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Internet Bookwatch

Volume 25, Number 2 February 2015 Home | IBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Writing/Publishing Shelf Crafts Shelf
Science Shelf Cookbook Shelf Photography Shelf
Military Shelf Education Shelf Music Shelf
Audiobook Shelf Library CD Shelf Library DVD Shelf
Computer Shelf Art Shelf Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Architecture Shelf Social Issues Shelf Business Shelf
Sports Shelf Environmental Studies Shelf Library Science Shelf
Metaphysical Studies Shelf Christian Studies Shelf Biography Shelf
Needlecraft Shelf Health/Medicine Shelf Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf Poetry Shelf Graphic Novel Shelf
Pets/Wildlife Shelf Aviation Shelf Fishing Shelf
Religion/Spirituality Shelf Travel Shelf World History Shelf
Criminology Shelf Philosophy Shelf Fiction Shelf
Gaming Shelf Agriculture Shelf Political Science Shelf
Money/Finance Shelf Native American Studies Shelf Judicial Studies Shelf
Economic Studies Shelf Jobs/Career Shelf Autism Shelf
Holocaust Studies Shelf Language Studies Shelf Parenting Shelf
Literary Studies Shelf    


Reviewer's Choice

Cyberethics: Morality and Law in Cyberspace, fifth edition
Richard A. Sinello
Jones & Bartlett Learning
5 Wall Street, Burlington, MA 01803
www.jblearning.com
9781449688417, $110.00, www.amazon.com

Cyberethics is the philosophic study of ethics pertaining to computers, encompassing user behavior and what computers are programmed to do, and how this affects individuals and society. Examples of cyberethical questions include: Is it OK to display personal information about others on the Internet (such as their online status or their present location via GPS)?; Should users be protected from false information?; Who owns digital data (such as music, movies, books, web pages, etc.) and what should users be allowed to do with it?; How much access should there be to gambling and pornography online?; Is access to the Internet a basic right that everyone should have? The relevance of cyberethics to practical commercial, cultural, governmental; corporate; and public behavior is increasing along with the expansion of the digital world into the practical realities of daily life. Now in a fully updated and expanded fifth edition, "Cyberethics: Morality and Law in Cyberspace" by Richard A. Sinello (Dean of the Faculties, Carroll School of Management; Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts) presents a 246 page compendium comprised of six deftly written chapters on: The Internet and Ethical Values; Regulating and Governing the Internet; Free Speech and Content Controls in Cyberspace; Intellectual Property in Cyberspace; Regulating Internet Privacy; and Securing the Electronic Frontier. Enhanced with the inclusion of a four page Glossary: The Language of the Internet; a three page listing of Legal Cases Cited; and a thirteen page Index, "Cyberethics: Morality and Law in Cyberspace" is an ideal text for university curriculums, an important addition to university reference collections, and is strongly recommended reading for anyone with an interest or a responsibility for corporate or governmental digital activity policy making.

Athenaeum Profiles
Roger W. Moss
Oak Knoll Press
310 Delaware Street
New Castle, DE 19720-5038
www.oakknoll.com
9781584563280, $55.00, 165pp, www.amazon.com

The Athenaeum of Philadelphia is a special collections library and museum founded in 1814 to collect materials "connected with the history and antiquities of America, and the useful arts, and generally to disseminate useful knowledge" for public benefit. The Athenaeum's collections include architecture and interior design history, particularly for the period 1800 to 1945. The institution focuses on the history of American architecture and building technology, and houses architectural archives of 180,000 drawings, over 350,000 photographs, and manuscript holdings of about 1,000 American architects. The library is open to the public on weekdays. Since 1950 the Athenaeum has sponsored the annual Athenaeum Literary Award for works of fiction and non-fiction. "Athenaeum Profiles: A Not-for-Profit Education" is a 165 page compendium comprised of twelve chronologically organized and presented essays, each of which is focused on particular individual whose leadership and influence on the institution evolved it into what it is today. Roger Moss brings a special insider's perspective, himself having served as the executive director of the Athenaeum from 1968 to 2008. An extraordinary history of an extraordinary institution, "Since 1950 the Athenaeum has sponsored the annual Athenaeum Literary Award for works of fiction and non-fiction. "Athenaeum Profiles: A Not-for-Profit Education" is highly recommended and informative reading, and would well serve as a template for similar histories of other literary and cultural institutions.

A House Of Prayer For All People
Frederick Quinn
Morehouse Publishing
c/o Church Publishing Incorporated
1637 Beechwood Ave #1, Louisville KY 40204
www.churchpublishing.org
9780819229243, $28.00, 224pp, www.amazon.com

The Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in the City and Diocese of Washington, operated under the more familiar name of Washington National Cathedral, is a cathedral of the Episcopal Church located in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. Of Neo-Gothic design closely modeled on English Gothic style of the late fourteenth century, it is the sixth-largest cathedral in the world, the second-largest in the United States, and the highest as well as the fourth-tallest structure in Washington, D.C. The cathedral is the seat of both the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Katharine Jefferts Schori, and the Bishop of the Diocese of Washington, Mariann Edgar Budde. In 2009, nearly 400,000 visitors toured the structure. Average attendance at Sunday services in 2009 was 1,667, the highest of all domestic parishes in the Episcopal Church that year. "A House of Prayer for all People: A History of Washington National Cathedral" by Fredrick Quinn provides a definitive history of Washington National Cathedral from its inception to the modern day, focusing finally on the episcopacy of Bishop John T. Walker, who died in the fall of 1989. Informed informative, and highly recommended reading, "A House of Prayer for all People: A History of Washington National Cathedral" is enhanced with the inclusion of an eight page 'Washington National Cathedral Chronology'; a three page Bibliography; and a sixteen page Index.

Healing Sources
Sophie Benge, et al.
Prestel Publishing
900 Broadway, Suite 603, New York, NY 10003
www.prestel-usa.com
9783791353944, $65.00, www.amazon.com

A spa is a location where mineral-rich spring water (and sometimes sea water) is used to give medicinal baths. Spa towns or spa resorts (including hot springs resorts) typically offer various health treatments, which are also known as balneotherapy. The belief in the curative powers of mineral waters goes back to prehistoric times. Such practices have been popular worldwide, but are especially widespread in Europe and Japan. Day spas are also quite popular, and offer various personal care treatments. Compiled with expert commentary by the team of Sophie Benge, Alla Sokolova, Christian Banfield, and Helen Abraham, "Healing Sources: Spas and Wellbeing from the Baltic to the Black Sea" is a profusely and beautifully illustrated, 192 page compendium showcasing the histories and features of spas and saunas throughout twelve European countries. A simply fascinating read from beginning to end, "Healing Sources: Spas and Wellbeing from the Baltic to the Black Sea" is exceptionally well written, organized, presented, informed and informative, making it an ideal and highly recommended addition to personal, community, and academic library collections.

Daughters, Dads, and the Path Through Grief
Donna H. DiCello, Psy.D. and Lorraine Mangione, Ph.D.
Impact Publishers
PO Box 6016, Atascadero, CA 93423-6016
9781886230958 $19.95 www.impactpublishers.com

Daughters, Dads, and the Path Through Grief: Tales from Italian America gathers the true stories of Italian-American daughters and their journey to reconciliation with the loss of their fathers. The strong bond of the Italian family permeates these resonating sagas of love, adaptation, and transformation, with emphasis on the father-daughter bond. Heatfelt and profound, Daughters, Dads, and the Path Through Grief tells of milestone steps on the lifetime journey. Unforgettable and highly recommended.

Kinds of Winter
Dave Olesen
Wilfrid Laurier University Press
Wilfrid Laurier University
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3C5
9781771121316 $19.99 wlupress.wlu.ca

Kinds of Winter: Four Solo Journeys by Dogteam in Canada's Northwest Territories is the story of a career sled dog racer who set out to fulfill his lifelong dream. Author Dave Olesen steered his dogs and sled on extended trips far away from his remote Northwest Territories homestead, followed by a return journey home. Over the course of four years he made four trips, one for each cardinal compass direction. Kinds of Winter offers his reflections on these lonely yet thrilling travels, from the practical considerations of looking after his dogs to the majestic beauty of the land, to tearing apart commonly believed myths and cliches about dogsledding or bush country life. A vivid "armchair traveler" experience like no other, Kinds of Winter is highly recommended.

Pen & Ink
Isaac Fitzgerald & Wendy MacNaughton
Bloomsbury Press
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315, New York, NY 10010
9781620404904, $22.00, www.bloomsbury.com

PEN & INK: TATTOOS & THE STORIES BEHIND THEM provides a fine compilation for any interested in tattoo art, and gathers the tattoo images of musicians, writers, and ordinary people, using them to display art and tell their stories. Each story features illustrator MacNaughton's art work and provides a fine survey of tattoo symbols and the reasons behind their creation. Arts as well as social history and general-interest collections will find this a revealing and fun read.


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

How To Publish High-Quality Research
Jeff Joireman & Paul A. M. Van Lange
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242
www.apa.org/books
9781433818615, $29.95, www.amazon.com

Being able to publish research findings is absolutely critical to academic and corporate success. Co-authored by Jeff Joireman (Associate Professor of Marketing, Washington State University) and Paul A. M. Van Lange (Professor of Social Psychology and Chair of the Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, VU University at Amsterdam), "How to Publish High-Quality Research: Discovering, Building, and Sharing the Contribution" is a 344 page compendium comprised of three major sections: Developing Ideas, Designing Studies, and Writing Manuscripts; paradigms for Publishing High-Quality Research; and Conclusions (including 'A Process Model for Publishing High-Quality Research). Enhanced with four pages of References and an eight page Index, "How to Publish High-Quality Research: Discovering, Building, and Sharing the Contribution" is an exceptionally well written, informative, insightful, and practical instruction guide that is ideal for the novice researcher seeking to eventually publish their findings, and has a wealth of information and usefulness for even the more experienced researcher, especially attempting to secure tenure, successful grant applications based on past performance, etc. Simply stated, "How to Publish High-Quality Research: Discovering, Building, and Sharing the Contribution" should be a part of every academic library reference collection.


The Crafts Shelf

Beautiful Bracelets By Hand
Jade Gedeon
Page Street Publishing
27 Congress Street, Suite 103, Salem, MA 01970
http://www.pagestreetpublishing.com
Trina Kaye Organization
9781624140907, $21.99, www.amazon.com

Jade Gedeon is the owner of We Dream in Colour, and in "Beautiful Bracelets By Hand: Seventy Five One-of-a-Kind Baubles, Bangles and Other Wrist Adornments You Can Make At Home" draws upon her many years of experience and expertise to provide a superbly illustrated, 224 page instructional guide to seventy-five designs for making do-it-yourself bracelets. The clear and methodical instructions will allow even the most novice bracelet maker to turn out superbly crafted results. Thoroughly 'user friendly' throughout, "Beautiful Bracelets By Hand" is truly extraordinary and highly recommended for personal and community library Crafts instructional reference collections. It should be noted that "Beautiful Bracelets By Hand" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).

Kalmbach Books
21027 Crossroads Circle, Waukesha, WI 53187-1612
www.kalmbachbooks.com

Linda Landy's Textured Bead Embroidery: Learn to Make Inspired Pins, Pendants, Earrings, and More (9781627000444, $24.99) comes from a bead artist who offers a range of projects based on different shapes of beads and different styles, and includes a bonus CD of six project patterns drawn to scale and ready to print. Bead embroidery is one of the many possibilities involved in beadwork: this book's narrow focus provides plenty of details on stitches, designs, and the jewelry-making process and imparts a wealth of skills for all levels of bead worker, from novices to those who want to learn further skills. Bernard Kempinski's MODEL RAILROADS GO TO WAR (9780890249536, $19.99) is the only book to cover model railroading wartime scenes, and offers scenes and modeling from the Civil war through Operation Iraqi Freedom, pairing history and photos with step-by-step modeling instructions. Here modelers learn about how railroads operated during war times, how to construct military scenes around railroads, and how to create historically-accurate scenes and landscapes based on particular rail scenarios. The result is a solid recommendation for any rail crafter.


The Science Shelf

Science Unshackled
C. Renee Jones
Johns Hopkins University Press
2715 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4363
9781421415000, $24.95, www.press.jhu.edu

Science Unshackled: How Obscure, Abstract, Seemingly Useless Scientific Research Turned Out to Be the Basis for Modern Life considers how obscure studies of natural phenomena turned into modern innovations from GPS to WiFi and pain medication, and provides a fine survey of how scientific curiosity becomes linked to invention. Keys to following the scientific method to use disciplined inquiry to make new discoveries makes this a winning account, highly recommended for science collections and interested lay readers alike.

The Glass Cage
Nicholas Carr
W. W. Norton & Company
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
9780393240764, $26.95, www.wwnorton.com

The Glass Cage: Automation and Us offers an important critique on substituting automation for the things we used to do ourselves, and uses a blend of economics, science, and philosophy to consider how science is changing what we do and how we engage with others and the world around us. Now, there are many benefits to modern automation - but with these benefits come dangers. The Glass Cage examines the drawbacks and the positive aspects of automation in society and provide a fine survey highly recommended for any interested in the social realm of automation and humanity's interactions with machines.


The Cookbook Shelf

Extending the Table, revised edition
Joetta Handrich Schlabach
Herald Press
1251 Virginia Avenue
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
9780836198546 $24.99 www.heraldpress.com

Spiral-bound to lay flat easily, and now in a revised edition, Extending the Table is a cookbook commissioned by the Mennonite Central Committee to promote celebration of global and cultural diversity. Packed with recipes from all over the world, and illustrated with color photography on virtually every page, Extending the Table is as much a globe-spanning tour as it is a treasury of flavorful culinary delights. From Peanut Vegetable Soup to Sesame Spinach Salad, Spanish Potato Tortilla, Cashew Chicken, Plantain Chips, Baklava, Fruit Torte, and much more, Extending the Table presents some of the most beloved international recipes with a wealth of tips, tricks, techniques, and historical tidbits. Also highly recommended are the World Community Cookbooks "More-with-Less" (9780836191035) and "Simply in Season" (9780836194937).

Living With Crohn's & Colitis Cookbook
Dede Cummings
Hatherleigh Press
c/o The Hatherleigh Foundation
62545 State Highway 10, Hobart, NY 13788
www.hatherleighpress.com
9781578265107, $15.00, www.amazon.com

Written and compiled by naturopathic expert Dede Cummings, "Living With Crohn's & Colitis Cookbook" is a 208 page compendium that is comprised of nutritional guidance, meal plans, and more than one hundred palate pleasing, appetite satisfying recipes for dishes that are appropriate for anyone suffering from a condition of Crohn's Disease or having to deal with chronic colitis. The thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' recipes range from Banana Avocado Pudding; Warm Salmon Salad and Crispy Potatoes; Baked Chicken Wings; and Gluten-Free Tempura Vegetables; to Cold Cucumber Soup; Easy Pancakes with Ground Pumpkin and Sunflower Sees; Crispy Yam Fries; and Coconut Macaroons. Enhanced with a guide to keeping a food journal; tips for shopping for an IBD diet; a Resources list; tips on Gardening; a seven page section to record Notes from Your Doctor/GI Clinic; and a Recipe Index, "Living With Crohn's & Colitis Cookbook" is very highly recommended for personal, family, and community library cookbook collections. It should be noted that "Living With Crohn's & Colitis Cookbook " is also available in a Kindle edition ($7.99).

Cooking Allergy Free
Jenna Short
The Taunton Press
63 South Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470
www.taunton.com
9781627103961, $29.95, www.amazon.com

Compiled Jenna Short (owner of Shortbreadnyc.com), "Cooking Allergy-Free: Simple Inspired Meals for Everyone" is a nicely illustrated, 272 page compendium showcasing 150 palate pleasing, appetite satisfying, kitchen cook friendly recipes for dishes that would be welcome additions to any meal time menu from daily family fare to elegant dining and celebratory occasions. The culinary treasures range from Thai Chicken Lettuce Cups; Split Pea and French Lentil Soup; Moroccan Tagine with Apricots and Almonds; and Strip Steak with Red Wine-Mushroom Pan Sauce; to Blackened Fish Tacos with Guacamole and Cilantro-Lime Slaw; Balsamic Roasted Cauliflower with Pine Nut-Tahini Dressing; Nutrella-Peanut Butter Blondies; and Whole Wheat Olive Bread. Of special note is the section devoted to Dressings, Sauces & Dips including a Spicy Tomato Sauce; a Spiced Mediterranean Dip; a Caramelized Onion Jam, and a Mustard Vinaigrette. Enhanced with four pages of themed menu plans, a table of metric equivalents, and an index of recipes by allergens, as well as a general index, "Cooking Allergy-Free: Simple Inspired Meals for Everyone" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to personal, family, and community library cookbook collections. It should be noted that "Cooking Allergy-Free: Simple Inspired Meals for Everyone" is also available in a Kindle edition ($14.24).

Living Luxe Gluten Free
Michelle Lee
www.LivingLuxeGlutenFree.com
Salut Studio
5200 Meadows Road, Suite 150
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
9780990881704 $30.00 www.salutstudio.com

Illustrated with full-color photography throughout, Living Luxe Gluten Free is a cookbook devoted to recipes that are both gluten and lactose free. Excluding wheat or milk products doesn't require one to sacrifice taste; delicacies include Spanish Tortilla, Roasted Beet Salad, Chocolate Cashew Oatmeal Bars, Tropical Coconut Cupcakes, and much more. Tips, tricks, and techniques for the gluten-and-lactose-free gourmet pepper this sumptuous, user-friendly resource, highly recommended for personal and public library cookbook collections.

Whole Body Reboot
Manuel Villacorta, M.S., R.D. with Sarah Koszyk, M.A., R.D.
Health Communications, Inc.
3201 S.W. 15th Street
Deerfield Beach, FL 33442-8190
9780757318214 $18.95 www.hcibooks.com

Registered Dietitians Manuel Villacorta and Sarah Koszyk present Whole Body Reboot: The Peruvian Superfoods Diet to Detoxify, Energize, and Supercharge Fat Loss, a recipe book focusing on 21 Peruvian foods such as avocados, sweet potatoes, beans, papaya, and quinoa that are well known for their phenomenal health benefits. Illustrated with full-color photography throughout, Whole Body Reboot is a cookbook that also functions as a meal-planning resource. The suggested nutrition program begins with a five-day optional smoothie reboot, followed by Peruvian-inspired meals that can be mixed or matched. Whole Body Reboot is adaptable to vegetarian, vegan, omnivorous, or gluten-free lifestyles, and is an excellent, user-friendly resource to healthy eating for weight loss and improved overall wellness.

Comfort
Carolyn Caldicott, author
Chris Caldicott, photographer
Frances Lincoln Publishers
74-77 White Lion Street
Islington, London, N1 9PF
9780711234918 $14.99 www.franceslincoln.com

Featuring a wealth of full-color photography, Comfort: Recipes to Warm the Heart and Feed the Soul is a cookbook that lives up to its title. Dishes such as "Smoked Salmon and Scrambled Egg Muffins with Herby Creme Fraiche", "Chicken and Mango Coconut Curry", "Cinnamon Spiced Butternut Squash Soup with Cheesy Crouton Topping", "Plump Devonshire Scones" and more make sumptuous meals that will lift one's spirits on a blustery day. Packed with a wealth of kitchen-friendly tips, tricks, and techniques, Comfort also makes an excellent giftbook for cooks of all skill and experience levels. Highly recommended!

The Science of Skinny Cookbook
Dee McCaffrey, CDC
Lifelong Books
c/o Da Capo Press
c/o Perseus Book Group
250 W. 57th St., Suite 1500
New York, NY 10107
9780738217208 $17.99 www.perseusbooksgroup.com

The Science of Skinny Cookbook is a compendium of healthy recipes from Dee McCaffrey, founder of Processed-Free America, a nutrition education non-profit. McCaffrey was once a professional organic chemist, who had an epiphany when she realized that some of the potentially dangerous substances she worked with every day appeared on the labels of packaged and processed food. The Science of Skinny Cookbook promotes healthy nutrition through avoiding processed food as much as reasonably possible, offering processed-ingredient-free dishes for the whole family. From "outside-the-cereal-box-breakfasts" such as Red Pepper Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust, to Creamy Cashew Ranch Dressing, Veggie Egg Fried Rice, to Grain-Free Nutty Peanut Butter Cookies, and more, these dishes are not meant to be a "diet", but rather a healthy new way of eating and living. A wealth of kitchen cooking tips, tricks, techniques, and substitutions for common processed foods/garnishes/condiments enrich this excellent, user-friendly cookbook. Also highly recommended is McCaffrey's previous book, "The Science of Skinny".

Delicious Mornings
Dina Foglio Crowell
Front Table Books
c/o Cedar Fort, Inc.
2373 West 700 South
Springville, Utah 84663
9781462114603 $18.99 www.cedarfort.com

Full-color photography graces Delicious Mornings: Comforting Breakfasts Baked from Scratch, a cookbook for anyone interested in enjoying a hearty morning meal. Many of the recipes will also prove popular favorites at holiday or birthday celebrations! The dishes include "Cream Scones with Raspberry Sauce", "Baked Italian-Style Cheesy Grits", "Omelet Stuffed Peppers", "Pecan Pie Pancakes" and much more. A wealth of helpful cooking tips ("Flip the pancake when bubbles start to form on top, and the bottom edges are lightly golden brown. Do not press your pancakes while cooking.") and an index round out this resource that can transform breakfast into the most sumptuous meal of the day!

The Complete Low-Carb Cookbook
George Stella
Quail Ridge Press
PO Box 123, Brandon, MS 39043
www.quailridge.com
9781934193969, $19.95, www.amazon.com

Low-carbohydrate diets or 'low-carb' diets are dietary programs that restrict carbohydrate consumption, often for the treatment of obesity or diabetes. Foods high in easily digestible carbohydrates (e.g., sugar, bread, pasta) are limited or replaced with foods containing a higher percentage of fats and moderate protein (e.g., meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, eggs, cheese, nuts, and seeds) and other foods low in carbohydrates (e.g., most salad vegetables), although other vegetables and fruits (especially berries) are often allowed. The amount of carbohydrate allowed varies with different low-carbohydrate diets. The term "low-carbohydrate diet" is generally applied to diets that restrict carbohydrates to less than 20% of caloric intake, but can also refer to diets that simply restrict or limit carbohydrates to less than recommended proportions (generally less than 45% of total energy coming from carbohydrates). Low-carbohydrate diets are used to treat or prevent some chronic diseases and conditions, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Compiled and presented by culinary expert George Stella, "The Complete Low-Carb Cookbook" is a very nicely illustrated, 224 page compendium showcasing an impressive diversity of 'kitchen cook friendly' recipes for low-carb diets. The dishes range from Cinnamon Bun Minute Muffins; Scalloped Squash Casserole with Ham; Italian Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms; and Smothered Chicken Cordon Bleu; to Pepper Steak Stir Fry; Tilapia Veracruz; Pizza-Style Zucchini; and Baked Meringue Cookies. All recipes are 'no sugar added' and 'wheat-free'. "The Complete Low-Carb Cookbook" is enthusiastically recommended for personal, family, and community library cookbook collections. Also very highly commended for low-carb dietary menus from Quail Ridge Press is "George Stella's Still Livin' Low Carb: A Lifetime of Low Carb Recipes" (9781938879128, $24.95, 224pp).

The Performance Paleo Cookbook
Stephanie Gaudreau
Page Street Publishing
27 Congress Street, Suite 103, Salem, MA 01970
9781624141010, $21.99, www.amazon.com

A critically important component to athletic performance is the diet of that the athlete consumes. The human body requires the proper combination of nutrients (fats, proteins, vitamins, etc.) for peak performance demands and for recovery from injury or illness. Following a Paleo-based diet with smart modifications for training is the best way to maximize any workout so that the athlete can get stronger and raise their performance levels. Compiled with informative commentaries by Stephanie Gaudreau, "The Performance Paleo Cookbook: Recipes for Training Harder, Getting Stronger and Gaining the Competitive Edge" is a profusely illustrated, 224 page compendium showcasing recipes in full compliance with a Paleo-based diet. The dishes range from Sweet and Spicy Oven-Baked Jerky; Salmon Cakes with Capers and Dill; Honey Garlic Lemon Chicken Wings; Baked Yuca Fries; and Plantain Biscuits; to Summer Salad with Salt and Pepper Shrimp; Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pine Nuts; Comforting Creamy Broccoli Soup; Baked Coconut Chocolate Apples; and Avocado Tomatillo Salsa. An exceptional culinary compendium, "The Performance Paleo Cookbook: Recipes for Training Harder, Getting Stronger and Gaining the Competitive Edge" is especially recommended for personal, family, and community library cookbook collections. It should be noted that "The Performance Paleo Cookbook: Recipes for Training Harder, Getting Stronger and Gaining the Competitive Edge" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).

30-Minute Paleo Meals
Melissa Petitto, R.D.
Race Point Publishing
www.racepointpub.com
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400
Minneapolis, MN 55401-1722
9781937994549 $25.00 www.quartous.com

Talented cook and registered dietician Melissa Petitto presents 30-Minute Paleo Meals, a resource of over 100 gluten-free recipes that are easy to make, and compatible with the "Paleo" diet and lifestyle (which encourages the consumption of a wide range of nutritious foods similar to what ancient hunter-gatherer humans once ate). A wealth of full-color photographs illustrate delectible delights such as "Baby Spinach Salad with Roasted Tomatoes, Asparagus & Prosciutto", "Pan-Seared Lamb Chops with Pomegranate Glaze", "Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower", "Thai Chicken Skewers with Satay Sauce", "Orange-Almond Coconut Macaroons" and much more. Highly recommended for cookbook shelves everywhere; one doesn't need to be on the Paleo diet to appreciate these kitchen cook-friendly taste sensations!

Paleo Smoothies
Alan Roettinger
Healthy Living Publications
c/o Book Publishing Company
PO Box 99, Summertown, TN 38483
www.bookpubco.com
9781570673160, $5.95, www.amazon.com

A smoothie is a blended and sometimes sweetened beverage made from fresh fruit (fruit smoothie), vegetables and in special cases can contain chocolate or peanut butter. In addition to fruit, many smoothies include crushed ice, frozen fruit, honey or contain syrup and ice ingredients. They have a milkshake-like consistency that is thicker than slush drinks. They can also contain milk, yogurt or ice cream. Smoothies are often marketed to health-conscious people, and some restaurants offer add-ins such as soy milk, whey powder, green tea, herbal supplements, or nutritional supplement mixes. Compiled by Alan Roettinger "Paleo Smoothies" is a 48 page compendium comprised of quick and easy smoothie recipes that are in full compliance with the increasingly popular 'paleo' diet approach to nutrition and health. The recipes range from a Pineapple-Coconut Smoothie; to Chocolate, Almond, Fig, and Fennel Smoothie; to a Ginger-Pear Smoothie; to a Strawberry, Orange, and Kiwi Smoothie, to so many, many more. "Paleo Smoothies" is very highly recommended to health conscious, smoothie loving, personal cookbook collections. Also very highly recommended from Healthy Living Publications are is a companion smoothie recipe collection: Robert Oser's "Refreshing Fruit and Vegetable Smoothies" (9781570673153, $5.95, 48pp). Also to be commended is Steve Meyerowitz's "Improve Digestion with Food Combining" (9781570673184, $5.95, 48pp). It should be noted that all three of these Healthy Living Publications titles are available in a Kindle edition ($4.99 each).

One Dirty Bowl: Fast Desserts, Faster Cleanup
Christina Dymock
Cedar Fort, Inc.
2373 West 700 South, Springville, Utah 84663
www.cedarfort.com
9781462114016, $18.99, www.amazon.com

Compiled with commentary and instructions by culinary expert Christina Dymock, "One Dirty Bowl: Fast Desserts, Faster Cleanup" is a 136 page compendium comprised of recipes for desserts that can be made in the home kitchen with only a single bowl being used in their preparation. Nicely illustrated, the recipes range from Best-Ever Chocolate Fudge Lemon Brownies; Peanut Butter Love Bars; Honey Caramels; and Turtle Bites; to Moist Chocolate Cake; White Chocolate Almond Poppy Seed Cake; Cheesecake Sundaes; Peach Cobbler; and Blender Pumpkin Pie. Also available in a Kindle edition ($7.99), "One Dirty Bowl: Fast Desserts, Faster Cleanup" is a pleasure to browse through, ideal for menu planning ideas, and highly recommended for personal, family, and community library cookbook collections.

The Bacon Lover's Cookbook
Christina Dymock
Cedar Fort, Inc.
2373 West 700 South, Springville, Utah 84663
www.cedarfort.com
9781462115198, $16.99, www.amazon.com

It's more than just a commercial slogan -- everything really does taste better with bacon! Compiled by Christina Dymock, "The Bacon Lover's Cookbook" is a beautifully illustrated, 112 page compendium showcasing palate pleasing, appetite satisfying, kitchen cook friendly dishes that are enhanced with the inclusion of bacon. These outstanding recipes range from Inside-Out Egg Muffins; Toasted Bacon and Salami Sandwich; Brown Sugar Barbecue Bacon Burgers; and Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza; to Bacon-Wrapped Tomatoes; Bacon Onion Artisan Bread; Bacon and Caramel-Dipped Apples; and Bacon Truffles. Enhanced with opening instructions on 'Methods for Cooking Bacon'; 'Tips for Cooking Bacon'; and 'Other Bacon Know-How', "The Bacon Lover's Cookbook" is ideal for the novice cook and has a wealth of culinary ideas for even the more experienced kitchen chef. Also available in a Kindle edition ($6.99), "The Bacon Lover's Cookbook" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to personal, family, professional, and community library cookbook collections.

Mrs. Wheelbarrow's Practical Pantry
Cathy Barrow
W. W. Norton & Company
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
9780393240733, $35.00, www.wwnorton.com

Mrs. Wheelbarrow's Practical Pantry: Recipes and Techniques for Year-Round Preserving offers home cooks ideas for using garden and farmer's market bounty and over-abundance, and is all about making home-canned fruits, vegetables stocks and soups part of a pantry mainstay. Over 150 color photos finished dishes shows how to can and then use produce in recipes, with chapters also including dry-cured and salt-cured processes, smoking meats, and more. From using pectin to focusing on produce that's homegrown, this is a wider-ranging survey than most books on canning and embraces all methods of food preservation. The attention to using home-preserved foods enhances the overall focus and makes for a colorful, winning story.

Mitchell Beazley
c/o Octopus Publishing
236 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
www.octopuspublishing.com

The second updated edition of Dave Broom's THE WORLD ATLAS OF WHISKEY (9781845339425, $39.99) provides the same rich visuals, comprehensive history, and discussions of the distilleries and evolution of world whiskeys. This updated second edition features over twenty-five maps, 250 new tasting notes, and profiles of over fifty new distilleries that have evolved since the original first edition. A major update for this edition reflects many of the changes in the whiskey business, offering insights on craft distillers, expanded coverage of all the Scottish distilleries plus others around the world, and insights on the new innovative whiskies being produced. The result is an award-winning survey highly recommended for any enthusiast of whiskey. Paul Henderson edits GQ DRINKS: THE COCKTAIL COLLECTION FOR DISCERNING DRINKERS (9781845339524, $29.99), a book on drinks that assembles creative new inventions from various bar legends at the UK's best bars. Over a hundred recipes cover both classic and 'new' cocktails, along with tips on best brands, how to prepare them, and how to pair drinks with the appropriate glassware and garnishes. Recipes for cocktails blend with keys to equipment and creative ideas for embellishing cocktails, making this a fine item of choice for any who enjoy cocktails.

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

Joe Campanale, et.al.'s DOWNTOWN ITALIAN (9781449450342, $35.00) provides a range of recipes inspired by Italian cooking but created in New York's West Village, and features some 100 from three particular notable restaurants, all adapted for home cooks. From Charred Octopus with Chicories to Roasted Orange Negroni Sbagliato, this offers introductions to classic chef favorites at each of the establishments, offering a range of Italian dishes that have their roots in the Old Country and their innovations in this one. Cooks will find it an appealing, bright collection of possibilities enhanced with color throughout. Robin Robertson's VEGAN WITHOUT BORDERS: EASY EVERYDAY MEALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD (9781449447083, $40.00) features a range of dishes that link world cuisines under the vegan name, and includes well over a hundred dishes that can be made using ingredients easy to find and approaches that are simple for novice cooks. Each recipe includes a list of special attributes (gluten-free, soy-free and more), and each incorporates international classics with a focus on vegan fare from over 20 different countries on five continents. The result is a satisfyingly diverse range of dishes perfect for vegan cooks who want international influences, color photos, and easy approaches.

Twelve Recipes
Cal Peternell
William Morrow & Company
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
9780062270306, $26.99, www.harpercollins.com

Twelve Recipes comes from the chef at Chez Panisse, and outlines the author's own ideas of home cooking for readers who may have little background in cooking on their own. It selects twelve recipes that form the backbone of such home cooking, describing 'foundation foods' in each chapter and linking the standard recipe to a wide range of dishes and uses that are based upon it. It's all about variations and adaptations: chapters cover toast, eggs, beans, pasta, and more, and offer tips on how to take these individual recipes and make the most of them. Color photos and lovely drawings by the author's wife and sons accompany an approach that goes beyond the usual cookbook recipe format and delves into the basics of how to cook.

How to Roast
Michael Ruhlman
Little, Brown & Company
c/o Hachette Book Group
237 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
www.hachettebookgroup.com
9780316254106, $25.00, www.littlebrown.com

Ruhlman's How to Roast: Foolproof Techniques and Recipes for the Home Cook accompanies color photos by Donna Turner Ruhlman with a set of recipes which cover all aspects of producing a superior roast: from tied meats and pan-roasted poultry to racks of meat and even side dishes such as cauliflower. Award-winning cook and author Michael Ruhlman has long been applauded as a culinary visionary: his book is first in a new series of technique titles - and tackles perhaps the most coveted and uniformly simple of cooking methods - if one has the right instruction, such as this book. The step-by-step color photos leave little to guess work and the classic dishes illustrate the different results to be gained from various temperatures, making this a winner.


The Photography Shelf

Fullmoon
Darren Almond, photographer
Hans Werner Holzwarth, editor
TASCHEN America
107 Greene Street, New York, NY 10012
www.taschen.com
9783836546614, $69.99, 400pp, www.amazon.com

"Fullmoon" showcases 260 photographs taken by British artist Darren Almond. These impressive images features landscapes from around the globe, all taken under the particular light of a full moon. With the shutter kept open for over a quarter of an hour, rivers, meadows, mountains, and seashores are illuminated almost like daybreak, but the atmosphere is different: a mild glow emanates even from the shadows, star-lines cross the sky, and water blankets the earth like a misty froth. The enhanced moonlight infuses the landscapes with a sense of the surreal or the sublime, and with haunting ideas of time, nature and beauty. The series photographic images circles around the possibility of Romantic themes today: majestic American mountains, austere Arctic ice fields, picturesque rocks by the seashore in Japan, and, most intimately viewed, the nature of Britain. "Fullmoon" covers all parts of Darren Almond's series of moonlit images from the turn of the century up until today. "Fullmoon" is enhanced with the inclusion of an introduction by Sheena Wagstaff (Head of the Modern and Contemporary Art Department of the Metropolitan Museum in New York), and an in-depth essay by writer and critic Brian Dillon. A unique and impressive volume, "Fullmoon" is highly recommended for personal and academic library Photographic Studies collections and would be an enduringly popular Memorial Fund acquisition selection for community libraries.

Amherst Media
175 Rano Street, Suite 200, Buffalo, NY 14207-2176
www.amherstmedia.com

Rosanne Olson's ABCS OF BEAUTIFUL LIGHT: A COMPLETE COURSE IN LIGHTING FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS (9781608957170, $27.95) comes from a photo-educator who uses graphics and demonstrations to provide a step-by-step survey of the tools needed for lighting not just photography efforts, but videos and art. Her approach blends hardware specifics with artistic insights on light and how it affects an image, surveying the elements that set superior lighting apart from barely acceptable settings. The result will educate photographers by covering all the options for making the most of lighting under not just a range of settings, but for a variety of purposes. Laurie Klein's PHOTOGRAPHING THE FEMALE FORM WITH DIGITAL INFRARED (9781608957194, $27.95) is all about posing to make the most of body and natural light, and explores how sixty of the author's images were created. Each selection offers supporting images that show variations and offer details on enhancing textures and features, and each makes for a fine survey recommended for figure photographers who want in-depth details on pose options and photographic enhancement. Robin Owen's BOUDOIR LIGHTING: SIMPLE TECHNIQUES FOR DRAMATIC PHOTOGRAPHY (9781608957552, $27.95) offers easy lighting techniques for images, and teaches how to design such using just one light, in many cases. Chapters teach how to pose, set scenes and props, and apply basic image concepts, offering an approach that is clear, quick, and more importantly, doesn't require special equipment or expertise to prove successful. Plenty of color photos packed on all pages make this a real winner!


The Military Shelf

Clausewitz in his Time
Peter Paret
Berghahn Books
20 Jay Street, Suite 512
Brooklyn, NY 11201
9781782385813 $39.95 www.berghahnbooks.com

Carl von Clausewitz (1780-1831) was a Prussian general and military theorist, perhaps best known for his timeless aphorism "War is the continuation of politics by other means". Clausewitz in his Time: Essays in the Cultural and Intellectual History of Thinking about War studies Clausewitz's philosophy about warfare at length, with particular emphasis on Clausewitz's contributions to the evolution of military strategy. Surveying Clausewitz's life, the people he knew (including the philosophers and military theorists who were his contemporaries), his military undertakings, and his legacy to future generations, Clausewitz in his Time is an extensively researched, studious, and enlightening portrait of a keen and multifaceted human mind. Highly recommended, especially for public and college library military history and military theory shelves.

Osprey Publishing
4301 21st St, Suite 220B, Long Island City, NY 11101
www.ospreypublishing.com

Marco Mattioli's Savoia-Marchetti S.79 SPARVIERO TORPEDO-BOMBER UNITIS (9781782008071, $22.95) joins others in Osprey's 'Combat Aircraft' series, and is a pick for any collection strong in military aircraft. This study is the first of two volumes to cover the S.79 and comes from an expert on Italian military aviation, considering the rise and fall of the World War II combat plane. The result is a study that will appeal to military and aviation collections alike, pairing color illustrations and vintage photos with plenty of background. Mark Lardas' SHENANDOAH 1864: SHERIDAN'S VALLEY CAMPAIGN (9781472804839, $21.95) covers the battle for Shenandoah Valley during the Civil War and provides a lively discussion of the full story of the 90 days that followed the opposing armies' confrontations. With its color illustrations and vintage black and white photos, this is a history that no Civil War military collection should be without!


The Education Shelf

Advanced Common Core Math Explorations: Fractions
Jerry Burkhart
Prufrock Press
PO Box 8813, Waco, TX 76714-8813
www.prufrock.com
9781618212658, $29.95, www.amazon.com

"Advanced Common Core Math Explorations: Fractions" is a 168 page compendium comprised of challenging and engaging activities designed to deepen and extend a student's understanding of concepts in compliance with Common Core State Standards in Mathematics. The investigations in "Advanced Common Core Math Explorations: Fractions" stretch students' mathematical imaginations to their limits as they solve puzzles, create stories, and explore fraction-related concepts that take them from the mathematics of ancient Greece to the outer reaches of infinity. Each activity comes with detailed support for classroom implementation including learning goals, discussion guides, detailed solutions, and suggestions for extending the investigation. There is also a free supplemental e-book offering strategies for motivation, assessment, parent communication, and suggestions for using the materials in different learning environments. Exceptionally 'student friendly' in organization and presentation, "Advanced Common Core Math Explorations: Fractions" is very highly recommended for school math class curriculums and would be appropriate as home schooling based fractions workbook as well.

Service-Learning In Higher Education
Phylis Lan Lin, et al.
University of Indianapolis Press
1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227
www.uindy.edu/universitypress
9781880938850, $44.95, www.uindy.edu/universitypress

Service learning is a method of teaching that combines classroom instruction with meaningful community service. This form of learning emphasizes critical thinking and personal reflection while encouraging a heightened sense of community, civic engagement, and personal responsibility. The Community Service Act of 1990, which authorized the Learn and Serve America grant program, defines service learning as a method under which students or participants learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service that is conducted in and meets the needs of a community; is coordinated with an elementary school, secondary school, institution of higher education, or community service program, and with the community; and helps foster civic responsibility; and that is integrated into and enhances the academic curriculum of the students, or the educational components of the community service program in which the participants are enrolled; and provides structured time for the students or participants to reflect on the service experience. Service learning offers students immediate opportunities to apply classroom learning to support or enhance the work of local agencies that often exist to effect positive change in the community. Collectively compiled and co-edited by the team of Phylis Lan Line, Mark R. Wiegand, and Antoinette R. Smith-Talken, "Service-Learning In Higher Education: Building Community Across The Globe" is a 297 page compendium comprised of twenty-two articles by leading researchers and experts in the field. Informed and informative, "Service-Learning In Higher Education" is highly recommended for academic library Education Studies reference collections and would prove to be of special interest to service-learning researchers, administrators, and academicians.

In Defense of Read-Aloud
Steven L. Layne
Stenhouse Publishers
480 Congress Street
Portland, ME 04101-3451
9781625310408 $21.00 www.stenhouse.com

Dr. Steven L. Layne (Professor of Literacy Education at Judson University of Elgin Illinois) presents In Defense of Read-Aloud: Sustaining Best Practice, a treatise in the field of literacy education that strongly supports reading aloud to children in grades K-12. In addition to cognitive development theory and justification, In Defense of Read-Aloud is filled with practical tips for effectively incorporating read-aloud sessions into professional educational practice. "Once the read-aloud is successfully launched, you need to keep it moving along. Whatever the schedule becomes, be sure it is something your students can count on. In other words, don't make them 'earn it.'" An excellent supplementary resource for schoolteachers, In Defense of Read-Aloud is highly recommended for professional and college library education shelves.

Corwin Press
2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320-2218
www.corwin.com

Peter Smagorinsky, EDITOR'S TEACHING DILEMMAS & SOLUTIONS IN CONTENT-AREA LITERACY GRADS 6-12 (9781452229935, $31.00) offers a cross-discipline approach to teaching literacy and shows how to develop curriculum and instruction that meet student literary requirements in not only the usual English circles, but in social studies, math, and the arts. It comes from an educator and his colleagues who analyze their own fields and their literacy needs, reviewing the latest issues, offering activities and food for thought for discussion, and reviewing policies revolving around classroom literacy. The result is a solid reference highly recommended for any involved in educational literacy processes. Lyn Sharratt and Gale Harild's GOOD TO GREAT TO INNOVATE: RECALCULATING THE ROUTE TO CAREER READINESS, K-12+ (9781483331867, $24.00) is written for education leaders at all levels and shows how to design a specific Pathways approach to careers that blends career aspirations with curriculum at early grade levels than is usual for this topic. It teaches how to develop life skills that are inclusive and which blend career training into curriculum through a network of community partners, it provides collective school action ideas, and it promotes agility and emphasizes choice as it surveys processes of innovation, respect, and creativity in a collaborative learning environment. The result is a powerful survey recommended for teachers who want to integrate Pathway concepts into their approach.


The Music Shelf

George Frideric Handel: A Life With Friends
Ellen T. Harris
W. W. Norton & Company
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
9780393088953, $37.95, www.wwnorton.com

George Frideric Handel: A Life With Friends covers the classical musician's personal life and relationships, and considers the importance of his operas and music in light of his times. Where other perspectives on Handel focus on his music alone, this provides a history of his circle and his world, intersecting his compositions with their influences and his political interests. The result is a fine focus that combines opera history with social issues and creates a pioneering piece of research recommended for any classical music history collection.

Dylan: The Biography
Dennis McDougal
Wiley
c/o Wiley Professional Trade Group
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
9780470636237, $35.00, www.wiley.com

Dylan: The Biography is billed as the 'ultimate' biography of the rock musician - and that's saying something, since many, many coverages of Dylan's life from all kinds of perspectives have preceded this book. This book includes subjects Dylan left out of his own autobiography, it goes beyond the usual approach of analyzing lyrics or covering the same biographical facts, and it probes how Dylan and his audience changed through two decades, using interviews with his family, friends, and fellow professionals. L.A. Times journalist McDougal's focus seeks exposes over inferences, facts over speculation, and provides a powerful coverage that is well-rounded and searches for depth over casual review. The result is a biography that, indeed, may be described as both definitive and complimentary to many a Dylan work already on one's bookshelf.


The Audiobook Shelf

Prince Lestat
Anne Rice
Random House Audio Books
c/o The Random House Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, 5th floor, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouseaudio.com
9780385361781, $45.00, www.amazon.com

The fourteenth volume in the popular 'The Vampire Chronicles' series by Anne Rice, "Prince Lestat" continues the story of the vampire Lestat, who must now confront an entity known to vampires worldwide as 'The Voice'. The Voice is behind a seeming genocide of vampires, especially young ones, and the awakening and summoning of the elder vampires around the globe. Ably narrated by Simon Vance, "Prince Lestat" is a 'must' for the legions of Anne Rice fans and provides even more background historical information about the vampiric world she has created. Of special note is the inclusion of two appendices; one is a descriptive roster of the major figures in 'The Vampire Chronicles' since that world began some six thousand years ago. The other is a succinct and descriptive listing of the fourteen volumes that make up 'The Vampire Chronicles' series today. With its flawless production values, "Prince Lestat" is a very highly recommended, complete and unabridged, fifteen CD collection with a running time of nineteen hours.

Fear the Darkness
Becky Masterman, author
Read by Suzanne Toren
Macmillan Audio
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315
New York, NY 10010
9781427239563 $39.99 www.macmillanaudio.com

Fear the Darkness is the unabridged audiobook rendition of a tense thriller. Ex-FBI Agent Brigid Quinn wants to leave the soul-crushing horrors of her job behind, and build a new life in Tucson with her husband and friends, while working as a private investigator. But Brigid's seventeen-year-old niece is a handful, and a little too keen on dissecting local wildlife, and Brigid's case investigating the death of a local couple's son uncovers dangerous questions. The threat of murder gradually becomes omnipresent in this edge-of-one's-seat whodunnit, superbly performed by Suzanne Toren and especially recommended for fans of the genre. 10 CDs, 12.5 hours.

Lost & Found
Brooke Davis, author
Read by Nigel Carrington, Nicolette McKenzie, and Helen Walsh
Penguin Audio
c/o Penguin Group USA
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
9781611763904 $35.00 http://us.penguingroup.com

Lost & Found: A Novel is the unabridged audiobook version of author Brooke Davis' debut novel about a most unlikely trio. Millie Bird is seven years old, and abandoned in a department store by her grieving mother; Agatha Pantha is eighty-two, rigid in her ways, and has been adamantly uncommunicative since she was widowed seven years ago; and Karl the Touch Typist is eighty-seven, and has recently escaped from the nursing home to which he was committed after the loss of his wife. Together, the threesome set out to find Millie's mother, and the journey will teach them that old age isn't the end of life, children can be wise, and sometimes it's okay - even important - to feel sad. An emotional, character-driven adventure, Lost & Found is highly recommended. 6 CDs, 7 1/2 hours.

Guardians of the Galaxy: Rocket Raccoon & Groot Steal The Galaxy
Dan Abnett, et al.
Graphic Audio
4940 Hampden Lane, Suite 300, Bethesda, MD 20814
9781628511161, $19.99, www.graphicaudio.net

Fans of the Marvel Universe are going to love this one! "Guardians of the Galaxy: Rocket Raccoon & Groot Steal The Galaxy" by Dan Abnett has been superbly adapted to a radio theatre format by Graphic Audio. Featuring an exceptionally talented cast of more than two dozen, and directed by Scott McCormick, "Guardians of the Galaxy: Rocket Raccoon & Groot Steal The Galaxy" is impressively enhanced by sound effects and music, and with flawless production values. The result is a rollicking great listening experience for this science fiction action/adventure satire. Narrated by an android recorder (Number 127), we are treated to just about each and every chapter ending with a truly cliffhanger angst. Our heroes are beset by a bewildering variety of opponents ranging from the brutal Badoons, to the elite fighting forces of the Kree Empire, to the Nova Corps, to a seemingly indestructible corporate mercenary. Even one of Rocket Raccoon and Groot's team-mates seems to be up to no good! A non-stop roller coaster ride of an adventure, "Guardians of the Galaxy: Rocket Raccoon & Groot Steal The Galaxy" is pure entertainment that is without letup from beginning to end! Very highly recommended for personal and community library audio book collections, "Guardians of the Galaxy: Rocket Raccoon & Groot Steal The Galaxy" features a running time of six hours spread out over 6 CDs.

Demon Cycle: The Daylight War: Vols. 1 & 2
Peter V. Brett, et al.
Graphic Audio
4940 Hampden Lane, Suite 300, Bethesda, MD 20814
www.graphicaudio.net
Volume 1: 9781599509815, $19.99
Volume 2: 9781599509822, $19.99

"The Daylight War" is the third in Peter V. Brett's outstanding fantasy action/adventure Demon Cycle series. The first two novels are "The Warded Man" and "The Desert Spear". On the night of the new moon, the demons rise in force, seeking the deaths of two men, both of whom have the potential to become the fabled Deliverer, the man prophesied to reunite the scattered remnants of humanity in a final push to destroy the demon corelings once and for all. Arlen Bales was once an ordinary man, but now he has become something more -- the Warded Man, tattooed with eldritch wards so powerful they make him a match for any demon. Arlen denies he is the Deliverer at every turn, but the more he tries to be one with the common folk, the more fervently they believe. Many would follow him, but Arlen's path threatens to lead to a dark place he alone can travel to, and from which there may be no returning. The only one with hope of keeping Arlen in the world of men, or joining him in his descent into the world of demons, is Renna Tanner, a fierce young woman in danger of losing herself to the power of demon magic. Ahmann Jardir has forged the warlike desert tribes of Krasia into a demon-killing army and proclaimed himself Shar'Dama Ka, the Deliverer. He carries ancient weapons - a spear and a crown - that give credence to his claim, and already vast swaths of the green lands bow to his control. But Jardir did not come to power on his own. His rise was engineered by his First Wife, Inevera, a cunning and powerful priestess whose formidable demon bone magic gives her the ability to glimpse the future. Inevera's motives and past are shrouded in mystery, and even Jardir does not entirely trust her. Once Arlen and Jardir were as close as brothers. Now they are the bitterest of rivals. As humanity's enemies rise, the only two men capable of defeating them are divided against each other by the most deadly demons of all -- those lurking in the human heart. The Graphic Audio two volume, 14 CD, 14 hour, multicast, technically flawless production truly brings the story to life in the mind's eye of the listener and truly lives up to the Graphic Audio slogan 'A Movie In Your Mind'. The deft inclusion of digital sound effects and music is especially impressive, making this two volume audio book production very highly recommended as a solid entertainment from beginning to end.

Burning Dawn
Gena Showalter, author
Max Bellmore, narrator
Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
9781490641188 $123.75 www.recordedbooks.com

Burning Dawn: Angels of the Dark is the unabridged audiobook rendition of a sensual dark fantasy novel with a revenge-driven hero. Thane is a winged warrior who has lost his memory; held as a slave, he gains his freedom with the help of a female captive, Elin Vale. Thane turns his bloodlust against his former captors without mercy. Lustful passion also blossoms between Thane and Elin, but Elin hides a dark secret within her own bloodline. Intense and vivid, Burning Dawn is a thrilling, erotically charged saga enthusiastically recommended to fans of the genre, and of author Gena Showalter's previous "Angels of the Dark" novels.

The Honeymoon Effect
Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D.
Read by Bruce Lipton and Margaret Horton
Sounds True Audio
413 South Arthur Avenue
Louisville, CO 80027
9781622031924 $29.95 www.soundstrue.com

The Honeymoon Effect is the unabridged audiobook rendition of biologist Bruce H. Lipton's insights into a more robust life. Lipton describes the "Honeymoon Effect" as a sense of intense joy, passion, energy, and drive - the feeling that one can't wait to greet the dawn of a new day, as often experienced during the honeymoon period after marriage. Lipton explains that the honeymoon effect is not due to chance or a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but rather a personal creation, and that individuals can learn to embrace that feeling in their everyday lives. Touching upon the roles of quantum physics ("good vibrations"), biochemistry, and psychology in sustaining loving relationships, The Honeymoon Effect is a powerful tool for improving the quality of one's life, and highly recommended. 4 CDs, 4 hours 9 min.

Special Deluxe
Neil Young
Penguin Audio
c/o Penguin Group USA
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
9781611763348, $40.00, www.penguin.com

Special Deluxe: A Memoir of Life & Cars is narrated by author and musician Neil Young himself and provides a powerful survey of his Canadian background, his musical influences, and his passion for not just rock music, but cars. The latter is an unexpected facet to a story that winds through musical circles, but is a powerful account that captures his memories and personality and successfully supplements a musical focus with a bigger picture of his life and times. Superior audio packages often reach beyond the written word; especially when presented unabridged and using the author's own voice: Special Deluxe is a powerful saga and a fine pick for any interested in Neil Young and his life.

Full Force and Effect
Mark Greaney
Random House Audio Books
c/o The Random House Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, 5th floor, New York, NY 10019
9780553551983, $50.00, www.randomhouseaudio.com

Tom Clancy's Full Force and Effect provides a fine new Jack Ryan novel narrated by veteran reader Scott brick, whose smooth voice brings to life the drama surrounding a North Korean ICBM which crashes into the sea of Japan and involves a murdered CIA officer, forged documents, and more. There are many pieces to this puzzle - pieces which come satisfyingly to life in this story - and a familiar challenge is faced with President Jack Ryan, who must contend with new international dilemmas. The blend of intrigue, politics, and espionage comes to life in audio and makes this a special recommendation.

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

Preston & Child's BLUE LABYRINTH (9781478982845, $40.00) is narrated by TV actor Rene Auberjonois, whose TV credits include many major shows, and whose Broadway acting abilities led to a Tony Award. His smooth and memorable voice now lends equally well to audio as he narrates the story of a family secret that haunts a special agent with murder and its aftermath. As the mystery deepens the audio listen becomes ever more compelling, and swift action makes it hard to set aside - and recommended for any who love thriller mysteries. THE UNIVERSAL TONE by Carlos Santana (9781619698765, $35.00) pairs the musician's survey of his life with Jonathan Davis' reading and an introduction narrated by Santana himself, and provides a memoir that follows his earliest days playing in strip bars in Tijuana as a teen to his rise as a rock guitar star. From his spiritual blossoming to his evolution as a musician, The Universal Tone comes to life in an audio read that captures all the nuances of his world and times, making this a top recommendation for any rock music enthusiast in general and Santana listeners in particular. James Patterson returns his Alex Cross protagonists to viewers in HOPE TO DIE (9781611130362, $35.00), a story narrated by Michael Boatman and Scott Sower and documenting a legendary Washington, D.C. detective's latest challenge. Boatman and Sower work together to bring the saga to life as Alex's family is abducted by a madman and Alex finds himself grappling with terror and the possibility that a madman is in charge, manipulating the detective with everything he holds dear in life. A powerful thriller evolves in a story highly recommended for any interested in thrillers or high-stakes mystery stories. There's an abridged version (9781478982890, $25.00) for those who want a quicker listen.


The Library CD Shelf

Brandy O!
Anne Enslow and Ridley Enslow
Enslow Music
enslowmusic.com
www.ridleymadison.com
$25.27 list / $18.95 school/library www.amazon.com

Brandy O! Music from the Parlos of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson is a meticulous re-creation of the music once played in the parlors of America's first presidents. Performed on musical instruments authentic to the era (including a 1776 violin and a 1760 English guitar, harpsichord, harp, cello, flute, and hammered dulcimer), Brandy O! is a classic treasury. Twenty-four pages of extensive liner notes offer historical context to the songs and lyrics, as well as recount which First Family members played or sang each one. Highly recommended especially for public library collections, historical re-enactors, and simple listening pleasure. The tracks are "Nottingham Ale", "Peggy Perkins", "Brandy O!", "Lully's Minuet", "Here's a Health to Ane I Lo'e Dear", "The Roast Beef of Old England", "Thomas and Sally (Overture)", "Go to the Devil and Shake Yourself", "College Hornpipe", "Sliced and Peppered", "Come, Fill Me a Bumper", "Crazy Jane", "Felton's Gavotte", "Welcome, Mighty Chief, Once More! (written for George Washington)", "America, Commerce, and Freedom", "Begone, Dull Care", and "Nottingham Ale (reprise)". 47 min.

Firelight
Terra Guitarra
Earthsign Records
c/o The Creative Service Company
4360 Emerald Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
www.thecreativeservicecompany.com
$15.00 CD / $9.99 MP3 www.terraguitarra.com

Firelight is an instrumental album of mostly original compositions featuring the harmony of the acoustic Spanish guitar. The passionate artists of Terra Guitarra pair a steel-string acoustic guitar with a nylon-string, Latin-style acoustic guitar, enlivened with accents from drums, ethnic percussion, bass, and Native American flute. Incorporating elements of nuevo flamenco, jazz, new age, folk, and world fusion, Firelight is a truly joyous listening experience, highly recommended as a personal treasure or for gift-giving. The tracks are "Maya" (4:29), "October" (4:00), "Firelight" (4:02), "Sonando" (4:25), "Sunshower" (4:09), "Malaguena" (4:14), "North Country" (3:18), "Summerdance" (3:57), "Someday" (3:50), "Cloud Bird" (2:53), "Heartland" (3:59), "Sierra" (3:06), "Coucher du Soleil" (2:49).

Kingston City
New Kingston
Easy Star Records
PO Box 1069, Cooper Station, New York, NY 10276
c/o Press Junkie PR
www.easystar.com
$11.99 CD / $8.99 MP3 www.amazon.com

The third full-length album of New York City-based reggae band New Kingston, Kingston City features twelve songs, guest contributions from members of Tribal Seeds, Hawaiian singer-songwriter Kimie Miner, Sister Carol, The Wailing Souls, and the late, great reggae performer Sugar Minott. Vivacious and enriching, Kingston City captures the essence of celebrating every day together as a family. Highly recommended, especially for connoisseurs of the genre! The tracks are "Today", "Mystery Babylon", "Who Tell Them", "Can't Stop A Man", "Honorable", "You Are Mine", "Good Luck Charm", "Protect Me", "Certain Girls", "Key To Life", "I Believe in Me", and "Conquer Dem".

Aquarian Dream
Composed and performed by Carmen Rubino
Produced by John Barcelona and Carmen Rubino
Riga Records, Inc.
c/o The Creative Service Company (publicity)
4360 Emerald Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
www.thecreativeservicecompany.com
$15.95 CD plus download at www.carmenrubino.com
$8.99 MP3 at www.amazon.com

Aquarian Dream is a sweeping, instrumental new age album. The songs, all original compositions by Carmen Rubino, transform piano, electric keyboard, and a medley of supporting instruments (flute, harp, French horn, percussion, and more) into a symphonic odyssey. Wistful and wonderful, Aquarian Dream makes an excellent gifts to connoisseurs of expansive music that enriches the imagination. Highly recommended! The tracks are "Transcendence" (3:19), "Infinite Hearts Desire" (9:54), "Tears of Joy" (2:29), "Spirit Of Our Reflection" (5:44), "Perfect Harmony" (8:48), "Christmas Wish" (3:11), "In Our Place" (3:48), "How I Love You" (5:41), "Father" (12:15), "Sweet Angel Return" (2:39), "Sacred Vows" (2:39), and "Aquarian Dream" (13:18).

Summon the Wind
Timothy Wenzel
www.timothywenzel.com
Privately Published
c/o The Creative Service Company
4360 Emerald Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
www.thecreativeservicecompany.com
$12.97 CD / $9.99 download www.cdbaby.com

New Age keyboardist Timothy Wenzel presents Summon the Wind, an original, instrumental album inspired by the flowing primal forces of nature. A transcendental experience that encourages one to ponder the mysteries of the surrounding world, Summon the Wind sweeps the listener away in a breathtaking, wondrous journey. The tracks are "Still the Wind" (4:11), "Elven Dance" (4:55), "Peace to My Lady" (4:30), "All That Might Have Been" (4:23), "Mariner's Lament" (3:59), "Crystal Man" (4:19), "The Photograph" (4:41), "Tesla's Dream" (4:11), "Whirlwind" (3:37), "Edge of the World" (3:00), "Awaken" (4:07), and "Summon the Wind" (7:28).


The Library DVD Shelf

Scaling Force
Rory Miller & Lawrence A. Kane
YMAA Publications
PO Box 480, Wolfeboro, NH 03894-0480
9781594392931 $29.95 www.ymaa.com

Expert martial artists Rory Miller and Lawrence A. Kane present Scaling Force, an instructional DVD about judging how dangerous a given situation is, and how best to react. Sometimes violence can be prevented through body language, or verbally de-escalating the situation; sometimes empty-hand restraint or incapacitating techniques are needed, and sometimes nothing less than lethal force can save one's life. Quickly determining the threat level and executing the appropriate response is vital. Rory Miller has served for seventeen years in corrections as an officer and sergeant working maximum security; Lawrence A. Kane is a martial arts instructor who also has extensive professional experience in stadium security. Both share real-world, practical techniques for determining and dealing with potentially violent encounters. A "must-have" companion to any martial artist or self-defense practitioner's DVD library, Scaling Force just must save the viewer's life - or keep them from going to jail. Scaling Force is highly recommended for public library collections as well. 120 min.

DamNation
A Stoecker Ecological & Felt Soul Media Production
Bullfrog Films, Inc.
PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547
1941545211 $295.00 www.bullfrogfilms.com

DamNation is a documentary about the ecological toll that large, man-made dams take on the environment. Surveying the history of dam building in the US, DamNation reveals that these marvels of engineering are potentially deleterious to natural waterways and rivers, which in turn can cause more harm than good to the very societies that dams are meant to serve. Is there a sustainable alternative to harnessing energy from every last American river? DamNation is highly recommended as an excellent choice for public library collections or educational viewing. Both an 87-minute version and an abridged 52-minute classroom version are present on one DVD, with SDH captions.

The Story of Women and Art
Hosted by Amanda Vickery
Athena
athenalearning.com
c/o Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
c/o RLJ Entertainment
9781621722922 $34.99 www.acornonline.com

The Story of Women and Art is an educational DVD documentary about women's contributions to the art world throughout history, in spite of societal restrictions that blocked them from training, commissions, or critical acclaim. Professor Amanda Vickery explores four centuries of Western art, from renaissance Italy to the French Revolution, Dutch genre paintings, impressionism, and American modern art. Extraordinary female artists profiled include Artemisia Gentileschi, Judith Leyster, Angelica Kauffmann, Elisabeth Vigee-Leburn, Berthe Morisot, Georgia O'Keeffe, and many more. The Story of Women and Art is a treasure for high school and public library DVD shelves! 3 episodes on 1 DVD, 186 min., SDH subtitles.

A Horseman Riding By
Based on the novels by R.F. Delderfield
Acorn Media
c/o RLJ Entertainment
9781621722106 $59.99 www.acornonline.com

Adapted from the novels by R.F. Delderfield ("To Serve Them All My Days"), A Horseman Riding By is a dramatic British miniseries about a wounded Boer War veteran returning upper-class life. As squire of Sorrell Valley, he tries to be both a successful and just landowner. His heart is torn between two attractive women. Yet the true test of his ability to manage Shallowford comes with the outbreak of the First World War. A Horseman Riding By is a superbly performed period piece, enthusiastically recommended to connoisseurs of quality British drama. 13 episodes on 4 DVDs, 673 min., SDH subtitles.

Olympic National Park Washington State
Bennet Watt HD Productions, Inc.
13021 - 244 Avenue SE
Issaquah, WA 98027
9781604901771 $24.95 www.Bennett-Watt.com

Part of the Discoveries... America National Parks DVD series, Olympic National Park Washington State is a high-definition DVD showcasing six national parks. The places surveyed are Olympic National Park, a place of temperate rain forests, waterfalls, and hiking trails; San Juan Island National Historical Park, a preserved slice of what "Oregon Territory" used to be like; Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve, where rural farming and fishing are still practiced; Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, a place that beckons explorers and modern-day warriors; Whitman Mission National Historic Site, which commemorates the turning point of westward expansion in America's history; and North Cascades National Park Service Complex, a breathtaking hiker's paradise filled with waterfalls, glaciers, and mountain peaks. Informative and astoundingly beautiful, Olympic National Park Washington State is especially recommended for armchair travelers and public library DVD collections.

Hooked on Fly Tying series
With Chris Helm
Bennet Watt HD Productions, Inc.
13021 - 244 Avenue SE
Issaquah, WA 98027
$24.95 each www.Bennett-Watt.com

Award-winning fisherman and fly tier Chris Helm presents the Hooked on Fly Tying high-definition DVD series, designed especially to teach fellow fishermen of all skill and experience levels how to craft professional-quality fish lures. "Signature Invincible Mouse" (9781934682982, 138 min.) is a detailed, step-by-step guide to Helm's signature creation, the "deer hair mouse" fly. "Moorish Mouse, Bomber & Hazel" (9781934682993, 130 min.) reveals how to craft three different lures. Both DVDs have meticulous materials lists, and close-up photography with four cameras to reveal every nuance of the crafting process. Avid fly fishers should not pass up these "hands-on" treasuries!


The Computer Shelf

Real-World Data Mining
Dursun Delen
Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300
Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
9780133551075 $79.99 www.pearsoned.com

Data mining is a subfield of computer science; it is the practice and art of discerning patterns or useful information from large data sets. Real-World Data Mining: Applied Business Analytics and Decision Making addresses this field from a results-focused point of view, with particular emphasis on how findings from data mining can be applied to improve business performance. Chapters including an introduction to analytics and data mining, as well as commonly used processes, algorithms, and methodologies. Although Real-World Data Mining is written to be as accessible as reasonably possible, with carefully delineated, plain-terms explanations, the reader's familiarity with the fundamentals of computer science and mathematics is presumed. An excellent resource for computer science students or professionals seeking to better understand the practical uses of data mining, Real-World Data Mining is especially recommended for college library Computer Science shelves.

Cloud Computing and Electronic Discovery
James P. Martin and Harry Cendrowski
Wiley
c/o Wiley Professional Trade Group
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
9781118764305, $45.00, www.wiley.com/business

Business and IT computer readers alike will welcome this new addition to Wiley's CIO series, which considers cloud computing technology's impact on electronic discovery approaches specific to litigation and criminal investigations. Chapters explore the legal issues that an investigator or litigant can't just access the data held by a third party in the cloud, and uses a range of experts to consider this area of law and its applications to the legal professional, from fraud investigators to forensic accountants. The focus on how data is stored and legal ruling involving data creation, storage and manipulation will prove invaluable to businesses and makes for a fine, in-depth survey no computer or business collection should be without.

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

Edward C. Baig and Bob "Dr. mac" LeVitus's iPAD FOR DUMMIES (9781118932247, $24.99) teaches the basics of how to master the latest iPad versions, and begins with the basics, assuming no prior iPad, Apple or computer experience. From how to turn on the device and customize it to working with its touch interface, setting up icons, understanding how a browser (Safari) works, and handling messaging and more, this is all about making the most of an iPad and is directed to the newcomers who 'knows nothing'. From troubleshooting to accessorizing, this packed with screen shot examples and step-by-step bulleted processes that include common 'tricks and traps' of the iPad world. The result is a 'must' for any absolute, bare-bones beginner. Sean McManus and Mike Cook's RASPBERRY PI FOR DUMMIES (9781118904916, $24.99) teaches the range of possibilities in raspberry Pi and provides a step-by-step resource that covers everything from downloading and installing the software to understanding the differences between Linux and other operating systems, and how to customize Raspberry Pi programs. The focus on games, electronic and more offers an opportunity to learn Raspberry coding to create music and all kinds of applications from animations to 3D Minecraft mazes, and uses the basics of game-building from scratch to teach both the program and basic game creation. Any who would produce video games will find this a key reference!


The Art Shelf

Montana's Charlie Russell
Jennifer Bottomly-O'Looney & Kirby Lambert
Montana Historical Society Press
PO Box 201201, Helena, MT 59620
National Book Network (distributor)
4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
9781940527109, $80.00, www.amazon.com

Charles Marion Russell (March 19, 1864 - October 24, 1926), was an artist of the Old American West. Russell created more than 2,000 paintings of cowboys, Indians, and landscapes set in the Western United States and in Alberta, Canada, in addition to bronze sculptures. Known as 'the cowboy artist', Russell was also a storyteller and author. The C. M. Russell Museum Complex located in Great Falls, Montana houses more than 2,000 Russell artworks, personal objects, and artifacts. Russell's mural titled Lewis and Clark Meeting the Flathead Indians hangs in the state capitol building in Helena, Montana. Russell's 1918 painting Piegans sold for $5.6 million at a 2005 auction. The collaborative work of Jennifer Bottomly-O'Looney (Senior Curator of the Montana Historical Society) and Kirby Lambert (Director of the Outreach and Interpretations Program, Montana Historical Society), "Montana's Charlie Russell: Art in the Collection of the Montana Historical Society" is an impressive 432 page compendium beautifully showcasing the artwork of Charlie Russell with each superbly reproduced and flawless image enhanced with an a informed and informative commentary. An absolute "must" for academic library American Art History collections, "Montana's Charlie Russell: Art in the Collection of the Montana Historical Society" would make an enduringly popular and appropriate choice as a community library' Memorial Fund acquisition.

Designing Here/Now
Allan Chochinov and Eric Lundlum, Editors
Thames and Hudson
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110-0017
97805000517482, $50.00, www.thamesandhudsonusa.com

Designing Here/Now: Ac Global Selection of Objects, Concepts and Spaces for the Future covers designs ranging from consumer projects to transportation and visual communication, food design, and more, and gathers the work of one of the first online magazines, Core77, who works with leading design agencies and companies alike, hosting design awards and inviting the best of the world's design experts. This new book packs in over 500 objects in all fields of design into topical categories and focuses on designs selected by world critics and curators. The result is a 'must' for any designer or collections catering to them.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

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

Jack Campbell's THE LOST STARS: IMPERFECT SWORD (9780425272251, $26.95) adds to Campbell's The Lost Fleet series with a new story where the last left off. This time President Gwen Iceni and General Artur Drakon have liberated the Midway Star System - but former dictators still threaten with revenge and punishments. As political and military threats rise, Iceni and Drakon face business forces with their own motives, as well. The result is a rollicking good military and political sci-fi read, particularly recommended for prior Lost Fleet series readers who can't get enough of the setting and ongoing events. William C. Deitz's ANDROMEDA'S WAR (9780425256268, $25.95) returns to the author's prior Legion of the damned universe where Andromeda McKee is now a platoon leader who is working outside of her real identity as Lady Catherine Carletto, one of the last two surviving members of the Carletto family. When her uncle is killed in a government raid, Andromeda is the only one who can carry through the quest for justice and vengeance and this book chronicles the one chance she has when she's assigned to a rescue mission of her greatest enemy. Familiarity wit the prior universe will make this sequel especially accessible to fans of Andromeda's world.


The Architecture Shelf

Home Building Mistakes & Fixes
Buck Nemetz
Craftsman Book Company
6058 Corte del Cedro, Carlsbad, CA 92009
9781572183025, $52.50, www.craftsman-book.com

In "Home Building Mistakes & Fixes", Buck Nemetz draws upon his personal experience and hard won expertise from building his own two-story house to write a 382 page instruction manual and guide with a special focus on the kinds of construction errors and remedies that are often encountered -- even by professionals. "Home Building Mistakes & Fixes" covers Sitework (boundary lines, setbacks, utilities); Foundations (formwork, reinforcement, squaring & leveling, hidden septic systems); Basements (concrete pours, block walls, slabs); Carpentry (plywood on subfloors & walls, drywall, insulation, support walls, bracing); Roofing (uneven rows, bowed ridges, leaking valleys, out-of-square and sagging roofs); Electrical (tricky writing issues); Plumbing (unusual leaks, fixtures that won't unbolt, water heaters, wells, pumps); Drywall (easy, cost-effective repairs that work); Windows & Doors (changing window sizes, warped door frames); Eaves & Vents (warped eaves, ice buildup); Siding (headroom problems, newels, stringers); Kitchens (countertop issues, sink cutouts, cabinets); Outdoors (decks, fences, porches). Profusely illustrated, informed and informative, thoroughly 'user friendly', "Home Building Mistakes & Fixes" is strongly recommended for personal, professional, and community library instructional reference collections.

Green Home Building
Miki Cook & Doug Garrett
New Society Publishers
PO Box 189, Gabriola Island, BC, Canada, V0R 1X0
9780865717794, $24.95, www.newsociety.com

Green Home Building: Money-Saving Strategies for An Affordable, Healthy, High-Performance Home is a pick for architecture and sustainable building collections as well as for homeowners who want to 'go green' with their ownership using proved building methods, and covers all the latest construction and maintenance costs associated with greener building choices. From materials and affordable living to cutting maintenance and operating costs and achieving a net zero energy home, this is written for homeowners, builders, contractors, architects, and any interested in not just the ideal of green housing, but how it actually works in dollars and cents. Few titles are as specific and as useful in pinpointing exactly what makes 'green' living cost-effective, as well.


The Social Issues Shelf

The Shame Borne in Silence, revised edition
Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, M.D.
Urim Publications
c/o Lambda Publishers
527 Empire Boulevard
Brooklyn, New York 11225
9789655241662 $18.95 www.UrimPublications.com

Now in a revised edition, The Shame Borne in Silence: Spouse Abuse in the Jewish Community attacks the myth that Jews do not abuse their spouses. Rabbi and psychiatrist Dr. Abraham Twerski sheds light on this terrible social ill, contrary to the essence of Judaism itself. Chapters discuss the cyclic pattern of abuse, what the Torah says about domestic violence, the stories of individual survivors, the all-too-common problem of denial that abuse is taking place, child abuse and molestation, and more. A strident call to take a stand against an insidious wrong, The Shame Borne in Silence is highly recommended for public library social issues shelves.

Smart Cities
Anthony Townsend
W. W. Norton & Company
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
9780393349788, $17.95, www.wwnorton.com

SMART CITIES: BIG DATA, CIVIC HACKERS, AND THE QUEST FOR A NEW UTOPIA explores the relationship between cities and information technology, considering the connections between uses of various utilities from electricity to broadband networks and exploring how new tools work in urban environments. It's an analysis of how innovators are creating 'smart cities' with new visions of control and command centers, of how these work in major urban areas, and of how smart technology offers both new opportunities and reasons to worry. From interconnected glitches to opportunities for better connections and infrastructure control, this considers all the possibilities of the 'smart city' and is especially recommended for any interested in urban development and social change.

Abortion, Execution, and the Consequences of Taking Life
James D. Slack
Transaction Publishers
10 Corporate Place South, Piscataway, NJ 08854
9781412853989, $49.95, www.transactionpub.com

Abortion, Execution, and the Consequences of Taking Life is recommended for college-level audiences and comes from a sociologist who provides a scholarly assessment of the situation from his personal experiences with life-and-death situations. He interviews participants on all sides of such issues, balancing scholarly research with personal perspective and insights into the sociology and ideology of abortion and execution - deliberate taking of life routines and perspectives.


The Business Shelf

Business Rules!
Michael Sansolo
Brigantine Media
211 North Avenue, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
www.brigantinemedia.com
9781938406409, $14.95, 118pp, www.amazon.com

To be successful anyone engaged in a business enterprise of any size must know the 'rules of the road' if they hope to engage in today's volatile and competitive world. Entrepreneurs, multinational corporate CEOs, and small business owners alike will substantially benefit from Michael Sansolo's "Business Rules!" Some of the 52 rules comprising this instructive guide will prove to be unexpected such as "Fail fast and fail cheap" (Rule 14) showing the power of failure. Other rules offer new insights: "Focus on your best customers" (Rule 4) shows how Lady Gaga builds loyalty. Read one rule a week - or all 52 at once! Business Rules! is your guide to success in business. Exceptionally well written, presented, and very highly recommended reading, "Business Rules!" is one of a series of four instruction guides. The other three are "Retail Rules!" (9781938406416, $14.95); "Customer Service Rules!" (9781938406393, $14.95); and "Supermarket Rules!" (9781938406430, $14.95). Highly recommended for personal reading lists and community library business reference collections, all four of these outstanding reads are also available in Kindle editions ($8.99 each).

Greenleaf Book Group Press
PO Box 91869, Austin, TX 78709
www.gbgpress.com

Joel Trammell's THE CEO TIGHTROPE: HOW TO MASTER THE BALANCING ACT OF A SUCCESSFUL CEO (9781626341067, $26.95) discusses the job of a CEO, how to recognize and reflect the company vision, and how to handle company goals and make decisions in accordance with board and shareholder concerns. It's for the new CEO that may have worked into the position without prior experience, and it identifies many potential pitfalls inherent in the position and how to avoid them. From common daily struggles that lead to instability to identifying the right kind of growth opportunity, this is packed with guidelines aspiring CEOs will find invaluable. Jen Lawrence & Larry Chester's ENGAGE THE FOX (9781626341234, $23.95) uses a fable format to engage readers on critical thinking processes, and provides a fine book considering how to build rational thought and frameworks. Critical thinking techniques lend to better business approaches and decision-making. ENGAGE THE F0X links various facets together, from neuroscience and human behavior to business approaches, to provide a framework for critical thought processes.

Kogan Page USA
1518 Walnut Street, Suite 1100, Philadelphia, PA 19102
www.koganpage.com

Julian Dent's Technology Distribution Channels (9780749472177, $65.00) focuses on the sales, marketing and distribution channels in technology and considers why these channels are heralded as the most efficient of any industry sector. Chapters consider how they operate, why they engage retailers and others better than other channels, and how to use these basics to improve other types of distribution processes in the market. From strategies of channel economics to blending online and other market approaches, this book is a 'must' for any who would build approaches to better marketing. Benjamin Berghaus, et.al.'s The Management Of Luxury: A Practitioner's Handbook (9780749471668, $60.00) is all about luxury management at the manufacturing and marketing levels, and considers how the management of luxury is different than other types of business management. Here some 50 contributors from 11 countries and 23 academic institutions around the world offer articles on luxury management practices and research, pairing marketing and management perspectives with insights on luxury customer behaviors, product branding, retail sales, online approaches, and more. The result is an in-depth survey well suited to any business collection. Helen Rideout's Employee Risk Management: How to Protect Your Business Reputation and Reduce Your Legal Liability (9780749471606, $60.00) considers basic concepts of employee risk management practices and how the actions of employees, boards of directors, contractors, and staff can affect an employer. Its focus is on a range of individual and collective threats to workforce routines and management, teaching businesses how to protect against a wide range of issues from managing employee social media use to maintain business reputation to remote working challenges and data security in the workplace. The result is a top recommendation for any size business with employees.

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

Rodney Heisterberg and Alakh Verma's CREATING BUSINESS AGILITY: HOW CONVERGENCE OF CLOUD, SOCIAL, MOBILE, VIDEO, AND BIG DATA ENABLES COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE (9781118724569, $60.00) offers a proven, tested model for bringing technological innovations to a successful digital business environment to making existing businesses more efficient, and provides the latest trends and data linking management practices to internal and external business pursuits. From how to assess key performance indicators for early warning indicating change to using predictive analytics and fostering an agile business environment dependant on quick adaptability and flexible change, this book uses a sample travel destination and event marketing campaign scenario to translate its models into business environment reality. Managers will find this a 'must have' tutorial filled with tested data applications and real-world examples. Mark A. Grinmaldi and G. Stevenson Smith's THE MONEY COMPASS: WHERE YOUR MONEY WENT AND HOW TO GET IT BACK (9781118614457, $40.00) considers the financial collapse and why operating under old rules isn't working for many. It provides a key to operating under new rules of investment, innovation and financial survival, and teaches how to navigate a changed reality. Investors who want to know where their monies went, how to get them back, and how to operate under new financial rules will find this an excellent choice for developing a revised system of money management and investing routines perfect for any navigating the stormy, changing waters of personal financial planning.

An Asperger's Guide to Entrepreneurship
Rosalind A. Bergemann
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
400 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
9781849055093, $29.95, www.jkp.com

An Asperger's Guide to Entrepreneurship: Setting Up Your Own Business for Professionals with Autism Spectrum Disorder is for any business person with Asperger's Syndrome considering self-employment, as well as young graduates who want to try out a business path, and provides a detailed guide that links common business processes with attention to how Asperger's fits into such a pursuit. From the unique strengths one can bring to a new business to typical problems that self-employment might especially bring to Asperger's entrepreneurs, this book takes all the usual business basics - marketing, promotion, financial management, networking - and adds an extra dimension specific to Asperger's individuals, making this a 'must' for both business and health collections.


The Sports Shelf

Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
PO Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61820-5076
www.humankinetics.com

Pete Pfitzinger and Philip Latter's FASTER ROAD RACING: 5k TO HALF MARATHON (9781450470452, $19.95) comes from a running coach and author who joins with the senior writer for Running Times to provide a guide to the most popular race distances, from the 5 and 10K to the half marathon. It features programs for each which are designed to help runners gain a competitive edge in a race, and it includes topics that range from cross-training and nutrition to training over age 40 and running multiple races. Runners will find in this an invaluable reference. Kevin G. Thompson's PACING: INDIVIDUAL STRATEGIES FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE (9781450421232, $24.95) examines the latest science and research in the pacing of sports, considering different strategies for different athletic endeavors and the role the brain plays in pacing. From the biological foundations of pacing science and six commonly-used strategies to applying this to different kinds of competition, from running to swimming, this teaches how to develop and adjust different kinds of pacing routines for difference purposes. The result is recommended for any athlete and for many a coaching library.


The Environmental Studies Shelf

Future Arctic
Edward Struzik
Island Press
2000 M St NW Suite 650
Washington, DC 20036
9781610914406 $27.00 www.islandpress.org

Journalist, explorer, and award-winning writer Edward Struzik presents Future Arctic: Field Notes from a World on the Edge, a glimpse at how the Arctic is rapidly changing today. As the polar ice retreats, and more species of plants and animals migrate northward, the Arctic becomes increasingly unrecognizable. Hybridization accelerates between grizzly bears and polar bears; arctic foxes and red foxes; narwhals and belugas. Diseases that were held back by extreme cold temperatures are beginning to spread to species that have no immunity against them. And that is only the beginning - ocean currents could potentially shift, and mass extinctions could be on the horizon. Many people of different cultures depend on the bounty of the Arctic to survive; as the land changes, how can they best adapt? Accessible to readers of all backgrounds, Future Arctic is not strident or preachy, but neither does it downplay the harsh consequences of changes in the Arctic, even as it sifts through the mistakes and success stories of environmental conservation efforts in search of a sustainable path going forward. Highly recommended, especially for public library Environmental Studies and Natural History shelves.

Reef Libre
Robert Wintner
Taylor Trade Publishing
c/o Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group
4501 Forbes Blvd., Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
9781630760731 $45.00 www.rowman.com

Featuring striking, full-color nature photography throughout, Reef Libre: The Last, Best Reefs in the World is a coffee-table book showcasing the breathtaking beauty of Cuba's reefs and aquatic wildlife. The only known reef system in the world with 100% biodiversity, 100% coral cover and a complete host of apex predators, will Cuba's continue to thrive? The lack of U.S. tourism and marginal development have left them pristine, but for how long? A DVD accompanies this stunning showcase postulating serious ecological and moral conundrums. Reef Libre is a treasury for environmental studies shelves and especially recommended for public library collections.

Solar Living Sourcebook, 14th edition
John Schaeffer
New Society Publishers
PO Box 189, Gabriola Island, BC, Canada, V0R 1X0
9780865717848, $39.95, www.newsociety.com

Solar Living Sourcebook has been regularly updated since 1982 and appears here in its 14th edition to offer the definitive guide to renewable energy options, sustainable living, and more. Articles come from experts with decades of experience and include everything from wiring diagrams and charts to electrical code regulations, solar sizing worksheets, and more - but you don't have to be a solar expert to utilize this book. Any interested in applying solar power to any endeavor will find this sourcebook packed with the latest technologies and off-the-grid living approaches, and will find chapters on water, power, community gardens, panel to plug applications and more to be specific and important references.


The Library Science Shelf

Rightsizing The Academic Library Collection
Suzanne M. Ward
ALA Editions
c/o American Library Association
50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611
www.alastore.ala.org
9780838912980, $60.00, www.amazon.com

An academic library is a library that is attached to a higher education institution which serves two complementary purposes to support the school's curriculum, and to support the research of the university faculty and students. It is unknown how many academic libraries there are internationally. An academic and research portal maintained by UNESCO links to 3,785 libraries. According to the National Center for Education Statistics there are an estimated 3,700 academic libraries in the United States. The support of teaching and learning requires material for class readings and for student papers. In the past, the material for class readings, intended to supplement lectures as prescribed by the instructor, has been called reserves. In the period before electronic resources became available, the reserves were supplied as actual books or as photocopies of appropriate journal articles. "Rightsizing the Academic Library Collection" by librarian Suzanne M. Ward (Head Collection Management, Purdue University Libraries, West Lafayette, Indiana) is a 168 page compendium that is deftly organized into five chapters: Background; Traditional Deselection Solutions; Rightsizing Solutions; Project Management; The Future of Physical Collections in Academic Libraries. Enhanced with the inclusion of an eight page listing of References and a twenty-three page Index, "Rightsizing The Academic Library Collection" is a critically important for professional librarians charged with maintaining the standards of an academic library, as well as an addition to university level Library Science curriculum supplemental reading lists.

Rethinking Reference For Academic Libraries
Carrie Forbes & Jennifer Bowers, editors
Rowman & Littlefield
4501 Forbes Blvd., Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
www.rowman.com
9781442244511, $75.00, www.amazon.com

The advent of the internet and web-based technologies has had an extensive impact on the reference and research services provided by academic, corporate, and governmental libraries and library systems. This digitally driven evolution has resulted in an increasing demand for specialized professional competencies and support literature. Knowledgeably compiled and co-edited by Carrie Forbes (Associate Dean for Student and Scholar Services, Penrose Library, University of Denver) and Jennifer Bowers (Associate Professor and social sciences librarian, University of Denver), "Rethinking Reference for Academic Libraries: Innovative Developments and Future Trends" is a 262 page compendium comprised of fourteen informed and informative articles by experts in the field. These contributions are deftly organized into five major sections: Collaboration: Partnerships for Lifelong Learning; Diversity: Meeting the Information Needs of a Changing Demographic; Technology: Reference Service Beyond the Library Walls; Assessment: Does Reference Make a Difference?; Professional Competencies: Skills for a New Generation. Enhanced with the inclusion of a ten page Index, "Rethinking Reference For Academic Libraries" is a critically important contribution to academic library and professional Library Science reference collections and supplemental reading lists. It should be noted that "Rethinking Reference For Academic Libraries" is also available in a paperback edition (9781442244528, $55.00) and a Kindle edition ($43.99).

Social Media For Creative Libraries, second edition
Phil Bradley
Facet Publishing
7 Ridgmount Street, London, England, WC1E 7AE
www.facetpublishing.co.uk
9781856047135, $95.00, www.amazon.com

Social media are computer-mediated tools that allow people to create, share or exchange information, ideas, and pictures/videos in virtual communities and networks. Social media is defined as "a group of Internet-based applications that build on the ideological and technological foundations of Web 2.0, and that allow the creation and exchange of user-generated content". Furthermore, social media depend on mobile and web-based technologies to create highly interactive platforms through which individuals and communities share, co-create, discuss, and modify user-generated content. They introduce substantial and pervasive changes to communication between organizations, communities, and individuals. These changes are the focus of the emerging field of technoself studies (TSS), an interdisciplinary domain about human identity in a technology-driven society. Now in a fully updated and expanded second edition "Social Media for Creative Libraries: How to Maximize Impact and Reach" is a 288 page compendium deftly organized into informed and informative chapters: An Introduction to Social Media; Authority Checking; Guiding Tools; Current Awareness and Selective Dissemination of Information Resources; Presentation Tools; Teaching and Training; Communication; Marketing and Promotion - The Groundwork; Marketing and Promotion - The Practicalities; Creating a Social Media Policy. Enhanced with an appendix (Social Media Disasters) and a 121 page index, "Social Media for Creative Libraries: How to Maximize Impact and Reach" is impressively instructive and 'user friendly', making it a highly prized and recommended addition to personal, professional, community, corporate, and academic library 'Library Science' reference collections and supplemental studies reading lists.

Extensible Processing for Archives and Special Collections
Daniel A. Santamaria
American Library Association
50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611
9780838912577, $75.00, www.alastore.ala.org

Professional librarians seeking information on reducing common processing backlogs will find Extensible Processing for Archives and Special Collections a key to developing more effective processing strategies. From formulating and implementing a professional program - which relies on advanced professional skills - to encoding descriptive records, adjusting archival thinking patterns and habits, and creating staffing models for better supervision, this is a professional library reference that considers all aspects of special collections challenges.


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

Strange Electromagnetic Dimensions
Louis Proud
New Page Books
c/o Career Press Inc.
220 West Parkway, Unit 12, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
c/o Warwick Associates (publicity)
18340 Sonoma Highway, Sonoma, California 95476
www.warwickassociates.com
9781601633279 $16.99 www.newpagebooks.com

Researcher Louis Proud, whose articles have appeared in magazines such as "New Dawn" "Paranormal", "FATE", and "Nexus", presents Strange Electromagnetic Dimensions: The Science of the Unexplainable. The central focus is on the connection between electricity and the human mind, examining evidence and case studies which imply that electric and radio wave energies are giving people psychic powers. But the transformation is a double-edged sword; even as ESP, psychokinesis, and other psychic abilities develop, physical health deteriorates. An index rounds out this fascinating and welcome addition to paranormal and metaphysical studies shelves.

Strange Electromagnetic Dimensions
Louis Proud
New Page Books
c/o Career Press Inc.
220 West Parkway, Unit 12, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
9781601633327, $16.99, www.newpagebooks.com

Strange Electromagnetic Dimensions: The Science of the Unexplainable delves into the new science of natural and supernatural effects, and considers how all things are tied to an electromagnetic web - often with unpredictable results. From ESP and poltergeists to UFOs and the paranormal, this focus on electromagnetic roots analyzes alien energies that have been introduced into the environment and which shape human senses and experiences. From questions about ball lightning and scientific oddities to answers connecting electromagnetic effects with the supernatural, this is an exciting read for any interested in science and new age blends.

The Only Little Prayer You Need
Debra Landwehr Engle
Hampton Roads Publishing Company
65 Parker St., Ste. 7, Newburyport, MA 01950
9781571747181, $14.95, www.hamptonroads.com

The Only Little Prayer You Need: The Shortest Route to a Life of Joy, Abundance, and Peace of Mind is based on Engle's study of A Course in Miracles and explains how to use prayer to make better decisions, worry less, and multiply energy. The focus is on guilt-free actions and admonitions that break old patterns of behavior. Chapters consider how to tailor a prayer to encourage improvement on many levels in an approach especially recommended for prior followers of A Course in Miracles.

The Happiness Makeover
M.J. Ryan
Conari Press
c/o Red Wheel/Weiser
65 Parker Street, Suite 7, Newburyport, MA 01950-4600
9781573246101, $14.95, www.redwheelweiser.com

The Happiness Makeover: Teach Yourself to Enjoy Every Day is based on the author's international coaching practice, and provides the tools to recognize the habits and influences that hinder happiness and foster confusion and angst. Stories, quotes, and sayings encourage readers to focus on innate wisdom and overcome negative environmental impact, teaching a gentle method of adaptation and transformation recommended for any interested in new age or self-help approaches to life.

Coming Back to Life
Joanna Macy and Molly Brown
New Society Publishers
PO Box 189, Gabriola Island, BC, Canada, V0R 1X0
9780865717756, $21.95, www.newsociety.com

Coming Back to Life provides an updated guide to The Work That Reconnects and is an encouraging story of activism and environmental change that pairs the Work to life-affirming routines designed to change not only personal perspective but surrounding human culture. It uses the Work's theoretical foundations and adds an extra dimension to address modern angst and powerlessness, providing a game plan for thwarting apathy and becoming actively involved in changing directions for the better. The result may be picked primarily by new age readers, but is a recommendation for any interested in activism and positive change.


The Christian Studies Shelf

The History of the National Encuentros
Mario J. Paredes
Paulist Press
997 MacArthur Boulevard
Mahwah, NJ 07430
9780809149056 $27.95 www.paulistpress.com

Fifty years after the end of the Second Vatican Council, The History of the National Encuentros: Hispanic Americans in the One Catholic Church is a studious examination and celebration of the Catholic Church's efforts to welcome and integrate a growing Hispanic American constituency. In the early 70's, Catholic bishops of the United States worked together to figure out how to better serve and integrate Hispanic American members; their methodology of "see, judge, and act" formed the base of a consultation model that would come to be known as National Encuentros ("Encounters"). Each encuentro suggested recommendations to bishops and the diocesan church. The ultimate result was the National Pastoral Plan for Hispanic Ministry, as developed and approved by the USCCB. The fifth encuentro is currently scheduled to take place in the summer of 2016. Written in a serious-minded yet reader-friendly style, The History of the National Encuentros details the history, logistics, ideas, practices, and ongoing efforts of this movement, and is especially recommended for college and church library Christian Studies shelves.

A Little Daily Wisdom from the Early Church
Edited by Bernard Bangley
Paraclete Press
PO Box 1568, Orleans, MA 02653
9781612615776 $18.99 www.paracletepress.com

A Little Daily Wisdom from the Early Church is a compact book filled with 365 readings by and about early Christians - those who lived and practiced in the first few centuries after Christ walked the Earth. Each page has a biblical quote, a moral or parable from the lives of early Christians, and a bolded statement condensing the parable's meaning. Filled cover to cover with inspirational quotes, A Little Daily Wisdom from the Early Church a useful resource for deepening one's relationship with God, one day at a time. "Amma Syncletica said, 'Anger is not good. If you become angry, do not allow it to remain with you all day.'"

Lent with Pope Francis
Edited by Donna Giaimo, PSP
Pauline Books & Media
50 St. Pauls Avenue, Boston, MA 02130
0819845728 $7.95 www.pauline.org

Lent with Pope Francis is a daily companion to the holy season of Lent, featuring passages from Scripture, selections from Pope Francis' homilies and speeches, questions for personal reflection, and concluding prayers. "The joy of the Gospel is not just any joy. It consists in knowing one is welcomed and loved by God. As the Prophet Isaiah reminds us... God is he who comes to save us and who seeks to help, especially those who are fearful of heart. His coming among us strengthens us, makes us steadfast, gives us courage... However great our limitations and dismay, we are not allowed to be sluggish and vacillating when faced with difficulty and our own weakness..." Lent with Pope Francis is highly recommended as an inspirational resource for meditation, contemplation, and deepened worship.

A New Heaven and a New Earth
J. Richard Middleton
Baker Academy
c/o Baker Publishing Group
6030 East Fulton, Ada, MI 49301
www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
9780801048685, $26.99, www.amazon.com

Eschatology is that part of Christian theology concerned with the final events of history, or the ultimate destiny of humanity. This concept is commonly referred to as the "end of the world" or "end time". "A New Heaven and a New Earth: Reclaiming Biblical Eschatology" by J. Richard Middleton (Professor of Biblical Worldview and Exegesis, Northeastern Seminary and Adjunct Professor of Theology, Roberts Wesleyan College) is a 336 page treatise organized and presented in five major parts: From Creation to Eschaton; Holistic Salvation in the Old Testament; The New Testament's Vision of Cosmic Renewal; Problem Texts for Holistic Eschatology; The Ethics of the Kingdom. Enhanced with the inclusion of an informative introduction, figures and tables, an appendix (Whatever Happened to the New Earth?); a thirty page Subject Index; and a fifteen page Scripture Index, "A New Heaven and a New Earth: Reclaiming Biblical Eschatology" is a model of Biblical scholarship making it very instructive reading and highly recommended for personal, seminary, community and academic library Christian Studies collections. It should be noted that "A New Heaven and a New Earth: Reclaiming Biblical Eschatology" is also available in a Kindle edition ($14.57).

Thomas Berry: Selected Writings on the Earth Community
Marilyn Evelyn Tucker and John Grim
Orbis Books
PO Box 302, Maryknoll NY 10545-0302
9781626980952, $22.00, www.orbisbooks.com

Thomas Berry: Selected Writings on the Earth Community joins others in the 'modern spiritual masters' series, and represents the reflections of a priest and religion historian who here considers the nature of spirituality in communities. From how intimacy with cosmic forces may be found in life stories to expressions of cultural traditions, spiritual legacies, and world interactions, this is a gathering of considerations of the human role in spiritual perspective, and is filled with inter-connected observations of Christian beliefs and world perspectives.

Cybertheology
Antonion Spadaro, author
Translated by Maria Way
Fordham University Press
University Box L, Bronx, NY 10458-5172
9780823257003, $24.00, www.fordham.edu

Cybertheology: Thinking Christianity in the Era of the Internet draws direct connections between ways the Internet is changing and how Christian thinking about religion is changing, suggesting that concepts of theology are changing as a result of cyberspace influence. Chapters consider just how this is happening, offering connections between traditional theology and concepts being presented on the internet. From the evolution of a peculiar brand of 'cybertheology' to issues of hacking, and similarities between Internet thinking processes and other types of media influence on Christian thought and analysis, this is an important, scholarly survey recommended for any Christian thinker and media collection.


The Biography Shelf

Delius And His Music
Martin Lee-Brown & Paul Guinery
Boydell Press
c/o Boydell & Brewer Inc
668 Mount Hope Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620-2731
www.boydellandbrewer.com
9781843839590, $50.00, www.amazon.com

Frederick Theodore Albert Delius, CH (29 January 1862 - 10 June 1934) was an English composer. Born in the north of England to a prosperous mercantile family, he resisted attempts to recruit him to commerce. He was sent to Florida in the United States in 1884 to manage an orange plantation. There he soon neglected his managerial duties, and in 1886 returned to Europe. Having been influenced by African-American music during his short stay in Florida, he began composing. After a brief period of formal musical study in Germany beginning in 1886, he embarked on a full-time career as a composer in Paris and then in nearby Grez-sur-Loing, where he and his wife Jelka lived for the rest of their lives, except during the First World War. The collaborative work of Martin Lee-Brown and Paul Guinery, "Delius and His Music" is a 560 page biography that is meticulously detailed and impressively informative. Enhanced with twenty-eight illustrations, three appendices, a two page listing of suggested further readings, and a fifty-three page Index, "Delius And His Music" is a very strongly recommended contribution to academic library collections.

Rancher Archaeologist
George C. Frison
The University of Utah Press
295 South 1500 East, Suite 5400, Salt Lake City, UT 84112-0860
www.uofupress.com
9781607813293, $45.00, www.amazon.com

George Carr Frison (Born November 11, 1924) is an American archaeologist. He has been given the Society for American Archaeology's Lifetime Achievement Award, the Paleoarchaeologist of the Century Award, and was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. He was Wyoming's first State Archaeologist, and was a founder of the University of Wyoming Anthropology Department. "Rancher Archaeologist: A Career in Two Different Worlds" is Professor Frison's 304 page biography in which he details his life and work, and most especially, how a Wyoming rancher developed into one of the country's influential archaeologists. Deftly written from beginning to end, "Rancher Archaeologist: A Career in Two Different Worlds" is enhanced with the inclusion of illustrations, an appendix (Milestones), an eighteen page list of cited references, and an eleven page index. Informed and informative, "Rancher Archaeologist: A Career in Two Different Worlds" is very highly recommended for both academic and community American Biography and American Archaeology reference collections.

Pioneering History on Two Continents
Bruce F. Pauley
Potomac Books, Inc.
c/o University of Nebraska Press
22841 Quicksilver Drive
Dulles, VA 20166-2012
9781612346960 $37.95 www.potomacbooksinc.com

Award-winning historian (known for his work studying anti-Semitism, Nazism, and totalitarianism) Bruce F. Pauley tells of both family and personal history in Pioneering History on Two Continents: An Autobiography. A true-life saga that explores the lives of Volga Germans (settlers who responded to Catherine the Great's invitation to settle the Volga River, and were beset from tremendous hardships, including treatment as second-class citizens and military conscription in spite of the original proclamation's terms), the pioneer efforts of Pauley's family in Nebraska during the late nineteenth century, and revolutions in the study of history during the second half of the twentieth century, Pioneering History on Two Continents is as much an eye-opening portrayal of history's tides as it is about one family's determination to survive. Notes and an index round out this welcome addition to biography and history collections.

A War of Shadows
W. Stanley Moss
Paul Dry Books
1700 Sansom Street, Suite 700
Philadelphia, PA 19103-5214
9781589880979 $18.95 www.pauldrybooks.com

A War of Shadows is the second memoir of author W. Stanley Moss, a former British operative whose service included the successful kidnapping of a Nazi general. Focusing on Moss' time as a World War II agent in Crete, Macedonia, and the Siamese jungle, A War of Shadows tells of intrigue, ambushes, double-cross betrayals, and crucial covert missions. Exciting and suspenseful, A War of Shadows is difficult to put down until the final page. Also highly recommended is Moss' previous military memoir, "Ill Met by Moonlight".

Daring: My Passages
Gail Sheehy
William Morrow & Company
c/o HarperCollins Publishers
10 East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022-5299
9780062291691, $29.99, www.harpercollins.com

Daring: My Passages was published last September but deserves ongoing recommendation as a powerful memoir of a literary journalist who forged a place for herself in the then-man's world of journalism. From how she traveled to war zones and took on assignments with little background or experience to how she emerged from a stormy romance with her mentor and editor to write her groundbreaking book Passages, this delves into her psychology and into women's issues alike, and provides a powerful memoir that is a top pick for any who have followed her career.


The Needlecraft Shelf

Lovely Letters
Annie Stauffer
Annie's
P.O. Box 8000, Big Sandy, TX 75755
www.anniescatalog.com
9781573676540, $17.99, www.amazon.com

Personalization or monogramming has been used on embroideries for centuries. From linens and clothing to baby items and household goods, putting one's initial or initials on something imparts a unique classic style. Add a single letter for personalization or a traditional three-letter monogram to items like hand towels, photo albums, or pillows. Personalize shirts, scarves, bookmarks, or tote bags. "Lovely Letters" features nine alphabets that are perfect for adding a personal touch to nearly anything. The alphabets are divided into three categories: Clean & Classic, Elegant & Exquisite, and Fun & Funky, each of which features three alphabets with letters that can be easily combined to create names or words. The colors can be altered and the fabrics changed to create projects that are functional, beautiful, and one of a kind. The alphabets here range from simple, clean lines to fanciful letters made of flowers. There are classic bordered letters and whimsical letters made with bright colors. The finishing on every project is simple, with easy-to-follow instructions addressed step by step in the Finishing chapter. Such creations will be treasured for years to come. Practical, 'user friendly', and a lot of fun, "Lovely Letters: 9 Cross-Stitch Alphabets & Monograms" is enthusiastically recommended for personal, professional, and community library Needlecraft instructional reference collections.

Sixth&Spring Books
161 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 1301, New York, NY 10013
www.sixthandspring.com

Susan Gibbs's MODERN COUNTRY KNITS: 30 DESIGNS FROM JUNIPER MOON FARM (9781936096794, $19.95) provides 30 knitwear designs that focus on country living and simple styles from Juniper Moon farm's line of yarns. From dresses and hats to cowls and jumpers, this offers a variety of approaches to knitting and highlights wool produced by the farm's own sheep. While you don't have to have the specific yarn to follow the designs and directions, the purpose here is to make use of the specific product, and knitters interested in using unique and specialty yarn products will find this a winning approach. Nancy Marchant's KNITTING FRESH BRIOCHE: CREATING TWO-COLOR TWISTS & TURNS (9781936096770, $24.95) is a follow-up to the author's best-seller Knitting Fresh Brioche, and here provides over seventy new stitch patterns featuring the same attention to two-color textures and 12 shawl and scarf projects. The brioche technique is explored using a range of textures that lend to two-color combinations and comes from an expert on the European stitch style of brioche knitting, offering a range of opportunities to learn different techniques and creative applications.

Martingale & Company
19021 Avenue NE, Bothell, WA 98011
www.shopmartingale.com

Molly Hanson's FREE-MOTION QUILTING FOR BEGINNERS AND THOSE WHO THINK THEY CAN'T (9781604684711, $26.99) offers a fine review of the techniques, designs and projects accessible to home sewing machine users, and focuses on making it easy to learn to free-motion quilt. Step-by-step instructions accompany a survey of the basics which use ten different quilting designs applied to some 15 different projects ranging from a tote bag and laptop holder to a complete quilt. Readers can thus use their machines to learn the basics on small projects before graduating to full quilts. Patterns, projects, and color images throughout create a fine and diverse selection of ideas that uses projects to teach, making this a highly recommended beginner's guide. Myra Harder's URBAN AND AMISH: CLASSIC QUILTS AND MODERN UPDATES (9781604684568, $24.99) offers a breath of fresh air in a world where quilt patterns too often look alike, taking classic Amish patterns and incorporating them into truly modern outtakes. These come from a designer whose modern geometric interpretations are bold and different, and whose quilting approach involves offering two distinct patterns for each design - one modern, one traditionally Amish. Full-page color photos accompany more colorful step-by-step directions in this fine survey.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

The Vegiterranean Diet
Julieanna Hever, MS, RD
Da Capo Press / Lifelong Books
c/o Perseus Book Group
250 W. 57th St., Suite 1500
New York, NY 10107
www.perseusbooksgroup.com
9780738217895 $17.99 www.dacapopress.com

Registered dietician Julieanna Hever presents The Vegiterranean Diet, a user-friendly resource to planning an oil- and meat-free Mediterranean diet, combining the health benefits of Mediterranean cuisine and the vegetarian lifestyle. Featuring over sixty recipes that can be mixed or matched into 21-day meal plans, The Vegiterranean Diet is enthusiastically recommended for health-conscious individuals everywhere. "Nonheme iron is widely available from plants like leafy greens, beans, and oatmeal. Eating a healthy array of these foods and eating them together with a source of vitamin C (found in fruits and vegetables) that aids in absorption will prevent both iron deficiency and the pro-oxidative effects of excess iron."

Human Fungal Pathogens
Edited by Arturo Casadevall, et. al.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press
500 Sunnyside Boulevard
Woodbury NY 11797-2924
www.perspectivesinmedicine.org
9781621820758 $135.00 www.cshlpress.com

Written and edited by professionals in the field, Human Fungal Pathogens reviews the biology and diseases of fungal pathogens. A resource written for biologists, medical professionals, or possibly advanced students, Human Fungal Pathogens compiles essays by a variety of distinguished authors. Individual writings include "Evolutionary Perspectives on Human Fungal Pathogens", "Adaptive Immunity to Fungi", "Fungal Morphogenesis", "Mechanisms of Antifungal Drug Resistance", "Black Molds and Melanized Yeasts Pathogenic to Humans", and much more. Each essay cites a wealth of references, and an index allows for easy cross-reference of this worthy contribution to medical and graduate school library collections.

Epidemiology: Beyond The Basics, third edition
Moyses Szklo & F. Javier Nieto
Jones & Bartlett Learning
5 Wall Street, Burlington, MA 01803
www.jblearning.com
9781449604691, $116.95, www.amazon.com

Epidemiology is the science that studies the patterns, causes, and effects of health and disease conditions in defined populations. It is the cornerstone of public health, and informs policy decisions and evidence-based practice by identifying risk factors for disease and targets for preventive healthcare. Epidemiologists help with study design, collection, and statistical analysis of data, and interpretation and dissemination of results (including peer review and occasional systematic review). Epidemiology has helped develop methodology used in clinical research, public health studies, and, to a lesser extent, basic research in the biological sciences. Major areas of epidemiological study include disease etiology, transmission, outbreak investigation, disease surveillance and screening, biomonitoring, and comparisons of treatment effects such as in clinical trials. Epidemiologists rely on other scientific disciplines like biology to better understand disease processes, statistics to make efficient use of the data and draw appropriate conclusions, social sciences to understand proximate and distal causes better, and engineering for exposure assessment. Now in a fully updated and expanded third edition, "Epidemiology: Beyond The Basics" is the work of Moyses Szklo (Professor of Epidemiology and Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland) and F. Javier Nieto (Professor and Chair of the Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin). This 516 page compendium is comprised of ten chapters organized into five major sections: An introduction to the basic study designs in analytical epidemiology; Measures of disease occurrence and association; Threats to validity and issues of interpretation; Dealing with threats to validity; Issues of reporting and application of epidemiologic results. Enhanced with the inclusion of six appendices and a comprehensive index, "Epidemiology: Beyond The Basics" is an ideal textbook for medical school curriculums and a valued addition to academic library Health & Medicine reference collections.

Dementia Beyond Disease
G. Allen Power, M.D.
Health Professions Press
PO Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
www.healthpropress.com
9781938870132, $36.99, www.amazon.com

Dementia is a broad category of brain diseases that cause a long term and often gradual decrease in the ability to think and remember such that a person's daily functioning is affected. Other common symptoms include emotional problems, problems with language, and a decrease in motivation. A person's consciousness is not affected. For the diagnosis to be present it must be a change from a person's usual mental functioning and a greater decline than one would expect due to aging. These diseases also have a significant effect on a person's caregivers. "Dementia Beyond Disease: Enhancing Well-Being" by G. Allen Power (a board certified internist and geriatrician who is also the Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine, University of Rochester, New York) is a 305 page compendium that focuses on how to apply a well-being approach to the everyday care of people living with dementia; offers a highly adaptable framework that can be adopted in any living environment; provides valuable insight on overcoming physical and operational barriers to well-being; and is a practical source of person-centered, strengths-based approaches to dementia patient care. Enhanced with a six page list of References; a two page list of Resources, and a twelve page Index, "Dementia Beyond Disease: Enhancing Well-Being" is exceptionally well written and highly recommended, especially for the non-specialist general reader with a responsibility for the care and comfort of a patient or a loved one with dementia. Highly recommended for both community and academic library Health & Medicine instructional reference collections, it should be noted that "Dementia Beyond Disease: Enhancing Well-Being" is also available in a Kindle edition ($21.49).

Yoga for Cancer
Tari Prinster
Healing Arts Press
c/o Inner Traditions International, Ltd.
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
www.innertraditions.com
9781620552728, $19.95, www.healingartspress.com

Yoga for Cancer: A Guide to Managing Side Effects, Boosting Immunity, and Improving Recovery for Cancer Survivors is for the recovering cancer patient who wants to utilize alternate therapies in the healing process, and seeks to redefine the process of surviving cancer. It comes from a veteran yoga teacher and cancer survivor who provides an illustrated guide blending modern science with tools for conquering cancer, and is based on the author's own experience of using yoga's empowering qualities as a tool to change her life. Yoga4Cancer is a unique type of yoga for survivors: her own experiences with tailoring yoga for cancer concerns makes this a unique standout in either cancer or yoga literature.

Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Maria Catterick and Liam Curran
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
400 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
9781849053945, $19.95, www.jkp.com

Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Guide to FASO for Parents, Carers and Professionals provides a fine introduction to the most common non-genetic learning disability caused by alcohol during pregnancy, is written by two FASD experts, and analyzes the effects of alcohol on development - and even more importantly, how its effects can appear later on in life. Photos, charts and diagrams teach how to identify FASD and how mothers at risk can be helped, and provides tips and insights suitable for parents, caregivers, and educators alike.

Anatomy in Diagnostic Imaging, third edition
Peter Fleckenstein and Jorgen Tranum-Jensen
Wiley Blackwell
350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148
9781405139915, $95.00, www.wiley.com/go/radiology

Anatomy in Diagnostic Imaging appears in its third updated edition to provide an atlas of anatomy as it applies to diagnostic images, and covers all kinds of imaging, from x-ray and MR to ultrasounds and PET scans. All chapters have been completely revised for this edition; which is an excellent point since well over two hundred new images are included for this revision. Some nine hundred total images have been chosen for their high quality and comprehensive anatomical interpretation. This diagnostic imaging reference is a 'must' for any healthcare collection: it packs the clear black and white images with notes on views, numbered identification points, and more. The result is an outstanding guide for any healthcare library, filled with the specific images and their identification that students require.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

Plague Land
S.D. Sykes
Pegasus Books
80 Broad Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10004
9781605986739 $25.95 www.pegasusbooks.us

Set in medieval England, Plague Land: A Novel is a historical murder mystery brimming with intrigue and secrets. Oswald de Lacy, the third son of a nobleman, has lived in a monastery since age seven. He was never meant to be the Lord of Somerhill Manor, but when he turned seventeen his father and older brothers perished from the plague. His domineering mother and haughty sister are estranged at best, hostile at worst. Inexperienced and uncertain, Oswald attempts to carry out his duties as best he can, but is shocked to learn of that a young local woman was murdered. Was it the work of demonic, dog-headed men, as the village priest claims? Dismissing the wild story as nonsense, Oswald searches for the real killer, in the process uncovering sordid family secrets that could bring ruin to his name and title. Then, the body of another girl is found, with more bloodshed yet to come. Intense and intricately layered, Plague Land is a "must-read" for connoisseurs of the genre.

Dying for the Past
TJ O'Connor
Midnight Ink
2143 Wooddale Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125-2989
c/o Maryglenn McCombs
9780738742069 $14.99 www.midnightinkbooks.com

Dying for the Past is a murder mystery with a twist - former detective Oliver "Tuck" Tucker is himself a ghost! Working with his wife Angela and his former police-detective partners, he searches for "the book" - a journal left behind by deceased gangster Vincent Calabrese, packed cover to cover with names of spies and other dirty secrets. As Tuck tracks down a relentless killer, he also has to figure out how to navigate the living world, when he's no longer a direct part of it! An eyebrow-raising sense of humor permeates this intricate story, enthusiastically recommended for fans of the mystery and supernatural genres.

Ghost Wanted
Carolyn Hart
Berkeley Prime Crime
c/o Penguin Group (USA)
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014
9780425266151, $25.95, www.penguin.com

Ghost Wanted provides a fine Bailey Ruth ghost novel and tells of a Heavenly supervisor who assigns ghost Bailey Ruth to investigate vandalism and theft at a haunted library in Oklahoma. It's an unusual device to have the investigator not only deceased, but on assignment from Heaven: GHOST WANTED thus offers a supernatural twist on the detective/mystery theme, but manages to remain firmly rooted in real, crime-oriented drama. The result is a title that may hold paranormal leanings, but will involve any avid detective story reader with a touch of something different.


The Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf

Francis Ford Coppola
Jeff Menne
University of Illinois Press
1325 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820-6975
www.press.uillinois.edu
9780252080371, $22.00, www.amazon.com

Francis Ford Coppola (born April 7, 1939) is an American film director, producer and screenwriter. He was part of the New Hollywood wave of film making. In 1970, he won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay as co-writer, with Edmund H. North, of Patton (1970). His directorial prominence was cemented with the release in 1972 of The Godfather, a film which revolutionized movie-making in the gangster genre, earning praise from both critics and the public before winning three Academy Awards, including his second Oscar (Best Adapted Screenplay, with Mario Puzo), Best Picture, and his first nomination for Best Director. He followed with The Godfather Part II in 1974, which became the first sequel to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Coppola is one of only eight filmmakers to win two Palme d'Or awards. The newest addition the University of Illinois Press series 'Contemporary Film Directors', "Francis Ford Coppola" by Jeff Menne (Assistant Professor of Screen Studies and English, Oklahoma State University) is a 168 page compendium presenting and analyzing Coppola's directorial career. Enhanced with a six page Interview With Francis Ford Coppola; a twelve page Filmography; a four page Bibliography, and a twenty-three page Index, "Francis Ford Coppola" is a critically important and highly recommended for academic library and film school American Cinema reference collections and supplemental reading lists. It should be noted that "Francis Ford Coppola" is also available in a hardcover edition (9780252038822, $75.00, 176pp) and a Kindle edition ($9.99).

Notes to Screenwriters
Vicki Peterson and Barbara Nicolosi
Michael Wiese Productions
12400 Ventura Blvd., #1111, Studio City, CA 91604
9781615932139, $26.95, www.mwp.com

Notes to Screenwriters: Advancing Your Story, Screenplay, and Career with Whatever Hollywood Throws At You is about the many changes most screenwriters fear when a script is returned, and it comes from experienced Hollywood professionals who handle the typical range of requests and show how an author can rewrite or tweak a screenplay without compromising creative license. It's an approach for any screenwriter who chaffs at the task of rewriting and fails to see it as a potential opportunity for positive change on all sides, and it offers a host of fresh new approaches to the process that hopefully will delight everyone, from writers and directors to actors. The result is a recommended pick for any involved in screenplay production and stands apart from your usual screen writer's guide.


The Poetry Shelf

Storm Toward Morning
Malachi Black
Copper Canyon Press
PO Box 271, Port Townsend, WA 98368
www.coppercanyonpress.org
9781556594724, $16.00, www.amazon.com

"Storm Toward Morning" is a 96 page compendium providing a debut showcasing the existential poetry of Malachi Black. Articulate, insightful, intimate, universal, these are free verse poems that impact the imagination and the emotions of the reader with an enduring imprint that will linger long after the verses are read and "Storm Toward Morning" is placed back upon the shelf. 'Rain': again, and on a day / you meant to spend // in other ways than tracing / veins of it descend // the duty plate glass / of a window by the bed. // Try to make a friend / of anything you can // that's kind enough to give / back what you lend // to its reflection; / tomorrow yo will // love yourself again.


The Graphic Novel Shelf

Master Keaton 1
Hokusei Katsushika and Takashi Nagasaki, authors
Naoki Urasawa, artist
Viz Media LLC
1355 Market Street, Suite 200
San Francisco CA 94103
9781421575896 $19.99 www.viz.com

Featuring a hero reminiscent of television's "MacGyver", Master Keaton 1 is the first volume of a black-and-white manga (Japanese comics) graphic novel, enhanced with a handful of color pages at the very beginning. The saga follows Master Keaton, the son of a Japanese zoologist and an English noblewoman. Keaton is a divorced archaeologist and underpaid college lecturer, who makes money on the side investigating insurance cases. Fraud is rampant in the insurance industry, sometimes perpetrated by the most bloodthirsty of thieves and assassins! When Keaton's work becomes dangerous, he falls back on his military training to survive. Keaton's personal area of expertise is not guns or knife-fighting; he's a survival skills expert of the highest caliber, able to transform the most mundane of scavenged objects into useful tools, whether for combat or for shelter from the elements. Volume 1 of Master Keaton is episodic in nature; chapters chronicle Keaton's adventures around the world, in between his duties as a lecturer. Equal parts action and intrigue, Master Keaton 1 is highly recommended for adult or older teen readers. (The stories do sometimes refer to mature subjects such as prostitution or drug use, and have occasional violence.)

My Neighbor Seki
Takuma Morishige
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th floor
New York, NY 10016
9781939130969 $10.95 www.vertical-inc.com

Suitable for readers of all ages, My Neighbor Seki is a comedic black-and-white manga (Japanese comics) graphic novel about an unlikely pair of high school students. Rumi Yokoi tries to study hard and get good grades, but Toshinari Seki - the boy who sits next to her all day in class - takes goofing off to a perverse level of genius. From masterful knitting, to weaving a complex drama of betrayal with shogi game pieces, to creating an in-class postal note-passing service (complete with obstinate bureaucracy), Seki's antics push the boundary between the creative and the surreal. Will Rumi ever be able to concentrate on her studies? Will Seki survive his use of an Ouija board when a bumbling classmate breaks the ironclad rules and angers the spirits? Exactly how does Seki stay awake when classical music puts even the teacher to sleep? A lighthearted, fantastic, ever-escalating romp, My Neighbor Seki is just plain fun. Highly recommended!

Jaco the Galactic Patrolman
Akira Toriyama
Viz Media LLC
1355 Market Street, Suite 200
San Francisco CA 94103
9781421566306 $9.99 www.viz.com

Jaco he Galactic Patrolman is a black-and-white manga (Japanese graphic novel) prequel to Akira Toriyama's fantastically popular "Dragon Ball" and "Dragon Ball Z" sagas. Unlike those long-running series, Jaco the Galactic Patrolman is a self-contained adventure, and the primary characters are Jaco and the humans he more or less befriends. (A short bonus story after the conclusion gives readers a glimpse of Dragon Ball hero Goku's origins.) When a spaceflight accident forces elite alien peacekeeper Jaco to crash-land on Earth, he arrives on nearly-deserted island. The island's sole resident is Omori, an elderly curmudgeon of an engineer. Omori reluctantly agrees to fix Jaco's spacecraft, if only to keep the proud, vain, and easily irritated Jaco from getting frustrated enough to use his doomsday device - a weapon capable of exterminating all humans on Earth! "'Hey... you're not going to accidentally activate the capsule that will wipe out all humans, are you?' 'No need to worry. I have only made that mistake once before.' 'Once before...? And it killed off all the people of that planet?' 'Of course. My boss was really angry at me.'" When Jaco rescues an intelligent, strong-willed young woman from a gang of thugs (accidentally roughing up a policeman and earning the wrath of the law in the process), the race to restore his ship becomes even more hectic! A fine blend of sci-fi, action, and silliness, Jaco the Galactic Patrolman is a "must-read" for fans of Akira Toriyama's work.

Assassination Classroom 1
Yusei Matsui
Viz Media LLC
1355 Market Street, Suite 200
San Francisco CA 94103
9781421576077 $9.99 www.viz.com

Assassination Classroom 1 is the debut volume of a shonen manga (Japanese comics aimed at a male young adult audience) series with a bizarre premise. "Teach", a mysterious, tentacled thing, has threatened the Earth with annihilation at the end of one year, and his superior speed and alien(?) biology make him resistant to virtually every form of weaponry. Yet the one thing it wants to do is teach a high school class - building their confidence, helping them bolster their weaknesses, and training them to become assassins capable of killing him before he destroys the Earth! Or is that truly his motive? It's hard to guess, Teach's desire to thoroughly educate the languishing, bullied, at-risk students of class 3-E seems quite sincere. The students of 3-E are each struggling with their own problems - Karma keeps getting suspended for fighting, and Okuda excels at chemistry but struggles with every other academic subject as well as basic social skills. Can they find a way to kill their seemingly immortal teacher? The rocket-fire start to an action-packed yet surreal manga series, Assassination Classroom deserves to be a sleeper hit!

From the New World 7
Story by Yusuke Kishi
Art by Toru Oikawa
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th floor
New York, NY 10016
9781941220535 $10.95 www.vertical-inc.com

From the New World 7 is the concluding volume of a black-and-white manga (Japanese comics) adaptation of a sci-fi novel about interspecies struggles for survival. In the distant future, humans have the highest status, akin to gods. Beneath them are the sapient mole rat race; whether the mole rats are servants, slaves, or subordinate neighbors is a judgment call. Composed of eusocial mammals, the mole rat society is organized into hives dominated by queens, and the rivalry between queens has prevented a united mole rat uprising - until recently. The mole rat Squealer has somehow united the hives, and backed by the power of a psychic human "Messiah", he threatens genocide upon the human race! Only a few survivors can stand against him, but the Messiah seems unstoppable. Squealer's doomsday weapon appears to be a human psychic, but all human psychics are psychologically and biologically encoded from birth to automatically die if they kill their own species. Yet this psychic can and will kill other humans without remorse, regret, or triggering its own shame-death code! Can Squealer be stopped? Is there any hope for humanity's survival, or the survival of the mole rat people, when horrific war and humans born with psychic powers both present a deadly threat? Action-packed yet character-driven, From the New World 7 is the satisfying conclusion to a suspenseful and thought-provoking saga. Highly recommended, but suggested for readers ages 16+ due to violence and mature content.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

A Matter of Breeding
Michael Brandow
Beacon Press
24 Farnsworth Street
Boston, MA 02210
9780807033432 $18.00 www.beacon.org

A Matter of Breeding is an incendiary cultural history of pedigreed and purebred dogs, revealing the horrific toll that artificial selection has had on the medical health of these animals. This is not a problem limited to sordid "puppy mills" that churn out animals to meet market demand; physical problems that shorten life and harm quality of life are endemic to multiple widespread and popular dog breeds. Labrador retrievers, pugs, and bulldogs are subject to hip dysplasia; miniature breeds frequently must be birthed through cesarean section; dalmatians are notoriously temperamental and high-strung, to the extent that countless movie-inspired families have learned the hard way they cannot handle one, tragically resulting in an overflow of unwanted and frequently euthanized pets. Attempts to change dog breed standards to focus less upon cosmetic quirks and more upon the animals' health have incurred class-action lawsuits. "The assumption of this book has been that the preventable suffering of a single animal is too high a price to pay for flattering the socially insecure, supporting the illusion of the perfect pet, or helping humans. We need to look at our dogs and ask: Do I really need all this formal fuss-budgeting and excess baggage on class and race to love you?" Everyone and anyone who cares about dogs should read A Matter of Breeding from cover to cover... and its most salient points apply to breeds of cat as well. Highly recommended.

American Kestrel: Pint-Sized Predator
Kate Davis, author
Kate Davis and Rob Palmer, photographer
Mountain Press Publishing Company
PO Box 2399, Missoula, MT 59806
9780878426362 $18.00 www.mountain-press.com

Illustrated with breathtaking, full-color photography from cover to cover, American Kestrel: Pint-Sized Predator describes the natural history and life cycle of this beautiful and fierce natural predator. The text is accessible to readers of all backgrounds, but it is the expert-quality photographs that truly distinguish this volume - there are captivating pictures of kestrels nesting, hunting, squabbling with siblings, caching food, or simply stretching. An index and instructions for building a kestrel-friendly nest box round out this excellent gift for raptor fans!

The Grief Recovery Handbook for Pet Loss
Russell Friedman, Cole James, and John W. James
Taylor Trade Publishing
c/o Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group
4501 Forbes Blvd., Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
c/o Booth Media Group, Inc. (publicity)
9781630760144 $14.95 www.rowman.com

Written by the trio who run The Grief Recovery Institute in Los Angeles, The Grief Recovery Handbook for Pet Loss is a straightforward and sympathetic self-help guide written especially for pet owners who feel crippling sadness after the passing of a faithful companion. Chapters address common myths about grief that can impede recovery, and walk the reader through a straightforward process designed to help them work through their feelings and their relationship with a beloved animal. Practical as well as emotional considerations are also kept strongly in mind. "Caution: Throughout the United States, Great Britain, and other countries, there are local rules and regulations regarding the scattering of ashes. Please make sure that you don't break any of those laws. With the use of online searches, you can easily find out what, if any, restrictions there might be." The Grief Recovery Handbook for Pet Loss is an excellent choice for personal use, or as a gift for a friend or family member who has recently lost a cherished pet.

Journey With The Loon
David C. Evers & Kate M. Taylor
Willow Creek Press
PO Box 147, Minocqua WI 54548
www.willowcreekpress.com
9781623434168, $27.95, www.amazon.com

Loons are a group of aquatic birds found in many parts of North America and northern Eurasia. All living species of loons are members of the genus Gavia, family Gaviidae and order Gaviiformes. Co-written by Biodiversity Research Institute environmentalists and aviary experts David C. Evers and Kate M. Taylor, "Journey with the Loon" is an informed and informative 141 page compendium comprised of expert commentaries enhanced with the inclusion of truly beautiful photography by Ginger Poleschook and Daniel Poleschook Jr. A truly fascinating read from beginning to end, "Journey With The Loon" is enthusiastically recommended for community and academic Pets/Wildlife reference collections in general, and to the attention of the non-specialist general reader with an interest in, and appreciation for, the life cycle of the loon. It should be noted that "Journey With The Loon" is enhanced with the inclusion of an accompanying DVD.


The Aviation Shelf

Hump Pilot
Nedda R. Thomas
History Publishing Company, LLC
PO Box 700, 15 Heyhoe Woods Road
Palisades, New York 10964-0700
9781940773209 $18.95 www.historypublishingco.com

Hump Pilot: Defying Death Flying the Himalayas During World War II is the true-life memoir of Ned Thomas, an American pilot who participated in the largely forgotten Hump War. The task of Thomas and aviators like him: to fly over the fierce and deadly Himalaya Mountains (the "Hump"), in order to support all Asian Allied military operations. A handful of black-and-white photographs, notes, and an index enhance this candid testimony, bringing to life the thrills and threats of death while flying at extraordinary altitudes. Highly recommended for aviation and military history collections!

Seaplanes Along the Inside Passage
Gerry Bruder
Alaska Northwest Books
c/o Graphic Arts Books
PO Box 56118, Portland, OR 97238-6118
9780882409580 $17.99 www.graphicartsbooks.com

Seaplanes Along the Inside Passage: The Highs and Lows of a Modern Bush Pilot is the true-life memoir of an East Coast journalist turned Alaska bush pilot. Having accrued nearly twenty-four thousand hours of experience as a commercial seaplane pilot, author Gerry Bruder shares the highlights (and darkest moments) of his career. From abrupt engine failure while airborne, to ferrying a diverse array of passengers, to surviving flights in dangerous weather conditions, is a tell-it-like-it-is inside story of aviation life. Highly recommended. "What's the most stressful flight for a professional seaplane pilot? It's not being slammed and jerked and wrenched so hard in a gale you think the wings might come off. It's not having miles and miles to go while a passenger's vomit dribbles down the back of your shirt. It's not flubbing a vital checkride, or getting trapped by fog in a mountain pass, or having a broken cockpit heater on a ten-degree January morning. None of these. The most stressful flight is riding back to base as a passenger with another company pilot after you've seriously damaged your own aircraft in a blunder."

Thunder Over The Reich
Wolfgang Wolienweber
Crecy Publishing
c/o Specialty Press
99 Spring Street, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10012
www.specialtypress.com
9781902109398, $49.95, 192pp, www.amazon.com

"Thunder Over the Reich: Flying the Luftwaffe's He162 Jet Fighter" by Wolfgang Wolienweber is an informed and informative military history of the Germany Luftwaffe and an important inside account not just of the revolutionary He162, but also the changing fortunes of the Luftwaffe airforce. This 192 page compendium is profusely illustrated, exceptionally well written, informed and informative. Enhanced with the inclusion of five appendices, a listing of Sources and Picture Credits, and a useful Index, "Thunder Over the Reich: Flying the Luftwaffe's He162 Jet Fighter" is a seminal contribution and strongly recommended for personal, community, and academic library World War II military history reference collections in general, and supplemental reading lists for 20th Century Military Aviation History studies in particular.


The Fishing Shelf

Flyfisher's Guide to Eastern Trophy Tailwaters
Tom Gilmore
Wilderness Adventures Press, Inc.
45 Buckskin Road, Belgrade, MT 59714
www.wildadvpress.com
9781940239057, $29.95, www.amazon.com

Tailwater refers to waters located immediately downstream from a hydraulic structure, such as a dam (excluding minimum release such as for fish water), bridge or culvert. Tailwater can refer to a type of fishery. Tailwater fisheries may be created at the outflow from large dams, where the size of the reservoir creates a steep temperature gradient, with colder water stored at the bottom of the reservoir near the outlet. The constant cold-water flow provided by the reservoir's outflow, coupled with the generally silt-free nature of the outflow, creates ideal water conditions for cold-water fish such as trout in environments that ordinarily might not support a robust trout population. Compiled with informative commentary by Tom Gilmore, "Flyfisher's Guide to Eastern Trophy Tailwaters" is a profusely illustrated, 300 page compendium showcasing forty truly great trout waters organized into three major sections: New England Tailwaters; Mid-Atlantic States; and Southeastern States. Informed and informative, "Flyfisher's Guide to Eastern Trophy Tailwaters" is strongly recommended as an invaluable addition to personal and community library Hunting/Fishing reference collections. It should be noted that "Flyfisher's Guide to Eastern Trophy Tailwaters" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

Polishing the Mirror
Ram Dass with Rameshwar Das
ramdass.org
Sounds True
413 South Arthur Avenue
Louisville, CO 80027
9781622033805 $16.95 www.soundstrue.com

Polishing the Mirror: How to Live from Your Spiritual Heart is an spirituality guide for readers of all faiths. Chapters address the importance of living in the moment, the meaning of karma, aging gracefully, conscious living and conscious dying, meditation, the harsh reality of suffering, and much more. "In conventional Western medicine, people can now decide for themselves, in collaboration with their doctor, how much pain medication they need. It turns out that when people know that they have control over their pain, they need a lot less medication, because often pain is actually made worse by the fear of pain." Inspirational, accessible to people of all backgrounds, and filled with enduring wisdom, Polishing the Mirror is highly recommended.

Life / Faith
Emanuel Swedenborg, author
George F. Dole, translator
Swedenborg Publishers
320 North Church Street, West Chester, PA 19380
www.swedenborg.com
9780877854135, $6.99, www.amazon.com

Emanuel Swedenborg (29 January 1688 - 29 March 1772) was a Swedish scientist, philosopher, theologian, revelator, and mystic. He is best known for his book on the afterlife, "Heaven and Hell" (1758). Swedenborg had a prolific career as an inventor and scientist. In 1741, at age 53, he entered into a spiritual phase in which he began to experience dreams and visions, beginning on Easter weekend of 6 April 1744. This culminated in a 'spiritual awakening', in which he received revelation that he was appointed by the Lord to write "The Heavenly Doctrine to Reform Christianity". According to "The Heavenly Doctrine" the Lord had opened Swedenborg's spiritual eyes, so that from then on he could freely visit heaven and hell and talk with angels, demons and other spirits; and the Last Judgment had already occurred, in 1757. However, he tells us that at this day it is very dangerous to talk with spirits, unless a person is in true faith, and is led by the Lord. For the remaining 28 years of his life, Swedenborg wrote eighteen published theological works, and several more which were unpublished. He termed himself a "Servant of the Lord Jesus Christ" in "True Christian Religion", a work he published himself. "Life / Faith" is the latest of Swedenborg's works to be translated into English and published by the Swedenborg Foundation and is comprised of two of his short articles focusing on the subjects of faith and of life separately while acknowledging that the two are closely related. Thoughtful, inspiring, and instructional, "Life / Faith" is very highly recommended to the attention of Swedenborg enthusiasts and would be an important addition to personal and academic library collections of Swedenborg's works.


The Travel Shelf

Lonely Planet: Mexico, 14th edition
Written and researched by John Noble, et. al.
Lonely Planet Publications
150 Linden Street, Oakland CA 94607
9781742208060 $29.99 www.lonelyplanet.com

Now in an updated 14th edition, Lonely Planet: Mexico is a solid travel guide, jam-packed with maps, travel tips, places to visit (including explorations of Mexico's ancient ruins), fine dining, hotels, a brief summary of Mexico's history and much more. As always, Lonely Planet's quality guides reflect the tireless research that the staff have put into investigating each location. Practical advice for business or pleasure travelers remains a signature halmark of this exceptional guide series. "If you're traveling with a baby or toddler, consider investing in deluxe buses for the extra space and comfort. Car rental and, on some routes, flying, are alternatives to buses: if you want a car with a child safety seat, the major international rental firms are the most reliable providers." A "must-have" for anyone who wants to make the most of a Mexican visit!

1001 Restaurants You Must Experience Before You Die
Jenny Linford, general editor
Barron's
250 Wireless Boulevard, Hauppauge, NY 11788
9780764166938 $35.00 www.barronseduc.com

Featuring lush, full-color photography on virtually ever page, 1001 Restaurants You Must Experience Before You Die lives up its title as a gourmet's ultimate travelogue, or a culinary armchair traveller's dream. Every page showcases a different world-class restaurant from around the globe, with special mention given to each restaurant's specialties and accolades. An index of restaurants by name rounds out this unforgettable, world-spanning tour of the very finest feasts!


The World History Shelf

Rockets & Revolution
Michael G. Smith
University of Nebraska Press
233 North 8th Street
Lincoln, Nebraska, 68588-0255
9780803255227 $34.95 www.nebraskapress.unl.edu

Accessible to readers of all backgrounds, Rockets & Revolution: A Cultural History of Early Spaceflight explores competition between Russian, European, and American pioneers in the emerging science of spaceflight. Rockets & Revolution describes the exciting advances that made exploring other worlds in the solar system a tantalizing prospect - and the dark side of the technology, such as the development of the intercontinental ballistic missile and the advent of the Cold War. Highly recommended, especially for public and college library history and science collections.

The History Of Saudia Arabia, second edition
Wayne H. Bowen
Greenwood
c/o ABC-CLIO
PO Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
www.abc-clio.com
9781610698764, $58.00, www.amazon.com

Saudi Arabia is the largest Arab state in Western Asia by land area (approximately 830,000 square miles and constitutes the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula), and the second-largest in the Arab world after Algeria. It is bordered by Jordan and Iraq to the north, Kuwait to the northeast, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates to the east, Oman to the southeast, and Yemen in the south. It is the only nation with both a Red Sea coast and a Persian Gulf coast and much of its terrain consists of inhospitable desert. Now in an updated and expanded second edition, "The History of Saudi Arabia" by Wayne H. Bowen (Professor and Chair of the Department of History, Southeast Missouri State University) is a 194 page history of a critically important country that figures prominently in the complex politics of the Middle East and in the global economy due to its oil resources. Chronologically organized and presented, "The History of Saudi Arabia" is organized into nine chapters: Introduction - Saudi Arabia Today; Arabia before Muhammad to A.D. 570; The Prophet Muhammad and the Arabs: A.D. 570-700; Arabia and the Muslim Empires: 700-1700; Te House of Saud: 1700-1902; The Creation of Saudi Arabia: 1902-1932; The Kingdom of Ibn Saud: 1932-1973; Saudi Arabia in the Modern World: 1973-2001; The Iron Domino: 2001-2014. Enhanced with the inclusion of a Timeline of Historical Events; an eight page list of Notable People in the History of Saudi Arabia; a four page Glossary; an eight page Annotated Bibliography; and a five page Index, "The History of Saudi Arabia" is an exceptionally informative and thoroughly 'reader friendly' introduction to the history of Saudi Arabia. Very highly recommended for community and academic library World History reference collections. Ideal for the non-specialist general reader with an interest in knowing this history and evolution of Saudi Arabia, it should be noted that "The History of Saudi Arabia" is also available in a Kindle edition ($27.49).

The Mossad
Marc E. Vargo
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
www.mcfarlandpub.com
9780786479146, $35.00, www.amazon.com

The Mossad (Hebrew: "Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations") is the national intelligence agency of Israel. It is one of the main entities in the Israeli Intelligence Community, along with Aman (military intelligence) and Shin Bet (internal security). The Mossad is responsible for intelligence collection, covert operations, and counterterrorism, as well as bringing Jews to Israel from countries where official Aliyah agencies are forbidden, and protecting Jewish communities. Its director reports directly to the Prime Minister. "The Mossad: Six Landmark Missions of the Israeli Intelligence Agency, 1960-1990" by Marc E. Vargo is a 308 page compendium giving a detailed account of six major missions carried out by Israel's premier special ops service: Operation Eichmann; Operation Wrath of God (in response to the 1972 Summer Olympics massacre of Israel athletes); Operation Entebbe; Operation Opera; Operation Poumbat and the Vanunu Affair (two cases involving nuclear issues). Enhanced with the inclusion of ten pages of Chapter Notes; a ten page Bibliography; and a thirteen page Index, "The Mossad: Six Landmark Missions of the Israeli Intelligence Agency, 1960-1990" is very highly recommended reading and a valued addition to community and academic library 20th Century Israeli History collections. Especially appropriate for the non-specialist general reader with an interest in this Israeli intelligence service, it should be noted that "The Mossad" is also available in a Kindle edition ($14.74).

Members Only
Julie Tibbott
Zest Books
35 Stillman Street, Suite 121
San Francisco, CA, 94107
9781936976522 $14.99 www.zestbooks.net

Members Only: Secret Societies, Sects, and Cults - Exposed! reveals this histories of over fifty secret societies, from the centuries-old Freemasons to the Skull and Bones Society to the notorious Illuminati and the murderous Thuggees (from whom we get the modern word "thug") and more. Discussing membership requirements, famous people who have belonged to these societies, and the each society's modern-day status, Members Only is a mesmerizing browse from cover to cover. Highly recommended!


The Criminology Shelf

Accused
Brittany Ducker
New Horizon Press
PO Box 669, Far Hills, NJ 07931
9780882824840 $24.95 www.newhorizonpressbooks.com

Accused: A Heartbreaking Death and the Quest for Justice is a true crime story about murder, deception, sociopathy, and the failure of Child Protective Services. In Louisville, Kentucky, fourteen-year-old Trey Zwicker was discovered dead. Trey's stepfather, Joshua Gouker, and fifteen-year-old stepbrother, Josh Young, were accused of the crime. But were both of them responsible, or was one the unwitting pawn of the other, or was only one of the two to blame in any capacity? Accused examines the allegations, and delves into the life story and character of Young and Gouker. Mounting evidence clearly portrays the Gouker as a charismatic, manipulative sociopath, but what of Young? Though focused on a specific true crime story, Accused is highly recommended as a clarion wake-up call of an over-stressed, underfunded Child Protective Services system, staffed by far too few people to adequately oversee the children at risk in foster care. It is a system that desperately needs to be improved, better funded, and supported by sufficient social workers to handle growing caseloads, or more tragedies like the murder of Trey Zwicker will inevitably recur.


The Philosophy Shelf

Homeland and Philosophy
Robert Arp
Open Court Publishing Company
70 East Lake Street, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60601
9780812698572 $19.95 www.opencourtbooks.com

Part of the "Popular Culture and Philosophy" series, Homeland and Philosophy: For Your Minds Only is an anthology of essays by a diversity of learned philosophers discussing implications and ideas drawn from the popular television show "Homeland", a suspense-filled drama about terrorism, national security, and the lengths to which good people can be pushed. Individual writings include "Double Agents and Multiple Identities", "Brainwashed Brody's Freedom", "Torture By Any Other Name", "Is Terrorism in the Eye of the Beholder?", and much more. While Homeland and Philosophy applies scholarly rigor to its inquiries, its writings are particularly accessible to readers who are familiar with the series and interested in reviewing its concepts in depth. Highly recommended.


The Fiction Shelf

The Cane Creek Regulators
Johnny D. Boggs
Gale Cengage Learning
c/o Five Star Books
10 Water Street, Suite 310
Waterville, ME 04901
http://gale.cengage.com/fivestar
9781432828523 $25.95 www.amazon.com

Spur award-winning author Johnny D. Boggs presents The Cane Creek Regulators, a historical novel set in South Carolina before the Revolutionary War. Sixteen-year-old tomboy Emily Stewart loves life in the settlement of Ninety Six, where her father Breck Stewart runs a tavern. But the land is lawless, terrorized by murderers, thieves, and robbers. The governor refuses to send the militia or establish courts or jails in the district, and even pardons five murderers. Breck finally takes the law into his own hands, forming a vigilante group called the Cane Creek Regulators. But will the Regulator's rough justice earn them convictions for treason, or a trip to the gallows? Will the ruthlessness of the regulators eclipse the cruelty of the bandits? Vivid and gripping to the very end, The Cane Creek Regulators brings to vivid life a little-known incident in South Carolina history. Highly recommended.

Death by Roses
Vivian R. Probst
SelectBooks
87 Walker Street, Suite B1, New York City, NY 10013
c/o Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc. (publicity)
9781590791486 $16.95 www.selectbooks.com

Death by Roses is a quizzically romantic comedy about love (and meddlesome instincts) that transcends life and death. In a cozy Midwestern farm community, estranged husband Art McElroy Sr. attempts to bring his wife Mae Rose a dozen roses, only to find that she has died of natural causes (while on the toilet). As for Mae Rose, her busybody spirit is restless; upon learning that she could have had a blissful marriage instead of a rocky one, she redoubles her attempts to intrude in mortal affairs (even though she is no longer mortal). Her violations of heavenly custom get her sent back to Earth, in the body of the irascible writer and horror movie director "Scary Mary". Mary is fighting two battles, one to win an Oscar and the other against terminal cancer. Can two strong-willed women's souls cooperate in a single body? Twists, turns, and complex relationships form the core of this heartwarming saga, highly recommended.


The Gaming Shelf

Minecraft Blockopedia
Alex Wiltshire
Scholastic, Inc.
557 Broadway
New York, NY 10012-3999
9780545820110 $49.99 www.scholastic.com

Minecraft is an enormously popular independent video game, well-known for its "sandbox" style open world where the player can potentially build almost any structure, from castles and mansions to futuristic spaceports to iconic representations of real-world monuments and much more. Players can also interact with one another and share their buildings online, and gameplay includes multiple modes, the most basic of which forces the player to manage their supplies and build shelter as protection from zombies that wander at night. Minecraft Blockopedia is an authorized game guide published through arrangement with Mojang, the company that developed Minecraft. A deluxe, hardcover, coffee-table volume with an inset ribbon bookmark, Minecraft Blockopedia is in the shape of a hexagon; an accompanying black box protects it from dust and allows it to be placed on a bookshelf when not in use. Minecraft Blockopedia focuses on the "blocks" the make up the video game world of Minecraft. Every possible material or crafted block in the game is given several pages describing its properties and functions, along with full-color screenshots and a wealth of tips, tricks, and techniques for using that block in one's Minecraft creations. Minecraft Blockopedia packs in over 300 pages of material, and is both a useful guide for taking one's block-building imagination to the next level, and a gorgeous armchair tour of the game itself. A superb giftbook for Minecraft enthusiasts, highly recommended!


The Agriculture Shelf

Pabst Farms
John C. Eastberg
University of Wisconsin Press
1930 Monroe Street, Third Floor
Madison, WI 53711-2059
9780982381021 $49.95 www.uwpress.wisc.edu

Illustrated with a wealth of vintage black-and-white and color photography from the Pabst family's private archives, Pabst Farms: The History of a Model Farm chronicles one of the most crucial model farms in America. Today the Pabst name is known around the world for its connections to the brewing industry, but Pabst also has a strong historical connection to the history of dairy farming in Wisconsin. As captivating as it is informative, Pabst Farms is virtual trip through time, enthusiastically recommended.


The Political Science Shelf

Inside the Brotherhood
Hazem Kandil
Polity
www.politybooks.com
c/o Blackwell Publishing
350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148
9780745682914 $25.00 www.blackwellpublishing.com

The Muslim Brotherhood of Egypt is a Sunni Islamist religious, political, and social movement, estimated to have 2 million or more supporters. Founded in 1928, the movement has been the target of multiple government crackdowns, and accused of terrorism. The Muslim Brotherhood made headlines when it won almost half the seats of the 2011-12 parliamentary elections, and its candidate, Mohamed Morsi, won the June 2012 presidential election. Yet the Egyptian population turned hostile toward the Brotherhood. Within a year, mass protests led to the overthrow of Morsi. Egyptian court banned the Brotherhood and its associations, and after a bombing attack, the military-backed Egyptian government declared the Brotherhood a terrorist group (the Brotherhood later issued a statement condemning the violence). Inside the Brotherhood is an extensive, in-depth study of the organization and its members, grounded in years of participation, observation, interviews, previously inaccessible documents, and dozens of memoirs and writings. From the evolution of the Brotherhood's social networks, to the formation of its unique ideology, Inside the Brotherhood scrutinizes the organization intensely and reveals why attempts to compare it to secular social movements are fundamentally flawed. A "must-have" for Political Science, Islamic Studies, and Middle Eastern Studies, Inside the Brotherhood is highly recommended especially for public and college library collections.

Capitalism v. Democracy
Timothy K. Kuhner
Stanford Law Books
c/o Stanford University Press
425 Broadway Street
Redwood City, CA 94063-3126
9780804791564 $27.95 www.sup.org

Timothy K. Kuhner (Associate Professor at Georgia State University College of Law) presents Capitalism v. Democracy, a harshly candid accounting of America's gradual shift toward plutocracy (rule of the wealthy). The Citizens United court decision that allowed unlimited money to influence politics has accelerated a floodgate trend. As of the last national elections, it costs roughly $1 billion to become President, $10 million to become a Senator, and $1 million to become a Member of the House - without ludicrous amounts of money to spend, a candidate has no prayer of responding to their opponents' accusations, regardless of whether they're true or false. As gaining political office becomes increasingly dependent on one's ability to curry favor with wealthy individuals and corporations, American government and economics become increasingly distorted in favor of the super-rich, and at the expensive of everyone else. Insufficiently regulated free-market capitalism prompted the financial crisis of 2009 and the Great Recession, yet a political system dominated by wealthy special interests appears unable to take the necessary action to prevent the nightmare from happening again. Kuhner postulates that nothing less than an amendment to the Constitution is required to halt the privatization of democracy. Capitalism v. Democracy is a "must-have" for public and college library Political Science shelves, highly recommended.

The Occupy Movement Explained
Nicholas Smaligo
Open Court Publishing Company
70 East Lake Street, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60601
9780812698558 $21.95 www.opencourtbooks.com

Activist and Occupy movement participant Nicholas Smaligo presents The Occupy Movement Explained: From Corporate Control to Democracy, a straightforward, passionate account of the mass-movement that arose in the wake of financial malfeasance so great that it prompted a severe, world-spanning recession. Outraged by government bailouts of the very institutions that caused the implosion, demonstrators occupied Zuccotti Park in Manhattan's Wall Street financial district, among other prominent locations. As the occupy movement allegedly had no leaders, its goals were clouded by persistent myths perpetrated by the movement's opposition. The Occupy Movement Explained describes not only the aims and goals of a grassroots effort to halt America's transformation into a nation of "one dollar one vote", but also what it was like to participate, as well the movement's greatest failings and its lessons for the future. Highly recommended.


The Money/Finance Shelf

Da Vinci's Baby Boomer Survival Guide
Barbara Rockefeller & Nick J. Tate
Humanix Books
2200 NW Corporate Blvd., Suite 404
Boca Raton, Florida 33431
9781630060008 $19.95 humanixbooks.com

Da Vinci's Baby Boomer Survival Guide: Live, Prosper, and Thrive In Your Retirement offers a wealth of financial advice for the American baby boomer generation. Chapters cover how to pick the right Medicare plan, prepare will/estate/trust documents, save money on housing, the best states and cities to retire in, tax tips, retirement jobs that pay well, the most important medical tests to undergo, and much more. Accessible and reader-friendly, Da Vinci's Baby Boomer Survival Guide deserves to be read cover to cover by every baby boomer, and is a welcome addition to public library collections.


The Native American Studies Shelf

The Cherokee Struggle to Maintain Identity in the 17th and 18th Centuries
William R. Reynolds, Jr.
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
www.mcfarlandpub.com
9780786473175, $55.00, www.amazon.com

The Cherokee are a Native American tribe indigenous to the Southeastern United States (principally Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina). They speak an Iroquoian language. In the 19th century, historians and ethnographers recorded their oral tradition that told of the tribe having migrated south in ancient times from the Great Lakes region, where other Iroquoian-speaking peoples were. "The Cherokee Struggle to Maintain Identity in the 17th and 18th Centuries" by William R. Reynolds, Jr. (a direct descendent of Chickamauga Cherokee Chief Doublehead) is a 436 page history covering 200 years of European contact and interaction with the Cherokee Nation. Informed and informative, "The Cherokee Struggle to Maintain Identity in the 17th and 18th Centuries" is a work of considerable scholarship and thoroughly 'reader friendly' from beginning to end. Enhanced with the inclusion of twelve pages of Chapter Notes; an eight page Bibliography; and a thirty-five page Index, "The Cherokee Struggle to Maintain Identity in the 17th and 18th Centuries" is an invaluable and significant work of impressive scholarship making it a critically important and strongly recommended addition to academic library Native American Studies reference collections in general, and the Cherokee Nation History supplemental studies reading lists in particular. It should be noted that "The Cherokee Struggle to Maintain Identity in the 17th and 18th Centuries" is also available in a Kindle edition ($16.49).


The Judicial Studies Shelf

Clean Air Handbook, fourth edition
Hunton & Williams
Bernan Press
c/o Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group
4501 Forbes Blvd., Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
9781598886474 $115.00 www.rowman.com

Now in an updated fourth edition, Clean Air Handbook is a solid handbook to the Clean Air Act, including the Clear Skies Initiative. Offering an overview of the regulatory requirements of the Clean Air Act and its amendments, a summary of the history and structure of the Clean Air Act, summaries of the EPA's rules for state-administered Title V operating permit programs, the key rules that the EPA puts forth to implement the Title IV acid rain program, and more, Clean Air Handbook is an excellent consultation resource. Although Clean Air Handbook cannot substitute for the services of a qualified lawyer with experience in environmental cases, it is an invaluable reference to familiarize oneself with before engaging the expensive services of one.

Profiling and Criminal Justice in America, second edition
Jeff Bumgarner
ABC-CLIO
PO Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
www.abc-clio.com
9781610698511, $58.00, www.amazon.com

Criminal profiling, also known as offender profiling, is a behavioral and investigative tool that is intended to help investigators to accurately predict and profile the characteristics of unknown criminal subjects or offenders. Now in a fully updated and expanded second edition, "Profiling and Criminal Justice in America: A Reference Handbook" by Jeff Bumgarner (Professor and Department head of Criminal Justice and Political Science, North Dakota State University) is a 377 page compendium comprised of five major sections with respect to the uses of criminal profiling within the context of American law enforcement: Background and History; Problems, Controversies, and Solutions; Perspectives; Profiles; Data and Documents. Enhanced with the inclusion of a section of Resources (Academic Studies; Books); a two page Chronology; a ten page Glossary; and a twenty-four page Index, "Profiling and Criminal Justice in America: A Reference Handbook" is a seminal and invaluable contribution that should be a part of every academic and governmental library's Judicial Studies and Police Procedural Studies reference collection and supplemental studies reading list. It should be noted that "Profiling and Criminal Justice in America: A Reference Handbook" is also available in a Kindle edition ($52.19).


The Economic Studies Shelf

Confronting the Shadow Economy
Colin C. Williams
Edward Elgar Publishing
9 Dewey Court, Northampton, MA 01060-3815
www.e-elgar.com
9781782546030, $130.00, www.amazon.com

A 'shadow economy' is a black market or underground economy which functions as a market in which goods or services are traded illegally. The key distinction of a black market trade is that the transaction itself is illegal. The goods or services may or may not themselves be illegal to own, or to trade through other, legal channels. Because the transactions are illegal, the market itself is forced to operate outside the formal economy that is supported by the established state power. Common motives for operating in black markets are to trade contraband, avoid taxes, or skirt price controls. Typically the totality of such activity is referred to with the definite article as a complement to the official economies, by market for such goods and services, e.g. "the black market in bush meat". The black market is considered a subset of the informal economy, of which 1.8 billion people worldwide are employed. "Confronting the Shadow Economy: Evaluating Tax Compliance and Behaviour Policies" by Colin C. Williams (Professor of Public Policy, School of Management, University of Sheffield, UK) is a 296 page compendium organized into four major sections: Extend and Nature of the Shadow Economy; Policy Approaches; Direct Controls; Indirect Controls. Informative, explanatory, and instructive, "Confronting the Shadow Economy: Evaluating Tax Compliance and Behaviour Policies" is enhanced with the inclusion of a forty-eight page list of References and a twenty-three page Index. An impressive work of substantial scholarship, "Confronting the Shadow Economy: Evaluating Tax Compliance and Behaviour Policies" is a critically important contribution to academic and governmental library Economics reference collections and supplemental studies lists.


The Jobs/Career Shelf

They Teach That in College!?, third edition
Andrew Morkes
College & Career Press
PO Box 300484, Chicago, IL 60630
9780982921081 $19.95 www.collegeandcareerpress.com

They Teach That in College!? showcases more than 100 intriguing, unorthodox, and lesser-known college majors, such as "Culinology", "Expeditionary Studies", "Music Therapy", "Renewable Energy", or "Zoo Science". Each major is spotlighted with an overview, contact information of colleges and universities that offer these majors, lists of typical classes and employers, and more. Over 60 interviews with college professors round out this exceptional and inspirational guide for surveying the possibilities of one's future. They Teach That in College!? deserves to be in every high school and public library collection.


The Autism Shelf

Functional Behavior Assessment For People With Autism, second edition
Beth A. Glasberg & Robert H. LaRue
Woodbine House
6510 Bells Mill Road, Bethesda, MD 20817
www.woodbinehouse.com
9781606132043, $21.95, www.amazon.com

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication, and restricted and repetitive behavior. Parents usually notice signs in the first two years of their child's life. The signs typically develop gradually, but some children with autism will reach their developmental milestones at a normal pace and then regress. Co-authored by academicians Beth A. Glasberg (Director of Glasberg Behavioral Consulting Services) and Robert H. LaRue (Director of Behavioral Research Services, Douglass Development Disabilities Center), "Functional Behavior Assessment for People with Autism: Making Sense of Seemingly Senseless Behavior" is now in a newly revised, updated and expanded second edition. This 175 page compendium is comprised of new research, case studies, and illustrative anecdotes with respect to revealing how clinicians conduct functional behavior evaluations including behavior observation, measurements, data collection, and testing. "Functional Behavior Assessment For People With Autism" is highly recommended and instructive reading -- particularly for the parents and classroom teachers of autistic children.


The Holocaust Studies Shelf

Anne Frank: Silent Witness
Ronald Wilfred Jansen
RWJ Publishing
www.rwj-publishing.com
9789490482084, $18.00, www.amazon.com

Annelies Marie "Anne" Frank (12 June 1929 - early March 1945) was one of the most discussed Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Her wartime diary "The Diary of a Young Girl" has been the basis for several plays and films. Born in the city of Frankfurt in Weimar Germany, she lived most of her life in or near Amsterdam, in the Netherlands. Born a German national, Frank lost her citizenship in 1941. She gained international fame posthumously after her diary was published. It documents her experiences hiding during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands in World War II. "Anne Frank.: Silent Witnesses. Reminders of a Jewish Girl's Life" by R. W. Jansen is a 298 page compendium relating the life and circumstances of Anne Frank by Ronald Wilfred Jansen who visited her home addresses in Frankfurt am Main, Aachen and Amsterdam; her hiding place the Secret Annex; and the Westerbork, Auschwitz-Birkenau and Bergen-Belsen concentration camps where Anne Frank was imprisoned. "Anne Frank: Silent Witness" describes her history and the objects that today still remind us of the environment in which she lived. His motivation for writing this book is that it was one of the last opportunities he would have to contact the people who knew Anne; these people revealed some new facts about her and her world. Other contemporaries of Anne Frank also contributed fascinating information about her surroundings. By tracing her footsteps, he gained a more complete picture of Anne Frank and her environment. Simply stated, "Anne Frank: Silent Witness" is a fitting memorial to perpetuate a story that should never be forgotten, especially in our contemporary world filled with the kind of ethnic driven persecuting violence that is slaughtering tens of thousands and displacing millions throughout the Middle East and beyond.


The Language Studies Shelf

A Roman Women Reader
Sheila K. Dickison and Judith P. Hallett
Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers
1570 Baskin Road
Mundelein, IL 60060
9780865166622 $19.00 www.bolchazy.com

A Roman Women Reader: Selections from the Second Century BCE Through the Second Century CE is a selection of Latin readings gathered from texts and genres across four centuries. The common theme is that, taken together, the passages portray the historical role of women in Roman antiquity. Shown as wives, mothers, friends, and lovers; sometimes even in expressly erotic roles. Intended especially for college-level students of Latin, A Roman Women Reader is filled with 780 lines of unadapted Latin text in 21 readings from a wide array of sources, a complete vocabulary, exhaustive commentary reading, and a suggested reading time line. Highly recommended for college library shelves, as a scholarly supplement to the study of the Latin language.


The Parenting Shelf

Parenting Your Delinquent, Defiant, or Out-of-Control Teen
Patrick M. Duffy, Jr., PsyD
New Harbinger Press
5674 Shattuck Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609
9781626250833 $16.95 www.newharbinger.com

Clinical psychologist Patrick M. Duffy, Jr. presents Parenting Your Delinquent, Defiant, or Out-of-Control Teen, a serious-minded, practical guide to parents struggling with teenagers engaged in troublesome behaviors such as drinking, taking drugs, skipping school, or fighting. Chapters address multiple valuable strategies, including functional family therapy and multisystemic therapy. An absolute must-read for parents whose teens may be on the verge of getting into trouble with the law, Parenting Your Delinquent, Defiant, or Out-of-Control Teen is worthy of the highest recommendation. "If you notice that you, your spouse, your child, or anyone else is beginning to show signs of resorting to physical violence, you, and others at risk, should get out immediately and call for help if necessary. When safety is at stake, there is no need to give a signal; that opportunity has been missed. At this point, your primary goal is safety. Get to a safe place... Wait for help to arrive or for the situation to subside."

Dr. Toy's Smart Play Smart Toys, fourth edition
Stevanne Auerbach, PhD
www.drtoy.com
Regent Press
2747 Regent Street, Berkeley, CA 94705
9781587902758 $19.95 www.regentpress.net

Now in an updated and expanded fourth edition, Dr. Toy's Smart Play Smart Toys is a guide for parents, caretakers, and teachers, about using toys and play to stimulate physical, intellectual, and creative growth in children. With tips specific to babies, toddlers, preschoolers, primary school children, older children, and special needs children, Dr. Toy's Smart Play Smart Toys is a welcome font of ideas and recommendations to counter the passive lure of television. With regard to video games, Dr. Toy writes, "Not all electronic games are actually bad. But most are too often mind limiting, eye straining, and frequently teach skewed values like excessive violence. It is doubtful the 'skills' learned add to intelligence, creativity, or emotional growth. Look for positive values, educational content and sports and other themes that are skill building." Dr. Toy's Smart Play Smart Toys is a welcome addition to public library parenting shelves, and a choice pick for family reference and day-to-day use. Highly recommended.


The Literary Studies Shelf

"Who, What Am I?"
Irina Paperno
Cornell University Press
512 East State Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
9780801453342 $35.00 www.cornellpress.cornell.edu

"Who, What Am I?": Tolstoy Struggles to Narrate the Self is a scholarly examination and guide to the personal nonfiction writings of author Leo Tolstoy, who is best known for his classic long novels "War and Peace" and "Anna Karenina". Studying Tolstoy's diaries, religious tracts, autobiographical fragments, letters, personal confessions, and more over the course of his life from 1850 to 1910, "Who, What Am I?" reveals the self-imposed philosophical and religious quest of a literary genius. Part philosophical reflection on the problems of the self, and part insight into Tolstoy's psychology, "Who, What Am I?" is a welcome contribution to college library Literary Studies shelves.

Understanding Dave Eggers
Timothy W. Galow
University of South Carolina Press
718 Devine Street
Columbia, SC 29208
9781611174274 $39.95 hc
9781611174281 $21.95 ebook www.sc.edu/uscpress

Understanding Dave Eggers is a literary analysis of the American author's novels, anthologies, and film scripts. Accessible to scholars and lay readers alike, Understanding Dave Eggers devotes a chapter to each of Eggers' major works, exploring their autobiographical and humanitarian themes, as well as their narrative styles and cultural context. Notes, a bibliography, and an index round out this superb resource, especially recommended for college library Literary Studies shelves.

The Maine Woods
Henry David Thoreau
Foreword by Richard Francis Fleck
WestWinds Press
c/o Graphic Arts Books
PO Box 56118
Portland, OR 97238-6118
9780882409597 $18.99 www.graphicartsbooks.com

The Maine Woods is a classic treatise about author Henry David Thoreau's experiences in the forests of Maine. Now in a redesigned edition celebrating 150 years in print with a forward by Thoreau scholar Richard Francis Fleck, and a map showing the routes and dates of Thoreau's three journeys (produced by nonprofit forest preservation organization Maine Woods Forever), The Maine Woods remains an immersive experience in the beauty, majesty, and wonder of nature. Highly recommended, especially for public and college library literary shelves.


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