell
Routledge
270 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
www.routledge.com
9780415996853, $34.95, www.amazon.com

"The Aging Intellect" by Douglas H. Powell (Clinical Instructor in Psychology at Harvard Medical School and a Consultant in Psychology at McLean Hospital in Belmont, Massachusetts) addresses the issue of how and why a minority of adults in diverse cultures around the globe remain cognitively fit as they age. Why their minds and intellects continue to be sharp throughout the aging process while others experience loss of mental alertness and acuity. The issues and factors examined include lifestyle habits and attitudes, strategies minimizing mental decline, normal cognitive changes, and intellectual qualities that actually strengthen with age. Informed and informative, "The Aging Intellect" is fascinating read that is enhanced with a glossary, extensive footnotes, and a comprehensive index, making it an ideal and recommended addition to academic and community library collections.


The Railroading Shelf

Miniature Garden Guidebook
Nancy Norris
Kalmbach Publishing
P.O. Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187-1612
9780890247778, $21.95, www.kalmbachbooks.com

Miniature Garden Guidebook offers model railway buffs a fine key to creating a living landscape, and focuses on planning and designing railway gardens. Galleries of miniature gardens provide basic ideas for selecting plants, mastering the special needs of miniature landscapes, and more. Nancy Norris contributes columns for magazines on garden railway planning: her book provides winning discussions of specific plants and settings suitable for model railroaders.


The Architecture Shelf

Alvar Aalto Houses
Jari Jetsonen and Sirkkaliisa Jetsonen
Princeton Architectural Press
37 East 7th St., New York NY 10003
9781568989822, $50.00, www.papress.com

Alvar Aalto Houses provides nearly thirty of Scandinavian modernist Alvar Aalto's most important modern residences - many designed for famous personalities from the 1920s through the 1970s - and is a pick for any college-level arts library strong in architectural history. Color photos of interiors and exteriors accompany archival drawings by Aalto himself, and make for an outstanding survey of architectural genius perfect for any interested in Aalto's Finnish homes.

Solar Home Design Manual for Cool Climates
Shawna Henderson and Don Roscoe
Earthscan
c/o Stylus Publishing
Box 605, Herndon, VA 20172-0605
www.earthscan.co.uk
9781844079698, $49.95, www.amazon.com

Solar Home Design Manual for Cool Climates provides homeowners with a fine survey of renewable energy and solar heat and explains the basics of using solar energy to heat a home. It comes from the CEO of a design company who has been writing about energy efficiency and sustainable housing since 1992: chapters provide design outlines, summarize design points, and are a pick for any homeowner's collection where alternative energy is of interest.

Atlantic Publishing
1405 SW - 6th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471-0640
www.atlantic-pub.com

Robert McConkey's COMPLETE GUIDE TO BUILDING AFFORDABLE EARTH-SHELTERED HOMES (9781601383730, $24.95) is a fine pick for any collection strong in owner-builder guides. It interviews construction experts and earth-sheltered homebuilders and offers details of how you can create your own underground home, covering basic construction options, land choice and preparation, and working with prefab units to cut costs. Randy LaTour and Sarah Ann Beckham join forces with 101 DIFFERENT WAYS TO BUILD HOMES AND PENS FOR YOUR ANIMALS: A COMPLETE STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE (9781601383716, $24.95), written by an industrial designer and author who examines different kinds of animals and their pen needs. Over 101 different plans and methods for home pen building offer detailed instructions on how to meet the needs of different animals from snake pens to birdcages, cats and dogs to turtles.


The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf

Andrews McMeel Publishing
1130 Walnut Street
Kansas City, MO 64106-2109
www.andrewsmcmeel.com

Scott Hilburn's PUNS OF STEEL (9781449401054, $12.99) provides a fine all-color collection of Argyle Sweater single-panel cartoons, and is a 'must' for any ongoing fan of the panel or for former fans of Gary Larson's classic The Far Side. Far Side has been reincarnated here: everyday expressions, animals, and zany humor blend in a satisfyingly fun collection perfect for any collection seeing popularity with Larson's style. Parents and collections catering to them will find Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman's Zits character appealing - and the latest collection, DRIVE! (9781449401078, $12.99) offers sketchbook 14 in the Zits collection. Outstanding strips and panels capture the ongoing angst of the teen and his parental units, and make for an ongoing recommendation for general collections!


The Dance Shelf

Cuban Ballet
Octavio Roca
Gibbs Smith, Publisher
PO Box 667, Layton UT 84041
1423607589, $40.00, www.gibbs-smith.com

Any collection strong in dance history in general and ethnic dance history in particular must acquire CUBAN BALLET. It offers a lovely, illustrated book focusing on the life and career of Alicia Alonso, discusses spectacular Cuban ballet performances, and focuses on Cuban dancers within and outside of Cuba. From political issues involved in Cuban dance expressions to the evolving history of Cuban ballet, this is packed with powerful images and discussions and is a key acquisition for collections interested in either Cuban culture and history or dance.


The Judicial Studies Shelf

A Practical Guide to Fostering Law
Lynn Davis
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Box 960, Herndon, VA 20172-0980
9781849050920, $34.95, www.jkp.com

A Practical Guide to Fostering Law: Fostering Regulations, Child Care law, and the Youth Justice System surveys the key role foster parents play in a child's life, offering a detailed survey of the legal concerns and policies applicable to fostering law. Key areas of law show how foster care fits into the regulations surrounding childcare, explaining care proceedings, witness requirements, and what happens if a fostered person becomes involved in crime. Any collection catering to foster parents needs this different, specific reference.


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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