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California Bookwatch

Volume 2, Number 6 June 2007 Home | CALBW Index

Table of Contents

Donovan's Picks Art Shelf Crafts Shelf
Health/Medicine Shelf Judaic Studies Shelf Religion/Spirituality Shelf
Metaphysical Studies Shelf Self-Help Shelf Buddhist Studies Shelf
Business Shelf Money/Finance Shelf World History Shelf
Cookbook Shelf Military Shelf Computer Shelf
Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf Biography Shelf Writing/Publishing Shelf
Homeowner Shelf Architecture Shelf Christian Studies Shelf
Photography Shelf Social Issues Shelf Environmental Studies Shelf
Science Shelf Astronomy Shelf Antiques/Collectibles Shelf
Fantasy/SciFi Shelf Pets/Wildlife Shelf Music Shelf
Automotive Shelf Sports/Athletics Shelf Philosophy Shelf
Needlecraft Shelf California Shelf Travel Shelf
Audiobook Shelf    


Donovan's Picks

Words at Work
Mim Harrison
Walker & Company
175 – 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
0802715680, $16.95 www.walkerbooks.com

Fifteen professions are analyzed to uncover the unique vocabulary which lends to specialized communication skills and colorful approaches. WORDS AT WORK: AN INSIDER'S GUIDE TO THE LANGUAGE OF PROFESSIONS covers all kinds of positions, from everyday jobs such as a printer or hotelier to a pharmacist or symphony musician. As a light reference which doubles as a leisure browser's delight, it will provide special attraction for trivia and word fans and is a pick not just for business collections, but for general-interest libraries.

Intellectual Property and Information Wealth
Peter K. Yu
Praeger Publishers
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
0275988821, $400.00 www.praegr.com

Most discussions of intellectual property rights and issues have been regulated to lawyers and court decisions – so it's refreshing to find a volume which moves outside the legal system to address information and digital issues for a more general audience. College-level students of computer science, sociology, legal issues and contemporary issues will find this four-volume reference set simply invaluable, packing in discussions of protections and challenges to novels, films, music, computer programs and other digitally-affected media, and examining protection efforts, legal rights, global and cross-border protections and strategies, and more. Each volume includes plenty of quotes and references from authoritative source material and studies, and each provides pro/con discussions of related issues, making for an outstanding survey that should be a top pick of any college-level collection.

Mafia Allies
Tim Newark
Zenith Press
c/o MBI Publishing Company
Galtier Plaza, Suite 200, 380 Jackson Street, St. Paul, MN 55101-3885
0760324573, $24.95 www.zenithpress.com 1-800-458-0454

The Mafia is the most powerful criminal network in the world – but it was nearly destroyed by Mussolini, prospered in the U.S., and has even had condoned relationships with the U.S. government. Eyewitness accounts, intelligence documents, and newly available source material lend to an in-depth coverage of Mafia history and politics which reveals events not surveyed elsewhere. Both specialty collections covering terrorism and organized crime and general-interest public lending libraries will find MAFIA ALLIES engrossing.


The Art Shelf

Global Feminisms: New Directions in Contemporary Art
Maura Reilly and Linda Nochlin, Editors
Merrell Publishers Limited
49 West 24th Street, 8th floor, New York, NY 10010
1858943906, $54.95 www.merrellpublishers.com

Over 80 women artists from over 50 countries are profiled in the fine catalog Global Feminisms: New Directions in Contemporary Art, which captures feminist art since 1990. Struggles for women's equality are reflected in works by women who strive to portray alternative perspectives. GLOBAL FEMINISMS accompanies an exhibit which coincides with the thirtieth anniversary of the first major feminist art show to explore women in Western Art, but it stands well alone as a celebration of modern feminist perspectives and works and is an acquisition any college-level art or women's issues collection needs, pairing in-depth history and essays with full-page color photos.

The Altered Object
Terry Taylor
Lark Books
c/o Sterling Publishers
387 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10016
1579908799, $19.95 www.larkbooks.com

What stories do objects tell? Any everyday object can be easily transformed into art, and THE ALTERED OBJECT: TECHNIQUES, PROJECTS, INSPIRATION tells how, drawing from the author's own work along with over twenty other artists to explore the projects which evolve from perceptions of art in everyday life. Some projects are based on a single object, others profile artists' responses to unique items, still others use a range of materials to interpret themes. From collage to drawing and rubber stamping, it's an inspirational guide for any would-be artist.

Becoming Judy Chicago
Gail Levin
Harmony
c/o Crown Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
1400054125, $29.95 www.randomhouse.com

Any who would understand the life and influences of artist Judy Chicago must have BECOMING JUDY CHICAGO: A BIOGRAPHY OF THE ARTIST. Where other art titles focus on a pictorial representation of her achievements, BECOMING JUDY CHICAGO, in contrast, provides an in-depth study of her life and is the only biography to offer such depth and details, considering not only Chicago's influences and contributions, but how her works helped transform society. It's a survey all American artist reference collections must have.

The Jeweled Menagerie
Suzanne Tennenbaum & Janet Zapata
Thames & Hudson
500 – 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
0500286736, $34.95 www.thamesandhudsonusa.com

THE JEWELED MENAGERIE: THE WORLD OF ANIMALS IN GEMS provides a wealth of jeweled wonders from 19th century artists to survey world design developments through the 20th century. Animal jewelry and makers are profiled with a wealth of color photos and details that include both craftsmanship and historical reflection. Insights on jewelry makers and changing interests in how animals are represented in jewelry make for an inviting, revealing survey perfect for art collections strong in jewelry history and construction.

Distributed Art Publishers
155 Sixth Avenue, 2nd floor, New York, NY 10013-1507
www.daab-online.com 1-800-338-2665

Three strong presentations are top picks for art libraries specializing in interior design: all offer a narrowed focus on contemporary design projects perfect for inspiration and discovery. SPA DESIGN offers a focus on modern spas around the world, from L.A. to Hong Kong. Full-page color photos accompany designer details and web sites for easy cross-referencing for any seeking architects for specific projects. YOUNG EUROPEAN ARCHITECTS (3937718729, $32.95) offers at-a-glance biographical information on modern European architects along with full-page color samplings of their best achievement. Also included are artist web sites and exhibitions: same goes for YOUNG ASIAN ARCHITECTS (3937718419, $32.95), which offers full-page color interior and exterior shots of the latest architectural creations of young Asian architects. PLASTIC DESIGN (3937718605, $32.95) holds descriptions in four languages to accompany facing full-page color photos of interiors and exteriors incorporating plastic into design specs. Descriptions include construction and renovation notes and comment on how the incorporation of plastic's texture and colors enhanced projects. These books are 'musts' for any college-level arts library serious about contemporary world architectural representations.


The Crafts Shelf

Step-by-Step Guitar Making
Alex Willis
Fox Chapel Publishing
1970 Broad Street, East Petersburg, PA 17520
156523331X, $22.95 www.foxchapelpublishing.com

It's actually fairly easy to make an acoustic guitar, and any with some woodworking skills can master the rudiments with these basics plus Alex Willis' Step-by-Step Guitar Making in hand. Any collection strong in woodworking, music or crafts titles will welcome this guide, which shows how to make a steel-stringed OM cutaway model guitar with 14 frets. Full-size plans of the instrument plus discussions of both parts and how to tune and adjust them assure that musicians receive the most from a homemade effort.

The Complete Guide to Anime Techniques
Chi Hang Li, Chris Patmore, Hayden Scott-Baron
Barron's
250 Wireless Road, Hauppauge, NY 11788
0764133802, $21.99 www.barronseduc.com

Japanese animation is an influential media style with bright colors and dramatic entertainment value, and any who would draw or create anime characters would do well to begin with The Complete Guide to Anime Techniques, which surveys the basics of artwork, working with 3-D graphics, and more. From creating the script to storyboarding to distributing a finished movie, this moves beyond the usual focus on drawing to embrace the whole of anime, and is a top pick for any library where patrons favor anime discussions.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Fitness and Exercise Sourcebook
Amy L. Sutton, Editor
Omnigraphics
615 Griswold Street, Detroit, MI 48226
0780809467, $78.00 www.omnigraphics.com

Omnigraphics' 'Health Reference Series' is designed for general audiences seeking the latest authoritative health information, and FITNESS AND EXERCISE SOURCEBOOK is certain to be a popular lending pick or reference, updating information about the physical and mental benefits of exercise and explaining the basics of physical fitness and recent fitness trends, from weights and yoga to Pilates and aerobics. Chapters also survey the latest alternative exercise plans from gyms and home gyms to walking and games, making for an exceptionally well-rounded coverage perfect for any concerned about developing and understanding a fitness program.

Reasonable People
Ralph James Savarese
Other Press
2 Park Avenue, 24th Floor, New York NY 10016
1590511298, $25.95 www.otherpress.com

REASONABLE PEOPLE: A MEMOIR OF AUTISM AND ADOPTION tells of the author's adopted teen son DJ, discarded at the age of three and today making great strides using the Facilitated Communication technique. Autism is more a spectrum of conditions than a single condition as the name implies, embracing everything from basic communication difficulties to Asperger's Syndrome. FC is a technique from Australia involving a facilitator who aids an autistic person in typing: REASONABLE PEOPLE discusses not only one family's experience, but changing treatment models for autism. Any family or collection interested in autism will want to learn from this.

Buried in Treasures
David F. Tolin, Randy O. Frost, Gail Steketee
Oxford University Press
198 Madison Avenue, New York NY 10016-4314
0195300580, $16.95 www.oup.com

BURIED IN TREASURES: HELP FOR COMPULSIVE ACQUIRING, SAVING, AND HOARDING is written for those who have a compulsive hoarding problem: it comes from a team of scientists who have worked for over a dozen years on developing a program for treating hording, and chapters both define compulsive hoarding and offer strategies to begin to sort, discard and move away from hoarding habits. The authors have been featured on TV and in articles for their ground-breaking research, and BURIED IN TREASURES is thus a recommended pick beyond the usual college-level health library, reaching easily into public library collections with an easily-accessed format and approach.

This is Not The Life I Ordered
Deborah Collins Stephens, et.al.
Conari Press
65 Parker Street Suite 7, Newburyport, MA 01950
Red Wheel Weiser, dist.
368 Congress Street, 4th floor, Boston, MA 02210
1573243051, $19.95 www.conari.com www.redwheelweiser.com 1-800-423-7087

While THIS IS NOT THE LIFE I ORDERED: 50 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR HEAD ABOVE WATER WHEN LIFE KEEPS DRAGGING YOU DOWN is for any who have felt overworked or unlucky in life. It's a gathering of stories that reflect wisdom and practical advice from those who have 'been there', and tells of four ordinary women who have faced down extraordinary challenges: failed marriages, problems with stepchildren, miscarriages, foster parenthood challenges and more. One of them was shot and left for dead in South America; two have lived through the death of their spouses. How they survived makes for rich reading and much inspiration and shouldn't be limited to 'new age' sections: any public library needs this; it'll fly out the door once on display.

The Oxygen Prescription
Nathaniel Altman
Healing Arts Press
c/o Inner Traditions
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
1594771774, $19.95 www.healingartspress.com

Many disease states are caused by oxygen starvation at a cellular level: this is a fact scientists largely agree upon. THE OXYGEN PRESCRIPTION: THE MIRACLE OF OXIDATIVE THERAPIES, therefore, is founded on accepted scientific findings and not new age dreaming: it discusses oxidative therapies in holistic health and has been completely updated and expanded from its second edition to discuss such therapies in dentistry and veterinary medicine as well as general health. Discussions of such treatments for cancer, hepatitis and other disorders offer plenty of insights into medical findings and health interactions, making THE OXYGEN PRESCRIPTION a top pick for any modern health collection, especially those considering alternative therapy options.

The Brain That Changes Itself
Norman Doidge, MD
Viking Press
375 Hudson Street, New York NY 10014
067003830X, $24.95 www.penguin.com

Contrary to popular perception, the brain is actually a plastic organ which can alter its own structure and function even into old age – and the science of neuroplasticity challenges the idea that the adult brain is fixed and unchanging. THE BRAIN THAT CHANGES ITSELF: STORIES OF PERSONAL TRIUMPH FROM THE FRONTIERS OF BRAIN SCIENCE gathers together case histories of people whose conditions had been dismissed as hopeless – including that of a woman born with half a brain which rewired itself to work as a whole. The stories may seem fantastic initially, but all work together to illustrate the flexibility of the brain and its ability to compensate and recover – perfect for any health library.


The Judaic Studies Shelf

Yeshiva University Press
c/o KTAV Publishing
930 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
www.ktav.com

Two exceptional publications from the Yeshiva University Press in New York are top picks for collections strong in Judaic studies; particularly at the college level. Suzanne Last Stone edits RABBINIC AND LAY COMMUNAL AUTHORITY (0881259535, $25.00), a survey which presents essays covering the modern tensions shaping relations between the rabbinate and the lay community. The historical, political and Jewish legal perspectives which address Jewish community governance are revealed with plenty of technical references and cross-references perfect for a serious Judaic studies collection. Lawrence Schiffman and Joel Wolowelsky's WAR AND PEACE IN THE JEWISH TRADITION (0881259454, $35.00) covers the 16th annual Orthodox Forum in 2004 which addressed issues of war, peace and Jewish traditions. Here are scholarly discourses that survey perspectives on rabbinic tradition and perspectives on war and social conditions. Both are top picks any serious scholarly college-level Jewish collection needs.

My Holocaust
Tova Reich
HarperCollins
10 East 53rd Street, New York NY 10022-5299
0061173452, $24.95 www.harpercollins.com

MY HOLOCAUST isn't the usual nonfiction account one would expect: it's a fictional satire packed with social commentary, and its premise is certain to spark debate, interest and controversy. Here other minorities and causes want to profit from the Holocaust and its attention – and two opportunity-driven businessmen make their living peddling the Holocaust to groups that seek status through victimization. A Holocaust Museum effort backfires when terrorists try to take over the memorial in this eye-opening, politically-incorrect and challenging satire.


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

Failing America's Faithful
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend
Warner Books
1271 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
0446577154, $24.99 www.hachettebookgroupusa.com

FAILING AMERICA'S FAITHFUL: HOW TODAY'S CHURCHES ARE MIXING GOD WITH POLITICS AND LOSING THEIR WAY addresses a key topic which should be of interest to any American church community, blending the author's account of her Catholic family's involvement in the church with an overview of how churches became allied with the political right and began to create new social agendas as a result. The distortion and translation of typical Christian values is surveyed in the course of her examination of individuals within and outside the Church who have been exploring political values while neglecting traditional concerns such as care for the poor and needy. More than a condemnation, FAILING AMERICA'S FAITHFUL offers new avenues for social change and new hope for revitalization, and should be a part of any serious spiritual collection.

John of God
Heather Cumming and Karen Leffler
Beyond Words
c/o Atria Books
20827 N.W. Cornell Road Suite 500, Hillsboro, OR 97124-9808
1582701644, $22.95 www.beyondword.com

Every day literally hundreds of people wait in a small Brazilian town to see John of God, renown for his miraculous healing abilities. This is the first authorized portrait of his life and miracles, charting how the uneducated tailor began his life of service at age 16 after being visited by a vision. Color photos document his healings and some of those who have been healed, reviewing his messages and the impact he's had on the lives of his followers. Any in-depth spirituality collection will find it a top pick.

Eyes Wide Open
William D. Romanowski
Brazos Press
Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
1587432013 www.brazospress.com

EYES WIDE OPEN: LOOKING FOR GOD IN POPULAR CULTURE offers a revised, expanded edition of a standard best-selling survey of spirituality in the entertainment world. Here's a Christian perspective on the popular arts which lends well to any Christian library: a survey which blends theological analysis on culture and the arts with admonitions to Christians to find God in music, movies and popular culture. From aesthetic to religious experience, EYES WIDE OPEN is a winner, especially for college-level spirituality collections.


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

2013 Oracle: Ancient Keys to the 2012 Awakening
David Carson
Council Oak Books Ltd.
2105 East 15th Street, Suite B, Tulsa, OK 74104
1571781943, $29.95 www.counciloakbooks.com 1-800-247-8850

If you're seeking a set of divination cards which guide to rapid changes in the world, here's a set from the creator of the best-selling Medicine Cards, which uses old clues to predict the future. Each card features a key guidance for the 21st century using ancient knowledge from the Mayans and Aztecs in a set of oracle cards perfect for predicting the future. A cenote cloth is included and enhances a set perfect for individuals seeking extraordinary divination techniques and card sets.

Ascension Magick
Christopher Penczak
Llewellyn Publications
2143 Wooddale Drive, Woodbury MN 55125-2989
0738710474, $21.95 www.llewellyn.com

Ascension spirituality receives a new level of clarity and insight in ASCENSION MAGICK: RITUAL, MYTH & HEALING FOR THE NEW AEON. The history, spirituality and meaning of ascension theology and techniques are surveyed from a spiritual and magickal perspective, with chapters focusing on everything related, from the science of the seven rays and karma to channeling, Atlantis theory, sacred geometry and more. New age collections must have this.


The Self-Help Shelf

The Happiness Myth
Jennifer Michael Hecht
HarperSanFrancisco
353 Sacramento Street Suite 500, Sacramento, CA 94111-3653
0060813970, $24.95 www.harpersf.com

THE HAPPINESS MYTH: WHY WHAT WE THINK IS RIGHT IS WRONG comes from a philosopher, historian and poet who provides a history and survey of what really makes us happy. Assumptions about how happiness is pursued and realized are considered in a cultural history which challenges assumptions on how happiness is perceived and realized. From wisdom to drugs and money, THE HAPPINESS MYTH challenges conventional thinking – and offers up both anecdotes about failed and successful paths to happiness and discussions of trends and realities. Any new age or spiritual library will want this – as well as many a general-interest lending collection.

Repotting
Diana Holman and Ginger Pape
Hay House
Box 5100, Carlsbad, CA 92018-5100
1401911463, $19.95 www.hayhouse.com

REPOTTING: 10 STEPS FOR REDESIGNING YOUR LIFE is for the modern woman who seeks a better life or feels 'stuck' in an existing one, overwhelmed by destructive or repetitive cycles. The authors are entrepreneurs and lifestyle-trend experts who speak nationally on the question "how do I change my life?" Their book isn't another lecture: it's actually an interactive program of specific exercises which allow readers to tailor their own program for change, offering up tests to determine a readiness to change, chapters to help identify new goals, and keys to developing strategy. It's not just for 'new age' collections: any library strong in personal development books will want this user-friendly approach.

Mastering Life's Energies
Maria Nemeth, Ph.D.
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
1577315316, $15.95 www.newworldlibrary.com

MASTERING LIFE'S ENERGIES: SIMPLE STEPS TO A LUMINOUS LIFE AT WORK AND PLAY tells how to live a life which is happier and healthier through understanding the life energies – time, money, physical vitality and creativity – and how they interact to bring about enjoyment. From understanding move into discussions of how to support such energies, both internally and by creating a personal support system to encourage them – and enjoy recommendations on how to shift over goals and dreams to acknowledge both spiritual and real objectives. Maria Nemeth is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Master Certified Coach: her teachings are specific and inspirational


The Buddhist Studies Shelf

Mind Beyond Death
Dzogchen Ponlop
Snow Lion Publications
P.O. Box 6483, Ithaca, NY 14851
1559392762, $25.95 www.snowlionpub.com

The Tibetan teachings on bardos – the intervals of life, death and beyond – draws on a range of information to show how the concept of the bardos can conquer death. All six bardos – not just those covering death – are revealed in a survey of dream, meditation and daily life that examines death intervals and transformations. While a grounding in Tibetan spirituality is recommended first for maximum appreciation of these concepts, even newcomers will find it accessible, making it a fine pick any new age collection – particularly those strong in Tibetan spirituality – needs.

The Joy of Living
Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
Harmony Books
c/o Crown Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
0307346250, $24.00 www.randomhouse.com

Buddhists have long enjoyed the benefits of meditation – but how and why does it work? Both Buddhists, non-believers and scientists have spent much time analyzing this question, but Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche's THE JOY OF LIVING: UNLOCKING THE SECRET & SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS considers the principles behind the practice – and works with neurologists to back spiritual ideals with solid science. Principles of Tibetan Buddhism, neuroscience and quantum physics blend in an unusual coverage blends into a coverage which also offers basic meditation practices and their applications to everyday life problems. A top pick for any new age or general library collection.


The Business Shelf

Real Wealth of Nations
Riane Eisler
Berrett-Koehler Publishers
235 Montgomery, Suite 650, San Francisco CA 94104-2916
1576753883, $24.95 www.bkconnection.com

Social scientist Riane Eisler provides a different approach to economics in THE REAL WEALTH OF NATIONS: CREATING A CARING ECONOMICS. Where Alan Smith's classic provided the first and lasting explanation of how modern economics works as a market-driven force, REAL WEALTH OF NATIONS goes a step further for college-level and business holdings, building upon Smith's concepts to show the real wealth of nations lies in the contributions of people and environment. The idea is that caring for people and the environment builds the real wealth – and he proposes a new 'caring economics' which moves from the microcosm of the household to communities and nature to promote new values beyond stereotypes. An excellent survey any college-level collection strong in social science will want.

Hidden in Plain Sight
Erich Joachimsthaler
Harvard Business School Press
60 Harvard Way, Boston, MA 02163
1422101657, $29.95 www.hbspress.org

Business managers and executives who want keys to locating the potential for a company's expansion will want to consult HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT: HOW TO FIND AND EXECUTE YOUR COMPANY'S NEXT BIG GROWTH STRATEGY. It pinpoints changing consumer needs and usage patterns and tells how to use the DIG model to help companies understand the hidden opportunities for innovation, using the author's 20+ years studying company connections to help pinpoint customer-driven ideas. Business libraries catering to executives will find it a popular, inspirational pick.

Your Executive Coaching Solution
Joan Kofodimos
Davies-Black Publishing
1055 Joaquin Road, 2nd Floor, Mountain View, CA 94043
0891062211, $22.95 www.daviesblack.com

Informed coaching consumers make good choices and have positive results which can last a lifetime, and YOUR EXECUTIVE COACHING SOLUTION offers plenty of resources and guidelines on how to understanding coaching and evaluate its impact. From choosing the right coach based on experience and fit and tailoring coaching to individual needs to gaining support for behavior changes among colleagues, YOUR EXECUTIVE COACHING SOLUTION offers businesspeople checklists, real-world change cases, and more to supplement and foster the coaching experience, and is a 'must' for any business library catering to upper management patrons.

30 Reasons Employees Hate Their Managers
Bruce L. Katcher with Adam Snyder
Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York NY 10019
0814409156, $21.95 www.amacombooks.org

Over 50,000 employees tell why company morale and productivity are low and loyalty nonexistent in 30 Reasons Employees Hate Their Managers: What Your People May Be Thinking and What You Can Do About It. In synthesizing the surveys of over 50,000, this book helps pinpoint common problem areas, solutions which apply to the real world and work, and insights on the psychology of these solutions. A focus on each issue and how to resolve it lends practical analysis to the matter, making this a top pick recommended for both managers and business libraries seeking to quickly identify problems and enact changes based not upon time-consuming trial-and-error, but tested real-world experience.

How to Win Sales and Influence Spiders
Catherine Seda
New Riders
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
0321496590, $24.99 www.newriders.com 1-800-428-5331

HOW TO WIN SALES AND INFLUENCE SPIDERS: BOOSTING YOUR BUSINESS & BUZZ ON THE WEB is for any business professional who has heard how much can be made going online and who wishes to take advantage of the latest development in Web technology. Customers can be attracted for free – and here internet marketing veteran and entrepreneur columnist Catherine Seda shows exactly how, revealing secrets such as how to build an online reputation to maximize exposure, how to understand how search engine spammers can ruin efforts, and how to mimic successful Internet marketing strategies. A 'must' for any businessperson who would understand the opportunities and dangers of the latest web developments – and a 'must' for any library serious about catering to modern business people.

CEO Dad
Tom Stern
Davies-Black Publishing
1055 Joaquin Road, 2nd Floor, Mountain View, CA 94043
0891062254, $19.95 www.daviesblack.com

CEO DAD: HOW TO AVOID GETTING FIRED BY YOUR FAMILY uses a funny, cautionary tale to tell of one CEO's struggle to break free of the corporate world. It comes from a businessman and humorist who recounts a harried life alienating employees and potential clients and even his own family before turning his life around and includes dozens of fun cartoons which take a poke at modern business executives and their fast-paced, often skewed worlds. Both business libraries and general-interest collections will find it a funny, compelling title.

Beyond Buzz
Lois Kelly
Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York NY 10019
0814473830, $24.95 www.amacombooks.org

BEYOND BUZZ: THE NEXT GENERATION OF WORD-OF-MOUTH MARKETING is PR at its best: a discussion of how more effective word-of-mouth 'buzz' is generated to drive sales not from an advertising standpoint, but from personal experiences shared to create product interest and excitement. Lois Kelly is a branding specialist who believes making via 'buzz' is fostered by two-way communication with customers: a give-and-take which actually refines and defines desirable products. BEYOND BUZZ uses case studies of organizations that have mastered 'conversational marketing' to great success, and makes for an important addition to any business library.


The Money/Finance Shelf

Financial Armageddon
Michael J. Panzner
Kaplan Publishing
888 – 7th Avenue, 22nd Floor, New York NY 10106
141959608X, $25.00 www.kaplanpublishing.com

FINANCIAL ARMAGEDDON: PROTECTING YOUR FUTURE FROM FOUR IMPENDING CATASTROPHES surveys the main issues affecting the future of money in this nation, from mounting public and private debt and the issues surrounding retirement which will leave millions financially in trouble, to a minority of banks who control industry assets, and the troubling rise of adjustable rate mortgages. All these are indicators of possible trouble – and part of a process which Panzner warns may mark the end of the 'American dream'. As a 25-year veteran of global stock and currency markets who has worked for major banks and investment firms, Michael J. Panzner is in an excellent position to assess the indicators which point to increased risk and trouble, making FINANCIAL ARMAGEDDON essential for any serious business library collection.

Tax Deductions for Professionals
Attorney Stephen Fishman
Nolo Press
950 Parker Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
1413305571, $34.99 www.nolo.com

Architects, lawyers, physicians and other licensed professionals can all benefit from a tax guide tailored for them in Tax Deductions for Professionals, a survey of the special tax considerations applying to this group. From operating costs and health deductions of a professional business nature to handling entertainment, vehicles and travel, professional fees and more, TAX DEDUCTIONS FOR PROFESSIONALS appears in its second edition to completely update information with the latest tax laws and numbers. Public libraries as well as professional business-oriented collections will find this a fine steady reference.


The World History Shelf

Blowing Up Russia
Litvinenko and Felshtinsky
Encounter Books
900 Broadway, Suite 400, New York NY 10003-1239
1594032017, $25.95 www.encounterbooks.com

BLOWING UP RUSSIA: THE SECRET PLOT TO BRING BACK KGB TERROR accuses the Russian FSB of creating both the Chechen wars to thwart Russia's development towards democracy, and claims that the FSB are the true managers of Russian business and operate through bribes, theft and extortion. It is written by murdered spy Alexander Litvineko, who makes his accusations posthumously and shows how the Russian Federal Security Service organized the bombings. The narrative also comes from a former Lieutenant-Colonel of the FSB working with Felshtinsky, a historian at the Hoover Institution: it's a powerful condemnation for which the author paid with his life, and deserves a spot on the shelves of any modern Russian history holding.

A Shadow of Red
David Everitt
Ivan R. Dee
1332 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60622-2694
1566635756, $27.50 www.ivanrdee.com

A SHADOW OF RED: COMMUNISM AND THE BLACKLIST IN RADIO AND TELEVISION tells of the arrival of the Cold War and its politics in the broadcasting world, surveying the unique circumstances of the purge of the airwaves, different from movie industry blacklisting. This approach challenged media's free speech rights and affected writers, directors, and more – yet only five anti-Red watchdogs affected the media's freedoms and rights. SHADOW OF RED follows these five and uses interviews, personal correspondence, FBI reports and more to examine blacklister history and politics. A 'must' for any collection strong in media history or Cold War politics, especially at the college level.


The Cookbook Shelf

Delilah's Everyday Soul
Delilah Winder with Jennifer Linder McGlinn
Running Press
125 South 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103
0762426012, $29.95 www.runningpress.com

Delilah's Everyday Soul: Southern Cooking with Style is Southern chef Delilah Winder's first cookbook, and goes beyond most Southern cookbooks to add real-life stories and insights on cooking styles. From easy tips on preparation and serving to 'swanky' elements to parties and regional fare, DELILAH'S EVERYDAY SOUL packs color photos, memoir and recipes ranging from a party 'Spicy Shrimp' dish to Cod with Black-Eyed Peas. Even cooks who already have Southern cookbook collections will find many new dishes and approaches here, and libraries including regional American fare will find it a popular pick.


The Military Shelf

Chief of Station, Congo
Larry Devlin
Public Affairs
250 West 57th Street, Suite 1321, New York NY 10107
1586484052, $26.00 www.publicaffairsbooks.com

Author Larry Devlin arrived as the new chief of station for the CIA in the Congo five days after the country declared its independence, the army mutinied, and the government had collapsed: as he entered the country, streams of residents were fleeing. During his first year he was accused of murdering a charismatic political leader, saved the life of the man who carried out the military coup, and found himself confronting unheard-of challenges in Africa. CHIEF OF STATION, CONGO charts his many encounters and is a top pick especially recommended for college-level and military holdings strong in African culture and history.

Army 101: Inside ROTC In a Time of War
David Axe
University of South Carolina Press
1600 Hampton Street, 5th Floor, Columbia, SC 29208
1570036608, $24.95 www.sc.edu/uscpress

ROTC shapes the minds and bodies of future American military personnel – those who are projected to be the next generation of Army officers – and here journalist and war correspondent David Axe uses interviews with a representative sampling of ROTC cadets to consider those who choose to become Army officers in modern times. There are some thirty thousand cadets who participate in the ROTC today at nearly three hundred US colleges: this book considers their training, lives, and the ideological and military applications of today's modern ROTC.

Chosen Soldier
Dick Couch
Crown Publishers
1745 Broadway, #B1, New York, NY 10019-4305
0307339386, $25.95 www.crownpublishing.com 1-800-726-0600

America has long relied on its military might to combat conventional wars; but in the war on terror such might isn't enough, especially in the guerrilla war scenario. CHOSEN SOLDIER comes from a former Navy SEAL and offers a view of the training of the Amy Special Forces warrior, or Green Berets. It discusses training, tactics, and the strategic logic of using Special Forces in the battles, and presents first-person experiences from both commanders and common soldiers. A 'must' for any military library seeking a thorough representation of various American military strategies and combat forces.

Historical Dictionary of Cold War Counterintelligence
Nigel West
Scarecrow Press
4501 Forbes Blvd. #200, Lanham, MD 20706
0810857707, $115.00 www.scarecrowpress.com

College-level libraries strong in Cold War history and culture must have the reference Historical Dictionary of Cold War Counterintelligence: far from being your usual overview survey, it packs in a timeline of events, appendixes, bibliography, and hundreds of cross-referenced dictionary entries to follow the events on all sides. From spies and double agents to code names and intelligence agency subsets, this dictionary provides an important 'all in one' assessment of events, peoples, and philosophies key to understanding Cold War sentiments and politics.

Osprey Publishing
443 Park Avenue South Suite 806, New York NY 10016
www.ospreypublishing.com

The organization of Osprey's specialty military titles into categories by battles, units, and eras allows specialty military collections to fill in collections subjects with approaches which have very narrow scopes and perspectives. The 'Campaign' series focuses on early battles: new additions include Michael McNally's EASTER RISING 1916: BIRTH OF THE IRISH REPUBLIC (1846030676, $18.95) considers military details of one of the key events in Irish Nationalist History, from biographies of leaders involved in the uprising to discussion of battle strategies and their lasting social and political effects today. The 1916 rebellion is thus given new life and meaning in an overview which links early events to modern Irish culture. Steven J. Zaloga's THE SIEGFRIED LINE 1944-45: BATTLES ON THE GERMAN FRONTIER (9781846031212, $18.95) covers an operation which was one of the most frustrating, costly efforts by the US Army in Europe. An intense fortification effort on the Siegfried Line hampered Allied efforts: this narrowed focus considers the events and efforts of the US First and Ninth armies in the six-month fighting around the line, and will make for an important addition to any in-depth World War II collection focusing on specific battles. Osprey's 'Combat Aircraft 66' addition C-47/R4D SKYTRAIN UNITS OF THE PACIFIC AND CBI (9781846030468, $20.95) adds to a series which focuses on combat aircraft, providing histories, information researched by experts, and discussions of missions and craft alike. The C-47/R4D carried out many a strategic mission and paved the way for post-war military and civil air transport overseas: as such an understanding of the craft's development and deployment will lend to an overall understanding of the evolution of the aviation industry as a whole. Andrew Thomas' ROYAL NAVY ACES OF WORLD WAR 2 (9781856031786, $20.95) tells of the first American naval fighters acquired for the Royal Navy which achieved much success in action during the second world war. Chapters explore the planes their pilots, and their victories. Simon Jones' WORLD WAR I GAS WARFARE TACTICS AND EQUIPMENT (9781846031519, $17.95) surveys the use of poison gases during World War I, using both German and Allied efforts from the first gas attack by Germans to the 1918 Armistice. The gases, their delivery, and their influence on military strategy makes for an excellent coverage paired with rare wartime photos and diagrams of equipment. These are all specific, important titles military collections will relish.

Political History of America's Wars
Alan Axelrod
CQ Press
1255 – 22nd Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20037
156802956X, $155.00 www.cqpress.com

Political History of America's Wars details over 200 years of America's involvement in major wars and rebellions from the American Revolution to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Having the entire history under one cover allows for a fine narrative coverage blending primary source documents and biographies with political antecedents, events, and conflict consequences. Legislation, congressional resolutions, executive orders, court cases and more provide fine details on each conflict, biographies of notable individuals, and more. College-level collections strong in American history and political science need this: the political references are invaluable to have under one cover.

The Pacific War Papers
Donald M. Goldstein and Katherine V. Dillon, Editors
Potomac Books Inc.
22841 Quicksilver Drive, Dulles, VA 20166-2012
1574886339, $22.95 www.potomacbooksinc.com

The Pacific War Papers: Japanese Documents of World War II provides any collection serious about World War II coverage with an annotated collection of rare Japanese primary-source documents translated into English. While this won't be a pick for your casual history collection, it's an invaluable, unique addition for any more serious holding: these documents come from the collection of the late Gordon Prange, scholar of Pearl Harbor, who obtained them from Japanese naval leaders while working for the Military History Section of the American forces that occupied Japan. It's quite simply a 'must' for any in-depth World War II holding.


The Computer Shelf

Inside Lightwave V9
Dan Ablan
New Riders
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
0321426843, $59.99 www.newriders.com 1-800-428-5331

Any user of Lightwave v9 will find this in-depth reference has been completely updated for this latest version, comes from an award-winning animator and trainer, and offers a set of project tutorials which teach the program by example and project rather than the usual tutorial which focuses on concepts and ideas of applications. From character modeling and particle animation to hard and soft body dynamics and advanced camera tools, INSIDE LIGHTWAVE v9 offers up all the keys to success using tutorials based on real-world experiences, and will prove a must for Lightwave users and any comprehensive, in-depth computer program reference library.

How to Wow with Powerpoint
Richard Harrington & Scott Rekdal, et.al.
Peachpit Press
1249 – 8th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
032149573X, $39.99 www.peachpit.com

Two top-notch graphic design professionals offer up high standards for Powerpoint presentations which go far beyond the rudiments in How to Wow with Powerpoint, a guide to achieving the next level of potential with the program. Non-designers will appreciate the easy approach that focuses on building good design principles to build more effective presentations. From selecting and preparing images to blend in sound and motion and moving from slides to animated presentations, HOW TO WOW WITH POWERPOINT is a reference any computer or business library needs: it's packed with visuals and an easy format which lends to use..

Webbots, Spiders, and Screen Scrapers
Michael Schrenk
No Starch Press
555 DeHaro #250, San Francisco CA 94107
1593271204, $39.95 www.nostarch.com

Programmers and businesspeople who want to use the Web's resources to make the most of locating or promoting data will find Webbots, Spiders, and Screen Scrapers a key to successful use of the web. From how to decode encrypted files and automate form submissions to unlocking password-protected websites and placing automatic bids on web auction sites, this comes from a developer who has developed webbots and spiders for clients across North America, and who has all the insider keys to usage. It's a top pick any comprehensive computer library needs.

CCNP Video Mentor
Kevin Wallace, CCIE
Cisco Press
c/o Pearson Technology Group
800 East 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3770
1587201801, $89.99 www.ciscopress.com

CCNP VIDEO MENTOR holds over five hours of personal video instruction on CCNP configuration tasks: while not a pick for the casual computer user or non-CCNP programmer, it will prove CCNP visual instruction perfect for any who plan on using CCNP in configuration processes. From lab setup and device addressing to traffic flows, network operations, routers and more, any facing the CCNP exam must have this package. It's a top pick highly recommended for either self instruction or college-level classrooms.

Cyber Rules
Joanie Farley Gillispie & Jayne Gackenbach
W.W. Norton
500 – 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
039370484X, $23.95 www.wwnorton.com

CYBER RULES: WHAT YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE INTERNET is tailored for clinicians, parents and educators who wish to understand how the 'net is changing traditional theories of human developing, fostering new forms of interactions and new psychology about development. It sounds technical but in fact makes for easy reading, comes from a private practitioner who also teaches courses in health psychology and case management, and is packed with personal stories and advice on Internet management and interactions. A 'must' for any collection strong in psychology, Internet sociology or education.

AutoCAD Secrets Every User Should Know
Dan Abbott
Sybex
c/o Wiley Publishing
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5773
0470109939, $39.99 www.wiley.com 1-800-225-5945

There are plenty of general AutoCAD programmer's guides on the market and most offer a solid set of the basics plus some customization tips and techniques – but few offer up the depth of AUTOCAD SECRETS EVERY USER SHOULD KNOW, which focuses on tricks of the trade even many veterans don't know. Here are tips on applying graphics standards, leveraging 3D, changing thousands of drawings using scripts and batch files, and much more. Chapters even cover DOS functions. And to test all this newfound knowledge, a concluding chapter AutoCAD Puzzlers offers real-world challenges to test new user skills. Any AutoCAD user needs this.


The Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf

Dreamgirls
Bill Condon
Newmarket Press
18 East 48th Street, New York 10017
1557047375, $19.95 www.newmarketpress.com

Any who have seen the production DREAMGIRLS, which is still popular a quarter century after its first Broadway production, will find the DREAMGIRLS photo book perfect for capturing the magic of the recent popular film. Photography by David James brought the Dreamgirls sensation to life and here over 200 color stills and concept paintings blend with archival photos to make for a catalog of film highlights perfect for any contemporary film library.

Gangster Film Reader
Alain Silver & James Ursini, Editors
Limelight Editions
c/o Hal Leonard Corporation
512 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
0879103329, $20.00 www.limelighteditions.com 1-800-637-2852

The rise of the popular gangster film genre began in the early 1930s to reflect the real history and rise of gangsterism in American society, producing early classics which would be released back to back, were modeled on newspaper and real-life situations, and which would bring gangsterism to the public eye by defining and surveying notorious personalities and groups. GANGSTER FILM READER reviews the genre through reprints of key articles, new essays and critical analysis produced for this collection, and over 200 original photos. Film libraries will consider it a 'must', while many a college-level library on social issues will also find the topic relevant to 20th century American history discussions.

Acting Teachers of America
Ronald Rand and Luigi Scorcia
Allworth Press
10 East 23rd Street, New York NY 10010
1581154739, $19.95 www.allworth.com

Libraries strong in performing arts representations will find ACTING TEACHERS OF AMERICA a top study representing the teachings and ideas of a professional group of American acting teachers. Interviews ask questions about acting in this country, from approaches to teaching acting, voice and body work to changing methods of teaching and acting. What differentiates ACTING TEACHERS OF AMERICA from the usual 'how to act' title is that the insights come from practicing, long-time drama teachers who lend additional insights into the evolution of modern drama.


The Biography Shelf

Great Big Beautiful Doll
Eric & D'Eva Redding
Barricade Books
185 Bridge Plaza North, Suite 308-A, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
1569803285, $16.95 www.barricadebooks.com

GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL DOLL: THE ANNA NICOLE SMITH STORY couldn't be more timely: it's released in a newly updated edition to provide a biography of Smith's rise to fame and her glitzy, bright life. The authors aren't outsiders to her life, either: Redding is the photographer who helped launch her career with his Polaroid's; his life was Smith's hairstylist. Their personal relationship with Smith spices her biography and the inclusion of many rare photos makes for a 'must' acquisition for any general lending library; especially those where biographies of celebrities are in demand.

Visionaries
Satish Kumar and Freddie Whitefield, Editors
Chelsea Green Publishing
Box 428, White River Junction, VT 05001
193392533, $25.00 www.chelseagreen.com

VISIONARIES: THE 20TH CENTURY'S 100 MOST IMPORTANT INSPIRATIONAL LEADERS provides high school and college-level students with a series of essays which considers the lasting influence of 20th century visionaries who helped change the world. Many struggled for years in obscurity, operating behind the scenes of common leadership: others have been largely recognized. From writers, scientists and educators to world leaders and spiritual figures, essays analyze the lives, teachings and works of these ecological, spiritual visionaries. Both school and general-interest collections will find it an inspiring volume as appropriate for classroom assignment as for leisure reading.

Camelia: Save Yourself By Telling the Truth
Camelia Entekhabifard
Seven Stories Press
140 Watts Street, New York NY 10013
1583227199, $23.95 www.sevenstories.com

Camelia was six years old when the Shah of Iran was overthrown in her country: her family chose to stay in Tehran and saw two decades of violent change which affected their family. CAMELIA is for any who would understand the culture and politics of Iran: its autobiography recounts the author's life in the country, where she was a nationally celebrated poet as a teen, one of the youngest reformist journalists in Tehran by eighteen, and imprisoned eight years later. Her relationship with brutal interrogators, her ultimate survival and her struggle coping with freedom makes for a haunting document of repression which is a top pick for any general-interest or college-level collection strong in Middle East culture and history.


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

The Pirate Primer
George Choundas
Writer's Digest Books
c/o F&W Publications
4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236
1582974896, $19.99 www.writersdigestbooks.com

THE PIRATE PRIMER: MASTERING THE LANGUAGE OF SWASHBUCKLERS AND ROGUES represents the only general reference to examine the language of pirates, offering up a pirate vocabulary complete with pronunciation and grammar. Three centuries of distinctive terms and usages from TV, literature and history blend into entries organized by 'oaths', 'commands', 'retorts' and more. Any writer involved in pirate representation needs thorough knowledge of the lingo, making THE PIRATE PRIMER a pick for any writer's library.

Archetypes for Writers
Jennifer Van Bergen
Michael Wiese Productions
3940 Laurel Canyon Boulevard #1111, Studio City, CA 91604
1932907254, $22.95 www.mwp.com

Years of training in theatre and decades of teaching lends to the author's unique approach of how to utilize personal archetypes to fuel stories – and how to find such archetypes. Screenwriters and any library catering to them will find ARCHETYPES FOR WRITERS: USING THE POWER OF YOUR SUBCONSCIOUS packed with exercises and keys to utilizing them successfully, from understanding character facts and dialogue to underlying psychology. Examples of monologues, dialogues, and effective scripts throughout lend body and insight to an excellent survey essential for screenwriters who want to get the most from their efforts.


The Homeowner Shelf

Ultimate Guide to Plumbing
Merle Henkenius
Creative Homeowner
24 Park Way, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
1580113117, $19.95 www.creativehomeowner.com

Merle Henkenius holds a master plumber's license and has extensive experience in home construction, so he's the perfect author to create a do-it-yourself plumbing guide in ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PLUMBING: COMPLETE PROJECTS FOR THE HOME, which appears in a new, expanded edition to provide basic step-by-step instruction for installing sinks faucets, showers and repairing all such fixtures. Color photos throughout accompany step-by-step instructions and flow charts which are easy to follow, making this an excellent pick for both do-it-yourself homeowners and libraries catering to them.


The Architecture Shelf

Diary of an Eco-Builder
Will Anderson
Green Books
c/o Chelsea Green Publishing Company
PO Box 428, White River Junction, VT 05001-0428
1903998794, $30.00 www.chelseagreen.com 1-800-639-4099

Will Anderson's articles in The Independent about his experiences building an 'eco-house' had a great following, and Diary of an Eco-Builder shares his ideas and experiences, from foundation to finished home. In providing a diary format to chart the daily challenges of such a venture, DIARY OF AN ECO-BUILDER covers all the major challenges of the process and will provide homeowners and would-be builders with both inspiration and insight. Perfect for any library strong in 'do it yourself' or home reconstruction or construction projects.

New Bungalow Kitchen
Peter Labau
Taunton Press
Box 5507, Newton, CT 06470-5507
1561588628, $30.00 www.taunton.com

Bungalow kitchens are associated with artistic tiles, built-ins perfect for small spaces, and more – but how can they work with modern appliances like a large, professional range? Architect and author Peter Labau shows how in NEW BUNGALOW KITCHEN, a design guide which pairs historical background and insights on traditional bungalow kitchen design with updated details on how to blend in the latest kitchen basics. Original photos and illustrations perfect for remodeling ideas and choices make for an inspirational 'how to' guide recommended for any library strong in home remodeling; particularly in an area where bungalow architecture abounds.


The Christian Studies Shelf

AD 33: The Year That Changed the World
Colin Duriez
IVP Books
Box 1400, Downers Grove, IL 60515-1426
083083396X $22.00 www.ivpress.com

Modern descriptions and Jewish scriptures of the early church contribute to a survey of the city of Jerusalem during the year of Jesus' death: a religious, historical and social odyssey recommended as an item of particular interest to spirituality holdings, particularly at the college level. First-century Palestine comes to life as well as Roman empire history, culture and interactions in a wide-ranging survey which links Biblical passages and history with a reconstruction of the times.

Grace in Practice
Paul F.M. Zahl
William B. Eerdmans
2140 Oak Industrial Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
0802828973, $18.00 www.eerdmans.com

How can Christians live life under grace? Paul Zahl is a scholar and a dean of Trinity Episcopal school for Ministry: his GRACE IN PRACTICE: A THEOLOGY OF EVERYDAY LIFE is for any who would understand how the state of grace interacts with law, church and society. Zahl's expanded view of grace embraces interpersonal, social and political actions alike, and provides college-level readers and collections strong in spirituality with a scholarly survey perfect for classroom debates and in-depth understanding.

Charisma
Philip Rieff
Pantheon
c/o Random House Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
0375424520, $26.95 www.randomhouse.com

CHARISMA: THE GIFT OF GRACE, AND HOW IT HAS BEEN TAKEN AWAY FROM US tells of the idea of charisma from its earliest recognition by Old Testament prophets to the first charismatic, Jesus of Nazareth, and how charisma became part of the Christian church's evolution. Rieff argues for a different understanding of the relationship between charisma and faith, examining traditional and modern perceptions and paving the way for a dialogue between believers on the topic. An intriguing discussion, CHARISMA should prove of interest to any serious religious collection.


The Photography Shelf


Advanced Digital Photography
Tom Ang
Amphoto Books
770 Broadway, New York NY 10003
0817432728, $24.95 www.amphotobooks.com

The revised edition of ADVANCED DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY: TECHNIQUES & TIPS FOR CREATING PROFESSIONAL QUALITY IMAGES provides plenty of easy tips to enable novices with the basics to move to the next level of photography technology management. Here are tips on correcting distortion, scanning techniques, dodging and other advanced photo manipulation techniques – all with plenty of color photo examples, all with boxed tips making for quick, at-a-glance instruction. A top pick and 'must' for any general interest or specialty library strong in digital photo guides.

The Best of Wedding Photography, 3rd Edition
Bill Hurter
Amherst Media
PO Box 586, Buffalo, NY 14226
1584282088, $34.95 www.amherstmedia.com

The third edition of THE BEST OF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY blends the history of wedding photography and past and future trends with the basics on cameras, lighting equipment, posing and techniques for making all subjects look their best, and will prove an invaluable how-to guide for any who want to learn industry leader secrets to professional-quality wedding photography. Here are the keys to successful shooting on location, avoiding common pitfalls and more. Color photos throughout illustrate examples.


The Social Issues Shelf

Blood of the Earth
Dilip Hiro
Nation Books
245 West 17th Street, 11th Floor, New York NY 10011
1560255447, $15.95 www.nationbooks.org

BLOOD OF THE EARTH: THE BATTLE FOR THE WORLD'S VANISHING OIL RESOURCES provides both a background history of the formation and use of oil and its evolution as a commodity sparking world interactions, development, and conflicts. This background provides fuel to survey the peaking of oil output and its likely affects on world production, politics, and everyday life: BLOOD OF THE EARTH is thus required reading not only for high school students surveying future energy issues, but for the general-interest collection.

Immigration in America Today: An Encyclopedia
James Loucky, Jeanne Armstrong & Larry Estrada, Editors
Greenwood Press
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
0313312141, $89.95 www.greenwood.com

From adoption and gangs to crime, domestic work, legal issues and social conflicts, the encyclopedia Immigration in America Today is a top, recommended pick for any high school to college-level collection strong in social issues. Entries here do more than define: they offer often pages of detail and insights, conclude with bibliographic references for further reading and research, and provide background history essential to understanding the foundations of modern immigrant rights and debates. An excellent supplement for any collection seeking a definitive starting point on immigration history and issues.

A Crowd of One
John Henry Clippinger
Public Affairs
250 West 57th Street, Suite 1321, New York NY 10107
1586483676, $25.00 www.publicaffairsbooks.com

A CROWD OF ONE: THE FUTURE OF INDIVIDUAL IDENTITY surveys the history and culture of the individual, examining biological identity, how social functions and emotions translate between individuals, and how humans discover both individual identity and common, shared purpose in communities. College-level libraries strong in social issues will find this a fine discussion of how cultural issues are approached and how the history of human progress is one of seeking and making connections – and how these have evolved over time.


The Environmental Studies Shelf

Heat: How to Stop the Planet from Burning
George Monbiot
South End Press
7 Brookline Street #1, Cambridge, MA 02139
0896087794, $22.00 www.southendpress.org

George Monbiot is one of the world's most influential radical thinkers and has both an influential website and is a weekly columnist for the Guardian. His HEAT surveys environmental policy with an eye to explaining and exploring the science behind global warming, human decision-making processes on environmental disasters, and the underlying forces at work to prevent the transformation of energy-eating systems. HEAT is a call to action and an explanation of corporate disinformation campaigns and political maneuvering: it provides essential keys to understanding why we are in a dilemma today, and it's a top pick for both college-level holdings strong in social issues and general lending library collections alike.


The Science Shelf

100 Greatest Science Discoveries of All Time
Hendall Haven
Libraries Unlimited
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
1591582652, $35.00 www.lu.com

While this reference is indicated for students grades 6 and up, it's reviewed here for its importance and relevance to many a high school to adult reader who wants a chronological chart of the most notable scientific discoveries, from Archimedes' discovery of the two basic principles underlying physics to discoveries about human anatomy and black holes. From health to astronomy, fun facts about these scientific breakthroughs gather the real stories behind discoveries and reveal how scientists work to prove or disprove theories.

Roadside Geology of Louisiana, 2nd Edition
Darwin Spearing
Mountain Press Publishing
Box 2399, Missoula, MT 59806
0878425306, $20.00 www.mountainpress.com

The second updated edition of Roadside Geology of Louisiana is especially important to any regional geology or Louisiana geology collection because it updates a 1995 edition and adds newly updated sections to include recent geologic changes from Hurricane Katrina. Here are treks complete with maps, charts and discussions blending travel and geology under one cover, along with a survey that breaks Louisiana into regional chapters for quick, easy access. Especially recommended for destination travels to Louisiana with a special interest in geology and history.


The Astronomy Shelf

Protostars and Planets V
Bo Reipurth, David Jewitt and Klaus Keil, Editors
University of Arizona Press
355 S. Euclid Avenue, Suite 103, Tucson, AZ 85719
0816526540, $90.00 www.uapress.arizona.edu

With nearly a thousand pages of information, nearly seventy black and white photos, and hundreds of line drawings, Protostars and Planets V is a winning selection for any serious college-level holding strong in astronomy. It's the newest volume in the Space Science Series and contains articles from over two hundred contributing professionals, building on the latest advances in astronomy and providing fine cross-disciplinary approaches to the genre. From how stars form and different formations to issues of life in the universe, astronomy students receive an exceptional, in-depth coverage.


The Antiques/Collectibles Shelf

Standard Encyclopedia of Pressed Glass, 5th Edition
Bill Edwards & Mike Carwile
Collector Books
Box 3009, Paducah, KY 42002-3009
1574325485, $29.95 www.collectorbooks.com

The 5th updated edition of a pressed glass classic continues to be a 'must' for any avid collector of the medium: it covers glass companies, shapes and patterns, decoration definitions and insights on table glass factories, and more, blending in history with the latest values and collecting trends. Color photos on every page make it easy to identify pieces, while accompanying descriptions comment on cuts, names, pattern development, design modifications and changes, and more. Simply packed with detail, any authoritative glass collecting collection needs STANDARD ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PRESSED GLASS 1960-1930.

A Guide Book of Buffalo and Jefferson Nickels
Q. David Bowers
Whitman Publishing LLC
3101 Clairmont Road Suite C, Atlanta, GA 30329
0794820085, $19.95 www.whitmanbooks.com

A Guide Book of Buffalo and Jefferson Nickels is the eighth entry in the Bowers Series of numismatic references: while general-interest holdings might find it too specialized a reference, any library strong in coin collecting must have this. Fine historical background accompanies detailed high-resolution enlargements of coins and discussions of mintages, market values in different grades, and even a reference to error coins. The chronological arrangement and discussion lends not only to quick identification, but to quick assessment of background history and values, making for a 'must' any serious coin collector needs.

How to Recognize and Refinish Antiques for Pleasure and Profit, 5th Edition
Bob Brooke
Globe Pequot Press
Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437
0762740221, $16.95 www.globepequot.com

If you have an attic of old items or a penchant for garage sales and 'junk', you may be surprised to find with that only a few simple tools you can turn inexpensive 'found objects' into treasures for a personal collection or resale. This is for the part-time antique collector and provides tips on everything from evaluating furniture, metal, and other common items to gluing, coloring, and refinishing antiques. An excellent guide any part-time hobbyist or collection catering to them needs.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

Ships of the Line
Doug Drehler and Margaret Clark
Pocket Books
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
1416532439, $19.95 www.simonandschuster.com

SHIPS OF THE LINE is for avid Star Trek fans who like to move beyond watching repeats to delve into the technical aspects of Trek and its science. Celebrating 40 years of Star Trek, SHIPS OF THE LINE gathers together, for the first time, images from the Star Trek: Ships of the Line calendars, packing each image – originally created just for Pocket Books – into a memorable keepsake book. Text by Michael Okuda, who wrote THE STAR TREK ENCYCLOPEDIA, offers the stories behind each of these ship ideas. The full-page illustrations are striking, making for a powerful keepsake any Star Trek fan will want.

Baen Books
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
www.baen.com

John Ringo and Tom Kratman's YELLOW EYES (1416521038, $26.00) tells of the arrival of the Posleen invaders who are determined to take the Panama Canal and doom the US to starvation – and the small band of warriors determined to fight against this scenario. The Armored Combat Suits, rejuvenated U.S. veterans from the decades when Panama was a colony, and the Panamanians alone are all that stand between an alien invasion and the world in this fast-paced military thriller. Stoney Compton's RUSSIAN AMERIKA (141652116X, $24.00) is also a fine story of war and revolution, set in 1987 Alaska in an alternate world where Alaska is still a Russian possession. Revolution, battle, and one man's struggle come to life in an exciting alternate American history story. Joe Haldeman and Martin H. Greenberg edit FUTURE WEAPONS OF WAR (1416521127, $24.00) featuring all-new stories of future wars and amazing futuristic weaponry. There are not only seasoned writers of military science fiction here, but stories by those who do other kinds of science fiction works as well, such as Gregory Benford, known for hard science fiction. Strong characterization and vivid plots make for an exciting collection. David Weber and Linda Evans' HELL HATH NO FURY (1416521011, $26.00) tells of two men who come from very different worlds who meet in a forest on a duplicate planet Earth. It's the first contact with any other trans-universal human civilization – but violence enters in, and evolves into the first trans-universal war in HELL HATH NO FURY, a charged, wide-ranging adventure. All are top picks for discriminating military science fiction collections seeking a cut above the ordinary.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Penguin Life
Andy Rouse
David & Charles
c/o F&W Publications
4700 East Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236
0715326821, $19.99 www.fwpublications.com

Penguin images pair with penguin facts in a rollicking title that captures the fun penguins experience with daily life, from diving and surfing to romance. Lovely color photos set against the backdrop of blue skies and snowy scenes alike capture the natural history and joy of penguins in PENGUIN LIFE: SURVIVING WITH STYLE IN THE SOUTH ATLANTIC, a pick any general-interest library will want.

The Parrot Companion
Rosemary Low
Firefly Books Ltd.
66 Leek Crescent, Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 1H1
1554071992, $19.95 www.fireflybooks.com

Responsible ownership of parrots means understanding thoroughly how to keep the bird happy and healthy – and THE PARROT COMPANION: CARING FOR PARROTS, MACAWS, BUDGIES, COCKATIELS AND MORE is the item of choice for so doing. Charts offer insights into differences between species so owners can tailor parrot choice and care, while safety tips for parrot and keeper, common behavior and physiological problems, step-by-step training, and more make for a pet owner's reference certain to receive popular attention in any lending library setting.


The Music Shelf

Iggy Pop: Open Up and Bleed
Paul Trynka
Broadway Books
1745 Broadway, New York, NY, 10036
0767923197, $23.95 www.broadwaybooks.com 1-800-726-0600

This lively survey surprisingly represents the first full biography of Iggy Pop, one of rock and roll's major figures, and provides a fun collection gathering the experiences of fellow rock musicians, members of the public and media, and any who encountered Iggy Pop. From song releases and the rise to fame to Iggy's involvement in the drug culture, this is a top pick for any fan of Iggy and the Stooges who wants to know more about the musician and his contemporaries. Black and white photos round out a pick highly recommended for any general lending collection strong in modern music histories and biographies.

Metal: The Definitive Guide
Garry Sharpe-Young
Jawbone
c/o Hal Leonard Corporation
1700 – 4th Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
1906002010, $27.95 www.jawbonepress.com www.halleonard.com

Fans of heavy metal who enjoy reading and learning about the genre will find appealing METAL: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE. It blends biography, history, critical analysis and a fine reference section to profile all the major heavy metal artists along with related niche acts around the world, and includes a interviews with many major heavy metal musicians, discographies, and more. It's packed into a survey which also features the sub-genres of heavy metal – goth, black, etc. – in an A-Z of key artists. Any lending collection strong in general-interest, contemporary music must have this.

Picture Yourself Drumming
Jon Peckman
Thomson Course Technology
25 Thomson Place, Boston, MA 02210
1598633309, $34.99 www.courseptr.com

From a step-by-step setup for a drum kit to reading music, learning professional drumming techniques, and practicing the right way, PICTURE YOURSELF DRUMMING is for any beginning drummer who wants to start out on the right foot. Learn how to use expert techniques to make a band sound great, play and invent grooves, and more with this book/DVD package which offers up a logical, progressive drum instructional perfect for drummers who would supplement classroom teachings with more specific routines for advancement.


The Automotive Shelf

Cars of the Sensational 60s
Dan Lyons
Krause Publications
700 East State Street, Iola, WI 54990-0001
089689388X, $29.99 www.fwpublications.com

In the 1960s autos came into their own with a vast range of design styles, colors, shapes and sizes: the wide-ranging results were show cars and street model varieties unparalleled in auto history. Here to capture it all is Cars of the Sensational 60s, a blend of photo display and survey of some of the most notable, revealing names in auto history. Any American car fan must have this: it neatly charts a decade of auto innovations under one cover and while it's suitable for coffee table embellishment, it also packs in specs and details for auto fans who want in-depth reporting. Any library strong on auto history or transportation will want this.


The Sports/Athletics Shelf

Just Play Ball
Joe Garagiola
Northland Publishing
Box 1389, Flagstaff, AZ 86002-1389
0873589238, $21.95 www.northlandbooks.com

Baseball fans will readily recognize the name of Joe Garagiola, both a player and a reporter on the sport; so JUST PLAY BALL is certain to be a top pick for any collection strong in baseball history. Anecdotes, autobiography, baseball memories and humor comes from Garagiola's associations with baseball greats past and present: chapters survey the lives and achievements of his sports friends and provide a series of lively vignettes perfect for collections strong in sports history.

The A-List Workout
Alyssa Shaffer
McGraw-Hill
2 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10121-2298
0071467866, $24.95 www.mhprofessional.com

Alyssa Shaffer is the fitness director of Fitness Magazine, and here interviews top celebrity trainers who reveal how they work out to achieve their maximum body style. From developing attainable goals to keep you motivated and exercising to incorporating a fitness routine into a busy schedule and targeting specific problem areas, THE A-LIST WORKOUT is no single program, but an orchestrated approach culled from the successful experiences of celebrity stars. Black and white photos throughout explain exercise routines.


The Philosophy Shelf

How Skeptics do Ethics
Aubrey Neal
University of Calgary Press
2500 University Drive, N.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
1552382028, $34.95 www.uofcpress.com 1-800-565-3770

The philosophy of skepticism is revealed in a survey which blends ethical issues with skepticism's foundations: perfect for college-level collections strong in either philosophical discourse or ethical foundations. Unique moral challenges come from living in the modern world – and modern ethics has not kept up with these challenges. Its very foundations translate at best inefficiently into concerns over politics, public service, and the global economy. College-level discussions on ethical foundations will find plenty to fuel analysis, here.

Right to Die and Euthanasia
Lisa Yount
Facts on File
132 West 31st Street, New York NY 10001
0816062757, $45.00 www.factsonfile.com

The 'Library in a Book' series is designed to be a first-stop research source on current issues, and thus Right to Die and Euthanasia is the perfect item of choice for the high school or college-level library studying euthanasia ethics and history. The Western world is divided on issues of euthanasia, involving both health care professionals and politicians in never-ending debates. This reader provides a history and analyzes important cases concerning euthanasia in the U.S., and is an essential starting point for understanding. Perfect for classroom debate or library reference alike.

Hitchcock and Philosophy
David Baggett and William A. Drumin, Editors
Open Court Publishing
70 East Lake Street Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60601
0812696166, $17.95 www.opencourtbooks.com

Joining others in the 'Popular Culture and Philosophy' series is this survey of movie director Hitchcock, who specialized in films that made his audience think about ethics and issues. Here to reinforce the philosophical connections in his films is Hitchcock and Philosophy: Dial M for Metaphysics, a film-by-film analysis which links his works to issues raised by philosophers and theologians alike. From Aristotle to Nietzsche, philosophical insights and wisdom are connected to film themes and perspectives, making this an especially recommended pick for film collections seeking prime material for classroom analysis and debate.


The Needlecraft Shelf

More Sensational Knitted Socks
Charlene Schurch
Martingale Company
20205 – 114th Avenue NE, Woodinville, WA 98072-8478
1564777170, $27.95 www.martingale-pub.com

There are other books on knitted socks on the market, but MORE SENSATIONAL KNITTED SOCKS is for the sock knitter who wants to move to another level of creativity, blending yarns, stitches, and patterns based on 11 foundation instructions. Here's a new stitch-pattern collection that allows for individual techniques and customization: socks that pair materials, charts, and color photos with methods any level of knitter can readily use. A 'must' for both home knitters and libraries catering to them.

American Quilter's Society
Box 3290, Paducah, KY 42002-3290
www.americanquilter.com

Rita Fishel's MYSTERY QUILTS (9781574329179, $22.95) provides mystery classes, easy clues, and a dozen popular patterns to help quilters create a 'mystery quilt' event perfect for group participation. 'Suspects' here are cut from fabrics, and quilters are provided all the directions needed to incorporate the mystery qualities into a quilting project. A fun, original concept involves both quilters and audiences in the process. ROSE OF SHARON: NEW QUILTS FROM AN OLD FAVORITE (9781574329247, $22.95) presents some 20 winners and finalists and their design tips and techniques, offering up insights on how to adapt winning constructions to your own quilt projects. Notes on each winner's design inspiration sources and challenges make for more than another 'how to' title: it offers in-depth insights into the wellsprings of innovation. Add color photos and patterns throughout and you have a winning pick to enhance any quilting library collection.

Knitty Gritty Knits
Vickie Howell
Lark Books
c/o Sterling Publishing Company
387 Park Avenue, New York NY 10016
1579909167, $14.95 www.larkbooks.com

KNITTY GRITTY KNITS: 25 FUN & FABULOUS PROJECTS comes from TV personality Vicky Howell and her DIY Yetwork show, and offers up 'wearable art' and homeware knits perfect for contemporary collections. These make the most of new fabrics and the latest styles, going beyond the usual outdated sweater mode to offer patterns and step-by-step instructions for gauntlets, backgammon boards, and more. If you think knitting's all about yesterday's styles, think again: KNITTY GRITTY KNITS proves otherwise.

Couture Knits
Jean Moss
Guild of Master Craftsmen Pubns
c/o Sterling Publishing Company
387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016-8810
1861084048, $24.95 www.gmcbooks.com 1-800-805-5489

Jean Moss is one of Britain's foremost knitwear designers and has been designing her own line for 25 years, as well as designing for Rowan yarns and other fashion houses – so her collection is anything but ordinary. COUTURE KNITS offers up 22 of her original designs for knitters at all levels, from modern sweaters and jackets to bright hats and gloves. Full-page color photos accompany basic knitting directions. Knitting experience will enhance appreciation of a book which uses all the basics and takes them a step further: perfect for libraries catering to advanced knitters interested in both contemporary style and original projects.

Finishing Techniques for Hand Knitters
Sharon Brant
Trafalgar Square Press
388 Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053
1570763364, $24.95 www.trafalgarsquarebooks.com

Hand knitters will appreciate the tips and shortcuts in FINISHING TECHNIQUES FOR HAND KNITTERS, which introduces the basics of reading patterns and instructions and explores different methods of casting on and binding off, shaping and sizing. Seams for different projects, buttonholes and necklines, and tips on adding decorative embellishments such as beads makes for a colorful presentation pairing color photos of both finished projects and their step-by-step construction. Knitting collections will find it fun.

Knitting Color
Brandon Malby
Sixth & Spring Books
233 Spring Street, New York NY 10013
193302707X, $24.95

KNITTING COLOR: DESIGN INSPIRATION FROM AROUND THE WORLD provides the author's innovative use of color gained from his world travels and workshops for knitters. Knitters of all skill levels will learn the keys to his color pairing techniques, with 20 original patterns discussing sources of inspiration, cultural influence, and how new patterns for knitting can be discovered from everyday life. The full-page color patterns and insights make this a unique, perfect acquisition for any serious knitter's library.


The California Shelf

Shattered Air
Bob Madgic
Burford Books
Box 388, Short Hills, NJ 07078
1580801420, $16.95 www.burfordbooks.com

In 1985 five hikers decided to climb California's Yosemite half dome as a storm rolled in: by night's end two would be dead from a lightning strike and three gravely wounded despite a daring midnight helicopter rescue. True adventure and outdoors struggle comes to life in a dramatic, gripping account of survival in SHATTERED AIR: A TRUE ACCOUNT OF CATASTROPHE AND COURAGE ON YOSEMITE'S HALF DOME: a top recommendation for any California lending library.

California Wine Country
Peter Fish & Sarah Schneider
Sunset Books
c/o Leisure Arts Inc.
5701 Ranch Drive, Little Rock, AR 72223-9633
0376069473, $19.95 www.sunset.com www.leisurearts.com 1-800-643-8030

There are plenty of wine travel books on the market, but what makes CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY special is several attributes. First, a coat-pocket-sized appearance with a hard cover lends to take-along tote and easy consultation, especially the numerous maps and charts with display the latest wine country wineries, hotels, restaurants and more. Review of hundreds of wineries from 11 top regions throughout the state also lend to travelers who plan on going beyond the usual Napa/Sonoma Northern California regions. From suggested touring routes to winery web pages, phones, descriptions of wines and more, CALIFORNIA WINE COUNTRY is a top field guide not to be missed: a pick for any California visitor or resident who loves wine and travel.

Los Angeles Noir
Denise Hamilton, Editor
Akashik Books
Box 1456, New York NY 10009
1933354224, $15.95 www.akashicbooks.com

Akashic Books provides a series of original noir anthologies which began in 2004 with the launch of Brooklyn Noir and continues here in LOS ANGELES NOR. This book offers new stories, each set in a distinct neighborhood or location within the city of the book – so it will hold both regional appeal and appeal to any mystery fan who likes detailed settings to enhance the plot. A multicultural approach further enhances the stories which range from the spas of Koreatown to the rich of Beverly Hills and beyond, offering crime stories by Janet Fitch, Neal Pollack, Christopher Rice and others. A top pick for any fan of crime fiction and for libraries both located in California and beyond.


The Travel Shelf

The Rough Guide First-Time Europe
Doug Lansky
Rough Guides
c/o Penguin Putnam Inc.
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
1843537931, $16.99 www.roughguides.com 1-800-847-5515

If you've never been to Europe before and are looking for an easy starting place to plan a trip, The Rough Guide First-Time Europe is the item of choice: it's a pre-trip guide for destination-bound visitors and covers everything from planning an itinerary and budgeting and packing to traveling the continent. General tips blend with country profiles throughout, maps to help plan, and insights on European history and culture, making this a top recommendation any general library with a strong travel section will want.


The Audiobook Shelf

Brilliance Audio
PO Box 887, Grand Haven, MI 49417
www.brillianceaudio.com 1-800-854-7859

Readers who like romance and action will relish Sandra Brown's BREATH OF SCANDAL (1423324749, $38.95), narrated by long-time veteran reader Dick Hill who spices a blend of romance and adventure. Jade has suffered horrors at the hands of a company town gang and has fled – but has never forgotten her experiences and has savored the thought of revenge. Now she's returning, facing not only revenge but the possibility of romance. In audio the action/thriller/romance comes to life. Elizabeth Lowell's LOVER IN THE ROUGH (1423323823, $29.95) benefits from veteran Laural Merlington's acting background which spices and enlivens the story of one Reba, whose rescuer and best friend is gone, leaving her with half interest in a California gem mine. When a daring adventurer enters her life because of her inheritance, trouble – and possibly romance – emerge. Karen Kingsbury's FOREVER (1597376574, $21.95) is read by veteran Sandra Burr and tells of a wedding interrupted by tragic news. Ultimately it is family ties that will bring love and courage together to save a floundering future in FOREVER, a fine romance choice for any audio collection strong in romances. Joy Fielding's HEARTSTOPPER (1423325435, $36.95) receives an exhilarating rendition by Judith West, who has collaborated on many audios in the past. Here a killer preys on teen girls in a Florida town, leading to an investigation, scandal, and a dedicated sheriff whose probe turns up a host of possibilities. Janet Evanovich and Leanne Banks' HOT STUFF (1423318730, $29.95) receives an excellent narration by Lorelai King who has many screen credits to her name, and tells of one Cate Madigan, whose wacky family is always trying to play the matchmaker for her. But Cate is satisfied with her alternative lifestyle with the cross-dressing lounge singer roommate – until Marty disappears, and Cate is left taking care of his dog and handling a puzzle. Nancy Taylor Rosenberg's REVENGE OF INNOCENTS (1423307038, $36.95) receives veteran Sandra Burr's warm and evocative voice as it tells of the death of a probation officer's best friend. The cause is supposedly suicide – but Carolyn knows Veronica couldn't have killed herself, and begins a search for the truth which involves her in many secrets of her friend's life. Anne Perry's WE SHALL NOT SLEEP (1593550723, $36.95) receives Michael Page's narrative style, which has already provided sustenance to over fifty audio listens. His winning style heightens the tension in this finale to the series revolving around the Reavley family. After four years of war peace is in sight – but violence is increasing even as war is winding down. Add a journey through war territory with a German who has offered to go to England and expose his co-conspirator as a traitor and you have a vivid plot packed with tension and drama. These are wonderful listens audio libraries will want to include.

Audio Editions
Auburn, CA 95604
www.audiopartners.com

Agatha Christie's MRS. MCGINTY'S DEAD (1572707313, $27.95) provides another excellent Hercule Poirot mystery again paired with the Poirot reader Hugh Fraser's voice for smooth, continuous listening experience. Mrs. McGinty is dead and everyone suspects James Bentley, her shifty lodger… but Superintendent Spence believes otherwise and involves Hercule Poirot in a case packed with unexpected suspects. Daphne Du Maurier's REBECCA (1572705027, $47.95) receives Anna Massey's warm and evocative voice as captures on audio the classic ghost story of a new wife haunted by the ghost of another. Add a sullen husband and a sinister housekeeper to the mix and you have a captivating, winning story that comes to life on audio.

Highbridge Audio
201 Sixth Street SE, Suite 220, Minneapolis, MN 55414
www.highbridgeaudio.com 1-800-755-8532

WAIT, WAIT … DON'T TELL ME! THE BEST OF NOT MY JOB (159887070X, $22.95) comes from a fun NPR and Chicago Public Radio news quiz, and here presents a compendium of knowledge which has been tested against the entertainment and news worlds. "Not My Job" features a celebrity guest who must answer questions on a topic outside his/her level of expertise: the guests are hilarious, and range from Tom Hanks and Penn Jillette to Lee Smith and Terry Gross. Perfect for both prior fans of the show and for newcomers. Terry Gross' FRESH AIR STARS (1598870696, $22.95) interviews eleven stars of stage and screen in a presentation which is perfect for any library where patrons enjoy reading about or learning about stars from Dave Chappelle and Steven Colbert to Lisa Kudrow and Robin Williams. These conversational interviews address a range of issues and insights both of a social and an autobiographical nature, and are perfect for any who want to listen to words from the stars themselves. Both are excellent picks for any general-interest audio lending library.


James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
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

Diane C. Donovan, Editor & Senior Reviewer
12424 Mill Street, Petaluma, CA 94952
phone: 1-707-795-4629
e-mail: donovan@sonic.net


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