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Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Food And Famine In The 21st Century
William A. Dando, editor
ABC-CLIO
Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
www.abc-clio.com
9781598847307, $189.00, www.amazon.com
Famine has been the bane of the human race from the origins of humanity down to the present
day. Indeed, more people have died of famine than all the wars recorded history. "Food and
Famine in the 21st Century" is a two volume, 744-page compendium knowledgeably compiled
and deftly edited by academician William A. Dando (Distinguished Professor of Geography,
Indiana State University) that provides a comprehensive and detailed study of food and famine
issues around the world today. Volume 1 focuses on an overview of 50 topics and issues relating
to recorded famines from 4000 BCE to 2100 CE. Of special note is a perspective on the rise of
agriculture. Volume 2 presents ten particularly representative and destructive famine case studies
and the basis for predictions of famines occurring in the 21st Century and beyond. An impressive
work of meticulous scholarship of the highest order, "Food and Famine in the 21st Century" is
especially recommended for both community and academic library Geography, World Cultures,
and Geopolitics reference collections.
Power Questions
Andrew Sobel & Jerold Panas
Wiley-Blackwell
350 Main Street
Malden, MA 02148
9781118119631, $22.95, www.wiley.com
Questions get answers, and to get the best answers you need the best questions. "Power
Questions: Build Relationships, Win New Business, and Influence Others" is an inspirational
read from Andrew Sobel & Jerold Panas as they encourage readers to embrace the power of
inquisition and how to better get the idea of what you and your co-workers, friends, and even
loved ones want out of life. Through motivating oneself and others, "Power Questions" is a
strongly recommended pick for anyone who wants to keep theirs and those around them's
curiosity and drive strong.
No War for Oil
Ivan Eland
The Independent Institute
100 Swan Way
Oakland, CA 94621-1428
9781598130461, $18.95, www.independent.org
There is a cost for many things that is not measured in dollars and cents. "No War for Oil: U. S.
Dependency and the Middle East" discusses the conflicts surrounding oil and petroleum and how
they have crafted twentieth century foreign policy and are well on the way to crafting twenty first
century policy as well. The human price for this commodity is high, and Ivan Eland explains how
humanity must get away from it all to get things done. "No War for Oil" is a strongly
recommended read for social and international issues collections.
Wisdom From Random Acts Of Kindness
Conari Press Editors
Peter Pauper Press, Inc.
202 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10601
www.peterpauper.com
9781441307347, $5.95, www.amazon.com
When "Random Acts Of Kindness" was first published in 1993 it became an instant best-seller
because it struck a deep chord within the general public. Now the Peter Pauper Press has
published a small, elegant, 8-paged, gift book titled "Wisdom From Random Acts Of Kindness"
in which has been distilled a wealth of succinct stories, quotations, and 'things to do' to inspire
similar acts of kindness in the lives of the readers, acts that hold the potential for changing not
only their own lives, but the lives of those around them. Of special note is a colorful bookmark
ribbon featuring a 24K gold-plated charm suitable for detachment and use with a bracelet or a
necklace. Also highly recommended from Peter Paul Press in their mini-book series is "Sh*t My
Cat Says" (9781441307354, $5.95) by Felicia X. Katz that any and all cat lovers will enjoy from
first page to last.
Leaning Into Sharp Points
Stan Goldberg, PhD
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way
Novato, CA 94949
9781608680672, $14.95, www.newworldlibrary.com
Caring for another in the long term can be a very draining prospect for the long run. "Leaning
Into Sharp Points: Practical Guidance and Nurturing Support for Caregivers" discusses the
endeavor of caregivers to care for themselves as well as the ones they are charged with. From the
personal relationships formed, the pressure to do the right thing, Stan Goldberg does well in
advising readers to put together their holds on the world. "Leaning Into Sharp Points" is a strong
pick for any caregiver looking for inspiration to endure and embrace their lot.
Ultimate Price
Annemarie S. Kidder, editor
Orbis Books
PO Box 308
Maryknoll, NY 10545-0308
9781570759550, $22.00, www.orbisbooks.com
To stand in the face of power and denounce them is often a suicidal proposition. "Ultimate Price:
Testimonies of Christians Who Resisted the Third Reich" tells the stories of these many bold
individuals and the actions they took to try to stand in the way of the Nazi Regime, routed in their
faith and human decency. For their actions, they were often met with death and imprisonment.
"Ultimate Price" is a collection of stories of those with unheard of daring and drive.
The Unlikely Peace at Cuchumaquic
Martin Prechtel
North Atlantic Books
2526 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Berkeley, CA 94704-2607
9781583943601, $24.95, www.northatlanticbooks.com
The Unlikely Peace at Cuchumaquic: The Parallel Lives of People as Plants: Keeping the Seeds
Alive reflects the author's experiences growing up on a Pueblo Indian reservation and his years of
apprenticing to a Guatemalan shaman, returning to the U.S. after fleeing the country's civil war. It
provides a diverse survey hard to easily categorize, detailing our current ecological crisis and the
vanishing indigenous values and cultures around the world. Real human culture is exterminated
when the non-genetically modified seeds of plants that feed us are lost - and this approaches the
issue both metaphorically and spiritually, discussing how such seeds of spirituality and culture
need to be cherished, replanted, and harvested. Collections strong in tribal insights, ecology,
spirituality, and autobiography alike will find this a moving, passionate work.
Storey Publishing
210 Mass MoCA Way
North Adams, MA 01247
www.storey.com
Lewis Hill and Leonard Perry's THE FRUIT GARDENER'S BIBLE: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO
GROWING FRUITS AND NUTS IN THE HOME GARDEN (9781603425674 $24.95) provides
a fine survey from planning to picking and teaches how to choose the best varieties from every
region of North America. From creating edible landscapes and selecting spray-free fruits for an
organic garden to pruning according to habit, considering cultivars and climate needs, and
understanding harvest, this provides color photos and specifics for all kinds of fruit and nuts and
shows how to virtually assure a bountiful crop. Home and garden and general lending libraries
will relish this! Gail Damerow's THE CHICKEN ENCYCLOPEDIA: AN ILLUSTRATED
REFERENCE (9781603425612, $19.95) is a 'must' for any interested in a fast reference
answering chicken questions. From which breeds lay what kind of eggs to growing chickens for
meat, catching and hypnotizing a chicken, handling molting, and more, this provides illustrations
and answers that lend to at-a-glance referencing, and is perfect for any rural or small town library
where patrons contemplate keeping chickens.
364 Questions
Stephen G. Bucher
New Riders
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300
Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
0321733002, $14.99, www.newriders.com
364 QUESTIONS: THE CREATIVE PERSON'S DO-IT-YOURSELF GUIDE TO INSIGHT,
SURVIVAL, AND ARTISTIC FULFILLMENT offers a fun visual series of flowcharts,
diagrams and designs that begin with a creative person's purposes and create flowchart options
for uncovering underlying barriers and finding ultimate satisfaction. Humor blends with
illustration and applied logic in a fine and fun set of queries perfect for the artistic personality
seeking light enlightenment and laughter.
A History of Design from the Victorian Era to the Present, second edition
Ann Ferebee with Jeff Byles
W. W. Norton & Company
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
9780393732726, $50.00, www.wwnorton.com
A History of Design from the Victorian Era to the Present: A Survey of the Modern Style in
Architecture, Interior Design, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, and Photography appears in its
second updated edition to provide a unique cross-disciplinary survey of design history for any
college-level student of architecture or design. It packs in an illustrated survey of design around
the world, considering the rise of different styles, and influences of major design figures, and
providing expanded coverage in this edition to include the latest design changes over the last
forty years. Any classes strong in design and architecture will appreciate this colorful
survey.
Math for the Frightened
Colin Pask
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst NY 14228-2197
9781616144210, $19.00, www.prometheusbooks.com
MATH FOR THE FRIGHTENED: FACING SCARY SYMBOLS AND EVERYTHING ELSE
THAT FREAKS YOU OUT ABOUT MATHEMATICS posits that the math and science books
for the general public usually avoid the use of symbolic notation and thus deny the public the
opportunity to realize math's power. Readers are introduced the main ideas of math and how
terms are expressed using symbols, with discussion showing how math is used in science and the
everyday world alike. Beginners who have little math background but who are curious about
math will find this an accessible introduction geared to non-math lay readers.
The Crafts Shelf
Zodiac Felties: 16 Compelling Astrological Characters to Craft
Nicola Tedman & Sarah Skeate
Andrews McMeel Publishing
1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106
9781449411688, $14.99, www.andrewsmcmeel.com
"Zodiac Felties' is a creator's collection of patterns and instructions for 16 adorable zodiac felties,
appropriate for special gifts or favors for older teenagers or adults. Because of delicate beads and
sequins and small parts that are choking hazards, felties are not toys, nor suitable for children
under age three. Filled with miniature adorable charm and zest, these 16 zodiac felties are
designed to represent each of the 12 signs of the zodiac plus the sun, moon, Mars and Venus.
Beginning with clear, illustrated instructions on stitches, tools, templates, stuffing sewing and
embroidery, "Zodiac Felties" gives complete security and assurance to even the beginning feltie
crafter. Color photos of finished felties provide additional inspiration. Additionally, there is a
color illustration that can be used to create the perfect home or a card to include with your zodiac
feltie. "Zodiac Felties" is a great craft book for crafting beginners with a flair for imaginative
detail.
Diane Fitzgerald's Favorite Beading Projects
Diane Fitzgerald
Lark Books
387 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
9781600599224, $27.95, www.larkcrafts.com
The personal touch is a touch that can't be replicated. "Diane Fitzgerald's Favorite Beading
Projects" is a full color guide to the ins and outs of personal jewelry creation, focusing on the art
of beading. She presents many of her own favorite projects, for readers to copy or use as
inspiration to their own creations. With full color photographs and easy to follow instructions
throughout, "Diane Fitzgerald's Favorite Beading Projects" is a much recommended pick for
jewelry enthusiasts.
Making Wire Jewelry
Martine Callaghan
Kalmbach Publishing Company
21027 Crossroads Circle
Waukesha, WI 53186
9780871164353, $21.95, www.kalmbachbooks.com
One's own style needs a do-it-yourself approach. "Making Wire Jewelry: Everything You Need to
Know to Get Started" is a starter guide from Martine Callaghan as she advises readers on how
piece together one's own ideals through the fundamentals of wire jewelry by forming the shapes,
spirals, and how to keep it all together. "Making Wire Jewelry" is a strongly recommended pick
for do it yourselfers and general jewelry crafting collections.
Diane Fitzgerald's Favorite Beading Projects
Diane Fitzgerald
Lark Crafts
c/o Lark Books
387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016
9781600599224, $27.95, www.larkcrafts.com
Diane Fitzgerald's Favorite Beading Projects is a pick for any jewelry-making or design
collection and provides a range of beadwork projects, from a hard candy bracelet and tie-on
necklace to tassel necklace, art deco necklace, lacy bracelets and more. Designs cover stringing
to beadweaving and accompany full-page color photos with lists of supplies, step-by-step
beading illustrations, and text explaining each step of the beadmaking process. Highly
recommended!
The Art Shelf
Abraham Manievich
Alan Pensler and Mimi Ginsberg
Hudson Hills Press
PO Box 205
74-2 Union Street
Manchester, VT 05254
9781555953454 $60.00 www.hudsonhills.com
Abraham Manievich is an artbook showcasing the striking paintings of Ukrainian-born Jewish
artist Abraham Manievich, who immigrated to America in 1921 and contributed to the American
Modernism artistic movement. Manievich's works often use color to define shape, and apply the
power of simplicity to carry the weight of their imagery. A lengthy biographical essay introduces
the reader to Manievich's history and the context of his creations, but most of the book is devoted
to full-color reproductions of Manievich's masterpieces, many of which are currently part of
private collections. Extensive notes and a timeline of major events in Manievich's life round out
this absolute "must-have" for admirers of Manievich's work.
How the West Was Drawn
Linda L. Osmundson
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster Street
Gretna, LA 70053-2246
9781455615063, $16.99, www.pelicanpub.com
The iconic artwork of a rough and romantic era was done by a man who didn't call it home.
"How the West Was Drawn: Frederic Remington's Art" delves into the work of the New York
artist who through fascination, devotion, and travel, captured the spirit of the area with his art. A
study of his techniques and his symbolism, "How the West Was Drawn" should strongly be
considered for any student of art who wants to examine the work of one of the best of his
era.
The Art of Medicine
Julie Anderson, Emm Barnes, and Emma Shackleton
University of Chicago Press
1427 East 60th Street
Chicago, IL 60637
9780226749365 $50.00 www.press.uchicago.edu/presswide
The Art of Medicine: Over 2,000 Years of Images and Imagination expressly lives up to
title with striking color vintage artwork on almost every page (except when displaying pictures
that were originally black-and-white, of course). Accompanying captions and the occasional
essay offer contextual background to this eye-catching array of images revealing how the practice
of medicine has evolved since ancient times. From reproductions of ancient paintings depicting
healing amid a diversity of cultures worldwide; to 18th-century sketches of breast cancer,
mastectomy, and associated surgical instruments; to political cartoons about cholera, and much
more, The Art of Medicine provides and unforgettable visual dimension to the storied history of
humanity struggle against disease, injury, and premature death. An incredibly captivating study,
The Art of Medicine is enthusiastically recommended especially for public and college library
reference collections.
Canada's Artist in Wool
Elizabeth, LeFort, Daniel Doucet
Cape Breton University Press
PO Box 5300
Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 6L2 Canada
9781897009369, $24.95
Many artists don't let something like tradition get in their way of creating their work. "Canada's
Artist in Wool" looks at the non-traditional art form and one of Canada's most unique
practitioners in Elizabeth LeFort, who used wool as her easel and paintbrush, creating countless
works that touched on many topics. With many photographs of her work as well as granting a
history of her career, "Canada's Artist in Wool" is a must for art history collections, especially on
those focusing on Canada.
Color and Gesture
Reg Down
Lightly Press
6187 Greenhaven Drive, Sacramento, CA 95831
97818468172089, $38.50, www.tiptoes-lightly.net
The way we move and live our lives is a communication all in its own. "Color and Gesture" is a
spiritual and psychological delve into the meanings and ideas behind the gestures of people,
animals, trying to gain a better understanding from an artistic perspective, presenting how an
artist can see the world can capture the image and its soul. "Color and Gesture" is well illustrated
throughout, making for a fascinating pick for any art student or enthusiast.
Thomas Kinkade Poster Book
Thomas Kinkade
Andrews & McMeel
1130 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO 64106-2109
9781449401283, $19.99, www.andrewsmcmeel.com
Thomas Kinkade Poster Book is a top pick for any who have enjoyed Thomas Kinkade's art but
been unable to afford the prints for sale. This poster book holds some 20 images sized to fit a
standard 14" x 11" frame, and is bound without perforations to the posters can be removed
cleanly. Kinkade fans who would frame affordable prints now have an invaluable art
resource!
Oeuvre: Drew Struzan
Drew & Dylan Struzan
Titan Books
144 Southwark Street, London, SE1 OUP, UK
9780857685575, $49.95, www.titanbooks.com
Oeuvre: Drew Struzan is a fine art and film title, and a companion volume to THE ART OF
DREW STRUZAN. Stories of his early years accompany selections of his powerful art, packing
in movie images and nearly 300 pages of work he did for Lucas, Indiana Jones, and other famous
movies. The reprint edition includes some pieces already in THE ART OF DREW STRUZAN
and combine that with the 2004 Ouvre edition, including captions for the illustrations at the back
of the book and pairing portraits of stars and scenes with personal works and new material. A 3-4
page foldout of images completes a fine survey of Drew Struzan's work and is especially
recommended for collections strong in movie artists.
The Fiction Shelf
Twelfth & Race
Eric Goodman
University of Nebraska Press
233 North 8th Street
Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588-0255
9780803239807, $18.95, www.nebraskapress.unl.edu
Romance often cares not for the complexities of race. "Twelfth & Race" follows the unusual
romance of approaching middle age Richard Allan Gordon and his entry into the mother and
daughter coupling of LaTisha & Jada, where Jada bears his last name through unusual
circumstances. The meeting of Richard and LaTisha meets backlash from society as a Jewish
man and an African-American woman, facing the racism that still lives on in today's world.
"Twelfth & Race" is a strongly recommended pick for general fiction collections.
Gravel Road series
L.B. Tillit
Saddleback Publishing Inc.
3120 Pullman Street
Cosa Mesa, CA 92626-4564
Smith Publicity
1930 E. Marlton Pike, Suite I-46
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
$8.95 each www.sdlback.com www.smithpublicity.com
Three hard-hitting novels in the "Gravel Road" series by L.B. Tillit, a veteran teacher of at-risk
children, offer vivid stories of inner city young adults struggling to not only survive, but also
forge a path to the future. "Unchained" (9781616517922) follows TJ, the son of a recovering
drug addict, who is returning to live with his newly clean mother. But his mother lives in a
neighborhood crawling with gangs and violence, and TJ's own past associating with criminals
quickly comes back to haunt him. "Edge of Ready" (9781616517786) tells of the pressures
mounting on a young woman trying to get good marks in school like her mother wants, but
between the jobs she has to work for enough money to get by and the need to look after her baby
brother Benny, she's pulled in too many directions - and that is before the devastation of a
horrific rape. "2 Days" (9781616517939) is about sixteen-year-old Neema, a young woman
whose rocky relationship with her mother and her mother's questionable boyfriend sends her out
to the streets for two days. Neema decides to crash with her boyfriend - a decision with
repercussions that will change her life forever. All three novels are powerful coming-of-age tales
that teenagers and adults alike can appreciate, and highly recommended.
All Things Irish
Michael Loynd
Writers' Press
13321 N. Outer 40 Rd., Ste. 100
Town and County, MO 63017
9781467979764, $8.88, www.amazon.com
Bad luck may be better than no luck. "All Things Irish" follows Meg McKanna and her roller
coaster life out of and back into Door County, Wisconsin, to help her mother's fledgling Irish
cultural shop. With a unique spin of life and the Irish spirit, "All Things Irish" is a charming and
thoughtful read that should prove hard to overlook for general fiction collections.
After Annie: A Novel
Michael Tucker
The Overlook Press
141 Wooster Street
New York, NY 10012
9781590207352, $24.95, www.overlookpress.com
Trying to put life together again after tragedy is no easy task, but it gets done. "After Annie: A
Novel" is a novel of overcoming grief from author Michael Tucker. Herbie Aaron is devastated
to lose his beloved wife Annie to cancer, but in the aftermath, he finds that bereavement and
middle age aren't anything to let one's life collapse over. "After Annie" is a charming and
humorous adventure into many of life's loves and struggles.
Song of My Heart
Kim Vogel Sawyer
Bethany House Publishers
11400 Hampshire Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55438
9780764207860, $14.99, www.bethanyhouse.com
Sometimes it's not the content of the song, but the heart of it. "Song of My Heart" is a historical
novel from Kim Vogel Sawyer, who tells the tale of Sadie Wagner, who for her family takes a
less than wholesome job as a clerk and singer in what barely passes for an 'opera house'. When
she becomes struck with a sheriff-minister hopeful, she finds herself split once more, as her
family, her career, and her love all want her going separate directions. "Song of My Heart" is a
charming and much recommended read for historical fiction and romance collections.
River's Call
Melody Carlson
Abingdon Press
PO Box 801
Nashville, TN 37202
9781426712678, $14.99, www.abingdon.org
No one goes through life without crisis, and how we face those crises is how we become better
people. "River's Call" faces the turbulent nature of Anna Larson and her daughter Lauren. In the
1960s, Lauren butts heads with her mother, seeking the guidance of other family, and soon
returns to her mother with greater problems than before. With their inn at the Shining Waters,
Lauren & Anna must work to restore the bonds of mother and daughter for the future of family.
"River's Call" is a moving read on the challenges of family and how to mend what was lost.
Kidnapping Henry Kissinger
Coleman
Peddler Creek
School for Literary and Performing Arts
Mineral Point, WI 53565
9781105507724, $19.95, www.amazon.com
The world can put one up against the wall fairly quickly. "Kidnapping Henry Kissinger" is a
novel following Joe Ball, who leaves prison and finds he hates the world on the outside. As
things build up more and more, he finds that doing nothing grows harder and harder.
"Kidnapping Henry Kissinger" is an intriguing delve into the sum of all things as the country falls
apart.
A Theory of Great Men
Daniel Greenstone
Academy Chicago Publishers
363 West Erie Street
Chicago, IL 60610
9780897336130, $17.95, www.academychicago.com
Greatness can be hard to understand and harder to overcome. "A Theory of Great Men" is a novel
in which high school history teacher George Cavaliere tries to understand the role men have in
the waves of history. Through his own relationship with his school, the man of knowledge learns
much and tries to gain a better understanding of life. "A Theory of Great Men" is a
thought-provoking read on personal impact of lives and our place in history.
Una Vida
Nicolas Bazan
Five Star Publications
PO Box 6698, Chandler, AZ 85246-6698
9781589850989, $15.95, www.unavidanovel.com
The scourge of Alzheimer's disease has cost many people much, but one woman won't let it take
music from her. "Una Vida" follows neuroscientist Alvaro Cruz, who struck with recurring
dreams hunts down a woman whose mind is wasting away, known only as Una Vida, a street
singer in New Orleans. Dr. Nicolas Bazan creates a story rich in New Orleans history to create a
fascinating tale. "Una Vida" is a fine novel that should prove very much recommended
reading.
Sweeter Than Birdsong
Rosslyn Elliot
Thomas Nelson Publishers
PO Box 141000
Nashville, TN 37214
9781595547866, $15.99, www.thomasnelson.com
To break away from destiny, some will take any chance. "Sweeter Than Birdsong" follows Kate
Winter, who wants to flee from the arranged marriage her family has in store for her. Joining a
local musical production, she succeeds in a way she never thought possible. But in 1855 Ohio,
the dark taint that America still holds faces her with choices with serious problems to consider.
"Sweeter Than Birdsong" is a fine blend of historical romance with a touch of faith blended
in.
The Shadow of Your Smile
Susan May Warren
Tyndale House Publishers
351 Executive Drive
Carol Stream, IL 60188
9781414334837, $13.99, www.tyndale.com
Realization all too often brings our hatred to the top of our minds. "The Shadow of Your Smile"
is a novel following the crumbling marriage of Noelle and Eli Hueston, already on a rocky start
and more so as Noelle is struck with memory loss. As she tries to come to term with the loss of
her dreams and where it has all come from, she also slowly realizes why she came to love Eli in
the first place. "The Shadow of Your Smile" is a fine pick for any romance fan, very much
recommended.
The Coward's Tale
Vanessa Gebbie
Bloomsbury Press
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315
New York, NY 10010
9781608197729, $16.00, www.bloomsbury.com
History is simply a collection of many stories all brought together. "The Coward's Tale" follows
young Laddy Merridew as he comes to a new town in Wales and forms a friendship with old man
Ianto Passchenddaele Jenkins, a beggar and town story teller. Learning about the towns history,
Laddy learns much about history and what binds us all together. "The Coward's Tale" is an
excellent and recommended addition to any general fiction collection.
The Variations
John Donatich
Henry Holt & Company
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 400
New York, NY 10010-7725
9780805094381, $25.00, www.henryholt.com
There comes times in our lives where we only have doubt. "The Variations" is the debut novel of
author John Donatich. It tells the story of Father Dominic who is struck with a conflict of his
faith as his parish seems to be falling apart and he finds himself unable to help those who come
to him in need. Facing a cross roads in his life, the author muses on all our conflicts of thought
and belief in our world. "The Variations" is a choice pick and much recommended for literary
fiction collections.
City of Slaughter
Cynthia Drew
Fithian Press
PO Box 2790, McKinleyville, CA 95519
9781564745149, $15.95, www.danielpublishing.com
It isn't difficult for the blind pursuit of industry to destroy lives. "City of Slaughter" is a novel set
in the rough period of the very early twentieth century and the core of the Tammany Hall politics.
Teenager Carsie Akselrod works in a sweatshop, taking meager pay due to the needs of family.
Eventually winding up in what may be her undoing, "City of Slaughter" presents a personal story
of life being torn apart by poverty and the harshness of life in 1910s New York City.
Threads
Steven Schrader
Hanging Loose Press
231 Wyckoff Street
Brooklyn, NY 11217
9781934909270, $18.00, www.hangingloosepress.com
Sometimes the only thing that describe our path is just simply life. "Threads: More Stories from a
New York Life" is a collection of short fiction from Steven Schrader as he reflects on life as a
teacher and writer, pondering life, and holding nothing back as he muses on the classics while
facing the modern. "Threads" is an excellent and choice read for short fiction collections,
recommended.
Bent Road
Lori Roy
Plume
c/o Penguin Group (USA)
375 Hudson Street, 4th floor
New York, NY 10014
9780452297593, $15.00, www.penguin.com
What we expect and seek out of life sometimes is never completely clear. "Bent Road" is a novel
from Lori Roy, following Celia Scott as she tries to piece together her life with her secretive
husband returning to his old home and bringing her and her family with him. As she faces the
many other problems on the street as well as her husband's secrets, "Bent Road" is a riveting read
that should prove hard to put down.
A Wedding to Remember
Annalisa Daughety
Barbour Publishing
P.O. Box 719
Uhrichsville, OH 44683
9781616265342, $12.99, www.barbourbooks.com
Our dreams often simply become escapes from a sad reality. "A Wedding to Remember: In
Charleston, South Carolina" is a novel telling of Summer Nelson, wedding planner, and her own
crumbling marriages. But her husband Luke doesn't want the marriage to collapse just yet. As the
two try to forge a path through their lives in the face of uncertainty, "A Wedding to Remember"
is a strongly recommended pick for romance and fiction collections.
A Time to Heal
Seye Oke
West Bow Press
1663 Liberty Dr. Suite #300
Bloomington, IN 47403
9781449714147, $13.95, www.westbowpress.com
The force of war may be more than enough to shatter the bonds of marriage. "A Time to Heal" is
the story of Chidi and Tori, a couple in danger of being torn apart by war. Struggling to find a bit
of peace, Chidi feels he must chose between his country and his home and no choice proves easy.
"A Time to Heal" is a fine read that should very much prove hard to put down, highly
recommended.
Citizen Dwyer
Sean McCarthy
New Island
c/o DuFour
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781848401228, $27.95, www.dufouredtions.com
From small town life, one can go through the many obstacles of life and find anything and
everything. "Citizen Dwyer" is a novel following Michael Dwyer, a man who Sean McCarthy
crafts a Renaissance man's of history who has done much and seen much, much like figures
throughout history. Spinning a novel of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries,
"Citizen Dwyer" is an excellent read that should prove quite hard to put down.
Unbroken
Jamie Lisa Forbes
Prong Horn Press
PO Box 707, Greybull, WY 82426
9781932636611, $19.95, www.amazon.com
In the fields of Wyoming, the struggles of life in the small towns and fields can be quite testing.
"Unbroken" is a novel from Jamie Lisa Forbes as she explores the relationship of Gwen Swan
and Meg Bareburn, two women who feel isolated from their families, and trying to get by.
Following the conflict of the families, and the extent of how much friendship can do, "Unbroken"
is a fine and much recommended pick for general fiction collections.
Very Short Stories
Sean Hill
Ulysses Press
PO Box 3440
Berkeley, CA 94703-3440
9781612430164, $14.95, www.ulyssespress.com
Brevity is the soul of wit, and flash fiction carries this to its conclusion. "Very Short Stories: 300
Bite-Size Works of Fiction" is an assortment of flash fiction from Sean Hill, presenting an
intriguing delve into the human nature in two dozen words or so. Discussing many subjects with
a sort of spin of prose-poem, "Very Short Stories" is a thoughtful and humorous collection, not to
be overlooked.
Left for Dead
J.A. Jance
Touchstone
c/o Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
9781451628586, $25.99, www.simonandschuster.com
LEFT FOR DEAD is set in Arizona and tells of a border area plagued by illegal immigrant
crossings and drug wars. When Santa Cruz deputy Jose Reyes is gunned down during a routine
traffic stop, he fights to cling to life and Ali is left to face charges that Jose and his wife may be
involved in illegalities. Her discovery of more violence and strange links between Ali's former
classmate and other victims creates a moving thriller that joins Ali with Sister Anselm in an
effort to clear Jose's name and discover the truth behind a drug cartel's ongoing actions. LEFT
FOR DEAD is a thriller that just won't quit.
Titan Books
144 Southwark Street, London, SE1 OUP, UK
$9.95 each, www.titanbooks.com
Two newly republished Fu Manchu mysteries from the Golden Age of pulp magazines are fine
picks for any who knows the thriller writing of Sax Rohmer. Rohmer created the model for the
super-villains of James Bond, and Titan Books has obtained the publishing rights to the only
complete, unauthorized set of the Fu-Manchu novels. The series opens with THE MYSTERY OF
FU MANCHU (9780857686039), which introduces the character of an assassin who seeks to
climb the ladder of a secret society's hierarchy and conquest his native China. He's pursued by the
narrator of the series in an introduction key to any who would obtain the Fu Manchu adventures.
THE RETURN OF DR. FU-MANCHU (9780857676046) takes place in London where the evil
Fu Manchu is working on subverting the British government to prepare for the rise of China.
Murders and deadly encounters make for a gripping saga. Both are recommended picks for
mystery and espionage collections: particularly those who intend on purchasing all the
Fu-Manchu stories.
The Travel Shelf
Caloosahatchee River Guidebook
Kevin M. McCarthy
Pineapple Press, Inc.
PO Box 3889, Sarasota, FL 34230
9781561645077, $14.95, www.pineapplepress.com
Mankind builds along rivers, and this attracts history to the rivers. "Caloosahatchee River
Guidebook" is a history and travel guide of the river, following the river that runs deep into
Florida and its history from the era of the Native Americans and how it runs into the modern day,
with conservation efforts taking shape. "Caloosahatchee River Guidebook" is filled with plenty
to consider for those who are planning a trip to the everglades region, complete with black and
white photography throughout.
Lonely Planet Publications
150 Linden Street, Oakland CA 94607
www.lonelyplanet.com
Fionn Davenport, et.al.'s IRELAND (9781741798241, $24.99) offers a pull-out map of Dublin,
completely updated new listings, and a format that packs in destination-oriented coverage of
history, culture and travel facts representing over six months of coverage. Over eighty smaller
maps compliment the listings and work of five authors who journeyed throughout Ireland to
assemble this travel guide. Sidebars of highlighted information accompany all the basics - and all
have been updated to assure the latest information for those planning a visit to Ireland. Josephine
Quintero and Stuart Butler's CANARY ISLANDS (9781741791648, $19.99) covers all kinds of
destinations throughout the Canary Islands and is a fine pick for independent travelers who want
to make the most of a Canary Island visit. From small maps to festivals, activities,
accommodations and food, this covers all the basics and is a pick for any destination-bound
traveler who wants a pocket take-along tote.
The Religion/Spirituality Shelf
The Handy Religion Answer Book
John Renard
Visible Ink Press
43311 Joy Road #414, Canton, MI 48187-2075
9781578593798, $21.95, www.visibleinkpress.com
To ask questions is to get closer to understanding. "The Handy Religion Answer Book" is a
collection of questions and answers about many questions about the faiths of the world, both
Eastern and Western. John Renard applies his extensive studies in religion to grant a more
complete understanding of religions and their intersections with one another. "The Handy
Religion Answer Book" is a strongly recommended addition to community library religious
studies collections.
A Spirituality of Living
Henri J. M. Nouwen
Upper Room Books
PO Box 340003
Nashville, TN 37203-0003
9780835810883, $12.00, www.upperroom.org
No man is an island, but no man is his island either. "A Spirituality of Living" is a spiritual
discussion of the individuals role in their life, the lives of their community, and in faith and
spirituality. Henri J. M. Nouwen, late thinker and writer, presents the connections of the person,
the group, and their faith and offers much to think about in how the three should interact. "A
Spirituality of Living" is an excellent compilation that is very much worth considering for
spirituality and thought collections.
Princes & Ogres
Don Mordasini
Millennial Mind Publishing
c/o American Book Publishing
5442 So. 900 East #146, Salt Lake City, UT 84117-7204
9781589828254, $22.00, www.american-book.com
It takes catastrophe to realize what's truly important at times. "Princes & Ogres: Integration of
Psyche and Soul" discusses the journey of self-discovery Don Mordasini had as he lost his
stockbroker success and family in a short time, and with much thought, became a
psychotherapist. Sharing what he has learned about faith and life, "Princes & Ogres" is a very
interesting read of life's evolution of beliefs, very much recommended.
From Loss to Enlightenment
Corinne Beth Gravenese
Balboa Press
1663 Liberty Dr. Suite #300
Bloomington, IN 47403
9781352534213, $11.95, www.balboapress.com
The loss of a child can make one believe everything they have done is for naught. "From Loss to
Enlightenment" is a spiritual and philosophical read from Corinne Beth Gravenese, as she
reflects on the challenges of losing a child and the struggles of trying to bounce back to life. A
mother of four, she reflects her own journey in hopes it will inspire others. "From Loss to
Enlightenment" is an excellent pick for inspirational collections focusing on grief and loss.
The Memoir Shelf
Truth be Told
Larry King
Weinstein Books
345 Hudson Street, 13th floor
New York, NY 10014
9781602861305, $25.00, www.weinsteinbooks.com
Sitting across the most interesting people in world certainly leaves you with your own stories as
well. "Truth Be Told: Off the Record About Favorite Guests, Memorable Moments, Funniest
Jokes, and a Half Century of Asking Questions" is a memoir from Larry King, as he shares his
tales of being show business for decades, dealing actors, musicians, politicians, and much more
on his show, asking questions and getting answers. "Truth Be Told" is a strong pick for any fan
of Larry King's work who wants perspective on what's the result of a life spent nightly.
The Military Orchid
Jocelyn Brooke
Little Toller Books
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7
Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
9781908213051, $22.95, www.dufoureditions.com
Carving out a laborious existence just isn't for some people. "The Military Orchid" is a memoir
from career military man Jocelyn Brooke, who after his grueling service in World War II, decides
to rejoin, unsatisfied with civilian life. With additions from many literary professionals reflecting
on Brooke's writing career and created many works. "The Military Orchid" is a strong addition to
any memoir and biography collection, thoughtful and recommended.
My Year of Living Fearlessly
Amber Karlins
Gollehon Books
KSB Promotions (publicity)
55 Honey Creek Ave NE
Ada, MI 49301-9768
9780914839842, $12.99, www.ksbpromotions.com
Fear isn't all that rational, so why do we let it hold us back? "My Year of Living Fearlessly: A
Comedy About Facing Your Fears" is a unique memoir from Amber Karlins, who decided to
trump her better judgment and do what she always wanted to try, from ideas as harmless as stage
fright for stand up comedy, eating fire, or going face to face with meat eating predators. "My
Year of Living Fearlessly" proves inspirational, humorous, and very much recommended
reading.
Sharing the Road
Case J. Boot
Dordt College Press
498 Fourth Avenue NE
Sioux Center, IA 51250
9780932914897, $7.00, www.dordt.edu
Parkinson's disease is certainly an inconvenience, but it should never be treated as a death
sentence. "Sharing the Road: A Journey Through Parkinson's Disease" is an inspiring memoir
from Case J. Boot as he moves readers through the plights of the disease, and how with faith, he
didn't let it cripple him in his own drive to still make a positive difference in the world. "Sharing
the Road" is a driven read that proves quite thoughtful and is much recommended reading.
It Started with Dracula
Jane Congdon
c/o SCB Distributors
15608 South New Century Drive
Gardena, CA 90248
9781936332106, $15.95, www.scbdistrubutors.com
A lifelong crush on evil's dignified face can lead to a unique sort of soul searching. "It Started
with Dracula: The Count, My Mother, and Me" is a unique memoir from Jane Congdon as she
explores her childhood memories of being fascinated with Count Dracula, that led her to a trip to
Hungary and the supposed location of these films. In her trip, she begins to reflect on her
childhood for what it really is, and comes to terms with the problems she never addressed. "It
Started with Dracula" is a humorous and touching memoir, very much recommended.
The Poetry Shelf
The Hecht Prize Anthology: 2005-2009
Joseph Harrison, editor
The Wayweiser Press
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7
Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
9781904130468, $18.95, www.dufoureditions.com
The best of the best is what awards often seek. "The Hecht Prize Anthology: 2005-2009" is a
collection of poetry from those four years, offering the many entries into the contest, all
considered for their own originality. "The Hecht Prize Anthology" is a strongly recommended
pick for any collection seeking poetry compilations. "Against Ornamentation" by Lesley Jenike:
That one does not inlay every coffee table/with mother of pearl! Covering wood/with the stuff of
the sea denies division.//Even here, in the tiniest room, I'm apart/from you./So is braided bullion
part/from its curtain, egg tempera from the hen.//Filigreed into every door are the names
compelled to, by etching, redo/trees now bent under their carved shorthand,//a tendency to
spangle every space with angel/or cloud, as if sky's not enough or a joining of two planes, either
side the ocean.
Between Storms
Carol V. Davis
Truman State University Press
100 East Normal Street
Kirksville, MO 63501-4221
9781612480541, $15.95, http://tsup.truman.edu
The calm periods of life are truly worth cherishing. "Between Storms" is a collection of award
winning poetry from Carol V. Davis, who brings her prolific career together with this latest
volume. With humor and a touch of appreciation, "Between Storms" is a strongly recommended
pick for general poetry collections. "Before Dark": Up the road just before/Dark the clouds
flatten/The horizon/shaped as a mattress hoarding wire/Lances the porcupine's/Quills of
branches/Piece the gunpowder sky/Cinches at the edges of/hunger the wind slapping/Night
against the valley/Walls, the clawing hunger.
Plans Deranged by Time
George Fetherling
Wilfrid Laurier University Press
Wilfrid Laurier University
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3C5
9781554586318, $16.95, wlupress.wlu.ca
Poetry is a skill that only improves with time. "Plans Deranged by Time: The Poetry of George
Fetherling" is a collection of poetry from George Fetherling, a prolific and renown Canadian
poet, offering a look at urban life with a frankness and humor that can't be touched. Put together
by A. F. Mortiz, "Plans Deranged by Time" is a fine selection of the best of Canadian poetry,
much recommended. "Mother Goddness": Just as the goddess rises dripping from the lake like a
woman on an escalator whose topmost step knows a moment of glory/on its way to being
reborn//so does the surf keep/slapping the beach like a punctured tyre going round and
round.
The Juno Charm
Nuala Ni Chonchuir
Salmon Poetry
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7
Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
9781907056642, $21.95, www.dufoureditions.com
The bonds we enter in may be eternal, or only ever so brief. "The Juno Charm" is a collection of
poetry from Nuala Ni Chonchuir, as she presents stories of marriage and the struggles that can
bring them closer yet drive them apart. With much to ponder, "The Juno Charm" is an excellent
assortment of heartfelt poetry, not to be overlooked. "A Cezanne Nude": I stand as still/as a fruit
on a plate.//My breasts are plums, my behind a peach.//Monsieru says if I Move,/he will pulp
me.//So I hand him/my daguerreotype//and leave the door open/on my way out.
Countdown
Carole Satyamurti
Bloodaxe
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7
Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
9781852249120, $21.95, www.bloodaxebooks.com
Mortality is a time limit on life, whether we are aware of it or not. "Countdown" is a collection of
poetry from Carole Satyamurti, as she explores a world that moves forward as we gain and lose
things dear to us and not so dear to us. Distinctly human, "Countdown" is a thoughtful collection
of poetry, very much worth considering. "Life on Mir": They took small fish, to observe/the
effects of weightlessness in water.//Goldfish, ordinary on earth, were now/miraculous, their
glitter precious currency,/their tiny mouths O and O a greeting.//So that when they died some
men wept,/feeling, as if for the first time,/how grave a life is. Any life at all.
Red is the Rose
O'Brien
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
PO Box 7
Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
9781847172365, $12.95, www.dufoureditions.com
Poems are an extension of love, and love is the rawest emotion. "Red is the Rose: A Book of
Irish Love Poems" is a collection of poetry from a wide range of well known Irish writers such as
W. B. Years, Thomas Moore, and Joseph Mary Plunkett, among others. "Red is the Rose" is a
choice pick for those with a love of poetry, especially with a romantic tilt. "The Lions" by Joseph
Mary Plunkett: Her hair's the canopy of heaven, Her eyes the pools of healing are,/her words wild
prophecies who seven/Thunders resound from star to star.//Her hands and feet are jewels
fine/Wrought for the edifice of all grace,/Her breath inebriates like wine -/The blinding beauty of
her face/Is lovelier than the primal light/And holds her lover's pride apart/to tame the lions of the
night/That range the wilderness of his heart.
Demarcations
Jean Follain
Host Publications
1000 East 7th Street, Suite 201
Austin, TX 78702
9780924047886, $15.00, www.hostpublications.com
Good poetry knows no age. "Demarcations" is a collection of poetry from Jean Follain, deftly
translated by Kurt Heinzelman. The French poet's work, reflects on a world pulling itself out of
conflict, reflecting on a battered people both defeated and victorious. With the original French
and English translation side by side, "Demarcations" is a fine collection of poetry, not to be
overlooked. "Medieval": A flower is seen to unfold/in slow motion/tins and nails/depleting the
clarity/a seed of torn flesh/left over on the wheel/and the naked girl/of the thirteenth century/is
struggling with her arms and breasts/against time itself/besides a rose of stone.
Married Into It
Patricia Frolander
High Plains Press
403 Cassa Road
Glendo, WY 82213
9780931271960, $12.95, www.highplainspress.com
A grand path of nature, the American West has a truly unique spirit to it. "Married Into It: Poetry
of the American West" is a collection of poetry from Patricia Frolander as she speaks on the
serene nature of the west and the clarity it can bring one's views of the world as a whole.
"Married Into It" is a choice pick for poetry collections, much recommend. "The Notice": Down
the Road/shoulders sag as he leans against the door frame,/gaze following the ridge/as trees
become velvet silhouette.//He drinks the scent of freshly cut alfalfa,/a checkerboard of bales
fading from hollow view.//Bile rising,/he wipes the moisture from his hatband/with a word that
frames his life's work - foreclosure.
The Business Shelf
Records Management and Knowledge Mobilisation
Stephen Harries
Chandos Publishing
c/o Neal-Schuman Publishers
100 William Street, Suite 2004
New York, NY 10038-4512
9781843346531, $90.00, www.neal-schuman.com
A mastery of information can prove all the more vital for today's world where knowledge proves
to be everything. "Records Management and Knowledge Mobilisation: A Handbook for
Regulation, Innovation and Transformation" explores the importance of records management can
help public sector businesses thrive. Stephen Harries, an accomplished business consultant,
advises managers on just why keeping the books in order is so important, the modern economic
environment, legal purposes, and much more. Chapters include detailed analysis on the protocol
for many types of public businesses and how to maximize efficiency on any level. With a great
deal of figures to more accurately illustrate the knowledge within, "Records Management and
Knowledge Mobilisation" is a core addition to any business and administration management
collection for college and professional libraries.
The Zen of Social Media Marketing
Shama Hyder Kabani
BenBella Books
10300 N. Central Expressway, STE 400
Dallas, TX 75204
9781936661633, $16.95, www.benbellabooks.com
Word of mouth is the most natural of advertising. "The Zen of Social Media Marketing: An
Easier Way to Build Credibility, Generate Buzz, and Increase Revenue" is a guide from Shama
Hyder Kabani to embracing social media to spread the word of their product, understanding how
it works, and using it with efficiency. With tips specific to Facebook, Twitter, Google+,
Groupon, and much more, "The Zen of Social Media Marketing" is up to date for 2012 and is a
much recommended pick for any publicist or marketer.
Follow That Customer!
Egbert Jan Vel Bel, Ed Sander, & Alan Weber
Racom Communications
150 N. Michigan Ave. Suite 2800
Chicago, IL 60601
978933199269, $39.95, www.racombooks.com
Where there's demand, there's a market. "Follow That Customer!: The Event-Driven Marketing
Handbook" is a guide to predicting the market and having the products that customers will seek
for many years to come. Authors Egbert Jan vel Bel, Ed Sander, & Alan Weber discuss Event
Driven Marketing, and how to jump onto the next revolution of marketing. Quicker response
rates leads to greater to success, and the experts present much technical info to make this so.
"Follow That Customer!" is a much recommended pick for community library business studies
collections.
The Mobile Marketing Handbook, second edition
Kim Dushinski
Cyber Age
c/o Information Today, Inc.
143 Old Marlton Pike
Medford, NJ 08055-8750
9780910965903, $29.95, www.infotoday.com
More and more people are carrying mobile devices, going far beyond what was once expected of
a cell phone. "The Mobile Marketing Handbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Dynamic
Mobile Marketing Campaigns" is a unique approach to marketing and advertising from Kim
Dushinski as she presents to technological novices the latest in marketing know how for the
connected and technologically inclined generation. From building customer relationships to
reaching new clients, "The Mobile Marketing Handbook" is a must for anyone advertising in this
high end technology era.
Risk Only Money
Jack DeBoer
Rockhill Books
c/o Kansas City Star Books
1729 Grand Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64108
9781611690118, $19.95, www.worldvision.org
Money is easy replaced, family and friends are not so much. "Risk Only Money: Success in
Business Without Risking Family, Friends, and Reputation" is an inspirational read from Jack
DeBoer as he discusses the lessons he learned as a human being, stating that while money comes
and goes, one should never gamble on personal relationships. "Risk Only Money" is a strongly
recommended pick for anyone going down life's avenues.
Superior Productivity
Paul Fogel
Health Professions Press
PO Box 10624
Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
1878812939, $26.95, www.healthpropress.com
Productivity is the core of any successful business. "Superior Productivity in Health Care
Organizations: How to Get It, How to Keep It" is a guide to productivity in the less clear avenue
of health care, as Paul Fogel presents a useful walk through to the health care business, how to
increase revenue, runt he business strategically and ethically, and how to grow one's business
further, and how to deal with hard times without falling back on stopgap measures. "Superior
Productivity in Health Care Organizations" is a strongly recommended pick for any manager of a
health care related business.
Seeing the Big Picture
Kevin Cope
Greenleaf Book Group Press
PO Box 91869
Austin, TX 78709
9781608322466, $21.95, www.greenleafbookgroup.com
Success is best savored instead of rushed. "Seeing the Big Picture: Business Acumen to Build
You Credibility, Career, and Company" is a guide to the fundamentals of business and how to
bring them to a higher level of understanding that can see the future of the company. Taking cues
from the most successful business leaders, Kevin Cope presents a guide that encourages business
acumen and expertise in a field joining together and leading to better numbers. "Seeing the Big
Picture" is a wise read for anyone who wants a more complete and comprehensive view of the
business world so they can best gain an understanding of it.
The Shaping of an Effective Leader
Gayle D. Beebe
InterVarsity Press
PO Box 1400
Downers Grove, IL 605151426
9780830838202, $16.00, www.ivpress.com
Leadership is a quality that everyone wants but few understand. "The Shaping of an Effective
Leader: Eight Formative Principles of Leadership" discusses the qualities of leadership and how
they may be embraced for greater performance in one's job, taking charge and leading one's
business to success. Written by a leader of education, business, and faith, "The Shaping of an
Effective Leader" is a read that is very much recommended to community library business
reference collections.
The Decision Book
Mikael Krogerus and Roman Tschappeler
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393079616, $17.95, www.wwnorton.com
THE DECISION BOOK: 50 MODELS FOR STRATEGIC THINKING argues that using models
for decisions enables a pattern of sidelining irrelevant details of any situation to focus on what is
truly important. Because most readers already have the tools for navigating the world, it's easy to
compile them into a strategy for decision-making, especially when paired with THE DECISION
BOOK which has already done the job. Chapters gather 50 of the best methods and explain how
and when they can be applied, offering readers a set of different models that can be used at
different times. From management issues to social issues in the workplace, this offers an easy
at-a-glance format that will prove perfect for any business manager seeking easy keys to
decision-making.
Who's in the Room?
Bob Frisch
Jossey-Bass
c/o Wiley Professional Trade Group
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
9781118067871, $29.95, www.josseybass.com
WHO'S IN THE ROOM? HOW GREAT LEADERS STRUCTURE AND MANAGE THE
TEAMS AROUND THEM provides a fine survey that considers the gap between the myth and
reality of decision making between teams and bosses. It doesn't follow the usual ideas of
organizational psychology but argues that the solution lies in unseating senior management teams
at the top of the decision-making process. Instead a portfolio of different types of teams can
produce leaders to match decisions to an appropriate team makeup, allowing for greater
flexibility and approaches. The author's decades of experience as one of the world's leading
strategy facilitators shows how leaders can match teams to tasks for better approaches to business
management.
Building a Magnetic Culture
Kevin Sheridan
McGraw-Hill
1221 Avenue of Americas, 45th Floor, New York NY 10020
0071773991, $28.00, www.mhprofessional.com
Building a Magnetic Culture: How to Attract and Retain Top Talent to Create An Engaged,
Productive Workforce offers a fine strategy for attracting talented employees to the workplace by
empowering them and sustaining an environment in which they are likely to stay. His review of
the culture of Employee Engagement uses years of experience and research and provides concrete
tactics needed to create such a culture in a business environment, using experiences from big
companies such as Campbell Soup, Groupon, Intel and more. A top guide for any business
collection results!
Advantage
Adam Segal
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393341249, $16.95, www.wwnorton.com
ADVANTAGE: HOW AMERICAN INNOVATION CAN OVERCOME THE ASIAN
CHALLENGE explains how the American penchant for innovation is the saving strength of our
nation, and will prove the key to making sure America's economy and technology stay on top.
Political, social and business issues combine in an analysis of America's advantage and consider
how America's strengths lie in the process of innovation itself. Over decades of effort America
has developed a system that has allowed sustained creativity based on a free flow of ideas
between public and private institutions and an embrace of risk. Examples from successful
American and Asian companies and initiatives that have failed in all three countries demonstrate
how the U.S. can utilize China and India's strength and weaknesses to its advantage.
Inside Apple
Adam Lashinsky
Business Plus
c/o Hachette Publishing Group
237 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017-0010
9781455512157, $26.99, www.businessplus.com
INSIDE APPLE: HOW AMERICA'S MOST ADMIRED - AND SECRETIVE - COMPANY
REALLY WORKS explains why so few understand what really goes on behind the scenes at
Apple, and reveals the systems, tactics and management strategies that allowed Jobs and his
company to constantly innovate and create compelling market devices from the Mac to the iPod
and iPad. Adam Lashinsky is one of the leading journalists covering Silicon Valley and his
background lends to exploring Apple's little known practices, from the training program Steve
Jobs started to unconventional top-down practices such as holding one individual directly
accountable for every task. Any who would understand the underlying practices and secrets of
Apple will appreciate this survey, which intends on decoding the business mystery behind
Apple's facade.
Creating Personal Presence: Look, Talk, Think, Act Like a Leader
Dianna Booher
Berrett-Koehler Publishers Inc.
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 650
San Francisco, CA 94104-2916
9781609940119, $15.95, www.bkconnection.com
CREATING PERSONAL PRESENCE comes from an award-winning speaker and consultant
who demystifies the observations that affect perceptions of potential. Four specific areas
influencing personal presence are identified: How you look, talk, think, and how you act. It's the
combination of these elements that lend to personal presence, at the heart of a title that shows
how to develop a personal presence and then how to apply it in a work environment. Any with an
interest in self-improvement and professional work enhancement will find this packed with
tips.
How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Independent Record Label
Martha Maeda
Atlantic Publishing Group
1405 SW 6th Avenue, Ocala FL 34471
9781601381422, $39.95, www.atlantic-pub.com
Whether you're an independent artist looking for more control over your music or a businessman
looking to make money in the music industry, this comprehensive new book provides
step-by-step instructions on how to set up, operate and manage a financially successful
independent music label. A companion CD-ROM holds all the forms used in the book in PDF
format for easy use, paired with a sample business plan. From finding a location that will bring
success to auditing, budgeting, and profit planning, this teaches how to set up computer systems,
a basic business plan, and setting up a music site where customers will pay to download your
music. A 'must' for any wanting to become involved in the marketing, distribution and business
end of music promotion.
The Gaming Shelf
One Trick at a Time
Jim Jackson
Master Point Press
331 Douglas Avenue
Toronto, ON, Canada, M5M 1H2
9781897106846, $18.95, www.masterpointpress.com
Bridge is more than luck; it's about playing the game and playing your opponents. "One Trick at a
Time: How to Start Winning at Bridge" is a guide for gaining a greater mastery with their game,
and gaining more victories on that low personal level of bridge playing. Jim Jackson's guide is
aimed at those of intermediate skill level and want to keep improving their game. With its own
dose of humor and plenty of wisdom for making the most of their game, "One Trick a Time" is a
must for those wanting to take the next step in bridge.
The Geology Shelf
Michigan's Pictured Rocks
William L. Blewett
Wayne State University Press
The Leonard N. Simons Building
4809 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201-1309
9780814334416, $22.95, http://wsupress.wayne.edu
Nature's beauty is more than green. "Michigan's Pictured Rocks: National Lakeshore and
Vicinity" reveals the geology and landscape throughout Michigan, especially that of the cliffs that
surround the great lakes. Presenting a collection of photography that emphasizes the simple
majesty of the state's geological history, William L. Blewett accompanies the photos with
scientific reflection and an appreciation of what has come to pass. "Michigan's Pictured Rocks" is
a strong pick for any collection focused on geology or nature photography.
The Computer Shelf
GPU Pro3
Wolfgang Engel, editor
CRC Press
Suite 300
6000 NW Broken Sound Parkway NW
Boca Raton, FL 33487
9781439887820, $69.95, www.crcpress.com
The weight of graphics have only been increasing in these productions. "GPU Pro3: Advanced
Rendering Techniques" is a guide to high end computer graphics for video games and computer
animation. Discussing the latest advancements in technology and graphical artistry, taken from
fifty of the industry's best, it covers tips on creating interesting geometry, shading, illumination
shadows, optimizing 3D engines, and much more. "GPU Pro3" is presented with full color
photos of graphical examples, charts, indexes, glossaries, and much more, making it an ideal
addition to community and college collections catering to technology and artistic design.
iPhone and iPad Apps for Absolute Beginners, i0S 5 Edition
Dr. Rory Lewis
Apress
233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013
9781430236023, $29.99, www.apress.com
iPhone and iPad Apps for Absolute Beginners, i0S 5 Edition teaches the basics of getting started
building iPhone and iPad apps, and is a pick for any professional programmer seeking specific
details in this area. It uses plain English and practical examples to teach step-by-step basics on
creating such apps, discusses how to set up a computer and programming environment tailored
for iPhone and iPad OS5 application development, and provides all the shortcuts, cheat sheets,
and examples to teach basic application skills. Any developer and libraries catering to
professionals will find the black and white screen shots and accompanying video opportunity to
be key to app development.
Microsoft Press
c/o O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein, Hwy N.
Sebastopol, CA 95472-2811
www.microsoft.com/mspress
Egbert Jeschke, et.al.'s MICROSOFT EXCEL 2010 FORMULAS & FUNCTIONS INSIDE OUT
(9780735658028, $59.99) is a recipe book for intermediate and advanced Excel 2010 users who
want keys to understanding, creating and customizing Excel's formulas. Over 350 built-in
functions are described along with reusable formulas for common calculations and keys to
adapting formulas by nesting functions. Many formulas keyed to common business analysis and
financial pursuits are presented, explained, and accompanied by screen shots and diagrams
throughout, making Microsoft Excel 2010 Formulas & Functions Inside Out a top
recommendation for any comprehensive Excel collection. The 4th updated edition of
MICROSOFT MANUAL OF STYLE (9780735648715, $29.99) provides a fine reference to the
usage, terminology and style appropriate for professional technical communications, and is a
'must' for any computer reference collection. It's been fully updated and optimized for easy use ad
packs in a glossary of over 1000 terms and acronyms, keys to 'best practices' for web writing and
global content, keys to formatting and grammar in the online environment, and more. Writers,
content managers and any involved with computer technology can't afford to be without this clear
guide. Eric Brechner's I.M. WRIGHT'S "HARD CODE": A DECADE OF HARD-WON
LESSONS FROM MICROSOFT (9780735661707, $44.99) appears in its second updated edition
to provide insights on how to increase software value and reliability. It's a 'must' for any software
engineer who wants better coding practices and comes from a Microsoft insider who analyzes
software development practices and provides insight into managing a software career. It's based
on I.M. Wright's entertaining "Hard Code" columns which have been sparking debates inside
Microsoft for more than a decade. Highly recommended as a basic addition to any software
developer's library, this updated second edition includes even more best practices and ideas.
The iOS 5 Developer's Cookbook, third edition
Erica Sadun
Addison Wesley
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300
Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
0321832078, $44.99, www.informit.com/aw
The iOS 5 Developer's Cookbook: Core Concepts and Essential Recipes for iOS Programmers
appears in a third updated edition to cover iOS 5, Xcode 4.2, and more, and is a pick for any
advanced computer collection appealing to developers. It provides tested recipes that cover all
areas of iOS development, from user interface design to view controllers, networking and
security. Chapters group related tasks and provide formulas, screen shots and examples to
accompany code solutions, and is a 'must' for any computer collection appealing to iOS
developers.
For Dummies
c/o Wiley Professional Trade Group
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
www.wiley.com
Bruce Clay & Susan Esparza's SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION ALL-IN-ONE FOR
DUMMIES (9781118024416, $39.99) tells how to make a web site irresistible to search engines
and how to use search engine metrics to help a website grow. From choosing the right keywords
and designing a search engine to finding out competitors, making your online business compete
more effectively, and finding the perfect web host, this links website optimization strategies to
tips on building keywords and choosing an analytics package, and is a top recommendation for
business and computer collections who want a title specific to understanding how search engines
work and how to optimize them. Susannah Gardner and Shane Birley's BLOGGING FOR
DUMMIES (9781118151945, $24.99) tells how to compare and use the latest blogging software
tools and provides an updated 4th edition that covers everything from gaining an audience to
blending a blog with social media and making money with search engine optimization. From
getting started and registering a domain to discovering a niche and adding photos to a blog, this
provides a fine basic survey for any who would become blog-savvy.
How to Do Everything iCloud
Jason R. Rich
McGraw-Hill
c/o The McGraw Hill Companies
Two Penn Plaza, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10121-2298
9780071790178, $25.00, www.mhprofessional.com
How to Do Everything iCloud tells how to configure and use iCloud, choosing online storage and
music alternatives to iTunes and iCloud, backing up iPhone and iPad on the Cloud wireless, and
managing and storing digital photos. It's a complete handbook to wireless syncing, storing and
accessing files and data using cloud computing, and it offers a step-by-step guide to maximizing
all the features of iCloud so you can get more function from an iPad, iPhone and Mac. Black and
white screen shots throughout make this a real winner!
To the Cloud
Pankaj Arora, Raj Biyani, Salil Dave
McGraw-Hill
c/o The McGraw Hill Companies
Two Penn Plaza, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10121-2298
007179221X, $30.00, www.mcgraw-hill.com
TO THE CLOUD: CLOUD POWERING AN ENTERPRISE considers an enterprise cloud
adoption and connects cloud computing to model trends. A four-step framework based on the
experiences and best practices of Microsoft's own IT group explains the points of Explore,
Envision, Enable and Execute and tells how to analyze application portfolios to identify good
cloud candidates, choose the right cloud models, and understand how the move to the cloud
affects budgets and staffing. Recommended for computer and business collections alike, TO
THE CLOUD charts the progress of making the transition and provides graphics, tables and
summaries to streamline the entire process.
The Cookbook Shelf
The Kitchen Diva's Diabetic Cookbook
Angela Shelf Medearis
Andrews & McMeel
1130 Walnut Street
Kansas City, MO 64106-2109
9781449402396 $24.99 www.andrewsmcmeel.com
The Kitchen Diva's Diabetic Cookbook is packed cover-to-cover with easy-to-follow instructions
for delicious, healthy recipes. Although designed especially for people working to keep their
diabetes under control, these sumptuous dishes are a marvelous addition to any health- and
flavor-conscious gourmet! From "Quick Black Bean Breakfast Tacos" to "Garlic Flank Steak",
"Cheesy Broccoli and Noodles", "Pumpkin-Nut Bars" and much more, these delicacies will
enliven the nutritious culinary repertoires of aspiring chefs. Basic carbohydrate/fat/sodium/etc.
information concerning each dish, color photographs, and an index round out this superb
collection.
Skinny Ms. Slow Cooker
Tiffany McCauley and Gale Compton, authors
Quail Ridge Press
P. O. Box 123, Brandon, MS 39043
9781934193761, $24.95, www.quailridge.com
Just when the winter is looming long and wearisome, "Skinny Ms. Slow Cooker: Natural Recipes
for a Healthy Lifestyle" brings a fresh and fabulous assortment of healthy recipes for slow cooker
comfort food lovers. Collected and presented by a talented pair of women who are committed to
promoting a healthy life style through eating unprocessed foods including vegetables and whole
grains, eating healthy foods in correct (smaller) portions, keeping active, and eating more foods
the way your great grandmother ate. Here are a variety slow cooker recipes for beverages,
appetizers, breakfast, stews and soups, pasta and grains, beans and vegetables, poultry, meat and
seafood, and desserts. Instructions are simple and brief, ingredients are listed first and are readily
obtainable, and nutritional information for each recipe per serving is presented in a green sidebar
which is easily spotted. Color photos of different recipes are mouthwatering, but the proof is in
the pudding literally. This reviewer's two favorites so far are Sweet Potato Custard Oatmeal (p.
60), and Chicken Enchiladas Verde (p. 156). It is certain that even more culinary joy awaits the
determined slow cooker fan who might just decide to cook their way through all 211 pages of
recipes. Additional basic information about modern slow cookers is added at the end as is
additional basic recipe information. "Skinny Ms. Slow Cooker, Natural Recipes for a Healthy
Lifestyle" is a retro-flavored cookbook whose time has definitely arrived.
New Orleans Classic Brunches
Kit Wohl
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster Street, Gretna, LA 70053
9781589808409, $16.95, www.pelicanpub.com
"New Orleans Classic Brunches: Recipes from Favorite Restaurants" is a beautiful color photo
illustrated brunch recipe collection from favorite restaurants in New Orleans, "The Big Easy."
The Classic Recipes Series features excellent regional cuisine, and New Orleans provides some
of the riches examples of this specialty. Dietary and cultural influences include Spanish, French,
British, African, and Caribbean cuisine and culture. This makes for a fantastic mix of palate
popping flavors, best tried in person, but available through kitchen efforts of the sophisticated,
well read armchair traveler. Kit Wohl's fabulous photography and accompanying notes of interest
about different recipes' origins make the offerings of "New Orleans Classic Brunches" even more
irresistible. Here we have recipes for Chef Dooky Chase's Eggs New Orleans (with crab meat
imperial), chef Alex Harwell's Eggs, Biscuits & Sausage Gravy, and Chef Leah Chase's Breakfast
Shrimp & Baked Cheese Grits, accompanied by a beautiful photo of Chef Leah Chase along with
a thumbnail biography. There are also recipes for chef Michelle McRaney's Gumbo Ya-Ya, Chef
Tory McPhail's Huckleberry Pancakes, and Linda Ellerbee's Skillet Cornbread. All recipes are
clearly explained, with a serving total and list of ingredients first followed by instructions. Each
recipe comes from a famous brunch restaurant in New Orleans, taking the reader on a culinary
tour of that fabled city's best brunch offerings. Special or signature cocktails or drink recipes are
also featured in sidebars from featured restaurants. Required standard components are collected
in illustrated recipes at the end, such as roux, remoulade sauce, fresh bouquet garni, chocolate
sauce, Hollandaise sauce, candied pecans, etc. "New Orleans Classic Brunches" closes with a
beautiful photo of the clasped hands of fabulous chef and great grandmother, Leah Chase. No
one who owns a copy of "New Orleans Classic Brunches" will be disappointed; it is the stuff of
heaven on earth.
Cooking Vegan
Vesanto Melina & Joseph Forest
The Book Publishing Company
PO Box 99
Summertown, TN 38483
9781570672675, $19.95, www.thefarm.org/businesses/bpc.html
Vegan cooking is a good way to embrace greater health on many levels. "Cooking Vegan:
Healthful, Delicious, and Easy" is a guide to embracing the vegan cooking style and diet from
Vesanto Melina and Joseph Forest, who provide plenty of tips and tricks to eating a healthy diet
vegan style at any point in their lives. With recipes for any taste, "Cooking Vegan" is a strong
and recommended pick for anyone who wants to embrace a much healthier future for
themselves.
Let Them Eat Vegan!
Dreena Burton
Da Capo Press
c/o Perseus Books Group
11 Cambridge Center
Cambridge, MA 02142
9780738215617, $20.00, www.perseusbooksgroup.com
The potential of Vegan cooking is vast, and an excellent choice for health or ethical reasons. "Let
Them Eat Vegan!: 200 Deliciously Satisfying Plant-Powered Recipes for the Whole Family" is a
compilation of vegan recipes from Dreena Burton, whose vast experience with the vegan avenue
of cooking continues with this latest volume. These recipes are varied and designed for any
occasion and bring out the full potential of vegan staples. "Let them Eat Vegan!" is a strong pick
for any Vegan cook looking for new dishes and new ideas.
HELP! There's a Stove in My Kitchen!
Annabel Frere
Struik
c/o The Random House Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, 17th floor
New York, NY 10019
9781770079373, $19.95, www.randomstruik.co.za
Cooking is easy they say, until the entire house burns down. "Help!: There's a Stove in my
Kitchen" is a guide for simple and effective meals for any time of day and any diet. Annabel
Frere walks readers through the basics of cooking and how to make many simple favorites like
Chicken Noodle Soup, Lasagna, Stroganoff, and Chicken Pie. "Help!: There's a Stove in My
Kitchen" is packed cover to cover with full color photos and easy to follow instructions, strongly
recommended as an introductory cookbook.
The Speedy Sneaky Chef
Missy Chase Lapine
Running Press
2300 Chestnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103-4371
9780762443291, $20.00, www.runningpress.com
Speed and Health don't have to be opposed to one another. "The Speedy Sneaky Chef: Quick,
Healthy Fixes for Your Family's Favorite Packaged Foods" is a cookbook that takes many
prepackaged products, adds a touch of innovation to produce something delicious & healthy, sure
to please the picky tastebuds all parents often face. "The Speedy Sneaky Chef" is a strong pick
for cookbook collections and on the shelves of busy cooks.
Lone Star Chefs
John DeMers, author
Julie Soefer, photographer
Bright Sky Press
2365 Rice Blvd. #202
Houston, TX 77005
9781933979809 $29.95 www.brightskypress.com
Lone Star Chefs: Texas Masters Share Their Culinary Creations is a gorgeous, full-color,
coffee-table cookbook revealing some of the most sumptuous delicacies that Texas cuisine has to
offer. From Chilled Watermelon Gazpacho with Lump Blue Crab and Thai Basil, to
Southwestern Caesar Salad with Polenta Croutons, Goat Cheese and Pine Nut-Crusted Beef
Tenderloin, and even tasty desserts such as Dublin Dr. Pepper Float with Cinnamon Bunuelo
Cookies, Lone Star Chefs explores an immense variety of memorable culinary creations. Lone
Star Chefs is also packed with far more than just recipes and photographs; author John DeMers
offers essays grounded in hours he has personally spent in the kitchen and the dining room with a
diversity of expert Texas chefs. The result is a treasury for anyone who loves good food or the
Lone Star State!
The Fresh Egg
Jennifer Trainer Thompson
Storey Publishing
210 Mass MoCA Way
North Adams, MA 01247
9781603429788, $14.95, www.storey.com
The Egg is a highly versatile product. "The Fresh Egg Cookbook: From Chicken to Kitchen" is a
guide for fresh eggs, from classical recipes to the more creative ways of using the eggs, author
Jennifer Trainer Thompson provides a fascinating and diverse walk through egg based cooking
for any meal of the day. With additional wisdom on fresh products, chicken raising and more,
"The Fresh Egg Cookbook" is a solid and recommended pick for any fresh cooking
enthusiast.
Peanut Butter Sweets
Pamela Bennett
Gibbs Smith, Publisher
PO Box 667
Layton UT 84041
9781423624486, $19.99, www.gibbs-smith.com
Peanut butter is a fine base for any sweet tooth. "Peanut Butter Sweets" is a guide for those who
are searching for peanut butter-based delicacies and how to fully embrace them on many levels.
From cookies, sauces, cakes, and pies, Pamela Bennett presents a full color cookbook to make
plenty of fine dishes no matter what one's particular favorite sweets are. "Peanut Butter Sweets"
is a strongly recommended addition to personal and community library cookbook
collections.
The Mom 100 Cookbook
Katie Workman
Workman Publishing Company
225 Varick Street
New York, NY 10014-4381
9780761166030, $16.95, www.workman.com
The role of the traditional mother is not one with a lot of time to rest. "The Mom 100 Cookbook:
100 Recipes Every Mom Needs in Her Back Pocket" is a collection of 100 staple recipes that are
designed to deal with the countless cooking challenges that will inevitably happen to the cooking
mother, with variations to switch up to meet picky eaters, ingredient shortages, and much more.
Presented in full color with recipes ranging from the spicing up of simple vegetables to complex
Mexican casseroles, "The Mom 100 Cookbook" is a read that shouldn't be overlooked by the
busy mother who always wants the answer to any culinary situation.
Polish Touches
Jacek Nowakowski & Joan Liffring-Zug Bourret
Penfield Books
215 Brown Street
Iowa City, IA 52245-5801
9781932043754, $19.95, www.penfieldbooks.com
The culture of Poland isn't the most pronounced to the American mind, but there are many flavors
and traditions to be enjoyed. "Polish Touches: Recipes and Traditions" is a collection of Polish
culture in America, presenting organizations and sites throughout the country for those of Polish
heritage or just students of culture to look to. Also included are various Polish food recipes,
presented in to the point format. "Polish Touches" is a choice pick for anyone with an enthusiasm
for Polish culture.
Handheld Pies
Sarah Billingsley & Rachel Wharton
Chronicle Books
680 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
9781452102146, $19.95, www.chroniclebooks.com
HANDHELD PIES: DOZENS OF PINT-SIZE SWEETS & SAVORIES deserves ongoing
recommendation as a very fine guide to small-scale eating. Color photos by Ellen Silverman
accompany a fine collection of variations of miniature pies, from homemade pop tarts to tiny
cream pies in canning jars. Bacon, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Pie, Shepherd's Pie, and more are
provided in small dishes and containers that lend to bite-sized enjoyment. A top pick for any
collection strong in gourmet cookbooks and 'small bites' cookery.
Reclaiming Our Food
Tanya Denckla Cobb
Storey Publishing
210 Mass MoCA Way
North Adams, MA 01247
9781603427999, $24.95, www.storey.com
Reclaiming Our Food: How the Grassroots Food Movement is Changing the Way We Eat pairs
photo essays by Jason Houston with a discussion of the rising public demand for more fresh,
local foods. Community food projects are springing up to meet this demand by schools,
restaurants, food markets and individuals, lead by creative people whose projects are creating
jobs and building local enthusiasm for growing and consuming fresh local produce. These are the
stores of some 60 grassroots food programs, synthesizing the lessons they learned and providing
a 'how to' handbook for any interested in achieving the same in their community, making this a
pick for any general lending library.
Rawlicious
Peter and Beryn Daniel
North Atlantic Books
2526 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Berkeley, CA 94704-2607
9781556439650, $19.95, www.northatlanticbooks.com
RAWLICIOUS: DELICIOUS RAW RECIPES FOR RADIANT HEALTH pairs color photos
throughout with insights from two raw food chefs who maintain that a raw food diet is actually
very easy to achieve and is filled with health benefits and flavor. It provides the basics of raw
cooking principles and pairs these with a range of recipes, from juices to salads and gourmet
dishes, and is a pick for any collection strong in natural and raw foods preparations. International
influences add flavor and ideas with Thai sauces, Cilantro Pesto, and breakfasts of nutty fruit
salads and toppings.
The Nepal Cookbook
Association of Nepalis in the Americas
Snow Lion Publications
PO Box 6483, Ithaca, NY 14851
9781559393812, $14.95, www.snowlionpub.com
THE NEPAL COOKBOOK provides a rare Nepalese cookbook providing everything from
festival dishes to everyday recipes and represent the best of Nepal's different cultures and
cuisines. From Cauliflower and Potato Curry to Pan-Fried Okra, Sun-Dried Potato Curry and
Raisin Pickle, dishes are simple in approach and representative of the diversity of the Nepalese
peoples. Highly recommended for any collection strong in ethnic cuisine; particularly since
Nepalese cookery books are few and far between. No photos, but the very easy dishes need no
embellishment to prove successful.
Professional Cake Decorating, updated edition
Toba Garrett
John Wiley
111 River Street, Hoboken NJ 07030-5774
9780470380093, $65.00, www.wiley.com
PROFESSIONAL CAKE DECORATING provides a fine updated edition of a classic guide to
cake decorating and is for both professionals and hobby bakers. It comes from a baker with years
of experience as a master cake designer, and presents all the cake decorating skills in an
illustrated step-by-step format with line art and lovely photos throughout. The introductory
chapter on all basics of the cake designer's art covers everything from assembling and icing a
cake to assembling tiers with columns and decorating in a range of styles from beginning to
advanced icing and piping, writing, hand molding and more. Highly recommended!
The Christian Studies Shelf
The Encyclopedia of Christian Civilization
George Thomas Kurian, editor
Wiley-Blackwell
350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148
www.wiley.com
9781405157629, $553.41, www.amazon.com
A four volume, 2790 page, encyclopedic history of Christianity from its beginnings with the life
and teachings of Jesus, through the apostolic period, the evolution and legitimization of the
Christian movement through the first three centuries, to the continued expansion and
fragmentation of the first millennia, through the great schisms of the western and eastern
churches, to Protestant reformations, down to the present day diversity of a truly global religion,
"The Encyclopedia of Christian Civilization" (ably compiled and edited by George Thomas
Kurian, President of the Encyclopedia Society and editor of sixty reference works of which
twenty-seven are encyclopedias) is the definitive reference work on the total history of the
Christian movement. More than 1,420 informed and informative entries contributed by more than
350 scholars from more than twenty-four countries, provide an up-to-date descriptive and
analytical history that will prove to be of immense value to both academia and the non-specialist
general reader with an interest in Christian History. "The Encyclopedia of Christian Civilization"
is a core addition that is fundamental to any personal, professional, academic, or community
library Christian Studies reference book collection. It should also be noted that an online edition
is available at the Wiley Online Library at www.encyclopediaofchristiancivilization.com
A Quick Overview of the Bible
Douglas A. Jacoby
Harvest House Publishers
990 Owen Loop North
Eugene, Oregon 97402-9173
9780736944243, $12.99, www.harvesthousepublishers.com
The Bible is not a single book, but a compilation of many. "A Quick Overview of the Bible:
Understanding How All the Pieces Fit Together" discusses how gain a more comprehensive
understanding of the Bible by understanding how the many books come together. The various
book so of the Bible were written hundreds of years apart in many languages, so understanding
Genesis is not the same as understanding Revelations. "A Quick Overview of the Bible" is a
strong pick as an introductory to any Bible student, be they professional or amateur.
Preaching in Plenty and in Want
Matthew Tennant
Judson Press
PO Box 851
Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851
9780817016999, $15.99, www.judsonpress.com
As times switch from plenty to tough, preachers should speak to their congregations struggles.
"Preaching in Plenty and in Want" is a guide for Christian leaders and preachers as they try to
help their people navigate through these stressful times. With tips on better understanding
economics in the fundamental sense, the scripture's thoughts on the struggles, and how the
economy affects one's congregation in general. "Preaching in Plenty and in Want" is a strong pick
for Christian collections in general.
Reading the Early Church Fathers
James L. Papandrea
Paulist Press
997 MacArthur Boulevard
Mahwah, NJ 07430
9780809147519, $24.95, www.paulistpress.com
To understand the foundation of the church, you must understand its founders. "Reading the
Early Church Fathers: From the Didache to Nicaea" explores the early days of the Christian
Church in the twilight of the New Testament era, and its rise in a Church that went from
blasphemous to holy in the eyes of the Roman Empire. "Reading the Church Fathers" is a core
addition to any church history collection that is looking to explore the earliest history more
thoroughly.
Stronger than Pain
Arlene Kauffman
Vision Publishers
PO Box 190
Harrisonburg, VA 22803
9781932676174, $8.99, www.vision-publishers.com
Faced with overwhelming chronic pain, it can be quite soul crushing. "Stronger than Pain:
Indescribable Pain, Multiple Surgeries, Repeated Setbacks: Is God Able?" is a memoir from
Arlene Kaufmann, as she shares her story of being faced with heavy pain and disability, and how
looking to faith gave her the strength to overcome. Hoping her story will inspire others to look to
faith for the ability to push themselves forwards, "Stronger than Pain" is well worth considering
for Christian and inspirational collections.
The Eastern Church
Amy Salgle
Northern Illinois University Press
2280 Bethany Road
DeKalb, IL 60115
9780875806709, $25.00, www.niupress.niu.edu
The Eastern Orthodox church is a voice often forgotten in the discussion of Christianity. "The
Eastern Church in the Spiritual Marketplace: American Conversations to Orthodox Christianity"
is a delve into the Americans who chose the Orthodox Church, the church of the Byzantine
Empire, and more recently, traditional Russian Christianity. Discussing the principles of the
church and how it is attracting American followers which are more commonly split between
Protestant and Catholic sects, "The Eastern Church in the Spiritual Marketplace" is a strong read
for anyone considering all sides to the modern theological debate.
The Ignatian Adventure
Kevin O'Brien, SJ
Loyola Press
3441 North Ashland Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657
9780829435771, $14.95, www.LoyolaBooks.org
To peer deeper into faith isn't something so easily done for many Christians. "The Ignatian
Adventure: Experiencing the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius in Daily Life" is a
comprehensive guide to the faith of St. Ignatius Loyola, as author and Jesuit priest Kevin O'
Brien present an studious exploration of faith and how to gain a better understanding of it. "The
Ignatian Adventure" is a powerful addition to any Christian studies collection and for any
Christian who is seeking a more scholarly understanding of faith and St. Ignatius.
Journey to the Heart
Kim Nataraja, editor
Orbis Books
PO Box 308
Maryknoll, NY 10545-0308
9781570759383, $35.00, www.orbisbooks.com
Throughout history, many thinkers have defined what it means to be Christian. "Journey to the
Heart: Christian Contemplation Through the Centuries" studies the traditions of Christianity from
the words of Christ, those who founded the Church, through the middle ages, Renaissance, and
modern thinkers as well as it comes to furthering Christian thought and ideal. "Journey to the
Heart" is an insightful read that shouldn't be overlooked by community library Christian studies
collections.
Heart to Heart
John Henry Newman
Ave Maria Press
PO Box 428, Notre Dame, IN 46556
9780870612558, $15.95, www.christian-classics.com
Prayer is something personal, and should have your knowledge and focus. "Heart to Heart" is a
prayer book from priest and scholar John Henry Newman, beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in
2010, known for his sweeping conversion of followers to Catholicism. Offering perspective on
the man and his beliefs, "Heart to Heart" is a strong read for any Christian, highly
recommended.
Made to Crave
Lysa Terkeurst
Zondervan Publishing House
5300 Patterson Avenue, S.E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49530
97803103344705, $12.99, www.zondervan.com
In any pursuit, one must keep their faith rolling high. "Made to Crave Devotional: 60 Days to
Craving God, Not Food" is a collection of spiritual readings aimed at helping readers battle their
weight and health problems. Straight forward reading for those who can be charged by faith,
"Made to Crave Devotional" is a must have for Christian dieters.
The Martial Arts Shelf
Bagua and Tai Chi
Bruce Frantzis
Blue Snake Books
c/o North Atlantic Books
2526 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Berkeley, CA 94704-2607
9781593943595, $19.95, www.northatlanticbooks.com
While Martial Arts was initially founded in self-defense, it has proved an avenue to the calm that
we all seek. "Bagua and Tai Chi: Exploring the Potential of Chi, Martial Arts, Meditation and the
I Ching" is a study of these disciplines, as Bruce Frantzis relays the teachings from Lineage
Master Liu Hung in how to use Tai Chi and Bagua to embrace greater health, clear one's mind,
find relaxation, and even how to use it for defensive purposes. "Bagua and Tai Chi" is an
intriguing pick for those who enjoy the martial arts for any self-improvement purposes.
The American History Shelf
Babysitter
Miriam Forman-Brunell
New York University Press
838 Broadway, 3rd floor
New York, NY 10003
9780814728956, $25.00, www.nyupress.org
Babysitting has been an icon of teenage girl culture for decades, having roots in centuries of
human history. "Babysitter: An American History" is a delve into the history of the babysitter,
proving to be the first job for many young American girls. A part of culture, the babysitter has
often been the plot element in many pieces of fiction, from literature aimed at teen girls to horror
movies. "Babysitter" is an excellent look at teenage girl youth culture in recent decades, a much
recommended read.
Right Here I See My Own Books
Sarah Wadsworth & Wayne A. Wiegand
University of Massachusetts Press
PO Box 429
Amherst, MA 01004
9781558499287 $28.95 www.umass.edu/umpress
Right Here I See My Own Books: The Woman's Building Library at the World's Columbian
Exposition chronicles the historic first effort in America to create a comprehensive library of
women's texts, as one of the marvels of the World's Columbia Exposition in Chicago. The
Women's Building was an exhibit hall of the products of women's labor, including more than
8,000 volumes of interdisciplinary writing by and for women. Right Here I See My Own Books
further examines the interplay of this landmark collection with the women's movement and the
professionalization of librarianship in late nineteenth-century America. Extensive notes and an
index round out this thoughtful examination of a turning point in American society.
West from Salt Lake
Jesse G. Petersen, editor
The Arthur H. Clark Company
2800 Venture Drive
Norman, OK 73069
9780870624070 $34.95 www.ahclark.com
The twenty-third volume of the American Trails series, West from Salt Lake: Diaries from the
Central Overland Trail gathers excerpts (many previously unpublished) from twenty-three diaries
of emigrants who traveled from Salt Lake City to California during the mid-1800's. Packed with
stories of the hardships of overland crossing, survival in the desert, encounters with Indians,
soldiers, and miners, and more make West from Salt Lake an invaluable primary testimony.
Extensive clarifying footnotes, a bibliography, and an index round out this excellent journal
collection, highly recommended especially for college library American History shelves.
Gone at 3:17
David M. Brown & Michael Wereschagin
Potomac Books, Inc.
22841 Quicksilver Drive
Dulles, VA 20166-2012
9781612341538, $29.95, www.potomacbooksinc.com
The causes of an accident are hard to spot before it happens, but the reality is crystal clear after
the fact. "Gone at 3:17: The Untold Story of the Worst School Disaster in American History"
tells the history behind the hundreds of deaths that occurred at March 18th, 1937 at 3:17 p.m.,
where a gas leak in London Junior-Senior High School in London and New London, Texas lead a
vicious explosion. Looking at what lead up to the accident and how it could have been stopped,
David M. Brown and Michael Wereschagin present a scholarly analysis of the tragedy and what
can be learned. "Gone at 3:17" is a strong addition to any social issues and history
collection.
Uncovering the Truth About Meriwether Lewis
Thomas C. Danisi
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781616145057, $26.00, www.ptometheusbooks.com
Uncovering the Truth About Meriwether Lewis provides a fine historical biography and explores
his adventurous life and controversial death, extending the studies conducted in his prior
MERIWETHER LEWIS to add historical essays of new findings based on newly discovered
documents. From record of the entire court martial proceedings to documentation of Lewis'
health challenges and new material explaining some of the remaining mysteries of his life, this is
a 'must' for any collection that saw prior enthusiasm over MERIWETHER LEWIS and
anticipates ongoing interest in a scholarly analysis of Lewis' life and times.
The World History Shelf
The Cistercians In The Middle Ages
Janet Burton & Julie Kerr
Boydell Press
c/o Boydell & Brewer Inc
668 Mount Hope Avenue
Rochester, NY 14620-2731
www.boydellandbrewer.com
9781843836674, $45.00, www.amazon.com
One of the primary cultural aspects of medieval Christianity were the development of
monasteries and nunneries. Among the monastic orders were the Cistercians who in the 11th and
12th centuries had established Cistercians houses throughout Europe and which operated under
the Rule of St. Benedict. Usually founded in rural locations to avoid the excesses and temptations
of urban life, the Cistercian order was still able to be immensely influential and contemporary
with their times. The collaborative work of Professor Janet Burton (School of Archaeology,
History and Anthropology, University of Wales) and Dr. Julie Kerr (Honorary Research Fellow,
School of History, University of St. Andrews), "The Cistercians in the Middle Ages" provides a
242-page analytical and historical compendium on the origins and evolution of the Cistercian
Order in a diversity of aspects and factors including daily life, administration, economy,
architecture, and the relationship of its monks with the world at large. An impressive work of
seminal scholarship, "The Cistercians in the Middle Ages" is enhanced with an extensive
glossary and bibliography, an Index of Cistercian Houses, and a general index, making it a
welcome and recommended addition to academic library Religious Studies and Medieval Studies
reference collections and supplemental reading lists.
An Improbable War?
Holger Afflerbach & David Stevenson, editor
Berghahn Books
150 Broadway, Suite 812
New York, NY 10038
9780857454105, $37.95, www.berghahnbooks.com
World War I was simply the first horrible chapter in a century of conflict. "An Improbable War?:
The Outbreak of World War I and European Political Culture Before 1914" discusses the politics
of Europe leading up the first World War, the elements that led up to the boiling point of the
conflict. From complex alliances to the oppression of many peoples across Europe, history
professors and thinkers Holger Afflerbach & David Stevenson provide an insightful exploration
of this important chapter in recent history. "An Improbable War?" is an excellent and core
addition to any world history collection.
Napoleon
William R. Nester
Savas Beatie
PO Box 4527, El Dorado, CA 95762
9781611210927, $34.95, www.savasbeatie.com
It was not force alone that granted Napoleon his empire. "Napoleon and the Art of the
Diplomacy: How War and Hubris Determined the Rise and Fall of the French Empire" discusses
Napoleon's skill with diplomacy and related tactics and how it greatly contributed to his success
for nearly two decades. Napoleon was a man who knew the arts of war well; author William R.
Nester presents a diplomatic and thoughtful exploration of a side of the general not often
discussed. "Napoleon and the Art of Diplomacy" is an excellent addition to any world history
collection.
7 Tipping Points that Saved the World
Chris Stewart & Ted Stewart
Shadow Mountain
PO Box 30178
Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0178
9781606419519, $28.99, www.shadowmountain.com
Freedom is a rare concept in the pages of history. "The Miracle of Freedom: 7 Tipping Points that
Saved the World" is a delve into history that seeks to define freedom and look at the instances of
history that led to a greater freedom of those involved with such a conflict. From ancient
conflicts of Biblical Kingdoms and the fight of the Greek Democracy for survival, to the
discovery of the New World, and the triumph over tyranny, "The Miracle of Freedom" is a very
western-driven look at the push for freedom and its many obstacles, recommended.
Five Days That Shocked the World
Nicholas Best
St. Martin's Press
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010-7848
9780312614928, $27.99, www.stmartins.com
FIVE DAYS THAT SHOCKED THE WORLD: EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS FROM EUROPE
AT THE END OF WORLD WAR II offers a fine work of history and brings together reports of
famous and other individuals who experienced the war in their personal lives. From Walter
Cronkite's parachuting into Holland with a Canadian trooper to Audrey Hepburn's concerns about
being conscripted into a Wehrmacht brothel, this uses personal narratives to document the history
of five days when Fascism fell in Europe, from April 28 to May 2, 1945. The narrowed focus
paired with the first-person accounts makes for an outstanding reference for any military or world
history collection.
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
The Last Justice
Anthony J. Franze
Sterling & Ross Publishers
c/o Sterling Publishing Company
387 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016-8810
9780982139189, $24.95, www.sterlingpublishing.com
With six members of the nation's highest court dead, people can be quick to point fingers. "The
Last Justice" is the story of the fallout from such an event, as Solicitor General Jefferson
McKenna is granted charge of the investigation, the political battle over replacements suddenly
has McKenna in the sights of the guilty. To prove his innocence, he has to find the deeper
corruption within, that leaks through Washington D.C. and around the world. "The Last Justice"
is a fine and much recommended pick, not to be missed.
Injustice for All
Robin Caroll
B&H Publishing Group
127 Ninth Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37234-0143
9781433672125, $14.99, www.bhpublishinggroup.com
When those who protect the law reject it, many are conflicted on who to trust. "Injustice For All"
follows Remington Wyatt, who when her Godfather, a federal judge, is murdered, finds herself
on the run. FBI Agent Rafe Baxter years later reopens the unsolved case, and begins to seek the
truth, but only finds people who can't trust him as an authority. "Injustice for All" is a complex
story with plenty of twists and turns, and should prove hard to put down, highly
recommended.
Partners in Crime
Rolando Hinojosa
Arte Publico Press
University of Houston
452 Cullen Performance Hall
Houston, TX 77204-2004
9781558857414, $16.95, www.artepublicopress.com
As violent death becomes epidemic, it can all too easy to overwhelm the law. "Partners in Crime"
is a novel from Rolando Hinojosa, following a story of Lieutenant Detective Rafe Buenrostro
covering a string of homicides and gang violence around the Texas-Mexico border. A conflict
that pushes the limits between borders and the pursuit of justice, "Partners in Crime" is a riveting
novel that will speak to readers of fast paced fiction and mystery.
The Mystery of Dr. Fu-Manchu
Sax Rohmer
Titan Books
144 Southwark Street
London, UK SE1 0UP
9780857686039 $9.95 www.titanbooks.com
Titan Books has taken the opportunity to reprint The Mystery of Dr. Fu-Manchu, the beginning
of Sax Rohmer's pulp mystery-action classic series set in early 1900's London. In The Mystery of
Dr. Fu-Manchu, Denis Nayland Smith must race against time to stop the devious and utterly
murderous "Devil Doctor" Fu-Manchu from murdering more victims. An "Appreciating Dr.
Fu-Manchu" post-essay by Leslie S. Klinger enhances this exciting tale of adventure, intrigue,
and horrific danger that attracted a devoted following! Also highly recommended for fans of
two-fisted struggle against implacable evil is Rohmer's second book in the long-cherished series,
"The Return of Dr. Fu-Manchu" (9780857686046, $9.95).
Signet
c/o Penguin Group (USA)
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
www.penguin.com
Laura Alden's FOUL PLAY AT THE PTA (9780451234087, $6.99) offers a fine survey of a
murder at a PTA meeting and tells of Beth's struggles when her newest bookstore employee falls
under suspicion. The real killer is still roaming the streets - and it falls to Beth to act on her
suspicions to free her small town from a murder spree in this engrossing adventure. Karen E.
Olson's INK FLAMINGOS (9780451233790, $7.99) tells of a high-end tattoo shop on the Vegas
strip where Brett comes upon outlines of dead bodies, and realizes she's implicated in the
murders. A tall redhead matching her description was seen leaving the crime scene, and she's the
prime suspect - unless she can pinpoint the real murderer. Wendy Lyn Watson's A PARFAIT
MURDER (9780451233806, $6.99) includes ice cream recipes as it tells of Tallulah Jones, who
is on the judging panel at a county fair but finds her cousin implicated in a murder at the fair.
Tally needs to prove Bree's innocence - but it's also possible Bree has committed the perfect
murder in this fast-paced thriller. All are fine picks for any mystery holding.
Berkeley Prime Crime
c/o Penguin Group (USA)
375 Hudson Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10014
www.penguin.com
Sheila Connolly's LET'S PLAY DEAD (9780425242209, $7.99) tells of an electrocution at a
colleague's children's museum and the involvement of Nell, who discovers that a series of
electricity-based mishaps are happening and lead to murder. She's in the middle of things as she
tries to discover whether the murder is intentional or an accidental result of an attempt to
sabotage the exhibition. Annette Blair's SKIRTING THE GRAVE (9780425242223, $7.99) tells
of Maddie, a vintage fashion shop owner who also must handle visions she gets from some of her
fashion finds. A new student, a murder at a train station, and a suspicious woman who appears in
town afterwards leads Maddie on a dangerous chase in this winning mystery. Melinda Wells' PIE
A LA MURDER (9780425242216, $7.99) includes recipes as it tells of Della, who is in the
middle of a bake sale contest when her sweetie tells her of a teen daughter who is coming to live
with him. Celeste becomes tangled with a Hollywood photographer intent on exploiting her and
when he's later found murdered, it's up to Della to clear her sweetie's name. Ada Madison's THE
SQUARE ROOT OF MURDER (9780425242193, $7.99) provides a fine Professor Sophie
Knowles mystery that includes puzzles and brainteasers as it explores a bead shop owner's
penchant for puzzles. Sophie is always busy, but when a disliked professor is murdered, it's up to
her to fit crime-solving into her hectic life in this satisfying puzzler. Rebecca M. Hale's HOW TO
MOON A CAT (9780425242179, $7.99) provides a fun 'cats and curios mystery' revolving
around a sleuth cat with a penchant for locating hidden cash - and murder. A valuable hidden
treasure leads to a gold rush hint in Nevada City and a ripping good yarn. Jenn McKinlay's
BOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING (9780425242186, $7.99) provides a fine library lover's mystery
and tells of a reference librarian's involvement in a small town murder. Who really committed the
crime? A fine 'whodunnit' plot evolves with many questions and lots of fine tension. All these
books are fine library mystery picks!
The Sports Shelf
Bad Sports
Dave Zirin
The New Press
38 Greene Street, 4th Floor
New York, NY 10013
9781595587824, $17.95, www.thenewpress.com
The influence of greed is poisoning sports. "Bad Sports: How Owners Are Ruining the Games
we Love" discusses the increasing influence of owners in many major sports leagues and how
they are negatively impacting the spirit of the game. From soaring ticket prices to leeching off a
society that already broke, Dave Zirin writes on how these problems came about, where it's
going, and what can be done. "Bad Sports" is a fine and much recommended pick for any sports
fan who feels the spirit has been lost.
Physiology of Sport and Exercise, 5th edition
W. Larry Kennedy, et.al.
Human Kinetics
Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61825-5076
0736094091, $99.00, www.humankinetics.com
Physiology of Sport and Exercise includes a web study guide and provides a title designed as a
text book for undergraduate exercise physiology courses. It's been fully updated in content and
design and appears in an updated 5th edition completely revamped with photos, illustrations and
medical artwork illustrating how the body performs and responds to physical activity. New
content is based on the latest research and a reorganized structure and is backed by an
accompanying web study guide that provides updated learning activities complimenting each
chapter. A 'must' for any sports physiology collection.
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
The Liminal People
Ayize Jama-Everett
Small Beer Press
150 Pleasant Street #306
Easthampton, MA 01027
9781931520331, $16.00, www.smallbeerpress.com
Aiding others isn't always a simple concept. "The Liminal People" is a blend of urban fantasy and
noir from Ayize Jama-Everett, as he follows Taggert, a man with both creative and destructive
powers, as he struggles through his place in the razor neck crew, as he tries to help an old love.
Having to go against his masters, he views as worth it for the sake of family. "The Liminal
People" is a riveting read that bends genres in a fascinating way.
Body Trade
Gary E. Kraus & Paul Popp
L&L Dreamspell
376 West Quarry Road
London, TX 76854
9781603182942, $17.95, www.lldreamspell.com
Medical science has come far, with many vital organs such as heart and lungs being fully
transplanted. "Body Trade" tells of Dr. Garrett Fieldings advancements that may make the final
frontier of human transplants possible - the brain. Uncertain of the effects of such a discovery, he
pushes forward when presented with two individuals, one destined for death by internal injuries,
and one who is brain dead. Saving a life, he faces backlash for the radical nature of his
procedure, and the dark abuses that could follow. "Body Trade" is a fascinating read with original
spins on science and medical ethics.
Thief of Midnight
Catherine Butzen
Stark House Press
4720 Herron Road
Eureka, CA 95503
9781933586311, $15.95, www.starkhousepress.com
The paranormal produces a war that rages on for ages. "Thief of Midnight" is a blend of mystery
and fantasy from Catherine Butzen as she presents a story of Abby Marquise, monster hunter and
her pursuit of the disappearing children across the globe. Juggling her duties as a protector of
reality with motherhood becomes more difficult as her oblivious son begins to learn more and
more. Meanwhile, the spirit world is trying to solve problems of its own, and it may be setting
themselves up for a clash with Abby. "Thief of Midnight" proves quite riveting for those who
like a bit of modernity in their fantasy, much recommended. Also from Stark House, from their
Classics Collection, are "Wild to Possess/A Taste for Sin" (9781933586106, $19.95) and "A
Devil for O'Shaugnessy/The Three-Way Split" (9781933586205, $14.95), two omnibuses of pulp
noir writer Gil Brewer, who gained notoriety in the era with his no holds barred image of hard
boiled life and sex - and the second compilation features the print debut for both mysteries.
Boneyards
Kristine Kathryn Rusch
Pyr
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 142280-2197
978161614539, $16.00, www.pyrsf.com
BONEYARDS is a pick for any interested in space opera science fiction, and returns Rusch's
character Boss to a new adventure. Her search for an ancient technology to help her friends find
answers to the mystery of their past leads her to evidence of ancient space battles, and
involvement with an old friend who is also on the wrong side of the empire and who needs her
help to fight. Between battles and struggles with friendships, Boss finds herself facing new major
life challenges and changes in a fast-paced story filled with politics, battles, and personal
confrontation.
Shadows in Flight
Orson Scott Card
Tor Books
c/o Tor/Forge
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
9780765332004, $21.99, www.tor-forge.com
SHADOWS IN FLIGHT is a sequel to SHADOW OF THE GIANT that can be read as a
standalone novel, offering new insights on Julian "Bean" Delphiki, who fled to the stars in search
of a cure for the gene alteration that he and three of his children share. SHADOWS IN FLIGHT
expands on the Ender's Game scenario, and involves a struggle in the Delphiki clan to try to stop
their rapid aging. Add an alien ship and a dangerous exploration and you have a fine survey
highly recommended for any fan of Ender, Card, or newcomers to Orson Scott Card's magic.
The Gardening Shelf
Garden Wisdom
Jerry Apps
Wisconsin Historical Society Press
816 State Street
Madison, WI 53575
9780870204944, $26.95, www.wisconsinhistory.org
The agricultural roots of America are making a return with greater and greater gardens. "Garden
Wisdom: Lessons Learned from 60 Years of Gardening" is a guide to modern gardening from
Jerry Apps, who guides readers on what he has learned spending decades gardening about life
and his own know how. With recipes and advice as well as memoir, "Garden Wisdom" is a
thoughtful walk through recent history, the love of gardening, and life in Wisconsin, highly
recommended.
The Needlecraft Shelf
Knit Your Own Cat
Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne
Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers
151 West 19th St., New York, NY 10011
9781579128937, $14.95, www.amazon.com
Following the previously published, widely hailed "Knit Your Own Dog," "Knit Your Own Cat:
Easy-To-Follow Patterns for 16 Frisky Felines" by the needlecraft team of Sally Muir and Joanna
Osborne is an innovative book of adorable knitted felines of 16 famous breeds. Here is the
perfect (or "purrfect") companion hobby book for creative cat lovers who knit, or adventurous
knitters who are "owned" by cats. Complete, easy-to-follow patterns with instructions are
provided for each cat, along with beautiful color photos of finished knitted cats. A tribute to the
fabulous variety of breeds of cats, "Knit Your Own Cat" is a fantastic gift or hobbyist acquisition.
Ranging from the Abyssinian to the Persian, to the Turkish Van, these knitted cats are
unbelievably lifelike and striking in their resemblance to their living, breathing furry prototypes.
Whether created as a companion or a tribute to a departed beloved feline, these unforgettable
knitted cats are sure to be treasured by their fortunate owners.
Mend It Better
Kristin M. Roach
Storey Publishing
210 Mass MoCA Way
North Adams, MA 01247
9781603425643 $18.95 www.storey.com
Filled cover to cover with step-by-step, user-friendly instructions and full-color photographs,
Mend It Better: Creative Patch, Darning, and Stitching lives up to its title with tips, tricks, and
techniques to mend stained or damaged clothing in creative and stylish ways. From surface
stitches like fixing a seam with torn fabric, to beautiful patches that enhance a garment, to
restoring lost buttons and fixing buttonholes, to working with beads and sequins, and much more,
Mend It Better emphasizes not how to restore clothes, but also how to improve them with
personal pizzazz! Highly recommended for any practical-minded needlework collection.
Noah's Knits: The Story of Noah's Ark With 16 Knitted Projects
Fiona Goble
Andrews McMeel Publishing
1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106
9781449409791, $16.99, www.andrewsmcmeel.com
"Noah's Knits: The Story of Noah's Ark With 16 Knitted Projects" is a creative collection of
Bible inspired knit projects that illustrate the story of Noah and the ark. Including instructions for
knitting figures of Noah, his wife, and 14 pairs of animals, plus a cardboard fold-out ark
complete with a ramp included in a pocket on the book's back cover. Fabulous color photos of
finished ark knitted projects adorn every page. Not only are there complete, easy to follow
instructions for each knitted figure, but also "Noah's Knits" includes a helpful necessary supplies
list and handy, color-coded basic knitting stitches instructions plus extra help for putting pieces
together and adding finishing touches such as crochet and embroidery. In all, "Noah's Knits" is an
adorable complete craft manual for creating the first flood family and menagerie out of yarn.
Children will love learning the Bible story told with creations from "Noah's Knits."
Norwegian Mittens & Gloves
Annemor Sundbo
Trafalgar Square Publishing
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road
North Pomfret, VT 05033
Independent Publishers Group (distributor)
814 North Franklin Street, Chicago, IL 60610
9781570764950, $24.95, www.trafalgarbooks.com
Norway is not a warm place - and its people have developed ways of dealing with that.
"Norwegian Mittens & Gloves: Over 25 Classic Designs for Warm Fingers and Stylish Hands" is
a guide for needleworkers who want to apply that Norwegian efficiency and style for themselves
or those they love. Taking ideas from traditional gloves and mittens, Annemor Sundbo has made
these designs a career, and shares what she has learned over the years with readers. Presented in
full color with a touch of history, "Norwegian Mittens & Gloves" is a strong addition to any
needleworking collection.
Knitting with the Color Guys
Kaffe Fassett and Brandon Mably
Sixth&Spring Books
161 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10013
9781936096374, $24.95, www.sixthandspringbooks.com
Knitting with the Color Guys comes from two top designers who together provide a fine
collection of knits that showcases their color patterns, sharing their techniques for creating
vibrant patterns and colors, and is a pick for any needlework collection. Each chapter is arranged
by color inspiration to band together similar hues and shades, and each chapter compliments
bright color displays with discussions of why they work. The result is a personal workshop in a
book sharing the authors' techniques and approaches to textile color, and is a solid pick for any
quilter or needleworker's collection.
60 Pieced Quilt Borders
Judy Laquidara
American Quilter's Society
Box 3290, Paduch, KY 42002-3290
9781604600124, $26.95, www.AmericanQuilter.com
60 Pieced Quilt Borders is a pick for quilter's libraries and tells how to produce some fifteen
quilts with 4 border designs each. Any of the 60 borders covered can be used on any quilt, and
this book teaches beginners and advanced quilters alike how to make adjustments for size and
style. Color drawings and illustrations, notes on yardage and assembly, and keys to cornerstone
applications make this a winning guide to any who would expand their knowledge of finishing
touches on a quilt border.
Make it Sew Modern
Vanessa Christenson
Martingale & Company
19021 - 120th Ave NE #102, Bothell, WA 98011-9511
9781604680591, $24.99, www.martingale-pub.com
Make it Sew Modern: Gather, Twist, Pleat, Texture tells how to use three-dimensional flowers,
embellishments, pleats, and other techniques to add dimension and texture to any sewing or
quilting project and is a pick for any who would sew easy patterns and create unique designs.
Chapters are packed with color examples, step-by-step instructions, and black and white
diagrams and ideas for adding accents to a range of projects. Any needlework collection strong in
finishing touches will find this a fine pick!
Knit Local
Tanis Gray
Sixth&Spring Books
161 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 1301
New York, NY 10013
9781936096183, $19.95, www.sixthandspringbooks.com
KNIT LOCAL: CELEBRATING AMERICA'S HOMEGROWN YARNS celebrates American
yarn companies and showcases their products, pairing a history of yarn companies with a
collection of some 30 designs for men, women and children. Complete patterns are accompanied
by photos of American farms and the sheep, alpacas and bison that live on them, while local fiber
events and festivals across the country are profiled. Projects are designed to showcase local
sustainable yarns and fibers and make for an outstanding resource for any fiber artist and for
collections catering to them.
The Knitter's Life List
Gwen W. Steege
Storey
210 MassMoca Way, North Adams, MA 01247
9781603429962, $24.95, www.storey.com
THE KNITTER'S LIFE LIST provides a fine survey listing over 1,000 experiences based on
knitting. It comes from a veteran knitter and fiber artist who has assembled ideas and inspiration
from the knitting community, from amazing yarns and classic techniques to museums of
knitting-related exhibits, festivals and retreats based on knitting, and history surrounding yarn
developments. From yarn-friendly cities to classic sweater designs and experiences in weaving,
spinning, dyeing and crochet, this compiles techniques, designs, and knitting challenges under
one cover and is a fine and varied pick for any knitter who would explore knitting history,
patterns and culture.
The Self-Help Shelf
Anger Management for Everyone
Raymond Chip Tafrate & Howard Kassinove
Impact Publishers
PO Box 6016
Atascadero, CA 93423-6016
9781886230835, $17.95, www.impactpublishers.com
Anger can easily consume one's life, but it's natural, so it must be controlled. "Anger
Management for Everyone: Seven Proven Ways to Control Anger and Live a Happier Life" is
motivational guide from psychologists Raymond Chip Tafrate & Howard Kassinove suggest
ways for readers to better manage their anger, and reduce the damage it can do to their
relationships. Stating how to vent well, manage one's emotions and put it forward so they can
attain greater success, "Anger Management for Everyone" is a choice addition for self-help and
inspirational collections, recommended.
Living Through Personal Crisis
Ann Kaiser Stearns
Idyll Arbor, Inc.
PO Box 720
Ravensdale, WA 98051
9781882883875, $15.00, www.idyllarbor.com
Life's crisis and problems are unavoidable, and how we handle them are how he come out ahead
of it all. "Living Through Personal Crisis" is an inspirational guide from Ann Kaiser Stearns as
she advises readers on how to face the hardships of life head on and overcome them thoughtfully
and well. "Living Through Personal Crisis" is worth considering for those facing a hard time and
are at a loss on processing the emotional deadlock.
Unchain the Pain
Bob Livingstone
NorLights Press
762 State Road 458
Bedford, IN 47421
9781935254591, $15.95, www.norlightspress.com
A little self-diagnosis can give one a pre-emptive strike on their problems. "Unchain the Pain:
How to Be Your Own Therapist" is a guide from Bob Livingstone on self-therapy, dealing with
one's own internal problems in their own way before embracing a professional. Asking readers to
question themselves always and drive themselves forward, "Unchain the Pain" is a wise read,
well worth considering.
How to Have Courage, Calmness, and Confidence
Paramhansa Yogananda
Crystal Clarity Publishers
14618 Tyler Foote Road
Nevada City, CA 95959
9781565892491, $11.95, www.crystalclarity.com
With clarity of thought comes greater efforts for peace. "How to Have Courage, Calmness, and
Confidence" is the fifth volume of Yoga and Eastern philosophy from Paramhansa Yogananda as
the thinker brings readers qualities to consider in their own route to a clearer thought in
improving their soul, conquering the anxieties of life, and use it to heal their mind and enjoy their
life at a grater level. "How to Have Courage, Calmness, and Confidence" is an excellent pick for
any follower of eastern spirituality, strongly recommended.
When You Think You're Not Enough
Daphne Rose Kingma
Red Wheel/Weiser/Conari
65 Parker Street, Suite 7
Newburyport, MA 01950-4600
9781573245340, $14.95, www.redwheelweiser.com
Believing in oneself is the first step to greater success in life. "When You Think You're Not
Enough: The Four Life-Changing Steps to Loving Yourself" is an inspirational guide from
Daphne Rose Kingma who advises readers to overcome their self-doubts and push themselves
forward for a more charged life and inspiration to pursue what they want to. With the message
that we all deserve the lives we think we deserve, with emphasis on the think, "When You Think
You're Not Enough" is a strongly recommended pick for inspirational collections.
Harness Your Dark Side
Al Galves
New Horizon Press
PO Box 669
Far Hills, NJ 07931
9780882823836, $14.95, www.newhorizonpressbooks.com
Anger is natural, what you do with it is what turns it bad. "Harness Your Dark Side: Mastering
Jealousy, Rage, Frustration, and Other Negative Emotions" is an inspirational book from Al
Galves, as he advises readers to piece together their negative emotions and use it to charge
themselves forward to a greater place in their lives. By understanding these feelings, one can be a
better person their life on the whole. "Harness Your Dark Side" is a strongly recommended pick
for self-help collections, highly recommended.
The Money/Finance Shelf
The Intuitive Investor
Jason Apollo Voss
Select Books
1 Union Square West, Suite 909
New York City, NY 10003
1590792068, $24.95, www.selectbooks.com
Investing is more than just crunching numbers. "The Intuitive Investor: A Radical Guide for
Manifesting Wealth" is a blend of spirituality and business sense from Jason Apollo Voss, as he
shares both his expertise in wall street matters, avoiding the decline of wall street, and also what
he has learned spiritually, and how to use them all together for a more mindful path through
business. "The Intuitive Investor" is a strongly recommended pick for personal finance
collections.
The Education Shelf
75 Quick & Easy Solutions to Common Classroom Disruptions
Bryan Harris and Cassandra Goldberg
Eye On Education
6 Depot Way West
Larchmont, NY 10538
9781596672093 $29.95 www.eyeoneducation.com
75 Quick & Easy Solutions to Common Classroom Disruptions lives up to its title with practical
methods that teachers of all grade levels (especially early grade levels) can use to help and deal
with troublesome students . Five problem behaviors common to difficult students are identified -
"Blurting Out in Whole Group", "Side Talking", "Rude/Disrespectful Behavior", "Zoning
Out/Lack of Focus", and "Doesn't Try/Gives Up Easily"; each offered idea is recommended to
help with any one or a specific combination of these disruptive behaviors. For example, the
concept of "Chunk Tasks" - "breaking assignments and activities into smaller, more manageable
parts and providing structured directions for each part" - is proffered as a helpful tool to deal with
cases where students tend to "Zone Out" or "Give Up Easily". A superb supplementary resource,
75 Quick & Easy Solutions to Common Classroom Disruptions is an invaluable aid for
improving student success, and deserves to be readily available to every grade school
teacher.
The Special Educator's Toolkit
Cindy Golden
Brookes Publishing Company
PO Box 10624
Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
www.brookespublishing.com
9781598570977, $39.95, www.amazon.com
The education of special needs children is one of the most challenging careers any teacher can
embark upon. With "The Special Educator's Toolkit: Everything You Need to Organize, Manage,
and Monitor Your Classroom", author and educator Cindy Golden draws upon some three
decades of experience and expertise to create an instructional guide that will deftly serve
instructors of special needs children from kindergarten through twelfth grade. The methodical
focus is on six fundamental areas: the learning environment; no-cost / low-cost communication
techniques and supports; teaching methods and materials; student behavioral systems; managing
the inevitable paperwork required; building successful working relationships with school staff
and parents. Of special note is the included CD-ROM featuring more than sixty printable forms
and tools ranging from an environmental planning worksheet, to a classroom expectation chart,
to group lesson plans, to home school notes, and more! Thoroughly 'user friendly', "The Special
Educator's Toolkit: Everything You Need to Organize, Manage, and Monitor Your Classroom"
should be considered indispensable for any special education novice instructor and has much of
value to recommend it to the attention of experienced special education teachers and
administrative staff as well.
Higher-Order Thinking Skills
Wendy Conklin
Shell Education
5301 Oceanus Drive
Huntington Beach, CA 92649-1030
9781425808228, $24.99, www.shelleducation.com
Critical thinking skills are perhaps the most important thing students can take from their
classrooms. "Higher-Order Thinking Skills to Develop 21st Century Learners" is an educational
guide from Wendy Conklin, M.A., who discusses how teachers can inspire their students to be
more complete thinkers to face the problems that will be coming in the 21st century in many
careers. With tips on how to inspire any level, from the gifted to the struggling, as well as those
learning English, "Higher-Order Thinking Skills to Develop 21st Century Learners" is a strong
addition to educational reference collections.
Teaching Sustainability, Teaching Sustainably
Kirsten Allen Bartels & Kelly A. Parker
Stylus Publishing, Inc.
22883 Quicksilver Drive
Sterling, VA 20166-2012
9781579227395, $29.95, www.styluspub.com
Conservation is not only for the environment alone. "Teaching Sustainability, Teaching
Sustainably" is a college educators guide to encouraging sustainability in their lesson plans, as
well as the importance of a practice that encourages good practices to help the teacher or
professor keep their soul in their educational practices for years to come. An insightful discussion
of these two vital yet related ideas that are needed for greater education in the long term,
"Teaching Sustainability, Teaching Sustainably" is a strong pick for general education
collections.
Serving Gifted Students
Susan K. Johnsen, Ph.D., Tracey N. Sulak, & Karen Rollins
Prufrock Press
PO Box 8813
Waco, TX 76714-8813
9781593638894, $29.95, www.prufrock.com
Skilled and driven students are worth going the extra mile for. "Serving Gifted Students Within
an Rtl Framework" is a guide for educators working within the American 'Response to
Intervention' model, on how to work within it to get gifted students the challenges they need to
reach their next level of success. With plenty of practical advice for teachers of gifted students,
professors of education and educational psychology come together well, making "Serving Gifted
Students Within an Rtl Framework" well worth considering for any teacher who works within
it.
Putting FACES on the Data
Lyn Sharratt & Michael Fullan
Corwin Press, Inc.
2455 Teller Road
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320-2218
9781452202587, $36.95, www.corwinpress.com
People are more than statistics, and they should be treated as such. "Putting FACES on the Data:
What Great Leaders Do!" is a guide to better leadership and education as Lyn Sharratt & Michael
Fullan is a guide for creating a more complete educational system, using research and knowledge
compiled over recent years to create a more successful and personal experience for teachers. A
collection of research that remembers that there are exceptions to the rule in every student,
"Putting FACES on the Data" is a must for any educator or education administrator, highly
recommended.
Happy Birthday, Dear Author!
Jacqueline Witter-Easley
Upstart Books
c/o Highsmith Press
PO Box 5210
Janesville, WI 53547-5210
9781602130579, $17.95, www.highsmith.com
Encouraging literacy is always a plight in need of new ideas. "Happy Birthday, Dear Author!" is
a collection of tips and advice from Jacqueline Witter-Easley as she presents ideas for
encouraging reading for young learners from grades 1 to 3. Using a focus of authors birthdays,
Easley recommends that librarians and teachers celebrate an author and encourage their works,
with suggestions of writing for relevant reading levels. "Happy Birthday, Dear Author!" is a
useful resource for teachers and librarians trying to get young people to read more.
Cracking the PCAT 2012-2013
Princeton Review
c/o Random House Inc.
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
9780375427435, $29.99, www.princetonreview.com
Cracking the PCAT 2012-2013 offers proven techniques for a higher score in the PCAT and
provides everything needed to master all seven sections of the Pharmacy College Admissions
test. Two full-length online practice exams accompany this in-depth review of chemistry,
biology, math and English - all the sections contained in the PCAT. Graphs, charts and examples
abound in a fine pick for any lending library catering to students who will be taking the
Pharmacy College Admissions Test.
Early Childhood Experiences in Language Arts: Early Literacy, 10th edition
Jeanne M. Machado
Wadsworth
c/o Cengage Learning, Inc.
200 First Stamford Place, Stamford, CT 06902
9781111841188, www.cengage.com/wadsworth
The 10th updated edition of Early Childhood Experiences in Language Arts: Early Literacy is
designed for a college-level instructor's use, accompanies the student version, and provides keys
to understanding early learning and language arts acquisition. Use this manual to create a custom
book, view electronic chapters of selected titles and resources, and offer supplemental materials
online to interested students with a title that teaches the basics of developing literacy skills in the
very young. A fine pick for any early childhood educator's collection!
The Teacher's Guide to Media Literacy
Cyndy Scheibe and Faith Rogow
Corwin Press
2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
9781412997584, $41.95, www.corwin.com
The Teacher's Guide to Media Literacy: Critical Thinking in a Multimedia World asks what
literacy actually means in the modern world, and how these skills can blend media literacy across
the curriculum. Dozens of suggested activities compliment examples of teaching strategies,
lessons and approaches to building media literacy, providing a title that shows how to teach
critical thinking skills and how to help students associate school learning with their lives.
Chapters are packed with self-reflection exercises, terms, classroom-tested lesson plans for
different approaches to media literacy, and more. Highly recommended for any concerned with
the wider applications of media literacy!
Barron's
250 Wireless Boulevard
Hauppauge, NY 11788
www.barronseduc.com
John B. Nici, M.A.'s BARRON'S AP ART HISTORY (9780764146916, $18.99) appears in its
second updated edition to pack in proven test-taking strategies for the AP Art History exam. Here
are three full-length model tests plus discussions of the five most critical concepts to master for
the test. Chapters are packed with sample questions, detailed explanations, study tips, test-taking
advice and more. Every book offers an in-depth answer explanation, while over 600 works of art
are included in a top reference for any AP Art History student. A similar format makes Eugene
V. Resick, M.A.'s AP UNITED STATES HISTORY (9780764146824, $18.99) a reference pick
for any student taking the AP U.S. History exam. It pairs 2 full-length practice tests with
strategies for answering questions and chapter reviews covering all relevant AP U.S. History
topics from the 1400s to modern times, and provides a comprehensive coverage any test-taker
will appreciate. A 'must' for any AP student!
The Philosophy Shelf
Shows About Nothing
Thomas S. Hibbs
Baylor University Press
One Bear Place, #97363
Waco, TX 76798-7363
9781602583788, $24.95, www.baylorpress.com
Nothingness seems to be a more and more popular topic as the something has no value. "Shows
About Nothing: Nihilism in Popular Culture" discusses the prominence of Nihilistic topics in
today's media, it presents the ideas of Nietzsche and how it has infiltrated many films and
television shows, as characters may be faced with decisions that may wander them down the road
to nothingness. "Shows About Nothing" offers an intriguing debate of good, evil, how it matters
and matters no longer, a strongly recommended addition to any philosophy or popular culture
reference collection.
From Big Bang to Big Mystery
Brendan Purcell
New City Press
202 Cardinal Rd.
Hyde Park, NY 12538
9781565484337, $34.95, www.newcitypress.com
For some thinkers, the universe is an unanswerable question, but are the origins of humanity also
unobtainable? "From Big Bang to Big Mystery: Human Origins in the Light of Creation and
Evolution" seeks to explore the rise of humanity, from its many ancestors and from when the first
thing that could be called a human began to wander the earth. Brendan Purcell provides
intriguing thought on the big bang of human consciousness, and makes "From Big Bang to Big
Mystery" an excellent and much recommended pick for philosophy and science collections.
Unbinding the Heart
Agapi Stassinopoulos
Hay House, Inc.
PO Box 5100
Carlsbad, CA 92018-5100
9781401930738, $19.95, www.hayhouse.com
Sheer joy is something that we only have briefly, as life seems to quickly oppress it. "Unbinding
the Heart: A Dose of Greek Wisdom, Generosity, and Unconditional Love" is an inspirational
read from Agapi Stassinopoulos, as she presents common Greek wisdom to readers, hoping they
will adopt parts of that philosophy to their everyday lives. Drawing from her own experiences
and reflecting on what she has learned as she has traveled the world, "Unbinding the Heart" is a
thoughtful and much recommended read for inspirational and philosophical collections.
The Merging of Two Worlds
Roy E. Bourque
WestBow Press
1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200
Bloomington, IN 47403-5161
9781449722951, $27.95, www.amazon.com
Those who seek knowledge seek it in any way they can. "The Merging of Two Worlds: The
Convergence of Scientific and Religious Thought" is a collection of philosophy and spirituality
from Roy Bourque who ponders his history of thought and ideal, touching on religion, the
coming events, and the general opinions of life in general. "The Merging of Two Worlds" is
thought provoking and a choice pick for those looking for another addition to the philosophical
debate.
The Biography Shelf
Michele Obama
Alma Halbert Bond
Greenwood Press
c/o ABC-CLIO
Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
www.abc-clio.com
9780313381041, $37.00, www.amazon.com
Michele Obama is so much more than a First Lady of the country through courtesy of being
married to a president. "Michele Obama: A Biography" by psychoanalyst and biographer Alma
H. Bond is a 166-page personal history of a woman of color who worked hard and long to
become an accomplished professional in her own right, a devoted wife and mother of two girls,
and an advocate for causes that she believes ranging from her husband's presidency to helping the
country deal with chronic obesity. Informed and informative, "Michele Obama: A Biography" is
enthusiastically recommended for school and community library American Biography
collections, and should be considered 'must reading' for Michele's legions of admirers and
supporters.
The First Ladies Fact Book
Bill Harris
Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers
151 West 19th Street
New York, NY 10011
9781579128913, $19.95, www.workman.com
Few first ladies settle for their place in history simply being the president's wife. "The First
Ladies Fact Book: The Childhoods, Courtships, Marriages, Campaigns, Accomplishments, and
Legacies of Every First Lady from Martha Washington to Michelle Obama" is a massive and
comprehensive guide following the life stories of the women who brought a feminine touch to
the White House, and in recent years, began championing causes all their own. With photographs
and illustrations throughout, Bill Harris presents an intriguing delve into history of tradition and
traditions broken, and an endlessly fascinating read. "The First Ladies Fact Book" is a strong pick
for any reference collection touching on history and powerful women.
Bob Hines: National Wildlife Artist
John D. Juriga
Beaver's Pond Press
7104 Ohms Lane, Suite 101
Edina, MN 55439
9781592984404 $18.00 www.BeaversPondPress.com
Bob Hines: National Wildlife Artist is a solid biography of one of the greatest wildlife artists of
the twentieth century. His extraordinary talent for both beauty and accuracy, as well as his
passion for the environmental movement culminate in an extraordinary body of work that
remains every bit as inspiring today as it was generations ago. Bob Hines may be best known for
designing the 1946 Duck Stamp and managing the competition for over thirty years on behalf of
the US Fish and Wildlife Service, but his love for nature's majesty far transcended his day job. A
selection of black-and-white photographs and illustrations as well as some color plates round out
this informative, in-depth biography of Bob Hines as a consummate artist, a preserver, and a
humble human being. Highly recommended.
Check-Raising The Devil
Mike Matusow
Cardoza Publishing
5473 South Eastern Avenue
Las Vegas, NV 89119
www.cardozapub.com
9781580422611, $24.95, www.amazon.com
Nick-named 'The Mouth' for his proclivity for talking (and talking a lot!) at the poker table, Mike
Matusow is a high-profile professional poker player known for the quality of his game, the
emotional eruptions he is prone to when the game goes badly for him, and for being one of the
consistently entertaining players of the game today. Well known to television audiences for his
many appearances in high stakes poker games and major poker tournaments, Mike's private life
has been as colorful as his public gaming performances which has, to date, netted him more than
seven million dollars in winnings, three WSOP gold bracelets, and an astonishing 13 final tables
at the World Series of Poker tournaments around the country. With the assistance of Amy
Calistri and Tim Lavalli, Mike has pretty much laid bare his life and soul in the pages of
"Check-Raising The Devil", a 272-page autobiography that reveals to his legions of fans in the
poker playing community the dramatic ups and downs of his life and times. For Mike's
thoughtful and thought-provoking insights into the world of the professional poker player,
"Check-Raising The Devil" should be considered 'must reading' for anyone who has ever played
the game of No-Limit Texas Hold'em!
Careless Whispers: The Life & Career of George Michael
Robert Steele
Omnibus Press
c/o Music Sales Corporation
257 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10010
9781780380155, $34.95, www.omnibuspress.com
A life in show business is anything but typical. "Careless Whispers: The Life & Career of George
Michael" follows the career of the musical icon, who with his rise in fame, was never shy about
who he was and his struggles with drug addiction and his openness with his homosexuality. His
recklessness got him imprisoned, his career continues, a man driven by his music above all else.
"Careless Whispers" is a strongly recommended pick for music and biography collections, highly
recommended.
A Rare Titanic Family
Julie Hedgepeth Williams
NewSouth, Inc.
PO Box 1588
Montgomery, AL 36102
9781588382825, $21.95, www.newsouthbooks.com
Women and children first was a call that invoked chivalry, but it led to countless broken families.
"A Rare Titanic Family: The Caldwells' Story of Survival" is Julie Hedgepeth Williams telling
her uncle and his family's story of surviving the legendary disaster of the Titanic. Presbyterian
missionaries, they left their mission in Siam for the health of Albert's wife Sylvia with their
10-month-old child. "A Rare Titanic Family" is a one-of-a-kind biography of a rarely heard story
of that sinking ship.
Hiding from Reality
Taylor Armstrong
Gallery Books
c/o Simon and Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 14th fl.
New York, NY 10020
9781451677713, $25.00, www.simonandschuster.com
HIDING FROM REALITY: MY STORY OF LOVE, LOSS, AND FINDING THE COURAGE
WITHIN tells of the author's loss when she discovered the body of her estranged husband
hanging in his California home. Her fans were horrified at his death and at the accounts of the
physical and mental abuse she suffered at his hand that she'd been terrified to tell. HIDING
FROM REALITY recounts the experience of domestic abuse, the threat of financial ruin and
fears for her young daughter that kept her tied to her abuser, and how the family cultivated a
lavish and rich persona to the outside world even as they suffered. Any who know Taylor
Armstrong from her TV show THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF BEVERLY HILLS as well as
readers interested in accounts of domestic abuse will find this a powerful autobiography.
How I Got My Wiggle Back
Anthony Field with Greg Truman
Wiley
c/o Wiley Professional Trade Group
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
9781118019337, $25.95, www.wiley.com
HOW I GOT MY WIGGLE BACK: A MEMOIR OF HEALING comes from the co-founder of
The Wiggles, a hugely popular children's music group, and reveals how as The Wiggles rose to
unprecedented fame in the children's show world, he personally became locked in a downward
spiral that nearly ended his career. His health challenges and their impact on his life is
documented in a dual account of the Wiggles' many achievements and how a health issue
affected career choices and recovery. In the end it was simple techniques that changed his health
and life - and are recommended here, making this a fine pick for any also struggling with chronic
ill health.
Leonardo's Legacy
Stefan Klein
DaCapo Press
c/o Perseus Books Group
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge MA 02142
9780306820083, $16.00, www.dacapopress.com
There have been many books written about Leonardo DeVinci, but while most cover his
contributions, few discuss the man himself. So any arts collection strong in DeVinci coverage
must have LEONARDO'S LEGACY: HOW DA VINCI REIMAGINED THE WORLD. From
his unorthodox studies to his obsession with flying and advances in automation, LEONARD'S
LEGACY considers the man, his genius, and his world. It questions his worldview and considers
how DeVinci's method of exploring and re-envisioning his world changed his life. Any arts or
biography holding strong in DeVinci needs this.
The Civil War Shelf
Victors in Blue
Albert Castel
University Press of Kansas
2501 West 15th Street
Lawrence, KS 66049
9780700617927, $34.95, www.kansaspress.ku.edu
The brilliance of Lee alone cannot stand against the strategy the many minds of the Union.
"Victors in Blue: How Union Generals Fought the Confederates, Battled Each Other, and Won
the Civil War" discusses the generals of the Union Army, numerous and skilled, often clashed
with one another on the direction and purpose of the fight, Albert Castel presents a profile of
these leaders, the reasoning behind their victories, and presenting a scholarly dissection of union
leadership. "Victors in Blue" is a strong addition to any Civil War and American History
collection, highly recommended.
Shiloh to Durham Station
Richard L. Hamilton
Privately Published
9781456460495, $20.99, www.amazon.com
Wisconsin wasn't close to the battle lines of the civil war, but the people of Wisconsin still
fought for the Union. "Shiloh to Durham Station: 18th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment, With
Captain Robert S. McMichael's Civil War Letters" is a collection of letters and a look at history
of this historic Civil War regiment, as civil war history enthusiast Richard L. Hamilton, as he
presents a history through study and letters. "Shiloh to Durham Station" is a strong addition to
any American Civil War collection, especially those with a focus on Wisconsin.
The Buddhist Studies Shelf
The Magic of Awareness
Anam Thubten
Snow Lion Publications
PO Box 6483
Ithaca, NY 14851
9781559393928 $16.95 www.SnowLionPub.com
Anam Thubten, a lifelong practitioner of Nyingma tradition Buddism and the spiritual
advisor/Dharma teacher for the Dharmata Foundation, presents The Magic of Awareness, a
spiritual text about liberating one's mind and consciousness, awakening to one's true nature,
gaining freedom from desires and fears, and rediscovering love and bliss in existence. "There is
nothing to be discovered as ultimate truth beyond pure consciousness. That's all there is. Every
other notion of truth is simply an elaboration of ideas and concepts. Pure consciousness is not the
effect of any cause. If it were the effect of a cause, it would simply be another ordinary thing with
a beginning and an end. It is present in each of us, and it is not bound by time or space. It is free
from everything and it is present in everyone at this very moment. It is the ground of our being,
and who we are in the ultimate sense." Although The Magic of Awareness deals with
transcendental matters, the plain-terms language renders its message accessible to readers of all
faiths and backgrounds. Highly recommended for any reader interested in better understanding
and learning about Buddhism, particularly Nyingma Buddhism.
Breathing Through the Whole Body
Will Johnson
Inner Traditions International, Ltd.
One Park Street
Rochester, VT 05767
9781594774348, $12.95, www.innertraditions.com
The spiritual teachings of the Buddha is a whole being focus. "Breathing Through the Whole
Body: The Buddha's Instructions on Integrating Mind, Body, and Breath" is guide to spirituality
and Buddhism as Will Johnson encourages readers to put together their whole spirit and gain a
more complete control over their mind, emotions, and body. With exercises both physical,
mental, and spirituality, "Breathing Through the Whole Body" is a strongly recommended pick
for spirituality and Buddhist studies collections.
Natural Brilliance
Irini Rockwell
Shambhala Publications, Inc.
300 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston, MA 02115-4544
9781590309322, $18.95, www.shambhala.com
The potential for greatness lies in us all, but the ability to flourish must be found. "Natural
Brilliance: A Buddhist System for Uncovering Your Strengths and Letting Them Shine" is an
inspirational book from Irini Rockwell who channels Buddhist philosophy and ideal to encourage
readers, both Buddhist and people who don't identifies themselves as such. Encouraging a more
total and clear thought approach to the world as a whole, "Natural Brilliance" is a top pick for
anyone who wants to bring Buddhist thought into their life.
The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf
Tropica
Tony Clapes, author
Yishan Li, illustrator
The Bess Press
3565 Harding Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
9781573063203 $12.95 www.besspress.com
Tropica is a graphic novel set on the allegorical island of the same name, where most economic
revenue is generated through low-paying service jobs working for tourists and the military.
Although Tropica does not exist in our universe, parallels to the state of Hawaii leap to mind; the
allegory could also apply not only to other island commonwealths, but also mainland cities and
regions driven by the same economic forces, and possibly even America as a whole. Tropica's
economic model suffers from long-term problems; the island's population is under-educated and
ill-prepared for anything other than low-skilled jobs that barely keep its people above the poverty
line. As a result its population is declining, and should the flow of military and tourism
consumption ever dry up, it will spell complete disaster! The intelligent and forward-thinking
Doc Nova proposes an ambitious plan to save the future; with more education and S.T.E.M.
(Science, Technology, Education and Math) initiatives, Tropica could potentially create new
industries with higher-paying jobs that rely on brainpower rather than agriculture or hard labor,
and turn its looming economic crisis around. To achieve this end, Doc Nova teaches and enlists a
group of students to fight for a better future. But the main power brokers in the island's
government fiercely oppose changing the way things are; three groups of them feud, but all three
are so resistant to improved education that they are essentially possessed by mysterious evil
gremlins that effectively transform them into anthropomorphic pigs or wolves! The clean,
manga-style artwork perfectly complements this tale that blends elements of the fanciful and the
practical into a captivating whole. Highly recommended.
Hamakua Hero: A True Plantation Story
P.Y. Iwasaki and Berido
The Bess Press
3565 Harding Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
9781573063210 $12.95 www.besspress.com
Over 120 years ago, tens of thousands of Japanese men and women left their homeland to work
on the sugar plantations of Hawaii. They had to toil for long hours in severe and sometimes
life-threatening conditions, for distressingly little pay. Hamakua Hero: A True Plantation Story is
a black-and-white biographical graphic novel, about one particularly idealistic young man. Katsu
Goto resisted the injustices visited upon the plantation workers, but paid a terrible price for his
courageous actions. Vignettes of Hawaiian and Japanese history are smoothly worked into the
story, which is told with expressive, manga-style artwork. As captivating as it is educational,
Hamukua Hero is highly recommended.
Orcs: Forged for War
Story by Stan Nicholls
Adapted and Drawn by Joe Flood
:01 First Second Books
c/o Roaring Brook Press
175 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10010
9781596434554 $17.99 www.roaringbrookpress.com
Orcs: Forged for War is the first graphic novel of the popular and award-winning Orcs dark
fantasy universe. Set in a devastated land, where two factions of humans wage a bloodthirsty
conflict, Orcs: Forged for War follows the Wolverines, an elite cohort of orc warriors (and one
headstrong dwarf sergeant). The orcs are allied with the witch-empress who is at least willing to
include nonhuman races underneath her merciless, iron-fisted rule; the opposing human faction
seeks to commit genocide upon all nonhuman races in the name of its God. When the orcs are
assigned to protect a unit of goblin-sorcerers transporting a mysterious and deadly new weapon,
their mission begins with frustration and ultimately escalates into life-threatening peril! A savage
fantasy brought to vivid life in full color, Orcs: Forged for War is utterly compelling from cover
to cover and highly recommended.
The Homeland Directive
Robert Venditti, author
Mike Huddleston, illustrator
Top Shelf Productions
PO Box 15125
Portland, OR 97293-5125
9781603090247 $14.95 www.topshelfcomix.com
The Homeland Directive is a grim graphic novel about a potential bioweapon apocalypse in
America. Dr. Laura Regan, a researcher at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is
shocked to find her researcher partner murdered, and herself blamed for the crime. Three rogue
federal agents know that she has been framed, and suspect that the government is behind it!
Together, the four of them must escape from mercenaries, law enforcement, and even
cyber-detectives while they hunt down the perpetrators of a plot that could ultimately unleash a
lethal and immensely contagious disease across all of America! The Homeland Directive is
vividly illustrated with gritty line artwork, and a color scheme that eschews traditional realism
for revolving background pallettes designed to reflect and intensify this edge-of-one's-seat
thriller. Highly recommended.
The Superhero Book, second edition
Gina Misiroglu
Visible Ink Press
43311 Joy Road #414
Canton, MI 48187-2075
9781578593750 $24.95 www.visibleinkpress.com
Now in a revised and updated edition, The Superhero Book is an encyclopedia of heroic icons
from comic books and Hollywood movies. Each hero or heroine has a page or two of description,
including a historical recounting of who created them and a summary of their comic or film
appearances; most are also featured in a colorful photographic image. From Alpha Flight to
Zorro, The Superhero Book is a wonderfully user-friendly pop-culture reference, and perhaps
also a great place to start when considering whether to follow a new superhero comic book line!
An extensive introduction summarizing the different "ages" of comic books, including the Silver
Age, the Golden Age, and the Modern Age rounds out this accessible reference that is just plain
fun to simply browse.
The Audiobook Shelf
Between Planets
Robert A. Heinlein
Full Cast Audio
PO Box 6110, Syracuse, NY 13217
www.fullcastaudio.com
9781934180297, $45.00, www.amazon.com
The late Robert A. Heinlein (1907-1988) was acknowledge by his peers and his fans as one of the
most gifted and prolific of science fiction authors. Now the classic 1951 Heinlein SciFi yarn
"Between Planets" has been brought to life with a multicast theatrical performance flawlessly
produced by Full Cast Audio. It's the story of a young man caught up in interplanetary intrigue as
war breaks out between the human colonists of Venus against the oppressive global government
of Earth. Enhanced with original music, the 6-disc "Between Planets" has a total running time of
seven hours. Pure entertainment from beginning to end, this production of "Between Planets"
provides the listener with a total 'theatre of the mind' experience and is highly recommended for
personal, school, and community library audio book collections.
Within A Budding Grove
Marcel Proust
Naxos of America, Inc.
1810 Columbia Avenue, Suite 28
Franklin, TN 37064
NA0097, $115.98, www.naxosaudiobooks.com
Complete and unabridged, this Naxos audio book production of "Within A Budding Grove" by
Marcel Proust is deftly and dramatically narrated by Nevill Jason. The result is 25 hours, 33
minutes of memorable entertainment. "Within A Budding Grove" is the story of a young man
dealing with his emerging sexuality, becoming involved with a group of teenaged girls, visiting a
brothel, and encountering still other young women including Rachel, Gilberte, and Albertine.
This is a transcendent 'coming of age' novel written by a master storyteller with an unusual gift
for engaging full and continuing attention from beginning to end. "Within A Budding Grove" is
very strongly recommended for college and community library audio book collections and should
be considered a "must listen" for Marcel Proust enthusiasts.
Oliver Twist
Charles Dickens
Naxos of America, Inc.
1810 Columbia Avenue, Suite 28
Franklin, TN 37064
NA0076, $81.98, www.naxosaudiobooks.com
"Oliver Twist" is Charles Dickens' literary masterpiece that tells the story of a poor orphan boy in
19th Century England whose adventurous life will encompass tragedy and triumph. This
complete and unabridged Naxos audio book entails flawless production values which serve to
showcase Jonathan Keeble's superbly gifted narrative skills bringing all of Dickens' memorable
characters to live from Oliver's friend 'The Artful Dodger', to such shady characters of Fagin, and
humor providers like Mr. Bumble. With a total running time of 16 hours, 18 minutes on 13 CDs,
Certain to be a popular title, "Oliver Twist" should be considered a core and necessary addition
to both school and community library audio book collections.
The Eagle
Rosemary Sutcliffe
Naxos of America, Inc.
1810 Columbia Avenue, Suite 28
Franklin, TN 37064
NA442312, $28.98, www.naxosaudiobooks.com
No one writes historical fiction better than Rosemary Sutcliffe. "The Eagle" is set in second
century Britain when all that separated 'civilization' from the barbarians was Hadrian's Wall and
the Roman Legion. In 117 AD when the 9th Legion was wiped out north of the Wall and its
Eagle symbol taken, it was a mystery as to what had happened. Twenty years later the son of the
second in command of the ill fated 9th Legion, accompanied by his dedicated friend disguise
themselves and head north to discover what had happened to his father and the 9th, and if
possible retrieve the Eagle that served as its standard. Sutcliffe's superbly crafted novel is brought
vividly to life in a true 'theatre of the mind' experience by the expert narrative skills of Charlie
Simpson. The result is pure entertainment on four CDs with a total running time of 4 hours, 32
minutes. "The Eagle" is an enthusiastically recommended addition to school and community
library audio book collections!
End Days
Deborah Zoe Laufer, author
Dane DeHaan, Shannon Cochran, Kate Rylie, and Arye Gross, performers
L.A. Theatre Works
681 Venice Boulevard
Venice, CA 90291
1580818064 $25.95 www.latw.org
Performed by a full cast of expert actors, End Days is the audiobook adaptation of Deborah Zoe
Laufer's play about the spiritual crisis that grips a suburban family in the wake of the September
11th attacks. Sylvia Stein has embraced Christianity and hustles to prepare for the Rapture, as
well as save the souls of her estranged husband Arthur and her recalcitrant teenaged daughter
Rachel. But Rachel feels put upon from every direction - pressured by her devout mother,
ignored by a father who won't even change out of his pajamas, and the object the neighboring
sixteen-year-old Elvis impersonator's soul-smitten crush. With Armageddon and the Rapture
(allegedly) on the horizon, could Stephen Hawking be the only person who can save them all? A
wild blend of laugh-out-loud comedy and human drama, End Days is vividly brought to life in
the next best format to being seen on stage. Highly recommended. 2 CDs, 130 min.
When Crickets Cry
Charles Martin, author
Adam Verner, narrator
Oasis Audio
289 Main Place
Carol Stream, IL 60188
1613750757 $29.99 www.oasisaudio.com charlesmartinbooks.com
When Crickets Cry is the audiobook adaptation of a profound work of Christian literature. Set in
a quiet Southern town, When Crickets Cry tells of the chance meeting between a dispirited
surgeon and a spunky seven-year-old girl in need of a heart transplant. A freak truck accident
unexpectedly connects their destinies, in a story woven through flashbacks of tragedy interleaved
with present-day challenges and growth. When Crickets Cry is a heartwarming tale of the human
condition, highly recommended especially for public library audiobook collections. 9 CDs,
unabridged.
Obedience
Jacqueline Yallop
Highbridge Audio Books
201 Sixth Street SE, Suite 220
Minneapolis, MN 55414
9781611746631 $29.95 www.highbridgeaudio.com
Obedience is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of the tragic story of an elderly nun at long
last coming to terms with the evils of the past. Decades ago, during the Nazi occupation of
France in World War II, Sister Bernard was a nun beset by the emphatic voice of God. This
harsh, unyielding voice was only stilled when she engaged in a forbidden love affair with a young
Nazi soldier. She broke her vow of chastity, and learned to lie and hide her covert double life, but
her betrayals would culminate in a terrible, ultimate price. Obedience is the story of a woman
torn between her blind craving for love and her fear of God's wrath, and is utterly compelling to
the very end. 6 CDs, 7 3/4 hours.
The Fear Index
Robert Harris
Random House Audio Books
c/o The Random House Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, 8th floor, New York, NY 10019
9780449008737, $40.00, www.randomhouseaudio.com
THE FEAR INDEX receives a vivid reading by Christian Rodska, who is well known for his
theater, television, film and radio work. He's narrated many documentaries and THE FEAR
INDEX tells of the legendary Dr. Alex Hoffmann, a renowned among the rich for his
development of a revolutionary form of artificial intelligence that predicts movements in the
financial markets. He's making billions - but when an intruder breaches his security he finds
himself playing a dangerous game against an unknown assailant in this powerful thriller,
recommended for any general audio lending library.
The Rope
Nevada Barr
Brilliance Audio
PO Box 887, Grand Haven, MI 49417
9781441816092, $36.99, www.brillianceaudio.com
THE ROPE provides a new Anna Pigeon novel performed by veteran narrator Joyce Bean, who
spices a fine mystery telling of Anna's new job as a seasonal employee at a park. On her day off
she goes hiking never to return - and finds herself trapped at the bottom of a well, naked. Her
memory soon returns to tell her someone's tapped her there - and unless she can outwit her
captor, she may never return. An engrossing thriller packed with unpredictable twists and turns of
plot, THE ROPE is a top pick for any audio lending library.
Supervolcano: Eruption
Harry Turtledove
Recorded Books
270 Skipjack Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
9781461807704, $123.75, www.recordedbooks.com
Jim Frangione's fine narrative style stems from his background as an actor-director who appeared
in various plays and TV shows: his compelling voice enhances and brings to life an audio of
alternate history revolving around a supervolcanic eruption in Yellowstone Park which sends
lava and mud flowing toward populated areas nearby and threatens the entire nation with climate
change. It's apocalyptic writing at its best, creating an involving series of scenarios and
protagonists that revolve not around the science and mechanics of the event so much as the lives
of people changed by its magnitude. Any interested in disaster science fiction will find this a
satisfying blend of high drama and action in a story that unfolds with unerring tension, spiced by
the audio format.
Hachette Audio
237 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017-0010
www.hachetteaudio.com
Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child's GIDEON'S CORPSE (9781611139884, $34.98) provides an
outstanding thriller spiced by voice-over artist David Collins' smooth voice and tells of a top
nuclear scientist who takes an innocent family hostage at gunpoint while a nuclear bomb is
detonated in New York City. An engrossing scenario is created in which a major American city
will be vaporized by a terrorist attack in ten days leading Gideon Crew to uncover something
even more terrible. An engrossing thriller, this is hard to stop listening to! Lisa Osteen Comes'
YOU ARE MADE FOR MORE! (9781611139976, $24.98) comes from an associate pastor at a
Texas church, the largest in the U.S. She survived a birth defect and a mail bomb explosion that
made headlines and still holds hope for the future, offering here the inspirational spiritual idea
that everyone is 'made for more' and can achieve their goals with spiritual insights and
determination. An outstanding, vivid account evolves and comes to life in audio format,
especially recommended for spirituality holdings. Adam Lashinsky's INSIDE APPLE: HOW
AMERICA'S MOST ADMIRED - AND SECRETIVE - COMPANY REALLY WORKS
(9781611130959, $26.98) receives a fine narration by the author, who is a senior editor at large
for Fortune Magazine. His account offers an analysis of Apple and the management strategies
that allowed Steve Jobs and his ground-breaking company to create hits tied to culture and
interests. Each chapter begins with analysis of apple's unique design practices, how they created
brand name identity, and how it currently is handling the transition from Jobs to Cook. Jodi
Kantor's THE OBAMAS (9781611139730, $34.98) is narrated by Robin Miles and provides a
compelling unabridged account including an interview with the author. Any interested in the
Obamas will find this provides a powerful insider's account of the Obamas as they entered a new
world of politics in the White House. From Michelle's struggles to contain her natural bluntness
and strong opinions with Barack's daunting new challenges assuming the Presidency, this survey
of their personalities and challenges makes for compelling reading! ROBERT LUDLUM'S THE
JANSON COMMAND (9781409116479, $41.75) is actually by Paul Garrison based on a
Ludlum scenario, and not an original Ludlum work. Now that this explanation has been offered,
note that Scott Shepherd is an outstanding narrator whose theater background spices the story of
Paul Janson, reformed from covert-operations days and working in partnership with a
sharpshooter to rehabilitate disenchanted agents. His involvement with Somali pirates, militant
thugs, and more makes for an involving survey that excels in underground operations and
excitement, perfect for audio listeners who enjoy espionage tales.
The Library CD Shelf
Waking from the Roots
Coyote Jump
Canyon Records Productions
3131 West Clarendon Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85017
$14.98 www.canyonrecords.com
Coyote Jump is a musically talented duo consisting of composer Colin Farish, who is skilled in
playing multiple instruments, and Native American flutist John-Carlos Perea. Together they
present Waking from the Roots, a music CD album in tribute to the indigenous peoples of
America, inspired by their ancient traditions that honor the mystery, bounty, and love of Mother
Earth. The delicate beauty of the cedar flute binds these soul-stirring songs, in a reflective and
ultimately joyous listening experience. Highly recommended. The tracks are "Lightning Drum"
(5:20), "Ohlone Waters" (4:51), "Migration" (5:54), "Coyote Jump" (5:12), "Salish Sound"
(4:02), "Midnight Moon" (5:31), "Lozen's Way" (5:19), "Prayer/Taking Flight" (7:20), and
"Invocation/Waking from the Roots" (7:50). 51 min. 47 sec.
Close Your Eyes, Love: Lullabies of the Celtic Lands
Aine Minogue
Little Miller Records
97 Bow Street
Arlington, MA 02474
$14.99 www.minogue.com www.CelticMeditationMusic.com
Close Your Eyes, Love: Lullabies of the Celtic Lands is a wonderfully dreamy album original
Celtic-style lullabies by Irish harpist and singer Aine Minogue, co-producer Scott Petito on bass
keyboards and guitar, and grammy-winning cellist Eugene Friesen. Close Your Eyes, Love is
multilingual; of its five tracks with vocals, three tracks are in English, one is in Gaelic, and one is
in Welsh. A beautifully crafted work of resonant and soothing melody, Close Your Eyes, Love is
a wonderful gift album, especially recommended for listening pleasure when one is winding
down for bed. The tracks are "Take Time To Thrive" (6:25), "William's Lullaby" (4:40),
"Slumber My Darling" (3:30), "Close Your Eyes, Love" (5:00), "Dun Do Shuil (Close Your
Eyes)" (4:50), "Mary's Lullaby" (3:00), "Gartan Mother's Lullaby" (5:51), "The Ashgrove" (2:50),
"Suo Gan (Welsh Lullaby)" (5:20), and "I am Asleep (Taimse im' Chodladh)" (4:40).
Giving Voice - Guitar Explorations
Rich Osborn
www.richardosbornguitar.com
Free Range Raga Records
PO Box 2544, Saratoga, CA
The Creative Service Company (publicity)
4360 Emerald Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
$12.97 www.thecreativeservicecompany.com
Giving Voice - Guitar Explorations is an album of original songs composed by solo guitarist
Rich Osborn, in the "free raga style" of experimental acoustic guitar, a practice that began
roughly 50 years ago. Osborn plays through fingerpicking on an acoustic, steel-string antique
guitar nearly one hundred years ago, and his love of blending tradition with innovation shines
through his musical compositions. An evocative, soul-soothing album, Giving Voice - Guitar
Explorations is highly recommended to guitar enthusiasts everywhere. The tracks are "Into the
Silent Land" (4:58), "The Meeting Pool at Moonrise" (8:02), "Joelle's Song" (6:14), "The
Glance" (4:37), "The View from San Damiano, with Rain" (10:17), "Knights of the Interior
Castle" (7:53), "A Song of New Beginnings" (7:28) and "Hard Time" (3:28).
The Library DVD Shelf
Capitol Crimes
Featuring Bill Moyers
Athena
c/o Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
9781598287479 $49.99 www.acornonline.com AthenaLearning.com
Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist Bill Moyers hosts Capitol Crimes, a two-hour
PBS documentary on DVD about Jack Abramoff, one of the most notoriously corrupt lobbyists
of modern history. Abramoff used every machination possible to circumvent the law and funnel
money to crony politicians. He lied to multiple Native American tribes about how their political
contributions were being used and what they were getting from them, utilized a crooked public
relations firm that literally charged its customers ten times what its services were worth, took
money from Russian oil barons, helped enable the continued exploitation of workers in the
Marianas (who lived in subhuman conditions; female workers could be forced to have abortions)
and flagrantly broke campaign financing laws, until he was finally caught and exposed. Capitol
Crimes is not only about one man and his allies in corrupt money laundering; it reveals how
horrendously money-driven our political system has become. A bonus discussion between Bill
Moyers, author Thomas Frank (who wrote "What's the Matter with Kansas?") and
Congress-studier Norman Ornstein, recorded during the 2008 election campaigns of presidential
candidates Obama and McCain, re-examines the causes, effects, and legacy of the Abramoff
scandal and what continuing corruption means for modern America. A second, 83-min. DVD
"Buying the War" also investigates the media's role in events leading up to the 2003 invasion of
Iraq. Overall, "Capitol Crimes" is a frighteningly educational portrait of greed, corruption, and
machinations that imperil the heart of American democracy, worthy of the highest
recommendation for both public and college libraries, as well as the private DVD libraries of
concerned American citizens everywhere. 2 DVDs, 117 min. plus 196 min. bonus features, full
screen, SDH subtitles.
The City Dark
Ian Cheney
Bullfrog Films, Inc.
PO Box 149
Oley, PA 19547
1937772071 $295.00 www.bullfrogfilms.com
The City Dark is a thought-provoking documentary about light pollution - how the spread of
civilization and cities has flooded our skies with light. What is the price living in cities where
one is almost completely unable to see stars at night? Certainly, it becomes much more difficult
for astrophysicists to observe the night sky, and the risk increases that when an asteroid
inevitably comes into a collision course with the planet, it might not be spotted as soon as we
would hope. Light pollution has a severe negative impact on wildlife; hatching sea turtles are less
able to find the ocean before they dehydrate, and migratory birds are disoriented on their journey,
attracted to the illumination of the city that ultimately kills them when they fly directly into
buildings. Even humans suffer from excessive light exposure; light during the nighttime hours
can inhibit the production of melatonin in human skin, and potentially make people more
susceptible to cancers, particularly breast cancer (women who do "shift work" have a
dramatically higher rate of breast cancer, and this is suspected to be a cause). Is a compromise
possible? Lighting designer Herve Descottes has worked to create lights that can illuminate city
streets without blotting the stars from their sky, directed so that the light radiates only downward
where it's needed, rather than upward where it only causes problems. The City Dark is an
extraordinarily thoughtful documentary, highly recommended especially for public and school
library collections. Two versions of "The City Dark" are offered on the DVD, an 83 min. version
and an abridged 58 min. version, both with SDH subtitles.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
With Alec Guinness as George Smiley
Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
9781598287622 $59.99 Blu-ray www.acornonline.com
Based on the enduringly popular book by John le Carre, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is the classic
British drama now available in the stellar clarity of Blu-ray. Set amid the height of the Cold War,
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy follows sidelined agent George Smiley (played by the illustrious Alec
Guinness), whose mission is to uncover a mole working at the highest level of the British Secret
Intelligence Service. A wealth of bonus features enhance this classic of espionage and betrayal,
including an exclusive interview with director John Irvin, deleted scenes, an interview with John
le Carre, production notes, a glossary, and a le Carre biography and booklist. The definitive
version of a superlative British drama, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is highly recommended. 6
episodes on 2 Blu-ray discs, 324 min. plus bonus features, 1080p (some bonus 480p), fullscreen,
SDH subtitles.
Amazing Eggs
Featuring Chef Dave Christopherson
Learning ZoneXPress
PO Box 1022
Owatonna, MN 55060
$49.95 www.learningzonexpress.com
Ideal for viewers of all ages from grade 6 through adult, Amazing Eggs is an educational cooking
DVD that covers how to select, store, and prepare eggs. From what the eggshell's color means
and the nutrients that can be found in eggs, to how to store eggs, the proper temperature at which
to cook eggs, and a hands-on walkthrough of how to create a diversity of egg dishes, Amazing
Eggs lives up to its title. The recipes covered include scrambled eggs, sunny side up egg, over
easy egg, basted egg, poached egg, hollandaise sauce, omelet, strata, frittata, and quiche.
Amazing Eggs is an excellent choice for viewing in home economics classrooms, as well as a
useful reference DVD for public library collections. 21 min., closed captioned.
I, Claudius 35th Anniversary Edition
Starring Derek Jacobi
Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
9781598287509 $59.99 www.acornonline.com
Now available in a special 35th Anniversary Edition packed with bonus features, I Claudius is
the complete, Emmy-winning British television series (rated one of the "100 Best TV Shows of
All Time" by Time magazine!) based on the novels by Robert Graves. Starring Derek Jacobi
(known for his work in "The King's Speech" and "Cadfael") as Claudius, as well as Sian Phillips,
John Hurt, Patrick Stewart, George Baker, Margaret Tyzack, and James Faulkner, I, Claudius is
an epic of historical depravity, excess, ruthlessness, and cutthroat politics set in the Roman
Empire during the reigns of emperors Augustus through Claudius. Beset by murderous intrigue
on every side, particularly during Caligula's reign of terror, Claudius the stuttering scholar
Claudius learns early on that he must play the fool in order to stay alive! Bonus features include
extended original versions of episodes one and two, a behind-the-scenes featurette, a
documentary concerning the failed film adaptation, a Derek Jacobi interview, and a booklet with
an article about the series' historical accuracy as well as a Julio-Claudian family tree. I, Claudius
is a consummate classic, and worthy of the highest recommendation for both personal and public
library DVD shelves. 12 episodes on 4 discs plus bonus disc, 668 min., fullscreen, SDH subtitles;
contains violence, nudity, and sexual content.
Tough Times on the Southern Pacific
Pentrex
2652 East Walnut St.
Pasadena, CA 91107
1563423278 $29.95 www.pentrex.com
Tough Times on the Southern Pacific is a DVD of authentic, archival footage of historic disasters
that beset the Southern Pacific railroad, as captured by Southern Pacific's own film crews. From
the "Christmas flood of 1964" that eradicated entire towns and swept away almost 100 miles of
rails, to the retrieval of a derailed train that crashed at the mountainside of Donner Pass, to fire,
earthquake, and even explosions that rocked a train carrying bombs and destroyed the town of
Antelope, Tough Times on the Southern Pacific is an amazing capture of not only the worst that
nature and the forces of chance had to offer, but also the resourcefulness of the people who
cleaned up in the wake of devastation. Hi-Fi sound and narration enhance this captivating
documentary, highly recommended for railroad fans everywhere. The six main segments are "Eel
River Canyon", "Recovery of the 8946", "Trestle Fire on the Great Salt Lake", "Earthquake on
the San Joaquin Division", "Flooding along the Rio Grande", and "Explosion in Roseville Yard".
54 min., standard definition, fullscreen.
Travel with Kids San Diego
Janson Media
88 Semmens Road
Harrington Park, NJ 07640
9781568394292 $14.95 www.janson.com
Part of the award-winning "Travel with Kids" series, Travel with Kids San Diego is a
family-friendly DVD guide showcasing San Diego's highlights in two half-hour episodes. From
the history of Old Town and Balboa Park to wonderful surfing, body board, and coastal
destinations to the amazing animals of San Diego Zoo and San Diego Wild Animal Park, Travel
with Kids San Diego lives up to its title with family-friendly sights and activities galore. Bonus
features include a trip planner with recommendations for lodging and transportation, a "San
Diego at Home" section with suggested recipes and crafts, and even a bloopers reel. Prospective
vacationers and armchair travelers alike are sure to thoroughly enjoy Travel with Kids San
Diego! 57 min.
Exhale: Core Fusion 30 Day Sculpt
With Elizabeth Halfpapp and Fred DeVito
Acacia
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 650
Silver Spring, MD 20910
9781598287905 $19.99 www.acacialifestyle.com
Exhale: Core Fusion 30 Day Sculpt is a five-week fitness plan on DVD, featuring 30 segments
carefully selected from Core Fusion creators Elizabeth Halfpapp and Fred DeVito's most popular
exercise programs. Each week has a chosen array of six 20-minute workouts (and a rest day) that
blend body sculpting and cardio moves into a balanced total session. Motivation and nutrition
tips round out this excellent, easy-to-use fitness course, which requires no equipment other than
inexpensive light hand weights and a mat. Exhale: Core Fusion 30 Day Sculpt is an excellent
way to get in shape for the summer, especially for people with packed-full winter schedules! 180
min., widescreen.
The Theatre/Cinema Shelf
The Actor as Storyteller
Bruce Miller
Limelight Editions
c/o Hal Leonard Performing Arts Publishing
33 Plymouth St, Suite 302
Montclair, NJ 07042
9780879103866, $24.99, www.halleonardbooks.com
Acting is to tell a story by being. "The Actor as Storyteller: An Introduction to Acting" is a guide
to those who want to embrace the stage to unleash their inner storyteller. Bruce Miller, professor
and director of acting programs at the college level, presents tips and tricks for aspiring actors
who want to get improve their technique and do something special on stage. "The Actor as
Storyteller" is a strong pick for theatre collections and other assortments dedicated to the
arts.
Film Editing
Christopher Llewellyn Reed
Mercury Books
c/o International Publishers Marketing
22841 Quicksilver Drive
Dulles, VA 20166
9781936420100, $41.95, www.internationalpubmarket.com
Editing is how a filmmaker applies their finishing touches to their artwork. "Film Editing:
Theory and Practice" is a guide to the many topics of film editing. From cutting out the
unnecessary, how to consider one's genre and purpose, production values, the programs to use,
and much more. Christopher Llewellyn Reed uses his expertise in Film and the Arts to advise
readers on what to consider no matter what kind of film they are producing. "Film Editing" is a
scholarly insight to editing, much recommended to both student filmmakers and amateur
enthusiasts.
Revisioning Europe
Jerry White
University of Calgary Press
2500 University Drive, N.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
9781552385500, $34.95, www.uofcpress.com
Good film is like any other media, it presents questions and provokes thought. "Revisioning
Europe: The Films of John Berger & Alain Tanner" focuses on the work of these two thinkers
who have produced works that discuss Europe and its own brand of radicalism and liberalism.
With ideas that further discuss the Enlightenment of thought, "Revisioning Europe" is a
fascinating discussion for viewers of European film and its impact on the international debates of
politics and human rights.
Cinema Sex Sirens
Dave Worrall & Lee Pfeiffer
Omnibus Press
c/o Music Sales Corporation
257 Park Avenue South, NY, NY 10010
www.omnibuspress.com
9781849389945, $39.95, www.amazon.com
From the world of the B Movie comes a photographic compendium serving as a kind of history
showcasing Hollywood's famous (and occasional infamous) female stars that served as sex
objects in films that ranged from the truly raunchy, to cult classics, to cinema avant garde.
Compiled with an accompanying text that is both informed and informative, "Cinema Sex
Sirens" is a 160-page visual tour of stars and starlets ranging from Raquel Welch; Ann-Margret;
Sharon Tate; and Ursula Andress; to Gina Lollobridida; Sophia Loren; Helen Mirren; and
Claudia Cardinale. "Cinema Sex Sirens" is especially recommended for personal, community,
and academic library Cinema Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.
The Health/Medicine Shelf
Why Millions Died
George H. Scherr
University Press of America
4501 Forbes Blvd., Suite 200
Lanham, MD 20706
9780761855552 $26.95 www.univpress.com
Why Millions Died Before the War on Infectious Diseases is a keenly whetted study of the
atrociously slow evolution and acceptance of the germ theory of disease. Members of the
scientific community and the church pulpits alike fought against those who advanced the theory
of infectious organisms, resulting in decades of delays in implementing vaccines and
antimicrobial substances, delays that literally caused millions of deaths. Written in plain terms
accessible to lay readers and scholars alike, Why Millions Died expressly focuses on less than a
dozen individuals who worked against the current of the times to advance germ theory and its
practical implications... from the dedicated Italian scientist Agostino Bassi, to Pasteur, who used
Bassi's research yet committed fraud when he falsely claimed to have developed a vaccine for
anthrax. A pristine example of humanity's stubbornness running contrary to its own self-interest,
Why Millions Died is an excellent addition to public and college library medical history shelves,
and especially crucial in the wake of modern-day anti-vaccination movements with no
peer-reviewed scientific backing to support them. Highly recommended.
Relieving Pain In America
Institute of Medicine
National Academies Press
500 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001
www.nap.edu
9780309214841, $59.95, www.amazon.com
Today more than one hundred million Americans find themselves having to live with chronic
pain in their daily lives. The result is a national cost to the American economy of at least $635
billion dollars in medical treatments and lost productivity. The federal government authorized the
2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act which mandated the Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) to direct the Institute of Medicine (IOM) to examining the prevalence of
pain as an on-going public health problem and concern. Out of this mandate came "Relieving
Pain in America: A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention, Care, Education, and Research", a
382-page compendium providing an analytic summary defining the national problem of chronic
pain, and offering an integrated approach to chronic pain factors including successful treatment
strategies, medical management practices, and pain prevention. A seminal work of medical
research and scholarship, "Relieving Pain in America: A Blueprint for Transforming Prevention,
Care, Education, and Research" is to be considered a core addition to academic library Health &
Medicine reference collections, and is especially recommended to the attention of medical
professionals and providers, health and medicine agencies, associations, educators, and patient
advocacy groups.
Living Well with Mitochondrial Disease
Cristy Balcells
Woodbine House
6510 Bells Mill Road
Bethesda, MD 20817
9781601130148, $24.95, www.woodbinehouse.com
Mitochondrial diseases cover a wide range of biological disorders, and may be more common
than one would think. "Living Well with Mitochondrial Disease: A Handbook for Patients,
Parents, and Families" is a discussion of the disorder, what the symptoms may be, understanding
when to seek a diagnosis, the genetics, how to deal with the symptoms and the pursuit of
treatments. Mitochondrial disease may be present instead of misdiagnoses of cerebral palsy,
autism, chronic fatigue syndrome among others. For those seeking a second opinion, "Living
Well with Mitochondrial Disease" is a strong addition to any health reference collection.
A Woman's Guide to Muscle and Strength
Irene Lewis-McCormick
Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
PO Box 5076
Champaign, IL 61820-5076
9780736090353, $19.95, www.HumanKinetics.com
Women often fear the gym, and that fear can put a damp in overall health. "A Woman's Guide to
Muscle and Strength: Programs you need for the Body you want" is a women's health reference
from Irene Lewis-McCormick who presents the lifting programs that are designed for women,
who often find themselves following programs designed for men and wonder why it doesn't
work. With explanations of exercises and practical advice for maximizing it, "A Woman's Guide
to Muscle and Strength" is a strong addition to any woman's personal health collection, as well as
community library health and fitness collections.
The Hypothyroid Diet
Kevin Dobryzynski, D. N.
Morgan James Publishing
4410 E Claiborne Square, Suite 334
Hampton VA 23666-2071
9781614480303, $17.95, www.morganjamespublishing.com
Health has many paths to take, finding the one for you is key. "The Hypothyroid Diet: Lose
Weight and Beat Fatigue in 21 Days" is a guide to diagnosing and understanding hypothyroidism,
and how to embrace a healthier life with it and reclaim their life from the symptoms of weight
gain and chronic fatigue. With plenty of practical advice and resources to help readers, "The
Hypothyroid Diet" is a strongly recommended pick for those who think they may be facing the
disorder.
Unassisted Childbirth, second edition
Laura Kaplan Shanley
Praeger Publishers
c/o ABC-CLIO
Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
www.abc-clio.com
9780313397158, $37.00, www.amazon.com
Now in a significantly updated and expanded second edition, "Unassisted Childbirth" by author
and natural childbirth consultant Laura Kaplan Shanley lays out a persuasively document case
advocating childbirth practices and approaches that do not rely on doctors and medical
technology, with the surprising result in an inherently safe and relatively painless delivery. Of
special note is the chapter devoted to 'The Case for Autonomous Birth'. Enhanced with the
inclusion of a listing of unassisted childbirth resources, an extensive bibliography, and a
comprehensive index, "Unassisted Childbirth" is thoroughly 'reader friendly' and a model of
scholarship making it especially recommended for community, academic, and medical school
reference collections, as well as informative and appropriate for the non-specialist general reader
with an interest in natural childbirth.
Doctors are More Harmful Than Germs
Harvey Bigelsen, MD
North Atlantic Books
2526 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Berkeley, CA 94704-2607
9781556439582, $17.95, www.northatlanticbooks.com
Doctors are More Harmful Than Germs: How Surgery Can Be Hazardous to Your Health - and
What To Do About It shows that common medical problems are the cause of many chronic,
long-term health problems, and argues that better medical approaches allow the body go through
the process of healing rather than suppressing symptoms. He promotes a different approach that
teaches searching for the root causes of illness in the body as a whole, and offers a radically
different perspective on illness and its treatment. And he condemns surgery as 'causing injury'
that never is fully resolved, from vasectomies to root canals in teeth. This will especially appeal
to those with chronic illness that never seen fully resolved, and is a pick for general-interest and
medical collections alike.
Eat to Defeat Menopause
Karen Giblin and Mache Seibel, MD
Da Capo Press
c/o Perseus Book Broup
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
9780738215099, $19.00, www.dacapopress.com
EAT TO DEFEAT MENOPAUSE: THE ESSENTIAL NUTRITION GUIDE FOR A
HEALTHY MIDLIFE pairs over 130 recipes with tips from two of the nation's top menopause
experts, pairing facts about menopause and its symptoms with insights on how dietary
modifications can make the menopause transition an easier event. From choosing foods that
contain phytoestrogens such as soy and garlic to stabilizing mood swings by eating omega-3 fatty
acids and choosing foods that encourage a healthy sex drive, this advocates a diet that combats
mood swings and many of the symptoms of menopause.
The Metaphysical Studies Shelf
Embracing the Spirit of Nature
Linda Shaylor Cooper
Balboa Press
c/o Hay House, Inc.
PO Box 5100
Carlsbad, CA 92018-5100
Bohlsen Group (publicity)
9781452540313 $17.45 www.hayhouse.com
Embracing the Spirit of Nature is a delightful chronicle of the author's interactions with nature
spirits, including full color photographs and dialogs. Gardeners will take especial delight in
seeing how the cultivation of flowers can place one in closer touch with majestic and fantastic
spirits, from gnomes and fairies to water spirits and even dragons. "'Flying dragon how did you
come to be caught in the red rock?' 'I am here by the grace of the fairies. They wanted you to see
the magic of my realm of transformation through fire. We exist in a dimension close to yours but
not visible to your eye. We hope that in the near future you will be able to see us again. We so
look forward to playing together. All you need do is believe that it is possible.'" Embracing the
Spirit of Nature is a beautifully delightful and inspirational testimony that lives up to its
title.
The Writing/Publishing Shelf
Four By Four
Joyce Armstrong Carroll
Edward E. Wilson
Libraries Unlimited
c/o ABC-CLIO
Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
www.abc-clio.com
9781598849509, $25.00, www.amazon.com
Most authors begin their writing careers while in school. Indeed, one of the primary purposes of
public (and private) education is to teach students how to write effectively from crafting essays to
creating reports. "Four by Four: Practical Methods for Writing Persuasively" is a 100-page
instructional guide organized into four major sections devoted to historical influences with
respect to writing persuasively; the basics of the persuasive essay; practical steps essential to
writing effectively; and four cardinal patterns for teaching students to write persuasively. "Four
by Four: Practical Methods for Writing Persuasively" should be considered mandatory reading
for anyone charged with the responsibility of teaching students writing skills at any and all grade
levels, as well as instructive value for anyone seeking to craft effective presentations utilizing the
written word.
Writing Books For Fun, Fame, & Fortune
Rik Feeney
Richardson Publishing
PO Box 162115
Altamonte Springs, FL 32716
www.PublishingSuccessOnline.com
9781935683155, $14.95, www.amazon.com
Never before in the history of publishing has it been easier for aspiring authors to turn their
manuscripts into finished books. Never before in the history of publishing has it been more
difficult for authors to compete for attention in the ever volatile and changing marketplace for
their books. That's why Rik Feeney's "Writing Books For Fun, Fame, & Fortune" will be
especially welcome reading for aspiring authors regardless of whether they intend to produce
fiction or non-fiction. "Writing Books For Fun, Fame, & Fortune" is a concise, succinct,
practical, 'real world', 144-page compendium with chapters dedicated writing a nonfiction book;
dealing with chapter summaries and introductions; creating book summaries and introductions;
'front matter' and 'back matter'; alternative ways in which to write a book; editing; the critical
importance of book titles with respect to marketing successfully; tracking a book's development,
and more! Enhanced with a list of publishing options; a glossary; resources and resource links
(including Online Publishing), "Writing Books For Fun, Fame, & Fortune" is informed,
informative, thoroughly 'user friendly', and highly recommended to the attention of anyone
seeking to launch their career as an author of books whether for a general or a specialized
readership.
Something Startling Happens
Todd Klick
Michael Wiese Productions
12400 Ventura Blvd., #1111
Studio City, CA 91604
9781615930593, $24.95, www.mwp.com
The art of writing is filled with plenty of pitfalls. "Something Startling Happens: The 120 Story
Beats Every Writer needs to Know" is a guide for writers on how to create a more gripping and
enticing story that won't be easy to put away. These tips are applicable to any medium, as Todd
Klick presents the events that evolve the story well and keep readers glued to the story.
"Something Startling Happens" is filled cover to cover with examples from award winning films,
and how to adapt their essence to one's own story.
Women on Poetry
Caroll Smallwood, Colleen S. Harris & Cynthia Brackett-Vincent, editors
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611
Jefferson NC 28640
9780786463923, $45.00, www.mcfarlandpub.com
Being a poet is easy, being a professional is not so much. "Women on Poetry: Writing, Revising,
Publishing, and Teaching" is a collection of advice and wisdom for aspiring lady poets, who are
pursuing the medium to express themselves, and pursuing their own dreams. From getting
published, teaching the history of women's poetry, and just general knowledge on the craft. The
essays and pieces come a wide assortment of established female poets who share their own
experiences on the way. "Women on Poetry" is a strongly recommended pick for any poetry
hopeful.
An Eerdmans Century 1911-2011
Larry ten Harmsel & Render Van Til
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
2140 Oak Industrial Drive, NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49505
www.eerdmans.com
9780802866585, $20.00, www.amazon.com
The Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company is one of the most prolific and respect Christian
publishing firms operating today. In 2011 they justifiable celebrated their 100th year of
producing Christian literature for a Protestant readership. "An Eerdmans Century 1911-2011" is
214-page history of their publishing efforts beginning with 10 cent specials for Dutch farmers, to
their present day catalog of more than one thousand published titles. "An Eerdmans Century
1911-2011" is also a history drawn from interviews, historical documents, and original research
by Larry ten Harmsel of the publishers, editors and authors whose contributions established
Eerdmans as an outstanding publisher of Christian books for adults and for children. Informed,
informative, and thoroughly 'reader friendly', "An Eerdmans Century 1911-2011" is highly
recommended reading for anyone who has read and been benefited by their books. Additionally,
it will prove to be of immense relevance to anyone with an interest in the American publishing
industry in general, and Christian publishing history in particular.
Vintage Type and Graphics
Steven Heller & Louise Fili
Allworth Press
307 W. 36th St., 11th Floor, New York NY 10018
9781581158922, $17.95, www.allworth.com
VINTAGE TYPE AND GRAPHICS: AN ECLECTIC COLLECTION OF TYPOGRAPHY,
ORNAMENT, LETTERHEADS, AND TRADEMARKS FROM 1896-1936 provides graphic
designers with fine artifacts from type and typography books dating from 1896 to 1936. This
could have been featured in our 'arts' section but is reviewed here for its broader appeal to design
professionals and any with an interest in rare, never-before-reprinted type specimens and vintage
logos and decorations. It's packed with inspiring graphic design resources and is a treasure trove
for any who would use antique type images. As a further 'bonus', a CD of all images accompanies
the book.
The Architecture Shelf
Service-Learning in Design and Planning
Tom Angotti, Cheryl Doble, Paula Horrigan, editors
New Village Press
PO Box 3049
Oakland, CA 94609
9781613320013, $19.95, www.newvillagepress.net
More people understanding how it all works means more people can help bring it all together.
"Service-Learning in Design and Planning: Educating at the Boundaries" seeks to expand the
knowledge of urban planning and architecture within communities, studying elements from
around the world and how they can be applied locally and lead to a more inclusive plan for the
communities of tomorrow. "Service-Learning in Design and Planning" is an informative and
much recommended read for those who want to understand the importance of a communities
wishes in preparing for its future.
Carlo Scarpa Layers
Anne-Catrin Schultz
Edition Axel Menges
c/o National Book Network
4270 Boston Way, Suite 200
Lanham, MD 20706
9783930698141 $69.00 www.nbnbooks.com
Carlo Scarpa Layers is an in-depth architectural treatise in which author Anne-Catrin Schultz
studies how architect Carlo Scarpa uses layering in his creations. In Scarpa's work, layers define
space in multiple dimensions; layers can be used to protect from the elements, support technical
requirements, or as a means to combine disparate aspects into a unified whole. Equal parts of
practicality, functionality, and artistic statement blend into Scarpa's distinctive methodology,
vividly illustrated with full-color photography as well as black-and-white architectural diagrams.
Carlo Scarpa Layers is an excellent, thoughtful, thoroughly researched, and emotionally
captivating addition to architectural studies shelves.
The Fashion Shelf
Dressing Marilyn
Andrew Hansford with Karen Homer
Applause Books
c/o Hal Leonard Performing Arts Publishing Group
19 West 21st Street, Suite 201
New York, NY 10010
9781557838469 $29.99 www.halleonard.com
A coffee-table book filled with black-and-white and color photographs and illustrations, Dressing
Marilyn: How a Hollywood Icon was Styled by William Travilla features a wealth of previously
unpublished material concerning the fashions worn by Hollywood's classic actress and sex
symbol, including original sketches, patterns, and costume test shots. The text includes long-lost
interviews with William Travilla, one of the most in-demand designers of Hollywood's Golden
Age, and the man responsible for the unforgettable white dress blown by a subway grate in "The
Seven-Year Itch" and the captivating pink dress Marilyn wore when she sang "Diamonds Are a
Girl's Best Friend". A celebration of high fashion and of the actress herself, Dressing Marilyn is
as much a trip down memory lane as it is a study pop culture, and highly recommended.
The Wine Shelf
Been Doon So Long
Randall Grahm
University of California Press
2120 Berkeley Way
Berkeley, CA 94720
9780520272675 $29.95 www.ucpress.edu
Been Doon So Long: A Randall Grahm Vinthology is a treasure trove of writings about wine, by
the uniquely qualified Randall Grahm, a veteran California winemaker and the founder of Bonny
Doon Vineyard. Packed with everything from praise for little-known grape varieties, to literary
parodies of great masters including Joyce, Kafka, Pynchon, and Salinger, tongue-in-cheek humor,
contemplative poetry, even a vision of "Wine Hell" in the style of Dante's Inferno, Been Doon So
Long superbly marries love of fine writing to love of fine wine. A handful of black-and-white
sketches enhance this celebration of wit, wisdom, and wistfully fermented drinks. Elegently
eclectic from cover to cover, Been Doon So Long is highly recommended for literary
connoisseurs (wine aficionados and teetotalers alike) with a taste for prose jocularity!
The Political Science Shelf
Don't Take My Lemonade Stand
Janie Johnson
Bascom Hill Publishing Group
212 3rd Avenue North, Suite 290
Minneapolis, MN 55401
9781935098294 $24.95 www.bascomhillpublishing.com
Don't Take My Lemonade Stand: An American Philosophy supports conservative values with
utterly unapologetic aplomb. Written by American citizen and mother Janie Johnson, Don't Take
My Lemonade Stand distills conservative political principles into accessible terms that can be
quickly grasped, as well as providing a sharp attack against liberal and progressive principles.
Chapters discuss the foundations of the modern American conservative movement, which
prioritizes the U.S. Constitution and the principles of the founding fathers, optimism, and
personal responsibility; and further define the values of conservatism such as accountability,
strong defense, capitalism, free trade, and limited government. The origins of liberalism and
progressivism are also discussed, in unflattering terms, followed by brief, practical applications
of conservative principles to hot-button current issues such as illegal immigration (Johnson
exhorts that there should be zero tolerance for illegal felons in particular), bailouts (these are
harmful in the long term because they deny personal responsibility), global warming (without
taking an absolute stance, Johnson is extremely suspicious of those who seek to milk allegations
of the phenomenon for exorbitant profit), justices and judges (Johnson would replace lifetime
appointments with 7-10 year appointments to hold justices more accountable), and much more. A
final guideline for deciding who to vote for based on conservative principles rounds out this
user-friendly discourse on modern conservative political philosophy.
Ameritopia
Mark R. Levin
Threshold Editions
c/o Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
9781439173244, $26.99, www.simonandschuster.com
AMERITOPIA: THE UNMAKING OF AMERICA offers a follow-up to his Mark R. Levin's
best-selling LIBERTY AND TYRANNY and makes the case for constitutional conservatism and
against big-government. It considers how tyranny has traditionally stemmed from the efforts
towards a government-run utopian society, and it exposes the basic ideals of utopian movements,
shows how they are impossible, and more importantly, considers how they actually destroy
freedoms. AMERITOPIA analyzes the psychology and motivations of such movements and
draws important connections between ideals of American liberty and processes which
disintegrate it. Social and political collections will find this a 'must'.
The Obama Hate Machine
Bill Press
St. Martin's Press
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
9780312641641, $26.99, www.stmartins.com
THE OBAMA HATE MACHINE: THE LIES, DISTORTIONS, AND PERSONAL ATTACKS
ON THE PRESIDENT - AND WHO IS BEHIND THEM discusses how lies concerning Obama
in fact have originated from extremists in the media and in corporate circles, and documents the
process by which the media and the Republican Party has been corrupted. From the failure to
check facts to ways in which the extreme right-wing media has exhorted control over the
American voting population, THE OBAMA HATE MACHINE documents an insidious process
designed to foster misinformation, slander, and more. Presidents have routinely endured personal
attacks: what is different is the level of character assassination taking place in modern political
circles. Any collection strong in politics and issues of freedom and media representation needs
this detailed analysis of a new kind of force at work in American politics!
The Social Issues Shelf
Compassion, Inc.
Mara Einstein
University of California Press
2120 Berkeley Way
Berkeley, CA 94720
9780520266520 $29.95 www.ucpress.edu
Compassion, Inc.: How Corporate America Blurs the Line Between What We Buy, Who We
Are, and Those We Help is a stinging indictment of the negative effects of marrying charitable
giving to commerce. How could donating a little money to a worthy charity with every purchase
made be a bad? Studies are cited to show that corporations exploit the absolute minimum of
donations for maximum revenue, often to the point of misleading consumers about how much
they actually give. "Marketable" charities tend to overtake less marketable ones in the public eye
(case in point - for all the many "pink" products that raise funds for breast cancer, there are fewer
that aid research in heart disease, a larger killer of women, and none that benefit prostate cancer
research). A charity dependent on corporate largess is much less likely to "rock the boat" by
defying or being critical of the corporation in any way. Worst of all, when consumers feel they
have contributed sufficient donations through shopping, they are less likely to donate to charity
directly, resulting in decreased funds for charity overall! "...marketing makes celebrities more
important than the social causes they are touting... caring - real, true caring - becomes secondary
to product sales... Thus, promotion-based - no, market-based - compassion lulls us into believing
that we are being socially responsible, when the sad fact is that we are abdicating our social
responsibilities to the market." An alarming wake-up call to rethink our charitable values before
they are completely lost to corporatism, Compassion, Inc. is worthy of the highest
recommendation.
#TweetSmart
J. S. McDougall
O'Reilly & Associates, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein, Hwy N.
Sebastopol, CA 95472-2811
9781449309114, $19.99, www.oreilly.com
Wisdom doesn't need to be elaborate to get the message across. "#TweetSmart: 25 Twitter
Projects to Help You Build Your Community" is a guide from J. S. McDougall who advises
readers on how to help their business or community using the social media juggernaut of Twitter.
From photos to old school marketing techniques and much more, "#TweetSmart" is a wise and
much recommended read, not to be missed for social issues collections.
A Leadership Guide for Today's Disabilities Organizations
Robert L. Schalock & Miguel Angel Verdugo
Brookes Publishing Company
PO Box 10624
Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
9781598571813, $44.95, www.brookespublishing.com
People with disabilities deserve representation that is worthy as well. "A Leadership Guide for
Today's Disabilities Organizations: Overcoming Challenges and Making Change Happen"
discusses how to more successfully campaign for the benefits of the disabled by using more
modern thinking styles and appealing to them. With ideas for innovation, success, and more, "A
Leadership Guide for Today's Disabilities Organizations" is a strong pick for anyone whose
career is representing those with disabilities and assuring they get their fair chance in life.
Digital Detroit
Jeff Rice
Southern Illinois University Press
1915 University Press Drive
SIUC Mail Code 6806
Carbondale, IL 62901
9780809330874 $39.95 www.siu.edu/~siupress
Digital Detroit: Rhetoric and Space in the Age of the Network explores the society-transforming
effect of the network, and how electronic and physical culture affect one another. Although cities
and the institutions within them are often thought of as fixed locations on a map, electronic
networks add an interconnected dimension giving an extra layer of complexity. Chapters show
how the horizons of a geographical entity are transformed, with Detroit as a prime example, in
this scholarly, forward-looking rhetorical treatise.
The End of Money
David Wolman
Da Capo Press
c/o Perseus Books Group
44 Farnsworth St., 3rd Floor, Boston MA 02210
9780306818837, $25.00, www.cacapopress.com
THE END OF MONEY: COUNTERFEITERS, PREACHERS, TECHIES, DREAMERS - AND
THE COMING CASHLESS SOCIETY takes a critical look at cash, its liabilities, and what our
world would be like without cash at all. From a history of the invention and rise of physical
money to the evolution of paperless alternatives and cross-cultural influences on cash today, this
pairs history with insights from a range of individuals who see the option of a 'cashless society' as
either a big pro or a big con. Any collection strong in economics and money issues will find this
an intriguing survey of what will happen to counterfeiters and others in the coming cashless
society.
The People's Money
Scott Rasmussen
Threshold Editions
c/o Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
9781451666106, $26.00, www.simonandschuster.com
THE PEOPLE'S MONEY: HOW VOTERS WILL BALANCE THE BUDGET AND
ELIMINATE THE FEDERAL DEBT identifies voters as the key to solving our nation's fiscal
crisis, and dispels claims made by politicians from both parties that voters refuse to support
specific spending cuts. Voter are more willing than their representatives to make hard decisions
to reduce federal spending, and THE PEOPLE'S MONEY maintains that it will be voters, not
politicians of any given party, who will balance the budget and eliminate Federal debt. Any
business, economics, political or social issues collection will find this a hard-hitting
analysis.
Wired for Culture
Mark Pagel
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393065879, $29.95, www.wwnorton.com
WIRED FOR CULTURE: ORIGINS OF THE HUMAN SOCIAL MIND comes from an
evolutionary biologist who takes us back eighty thousand years to a point where humans
developed culture, following the timeline of how our ancestors began to live in larger tribal
societies and how they worked together to share customs, ideas, sills, and more. Thanks to
culture humans could learn from one another and benefit from community support, choosing
cooperation over competition for survival and betterment of the species as a whole. WIRED FOR
CULTURE is a fascinating exploration recommended for social issues and science collections
alike, following the origins of the human social mind and its many interactions. It's a top pick for
any collection where patrons are interested in cultural development and the benefits of social
habits.
Liars & Outliers
Bruce Schneier
Wiley
c/o Wiley Professional Trade Group
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
9781118143308, $24.95, www.wiley.com
LIARS & OUTLIERS: ENABLING THE TRUST THAT SOCIETY NEEDS TO THRIVE
provides a powerful survey on trust, cooperation, and the evolution of a social system. It
considers how traditional trust mechanisms have worked in the past, and how new technology is
challenging these traditional functions that create or question trust. LIARS AND OUTLIERS
considers cooperation and social stability, discussing new social cues involved in creating trust
and considering how security has come to substitute methods for trust. Any social issues
collection as well as libraries strong in business and internet endeavors will find this a powerful
pick.
The Photography Shelf
The Lewis & Clark Trail
Richard Mack, photographer
Quiet Light Publishing
2331 Hartzell Street, Evanston, IL 60201
9780975395400, $65.00, www.amazon.com
The Lewis and Clark exploration of the unknown west at the behest of a fledgling American
government was a true landmark adventure that was to pave the wave for the massive migrations
that were to ultimately create the boundaries and borders of the United States as we know them
today. Using quotes and citations from the journals kept by the expedition, photographer Richard
Mack has retraced their route and with 248 full color image showcase the beauty and the majesty
of the lands they traveled through in the 256 pages of "The Lewis & Clark Trail". A perfect
visual supplement to reading any of the established volumes of history with respect to the Lewis
and Clark expedition, "The Lewis & Clark Trail" is especially recommended for personal,
school, and community library American History and American Photography collections. Also
very highly recommended from Quiet Light Publishing for both their quality and their subject
matter are two other volumes of superbly produced photography: Richard Mack's "Great Smokey
Mountain National Park" (97809755395424, $65.00) and Stephen Azzato's "Their Love Of
Music" (9780975395431, $65.00).
Serengeti: The Eternal Beginning
Boyd Norton
Fulcrum Publishing
4690 Table Mountain Drive, Suite 100
Golden, Colorado 80403
9781555915933, $35.00, www.fulcrum-books.com
The deepest heart of Africa has a beauty which is constantly under fire. "Serengeti: The Eternal
Beginning" is a collection of nature photography, as well as educational guide to the regions of
these great plains and forests. One of the ten great natural wonders of the world, Boyd Norton
proves to be an excellent guide and teacher. High quality full color photography throughout,
"Serengeti" is a strong pick for any nature lover's coffee table, and for community library nature
photography collections.
The Day in its Color
Eric Sandweiss, author
Charles Cushman, photographer
Oxford University Press
198 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016-4314
9780199772339 $39.95 www.oup.com/us
The Day in its Color: Charles Cushman's Photographic Journey through a Vanishing America
gathers the best full-color images from the photography archive of Charles Cushman, a part-time
businessman who captured urban people and places on film in New York, New Orleans,
Chicago, San Francisco, and much more from 1938 to 1969. The America he preserved in his
photographs is rapidly transforming, and even disappearing today, making The Day in its Color a
striking catalog of how the nation used to be. Writings and captions by Eric Sandweiss (Carmony
Associate Professor of History, Indiana University) add invaluable context to this remarkable
photographic gallery of American cities' yesteryear. The Day in its Color is a welcome addition
to photography collections, and pure delight to page through.
Ten Photo Assignments
Amanda Quintenz-Fiedler
Rocky Nook
802 East Cota Street, 3rd Floor
Santa Barbara, CA 93103
9781933952796, $19.95, www.rockynook.com
TEN PHOTO ASSIGNMENTS TO DEVELOP YOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC SKILLS provides
real-world assignments that help novices move to the intermediate photography level, and is a
fine pick for any photography collection. From equipment that enhances a camera's abilities to
techniques in exposure, composing, color and light basics, this teaches how to become a better
digital photographer using 'assignments' that illustrate concepts. Color photo examples
throughout enhance a winning presentation that teaches through example and fieldwork, making
this a fine pick for any who would improve their abilities using a measured formula for
success.
Amherst Media
Box 586, Buffalo, NY 14226
www.amherstmedia.com
Kirk Tuck's LED LIGHTING: PROFESSIONAL TECHNIQUES FOR DIGITAL
PHOTOGRAPHERS (9781608954476, $34.95) offers a thorough review of LED lighting and
shows how these units can produce exceptional results. LEDs make lighting design choices
easier and ore intuitive, with their soft lighting putting subjects at ease. This covers all the basics,
from selecting the best LED gear and using them in both studio and on location to LED lighting
design for portraits and interiors, this covers all the basics of using LED in a wide range of
settings - even enhanced videography - and is a top pick for any aspiring professional. Stephanie
Zettl's NIKON SPEEDLIGHT HANDBOOK: FLASH TECHNIQUES FOR DIGITAL
PHOTOGRAPHERS (9781608954513, $34.95) tells how to achieve results with Nikon
Speedlights, from easy one-flash bounce to multiple flashes and modifiers. It teaches the basics
of custom functions using flash units, reviewing the basics of setting optimal modes, using
high-speed sync, and modifying Speedlights for refined results. The in-depth focus on the unique
features of the Nikon Speedlight system makes this a fine pick for any user.
The Interior Design Shelf
It's Lonely in the Modern World
Molly Jane Quinn
Chronicle Books
680 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
9780811879286, $19.95, www.chroniclebooks.com
It's Lonely in the Modern World: The Essential Guide to Form, Function, and Ennui from the
Creators of Unhappy Hipsters offers a fine guide from the popular Web site and considers that's
required to create a satisfying modern home. From landscaping to kitchen appliances, ductwork
to artwork, this covers modern design choices and results and packs chapters with illustrations,
photos and charts to discuss and represent the ideals of modernity and how it functions in a home
setting. Both home and arts collections will find the survey lively, involving, and an embrace of
the cultural underpinnings of modernity.
Salvage Secrets
Joanne Palmisano
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393733394, $39.95, www.wwnorton.com
SALVAGE SECRETS: TRANSFORMING RECLAIMED MATERIALS INTO DESIGN
CONCEPTS provides a fine resource from a veteran salvager and designer who offers interior
decoration potentials using a range of rescued materials. This goes beyond the usual applications
and offers twists on topics, from using old windows as room dividers to using oak doors as wall
paneling and recycled granite for a modern fireplace. From where salvaged materials can be used
in a modern home to making them into unique designs, SALVAGE SECRETS is a 'must' for any
home and garden or interior design library.
The Psychology Shelf
The Self and Perspective Taking
Louse McHugh, PhD & Ian Stewart, PhD
Context Press
c/o New Harbinger Press
5674 Shattuck Avenue
Oakland, CA 94609
9781572249950, $69.95, www.newharbinger.com
Placing oneself in the shoes of another is often a difficult endeavor. "The Self and Perspective
Taking: Contribution and Applications from Modern Behavioral Science" is a psychology
discussion from many thinkers, as they offer views of how we view ourselves and others, and the
place in the greater psyche. With many fascinating ideas, the writings within are designed to
provide perspective for psychologists dealing with patients with autism, schizophrenia and other
mental disorders. Describing the self, perspective, and mindfulness, many thinkers come together
to contribute. "The Self and Perspective Taking" is a worthy addition to any psychological
reference shelf, recommended.
Record Keeping in Psychotherapy and Counseling, second edition
Ellen T. Luepker
Routledge
270 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016
9780415892612, $34.95, www.routledge.com
Every business has books, including the business of people. "Record Keeping in Psychotherapy
and Counseling: Protecting Confidentiality and the Professional Relationship" is a guide to the
business side of things from Ellen T. Luepker who advises readers on how to better manage their
psychotherapy career's business side, and how to best live up to one's clients on the business end
of the profession, which can be used to work around the most tight lipped psychologist. "Record
Keeping in Psychotherapy and Counseling" is a strongly recommended pick for any psychologist
who wants to better manage their business end of their job.
Autism Spectrum Disorders Through the Life Span
Digby Tantam
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
400 Market St., Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
9781843109938, $125.00, www.jkp.com
Autism Spectrum Disorders Through the Life Span provides a fine resource embracing the latest
research and clinical practices for the diagnosis, treatment and support of autistic individuals at
each stage of life. Health, psychology, and social issues blend in an in-depth guide that considers
associated psychiatric and medical conditions, new methods of assessment, and standard clinical
and psychological assessment as well as genetic testing. While college-level health collections
will be the most likely readers, many a general lending library will find the technical insights
accessible by lay readers.
That's Disgusting
Rachel Herz
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393076479, $26.95, $26.95
THAT'S DISGUSTING: UNRAVELING THE MYSTERIES OF REPULSION comes from a
psychologist who blends science, humor and insights into the human psyche to identify the
instincts and origins of how disgust shapes our culture and everyday lives. Disgust is an emotion
that evolved so people could avoid danger: today it's more of a cultural response and determines
social etiquette and strategies to attract mates. Disgust is a blend of survival instinct and culture,
and THAT'S DISGUSTING identifies the latest findings in neurology and brain research.
Examples blend with humor to spice a lively discourse suitable for general lending collections as
well as many a psychology holding.
The Human Sexuality Shelf
Naked at Our Age
Joan Price
Seal Press
1700 - 4th St., Berkeley CA 94710
9781580053389, $16.95, www.sealpress.com
NAKED AT OUR AGE: TALKING OUT LOUD ABOUT SENIOR SEX advocates that seniors
can have a full sex life no matter what their age. The ups and downs of senior sexuality are
discussed with an eye to showing how people over 50 can achieve satisfaction. From surviving
divorce and handling erectile dysfunction to dating later in life and handling sex pain, this
surveys everything from problems to making sex more satisfying by using sex toys. It's rare to
find a coverage on senior sexuality and this is a pick not only for health collections, but for any
public library appealing to a senior population.
The Science Shelf
A Cultural History of Physics
Karoly Simonyi
CRC Press
Suite 300
6000 NW Broken Sound Parkway NW
Boca Raton, FL 33487
9781568813295 $59.00 www.crcpress.com
Hungarian scientist and educator Karoly Simonyi presents A Cultural History of Physics, a
coffee-table book that bridges worldwide human history worldwide and the evolution and
application of the scientific method across generations, and civilizations. From the first
gleamings of science and philosophy in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece, to outstanding
contributions of Arab science, to the revival of science the West during the Enlightenment, and
physics in the twentieth century, A Cultural History of Physics takes the reader on an immensely
detailed and thoughtful tour. A Cultural History of Physics meticulously explains the specifics of
its many examples, and it's packed cover to cover with charts, graphs, and diagrams illustrating
key physics discoveries and how they revolutionized the world. A working knowledge of algebra
or basic calculus will aid the reader in fully understanding specific examples, but the broader
picture of human history transformed by science is thoroughly accessible to lay readers. Highly
recommended, especially for college and public library science shelves.
Biotechnology and Innovation Systems
Bo Goransson and Carl Magnus Palsson, editors
Edward Elgar Publishing
9 Dewey Court
Northampton, MA 01060-3815
9781781001387 $185.00 www.e-elgar.com
Biotechnology and Innovation Systems: The Role of Public Policy is an anthology of essays by a
diversity of expert scholars examining how policies toward public research institutions, such as
universities, affect innovations in the development and adaptation of biotechnology worldwide
(although none of the essays directly focus upon North America). Individual writings include
"Linkages between bio-innovation, knowledge production and policy in Uruguay",
"Biotechnology in Mozambique: present situation and future trends", "Biotechnology transfer
and application in China: background and case study", "Biotechnology in Germany", and much
more. Exhaustively researched, Biotechnology and Innovation Systems features a plethora of
black-and-white charts and graphs to support its points. A user-friendly index rounds out this
forward-thinking study of the role public policy and government can play in shaping the
biotechnological expertise of the future.
Water Transport in Brick, Stone and Concrete, second edition
Christopher Hall & William D. Hoff
CRC Press
Suite 300
6000 NW Broken Sound Parkway NW
Boca Raton, FL 33487
Taylor & Francis Group
270 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
9780415564670, $159.84, www.amazon.com www.crcpress.com
The collaborative work of Christopher Hall (Senior Professorial Fellow, School of Engineering,
University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom) and William D. Hoff (Emeritus Professor of
Construction Technology and Science, School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering,
University of Manchester, United Kingdom), "Water Transport in Brick, Stone and Concrete" is
a 392-page compendium focused on the engineering physics and materials science involved with
transporting water utilizing conduits made of brick, stone, and concrete. Now in an expanded and
updated second edition, "Water Transport in Brick, Stone and Concrete" includes new material
relevant to the study of evaporation-driven moisture dynamics of built structures. Enhanced with
a profusion of figures and tables, four appendices, a bibliography, and an index, "Water
Transport in Brick, Stone and Concrete" is comprehensive, informed and informative, making it
ideal as both a text book and as a continuing reference work for engineering students
professionals, as well as a highly recommended and core addition to professional and academic
library instructional reference collections.
NASA: Space Flight Research and Pioneering Developments
Hans-Jurgen Beckr
Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
4880 Lower Valley Road
Atglen, PA 19310
9780764338793, $39.99, www.schifferbooks.com
Space is what a child dreams about at one point or another in their young lives. "NASA: Space
Flight Research and Pioneering Developments" discusses the projects of high end aviation and
space exploration projects put forth by the world leader in space flight. Presented in full color,
Hans-Jurgen Beckr shows the reality of these awe-inspiring projects which shatter the sound
barrier and inspire a whole new dream for anyone to aspire to. "NASA" is a strong photographic
reference as well as an excellent choice for coffee table book collections.
Experimental Design
Douglas W. Cunningham and Christian Wallraven
CRC Press
711 Third Avenue, New York NY 10017
9781568814681, $59.95, www.crcpress.com
EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN; FROM USER STUDIES TO PSYCHOPHYSICS is a reference for
college collections strong in computer graphics and psychology and offers a basic introduction to
psychological experiments and experimental design for any working with computers. It links
design to experimental tasks, from multiple choice and forced-choice to physiological studies,
and it includes stimulus materials, issues, and resources. Statistics, analysis, and a range of
experimental tasks include real-world research applications and make for a fine guide
recommended for college-level psychology, computer and design libraries alike.
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences, 9th edition
Frederick J. Gravetter and Larry B. Wallman
Wadsworth
c/o Cengage Learning, Inc.
200 First Stamford Place, Stamford, CT 06902
9781111835590, $181.95, www.cengage.com/wadsworth
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences provides instructors with a text designed to supplement an
accompanying student copy and teaches the basics of discussing statistics for the behavioral
sciences. It comes packed with tables, examples, and real-world applications of these statistics,
showing how to correlate the math with applied cases and providing summaries, key terms,
samples, review exercises and more. There are additional supporting resources available for this
text, from a lecture software piece to web connections, making this a fine pick for any
college-level instructor.
Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers, fourth edition
Stephen T. Thornton and Andrew Rex
Wadsworth
c/o Cengage Learning, Inc.
200 First Stamford Place, Stamford, CT 06902
9781133108979, $209.49, www.cengage.com/wadsworth
Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers appears in an updated fourth edition for
college-level instructors of scientists and engineering students, and provides a survey of the latest
discoveries in physics and their applications. Experiments that led to these discoveries,
applications of the new information, and a flexible arrangement in the text allows teachers to
select and teach topics in a different sequence, providing a foundation of knowledge that will
help students learn and instructors select the best approach for their classroom.
The Quantum Universe
Brian Cox & Jeff Forshaw
DaCapo Press
c/o Perseus Books Group
44 Farnsworth St, 3rd Floor, Boston MA 02210
9780306819643, $25.00, www.dacapopress.com
THE QUANTUM UNIVERSE (AND WHY ANYTHING THAT CAN HAPPEN, DOES) comes
from two physics professors who show how to clock concept can be used in actual calculations.
This and other methods are employed to explain challenging ideas using terms non-scientists
readily know, and contribute to a title which draws links between quantum physics and everyday
life. It's a pleasure to see a science title that links daily life to complex scientific topics: THE
QUANTUM UNIVERSE creates a powerful discussion for general readers with minimal
scientific background and is a recommendation for any general-interest collection where science
is a popular topic.
The Military Shelf
Find, Fix, Finish
Aki Peritz & Eric Rosenbach
Public Affairs Books
250 West 57th Street, #1321
New York, NY 10107
9781610391283, $27.99, www.publicaffairsbooks.com
Classic strategies are classic for a reason. "Find, Fix, Finish: Inside the Counter-terrorism
Campaigns That Killed Bin Laden and Devastated Al-Qaeda" discusses the evolution of US
security policy since 9-11, showing how America has evolved its tactics following a relatively
blind lash towards Afghanistan and Iraq. Stating how the strategies of Ulysses S. Grant, updated
for one hundred fifty years later has led to a revolution in striking at America's enemies, "Find,
Fix, Finish" is a strong pick for anyone who wants a better understanding of the future of military
policy in America.
Osprey Publishing
4402 - 23rd Street, Suite 219
Long Island City, NY 11101-5058
www.ospreypublishing.com
Robert N. Watt's APACHE TACTICS 1830-86 (9781849086301, $18.95) provides a fine focus
on Apache culture and warfare and offers an in-depth survey of the tactics of the Apache people
as they raided and eluded U.S. government forces. Primary research conducted in New Mexico
and Arizona focus on the small-scale unit warfare of Apache tribes, pairing history and strategy
analysis with color photos and maps documenting terrain and approaches to conflict. Steven J.
Zaloga's US MARINE CORPS TANKS OF WORLD WAR II (9781849085601, $17.95)
provides a fine focus on the tank equipment of the US Marines, offering analysis of the tactics
and technology they created during the war. From considerations of the Marine Corps tank
arsenal to its six tank battalions and combat experiences, this is a fine examination perfect for
in-depth World War II and military equipment collections. Steve Davies' RED EAGLES:
AMERICA'S SECRET MIGS (9781846039706, $25.95) provides the full story of the secret
MiGs in America during the Cold War: a particularly notable endeavor because much of the
information has either been destroyed or remains classified. To produce a detailed story of those
who trained America's fighter pilots the author has interviewed over thirty of the Red Eagle
pilots, along with other members of the squadron, and provides new material perfect for any
military collection seeking a detailed coverage of the MiG operations. This new edition includes
recently declassified material and is a 'must' for any who want a definitive survey. Angus
Konstam's WARSHIPS OF THE ANGLO-DUTCH WARS 1652-74 (9781849084109, $17.95)
covers the design and operation of early warships from 1652-74, a revolutionary era for naval
warfare and tactics. This pairs black and white and color artwork and illustrations by Peter Bull
with insights on the building and deployment of the warships, from design to manpower and
raids. Any military collection strong in early ships and machines will find this a fine
analysis.
The Automotive Shelf
How to Build Killer Big-Block Chevy Engines
Tom Dufur
CarTech Books
39966 Grand Avenue, North Branch, MN 55056
9781934709283, $24.95, www.cartechbooks.com
How to Build Killer Big-Block Chevy Engines covers street and competition engine designs,
offers insights into blocks, heads and all kinds of big-block options, and is a top pick for any auto
reference collection. It reviews the commonly available factory parts and aftermarket options and
considers and contrasts all options, offering popular buildup recipes and providing research and
design specs with color photos throughout. Highly recommended for any auto design
holding!
How to Design, Build & Equip Your Automotive Workshop on a Budget
Jeffrey Zurschmeide
CarTech Books
39966 Grand Avenue, North Branch, MN 55056
9781934709511, $24.95, www.cartechbooks.com
How to Design, Build & Equip Your Automotive Workshop on a Budget From Planning to Final
Build provides an outstanding survey on how to set up an organized, functional garage or
workshop for professional-level work on a budget. Here's all the information needed for
considering tools, designs, installations, setup and workspace, with step-by-step instructions for
all kinds of procedures, from basic electrical wiring for connecting light banks to plumbing basic
shop fixtures. A treasure trove of specifics, this goes beyond your usual garage-oriented guide to
address the particular needs of the automotive workshop.
The Marriage Shelf
Vintage Weddings
Marnie Fogg
Lark Books
387 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016
9781454702832, $29.95, www.larkcrafts.com
VINTAGE WEDDINGS: ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF BRIDAL FASHION AND STYLE
showcases gowns from 1900 to modern times and considers the designers who created them and
the cultural influences and key fashion looks that represented the styles of each decade. From
examples of early turn-of-the-century and Edwardian styles to Modernism and the advent of
tubular dress shapes and short hemlines, this offers a link between fashion and wedding dress
style changes, offering keys to understanding how wedding choices evolved and what they mean
to today's modern bride. Black and white photos of vintage dresses make this a gorgeous
presentation for any collection strong in fashion or wedding planning.
Southern Living Wedding Planner and Keepsake
Southern Living
Oxmoor House
Box 11095, Des Moines, Iowa 50336-1095
0848734890, $29.95, www.oxmoorhouse.com
Southern Living Wedding Planner and Keepsake is the planner to have on hand even before
saying "I do". It comes in a hardcover binder format with tabs that begin with 'You're engaged' to
'What to wear' and 'pictures', 'flowers and cakes' and more, and each section provides concrete
tips on shopping, what to expect in a timeline from purchase to receipt, and how to be prepared
for various kinds of appointments, from dress fittings to ceremony consultation. Ideas for every
step of the wedding planning process makes this an outstanding 'bible' of information. While the
binder format doesn't readily lend to library lending, this should be the initial gift of choice for
any bride.
The Native American Shelf
Waikiki Tiki
Phillip S. Roberts
The Bess Press
3565 Harding Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96816
9781573063111, $22.95, www.besspress.com
The art of a culture is what presents its unique face to the world. "Waikiki Tiki: Art, History, and
Photographs" is a historical view of the Tiki, its place in Hawaiian culture and its long delve into
its unique culture and history, mostly isolated from the world for over a thousand years since its
first settlers appeared in 500 AD. "Waikiki Tiki" is presented in full color with plenty of photos
and artworks spread all throughout, enthusiastically recommended.
Rez Life
David Treuer
Atlantic Monthly Press
841 Broadway, New York NY 10003
9780802119711, $26.00, www.groveatlantic.com
REZ LIFE: AN INDIAN'S JOURNEY THROUGH RESERVATION LIFE comes from the son
of on Ojibwe judge and an Austrian Holocaust survivor who grew up on a reservation in northern
Minnesota. There are over 310 Indian reservations in this country: some tiny, some vast - twelve
are bigger than the entire state of Rhode Island. This tackles current issues of sovereignty, treaty
rights, and relationships between the U.S. government and reservations, and provides a blend of
autobiography and tribal background with a wider-reaching survey of the modern issues affecting
reservation life. No American social or cultural issues collection should be without this, which is
also a 'must' for any Native American holding.
The Humor Shelf
Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year 2012 Edition
Charles Brookes, editor
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster Street
Gretna, LA 70053-2246
9781455616152 $14.95 www.pelicanpub.com
Best Editorial Cartoons of the Year 2012 Edition continues its tradition of collecting the most
hard-hitting political and editorial cartoons of 2011. Black-and-white cartoons from all sides of
the political spectrum are showcased, grouped by general category and prefaced by a brief
summary of important 2011 events, the better to put the cartoons in their full context. One
particularly biting cartoon shows Uncle Sam reading a history book ("DEMOCRACY: Inspired
by Ancient Greece") and wearing little more than a barrel with the word DEBT on it
("ECONOMY: Inspired by Modern Greece"). As solidly engaging as ever, Best Editorial
Cartoons of the Year is especially recommended for public library collections and personal
browsing - or even gift-giving for savvy followers of current events (although some violent
images, such as the cartoons about Osama Bin Laden's death, may be inappropriate for young
readers).
The Hunger Pains
The Harvard Lampoon
Touchstone
c/o Simon and Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 14th fl.
New York, NY 10020
9781451668209, $13.99, www.simonandschuster.com
THE HUNGER PAINS is a hilarious account perfect for any avid follower of young adult and
science fiction reading, offering a mock-up of the popular dystopian young adult novel THE
HUNGER GAMES. It provides a scene-for-scene parody that follows heroine Kantkiss
Neverclean, a resident of a telemarketing district in post-apocalyptic Peceland as she fights for
her life in the annual Hunger Games. The Lampoon makes fun of all participants, but unless
you've read THE HUNGER GAMES, you'll miss many of the zany jokes - and that would be a
shame. Pair this observation with the original book and you have a hilarious romp recommended
for any general lending collection!
CollegeHumor: The Website. The Book.
Streeter Seidell
DaCapo Press
c/o Perseus Books Group
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
9780306820267, $20.00, www.dacapopress.com
Deserving of ongoing recommendation for any general computer collection is this compilation of
some of the best articles that have appeared online. From comics to graphics and cartoons, this is
a fun presentation of college humor gathered from the best writings on the website. The first
decade of unpublished articles from the website are compiled here, providing humor laced with
the unique perspective of a college student. Especially recommended for college collections and
any general library strong in humor collections.
How to Archer
Sterling Archer
IT Books
c/o Newmarket Press
18 East 48th Street, New York, NY 10017
9780062066312, $15.99, www.youritlist.com
HOW TO ARCHER: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ESPIONAGE AND STYLE AND
WOMEN AND ALSO COCKTAILS EVER WRITTEN reveals secrets on how to drive an
elephant, pilots an airboat, and make a Molotov cocktail and stems from an animated half hour
comedy that revolves around the International Secret Intelligence Service and the lives of its
employees. Covert operations offer an excuse for the staff to undermine and betray each other for
personal gain, and this title captures the fun and high points of intelligence. HOW TO ARCHER
is a pick for any general lending collection looking for tongue-in-cheek humor.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
The Audubon Backyard Birdwatcher
Robert Burton and Stephen W. Kress
Thunder Bay Press
c/o Baker & Taylor Publishing Group
10350 Barnes Canyon Rd, Ste 100
San Diego, CA 92121
1571451862, $24.95, www.thunderbaybooks.com
The Audubon Backyard Birdwatcher: Birdfeeders and Bird Gardens packs in over 1,000 color
photos and teaches the basics of how to attract and identify birds, focusing on the most familiar
garden birds and their habits, habitats and feeding preferences. From building birdfeeders and
nesting boxes to gardening to create an attractive bird habitat, The Audubon Backyard
Birdwatcher is loaded with keys to creating a bird-friendly environment.
The Complete Beginner's Guide to Raising Small Animals
Carlotta Cooper
Atlantic Publishing Group
1405 SW 6th Avenue, Ocala FL 34471-0640
9781601383761, $24.95, www.atlantic-pub.com
The Complete Beginner's Guide to Raising Small Animals was written for any considering
raising domesticated animals for family pets or food producers, and teaches the basics of caring
for chickens, cows, sheep, rabbits and others. Small farmers and animal experts were interviewed
for this title, which includes details about how to purchase, house, feed, breed and butcher
animals of all types. All the basics are reviewed in a comprehensive coverage highly
recommended for any small-scale farmer.
Show Dog
Josh Dean
IT Books
c/o Newmarket Press
18 East 48th Street, New York, NY 10017
9780062020482, $24.99, www.youritlist.com
SHOW DOG: THE CHARMED LIFE AND TRYING TIMES OF A NEAR-PERFECT
PUREBRED comes from a magazine journalist who offers an expose on the dog show world,
using a year raising a champion dog to provide a hilarious and touching portrait of dog types and
their handlers. The book follows Jack as the dog matures over the year from an adolescent to a
seasoned adult show dog, with insights from handlers, owners, and breeders discussing what it's
like to own and train a show dog. Any interested in purebred dog showing will find this an
involving and memorable read.
The Literary Studies Shelf
Milton And Homer
Gregory Machacek
Duquesne University Press
600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282
www.dupress.duq.edu
9780820704470, $58.00, www.amazon.com
Although separated in time by millennia and by cultures, the poets Homer and Milton both
shared an ability to use poetry to speak indelibly to the imaginations, aspirations, fears, hopes,
and dreams of each generation that followed their own. They have also been the subjects of
whole libraries of literary analysis and commentary. What's unique about "Milton And Homer:
Written to Aftertimes" by Gregory Machacek (Professor of English, Marist College,
Poughkeepsie, New York) is an insightful and detailed examination of the way Homer's work
influenced John Milton and offering a synchronic framework that will allow the reader to
appreciate how reading Homer enables a deeper and richer understanding of Milton's equally epic
works. "Milton And Homer: Written to Aftertimes" is a masterwork of impeccable and original
scholarship, making it a highly recommended and core addition to academic library reference
collections.
Michael Moorcock: London Peculiar and Other Nonfiction
Michael Moorcock & Allan Kausch, editors
PM Press
PO Box 23912, Oakland, CA 94623
9781604864908, $23.95, www.pmpress.org
Michael Moorcock is one of the best writers of the twentieth century, but his skill is not just in
fantasy and science fiction. "Michael Moorcock: London Peculiar and Other Nonfiction" is a
collection of the man's writings on many topics related to writing and everything else. An
intriguing look into the mind and the workings of a man responsible for many fantasy and
science fiction worlds, "Michael Moorcock" is an essential addition to any literary and current
events collection of writing, highly recommended.
The Wisdom of Naguib Mahfouz
Aleya Serour, editor
American University in Cairo Press
420 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10018-2729
9789774164958, $19.95, www.aucpress.com
A love of writing begets a love of reading which begets a love of knowledge. "The Wisdom of
Naguib Mahfouz: From the Works of the Nobel Laureate" is a compilation of the writings from
the international renown Egyptian thinker and philosopher Naguib Mahfouz, a man with dozens
of novels and other works, attaining the Nobel Prize for literature in 1988. Presenting excepts of
novels, his poetry, among his other writings, editor Aleya Serour presents a fine assortment of
literary work, and makes "The Wisdom of Naguib Mahfouz" a strong addition to any community
and college literary studies collection.
Resurrection from the Underground: Feodor Dostoevsky
Rene Girard
Michigan State University Press
1405 South Harrison Road, Suite 25
East Lansing, MI 48823-5245
9781611860375, $24.95, www.msupress.msu.edu
Drawing ourselves away from the world can give a more complete reflection on it. "Resurrection
from the Underground: Feodor Dostovsky" discusses the work of Dostovksy, the Russian author
who was known for his unique world view that presents a fascinating look into the human
condition. Excellently translated and discussed by Professor Rene Girard, "Resurrection from the
Underground" is a strong addition to any international community and college philosophy
collection, highly recommended.
The History of a Slave, updated edition
Paul E. Lovejoy, editor
Markus Wiener Publishers
231 Nassau Street
Princeton, NJ 08542
9781558765542, $24.95, www.markuswiener.com
Slavery is an evil not yet purged completely from the world. "The History of a Slave" is a
republishing of H. H. Johnston's fictional telling drawn from true accounts of a slave brought
throughout Africa and facing cruelty from many sources and witnessing countless acts inflicted
on others. Paul Lovejoy presents this updated edition with additional information, annotations,
and discussion on historical significance, as well as the original illustrations. "The History of a
Slave" is a must read literary piece that focuses on one of humanity's greatest evils.
The Adventures of Roderick Random
Tobias Smollett
University of Georgia Press
330 Research Drive
Athens, GA, 30602-4901
9780820321653, $89.95, www.ugapress.org
Most people in the seventeenth century were born and died in the same village. "The Adventures
of Roderick Random" is Tobias Smollett's literary classic following Mr. Random as he travels
the world through many professions and continents to experience the world on a bigger scale.
Through war, love, peace, and more, Roderick's tales present a unique perspective on the issues
of the day, imperialism, slavery, war, money, and high society. A reprinting of a literary classic
that reflects on its place in the history of literature, "The Adventures of Roderick Random" is an
excellent addition to any community library collection of eighteenth century literature.
The Holocaust Studies Shelf
Judgment Before Nuremberg
Greg Dawson
Pegasus Books
80 Broad Street,5th Floor
New York, NY 10004
9781605982908, $27.95, www.pegasusbooks.com
Justice for what happened in Nazi Germany is not something that looked like it could be
achieved, but the nature of the world is to try anyway. "Judgment Before Nuremberg: The
Holocaust in the Ukraine and the First Nazi War Crimes Trial" delves into the aftermath of
genocide, as Greg Dawson presents a lesser known historical event. While the war still raged,
three Nazi officers were captured and tried for their crimes in the Ukraine, where many Jews and
other Ukrainians lost their lives. The death sentence received by the Nazis there is forgotten in
the larger story of the Holocaust, but Dawson tells this forgotten story well. "Judgment Before
Nuremberg" is a strong addition to any World War II or Holocaust history collection, very much
recommended reading.
The Botany Shelf
Plant Reintroduction in a Changing Climate
Joyce Maschinski & Kristin E. Haskins, editors
Island Press
1718 Connecticut Avenue, N.W., Suite 300
Washington, DC 20009-1148
9781597268318, $50.00, www.islandpress.org
Climate change leads to near extinction to once thriving species, plant and animal alike. "Plant
Reintroduction in a Changing Climate: Promises and Perils" discusses this conservation effort
and how some ecologists are pushing for restoration of plants to ecosystems where they once
flourished. But this action isn't so simple, facing many problems with food chains and
competition from other aspects of the domain of nature. Scholarly and in depth, Joyce
Maschinski & Kristin E. Haskins provide an intellectual and thoughtful break down of these
concepts and how it is gradually becoming more viable. A solid and core addition for science and
environmental collections, "Plant Reintroduction in a Changing Climate" is not to be
overlooked.
The Economic Studies Shelf
American Health Economy Illustrated
Christopher J. Conover
American Enterprise Institute
1150 - 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
9780844772028 $19.95 www.aei.org
Professional research scholar Christopher J. Conover presents American Health Economy
Illustrated, a plain-terms discussion of the costs, relative effectiveness, employment, tax burden,
and more of the health-care industry in the American economy. Color graphs on practically every
other page illustrate the straightforward conclusions drawn directly from aggregate data. "The
relationship between savings and health spending is not nearly as tight at the cross-national level
as it is within the United States over time. Although the nation that has the lowest share of GDP
devoted to health spending also has the highest savings rate (Japan), the nation that has the
next-lowest health spending also has a savings rate almost identical to that of the United States
(the UK)." Although deliberately written to provide a grounded, factual base for the ongoing
economic debate about American health care in general and Obamacare in particular, American
Health Economy Illustrated eschews politics to focuses squarely on facts - the most accurate
possible picture that statistics can give, with detailed explanations of the statistics' limitations as
well as the unknown quantities for which there is no currently available statistical data. This
neutral, information-oriented approach makes American Health Economy Illustrated an absolute
"must-have" especially for college library economics collections and the personal shelves of any
policymaker involved in the health care budget.
Managing the Fiscal Metropolis
Rebecca M. Hendrick
Georgetown University Press
3240 Prospect Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
9781589017764, $34.95, www.press.georgetown.edu
As cities grow, the lines between one city and another become blurry. "Managing the Fiscal
Metropolis: The Financial Policies, Practices, and Health of Suburban Municipalities" is a
comprehensive discussion of the finances and politics that are becoming a growing issue as
metropolises grow and consume one another. Focusing on Chicago, whose suburbs have been
growing over the past twenty years, Rebecca M. Hendrick breaks down these issues and how it
will affect the financial future of communities, the suburbs, and more. "Managing the Fiscal
Metropolis" is a much recommended pick for any social issues, political science, or economics
community and college library collection.
The Library Science Shelf
True Stories Of Censorship Battles In America's Libraries
Valerie Nye & Kathy Barco
ALA Editions
c/o American Library Association
50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611
www.alastore.ala.org
9780838911303, $50.00, www.amazon.com
There are basically two types of censorship operating in America's school and community library
systems. The first is obvious and blatant. It is when outside groups petition library boards and
political authorities to remove targeted books from library collections. Such demands are usually
based on religious or political objections. The second form of censorship is far more subtle and
difficult to identify from the outside. It is the phenomena of 'self-censorship' on the part of library
staff. Often in response to a perceived problem of anticipated adverse public relations or personal
bias. Compiled and co-edited by the team of Valerie Nye and Kathy Barco, "True Stories Of
Censorship Battles In America's Libraries" is a 176-page compendium of erudite articles
contributed by an impressive roster of knowledgeable contributors showcasing case examples of
censorship and the issues associated with them. The result is an impressive work of considerable
and diverse scholarship making "True Stories Of Censorship Battles In America's Libraries"
mandatory reading for library professionals, as well as free speech advocates and library patrons
with an interest in library related censorship issues.
Evaluating and Measuring the Value, Use and Impact of Digital Collections
Lorna M. Hughes, editor
Facet Publishing
c/o Neal-Schuman Publishers
100 William Street, Suite 2004
New York, NY 10038-4512
9781856047203 $115.00 www.neal-schuman.com
Evaluating and Measuring the Value, Use and Impact of Digital Collections is an anthology of
essays by expert librarians, archivists, and scholars cross-examining the use of digital collections,
particularly when digital technology is used to preserve scholarly and cultural heritage materials.
Individual writings scrutinize means to ensure the quality, longevity, and productive use of
digital collections, among other issues. Sample essays include "User needs in digitization",
"Improving sustainability of publicly funded digital resources, "The digital museum", and more.
An exhaustive list of references for further reading and an index round out this
thought-provoking, cutting-edge discourse tackling an increasingly important part of library,
archival, and reference systems in the modern Information Age. Highly recommended, especially
for professionals in the field.
No Shelf Required 2
Sue Polanka
ALA Editions
50 East Huron St.
Chicago, IL 60611
9780838911457, $65.00, www.alastore.ala.org
Many have decried e-books as the death of libraries, but only for those who won't evolve with the
times. "No Shelf Required 2: Use and Management of Electronic Books" is a librarian's guide to
e-books and their rising impact on paper based book and those who read them. Sue Polanka
advises readers how to better embrace them for their libraries and work them into their standard
collection. Comprehensive and scholarly, "No Shelf Required 2" is a strongly recommended read
for any librarians reference collection.
The Library Catalog as Social Space
Laurel Tarulli
Libraries Unlimited
c/o ABC-CLIO
PO Box 1911
Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
9781598846294, $40.00, www.abc-clio.com
The rise of social media has turned almost everything into a community. "The Library Catalog as
Social Space: Promoting Patron Driven Collections, Online Communities, and Enhanced
Reference, and Readers' Services" discusses the role of library catalogs and their evolution in
today's future-driven world. A reference for librarians looking to expand their online catalogs and
embracing t he concepts of social media for a more comprehensive reading of one's patrons, "The
Library Catalog as Social Space" is a strong addition to any library science reference collection
that is focusing on the future of libraries.
Read On... Graphic Novels
Abby Alpert
Libraries Unlimited
c/o ABC-CLIO
PO Box 1911
Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
9781591588252 $30.00 www.abc-clio.com
Part of the "Read On..." series designed to help public libraries select books for their collection
that will appeal to a broad range of personal tastes, Read On... Graphic Novels offers more than
500 original entries describing different graphic novels ideal for library collections. Organized
into 70 thematic lists, Read On... Graphic Novels is an excellent, user-friendly tool for selecting
visual literature - including graphic novels that have won prestigious honors such as National
Book Awards or MacArthur Grants - that can boost circulation and help encourage young and old
patrons alike to improve their literacy. Fiction and nonfiction graphic novels are
well-represented, including the wildly popular category of manga (Japanese graphic novels).
Highly recommended.
The Agriculture Shelf
Keeping the Farm in Your Family
Mark R. Alvig & David P. Buss
Adams Business & Professional
c/o Beaver's Pond Press
7108 Ohms Lane
Edina, MN 55439
9781592982257, $19.95, www.BeaversPondPress.com
The family owned farm seems to be a fading memory, as the megafarm seems to be the name of
the game. "Keeping the Farm in Your Family: What you Need to Know" is a guide for farmers
and other estate owners on how to keep their prized possessions and keep it going the one who
you want it to, navigating the legal minefield that has popped up. "Keeping the Farm in Your
Family" is a strongly recommended pick for those who want to better manage their farm's and
their family's future.
The International Studies Shelf
Come from the Shadows
Terry Glavin
Douglas & McIntyre
2323 Quebeck Street, Suite 201
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5T 4S7
9781553657828 $26.95 www.douglas-mcintyre.com
Come from the Shadows: The Long and Lonely Struggle for Peace in Afghanistan is an
impassioned examination of the war in Afghanistan, primarily focusing on the difficult
experience of the Afghan people. Award-winning author Terry Glavin (co-founder of the
Canada-Afghanistan Solidarity Committee) harshly challenges antiwar claims, portraying the
Afghans not as the enraged victims of a military seizure, but rather as courageous people trying
desperately to survive and grateful for international aid against the brutally repressive Taliban.
Glavin gives distorted portrayals of Afghan in the West the label of "Absuristan", asking sharply
why current policy is leaning toward reconciliation with the Taliban when they have established
themselves as championing misogyny and tyranny. Extensive notes, an appendix, and an index
round out this strong warning against abandoning Afghan to the most reactionary and ruthless
forces threatening it.
When More is Less
Astri Suhrke
Columbia University Press
61 West 62nd Street
New York, NY 10023-7015
9780231702720, $25.00, http://cup.columbia.edu
Peace in Afghanistan has been a very stressful process. "When More is Less: The International
Project in Afghanistan" analyzes the struggles that America and the western invention have had
in rebuilding Afghanistan after the reign of the Taliban. Astri Suhrke argues that the heavy
handed methods used by the west are causing more problems than they solve, and that a lighter
hand could help Afghanistan much more. "When More is Less" is a strongly recommended
addition to the international issues debate.
Cocaine, Death Squads, & the War on Terror
Oliver Villar & Drew Cottle
Monthly Review Press
146 West 29th Street, Suite 6W
New York, NY 10001
9781583672518, $16.95, www.monthlyreview.org
Drugs and terror are quite cooperative, but could America be perpetuating their own problems?
"Cocaine, Death Squads, & the War on Terror" discusses the relations between America and
Columbia, where foreign aid to Columbia has been fueling a state controlled by its cocaine crops,
increasing terror against the Columbian people and their neighbors. Looking at these underlying
politics, Oliver Villar and Drew Cottle, international thinkers offer a critique of the cruel
undertones of America's war on drugs and war on terror. "Cocaine, Death Squads, & the War of
Terror" is a crucial yet strongly recommended read on international policy.
The Judaic Studies Shelf
We're Missing The Point
Rabbi Dr. Gidon Rothstein
KTAV Publishing House
930 Newark Avenue
Jersey City, NJ 07306-6316
www.ktav.com
9781602802025, $25.00, www.amazon.com
To be an Orthodox Jew is to resist the manifold and ever present temptations to assimilate into
the antithetical practices, customs and culture of the larger society. "We're Missing the Point:
What's Wrong with the Orthodox Jewish Community and How to Fix It" by Rabbi Dr. Gidon
Rothstein is a 256-page compendium addressing what it means to be a Jew, to be Orthodox, to
live a God-oriented life, the role of autonomy and personal choice, and a practical, attainable,
'real-world' vision of how to keep focused on the core essentials that such a life and that such a
community of lives requires within the context of a broader pagan and secular world. From
Jewish traditions, to the necessity of prayer, to Jewish education, to the value of the spiritual and
communal value of the synagogue, "We're Missing The Point" is inspired and inspiring.
Thoroughly 'reader friendly', Rabbi Rothstein's book should be considered a core addition to
personal reading lists, as well as community and academic library "Judaic Studies" instructional
reference collections.
Studies in Rashi - Bereishit
Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson
Kehot Publication Society
291 Kingston Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11213
www.kehot.com
9780826607065, $24.95, www.amazon.com
"Studies in Rashi - Bereishit" is a 422-page, bilingual (Hebrew/English), collection of twelve
informed and informative essays. Beginning in late 1964, after the passing of his mother,
Rebbetzin Chana, the Rebbe began dedicating a segment of his weekly Shabbat public gatherings
to the study of Rashi's classic biblical commentary. What soon emerged was an innovative
method for both the study and analysis of the Bible's pre-eminent commentator, and Bible study
itself. These talks continued for more than twenty-five years. Now in an impressive edition
produced by the Kehot Publication Society under the editorship of Rabbi Y. Eliezer Danzinger,
and ably translated into English by Rabbi Y. Eliezer Danzinger, "Studies in Rashi - Bereishit" is
enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of seventeen 'General Principles' which are the basis
for Rebbe's methodology in studying Rashi. Fully annotated in Hebrew and in English, "Studies
in Rashi - Bereishit" is further enhanced with an extensively detailed bibliography and a
comprehensive index, making it a very highly recommended and core addition to personal and
academic library Judaic Studies instructional reference collections and supplemental reading
lists.
The Autism Shelf
It's Raining Cats and Dogs
Michael Barton
Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Inc.
400 Market Street, Suite 400
Philadelphia, PA 19106
9781849052832 $15.95 www.jkp.com
It's Raining Cats and Dogs is a guide to the meanings of common English metaphors, idioms,
shortened expressions, and sayings written especially for people on the autism spectrum. Each
metaphor/idiom and its meaning is complemented by a simplistic, black-and-white illustrations
of the literal implication of the words - and implication that is likely to jump into the head of any
autism spectrum individual encountering the phrase for the first time! For example, one page has
the phrase "We didn't meet eye to eye" alongside a crossed-out sketch of two eyeballs touching,
followed by the phrase's true meaning, "We didn't agree". Although It's Raining Cats and Dogs is
especially valuable for autism spectrum individuals, children and adults who are learning English
as a second language will also find it an invaluable supplementary reference and teaching tool,
particularly due to the visual reinforcement of the pictures. Highly recommended, especially for
school library collections.
The Real Estate Shelf
Fixing the Housing Market
Franklin Allen, James R. Barth, and Glenn Yago
Prentice Hall Press
c/o Penguin Group (USA)
375 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
9780137011605 $34.99 http://us.penguingroup.com
Without such things as mortgages, far too many people would be unable to own their own home;
yet too little regulation of real estate finances prompted the housing bubble and economic
meltdown of 2008. How did we get here, and in what direction should we head now? Written by
three experts in economics and real estate financing, Fixing the Housing Market: Financial
Innovations for the Future is a scholarly and serious-minded study of the history and future of
financial innovation products that make owning a home possible. Chapters cover the invention of
housing innovations from antiquity to the modern day; the benefits and risks of different
mortgage funding structures in today's economy; housing finance in emerging economies such as
Brazil, Russia, India and China; and conclusions drawn from the evidence as to which financial
innovations can provide the most stable and sustainable system for housing and real estate.
"Lesson 3: Size Matters - ... What if houses returned to the size expected by the typical U.S.
homebuyer 30 years ago?... America's total expenditures on all new homes sold over the past 30
years would have been $1.2 trillion less in today's dollars, and that savings would continue to
accrue in the future. That's before taking into account the cost of furnishing, heating, cooling, and
cleaning all that extra space... Factors such as neighborhood compactness, access to public
transit, and rates of vehicle ownership affect mortgage performance. There is a direct, statistically
significant link between longer, costlier commuting and a higher risk of default." Fixing the
Housing Market lives up to its title with practical, serious-minded, real-world ideas, and should
be required reading for real estate and economic policy professionals everywhere.
The Journalism Shelf
Covering America
Christopher B. Daly
University of Massachusetts Press
PO Box 429
Amherst, MA 01004
9781558499119 $49.95 www.umass.edu/umpress
Award-winning author Christopher B. Daly, a veteran journalist as well as an instructor of
history and journalism at Boston University, presents Covering America: A Narrative History of
a Nation's Journalism. Covering America lives up to its title with an exhaustively researched,
scholarly, and in-depth chronicle of the art and craft of journalism in America, from 1705 to the
present day. Chapters discuss the foundations of the American Press including Ben Franklin and
his contemporaries, the rise of newspapers; how journalism covered slavery and the Civil War,
the Great Depression, World War II, and other monumental historical events; the twentieth
century rise of major media conglomerates; and much more. "Whether for-profit or not, the
institutions that engage in mass communication have been almost entirely in private hands,
separate form the government... From a small-scale shop to a factory-sized corporation to a
global conglomerate, the news business as a business has kept pace with broader trends. That
process has in turn created a recurring set of crises in which the values of journalism have come
into conflict with the values of business." A handful of vintage black-and-white photographs
illustrate this meticulous, methodical, and absolutely invaluable contribution to history and
journalism shelves, worthy of the highest recommendation especially for public and college
library collections.
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
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