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Wisconsin Bookwatch

Volume 5, Number 4 April 2010 Home | WBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Fiction Shelf Biography Shelf
Folktale/Folklore Shelf Native American Shelf Political Science Shelf
Sports Shelf World History Shelf Poetry Shelf
Cookbook Shelf Education Shelf Architecture Shelf
Religion/Spirituality Shelf Christian Studies Shelf Business Shelf
International Studies Shelf Art Shelf Civil War Shelf
Needlecraft Shelf Hobby Shelf Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Fantasy/SciFi Shelf Money/Finance Shelf Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf
Self-Help Shelf Jobs/Careers Shelf Psychology Shelf
Travel Shelf Music Shelf  


Reviewer's Choice

How to Survive Identity Theft
David H. Holtzman
Adams Media
57 Littlefield Street, Avon, MA 02322
9781605501482, $10.95, www.adamsmedia.com

It can be more frightening than a breaking and entering burglary. "How to Survive Identity Theft: Regain Your Money, Credit, and Reputation" is a guide to recovering from the hideous cyber crime of identity theft, something that has become the new black market craze in recent years. With tips and tricks to spotting the pitfalls before you fall into them, reporting fraudulent credit reports, and protecting your investments and valuable information for those who would do you wrong. For those who have experienced it or simply fear it, "How to Survive Identity Theft" is a must read.

United States on the Road
Insight Guides
Langenscheidt Publishers, Inc.
36-36 33rd Street 4th Floor, Long Island City, NY 11106
9789812820754, $23.99

Thousands of miles wide, thousands of miles long, seeing America is not an easy thing to do. "United States on the Road" is a guide for those who want to fully embrace all of what America has to offer with its wide open roads and many sights and sounds. With information on being prepared for America's unique regional cultures, planning a path through the country, and creating an itinerary and sticking to it, "United States on the Road" is a top pick not to be missed for readers who want to see everything the country has to offer.

Fisherman's Wife
Josephine Lehman Thomas, author
Julie Goldstein, woodcuts
Down the Shore Publishing
PO Box 100, West Creek, NJ 08092
9781593220402 $15.95 www.down-the-shore.com

First published in "Scribner's" magazine during the Great Depression, Fisherman's Wife is the fictionalized memoir of the author's life experience, as tough economic times force her and her husband to give up their urban lifestyle for life on a beach. She must cope with the difficulties of pregnancy while her husband strives to earn enough for his family as a commercial fisherman. Despite the hardship of their life together, they learn to appreciate the benefits of a life defined by strong values, respect the power of nature, and experience the bond of true love tested by trial. Moving black-and-white woodcut illustrations add an emotional touch to this profound story, highly recommended.

Family Meals
Michael Tucker
Atlantic Monthly Press
841 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
9780802119216, $24.00, www.groveatlantic.com

Elder care is not a job for one person alone. "Family Meals: Coming Together to Care for an Aging Parent" is the memoir of a family taking care of its aging matriarch as Lora, a widowed late in life woman coping with the death of her husband with the help of her children Michael Tucker and Jill Eikenberry. Their story is taking care of an aging woman as she fights the diseases of age such as dementia and the stories and wisdom that is drawn from these relationships. "Family Meals" is a choice and very highly recommended read for those who have elderly relatives of their own to care for.

The Animal Manifesto
Marc Bekoff
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
9781577316497, $14.95, www.newworldlibrary.com

Empathy is a trait shared by all animals, human or otherwise. "The Animal Manifesto: Six Reasons for Expanding Our Compassion Footprint" is a discussion of how humanity can treat its neighbors in the animal kingdom better than we do today. Stating that humanity needs to expand its compassion footprint towards animals of all sorts be they wild, domesticated, or farmed, Marc Bekoff states that this compassion will do wonders for both humanity and its fellow animals. "The Animal Manifesto" is well worth considering for animal lovers and those who want them treated better.

Game Engine Gems 1
Eric Lengyel
Jones and Bartlett Publishers
40 Tall Pine Drive, Sudbury, MA 01776
9780763778880, $69.95, www.jbpub.com

An engine is simply a set of tools to create one's art in video games. "Game Engine Gems 1" is a collection of tips and tricks from countless software experts who have figured out how to make their desired game engine do what they want to create what they want and reach for that hit game or make that breakthrough technological innovation. Wisely using one's art assets, smarter artificial intelligence, creative uses for a physics engine, more vivid environments, all are discussed with plenty of ideas to make them work. With lots of example code and plenty of diagrams, "Game Engine Gems 1" is a reference that should be on hand for any game developer, professional or amateur.


The Fiction Shelf

Chocolate Soup
Del Staecker
Cable Publishing
14090 E. Keinenen Rd., Brule, WI 54820
Litrides Associates (publicity)
532 North President Ave, Lancaster PA 17603-2602
9781934980576, $23.95, www.cablepublishing.com

"Chocolate Soup" by mastery mystery writer Del Staecker is the newest adventure of Ledge Trabue who now finds himself residing in a New Orleans hotel and part of the life of a city that is struggling to recover from Hurricane Katrina. Unfortunately for Ledge and the city, there is worse than flood water aftermath to deal with as he finds himself enmeshed in a new storm of greed, deceit, and murder. As with his previous 'Ledge Trabue' mystery novels, "Chocolate Soup" is a deftly written masterpiece that rivets the reader's total attention and engagement from first page to last. Although available in a softcover edition (9781934980583, $14.95), community libraries would be well advised to acquire the hardcover edition for an extended shelf life and continued accessibility to the growing legions of Del Staecker's fans.

My So-Called Death
Stacey Jay
Flux
2143 Wooddale Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125-2989
9780738715438, $9.95, www.fluxnow.com

That craving for brains is an instinct that must be overcome in polite zombie society. "My So-Called Death" is a morbid and humorous take on high school life as Karen Vera copes with her recent death and induction into zombie society, and her new best friend in death has her brain stolen. Determined to find the thief, Stacey Jay crafts an exciting world of zombies and makes a story that will appeal to countless young readers with a bit of black humor. "My So-Called Death" is a top pick and highly original reading.

The Logic of the World
Robert Kelly
McPherson & Company
PO Box 1126, Kingston, NY 12402
9780929701899, $24.00, www.mcphersonco.com

Highly prolific and highly experienced writer Robert Kelly brings his fans another treat with "The Logic of the World: And Other Fictions" as he brings a collection of short stories touching on countless themes of the world and countless settings ranging from the metaphysical to the fantastic to the realistic. With something for everyone and much in the way of originality, "The Logic of the World" is a fine anthology to add to any community library short fiction collection.

As If We Were Prey
Michael Delp
Made in Michigan Writers Series
c/o Wayne State University Press
4809 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, 48201-1309
9780814334775, $15.95, www.wsupress.wayne.edu

Society places pressure on everyone and no one understands it as a universal plight. "As If We Were Prey" tells the stories of several men who under the pressures of life are taken to their limit as they try to make their way through life and all of its tiresome and stressful ways. His stories focus on the mindset we all face, and how we all handle differently. A read countless readers will relate to, "As If We Were Prey" is a fine short fiction collection that would do well in any library catering to the genre.

Devil's Food Cake
Josi S. Kilpack
Deseret Book
PO Box 30178, Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0178
9781606412329, $17.99, www.joiskilpack.com

She brought cake, and all she was given for her troubles was a murder mystery. "Devil's Food Cake" tells the story of helpful community woman Sadie Hoffmiller, as she finds herself ignored by the authorities and driven to crack the case herself, despite her leading involvement to a murder was bringing a cake to the event. But this cake maker may find that she's the best for the job, making "Devil's Food Cake" a fun mystery that's offbeat and a highly recommended read.

Mean Town Blues
Sam Reaves
Pegasus Books
45 Wall Street, Suite 1021, New York, NY 10005
9781605980034, $25.00, www.pegasusbooks.us

You can go from having nothing to having everything on the line very quick. "Mean Town Blues" tells of Kentucky Boy Sam Tommy McLain as he rolls into Chicago and finds himself driven into a Chi-Town gang war where his life, and the life of his newest interest Lisa DiPietro may be on the line, as he tries to make sense of it all, trying to escape with his life and his freedom. An exciting crime thriller with heavy noir inspiration, "Mean Town Blues" is a choice pick for mystery fans.

Katy's New World
Kim Vogel Sawyer
Zondervan
c/o Harper Collins
5300 Patterson Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530
9780310719243, $9.99, www.zondervan.com

The Mennonites have always been a secluded people, but are not against their own connecting with outsiders. "Katy's New World" tells the story of a teenager who was given the opportunity to attend public high school despite being brought up in a traditional Mennonite society. Through her new life in high school she finds herself between a rift of her new modern school life and her traditional life back home. "Katy's New World" is an intriguing read that many young readers will relish.

Heartbreak Tango
Manuel Puig
Dalkey Archive
1805 S. Wright Street, MC-011, Champaign, IL 61820
9781564785534, $13.95, www.dalkeyarchive.com

Classy has nothing to do with any of life. "Heartbreak Tango" is a novel from Argentinean Author Manuel Puig, as he provides a vivid picture of life of in Argentina as his protagonist Juan Carlos Etchepare faces life, and grants a story looking to the highest highs of culture to the lowest of lows. Poignant and hilarious simultaneously, "Heartbreak Tango" is a solid addition to any world fiction collection.


The Biography Shelf

Small-Town Russia
Anton Weiss-Wendt
Florida Academic Press, Inc.
PO Box 540, Gainesville, FL 32606-0540
9781890357269, $27.95

The power of the Soviet Union was waning, and capitalism began to re-emerge. "Small-Town Russia: Childhood Memories of the Final Soviet Decade" is Anton Weiss-Wendt's reflection on life growing up in the 1980s, as the Soviet Union's power began to wane and dissolve. A unique perspective on the Russian people and the personal events leading up to the collapse of the USSR, "Small-Town Russia" is a top pick for international memoir collections.

Not Quite Paradise
Adele Barker
Beacon Press
25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108-2892
9780807000618, $24.95, www.beacon.org

Some places keep their own culture, standing against the constant bombardments of others. "Not Quite Paradise: An American Sojourn in Sri Lanka" is a memoir from Adele Barker as she reflects on her time on the small island formerly known as Ceylon, just off the Indian coast. A blend of faiths and cultures, she describes the land of Sri Lanka, giving readers a vivid snapshot of life on the isle, and providing much insight. "Not Quite Paradise" is a top pick for any travel memoir collection.

Signing in Puerto Rican
Andres Torres
Gallaudet University
800 Florida Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002-3695
9781563684173, $34.95, www.gupress.galladet.edu

Every country treats the deaf differently. "Signing in Puerto Rican: A hearing Son and his Deaf Family" takes a new spin on the American sign language as Andres Torres, a hearing capable individual hopes to give readers a walk into his culture as he is a member of a predominantly deaf Hispanic family. Stating that Deaf Latinos have their own take on deaf culture and his unique upbringing, "Signing in Puerto Rican" is a worthy addition to any memoir collection dedicated to the deaf.

The Side-Yard Superhero
Rick D. Niece
Synergy Books
PO Box 80107, Austin, TX 78758
Smith Publicity (publicity)
1930 E. Marlton Pike Suite I-46, Chery Hill, NJ 08003
9780981546209, $17.95

It was truly a time like none other. "The Side-Yard Superhero" is Rick D. Niece providing a snapshot of a lost time - the time of childhood. Through his writings, his text hopes readers will look back and reflect on their own childhoods and remember to embrace them even in their adult life. A vivid picture of small town America, "The Side-Yard Superhero" is a treasure that shouldn't be missed.

The Last Goodnights
John West
Counterpoint
2117 Fourth Street, Suite D, Berkeley, CA 94710
9781582434483, $25.00, www.counterpointpress.com

A suicide is usually regarded as a tragedy, but John West has had differing experiences. "The Last Goodnights: Assisting My Parents with their Suicides" is a truly unique story of John West and his parents. His parents, both gravely ill and doctors in their own right, decide than rather linger in the agony of their own deaths, they turn to their son to help them end their lives in dignity. A tale of a tough time that few will ever face, "The Last Goodnights" is a riveting, inspirational, and tragic at the same time read of familial love and the extent it goes.

At Home in Japan
Rebecca Otowa
Tuttle Publishing
364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759-9436
9784805310786, $21.95, www.tuttlepublishing.com

The traditions of another country take much for an outsider to understand. "At Home in Japan: A Foreign Woman's Journey of Discovery" tells the tale of Rebecca Otowa, a woman who married into a traditional Japanese rural family. Originally a Californian woman in origin, Otowa came to Japan, leaving her old family and learning the ways of traditional life in rural Japan. Poignant and riveting reading that is sure to open the eyes of many readers, "At Home in Japan" is a top pick for memoir collections focusing on international travel.

Nobody Called Me Charlie
Charles Preston
Monthly Review Press
146 West 29th Street, Suite 6W, New York, NY 10001
9781583672020 $21.95 www.monthlyreview.org 1-800-670-9499

Nobody Called Me Charlie: The Story of a Radical White Journalist Writing for a Black Newspaper in the Civil Rights Era is the autobiographical chronicle of author Charles Preston (1911-1983) with emphasis on his days serving as the only white worker (who happened to be a Communist) at a black newspaper. His job involved openly portraying the pervasive racism of the 1950's as he wrote about work, local politics, the civil rights struggle, travel, sports, business, and more. Preston ultimately presents a challenge to white readers, claiming that in order to support racial justice, they must abandon their whiteness as he did. The chronicle of an extraordinary, unabashed, and determined man and his commitment to socialism and racial solidarity, Nobody Called Me Charlie is captivating reading from first page to last.

Che Guevara
Nick Caistor
Interlink Books
46 Crosby Street, Northampton, MA 01060
9781566567596, $15.00, www.interlinkbooks.com

One of the most iconic figures of the Cuban Revolution, Che Guevara wasn't even born there. "Che Guevara: A Life" is a biography of the legendary Cuban revolutionary, telling his life story, of how the Argentinean came to Cuban and made his biggest impact there, and how he went throughout South America fighting various guerrilla movements against imperialism in South America. Looking at the man who lived by his word and the controversy that surrounds him, "Che Guevara" is a choice pick for biography collections.

Bright Triumphs From Dark Hours
David Heenan
University of Hawai'i Press
6840 Kolowalu Street, Honolulu, HI 96822-1888
9780824834302, $25.00, www.uhpress.hawaii.edu

Anyone can prosper when anything is going well, it takes the truly exceptional to succeed when everything is going against you. "Bright Triumphs From Dark Hours: Turning Adversity into Success" tells the story of ten exceptional individuals who flourished under Pressure and against all expectations and odds. From pulling a school system out of the pits of worthlessness to military men reshaping their lives after disasters change the course of their lives, David Heenan shows 10 inspirational individuals that will reiterate the wisdom to never give up. "Bright Triumphs from Dark Hours" is a choice and very highly recommended read that should not be overlooked.

John Milton: A Hero of Our Time
David Hawkes
Counterpoint Press
2117 Fourth Street, Suite D, Berkeley, CA 94710
9781582434377 $28.00 www.counterpointpress.com 1-800-788-3123

Published to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Milton's birth, John Milton: A Hero of Our Time is a thoughtful biography of poet, polemicist, public servant, and legendary author John Milton, perhaps best known for his classic "Paradise Lost". A man driven by his conscience and his understanding of logic, Milton stood firm in his beliefs during a time of tremendous religious and political turmoil in England. From Milton's participation in the English civil war to his ideas about capitalism, love, and marriage that were surprisingly ahead of their time, to his views on political violence and religious terrorism, John Milton: A Hero of Our Time encapsulates the greatness of a visionary thinker and the morals of a humanitarian. Highly recommended, especially for public and college library collections.


The Folktale/Folklore Shelf

The Secret History of Vampires
Claude Lecouteux
Inner Traditions International, Ltd.
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
9781594773259 $16.95 www.innertraditions.com

The Secret History of Vampires: Their Multiple Forms and Hidden Purposes is an insightful look into the origins of vampire folklore and mythology, examining a diversity of inspirational incidents, records, and myths that may have contributed to the modern concept of the vampire - well before Bram Stoker's classic horror novel "Dracula". Incidents recorded as fact in newspaper and judicial archives long past piece together a variety of different predecessors to the modern-day vampire: shroud eaters, appesarts, nightmares, and even the stafia, which supposedly arose from masons secretly interring the shadow of a living human being into the wall of a building under construction. Anyone curious into the origins of myths in general and the public perception of vampires in particular absolutely must read The Secret History of Vampires! Highly recommended, especially for public library folklore shelves.


The Native American Shelf

Dammed Indians Revisited
Michael L. Lawson
South Dakota State Historical Society Press
900 Governors Drive, Pierre, SC 57501-2217
9780979894015 $18.95 www.sdshspress.com

Dammed Indians Revisited: The Continuing History of the Pick-Sloan Plan and the Missouri River Sioux examined the negative repercussions of the 1944 Pick-Sloan plan, which created economic opportunities but also flooded more than two hundred thousand acres of bottomlands that sustained the Sioux, requiring entire communities to relocate. Drawing upon new information to revise and revamp his original work, author Michael L. Lawson reveals the lasting impact of the plan upon tribal-federal relations. A thoughtful, heavily researched and soberly presented scholarly accounting, Dammed Indians Revisited is a welcome addition to Native American studies shelves.

Spirits of Earth
Robert A. Birmingham
University of Wisconsin Press
1930 Monroe Street, Third Floor, Madison, WI 53711-2059
9780299232641 $24.95 www.wisc.edu/wisconsinpress 1-800-621-2736

A wealth of black-and-white maps, drawings, and photographs grace Spirits of Earth: The Effigy Mound Landscape of Madison and the Four Lakes, a combination history and visitor's guide to the effigy mounds of the Madison, Wisconsin area. Author and archaeologist Robert Birmingham carefully documents these ancient effigy earthworks, built in the shape of birds, bears, spirit beings, and other figures. A highly accessible guide ideal for tourists, students, and historians alike, Spirits of Earth is a welcome contribution to Wisconsin history and Native American studies shelves.


The Political Science Shelf

The Dance of the Comedians
Peter M. Robinson
University of Massachusetts Press
PO Box 429, Amherst, MA 01004
9781558497337 $34.95 www.umass.edu/umpress 1-800-537-5487

The Dance of the Comedians: The People, the President, and the Performance of Political Standup Comedy in America is studies the history of American political humor as used to celebrate democracy, express political protest, or create personal profit, with particular emphasis on American presidents of the mid-twentieth century from Calvin Coolidge to Ronald Regan. An engaging survey of the delicate balance between respect and ridicule for the presidential office that ultimately seeks to answer questions such as "Why did Barack Obama pay attention to the Daily Show and Steven Colbert during the presidential election of 2008, and why did Sarah Palin choose to appear on Saturday Night Live but not on Sunday talk shows?" A scholarly examination of the role humor has played and continues to play in modern American presidential politics, especially recommended for college library collections.


The Sports Shelf

Racing While Black
Leonard T. Miller with Andrew Simon
Seven Stories Press
140 Watts Street, New York, NY 10013
9781583228968 $24.95 www.sevenstories.com 1-800-596-7437

Racing While Black: How an African-American Stock Car Team Made Its Mark on NASCAR is testimony of author Leonard T. Miller, owner of Miller Racing for fifteen years, who found his niche in creating opportunities for black drivers amid one of the most heavily white-dominated sports in the America. From working with paper-thin budgets to selling marketing plans to skeptics, to the thrill of victory and working to transform how NASCAR fans view skin color, Racing While Black is an amazing look at a popular sport from a unique industry insider's perspective. Highly recommended, especially for NASCAR fans curious to learn more behind the scenes about their favorite sport.

The Bill James Gold Mine
Chase Utley
Acta Sports
5559 W. Howard Street, Skokie, IL 60077
9780879464110, $23.95, www.actasports.com

Numbers are science, and science can give a glimpse of things to come. "The Bill James Gold Mine" delves into the finer points of statistics and how analyzing them gives a greater understanding of the game of baseball. Every aspect of the game is analyzed as Bill James gives readers much in depth thoughts and theories to who shined and who sunk this year. "The Bill James Gold Mine" is an absolute must for any baseball fanatic who enjoys the deeper, scientific aspects of the game.

The Red Sox and Philosophy
Michael Macomber, editor
Open Court
70 East Lake Street, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60601
9780812696776, $19.95, www.opencourtbooks.com

Much of the world has something to teach people, and legendary sports teams are no different. "The Red Sox and Philosophy: Green Monster Meditations" tells the story of the heroes and Fenway park and how the people, the players, and their relationship tells people about humanity and the human spirit. The Boston Red Sox are an institution of Major League Baseball, and this entry in the Popular Culture and philosophy series offers much insight into just why they are so revered. "The Red Sox and Philosophy" is a choice pick for sports fans and armchair philosophers.


The World History Shelf

Amarna Sunset
Aidan Dodson
The American University in Cairo Press
c/o International Publishers Marketing
22841 Quicksilver Drive, Dulles, VA 20166
9789774163043 $24.95 www.aucpress.com 1-800-758-3756

Amarna Sunset: Nefertiti,Tutankhamun, Ay, Horemheb, and the Egyptian Counter-Reformation is a historical study emerging from the latest research into the evidence of the pharaohs who governed Egypt in the fourteenth century B.C.E. A dramatic chronicle of political intrigue, Amarna Sunset explores the decline and end of Akhenaten's religious revolution - from the demise of the king's loved ones to efforts to place a foreigner on Egypt's throne to the rise of army officers, and presenting a theory that Nefertiti was the mother of Tutankhamun. A wealth of black-and-white photographs, appendices, and an index around out this intriguing and involving historical study and extrapolation. Amarna Sunset is an absolute "must" for college library Egyptology collections.

Daily Life in the Roman City
Gregory S. Aldrete
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
9780806140278 $19.95 www.oupress.com 1-800-627-7377

Gregory S. Aldrete (Professor of History and Humanistic Studies, University of Wisconsin at Green Bay) presents Daily Life in the Roman City: Rome Pompeii, and Ostia, a scholarly examination of the similarities and differences of ancient Rome's cities - their infrastructure, government, economy, dangers, highlights, entertainment, religion, and more. The final two chapters invoke particular focus upon Ostia, an industrial port city, and Pompeii, the city that would become a virtual time capsule preserving a snapshot of Roman daily life. Black-and-white photographs, a wealth of appendices, and an index round out this absorbing, informative and extraordinary study, highly recommended especially for public and college library world history shelves.

Lenin's Brother
Philip Pomper
WW Norton
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
9780393070798, $24.95, www.wwnorton.com

Family has more bearing on history than one would believe. "Lenin's Brother: The Origins of the October Revolution" delves into the relationship of Vladimir Lenin and his older brother Alexander Ulyanov. Alexander lead a revolution against the Russian tsar, and was hanged for it. These events fueled much of Lenin's desire to eventually succeed where his brother failed. "Lenin's Brother" is captivating insight into one of the events that spurred one of the great stories of the twentieth century.

The Other Middle Kingdom
Chiara Betta
University of Indianapolis Press
1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227-3697
0880938536, $19.95, www.uindy.edu

Islam has always been an aggressive religion as far as preaching goes, and its early pilgrims traveled all over the known world. "The Other Middle Kingdom: A Brief History of Muslims in China" covers the history of how Islam gained a small cultural subset of China, adding another bit of diversity to an already diverse people. Traders traveled to China brought their religions, and through this, Islamic Chinese remain even to this day. Presented in both English and Chinese, "The Other Middle Kingdom" is a fascinating read for history lovers.

Contested Territory
Heidi V. Scot
University of Notre Dame Press
310 Flanner Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556
9780268041311, $35.00, www.undpress.nd.edu

When the Europeans arrived, every part of America was due for a major conflict of history. "Contested Territory: Mapping Peru in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century" delves into the colonial history of Peru as the Spanish conquistadors butt heads with the natives for control on the region and the lasting impression through history that these conflicts left. A fascinating piece of South American history, "Contested Territory" should have a spot in every world history collection.


The Poetry Shelf

Cherma
Jacqueline West
Parallel Press
372 Memorial Library, 728 State Street, Madison, WI 53575
9781934795118 $10.00 http://parallelpress.library.wisc.edu 1-800-636-0071

Two-time Pushcart Prize nominee Jacqueline West presents Cherma, a poetry chapbook collecting free-verse reminiscences each taken from the names, lives, and family stories of a group of Bohemian immigrants who settled in Wisconsin's Pierce County during the late 1800s. The Cherma Catholic parish once included several farming families, yet today all that remains of it is its cemetery. (It should be noted that although the inspiration for these chapbook poems spring from real-life people or events, the poems themselves are not intended to be historically accurate - this chapbook is a work of fiction). An engrossing speculation into the ordinary lives of rural Americans, highly recommended to anyone who loves fine poetry.

The Follower's Tale
Stephen Roger Powers
Salmon Poetry
c/o DuFour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781907056208, $21.95, www.salmonpoetry.com

Just because you aren't leading the way doesn't mean you don't have your own story. "The Follower's Tale" is a collection of poetry from Stephen Roger Powers in his first anthology of poetry. Aiming to tell an offbeat and original story, he brings readers a unique brand of poetry that hasn't been seen much before. "The Follower's Tale" is a choice pick for poetry lovers, highly recommended. "The Night Before Dolly's Parade": I watched an old man watch his son on stage/in Master Harold. I ignored the play/and traced his laughs, his lips, his nose, the way/his eyebrows flew up when his son engaged/the audience in something humorous./After the show I drove all night through states/too flat for companionship. No complaints,/no one to make me feel ridiculous/when I cranked up Dolly's dulcimers down/through cincy on my way to Dollywood./I named my future son, sang along, looked/behind while I drove up hills south of town./My eyes coffeed open to watch for deer/as the rhinestone skyline sank out of my mirror.

The Wake Forest Series of Irish Poetry
Sean Lysaught & Collaborators
Wake Forest University Press
PO BOx 7333, Winston-Salem, NC 27109
9781930630475, $17.95, www.wfu.edu/wfupress

Every country has its poets and its voice. "The Wake Forest Series of Irish Poetry" is a collection of work from five fine Irish poets reflecting on what it means to be Irish in the modern world and the challenges they face in today's rapidly changing and revolutionized world. "The Wake Forest Series of Irish Poetry" is a core addition to any world poetry collection, a grade-A pick. "Oar" by Moya Cannon: Walk inland and inland/with your oar,/until someone asks you/what it is.//Then you build your house./For only then will you need to tell and know/that the sea is immense and unfathomable,/that the oar pulls/against the wave/and with the wave/is everything.

Picasso, I Want My Face Back
Grace Nichols
Bloodaxe
c/o Dufour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781852248505, $18.95, www.dufoureditions.com

Picasso's work meant more than being just weird. "Picasso, I Want My Face Back" is a collection of poetry from Grace Nichols as she speaks through the voice of Dora Maar, Pablo Picasso's lover and inspiration. The intriguing angle to Picasso makes for unique poems well worth reading, making "Picasso, I Want My Face Back" a top poetry pick. "Seven Sisters": Seven sisters standing/shoulder to chalky shoulder --/Seven sisters huddling to Sussex mist/open-armed to sun's expansive kiss/yet straight and firm as Victorian maidens/all kin to Dover - the green-shawled/grandmother of all cliffs.


The Cookbook Shelf

New York Cooks: 100 Recipes from the City's Best Chefs
Joan Krellenstein and Barbara Winkler
Sixth&Spring Books
233 Spring St., 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10013
9781933027784 $29.95 www.sixthandspringbooks.com

New York Cooks: 100 Recipes from the City's Best Chefs is a cookbook compendium of recipes from Manhattan's best of the best restaurants and chefs. In addition to the recipes, photographs, and meticulous instructions, New York Cooks features interviews with elite chefs peppered with motes of inspiration and helpful tricks of the trade for cooks of all walks of life. A wonderful way to experience top-quality cuisine without literally flying across the country, New York Cooks is a jewel in the crown of any cookbook collection. Highly recommended.

Nature's Garden
Samuel Thayer
Forager's Harvest Press
N 8757 Breakneck Rd., Birchwood, WI 54817
9780976626619 $24.95 www.foragersharvest.com

Award-winning expert in wild foods Samuel Thayer presents his latest, up-to-date expert work in Nature's Garden: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants. Nature's Garden lives up to its title with extensive information on harvest seasons for wild plants, and detailed instructions for preparing gathered foodstuffs. More than 400 color photographs on high-quality paper illustrate this compendium, helping the viewer see the difference more acutely in look-alike plants. From black oak acorns to ligonberries to cow parsnip and more, Nature's Garden covers an immense diversity of edible plants - including some that require extensive preparation according to step-by-step instructions. A professional-quality reference, and an absolute "must-have" for anyone seriously contemplating "living off the land" for an extended period of time.

Walnut Wine & Truffle Groves
Kimberley Lovato, author
Laura Schmalhorst, recipes
Lou Lesko, photographs
Running Press
2300 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-4371
9780762437993 $29.95 www.runningpress.com

A combination travelogue, culinary adventure, and cookbook, Walnut Wine & Truffle Groves: Culinary Adventures in the Dordogne is the next best thing to experiencing the sights, smells, and flavors of the Dordogne region of France firsthand. Sumptuous full-color photography illustrates the reminiscences of meeting the people who call the land home, and create delicacies that bring joy to the most cultured palate. Armchair travelers and foodies who anticipate (or want to revel in the memory of) experiencing fine French cuisine are sure to enjoy this wondrous treasury, rounded out with delicious recipes such as "Seared Foie Gras with Fresh Raspberries and Cognac", "Virginie's Walnut Gateau with Mocha Glaze", "Perigourdine Garlic Soup" and more. Highly recommended.

The Great Big Cheese Cookbook
Michael Symon, et. al.
Running Press
2300 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-4371
9780762434978 $22.95 www.runningpress.com

The Great Big Cheese Cookbook is a compendium of recipes from over 60 world-class chefs, featuring more than 300 classic and modern cheesy delights. From Asiago Cheese Puffs to Wisconsin Cheese Straws, Spiced Apple Grilled Havarti Sandwiches, Greek Shrimp with Feta and Tomatoes, Gorgonzola and Caramelized Onion Pizza, and more, these creations are sure to whet any cheese-lover's appetite. (Some of the recipes call expressly for Wisconsin cheeses - although cheese substitutions can be made). Step-by-step instructions and beautiful, full-color photography enhance The Great Big Cheese Cookbook. An absolute winner for the cookbook collections of anyone who enjoys the many distinctive tastes of cheese.


The Education Shelf

Hands-On Geometry: Constructions with a Straightedge and Compass
Christopher M. Freeman
Prufrock Press
PO Box 8813, Waco, TX 76714-8813
9781593634186 $14.95 www.prufrock.com 1-800-998-2208

Hands-On Geometry: Constructions with a Straightedge and Compass is an educational resource for math teachers with students in grades 4-6, featuring challenging drawing projects meant to be completed with a simple straightedge and compass. From equilateral triangles to squares, regular hexagons, octagons, dodecagons, parallelograms, regular pentagons, golden rectangles, and more, geometry students will get a hands-on appreciation for the laws that govern these shapes and the opportunity to internalize basic mathematical principles in more than one way. The ready-to-use, reproducible activities are an excellent supplement to any geometry teacher's course work, making "Hands-On Geometry" highly recommended for grade school mathematics classrooms everywhere.

Assessment in Technical and Professional Communication
Margaret N. Hundleby and Jo Allen, editors
Baywood Publishing Company, Inc.
26 Austin Avenue, PO Box 337, Amityville, NY 11701
9780895033796 $56.96 http://baywood.com

Assessment in Technical and Professional Communication is a compendium of essays by professional authors discussing the role proper assessment plays in the challenges of effective technical and professional communication, whether in a discussion between engineers, instruction between teachers and students, or even efforts to educate the public. A scholarly compilation meant for teachers, researchers, students, accreditation bodies, engineers, and more, Assessment in Technical and Professional Communication includes analysis of issues ranging from the ethical role of the technical communicator to the practice of effective self-assessment to accurately evaluating the work of graduate students or professional writing programs, and much more. A welcome addition to college library collections, particularly those of technical and professional colleges.

Teaching English Language Learners
Judie Haynes & Debbie Zacarian
ASCD Books
1703 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311-1714
9781416609124, $23.95, www.ascd.org

It's one thing to teach a child to speak English. It's another to teach them history while they're still learning English. "Teaching English Language Learners: Across the Content Areas" is a guide for teachers who have English as a Second Language students in their class rooms and how to cope with the language barrier of a child who is trying to grasp a language that they won't learn over night. The stages of language mastery, working these children with their peers, and talking to the parents and guardians, "Teaching English Language Learners" is a vital resource for any educator who will be faced with such a child.

It's Only the Janitor
Roderic B. Park
Rockpile Press
c/o Cypress House
18450 Rockpile Road, Geyserville, CA 95441
9780982193389, $29.95, www.cypresshouse.com

A good leader doesn't do all the leading himself. "It's Only the Janitor: A Handbook for New Academic Administrators" is a guide for new leaders who have the burden of leading their school of any level to the best it can be. All faculty needs leadership, from the principals down to the janitor dispensing the sawdust. Cleaning up the messes of others is the metaphor used, and it holds up well through Roderic B. Park's sage wisdom, making "It's Only the Janitor" an ideal starter handbook for educational administrators.

On Excellence in Teaching
Robert Marzano
Solution Tree
555 North Morton Street, Bloomington, IN 47404
9781934009581, $34.95, www.solution-tree.com

It's one thing to teach; it's another to teach well. "On Excellence in Teaching" is a collection of essays from countless professionals on the subject as they weigh in their thoughts and ideas on the matter and give the teachers who read plenty to inspire and push them to treat their students as something greater. Broken into topics of theories, the system of teaching as it is today and how to improve it, and how everyday classroom actions can be invaluable learning experience. "On Excellence in Teaching" is an absolute must for any teacher who wants to aspire for greater for their career and their students.

Supporting Research Students
Barbara Allan
Facet Publishing
c/o Neal Schuman Publishing
100 William Street, Suite 2004, New York, NY 10038
9781856046855, $105.00, www.facetpublishing.co.uk

At some level, teaching is no longer enough. "Supporting Research Students" delves into education of post graduate students and how educational professionals can assist this doctoral seeking students and scholars as they continue their studies past the usefulness of a traditional professor. Research learning is the normal at this level, and Barbara Allan works many ideas on how LIS professionals can assist these researching students through the many stages of the process. Useful for libraries, communities, and professional development, "Supporting Research Students" is a must for any LIS professional who wants to cater the best they can to these driven individuals.

Brain-Based Early Learning Activities
Nikki Darling-Kuria
Redleaf Press
10 Yorkton Court, St. Paul, MN 55117-1065
9781933653860 $29.95 www.redleafpress.org 1-800-423-8309

Family child care professional and adjunct college professor Nikki Darling-Kuria presents Brain-Based Early Learning Activities, a collection of educational activities designed to stimulate interest and development in language, mathematics, science, art, motor skills, social skills, music, the environment, and more in children from birth to age 8. Each activity lists the brain connections that the activity supports, multisensory variations, diversity adaptations, and extension activities. Some examples of language-based activities include "Rhyming Scavenger Hunt" (for age 4 years and up) in which children are challenged to talk in rhymes (begin with classic nursery rhymes then have children go on a scavenger hunt to find items that rhyme), and "Flannel Fantasy" (for age 2 years and up) in which children are provided with a flannel surface to use felt pieces on to represent objects and events in a story. A superb supplement to classroom, home schooling, and even parent's and babysitter's collections, Brain-Based Early Learning Activities is highly recommended.

Surrounded By Science
Marilyn Fenichel and Heidi A. Schweingruber
The National Academies Press
500 Fifth Street, N.W., Lockbox 285, Washington, DC 20055
9780309136747 $24.95 www.national-academies.org

Surrounded By Science: Learning Science in Informal Environments is a handy guide for anyone who works in informal science settings (museums, after-school programs, science and technology centers, media enterprises, libraries, aquariums, zoos, botanical gardens, and more) and wants to find more ways to spread and enrich learning among visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Chapters include case studies, useful examples, thoughtful discussions, and a wealth of invaluable research. The result is a blend of scholarly insight and hands-on practical ideas, with the goal of ultimately engaging and challenging visitors, encouraging them to develop their sense of inquiry, their confidence, and their willingness to learn. An excellent resource and reference, especially recommended for consultation before adding or changing an exhibit in one's museum, zoo, planetarium, or other informal science setting.


The Architecture Shelf

Barn Again
E. Ashley Rooney
Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
9780764334313 $34.99 www.schifferbooks.com

Featuring over 240 gorgeous, full-color photographs on almost every page, Barn Again is a survey of barns across the United States. In the modern era of factory farms, the barns once used by family farms are disappearing - some are destroyed, some are slowly falling prey to the elements. Yet some are being transformed into residences, retail establishments, offices, or nonprofit centers - it is this group of re-imagined barns that is the primary focus of Barn Again. The brief text and captions elaborate on the creative ways in which barn architecture can be and has been repurposed to serve the needs of a changing modern community. Barn Again is extraordinary, inspirational, and a particularly welcome addition to architectural studies shelves, especially those with a focus on American architecture.

Urbanisms
Steven Holl
Princeton Architectural Press
37 East 7th Street, New York, NY 10003
9781568986791 $55.00 www.papress.com 1-800-722-6657

Award-winning architect Steven Holl presents Urbanisms: Working With Doubt, an illustrated compendium of architectural projects from his thirty years in the field. Black-and-white and color diagrams and photographs on practically every single page bring to life not only his creations, but an expression of the impulses behind their design - from the will to preserve natural landscapes to adapting to complicated urban situations. Text captions for the photographs and diagrams elucidate the creative problem-solving intent inherent in original architecture. Highly recommended as a resource for architectural inspiration, particularly with regard to the complex issue of effective urban planning.


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha
Translated by Marzieh Gail & committee
Baha'i Publishing
415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091-2844
9781931847742 $14.00 www.BahaiBooksUSA.com 1-800-705-4925

Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha is a compilation of correspondence and written works by one of the major figures of the Baha'i faith. Abdu'l-Baha (meaning "Servant of the Glory") is the title adopted by 'Abbas Effendi (1844-1921), the eldest son and designated successor of Baha'u'llah, the prophet and founder of the faith. Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha includes works about physical and spiritual health, death, the afterlife, spiritual reality, and how to combat and overcome prejudice. Skillfully translated into English and presented in a pocket-sized paperback form, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha is an absolutely indispensable resource not only for Baha'i practitioners and scholars, but also for anyone seeking to learn more about the Baha'i faith and its wisdom, directly from the mouth of one of its most influential leaders. Highly recommended.

The Rewards of Simplicity
Pam & Chuck D. Pierce
Chosen
c/o Baker Publishing Group
11400 Hampshire Ave. S., Bloomington, MN 55438
9780800794774, $13.99, www.chosenbooks.com

Complexity tends to only introduce stress in one's life. "The Rewards of Simplicity: A Practical and Spiritual Approach" is a Christian self-help guide encouraging readers to keep it simple. Ending pack rat tendencies, the pitfalls of technology, the other benefits that Lord reverence to keeping the Sabbath holy, and the corruption of materialism. Filled cover to cover with plenty of advice to make one's life simpler and more easily lived. "The Rewards of Simplicity" is not a read to be missed for Christians.


The Christian Studies Shelf

An Amish Paradox
Charles E. Hurst and David L. McConnell
The Johns Hopkins University Press
2715 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4363
9780801893995 $30.00 www.press.jhu.edu 1-800-537-5487

Emeritus professor of sociology Charles E. Hurst and professor of anthropology David L. McConnell present Amish Paradox: Diversity and Change in the World's Largest Amish Community, an extraordinary study of the largest and most diverse Amish community in the world, located in Holmes County, Ohio. Today, the Holmes County Amish are more involved than ever in the changing world at large, forcing them to reconsider their religious tenets, family practices, educational options, occupations, and health care opportunities. In an era where cell phones, school buses, and other modern implements are practically required for the functioning of a large community, modernity is gradually transforming the distinctly Amish way of life. Individual chapters address "Coping with Church Schism", "The Changing Landscape of Learning", "Work Within and Outside Tradition", "Health along the Life Cycle", and much more. A welcome addition to religious studies, sociology, and American History shelves, especially recommended for college libraries.

The Physics of Genesis
Jim Thompson
Pleasant Word
c/o WinePress Publishing
PO Box 428, Enumclaw, WA 98022
9781414111605, $17.99

Evolution and creation are not opposed to one another. "The Physics of Genesis" takes a Christian approach to the foundation of the universe and the impact of modern science. Reverend Jim Thompson presents his own interpretation of the six days of creation and the foundation of the universe, viewing God as a great architect who set his plans into motion. "The Physics of Genesis" is a fascinating and insightful read, well worth considering in the creation-evolution debate for Christians.

Jesus Freak
Sara Miles
Jossey-Bass
c/o John Wiley
989 Market Street, Fifth Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103-1741
9780470481660, $21.95, www.josseybass.com

It's one thing to have Jesus in your heart; it's another to live as he did. "Jesus Freak" is a spiritual memoir from Sara Miles who decided to embrace her faith by taking it a step farther. She decided to follow the life of Christ by interpreting his actions in today's world by trying to feed the hungry, heal the wounded, and her own take on raising the dead. A work of love and devotion to her faith, Sara Miles' stories makes "Jesus Freak" a top pick for readers looking for an uplifting tale of faith.

From God to You: Absolute Truth
Elliott Eli Jackson
Schiffer Publishing
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
9780764334696, $16.99, www.schifferbooks.com

God works in mysterious ways, and sends his messages in even stranger. "From God to You: Absolute Truth" is a Christian book from Elliot Eli Jackson who states that God himself is speaking through him through a series of episodes where he and his wife experienced this unique event. Stating that he wants to share the knowledge he gained through these encounters, Christian readers looking for new reinforcements of faith should consider "From God to You: Absolute Truth".

The Power of Praying Through the Bible
Stormie Omartian
Harvest House
990 Owen Loop North, Eugene, Oregon 97402-9173
9780736927840, $9.99, www.harvesthousepublishers.com

Words mean nothing if you don't extract the meaning from them. "The Power of Prayer Through the Bible" is a prayer companion from Stormie Omartian, designed so that Christians can read over their Bible passage of choice and record their thoughts and feelings on the subject, helping them form a more personal connection with the Bible. With quotes scattered throughout to provide greater inspiration, "The Power of Prayer Through the Bible" is a powerful tool for Christians who highly value prayer.

Patched Together
Brennan Manning
David C. Cook
c/o Cook Communications
4050 Lee Vance View, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
9781434700032, $16.99, www.davidccook.com

An author leaves a piece of himself with every story. "Patched Together: A Story of My Story" is a semi-autobiographical tale from Brennan Manning, using the character of Willie Juan to tell a moving story that countless readers with empathize with and relate to, inspiring them with the faith and Christian determination that Manning leaves throughout the tale. "Patched Together" is a fine piece of Christian fiction, highly recommended.

Reboot
Peggy Kendall
Judson Press
PO Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851
9780817015657, $14.00, www.judsonpress.com

With technology becoming so prominent, it becomes easier to lose touch with one's faith. "Reboot: Refreshing Your Faith in a High-Tech World" is a guide for those who want to keep their faith and soul in a soulless world with less and less respect for the individual. With ideas for personal reflection, sermons to stay relevant in today's world, as well as using technology with faith, "Reboot" is a choice pick and highly recommended read for the pastor who wants to stay with the times.

What is the Mission of the Church?
Roger P. Schroeder
Orbis Books
PO Box 308, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0308
9781570758102, $16.00

The church is more than a building and place of worship. "What is the Mission of the Church?: A Guide for Catholics" looks at the Catholic Church, its goals, and what its followers should strive to do in the name of Christ. Hoping to state the mission of the Catholic Church, Roger Schroeder does well in inspiring Catholics to go above and beyond what a Catholic should be. "What is the Mission of the Church?" is a top pick and highly recommended read.

Good Game
Shirl James Hoffman
Baylor University
One Bear Place, #97363, Waco, TX 76798-7363
B&B Media Group, Inc.
109 South Main Street, Corsicana, TX 75110
9781932792102, $24.95, www.baylorpress.com

There's more to faith in sports than a pre-game prayer. "Good Game: Christianity and the Culture of Sports" looks into the relationship of Christianity and the sports that so many Christians love and embrace, often thanking God for their successes or the very least hoping for it. Stating that much of the religion in modern sports is empty and soulless, Shirl James Hoffman provides many stories of genuine faith in sports. "Good Game" is a worthy read for Christian athletes.

Church
Paul Lakeland
Michael Glazer books
c/o Liturgical Books
PO Box 7500, Collegeville, MN 56321-7500
9780814659939, $19.95, www.litpress.com

In the modern world, failure to change with the times results in things being left behind. "Church: Engaging Theology: Catholic Perspectives" discusses the major aspects of the church and how the next generation of church learn must learn to apply the pinnacles of faith to the future. Six volumes are presented, and six topics are discussed thoroughly, from scripture to anthropology to simply the modern role of the church. "Church" is an engaging and enlightening read that should not be missed for would be Church leaders.


The Business Shelf

S-Corporation Small Business Start-up Kit, fourth edition
Daniel Sitarz, attorney-at-law
Nova Publishing Company
1103 W. College St., Carbondale, IL 62901
c/o National Book Network (distributor)
4501 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, MD 20706
9781892949530 $29.95

Attorney-at-law Daniel Sitarz presents the newly updated fourth edition of S-Corporation Small Business Start-up Kit, an easy-to-use guide to beginning an American business as an S-Corporation, and now in a completely updated fourth edition, S-Corporation Small Business Start-up Kit is valid in all fifty states and Washington D.C., and includes not only detailed text instructions and recommendations, but also a host of easy-to-use forms and checklists - from payroll forms and federal tax forms to account summaries for recording sales and expenses, employment documents, even state-specific forms. An accompanying Windows and Mac-compatible CD includes all the forms in both text and PDF formats (Adobe Acrobat Reader included). An absolute must-have for anyone launching a small business as an S-Corporation due to its ease of use, S-Corporation Small Business Start-up Kit is also an extraordinarily practical resource for anyone running the day-to-day operations of an S-Corporation - even longtime managers are sure to find a wealth of useful tips, tricks, techniques, and advice. Highly recommended.

Analytics at Work
Thomas H. Davenport, Jeanne G. Harris, & Robert Morison
Harvard Business
60 Harvard Way, Boston, MA 02163
9781422177693, $29.95, www.harvardbusiness.org

It's one thing to have all the knowledge in the world, and it's another to know how to use it. "Analytics at Work: Smarter Decisions, Better Results" is a reference to maximizing data use at one's place of business for the many goals of business. Saying that educated approaches to pricing, inventory management, employment policies, and so much more are vital parts of a successful business, Thomas Davenport and his fellow collaborators give readers and business leaders a complete and comprehensive guide to using the data they have on hand to its fullest. "Analytics at Work" is a manual to keep at hand for any manager.

Leadership and Self-Deception, second edition
The Arbinger Institute
Berrett-Koehler Publishers
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 650, San Francisco, CA 94104-2916
9781576759776, $16.95, www.bk-life.com

If you're not honest with yourself, you can't be honest with others. "Leadership and Self-Deception - Getting Out of the Box" is an expanded second edition of the business best seller that speaks on the extreme importance of being honest with oneself about one's own motivations, and understanding what one's own goals are. This honesty translates well in dealing with others throughout their business and professional lives. "Leadership and Self-Deception" is a top pick for business collections focusing on leadership.

Leading High Performers
Eric Snow
Morgan James
1225 Franklin Ave., STE 325, Garden City, NY 11530-1693
Planned Television Arts (publicity)
110 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10022
9781600377181, $17.95, www.morganamespublishing.com

People who do well can do better with the right person in front of them. "Leading High Performers: The Ultimate Guide to Being a Fast, Fluid, and Flexible Leader" is a leadership guide from NBA star of over fourteen years Eric Snow as he explains how he took his leadership skills from the basketball court to the business world. Knowing what your people can do and assisting that is Snow's message, and "Leading High Performers" is a fine pick for those who want to make their good people great.


The International Studies Shelf

Stitching Identities in a Free Trade Zone
Sandya Hewamanne
University of Pennsylvania Press
3905 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4112
9780812221121 $24.95 www.upenn.edu/pennpress 1-800-537-5487

Anthropology instructor Sandya Hewamanne presents Stitching Identities in a Free Trade Zone: Gender and Politics in Sri Lanka, an anthropological study of the impact that the garment work opportunities in the Sri Lankan free trade zone (FTZ) has had upon the women who undertake it. Most of these women are from impoverished rural backgrounds, but unlike women who seek to earn money through domestic work for wealthy families in other nations, they are capable of banding together for mutual protection and looking out for one another's best interests. Hewamanne challenges common perceptions of how women at the bottom of a globalized economy fare, particularly in the epilogue which notes the financial difficulties some former FTZ workers have after they leave their jobs and get married. Stitching Identities in a Free Trade Zone personalizes its research with anecdotes about the lives of female workers, who must negotiate fluidly changing expectations of gender, class, and sexuality. A thought-provoking account that strives to bypass positive and negative preconceptions alike in its quest to uncover the truth of modern-day reality for these women, Stitching Identities in a Free Trade Zone is a welcome addition to anthropology shelves and highly recommended.


The Art Shelf

The Shores We Call Home
Carol Evans
Harbour Publishing
PO Box 219, Madeira Park, BC, Canada, V0N 2H0
9781550174656 $18.95 www.harbourpublishing.com

The Shores We Call Home: The Art of Carol Evans is an inexpensive, softcover artbook featuring over eighty of Carol Evans' sweeping artworks reproduced in full color. These landscapes portray the shores of coastal British Columbia in all its beauty and majesty, from ocean scenes to coastlines, waterfalls, and even a moving portrait of a young girl feeding swans. A joy to page through, The Shores We Call Home is particularly recommended for armchair travelers, or anyone who has visited British Columbia's shorelines and desires a souvenir encapsulating a little bit of the coast's inspirational magic.

Monday Hearts for Madalene
Page Hodel
Abrams
115 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011
9781584797784, $16.95, www.abramsbooks.com

Love is expressed in countless ways, and everyone thinks of their way to do it differently. "Monday Hearts for Madalene" is a collection of Page Hodel's devotions to the love of her life, Madalene Rodriguez, through a series of crafted hearts she left for her in her final year of life, every Monday morning. From everything she crafted these hearts, and through her art as displayed in full color, she hopes to inspire others to take their love and use it as inspiration. "Monday Hearts for Madalene" is a top pick and solidly recommended read for art collections and for connoisseurs collectors with a creative bend.

Byzantine Art
Colum Hourihane, editor
Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies
PO Box 874402, Tempe, AZ 85287-4402
9780866984263, $60.00

The eastern half of the greatest empire the world has ever known, The Byzantine Empire was a cultural gold mine. "Byzantine Art: Recent Studies" is a collection of studies into the art of the Byzantine empire. Countless scholars of art and history converge as they delve into a world long past but a major impact on the world of art as we know it today. The art of the Byzantine speaks of the empire itself, a merging of Europe and Asia, a merging of Christianity and Islam, and can tell so much about the world of one to two millennia ago. "Byzantine Art" is a must have for any art collection focusing on history, or vice versa.


The Civil War Shelf

So You Think You Know Gettysburg?
James and Suzanne Gindlesperger
John F. Blair, Publisher
1406 Plaza Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
9780895873743 $18.95 www.blairpub.com 1-800-222-9796

Co-written by members of the Friends of Gettysburg Foundation, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Civil War Preservation Trust, So You Think You Know Gettysburg? The Stories Behind the Monuments and the Men Who Fought One of America's Most Epic Battles lives up to its title with a wealth of detailed, historically accurate information about the great battle that was the turning point of the American Civil War. Full color photographs on almost every page illustrate these amazing true tales of carnage, bravery, corruption, and even screw-ups (such as the ten Confederates buried by accident in the Gettysburg National Cemetery). The complete stories behind Gettysburg's different moments form the heart of the fascinating and worthy contribution to Civil War history shelves, especially recommended for armchair travelers as the next best thing to visiting the historic sites of Gettysburg in person.


The Needlecraft Shelf

Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch
Nicky Epstein
Sixth&Spring Books
233 Spring St., 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10013
9781933027869 $19.95 www.sixthandspringbooks.com

Award-winning knitwear designer Nicky Epstein presents Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch: Creating Gifts for the People You Love, which lives up to its title with 35 unique knitting projects that make excellent gifts for friends and family members. From a reversible baby hoodie to a carry-all, a patchwork afghan, a bride's bag, and more, these creations are practical as well as beautiful. Full color photographs illustrate the minutely detailed instructions, in this superb compendium for intermediate to advanced knitters interested in creating thoughtful delights. Black-and-white block diagrams further clarify the steps that one follows, making Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch as explicit, detailed, and easy-to-follow as a knitting project guide can be. A treat especially recommended to any knitters interested in showing their love through their skills.


The Hobby Shelf

DCC Projects & Applications, Volume 2
Mike Polsgrove with David Popp
Kalmbach Publishing Company
21027 Crossroads Circle, Waukesha, WI 53186
9780890247747 $19.95 www.kalmbachbooks.com

DCC Projects & Applications, volume 2 is a solid, hands-on guide for model train hobbyists to using Digital Command Control (DCC) in order to independently control multiple trains anywhere on their layout. From choosing a DCC system that suits one's needs, to converting a DC layout to DCC, to building a layout with DCC in mind, troubleshooting wiring problems, converting older brass and plastic models to DCC and more, DCC Projects & Applications, volume 2 is an excellent reference and resource, illustrating its descriptive text with full-color photographs and diagrams on almost every page. An excellent supplementary resource especially commended to the attention of intermediate to advanced model train hobbyists.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

The Pallbearers
Stephen J. Cannell
St. Martin's Press
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
9780312557294 $25.99 www.stmartins.com 1-888-330-8477

TV producer and veteran crime fiction writer Stephen J. Cannell presents The Pallbearers, his latest suspenseful novel featuring the grizzled detective Shane Scully. When the director of the orphanage where Shane lived in between stays with foster families - a man whose kindness was one of the only bright spots in Shane's young life - is found dead of an alleged suicide, Shane is instantly suspicious. Shane is one of six specific people that the dead man chose to be his pallbearers. All six are convinced that the man they will lay to rest never would have chosen to kill himself. But who could have murdered him, and why? Uncovering the insidious secret behind the death proves to be a dangerous task, in this utterly riveting novel. Highly recommended.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

The Wheel of Nuldoid
Russ Woody
Pointless Ink Publishers
11684 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 479, Studio City, CA 91604-3808
9781427634801, $15.95, www.nuldoid.com

A rescue mission can take you to the center of the Earth and back again. "The Wheel of Nuldoid" tells the tale of Warren Worst as he follows a kidnapped friend into the bowels of the Earth. Only in sixth grade, he seems ill-equipped for all the strange creatures and adventures he finds in the city of Nuldoid, found at the center of the Earth. An entertaining and charming fantasy for young readers, "The Wheel of Nuldoid" is a very highly recommended pick.

The Hunt for the Eye of Ogin
Patrick Doud
North Atlantic Books
2526 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94704-2607
www.winnitoktales.com
9781556438226 $16.95 www.northatlanticbooks.com

Debut novelist Patrick Doud presents The Hunt for the Eye of Ogin, the first fantasy novel in the Winnitok Tales series. Although The Hunt for the Eye of Ogin is written especially for young adults, the accessible saga of a young man's epic quest will appeal to fantasy lovers of all ages. Thirteen-year-old Elwood Pitch has been spirited away to the land of Winnitok in the otherworld of Ehm; in his search to find the way home, he must track down the legendary Eye of Ogin to reveal the location of the land's lost protector. With the aid of his dog Slukee and his two companions Drallah Wehr of Winnitok and her talking raven Booj, his journey to decide the fate of Winnitok as well as his own destiny begins. A thoroughly enjoyable adventure from first page to last, The Hunt for the Eye of Ogin is especially recommended for public library collections (as something to appeal to patrons when all the Harry Potter books have been checked out)!


The Money/Finance Shelf

Wealth Watchers
Alice Wood
The Free Press
1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
9781439158197 $19.95 www.simonsays.com 1-800-223-2336

Wealth Watchers: A Simple Program to Help You Spend Less and Save More is a financial self-discipline program inspired to help people gain control of their monetary expenditures in much the same way that the Weight Watcher program helps people control their diet in order to lose weight and keep it off. Two-thirds of Wealth Watchers is the author's story of learning how to balance quality of life with the need to conserve one's money; the remaining third is a consumable daily journal that the reader can use to try out the program on their own. "Wealth Watchers is never meant to be judgmental. We're just here to help you think before you spend." To being aware of the expenses of eating out (which can be 50% more than cooking at home - though one can save money by simply drinking water at restaurants instead of alcohol or soft drinks) to the rigors of finding affordable insurance, Wealth Watchers is an invaluable resource for maintaining financial independence, especially in today's challenging economic times. "...if you are self-employed... join a local business organization - most states have them - which will make you eligible for health insurance at a group rate rather than at an individual rate. You must pay an annual membership fee but this will be small potatoes compared to your monthly savings. In fact your monthly dues are tax deductible."

Living Well with Bad Credit
Chris Balish & Geoff Williams
Health Communications, Inc.
32-1 S. W. 15th Street, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442-8190
9780757313585, $12.95, www.hcibooks.com

A low credit rating isn't the end of the world. "Living Well with bad Credit: Buy a House, Start a Business, and Even Take a Vacation No Matter How Low Your Credit Score" is a guide to overcoming the dilemma of a poor credit score. With plenty of tips and tricks for conquering one's poor credit and still getting what you want and need done in spite of it, "Living Well with Bad Credit" is a strong pick for readers who have bad credit but still want to live life.

The New Commonsense Guide to Your 401(k)
Mary Rowland
Bloomberg Press
731 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022
9781576603277, $14.95, www.bloomberg.com

One's 401(k) is one's key to retirement. "The New Commonsense Guide to Your 401(k): Rebuilding Your Portfolio From the Bottom Up" is a guide to the 401(k) and its many changing details from Mary Rowland as she hopes to advise and encourage readers to keep their 401(k) safe and protected so it can do what it's there to do. With sound investment strategies and tax advice, "The New Commonsense Guide to Your 401(k)" is not a read to be ignored.


The Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf

The Best 10-Minute Plays for 2 or More Actors
Lawrence Harbison
Smith and Kraus
177 Lyme Road, Hanover, NH 03755
9781575257594, $24.95, www.smithandkraus.com

A good performance does not require length. "The Best 10 Minute Plays for 2 or More Actors" is a collection of short skits and tales that can be performed on a small and brief scale, perfect for taking a unique approach to theatre or for acting and theatre classes. Many playwrights and writers provide a wide array of plays sure to give plenty of fuel for the actor. "The Best 10 Minute Plays for 2 or More Actors" is a top pick for any theatre collection.

From Word to Image
Marcie Begleiter
Michael Wiese Productions
3940 Laurel Canyon Blvd., #1111, Studio City, CA 91604
9781932907674, $29.95, www.mwp.com

It takes many steps for a handwritten story to become a full fledged motion picture. "From Word to Image: Storyboarding and the Filmmaking Process" is a guide to those who are trying to embrace the storyboard step of the filming process to truly start to give their ideas and plots life, and how the details of these plots can mean the world in creating a truly vivid story. Elaborating on details, the changes of recent years and perspectives and the power of color, "From Word to Image" gives a lot of insight to this important step of the film making process, and is not to be missed by the rookie director.

Some Like It Wilder
Gene D. Phillips
The University Press of Kentucky
663 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY 40508-4008
9780813125701, $39.95

When a new media takes from, there are those who seek to embrace it for their creativity. "Some Like It Wilder: The Life and Controversial Films of Billy Wilder" looks into the work of Billy Wilder, a man who lived nearly a century and spent more than half of that creating films working with legendary actors of film such as Marilyn Monroe, and has been the mind behind countless truly classic films that have shaped film as an artistic medium. "Some Like It Wilder" is an absolute must for any fan of film history or for film history collections in general.


The Self-Help Shelf

Run With the Horses
Eugene H. Peterson
InterVarsity Press
PO Box 1400, Downers Grove, Illinois, 60515-1426
9780830837069, $15.00, www.ivpress.com

Life is best when unconstrained. "Run with the Horses" is a guide to breaking free of the routine, claiming that the routine taken to an extent can cause untold misery and pain. With a simple philosophy encouraging freedom in one's life and to not live life planned down to the very minute, and channels encouraging scripture for readers stating that man was never meant to be a machine, "Run with the Horses" is a motivating read that would do well in self-help collections.

Promises to Myself
Maryanne Radmacher
Red Wheel, Weiser, Conari
65 Parker Street, Suite 7, Newburyport, MA 01950
9781573244022, $15.95, www.maryanneradmacher.com

A promise is an oath, something one should strive not to break. "Promises to Myself" is an inspirational book designed to encourage the power of promises for readers to help them remember what's important in life and to stay true to those concepts. Written with an artistic flair and designed to be digested in short bursts broken into categories, "Promises to Myself" is a top pick for those who want to understand just how important a promise can be.

The Body Language Handbook
Gregory Harley & Maryann Karinch
Career Press
3 Tice Road, PO Box 687, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
9781601630766, $15.99, www.careerpress.com

The mouth can say one thing but the body can say another. "The Body Language Handbook: How to Read Everyone's Hidden Thoughts and Intentions" is a guide to the body language that everyone gives off, whether they know it or not. With passages on cultural differences in body language, how body language can change the meaning of words entirely, and how to use one's own body language to project the right message, "The Body Language Handbook" is a fascinating and enlightening read into human nature.


The Jobs/Careers Shelf

How to Use the Internet to Get Your Next Job
Janet Nagle
Atlantic Publishing Group
1405 SW 6th Ave, Ocala, FL 34471-0640
9781601382399, $21.95, www.atlantic-pub.com

The internet is a massively powerful resource, if you know how to use it. "How to Use the Internet to Get Your Next Job" is a guide to effectively using the internet to hunt down the job one desires. Monster, Hot Jobs, Career Builder are just the tip of the iceberg in one's job pursuit as going deeper into the internet to pursue that better job that you've been striving for from the start. With plenty of time saving tips to land that ideal job, "How to Use the Internet to Get Your Next Job" is a pick that should not be ignored for the job seeker who doesn't want to settle for less.


The Psychology Shelf

A Non-Violent Resistance Approach with Children in Distress
Carmelite Avraham-Krehwinkel & David Aldridge
Jessica-Kingsley Publishers
400 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
9781843104841, $29.95, www.jkp.com

Violence answered with more violence only begets even more violence. "A Non-Violent Resistance Approach with Children in Distress: A Guide for Parents and Professionals" is a guide to dealing with disruptive and aggressive behavior from children and how to discourage this behavior in a way that will leave to a more harmonious household. Aimed at both parents and child psychologists, the information whatever is expertly researched with plenty of thoughts and theories to help curb this inappropriate behavior. "A Non-Violent Resistance Approach with Children Distress" is a solid addition to any parenting or child psychotherapy collection.

Public Speaking for Psychologists
David B. Feldman & Paul J. Silvia
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
9781433807305, $29.95, www.apa.org

The most brilliant person in the world can still flub his lines in front of millions. "Public Speaking for Psychologists: A Lighthearted Guide to Research Presentations, Job Talks, and Other Opportunities to embarrass Yourself" looks into what many psychologists may struggle to do despite having a good idea how the human mind works - speaking in front of a crowd of them. David Feldman and Paul Silvia give plenty of tips to do that report or presentation with flying colors. "Public Speaking for Psychologists" is worth to have on hand for any psychological library collection.


The Travel Shelf

America's Best Zoos
Allen W. Nyhuis & John Wassner
The Intrepid Traveler
PO Box 531, Branford, CT 06405
9781887140768, $15.95, www.intrepidtraveler.com

The Zoo is perhaps the best way to experience the animals of the world without thousands of dollars in airfare. "America's Best Zoos: A Travel Guide for Fans and Families" delves into sixty of the best zoos one can find in America, stating their specific attractions, their cost, facilities, and other sights and attractions around the zoos. With plenty of useful references and indexes, any zoo aficionado needs to get "America' Best Zoos".

Dubai Dreams
Raymond Barrett
Nicholas Brealey Publishing
20 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116
9781857885279, $19.95, www.nicholasbrealey.com

Dubai has become synonymous with Vegas as an international attraction. "Dubai Dreams: Inside the Kingdom of Bling" tells many stories of this new international hot sport, drawing tourists from all over the globe and serving as one of the most unrestricted areas of the middle east, becoming a true success story, making Dubai one of the most successful spots in the middle east. "Dubai Dreams" is a choice and recommended read for anyone who wants to understand Dubai.

Into Africa
Yale Richmond & Phyllis Gestrim
Intercultural Press
20 Park Plaza, Suite 115A, Boston, MA 02116
9781931930918, $24.95, www.interculturalpress.com

No region of the world is exactly the same country to country. "Into Africa: A Guide to Sub-Saharan Culture and Diversity" discusses Sub-Saharan Africa and acts as a travel guide to the many different nations that pepper this region, inhabited by vastly different people despite being neighbors. Eye opening to the western world, much attention is paid to the culture and plight of the people, making for an intriguing, informative, and enlightening presentation for readers. For real travelers and armchair travelers alike, "Into Africa" is a top pick for any travel collection.

Don't Mention the Wars
Tony Connelly
New Island
c/o International Specialized Book Services
920 NE 58th Ave. Suite 300, Portland, OR 97213-3786
9781848400269, $27.00, www.newisland.ie

'The French are cowards', 'the Swiss are neutral', it's all said over and over again, but where lies the truth? "Don't Mention the Wars: A Journey Through European Stereotypes" is a memoir of Tony Connelly traveling through Europe and recording his own experiences and studies of the people. From Spain warring against itself, the pursuit of American women, and Germany's love of conflict, Tony Connelly presents a good deal of insight through his writing and how while globalization has brought the world together, the French will always remain the French. "Don't Mention the Wars" is a grand pick for anyone who wants to truly understand the people of modern Europe.


The Music Shelf

A Deeper Blue
Roberrt Earl Hardy
University of North Texas Press
1155 Union Circle #311336, Denton, TX 76203-5017
9781574412857, $14.95, www.unt.edu

Musicians embrace music to carry them through their troubled times. "A Deeper Blue: The Life and Music of Townes Van Zandt" tells the life story of the singer song writer, embracing folk music as a clutch for his life that carried him through his days when it looked as if his demons would finally consume him. Love, loss, and the things that drove Van Zandt will help readers earn a deeper knowledge and respect for the man, and Robert Earl Hardy transmits his soul well. "A Deeper Blue" is a must for any music collection with a focus on folk.


James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
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Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com


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