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California Bookwatch

Volume 4, Number 5 May 2009 Home | CALBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Audiobook Shelf Health/Medicine Shelf
Needlecraft Shelf Metaphysical Studies Shelf Computer Shelf
Pets/Wildlife Shelf Sports Shelf Architecture Shelf
Art Shelf Fashion Shelf California Shelf
Gaming Shelf Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf Money/Finance Shelf
Economics Shelf Business Shelf Social Issues Shelf
Music Shelf Antiques/Collectibles Shelf Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf
Homeowner's Shelf Interior Design Shelf Cookbook Shelf
Education Shelf Fantasy/SciFi Shelf Railroading Shelf
Nautical Shelf Military Shelf Judaic Studies Shelf
Photography Shelf Native American Shelf World History Shelf
Mystery/Suspense Shelf Library Refernece Shelf Biography Shelf


Reviewer's Choice

A. Jon Kimering & collaborators
ESRI Press
380 New York St., Redlands, CA 92373-8100
9781589481909, $99.95, www.esri.com

One could have the best map in the world, but if one doesn't know how to use it, it is useless. Now in a newly updated sixth edition, "Map Use: Reading and Analysis" is a reference that seeks to educate readers about the various types and purposes of maps. Maps are used in countless professions as well as by lay people, more so than ever with the rise of GPS systems. Chapters outline the functions of maps, the psychology of maps, how they are produced, the techniques to do so, and more. Coordinate use, GPS use, and chapters on map analysis are also covered. Enhanced with full color photos, countless graphs and charts, a glossary, appendices, and much more, "Map Use" is a complete and comprehensive text highly recommended to any educational class focusing on maps.

The Competition Bicycle
Jan Heine & Jean-Pierre Praderes
Vintage Bicycle Press
140 Lakeside Ave., #C, Seattle, WA 98122
www.vintagebicyclepress.com
9780976546016, $60.00, 1-206-297-1199

Jan Heine is the editor of 'Bicycle Quarterly', a magazine devoted to the history and technology of cycling. Jean-Pierre Praderes is a professional photographer whose images have been featured in a number of books and magazines, as well as being included in the Guggenheim Museum's 'The Art of the Motorcycle'. Together, Heine and Praderes have produced "The Competition Bicycle: A Photographic History" that showcases thirty-four bicycles spanning the developmental technology of cycling from an 1880s high-wheel racer to the six-day racers made from aircraft alloys in the 1930s, to the American mountain bikes of the 1980s, down to the record making bikes of the 1990s. Beautiful photographed with informative annotations and captions, this compendium showcases the art and technology of the bicycle and those who rode them to competitive victory. This coffee-table photographic art book is enthusiastically recommended to the attention of all bicycling enthusiasts, as well as a popular addition to both community and academic library collections.

Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man
Steve Harvey
Amistad
10 East 53rd Street, New York NY 10022
9780061728976, $23.99 www.amistadbooks.com

ACT LIKE A LADY THINK LIKE A MAN: WHAT MEN REALLY THINK ABOUT LOVE, RELATIONSHIPS, INTIMACY AND COMMITMENT comes from the host of the nationally syndicated Steve Harvey Morning Show and tells women they have to talk to men to find out what men want and how to keep one happy. Here Steve offers an insider's guide to the topic, blending humor with relationship observations in a title highly recommended for any general lending library.

Deep Travel
David K. Leff
University of Iowa Press
119 West Park Road, Iowa City, IA 52242-1000
1587297892, $32.00 www.uiowapress.org

DEEP TRAVEL: IN THOREAU'S WAKE ON THE CONCORD AND MERRIMACK tells of a 2004 re-creation of Thoreau's 1839 journey as author David Leff floated away from his daily life and traveled New England's waterways on a small boat. His first-person account is filled with ecological observations and pairs inward with outward journeying in a literary set of natural observations showing the importance of 'deep travel' or mindful journeys. Any library where Thoreau or literary nature writings are popular will find this an excellent choice.

No Angel
Jay Dobyns and Nils Johnson-Shelton
Crown Publishers
c/o The Crown Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, #B1, New York, NY 10019-4305
9780307405852, $25.95 www.crownpublishing.com

Any library strong in contemporary true crime accounts needs NO ANGEL: MY HARROWING UNDERCOVER JOURNEY TO THE INNER CIRCLE OF THE HELLS ANGELS. It comes from a special agent who was the first to infiltrate the inner circle of the motorcycle club in a 21-month operation that nearly cost him his family and his life. Engrossing, vivid reading - hard to put down and a top pick for any general-interest lending library.

15 Minute Dance Workout
Caron Bosler
DK Publishing
375 Hudson Street, New York NY 10014
9780756642020, $17.95 www.dk.com

A DVD accompanies a book surveying four dance styles - salsa, jazz, street dance and ballet - with step-by-step photos showing exactly what to do in each routine. The DVD demonstrates all four dance routines, but it's the book by the personal trainer that makes for a fine marriage of technique and description, recommended for the personal libraries of any blending dance with exercise.

Journey to Greatness and How to Get There!
Noah benShea
Corwin Press
2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
9781412972086 $22.95 www.corwinPress.com

Poet-philosopher and author Noah benShea provides a survey on how to begin a journey toward happiness and life meaning in this collection of life-changing stories and humor. From finding courage and ability to laugh at yourself to uncovering the roots of passion, JOURNEY TO GREATNESS is an outstanding survey for both new age and general-interest collections.

Quantum Touch: Core Transformation
Alain and Jody Herriott
North Atlantic Books
Box 12327, Berkeley, CA 94712
9781556437816, $19.95 www.northatlanticbooks.com

Two instructors trained in Quantum-Touch introduce Core Transformation Quantum Touch, a new approach to energy healing and creating reality. This book shows how to direct energy, develop healing techniques, and combine styles to foster healing and reduce body stress, and is a recommended pick for any new age library.


The Audiobook Shelf

Do the Right Thing
Mike Huckabee
Penguin Audio
375 Hudson Street, New York NY 10014
9780143143871, $29.95 www.penguin.com

When Governor Mike Huckabee entered the Republican presidential race, he had nearly no money, and no name recognition. But he did have a popular message that resounded with many. His audio is his story of his life, his rise to fame, and his development of a new political vision, and is a pick for any interested in Huckabee and his life or American political figures in general.

Life is a Test
Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis
Hachette Audio
237 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
1600244654, $34.98 www.hachetteaudio.com

Mare Winningham's extensive experience in stage and film lends a vivid reading to LIFE IS A TEST; HOW TO MEET LIFE'S CHALLENGES SUCCESSFULLY. It's a series of insights offering tests for self-discovery, self-examination, and meaning in interpersonal relationships and larger religious belief. Any library strong in self-help and spirituality will find this an appealing, winning survey.

Exposed
Alex Kava
Brilliance Audio
PO Box 887, Grand Haven, MI 49417
1423344456, $34.95 www.brillianceaudio.com

Tanya Eby Sirois provides a vivid and memorable audio performance to the thriller revolving around an FBI criminal profiler, Maggie, who must expose a killer. Maggie knows dangerous killers but faces a different kind of insider opponent in this thriller, telling of the most dangerous criminal she's ever tried to profile. Audio collections strong in thrillers will find this involving and popular.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Secrets of a Supersexpert
Tracey Cox
DK Publishing
375 Hudson ,New York NY 10014
9780756644598, $22.00 www.dk.com

The ultimate 'sexpert' discusses secrets of what we should be doing to keep our sex lives good and healthy - from lovemaking on both sides to making lust and sex last not just for one night, but for years. Chapters are specific and include sexual photos so libraries might be cautious but any individual seeking specific 'how to perform' advice can't go wrong with this clear, detailed guide.

Devil in the Milk
Keith Woodford
Chelsea Green Publishing
Box 428, White River Junction, VT 05001
9781603581028, $24.95 www.chelseagreen.com

The link between a protein in the milk we drink and a range of serious illnesses from autism to schizophrenia make an important case against milk for any health library. Evidence published in more than 100 scientific papers comes together under one cover in a title considering links between milk consumption and the incidence of Type 1 diabetes and other ailments. A compelling, frightening survey.

Making a Difference By Being Yourself
Gregory E. Huszczo
Davies-Black Publishing
1055 Joaquin Road, 2nd Floor, Mountain View, CA 94043
9780891062233, $26.95 www.daviesblack.com

Deserving of ongoing mention and recommendation is MAKING A DIFFERENCE BY BEING YOURSELF: USING YOUR PERSONALITY TYPE AT WORK AND IN RELATIONSHIPS, a survey on how to find happiness and make a difference in the world. The person stories of over 500 people from all walks of life lead to a framework for success including dozens of exercises and assessment tools.

Effective Grief and Bereavement Support
Kari Dyregrov and Atle Dyregrov
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
400 Market Street #400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
9781843106678 $39.95 www.jkp.com

The role of family, friends, colleagues, schools and others in the process of grief support is analyzed in a coverage documenting different types of support, principles behind good network support groups, and how sudden death affects these social networks. It's an invaluable recommendation for any collection strong in grief support therapy, with its powerful focus on inter-connected support systems and how they function.

How to Prevent Falls
Betty Perkins-Carpenter, Ph.D.
Senior Fitness Publications
1780 Penfield Road, Penfield, NY 14526-2104
0962103160, $16.95 www.senior-fitness.com

Any library catering to seniors or caretakers needs HOW TO PREVENT FALLS: BETTER BALANCE, INDEPENDENCE AND ENERGY IN 6 SIMPLE STEPS. It provides a 6-Step Balance System useful not just for seniors alone but for all ages, using dozens of illustrations to profile exercises. Each exercise introduces an insight - such as avoiding the fear of falling sideways - and covers increasing leg strength, stretching hips, and relaxing the whole body, in addition to the core set of balance exercises. A powerful, unique guide: a 'must' for any health or general-interest library.

Beyond Antibiotics
Michael A. Schmidt, Ph.D.
North Atlantic Books
Box 12327, Berkeley CA 94712
9781556437779, $19.95 www.northatlanticbooks.com

BEYOND ANTIBIOTICS presents evidence indicating that a fast change of focus on the ways the human body defends against germs is needed to prevent a dangerous lapse in the effectiveness of antibiotics. The develop of new antibiotics has slowed to a trickle, leaving new generations vulnerable to modified germs. This focus on how natural immunity may be boosted without antibiotics and how to avoid antibiotics is key to our times.

The Mindful Couple
Robyn D. Walser, Ph.D. and Darrah Westrup, Ph.D.
New Harbinger Publications
5674 Shattuck Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609
1572246170, $15.95 www.newharbinger.com

Strategies from acceptance and commitment therapy, a specific therapeutic approach to strengthening couples, are presented in THE MINDFUL COUPLE, a guide for partners who want to explore key issues and achieve balance between dependence and independence. Libraries strong in relationship guides will find this an outstanding presentation, easy to absorb in a small paperback inviting to busy couples.

Guide to the Great Beyond
Jane Brody
Random House
c/o The Random House Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, 17th floor, New York, NY 10019
9781400066544, $26.00 www.atrandom.com

GUIDE TO THE GREAT BEYOND: A PRACTICAL PRIMER TO HELP YOU AND YOUR LOVED ONES PREPARE MEDICALLY, LEGALLY, AND EMOTIONALLY FOR THE END OF LIFE should be in every general-interest lending library or health collection: it comes from a health authority and covers everything from living wills and planning a memorial to discussing treatments with doctors, controlling pain, handling support systems such as hospice, and blending in spiritual concerns. A key acquisition and a 'must'.

Learning Disabilities Sourcebook, 3rd Edition
Joyce Brennfleck Shannon
Omnigraphics
Box 31-1640, Detroit, MI 49231
9780780810396, $78.00 www.omnigraphics.com

The third updated edition of LEARNING DISABILITIES SOURCEBOOK is out, and it's a 'must' for any library catering to general readers who want books on health resources. The latest details on specific learning disabilities and conditions that make learning difficult, from dyslexia to auditory and autism disorders, makes for a powerful collection covering everything from diagnosis to the latest therapies and federal education laws.


The Needlecraft Shelf

Luxury Yarn One-Skein Wonders
Judith Durant, Editor
Storey Publishing
210 MassMoca Way, North Adams, MA 01247
9781603420792, $18.95 www.storey.com

Small treasures can evolve from single skeins of high-end yarns, from cashmere and alpaca to silk. More than 100 patterns here have been designed especially for these exotic yarns, and provide knitters with socks, sweaters, gloves and more based on yarn weight. Any library catering to knitters will find it a fine pick.

Link to the '30s: Making the Quilts We Didn't Inherit
Kay Connors and Karen Earlywine
Martingale & Company
20205 - 144th Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072-8478
9781564778796, $26.99 www.martingale-pub.com

Some people inherit beautiful heirloom quilts and others do not - but this gathering of 1930s patterns made using reproduction fabric offers quilters the opportunity to re-create these vintage quilts using modern fabrics. From 1930s quilter's techniques accessible to beginners and advanced quilters alike to full-page color photos of finished results and patterns throughout, Link to the '30s is a top pick for any quilting library.

Art Quilts at Play
Jane Davila and Elin Waterston
C&T Publishing
Box 1456, Lafayette CA 94549
9781571205308, $29.95 www.ctpub.com

Learn new ways of creating surface designs using over twenty different techniques and approaches with Art Quilts at Play, a powerful survey pairing photos of work created by a range of artists with a focus on art quilting techniques. From painted fusible web to direct painting, this is packed with innovations and ideas.


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

Crafting Magick With Pen and Ink
Susan Pesznecker
Llewellyn Publications
2143 Wooddale Drive, Woodbury MA 55125-2989
9780738711454, $16.95 www.llewellyn.com

Learn to write stories and spells infused with magic in a fine series of exercises, tips and writing samples designed to help inspire and create devotional poems, spells, meditations and more. Writing samples and directed exercises serve as inspiration and education in a guide highly recommended for any comprehensive New Age collection.

Vodou Love Magic
Kenaz Filan
Destiny Books
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
9781594772481, $14.95 www.destinybooks.com

VODOU LOVE MAGIC: A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO LOVE, SEX, AND RELATIONSHIPS covers the practical side of Haitian Vodou, considering how love and sex are governed by different Iwa and how inner wisdom and spirituality can be helped by Vodou rituals and practices. Love spells and counseling for changing toxic behavior patterns pack an excellent survey perfect for new age libraries.

The Primal Force in Symbol
Rene Alleau
Inner Traditions
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
9781594772498, $19.95 www.innertraditions.com

The grammar and ideas of symbology, the science of symbols, is explored in a survey that examines the forces of consciousness and subconscious that create symbols interacting on multiple levels of awareness. From a history of symbolism in Eastern and Western philosophies to how music affects symbolism, this is a key acquisition for both new age and philosophy collections.

Ghost Whisperer Spirit Guide
Kim Moses and Ian Sander
Titan Books
144 Southwark St, London SE1 OUP, UK
9781845769352, $16.95 www.amazon.com

This color guide to the world of mediums and spirits stems from the popular TV show starring Jennifer Love Hewitt but includes interviews and details on communicating with ghosts in the real world to accompany photos and behind-the-scenes shots from the TV show. Any who love the TV show as well as those interested in mediums and ghosts will find GHOST WHISPERER SPIRIT GUIDE appealing, making it a fine general lending library acquisition.


The Computer Shelf

Active Directory Cookbook
Laura Hunter & Robbie Allen
O'Reilly
1005 Gravenstein Highway, Sebastopol CA 95472
9780596521103, $59.99 www.oreilly.com

The third updated edition of a 'bible' of details for administrators and developers makes for a key acquisition for any library catering to such advanced computer audiences. It packs in troubleshooting recipes based on valuable input from Windows administrators, offering solutions for various problems and including scripting technologies, details on creating domains and trusts, and discussions of how and why solutions work. A weighty, key reference for any advanced computer collection.

The Wikipedia Revolution
Andrew Lih
Hyperion
114 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10011
9781401303716, $24.99 www.hyperionbooks.com

Author Andrew Lih has been an administrator of the online reference Wikipedia for over four years, and hosts a regular Wikipedia podcast, so he's in the perfect position to detail the site's evolution, growth, and its larger cultural impact. Any who use Wikipedia's encyclopedic references and any who wish to learn more about how it came to be will find this the perfect guide, recommended for public library and computer collections alike.

Software Language Engineering
Anneke Kleppe
Addison Wesley
c/o Pearson Education
801 East 96th Street, 3rd floor, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
0321553454, $39.99 www.informit.com/aw

SOFTWARE LANGUAGE ENGINEERING: CREATING DOMAIN-SPECIFIC LANGUAGES USING METAMODELS is written by a DSL consultant and is the first in-depth guide to DSL design, covering language specification, concepts, DSL components and modeling, and much more. A fine survey of DSL frameworks, APIs, and different approaches, this will reach any college-level, advanced library catering to IT programmers.

Google Apps Deciphered
Scott Granneman
Prentice Hall
c/o Pearson Education
801 East 96th Street, 3rd floor, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
0137004702, $39.99 www.informit.com/ph

Any college-level library or computer collection strong in applications processing will relish an in-depth review of Google Apps, which offers business software free. From choosing the right edition of Google Apps to exporting calendars and emails to it, making it secure, blending it with other software and using its extensive features, GOOGLE APPS DECIPHERED: COMPUTE IN THE CLOUD TO STREAMLINE YOUR DESKTOP is an outstanding, thorough review.

Wicked Cool Ruby Scripts
Steve Pugh
No Starch Press
555 DeHaro #250, San Francisco CA 94107
9781593271824, $29.95 www.nostarch.com

If you're spending too much time on repetitive tasks, it's time to automate them using Ruby, a programming language offering alternatives - and with the help of WICKED COOL RUBY SCRIPTS, packing in nearly sixty scripts for solving common, difficult problems. From changing permissions and modifying users to validating web links and mass editing photos, it's an outstanding pick for any advanced programmer's collection with a few Ruby basics already on hand.

Getting to Know ArcGis Desktop
Tom Ormsby, et.al.
ESRI
380 New York Street, Redlands, CA 92373-8100
9781589482104, $79.95 www.esri.com

This second edition update of a classic handbook GETTING TO KNOW ARCGIS DESKTOP: BASICS OF ARCVIEW, ARCEDITOR, AND ARCINFO offers revisions to exercises to bring them up to date with the latest software release, ArcGIS 9.3. It's a workbook introducing basic GIS concepts and describes the features and functions in the core ArcGIS Desktop line, packing in step-by-step exercises with fine drawings teaching basic skills on mapmaking and editing spatial databases. Accompanied by both a DVD and a CD, it's a key acquisition for any student of the program and will make a fine classroom text at the college level.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Babylon's Ark
Lawrence Anthony with Graham Spence
Thomas Dunne Books
c/o St. Martin's Press
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
0312358326, $23.95 www.thomasdunnebooks.com

Deserving of ongoing mention is BABYLON'S ARK: THE INCREDIBLE WARTIME RESCUE OF THE BAGHDAD ZOO, a chronicle deserving a permanent place in not just military collections but any general-interest lending library strong in animal interest. When the Iraq War began the conservationist author could only think of the Baghdad Zoo, located in the cross-fire of events. His efforts to change the zoo from chaos to a peaceful park are simply riveting.

Small Animal Gastroenterology
Jorg M. Steiner, Ed
Schlutersche
c/o Wiley-Blackwell
10475 Crosspoint Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46256
9783899930276, $197.99, www.wiley.com

Gastrointestinal disorders in dogs and cats require the latest knowledge and diagnosis in a rapidly-changing field, and there's no better source for college-level vet libraries and vet reference collections than Small Animal Gastroenterology. Different sections cover diagnostics, clinical approaches to solving common problems, and diseases affecting different portions of the gastrointestinal tract.


The Sports Shelf

Catcher
Peter Morris
Ivan R. Dee
1332 North Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60642-2694
9781566638227, $27.50 www.ivanrdee.com

CATCHER: HOW THE MAN BEHIND THE PLATE BECAME AN AMERICAN FOLK HERO provides a history of the evolution of the sport in general and the attraction of the baseball catcher in particular. From the short-lived perception of the catcher as a local folk hero to the introduction of new pitches elevating his importance in the sport, CATCHER is a top pick for any library strong in baseball sports books.

The Fifth Season: Tales of My Life in Baseball
Donald Honig
Ivan R. Dee
1332 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60642-6269
9781566638104, $26.95 www.ivanrdee.com

Baseball historian Donald Honig provides a vivid account of the sport and blends in an autobiography of his life and experience as a baseball writer over the past half-century. At sixteen he was signed to a minor league contract by the Boston Red Sox - he had a short career and went on to become a successful baseball writer. Baseball fans and collections catering to them will relish this lively, fun account of the sport and the author's relationships with it.

Daytona 24 Hours
J.J. O'Malley
David Bull Publishing
4250 East Camelback Road, Suite K150, Phoenix, AZ 85018
1935007009, $99.95 www.bullpublishing.com

DAYTONA 24 HOURS offers a powerful survey of the Daytona International Speedway's history and development, discussing its unique attributes, ground-breaking events, and rising popularity. Almost every major manufacturer has been involved in Daytona's international event at some point in time: nearly four hundred color photos and nearly a hundred black and white archive shots accompany a detailed, 400+ page survey recommended as a 'must' for any library catering to race car fans.


The Architecture Shelf

GeoLogics: Geography, Information, Architecture
Vicente Guallart
Actar D USA
158 Lafayette Street, 5th Floor, New York NY 10013
9788495951618, $47.00 www.actar-d.com

Diagrams, color photos, project outlines and cityscape revisions are presented in GEOLOGICS, a top pick for any college-level collection strong in geography and urban architectural design processes. Here is research carried out over the last ten years, that traces changes in city, neighborhood and structure design. The focus on entire ecosystems rather than singular high-profile buildings makes for a fascinating work.

Zen Architecture: The Building Process as a Practice
Paul Discoe
Gibbs Smith
Box 667, Layton, UT 84041
1423600096, $40.00 www.gibbs-smith.com

A Zen Buddhist priest shares his discovers and his wood-based Zen architecture ideas in ZEN ARCHITECTURE, packing over 210 color photos into a book filled with ideas on blending Zen ideals and design practices with simple structures. Elements of Buddhism represented in his buildings makes for a fine survey of recycled materials and ancient designs blended with modern perspectives and needs. Examples come from Zen Centers in three areas and complete a fine architectural guide perfect for libraries strong in design.

Historic Preservation, 2nd Edition
Norman Tyler, et.al.
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393732733, $29.95 www.wwnorton.com

Libraries strong in architecture and historic preservation will find the second updated edition of HISTORIC PRESERVATION a winner. It traces what began as a grassroots movement and evolved into a 'green' architecture and sustainability movement today, using layman's language to trace the philosophy of preservation and introducing the ideas for students, preservationists and community leaders alike. College-level libraries will find it a winner.


The Art Shelf

Colorado: The Artist's Muse
Natasha K. Brandstatter, et.al.
University of Oklahoma Press, Dist.
2800 Venture Dr, Norman, OK 73069
9780914738602, $22.50 www.oupress.com

With its prairies and mountains, Colorado has long been a mecca for painters, and this latest in the Denver Art Museum's 'Western Passages' series celebrates painters who found their inspiration in the Colorado landscape. Color photos of these paintings compliment coverage exploring the artists' relationship to their environment in this moving survey, especially recommended for holdings strong in Colorado or Western art history.

Art from Fort Marion
Joyce M. Szabo
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Dr, Norman, OK 73069
9780806138893, $29.95 www.oupress.com

ART FROM FORT MASON: THE SILBERMAN COLLECTION provides photos and details of a special collection presenting the vivid portraits of Cheynne and Kiowa prisoners of war during the 1870s. The Silberman Collection provides a complete group of images reflecting the artists' fascination with the world outside the southern plains: in addition to being loaded with images, ART FROM FORT MARION provides significant cross-comparisons between artistic styles and repeated themes. Simply invaluable for both art and Native American holdings.

Bollywood Posters
Jerry Pinto & Sheena Sippy
Thames & Hudson
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780500287767, $34.95 www.thamesandhudsonusa.com

Over 200 color illustrations permeate BOLLYWOOD POSTERS, a unique survey of the film posters of Bollywood that belongs in any film or arts library, or any collection strong in India culture and arts. These film posters have a long history and this survey covers the entire history of Hindi movies from the early 20th century to modern times. An oversized presentation of full-page color reproductions makes this outstanding: a highly recommended pick.

Classical Art
MFA Publications
465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
9780878467280, $22.50 www.mfa-publications.org

Ancient Greek, Roma n and Etruscan civilizations are profiled in a compendium of over a hundred highlights from the MFA's Classical art collection. Curators Christine Kondoleon and Richard Grossmann provide a geographical and historical survey of the Classical world with featured objects from the MFA's collection enhancing the discussion. Any art collection interested in classical art relics will appreciate this survey.

Arts of Japan
MFA Publications
465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
9780878467413, $22.50 www.mfa-publications.org

The MFA's holdings of Japanese art is one of the most detailed collections outside of Japan, so this overview is much more important than a representation of a minor collection could be. Chapters feature many rare works as well as more famous paintings, provide examples of woodblock prints and sculptures, and include textiles, ceramics, and decorative arts products along with a history of Japanese art and themes. Any college-level art library or library featuring Japanese history and culture needs this fine display.

The Magic of Realism
Robert Vickrey
Hudson Hills Press
Box 205, Manchester, VT 05254
9781555952921, $75.00 www.hudsonhills.com

THE MAGIC OF REALISM comes from an artist required to take a course in egg tempura painting in college - a course that lead to Robert Vickrey finding his passion in life, eventually traveling the world and creating 78 covers for Time Magazine. THE MAGIC OF REALISM blends biography with a survey of his discoveries in the art world, presenting full-page color and black and white illustrations of his various works to pair with his artistic insights. Any art library will find this a fine portrait.


The Fashion Shelf

Fashion Inside Out
Daniel Vosovic
Watson-Guptill Publications
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
0823032175, $29.95 www.watsonguptill.com

FASHION INSIDE OUT: FROM INSPIRATION TO RUNWAY AND BEYOND is a treasure trove pairing fashion images with fashion history and insider observations. From where fashion begins to how styling works and how trends are created, interviews with designers, producers and industry pros makes for an outstanding presentation highly recommended for any college-level fashion collection and many a general public library.

Natural Fashion
Hans Silvester
Thames & Hudson
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780500288054, $29.95 www.thamesandhudsonusa.com

Hans Silvester's NATURAL FASHION: TRIBAL DECORATION FROM AFRICA is a powerful presentation of East African tribal decoration routines. The Omo tribes use nature as accessories, whether it be leaves, flowers or butterfly wings: their fashion choices and way of life is documented with full-page color photos and accompanying historical insights.


The California Shelf

Nature's Beloved Son
Bonnie J. Gisel with Stephen J. Joseph
Heyday Books
Box 9145, Berkeley, CA 94709
9781597141062, $45.00 www.heydaybooks.com

Collections strong in either natural history or art will find much to relish in NATURE'S BELOVED SON, a survey of the wildflowers which began John Muir's intense love of plants. Photographer Steven J. Joseph provides images of plants collected directly by Muir, while scholar Bonnie Gisel surveys Muir's writings and natural history observations. Any library strong in botany, natural history, art or John Muir's history will find NATURE'S BELOVED SON a beautifully illustrated, engaging addition.

Above All
Photos: David Stark Wilson, text: Steve Roper
Heyday Books
Box 9145, Berkeley, CA 94709
9781597141079, $35.00 www.heydaybooks.com

ABOVE ALL: MOUNT WHITNEY AND CALIFORNIA'S HIGHEST PEAKS comes from a photographer and mountaineer who captures in book form the beauty and drama of the peaks of Mount Whitney. Personal anecdote blends with historical data and climbing mythology to provide a fine review of California's mountain peaks recommended not only for outdoors collections, but for any library strong in California natural history and regional exploration.

Our Better Nature
Philip J. Dreyfus
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
9780806139586, $24.95 www.oupress.com

OUR BETTER NATURE: ENVIRONMENT AND THE MAKING OF SAN FRANCISCO is a key acquisition for any California collection, especially those with Bay Area facts and history. It covers the history of the city with a focus on land management and urban growth, considering how San Franciscans remade the landscape. Chapters survey how nature in the City was 'managed' and are key to understanding the City's growth and choices.

Potrero Hill
Peter Linenthal and Abigail Johnston
Arcadia Publishing
420 Wando Park Blvd, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
0738559660, $21.99 c www.arcadiapublishing.com

This latest edition to the 'Then and Now' series is simply outstanding and a 'must' for any library purporting to hold a definitive San Francisco collection. It offers side-by-side contrasts of what was and what is Potrero Hill, offering many photos previously unpublished in the process and examining the rapidly-changing face of 'The Hill'. Potrero Hill receives relatively little mention in larger San Francisco histories, making this particularly engrossing.


The Gaming Shelf

Bridge Behind Bars
Julian Pottage and Nick Smith
Master Point Press
331 Douglas Ave, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5M 1H2
9781897106426, $19.95 www.masterpointpress.com

Any library including titles on bridge will find a lively and unusual title in BRIDGE BEHIND BARS, telling of a prisoner's expert bridge-playing ability that earns him respect among his fellow prisoners. While this is a novel about bridge, it is reviewed under 'games' for its obvious interest to any bridge enthusiast or libraries catering to them.

A Bridge to Inspired Declarer Play
Julian Laderman
Master Point Press
331 Douglas Ave, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5M 1H2
9781897106440, $19.95 www.masterpointpress.com

Every bridge player learns basic card techniques but the real trick to mastering bridge is to learn which technique to use on any given deal. These examples here will help advancing players who already know basics move ahead in the bridge game world, making choices that lend to building a range of versatile strategies. Any library strong in bridge and games will find this a fine focus.


The Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf

Stagestruck Filmmaker
David Mayer
University of Iowa Press
119 West Park Road, Iowa City, IA 52242-1000
1587297906, $49.95 www.uiowapress.org

D.W. Griffith was an actor and dramatist before he became a filmmaker and used the resources of the theatre to create pioneering films, using older stage forms of comedy, vaudeville and variety to translate to film. His blending in of traditional theatre forms to create new visual motion picture displays made Griffith an early American film artist, and STAGESTRUCK FILMMAKER traces his techniques and films as it considers his impact on the American stage. Any college-level library strong in modern stage history will find this an absorbing study.

Stargate Atlantis: The Official Companion Season 4
Sharon Gosling
Titan Books
144 Southwark Street, London SE1 OUP
9781845767143, $14.95 www.titanbooks.com

The hit TV series Stargate: Atlantis enters its fourth season with a companion book recommended for collections catering to series fans. It provides behind-the-scenes interviews, an episode guide, photos, and is a top pick for any collection catering to avoid Stargate Atlantis TV show watches.

The Art of Monsters vs Aliens
Linda Sunshine
Newmarket Press
18 E. 48th Street, New York NY 10017
9781557048240, $40.00 www.newmarketpress.com

Over 400 color illustrations accompanies a survey of the film MONSTERS VS ALIENS, with five sections highlighting all aspects of the film's production from character personality and development by the DreamWorks design team to digital sets created for the movie, and special effects. Film libraries, especially those strong in contemporary animation, will find this a winning and colorful survey.

The Lean Forward Moment
Norman Hollyn
New Riders
1249 - 8th Street, Berkeley CA 94710
0321585453, $44.99 www.newriders.com

In all forms of moving media it's the filmmaker's job to create a meaningful product that truly affects audiences - and The Lean Forward Moment is devoted to finding and highlighting this moment, where techniques lead to audience involvement. It comes form a film editing instructor and shows how to create this moment, with chapters packing in examples, tips, film illustration from successful moments, and much more. Highly recommended for any collection strong in film production and editing.


The Money/Finance Shelf

Complete Guide to Investing in Exchange Traded Funds
Martha Maeda
Atlantic Publishing
1405 SW 6th Ave, Ocala, FL 34471
9781601382900, $24.95 www.atlantic-pub.com

Learn how to earn high rates of return safely in a fine guide to ETFs - Exchange Traded Funds. There are huge assets in these funds, offering an increase of nearly 40 percent in a year on investment. This book offers a basic understanding of these types of funds and how to earn the highest rates without risking too much. Any library strong in stock market investing will find this a fine niche acquisition.


The Economics Shelf

Lords of Finance: Bankers Who Broke the World
Liaquat Ahamed
Penguin Press
375 Hudson Street, New York NY 10014-3658
9781594201820, $32.95 www.penguin.com

The Depression is largely attributed to a series of events beyond anyone's control when in fact, Liaquat Ahamed maintains, it was decisions made by a small number of central bankers that resulted in the Depression events. LORDS OF FINANCE examines this inner circle, providing biographies of participants and analyzing their financial choices and reasoning. A key title for our times, for both business, economics, and general-interest collections.

When Giants Fall
Michael J. Panzner
Wiley-Blackwell
10475 Crosspoint Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46256
9780470310434, $27.95 www.wiley.com

WHEN GIANTS FALL: AN ECONOMIC ROAD MAP FOR THE END OF THE AMERICAN ERA provides a second set of disaster predictions from an author who proved right in FINANCIAL ARMAGEDDON, written in early 2007. This tells of a modern Dark Ages coming for many Americans, details the U.S. loss of standing worldwide at economic, political, and social levels alike, and chronicles increased competition for food, water and energy. A sobering, frightening survey, this will reach any library concerned with modern economic trends.

Applied Economics: Thinking Beyond Stage One, revised edition
Thomas Sowell
Basic Books
c/o Perseus Books Group
Eleven Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
9780465003457, $35.00 www.basicbooks.com

The revised, enlarged edition of Applied Economics: Thinking Beyond Stage One is fifty percent larger than the first edition and includes a chapter on the economics of immigration and new sections on other topics, making this a 'must' for collections that have enjoyed the previous edition. Much material in the first edition has been substantially revised, also, in a book recommended highly and equally for students of economics as well as those with no experience.


The Business Shelf

Finding the Sweet Spot
David Pollard
Chelsea Green Publishing
Box 428, White River Junction, VT 05001
9781933392905, $17.95 www.chelseagreen.com

Any library strong in business books will find this a key acquisition, coming from an author whose career is serving as an advisor to entrepreneurs, studying those successful at starting and building 'natural enterprises'. Responsible, sustainable and joyful work is where passions and purpose blend, and FINDING THE SWEET SPOT tells how to find such work, offering six steps to finding the right partners and acting responsibly in the business environment.

Do They Walk on Water?
Leonard J. Santow
Praeger
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
9780313360336, $44.95 www.praeger.com

DO THEY WALK ON WATER? FEDERAL RESERVE CHAIRMEN AND THE FED explains the inner workings of the Fed and its operations, evaluating its leaders over the decades and offering college-level libraries strong in economics and national monetary policy a solid analysis of how the Fed operates. Chapters analyze recent Fed chiefs and include detailed economic data charting their successes and failures alike.

Meltdown
Thomas E. Woods Jr.
Regnery Publishing
One Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20001
9781596985872, $27.95 www.regnery.com

MELTDOWN: A FREE-MARKET LOOK AT WHY THE STOCK MARKET COLLAPSED, THE ECONOMY, TANKED, AND GOVERNMENT BAILOUTS WILL MAKE THINGS WORSE presents the real issues behind the collapse, pinpointing Washington attitudes, politics, and decision-making processes likely to be made worse by federal bail-outs. Woods is a senior fellow at the Mises Institute and here explains how government intervention in the economy created the ills it now tries to cure. An intriguing survey of cause, effect, and economic philosophy, this will earn a place in any general library strong in economic analysis.


The Social Issues Shelf

The Beautiful Tree
James Tooley
Cato Institute
1000 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20001
9781933995922, $19.95 www.cato.org

Many have searched for a way of bringing schooling to the poorest children in the world, but THE BEAUTIFUL TREE may hold the answer. Professor Tooley wandered into the slums of Africa's Hyderabad Old City - there to find it packed with small, parent-funded schools. His travels throughout the world in search of those establishing similar grassroots educational programs offers some startling, inspirational insights for any interested in world education processes at a very basic level.

Future Scenarios
David Holmgren
Chelsea Green Publishing Company
PO Box 428, White River Junction, VT 05001
9781603580892, $12.00 www.chelseagreen.com

FUTURE SCENARIOS: HOW COMMUNITIES CAN ADAPT TO PEAK OIL AND CLIMATE CHANGE should be in every general lending library's collection: it comes from a permaculture co-originator and sustainability innovator and shows how to adapt to the cultural, political and economic implications of two forces that will shape our world in years to come: peak oil and climate change. Packed with invaluable applications for survival, this is not to be missed.

Global Shift
Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D.
New Harbinger Publications
5674 Shattuck Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609
1572245972, $21.95 www.newharbinger.com

GLOBAL SHIFT: HOW A NEW WORLDVIEW IS TRANSFORMING HUMANITY is the first book to consider the massive changes ahead for the 21st century. It describes a major shift in mankind's way of viewing the world - a shift over thirty years in process - and predicts the overthrow of the materialistic, separatist worldview of the past. An outstanding survey of changing world values evolves for college-level libraries strong in changing world issues.

After Genocide: Bringing the Devil to Justice
Adam M. Smith
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781591026846, $27.98 www.prometheusbooks.com

AFTER GENOCIDE tells of the post-Cold War attempt to bring justice to those victimized by atrocious crimes - an attempt which degenerated into a system that increased suffering, instead. Adam M. Smith is an international lawyer who worked in the Balkans and is the son of a Holocaust refugee: his survey examines politics, international interacts, and the problems of an inept international justice system around the world. A fine addition to any college-level library strong in legal and international relations.


The Music Shelf

Garage to Gigs: A Musician's Guide
Andrew Thomas
Billboard Books
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
0823082741, $19.95 www.watsonguptill.com

Professional musician Andrew Thomas provides a fine guide for newcomers to the gigging world in GARAGE TO GIGS: A MUSICIAN'S GUIDE. It provides a step-by-step introduction to the entire process, from understanding what kind of band to build and how to handle a fan base to auditioning musicians for the band, assessing recording and performance options, creating advertising and promotional materials, and getting paid. Any would-be musician and collection catering to them will find this an essential guide.

Bill Bruford: The Autobiography
Bill Bruford
Jawbone Press
1700 - 4th Street, Berkeley CA 94710
9781906002237, $19.95 www.jawbonepress.com

Bill Bruford: The Autobiography: Yes, King Crimson, Earthworks, and More comes from a rock musician who became a jazz musician. Bruford defies all drummer cliches: his account of life on the road moves from his evolution as a 1960s music fan through the formation of the progressive rock group Yes and beyond, making for a vivid insider's account of the music scene.

The Encyclopedia of Punk
Brian Cogan
Sterling
387 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10016
9781402759604, $24.95 www.sterlingpublishing.com

Punk music stripped rock to its basics and injected danger into the rock scene, focusing on anti-establishment themes and ideas. Punks formed their own bands, record labels and zines - and THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PUNK charts this movement in an A-Z encyclopedia of the movement. From summaries of 500 punk bands, zines, clubs and labels to archive photos, and a timeline of events, THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF PUNK provides a vivid, graphic survey of the music scene key to any collection strong in rock and alternative music history.

Under Their Thumb
Bill German
Villard Books
c/o The Random House Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, 17th floor, New York, NY 10019
9781400066223, $25.00 www.villard.com

UNDER THEIR THUMB: HOW A NICE BOY FROM BROOKLYN GOT MIXED UP WITH THE ROLLING STONES AND LIVED TO TELL ABOUT IT tells of a teen who set out on a mission to chronicle the career and adventures of his favorite rock band the Rolling Stones. At age 16 he produced a Stones-only newsletter, then he encountered his idols in New York by accident - and the band was impressed with his newsletter, inviting German to hang out with the band. Thus outsider German became an insider privy to many Stones secrets and lives. Any collection strong in rock music will find this a winning pick.

Writing Music for Television and Radio Commercials (And More)
Michael Zager
Scarecrow Press
4501 Forbes Blvd, #200, Lanham, MD 20706
0810861399, $55.00 www.scarecrowpress.com

Composers and students and collections catering to them will love Writing Music for Television and Radio Commercials (And More), a detailed manual appearing in its second edition to describe the process of composing and arranging commercials for two different media, TV and radio. This new, expanded edition provides a review of the commercial music business and surveys composition, arranging, and instruction for composing for the commercial market.


The Antiques/Collectibles Shelf

A Guide Book of Gold Dollars
Q. David Bowers
Whitman Publishing
3101 Clairmont Road, Suite C, Atlanta GA 30329
9780794826642, $19.95 www.whitmanbooks.com

U.S. gold dollars are collectible and A GUIDE BOOK OF GOLD DOLLARS is key to understanding their history, values and grading. From different mintages and issues to values, auction records, keys to collecting and more, any collector of gold dollars or library catering to them will find here a treasure trove of info key to understanding how the gold coin market works.

Cameos Old & New, 4th Edition
Anna M. Miller, G.G., RMV
GemStone Press
Box 237, Woodstock VT 05091
0943763606, $19.99 www.gemstonepress.com

Cameos have allowed artists to capture and reflect on the history and lore of their culture, and this remains the only comprehensive reference to their history and valuation. Many new cameo photos in this edition continue to provide keys to identification, valuation, and how to buy cameos from a range of sources. Any library strong in collecting will find here a unique acquisition.


The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf

Unknown Worlds
Revil
Andrews, McMeel Publishing
4520 Main Street, Kansas City, MO 64111
0740776215, $12.99 www.andrewsmcmeel.com

UNKNOWN WORLDS! A COLLECTION OF PARANORMAL CARTOONS blends black and white with color photos by Revil on everything from flying saucers to Yeti. From 'Praying Feet' to a 'Used Flying Saucer' factory, this imaginative, fun collection of one-page, one-panel one-liners is a hilarious, fun presentation deserving of ongoing, high recommendation for any general-interest library strong in comic art and inspiration.

The Extraordinary Works of Alan Moore
George Khoury and friends
TwoMorrows Publishing
10407 Bedfordtown Drive, Raleigh, NC 27614
1605490091, $29.95 www.twomorrows.com

The Extraordinary Works of Alan Moore: Indispensable Edition covers the works of a world-famous comic book artist and reclusive British actor who tells his own story of his life, work and influences. A series of interviews blends with black and white representations of his many works in this fine biography of the writer of watchmen and V for Vendetta, perfect for any graphic novel or cartoon-oriented library.

Hawkman Companion
Doug Zawisza
TwoMorrows Publishing
10407 Bedfordtown Drive, Raleigh, NC 27614
1893905934, $24.95 www.twomorrows.com

Hawkman is a notable comic and this collection of Hawkman adventures and insights blends new interviews and commentary from those who have created Hawkman. Black and white illustrations throughout pack a survey revealing how the Hawkman protagonist emerged to influence the comic world.


The Homeowner's Shelf

New Green Home Solutions
Dave Bonta and Stephen Snyder
Gibbs Smith
Box 667, Layton, UT 84041
1423603893, $24.99 www.gibbs-smith.com

NEW GREEN HOME SOLUTIONS: RENEWABLE HOUSEHOLD ENERGY AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING is a top pick for any library catering to either homeowners or architect/builders. It packs in 'green' ideas and solutions for both existing and new structures, with color photos supplementing ideas for solar space heating, wind power, passive heating and cooling systems, and more. A bright, appealing 'must' for any library serious about renewable resources.


The Interior Design Shelf

Tropical Living
Elizabeth V. Reyes
Periplus
c/o Tuttle Publishing
364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759-9436
www.tuttlepublishing.com
0794605567, $39.95 www.periplus.com

The Philippines houses some of Southeast Asia's most creative architects and interior designers - and TROPICAL LIVING profiles over 30 modern creations, making for a fine pick for any college-level library strong in interior design and world architecture. Color photos of a range of Filipino homes - some 400 of them - accompany descriptions and insights from some of the country's leading architects. A top pick for any interior design collection focusing on modern innovations.

Junk Beautiful Outdoor Edition
Sue Whitney and Kimberly Melamed
Taunton
Box 5506, Newtown, CT 06470-5506
9781600850578, $21.95 www.taunton.com

This follow-up to the authors' best-selling JUNK BEAUTIFUL offers the latest transformation plans in the Junkmarket team's idea basket, showing how to create outdoor kitchens, pools, garden retreats and more from 'junk' from salvage yards and dumpsters. Over 20 projects offer trade secrets and insights inspirational to backyard makeovers, turning thrift-store and flea market oddities into appealing design enhancements.


The Cookbook Shelf

Icebox Cakes
Lauren Chattman
Harvard Common Press
535 Albany Street, Boston MA 02118
9781558323452, $17.95 www.harvardcommonpress.com

Deserving of ongoing mention is a winning gathering of no-bake desserts perfect for busy cooks who wish to impress. Some fifty no-bake recipes for ice cream cakes, mousses, cheesecakes and more are fast and quick to put together in a title packed with color photos. Any library with a strong general dessert cookbook section will find this an eye-catching winner.

Traditional Cape Malay Cooking
Zainab Lagardien
Struik Publishing
9781770076716 $22.00 www.struik.co.za www.amazon.com

South Africa's culinary heritage is influenced by many cultures and here are over 200 recipes reflecting the diversity of this heritage in Traditional Cape Malay Cooking. Western cooks will find the ingredients largely accessible and the instructions perfect for either beginning or advanced cooks. Dishes range from Cinnamon Pumpkin to a peach-enhanced Sultan's Coleslaw and Cinnamon Rice. Any library catering to ethnic or international cooks will welcome this.

A Table in the Tarn
Orlando Murrin
Stewart, Tabori, Chang
115 West 18th St, New York NY 10011
9781584797623, $30.00 www.stcbooks.com

When author Orlando Murrin decided to leave his London world and open a small guest-house with his partner in rural southwest France, he was taking on a huge project and a huge risk. His bet would bring him success beyond his dreams, transforming a modest ld manor house into a culinary destination and creating a table that's considered one of the finest in France. A TABLE IN THE TARN tells his story and also provides recipes of over 80 dishes. From Crisp Roast Duck with Olives to Celebration Chocolate Log, what also makes it special is notes on how to embellish the dishes to make them outstanding.

Can-to-Pan Cookery
Lynne Orloff-Jones
Paradise Cay Publications
Box 29, Arcata, CA 95518-0029
0939837838, $9.95 www.paracay.com

CAN-TO-PAN COOKERY is for any camper, boater, outdoorsman, or RVer who wants a quick, easy cookbook based on canned goods. With a minimum of added ingredients one can enhance 'canned cookery' in such dishes as Quick Antipasto, Chicken Loaf & Pimento Sauce, Shrimp or Crab Louie, and more. No photos, but the very simple dishes don't need embellishment to prove successful.

Cooking Light Fresh Food Fast
Cooking Light
Oxmoor House
Box 2262, Birmingham, Al 35201-2262
0848732642, $24.95 www.oxmoorhouse.com

5 ingredient, 15-minute recipes pack in appealing dishes that have each been tested at least twice - sometimes 3-4 times. This assures success, especially when paired with color photos of each meal, nutritional analysis, and over 280 new, never-published recipes especially created for the theme of this collection. Highly recommended for any general-interest library catering to busy cooks.

Fine Cooking Annual Volume 3
Fine Cooking Magazine
Taunton Press
Box 5507, Newtown, CT 06470-5507
9781600850431, $34.95 www.taunton.com

FINE COOKING is consistently ranked as one of the top five most popular cooking magazines - and this Volume 3 annual offers a powerful year-end collection packed with dishes organized by course and ingredients. From unusual salads to Curried lentil soup and Mustard-Crusted Roast Chicken, FINE COOKING is packed with appealing, unusual dishes.

The Devil in the Kitchen
Marco Pierre White with James Steen
Bloomsbury
175 - 5th Avenue Suite 300, New York NY 10010
1596913614, $24.95 www.bloomsburyusa.com

Deserving of ongoing mention and recommendation is THE DEVIL IN THE KITCHEN: SEX, PAIN, MADNESS AND THE MAKING OF A GREAT CHEF. The author's career took him to the top of the British restaurant world and his kitchen temper was as legendary as his culinary expertise. Insights on his life, evolution and the world of British restaurant experience as a whole makes for a lively title perfect for any general lending library.

The Cracker Kitchen
Janis Owens
Scribner
c/o Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
1416594841, $25.00 www.simonandschuster.com

THE CRACKER KITCHEN comes from a 'Florida cracker' author who turns the term into a humorous label for her people - and provides a fun book blending family recipes and local legends. Over 150 dishes accompany an outstanding presentation ranging from Velveeta Rocky Road Fudge to Cheesy Broccoli Soup. Libraries strong in regional American lore and recipes, especially Southern cooking, will find this a fun, appealing collection.

A Pint of Plain
Bill Barich
Walker & Company
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
0802717012, $25.00 www.walkerbooks.com

A PINT OF PLAIN: TRADITION, CHANGE AND THE FATE OF THE IRISH PUB arrived too late for St. Patrick's Day feature in our March issue but deserves a place in any general lending library strong in Irish history, culture and food and drink. After meeting an Irishwoman in London and moving to Dublin the author began seeking a traditional Irish pub to be 'his'. His search offers views of a bygone Ireland, modern Irish culture, blends in literary references, and offers a warm glimpse into Irish drink and daily living. Highly recommended.

Simple Italian Snacks
Jason Denton and Kathryn Kellinger
William Morrow
c/o HarperCollins
10 East 53rd Street, New York NY 10022
9780061435089, $23.95 www.harpercollins.com

Libraries that find Italian cookbooks a popular lend will also welcome the more specific SIMPLE ITALIAN SNACKS: MORE RECIPES FROM AMERICA'S FAVORITE PANINI BAR. 80 recipes for small snack plates range from Fig-Stuffed Lamb Chops to Sweet Corn Bruschetta, Stuffed Fried Zucchini Flowers, and more. An excellent guide for any collection already strong in general Italian cookbooks, who want more.

A Homemade Life
Molly Wizenberg
Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
1416551050, $25.00 www.simonandschuster.com

For over four years Molly Wizenberg explored relationships between food and memory on her blog Orangette: her first book traces her personal odyssey to Paris, where she went to research her dissertation but fell in love with the cuisine. She began a blog to reflect her passion for food - a blog which became one of the internet's most popular food blogs. A HOMEMADE LIFE: STORIES AND RECIPES FROM MY KITCHEN TABLE is a warm, revealing title for any general-interest library catering to foodies.

A Year in Chocolate
Jacques Torres
Stewart, Tabori & Chang
115 W. 18th St, New York NY 10011
9781584796428, $35.00 www.stcbooks.com

From Paoched Pears with Chocolate Fondue to Fours Poches cookies, A YEAR IN CHOCOLATE packs in holiday chocolate classics for the entire year, adapting all the author's chef dishes for home cooks and offering over 150 photos of finished dishes. Home pastry chefs with a passion for chocolate will find this a winning collection filled with innovations not to be found in competing chocolate cookbooks.

Vegan Soul Kitchen
Bryant Terry
DaCapo LifeLong
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, Ma 02142
9780738212289, $18.95 www.dacapopress.com

Libraries usually have relatively few vegan cookbooks to choose from so it's refreshing to see VEGAN SOUL KITCHEN, mixing vegan dishes with soul food. Healthy eating needn't be bland or mainstream: VEGAN SOUL KITCHEN comes packed with flavor, from a Frozen Memphis Mint Julip to Spicy Smothered Green Cabbage. A delicious winner for any library seeking to expand a vegan cookbook holding.


The Education Shelf

Teach Well, Live Well
John Luckner and Suzanne Rudolph
Corwin Press
2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
9781412955768, $36.95 www.corwinpress.com

Teaching can either be a rewarding job or a draining demanding position - so it's refreshing to see a teacher's guide focusing on how educators can use better teaching techniques, collaboration and preparation to streamline time and create new strategies to balance personal and professional life. All the basics on handling students are here, offering tips and the latest resources. Educator's libraries will find this an inspirational addition.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

White Witch, Black Curse
Kim Harrison
EOS Books
10 East 53rd Street, New York NY 10022
9780061138010, $25.99 www.eosbooks.com

Rachel Morgan is a witch and bounty hunter used to action and danger, but when her lover is murdered she embarks on a vendetta and mission to solve his case, facing off a new predator in the process. Both prior fans of Rachel Morgan's supernatural fantasy thrillers and newcomers will find this a riveting account packed with satisfying twists and turns of plot, perfect for any general interest library.

City Without End
Kay Kenyon
PYR
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
9781591026983, $25.00 www.pyrsf.com

Book 3 of the 'Entire and the Rose' series offers the universe Entire, a world where a struggle for dominance between two universes creates uncertain alliances and a nanotech surge weapon to thwart - or create - disaster. The weapon's destruction paves the way for new conflict which could leave the planet in ruins were it not for the efforts of a small group in this vivid, gripping saga perfect for prior readers of Kay Kenyon's world and those collections seeing popular patronage of her titles.

One Second After
William R. Forstchen
Forge
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
0765317583, $24.95 www.tor-forge.com

A riveting, too-realistic future makes ONE SECOND AFTER hard to put down: it comes from a New York Times best-selling author and tells of one man who struggles to save his family and his small North Carolina town after a terrifying new weapon, an Electromagnetic Pulse, threatens to return America to the dark ages. It's actually a weapon that could shatter our nation - and which is all too real in this gripping, involving saga.

Steal Across the Sky
Nancy Kress
TOR Books
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
0765319861, $25.95 www.tor-forge.com

Three ordinary people are chosen by an alien power to undertake a journey along with eighteen other young humans - a journey to observe the results and impact of a crime done to humanity. The alien Atoners can't undo their mistake - but they wish humanity to understand it - and the knowledge these viewers will discover will change both their lives and humanity, forever. A vivid, gripping account, this will be a top pick for any general library with a strong sci-fi audience.

Storm from the Shadows
David Weber
Baen Books
Box 1403, Riverdale, NY 10471
1416591478, $27.00 www.baen.com

The new Honorverse novel is out and it's a winning addition to the already-best-selling series. Gloria Henke has always wished she didn't have so many responsibilities as a political leader commanding a squadron of battle cruisers, but things are about to get even more complicated when she's taken as a prison in war in a battle in which she's the eye of the storm of new controversy. Politics and war are the heart of this engrossing novel fueled by powerful characterization making for a book hard to put down.

The Caryatids
Bruce Sterling
Del Rey Books
9780345460622, $25.00 www.delreybooks.com

In 2060 the world is divided into three areas of influence fighting over the remaining resources of fallen nations. The Caryatids are four remaining female clones of a mad Balkan genius and war criminal who influence these divided worlds - and with a coming environmental disaster, they may prove the only keys to saving the world. An outstanding, gripping novel of survival evolves, perfect for any science fiction library.


The Railroading Shelf

Railways Restored 2009, 30th Edition
Alan C. Butcher, Editor
Ian Allan Publishing
9780711033702, $25.50 www.ianallanpublishing.com

Any collection catering to railway buffs needs the 30th updated edition of Railways Restored 2009. The new 2009 edition offers the latest changes to the railway preservation scene in the UK alone, packing in color photos, timetables of public services on featured lines, and details on both running and non-running restored railways. A 'must' for any heading to the UK with the intent of riding antique trains.

Early Japanese Railways 1853-1914
Dan Free
Tuttle Publishing
364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759-9436
9784805310069, $65.00 www.tuttlepublishing.com

Any college-level collection strong in either Japanese history and culture or world transportation history needs EARLY JAPANESE RAILWAYS. Much attention has been given to Western railway development and too little on Asian events: this examines the rise of Japanese railways and the modernization that occurred because of them, pairing discussion and Japanese history with photos and historical research. A winning, unique collection offers details hard to unearth elsewhere.

Tourist Trains Guidebook, second edition
Kalmbach Publishing
21027 Crossroads Circle, PO Box 16112, Waukesha, WI 53187
9780871162731, $19.95, www.kalmbach.com

Trains still run wild in the imagination, even as society pushes them to the side for other methods. Now in a newly updated and expanded second edition, "Tourist Trains Guidebook" is a guide to the world of the train throughout the United States and Canada. Covering train sites from still active railroads, historic train-related sites, top dinner cars that still run today, museums, and so much more, it presents more than four hundred and fifty articles to whet the appetite of any train lover. "Tourist Trains Guidebook" is the perfect gift for railroading enthusiasts, as well as vacation and/or business travelers.

Lionel Nation 3
TM Books & Video
PO Box 279, New Buffalo, MI 49117
9781932291889, $19.95 www.tmbv.com 1-800-892-2822

The third DVD in a video magazine series covering all things pertaining to Lionel brand model trains, Lionel Nation 3 offers an up-close and personal look at a reproduction of Lionel's 1957 Super O Showroom Layout, followed by an interview with Roger Farkash, a major figure at T W Design, which created the Lionel Christmas displays at FAO Schwarz, Macy's, and Grand Central Terminal. Viewers get an amazing glimpse of T W's latest "36-trains-in-action" display, as well as the chance to see how this layout was designed and made. Other features include a visit to Fritz von Tagen's new train room and T-rail layout, a first look at Lionel's new model of Grand Central Terminal, and much more. A delightful and varied showcase DVD, highly recommended for model railroad enthusiasts everywhere. 1 hour 15 minutes.

How to Build and Detail Model Railroad Scenes: Vol. 2
Lou Sassi
Kalmbach Publishing Company
21027 Crossroads Circle, Waukesha, WI 53186
9780890246696, $19.95 www.kalmbachbooks.com

How to Build and Detail Model Railroad Scenes Vol. 2 continues the user-friendly series of hobbyist guides. Full color photographs and diagrams cover every page, and the text is filled with step-by-step instructions, tips, tricks, and techniques on everything from laying ballasting track to applying ground cover, detailing structures, making trees, paving streets, and much more. An On30 module is included in this excellent, hands-on guide, highly recommended guide for serious model railroad crafters.


The Nautical Shelf

Living a Dream
Suzanne Giesemann
Paradise Cay Publications
Box 29, Arcata, CA 95518-0029
0939837803, $14.95 www.paracay.com

LIVING A DREAM: A JOURNEY FROM AIDE TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF ON 9/11 TO FULL-TIME CRUISER comes from a boat fan with over 30 years of experience and 25,000 miles on the water. She left civilization behind to sail Liberty to remote lands, encountering rough weather and a medical emergency at sea and honing their dream in a powerful first-person account perfect for any nautical library.


The Military Shelf

7 Deadly Scenarios
Andrew F. Krepinevich
Bantam Books
c/o Bantam Dell Publishing Group
1540 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
9780553805390, $27.00 www.bantamdell.com

Visiting professor and military affairs consultant Andrew F. Krepinevich provides a survey of seven scenarios for military disasters in 7 DEADLY SCENARIOS: A MILITARY FUTURIST EXPLORES WAR IN THE 21ST CENTURY. From a global pandemic resulting in millions of immigrants to the US to black-market nukes and China's growing unrest, this describes seven scenarios that could threaten U.S. security in the years to come. Military holdings strong in strategy assessments will find this an invaluable analysis.

Bill Mauldin: A Life Up Front
Todd DePastino
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th, New York NY 10010
9780393061833, $27.95 www.wwnorton.com

Bill Mauldin: A Life Up Front recounts one of the greatest cartoonists of all times and focuses on his military experiences as a 'desert rat' who became famous at age 22, using sarcasm and humor to reveal the inside life of the American combat soldier. Many know his cartoons over the decades, but fewer know his life as a war hero, who reflected the foot soldier's experience with the higher purpose of bringing this experience back home into American lives and hearts. A 'must' for military collections and many a general-interest lending library.

Drugs and Contemporary Warfare
Paul Rexton Kan
Potomac Books
22841 Quicksilver Drive, Dulles, VA 20166
9781597972574 $19.95 www.potomacbooksinc.com

The relationship between drugs and modern warfare has grown and thus any serious military library and many a collection covering social issues needs DRUGS AND CONTEMPORARY WARFARE. It examines the latest research on drugs and modern warfare, from those involved in the drug trade and how the drugs are produced and distributed to how they enter the battlefield. A sobering, important guide.

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

Martin Pegler's SNIPER: A HISTORY OF THE US MARKSMAN (9781846034954, $14.95) provides an in-depth survey of sniper history, from early revolution times to sharpshooters in wars and in both global and world war scenarios. Chapters blend history with source material quotes for insights. Lionel Persyn, et.al's P-36 HAWK ACES OF WORLD WAR II (9781846034091, $22.95) joins others in the 'aircraft of the aces' series to focus on WWII military battles and service. The Hawk saw extensive service and this book documents all the battles and keys to its importance.


The Judaic Studies Shelf

The Time of My Life
Hillel E. Silverman
KTAV Publishing
930 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
9781602801196, $20.00 www.ktav.com

Rabbi Hillel Silverman has served three congregations thus far and his autobiography THE TIME OF MY LIFE: SIXTY FULFILLING YEARS AS A CONGREGATIONAL RABBI charts his experiences, sharing events and describing his life as a machine gunner in the Haganah in Israel in 1948, among other vivid experiences. Judaic studies libraries will find here an inspirational read.


The Photography Shelf

Photographic Multishot Techniques
Juergen Gulbins and Rainer Gulbins
Rocky Nook
26 West Mission St Suite 3, Santa Barbara CA 93101
9781933952383, $34.95 www.rockynook.com

From stitching to extending depth of field and using high dynamic range imaging, the latest techniques are covered in an introduction using example images to explain each. Lessons on HDRI, focus stacking and more include how to combine various techniques in the pursuit of professional, polished results. Any library strong in photography needs this.

Beyond Portraiture
Bryan Peterson
Amphoto Books
c/o Watson-Guptill
770 Broadway, New York NY 10003
0817453911, $24.95 www.amphotobooks.com

Any interested in taking pictures of people or improving the quality of their photos will find this a fine guide from a noted photographer and 'people person'. From approaching subjects to improving results of images with either digital or film cameras, this offers a treasure trove of ideas paired with photo example results perfect for any collection catering to all levels of photographer.

Doug Box's Guide to Posing for Portrait Photographers
Doug Box
Amherst Media
Box 586, Buffalo, NY 14226
9781584282488, $34.95 www.amherstmedia.com

Plenty of books tell how to work with subjects but few specify how to pose them. DOUG BOX'S GUIDE TO POSING FOR PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHERS is thus an essential guide in any pro photographer's toolkit: it covers the basics of good posing, how to pose for best expressions and flattering results, and how to pose different people from kids to brides. Color photos throughout offer plenty of examples, and any library catering to photographers will find this a winner.


The Native American Shelf

Lanterns on the Prairie
Steven L. Grafe, editor
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
9780806140292, $34.95 www.oupress.com

LANTERNS ON THE PRAIRIE: THE BLACKFEET PHOTOGRAPHS OF WALTER MCCLINTOCK presents Walter McClintock's photos, surveying the works of an 1896 easterner who arrived on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and found himself a chronicler of Plains Indian life. Many of his photos were reproduced as colored lantern slides: they captured the attire and culture of the Blackfeet during their celebrations and contribute to a powerful historical survey highly recommended for any Native American library and many an art collection.


The World History Shelf

A Cultural History of the Modern Age
Egon Friedell
Transaction Publishers
35 Berrue Circle, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8042
9781412810241, $44.95 www.transactionpub.com

This is the second volume of Friedell's A CULTURAL HISTORY OF THE MODERN AGE and covers baroque, rococo and enlightenment eras adding a new introduction by Allan Janik. College-level libraries strong in cultural world surveys will find this details three main 18th century movements, analyzing descriptions and offering plenty of analysis to accompany historic events.

University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
www.oupress.com

Douglas R. Littlefield's CONFLICT ON THE RIO GRANDE: WATER AND THE LAW, 1879-1939 (9780806139982, $39.95) is an excellent survey providing the first scholarly assessment of water politics along the Rio Grande, and is recommended for any college-level collection strong in resource management or legal history. Chapters outline the development of western water laws and examine how management strategies evolved, analyzing riparian water rights doctrines and court cases relating to them. Kevin Adams' CLASS AND RACE IN THE FRONTIER ARMY: MILITARY LIFE IN THE WEST, 1870-1890 (9780806139814, $34.95) provides a fine mix of military and social history as it surveys class issues in the Western army setting. The first application of recent research on class and race to the social history of military life on the frontier, this survey's a fine pick for any college-level Western history collection or military library alike.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

Night of the Loving Dead
Casey Daniels
Berkeley Prime Crime
375 Hudson Street, New York NY 10014
9780425225554, $6.99 www.penguin.com

This Pepper Martin mystery has Pepper, heiress-turned-cemetery-tour-guide, working hard trying to balance her ability to see and work with ghosts with romance with two loves, and danger. Pepper's Chicago business trip turns into yet another exploration of mystery and murder despite her best efforts in this engaging mystery, perfect for any library catering to mystery enthusiasts and highly recommended as a powerful read packed with satisfying twists and turns!

Berkeley Prime Crime
375 Hudson Street, New York NY 10014
www.penguin.com

Joyce and Jim Lavene's WICKED WEAVES (9780425223307, $6.99) is first in a new 'Renaissance Faire' mystery series and will please mystery fans with the addition of historical background and even Renaissance recipes. Jesse's work at the Renaissance Faire each summer leads to a summer research project - and murder. Elaine Viets' MURDER WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS (9780451225481, $6.99) packs in fun with a holiday shopping enigma and a shopping expedition gone sour. Josie's survey of deadly shopping secrets and strange holiday ingredients is absorbing. Candy recipes are included in Sammi Carter's GOODY GOODY GUNSHOTS (9780425223321, $6.99), telling of Abby Shaw's witness to a highway murder. The only problem - there's no body to prove it. Her search for the truth leads her into lethal grounds. Charlaine Harris' A POOL AND HIS HONEY (9780425226391, $7.99) presents an Aurora Teagarden mystery revolving around Aurora's comfortable life sans mystery - until a handyman goes crazy in her yard and leads her on a search involving a disappearing mother and a murdered husband. Linda O. Johnston's NEVER SAY STY (9780425227046, $7.99) tells of a pet-supply magnate with her own animal reality show. When a judge of the show is found dead, Kendra finds herself hot on the trail of mystery. All are satisfying mysteries recommended for any mystery lending library.


The Library Reference Shelf

Survey Research in the United States
Jean M. Converse
Transaction Publishers
Rutgers State University
35 Beurre Circle, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8042
9781412808804, $49.95 www.transactionpub.com

College-level audiences studying social science or research methodology will appreciate SURVEY RESEARCH IN THE UNITED STATES: ROOTS AND EMERGENCE 1890-1960. Such research became the cornerstone of development in 20th century social science, fostering an entire genre of survey methods and public opinion polls that budding social scientists should know about. From the roots of survey research ideas to its applications in politics and business, this is a key text blending history with social science fundamentals.

Map Use: Reading and Analysis, 6th Edition
Jon Kimerling, et.al.
ESRI
380 New York Street, Redlands, CA 92373-8100
9781589481909, $99.95 www.esri.com

MAP USE surveys how maps and their analysis can lead to a greater understanding of people and their decision-making processes, surveying the realm of geography and how map-making influences decisions. High school to college-level collections strong in geography and cartography will find this packed with nearly 500 maps, photos, tables and charts teaching the basics of map reading and analysis in this key acquisition.


The Biography Shelf

Jack London's Racial Lives
Jeanne Campbell Reesman
University of Georgia Press
330 Research Drive, Athens, GA, 30602-4901
0820327891, $34.95 www.ugapress.org

JACK LONDON'S RACIAL LIVES offers the first full study of race and appearance in London's life and works, exploring characters, settings, and choices in satirizing racism in his works of short fiction. Readers of his major works examine method and compare his techniques and results with that of his literary contemporaries in this fine survey, recommended for college-level literary collections already strong in Jack London studies.

The Sundance Kid
Donna B. Ernst
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
9780806139821, $29.95 www.oupress.com

The Sundance Kid - whose real name was Harry Alonzo Longabaugh - led a fuller life than history or Hollywood has explored and her receives full insights by a relative through marriage who has spent over a quarter century researching his life. No more definitive guide to The Sundance Kid exists, making this blend of genealogical research, family records and archival history a 'must' for any serious Western Americana 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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