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Wisconsin Bookwatch

Volume 5, Number 12 December 2010 Home | WBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Business Shelf Judaic Studies Shelf
Fiction Shelf Civil War Shelf Social Issues Shelf
Automotive Shelf Education Shelf Parenting Shelf
Self-Help Shelf Military Shelf Christian Studies Shelf
Poetry Shelf Mystery/Suspense Shelf Philosophy Shelf
Music Shelf Sports Shelf Agriculture Shelf
Pets/Wildlife Shelf World History Shelf Interior Design Shelf
Cookbook Shelf Art Shelf Religion/Spirituality Shelf
Jobs/Careers Shelf Health/Medicine Shelf Martial Arts Shelf
Biography Shelf Travel Shelf Psychology Shelf
Political Science Shelf Antiques/Collectibles Shelf Architecture Shelf
Hunting/Fishing Shelf Environmental Studies Shelf Needlecraft Shelf
Native American Shelf Computer Shelf Literary Shelf
Language Studies Shelf Wisconsin Shelf  


Reviewer's Choice

Japanese Swords
Colin M. Roach
Tuttle
364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759-9436
9784805310359, $39.95, www.tuttlepublishing.com

The Katana has become a symbol all its own. "Japanese Swords: Cultural Icons of a Nation: The History, Metallurgy, and Iconogaphy of the Samurai Sword" looks at the history of this blade type with its own sword making discipline. For centuries in Japan, it represented the Samurai class, even as firearms became the preferred weapon of war. Analyzing the forging of these blades and how they have become an art form even after the age of the Samurai has passed, it follows the history of the blade into the modern day. Enhanced with a DVD documentary, "Japanese Swords" is a fine piece of history and craftsmanship, highly recommended.

Clear Toy Candy
Nancy Fasolt
Stackpole Books
5067 Ritter Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
9780811736107, $14.95, www.stackpolebooks.com

Candy can be more than a sweet treat. "Clear Toy Candy" is a guide to using candy as an artistic tool. With instructions on how to make this candy and plenty of ideas on using it as a tool of crafting and more, Nancy Fasolt gives the readers everything they need to do to turn sugar into style. "Clear Toy Candy" is a choice recommendation and a very highly recommended pick.

Coming Home
Deborah Duda
Synergy Books
PO Box 30071, Austin, TX 78755
9780984235896, $16.95

Dying in a hospital feels like being a statistic, an impersonal death, far from family. "Coming Home: A Practical and Compassionate Guide to Caring for a Dying Loved One" discusses the growing decision among many terminally ill individuals who are choosing their home as the place to spend their final days on Earth. With tips on nursing a dying family member, dealing with the pain, making it a comfortable one, and making the most of the short time, "Coming Home" is a fine read, and a solidly recommended one.

Arthurian Figures of History and Legend
Frank D. Reno
McFarland
PO Box 611, Jefferson, NC 28640
9780786444205, $39.95, www.mcfarlandpub.com

The Legend of King Arthur is not one solely placed in fiction. "Arthurian Figures of History and Legend: A Biographical Dictionary" looks through history and looks at the history and roots of many characters in Arthurian legend. Each entry explains their role in mythology and their role and history, offering much useful insight. With maps, charts, and more to further explain the various ideas, and enhanced by countless useful indexes and much more, "Arthurian Figures of History and Legend" will prove endlessly intriguing to any enthralled by the legend of King Arthur.

The Cosmological Origins of Myth and Symbol
Laird Scranton
Inner Traditions
PO Box 388, Rochester, VT 05767
9781594773761, $18.95, www.innertradtions.com

Could the similarities in ancient cultures draw from the stars? "The Cosmological Origins of Myth and Symbol: From the Dogon and the Ancient Egypt to India, Tibet, and China" looks into the common origins of many of peoples across the planet's societies and what they mean. Looking at many ancient cultures and looking for their influences, "The Cosmological Origins of Myth and Symbol" proposes many unique ideas and makes for a solidly recommended read.

The Forbidden Archeologist
Michael A. Cremo
Torchlight Publishing
PO Box 52, Badger, CA 93606
9780892133376, $21.95, www.torchlight.com

Are we selling the age of the human race short? "The Forbidden Archeologist" delves into the opinions and studies of Michael A. Cremo as he offers his own take on human history very different from the standard explanations of creationism or evolution, stating that humanity may have a range of millions of years on this planet, far longer than we truly believed. With intriguing ideas that prove heretic to other archeologists and anthropologists, "The Forbidden Archeologist" proves to be an utterly fascinating read.

Grey Matters
Nancy Marlett & Claudia Emes
University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2N 1N4
Michigan State University Press (distributor)
1405 South Harrison Rd., Rm 25, East Lansing, MI 48823-5245
9781552382516, $24.95, www.uofpress.com

Retirement that is sitting around the house is worse than death for many seniors. "Grey Matters: A Guide to Collaborative Research with Seniors" delves into the call of research that many seniors embrace in their later years, as this volume discusses how seniors can be valuable partners in academia and explains it well. From Nancy Marlett and Claudia Emes, both taking a strong role in academia regardless of age, "Grey Matters" is an insightful piece, very highly recommended.

Web GIS
Pinde Fu & Jiulin Sun
ESRI Press
380 New York St., Redlands, CA 92373-8100
9781589482456, $55.95, www.esri.com

Information is only as good as how it's used. "Web GIS: Principles and Applications" is a guide to the applications of GIS, or geographic information systems. New web technologies have introduced many new ways to use these ideas to their fullest and presents many different applications from a range of companies offering new GIS solutions. From dedicated servers, to mobile use, and more, for anyone's business who wants to help their business go further, "Web GIS" is an invaluable source of information, complete with appendixes for ease of use.

Gymnosperms of the United States & Canada
Elray S. Nixon
Bryce Lyndon Cunningham Productions
180 County Road 8201, Nacogdoches, Texas, 75964
9780934115056, $59.95, www.forester-artist.com

The variance of trees and plant life throughout North America is astounding. "Gymnosperms of the United States & Canada" is an illustrated guide to classification and identification of the Gymnosperm, or the naked seed of the trees of the United States and Canada. Identifying these things often referred to as cones, these full color illustrations are sure to give a more complete understanding of these seeds and the trees they belong to. A top pick for any nature collection focusing on the many types of trees throughout Canada and the United States, "Gymnosperms of the United States & Canada" is a core pick, enthusiastically recommended.


The Business Shelf

Raising Eyebrows
Dal LeMagna
Wiley
10475 Crosspoint Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46256
9780470874370, $24.95, www.raisingeyebrows.com

Failure isn't truly failure if you learn something from it. "Raising Eyebrows: A Failed Entrepreneur Finally Gets I Right" is a business memoir from a man who failed many times in his hopes for business success over decades. He reveals how those failures ultimately led to him finally gaining that one big success that earned him his own place and fortune for years to come. A business book with a powerful message of never give up hope, "Raising Eyebrows" is a fine pick for anyone who wants to understand failure doesn't bar you from success.

The Sticking Point Solution
Jay Abraham
Vanguard Press
387 Park Avenue South, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10016
9781593155759, $15.95, www.vanguardpressbooks.com

The best businesses don't roll over and die when times are tough. "The Sticking Point Solution: 9 Ways to Move Your Business from Stagnation to Stunning Growth in Tough Economic Times" is a business guide on how to turn one's company around when it looks like your business is going nowhere. A powerful read with much advice for business leaders, these tips will inspire any manager or higher to help their business grow when all stands against you. "The Sticking Point Solution: 9 Ways to Move Your Business from Stagnation to Stunning Growth in Tough Economic Times" is a choice pick, very highly recommended for business collections.

Management?
Henry Mintzberg, Bruce Ahlstrand, & Joseph Lampel
American Management Association
1601 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
9780814416846, $22.00, www.amacombooks.org

There's more to management than barking orders at people. "Management?: It's Not What You Think!" is a detailed analysis and guide to management and the many different chains of thoughts into what makes a truly good manager. With a bit of humor, the authors cover a variety of management topics and what they mean to the big picture of business and company futures. With tips on everything from leadership style to what to tell those above you, "Management?" is a solid and very highly recommended piece of writing not to be missed by any stumbling upon a new management position.

Fun Inc.
Tom Chatfield
Pegasus Books
80 Broad Street, Fifth Floor, New York, NY 10004
9781605981437, $27.95, www.pegasusbooks.us

Video games have come from the video arcades sucking in quarters. "Fun Inc.: Why Gaming will Dominate the Twenty-First Century" is an analysis on the rising star of video games. Video games are now rivaling popular films in revenue, and are one of the biggest growing sectors of the economy, selling very well even in a time where the economy seems to be down. Drawing from much research, Tom Chatfield explains his position well, making "Fun Inc." a good indicator of what to look out for in the future of the twenty first century.

Decide & Deliver
Marcia W. Blenko, & Michael C. Mankins, & Paul Rogers
Harvard Business Press
60 Harvard Way, Boston, MA 02163
9781422147573, $29.95, www.hbr.org

Good decision making is a key aspect of successful business. "Decide & Deliver: 5 Steps to Breakthrough Performance in Your Organization" is a business text discussing the importance of good decision making in business and how to push it to a higher level in effectiveness. With chapters to assess the value of a decision, finding out which are the important ones, making good decisions quickly, and making good business decisions daily, "Decide & Deliver" analyzes the decision making process and presents a high value and highly recommended addition for any community library business collection, and the right hand of any business leader who wants to make the right calls for their company.

Perspectives on Social Media Marketing
B. Bonin Bough
Course Technology Cengage Learning
20 Channel Center Street, Boston, MA 02210
9781435456525, $19.99, www.courseptr.com

Facebook, Twitter, and other programs aren't just for keeping up with friends, they are another way to sell. "Perspectives on Social Media Marketing" delves into the power and importance of social media marketing from the perspectives of two people in the marketing chain. Both the brand and the advertising agency are discussed. B. Bon Bough has worked with PepsiCo. For many years and applies his experience well, covering how social media has massively changed the way many companies need to do business. Also adding in is Stephanie Angresta, whose expertise has gained her much famed in her industry. Another edition in Cengage's Perspectives series, "Perspectives on Social Media Marketing" is an excellent pick that shouldn't be overlooked for any business.


The Judaic Studies Shelf

Torah Tapestries
Shira Smiles
Feldheim
208 Airpot Executive Park, Nanuet, NY 10954
9781598266412, $19.99

It can be easy to forget the importance of a weekly practice. "Torah Tapestries: Words of Wisdom Woven from the Weekly Parshah" is a collection of wisdom from Shira Smiles as she seeks to help Jewish readers reconnect with their own faith in life keep in touch the weekly torah reading important. With a focus on the education of Jewish women, Shira Smiles hopes to keep the spirit strong for all jews, making "Torah Tapestries" a powerful and very highly recommended read.

I'm God You're Not
Lawrence Kushner
Jewish Lights Publishing
PO Box 237, Sunset Farm Offices, Rt. 4, Woodstock, VT 05091
9781580234412, $21.99, www.jewishlights.com

If you ever stop learning, check your pulse. "I'm God, You're Not: Observations on Organized Religion & Other Disguises of the Ego" is a collection of musings on other thing on this man of learning as he tells his story that one should never stop learning, even when you're the one who should be teaching. Drawing on his massive experience as a teacher, a father, a rabbi, and a human being, "I'm God, You're Not" is an excellent collection of wit and wisdom, not to be missed.


The Fiction Shelf

Adventures in Solitude
Grant Lawrence
Harbour Publishing
PO Box 219, Madeira Park, BC V0N 2H0, Canada
9781550175141, $26.95, www.harbourpublishing.com

Some places just try their hardest to defy normalcy. "Adventures in Solitude: What Not to Wear to a Nude Potluck and Other Stories from Desolation Sound" is a collection of short stories from Grant Lawrence, focusing on the offbeat island of Desolation Sound, an island of the 1979s with plenty of hippies and other unsavory characters. With plenty of fine story telling, "Adventures in Solitude" is an excellent pick, very highly recommended.

Hell Can Wait
Theodore Judson
Edge Science Fiction & Fantasy
PO Box 1714, Calgary, AB T2P 2L7, Canada
9781894063234, $14.95, www.edgewebsite.com

Trading the skills of a spear for literacy seems awfully stupid for the ancient Roman Warrior. "Hell Can Wait" tells the story of Maternus, a Roman soldier stuck in the bureaucracy of hell for nearly two millenniums. When an angel and demon rage over his soul, Maternus faces a second chance, flung into modern Colorado, a place where fighting, the only thing Maternus knew, isn't as valued a skill as it once was. A fun fish out of water adventure with many twists, "Hell Can Wait" is sure to delight fantasy readers looking for a good laugh.

A Simple Amish Christmas
Vanetta Chapman
Abingdon Press
201 8th Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37202
9781426710667, $13.99, www.abingdonpress.com

Young people out of an Amish community are permitted to leave and decide if they wanted to leave Amish society. "A Simple Amish Christmas" tells the story of Annie Weaver, an Amish woman who during her rumschpringe decides to become a registered nurse. Away from the community for years, she just may finally return to the community when she finds romance with an Amish farmer on her return home for Christmas. "A Simple Amish Christmas" is a compelling blend of romance and the Amish, recommended.

Snow Rising
Matt Baldwin
Shadow Mountain
PO Box 30178, Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0178
9781606416587, $24.99, www.shadowmountain.com

When you make so many bad choices in life, you begin to lose faith in your ability to choose well. "Snow Rising: Take the Journey, Make the Change, Know the Peace" is the story of one such man trying to recover his own place in life as he life looks to be in shambles. Author Matt Baldwin seeks to structure the book with the style of a novel, but wants readers to take the journey with the protagonist as they try to bring about the positive change in their own lives with Jason Snow. "Snow Rising" is a fascinating and enlightening read, highly recommended.

Siegfried Follies
Richard Alther
Regent Press
2747 Regent Street, Berkeley, CA 94705
9781587902048, $18.00, www.regentpress.net

No one wants to be part of atrocity. "Siegfried Follies" tells the story of Franz, a Hitler youth finding out the truth behind his countries role, and finds a Jewish boy. The two flee the awfulness of Nazi Germany and through brotherhood, they may survive this life and find adulthood. "Siegfried Follies" is a poignant read, very highly recommended.

The Severance
Elliot Sawyer
Bridge Works
c/o MaryGlenn McCombs
2817 West End Avenue, Suite 126-274, Nashville, TN 37203
9780981617534, $23.95

Someone has to do the jobs no one wants to do. "The Severance" is a military thriller following Jake Roberts and his own personal collection of misfits as they fight in Afghanistan. Quarantined to a single unit, Roberts and his group is known for making trouble and they find themselves in a vital situation in the war. "The Severance" is an exciting thriller that will be hard to put down, drawing much inspiration from the class 'Dirty Dozen' in its writing and concept.

Children of Secrets
Lander Duncan
iUniverse
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, IN 47403
Smith Publicity (publicity)
1930 E. Marlton Pike, Suite I-46, Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
9781440183515, $17.95, www.iuniverse.com

From a rough home with a family that was started unexpectedly, Lander Duncan has mixed memories of his past. "Children of Secrets" is an autobiographical novel from Lander Duncan, as he reflects on the early days of his life, and his family before he was born. Focusing on the first twenty years, he tells a story of growing up in segregated society and the challenges one faced there. "Children of Secrets" is an excellent read, solidly recommended.

A Bobwhite Killing
Jan Dunlap
North Star Press of St. Cloud, Inc.
PO Box 451, St. Cloud, MN 56302
0878393757, $14.95, www.jandunlap.com

A simple and innocent event can turn deadly quickly when bullets come into the equation. "A Bobwhite Killing" tells the story of Bob White, a birder turned amateur sleuth when the leader of the event turns up dead. Dealing with the lost rare bird and other unusual characters, a leisurely weekend turns serious quickly for White. "A Bobwhite Killing" is a fun read, solidly recommended.

Out of the Mountains
Meredith Sue Willis
Ohio University Press
The Ridges, Athens, OH 45701
Chicago Distribution Center (distribution)
11030 S. Langley Ave., Chicago, IL 60628
9780821419205, $24.95, www.ohioswallow.com

In the mountains, people face problems not too unlike everyone else's. "Out of the Mountains: Appalachian Stories" is an anthology of short fiction focused on the Appalachian region and the challenges of mountain life. From the social issues that face people far from cities to environmental concerns like mountain top removal, Meredith Sue Willis paints an intriguing picture of modern day Appalachia. "Out of the Mountains" is a fine collection of short fiction, recommended.

The Demon Lover
Dion Fortune
Red Wheel, Weiser, & Conari
65 Parker Street, Suite 7, Newburyport, MA 01950
9781578634927, $16.95, www.redwheelweiser.com

A secretary seeks to serve her employer, but not in this way. "The Demon Lover" is a classical fantasy novel telling the story of Veronica Mainwaring, a secretary hired by Justin Lucas. She soon finds Lucas uses her not for typing and coffee, but instead as a medium for his own unique quest for power, with Veronica unable to escape. A riveting story sure to please, "The Demon Lover" is very highly recommended.

Carolina Christmas
Jim Casada, editor
The University of South Carolina Press
1600 Hampton Street, 5th Floor, Columbia, SC 29208
9781570039546, $29.95, www.uscpress.com

Christmas time has a unique place in the hearts of South Carolina. "Carolina Christmas: Archibald Rutledge's Enduring Holiday Stories" compiles the work of Archibald Rutledge, who has done well in making his mark in South Carolina, becoming the first poet laureate in the state, and crafting many stories and poems throughout the twentieth century. Jim Casada compiles his writings on the subject of Christmas, but still touches on many concerns and issues that still lie on the heads of South Carolinian. "Carolina Christmas" is a solid addiction to any South Carolinian fiction collection or Christmas fiction collections in general.

Crown of Thorns
Hank Luce
Salvo Press
17850 SW Bryan Way, Beaverton, OR 97007
9781609770112, $16.95, www.salvopress.com

The Crown of Thorns was put on Christ to mock him, but it has become a great symbol instead. "Crown of Thorns" follows Nick Renna, a history professor who under a promise to dying lover must recover the famed Crown of Thorns that sat on Jesus's head during his crucifixion. Finding such a relic does not prove easy, as Renna is set on traveling all over the world and against those who have less than pure intents for the item. "Crown of Thorns" is a fine pick, not to be missed by religious thriller fans.

Christmas at Harrington's
Melody Carlson
Revell
c/o Baker Publishing Group
PO Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
9780800719258, $15.99, www.revellbooks.com

Even the humblest of jobs can be the start of something greater. "Christmas at Harrington's" is the story of Lena Markham, a woman down on her luck without much hope. But when she's hired as Mrs. Claus at a department store, her rotten luck may be taking a turn for the better, as she experiences ta Christmas redemption. "Christmas at Harrington's" is a charming and uplifting read for any Christmas fiction collection.

The August House Book of Scary Stories
Liz Parkhurst
August House
3500 Piedmont Road NE, Suite 310, Atlanta, GA 30305
9780874839159, $15.95, www.augusthouse.com

A good scary story is something universal to us all. "The August House Book of Scary Stories: Spooky Tales for Telling Out Loud" is a collection of tales on the frightening side form around the world and throughout history. These stories range from the simplest of jump fears to the fears that lie deep seated within us all. With many contributors making for a varied and exciting volume, "The August House Book of Scary Stories" is a read that will be hard to put down.

Broken Ground
John Keeble
University of Washington Press
PO Box 50096, Seattle, WA 98145-5096
9780295990484, $24.95, www.washington.edu/uwpress

Privatization has its own woes. "Broken Ground" tells the story of Hank Lafleur, a man overseeing the construction of a Prison-for-profit project. A story that dives into his psyche and what brought him here as well as the flaws of privatization and what it means for America. Thoughtful reading that will entertain as it enlightens, "Broken Ground" is quite the read, very highly recommended.


The Civil War Shelf

The 4th Michigan Infantry in the Civil War
Martin N. Bertera & Kim Crawford
Michigan State University Press
1405 South Harrison Road, Suite 25, East Lansing, MI 48823
9780870139734, $44.95, www.msupress.msu.edu

All over the country, many companies had their own unique experience in the civil war. "The 4th Michigan Infantry in the Civil War" looks at this unit in the union and their stories of fighting throughout the civil war. Looking at particular exceptional individuals throughout the war, and their stories of their fight throughout the war and their major contribution to the defeat of the confederacy. But even as the war ends, they fight on in Texas. "The 4th Michigan Infantry in the Civil War" is an excellent read and a top pick for any military and history collection.


The Social Issues Shelf

Deadly Spin
Wendell Potter
Bloomsbury Press
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
9781608192816, $26.00, www.bloomsburypress.com

Even the worst statistics can seem mild with the right spin. "Deadly Spin: An Insurance Company Insider Speaks Out on How corporate PR is Killing Health Care and Deceiving Americans" is a call from Wendell Potter stating that in an effort for a squeaky clean image, insurance companies are destroying what health care should be, and damaging lives in the process. Explaining what did in the insurance industry and what shook his conscience so badly to leave his high paying job, "Deadly Spin" is a thoughtful critique of the failings of modern insurance.

Tested
Peyton Budd & Dorothy Budd
Brown Books
16200 N. Dallas Parkway, Suite 170, Dallas, TX 75248
9781934812785, $17.95, www.testedthebook.com

When faced with a wrongful conviction, the only thing you have is hope. "Tested: How Twelve Wrongly Imprisoned Men Held onto Hope" looks at the stories of twelve men in particular who faced with the challenge of wrongful conviction and nearly two hundred lost years between all of them, they tell their stories of how they faced the roughness of prison life and tried to hold onto their humanity when the rest of humanity treated them like animals. With plenty of photos, these men will give hope that even when you're faced with awfulness, you can keep your eyes on the light at the end of the tunnel. "Tested" is a fine read, and a strong addition to any social issues collection.

Lessons from Ground Zero
Ralph Izard & Jay Perkins
Transaction Publishers
35 Berrue Circle, Piscataway, NJ 08854-8042
9781412813365, $39.95, www.transactionpub.com

The media is the first line that the public sees when something major happens in today's world. "Lessons from Ground Zero: Media Response to Terror" analyzes the journalistic response to crisis. Using the models of the September 11th attacks, Ralph Izard and Jay Perkins compile a thoughtful collection of thoughts and opinions on journalism to point out the triumphs and failures in recent years in the media. "Lessons from Ground Zero" is a fine addition to any journalistic studies or social issues collection.

Reefer Gladness
Michael Konik
Huntington Press
3665 South Procyon Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89103
1935396404, $15.95, www.huntingtonpress.com

Marijuana is still wrote off as a great evil to this day, and those people may very well be ill informed. "Reefer Gladness: Stories, Essays, and Riffs on Marijuana" is a collection of essays from Michael Konik talking about his own enlightenment on marijuana, completely avoiding his self-labeled herbal evil until the age of forty. Now writing on the other side of the politics, he feels marijuana can have a positive effect on society. "Reefer Gladness" is a strong read with plenty of thought and wisdom, highly recommended.

Bullies to Buddies
Izzy Kalman
The Wisdom Press
65 Fraser St., Staten Island, NY 10314
97809706648211, $15.00, www.bullies2buddies.com

Bullies are kids just like you, you just need to face them the right way. "Bullies to Buddies: How to Turn Your Enemies Into Friends" is a guide for children through teenagers in how to deal with bullies and understand the route of insults, teasing and more. With plenty of advice from a long running school psychologist with years of experience, "Bullies to Buddies" is a wise read for both educators and students, highly recommended. Also from Izzy Kalman on the same subject, "How to Stop Being Teased and Bullied Without Really Trying" (0970648227, $20.00), an audio disc with encouragement for tortured kids to face their tormenters, and it takes far less effort you think it does.

Fighting for Girls
Meda Chesney-Lind & Nikki Jones
SUNY Press
PO Box 960, Herndon, VA 20172-0960
9781438432939, $85.00, www.sunypress.edu

100 years ago, women getting in a fist fight was completely unheard of. Now, it's not too uncommon. "Fighting for Girls: New Perspectives on Gender and Violence" traces the history surrounding the supposed rising rates of violence among women in recent years. Has the media's fascination with the 'bad girls' made the actions more outlandish than their really are? A thoughtful analysis drawing on facts, "Fighting for Girls" is a solid addition for any social issues collection focusing on violence and women.


The Automotive Shelf

Pro Stock Drag Racing
Lou Hart
Iconografix
1830A Hanley Road Hudson, WI 54016
9781583882726, $32.95, www.iconografixinc.com

Pushing vehicles to their limits has been an appeal ever since the automobile was invented. "Pro Stock Drag Racing" looks at the history of stock car drag racing and how this old sport got its start. Telling the story of how it got its start and the fierce rivalries throughout Detroit as GM, Ford, Chrysler, and AMC all help pushed cars to their limits. "Pro Stock Drag Racing" is a fascinating piece of automobile history and the great sport that once was.


The Education Shelf

How Bullets Saved My Life
Judy Green
Pembroke
c/o Stenhouse
PO Box 11020, Portland, ME 04104-7020
9781551382555, $19.00, www.stenhouse.com

Writing is an invaluable skill that will see much use throughout life. "How Bullets Saved My Life" is a guide from Judy Green as she advises teachers how to better educate their students on the value of writing and how to teach them the finer details that are spread throughout the English language. Covering the many aspects and drawing on her own experience with writing aimed at children, "How Bullets Saved My Life" is a useful and highly recommended read.

Super-Powered Word Study
James Bucky Carter & Erik A. Evensen
Maupin House Publishing
PO Box 90148, Gainesville, FL 32607
9781934338827, $29.95, www.maupinhouse.com

The English language is incredibly diverse language and it can be quite daunting to understand. "Super-Powered Word Study" is a workbook for younger readers using the format of comics to teach the more subtle nuances of the English language and word structure through various comics with a unique style sure to educate as it entertains with its charm. Enhanced with an additional DVD with more resources, "Super-Powered Word Study" is a fine pick for anyone seeking to educate their students further through their own interests.

Behavior Solutions for the Inclusive Classroom
Beth Aune, Beth Burt, & Peter Gennaro
Future Horizons
721 West Abram Street, Arlington, TX 76013
9781935274087, $14.95, www.fhautism.com

It can be hard to deal with some students. "Behavior Solutions for the Inclusive Classroom" is a guide for these teachers of young students who want to keep these students involved in the class even if they seem to do everything in their power to fight it. A troubleshooting manual, Beth Aune and her associates give tips on dealing with overactive children, those who act out, temper tantrums, excessive laughing, and much more. "Behavior Solutions for the Inclusive Classroom" is a fine volume for any teacher who wants to know how to face these troublesome behaviors.

Military Education Benefits for College
David J. Renza, M.A. and Edmund J. Lizotte, Lt. Col., Ret.
Savas Beatie
PO Box 4527, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
9781932714791, $18.95, www.savasbeatie.com

Service in the military is becoming one of the most popular ways to pay for one's education. "Military Education Benefits for College: A Comprehensive Guide for Military Members, Veterans, and Their Dependents" is a guide to maximizing one's military service to pay for one's education and the benefits it can visit on themselves and their family. "Military Education Benefits for College" is a top pick for any veteran of a recent war who wants the most out of their military benefits.

Too Old for This, Too Young for That
Harriet S. Mosatche & Karen Unger
Free Spirit Publishing
217 Fifth Avenue North, Suite 200, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1299
9781575423524, $15.99, www.freespirit.com

Not quite an adult, but not a child; the middle school years present many challenges for youths. "Too Old for This, Too Young for That: Your Survival Guide for the Middle School Years" is a guide for junior high school level students just easing into the life of no longer being considered a child. With tips on everything from starting to realize the importance of education and its effects on the rest of one's life, the opposite sex, and the awkward stages, "Too Old for This, Too Young for That" is a fine read, a very highly recommended gift for middle school students.


The Parenting Shelf

Mom Loves You Best
Cathy Jo Cress & Kali Cress Peterson
New Horizon Press
PO Box 669, Far Hills, NJ 07931-0669
9780882823218, $14.95, www.newhorizonpressbooks.com

Sibling rivalry is one of the most natural things in the world. "Mom Loves You Best: Forgiving and Forging Sibling Relationships" is a guide for siblings to build their relationships, and better bond as family. Encouraging siblings to connect, learn to understand one other, acknowledge the importance of family and friendship, and much more, "Mom Loves You Best" is a fine read for anyone who wants their brother or sister to be more than just a person one happens to be related to.

Get Out, Explore, and Have Fun!
Lisa Jo Rudy
Jessica Kingsley Publishers, Inc.
400 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
9781849058094, $19.95, www.jkp.com

A diagnosis with Aspergers or Autism is not a sentence to live a sheltered life. "Get Out, Explore, and Have Fun!: How Families of Children with Autism or Asperger Syndrome Can Get the Most Out of Community Activities" is a guide for parents of children with these disorders and how they can help their children connect with their own community and be healthier socially because of it. Stating that community inclusion is important for any child's development, "Get Out, Explore, and Have Fun!" is a solid and very useful read to any parent of an Aspergers or Autistic child, recommended.


The Self-Help Shelf

The Keys to Joy-Filled Living
Robert C. Jameson
Morgan James
1225 Franklin Ave. Ste 325, Garden City, NY 11530-1693
9781600374678, $17.95, www.morganjamespublishing.com

Happiness is not out of reach for anyone. "The Keys to Joy-Filled Living" is an inspirational book from Robert C. Jameson focusing on the value of interpersonal relationships and encouraging strong bonds in life that favor understanding and belief in oneself and others. With plenty of thought and inspiration throughout, "The Keys to Joy-Filled Living" is an excellent read with plenty to help one live a happier life.

Speaking Out: An Introduction to Public Speaking
Michael Gallagher
Meriwether Publishing
PO Box 7710, Colorado Springs, CO 80933-7710
9781566081610, $19.95, www.meriwether.com

Public speaking is something many people fear and often unnecessarily. "Speaking Out: An Introduction to Public Speaking" is a guide to managing public speaking from Michael Gallagher. Stating that being prepared and building one's confidence is key to succeeding in these situations and more, readers will learn to face their fears and excel in these situations. "Speaking Out" is a powerful resource, and a very highly recommended read.

A Celebration of the Simple Life
Wanda E. Brunstetter
Barbour
PO Box 719, Uhrichsville, OH 44683
9781602607729, $9.99, www.barbourbooks.com

Without bright lights and technology, life can be perfectly fulfilling. "A Celebration of the Simple Life: Inspiring Thoughts from Amish Country" is a collection of inspirations drawn from her admiration of the Amish people, who live outside of the technology imposed daily grind and find a simple and clear message int heir life. With a strong message of faith and encouragement, "A Celebration of the Simple Life" is a top pick for any inspirational collection.


The Military Shelf

Red Star Over the Pacific
Toshi Yoshihara & James R. Holmes
Naval Institute Press
291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402
9781591143901, $36.95, www.nip.org

China has been rushing to become a global power in more than one way. "Red Star Over the Pacific: China's Rise and the Challenge to U. S. Maritime Strategy" is a discussion of the rising naval power that resides in China. This rise in the modern day has many major implications to the future of world peace and power, as they are quickly becoming a rising threat to America's long standing naval superiority. Calling for an answer before China's naval forces get out of hand, "Red Star Over the Pacific" is a thoughtful read and solidly recommended for international issues and military collections.

Titans of the Rising Sun
Raymond A. Bawal
Inland Expressions
42211 Garfield Rd. #297, Clinton Township, MI 48038
9780981815732, $19.95, www.inlandexpressions.com

Before the air became an important battlefield, dominion over the seas was critical to an empire. "Titans of the Rising Sun: The Rise and Fall of Japan's Yamato Class Battleships" looks at the history surrounding Japan's naval power at the turn of the twentieth century and how it came into play during this period in its war with Russia and its expanding power over Asia. But in its rush to gain power on the world stage and keep a stronger military, Japan made many errors. "Titans of the Rising Sun" is a detailed piece of military history, highly recommended.

Men in German Uniform
Antonio Thompson
The University of Tennessee Press
293 Communications Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-0325
9781572337282, $41.95, www.utpress.org

All countries took prisoners of war, but all POW stories are not the same. "Men in German Uniform: POWs in America in America During World War II" looks at the interesting case of German prisoners of war being held in America throughout the second world war. These men were not all Nazis, and not all Germans, as Nazi Germany's military recruitment did little discriminating and pulled from convicts, other European PoWs, and many more. Their lack of unity seemed surprising, as Antonio Thompson sheds light on this intriguing story. "Men in German Uniform" is a fine read for a lesser talked about topic in the history of World War II.


The Christian Studies Shelf

Unearthing Your Ten Talents
Kevin Vost
Sophia Institute Press
PO Box 5284, Manchester, NH 03108
9781933184418, $17.95, www.sophiainstitute.com

No one is without skill. "Unearthing Your Ten Talents: A Thomistic Guide to Spiritual Growth" is a guide to finding the ten talents that God has each person with individually. Calling for readers to find these ten talents and use them to improve their lives or forget, Kevin Vost comes to readers with much inspiration in their aid to become better people and better Christians. "Unearthing Your Ten Talents" is a fun read, and solidly recommended.

Discovering Our Spiritual Identity
Trevor Hudson
InterVarsity Press
PO Box 1400, Downers Grove, IL 60515-1426
9780830810925, $18.00, www.ivpress.com

Losing touch with God is losing touch with the spirit. "Discovering Our Spiritual Identity: Practices for God's Beloved" is a spiritually charged guide to remembering one's bonds to God and finding one's place in His domain once more. Designed to help readers find their own faith, Trevor Hudson offers many helpful questions to guide readers. A top pick for lost Christians, "Discovering Our Spiritual Identity" is very highly recommended.

Conversations with Scripture
C. K. Robertson
Morehouse Publishing
475 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17112
9780819223722, $18.00, www.churchpublishing.org

To follow Christ was a noble calling when he was looked at by most as a heretic. "Conversations with Scripture: The Acts of the Apostles" looks at the disciples of Christ and their importance to the creation of Christianity in the bigger picture. With much spirituality and thought, C. K. Robertson gives readers a thoughtful and historical look at the men responsible for the greater spread of Christianity. "Conversations with Scripture" is an excellent addition to Christian studies collections.

The Exodus According to G
Albert E. Gilding
Elderberry Press
1393 Old Homestead Drive, Oakland, OR 97462
9781934956304, $32.95, www.elderberrypress.com

God with wrathful in the old testament, and much has been written about one of the major stories of the Bible, the Exodus. "The Exodus According to G" is a retelling of the famed tale from Albert E. Gilding. Tying Moses exodus from Egypt into the destruction of Jericho and the island of Thera being swallowed by a volcanic explosion, Gilding brings much thought to the table telling a thoughtful and exciting story that shouldn't disappoint on the avenue of thought, history, and more. "The Exodus According to G" is a read that shouldn't be missed for those with an interest in Biblical times.

Hidden Mark
John Killinger
Mercer University Press
1400 Coleman Avenue, Macon, GA 31207-0001
9780881462234, $18.00, www.mupress.org 1-800-634-2378

The Gospel of Mark has some certain unusual elements for its place in the Bible. "Hidden Mark: Exploring Christianity's Heretical Gospel" analyzes more deeply the place of the Gospel of Mark in the bigger picture of Christianity. Claiming that the Gospel of Mark may actually have roots in the Gnostics, it provides an intriguing case for Mark's unusual place. Blending an analysis of the Gnostics as well as the Book of Mark, "Hidden Mark" is a top pick for any student of the Bible who wants to understand Mark's eccentricities in the scope of the Holy Bible.

Gateway to Resurrection
Maria Boulding
Continuum Books
80 Maiden Lane, Suite 704, New York, NY 10038
9781441143884, $16.95, www.continuumbooks.com

Dedicating her life fully to Christ, Maria Boulding gained a spiritual understanding that many never reach. "Gateway to Resurrection" is the work of Boulding, who lived her life as a nun in the Nenedictine Stanbrook Abbey Community. Reflecting on the resurrection and the principles surrounding it, this work is a must for any student of Christianity looking to gain a better understanding of the works of St. Benedict and St. Augustine. "Gateway to Resurrection" is a core addition to any Christian studies collection.

The Least of These
Ron Ruthruff
New Hope Publishers
100 Missionary Ridge, Birmingham, AL 35242
9781596692725, $19.99, www.newhopepublishers.com

When one dies young, their potential is lost to the world. "The Least of These: Lessons Learned from Kids on the Street" is a Christian analysis of the rough lives of those who make their living on the street. Stating that these lost souls need faith and inspiration to find their ways in life and break the vicious cycle that keeps them rolling, "The Least of These" comes with a powerful message for change and faith for the downtrodden of life.

What Are You Doing Here?
Gary Barkalow
David C. Cook
4050 Lee Vance View, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
9781434764393, $14.99, www.davidccook.com

What is the call of God and how does it come into play in one's life? "What Are You Doing Here?: It's Your Call" is a spiritual discussion on God's calling from Gary Barkalow discussing the call of God and what it means. Stating that it's not always a call to ministry but living though inspirational example and much more, "What Are You Doing Here?" is a thoughtful and uplifting spiritual read, a top pick.

Enter the Story
Fran Ferder
Orbis Books
Price Bldg., Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 10545
9781570758850, $18.00, www.orbisbooks.com

Finding relevancy in the Bible is a major way to connect to it. "Enter the Story: Biblical Metaphors for Our Lives" is a guide to finding your story within the tome of the Bible. Stating that everyone's narrative can be found with the right direction, Fran Ferder comes to readers with a powerful message. "Enter the Story" is an uplifting and reassuring read that your plight isn't yours alone, and faith can help anyone.

The Summit
Eric Alexander
New Leaf Press
PO Box 726, Green Forest, AR 72638
9780892217014, $14.99, www.newleafpress.com

When you have God at your side, Everest seems like a mere hill. "The Summit: Faith Beyond Everest's Death Zone" is a Christian inspirational as Eric Alexander explains how his faith stay with him during his mountain climbs and has led him to break records around the world. Insightful and profound, he hopes his tales of faith-driven to the extremes will help fellow readers find their ways to be empowered by their own faith. "The Summit" is a fine addition to any Christian or true adventure collection, enthusiastically recommended.


The Poetry Shelf

Woman with Wing Removed
Valerie Wohlfeld
Truman State University Press
100 E. Normal Ave., Kirksville, MO 63501-4221
9781935503064, $15.95, www.tsup.truman.edu

The majesty of woman may not be as it once was. "Woman with Wing Removed" is a collection of poetry from Valerie Wohlfeld as she discusses woman and her place in the world, and the status of mythology, love, and much more. "Woman with Wing Removed" is poignant and highly recommended.

Spindrift
Vona Groarke
Wake Forest University Press
PO Box 7333, Winston-Salem, NC 27109
9781930630543, $12.95, www.wfu.edu/wfupress

One of the most famed poets in Ireland, Vona Groarke earns her fame with "Spindrift". She speaks frankly about the life and times of the Western world and their culture and what is remembered and what is forgotten. "Spindrift" is an excellent volume to add to any world poetry collection. "The Penknife": One slip and the tip/of my forefinger slits/inch-wide, clean-brimmed/so a flap of skin/is mackeral-grilled,/ripped white to the rim/like the single thread/that pulls open a wave/to a skim of pulse,/a spate of blood and salt.

Ice Floe
Shannon Gramse & Sarah Kirk, editor
University of Alaska Press
PO Box 756240, Fairbanks, AK 99775-6240
9781602230835, $20.00, www.uaf.edu/uapress

In the coldest reaches of the Northern hemisphere, poetry is still heartily embraced. "Ice Floe" is a collection of poems from various poets in the northern reaches of the continents, from Alaska, Canada, Russia, the Scandinavian countries among others. "Ice Floe" is a thoughtful collection on life in the cold, and proves to be quite the read. "Ancient Path" by Leonid Lapsui, translated from the original Nenets by Alexis Burykin: An ancient tundra path meanders,/withered grass on both its banks./Old reindeer skulls are woven/here and there within the grass./Here are ancient graves where/people died of hunger and disease./Dry grass has covered them./Dry grass will keep them warm.

Riley Child Rhymes with Hoosier Pictures
James Whitcomb Riley
Indiana University Press
601 North Morton Street, Bloomington, IN 47404-3797
9780253355690, $17.95, www.iupress.indiana.edu

Even with such a difference in a century this has made with technology, some poems can still resonate strongly. "Riley Child-Rhymes with Hoosier Pictures" is a collection of poems aimed at and on the discussion of children from James Whitcomb Riley, a famed poet of the end of the nineteenth century. Thoughtful and charming after all these years, and accompanied by plenty of nostalgic hand drawn pictures of the era, "Riley Child-Rhymes with Hoosier Pictures" is a choice collection, highly recommended.

Unexpected Elegies
Thomas Hardy
Persea Books
853 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10003
9780892553617, $14.00, www.perseabooks.com

You never know what you have lost until it's gone. "Unexpected Elegies: Poems of 1912-1913 and Other Poems About Emma" looks at the writings of famed author Thomas Hardy, who wrote a series of poems about his wife Emma after she died during their estrangement. A poignant look at love and what was lost, what went wrong, and more, "Unexpected Elegies" is a fine pick and very highly recommended. "The Walk": You did not walk with me/of late to the hill top tree/By the gated ways,/As in earlier days;/You were weak and lame,/So you never came,/And I went alone, and I did not mind,/Not thinking of you as left behind.//I walked up there to-day/Just in the former way;/Surveyed around/The familiar ground/By myself again:/What difference, then?/Only that underlying sense/Of the look of a room on returning thence.

Misled
Susan Holbrook
Red Deer Press
195 Allstate Parkway, Markham, ON L3R 4T8
0889952159, $9.95

The truth is easily turned to something more useful. "Misled" is a collection of poetry from Susan Holbrook reflecting the many elements that get twisted and lied about in life and the search for a bit of truth in one's life. Thoughtful and riveting verse, "Misled" is a choice pick for any poetry fan, done excellently in a long and flowing style that tells a fine narrative.

When Love is Not Enough
Maurice Harmon
Salmon Poetry
c/o DuFour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781907056390, $19.95, www.salmonpoetry.com

In the twilight of his life, Maurice Harmon has had time to reflect on all eighty years of it. "When Love is Not Enough" is a collection of poetry from Maurice Harmon, drawing on his previous collections as well as work in the past two years of his life. Reflecting strongly on his Irish heritage and speaking on a wide range of topics, "When Love Is Not Enough" is a thoughtful and highly varied collection. "Coyote tried to drown himself": Coyote tried to drown himself. He did not die./He built a fire and jumped in. He did not burn, he did not die.//He took a rope and wound it round his neck./He hauled himself up, but did not die.//He took a knife and cut his throat,/but did not die./He tried in many ways to kill himself, but gave it up.//He cried and cried, but after a while, gave that up.

One with Others
C. D. Wright
Copper Canyon Press
PO Box 271, Port Townsend, WA 98368
9781556593246, $20.00, www.coppercanyonpress.org

A time in America where being a second class citizen was the law. "One with Others" are the reflections from CD Wright on the civil rights movement in Arkansas, and the role of her mentor in that chaotic time. Discussing her mentor through a combination of prose and poetry, C.D. Tells quite the insightful tale of a time of uncertainty where the retribution for standing up for oneself and your people could be meant with very dire consequences. "One with Others" is a fascinating read and not one to be overlooked.

Possum Nocturne
Doug Ramspeck
NorthShore Press
c/o The University of Akron Press
Akron, OH 44325-1703
9780979436536, $15.00

With a collection of poetry to his name and much experience in teaching and enjoying writing, Doug Ramspeck brings readers another volume with "Possum Nocturne". With his own dedication to the Midwest, he speaks on the issues that many people of the region take to heart. "Possum Nocturne" is a fine read with plenty of poetic wisdom, highly recommended. "After the Storm": And so she rises. Crosses/to the window. Looks out into/the lowlands./Or let's say that in her dream/a massasauga, small as a dropped twig,/injects alluvial venom/into her blood./The lightning stitching its way/into the night sky.

Crave Radiance
Elizabeth Alexander
Graywolf Press
250 Third Avenue N, Suite 600, Minneapolis, MN 55401
9781555975685, $28.00, www.graywolfpress.org

Some poets rise beyond speaking their own thoughts and opinions, and speak to America. "Crave Radiance: New and Selected Poems 1990-2010" looks at the long body of work from Elizabeth Alexander, famed for delivering her poem 'Praise Song for the Day' at the Inauguration of Barack Obama. She has been called America's poets, and this volume comprises her best work over two decades. "Crave Radiance" more than deserves its place in any poetry or literature collection. "Emancipation": Corncob constellation,/oyster shell, drawstring pouch, dry bones.//Gris gris in the rafters./Hoodoo in the sleeping nook./Mojo in Linda Brent's Crawlspace./Nineteenth century corncob cosmogram/set on the dirt floor, beneath the slant roof,/left intact the afternoon/that someone came and told those slaves//"We're free".

Incarnality
Rod Jellema
Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.
2410 Oak Industrial Drive NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
9780802827494, $28.00, www.eerdmans.com

Rod Jellema's work is something truly amazing. "Incarnality: The Collected Poems" is a collection of work from Rod Jellema as he speaks on life and the spirit and the challenges the face through time. Speaking eloquently with thoughtful verse, with an audio CD of poems read by the author, "Incarnality" is an intriguing and very thoughtful read that will prove hard to set down. "The Function of Poetry at the Present Time": When you see/an old shoe/at the side of a road/there is never a second shoe./Someone has to notice.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

The Dead Detective
William Heffernan
Akashic Books
PO Box 1456, New York, NY 10009
9781936070619, $24.95, www.akashicbooks.com

One miracle can lead to an unusual career. "The Dead Detective" tells the story of Harry Doyle, a man who has known death in the past. With the ability to hear the whispers of murder victims, Doyle's unusual talents become a liability when he faces his toughest case yet, a child molester's whose whispers leave him regretting his talent. "The Dead Detective" is a riveting mystery that will prove hard to put down.


The Philosophy Shelf

Facebook & Philosophy
D. E. Wittkower
Open Court
70 East Lake Street, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60601
9780812696752, $19.95, www.opencourtbooks.com

Facebook has changed the way people communicate. "Facebook and Philosophy" analyzes the major impact that the social media website has changed the world and everything around it. Many writers, professors, and philosophers all discuss the power of Facebook and how they have shifted the way the world works. "Facebook and Philosophy" is a must read for those who want to fully realize what Facebook has changed about the American culture.


The Music Shelf

Rock Connections
Bruno MacDonald
Omnibus Press
257 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010
9781849384520, $29.95, www.omnibuspress.com

Rock and Roll is a huge massive web that encompasses much of the twentieth century, even those who wouldn't call themselves rockers. "Rock Connections" maps the massive twisting picture of rock and roll and popular music. Connecting everything from Buddy Holly and Metallica, Bruno MacDonald shows how there are nonstop connections and influences throughout popular music and shows how you can link Tupac Shakur to Van Halen. "Rock Connections" is a riveting read for any fan of rock and roll, a very highly recommended read.


The Sports Shelf

The Bill James Handbook
Joey Votto
ACTA Sports
4848 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640
9780879464394, $24.95, www.actapublications.com

Baseball is an ever-changing game. "The Bill James Handbook: 2011" is the latest edition of the Bill James handbook, offering a comprehensive statistics guide to the 2010 season in order to give baseball fanatics a more complete understanding of the upcoming 2011 season. Filled cover to cover with statistics as well as expert analysis on the upcoming 2011 season, "The Bill James Handbook" is a strong pick for anyone looking to be a more knowledgeable armchair baseball expert.

Golf
John R. Jenchura
A Mountain Lion Book
617 Schiller Avenue, Merion, PA 19066
c/o Cardinal Publishers Group
2402 N. Shadeland Ave. Suite A, Indianapolis, IN 46219
9780977003969, $27.00

The quiet game from Scotland has gained quite the international following. "Golf: A Good Walk & Then Some: A Quintessential History of the Game" traces the history of this game to its earliest beginnings in Scotland to today where it has become a staple of business meetings as well as a national sport played by many talented men and women alike. A complete and comprehensive history filled with plenty of photographs and paintings covering the history, "Golf: A Good Walk & Then Some" is a must for anyone intrigued by the history of golf, a core addition to any sports history collection.

Sam: The One and Only Sam Snead
Al Barkow
Taylor Trade Publishing
c/o The Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group
4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
9781589795232, $16.95, www.rlprgtrade.com

There was more to Sam Snead's success than being able to swat a ball into a hole. "Sam: The One and Only Sam Snead" looks at legendary golfer Sam Snead. With countless wins in tournaments and more, Snead was more than just a golfer. He was a person with his own problems and daily challenges. Looking behind the exterior of the hall of famer, Al Barkow tells his story like never before. "Sam" is a fine addition to any golf history collection.

Randy Wayne White's Ultimate Tarpon Book
Randy Wayne White & Carlene Fredericka Brennen
University Press of Florida
15 Northwest 15th Street, Gainesville, FL 32611-2079
9780813035123, $34.95, www.upf.com

Sometimes catching a few decently sized fish isn't enough. "Randy Wayne White's Ultimate Tarpon Book" is a guide to bigger game fishing as author and editor Randy Wayne White draws from the fishing writing from many figures throughout history who have added their own thought into big game fishing. From Theodore Roosevelt to Thomas Edison, the information and wisdom contained within is sure to help any big game fisher reach for that next big catch. "Randy Wayne White's Ultimate Tarpon Book" is a powerful resource for the fisherman, a grade-A pick.


The Agriculture Shelf

The Complete Guide to Growing Tomatoes
Cherie H. Everhart
Atlantic Publishing Group
1405 SW 6th Ave. Ocala, FL 34471-0640
9781601383501, $24.95, www.atlantic-pub.com

Tomatoes can be quite the useful crop, and they're very easy to grow. "The Complete Guide to Growing Tomatoes" is an agricultural guide from Charie H. Everhart as she gives readers everything they need to know to make their own tomato garden and have their personal supply of this beloved fruit. From picking the right seeds, caring for them, and when to harvest, "The Complete Guide to Growing Tomatoes" is a reference no gardener with a taste for homegrown tomatoes should be without.

Food Rebels, Guerrilla Gardeners, and Smart-Cookin' Mamas
Mark Winne
Beacon Press
25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108-2892
9780807047330, $24.95, www.beacon.org

Could the future to feeding the world be in gardens? "Food Rebels, Guerrilla Gardeners, and Smart-Cookin' Mamas: Fighting Back in an Age of Industrial Agriculture" looks at local growing and how a mother can make a major difference. From growing locally and the benefits of doing so as well as the health benefits that can possibly come into play, "Food Rebels" is an excellent read, solidly recommended.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Dogs & The Women Who Love Them
Allen & Linda Anderson
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
9781577316923, $14.95, www.newworldlibrary.com

Man's best friend seems to forget they are awesome for women too. "Dogs & The Women Who Love Them: Extraordinary True Stories of Loyalty, Healing, and Inspiration" is a collection of true stories of women and their dogs and the dedication that dogs. Dogs are amazing animals in what they do for people, from the more obvious hero dogs in the police tasks force or during disasters, to just being there for people. "Dogs & The Women Who Love Them" is an excellent read for any dog lover.

Games and Sports for Dogs
Kirsten Wolf
Barron's
250 Wireless Boulevard, Happauge, NY 11788
9780764144974, $16.99, www.barronseduc.com

There's more to the dog's game repertoire than fetch. "Games and Sports for Dogs" is a guide for taking some variation in for playing with one's canine friend. From placing a spin on the classic game of fetch to dancing, to new tricks, to tracking, and even more, Kirsten Wolf can make anyone's time with their dog more than a simply mundane affair. "Games and Sports for Dogs" is packed cover to cover with full color photos, making this a very enthusiastic recommendation for any pet lover.


The World History Shelf

Haunted Cotswolds
Diz White
The History Press
203 North Plymouth Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90004
9780752454269, $17.95, www.thehistorypress.co.uk

There are certain places which seem to attract the supernatural even stronger. "Haunted Cotswolds" looks at the history surrounding the Cotswolds, an area with no shortage of unique history and unique people who may be haunting it. From the vengeance of King Charles I, to the failed terrorist plot of Guy Fawkes, "Haunted Cotswolds" is a fun and creepy read, sure to entertain the ghost enthusiast in everyone.

Islamic Gunpowder Empires
Douglas E. Streusand
Westview Press
2465 Central Avenue, Boulder, CO 80301
9780813313597, $42.00, www.perseusacademic.com

Gunpowder changed everything. "Islamic Gunpowder Empires: Ottomans, Safavids, and the Mughals" looks at the developments of gunpowder, the start of what many term as the modern era, and how these three empires used gunpowder to create their legend and legacy. Stating it was not gunpowder alone that made these empires succeed, Douglas E. Streusand provides a fascinating and insightful analysis of the history that made these historical juggernauts great. Drawing on both modern and historical scholarship, "Islamic Gunpowder Empires" is a core addition to any history collection focusing on the Islamic world.

Winnipeg's Great War
Jim Blanchard
University of Manitoba
301 St. John's College, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, R3T 2N2
9780887557217, $24.95, www.umanitoba.ca/uofmpress.com

Although the shells weren't raining down on them, it was very clear Winnipeg was at war. "Winnipeg's Great War: A City Comes of Age" looks at Winnipeg throughout World War I and how it served Canada throughout the war effort. From social policy changes to much more, Jim Blanchard provides a complete and comprehensive look at one cities role in taking down the Kaiser. "Winnipeg's Great War" is a fine addition to any history collection focusing on Canadian history or World War I in general.

Masked Raiders
Charles Van Onselen
Zebra Press
c/o International Publishers Marketing
PO Box 605, Herndon, VA 20172-6005
9781770220805, $24.00, www.zebrapress.co.za

Lawlessness and train heists are not an American creation. "Masked Raiders: Irish Banditry in Southern Africa 1880-1899" tells the tale of history where Irish troops deserted their posts for the allure of the diamonds and gold sent along the rails in the later time of the nineteenth century. Becoming a bit of local legends, it's more than simple thievery in the history, as these bandits helped shape South Africa as it was today, being a strong influence in politics and creating today's borders. "Masked Raiders" is a fascinating read, and a core addition to any history collection focusing on South Africa.


The Interior Design Shelf

Green Interior Design
Lori Dennis
Allworth Press
10 East 23rd Street, New York, NY 10010
9781581157451, $24.95, www.allworth.com

You can help the environment and still embrace style. "Green Interior Design" is a guide from Lori Dennis, as she packs one hundred full color photographs and plenty of advice into this book on environmentally friendly interior design. From finding green vendors, planting a garden, using the power of the sun to light one's home, and more, "Green Interior Design" is quite the useful read and very highly recommended for anyone who cares about style and the environment.


The Cookbook Shelf

Winter Harvest Cookbook
Lane Morgan
New Society Publishers
PO Box 189, Gabriola Island, BC V0R 1X0, Canada
9780865716797, $24.95, www.newsociety.com

The long hard winter is the death of many things, it does not have to be the death of taste. "Winter Harvest Cookbook: How to Select and Prepare Fresh Seasonal Produce All Winter Long" is a guide to making the most out of seasonal produce and using it as a boon to many winter-driven dishes. Focusing on the produce side, These recipes range from dinner dishes like black bean calamari, to deserts like fruit pizza. "Winter Harvest Cookbook" is a strong resource, not to be missed by the seasonal chef.

The Mitsitam Cafe Cookbook
Richard Hetzler
Fulcrum Publishing
4690 Table Mountain D., Ste 100, Golden, CO 80403
9781555917470, $22.95, www.fulcrumbooks.com

The Native American people are not popularly known for their cuisine, but don't be fooled, they have quite the array of dishes. "The Misitam Cafe Cookbook: Recipes from the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian" looks at the cafe that offers many thoughtful takes on these ancient American dishes where these people turned what they had available to them to many delectable and original dishes. With entrees like Quahog soup, Smoked Duck Salad, Buffalo Chili, Fried bread tacos, and more, "The Misitam Cafe Cookbook" is packed with full color photos, and is a top pick for those who want a whole new world of flavors available to them.

Toscana
Kathie & Amy Gordon
Killer Pizza Enterprises, Inc.
11812 San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90049
9780615308463, $30.00, www.toscanabrentwood.com

You don't need several dozen spices to make an authentic Italian dish. "Toscana: Simple Authentic Italian Recipes" delves into the details to make excellent and delightful Italian dishes such as original Italian pizza, original Italian sauces, and how to use these takes on Italian food to their fullest to make a grand variety of dishes. With gorgeous full color photographs and reflections on what this food has meant over the years, "Toscana" is an excellent read for those who want to make the real thing for themselves and those they love.

Microwave Recipes
Penfield Books
215 Brown Street, Iowa City, IA 52245-5801
9781932043570, $7.95, www.penfieldbooks.com

A microwave is all you need to make something truly special. "Microwave Recipes" is a small cookbook packed with plenty of recipe cards of meals and dishes that can be simply made with the usage of a microwave. With plenty of ideas and applications, "Microwave Recipes" is a must for those who don't have a lot of time to cook. Also recommended from Penfield's collection of small cookbooks is "Healthy Recipes" (9781932043597, $7.95), focusing on health-driven dishes, and "Buffets and Potlucks" (9781932043600, $7.95), focusing on ideal entrees for collections of dishes served at once.

1080 Recipes
Simone and Ines Ortega
Phaidon
180 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014
9780714848365, $49.95, www.phaidon.com

There have been thousands of dishes promoting the wide ways to be creative with food. "1080 Recipes" is a massive collection of Spanish cooking recipes. With recipes for almost anything you can think of ranging from simple soups to how to prepare the quail for food, this collection is presented in the first time in English. Many of these dishes may be universal, but the recipes within provide a Spanish twist from Spain's long reaching cultural influence around the world. For anyone seeking a fine tome of cooking knowledge, "1080 Recipes" may be the pick for them.

Corsican Cuisine
Arthur L. Meyer
Hippocrene Books
171 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
9780781812481, $35.00, www.hippocrenebooks.com

There are flavors still mostly foreign to English tongues. "Corsican Cuisine: Flavors of the Perfumed Isle" looks at the delicacy potential of Corsican cuisine, a branch of Mediterranean cooking that is rarely explored. With one hundred recipes for reproducing authentic cuisine such as Stuffed Calamari, Anise Biscuits, Braised Pork with Juniper, and so much more, "Corsican Cuisine" is a collection that shouldn't be missed for those looking for a new flavor in their cooking.

The Ultimate Gluten-Free Cookie Book
Roben Ryberg
Da Capo Press
c/o Perseus Books Group
9780738213767, $16.95, www.dacapopress.com

Gluten has been something that more and more people try to avoid. "The Ultimate Gluten-Free Cookie Book" is a guide to the many variations of the cookie that one can make while still avoiding gluten. From the old school favorite Chocolate chip cookies to spins on thin mints, sweet crackers, ice cream based cookies and more, Roben Ryberg gives readers everything they need to know to bake wonderful treats without gluten. "The Ultimate Gluten-Free Cookie Book" is a choice resource for any health-conscious baker.

101 Recipes for Gluten-Free Microwave Mug Cakes
Stacey J. Miller
BPT Press
PO Box 834, Randolph, MA 02368-0834
SJ Miller Communications (publicity)
10 Turning Mill Lane, Randolph, MA 02368
9780984228515, $16.45, www.bookpr.com

Evading gluten is a practice many have undertaken for a healthier life. "101 Recipes for Gluten-Free Microwave Mug Cakes" is a guide to using a mug as a versatile cooking tool for many cakes to make a hot, delicious treat in 10 minutes or less. Designed for children or inept-at-cooking adults to follow, Stacey J. Miller's advice makes "101 Recipes for Gluten-Free Microwave Mug Cakes" an invaluable tool, very highly recommended.


The Art Shelf

Art
Stephen Farthing, editor
Rizzoli International Publications
300 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010
9780789318336, $35.00, www.rizzoliusa.com

Art is one of the biggest things that sets Humans apart from other animals. "Art: From Cave Painting to Street Art, 40,000 years of Creativity" looks at the history of art, something that is present throughout humanity's short history and what it meant for that period of time. From the earliest major projects of history to modern street art, these historical pieces are analyzed for the culture they reveal and what they mean to the progression of art as a whole. From early paintings to the rise of photography and other methods of creative expression, "Art" is a key addition to any community college collection focusing on the long history of art.

A New World Imagined
MFA Boston
465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
9780878467600, $60.00, www.mfa.org

America has done much to break off from its European ancestors in its art ideals. "A New World Imagined" traces the history of the artistic styles of the Americas and how artists who came to the new world began to establish their own style, facing new environmental sights and living divided from the artists of Europe. With a blend of native ideal in their work, the art of America takes the disciplines from all over the world and combines them into a fascinating blend. "A New World Imagined" is a scholarly collection of art, packed cover to cover with full color pictures of major works throughout the years, serving well as both a coffee table book and core addition to any art history collection.


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

Swedenborg's Garden of Theology
Jonathan S. Rose
Swedenborg Foundation Press
320 North Church Street, West Chester, PA 19380
9780877853336, $9.95, www.swedenborg.com

Science is not the enemy of Christianity, but it can further enhance it. "Swedenborg's Garden of Theology: An Introduction to Emanuel Swedenborg's Published Theological Works" tells how Emanuel Swedenborg, an Eighteenth century theologian and scientist came to a unique view of the universe and offers much thought that is pondered on by fellow theologians to this day. A key addition to any religious studies collection, "Swedenborg's Garden of Theology" is not a volume to be missed.


The Jobs/Careers Shelf

Hired!
Elinor Stutz
Career Press
220 West Parkway, Unit 12, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
9781601631428, $14.99, www.careerpress.com

An interview is often one's first assignment in sales. The product is yourself. "Hired!: How to Use Sales Techniques to Sell Yourself on Interviews" is a guide to making the interview the place to promote yourself as the best possible candidate for the job so that you get the job. From good conduct before the interview to nearing the end of the interview and more, "Hired!" is an excellent resource for any job hunter.

The Quick 30/30 Job Solution
Neil P. McNulty and Ronald L. Krannich, Ph.D.
Impact Publications
9104 Manassas Drive, Suite N, Manassas Park, VA 20111-5211
9781570232862, $14.95, www.impactpublications.com

It's hard to be picky in today's job market. "The Quick 30/30 Job Solution: Smart Job Search Tips for Surviving Today's New Economy" is a guide to finding a job quickly and with the standards you want even in today's tougher job market. Focusing on finding a job within thirty days and within thirty miles of your residence, granting the book its name, "The Quick 30/30 Job Solution" will do well in giving readers the tools they need.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Dialogues with Pain
Jeanne Taylor Hernandez
Crown House Publishing
6 Trowbridge Drive, Ste. 5, Bethel, CT 06801
9781449980306, $24.95

The first step to beating pain is to understand it. "Dialogues with Pain: Internal Body Conversations That Resolve Suffering" is a guide for those faced with chronic pain. Encouraging readers to differentiate between pain and suffering, Jeanne Taylor Hernandez, Ph.D writes with plenty of thought for readers to get a mental edge on their ailments to help them reclaim their life from their annoyances. "Dialogues with Pain" is a fine pick, and a solid addition to community library health collections.

The Alzheimer's Caregiving Puzzle
Patricia R. Callone & Connie Kudlacek
Demos Health
11 W. 42nd Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10036
9781932603880, $16.95, www.demoshealth.com

The loss of mind is a terrible thing. "The Alzheimer's Caregiving Puzzle: Putting Together the Pieces" is a guide for those dealing with the unfortunate seniors who are facing this disorder. The atrophy of the mind leads care givers in a struggle to provide care and understanding to someone who may not be always able to appreciate. With a reminder not to kill yourself in your care for another, "The Alzheimer's Caregiving Puzzle" is a moving and utterly useful read for these individuals in their pursuit of care for those with Alzheimer's.

Gluten-Free Kids
Danna Korn
Woodbine House
6510 Bells Mill Rd., Bethesda, MD 20817
9781606130063, $21.95, www.woodbinehouse.com

With special needs comes the need for a special diet. "Gluten-Free Kids: Raising Happy, Healthy Children with Celiac Disease, Autism, and Other Conditions" is a guide for parents who want to avoid gluten based foods for their children to encourage better diet to help face many disorders in a child's life. With a bit of expertise and experience, "Gluten-Free Kids" is a solid volume for any concerned parent who wants advice on arranging their special needs child's diet.

Master Your IBS
Pamela Barney, et. al.
AGA Press
4930 Del Ray Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814
9781603560092, $16.95, www.MasterYourIBS.com

Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be quite the drain on one's life but it's conquerable. "Master Your IBS: An 8-Week Plan to Control the Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome" is a guide to face one's condition and beat it through the use of good diet, exercise, and other natural actions to get it under one's control without the use of drugs or other actions with potential side-effects. "Master Your IBS" is not to be missed for anyone who wants to better manage the condition to improve the quality of their life.


The Martial Arts Shelf

The Fighting Tomahawk, Volume II
Dwight C. McLemore
Paladin Press
7077 Winchester Circle, Boulder, CO 80301
9781581607291, $49.95, www.paladin-press.com

The tomahawk was one of the weapons of the American Revolution. "The Fighting Tomahawk, Volume II: Further Studies in the Combat Use of the Early American Tomahawk" analyzes the early use of this famed weapon, first brought into prominence by the Native American Indians and adopted by the Americans settling the country. A one handed axe can be used in many creative ways, and is often dual-wielded with a large knife. For any curious in the use of the tomahawk's techniques or actual use, "The Fighting Tomahawk, Volume II" is a fascinating dissection of the countless details of use with this historic weapon.


The Biography Shelf

Still Standing: The Story of SSG John Kriesel
John Kriesel, as told to Jim Kosmo
Beaver's Pond Press
7104 Ohms Lane, Suite 101, Edina, MN 55439
9781592983377, $19.95, www.BeaversPondPress.com 1-952-829-8818

The cruelty of war only gives way to the pure tenacity of the human spirit. "Still Standing: The Story of SSG John Kriessel" tells the story of Kriesel who in Iraq lost both of his legs and faced a massive endeavor to simply survive the terrible endeavor, let alone ever walk again. With the help some gifted miracle working surgeons, he walks once more, against all odds. "Still Standing" is a moving and impressive read about how even when all seems lost, hope can still win the day.

Prodigal Daughter
Myrna Kostash
University of Alberta Press
Ring House 2, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, T6G 2E1
9780888645340, $34.95, www.uap.ualberta.ca

Through her travels, she began to gain a deeper understanding of her faith. "Prodigal Daughter: A Journey to Byzantium" is a travel memoir with a blend of creative non-fiction from Myrna Kostash as she reflects on her own travels from her native Canada to her ancestral homeland, the Ukraine. Drawing on her journey and what it did for her Eastern Orthodox faith she never truly understood, "Prodigal Daughter" is a fine pick, highly recommended.

Paul Newman
Marian Edelman Borden
ABC-CLIO
130 Cremona Drive
PO Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
9780313383106, $35.00, www.abc-clio.com

A true legend of his industry, Paul Newman was far more than just another actor in Hollywood. "Paul Newman: A Biography" looks at the man and his work throughout his life and career. Serving in the military early in his adulthood and looking further and higher in his goals in life, Newman's career led him along many iconic Hollywood roles, and in his later life, became a well known philanthropist, businessman, and has become an American legend. For anyone seeking to understand the big deal that Newman was and still is today, "Paul Newman: A Biography" serves as an excellent telling of his life story.

I See the Promised Land
Arthur Flowers, Manu Chitrakar, Gugliemo Rossi
Tara Books
c/o Consortium Books Sales & Distrubution
34 13th Avenue NE, Suite 101, Minneapolis, MN 55413
9789380340043, $16.95

The road away from being a second class citizen is a long one. "I See the Promised Land: A Life of Martin Luther King Jr." blends two styles of story telling to following the life of Dr. King and what was truly important to his message and over his life time. With a powerful message and style, Arthur Flowers, Manu Chitrakar, and Gugliemo Rossi come together and make "I See the Promised Land" a core addition to any art or biography collection, enthusiastically recommended.


The Travel Shelf

Discover Egypt
Anthony Sattin, et al.
Lonely Planet Publications
150 Linden Street, Oakland CA 94607
9781742201108, $24.99, www.lonelyplanet.com

The sheer history of Egypt often attracts many travelers. The collaborative work of Anthony Sattin, Michael Benanav, Matthew D. Firestone, and Thomas Hall, "Discover Egypt: Experience in the Best of Egypt" is a travel guide for those who want to fully experience everything that Egypt has to offer. From the aforementioned history, it also focuses on the modern culture that lies around the country. Presented in full color with plenty of information and charts to emphasize the places to visit, "Discover Egypt" is a choice pick for anyone planning an Egyptian trip for the armchair traveler.


The Psychology Shelf

The Feeling of Risk
Paul Slovic
Earthscan
c/o Stylus Publishing, Inc.
22883 Quicksilver Drive, Sterling, VA 20166-2012
9781849711487, $49.95, www.styluspub.com

Risk proves as a deterrent to our otherwise impulsive selves. "The Feeling of Risk: New Perspectives on Risk Perception" discusses risk and its place in our world and our psyche. Many authors and thinkers converge and discuss risk as a model for feelings, its impact on culture, its effects on democracy, risk on the world stage, our mental minds in overestimating risks, and how risks are shared throughout the public knowledge and world. Scholarly and insightful, "The Feeling of Risk" is an excellent collection and very highly recommended.


The Political Science Shelf

Terror, Religion, and Liberal Thought
Richard B. Miller
Columbia University Press
61 West 62nd Street, New York, NY 10023-7015
9780231150989, $24.50, www.cup.columbia.edu

The liberal mindset is commonly associated with diplomacy and rationality when facing our enemies, two values which are thrown aside when faced with an imminent danger. "Terror, Religion, and Liberal Thought" analyzes the liberal political philosophy and comes to treat it as a religion all its own. Richard B Miller, a student of ethics and critic of issues relating to religion and politics, offerings an intriguing insight to attitudes on all sides of liberalism and religion. Also critical to America's response to 9/11, "Terror, Religion, and Liberal Thought" is a volume with plenty to consider, a key addition to any political science collection.


The Antiques/Collectibles Shelf

Character & Novelty Clocks & Watches
Jim & Merlyn Collings
Collector Books
PO Box 3009, Paducah, KY 42002-3009
9781574326901, $29.95, www.collectorbooks.com

They're for more than just telling the time now. "Character & Novelty Clocks & Watches: Identifications & Values" is a collector's companion for those who take pride in collecting these vintage time pieces that have been released over the past one hundred years. Each entry includes a full color photograph, a description of the watch with year developed, physical details, value, and more. For any avid collector of watches, clocks, and other timepieces, "Character & Novelty Clocks & Watches" will prove to be their best friend in expanding their collection.


The Architecture Shelf

Framing a House
Roe Osborn
The Taunton Press
63 South Main Street
PO Box 5506, Newtown, CT 06470-5506
9781600851018, $21.95, www.taunton.com

Building one's own home is a truly magnificent endeavor that few truly experience any more. "Framing a House" is a guide for those who have chosen to embark on the journey of building your own home. A house frame serves as the skeleton, part of the foundation. Outlining the little details that have to be understood to build a sturdy house that can stand for possibly centuries, Roe Osborn covers everything from tools to planning to techniques, and much more. For the would be carpenter, "Framing a House" is an invaluable resource.


The Hunting/Fishing Shelf

Great Hunting Stories
Steve Chapman
Harvest House
990 Owen Loop North, Eugene, Oregon 97402-9173
9780736928144, $11.99, www.harvesthousepublishers.com

There's nothing a hunter likes more than a good hunting story. "Great Hunting Stories: Inspiring Adventures for Every Hunter" is a collection of these stories that Steve Chapman has experienced through his days on the field. Stating that hunting has helped him gain a greater connection with his family - both his children and his wife, enhanced his faith, and helped him become a better person, "Great Hunting Stories" is sure to empower and encourage any hunter who enjoys their favored hobby.


The Environmental Studies Shelf

Climate Savvy
Lara J. Hansen & Jennifer R. Hoffman
Island Press
1718 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20009
9781597266864, $40.00, www.islandpress.org

It's harder and harder to be kind in the environment as the development of the world requires more from it. "Climate Savvy: Adapting Conservation and Resource Management to a Changing World" is an analysis of climate change, stating that as the debate rages on, the effects of the dilemma already weigh strong on the debate. Stating that in order to answer the problems climate change has presented, the planet needs to act swiftly and with agility, "Climate Savvy" is a thoughtful and, as its title suggests, savvy look at the problems the climate debate faces, a key addition to environmental studies collections.

Mountain Justice
Tricia Shapiro
AK Press
674-A 23rd Street, Oakland, CA 94612
9781849350235, $17.95, www.akpress.org

Mountain top removal has been a favored way to get at the coal of mountains for several decades now. "Mountain Justice: Homegrown Resistance to Mountaintop Removal, for the Future of Us All" is about the campaigns against this practice which Tricia Shapiro believes has bigger environmental consequences that the companies that practice this method would believe. Since 2005 this practice has been protested against, focusing on the coal mining territories of West Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia. Stating that the practice is environmentally dangerous and threatens the future of the states, "Mountain Justice" is a thoughtful read on this crisis that threatens the region.

Ethical Oil
Ezra Levant
McClelland & Stewart
75 Sherbourne St., 5th Floor, Toronto, ON M5A 2P9
9780771046414, $29.99, www.mcclellandstewart.com

It's foolish to think the world's oil dependency will be solved overnight. "Ethical Oil: The Case for Canada's Oil Sands" is an entry into Canada's own oil debate, as the use of Canada's oil sands may lead to greater prosperity and a moral high ground. Stating that the potential environmental cost of the oil sands is far cheaper than continuing to support the human rights violations of Saudi Arabia, his debates ring sound and thoughtful for both Canada and other parts of the world debating their own oil problems. "Ethical Oil" is an excellent addition to any political science or environmental collection.

Disaster on the Horizon
Bob Cavnar
Chelsea Green Publishing
PO Box 428, White River Junction, VT 05001
9781603583169, $14.95, www.chelseagreen.com

The long lasting impact of the Gulf Oil disaster is not yet known. "Disaster on the Horizon: High Stakes, High Risks, and the Story Behind the Deepwater Well Blowout" is Bob Canvar's own investigation into this terrible environmental disaster that is plaguing New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. Said that the mistake was one of pride going too far and a lack of regulation and the drive for greater profit, "Disaster on the Horizon" is a scholarly and thoughtful look at what led to this ecological devastation.

Energy Myths and Realities
Vaclav Smil
AEI
1150 Seventeenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036
9780844743288, $34.95, www.aei.org

America needs energy, it's how to get it which is the massive debate. "Energy Myths and Realities: Bringing Science to the Energy Policy Debate" is a realistic approach to the energy crisis that encourages progress but at the same time realizes there is no silver bullet solution to America's energy issues. With thoughtful research, Vaclav Smil looks at history and draws a map to where we are now and the many solutions that sit before us. "Energy Myths and Realities" is a core addition to any environmental and political studies collection.


The Needlecraft Shelf

Quick Nordic Knits
Ann-Mari Nilsson
Trafalgar Square
PO Box 257, 388 Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053
9781570764691, $16.95, www.trafalgarbooks.com

If anyone knows about enduring the cold, it's the Nordic people. "Quick Nordic Knits: 50 Socks, Hats, and Mittens" is a knitting guide with heavy inspiration from Europe's far North, the people who strongly know winter than anywhere else in the western world. With countless designs and variations and tips for making that idea piece for a loved one, for anyone with a love of knitting and who also loves it to be functional and charming in its own design, "Quick Nordic Knits" is a solid and highly recommended resource.


The Native American Shelf

The Magic Children
Roger Echo-Hawk
Left Coast Press
1630 N. Main Street, #400, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
9781598745757, $24.95, www.lcoastpress.com

Racial pride isn't the worst thing in the world, but it can prove a detriment to society. "The Magic Children: Racial Identity at the End of the Age of Race" is a scholarly analysis of race from Roger Echo-Hawk, a Native American Indian who has stated he has given up his race in his own journey to gain a greater understanding of it, giving readers a thorough discussion of Native American issues such as Red Pride, archeology, and more. Thoughtful and educational, "The Magic Children" is a vital addition to any community library social issues and Native American studies collections.


The Computer Shelf

Troubleshooting Windows 7
Mike Halsey
Microsoft
c/o O'Reilly Media, Inc.
1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
978735645202, $39.99, www.microsoft.com

No program is perfect. "Troubleshooting Windows 7: Inside Out" is a guide to fine tuning and dealing with the minor problems one will face with the latest generation of Windows operating system, Windows 7. Mike Haley, a valued blog writer on Windows and its latest news and features, offers much information for dealing with the finer intricacies of what the world is using now. Ranging from security issues to hardware issues and much more, "Troubleshooting Windows 7" is an excellent guide for those who want to use Windows more effectively.


The Literary Shelf

In the Bear's House
N. Scott Momaday
University of New Mexico Press
1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
9780826348395, $24.95, www.unmpress.com

The bear is a truly unique being in literature, and has a special place in famed author N. Scott Momaday's heart. "In the Bear's House" Is a collection of prose, poetry, art, and more surrounding the ursine creature. With much spirit and thought, Momaday creates a unique vision and provides a textual and artistic treat with black and white illustrations throughout. "In the Bear's House" is superbly crafted, a top shelf pick. "The Khanty Bear Feast": Consign me to ritual/on pretexts of sacred kinds./Unbutton my coat, and have/children pay me their --------prespects-------./Fasten my eyes with bright coins./Let me hear the singer say,/"Whose house is this?" And reply,/Behold, this is the bear's house."/And I shall preside with wild,/disinterested kindness.


The Language Studies Shelf

Farnsworth's Classical English Rhetoric
Ward Farnsworth
David R. Godine Publisher
PO Box 450, Jaffrey, NH 03452
9781567923858, $26.95, www.godine.com

Language is a paintbrush, and the masters can move someone with a few simple strokes. "Farnsworth's Classical English Rhetoric" delves into the power of language and how it has formed coming into the modern day. Throughout history language has been powerful, and as English has quickly become the language of the world, in recent centuries, Ward Farnsworth tells quite the history and provides much insight into the power and eloquence of language in the right mouths. "Farnsworth's Classical English Rhetoric" is a must for anyone who wants to truly understand and appreciate the power of speech in the English-speaking world.


The Wisconsin Shelf

Sheboygan: Tales of the Tragic & Bizarre
William F. Wangemann
The History Press
635 Rutledge Ave., Suite 107, Charleston, SC 29403
9781609490355, $19.99, www.historypress.net

Sheboygan: Tales of the Tragic & Bizarre is a bemusing anthology of eyebrow-raising true tales from the surprisingly colorful history of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. From speakeasy shootings to the town's first baseball game, to the "Great Indian Scare" during the Civil War (how Sheboygan became swept into a mass panic over an alleged Indian threat that did not exist), Sheboygan: Tales of the Tragic & Bizarre blends inexplicable happenstance with wry insight, and sheds light into the oddities of American daily life over a century ago. Black-and-white photographs illustrate this excellent contribution to Wisconsin History shelves.

Wisconsin Wildflowers in 3D
David Tank
Planet Creek Press
E4843 395th Ave., Menomonie, WI 54751
9780981506425, $24.95, www.planetcreekpress.com

Nature has plenty of beauty, best enjoyed in person. But 3D can be the next best thing. "Wisconsin Wildflowers in 3D" comes packed with hand held 3D lens for use with its many pictures of the fauna and wild growth that presents Wisconsin's lesser known beauties throughout the state. A fun way to enjoy nature from the comfort of an armchair, "Wisconsin Wildflowers in 3D" is a fascinating pick for nature lovers.


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


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