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Wisconsin Bookwatch

Volume 11, Number 10 October 2016 Home | WBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Fiction Shelf Mystery/Suspense Shelf
Christian Studies Shelf Judaic Studies Shelf Audiobook Shelf
Music CD Shelf DVD Shelf Travel Shelf
Fantasy/SciFi Shelf Needlecraft Shelf Sports Shelf
Cookbook Shelf Photography Shelf Education Shelf
Biography Shelf Poetry Shelf Automotive Shelf
Computer Shelf Writing/Publishing Shelf Metaphysical Studies Shelf
Beer/Wine Shelf Art Shelf LGBT Studies Shelf
Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf Christmas Shelf Wisconsin Shelf


Reviewer's Choice

Policing in Milwaukee: A Strategic History
George L. Kelling
Marquette University Press
PO Box 3141, Milwaukee, WI 53201-3141
9781626003002 $25.00 www.marquette.edu/mupress

Policing in Milwaukee: A Strategic History is a carefully researched, scholarly chronicle of the police department of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Chapters chronicle how Milwaukee used to be one of America's most crime free cities; in the first half of the twentieth century, Milwaukee was a trailblazer in terms of controlling corruption, applying technological advances to improve policing, and developing a community relations program. How did the modern-day tragedy of Milwaukee's current urban failings and disturbingly high crime rate come to be? Author George Kelling, a Milwaukee native who has studied policing for over forty years, scrutinizes the cruel lessons of the past, while offering suggestions and hope for an improved future. Policing in Milwaukee: A Strategic History is highly recommended for public and college library collections, as well as criminology and policework studies shelves.

My Cool Treehouse
Jane Field-Lewis, author
Tina Hillier, photographer
Pavilion
c/o Trafalgar Square Publishing
388 Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05053
www.trafalgarbooks.com
9781910496183, $24.95, HC, 160pp, www.amazon.com

A tree house or tree fort is a platform or building constructed around, next to or among the trunk or branches of one or more mature trees while above ground level. Tree houses can be used for recreation, work space, habitation, observation or as temporary retreats. In "My Cool Treehouse: An Inspirational Guide to Stylish Treehouses" photographer Tina Hillier uses high-end interiors, landscape and lifestyle photography and styling in the specially commissioned images (shot in all seasons and weather conditions) to illustrated author Jane Field-Lewis insightful commentary giving information about the location, the owners and their inspiration as well as style notes as the two effectively collaborate to showcase 35 treehouses with different budgets and styles, ranging from the rustic that seem to disappear into the foliage, to the futuristic made out of contemporary materials. A pure delight to simply browse through, and an inspiring resource to glean ideas for building a treehouse of your own, "My Cool Treehouse" is enthusiastically recommended as an enduringly popular addition for community library collections. For personal reading lists of all treehouse enthusiasts it should be noted that "My Cool Treehouse" is also available in a Kindle format ($11.99).

Appalachian Odyssey
Jeffrey H. Ryan
www.jeffryanauthor.com
Down East Books
c/o Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group
4501 Forbes Blvd., Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
www.rowman.com
9781608935789, $22.95, PB, 320pp, www.amazon.com

Unlike through-hikers that complete the Appalachian Trail in one several month trip, Jeffrey Ryan took a different approach. Grabbing weeks here and days off there, it took Jeffrey twenty-eight years to finish the trail one section at a time. Along the way he learned much about himself and made many new friends, including his best friend, Wayne, who made the journey with him from start to finish. Including 75 color photos, "Appalachian Odyssey: A 28-Year Hike on America's Trail" is engaging read that is part memoir, part natural history and lore, and part practical advice. Certain to be an enduringly popular addition to community library collections, "Appalachian Odyssey" is especially recommended reading for anyone who has hiked the Appalachian Trail, is planning to hike it themselves, or are armchair travelers merely wishing to hiking it some day.


The Fiction Shelf

Close to Home
Deborah Raney
Abingdon Press
2222 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., PO Box 280988, Nashville, TN 37228-0988
www.abingdonpress.com
9781501817458, $24.99, HC, 286pp, www.amazon.com

Bree Cordel Whitman is a Whitman by marriage, but sometimes she forgets she wasn't born into Grant and Audrey's family. Her late husband, Timothy Whitman, gave his life for his country on a windblown hill in Afghanistan. Bree has let the love of Tim's family keep her ties to him strong -- in the same way she keeps Tim's memory alive for them. But it's been almost five years, and she can't hang onto the past forever. Fighting the guilt she feels for wanting to love again, she can't help her dreams about a tall, dark, and handsome man -- a man who is not her Tim. How can she accept the flirtations from Drew Brooks without throwing the Whitman family back into grieving? And how can Drew compete with the ghost of a hero and the hero's very alive family who seem to hold some spell over the woman who shares their name -- a woman he might just love? Another terrifically entertaining and deftly crafted romance by an exceptionally talented author, "Close to Home" is the fourth title on Deborah Raney's outstanding 'Chicory Inn' series and enthusiastically recommended for community library Romance Fiction collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of romance enthusiasts that "Close to Home" is also available in a paperback edition (9781426770463, $14.99) and in a Kindle format ($9.99).

The Beautiful Pretender
Melanie Dickerson
Thomas Nelson Publishers
PO Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214
www.thomasnelson.com
9780718026288, $15.99, PB, 314pp, www.amazon.com

The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble born ladies who meet the king's approval to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character. Avelina has only two instructions: keep her true identity a secret and make sure the margrave doesn't select her as his bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea. Despite Avelina's best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can't deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse, with far deadlier consequences! A medieval fairy tale of a romance story from the pen of Melanie Dickerson, "The Beautiful Pretender" is a riveting read from beginning to end and enthusiastically recommended for the personal reading lists of romance enthusiasts and will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to community library Romance Fiction collections.

Snowfall on Haven Point
RaeAnne Thayne
HQN Books
c/o Harlequin Books
225 Duncan Mill Road, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada, M3B 3K9
9780373789894, $7.99, PB, 384pp, www.amazon.com

It's been two rough years since Andrea Montgomery lost her husband, and all she wants is for her children to enjoy their first Christmas in Haven Point. But then Andie's friend asks a favor -- to keep an eye on her brother, Sheriff Marshall Bailey, who's recovering from a hit and run. Andie will do anything for Wyn, even park her own misgivings to check on her grouchy, wounded bear of a brother. Marshall hates feeling defenseless and resents the protective impulses that Andie brings out in him. But when a blizzard forces them together for the holidays, something in Marshall begins to thaw. Andie's gentle nature is a salve, and her kids' excitement for the holidays makes him forget why he never wanted a family. If only he and Andie can admit what they really want (which is each other) their Christmas wishes might come true after all. A truly gifted and original storyteller, author RaeAnne Thayne has penned another riveting entertainment with the publication of "Snowfall on Haven Point". Very highly recommended for community library Romance Fiction collections.

Tricks Every Boy Can Do
Paul Buchanan
Harvard Square Editions
2152 Beachwood Terrace, Hollywood, CA 90068
www.harvardsquareeditions.org
9781941861158, $22.95, PB, 258pp, www.amazon.com

Frankie and Alive, born on the eve of the Great Depression, are identical brothers-not twins, exactly; they're the survivors of a set of triplets. Though they're genetically indistinguishable, they're different as oranges and avocados. Alvie, meek and thoughtful, frets every small decision and feels fairly certain his dead sister is haunting him. Frankie, brash and irrepressible, has a passion for bebop and five-card draw, and he isn't above standing in for his brother when it suits him. As the two boys grow into men, through deceptions, betrayals, and twists of fate, they bend each other's destinies. But then they both fall for the same remarkable woman, Lydia-the one soul who sees them both for who they truly are. She's also the woman who has to choose between them. Exceptional, consistently compelling, wryly funny while exploring issues of sibling rivalry, "Tricks Every Boy Can Do" is a riveting read from first page to last and will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to community and academic library Contemporary Literary Fiction collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted that "Tricks Every Boy Can Do" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).

Here Comes the Sun
Nicole Dennis-Benn
Liveright Publishing Corporation
c/o W. W. Norton & Company
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
www.wwnorton.com
9781631491764, $26.95, HC, 352pp, www.amazon.com

At an opulent resort in Montego Bay, Margot hustles to send her younger sister, Thandi, to school. Taught as a girl to trade her sexuality for survival, Margot is ruthlessly determined to shield Thandi from the same fate. When plans for a new hotel threaten their village, Margot sees not only an opportunity for her own financial independence but also perhaps a chance to admit a shocking secret: her forbidden love for another woman. As they face the impending destruction of their community, each woman (fighting to balance the burdens she shoulders with the freedom she craves) must confront long-hidden scars. From a much-heralded new writer, Here Comes the Sun offers a dramatic glimpse into a vibrant, passionate world most outsiders see simply as paradise. In the pages of Nicole Dennis- Benn pens novel "Here Comes the Sun" the reader is deftly introduced to a world hidden among pristine beaches and the wide expanse of turquoise seas of Jamaica. A riveting read from beginning to end, "Here Comes the Sun" is an impressive demonstration of author Nicole Dennis-Benn's original storytelling skills and a highly recommended addition to community library General Fiction collections. For personal reading lists it should be noted that "Here Comes the Sun" is also available in a paperback edition (9781631492945, $15.95) and in a Kindle format ($12.89).

The Pilgrim
F. W. Baue
Pergola Press
www.pergolapress.com
9780984807734, $25.00, HC, 199pp, www.amazon.com

"The Pilgrim" by F. W. Baue is a deftly constructed and consistently compelling novel that follows the geographical, intellectual and spiritual sojourns of Paul Gottlieb, a young musician searching for reality in the cultural maelstrom of the 1960s San Francisco. The first in a planned five volume series, "The Pilgrim" reveals author F. W. Baue as an especially gifted storyteller with a positive knack for developing memorable characters and a deftly scripted plot that will hold the reader's rapt attention from beginning to end. "The Pilgrim" is very highly recommended for personal reading lists and community library General Fiction collections.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

Kill Joy / The Virgin Huntress
Elisabeth Sanxay Holding
Stark House Press
1315 H Street, Eureka, CA 95501
www.starkhousepress.com
9781933586977, $19.95, 240pp, www.amazon.com

Elisabeth Sanxay Holding (1889 - 1955) was an American novelist and short story writer who primarily wrote detective novels in the hardboiled school of detective fiction. Now for the benefit of a whole new generation of appreciative mystery fans the Stark House Press has brought back into print two of her best suspense thrillers under one cover. In 'Kill Joy', a young lady finds trouble when she follows her employer to a house where death seems to stalk its every visitor. In 'The Virgin Huntress' a young man tries to stay one step ahead of the huntress who tries to uncover his questionable past. A true master of the genre, "Kill Joy / The Virgin Huntress" offers a superbly presented introduction to the impressive writing style of Elizabeth Sanxay Holding and will prompt dedicated mystery buffs to seek out her other novels including the Stark House Press edition of "Lady Killer / Miasma" (978-0966784879, $19.20, PB, 270pp).

The Vanished
Lotte Hammer
Bloomsbury Press
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315, New York, NY 10010
www.bloomsbury.com
9781632864857, $28.00, HC, 448pp, www.amazon.com

Lotte Hammer is a master of the mystery/suspense genre and "The Vanished" is the latest novel in her outstanding 'Konrad Simonsen' series. Lying at the bottom of his apartment stairs, a postman is found dead. At first glance, his death appears to be a simple fall, a straightforward accident and the perfect case for Detective Chief Superintendent Konrad Simonsen to return to after a severe heart attack. But when he is called to investigate, new forensic evidence comes to light and something doesn't add up. Did the postman fall or was he pushed? When life-size images of a girl are discovered plastering the walls of the dead man's attic, the case takes a new and sinister turn. Who is she? Could she be alive? Soon the homicide team find themselves delving into the past, but as they approach the truth, Simonsen discovers long-hidden skeletons in his own closet. A riveting read from first page to last, "The Vanished" is a consistently compelling and deftly crafted novel that will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to community library Mystery/Suspense collections. For the personal reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs it should be noted that "The Vanished" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).

A Cast of Falcons
Steve Burrows
The Dundurn Group
3 Church Street, Suite 500, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5E 1M2
www.dundurn.com
9781459732148, $15.99, PB, 384pp, www.amazon.com

A man falls to his death from a cliff face in western Scotland. From a distance, another man watches. He approaches the body, tucks a book into the dead man's pocket, and leaves. When the Scottish police show visiting Detective Chief Inspector Domenic Jejeune the book, he recognizes it as a call for help. But he also knows that answering that call could destroy the life he and his girlfriend Lindy have built for themselves in the village of Saltmarsh, in north Norfolk. Back in Saltmarsh, the brutal murder of a researcher involved in a local climate change project has everyone looking at the man's controversial studies as a motive. But Sergeant Danny Maik, heading the investigation in Jejeune's absence, believes a huge cash incentive being offered for the research may play a crucial role. With their beleaguered Chief Superintendent blocking every attempt to interview the project's uber-wealthy owners, Jejeune and Maik must work together to find their answers. But will the men's partnership survive when the danger from above begins to cast its dark shadow? A riveting read from beginning to end, "A Cast of Falcons" clearly demonstrates novelist Steve Burrows impressive mastery of the mystery/suspense genre. Memorable characters play out against a web of unexpected plot twists and surprises. While highly recommended for community library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for enthusiastic mystery buffs that "A Cast of Falcons" is also available in a Kindle format ($7.55).


The Christian Studies Shelf

You Lost Me
David Kinnaman
Baker Books
c/o Baker Publishing Group
6030 East Fulton, Ada, MI 49301
www.bakerpublishinggroup.com
9780801015892, $15.99, PB, 254pp, www.amazon.com

More than half of all Christian teens and young adults cease any active involvement in church. Based on research conducted by the Barna Group, "You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving Church . . . and Rethinking Faith" by David Kinnaman exposes ways the Christian community has failed to equip young adults to live "in but not of" the world--to follow Christ in the midst of profound cultural change. "You Lost Me" is a wide-ranging study that deftly debunks persistent myths about young church dropouts and examines the likely consequences for young adults and for the church if we maintain the status quo. The faith journeys of the next generation is a continuing challenge to the established church, while at the same time also be a source of hope for the community of faith. Kinnaman, with the help of an impressive series of contributors drawn from across the Christian spectrum, offers ideas for pastors, youth leaders, parents, and educators to pass on a vibrant, lasting faith, and ideas for young adults to find themselves in wholehearted pursuit of Christ. "You Lost Me" is a timely and exceptional study that is unreservedly recommended for all members of the Christian community (regardless of denominational affiliation) who are charged with working to inspire young men and women to participate in their local churches. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "You Lost Me" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).

The Invitational Life
Steve Carter
David C. Cook
c/o Cook Communications
4050 Lee Vance View, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
www.cookministries.com
9780781413978, $16.99, PB, 201pp, www.amazon.com

Historically from its inception down to the present day, the community of Christ has a great tradition of invitation. But as individual Christians, inviting others to faith requires leaning in to our own story, overcoming fear, and stepping out. But the good news is for everyone -- always and anywhere. As ordinary Christians we can help keep it going. Using Scripture and story, Steve Carter (a teaching pastor for Willow Creek Community Church, an American non-denominational and multi-generational Evangelical Christian mega church located in the Chicago suburb of South Barrington, Illinois) casts a vision for nonthreatening conversations that point people to Christ in the pages of "This Invitational Life: Risking Yourself to Align with God's Heartbeat for Humanity". Most significantly, Steve shows that only through risking it all will we discover what God is truly like. An absorbing, thoughtful and thought-provoking read from beginning to end, "The Invitational Life" is very highly recommended to the attention of all members of the Christian community regardless of their denominational affiliation. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Invitational Life" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.49).

Finding Home with the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Billy Graham
Jess Archer
Westbow Press
c/o Thomas Nelson Publishers
PO Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214
www.westbowpress.com
9781512721614, $11.95, PB, 123pp, www.amazon.com

The Beatles was one was the greatest rock band of all time. Bob Dylan was a misunderstood poet and a convert to Christianity. Billy Graham was justifiably called "America's Pastor". The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Billy Graham were the three forces of artistic and spiritual expression in Jess Archer's childhood, as well as the trio of figures in her father's conversion to Christianity and life's work. "Finding Home with The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Billy Graham" is Archer's true account of growing up inside the world of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. For fifteen years her family traversed the globe to prepare cities for Billy Graham's large-scale, sweeping evangelistic meetings. Her memoir details the gritty struggles she faced as the new kid in town and the intense anxiety of their transitory life. With humor, insight, and help from two of the greatest musical forces on the planet, Archer explores the universal question, "Where is home?" Through her father's boss, Billy Graham, she finds her way toward the answer to that question. An inherently fascinating read from beginning to end, "Finding Home with the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Billy Graham" is enthusiastically recommended, especially for members of the Christian community, and would prove to be an enduringly popular and unique addition to any church or community library collection.

None Like Him
Jen Wilkin
Crossway Books
1300 Crescent Street, Wheaton, IL 60187
www.crossway.com
9781433549830, $12.99, PB, 176pp, www.amazon.com

A member of the Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas, Jen Wilkin is a speaker, writer, and teacher of women's Bible studies. During her seventeen years of teaching, she has organized and led studies for women in home, church, and parachurch contexts. In "None Like Him: 10 Ways God Is Different from Us (and Why That's a Good Thing)" Jen points out that Christians consider God to be self-existent, self-sufficient, eternal, immutable, omnipresent, omniscient, omnipotent, sovereign, infinite, and incomprehensible -- and we human beings are not. And that's a good thing because our limitations are by divine design. We were never meant to be God. But at the root of every sin is our rebellious desire to possess attributes that belong to God alone. Calling us to embrace our limits as a means of glorifying God's limitless power, "None Like Him" invites us to celebrate the freedom that comes when we rest in letting God be God. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "None Like Him" is especially recommended reading for all members of the Christian community, clergy and lay-people alike. For personal reading lists it should be noted that "None Like Him" is also available in a Kindle edition ($8.57) and in a complete and unbridged CD Audio Book format ($15.98).

Unraveling the Family History of Jesus
Steven Donald Norris
Westbow Press
c/o Thomas Nelson Publishers
PO Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214
www.westbowpress.com
9781512720518, $44.95, HC, 484pp, www.amazon.com

Steven Donald Norris studied graduate-level theology at The School of Theology, Claremont, California. Nearing retirement after a career in the secular market, he has combined his avocational interest in genealogy with his research into the history of the family of Jesus. In "Unraveling the Family History of Jesus" Norris draws upon his years of research to write a detailed history of the extended family of Jesus from 100 BC through AD 100 and the influence they had on Jesus, the first century Christian movement, and on the history of Judea. Informed and informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking, "Unraveling the Family History of Jesus" is an inherently fascinating and consistently compelling read from beginning to end. While highly recommended for church, community, seminary, and academic library Christian Studies collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of all members of the Christian community regardless of their denominational affiliation that "Unraveling the Family History of Jesus" is also available in a paperback edition (9781512720501, $34.95).

Rapture Ready...Or Not?
Terry James
New Leaf Publishing Group
PO Box 726, Green Forest, AR 72638
www.newleafpress.net
9780892217427, $14.99, PB, 316pp, www.amazon.com

Jesus stated clearly that it will be "business as usual" right up until He catastrophically intervenes again in the affairs of mankind with what is popularly known as 'The Second Coming of Christ'. In "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" by Terry James (author, general editor, and co-author of numerous books on Bible prophecy) provides a detailed, precise frame of reference of where this generation stands on God's prophetic timeline; what the strange, troubling things happening in a world seemingly gone insane with unstoppable violence means for the immediate future and beyond; and reflects on the very the Bible as the Word of God being the only hope the reader and those he or she loves has for escaping God's righteous judgment that is about to fall on a rebellious world. "Rapture Ready...or Not" is for this generation of readers who are confused and look upon a world that seems to have destroyed opportunity for a bright, abundant future. The Rapture is about to catastrophically strike an unsuspecting world of both unbelievers and believers. Jesus Christ is the Shelter from the coming Tribulation storm of God's wrath and judgment. Informative, compelling, thoughtful and thought-provoking, "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" is strongly recommended reading for all members of the Christian community regardless of their denominational affiliation. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Rapture Ready...Or Not?" is also available in a Kindle format ($7.99).

Good God
Lucas Miles
Worthy Publishing
6100 Tower Circle, Suite 210, Franklin, TN 37067
www.worthypublishing.com
9781617956720, $15.99, PB, 224pp, www.amazon.com

Deep inside every Christian is the hope that God is good. Yet faced with personal hardship or the world's tragedies, it's easy to doubt God's character and to blame Him for our pain. "Good God: The One We Want to Believe in but Are Afraid to Embrace" by Lucas Miles (Senior Pastor of Oasis Granger and President of the Oasis Network for Churches) unpacks our misguided concepts of God so that we can begin to see Him as he truly is -- pure, loving, and completely good. Most of us want to believe that God is good, but we cannot find a way to harmonize God's goodness with the evil that exists in this world. "Good God" introduces the God that we all want to believe in but have been too afraid to embrace. With the Bible as his guide, Lucas takes readers on a journey to uncover the lost and forgotten nature of the Creator of the Universe and discover a real relationship with God. Informed, informative, thoughtful, thought-provoking, inspired and inspiring, "Good God" is very highly recommended reading for all members of the Christian community regardless of their denominational affiliation. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Good God" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.40).

Days? Or Ages? The Genesis Question
Jerry Harmon
Westbow Press
c/o Thomas Nelson Publishers
PO Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214
www.westbowpress.com
9781512726640, $33.95, HC, 220pp, www.amazon.com

In "Days? Or Ages? The Genesis Question: A Layman Looks at Creation's Calendar", Jerry Harmon offers a fresh look at a centuries-old debate. Does the Bible say creation was accomplished within one week of time beginning a few thousand years ago, or over countless millennia beginning millions or even billions of years in the distant past? Opinions abound from biblical scholars, scientists and laypeople alike, and achieving a clear perspective can be difficult at best. "Days? Or Ages? The Genesis Question" summarizes a thorough examination of Genesis 1, including relevant passages from other parts of the Bible, all in plain, straightforward language. Rather than begin with assumptions, as so many opinions do, and from there select and interpret scriptures in such a way as to support a given view; this work instead first provides a detailed examination of what Scripture itself appears to reveal-all Scripture that bears on the issue-and then examines what one might reasonably conclude. Although written by a layman, in "Days? Or Ages? The Genesis Question" Jerry draws from a wealth of scholarly works by some of the world's leading theologians and other learned professionals. Whatever one's opinion might be, this thesis will be informative reading and a significant resource to help clear away some of the clouds of mystery surrounding one of the Bible's most challenging subjects -- is the Genesis creation story literal or metaphorical? While very highly recommended for church, seminary, community, and academic library Christian Studies collections, it should be noted for all members of the Christian community that "Days? Or Ages? The Genesis Question" is also available in a paperback edition (9781512726633, $17.95) and in a Kindle format ($6.99).

Living Liturgy for Cantors: Year A, 2017 edition
Joyce Ann Zimmerman, et al.
The Liturgical Press
2950 Saint John's Road, PO Box 7500, Collegeville, MN 56321-7500
www.litpress.org
9780814648216, $5.80, PB, 213pp, www.amazon.com

The 2017 edition of "Living Liturgy for Cantors" is a spiritual resource designed to help cantors perform their ministry with more meaning and beauty. Offering thoughtful exploration of the meaning of the text and suggestions for spiritual preparation, it helps cantors gain insight into how the responsorial psalm is connected to the readings of the day and their daily lives. In making these connections, cantors are able to sing the psalm with greater understanding and lead the assembly more effectively in the Liturgy of the Word. "Living Liturgy for Cantors" begins with the First Sunday of Advent 2016 and includes the following: Readings and responsorial psalm for every Sunday; Readings and responsorial psalm for Ash Wednesday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil Mass, and holy days of obligation; Reflection connecting the psalm to the readings of the day; Suggestion for psalmist's spiritual preparation; and a "How-to" guide for using the book. This 2017 edition of "Living Liturgy for Cantors" is very highly recommended for church and seminary Christian Studies instructional reference collections.


The Judaic Studies Shelf

Me, Myself and God
Rabbi Jeff Roth
Jewish Lights Publishing
PO Box 237, Woodstock, VT 05091
www.jewishlights.com
9781580238755, $18.99, PB, 160pp, www.amazon.com

Many of our human existential struggles stem from the sense of disconnection, alienation and loneliness that comes from a fragmented view of reality. The typical concept of "self" creates a profound sense of isolation from other beings, leaving us feeling lost and hopeless. But the practice of mindfulness, combined with the teachings of Torah, offer a direct path to liberate ourselves from alienation, awaken to the truth of the present moment and create a new relationship with God. Drawing on the insight and audacity of Jewish mystics, and rooted in a rich understanding of Torah, Rabbi Jeff Roth helps readers overcome this sense of separation and reconnect with a more harmonious flow of life in the pages of "Me, Myself and God: A Theology of Mindfulness". Rabbi Roth equips spiritual seekers of all faiths (or no particular faith) with powerful techniques rooted in Jewish mystical practices: using the raw material of sacred texts as building blocks for the construction of new worlds, and experiencing the present through mindfulness meditation and loving attention to each moment. By letting go of our old notions of reality, we can recognize the undivided nature of the world and enter into a transformative divine awareness. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Me, Myself and God" is impressively informative and positively inspiring from beginning to end, making it a valued and highly recommended addition to personal, synagogue, community, and academic library Judaic Theology collections and supplemental studies reading lists.

Who Stole My Religion?
Richard H. Schwartz
Urim Publications
c/o Lambda Publishers
527 Empire Boulevard, Brooklyn, New York 11225
www.UrimPublications.com
9789655242348, $28.95, HC, 302pp, www.amazon.com

"Who Stole My Religion?: Revitalizing Judaism and Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal Our Imperiled Planet" by Richard H. Schwartz (President of the Society of Ethical and Religious Vegetarians and President Emeritus of Jewish Vegetarians of North America) was specifically written to be a wake up call to members of the Jewish community to apply Judaism's powerful teachings on justice, peace, compassion, kindness, and environmental sustainability to help shift our imperiled planet onto a sustainable path. Schwartz extols Judaism, arguing that Judaism is a radical, transformative religion, but many Jews, especially Orthodox Jews, are in denial about climate change and are supporting conservative politicians and policies that are inconsistent with Jewish values. "Who Stole My Religion?" provides a thought-provoking read, and he demonstrates that the future of humanity depends on Jews applying Judaism's highest values in response to today's crises. Erudite, informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking, "Who Stole My Religion?" is a consistently compelling read and highly recommended for personal, synagogue, community, and academic library Judaic Studies collections.


The Audiobook Shelf

Song of the Skylark
Erica James, author
Narrated by Genevieve Swallow
Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
9781501928703 $TBA www.recordedbooks.com

Song of the Skylark is the unabridged audiobook rendition of a heartfelt novel about a down-on-her-luck young woman, and the life lessons she learns from an unexpected mentor. Bad luck has plagued Lizzie for most of her life, but when she falls hard for her boss, loses her job, and is forced to move in with her parents, she feels like she's hit the bottom. But when she takes a volunteer job and meets Mrs. Dallimore, an unlikely friendship forms. Mrs. Dallimore tells Lizzie of the adventures - and hard luck - of her own youth. Sometimes bad luck can turn around when it's least expected! Song of the Skylark is a beautiful story, emotionally performed by narrator Genevieve Swallow, and highly recommended. 12 CDs, 15 hours.

The Orphan Mother
Robert Hicks, author
Read by Adenrele Ojo
Hachette Audio
237 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017
www.HachetteAudio.com
9781478940579 $35.00 amazon.com

Brought to life as an unabridged audiobook, smoothly performed by Adenrele Ojo, The Orphan Mother is a historical novel set in the post-Civil War era. Mariah Reddick was once a slave to Carrie McGavock, the "Widow of the South"; now, earns a respectable, if unglamorous living as a midwife to the Franklin, Tennessee community. But conspiracy and tragedy befall her when her son is assassinated. Her search to find who murdered him and why extends beyond immediate political repercussions - the fate of the town, and perhaps the entire state could be at stake! Gripping and heartrending, The Orphan Mother is highly recommended. 10.5 hours on 9 CDs.

The Selfless Act
Wanda Brunstetter and Jean Brunstetter, authors
Rebecca Gallagher, illustrator
Oasis Audio
289 Main Place, Carol Stream, IL 60188
9781613758212 $9.99 www.oasisaudio.com

The sixth in a six-part series, The Selfless Act concludes a series about an Amish family in Ohio's Holmes County. In The Selfless Act, Joel questions the degree to which he has let the desire for money and possessions control his life. Can Joel return to the faith he abandoned, and will his family and Kristi ever be able to trust him again? A soulful and heart-touching story, now available as an unabridged audiobook emotionally performed by Rebecca Gallagher, The Selfless Act is highly recommended. 3 CDs.

A Faerie's Revenge
Rachel Morgan, author
Arielle Delisle, narrator
Tantor Media, Inc.
6 Business Park Road, Old Saybrook, CT 06475
www.tantor.com
9781515901518, $39.99, CD, www.amazon.com

Still reeling from a shocking revelation of the true identity of someone she trusted and loved, guardian trainee Calla Larkenwood finds the threads of her world unraveling further when she's accused of a horrifying crime of attempted faerie genocide she didn't commit. A deadly magical disease has entered the Guild, threatening to wipe out every guardian, and someone is intent on framing Calla for it. With the Guild Council focusing their investigation on her, and the discovery of her hidden powers, instead of searching for the real criminal, Calla watches her dream of becoming a guardian rapidly slipping away as she is hunted by those she had hoped to join. Time is running out. As the lines between good and bad, right and wrong, begin to blur, whom can she turn to for help? The fifth volume in Rachel Morgan's outstanding 'Creepy Hollow' fantasy series, the action is non-stop, the plot twists and turns utterly unexpected, and the cliff hanger ending truly riveting and leaving the listener looking eagerly toward the next installment of Calla Larkenwood's adventures. Very highly recommended, especially for community library audio book collections, complete and unabridged, "A Faerie's Revenge" is flawless produced and vividly brought to life by narrator Arielle Delisle's impressive narrative skills. (8 CDs, 9 hours).


The Music CD Shelf

Fireflies
John Brown's Body
www.johnbrownsbody.com
Easy Star Records
easystar.com
$11.99 CD / $9.49 MP3 amazon.com

The American reggae band John Brown's Body celebrates 20 years of music with the release of their eleventh full-length album, Fireflies. Founding members Elliot Martin (lead vocals) and Tommy Benedetti (drums) and newer members Jay Spaker (guitar/vocals), Jon Petronzio (keys), Dan Africano (bass), Sam Dechenne (trumpet), TJ Shaper (trombone), and Mike Vitale (tenor saxophone) synchronize their talent in a deep, multi-layered soundscape of reggae rhythm. Some of the songs include serious-minded social commentary; all are a "must-listen" for reggae connoisseurs! The tracks are "Who Paid Them Off?", "Hard Man Fe Dead", "High Grade", "Bad Man", "New Fashion", "Like a Queen", "Fireflies", "Mystery", "Pure Fire", and "Mash Them Down".

Threads of Memory / Fio da Memoria
Luisa Maita
www.luisamaita.com
Cumbancha
www.cumbancha.com
$11.99 CD / $9.49 MP3 amazon.com

Fio da Memoria ("Thread of Memory" in English) is the second album by award-winning, world-touring Brazilian singer-songwriter Luisa Maita. The Portuguese songs, supported by downtempo electronica and stylings inspired by Brazilian pop, evoke celebration for the eternal journey toward personal growth and revelation. Smooth and beautiful, Threads of Memory is a treasure for international music collections. The tracks are "Na Asa", "Around You", "Ole", "Porao", "Fio da Memoria", "Musica Popular", "Ela", "Volta", "Sutil", "Folia", and "Jump".

Uai So
Benji Kaplan
www.benjikaplan.com
$15.00 CD / $9.99 download cdbaby.com

Uai So is a music album by talented composer and guitarist Benji Kaplan celebrating Brazil's rich musical potpourri. Kaplan's Portuguese vocals combine with elements of jazz, samba, forro, and classical Brazilian heritage, in this wonderful expression of a vibrant land and its resilient people. Uai So is a pleasure to listen to, enthusiastically recommended for world music collections. The tracks are "Amargura e Docura", "Uai So", "Lagrimas na Areia", "Chorando ern Oracao", "Rabiscando (Para Guinga)", "Ceu Aberto", "Fuga de Alcatraz (Instrumental version)", "Sempre Mudando", "A Gente se Manifesta", "Valsa da Metropole", "Fuga de Alcatraz (voice and guitar version)", and "Oculos cor de Rosa".


The DVD Shelf

Enter the Faun
A film by Tamar Rogoff and Daisy Wright
First Run Features
630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213, New York, NY 10036
$24.95 www.firstrunfeatures.com

Enter the Faun is an emotional movie about an unlikely, blossoming bond between Tamar Rogoff, an experienced female choreographer, and Gregg Mozgala, a neophyte male actor with cerebral palsy. As Tamar trains Gregg to become a dancer, the two grow closer, in spite of Tamar's lack of medical knowledge and Gregg's physical limitations. Enter the Faun is a passionate, emotional saga about abandoning stereotypes and the quest to achieve one's full potential. Highly recommended. 68 min.

How to Correct Common Shooting Errors
Dave Love
Championship Productions
2730 Graham Street, Ames, IA 50010
$39.99 www.ChampionshipProductions.com

NBA shooting coach Dave Love presents How to Correct Common Shooting Errors, an instructional DVD for basketball coaches and players. Topics covered include how to correct one's grip on the basketball, avoiding major mistakes that contribute to short or flat shots, applying proper rotation to the basketball, and much more. Easy-to-follow demonstrations are the signature of this excellent "how-to" shooting technique guide! Highly recommended, especially for school library DVD collections. 52 min.

Winter: The Complete Series
Starring Rebecca Gibney
Acorn Media
c/o RLJ Entertainment
www.us.RLJEntertainment.com
$49.99 www.acornonline.com

Winter: The Complete Series is a 2-DVD set of the pilot TV film "The Killing Field" and all 6 episodes of the Australian murder mystery series "Winter". Rebecca Gibney (known for her role in "Packed to the Rafters") stars as Detective Eve Winter, a jaded policewoman who sets aside her yearning to retire in order to pursue justice for the victims of a possible serial killer. A missing teenager, a field in which the corpses of five dead women are buried, and a cold case murder from eight years ago - could all of these mysteries be connected? Winter's methodical search to reconstruct the mind of a killer is at once both fascinating and horrifying. Winter: The Complete Series is a "must-see" for connoisseurs of the genre! It should be noted that Winter: The Complete Series contains coarse language, disturbing images, nudity, and sexual situations. 2 DVDs, feature-length pilot plus 6 episodes, 356 min., SDH subtitles.


The Travel Shelf

Lonely Planet New York City, tenth edition
Lonely Planet Publications
150 Linden Street, Oakland CA 94607
www.lonelyplanet.com
9781559922081, $31.99, 351pp, www.amazon.com

Packed from cover to cover with information that will guarantee a fantastic visit to one of the world's premier cities, the "Lonely Planet New York City" travel guide is a do-it-yourself passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await the visitor to the 'Big Apple'. Exceptionally 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "Lonely Planet New York City" offers a kaleidoscopic dining scene; allows the picking of a neighborhood best suited for walking tours, and spending the day exploring; and getting lost inside the priceless collections at the sprawling Metropolitan Museum of Art, and so much more. This fully updated and expanded tenth edition of "Lonely Planet New York City" should be considered a premier resource of planning a trip to NYC for the tourist, and a compendium of useful information for those newly moving to NYC for business, education, or family ties. While very highly recommended for community library Travel Guide collections, it should be noted that "Lonely Planet New York City" is also available in a paperback edition (9781743601198, $21.99) and in a Kindle format ($12.99).

North Carolina Waterfalls, third edition
Kevin Adams
John F. Blair, Publisher
1406 Plaza Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
www.blairpub.com
9780895876539, $29.95, PB, 469pp, www.amazon.com

Now in a newly updated and expanded third edition, "North Carolina Waterfalls" by photographer, naturalist, writer, and teacher Kevin Adams provides information for 1,000 North Carolina waterfalls in general and highlights over 250 of the best waterfalls found in North Carolina with full descriptions, comprehensive directions, and four-color photographs in particular. The third edition now includes: High Falls on the West Fork of the Tuckasegee River; Fall Creek Falls in the new Mayo River State Park; Reece Place, East Fork, and Graveley falls in the new Headwaters State Forest; Two waterfalls in Pinnacle Park in Sylva; Many waterfall gems hidden away in Pisgah and Nantahala national forests unknown to the general public; as well as waterfalls east of the mountains such as Carvers Falls in Fayetteville and Lanier and Fish Jump falls in Raven Rock State Park. Enhanced with detailed trail directions, helpful photography tips and beauty ratings, "North Carolina Waterfalls" is the definitive guide to its subject and ideal for planning trips to enjoy the scenic waterfalls North Carolina has to offer the visitor.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

Hell Divers
Nicholas Sansbury Smith
Blackstone Publishing
31 Mistletoe Road, Ashland, OR 97520
www.BlackstoneAudio.com
9781504725842, $24.99, HC, 356pp, www.amazon.com

More than two centuries after World War III poisoned the planet, the final bastion of humanity lives on massive airships circling the globe in search for a habitable area to call home. Aging and outdated, most of the ships plummeted back to earth long ago. The only thing keeping the two surviving lifeboats in the sky are Hell Divers -- the men and women who risk their lives by diving to the surface to scavenge for parts the ships desperately need. When one of the remaining airships is damaged in an electrical storm, a Hell Diver team is deployed to a hostile zone called Hades. But there's something down there that's far worse than the mutated creatures discovered on dives in the past -- something that threatens the fragile future of humanity. Original, riveting, and exceptionally well written from first page to last, "Hell Divers" showcases author Nicholas Sansbury Smith as an impressively skilled storyteller and a master of the science fiction genre. While enthusiastically recommended for community library Science Fiction collections, it should be noted for the personal reading list of science fiction enthusiasts that "Hell Divers" is also available in a mass market paperback edition (9781455115983, $9.99) and in a Kindle format ($4.99).


The Needlecraft Shelf

Yarnitecture
Jillian Moreno
Storey Publishing
210 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
www.storey.com
9781612125213, $29.95, HC, 240pp, www.amazon.com

In "Yarnitecture: A Knitter's Guide to Spinning: Building Exactly the Yarn You Want", Jillian Moreno draws upon her more than twenty years of experience and expertise to help aspiring knitters to create your dream yarn. Dedicated needlecrafters will discover the pleasures of designing and building custom-made yarn by spinning it themselves, choosing everything from color to feel and gauge. Thoroughly 'knitter friendly' in commentary, organization, and presentation, "Yarnitecture" goes through every step of yarn construction, with detailed instructions and step-by-step photos showing how to select the fiber wanted (wool, cotton, silk, synthetic), establish a foundation, and spin a beautiful yarn with the desired structure, texture, and color pattern. In addition to teaching the techniques needed for success, "Yarnitecture" also offers 12 uniquely original patterns from prominent designers, each one showcasing hand-spun yarns. While enthusiastically recommended for knitters and community library needlecraft instructional reference collections, it should be noted that "Yarnitecture" is also available in a Kindle format ($13.50).

Lisa H. Calle's Divide and Design
Lisa H. Calle
American Quilter's Society
PO Box 3290, Paducah, KY 42002-3290
www.americanquilter.com
9781604603996, $24.95, PB, 96pp, www.amazon.com

Lisa H. Calle holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Textile Management and Marketing from the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science. She took on quilting in 1997 after her first son was born and she left retail management. After winning her first ribbon in 2006 she became addicted to competitive quilting. She began teaching in 2006 and absolutely loves it. She also started her own quilting business called Stone House Quilting. In "Lisa H. Calle's Divide and Design", she takes quilting to a whole new level with her innovative technique. Even the most novice of needlecrafters can easily follow Lisa's simple three-step process to create a graphically stunning quilt design. Now no one need feel overwhelmed by all the negative space in quilting with Lisa's proven technique. Lisa helps quilters spend less time staring at their project and more time putting their craft into practice. Includes quilt patterns with lots of open space to help quilters practice this technique. Thoroughly 'user friendly' with respect to the instructive commentary, organization, and presentation, "Lisa H. Calle's Divide and Design" is enthusiastically and unreservedly recommended for personal and community library Needlecraft instructional collections in general, and Quilting supplemental studies lists in particular.


The Sports Shelf

The Captain Myth
Richard Gillis
Bloomsbury Press
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315, New York, NY 10010
www.bloomsbury.com
9781620407165, $26.00, HC, 272pp, www.amazon.com

The Ryder Cup is a biennial men's golf competition between teams from Europe and the United States held every two years with the venue alternating between courses in the United States and Europe. Richard Gillis is an award-winning journalist working for several of the world's leading newspapers and publications. Formerly editor of SportBusiness International magazine, he then became Cricket Correspondent of the Irish Times. In "The Captain Myth: The Ryder Cup and Sport's Great Leadership Delusion" he provides a comprehensive exploration of the world of the Ryder Cup, and explores what it takes to win this coveted trophy. Accustomed to playing for and winning large sums of money, the twelve players on each side are paid nothing for this competition; instead they play for national pride alone. Even more, in this singularly individual sport, fierce competitors such as Jordan Spieth and Phil Mickelson, or Rory McIlroy and Jason Day, must act as a team. Having consulted leadership gurus, team building experts, and sports psychologists, and exploring the often surprising roles played by some of the game's greatest stars since the first match in 1927, Gillis' "The Captain Myth" is probing and insightful analysis that every fan of golf will want to read -- especially as the 2016 Ryder Cup unfolds. While enthusiastically recommended for community library Sports/Athletics collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of golfing enthusiasts that "The Captain Myth" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).

Yoga for Climbers
Nicole Tsong
Mountaineers Books
1001 SW Klickitat Way, Suite 201, Seattle, WA 98134-1161
www.mountaineersbooks.org
9781594859953, $16.95, PB, 240pp, www.amazon.com

Nicole Tsong is the adventurous spirit behind "Fit for Life," the popular weekly fitness column in The Seattle Times. She has lived and worked around the globe, including in Alaska, China and Washington, D.C. For the past decade, she has lived in Seattle, where she teaches yoga at leading yoga studios around the city, and trains and mentors new yoga teachers. For three years, she has taught kids yoga at the White House Easter Egg Roll. On her own time, she explores the mountains and beaches of the Pacific Northwest with her partner Chris, lifts heavy weights and plays violin for Orchestra Seattle. In "Yoga for Climbers: Stretch, Strengthen, and Climb Higher" Nicole draws upon her years of experience and expertise to show how to create a yoga practice at home that will keep aspiring mountain climbers healthy, prevent injuries, and support and improve their outdoor passions. Nicely illustrated, "Yoga for Climbers" is a thoroughly 'user friendly' guide that features easy-to-understand yoga poses and sequences designed to address the specific stresses that climbing enacts on the body. Of special note is the overview of body areas most affected y climbing and tips from professional climbers who practice yoga. While very highly recommended for community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Yoga for Climbers" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).


The Cookbook Shelf

Vegetarian Sushi Secrets
Marisa Baggett
Tuttle Publishing
364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759-9436
www.tuttlepublishing.com
9784805313701, $15.95, PB, 128pp, www.amazon.com

Sushi on a vegetarian menu? It can be with the help of Marisa Baggett's "Vegetarian Sushi Secrets: 101 Healthy and Delicious Recipes". This vegetarian cookbook offers completely new ways for localvores to enjoy their community supported agriculture and market vegetables with sushi rice. This is the ultimate farm-to-table book with a creative Asian flair! Marisa starts by giving surefire recipes for making perfect sushi rice every time. She provides tips on which vegetables work best with sushi rice and how to create your own original combinations. Marisa not only shows you how to make the usual thick and thin rolls but other types of sushi that are just as delicious - and even easier to make! The recipes and pairings range from Basic Furikake Seasoning; Party Spinach Salad; Cucumber and peanut Boats; Apple Daikon Rolls; and Sweet Potato and Shiitake Rolls; to Roasted Poblano and Avocado Rolls; Pickled Green Tomato Hand Rolls; and Fruit-Filled Mochni Balls. Enthusiastically recommended and thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' in presentation and organization, "Vegetarian Sushi Secrets" will prove to be a unique and enduringly popular addition to personal, professional, family, and community library Vegetarian Cookbook collections. It should be noted that "Vegetarian Sushi Secrets" is also available in a Kindle format ($15.99).

My Halal Kitchen
Yvonne Maffei
Agate Surrey
c/o Agate Publishing
1328 Greenleaf Street, Evanston, IL 60202
www.agatepublishing.com
9781572841741, $29.95, HC, 214pp, www.amazon.com

Halal is the Arabic: word for "permissible" and refers to any object or action which is permissible to use or engage in according to Islamic law. In a culinary context, it refers to permissible foods. "Halal" food is what Muslims consider acceptable to eat, just as "kosher" food is what Jews consider acceptable to eat. Yvonne Maffei is the founder of the hugely popular cooking blog and Islamic lifestyle website My Halal Kitchen. Her new book, "My Halal Kitchen: Global Recipes, Cooking Tips, and Lifestyle Inspiration", celebrates halal cooking and shows American homemakers just how easy it can be to prepare halal meals. "My Halal Kitchen" showcases more than 100 recipes from a variety of culinary traditions, proving that halal meals can be full of diverse flavors. Home cooks will learn to make classic American favorites and comfort foods, as well as international dishes that previously may have seemed out of reach. "My Halal Kitchen" also includes resources that break down the basics of halal cooking and outline common non-halal ingredients, their replacements, and how to purchase (or make) them. This truly impressive and illustrated culinary compendium provides an informative overview of halal food and cooking, resources and a bibliography, a metric conversion chart, and offers recipes for broths, cheese, cream, yogurt, condiments, salad dressings, flavor extracts, bread, pizza, pie crust, as well as American, Asian, French, Italian, and Latin cuisines. Of special note is the recipe for Berry Hot Sipping Chocolate! While very highly recommended for personal, professional, family, and community library cookbook collections, it should be noted that "My Halal Kitchen" is also available in a Kindle format ($16.19).

The Microbiome Cookbook
Pamela Ellgen
Ulysses Press
PO Box 3440, Berkeley CA 94703-3440
www.ulyssespress.com
9781612435978, $14.95, PB, 208pp, www.amazon.com

The Microbiome is the ecological community of commensal, symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms that literally in habit our body. Human health is dependent on a healthy microbiome. Compiled by paleo food blogger, certified personal trainer Pamela Ellgen, "The Microbiome Cookbook: 150 Delicious Recipes to Nourish Your Microbiome and Restore your Gut Health" is a compendium of thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' recipes for dishes that will improve digestion, neutralize toxins, quell inflammation, support immunity, and boost metabolism. As palate pleasing as they are appetite satisfying, the recipes range from Butternut Squash Bisque; Pan-Seared Scallops Over Polenta; Frozen Banana ice Cream with Cacao Nibs; and Grain-Free Crepes; to Cauliflower Rice; Crustless Greek Yogurt Cheesecake; Mint Chocolate Smoothie; and Potato Salad in White Wine Vinaigrette. Enhanced with the inclusion of a Glossary of Terms, Conversions Charts, a list of References, a Recipe Index, and an opening chapter on 'The Basics of Microbiotia', "The Microbiome Cookbook" is a unique and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, family, professional, and community library cookbook collections. It should be noted for that "The Microbiome Cookbook" is also available in a Kindle format ($8.45).

Brain Power Cookbook
Readers Digest Editorial Staff
Reader's Digest Trade Publishing
44 South Broadway, White Plains, NY 10601
www.rdtradepublishing.com
9781621453208, $24.99, HC, 304pp, www.amazon.com

The old saying 'we are what we eat' is especially true when it comes to the health of the human central nervous system starting with the brain. Compiled by nutritionists and the editorial staff of the Readers Digest Press, "Brain Power Cookbook" is a beautifully and profusely illustrated compendium comprised of 175 thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly recipes for palate pleasing, appetite satisfying dishes specifically designed to keep our mental capacities able the think fast, keep calm under stress, and boost mental performance. In addition to the mouth-watering recipes themselves, "Brain Power Cookbook" shows readers how the brain functions and discover what foods affect our brainpower and how we feel. There are recipes for easy-to-prepare snacks, soups, salads, main course, and even desserts. There are brain boosting recipes for particular situations including: breakfast ideas for sustained energy, lunches to avoid that afternoon slump, and quiz-night snacks for fast brainwork. The recipes range from Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup; Turkey and Bean Burritos; Tahi-Style Mussels with Chile and Basil; and Tuna with Parsley and Pomegranate Salad; to Chicken and Vegetable Curry; Roast Beef with Salsa Verde; Pear, Cranberry and Ginger Crisp; and Buttermilk Puddings with Mixed Berries. As much a pleasure to browse through as it is a practical source of inspiration for menu planning, the "Brain Power Cookbook" is enthusiastically recommended for personal, family, and community library cookbook collections!

South Your Mouth Some More!
Mandy Rivers
www.SouthYourMouth.com
Quail Ridge Press
PO Box 123, Brandon, MS 39043
www.quailridge.com
9781938879180, $19.95, PB, 208pp, www.amazon.com

"South Your Mouth Some More!" by popular food Blogger Mandy Rivers (www.SouthYourMouth.com) is the epitome of southern cooking and the sequel to her first southern cuisine recipe collection "South Your Mouth". This new and beautifully illustrated volume of authentic southern recipes has palate pleasing, appetite satisfying, kitchen cook friendly recipes ranging from: Bacon-Wrapped Pineapple Jalapeno Poppers; Buffalo Chicken Chili; Simple Seafood Salad; and Twice-Baked Potato Casserole; to Country Chicken Pie; Mama's Red Velvet Cake; Cookie Sandwiches with Creamy Marshmallow Frosting; and Grandma Betty's peanut Butter Fudge. Like her earlier cookbook collections, "South Your Mouth Some More!" is a wealth of recipes that are good enough for Sunday dinner, yet easy enough for any day of the week. Simply stated, "South Your Mouth Some More!" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to personal, family, and community library cookbook collections! It should be noted that "South Your Mouth Some More!" is also available in a Kindle format ($9.99).


The Photography Shelf

Anthony Hernandez
Anthony Hernandez
DAP / SFMOMA
c/o Distributed Art Publishers
155 Sixth Avenue, 2nd floor, New York, NY 10013-1507
www.artbook.com
9781942884019, $49.95, HC, 280pp, www.amazon.com

Since the early 1970s, when he began photographing on the streets of his native Los Angeles, Anthony Hernandez has consistently pushed his photography into uncharted territory, challenging himself by adopting new formats and subject matter. Moving from black and white to color, from 35mm to large-format cameras, and from the human figure to landscapes to abstracted detail, he has produced an unusually varied body of work united by its arresting beauty and subtle engagement with social issues. At first largely unaware of the formal traditions of the medium, Hernandez developed his own style of street photography, one uniquely attuned to the desolate allure and sprawling expanses of LA. Published to accompany the his first photographic retrospective, "Anthony Hernandez" offers a comprehensive introduction to a career in photography of more than 40 years, tracing his evolution as well as highlighting continuities across his practice. The beautifully illustrated catalogue represents the full range and breadth of Hernandez's work, with an extensive plate section that includes many photographs that have never before been exhibited or published. A seminal work enhanced with an informative introduction by Robert Adams, "Anthony Hernandez" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library Contemporary Photography collections and supplemental studies reading lists.

Terence Donovan: Portraits
Terence Donvan, photographer
Philippe Garner, contributor
Damiani
https://www.damianieditore.com
9788862084826, $50.00, HC, 176pp, www.amazon.com

Terence Daniel Donovan (14 September 1936 - 22 November 1996) was an English photographer and film director best noted for his fashion photography of the 1960s. Newly published by Damiani, "Terence Donovan: Portraits" is dedicated to the portraiture of this legendary photographer. Donovan's interest in portraiture spanned the entirety of his four-decade career. During this time, he worked for major British and international magazines including Vogue, Marie Claire, Harper's Bazaar and Elle. Donovan undertook numerous private portrait commissions, photographing public figures from the worlds of the arts, politics, and business, in addition to members of the British Royal family. Some of his many sitters include Yasser Arafat, Naomi Campbell, Sean Connery, Diana Princess of Wales, Twiggy, and Charlotte Rampling, among many others. Along with his iconic portraits, "Terence Donovan: Portraits" features unseen work from Donovan's archive, never previously published or exhibited. "Terence Donovan: Portraits" also includes magazine spreads, contact sheets, and pages from diaries and daybooks -- rare ephemera that provide a unique insight into Donovan's working practice. "Terence Donovan: Portraits" is an extraordinary volume of work and highly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library photography collections.


The Education Shelf

The Best 381 Colleges: 2017 Edition
The Princeton Review
c/o Random House Inc.
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
www.PrincetonReview.com
9781101920060, $23.99, PB, 880pp, www.amazon.com

Now in a newly updated and expanded 2017 edition, "The Best 381 Colleges" from The Princeton Review continues to be the definitive guide to America's colleges. Starting with an extensive and informative introduction; followed by school rankings and lists; the 381 colleges are then alphabetically organized and presented with key statistics, as well as student and administration commentaries; and the concludes with an Index of Schools, an Index of Schools by Location, and an Index of Schools by Tuition. This is the 25th Anniversary edition of "The Best 381 Colleges:" and should be considered a mandatory addition to highschool counseling offices and community library educational resource reference collections. It should be noted for students and their families that "The Best 381 Colleges: 2017 Edition" is also available in a Kindle format ($14.99).

The Pop Culture Zone, second edition
Allison D. Smith & Trixie G. Smith
Cengage Learning, Inc.
20 Channel Center Street, Boston, MA 02210
www.cengageptr.com
9780840028433, $128.00, 512pp, www.amazon.com

Why bring pop culture into the composition classroom? It's something students know and can get passionate about, and it also functions as a bridge to academic culture and concerns. Now in a fully updated and expanded second edition, "The Pop Culture Zone: Writing Critically about Popular Culture" is the collaborative project of Allison D. Smith (Professor of English and Coordinator of Graduate Teaching Assistants at Middle Tennessee State University) and Trixie G. Smith (Director of The Writing Center and a member of the faculty in Rhetoric and Writing at Michigan State University), "The Pop Culture Zone" focuses on students' relationship with pop culture including films, television programs, social networks, and advertisements -- and how this relationship can help them become better critical thinkers, readers, and writers. Students learn to listen to viewpoints that differ from their own, summarize their views effectively, compare and contrast, and present their ideas in a way that creates a continuing conversation of ideas. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "The Pop Culture Zone" is unreservedly recommended for college and university Teacher Education collections in general, and Pop Culture Curriculum supplemental studies reading lists in particular.

The Author's Apprentice
Vicki Meigs-Kahlenberg
Stenhouse Publishers
480 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101-3451
www.stenhouse.com
9781571109415, $33.33, PB, 242pp, www.amazon.com

Whether it's a creative writing class in school or a writer's workshop retreat in some idylic setting for contemplation and conversation, aspiring writers of all ages, but especially young writers, will profit immensely from "The Author's Apprentice: Developing Writing Fluency, Stamina, and Motivation Through Authentic Publication" by Vicki Meigs-Kahlenberg, who draws upon her many years of experience and expertise as an educational consultant who collaborates with teachers and young writers in classroom settings to create this outstanding instruction manual and guide. In this complete course of instruction under one cover, Vicki reinvents the writer's workshop using an authentic and engaging "apprenticeship" approach that is based on the writing advice of middle grades and young adult authors students are currently reading. "The Author's Apprentice" provides a year long planning guide, weekly writing challenges, ideas for publication possibilities, step-by-step lesson plans, and hundreds of author quotes to motivate student learning. The ideas and lessons in this book are not a quick and easy journey, but becoming a better writer (and ultimately a published author) never is. Impressively well constructed, exceptionally well organized and presented, "The Author's Apprentice" is especially recommended for elementary school writing students in grades 4 to 8, as well as having substantial and practical value for aspiring writers of any age or background.


The Biography Shelf

The Essential RuPaul
John Davis
Smith Street Books
c/o Rizzoli
300 Park Avenue South, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10010
www.rizzoliusa.com
9781925418057, $14.95, HC, 96pp, www.amazon.com

RuPaul Andre Charles, who is known professionally by as RuPaul, is an American actor, drag queen, model, author, television personality, and recording artist. "The Essential RuPaul: Herstory, Philosophy & Her Fiercest Queens" by John Davis (an Australian nightclub DJ and event promoter who can easily recite the chronological order of elimination of every Drag Race contestant while debating the importance of a winner's sewing skills over comedic ability) is an essential guide for fans of the most famous drag queen in the world. Bursting onto the scene over two decades ago with the huge hit Supermodel of the World, RuPaul has been confounding critics to clear her own path over the many years since. Most recently, RuPaul has again become an unlikely pop-cultural icon by producing and starring in RuPaul's Drag Race -- a reality television series that judges the charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent of the competing drag queens. Over seven seasons and numerous spin-off series (including All Stars and RuPaul's Drag U), RuPaul's Drag Race has become a cult global hit with legions of fans knowing the catchphrases, the personalities, the catfights. "The Essential RuPaul" celebrates Ru's history (or herstory, as she frames it) and philosophy ("If you can't love yourself -- how in the hell you gonna love someone else"), as well as profiling the most loved and reviled queens from her TV series. "The Essential RuPaul" is a 'must read' for the true fans, and will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to community library biography collections in general, and LGBT supplemental studies reading lists in particular.

Beyond the Robot
Gary Lachman
Jeremy P. Tarcher
c/o Penguin Group, USA
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014-3657
www.tarcherbooks.com
9780399173080, $26.00, PB, 416pp, www.amazon.com

Colin Henry Wilson (1931 - 2013) was an English writer, philosopher and novelist. Wilson, wrote 118 books in his lifetime and purveyed a philosophy of mind power and human potential that made him one of the least understood and most important voices of the twentieth century. Wilson helped usher in the cultural revolution of the 1960s with his landmark work, "The Outsider", first published in 1956. "The Outsider" was an intelligent, meticulous, and unprecedented study of nonconformity in all facets of life. Wilson, finally, became a prolific and unparalleled historian of the occult, providing a generation of readers with a responsible and scholarly entry point to a world of mysteries. In "Beyond the Robot: The Life and Work of Colin Wilson" historian Gary Lachman (a personal friend of Wilson and a meticulous scholar of his work), provides an extraordinary and delightful biography that delves into the life, thought, and evolution of one of the greatest intellectual rebels and underrated visionaries of the twentieth century. While unreservedly recommended for community, college, and university library Literary Biography collections in general, and Colin Wilson supplemental studies lists in particular, it should be noted for students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the life and work of Wilson that "Beyond the Robot" is also available in a Kindle format ($11.99).


The Poetry Shelf

No Acute Distress
Jennifer Richter
Southern Illinois University Press
1915 University Press Drive, SIUC Mail Code 6806, Carbondale, IL 62901
www.siupress.com
9780809334827, $15.22, PB, 69pp, www.amazon.com

Jennifer Richter is a former Wallace Stegner Fellow and Jones Lecturer at Stanford University who she has received an Oregon Literary Fellowship and currently teaches in Oregon State University's MFA program. "No Acute Distress" is a collection of her free verse poetry and showcases her rather impressive wordsmithing abilities and poetic talents. While highly recommended for both community and academic library Contemporary American Poetry collections, it should be noted for poetry enthusiasts that "No Acute Distress' is also available in a Kindle format ($14.31). Chief Complaint: How many doctors does it take to screw in a lightbulb? // None -- what doctor has time for that? / They all have to work on their patients.


The Automotive Shelf

Hot Rod Gallery II
Pat Ganahl
CarTech Inc.
838 Lake Street South, Forest Lake, MN 55025
www.cartechbooks.com
9781613252819, $39.95, HC, 192pp, www.amazon.com

In his first book, "Hot Rod Gallery: A Nostalgic Look at Hot Rodding's Golden Years: 1930-1960" (9781613252826, $34.95), author and automotive historian Pat Ganahl opened his personal archives and shared 192 pages and 350 photos of "some" of the most interesting and best photos of his collection. Filled with fascinating images of some of the coolest cars and builders, long-forgotten car clubs, and great shots of the dry lakes, nostalgia fans flocked to grab a piece of hot rodding history all in one convenient package. Now in a second volume, "Hot Rod Gallery II: More Great Photos and Stories from Hot Rodding's Golden Years", Ganahl has dug even deeper into his massive archive for even cooler and more never-before-seen photos in both color and black and white to provide another album of great hot rodding photos. He was pleasantly surprised to find that he had more great stuff in old files and folders, hidden away for decades. In this new edition to what is proving to be a truly great series for automotive fans and hot rod enthusiasts are even more dry lakes shots, post-war rods, lead sleds, show circuit cars, and a chapter on marvelous mills. No personal, community, or academic library Automotive History collections can be considered comprehensive without acquiring a copy of "Hot Rod Gallery" and "Hot Rod Gallery II"!


The Computer Shelf

C++ Plus Data Structures, sixth edition
Nell Dale, Chip Weems, Tim Richards
Jones & Bartlett Learning
5 Wall Street, Burlington, MA 01803
www.jblearning.com
9781284089189, $159.95, 838pp, www.amazon.com

Now in a newly updated and expanded sixth edition, "C++ Plus Data Structures" by C++ software experts Nell Dale, Chip Weems, Tim Richards, explores the specifications, applications, and implementations of abstract data types with unmatched accessibility. Topics such as modularization, data encapsulation, information hiding, object-oriented decomposition, algorithm analysis, life-cycle software verification models, and data abstraction are carefully presented to foster solid software engineering techniques. New features enhancing this revised sixth edition include range-based for loops and threads; Trees Plus, that emphasizes balancing of search trees by covering AVL Trees, Red-Black Trees, and B-Trees; a new chapter on Sets, Maps, and Hashing; Sorting, which now includes practical performance issues and parallel merge sort; and new chapters in the second half of the text that are now easier to assign in alternate orders, supporting a wider range of course goals and organizations. Of special note are the pedagogical features that include: chapter openers with goals, marginal definition boxes, algorithm boxes, C++ boxes, function boxes, case studies, chapter summary, and end of chapter exercises. An ideal textbook for C++ based curriculums and a core addition to college and academic library Computer Science collections, it should be noted for students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "C++ Plus Data Structures" is also available in a Kindle format ($151.95).


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

The Mindful Writer
Dinty W. Moore
Wisdom Publications
199 Elm Street, Somerville, MA 02144
www.wisdompubs.org
9781614290070, $12.95, HC, 152pp, www.amazon.com

Dinty W. Moore is a professor at Ohio University, where he directs the graduate program in creative writing. A highly regarded and active figure on the literary scene, Moore is often invited to speak and teach writing workshops nationally and internationally. He has published several books of fiction and nonfiction, including two books on the craft of writing. "The Mindful Writer: Noble Truths of the Writing Life" by Professor Moore is not a typical "how to write" book, rather it is an illumination of the creative process: where writing and creativity originate, including how mindfulness plays into work, how to cultivate good writing habits, how to grow as a writer and a person, and what it means to live a life dedicated to the craft of writing. Inherently fascinating, absolutely practical, and creatively inspiring, "The Mindful Writer" will prove to be of enduring benefit for novice writers and established professionals alike. While unreservedly and enthusiastically recommended for community, college, and university library collections, it should be noted for students, aspiring writers, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "The Mindful Writer" is also available in a paperback edition (9781614293521, $9.95) and in a Kindle format ($6.99).


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
179 Ludlow Street, Stamford, CT 06902
www.usgamesinc.com

U.S. Games Systems is the country's premier publisher of tarot decks and books. Four of their newest titles are outstanding examples of tarot cards are: "Dreaming Way Lenormand" offering a charming 36-card Petit Lenormand deck illustrated by Kwon Shina and written by Lynn Araujo (9781572817586, $15.95), offering fresh, new perspectives for this traditional system of fortune telling; "Fin de SiŠcle Kipper" by Ciro Marchetti (9781572818453, $21.95), a 39 tarot card traditional German fortune telling deck with rich images telling the stories of the workers as well as the wealthy during the Industrial Revolution; "Mystical Wisdom Card Deck" illustrated by Josephine Wall and written by Gaye Guthrie (9781572818323, $22.95) a 46 tarot card deck offering archangels, goddesses, spirit animals, fairies and wonderful, mystical creatures delivering uplifting messages and gentle advice to help tarot readers; "Chrysalis Tarot Deck and Book Set" by Toney Brooks and holly Sierra (9781572818439, $32.95) an attractive 78 tarot card set that includes a custom full-color spread sheet and an illustrated companion book to "Chrysalis Tarot" (9781572818439, $32.95) that explores the spiritual journey of self-discovery and transformation that leads to higher consciousness. Each of these four simply exceptional and deftly crafted tarot decks would grace any collection and be ideal additions for students and practitioners of the metaphysical science and art of tarot.


The Beer/Wine Shelf

Beer FAQ
Jeff Cioletti
Backbeat Books
c/o Hal Leonard Performing Arts Publishing Group
33 Plymouth Street, Suite 302, Montclair, NJ 07042-2677
9781617136115 $24.99 www.halleonard.com

Beer FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the World's Most Celebrated Adult Beverage lives up to its title as an all-encompassing guide to the beloved, celebrated, and widely enjoyed alcoholic beverage that is beer. Chapters discuss the ingredients of and craft of brewing beer, the history of beer creation and consumption worldwide, the evolution of modern beer packaging, beer in film and television, the most highly regarded beer bars in the world, and much more. A handful of black-and-white as well as a few color photographs, plus a bibliography and an index, round out this accessible, go-to guide written by a beer lover (Jeff Cioletti, whose beer credentials include serving as the creator and host of the weekly web beverage news show "The Drinkable Week"), for beer lovers.

This Calls for a Drink!
Diane McMartin
Workman Publishing Company
225 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014-4381
9780761184843 $14.95 www.workman.com

Certified Sommelier Diane McMartin presents This Calls for a Drink! The Best Wines & Beers to Pair with Every Situation, a handy alcohol-connoisseur's guide that lives up to its title. Chapters cover the optimal wines for dating, going out with friends, birthday celebrations, gift-giving, movie-watching, reading, weddings, baby showers, and much more. "Roasted root vegetables (because what else are you going to do with those knobby things, seriously?) take on wonderful caramelly flavors and aromas. Echo those nutty, browned flavors with a brown ale! This traditional style, with roots in British pub culture, will make a meal of vegetables feel a little more substantial." A wealth of fascinating facts about the creation, culture, and history of various beers and wines round out this entertaining connoisseur's guide, enhanced with an index for easy quick reference. Highly recommended, especially as a gift for friends who love fine drinks!


The Art Shelf

Drawing Superheroes Step by Step
Christopher Hart
Sixth&Spring Books
161 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 1301, New York, NY 10013
www.sixthandspringbooks.com
9781942021605 $19.95 amazon.com

Drawing Superheroes Step by Step is a user-friendly guide to drawing the strong physiques, dynamic poses, and facial expressions of larger-than-life men and women, in a style that will instantly resonate with fans of popular superhero comic books. Author Christopher Hart has created a cast of original super-powered characters to showcase the steps of making comic book art come alive. "The female hero's head is the same as the guy's head, but more tapered. Her eyes are larger than male eyes, too. The eyebroes are higher and arching - a glamorous effect. Super angular cheekbones? Only if she's a supervillain. Just lightly indicate the cheekbones or omit them entirely." Black-and-white sketches leading up to a final color image vividly demonstrate the artistic principles and superhero tropes described. Drawing Superheroes Step by Step is a "must" for any aspiring artist interested in bringing the superhero stories in their imagination to life!

How to Draw Sci-Fi Utopias and Dystopias
Prentis Rollins
Monacelli Studio
c/o Monacelli Press
236 West 27th Street, New York, NY 10001
9781580934466 $25.00 www.monacellipress.com

Prentis Rollins, a professional illustrator for DC Comics, presents How to Draw Sci-Fi Utopias and Dystopias: Create the Futuristic Humans, Aliens, Robots, Vehicles, and Cities of Your Dreams and Nightmares, a guide ideal for intermediate to advanced artists. The focus is upon crafting vivid and highly detailed images of futuristic societies, carefully created to evoke emotional reactions of awe or trepidation. Chapters refresh basics about both drawing and science fiction, and focus on how to draw humans, aliens & robots, land vehicles, flying vehicles, and cityscapes in a sci-fi universe. "The human body is the hardest thing you'll ever draw, and the most rewarding. The best way to learn how is by doing it from live models in drawing classes, but it is essential to commit to memory some basic facts about proportions, muscle groups, the big differences between male and female bodies, and foreshortening. Those are the things I'll concentrate on here." Black-and-white sketches leading up to full-color illustrations demonstrate the principles in this inspirational and hands-on practical guide.


The LGBT Studies Shelf

The Transgender Teen
Stephanie Brill and Lisa Kenney
www.genderspectrum.org
Cleis Press
101 Hudson Street, Suite 3705, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
www.cleispress.com
9781627781749 $16.95 pbk / $11.49 Kindle amazon.com

Thoroughly accessible to readers of all backgrounds, The Transgender Teen: A Handbook for Parents and Professionals Supporting Transgender and Non-Binary Teens lives up to its title as a practical-minded guide to help parents better understand their transgender or non-binary (not exclusive to a single gender-identity) children. Chapters discuss the gender spectrum, goals of adolescent development, understanding how the stress of being in a minority can impact one's teenage child, professional support and mental health considerations, how to help one's child become more resilient, and more. "'Reparative therapy', also known as conversion therapy, refers to therapy or other actions designed to alter a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. We want to be very clear here: There is no clinical evidence or scientific validity for such therapy being effective. In fact, quite to the contrary, there is a wealth of evidence that it is harmful and can dangerously exacerbate the risk factors already discussed. If you have your child in such therapy or are engaged ina program designed to 'cure' them right now, we strongly urge you to stop this treatment immediately and gather more information about this approach to prevent potentially irreparable harm to your child." The Transgender Teen is an absolute "must-read" for parents of transgender or non-binary children, and highly recommended for public library collections and the reading lists of professional therapists.


The Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf

Britcoms FAQ
Dave Thompson
Hal Leonard Performing Arts Publishing
33 Plymouth St, Suite 302, Montclair, NJ 07042
9781495018992 $19.99 www.halleonardbooks.com

Britcoms FAQ: All That's Left To Know About Our Favorite Sophisticated, Outrageous British Television Comedies is a survey of the finest in British television comedy shows, from the 1950's to modern times. Assembled with care and appreciation for British culture, Britcoms FAQ discusses how British comedy transitioned from radio to television, as well as its history on vinyl and compact disc, and how it shifted over time from simple humor to a force for political and social critique. Also showcased are common recurring themes in British sitcoms, such as dysfunctional families, rebellion against conventional society, class warfare, censorship, and the legacy of Monty Python. An exhaustive appendix (including episode lists) and an index round out this "must-have" for connoisseurs of the genre!


The Christmas Shelf

The LEGO Christmas Ornaments Book
Chris McVeigh
www.chrismcveigh.com
No Starch Press
245 - 8th Street, San Francisco, CO 94103-3910
www.nostarch.com
9781593277666 $19.95 pbk / $15.95 Kindle amazon.com

The LEGO Christmas Ornaments Book: 15 Designs To Spread Holiday Cheer is a guide to using LEGO children's toys to create three-dimensional holiday decorations, with completely visual, step-by-step instructions. There is almost no text; simply full-color photographs displaying the number and types of LEGOs for each project, and showcasing how those pieces are put together. 15 projects total are presented, including classic Christmas decorations such as a snowflake, a wreath, and a gingerbread house; geometric designs such as a barrel and a lantern; and fun items such as an arcade, a computer, and a burger. It should be noted that The LEGO Christmas Ornaments Book is not authorized or endorsed by the LEGO Group; it's purely a labor of love by author and LEGO enthusiast Chris McVeigh. The LEGO Christmas Ornaments Book is a great way for LEGO aficionados of all ages to get ready for the holiday season!


The Wisconsin Shelf

Death in Cold Water
Patricia Skalka
University of Wisconsin Press
1930 Monroe Street, Third Floor, Madison, WI 53711-2059
9780299309206 $24.95 www.uwpress.wisc.edu

Death in Cold Water is the third novel in the Dave Cubiak Door County Mystery series, set in beautiful Wisconsin. Set in the fall season, when tourists arrive and football games captivate the public's attention, Death in Cold Water opens with the disturbing disappearance of elderly philanthropist and dedicated Green Bay Packers fan Gerald Sneider. Then human bones wash up on Lake Michigan shore. Death in Cold Water becomes increasingly chilling as Dave Cubiak probes deeper into the motives of people who might commit murder - could it have been Sneider's greedy son? Or the unknown sender of threats to the National Football League? A suspenseful mystery, keenly crafted with a knack for keeping the reader guessing to the end, Death in Cold Water is highly recommended for connoisseurs of the genre.


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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