 |
Book
Reviews,
Book Lover Resources, Advice for Writers and Publishers |
Home / Internet
Bookwatch |
Internet Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Your Right To Privacy
Jim Bronskill & David McKie
Self-Counsel Press Inc.
4152 Meridian Street, Suite 105-471, Bellingham, WA, 98226
www.self-counsel.com
9781770402638, $14.95, PB, 144pp, www.amazon.com
Jim Bronskill is a reporter in the Ottawa bureau of The Canadian Press news agency, specializing
in security and intelligence, the RCMP and justice-related issues. David McKie teaches data
journalism and research methods at Algonquin College, the University of King's College, and
Carleton University. In "Your Right To Privacy: Minimize Your Digital Footprint" they team up
to draw upon their experience and expertise with respect to the use of the Internet to hack, snoop,
and invade people's privacy for nefarious and often criminal purposes. Your personal information
can be seen and shared and your privacy can be violated. "Your Right To Privacy" is a definitive
guide to minimizing your digital footprint, protecting your vital information, and prevent that
Internet-based information from being misused. Bronskill and McKie persuasively argue there
are steps each of us can take to keep our important data out of reach while still participating fully
in new technologies. They identify the pitfalls we can make and the small moves that will help us
avoid them. "Your Right To Privacy" makes an important, significant, practical contribution in
enforcing our right to privacy at a time when governments, special interests and others are trying
to watch everything we do. "Your Right To Privacy" outlines in detail how to keep your
information as safe as possible in an age of hacking, sharing and surveillance. "Your Right To
Privacy" is the definitive guide on how to minimize your digital footprint and protect your
privacy in the digital age. Thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "Your
Right To Privacy" is unreservedly recommended for community and academic library
collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted that "Your Right To Privacy" is also
available in a Kindle format ($8.69).
Global Sustainability
Mark Lefko
Morgan James Publishing
11815 Fountain Way, Suite 300, Newport News, VA 23606-4448
www.morganjamespublishing.com
9781683501770, $29.95, HC, 172pp, www.amazon.com
Mark Lefko has coached and mentored more than 100 CEOs and company presidents, bringing
with him 35 years of real-world C-level business experience. In "Global Sustainability: 21
Leading CEOs Show How to Do Well by Doing Good" he draws upon both his many years of
experience and expertise, as well as that of twenty-one others, to explore how the Global
Sustainability movement is shaping the growth of the most profitable companies around the
world; how a company can participate fully in this movement -- and profit from its participation;
and how the guiding ethical principles of the CEO can shape a company's identity -- and why
they're vital to corporate survival and progress. As Mark Lefko emphasizes in this exceptionally
well organized and presented volume -- "Global Sustainability is about more than just doing
good; it's about doing well by doing good. While very highly recommended for community,
corporate, and academic library Business Management collections and supplemental studies
reading lists, it should be noted for student and non-specialist general readers with an interest in
the subject that "Global Sustainability" is also available in a paperback edition (9781683501763,
$17.95) and in a Kindle format ($9.99).
The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt
Richard H. Wilkinson
Thames & Hudson, Inc.
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110-0017
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9780500051009, $39.95, HC, 256pp, www.amazon.com
Profusely illustrated throughout with 535 images (173 of which are in color), "The Complete
Temples of Ancient Egypt " by Richard H. Wilkinson (Director of the University of Arizona's
Egyptian Expedition) is a comprehensive survey of all Egypt's temples, from Luxor and Karnak
to those in the delta, oases and Nubia. "The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt" deftly traces
the processes of building and decorating, how they functioned, and what happened when they
were robbed and desecrated. A comprehensive history of the evolution Egyptian temples, "The
Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt" also discusses the Egyptian pantheon, rites and festivals.
Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, impressively informed and informative,
"The Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt" is an especially recommended addition to community
and academic library Egyptology collections and supplemental studies reading lists. It should be
noted for students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "The
Complete Temples of Ancient Egypt" is now newly available in a paperback edition
(9780500283967, $26.95).
Bataan Survivor
David L. Hardee, author
Frank A. Blazich, Jr., editor
University of Missouri Press
113 Heinkel Bldg., 201 S. 7th St., Columbia, MO 65211
www.umsystem.edu/upress
9780826220820 $50.00 amazon.com
Bataan Survivor: A POW's Account of Japanese Captivity in World War II is the personal,
firsthand account of Colonel David L. Hardee, dictated and written at sea in April-May of 1945,
directly after his liberation from Japanese captivity. Hardee was captured in April 1942 after the
American surrender to the Japanese on Bataan during World War II. Hardee survived the Bataan
Death March and life in a series of prison camps. Because a hernia made him too ill to travel to
Japan in 1944, he was one of the few lieutenant colonels to remain in the Philippines and survive
the war. Hardee's memoir is vivid, fresh from the extended horror of his captivity, and skillfully
edited by historian Frank A. Blazich, Jr. A handful of black-and-white photographs, extensive
notes, a bibliography, and an index round out this unforgettable true-life story, highly
recommended especially for public and college library collections.
Wish You Were Here
Zachary Michael Jack
Truman State University Press
100 East Normal Street, Kirksville, MO 63501-4221
http://tsup.truman.edu
9781612481708 $19.95 pbk / $9.99 Kindle amazon.com
Wish You Were Here is an anthology of essays about life in the Midwest heartland, from the
viewpoint of award-winning, seventh-generation rural author Zachary Michael Jack. Jack
challenges the stereotypes of rural living, and presents why he loves the land and the tight-knit
communities of the countryside. Heartwarming, candid, and penned directly the depths of the
soul, Wish You Were Here is highly recommended.
Garden in the East
Angela Doll Carlson
Ancient Faith Publishing
PO Box 748, Chesterton, IN 46304-0748
http://store.ancientfaith.com
9781944967031, $17.95, PB, 176pp, www.amazon.com
Angela Doll Carlson is a poet, fiction writer and essayist whose work has appeared in
publications such as St. Katherine Review, Rock & Sling Journal, Ruminate Magazine, Ink &
Letters, Whale Road Review, Elephant Journal, Relief Journal, and Art House America. With
"Garden in the East: The Spiritual Life of the Body", she addresses such issues as: How we care
for and nurture our bodies, which has implications for all areas of our development physical,
emotional, and even spiritual. The physical human body is a living and organic revelation of the
unseen spirit inside a kind of garden. "Garden in the East" is a deftly crafted and poetic
exploration of how the care of the body can lead us to wholeness and wellness in every area of
our lives. Thoughtful and thought-provoking, inspired and inspiring, thoroughly 'reader friendly'
in tone, organization and presentation, "Garden in the East" is very highly recommended. It
should be noted that "Garden in the East" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
Walking to Listen
Andrew Forsthoefel
Bloomsbury Press
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315, New York, NY 10010
9781632867001, $28.00, www.bloomsbury.com
Walking to Listen: 4,000 Miles Across America, One Story at a Time is an autobiographical
travel guide that tells of how twenty-three-year-old author Andrew Forsthoefel left his
Pennsylvania home with a backpack, audio recorder, and a sign that read 'Walking to Listen'. His
uncertainty about what he wanted to do with his life led to this pilgrimage and a projected walk
across the country collecting everyday peoples' stories. What evolved was a journey that would
challenge him physically and psychologically, and which led to thousands of shared stories that
led to wider questions about unity and prosperity in America. This book offers no easy answers
but it does offer important insights on the value of listening and the lessons to be learned from
such efforts. Highly recommended for general-interest readers, armchair travelers, psychologists,
social science students, and any would receive a combination of travelogue and
enlightenment.
The Biography Shelf
Mudeater
John D. Pihach
University of Regina Press
University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, S4S 0A2
www.uofrpress.ca
9780889774582 $22.95 amazon.com
Mudeater: An American Buffalo Hunter and the Surrender of Louis Riel is the biography of a
multitalented survivor of the Old West. Born as the son of a Wyandot Chief in 1849, Irvin
Mudeater was a great and remarkably adaptable frontiersman. He ran wagon trains to Santa Fe,
fought off "Indian attacks", survived the American Civil War, drove a stagecoach, and lived as a
plainsman on the frontier. He was also known as a renowned buffalo hunter, and engaged in the
wasteful practice of mass slaughter - allegedly killing 126 head of buffalo in just one day. In
1882, Mudeater moved to Canada, where he assumed the name "Robert Armstrong" and a white
identity, and played a crucial role in bringing the fugitive Metis leader Louis Riel into custody.
Mudeater is a true-life saga that reads like a Wild West adventure novel, and highly
recommended especially for public and college library biography collections.
From the Tundra to the Trenches
Eddy Weetaltuk
University of Manitoba Press
301 St. John's College, Winnipeg, MB, Canada, R3T 2M5
www.uofmpress.ca
9780887558221 $27.95 pbk / $24.99 Kindle amazon.com
From the Tundra to the Trenches is the autobiography of Eddy Weetaltuk, a Canadian Inuk
(member of indigenous people native to the arctic regions of Greenland, Canada, and Alaska).
Growing up, he had Canadian government label E9-422 (E for "Eskimo", a term the Inuit
consider pejorative; 9 for his community, and 422 to identify him). In 1951, he decided to leave
the North. Since the Canadian government forbid this of Inuit at the time, he changed his name,
assuming the new identity of Eddy Vital SC-17515, and enlisted in the Canadian Forces. During
his fifteen years of service, he fought in the Korean War; afterward, he worked with Inuit youth
afflicted with drug and alcohol addiction. Featuring a handful of color drawings recreating key
moments from Weetaltuk's life, From the Tundra to the Trenches is an absorbing, true-life story
of war, courage, and the determination to be the master of one's own destiny. Highly
recommended.
A Boy from Botwood
Bryan Davies and Andrew Traficante, editors
The Dundurn Group
3 Church Street, Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5E 1M2
www.dundurn.com
9781459736719 $22.99 pbk / $11.99 Kindle amazon.com
A Boy from Botwood: Pte. A.W. Manuel, Royal Newfoundland Regiment, 1914-1919 is a
memoir of the First World War. A.W. Manuel was an impoverished Newfoundland youth, who
enlisted with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment in late 1914. He survived the ill-fated 1915
Gallipoli campaign, and the Regiment's near-annihilation at Beaumont-Hamel. He was captured
on the Passchendaele battlefield in 1917, and endured seventeen months as a German POW,
although he nearly escaped from a forced labor camp. Manuel's story vividly describes his hatred
of war, his contempt for leaders on both sides that allowed the bloodletting to drag on, and his
empathy for common soldiers on both sides. Brief notes and a conclusion enrich this compelling
and highly recommended true-life war story.
The Science Shelf
The Oceanographer's Companion
George A. Maul
CRC Press
6000 NW Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL 33487
www.crcpress.com
9781498773065, $119.95, PB, 206pp, www.amazon.com
Scientists and engineers embarking on their first voyage for oceanographic or meteorological
research are often unprepared for the experience. Going to sea involves learning a new language -
that of the seaman. A working knowledge of the specialized language related to seafaring is
necessary for clear communications, as well as for the safety and well-being of the members of
the scientific party and the ship's crew. Drawing upon his years of experience and expertise
teaching oceanographers, ocean engineers, marine meterorologists at the Florida Institute of
Technology, George A. Maul's "The Oceanographer's Companion" is intended to familiarize
students, scientists, and non-specialist general readers with the basics of navigation, seamanship,
marine engineering, communications, safety-of-life-at-sea, shiphandling, knots and splices, first
aid, and so much more. A complete course of practical instruction, "The Oceanographer's
Companion" is profusely illustrated throughout and exceptionally well organized and presented,
offering the reader a very practical manual and guide replete with illustrative examples, making it
very highly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library
Oceanography collections in general, and supplemental studies reading lists in particular.
Amazing Stories of the Space Age
Rod Pyle
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
www.prometheusbooks.com
9781633882218 $18.00 pbk. / $11.99 Kindle amazon.com
Amazing Stories of the Space Age is a nonfiction anthology that reads like pulp sci-fi. Here are
extraordinary true tales of the twentieth century space race, from literal spacefaring Nazis, to the
design of an inflatable space station, the extreme perils of atmospheric re-entry after space travel,
and much more, Amazing Stories of the Space Age lives up to its title. Amazing Stories of the
Space Age is a choice pick for public library science collections!
The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Kill Before Dying
Travis S. Taylor
Baen Books
PO Box 1188, Wake Forest NC 27588
9781476782072, $25.00, www.baen.com
Kill Before Dying is part of the Tau Ceti Agenda series, and represents military sci-fi at its best.
General Alexander Moore has saved the human race, but his work is not done yet. The fight
continues, the alien Chiata are far from conquered, and Moore receives a tip from another alien
that a strange discovery could help humanity win its ongoing struggle. So he sets out to explore -
and comes up against a hostile planet that challenges his own daughter to survive against
impossible odds. Action is swift and driven by a combination of military confrontation, strategy,
and personal struggles to survive against all odds in this vivid story, recommended for military
sci-fi enthusiasts.
The God Wave
Patrick Hemstreet
Harper Voyageur
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
9780062419521, $15.99, www.harpercollins.com
The God Wave blends fiction, spirituality and science in a story of speculative science fiction
that considers the results of scientists who uncover the key to harnessing the dormant brain
power occupying ninety percent of the human brain. This leads to abilities that are godlike in
nature, and which hold not only implications for human evolution, but for discerning the very
nature of God. As corporate and political interests become involved in this revolutionary
discovery, a host of special challenges emerges that holds many implications for all of society.
Sci-fi readers who enjoy a powerful inspection of science and faith will find this a revealing,
compelling story.
Question and Answer
Poul Anderson
NESFA Press
PO Box 809, Framingham, MA 01701
www.nesfapress.com
9781610373135, $32.00, HC, 550pp, www.amazon.com
Poul William Anderson (November 25, 1926 - July 31, 2001) was an American science fiction
author who began his career during the Golden Age of the genre and continued to write and
remain popular into the 21st century. Anderson also authored several works of fantasy, historical
novels, and a prodigious number of short stories. He received numerous awards for his writing,
including seven Hugo Awards and three Nebula Awards. "Question and Answer" is the seventh
volume in the NESFA Press project to bring his entire canon into print for the benefit of current
and future generations of science fiction enthusiasts. Comprised of twelve of Anderson's short
stories, "Question and Answer" is enhanced further with the inclusion of an informative Editor's
Introduction; Vincent Di Fate's article 'Poul Anderson'; and 'Editorial Thank You', and a listing of
other NESFA Press Books currently available. Simply stated, "Question and Answer" is
unreservedly recommended to the attention of the legions of Poul Anderson fans, and will prove
to be an enduringly popular addition to both community and academic library Science Fiction
collections.
The Lovecraft Code
Peter Levenda
Ibis Press
c/o Red Wheel/Weiser/Conari
65 Parker Street, Suite 7, Newburyport, MA 01950
www.redwheelweiser.com
9780892542178, $27.95, HC, 400pp, www.amazon.com
Gregory Angell, the present-day descendant of George Angell in Lovecraft's "Call of Cthulhu," is
summoned by a nameless covert agency of the US government to retrieve a sacred book from the
grasp of an Islamist terror network operating out of northern Iraq, in the land of the Yezidi.
Practitioners of a monotheistic religion with mystical traditions, the Yezidi are all that's left of an
ancient sect that possessed the key to the origins of the human race and was in conflict with
another, more ancient civilization from beyond the stars. Impressively well written and a
consistently compelling read from cover to cover, "The Lovecraft Code" by Peter Levenda is a
'must read' for the legions of Philip Lovecraft fans, 'Da Vinci Code' enthusiasts, and anyone who
appreciates a cleverly crafted novel by a master of the conspiracy thriller genre. While
unreservedly recommended and certain to be an enduringly popular addition to community
library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Lovecraft Code" is also
available in a Kindle format ($14.99).
The Last Machine in the Solar System
Matthew Isaac Sobin
Inkshares
99 Linden Street, Oakland, CA 94607
www.inkshares.com
9781942645191, $9.98, PB, 80pp, www.amazon.com
Nearly three billion years into the future, the solar system is a very different place. Earth is long
gone, and the sun is a gray, shrunken dwarf. All that remains of humanity and conscious thought
is Jonathan -- the last machine. Created to survive Earth's destruction by our ever-expanding sun,
Jonathan witnessed the end of life on Earth. "The Last Machine in the Solar System" is his story
and that of his creator, Nikolai. It is also the story of the human race, which failed to disentangle
its destiny from the star that gave rise to all life-forms on Earth. A deftly crafted, impressively
original, consistently compelling read from cover to cover, "The Last Machine in the Solar
System" demonstrates author Matthew Isaac Sobin's genuine flair for creative storytelling and is
very highly recommended for community library Science Fiction collections.
The Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf
Encyclopedia of American Film Serials
Geoff Mayer
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
www.mcfarlandpub.com
9780786477623, $75.00, PB, 316pp, www.amazon.com
One of the 'yesteryear joys' of going to the movies on a Saturday afternoon were the weekly
cliff-hanger serials. From their heyday in the 1910s to their lingering demise in the 1950s,
American film serials delivered excitement in weekly installments for millions of moviegoers,
despite minuscule budgets, nearly impossible shooting schedules and the disdain of critics. Early
heroines like Pearl White, Helen Holmes and Ruth Roland broke gender barriers and ruled the
screen. Through both world wars, such serials as Spy Smasher and Batman were vehicles for
propaganda. Smash hits like Flash Gordon and The Lone Ranger demonstrated the enduring mass
appeal of the genre. Providing insight into early 20th century American culture, "Encyclopedia of
American Film Serials" by Geoff Mayer analyzes four decades of productions from Pathe,
Universal, Mascot and Columbia, and all 66 Republic serials. Simply stated, no personal,
professional, community, or academic library American Film Industry History collection or
supplemental studies reading lists would be considered comprehensive or complete without
including a copy of the "Encyclopedia of American Film Serials"
Making it Big in Shorts
Kim Adelman
Michael Wiese Productions
12400 Ventura Blvd., #1111, Studio City, CA 91604
www.mwp.com
9781615932566, $16.95, PB, 160pp, www.amazon.com
Each year 8,000+ short films compete to fill 60 slots at the Sundance Film Festival. On an
average day, 792 film and video projects vie for funding on Kickstarter. And every minute 300
hours of video are uploaded to YouTube. In this competitive environment, a short filmmaker can
no longer invest time, money, and dreams of glory in the theory that "if you build it, they will
come." The challenge is making the right kind of short: one that will make a splash. Covering the
nuts-and-bolts of production while stressing the importance of artistic expression, this invaluable
handbook shows a first-time filmmaker how to make a buzzworthy little film that could launch a
lucrative Hollywood career. Packed with over 75 photos and insider advice from dozens of
high-profile professionals, including Sundance and Tribeca festival programmers and Academy
Award winners and nominees, "Making It Big in Shorts" puts the emphasis on making films
shorter, faster, and cheaper. Thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "Making
it Big in Shorts" is a critically important and core addition to personal, professional, community,
and academic library Performance Arts instructional reference collections in general, and
Film/Video Production supplemental studies reading lists in particular.
Making the Elephant Man: A Producer's Memoir
Jonathan Sanger
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
www.mcfarlandpub.com
9781476666624, $29.95, PB, 208pp, www.amazon.com
The true story of John (Joseph) Merrick--a.k.a. the Elephant Man, has captured the imagination
of generations of audiences, critics, actors and filmmakers. In 1978, producer Jonathan Sanger
(an Academy Award-winning producer, film, theater and television producer and director, media
advisor, and entertainment financial consultant) received a screenplay from two unknown writers
about a hideously disfigured man who refused to fall victim to despair and instead exemplified
human dignity. Reading it (twice), Sanger was determined that Merrick's story would be told.
"Making the Elephant Man: A Producer's Memoir" is Sanger's unvarnished first-person account
of how The Elephant Man (1980) was made. His adventure in filmmaking (itself a study in
triumph over despair) involved special effects nightmares, scheduling conflicts, location issues
and many risky decisions. Assembling a team that included Mel Brooks (executive producer),
David Lynch (director) and actors John Hurt and Anthony Hopkins, Sanger persevered in making
this inspiring, award-winning film. An exceptional, insightful, compelling, and impressively
informative account, "Making the Elephant Man: A Producer's Memoir" is very highly
recommended for both community and academic library Cinematic History collections and
supplemental studies reading lists. It should be noted for students and non-specialist general
readers with an interest in the subject that 'Making the Elephant Man: A Producer's Memoir" is
also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
High Noon
Glenn Frankel
Bloomsbury Press
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315, New York, NY 10010
9781620409480, $28.00, www.bloomsbury.com
High Noon: The Hollywood Blacklist and the Making of an American Classic is as much a social
history as it is a film history, and is thus recommended for audiences with an interest in either
topic. It uses the making of the Western movie High Noon and the political milieu under which it
was created as a foundation for examining the effects of the Hollywood blacklist. As screenwriter
Foreman was making the film, he was forced to t4stify before the House Committee on
Un-American Activities about his involvement in the Communist Party. When he refused
information, he was fired from the production by his friend, Stanley Kramer. Gary Cooper, John
Wayne, and other actors became involved on both sides of the question, and this survey uses
newly available archival materials and interviews to document the swirl of controversy and angst
that surrounded everyone involved. It holds many powerful messages for our times that should
find renewed interest among many, from fans of Western film history to readers of social
issues.
The Fiction Shelf
The Insurrectionist
Herb Karl
Academy Chicago Publishers
c/o Chicago Review Press
814 North Franklin Street, Chicago, IL 60610
www.chicagoreviewpress.com
9781613736333, $15.99, PB, 336pp, www.amazon.com
"The Insurrectionist" by Herb Karl is a deftly crafted historical novel that follows the militant
abolitionist John Brown from his involvement in Bleeding Kansas to the invasion of Harpers
Ferry and the dramatic conclusion of his subsequent trial. In this consistently compelling work of
fiction, Karl carefully blends historical detail with dramatic personal descriptions to reveal
critical episodes in Brown's life, illuminating his character and the motives that led up to the
Harpers Ferry invasion, giving readers a complete picture of the man who has too often been
dismissed as hopelessly fanatical. Brown's friendship with Frederick Douglass and their ongoing
debate on how to end slavery, his devoted family, who stand by him despite the danger, and his
struggles to secure funding and political favor for his cause against deeply entrenched politicians
all make for a surprisingly contemporary story of family, passion, race, and politics. A riveting
read from cover to cover, "The Insurrectionist" reveals the author's genuine storytelling skills and
impressive attention to historical detail. While very highly recommended, especially for
community and academic library American Historical Fiction collections, it should be noted for
personal reading lists that "The Insurrectionist" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
The Gardens of Consolation
Parisa Reza
Europa Editions
214 West 29th Street, Suite 1003, New York, N.Y. 10001
www.europaeditions.com
9781609453503, $16.00, PB, 208pp, www.amazon.com
In the early 1920s, in the remote village of Ghamsar, Talla and Sardar were two teenagers who
dreamed of a better life, fell in love and married. Sardar brings his young bride with him across
the mountains to the suburbs of Tehran, where the couple settles down and builds a home. From
the outskirts of the capital city, they will watch as the Qajar dynasty falls and Reza Khan rises to
power as Reza Shah Pahlavi. Into this family of illiterate shepherds is born Bahram, a boy whose
brilliance and intellectual promise are apparent from a very young age. Through his education,
Bahram will become a fervent follower of reformer Mohammad Mosaddegh and will participate
first-hand in his country's political and social upheavals. Aptly translated from French into
English for an American readership by Adriana Hunter, "The Gardens of Consolation" is a deftly
crafted and consistently compelling novel that will linger in the mind and memory long after the
book is finished and set back upon the shelf. While very highly recommended for community and
academic library Literary Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that
"The Gardens of Consolation" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
Texas Vengeance
Ralph Hayes
Lindford Western Library
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print (USA), Inc.
PO Box 1230, West Seneca, NY 14224-1230
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9781444830781, $20.99, PB, Large Print, www.amazon.com
Luther Bastian's younger brother was murdered by outlaws. Now Bastian is a black-clad bounty
hunter, and outlaws know that he comes to kill - not capture. He cannot be reasoned with,
persuaded or bought-off. So, when a gang of lawless men boldly and brutally kill a Texas Ranger
in the remote town of Medicine Bend, Captain Mallory knows just the man hunter to call. But
this time, during his pursuit of his prey, Bastian is befriended by a small boy and a young
woman. Can they help him see the world as a better place, and put an end to his quest for
retribution? Author Ralph Hayes is a master of the western action/adventure genre and "Texas
Vengeance" is a compelling and superbly crafted entertainment from cover to cover. This large
print edition of "Texas Vengeance" is very highly recommended, especially for community
library collections and dedicated western fans.
Forever a Hero
Linda Lael Miller
Harlequin Books
225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada, M3B 3K9
9780373789702 $7.99 pbk / $6.49 Kindle amazon.com
Forever a Hero is the third novel in "The Carsons of Mustang Creek" romance trilogy, but the
story is sufficiently self-contained to welcome newcomers to the series. Mace Carson, a cowboy-
turned-vinter tries to persuade urban corporate executive Kelly Wright to buy a share of his
business - but even though the two have led dramatically different lives, they just might have
more in common than either one of them could have dreamed. By chance, Mace rescued Kelly
from a stalker ten years ago; now, her attacker has been released from prison, and wants revenge
on both of them! Vivid and passionate from cover to cover, Forever a Hero is a choice pick for
romance connoisseurs.
Distress Signals
Catherine Ryan Howard
Blackstone Publishing
31 Mistletoe Road, Ashland, OR 97520
www.BlackstoneAudio.com
9781504757522, $24.99, HC, 368pp, www.amazon.com
The day Adam Dunne's girlfriend, Sarah, fails to return from a Barcelona business trip, his
perfect life begins to fall apart. Days later, the arrival of her passport and a note that reads ''I'm
sorry -- S'' sets off real alarm bells. He vows to do whatever it takes to find her. Adam is puzzled
when he connects Sarah to a cruise ship called the Celebrate -- and to a woman, Estelle, who
disappeared from the same ship in eerily similar circumstances almost exactly a year before. All
the more impressive when considering that "Distress Signals" is author Catherine Ryan Howard's
debut as a novelist, this exceptionally well crafted and compelling read is very highly
recommended for both personal reading lists and community library General Fiction collections.
It should be noted that "Distress Signals" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
Things Unsaid
Diana Y. Paul
She Writes Press
www.shewritespress.com
9781631528125, $16.95, PB, 270pp, www.amazon.com
Jules, her sister Joanne, and her brother Andrew all grew up in the same household -- but their
varying views of and reactions to their experiences growing up have made them all very different
people. Now, as adults with children of their own, they are all faced with the question of what to
do to help their parents, who insist on maintaining the upscale lifestyle they're accustomed to
despite their mounting debts. In "Things Unsaid", novelist Diana Paul provides a deft exploration
of the ever-shifting covenants between parents and children. "Things Unsaid" is a ferocious tale
of family love, dysfunction, and sense of duty over forty years. A story of the complexity of the
bonds between parents and children and how difficult it can be to escape them, "Things Unsaid"
is a highly charged family saga of characters fighting for space to breathe. A consistently
compelling and engaging read from cover to cover, "Things Unsaid" is very highly
recommended, especially for community and academic library Contemporary General Fiction
collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Things Unsaid" is also available in
a Kindle format ($6.29).
The Twilight Tsunami
Shelby Londyn-Heath
SLH Productions
https://shelbylondynheath.wordpress.com
9781941861257, $22.95, PB, 294pp, www.amazon.com
A hard-hitting foster care worker who removes babies and children from dangerous drugged
parents, violent homes, and families in criminal gangs. He is unstoppable until a new social
worker enters his department. She is hungry for power and position, and challenges him in
malevolent and unexpected ways. As he yanks newborns from mothers, confronts irate parents,
and lives through suicides of foster children aging out of the system, he meets his nemesis. In
order to confront her, he must find the "Achilles Heel" of this truly power-hungry woman and his
inner truth. One of them must be destroyed. Because of her own background as a counselor,
social worker, and teacher, author Shelby Londyn-Heath brings a genuine realism to her
compelling narrative in the pages of "The Twilight Tsunami". A compelling read from cover to
cover, "The Twilight Tsunami" is very highly recommended for community and academic library
Contemporary Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Twilight
Tsunami" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
Angel's Flight
Lou Cameron
Black Gat Books
c/o Stark House Press
1315 H Street, Eureka, CA 95501
www.starkhousepress.com
9781944520182, $9.99, PB, 240pp, www.amazon.com
The first time Ben Parker meets Johnny Angel, Ben is blowing bass with Daddy Halloway and
the Hot Babies. Angel angles into the band by acing out the drummer. Parker's got a bad feeling
about Angel, but has to hire him anyway. Johnny Angel, raised from the school of hard knocks,
doesn't let anyone or any scruple get in his way. First, he steals Daddy's band, then he steals his
daughter, Blanche. Then WWII happens Parker serves, but Johnny cops a gay plea and gets out.
When Parker gets back he hooks up with a talented but tubercular composer named Con
Conners. And a sultry singer, Ginger. But Johnny Angel is right behind him, ready to do
whatever it takes to climb to the top on someone else's talent, be it beg, borrow or steal... even
kill. Introducing a whole new generation of mystery/suspense fans to the creative writing talent
of the late Lou Cameron to a whole new generation of appreciated readers, "Angel's Flight" is a
ruthless story of the music business told from the inside, starting from the days of swing jazz to
bebop, all the way to rock n roll. Another 'timeless classic', "Angel's Flight" is unreservedly
recommended for personal reading lists and community library collections.
Pretty Little World
Elizabeth LaBan & Melissa DePino
Lake Union Publishing
9781503941021, $14.95, PB, 320pp, www.amazon.com
On a cozy street in Philadelphia, three neighboring families have become the best of friends.
They can't imagine life without one another -- until one family outgrows their tiny row house. In
a bid to stay together, a crazy idea is born: What if they tear down the walls between their homes
and live together under one roof? And so an experiment begins. Celia and Mark now have the
space they need. But is this really what Celia's increasingly distant husband wants? Stephanie
embraces the idea of one big, happy family, but has she considered how it may exacerbate the
stark differences between her and her husband, Chris? While Hope always wanted a larger family
with Leo, will caring for all the children really satisfy that need? Behind closed doors, they strive
to preserve the closeness they treasure. But when boundaries are blurred, they are forced to
question their choices... and re-imagine the true meaning of family. An exceptionally well
written, consistently engaging, and purely entertaining read from cover to cover, "Pretty Little
World" is especially recommended for community library General Fiction collections. It should
be noted for personal reading lists that "Pretty Little World" is also available in a Kindle format
($4.99).
The Making of Mickey Bell
Kellan Macinnes
Sandstone Press
c/o Dufour Editions, Inc.
124 Byers Road, Chester Springs, PA 19425-0007
www.dufoureditions.com
9781910985274, $15.00, PB, 320pp, www.amazon.com
Mickey Bell's sick alright, just not as sick as the government benefits agency thinks he is. Now
his psychotic ex, Tommy, has reported him to the benefit fraud hotline, and Mickey needs to
make a sharp exit. Where better to hide than up in the mountains, in the Munros? With faithful
wee dog Tyke at his heels, Mickey flees a Glasgow rife with referendum fever for a country
where crows and collie dogs can speak. A wicked queen, a gay hell's angel, and a total disregard
for the legal implications of love could be just what Mickey needs to turn his life around. With
its background a celebration of Scotland's landscape, this novel illuminates Mickey's personal
journey from a life on benefits to a brighter future, and mirrors Scotland's journey towards
independence. A consistently compelling and deftly crafted read from beginning to end, "The
Making of Mickey Bell" clearly reveals author Kellan Macinnes' genuine and impressive flair for
originality. While very highly recommended, especially for community library General Fiction
collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Making of Mickey Bell" is also
available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
Because I Had To
David Bulitt
www.davidbulitt.com
Roundfire Books
c/o John Hunt Publishing, Ltd.
www.johnhuntpublishing.com
9781785355516, $16.95, PB, 240pp, www.amazon.com
Jess Porter spent her childhood bouncing from therapist to therapist and prescription to
prescription. An outcast at school and a misfit at home, the only solace she ever found was in her
relationship with her dad, Tom. Now he's dead. Feeling rejected by her adopted mom and her
biological twin sister, Jess runs off to South Florida. But she can't outrun her old life. Watching
the blood drip down her arm after her latest round of self-inflicted cutting, she decides her only
choice is to find and face what frightens her most. Because I Had To takes the reader inside the
worlds of adoption, teen therapy, family law, and the search for a biological family. With a cast
of finely drawn, complicated characters, "Because I Had To" asks us to consider: can the present
ever heal the past? A simply riveting read from cover to cover, "Because I Had To" is a deftly
crafted, thoughtful and thought-provoking novel that is unreservedly recommended for
community library General Fiction collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted that
"Because I Had To" is also available in a Kindle format ($6.15).
I Found You
Lisa Jewell
Atria Books
c/o Simon & Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
www.simonsays.com
9781501154591, $26.00, HC, 352pp, www.amazon.com
In a windswept British seaside town, single mom Alice Lake finds a man sitting on the beach
outside her house. He has no name, no jacket, and no idea how he got there. Against her better
judgment, she invites him inside. Meanwhile, in a suburb of London, twenty-one-year-old Lily
Monrose has only been married for three weeks. When her new husband fails to come home from
work one night she is left stranded in a new country where she knows no one. Then the police tell
her that her husband never existed. Twenty-three years earlier, Gray and Kirsty are teenagers on a
summer holiday with their parents. Their annual trip to the quaint seaside town is passing by
uneventfully, until an enigmatic young man starts paying extra attention to Kirsty. Something
about him makes Gray uncomfortable - and it's not just that he's playing the role of protective
older brother. Two decades of secrets, a missing husband, and a man with no memory are at the
heart of "I Found You" and clearly reveal author Lisa Jewell as a genuinely original and skilled
novelist with an impressive flair for deftly crafted narratives and surprising plot development.
While very highly recommended, especially for community library General Fiction collections, it
should be noted for personal reading lists that "I Found You" is also available in a Kindle format
($12.99). Librarians please note that there is a complete and unabridged CD audio book edition
of "I Found You" (Dreamscape Media, 9781520068374, $29.99).
Mongrels
Stephen Graham Jones
William Morrow & Company
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
9780062412704, $14.99, www.harpercollins.com
Mongrels tells of a young man who, along with his family, lives in poverty on the 'wrong side of
the tracks'. As 'mongrels' or those of mixed blood, they seem to belong nowhere. For ten years he
and his family have kept on the move and ahead of legal pursuit; but something is coming closer
every day - and the boy who lives with his aunt and uncle faces a decision that could change all
of their lives. A powerful story, Mongrels offers much food for thought as it traverses the
underbelly of American society.
The Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Pekoe Most Poison
Laura Childs
Berkley Books
c/o Penguin Group (USA)
375 Hudson Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10014
9780425291680, $26.00, www.penguin.com
Pekoe Most Poison includes recipes and tea time serving ideas as it adds to Laura Childs' Tea
Shop Mystery series, telling of a tea shop owner who is invited to an unusual "rat tea". Intrigued
by this idea - which involves servers dressed in rodent costumes - Theo learns some unexpected
tea time history but becomes involved in a dire state of affairs when a fire begins at one of the
tables as a man drops dead. Has his tea been poisoned - and is there something else going on at
this particular tea event? Theo finds herself pursuing far more than teatime gossip and recipes in
this fast-paced mystery, recommended for mystery enthusiasts who like food-oriented stories in
general and the prior Tea Shop Mysteries in particular.
Old Bones Never Die
Lesley A. Diehl
Camel Press
PO Box 70515, Seattle, WA 98127
www.camelpress.com
9781603813174, $15.95, PB, 272pp, www.amazon.com
Just before Walter Egret is killed in a hit-and-run, he phoned his half-brother Sammy to report
that he'd unearthed their missing father's pocket watch, along with a pile of human bones. The
project is put on hold until it can be determined if the site is an Indian burial ground. Then the
bones disappear. Now Sammy and his brother's three orphaned children want Eve Appel to go
pro, applying her innate snoopiness to the trade of private investigator. Eve already has her hands
full with her two consignment stores. What is she going to do? Sammy and Walter are
Miccosukee Indians, and Walter was employed as a backhoe operator on a construction site for a
sportsmen's resort. Was Walter's death murder or an accident? If the bones belong to Sammy's
father, how did they get there? Delving into these mysteries, Eve is aided by her usual crew of
friends and family. This adventure will not only up the stakes for Eve as an investigator, but it
will also open her eyes to life possibilities she never imagined. Still another terrifically
entertaining read from a master of the genre, "Old Bones Never Die" is the fifth book in author
Lesley Diehl's 'Eve Appel Mystery' and unreservedly recommended for community library
Mystery/Suspense collections and the personal reading lists of all dedicated mystery buffs!
Where I Can See You
Larry D. Sweazy
Seventh Street Books
c/o Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228
www.prometheusbooks.com
9781633882119, $15.95, PB, 255pp, www.amazon.com
Haunted by the disappearance of his mother when he was eight years old, detective Hud
Matthews begins his own investigation to find out what really happened so many years before.
When a rare murder occurs in the lakeside community, Hud's veteran skills are called upon to
capture the killer. Pulled deep into the threads of the community with ties to the past, Hud
quickly becomes a target, not only of the killer, but of those who wish the past to be left alone.
As Hud gets closer to discovering the truth about the crimes, he has to face a choice of enforcing
the law, or stepping outside of it to make sure that his version of justice is served. A deftly
crafted and riveting read from cover to cover, "Where I Can See You" is especially recommended
for community library Mystery/Suspense collections. For the personal reading lists of dedicated
mystery buffs it should be noted that "Where I Can See You" is also available in a Kindle format
($9.99).
K Street
M. A. Lawson
Blue Rider Press
c/o Penguin Group USA
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
www.us.penguingroup.com
9780399573842, $28.00, HC, 304pp, www.amazon.com
It's been almost a year since Kay Hamilton was fired from the DEA for going rogue. Since then,
she's been employed by the Callahan Group, a covert intelligence agency based in Washington,
D.C. Her job description is as dubious as the people she works for, and the undercover mission
that nearly killed her in Viking Bay has Hamilton questioning the legitimacy of her employers.
When Hamilton arrives at the Callahan Group's K Street office to tender her resignation, she
unwittingly interrupts a deadly heist during which the robbers have stolen the company safe and
left her boss gravely injured. She knows that Thomas Callahan doesn't keep much cash in the
safe - the men must have been after something other than money. But before Callahan slips into a
coma, he whispers a name that will lead Kay to an organization even more secretive than the
Callahan Group: the NSA. An author with a genuine flair for original and deftly crafted
storytelling, M. A. Lawson's "K Street" is the third in the outstanding 'Kay Hamilton' series
featuring a tough, gun-toting, and fearless heroine who she sets out to find answers and exact
revenge. While very highly recommended, especially for community library collections, it should
be noted for personal reading lists that "K Street" is also available in a Kindle format
($14.99).
A Cotswold Casebook
Rebecca Tope
Allison & Busby
Casemate
1940 Lawrence Road, Havertown, PA 19083
www.casematepublishers.com
9780749020040, $25.00, HC, 320pp, www.amazon.com
"A Cotswold Casebook" is an anthology of twelve short stories by Rebecca Tope that are set in
the rolling hills and villages of the Cotswolds and brimming with warmth and intrigue. The
familiar characters and places are drawn from her popular Cotswold Mystery novels and include
a suspicious funeral, a fatal encounter at a garden center, and a country walk marred by the
discovery of a hidden corpse are just some of the perplexing situations with which Thea Osborne,
her friends, and a further cast of characters must contend in this expanded view of the Cotswold
Mystery world. Also included are"The Blockley Discovery" and "With Slaughter in Mind". "A
Cotswold Casebook" reveals that death and crime will visit even the most idyllic of country
villages! An author with a genuine flair for original and deftly crafted storytelling (and a master
of the short story format), Rebecca Tope's "A Cotswold Casebook" is very highly recommended,
especially for community library collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of
Rebecca Tope fans that "A Cotswold Casebook" is also available in a paperback edition
(9780749020149, $12.95) and in a Kindle format ($9.99).
Paris Spring
James Naughtie
The Overlook Press
141 Wooster Street, New York, NY 10012
www.overlookpress.com
9781468311761, $26.95, HC, 336pp, www.amazon.com
Freddy Craven is the hero and mentor Flemyng would trust with his life, but when he is tempted
into a dark, Cold War labyrinth, he chooses the dangerous path and plays his game alone. And
when glamorous, globe-trotting journalist Grace Quincy, in pursuit of a big story, is found dead
in the Pere Lachaise cemetery, the question is raised what side was she on? Certainly she knew
too much, and had become dangerous. But to whom? The bizarre murder reveals a web of
secrets, and Fleming's loyalty to family and friends is tested as never before. As the streets of
Paris become a smoke-filled battleground, Flemyng, like his friends and enemies, discovers that
where secrets are at stake, lives are too. Author James Naughtie is a master of the
suspense/thriller genre and his latest novel, "Paris Spring" continues to showcase a writer with a
genuine flair for original and deftly crafted storytelling. While "Paris Spring" is unreservedly
recommended for community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that
there is also a Kindle edition ($12.99).
The Graphic Novel Shelf
To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts 4
MAYBE
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.vertical-inc.com
9781945054037 $10.95 amazon.com
To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts 4 continues the black-and-white manga (Japanese graphic
novel) gothic fantasy series, set in a colonized nation badly scarred by recent civil war. During
the war, soldiers were transformed into Incarnates, or "Sacred Beasts", supremely powerful living
superweapons in the image of mythological monsters. Yet one by one, each of the Sacred Beasts
is destined to lose their humanity and become little more than a rampaging killing machine.
Hank, once the commander of the Incarnates, made a vow to kill his former comrades-in-arms
rather than allow them to lose their humanity - but Hank is himself an Incarnate, and at risk for
succumbing to the same feral drives. Nancy Schaal, the daughter of an Incarnate and prior blood
enemy of Hank, has reconsidered her former hatred for the man who killed her Incarnate father.
Now, Schaal is traveling with the military unit tasked to exterminate all Incarnates, including
Hank. Is any outcome other than bloodshed and death possible for Hank, for the Incarnates, or for
the entire war-ravaged nation? A fine balance of character-driven storytelling and ferocious
action, To the Abandoned Sacred Beasts is highly recommended.
Ajin 9
Gamon Sakurai
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.vertical-inc.com
9781945054198 $12.95 amazon.com
Ajin 9 continues the black-and-white manga (Japanese graphic novel) series set in a modern
world where a small number of "demi-humans" are gifted with seemingly supernatural
immortality - including the ability to regenerate after death, and the ability to summon a shadowy
figure that may or may not fight according to their will. But this immortality makes them the
perfect guinea pigs, to be sold as commodities to unscrupulous governments or corporations. Kei
Nagai is a demi-human who seeks only to have a normal life, while the criminal demi-human
Sato openly spreads murder and terror. Kei has attempted to construct a trap with Sato's next
target as the bait. But Kei underestimated the lengths to which Sato would go, and now Kei's
plan to cage Sato is unraveling at the seams! Part pitched battle, part speculative morality study,
Ajin is a "must-read" for connoisseurs of action-packed manga. Highly recommended!
Devil's Line 5
Ryo Hanada
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.vertical-inc.com
9781942993629 $12.95 amazon.com
Devil's Line 5 continues the black-and-white manga (Japanese graphic novel) series set in a
modern world similar to ours, except that a portion of the everyday population is born as "devils"
or "vampires", who spiral into a crazed killing rampage over the sight or scent of blood - or
through sexual desire. In volume 5, Anzai, a half-devil who works for the police, has an
unsuspecting "chance meeting" with his mother. Secrets are revealed about the mysterious half-
devil Lee, and his troubled past with ONLO. Devil's Line 5 is a compelling modern fantasy,
recommended for readers at least 13 years or older due to mature themes and scenes - including
an intimate encounter between Anzai and his girlfriend, which by necessity is closely monitored
and supervised!
Blame! 3
Tsutomu Nihei
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.vertical-inc.com
9781942993797 $34.95 amazon.com
Blame! 3 Master Edition continues the black-and-white manga (Japanese graphic novel) set in a
cyberpunk, post-apocalyptic world where artificial beings called "silicon life" threaten to
exterminate the last remnants of humanity. Stoic protagonist Kyrii is searching for the Net
Terminal gene, humanity's last hope, while Cibo assists him to the best of her ability, both
through her talent for cybernetic hacking and in open combat. In volume three, the two encounter
one of the last functional artificial intelligences that is not entirely hostile to humans, but the
murderous threat of silicon lifeforms is ever-present! Sweeping artwork and pulse-pounding
battles are the hallmark of this visually stunning sci-fi series, highly recommended for
connoisseurs of intense action.
The Audiobook Shelf
The Six-Day War
Guy Laron
Read by William Hughes
Blackstone Audiobooks
31 Mistletoe Road, Ashland, OR 97520
9781538400906 $34.95 www.BlackstoneAudio.com
The Six-Day War: The Breaking of the Middle East is the unabridged audiobook rendition of an
in-depth study of the Six-Day War of June 1967, when Israel clashed with the military might of
Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, and emerged victorious in a conflict that redrew the map of the Middle
East. Author and lecturer Guy Laron examines the root causes of this conflict, refuting that it was
solely prompted by regional tensions and focusing on how American and Soviet policies, a
global economic crisis, and especially Syria's actions led up to the hostilities. The Six-Day War
marked the downfall of Arab nationalism, the growth of Islamic extremism, and animosity
between Jews and Palestinians that continues to the present day. Drawing upon interdisciplinary
knowledge and exhaustive archival research, The Six-Day War is a sober, edifying, and highly
recommended contribution to public and college library audiobook collections. 13 CDs, 15 hours
30 min.
Washington Square
Henry James
Read by Adam Sims
Naxos of America, Inc.
1810 Columbia Avenue, Suite 28, Franklin, TN 37064
www.naxosaudiobooks.com
9781843799801 $41.98 CD / $28.00 download
Washington Square is the unabridged audiobook rendition of the classic, tragicomedy novel by
Henry James, originally published as a serial story in 1880. Set in New York City during the
1840s, Washington Square follows the kindly heiress Catherine Sloper and her fortune-seeking
suitor Morris Townsend. Sloper's father distrusts Townsend and seeks to thwart his romantic
pursuits, while Sloper's busybody aunt encourages the budding relationship. But amid all the
antics and deceit, young Sloper gradually begins to think for herself and find the resolve to make
her own decisions. Performed by screen and theater actor Adam Sims, Washington Square is a
timeless work of literature about inner growth and resolve, highly recommended especially for
public library audiobook collections. 6 CDs, 6 hours 43 min. 38 sec.
Abby's Journey
Steena Holmes
www.steenaholmes.com
Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887, Grand Haven, MI 49417
www.brillianceaudio.com
9781531863579 $9.99 amazon.com
Abby's Journey is an unabridged MP3 audiobook (playable on MP3-CD enabled players, or
transferrable to portable devices) of a twenty-year-old young woman raised by her loving but
stifling, overprotective widower father. Abigail Turner was born with a condition that makes her
particularly susceptible to diseases such as pneumonia, but she longs to see the world outside her
shut-in home. When her Abby's doctor gives her a clean bill of health (for now), her grandmother
Millie insists on a trip to Europe to experience the Christmas markets that her mother once loved
and wrote about in travel journals. Through her travels, Abby has the opportunity to connect
more deeply with the mother she never knew. Poignant and emotionally moving, Abby's Journey
is highly recommended. 1 disc, 6 hours 42 min.
Power Game: A GhostWalker Novel
Christine Feehan, author
Jim Frangione, narrator
Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
$TBA www.recordedbooks.com
Power Game: A GhostWalker Novel is the unabridged audiobook rendition of a thriller novel
featuring protagonists who were enhanced through experiments to create supersoldiers - or
superspies. Captain Ezekiel Fortunes will needs every advantage he can get when he is called to
lead a team to rescue members of a United Nations joint security force, captured by radical
terrorists in Indonesia. He encounters the genetically engineered spy Bellisia, and there might
even be the possibility of mutual attraction... if the two of them can manage to survive! Superbly
narrated by Jim Frangione, Power Game is a fine balance of character-driven intrigue and pulse-
quickening action, highly recommended. 10 CDs, 12 hours 15 min.
Death of a Ghost
M.C. Beaton
MCBeaton.com
Read by Graeme Malcolm
Hachette Audio
1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104
9781478938958 $30.00 www.HachetteAudio.com
Death of a Ghost: A Hamish Macbeth Mystery is the unabridged audiobook rendition of a
murder mystery in author M.C. Beaton's series featuring Sergeant Hamish Macbeth, a sharp-as-a-
tack yet utterly unambitious Scottish policeman. Investigating reports of a "haunted" castle near
Drim, Hamish and fellow policeman Charlie "Clumsy" Carson discover a murdered body... yet
the corpse disappears just before help can arrive! (While Hamish and Carson were taking a break
to eat bacon baps, no less). Can Hamish and Carson find this "ghost" before it spreads more
death and mystification? Superbly performed by Graeme Malcolm, Death of a Ghost is a choice
pick for murder mystery connoisseurs. 5 hours 30 min.
Bones Would Rain from the Sky
Suzanne Clothier, author
Read by Pam Ward
Tantor Media, Inc.
6 Business Park Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
www.tantor.com
9781515916031 $44.99 amazon.com
Bones Would Rain from the Sky: Deepening Our Relationships with Dogs, by dog trainer and
award-winning author Suzanne Clothier, shows readers how dogs perceive the world, and how to
enrich their friendship with loyal canine companions. Dog owners can connect more closely with
their beloved pets by understanding them, and the "laws" of canine culture. In particular,
Clothier's understanding of what prompts canine aggression can help dog owners prevent
tragedy. Although Bones Would Rain from the Sky isn't quite a typical dog training manual, it's
insightful wisdom is a "must-read" for dog owners everywhere. Highly recommended! 11 CDs,
14 hours.
The Secret of the Dark Forest
Vasily Mahanenko, author
Jonathan Yen, narrator
Tantor Media, Inc.
6 Business Park Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
www.tantor.com
9781515953630, $34.99, CD, www.amazon.com
The virtual world of Barliona is a place of rest and entertainment-but not for everyone. It has
become a survival arena for Daniel Mahan after he was sentenced to eight years in its virtual jail.
Mahan has been through it all: the back-breaking work in the mines, betrayal by other prisoners,
and finally, the retrial which has released him into Barliona's common world. What more could
one want? Mahan could have kept a low profile and enjoyed relative freedom while serving the
rest of his time. But being a Shaman, he can't help himself. Soon he's a clan leader, taking fifty of
the continent's top players to claim the secrets of the Dark Forest. The third volume in Vasily
Mahanenko's outstanding 'Way of the Shamen' series, "The Secret of the Dark Forest" has it all --
gods, vampires, spirits, magic users, fighters and, of course, the Emperor. This cliff hanger of an
action/adventure fantasy is deftly narrated by Jonathan Yen who brings Mahanenko's deftly
crafted characters and plot twists fully to life in a kind of theatre of the mind experience for the
listener. Of particular and special interest to anyone who role play games online or table-top,
"The Secret of the Dark Forest" is unreserved recommended for personal and community library
Fantasy Fiction audio book collections. (15 CDs, 19 Hours, Complete & Unabridged).
Hachette Audio
c/o Hachette Book Group
1290 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10104
www.hachetteaudio.com
Carl Weber's Man on the Run (9781478909583, $30.00) is read by Kevin Free, Jo Jackson, Ron
Butler and Marcus Brown and tells of Jay, who has spent a long time paying for a crime he didn't
commit - some ten years in prison. He's been patiently waiting for his innocence to come to light,
but when his family is threatened, it will require the help of three good friends who run up
against murder and more. This powerful story turns friendships and motives upside down and
makes for a vividly narrated, compelling audio listen. Kamal Ravikant's Rebirth: A Fable of
Love, Forgiveness, and Following Your Heart (9781478940616, $30.00) is read by David Pittu
and includes a foreword read by the author as it discusses a deathbed promise, a journey, and a
pilgrimage that challenges one Amit to move beyond his home and comfort zone. This novel's
spiritual and philosophical reflections are based on the author's experience of walking the
Camino de Santiago and offers an evocative, reflective story of transformation and
spirituality.
The Library CD Shelf
The Land of Nod
Richard Dillon
www.richarddillonpiano.com
Privately Published
$12.97 CD / $9.99 download cdbaby.com
The Land of Nod: Lullabies for the Listless is a music CD of original solo piano lullabies,
designed to aid relaxation and peaceful sleep. Beautiful and expressive, The Land of Nod will
help listeners of all ages unwind. The tracks are "The Land Above The Sky" (3:34), "No More
Tears" (2:30), "Jouet Triste (Sad Toy)" (3:00), "Rocking Chair" (2:59), "Kainehe (Whispering
Sea, Rumbling Sea)" (4:48), "Marmalade Skies" (4:21), "Sea of Forgetfulness" (3:33), "La Luna
(The Moon)" (2:11), "Looking Glass River" (3:35), "My Bed Is A Boat" (3:09), "Shadows On
The Wall" (3:31), "Papillon (Butterfly)" (2:39), "The Land of Nod" (3:01), "Moonrise" (4:19),
and "Sleepyhead" (4:23).
Vintage Italia
Putumayo World Music
122 Industrial Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70121
www.putumayo.com
$14.98 itunes.com
Vintage Italia is an anthology popular and classic Italian songs, presented by a variety of talented
performers. Some of the treasured favorites date back to the 1950s and 1960s, while others are
newer recordings by nostalgic music artists. Vintage Italia is a treasure for world music
connoisseurs, highly recommended for both personal and public library music collections. The
tracks are "Boccuccia di Rosa" (2:17), "Ba... Ba... Baciami Piccina" (2:33), "T'ho Voluto Bene
(Non Dimenticar)" (3:35), "Accarezzame" (3:07), "Musetto" (1:39), "Piccolissima Serenata"
(3:00), "Roma Nun Fa la Stupida Stasera" (3:11), "Ninna Nanna" (4:40), "Dimestichezze
d'Amor" (3:28), "Cristina's World" (3:55), and "Torna A Surriento" (3:01).
Souvenir D'Italia
Elizabeth Naccarato
Jarrell's Cove Publishing/ASCAP
$12.97 CD / $9.99 download cdbaby.com
American pianist and composer Elizabeth Naccarato presents her sixth album, Souvenir D'Italia,
an anthology of instrumental tunes in homage to the adventure, romance, and beauty of Italy.
Inspired by Naccarato's numerous travels throughout Italy, Souvenir D'Italia is an expressive ode
borne of love, highly recommended. The tracks are "Waltz Italiano", "Assisi", "Spanish Steps",
"Summer's End", "Natasha", "Serenade", "Romance", "Tango", "Andrea's Forest", "Intermezzo",
"Venetian Boat Song", and "That's Amore".
Songs of Potential Embrace
David Franklin
Privately Published
$TBA www.davidfranklin.com
Songs of Potential Embrace is an avant-garde new age album, the ninth music CD by talented
multi-instrumentalist David Franklin. Mixing and fusing the sounds of avant-garde, new age, and
ambient music, Songs of Potential Embrace includes original compositions as well as tracks
originally created to accompany the performances of a San Francisco dance troupe, and a couple
remixes of songs from Franklin's previous album "Shadowlands". Some are acoustic piano; a few
are entirely synthesizer; others incorporate piano and guitar music. Songs of Potential Embrace is
a uniquely creative joy to experience, highly recommended. The tracks are "The Failed
Experiment of Consciousness" (4:45), "Calling" (4:17), "Allowing" (3:36), "Shade & Shadow"
(3:32), "Shade & Darkness" (3:20), "Whirling" (3:27), "Mourning in America" (2:07), "So Far
Below" (4:42), "Swamps Of Jersey (re-mix)" (3:17), "Inbal's Theme" (7:07), "Ambient Fog"
(5:08), "Piece For Vacuum And 3 Voices (re-mix)" (3:06), "RH Factor (re-mix)" (2:35),
"Quotes" (re-mix) (3:10), "The Wilderness" (0:57), and "XaS10shl" (5:43).
Tastes Like L.A.
Las Cafeteras
lascafeteras.com
Privately Published
$15.00 CD / $10.00 digital https://lascafeteras.bandcamp.com
Tastes Like L.A. is a music album celebrating the diversity and political activity of the East Los
Angeles neighborhood. The songs express personal stories about where members of the band
were raised, and an abiding love for the hardworking men and women of the community. Perhaps
one of the most iconic songs on the album is "If I was President", a song that encourages the
listener to answer the question "What would you do if you were president?" for themselves.
Socially conscious, eclectic, and heartfelt, Tastes Like L.A. is a mind-expanding music
experience, highly recommended. The tracks are "Tiempos de Amor", "Vamos to the Beach",
"Paletero", "This Land is Your Land", "Apache", "La Morena", "Senor Presidente", "If I was
President", "El Feo Mas Belio", and "Two More Days".
New Day
Flyjack
www.flyjackmusic.com
Bean Pie Records
PO Box 6231, Austin, Texas 78762-6231
$TBA CD / $9.49 digital amazon.com
The third album from rhythm & blues band Flyjack, New Day is an homage to late 60's and early
70's groove, soul, and funk. Inspired in part by the 1973 funk protest song "It's a New Day" by
Skull Snaps, New Day is a call to young and old to take a stand against injustice. New Day is
vibrant, powerful, and highly recommended. The tracks are "It's a New Day", "Motherlode",
"Soulful Proclamation", "Flame Thrower", "The Jungle", "Everybody Has Some Dues to Pay",
"The Worm", "Gossip", "Steam Train", "Funky Fast Bump", "Plums", and "The Master".
The Library DVD Shelf
Great Basin: Caves, Trains & Wide Open Spaces
Bennet Watt HD Productions, Inc.
13021 - 244th Avenue SE, Issaquah, WA 98027
9781604902112 $24.95 DVD
9781604902341 $24.95 Blu-ray www.Bennett-Watt.com
Part of the "Discoveries... America National Parks" series of beautiful, high-definition video
essays showcasing America's natural splendors, Great Basin: Caves, Trains & Wide Open Spaces
is a virtual tour of this spectacular area of high desert and mountains. Spotlights include the
Great Basin National Park of Nevada; the Nevada Northern Railway National Historic
Landmark, a museum that invites visitors to take a walking tour through old railroad buildings,
and observe living, breathing locomotives from the 19th century; and the Nevada Northern
Railway, one of the most complete rail facilities still in existence. A treasure for admirers of
nature's breathtaking splendor and railroading fans alike, Great Basin is enthusiastically
recommended for public library collections, gift-giving, or simply savoring the next best thing to
a personal cross-country vacation! 56 min., available in both DVD and Blu-ray format.
Historic Massachusetts: Pilgrims to the 21st Century
Bennet Watt HD Productions, Inc.
13021 - 244th Avenue SE, Issaquah, WA 98027
9781604902105 $24.95 DVD
9781604902334 $24.95 Blu-ray www.Bennett-Watt.com
Part of the "Discoveries... America National Parks" series of high-definition DVDs showcasing
key natural and historical locations in America, Historic Massachusetts: Pilgrims to the 21st
Century tours heritage trails, museums, and much more in the Massachusetts area. Fourteen
national parks are spotlighted, including Boston National Historical Park, New Bedford Whaling
National Historical Park, John Fitzgerald Kennedy National Historic Site, Minuteman National
Historical Park, Salem Maritime National Historic Site, and much more. Edifying, educational,
and the next best thing to touring these venerable locations in person, Historic Massachusetts:
Pilgrims to the 21st Century is highly recommended especially for public library collections. 51
min.
The Reinhold Niebuhr Story
A film by Martin Doblmeier
www.journeyfilms.com
First Run Features
630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213, New York, NY 10036
$24.95 www.firstrunfeatures.com
Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971) was an American Protestant theologian, professor at the Union
Theological Seminary for more than 30 years, and a leading public intellectual of the 20th
century. His writings, including "Serenity Prayer", "Moral Man and Immoral Society", and "The
Nature and Destiny of Man" hold timeless influence as a voice of American conscience. The
Reinhold Niebuhr Story is a DVD documentary from award-winning director Martin Doblmeier,
dedicated to Reinhold Niebuhr's life, work, and philosophy. Brimming with archival material and
featuring new interviews with former president Jimmy Carter, civil rights leader Andrew Young,
"New York Times" writer David Brooks, author Susannah Heschel, and more historians and
theologians, The Reinhold Niebuhr Story is edifying, enlightening, and highly recommended for
public library DVD collections. 60 min., optional English subtitles.
The Brokenwood Mysteries, series 3
Acorn Media
c/o RLJ Entertainment
www.us.RLJEntertainment.com
$59.99 www.acornonline.com
The Brokenwood Mysteries, series 3 continues the popular New Zealand detective series,
featuring mismatched protagonists Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Shepherd and his assistant,
Detective Kristin Sims. Both have been transferred from the big city to the slow-paced country
town of Brokenwood. Beneath the town's quiet surface, passions have culminated into murders
that the two must solve. Series 3 presents four, feature-length mysteries, including the sudden
death of a "Lord of the Ringz" tour guide, a real-life "Clue" board game gone horribly wrong, the
murder of a classic car enthusiast, and a Christmas-related death. Tautly written, The
Brokenwood Mysteries is a "must-see" for connoisseurs of the genre. It should be noted that The
Brokenwood Mysteries, series 3 is recommended for mature viewers, due to the presence of
disturbing images. 369 min.
Jack Taylor, set 3
Starring Iain Glen
Based on the novels by Ken Bruen
Acorn Media
c/o RLJ Entertainment
www.us.RLJEntertainment.com
$49.99 DVD www.acornonline.com
Jack Taylor, set 3 presents three feature-length mysteries based on the popular crime novels by
author Ken Bruen. Actor Iain Glen (known for his roles in "Game of Thrones" and "Downton
Abbey) plays the role of Jack Taylor, a self-destructive, intransigent ex-cop turned private
investigator, teetering on the knife-edge between working class and poverty in his native Galway.
One of the few friends that he hasn't pushed away with his manifestly cynical personality is
detective Kate Noonan (played by Siobhan O'Kelly). Jacks latest cases are as gruesome and
horrifying as the worst he encountered in his years on the force - a young man is crucified;
corporate espionage turns deadly; and an old nemesis is kidnapped. And when ill fortune befalls
Kate, Jack Taylor must choose whether to focus on helping her or cracking his latest case. The
Jack Taylor series brings hard-boiled, modern-day detective stories to vivid life, and is a "must"
for connoisseurs of the genre! It should be noted that Jack Taylor, set 3 is intended for mature
viewers, due to the presence of coarse language, violence, sexual situations and disturbing
images. 282 min.
The Relationship Shelf
808 Conversation Starters for Couples
Robin Westen
Ulysses Press
PO Box 3440, Berkeley CA 94703-3440
www.ulyssespress.com
9781612436470, $12.95, PB, 224pp, www.amazon.com
"808 Conversation Starters for Couples" is the perfect resource for conversation starters in any
social occasion whether its between family members, friends, or strangers. Flip open to any page
and you'll find deftly crafted questions that will start an interesting new conversation with
anyone, anywhere, anytime. The questions range from What would be the title of your
autobiography?; to Would you say you were born in the wrong decade?; to What TV show is
your guilty pleasure?, to What are three jobs you definitely couldn't do?; to What's the most
important piece of advice you ever received?; to What's the very first memory you can recall? --
and, quite literally, hundreds more. Although author Robin Western intended "808 Conversation
Starters for Couples" to be a conversational resource for two people, her compendium of
conversation starter questions is suitable for starting up entertaining and engaging
communications with small groups of people at any party or recreational gathering. While very
highly recommended for community and academic library collections, it should be noted for
personal reading lists that "808 Conversation Starters for Couples" is also available in a Kindle
format ($9.99).
The Writing/Publishing Shelf
Video Game Writing from Macro to Micro, second edition
Maurice Suckerling and Marek Walton
Mercury Learning
PO Box 605, Herndon, VA 20172-0605
9781683920298, $44.95, www.merclearning.com
The second updated edition of Video Game Writing from Macro to Micro reviews the history of
game writing from the 1960s to modern times and consider not only the evolution of specific
games and styles, but the changes involved in programming them. Students involved in writing
such games will find a solid foundation that covers everything from collaborative processes and
the basics of design, plot, and editing to contracts, screenplay terminology, text types and
game-oriented approaches, and more. From terminology to macro and micro concerns, this
wide-ranging blend of history and how-to applications is especially recommended for beginners
new to the gaming environment who want a quick understanding of options and challenges
specific to the video game writer's environment.
Expressive Type
Alex Fowkes
Rockport Publishers
c/o Quayside Publishing Group
400 - 1st Avenue North, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1721
www.quaysidepublishinggroup.com
9781631592737, $30.00, PB, 160pp, www.amazon.com
Alex Fowkes is a freelance designer based in London, UK. While working full time Alex
completed lots of typography-based briefs in his spare time, from personal pieces to commissions
and album covers. His work varies from hand-drawn type to digital typography, but he always
tries to retain a human element to his work. In "Expressive Type" he draws upon his years of
experience and expertise to showcase the work of major international designers working with
typography in branding and advertising, environment, packaging and products, and self-initiated
projects. "Expressive Type" concludes with a workbook section featuring four real-world "briefs"
related to each category. A unique and thoroughly 'reader friendly' instructional, "Expressive
Type" will prove to be of immense interest and practical value for anyone engaged in typographic
design in sketchbooks, in print publications, and on location in any urban, suburban, or rural
setting.
The Cookbook Shelf
Everyday Diabetes Meals: Cooking for One or Two
Laura Cipullo & Lisa Mikus
Robert Rose Inc.
120 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 800, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M4P 1E2
www.robertrose.ca
9780778805663, $24.95, PB, 288pp, www.amazon.com
Careful meal planning is critically important to successfully managing diabetes. Collaboratively
compiled by Laura Cipullo (NYC's expert Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator,
Certified Eating Disorder Registered Dietitian, Registered Yoga Teacher and President of the
International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals) and Lisa Mikus (a Registered
Dietitian and a Certified Nutrition Support Clinician), "Everyday Diabetes Meals: Cooking for
One or Two" is comprised of 150 recipes and 14-day meal plan specifically designed for just one
or two servings. Each individual recipe meets the American Diabetes Association's
recommendation standard of 45 gram to 60 gram carbohydrate allotment. These are recipes for
dishes that will eliminate or decrease risk of insulin resistance, eliminate or decrease
hypoglycemic and hyperglycemic episodes and decrease risk for the health issues associated with
diabetes. Additional benefits of "Everyday Diabetes Meals" is a reduction in food bills, slimming
waistlines, and improved blood sugar management! The 'diabetes friendly' dishes range from
Overnight Oats with Peanut Butter; Blackberry Coffee Cake Muffins; Garlicky Tofu and Green
Beans; Weeknight Salmon Patties; and Angel-Hair Pasta with Shrimp, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and
Peppers; to Shrimp Pad Thai; Browned Beef Chili; Beet and Goat Cheese Salad; Fennel Sweet
Potato Salad; and Dark Hot Chocolate. "Everyday Diabetes Meals" also offers [practical
information on the many faces of diabetes, the complications associated with diabetes and when
to screen for them, and the connection between inflammation, obesity and diabetes and much
more. It should be noted that the recipes are designed for one or two people, but can be easily
scaled up for large dining/entertaining occasions. Thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly', "Everyday
Diabetes Meals" is especially recommended for the cookbook collections of families with
diabetic members, as well as certain to be an enduringly popular addition to community library
cookbook collections.
Low-Fodmap and Vegan
Jo Stepaniak
The Book Publishing Company
PO Box 99, Summertown, TN 38483
www.BookPubCo.com
9781570673375, $17.95, PB, 144pp, www.amazon.com
The term FODMAP is an acronym, derived from "Fermentable, Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides
And Polyols". FODMAPs are short chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small
intestine. Pinpointing and eliminating FODMAPs while maintaining nutritional excellence can
be especially challenging for vegans, because FODMAPs are found in an extensive range of
common vegan foods and ingredients. In this groundbreaking resource and cookbook, Jo
Stepaniak is the author and coauthor of more than two dozen books on vegan cuisine, health, and
compassionate living. In "Low-Fodmap and Vegan: What to Eat When You Can't Eat Anything",
Jo lays bare not only the FODMAPs vegans with IBS need to avoid, but also the wide assortment
of nutritious plant-based foods that are generally well tolerated. Easy-to-read tables and shopping
lists arm readers with all the information they need to navigate the supermarket and purchase
kind-to-the-gut fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, beverages, and condiments. Over 100
scrumptious low-FODMAP recipes will help readers prepare spectacular seasonings as well as
mainstays for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, so they can stay healthy and satisfied while
pampering their delicate digestive systems. More information can be found on
www.ibsvegan.com. Informed and informative, "Low-Fodmap and Vegan" is impressively well
written, organized and presented, making it an ideal and much needed addition to community and
academic library vegan-based dietary and cookbook collections. It should be noted for personal
reading lists that "Low-Fodmap and Vegan" is also available in a Kindle format ($7.99).
Our Best Bites
Sara Wells & Kate Jones
Shadow Mountain Publishing
P.O. Box 30178, Salt Lake City, Utah 84130-0178
www.shadowmountain.com
9781629722634, $21.99, PB, 272pp, www.amazon.com
Sara Wells and Kate Jones are two moms who love to cook. As busy wives and mothers, they
began their popular cooking blog based on the philosophy that cooking good food for your family
doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. Together, they draw upon their years of experience
and expertise in "Now Our Best Bites" to showcase 150 recipes intermingled with favorite blog
requests with each individual and thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' recipes being accompanied
by a mouth-watering, full-color photo, beautifully illustrated, step-by-step tutorials. Of special
note are the ideas for using leftover ingredients, as well as the shortcuts and tips for cooking, and
serving suggestions. The recipes themselves range from Sour Cream Pound Cake; Cilantro-Lime
Vinaigreete; Sweet and Sour Meatballs; Indian-Spiced Pork Skewers; and Chicken Tortilla Soup;
to Baby Back Ribs; Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes; Louisiana-Style Red Beans and Rice;
Mini Cheesecake Tarts; Texas Sheet Cakes; and Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream. A pure culinary
pleasure to browse and a cornucopia of menu planning ideas, "Our Best Bites" is enthusiastically
recommended as an enduringly popular addition to personal and community library cookbook
collections.
From Cabela's Kitchen Table
Cabela's Outfitters
Whitman Publishing
4001 Helton Drive, Florence, Alabama, 35630
www.whitman.com
9780794843274, $19.95, Spiral Bound PB, 224pp, www.amazon.com
Based in Sidney, Nebraska, Cabela's Inc. is an American direct marketer and specialty retailer of
hunting, fishing, boating, camping, shooting, and related outdoor recreation merchandise. "From
Cabela's Kitchen Table" a collection of recipes provided by Cabela's Outfitters, drawing upon
culinary contributions by their employees who work to help our customer across these United
States of America. Profusely and beautifully illustrated throughout, and featuring more than 200
recipes and DIY tips on how to prepare game and other wild edibles, the recipes comprising
"From Cabela's Kitchen Table" range from Bananas Overload; Venison Stew; Duck-Stuffed
Peppers; Roasted Goose Breasts; Pheasant Enchiladas; and Turkey Galantine; to Three-Meat
Wild Chili; Maple-Glazed Ham; Broiled Fish with Tomatoes & Olive Relish; Citrus Campfire
Fish; Smoked Salmon Jerky; Grilled Oysters, Shrimp & Spiny Lobster; and Wild Rice Stuffing.
Of special and particular interest to outdoors sports enthusiasts, "From Cabela's Kitchen Table" is
enthusiastically recommended for personal, family, and community library cookbook
collections.
Zoe's Ghana Kitchen
Zoe Adjonyoh
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Publishing
236 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
www.octopusbooksusa.com
9781784721633, $29.99, HC, 256pp, www.amazon.com
Zoe Adjonyoh is a writer and cook from South-East London. Her pop-up restaurant and supper
club have been making waves in the foodie scene - both in London and Berlin - bringing
traditional and contemporary Ghanaian food to an audience outside of the Ghanaian community.
"Zoe's Ghana Kitchen" was a pop-up restaurant in the UK that grew into a huge success by
word-of-mouth. Drawing upon her years of culinary experience and expertise in this cookbook,
Zoe takes traditional Ghanaian recipes and re-mixes them for the modern kitchen. The result is a
compendium of palate pleasing, appetite satisfying, kitchen cook friendly recipes for dishes that
range from Pan-Fried Tilapia Fillets; Cocoyam & Sweet Potato Curry; and Jollof Fried Chicken;
to Veggie Jollof; Suya Spiced Lamb Meatballs or Koftas; and Cubed Spiced Shortbread.
Beautifully and profusely illustrated throughout, "Zoe's Ghana Kitchen" will prove to be an
enduringly popular and unique addition to personal, family, and community library cookbook
collections! It should be noted that "Zoe's Ghana Kitchen" is also available in a Kindle format
($9.99).
Uncle Eggbert's Egg Book
Eggbert Fowler, author
David Tank, editor
Planert Creek Press
E4843 - 395th Avenue, Menomonie, WI 54751
www.planertcreekpress.com
9780996221887, $21.95, Spiral Binding, 100pp, www.amazon.com
Profusely illustrated throughout, "Uncle Eggbert's Egg Book" showcases recipes for eggs that
range from Boiled Eggs (Hard or Soft); Baked Eggs in Hash Nests; Egg & Cheddar Cheese Puff;
Egg Drop Soup; and Cheesy Egg Casserole; to such egg based dishes as Darn Near Anything
Skillet Frittata; Baked Custard; Homemade Tom & Jerry Eggnog; and Flour-Free Monster
Cookies. Of special note are the recipes for Pickled Beets and Eggs; 'Egg, Sausage, Biscuit
Casserole; and Kick-Butt Deviled Eggs! All these nutritious and delicious, palate pleasing and
appetite recipes (and so many more kitchen cook friendly egg-based dishes!) make "Uncle
Eggbert's Egg Book" a 'must' for personal, family, and community library cookbook
collections.
Skinny Slow Cooker
Taste of Home Editors
Reader's Digest Trade Publishing
44 South Broadway, White Plains, NY 10601
www.rdtradepublishing.com
9781617655807, $15.99, PB, 256pp, www.amazon.com
Slow cookers or crock-pots are one of the most useful kitchen tools for modern time-stressed
family cooks. For those who are also concerned about preparing heart-health friendly dishes
using their slow cookers, the editorial staff of Taste of Home magazine has created an
impressively collection of recipes for some 278 palate pleasing, appetite satisfying dishes that are
all under 450 calories a serving! The recipes comprising "Skinny Slow Cooker" range from
Broccoli Potato Soup; Black-Eyed Peas & Ham; Meatball Cabbage Rolls; and Tangy Tropical
Chicken; to Glazed Rosemary Pork Roast; Lamb with Orzo; Warm Spiced Cider Punch;
Honey-Thyme Butternut Squash; and Chocolate Angel Cupcakes with Coconut Cream Frosting.
Of special note is that all recipes include complete nutrition facts, and there are tips and hints for
trimming down dishes. An extraordinary and beautifully illustrated culinary volume, "Skinny
Slow Cooker" is unreservedly recommended for personal, family, and community library
cookbook collections.
Our Sweet Basil Kitchen
Cade Cheney & Carrian Cheney
Shadow Mountain Publishing
P.O. Box 30178, Salt Lake City, Utah 84130-0178
www.shadowmountain.com
9781629722900, $23.99, HC, 192pp, www.amazon.com
Cade and Carrian Cheney are the husband-and-wife team behind the popular Oh, Sweet Basil
food blog. In "Our Sweet Basil Kitchen: Fresh Twists on Family Favorites With Recipe Mashups
and Unique Flavor Combinations" they present more than 100 recipes that combine their love of
fresh ingredients with unexpected flavor combinations and mashups of tried-and-true family
favorites. Their innovative dishes will elevate and reinvigorate everyday recipes for palate
pleasing, appetite satisfying, kitchen cook friendly dining for any and all occasions. All the
recipes are exclusive to this cookbook and range from Pumpkin Spice Pancakes with Cinnamon
Syrup; Golden Loaded Baked Potato Soup; Broccoli with Cheese Sauce; and Roasted Root
Vegetables; to Easy Sausage Alfredo; Greek Citrus Chicken; Lemon-Strawberry Shortcakes; and
Churro-Style Bread Pudding. Beautifully illustrated throughout, "Our Sweet Basil Kitchen" is an
especially recommended cookbook for both personal and community library collections. It
should be noted that "Our Sweet Basil Kitchen" is also available in a Kindle format
($16.80).
Justin Wilson Looking Back: A Cajun Cookbook
Justin Wilson
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster Street, Gretna, LA 70053-2246
www.pelicanpub.com
9781455623136, $24.95, PB, 256pp, www.amazon.com
Justin Wilson made his mark as a storyteller and humorist and is widely considered to be an
effective goodwill ambassador with respect to the Cajun culture of South Louisiana. He took a
culture slur and made it a label of distinction, proudly identifying himself, and his cooking, as
"Cajun". "Justin Wilson Looking Back: A Cajun Cookbook" is his final retrospective, in which
he reminisces about times gone by, the recipes he created, and the evolution of his cooking style.
He features delicious original recipes, including some healthy and convenient options, and his
famously funny anecdotes. Complementing such tasty tidbits are duotone photos that capture the
essence of this loveable Cajun icon. The featured recipes range from Seafood Gumbo with Okra;
Chicken Jambalaya; Rabbit Sauce Piquante; to Pot Roast Magnifique; Peppy Pickled Eggs; Ham
Souffle; and Louisiana Pecan Pie. Of special interest are the unique recipes for Sawmill Gravy,
Chow Chow, Pepper Jelly, and Apple Butter. Packed from cover to cover with palate pleasing,
appetite satisfying, kitchen cook friendly recipes, "Justin Wilson Looking Back: A Cajun
Cookbook" is a truly unique and very highly recommended addition to personal, family, and
community library cookbook collections.
Dinner Deja Vu
Jennifer Hill Booker
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster Street, Gretna, LA 70053-2246
www.pelicanpub.com
9781455622924, $28.95, HC, 208pp, www.amazon.com
Southern-born Jennifer Hill Booker traveled to Paris to study French cooking at Le Cordon Bleu
College of Culinary Arts only to realize that rustic French and Southern dishes use many of the
same ingredients. Using this as the basis for culinary exploration she has compiled a cornucopia
of kitchen cook friendly recipes in "Dinner Deja Vu: Southern Tonight, French Tomorrow" each
of which uses one list of fresh ingredients to create two meals, one Southern and one French.
Combined grocery lists provide time-saving tools for recipes from cocktails to desserts and
everything in between, drawing on the strengths of both regions. Beautifully illustrated
throughout and showcasing recipes that range from Pickled Vidalia Onions; Duchess Potatoes;
Artichoke & Crab Souffle; Pork En Croute with Apple Duxelle; and Braised Rabbit with Wild
Mushrooms & Thyme; to Fried Chicken Salad with Fresh Grapes & Toasted Almonds;
Profiteroles with Brandied cherry Sauce; Deep Dish Bourbon Pecan Pie; Black Berry Simple
Syrup; and Peppered Vinegar. Unique to "Dinner Deja Vu: Southern Tonight, French Tomorrow"
is a list of essentials for the pantry, a kitchen conversion for dry and liquid volume
measurements, a one page kitchen equipment list, an eight page combined grocery listings, a one
page glossary, and a four page index. A delight to browse through and ideal for planning
memorable menus with, "Dinner Deja Vu: Southern Tonight, French Tomorrow" is also very
highly recommended for personal, family, and community library cookbook collections. It should
be noted that "Dinner Deja Vu: Southern Tonight, French Tomorrow" is also available in a
Kindle format ($19.25).
Plenish: Fuel Your Ambition
Kara M. Rosen
Aster
c/o Octopus Publishing
236 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
9781784721411, $16.99, www.octopusbooksusa.com
Plenish: Fuel Your Ambition details plant-based juices and meals and comes from the UK
organic, cold-pressed juice brand Plenish, which advocates cleansing programs using these
ingredients. Some 40 recipes for juice and vegetable-based dishes promote weight loss and
brain-healthy foods and are designed to make the most of high-energy nutrients. Organic
ingredients are encouraged, discussions of nutrition include fiber and well-balanced diets, and the
recipes include fare for festive occasions and entertainment as well as everyday enjoyment.
Chocolat
Pierre Marcolini
Rizzoli International
300 Park Avenue South, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10010
9780847859283, $40.00, www.rizzoliusa.com
Chocolat From the Cocoa Bean to the Chocolate Bar is edited by Chae Rin Vincent and packed
with color photos by Marie Pierre Morel, and comes from Belgium's famous chocolatier. His
confections have received world acclaim, but readers who would duplicate some of his recipes
will find this techniques and recipes thoroughly covered in a cookbook packed with 170 of his
creations that come with trade secrets for choosing, working with, and making exceptional
desserts from chocolate. Marcolini's unique philosophy and his recipes for sauces, candies, cakes,
and even savory dishes makes the most of different kinds of chocolate, but requires a cook
dedicated to the idea of meticulous choosing of ingredients and their handling. From a review of
ten cocoa terroirs around the world to winning, unique chocolate dishes, cooks with more than a
casual interest in baking and chocolate will find this an exceptional production.
The Needlecraft Shelf
Thimbleberries Quilts with a New Attitude
Lynette Jensen, author
Doris Brunnette, editor
Landauer Publishing
c/o Fox Chapel Publishing Company
1970 Broad Street N., East Petersburg, PA 17520
www.FoxChapelPublishing.com
978193572692, $24.95, PB, 144pp, www.amazon.com
New Thimbleberries patterns with a contemporary twist by quilting designer Lynette Jensen
comprise "Thimbleberries Quilts with a New Attitude". Jensen deftly showcases pairs of projects
made with her own classic fabrics and Cotton + Steel fabrics -- the results are simply stunning!
Profusely illustrated, thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "Thimbleberries
Quilts with a New Attitude" will enable even the most novice of quilting enthusiasts to produce
twenty-three quilt designs using both modern and traditional fabrics. Of special note is the
section devoted to General instructions & Glossary. Simply stated, "Thimbleberries Quilts with a
New Attitude" will prove to be an enduringly popular and appreciated addition to personal and
community library needlecraft instructional reference collections.
The Versatile Nine Patch
Joan Ford
The Taunton Press
63 South Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470
www.taunton.com
9781631866753 $24.95 amazon.com
The Versatile Nine Patch features 18 designs for transforming fabric scraps into delightful quilts,
bags, and home decoration projects. Featuring full-color photography and piecing diagrams to
illustrate the step-by-step instructions, The Versatile Nine Patch is brimming with tips, tricks,
and techniques for refining one's sewing mastery. Projects include "Button Collection Pillow",
"Cross-Body Market Sack", "Sneaky Peek Project Pouches", and much more. Highly
recommended!
Cottage-Style Charm
Natalie Bird
That Patchwork Place
c/o Martingale & Company
19021 - 120th Avenue NE, Suite 102, Bothell, WA 98011
9781604688290, $24.99, www.shopmartingale.com
Cottage-Style Charm: Simply Sweet Designs to Quilt and Embroider offers home decor designs
and plenty of options and instructions for customizing them, and shows how embroidery can
enhance the charm of home decor. No prior embroidery or sewing knowledge is presumed, here:
tips for beginners include how to prepare the templates, assembly and applique directions, basic
cutting, piecing and finishing directions, and more. Between the large-size color photos and easy
step-by-step directions, there's not much left to guesswork.
That Patchwork Place
c/o Martingale & Company
19021 - 120th Avenue NE, Suite 102, Bothell, WA 98011
www.shopmartingale.com
Martingale's The Big Book of Table Toppers (9781604688481, $27.99) offers nearly sixty
patterns for various table topper projects that range from scrappy quilt productions to geometric
designs that blend with a home theme, and provides both general and holiday table toppers that
are various sizes and lengths and different approaches. Each project includes materials lists,
cutting instructions, and assembly directions, and includes a full-page color photo and smaller
photos and illustrations, and each pairs step-by-step directions with a survey of how to effectively
piece together the project. For ideas that include table runners but expand into pillows and other
home decor, Terry Atkinson's Simple, Fun & Quickly Done: 18 Easy-to-Sew Table Runners,
Bags, Pillows and More (9781604688344, $24.99) gathers projects that are easy to reproduce and
comes from a seamstress and designer who offers new ideas for joining creative stitching to
embellish projects. Hot pads, napkin holders, and other home pieces accompany projects for
handbags and accessories that can all be made as a weekend project. Materials, finished sizes,
options and patterns include measurements and step-by-step directions throughout, with color
photos adding both detail and embellishment. These are project guides packed with ideas that
needleworkers and quilters will appreciate.
The Woodworking Shelf
Joinery
Fine Woodworking Editors
The Taunton Press
63 South Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470
www.taunton.com
9781631864483, $24.95, PB, 224pp, www.amazon.com
All professional woodworkers worth their sawdust know that joinery (good, bad, or indifferent)
tells the unvarnished truth; how well a piece is made and how skilled the maker is. Over the
decades, no one has proven better at teaching readers how to make beautiful, enduring joinery
than the editors and contributors to Fine Woodworking magazine. The collaborative effort of the
editorial staff of Fine Woodworking, "Joinery" is a comprehensive and practical instruction
manual that demystifies the all-important subject of choosing, designing, and cutting
woodworking joints. It's packed from cover to cover with insightful information and tricks of the
trade that will advance the work of novices and seasoned craftsmen alike. Because whatever your
skill level, there's always room for improvement when it comes to joinery. Profusely illustrated
throughout, "Joinery" includes such topic as: Laying out and cutting accurate dovetails; Fixing
common joinery mistakes; Cutting a mortise in minutes; Creating a versatile jig for miters;
Joining curved parts with ease; Building strong pocket-hole joints, and more. Impressively
organized and presented, "Joinery" is strongly recommended for personal, professional,
community, technical college, and university library Woodworking instructional reference
collections and supplemental studies reading lists.
The Photography Shelf
The Photo Ark
Joel Sartore
National Geographic Press
101 West 104th Street, Suite 8, New York, NY 10025
www.nationalgeographic.com
9781426217777, $35.00, HC, 400pp, www.amazon.com
"The Photo Ark: One Man's Quest to Document the World's Animals" is lush book of
photography that represents National Geographic's Photo Ark, a major cross-platform initiative
and lifelong project by nature photographer Joel Sartore to make portraits of the world's animals
-- especially those that are endangered as a species. Sartore's powerful visual message, that to
know these animals is to save them, is conveyed with humor, compassion, and imaged art Sartore
circled the earth, visiting zoos and wildlife rescue centers, to create studio portraits of 12,000
species, with an emphasis on those facing extinction. He has photographed more than 6,000
already and now, thanks to a multi-year partnership with National Geographic, he may reach his
goal. "The Photo Ark" wonderfully showcases his animal portraits: from tiny to mammoth, from
the Florida grasshopper sparrow to the greater one-horned rhinoceros. Paired with the eloquent
prose of veteran wildlife writer Douglas Chadwick, "The Photo Ark" presents a
thought-provoking argument for saving all the species of our planet that is unreservedly
recommended for personal, community, college, and university library Contemporary
Photography collections in general, and Wildlife Preservation supplemental studies reading lists
in particular.
Yellowstone: A Photographic Journey
Stephen C. Hinch
Farcountry Press
PO Box 5630, Helena, MT 59604
www.farcountrypress.com
9781560376668, $12.95, PB, 80pp, www.amazon.com
Award-winning photographer Steve Hinch is a full-time resident in Yellowstone National Park.
He draws upon his years of experience, observation and expertise to takes the reader on an
insider's tour of his home park in "Yellowstone: A Photographic Journey". Comprised of 112
stunning full-color images and lively text, Stephen Hinch shares unique views of the park's
abundant wildlife, beautiful lakes and waterfalls, historic landmarks, and world-famous thermal
features and offers unforgettable, intimate glimpses of Yellowstone's wildlife in their natural
habitat. His breathtaking, full color images of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Lower
Falls, and the park's remarkable geothermal features (including Old Faithful, Great Fountain
Geyser, the strikingly colorful Grand Prismatic, and a rare view of the northern lights over White
Dome Geyser) wonderfully capture that magical quality that makes our nation's first national
park a one-of-a-kind, world-renowned destination. With its flawlessly produced images,
"Yellowstone: A Photographic Journey" is an especially recommended addition to personal,
community, and academic library Yellowstone Park and Contemporary Nature Photography
collections.
The Christian Studies Shelf
25 Life-Changing Questions from the Gospels
Allan F. Wright
Ave Maria Press
PO Box 428, Notre Dame, IN 46556
www.avemariapress.com
9781594716751 $15.95 pbk / $10.99 Kindle amazon.com
25 Life-Changing Questions from the Gospels: Letting Jesus Lead You through the Stages of
Spiritual Growth is a spiritual guide created especially for Catholic readers that uses questions
from Scripture as a thought-provoking instructional tool. Inquiries such as "If even the smallest
things are beyond your control, why are you anxious about the rest?" and "Why do you notice the
splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye?" are a
potential pathway to a deeper understanding of faith and connection with God. 25 Life-Changing
Questions from the Gospels is highly recommended for both personal and church library
collections.
More Than Enchanting
Jo Saxton
InterVarsity Press
PO Box 1400, Downers Grove, IL 60515-1426
www.ivpress.com
9780830843312, $16.00, PB, 206pp, www.amazon.com
Jo Saxton is a pastor, missional leader, speaker, and author. In "More Than Enchanting: Breaking
Through Barriers to Influence Your World" shoe notes that women have always wielded
enormous influence, whether in their homes, their jobs, their communities, or their churches. But
as women lean into those God-given opportunities, they often experience substantial barriers,
whether from other people and systems around them or from their own insecurities and struggles.
Saxton has faced her own challenges in her journey of uncovering her leadership potential. But
she also knows what can happen in the church and the world when women are empowered and
released to maximize their giftedness. If women have ever wondered whether God can use them
to have a greater impact in the world, if women have faced challenges in using their gifts for the
church, or if women are weary of battling against those who want to quell their voice and
ministry passions, then "More Than Enchanting" will prove to be a rewarding, informative, and
inspired read -- a welcome source of encouragement, inspiration, and strength to break through
the barriers that are keeping them from exerting their full influence for God and his kingdom.
Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "More Than Enchanting" is very highly
recommended for personal reading lists, as well as church and seminary library collections.
Eden: The Animals Parable
Keith Korman, author
Lisa Paris, illustrator
Liberty Island Media Group
www.libertyislandmag.com
9781504035101, $11.99, PB, 183pp, www.amazon.com
"Eden: The Animals Parable" by literary agent and novelist Keith Korman is beautifully inspired
retelling of the Gospels, in which we see Jesus and his disciples in the Holy Land through the
eyes of the animals -- especially his intrepid and loyal dog, Eden. With a wise, old donkey,
innocent lambs, and legions of curious field mice, the animals follow their master's journey
across Galilee and onto Jerusalem, rapt with awe and wonder and bearing great tidings -- even if
they don't fully comprehend the divine events they witness. Simple, clear, and spiritually
profound, "Eden: The Animals Parable" is for Christian readers of all ages, and an artful retelling
is captivating, moving, and alive with the joy. While highly recommended to all members of the
Christian community, regardless of denominational affiliation, it should be noted for personal
reading lists that "Eden: The Animals Parable" is also available in a Kindle format ($6.99).
Jesus Stories: Traveling Toward Testimony
H. Stephen Shoemaker
Judson Press
PO Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851
www.judsonpress.com
9780817017743, $17.99, PB, 210pp, www.amazon.com
The "historical Jesus", is the figure who lived in first-century CE Galilee as best as Biblical
scholarship can reconstruct from available records. Contemporary Christians know the
more-than-historical Jesus who is in search of us, alive to us in the Spirit of God. "Jesus Stories:
Traveling Toward Testimony" by Stephen Shoemaker (Assistant Professor of Religion at
Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC) is ushers today's disciples of Christ on a journey
that moves from history into testimony seeking with respect to the man Jesus in order to embrace
the savior we call the Risen Christ. There is history here. There is the Professor Shoemaker's
personal testimony as well, a story of faith and experience. And there is an invitation to piece out
of that history and story your own testimony, your own story of how you have come to recognize
the historic Jesus at work in your life and faith. Exceptionally 'reader friendly' in organization and
presentation, "Jesus Stories: Traveling Toward Testimony" is unreservedly recommended to all
members of the Christian community.
The Poetry Shelf
The Way Under The Way
Mark Nepo
Sounds True
PO Box 8010, Boulder, CO 80306
www.soundstrue.com
9781622037544, $22.95, HC, 328pp, www.amazon.com
Mark Nepo is a poet and philosopher who has taught in the fields of poetry, health, and
spirituality for forty years. In 1987, Mark was diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma. The
heart of that journey and its aftermath has greatly informed his work and his poetry. "The Way
Under The Way" is a compendium of 217 of his poetry and his essays that will prove to be a
consistently compelling read from first page to last. 'Lesson Plan': The Lost bird remembers how
to sing / as it splashes in a puddle / and forgets how to fly. // This was the teacher's answer / to
his student's complaints / about living on Earth. -- While very highly recommended for both
community and academic library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that
"The Way Under The Way" is also available in a Kindle format ($11.99).
The Sports Shelf
Strength Training, second edition
Lee E. Brown, Editor
Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
PO Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61820-5076
9781492522089, $24.95, www.humankinetics.com
The second updated edition of Strength Training is an authoritative (branded by the National
Strength and Conditioning Association) instructional guide to the exercises, equipment,
nutritional approaches and routines involved in strength training muscle development, and is
written by a team of experts chosen by the NSCA. Chapters consider the different approaches to
gaining the rest results in strength training, and go beyond exercise descriptions to tell how to
prevent injuries, strengthen the entire body, and improve overall performance through techniques
developed by these experts. Charts, references and color photos throughout lend to an excellent
survey highly recommended for any sports reference collection in general and for strength
trainers in particular.
Hal Trosky: A Baseball Biography
William H. Johnson
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
www.mcfarlandpub.com
9781476666457, $29.95, PB, 184pp, www.amazon.com
Hal Trosky played first base (and was team captain) for the Cleveland Indians during the Great
Depression. His career stretched from the heyday of Babe Ruth through the end of World War II.
It was a time when the American League had perhaps the three greatest ever first basemen (Lou
Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx and Hank Greenberg) whose feats consigned Trosky to the footnotes of
history. Yet at his peak he played comparably to other pros, leading the American League in
RBIs in 1936. Trosky left baseball at 34, his career cut short by migraine headaches, and was
elected to the Indians' All-Time team in 1969. Drawing on family archives and exhaustive
research, this first ever biography by William H. Johnson covers his early years in Iowa, his
Major League career and his post-baseball life. Exceptionally informative, thoroughly 'reader
friendly' in organization and presentation, "Hal Trosky: A Baseball Biography" is an
unreservedly recommended addition to community and academic library American Sports
Biography collections and American Baseball History supplemental studies reading lists. It
should be noted for personal reading lists that "Hal Trosky: A Baseball Biography" is also
available in a Kindle format ($17.99).
Tales form the Cincinnati Reds Dugout
Tom Browning with Dann Stupp
Sports Publishing
www.sportspubbooks.com
c/o Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.
307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018
www.skyhorsepublishing.com
9781683580133 $19.99 hc / $17.14 Kindle amazon.com
Former professional baseball pitcher Tom Browning presents Tales form the Cincinnati Reds
Dugout: A Collection of the Greatest Reds Stories Ever Told, a true-life sports biography
emphasizing his ten years with the Cincinnati Reds (1984-1994). Chapters recount Browning's
rise through the ranks of the Red's farm system, his memories of Cincinnati legends such as Lou
Piniell and Barry Larkin, his extraordinary perfect game against Los Angeles Dodgers on
September 16, 1988, and his role in the Reds' 1990 World Series victory. A handful of black-
and-white photographs illustrate this captivating, true-life sports story, highly recommended
especially for baseball fans.
The Parenting Shelf
Untying Parent Anxiety
Lisa Sugarman
Familius
1254 Commerce Way, Sanger, CA 93657
www.familius.com
9781944822576, $16.99, PB, 184pp, www.amazon.com
Raising the perfect child is the aspiration of all parents. But the reality is: the perfect child doesn't
exist. Yet parents everywhere are putting the full-court press on their kids to be perfect, fixating
on raising them to be smarter, faster, more successful, and more popular than their peers. And
that's making today's parents and their children crazy. In "Untying Parent Anxiety (Years 5-8): 18
Myths that Have You in Knots - And How to Get Free" by nationally syndicated humor
columnist and author Lisa Sugarman reminds us that our kids aren't supposed to be perfect -- and
neither are we as their parents. Our kids are going to screw up, make mistakes, and lose their
way. And as soon as we embrace the idea that parenthood is not a straight line, we unlock
everyone's full potential. Drawing on own her life as the perfectly imperfect mother of two
daughters and more than a decade of working in the school system, Sugarman deftly deconstructs
some of the biggest myths facing parents and offers advice and strategies to help soothe anxious
moms and dads. Cycling through everything from friend drama and separation anxiety to playing
nice and emotional development, "Untying Parent Anxiety" is a funny but honest journey through
the most common stages of raising kids that reinforces that parenthood is a beautiful, imperfect
work in progress. Simply stated, "Untying Parent Anxiety" is a highly recommended addition to
personal reading lists of parents with children between the ages of 5 and 8, as well as community
library Parenting Skills collections.
Gifts
Edited by Kathryn Lynard
Woodbine House
6510 Bells Mill Road, Bethesda, MD 20817
www.woodbinehouse.com
9781606132760 $21.95 amazon.com
Now republished in a 10th anniversary edition, Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with
Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives is an anthology of uplifting personal testimonies from
mothers whose children have Down syndrome. A pre- or post-natal diagnosis of Down syndrome
is all too often met with abject horror; Gifts provides a different, positive-focused perspective.
"...my baby is not a diagnosis, not a list of her potential woes. She is a beautiful person, full of
laughter and grins. There is a world of possibilities laid out before her, and I love exploring those
possibilities with her." Gifts is highly recommended for public library collections and the
personal reading list of any parent or parent-to-be confronting the possibility of a Down's
syndrome diagnosis for their child.
The American History Shelf
The Hello Girls: America's First Women Soldiers
Elizabeth Cobbs
Harvard University Press
79 Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
www.hup.harvard.edu
9780674971479 $29.95 amazon.com
Just as America became involved in World War I, U.S. General John Pershing urged a handful of
specially qualified women to volunteer as well. These women were trained experts in the most
advanced communications technology of the era - the telephone switchboard. The Hello Girls:
America's First Women Soldiers is the story of these women. They were America's first female
soldiers, although their struggle for recognition as military veterans was destined to last another
sixty years. The Hello Girls is not just a military history; it tells the story of these courageous
women in the context of the women's suffrage movement and the communications revolution.
Extensive notes and an index round out this superb contribution to public and college library
American History collections.
Bold Women in Montana History
Beth Judy
Mountain Press Publishing Company
PO Box 2399, Missoula, MT 59806
www.mountain-press.com
9780878426768 $14.00 amazon.com
The state-by-state "Bold Women" series is designed to be thoroughly accessible to teens and
young adults, yet readers of all ages will enjoy their true tales of daring, independent women who
shaped history. The sixth book in the series, Bold Women in Montana History presents the
stories of Blackfeet warrior Running Eagle; Native American rights champion Elouise Cobell;
the bronc-riding Greenough sisters; Jeannette Rankin, America's first congresswoman; and much
more. A handful of black-and-white photographs, an index, and a list of suggested websites to
visit round out this superb historical anthology, especially recommended for high school and
public library American History collections.
100 Days in the Life of Rutherford Hayes
Eric Ebinger
Orange Frazer Press
PO Box 214, Wilmington, OH 45177
9781939710451 $15.99 www.orangefrazer.com
The first of the "100 Days" historical series, 100 Days in the Life of Rutherford Hayes is an
eclectic glimpse into the numerous contributions of reformer, three-term governor of Ohio, and
19th President of the United States Rutherford B. Hayes (1822-1893). From his service as a
volunteer officer in the Civil War (he was wounded four times, and had five horses shot out from
under him); to his work for the causes of equal rights, prison reform, and industrial education for
youth; his efforts to reform Civil Service and provide education to former slaves; his
establishment of the Ohio State University; and much more, 100 Days in the Life of Rutherford
Hayes highlights the enlightened contributions of an American leader. 100 Days in the Life of
Rutherford Hayes is especially recommended for public and community library American history
collections.
The World History Shelf
An Illustrated Brief History of China
Wang Jian & Fang Xiaoyan
Tuttle Publishing
364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759-9436
www.tuttlepublishing.com
9781602201569, $19.95, PB, 128pp, www.amazon.com
As a major cradle of human civilization, China has maintained its cohesion and cultural identity
for thousands of years. With China's historical evolution as a backdrop, each section comprising
"An Illustrated Brief History of China: Culture, Religion, Art, Invention" by Wang Jian and Fang
Xiaoyan focuses on the outstanding achievements of the period it covers and clearly sets out the
long-established and profound cultural development of the Chinese nation. A profusely and
beautifully illustrated Chinese history, this impressively informed and informative study takes the
reader on a visual journey of the most brilliant and significant segments of Chinese civilization
over the course of five thousand years. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "An
Illustrated Brief History of China" will prove to be an enduringly popular and appreciated
addition to personal, community, and academic library Chinese History collections and
supplemental studies reading lists.
Stilwell and Mountbatten in Burma
Jonathan Templin Ritter
University of North Texas Press
1155 Union Circle #311336, Denton, TX 76203-5017
9781574416749 $29.95 hc
9781574416862 $TBA ebook www.untpress.unt.edu
Stilwell and Mountbatten in Burma: Allies at War, 1943-1944 examines the unusually
contentious relationship between American General Joseph "Vinegar Joe" Stilwell and British
Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten in the China-Burma-India Theater and the South East Asia
Command for a twelve-month period during World War II. Ritter was notoriously anti-British, as
Stilwell and Mountbatten in Burma demonstrates with original archival material - yet additional
archival refutes the accusation that Stilwell's hatred of the British led him to wastefully sacrifice
the lives of his men during the 1944 North Burma Campaign. Appendices, extensive endnotes,
an annotated bibliography and an index round out this transfixing, informative, and highly
recommended contribution to public and college library world history collections.
Truman, Franco's Spain, and the Cold War
Wayne H. Bowen
University of Missouri Press
113 Heinkel Bldg., 201 S. 7th St., Columbia, MO 65211
www.umsystem.edu/upress
9780826221179 $50.00 amazon.com
Truman, Franco's Spain, and the Cold War is a scholarly analysis of the rocky diplomatic
relationship between America and Spain during Truman's presidency (1945-1953). Truman held
Francisco Franco's fascist dictatorship in low regard, yet the State Department and the
Department of Defense urged President Truman to form an alliance with Spain to gain a strategic
advantage in the Cold War. Although an alliance eventually formed in 1953, its long delay was a
detriment to U.S. plans for the defense of Europe. Extensive notes, a bibliography, and an index
round out this erudite chronicle, highly recommended for public and college library World
History collections.
The Civil War Shelf
The Maryland Campaign of September 1862, Volume III
Ezra A. Carman, author
Thomas Clemes, editor
Savas Beatie
PO Box 4527, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
www.savasbeatie.com
9781611213027 $32.95 hc / $9.99 Kindle amazon.com
The Maryland Campaign of September 1862, Volume III: Shepherdstown Ford and the End of
the Campaign is the third and final volume of an in-depth analysis of the Maryland Campaign
(also known as the Antietam Campaign) of the American Civil War. Originally authored by
Union army officer Ezra Carman (1834-1909), the trilogy has been painstakingly edited by
Thomas Clemens, and enriched with the additions of bibliographical and genealogical reference
material, a statistical study of casualties, a scholarly analysis of Lincoln's decision to relieve
General McClellan of his command, Clemens' executive summary of the entire campaign, and
much more. All three volumes of this invaluable primary testimony are highly recommended for
public and college library collections. The first two volumes are The Maryland Campaign of
September 1862: Volume 1, South Mountain (9781932714814, $37.50 hc / $9.99 Kindle) and
The Maryland Campaign of September 1862. Volume II: Antietam (9781611211146, $37.50 hc /
$9.99 Kindle).
Determined to Stand and Fight
Ryan T. Quint, author
Foreword by Ted Alexander
Savas Beatie
PO Box 4527, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
www.savasbeatie.com
c/o Casemate (dist.)
1940 Lawrence Road, Havertown, PA 19083
www.casematepublishers.com
9781611213461 $14.95 pbk / $7.53 Kindle amazon.com
Part of the award-winning "Emerging Civil War" series, Determined to Stand and Fight: The
Battle of Monocacy, July 9, 1864 analyzes a critical engagement of the American Civil War.
Major General Lew Wallace of the Union prepared a desperate, last-ditch defense on the banks of
the Monocacy River to protect the capital of Washington, D.C. Although Wallace ultimately had
to retreat, he successfully delayed Lieutenant General Jubal Early for a day, buying precious time
for Union reinforcements to arrive. Filled with maps and vintage black-and-white photographs on
almost every page, Determined to Stand and Fight details this violent, pivotal battle in depth.
Determined to Stand and Fight is highly recommended for historians, lay readers, and public and
college library Civil War shelves.
The Metaphysical Studies Shelf
Practical Spellcraft
Leanna Greenaway
Red Wheel/Weiser/Conari
65 Parker Street, Suite 7, Newburyport, MA 01950
www.redwheelweiser.com
9781571747549 $16.95 pbk / $9.99 Kindle amazon.com
Written by practicing witch Leanna Greenaway, Practical Spellcraft: A First Course in Magic is
an easy-to-follow introductory guide to the art of Wiccan spellcasting. Chapters discuss the
general tools and concepts of spellcasting, as well specific spells for love, money, fertility, and
health, and a chapter devoted to crafting one's own spells. Written in full context of the needs of
21st century life, Practical Spellcraft is a welcome contribution to metaphysical studies
shelves.
The Social Issues Shelf
How to Kill a City
Peter Moskowitz
Nation Books
c/o Perseus Book Group
250 W. 57th St., Suite 1500, New York, NY 10107
9781568585239 $26.99 www.nationbooks.org
Gentrification is the process by which an influx of affluent residents drives up the value of a
city's property. This often has the unfortunate side effect of forcing working-class community
residents to move out because they can no longer afford to pay skyrocketing rents or property
taxes. How to Kill a City: Gentrification, Inequality, and the Fight for the Neighborhood is a
scathing criticism of the negative effects gentrification has had on American cities, with case
studies of New Orleans, Detroit, San Francisco, and New York. Attracting wealthy residents to
Detroit may seem beneficial at first glance, but when a sizeable portion of Detroit's cash-strapped
budget is spent subsidizing its most well-off residents (in the form of tax breaks and other
financial incentives) while the poor and working-class struggle to pay astronomically high water
bills, something is clearly amiss and unjust. Freelance journalist Peter Moskowitz explores the
role that race and class have played in gentrification, and predicts a bleak future if nothing is
done to mitigate current trends. What will happen to American society as more and more
impoverished people are forced to move to the suburbs, which have fewer social services, no
public transportation, and a decided lack of employment opportunities for anyone who can't
afford to own a car? Notes and an index round out this persuasive case for more public
involvement in city government, a national rent regulation law, and more protection of public
lands (among other suggested measures) before America's cities become the primary domain of
capital instead of people. Highly recommended.
How Soon is Now?
Daniel Pinchbeck
Watkins Publishing
Angel Business Club
9781780289724, $24.95, www.watkinspublishing.com
How Soon is Now? From Personal Initiation to Global Transformation comes from a radical
philosopher who considers the state of humanity today, and its future, and blends research in
numerous disciplines to consider the spiritual, political, and social changes on the horizon and
why change is needed on a global scale. From the technology that has allowed the human race to
make leaping transitions to issues of industrial development, climate change, philosophical and
ethical revolutions in morals and values, and more, Daniel Pinchbeck analyzes the roots of
transformation, advocates a more ecological awareness about the interconnectedness of the planet
and its inhabitants, and proposes a number of changes that are sweeping in nature yet logical and
necessary in content. Any reader interested in the processes and possibilities of global
transformation must consider the arguments and approaches in this book.
The Economic Studies Shelf
Buddhist Economics
Clair Brown, PhD
Bloomsbury Press
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315, New York, NY 10010
9781632863669, $23.00, www.bloomsbury.com
Buddhist Economics: An Enlightened Approach to the Dismal Science comes from an economist
at UC Berkeley who also is a practicing Buddhist. The synthesis of her interests forms the
foundation for quite a different approach to economics than the usual dry financial style - and is,
therefore, reviewed here, in the 'Spirituality Shelf' section, and recommended for its unusual
combination of philosophy, spirituality, and economic thinking. 'Buddhist economics' advocates
a mindful sense of responsibility and connections to daily life and encourages different forms of
financial and social interaction. Chapters show how to use economics to make life more
meaningful and, conversely, how to inject meaning into economic savvy. The result hold
wide-ranging implications for financial and spiritual readers alike.
Disaster Capitalism
Antony Loewenstein
Verso
20 Jay Street, 10th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201-8346
www.versobooks.com
9781784781156, $26.95, HC, 384pp, www.amazon.com
Independent Australian journalist, documentary maker and blogger Antony Loewenstein traveled
across the US, Britain, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Haiti, Papua New Guinea and Australia to witness
the reality of Disaster Capitalism -- the hidden world of privatized detention centers and
militarized private security, formed to protect corporations as they profit from war zones. He
visits Britain's immigration detention centers, tours the prison system in the United States, and
digs into the underbelly of the companies making a fortune from them. In the pages of "Disaster
Capitalism: Making a Killing Out of Catastrophe", Loewenstein reveals the dark history of how
large multinational corporations have become more powerful than governments, supported by
media and political elites. Extraordinary, compelling, informative, thought-provoking, unsettling,
"Disaster Capitalism" is a critically important and highly recommended addition to community
and academic library Economics collections and Contemporary Social Issues supplemental
studies reading lists. It should be noted for students and non-specialist general readers with an
interest in the subject that "Disaster Capitalism" is also available in a paperback edition
(9781784781187, $16.95) and in Kindle format ($8.99).
The Literary Studies Shelf
Towards Sherlock Holmes
Stephen Knight
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
www.mcfarlandpub.com
9781476666167, $35.00, PB, 236pp, www.amazon.com
Crime fiction is the literary product of the burgeoning metropolis of the 19th century and features
specialists who identify criminals to protect an anxious citizenry. Before detectives came to play
the central role, the protagonists tended to be lawyers or other professionals. Major English
writers like Gaskell, Dickens and Collins contributed to the genre (Fergus Hume's "The Mystery
of a Hansom Cab" was a best-seller in 1887) and American and French authors created new
forms. "Towards Sherlock Holmes: A Thematic History of Crime Fiction in the 19th Century
World" by Stephen Knight (a Research Professor in English Literature at the University of
Melbourne, Australia) deftly explores thematic aspects of 19th century crime fiction's complex
history, including various social and gender roles between different time periods and settings,
and the imperial elements that made Sherlock Holmes seem dynamically contemporary. An
inherently fascinating literary study, "Towards Sherlock Holmes " is impressively informative
and a seminal work of outstanding scholarship. Enhanced with ten pages of Notes, an eight page
Bibliography, and a five page Index, "Towards Sherlock Holmes" is unreservedly recommended
for community and academic library Literary Studies collections. For the personal reading lists of
students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject, it should be noted that
"Towards Sherlock Holmes" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).
The Political Science Shelf
U.S. Foreign Policy and the Other
Michael Patrick Cullinane & David Ryan, editors
Berghahn Books
20 Jay Street, Suite 512, Brooklyn, NY 11201
www.berghahnbooks.com
9781782384397, $120.00, HC, 280pp, www.amazon.com
John Quincy Adams warned Americans not to search abroad for monsters to destroy, yet such
figures have frequently habituated the discourses of U.S. foreign policy. Collaboratively
compiled and co-edited by Michael Patrick Cullinane ( Reader in U.S. history at Northumbria
University, Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England) and David Ryan (Professor and
Chair of Modern History at University College Cork, Ireland), "U.S. Foreign Policy and the
Other" is collection of essays focuses on counter-identities in American consciousness to explain
how foreign policies and the discourse surrounding them develop. Whether it is the seemingly
ubiquitous evil of Hitler during World War II or the more complicated perceptions of
communism throughout the Cold War, these essays illuminate the cultural contexts that
constructed rival identities. The essay contributors challenge our understanding of "others",
looking at early applications of the concept in the eighteenth century to recent twenty-first
century conflicts, establishing how this phenomenon is central to decision making through
centuries of conflict. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "U.S. Foreign Policy
and the Other" is unreservedly recommended for both community and academic library Political
Science collections and supplemental studies lists. It should be noted for students and
non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "U.S. Foreign Policy and the
Other" is also available in a paperback edition (9781785333507, $34.95).
Lobbycratic Governance
Godfrey Harris
The Americas Group
520 South Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 204, Los Angeles, CA 90049-3534
www.americasgroup.com
9780935047868, $24.95, PB, 290pp, www.amazon.com
After the Kennedy assassination, the loss of the Vietnam War, and the Nixon resignation, many
disillusioned voters dropped out of active involvement with government. This permitted large
corporation backed organizations and multi-millionaire/billionaires to fill the void, aided by term
limits and Citizens United, which in turn allowed lobbyists and technocrats to use their legal
power and unlimited funds to takeover the machinery of government. With well funded lobbyists
and technocrats, supported by their lawyers, controlling government operations, elected
politicians on both a state and a federal level have functionally become mere concierges and
enablers, not policy makers. Given this state of affairs, voters have effectively lost the ability to
influence government through their representatives. But in the pages of "Lobbycratic
Governance" by Godrey Harris (who has been a public policy consultant based in Los Angeles,
California, since 1968, and began consulting on government affairs after teaching American and
comparative government at UCLA and Rutgers) they now have a chance to get that influence
back by bringing to the fore a controversial, but effective, electoral technique. Now with the rise
of the 'indivisible' political protest movement, "Lobbycratic Governance" will prove to be an
invaluable instructional guide for anyone seeking to wrest our political democracy from the
corruptive influence and control of Big Money. Simply stated, every community and academic
library should have a copy of "Lobbycratic Governance" as part of their Political Science
collection.
The Interior Design Shelf
Kelly Hoppen: The Art of Interior Design
Kelly Hoppen
Rizzoli
300 Park Avenue South, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10010
www.rizzoliusa.com
9780847848942, $60.00, HC, 328pp, www.amazon.com
In "Kelly Hoppen: The Art of Interior Design", this South African interior designer draws upon
her many years of experience and expertise to offer insightful, practical, inspiring advice on
achieving a personal signature style. A profusely and beautifully illustrated do-it-yourself course
in home design, "Kelly Hoppen: The Art of Interior Design" is a must for any aspiring home
decorator wanting to give their home or apartment a touch of Hoppen's distinctive style that is the
perfect combination of luxury and simplicity. In the pages of "Kelly Hoppen: The Art of Interior
Design" Hoppen reveals her trade secrets and shares her expert knowledge to ensure that her
reader's own decorating projects, however big or small in scale, runs smoothly, stays within
budget, and achieves the look that is wanted. In part one of the book, The Groundwork, she
advises on basics, setting out the design process and weighing the choices, analyzing space, and
working out what to do to improve the ergonomics of a home. She also identifies personal
requirements and personal style. In the section Getting Started she looks at each room or key area
in the home in detail, offering advice and ideas, highlighting the key issues and fundamental
design principles applicable to each space, and providing helpful hints and guidelines on all
aspects of decorating and furnishing that room. Ending with an invaluable address book of some
of Hoppen's favorite sources, and with space to add the reader's own contacts and
recommendations, "Kelly Hoppen: The Art of Interior Design" is an essential companion to any
DIY home decorating project. Exceptionally well written and thoroughly 'user friendly' in
organization and presentation, "Kelly Hoppen: The Art of Interior Design" is very highly
recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library Interior Design
instructional reference collections and supplemental studies reading lists.
The Education Shelf
Take 5! for the Language Arts
Kaye Hagler
Capstone Press
151 Good Counsel Drive, Mankato, MN 56001
www.capstonepub.com
9781496608086 $23.95 pbk / $9.99 Kindle amazon.com
Part of the excellent Take 5! series for professional educators, Take 5! for the Language Arts:
Writing that Builds Critical-Thinking Skills is designed to aid instructors of children in grades K-
2 teach the basics of writing and clear-minded reasoning. Packed with mini-lessons, guidelines
on the different purposes of writing (informative, narrative, opinion, and descriptive writing), and
ready-to-use daily writing prompts (enriched with links and digital resources) that can kick off
each classroom day with fun and thought-provoking activities, Take 5! for the Language Arts is a
"must-have" for early education teachers. Also highly recommended is Take Five! for Language
Arts: 180 Bell-ringers That Build Critical-Thinking Skills (9781937412036, $23.95).
Inspiring Young Minds
Julie Smart
Redleaf Press
10 Yorkton Court, St. Paul, MN 55117-1065
www.redleafpress.org
9781605545189, $29.95, PB, 200pp, www.amazon.com
"Inspiring Young Minds: Scientific Inquiry in the Early Years" by Julie Smart (Professor of Math
and Science Education at Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina) provides educators a
concrete guide for using research-based principles of inquiry to help children ages 3 to 8 in
exploring their world. Using real-life examples and discussions on facilitating and guiding
children, you will be able to engage and maximize STEM learning. "Inspiring Young Minds"
uses case studies to focus on the teacher's interaction with children and includes how to use
inquiry-based practice, in addition to why you should use this method. Web content and
reproducible lesson plans make it easy to begin using proven inquiry-based instruction. Detailed
accounts of conversations with children about science will help classroom teachers to understand
different methods and tools that will enrich and inspire young minds with inquiry-based
instruction. Thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "Inspiring Young Minds"
is very highly recommended for academic library Teacher Education collections and
supplemental studies reading lists.
Compassionate Critical Thinking
Ira Rabois
Rowman & Littlefield
c/o Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group
4501 Forbes Blvd., Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
www.rowman.com
9781475828818, $44.00, HC, 146pp, www.amazon.com
Teachers can't add any more minutes to a school day, but with mindfulness they can add depth to
the moments they do have with students in their classroom. "Compassionate Critical Thinking:
How Mindfulness, Creativity, Empathy, and Socratic Questioning Can Transform Teaching by
Ira Rabois (recently retired from the Lehman Alternative Community School, a public secondary
school in Ithaca, NY, where he taught English, Philosophy, History, Drama, Karate, and
Psychology for 27 years) demonstrates how to use mindfulness with instructional effectiveness to
increase student participation and decrease classroom stress, and it turns the act of teaching into a
transformational practice. Many books teach mindfulness, but few provide a model for teaching
critical thinking and integrating it across the curriculum. The purpose of "Compassionate Critical
Thinking" is to show teachers how to create a classroom culture of compassionate critical
thinking. When students feel a lack of meaning and purpose in their school lives, they resist
learning. Using a Socratic style of inquiry, "Compassionate Critical Thinking" changes the
classroom dynamic to encourage self-reflection, insight, and empathy. Vignettes capture dialogue
between teacher and students to illustrate how mindfulness practices elicit essential questions
which stimulate inquiry and direct discovery. What bigger mystery is there, what more interesting
and relevant story, than the story of one's own mind and heart and how they relate us to the
world? Impressively written, organized and presented, "Compassionate Critical Thinking" is
especially recommended for college and university library Teacher Education collections in
general, and student teacher supplemental studies reading lists in particular. For the personal
reading lists of classroom teachers and school district in-service training curriculums, it should
be noted that "Compassionate Critical Thinking" is also available in a paperback edition
(9781475828825, $22.00) and in a Kindle format ($13.19).
Bold Moves for Schools
Heidi Hayes Jacobs & Marie Hubley Alcock
ASCD
1703 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311-1714
www.ascd.org
9781416623052, $31.95, PB, 200pp, www.amazon.com
"Bold Moves for Schools: How We Create Remarkable Learning Environments" by the team of
Heidi Hayes Jacobs (Founder and President of Curriculum Designers providing professional
services to schools, organizations and agencies to create modern learning environments, upgrade
curriculum and support teaching strategies to meet the needs of contemporary learners) and
Marie Hubley Alcock (President of Learning Systems Associates, an education consulting
company, and founder of Tomorrow's Education Network, which is a nonprofit association
dedicated to improving literacy development) focuses on how educators can transform old
schools into remarkable learning environments. Packed from cover to cover with fresh ideas and
action strategies for teachers, leaders, and policy makers, "Bold Moves for Schools" offers a
compelling vision from the research and hands-on work of two internationally recognized
educators, authors, and thought leaders."Bold Moves for Schools" proposes a new approach to
pedagogy as the basis for the bold moves teachers and leaders need to make to engage all learners
and prepare them for now and into the future. It examines every aspect of K - 12 education,
including teacher roles, curriculum, instruction, and assessment, as well as the physical and
virtual learning spaces that engage 21st century teachers and learners. With thought-provoking
proposals and practical strategies for change, "Bold Moves for Schools" sets educators on the
path of redefining and re-energizing their profession and creating exciting new learning
environments that truly work in today's and tomorrow's dynamic environments. Exceptionally
and impressively well written, organized and presented, "Bold Moves for Schools" is strongly
recommended for school district, college, and university library Teacher Education collections
and supplemental studies reading lists.
Barron's AP Biology, sixth edition
Deborah T. Goldberg, M.S.
Barron's
250 Wireless Boulevard, Hauppauge, NY 11788
9781438008684, $18.99, www.barronseduc.com
The sixth updated edition of Barron's AP Biology provides the latest review and practice tests for
this exam and pairs these with online support, discussions designed to increase student
understanding of basic AP biology ideas, and more. Hundreds of illustrations accompany a
powerful study guide that includes definitions, theories, short and long free-response questions,
and exercises designed to test knowledge intrinsic to the AP exam.
Becoming a Literacy Leader, second edition
Jennifer Allen
Stenhouse Publishers
480 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101-3451
9781625310965, $33.33, www.stenhouse.com
The second updated edition of Becoming a Literacy Leader: Supporting Learning and Change
provides a revised new edition of her basic work, which detailed the author's move to a new
school and job as a literacy specialist which required she put the most basic of teaching
environments into place. This revision ten years later reflects new developments in the field of
literacy teaching and new ideas she has designed as her profession evolved, and shares with other
teachers the basics of both professional development and the process of building a student
literacy framework. Chapters include discussion questions of literacy meetings, consider the key
components of such processes as literacy intervention rooms, and assess progress and programs
with a two-year track record and how data indicates the reading and writing development
process. The result goes far beyond the first edition, making this a winner for aspiring literacy
teachers who want field-tested assessments of what works and the challenges involved in shaping
effective literacy programs.
The Formative 5
Francis (Skip) Fennell, Beth McCord Kobett, Jonathan A. Wray
Corwin Press, Inc.
2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320-2218
9781506337500, $30.95, www.corwin.com
K-8 teachers of math will find The Formative 5: Everyday Assessment Techniques for Every
Math Classroom offers a range of tasks and assessment techniques that teachers can apply to
their daily classroom strategies, and provide insights on how math teachers can use the most
effective approaches to make the most out of integrated standards and teaching methods. The
book includes templates, a companion website supporting materials with downloadable tools,
and a discussion that is based on using formative assessment techniques to build and teach math.
The result is a solid collection of teaching methods that will appeal to K-8 instructors.
The Psychology Shelf
The Art and Science of Mindfulness
Shauna L. Shapiro & Linda E. Carlson
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242
www.apa.org/books
9781433804656, $59.95, HC, 194pp, www.amazon.com
Drawing from Buddhist teachings and psychological theory, "The Art and Science of
Mindfulness: Integrating Mindfulness Into Psychology and the Helping Professions" by the team
of Shauna L. Shapiro (Clinical Psychologist and Professor of Psychology, Santa Clara
University, California) and Linda E. Carlson (Enbridge Research Chair in Psychosocial,
Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada) explores why mindful
awareness is integral to the therapeutic healing process and shows clinicians how to connect with
this deeper awareness. "The Art and Science of Mindfulness" deftly integrates the art and science
of mindfulness to engender greater well-being in both clinicians and their patients. Enhanced for
academia with the inclusion of four appendices, a three page list of references, and a three page
index, "The Art and Science of Mindfulness" is unreservedly recommended for professional,
college, and university library Psychology/Psychiatry collections and supplemental studies
reading lists. It should be noted for students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in
the subject that "The Art and Science of Mindfulness" is also available in Kindle format
($59.95).
Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Inc.
400 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
www.jkp.com
Two excellent new titles provide new insights into autism and dementia and are highly
recommended acquisitions for health and psychology reference collections. Luke Beardon, PhD
and Dean Worton edit Love, Partnership, or Singleton on the Autism Spectrum (9781785922060,
$18.95), a collection of real-world stories about love, marriage, and being single that comes from
nearly thirty authors on the autism spectrum. They present their own experiences and discuss
ways autism affects relationships and romance, and tackles many different areas of concern and
insights in a presentation that is especially recommended for young adults and adults with autism
and the parents who are raising them. Dr. Shibley Rahman's Enhancing Health and Wellbeing in
Dementia: A Person-Centered Integrated Care Approach (9781785920370, $34.95) comes from a
dementia researcher who examines the types of integrated care requirements that lend to living
with dementia, and goes beyond family support systems to consider technologies, coordinating
services, and even spiritual concerns and dying well. Chapters discuss various kinds of therapy,
physical approaches including massage, and issues of independence as options and lifestyles
become more limited. The result is a powerful survey recommended not just for health
collections and professionals, but for families dealing with dementia in a loved one.
The Art Shelf
Sculptural Secrets for Mosaics
Julee Latimer
Scribner
c/o Simon and Schuster
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 14th fl., New York, NY 10020
www.simonsays.com
9780764352447, $19.99, HC, 80pp, www.amazon.com
Julee Latimer is an internationally recognized artist with a full-time studio in Melbourne,
Australia. For the past ten years, her practice has revolved exclusively around sculpture for
mosaic art. With easy-to-follow guidance and more than 175 photos, her instruction manual and
guide will help mosaic artists meet the challenge of creating 3-D substrates. "Sculptural Secrets
for Mosaics" explains various approaches to issues ranging from reaching the needed levels of
density and strength to applying tesserae to coils, twists, and spheres. Latimer also offers a
behind-the-scenes look at her experiences with six of her sculptures, from the starting moments
of inspiration to their completion. She demonstrates the techniques on a variety of interior and
exterior works, both freestanding and wall mounted. From an undulating wall sculpture's base of
chicken wire, plaster bandages, and thinset, to a large outdoor armchair sculpture's base of foam,
fiberglass mesh, and concrete, this guide will help to demystify 3-D structures for aspiring
sculptors and mosaic artists. Of special note is a gallery section of sculptures to enjoy and study
offers additional inspiration to mosaic makers and enthusiasts alike. Profusely illustrated and
thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "Sculptural Secrets for Mosaics" is
especially recommended for personal, community, technical college, and university library
instructional art collections in general, and mosaics creation projects supplemental studies
reading lists in particular.
The Animator's Sketchbook
Tony White
CRC Press
6000 NW Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL 33487
www.crcpress.com
9781498774017, $49.95, PB, 328pp, www.amazon.com
"The Animator's Sketchbook: How to See, Interpret & Draw Like a Master Animator" by British
Academy Award-winning animation director, animator, author and educator Tony White will
teach students of animation how to improve their work through observation and drawing. "The
Animator's Sketchbook" will show readers how to access their inner "animator". With over 60
different gesture and drawing exercises, instruction manual and guide enhances vision, analysis,
understanding, and the core skills required to become a master animator. Filled with extensive
practice pages, "The Animator's Sketchbook" invites students to demonstrate what they learn.
Each individual exercise is timed, so that the skills acquired, are optimized for efficiency and
comprehension. The style and technique of the art produced will be entirely up to the reader, thus
making no two sketchbooks alike. Comprehensive, practical, and thoroughly 'user friendly' in
organization and presentation, "The Animator's Sketchbook" is a 'consumable' and very highly
recommended for personal instructional reference collections, and would prove an ideal
academic art class animation curriculum textbook.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Innocent Heroes
Sigmund Brouwer
Tundra Books
350 Front Street West, Suite 1400, Toronto, ON, Canada M5V 3B6
9781101918463, $16.99, www.penguinrandomhouse.ca
Innocent Heroes: Stories of Animals in the First World War celebrates the dogs of the era who
supported military efforts and is published on the 100th anniversary of Vimy Ridge - but readers
of all ages shouldn't expect a nonfiction history. This collection combines fiction and nonfiction
as it chronicles both real events and retells stories of bonds between soldiers and their animals,
with a special focus on the battle of Vimy Ridge and its significance. Though this book was
devised with young adults in mind, plenty an adult reader with affection for either World War I
history or animals in the military will find it an absorbing, revealing collection.
Loyal
Rebecca Ascher-Walsh
National Geographic Press
101 West 104th Street, Suite 8, New York, NY 10025
9781426217739, $14.95, www.nationalgeographic.com/books
Loyal: 38 Inspiring Tales of Bravery, Heroism, and the Devotion of Dogs comes from a
journalist and dog enthusiast who pairs photos with stories of 'hero dogs' who have worked in the
military, as disaster rescuers, and more. Each story is designed to show how a dog changes one's
life, and creates a profile of the animal's history, its challenges, and its amazing effects upon
people from all walks of life. From a dog able to detect cancer in firemen to a shepherd who was
a faithful canine partner on a small-town police force, these are lovely, inspiring stories
especially recommended for prior fans of the canine.
Assessing Aggression Thresholds in Dogs
Sue Sternberg
Dogwise Publishing
403 South Mission Street, Wenatchee WA 98801
9781617812033, $19.95, PB, 152pp, www.dogwisepublishing.com
Sue Sternberg has devoted her personal and professional life to helping dogs and people live
together happily. Sue is known internationally for developing testing procedures to improve the
odds of successful dog adoptions. In "Assessing Aggression Thresholds in Dogs", Sue draws
upon her years of experience and expertise to prove new testing and assessment methods for
canine shelter workers and both amateur and professional dog trainers! Sue has been developing
and refining these assessment techniques for decades to help shelter workers and trainers
determine the likelihood that a dog will engage in aggressive behaviors. "Assessing Aggression
Thresholds in Dogs" also includes Sue's newest protocols based on the theory that sociability is
the key predictor of a dog's potential for aggression. In addition to a number of step-by-step tests
for shelter workers to use, Sue has included a section for trainers and behaviorists for use in
home visitations to better design training and management programs for their clients. Informed
and informative, "Assessing Aggression Thresholds in Dogs" is comprehensive and thoroughly
'user friendly' in both organization and presentation, making it an ideal and highly recommended
addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library dog training and behavior
instructional reference collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Assessing
Aggression Thresholds in Dogs" is also available in a Kindle format (9781617812033,
$18.95).
The Library Science Shelf
Library Partnerships With Writers and Poets
Carol Smallwood & Vera Gubnitskaia, editors
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
www.mcfarlandpub.com
9781476665399, $55.00, PB, 248pp, www.amazon.com
Libraries and writers have always had a close working relationship. Rapid advances in
technology have not changed the nontechnical basis of that cooperation: author talks, book
signings and readings are as popular as ever, as are workshops and festivals. Compiled and edited
by the team of Carol Smallwood (a recipient of multiple Pushcart nominations, and the author of
journal articles, as well as editor of numerous books, including one in Poets & Writers Magazine
List of Best Books for Writers) and Vera Gubnitskaia (a reference librarian at Valencia College,
Winter Park, Florida, who has worked in public and academic libraries in Russia and the United
States, and has given talks at Florida Library Association and Florida Literacy conferences),
"Library Partnerships With Writers and Poets: Case Studies" is compendium of 29 new essays
from nearly 50 contributors from across the United States presents a variety of projects, programs
and services to help librarians establish relationships with the literary world, promote literature to
the public and foster creativity in their communities. Exceptionally well organized and presented,
"Library Partnerships With Writers and Poets" is unreservedly recommended for college and
university Library Science collections and supplemental studies reading lists. It should be noted
for the personal reading lists of students, community librarians, published authors and
non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Library Partnerships With
Writers and Poets" is also available in a Kindle format ($29.99).
The Good, the Great, and the Unfriendly
Sally Gardner Reed
ALA Editions
c/o American Library Association
50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611
www.alastore.ala.org
9780838914984, $57.00, PB, 168pp, www.amazon.com
Simply stated, Friends of the Library groups are fundamental to the success of any and all
community libraries. Executive Director of United for Libraries and former Executive Director of
Friends of Libraries U.S.A., Sally Gardner Reed has decades of experience liaising between
Friends groups and the libraries that they support, serve, and (sometimes) exasperate. In "The
Good, the Great, and the Unfriendly: A Librarian's Guide to Working with Friends Groups" she
cuts to chase of building and maintaining these important relationships, showing not only how to
effectively harness Friends' goodwill and enthusiasm but also sharing tactful techniques for
steering an ineffective or unfriendly group down the right path. Her pragmatic approach will
resonate with public and academic library directors, volunteer coordinators, and other library
staff who work with Friends. Written with knowing humor and focused on getting positive
results, "The Good, the Great, and the Unfriendly" provides guidance for developing a Friends
group for public and academic libraries; explains how to merge a Friends group with a
foundation; gives pointers on encouraging Friends to attract new and active members, working
with the Friends board to develop leadership skills, and other crucial partnership strategies;
addresses the sticky situation of "unfriendly" Friends, with sage advice on handling Friends who
seem unmotivated when it comes to fundraising or advocacy, are uncommunicative, overstep
their bounds, and other difficult issues; and shares fundraising, advocacy, programs, and
membership development best practices from Friends groups across the country. Tailored
specifically to librarians' perspective, "The Good, the Great, and the Unfriendly" will inform and
empower libraries to work effectively with Friends groups for greater fundraising, engagement,
and advocacy outcomes. An absolutely vital addition to the Library Science college and
university collections, as well as the instructional reference collections of all community and
academic librarians, "The Good, the Great, and the Unfriendly" would make an especially
appropriate and invaluable librarian in-house workshop curriculum supplement.
The Jewelry Shelf
Flora: The Art of Jewelry
Patrick Mauries & Evelyne Posseme
Thames & Hudson, Inc.
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110-0017
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9780500519424, $24.95, HC, 128pp, www.amazon.com
For many centuries, flowers have provided a source of inspiration for jewelers. The sumptuous
selection of floral pieces showcased in the pages of "Flora: The Art of Jewelry" have all been
selected from the magnificent jewelry collection of the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, and
range from the seventeenth century to the present day. In the seventeenth and eighteenth
centuries, flowers were imitated in enamel or used as motifs for elaborate bodice ornaments
made of gemstones. Brooches, pendants, and rings took the form of bouquets or flower baskets.
The stylized blooms of the Empire style were followed by the highly naturalistic blossoms of the
later nineteenth century. Flowers continued to flourish in the sinuous shapes of Art Nouveau, the
geometric designs of Art Deco, and the sculptural simplicity of modernism, with great artists
including Rene Lalique and Georges Fouquet constantly reworking nature's forms for their
style-conscious clientele. Now, contemporary designers such as Claude Lalanne, Lorenz Baumer,
and JAR continue to create floral jewelry for today's trend setters. Enhanced with 112 beautifully
photographed illustrations of simply elegant pieces of flower themed jewelry selected by Evelyne
Posseme (Chief Curator at the Musse des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, France) with articulate
descriptive commentaries by author and fashion expert Patrick Mauries, "Flora: The Art of
Jewelry" is exceptionally well organized and presented, making it unreservedly recommended for
the personal reading lists of professional jewelry makers and non-specialist general readers with
an interest in the subject, as well as both community and academic library Art History collections
in general, and 17th-18th Century Jewelry Making supplemental studies reading lists in
particular.
The Health/Medicine Shelf
Abuse and Violence Information for Teens, second edition
Keith Jones
Omnigraphics, Inc.
155 W. Congress, Suite 200, Detroit, MI 48226
www.omnigraphics.com
9780780814561, $69.00, HC, 340pp, www.amazon.com
Now in a fully updated and expanded second edition, "Abuse And Violence Information For
Teens" is a comprehensive work that discusses contributing factors and warning signs for the
most commonly experienced types of abuse and violence toward adolescents and young adults.
Facts about seeking medical care and mental health services for the physical and emotional
consequences are also included. A section on prevention and safety suggests ways teens can help
prevent violence and offers guidelines for staying out of harm's way. In addition, information
about victims' rights is provided, and "Abuse and Violence Information for Teens" concludes
with a resource section featuring statistical data, directories of organizations and agencies able to
offer assistance, and suggestions for additional reading. This new edition of "Abuse and Violence
Information for Teens" is critically important and core addition to community, college, and
university library collections.
Tobacco Information for Teens, third edition
Keith Jones
Omnigraphics, Inc.
155 W. Congress, Suite 200, Detroit, MI 48226
www.omnigraphics.com
9780780813878, $69.00, HC, 376pp, www.amazon.com
A critically important and impressively comprehensive reference which is now in a newly
updated and significantly expanded third edition, "Tobacco Information For Teens" offers
updated information about the health consequences associated with smoking and other forms of
tobacco use. It explains some of the cultural influences that can make tobacco use seem attractive
and how teen curiosity can lead to nicotine-related problems. The various methods by which
nicotine is consumed, including different types of cigarettes, cigars, hookah pipes, smokeless
products, and even secondhand smoke, are explained. A section on cancers associated with
tobacco describes the organs most commonly affected. A section on other health concerns related
to tobacco use discusses some of the most common smoking-related diseases, including those
that impact the heart, lungs, circulatory system, eyes, and sex organs. For teens who want to stop
smoking (or seek to help a friend or family member quit) facts about smoking cessation are
included along with tips for dealing with the effects of nicotine withdrawal. Simply stated, no
community, college, or university library Health/Medicine collection should be without a copy of
this new edition of "Tobacco Information for Teens".
Diet Information for Teens, fourth edition
Keith Jones
Omnigraphics, Inc.
155 W. Congress, Suite 200, Detroit, MI 48226
www.omnigraphics.com
9780780813861, $69.00, HC, 392pp, www.amazon.com
With the rising rates of juvenile diabetes, with the chronic struggle against adolescent bulimia
and anorexia, this newly updated and expanded fourth edition of "Diet Information For Teens"
provides updated information about healthy eating patterns and making smart dietary choices,
including facts from the recently released Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the MyPlate
food guidance system. The book discusses the essential components of a well-constructed diet
and explains how major food groups - such as grains, vegetables, fruits, and protein foods - play
an important role in providing the vitamins and minerals needed to maintain good health. Dietary
elements that may need to be limited, such as caffeine, sugar, fat, and salt, are also discussed
along with tips for reducing screen time, staying active, and addressing weight-related concerns.
A special section on eating and disease provides information about foodborne illness, eating
disorders, and disorders where dietary choices are an essential part of disease management
procedures. The book concludes with cooking tips and directories of resources for dietary and
fitness information. Thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "Diet
Information for Teens" is an unreservedly recommended addition to community, college, and
university library Health/Medicine instructional reference collections.
The Language Studies Shelf
Talking Back, Talking Black
John McWhorter
Bellevue Literary Press
c/o NYU School of Medicine
550 First Ave., OBV A612, New York, NY 10016
www.blpress.org
9781942658207 $19.99 hc / $10.27 Kindle amazon.com
Talking Back, Talking Black is a scholarly, in-depth analysis of Black English - its form,
structure, development, and history, in full context of the cultural, educational, and political
issues that have worked against the study of Black English as a dialect in its own right.
Linguistics and Western Civilization instructor John McWhorter applies his expertise this
fascinating study of the elements that distinguish Black English. Talking Back, Talking Black is
especially recommended for college library Language Studies collections.
The Nautical Shelf
Tin Can Titans
John Wukovits
Da Capo Press
c/o Perseus Book Group
250 W. 57th St., Suite 1500, New York, NY 10107
9780306824302 $28.00 / $18.99 Kindle amazon.com
Military historian John Wukovits presents Tin Can Titans: The Heroic Men and Ships of World
War II's Most Decorated Navy Destroyer Squadron, a detailed accounting of the officers and
sailors whose efforts made Destroyer Squadron 21 (Desron 21) the most acclaimed of the war.
Desron 21's success came at a high cost. Of twelve destroyers, only three survived bombing
raids, torpedoes, and kamikaze attacks; 372 crewmembers lost their lives, and many more were
wounded. Tin Can Titans draws on diaries and letters of crew members and personal interviews
with Desron 21 survivors, revealing the naval aspect of the Pacific war through the eyes and ears
of those who fought it. Highly recommended, especially for public and college library nautical
and military history collections.
The Agriculture Shelf
Postharvest, sixth edition
Ron Wills and John Golding
CABI
745 Atlantic Avenue, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02111
www.cabi.org
9781786391483 $75.00 amazon.com
Postharvest: An Introduction to the Physiology and Handling of Fruit and Vegetables is the
definitive, scholarly, instructional textbook addressing critical concepts and practical
technologies pertinent to handling harvested produce and slowing decay as much as possible.
Enhanced with an index for ease of use, Postharvest covers issues of packaging, transport,
temperature management, the control of pests and diseases, and more. Now in an updated sixth
edition with new information the impact of convenience marketing of fresh-cut produce,
sustainability in pest control systems, a discussion of "superfoods" and other topics, Postharvest
is a definitive agricultural text. Postharvest is a "must-have" for college library agricultural
studies collections, highly recommended.
The Environmental Studies Shelf
Atomic Geography
Melvin R. Adams
Washington State University Press
PO Box 645910, Pullman, WA 99164-5910
www.wsupress.wsu.edu
9780874223415 $22.95 amazon.com
Award-winning author Melvin Adams presents Atomic Geography: A Personal History of the
Hanford Nuclear Reservation, a serious-minded reflection on the immense effort that has been
put into cleaning up the contamination of Hanford Nuclear Reservation, also known as the
Hanford Site. Hanford was home to the first full-scale plutonium production reactor in the world,
and today it is the most contaminated nuclear site in the United States. Yet Hanford is also a
wildlife refuge, and home to some plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world. A
handful of black-and-white and color photographs, a glossary, a list of references, and an index
enrich this testimony of an extremely difficult environmental restoration task that is still ongoing
today. Highly recommended, especially for public and college library environmental studies
collections.
The Architecture Shelf
Giraffes, Telegraphs And Hero Of Alexandria
Sabine Mueller & Andreas Quednau, editors
Ruby Press
www.ruby-press.com
9783944074139, $50.00, PB, 430pp, www.amazon.com
Architects Sabine Mueller and Andreas Quednau of the German architectural firm SMAQ
approach design through the use of narrative, telling stories about their projects contexts in order
to accommodate the diverse and conflicting scales of contemporary urbanity. This monograph
presents a selection of SMAQ projects in a way that brings this narrative quality to the fore.
Interweaving short stories, project drawings, and photographs shed light on how design solutions
gradually evolved out of the process, while three linked essays explain the guiding principles
behind the firm's work, intriguingly named Giraffe, Telegraph, and Hero of Alexandria. A
profusely illustrated volume that will be of particular and special interest to architectural students
and practitioners, "Giraffes, Telegraphs And Hero Of Alexandria: Urban Design By Narration" is
an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to professional, college, and university
library Architectural Design collections in general, and supplemental studies reading lists in
particular.
The Beer/Wine/Spirits Shelf
Rum: The Manual
Dave Broom
Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Publishing
236 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
9781845339623, $19.99, www.octopuspublishing.com
Rum: The Manual joins other books on the topic of rum, offering a third volume in Dave
Broom's Manual series and offering an in-depth examination of the history and styles of rum and
how to drink it. The idea is not to provide recipes, but insights into how various kinds of rum
may be best appreciated. Chapters include tasting notes for over 100 different rums, considers
how rum can best be incorporated into different drinks, and lends many insights into its various
flavors and applications. Any fan of rum - especially newcomers who would gain a special
appreciation for its history and applications - will find this a warm, lively consideration.
The Self-Help Shelf
Fierce Optimism
Leeza Gibbons
Dey Street
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
9780062432537, $15.99, www.harpercollins.com
Fierce Optimism: Seven Secrets for Playing Nice and Winning Big comes from a former TV host
of Entertainment Tonight who outlines her basic tenants for a life well lived: ones which have
successfully shaped her career and built a strong platform of conviction and high performance.
Fierce Optimism is about how to navigate a life filled with obstacles to such success, and tells
how to handle business, personal, and political challenges. These assume the form of stories of
situations she's personally dealt with, and provide many powerful, personal lessons about
resilience in the face of disappointment and confrontation. Any who would develop a positive
perspective in life needs this blend of lesson plan and autobiography.
The Automotive Shelf
CarTech Inc.
838 Lake Street South, Forest Lake, MN 55025
www.cartechbooks.com
Two books by Pat Ganahl about hot rod history are companion volumes that together provide an
in-depth survey of hot rodding to delight prior enthusiasts of the subject, but their greatest
achievement lies not just in compiling a history, but in packing vintage black and white and
contemporary color photos into their productions. Hot Rod Gallery: A Nostalgic Look at Hot
Rodding's Golden Years: 1930-1960 (9781613252826, $34.95) selects images from a large
collection of vintage photos the author has been gathering for decades, using them to tell the
story of hot rodding's early years, its evolution, and how the custom car movement began and
evolved from the 1920s through the 1950s. Even avid fans may not have seen many of these
photos, making this book a 'must' for seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The companion
Hot Rod Gallery II: More Great Photos and Stories from Hot Rodding's Golden Years
(9781613252819, $39.95) continues the format and style of the first book but follows through
with more images from the author's extensive personal collection. After the choice images from
the first book, it's hard to realize that there would be even more rare images, but only some 350
were chosen for the first book from some 30-40K images in the archive, which the author has
collected for over forty years. Given the extent of this collection, it should be no surprise that Hot
Rod Gallery II is just as, if not more, compelling than the first book - and that the possibility
exists for even more books.
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
Copyright ©2001
Site design by Williams Writing, Editing &
Design