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Wisconsin Bookwatch

Volume 13, Number 10 October 2018 Home | WBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Writing/Publishing Shelf Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Christian Studies Shelf Judaic Studies Shelf Fiction Shelf
Mystery/Suspense Shelf American History Shelf Self-Help Shelf
Poetry Shelf Education Shelf Biography Shelf
Sports Shelf Audiobook Shelf Graphic Novel Shelf
Music CD Shelf DVD Shelf Metaphysical Studies Shelf
Fashion Shelf Business Shelf Needlecraft Shelf
Travel Shelf Cookbook Shelf Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Science Shelf Art Shelf Crafts Shelf
Automotive Shelf Technology Shelf Humor Shelf
Martial Arts Shelf Gardening Shelf Military Shelf


Reviewer's Choice

Born To Ice
Paul Nicklen
teNeues Publishing
350 Seventh Avenue, Suite 301, New York, NY, 10011
9783961711239, $125.00, HC, 344pp, www.amazon.com

Paul Nicklen is a Canadian photographer, filmmaker, and marine biologist who has documented the beauty and the plight of our planet for over 25 years. He is the co-founder of SeaLegacy and is the recipient of numerous photographic awards, including BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year and the World Press Photo Award for Photojournalism. In "Born To Ice" he visually traces his extraordinary love affair with the polar regions. His powerful photographic images of iconic arctic and antarctic wildlife and scenery, coupled with his inspiring style of image-based storytelling, blends ethereal beauty of the icy landscape with a compelling call to action. The Arctic is in Paul Nicklen's blood. Born and raised on Baffin Island, Nunavut, he grew up in one of the only non-Inuit families in a tiny Inuit settlement amid the ice fields, floes, and frigid seas of Northern Canada. At an age when most children are playing hide-and-seek, he was learning important lessons on survival; how to read the weather, find shelter in a frozen snowscape, or live off the land as his Inuit neighbors had done for centuries. Today, Nicklen is a naturalist and wildlife photographer uniquely qualified to portray the impact of climate change on the Polar Regions and their inhabitants, human and animal alike. This elegant coffeetable photo artbook will prove of special interest for photography students and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the arctic and antarctic, as well as being very highly recommended as an appropriate Memorial Fund acquisition selection for community, college, and university library collections.

The Book of Tea
Okakura Kakuzo
Tuttle Publishing
364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759-9436
www.tuttlepublishing.com
9784805314869, $9.99, PB, 128pp, www.amazon.com

Now in paperback with a new foreword and new photographs, "The Book of Tea" is a classic work by Okakura Kakuzo that has inspired many generations of readers by illuminating the underlying spirit and message of the venerable Japanese tea masters. "The Book of Tea" doesn't focus on the tea ceremony itself, but rather on the Zen Buddhist philosophy behind it. Kakuzo teaches his readers to cultivate an everyday awareness of the beauty in all the common things around us. His powerful message is even more relevant today than when he originally wrote this study in 1956, and it continues to serve as a wonderfully informative introduction to the aesthetics of Japanese culture. While very highly recommended for community, college, and university library Japanese Culture collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Book of Tea" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $7.99).

The Santa Fe Scottish Rite Temple
Wendy Waszut-Barrett & Jo Whaley, editors
Museum of New Mexico Press
PO Box 2087, Santa Fe, NM 87504-2087
www.mnmpress.org
9780890136331, $39.95, 228pp, www.amazon.com

Built in 1912, Santa Fe's Scottish Rite Temple is an historic landmark and the home of the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in New Mexico. The building (including its jewel box theater with original scenery collection) and its artifacts, represent a time capsule of Masonic culture and theatrical history. Informative essays by Rick Hendricks, Khristaan Villela, and Wendy Waszut-Barrett deftly examine the emergence of Freemasonry, key Masonic figures during New Mexico's territorial period through statehood, and the architectural significance of the iconic pink building and Freemasons' use of it to the present. Beautifully illustrated with 90 color and 56 b/w photographs by Jo Whaley, showcasing both contemporary and historical images, "The Santa Fe Scottish Rite Temple" reveals the theatrical production of Masonic degrees and the production of the magnificent scenic backdrops. Today, many of the country's Masonic buildings are being repurposed and their collections are being liquidated. Through the heroic efforts of its members, the Santa Fe Scottish Rite Temple has been preserved, remaining under the continued stewardship of the Freemasons, who share their building with the community. An extraordinary and inherently fascinating read from cover to cover, "The Santa Fe Scottish Rite Temple" is very highly recommended for personal, community, and academic library 20th Century American Architectural History, New Mexico History, and Masonic/Freemasonry History collections and supplemental studies lists.

A Modern Guide To Knife Making
Laura Zerra
Quarry Books
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1722
www.quartoknows.com
9781631595059, $24.99, Flexibound, 160pp, www.amazon.com

Laura Zerra is a primitive survival expert who has been practicing her craft in different ecosystems around the world for the past fifteen years. Her daily life often depends on the blade she takes with her into the wild. She's learned about what works and what doesn't, what steel will hold an edge, and what nuances in blade design will make or break a knife. From design to sharpening, "A Modern Guide to Knifemaking" is comprised of illustrated step-by-step instruction for forging your own knife from expert bladesmiths, including making your own handle, sheath and sharpening To begin, you will consider what you want your knife to accomplish, develop a design, and make a prototype. Zerra takes you through choosing and buying steel for your knife and then teaches you to build your own forge. You will learn forging basics and then move on to forge the shape of your knife and make the blade tip. From there, you will cut the blade profile, grind in bevels to make the edge of the knife, heat treat and temper your blade, grind and polish it, and make a handle and sheath for it. You will also learn sharpening techniques to maintain the edge of your new knife. Throughout, Zerra has included Pro-Tips from some of the leading knifemakers working today including Ken Onion, Kaila Cumings, and Mike Jones. While very highly recommended and certain to be an enduringly popular and valued addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library collections, it should be noted that "A Modern Guide To Knife Making" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99).


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

The Three Wells of Screenwriting
Matthew Kalil
Michael Wiese Productions
12400 Ventura Blvd., #1111, Studio City, CA 91604
www.mwp.com
9781615932863, $26.95, PB, 200pp, www.amazon.com

Working from a writer's perspective, in "The Three Wells of Screenwriting: Discover Your Deep Sources of Inspiration", writer, director and script editor Matthew Kalil deftly explores how aspiring scriptwriters draw upon their innate creativity and inspirational resources that will help them consciously develop new scripts or strengthen old ones. "The Three Wells of Screenwriting" includes 29 exercises and techniques that help novice (and even seasoned) screenwriters to craft and develop stories that contain fresh ideas, intriguing characters, original scenes, inventive dialogue, unique locations, and important themes. Extraordinary, practical, effective, inspiring, and thoroughly 'user friendly' instructional manual and guide, "The Three Wells of Screenwriting" is unreservedly recommended for professional, community, college, and university library Performing Arts - Screenwriting collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that as an ideal resource for successfully dealing with the problem of 'writer's block', "The Three Wells of Screenwriting" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $26.95).


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Bring Jade Home
Michelle Caffrey
Farcountry Press
PO Box 5630, Helena, MT 59604
www.farcountrypress.com
9781560377351, $14.95, PB, 224pp, www.amazon.com

"Bring Jade Home: The True Story of a Dog Lost in Yellowstone and the People Who Searched for Her" by Michelle Caffrey is the gripping true story of Jade, a young Australian shepherd, who disappeared into the Yellowstone Park wilderness after a horrific car wreck. Despite their injuries and against doctor's orders, Jade's owners David and Laura leave the Trauma Center to begin a desperate search hoping against hope that they can they find Jade before it's too late. "Bring Jade Home" is a 'must read' and unforgettable story for dog lovers and wilderness enthusiasts alike. Holding immense appeal for anyone with a canine companion of their own, "Bring Jade Home: is a deftly written and heartwarming tale of the owners, park employees, and huge search effort to bring Jade home. While very highly recommended, especially for community library Pets/Wildlife collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Bring Jade Home" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Heart-felt Dogs
Stephanie Cowburn
Hubble & Hattie
www.hubbleandhattie.com
9781787112056, $16.99, PB, 128pp, www.amazon.com

"Heart-felt Dogs: The Canines Behind the Art" is essentially an illustrated compendium of love stories between people and their dogs, showcasing the special bond and relationship that is not only a privilege but a blessing. Stephanie Cowburn's retelling of the stories, together with her lovingly-made felt models, demonstrate her respect for this unique relationship. "Heart-felt Dogs" is unreservedly and especially recommended to the attention of anyone and everyone who has a canine companion of their own.


The Christian Studies Shelf

Asian Christianities
Peter C. Phan
Orbis Books
Price Building, Box 302, Maryknoll NY 10545-0302
www.orbisbooks.com
9781626980938, $50.00, PB, 336pp, www.amazon.com

Considering history, theology, and practice, In "Asian Christianities: History, Theology, Practice", Peter Phan (who is currently Ignacio Ellacuria Professor of Catholic Social Thought at Georgetown University and a former president of the Catholic Theological Society of America) offers a sweeping review of what he terms, deliberately, Asian Christianities -- a reflection of the multiplicity and diversity among cultures and traditions in Asia. Focusing chiefly on East and South Asia, Professor Phan gives special attention to the project of inculturation of Christianity into local cultures and the vexed question of Christian identity: Are Asian Christians primarily Asian and secondarily Christian or vice versa? In the case of Catholicism, he looks at the reception of Vatican II and the challenge of a new "way of being church" in Asia. In addition, he covers a range of topical issues from migration, to interreligious dialogue, popular devotion, and ecological responsibility. A unique, erudite work of impeccable scholarship offering a detailed, insightful, documented historically descriptive analysis, "Asian Christianities: History, Theology, Practice" is unreservedly recommended for seminary, community, college, and university library Christian Studies collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of seminary students, academia, clergy, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Asian Christianities: History, Theology, Practice" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $40.50).

Chance or the Dance?
Thomas Howard
Ignatius Press
PO Box 1339, Fort Collins, CO 80522
www.ignatius.com
9781621642299, $15.95, PB, 136pp, www.amazon.com

In this new edition of a modern classic, Thomas Howard (who was a highly regarded Professor of English and Literature for over 30 years) contrasts the Christian and secular worldviews, refreshing our minds with the illuminated view of Christianity as it imbued the world in times past -- showing that we cannot live meaningful lives without this Christian understanding of things. "Chance or the Dance?: A Critique of Modern Secularism" is essentially an inspiring apology for Christianity, and a stirring critique of secularism. Professor Howard explains in clear and beautiful language why secular humanism is robbing us of the beauty, depth and profound truths of Christianity. With laser precision through lyrical ponderings Professor Howard takes us through the dismal reductionist view of the world to the shimmering significance of this world as sign and sacrament. A deftly written study that is more timely now than when it was first written in 1989, and a prophetic examination of modern society's conscience, this new edition of "Chance or the Dance?" is enhanced with an informative Foreword by Eric Metaxas and an Afterword by Tyler Blanski. Very highly recommended reading by clergy and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of seminary students that "Chance or the Dance?" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

The Church in Babylon
Erwin W. Lutzer
Moody Publishers
820 N. LaSalle Blvd., Chicago, IL 60610
www.moodypublishers.com
9780802413086, $14.99, PB, 304pp, www.amazon.com

Synopsis: Like the Israelites in Babylon, today's Christians must find a way to maintain our faith in the midst of a pagan culture. But that requires we answer two crucial questions: How did we get here? How do we prepare for the dark and difficult days ahead? In "The Church in Babylon: Heeding the Call to Be a Light in the Darkness", Erwin W. Lutzer (Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church, Chicago, Illinois) answers both of these questions. He will walk you through the many parallels between the church in America and God's people in Babylon, and embolden you to be a gospel witness. You'll be encouraged not to compromise your faith even when under constant pressure from all corners of society. And more than all this you will have a fresh encounter with Jesus Christ, as you consider the biblical role of those in exile. Inspired and inspiring, "The Church in Babylon" is very highly recommended reading for all members of the Christian community regardless of their denominational affiliations. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Church in Babylon" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Making Faithful Decisions at the End of Life
Nancy J. Duff
Westminster John Knox Press
100 Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 40202-1396
www.wjkbooks.com
9780664263195, $15.00, PB, 128pp, www.amazon.com

By exploring the ethics of resisting and accepting death from a Christian perspective in the pages of "Making Faithful Decisions at the End of Life", Nancy Duff (who is the Stephen Colwell Associate Professor of Christian Ethics at Princeton Theological Seminary) encourages Christians to talk about death in the context of Christian faith. "Making Faithful Decisions at the End of Life" will help practicing Christians to use biblical and theological perspectives regarding death to inform end-of-life decisions, consider where they stand on withdrawing life support and supporting death with dignity laws, and take steps in planning for their own future. An erudite and impressively informative read, "Making Faithful Decisions at the End of Life" is an especially recommended addition to church, seminary, and community library collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of clergy and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Making Faithful Decisions at the End of Life" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.00).

Union with Christ
Rankin Wilbourne
David C. Cook
c/o Cook Communications
4050 Lee Vance Dr., Colorado Springs, CO 80918
https://davidccook.org
9781434709387, $18.99, HC, 320pp, www.amazon.com

If you are a Christian, the Bible says that Christ has united his life to yours, that you are now in Christ and Christ is in you. This almost unfathomable truth is the central theme of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Yet few Christians today experience or enjoy this reality. "Union with Christ: The Way to Know and Enjoy God" by Rankin Wilbourne (who is the Pastor of Pacific Crossroads Church in Los Angeles) reveals the transformational power of this ancient doctrine while addressing the basic questions of the human heart: Who Am I?; Why Am I Here?; Where Am I Headed?; How Will I Get There? Nothing is more practical for living the Christian life than union with Christ. The recovery of this reality provides the anchor and engine for a Christian life with God and for a Christian's promised destiny which is not only to see Christ, but to actually become like him. Inspired and inspiring, While "Union with Christ" is very highly recommended for church and seminary library collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of pastors and laity alike that "Union with Christ" is also available in a paperback edition (9780830772070, $16.99), in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99), and as a complete an unabridged audio book (Oasis Audio, 9781613759783, $22.99, CD).


The Judaic Studies Shelf

Amazing Jewish Heroes Down Through the Ages
David Richard Goldberg
Gefen Publishing House
11 Edison Place, Springfield, NJ 07081
www.gefenpublishing.com
9789652298812, $24.95, HC, 208pp, www.amazon.com

The eleven Jewish heroes presented in the pages of "Amazing Jewish Heroes Down Through the Ages", include the famous and the relatively obscure. These are men and women who overcame tremendous challenges to achieve greatness, persevering through their faith in God and belief in freedom and human dignity. Queen Esther maintained her traditions in the house of Ahasuerus for nine years while also hiding her true origins, and then orchestrated the salvation of the Jewish Persians at great personal risk. When urgent funding was needed for the Continental Army in 1781, General George Washington turned to none other than a financial genius named Haym Salomon. Felix Zandman survived World War II as a teenager by living with three others in a pit for seventeen months, and then went on to graduate from the Sorbonne and found a company that was innovational in the world of electronics and communication. Our heroes many feats and great accomplishments, and their dedication to freedom and its ideals, are truly amazing, and their stories stand the test of time. An informative and fascinating read from cover to cover, "Amazing Jewish Heroes Down Through the Ages" is an especially recommended addition to community, college, and university library Jewish History collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Amazing Jewish Heroes Down Through the Ages" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $0.99).

Song of Teshuvah
Rav Moshe Weinberger, author
Yaacov Dovid Shulman, adaptor
Penina Press
c/o KTAV Publishing House
527 Empire Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11225
www.ktav.com
www.UrimPublications.com
9789655242157, $36.95, HC, 366pp, www.amazon.com

Abraham Isaac Kook (7 September 1865 - 1 September 1935) was an Orthodox rabbi, the first Ashkenazi chief rabbi of British Mandatory Palestine, the founder of Yeshiva Mercaz HaRav Kook (The Central Universal Yeshiva), a Jewish thinker, Halakhist, Kabbalist, and a renowned Torah scholar, and arguably one of the most celebrated and influential rabbis of the 20th century. Rabbi Kook's seminal work on repentance, Oros HaTeshuvah, is recognized as a classic of Jewish thought but has, because of its difficult language and its theological depth, remained inaccessible to many. "Song of Teshuvah" presents readers with the original Hebrew text of Oros HaTeshuvah with a new translation into English, as well as expert commentary in English from Rabbi Moshe Weinberger. Weinberger draws on his extensive knowledge of Jewish philosophical and inspirational literature to provide profound, moving, and fresh insights into the text, richly explicating the ideas in Oros HaTeshuvah in an accessible and clear but not superficial manner. Readers will come away with a firm grasp on the profound truth at the heart of Kook's classic work: that teshuvah (repentance) is not a somber process of self-deprivation but a joyful journey back to God and to the core of each individual. "Song of Teshuvah" covers chapters 14 through 17 of Oros HaTeshuvah and is the fourth and final volume in this simply outstanding series. "Song of Teshuvah" is unreservedly recommended for synagogue, college, and university library Judaic Studies collections in general, and Rabbit Abraham Isaac Kook supplemental studies reading lists in particular.


The Fiction Shelf

Glissando
Debbie Burke
Waldorf Publishing
2140 Hall Johnson Road 102-345, Grapevine, TX 76051
www.waldorfpublishing.com
9781641369817, $16.95, PB, 280pp, www.amazon.com

Sharp-witted paralegal Ellie Greenberg has a dynamite career at a law firm in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Happily divorced, in the middle years of her life and trying to keep all her plates spinning in the air, she decompresses from the demands of her career by joining the jazz scene at a local college. The instant she sees the very-married new soloist, trumpet player Vincent Keyes, she's speared directly in the heart by Cupid's arrow. Unfortunately, Ellie has also walked straight into the romantic cross-hairs of ace lawyer Stan Feldman. Ellie tries to gain her footing in the emotional tornado, where the ride is thrilling but ultimately unsustainable. She agonizes over choosing between the two men...or changing her life completely. With an impressively entertaining style of narrative storytelling, Debbie Burke's new novel, "Glissando: A Story of Love, Lust and Jazz" offers its fully engaged readers an original and skillfully crafted literary experience from first page to last. While unreservedly recommended for community library Contemporary General Romance collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Glissando" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.95).

The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond
Jaime Jo Wright
Bethany House Publishers
c/o Baker Publishing Group
6030 East Fulton Road, Ada, MI 49301
www.bethanyhouse.com
9780764232039, $25.99, HC, 347pp, www.amazon.com

Annalise knows painful memories hover beneath the pleasant facade of Gossamer Grove. But she is shocked when she inherits documents that reveal mysterious murders from a century ago. In this dual-time romantic suspense novel, two women, separated by a hundred years, must uncover the secrets within the borders of their town before its too late. Another superlative and unfailingly entertaining read from first page to last, "The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond" showcases author Jaime Jo Wright's impressive flair for narrative storytelling. While certain to be an enduringly popular addition to community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond" is also available in a paperback edition (9780764230295, $14.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.87).

Courtney's War
Wilbur Smith
http://www.wilbursmithbooks.com
Zaffre Publishing
c/o Bonnier Zaffre Ltd.
9781499861297, $28.99, HC, 464pp, www.amazon.com

With Paris, in1939 being torn apart by war, Saffron Courtney and Gerhard von Meerbach are thousands of miles apart, both struggling for their lives. Gerhard (despite his objections to the Nazi regime) is fighting for the Fatherland, hoping to one day have the opportunity to rid Germany of Hitler and his cronies. But as his unit is thrown into the hellish attrition of the Battle of Stalingrad, he knows his chances of survival are dwindling by the day. Meanwhile Saffron (recruited by the Special Operations Executive and sent to occupied Belgium to discover how the Nazis have infiltrated SOE's network) soon finds herself being hunted by Germany's most ruthless spymaster. Confronted by evil beyond their worst imaginings, the lovers must each make the hardest choice of all: sacrifice themselves, or do whatever they can to survive, hoping that one day they will be reunited. A simply riveting saga of courage, betrayal and love in a world shattering conflict by an author with a genuine flair for deftly crafted and memorable narrative storytelling, "Courtney's War" by Wilbur Smith will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to community library General Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Courtney's War" is also available in a paperback edition (9781785768590, $10.92, Amazon) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).

Season of Wonder
RaeAnne Thayne
HQN
c/o Harlequin Books
9781335005915, $16.99, HC, 304pp, www.amazon.com

Dani Capelli has never truly belonged anywhere. And from her earliest days as a foster child in Queens, she would have been lost if it weren't for her love of animals. Until high school, when she fell hard for the wrong boy, and found herself pregnant and married by graduation. Two daughters later, Dani realized her mistake and filed for divorce, and with the help of scholarships and loans (and a lot of macaroni and cheese dinners) she enrolled in vet school. Things were finally looking up -- until her ex-husband became her late husband, in the most notorious way possible. Now Dani and her daughters need an out-of-town pass more than ever. So when the retiring Haven Point veterinarian offers her a chance to settle in the small Idaho town and take over his practice, she jumps at it. But adjusting to the charming mountain community isn't easy; thirteen-year-old Silver begins acting out while six-year-old Mia is growing too attached to Haven Point and everything in it, especially their next-door-neighbor, Deputy Sheriff Ruben Morales. And Dani can't blame her. Ruben is everything she's secretly wanted, and everything she can't bear to risk loving -- and losing. As the holidays draw near, their shared concern for Dani's daughters brings them closer together, giving Ruben the chance to show this big-city woman just how magical Christmas in Haven Point can be -- and that the promise of a home at last is very real in the most wondrous season of the year. Another deftly crafted gem of a novel by a master of narrative storytelling RaeAnne Thayne, "Season of Wonder" is a compelling and unfailingly riveting read from first page to last. While very highly recommended for community library Contemporary General Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Season of Wonder" is also available in a paperback edition (9781335947932, $16.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.99).

Thief of Corinth
Tessa Afshar
Tyndale House Publishers
351 Executive Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
www.tyndale.com
9781496428653, $24.99, HC, 400pp, www.amazon.com

First-century Corinth is a city teeming with commerce and charm. It's also filled with danger and corruption -- the perfect setting for young lady named Ariadne's greatest adventure. After years spent living with her mother and oppressive grandfather in Athens, Ariadne runs away to her father's home in Corinth, only to discover the perilous secret that destroyed his marriage: though a Greek of high birth, Galenos is the infamous thief who has been robbing the city's corrupt of their ill-gotten gains. Desperate to keep him safe, Ariadne risks her good name, her freedom, and the love of the man she adores to become her father's apprentice. As her unusual athletic ability leads her into dangerous exploits, Ariadne discovers that she secretly revels in playing with fire. But when the wrong person discovers their secret, Ariadne and her father find their future (and very lives) hanging in the balance. When they befriend a Jewish rabbi named Paul, they realize that his radical message challenges everything they've fought to build, yet offers something neither dared hope for. A wonderfully entertaining and deftly crafted historical novel, "Thief of Corinth" by Tessa Afshar will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to community library Historical Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Thief of Corinth" is available in a paperback edition (9781496428660, $15.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.07).

The Best of Intentions
Susan Anne Mason
Bethany House Publishers
c/o Baker Publishing Group
6030 East Fulton Road, Ada, MI 49301
www.bethanyhouse.com
9780764219832, $15.99, PB, 352pp, www.amazon.com

In the aftermath of WWI, Grace Abernathy is determined to reunite with her family, crossing an ocean to convince her widowed sister to return home to England. Yet Toronto holds more tragedy and her nephew Christian is now in the custody of his paternal relatives, the formidable Easton family, who rejected Grace's sister because of her low social status. Unconvinced the Eastons can be fitting caretakers, Grace jumps at the chance to be Christian's nanny and observe the family up close under an assumed name. In the course of her new position, she is shocked to discover herself falling for Andrew Easton, the boy's guardian. Unfortunately, Andrew is promised to a spoiled socialite who will make a terrible stepmother for Christian. Will Grace be able to protect her nephew -- and her heart? Another beautifully scripted romance novel by a master of the genre, "The Best of Intentions" by Susan Anne Mason is an extraordinary and memorable read from first page to last. While very highly recommended for community library Romance Fiction collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Best of Intentions" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Promises and Primroses
Josi S. Kilpack
Shadow Mountain Publishing
P.O. Box 30178, Salt Lake City, Utah 84130-0178
www.shadowmountain.com
9781629724577, $15.99, PB, 336pp, www.amazon.com

A wise old uncle aims to correct the very messy marital mistakes and spousal scandals of his generation of brothers and sisters by requiring their offspring (his nieces and nephews) to endure a ''marriage campaign'' to help them make good and respectable matches -- and win their share of the family's inheritance. A deftly scripted Regency romance by a master of this specific genre, "Promises and Primroses: Mayfield Family" by Josi S. Kipack is an extraordinary and highly recommended addition to community library Romance Fiction collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of romance fiction fans that "Promises and Primroses" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99) as well as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone Audio, 9781982575915, $34.95, CD).

Alaskan Holiday
Debbie Macomber
Ballantine Books
c/o The Random House Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, 17th floor, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com
9780399181283, $20.00, HC, 256pp, www.amazon.com

Before beginning her dream job as sous chef in one of Seattle's hottest new restaurants, Josie Avery takes a summer position cooking at a lakeside lodge in the remote Alaskan town of Ponder. Josie falls for the rustic charms of the local community - including Jack Corcoran, the crotchety keeper of Ponder's famed sourdough starter, and, in particular, the quiet and intense Palmer Saxon, a famed master swordsmith. Josie and Palmer become close during the long Alaskan summer days, but Josie knows that, come fall, she'll be returning to reality and the career she's worked so hard for. Palmer, on the other hand, would like nothing better than to make Josie his wife and to keep her in Ponder. But Josie can't imagine abandoning her mother back in the Emerald City and sacrificing her career to stay in this isolated town - not even for a man she's quickly coming to love. But fate has other plans. Josie misses the last boat out of town before winter sets in, stranding her in Ponder and putting her dream job at risk. As the holidays approach, Josie and Palmer must grapple with the complications that arise when dreams confront reality, and the Christmas magic that can happen when they put their faith in love. Debbie Macomber's "Alaskan Holiday" is another gem of a novel by a master of reader entertaining, character driven, narrative storytelling. While very highly recommended for community library collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Alaskan Holiday" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $10.99). Librarians should note that there is also a large print edition of "Alaskan Holiday" (Random House Large Print, 9781984833563, $22.00, PB, 352).

The Bronze Frog
A. Denis Clift
Naval Institute Press
291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402
www.nip.org
9781682473054, $27.95, HC, 336pp, www.amazon.com

Commander Linc Walker is a sharp, combat-seasoned Navy SEAL on a clandestine mission against the People's Republic of China, when he is betrayed in this mission by leaders in The White House. Waler vows revenge. His path eventually crosses Michele Casidy, a woman who has also been viciously betrayed by a leader she trusted as she climbed the academic ranks at Harvard University. A deftly crafted and simply riveting read with more twists and turns than a Coney Island rollercoaster, "The Bronze Frog" is a novel that moves swiftly from Helsinki, to Cambridge and Harvard, to Bucharest, to Moscow, Stockholm and Washington. If he is to survive and achieve his goals, Walker mus draw upon his special forces skills, killing anyone who stands in his way, repeatedly changing identities, and leaving law enforcement on both sides of the Atlantic grappling with the unsolved murders. Showcasing author Denis Clift's impressive flair for originality, character creation, and narrative driven storytelling, "The Bronze Frog" is unreservedly recommended, especially for community library Action/Adventure Fiction collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "The Bronze Frog" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $17.87).

Ours for a Season
Kim Vogel Sawyer
WaterBrook Press
c/o WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group
10807 New Allegiance Drive Suite 500, Colorado Springs, CO 80921
http://waterbrookmultnomah.com
9780735290082, $14.99, PB, 352pp, www.amazon.com

Anthony and Marty Hirschler are part of an Old Order Mennonite community in Pine Hill, Indiana. The couple has grown apart since a doctor confirmed they would never have children. Marty longs to escape the tight-knit area where large families are valued, and the opportunity to do so arises when her childhood friend, Brooke Spalding, resurfaces with the wild idea of rebuilding a ghost town into a resort community. Brooke hires Anthony to help with the construction, drawing the Hirschlers away from Indiana and into her plan, and then finds herself diagnosed with cancer. Moral complications with Brooke's vision for a casino as part of the resort and the discovery of a runaway teenager hiding on the property open up a world neither the Hirschlers nor Brooke had considered before. Will they be able to overcome their challenges and differences to help the ones among them hurting the most? A deftly written and engaging novel by an accomplished and impressively skilled author, "Ours for a Season" by Kim Vogel Sawyer is very highly recommended and certain to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to community library Contemporary General Fiction collections. Librarians should note that there is a Large Print edition of "Ours for a Season" (Thorndike Press, 9781432856502, $33.99, Library Binding). For personal reading lists "Ours for a Season" there is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.99).

Printed in Beirut
Jabbour Douaihy
Interlink Publishing Group
46 Crosby Street, Northampton, MA 01060-1804
www.interlinkbooks.com
9781623719906, $15.00, PB, 220pp, www.amazon.com

Farid Abou Char arrives in Beirut on a hot summer morning with his manuscript, looking for a publisher. He is turned down by all of them; nobody reads anymore, he is told. Instead, he accepts a job as a proofreader at the famous old print house Karam Bros., allegedly established in 1908. Disappointed by the menial tasks of checking catalogs and ad copy, Farid secretly hopes that his book will eventually be published. His manuscript never leaves his side until one day it disappears and then reemerges, beautifully printed. Farid soon realizes that the expensive paper its printed on is the same that the company is using to manufacture fake twenty-euro bills, and that the person who printed the book is none other than the wife of his boss. Entangled in a police investigation and an illicit flirtation, Farid discovers that the Karam Bros. print house is not what it seems. Douaihy dizzies the reader with an intricate play of appearances and deception, and as always, portrays Lebanese society with exquisite irony. A dazzling mystery by Lebanese noveli Jabbour Douaihy and set in the world of Lebanon's book publishing industry, "Printed in Beirut" is a simply riveting and deftly crafted read from beginning to end and very highly recommended, for personal reading lists and community library collections.

Lady of a Thousand Treasures
Sandra Byrd
Tyndale House Publishers
351 Executive Drive, Carol Stream, IL 60188
www.tyndale.com
9781496426826, $24.99, HC, 464pp, www.amazon.com

Miss Eleanor Sheffield is a talented evaluator of antiquities, trained to know the difference between a genuine artifact and a fraud. But with her father's passing and her uncle's decline into dementia, the family business is at risk. In the Victorian era, unmarried Eleanor cannot run Sheffield Brothers alone. Another deftly crafted and impressively entertaining read by a novelist with a genuine flair for narrative driven storytelling by a master of the historical romance genre, "Lady of a Thousand Treasures" by Sandra Byrd is an especially and unreservedly recommended addition to community library collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Lady of a Thousand Treasures" is also available in a paperback edition (9781496426833, $15.99) as well as in a digital book format (Kindle, $15.99).


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

An Act of Villainy
Ashley Weaver
Minotaur Books
c/o St. Martin's Publishing Group
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
www.minotaurbooks.com
9781250159755, $27.99, HC, 320pp, www.amazon.com

Walking through London's West End after a night at the theater, Amory Ames and her husband Milo run into wealthy investor and former actor Gerard Holloway. Holloway and his wife Georgina are old friends of theirs, and when Holloway invites them to the dress rehearsal of a new play he is directing, Amory readily accepts. However, Amory is shocked to learn that Holloway has cast his mistress, actress Flora Bell, in the lead role. Furthermore, the casual invitation is not what it seems when he admits to Amory and Milo that Flora has been receiving threatening letters, and he needs their help in finding the mysterious sender. Despite Amory's conflicting feelings, not only does she feel loyalty to Georgina, but the disintegration of the Holloways' perfect marriage seems to bode ill for her own sometimes delicate relationship, her curiosity gets the better of her, and she begins to make inquiries. It quickly becomes clear that each member of the cast has reason to resent Flora -- and with a group so skilled in the art of deception, it isn't easy to separate truth from illusion. When vague threats escalate, the scene is set for murder, and Amory and Milo must find the killer before the final curtain falls. Another deftly scripted Amory Ames mystery from the pen of Ashley Weaver, "An Act of Villainy" will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to community library Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of all dedicated mystery buffs that "An Act of Villainy" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Dreamscape Media, 9781974917587, $29.99, CD).

River of Secrets
Roger Johns
Minotaur Books
c/o St. Martin's Publishing Group
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
www.minotaurbooks.com
9781250110121, $27.99, HC, 304pp, www.amazon.com

Herbert Marioneaux, a Louisiana politician infamous for changing his mind on hot-button issues, has been murdered and his body posed to send a message. Baton Rouge homicide detective Wallace Hartman has to figure out who's sending that message. DNA points to Eddie Pitkin, a social justice activist who also happens to be the half-brother of Wallace's childhood best friend. But even with the combative history between Pitkin and Marioneaux, murder seems out of character for Pitkin, whose usual MO is to confront the wealthy and powerful with their inconvenient past. As Wallace digs deeper, she unearths a possible alibi witness, along with evidence of a deeply troubled relationship that points the finger of suspicion at Marioneaux's son. While Eddie's supporters are convinced of his innocence, his enemies are equally certain of his guilt. Under pressure from all directions, Wallace pursues her investigation into the dark heart of the political establishment as Baton Rouge falls under the shadow of escalating violence. When it appears a police department insider may be sabotaging her efforts by leaking information about the case, and after menacing messages are left for her and her loved ones, Wallace is forced to untangle a trail of old and disturbing secrets unaided by those she most needs to trust. Another deftly crafted and inherently riveting mystery showcasing author Roger Johns originality and total mastery of the genre, "River of Secrets" is unreservedly recommended for community library Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs that "River of Secrets" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.99).

Murder in the Oval Library
C. M. Gleason
Kensington
c/o Kensington Publishing Corp.
119 West 40th Street, Floor 21, New York, NY 10018-2522
www.kensingtonbooks.com
9781496710215, $26.00, HC, 304pp, www.amazon.com

With the Confederate Army firing on Fort Sumter, the Civil War has begun and an invasion of Washington, DC, from Secessionist Virginia seems imminent. As the population evacuates, the elected President Abram Lincoln is in desperate need of men to defend the capital. Lincoln's trusted aide, Adam Speed Quinn, and Quinn's old friend from the Bloody Kansas conflict, Senator Jim Lane, hastily assemble a motley crew of just over a hundred men and garrison them in the East Room at the White House. Dubbed the Frontier Guard, these rough-and-tumble patriots steel themselves for the inevitable attack. But even as dawn breaks with no Rebel strike, a single act of violence intrudes within the White House. One of the Frontier Guard lies dead in the oval library, throat slit ear to ear. There is a murderer among them. Lincoln promptly assigns Quinn to deal with the matter, who is in turn aided by journalist Sophie Gates and Dr. George Hilton. And to Quinn's chagrin, the Southern belle Constance Lemagne insists on being involved in the investigation as well. But when Dr. Hilton examines the body, he makes a startling discovery that overturns all Quinn's assumptions about the murder. With his president at grave risk from without and within, Quinn must act quickly to catch the White House killer. With an impressive attention to historical detail, "Murder in the Oval Library" is a simply riveting read from cover to cover, as author C. M. Gleason exhibits a genuine flair for deftly crafted storytelling and a mastery of the historical mystery genre. While especially recommended for community library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of all dedicated mystery buffs that "Murder in the Oval Library" in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.99). Librarians should be aware of the large print edition of "Murder in the Oval Office" (Kennebec Large Print, $26.99, PB, 452pp).

Dark Tide Rising
Anne Perry
Ballantine Books
c/o The Random House Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, 17th floor, New York, NY 10019
www.randomhouse.com
9780399179914, $20.00, HC, 304pp, www.amazon.com

Jacob's Island is a broken-down waterside slum, a place of perpetual gloom where Monk is just as likely to lose a man to the mud and tides as to the criminals who hide in the shadows. Kidnappers have chosen this warren of tunnels and alleys as the site of a ransom exchange for Kate Exeter, the wife of wealthy real estate developer Harry Exeter. Harry asks the Thames River Police to secretly accompany him to the spot and ensure that no harm comes to him or his captive wife. But on arrival, Monk and five of his best men are attacked from all sides, and Monk is left wondering who could have given away their plans. As Monk follows leads from Kate's worried cousin and a crafty clerk at the bank where Exeter gathered the ransom money, it seems undeniable that one of his own men has betrayed him. Delving into their pasts, he realizes how little he knows about the people he works with every day, including his right-hand man John Hooper, the one colleague Monk has always been certain he can count on -- but who is also hiding a dreadful secret. As the case runs into a series of deadly obstructions, Monk must choose between his own safety and the chance to solve the mystery -- and to figure out where his men's loyalty really lies. Another deftly crafted gem of a suspense thriller by a master of the mystery genre, Anne Perry's "Dark Tide Rising" should be considered a 'must read' by her legions of fans. While an obligatory addition to any and all community library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Dark Tide Rising" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $13.99).

Dangerous Encounters
G. R. Sutter
Dorrance Publishing Company
585 Alpha Drive, Suite 103, Pittsburgh, PA 15238
www.dorrancepublishing.com
9781480958876, $21.00, PB, 332pp, www.amazon.com

Janice Morgan has dreams to marry her fiance, Mark, only to find he has been murdered. She then receives a letter from someone in Australia, which is odd since, she doesn't know anyone from there. She learns the letter is from her uncle, Norman Dickenson, who is a multimillionaire and CEO of Thunderbolt Security, one of the largest security firms in the world. What does this mysterious letter contain? Answers about Mark's murder? An impressively scripted mystery by an author with a genuine flair for character and narrative driven storytelling, "Read Dangerous Encounters" is highly recommended, especially for community library Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs that "Read Dangerous" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Death in Paris
Emilia Bernhard
Crooked Lane Books
2 Park Avenue, 10th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.crookedlanebooks.com
9781683317685, $26.99, HC, 323pp, www.amazon.com

When French financier Edgar Bowen drowns in a bowl of soup, his former girlfriend, American Rachel Levis, is alarmed by the unnatural death. Who dies eating a nice vichyssoise? But when she overhears a mourner at his funeral describing the circumstances of his death, something sounds even stranger: a bottle of rose was on the dining table when he died. The only problem: Edgar loathed rose. If he wasn't drinking it, who was? After the police rule the death accidental, Rachel knows it's up to her and her best friend Magda to investigate. As the two Americans immerse themselves in Edgar's upper-class world, the list of suspects grows: Could it have been his son, who inherited his money and lavish apartment? His icy ex-wife? His greedy new girlfriend? His impoverished personal assistant? But when the suspects start dropping like flies, Rachel and Magda realize the murderer is tying up loose ends. It'll be up to two amateur sleuths to solve their first case before the murderer decides they're next! An impressively clever and deftly scripted mystery by a master of the genre, it should be noted that Emilia Bernhard's "Death in Paris" is enhanced for the reader's benefit with the inclusion of a three page Glossary of French Words and Phrases. While very highly recommended, especially for community library Myster/Suspense collections, "Death in Paris" is also available for the personal reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.99).

The Hour of Death
Jane Willan
Crooked Lane Books
2 Park Avenue, 10th floor, New York, NY 10016
www.crookedlanebooks.com
9781683317593, $26.99, HC, 314pp, www.amazon.com

As Yuletide settles upon Gwenafwy Abbey, the rural Welsh convent's peace is shattered when Tiffany Reese, president of the Village Art Society, is found dead on the floor of the parish hall. Sister Agatha, whose interests lie more with reading and writing mystery stories than with making the abbey's world-renowned organic gouda, is not shy about inserting herself into the case. With the not-entirely-eager assistance of Father Selwyn, she begins her investigation. Sister Agatha has no shortage of suspects to check off her naughty-or-nice list, until finally, Tiffany's half-brother, Kendrick Geddings, emerges as the prime suspect. There never was any love lost between Tiffany and Kendrick, and of late they had been locked in a vicious battle for control of the family estate. But if Sister Agatha thinks she has the case wrapped up, she'll have to think again. As the days of Advent tick by, Sister Agatha is determined to crack the case by Christmas! Another gem of a deftly crafted mystery by novelist Jane Willan, "The Hour of Death" will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to community library Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for dedicated mystery buffs that "The Hour of Death" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone Audio, 9781982540272, $29.95, MP3 CD).

Maggie Terry
Sarah Schulman
The Feminist Press
365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016
www.feministpress.org
9781936932399, $17.95, PB, 272pp, www.amazon.com

Post-rehab, Maggie Terry is single-mindedly trying to keep her head down in New York City. There's a madman in the White House, the subways are constantly delayed, summer is relentless, and neighborhoods all seem to blend together. Against this absurd backdrop, Maggie wants nothing more than to slowly re- build her life in hopes of being reunited with her daughter. But her first day on the job as a private investigator lands her in the middle of a sensational new case: actress strangled. If Maggie is going to solve this mystery, she'll have to shake the ghosts (a dead NYPD partner, vindictive ex, steadfast drug habit) that have long ruled her life. While a simply riveting mystery by a master of the genre, Sarah Schulman's "Maggie Terry" is also an inherently fascinating and deftly crafted character study. Solidly entertaining from first page to last, "Maggie Terry" is very highly recommended for community library Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs that "Maggie Terry" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.55).

Hitting the Books
Jenn McKinlay
Berkley Books
c/o Penguin Group (USA)
375 Hudson Street, 4th floor, New York, NY 10014
www.penguin.com
9780451492678, $24.95, HC, 304pp, www.amazon.com

When a stack of library materials is found at the scene of a hit and run, library director Lindsey Norris finds herself dragged into the investigation as the police try to link the driver of the stolen car to the person who borrowed the books. Before Lindsey can delve into the library's records, the victim of the hit and run, Theresa Houston, suffers another "accident" and the investigation shifts from driver negligence to attempted homicide. A clue surfaces in the confiscated library materials that could crack open the case and it is up to Lindsey to piece it all together. But things are not as they seem in the sleepy town of Briar Creek and when the driver of the stolen car turns up dead, Lindsey, her staff and her library friends have to hit the books before the murderer gets the last word. With her latest novel, "Hitting the Books", author Jenn McKinlay once again demonstrates and documents her mastery of the mystery genre and distinctive flair for narrative driven storytelling with a veritable roller coaster of unexpected twists and turns. A part of McKinlay's outstanding 'Library Lover's Mystery' series, "Hitting the Books" will be an immediately popular addition to community library Mystery/Suspense collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs that "Hitting the Books" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.99) as well as a complete and unabridged audio book (Dreamscape Media, 9781974906000, $29.99, CD).

Murder on Millionaires' Row
Erin Lindsey
Minotaur Books
c/o St. Martin's Publishing Group
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
www.minotaurbooks.com
9781250180650, $16.99, PB, 400pp, www.amazon.com

Rose Gallagher might dream of bigger things, but she's content enough with her life as a housemaid. After all, it's not every girl from Five Points who gets to spend her days in a posh Fifth Avenue brownstone, even if only to sweep its floors. But all that changes on the day her boss, Mr. Thomas Wiltshire, disappears. Rose is certain Mr. Wiltshire is in trouble, but the police treat his disappearance as nothing more than the whims of a rich young man behaving badly. Meanwhile, the friend who reported him missing is suspiciously unhelpful. With nowhere left to turn, Rose takes it upon herself to find her handsome young employer. The investigation takes her from the marble palaces of Fifth Avenue to the sordid streets of Five Points. When a ghostly apparition accosts her on the street, Rose begins to realize that the world around her isn't at all as it seems -- and her place in it is about to change forever. Another gem of a deftly crafted novel by a master of narrative driven storytelling, "Murder on Millionaires' Row" is an inherently riveting read that will be enjoyed by those who appreciate a mystery that has more unexpected twists and turns than a carnival roller coaster. While very highly recommended for community library Mystery/Suspense collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists of dedicated mystery buffs that "Murder on Millionaires' Row" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Macmillan Audio, 9781250303837, $45.99, CD).

You'll Get Yours
William Ard
Black Gat Book
c/o Stark House Press
1315 H Street, Eureka, CA 95501
www.starkhousepress.com
9781944520540, $9.99, PB, 156pp, www.amazon.com

It all started simply enough when press agent Archie St. George hires private investigator, Barney Glines, to retrieve some missing jewels stolen from his beautiful client, Kyle Shannon. Glines knows he's being set-up for something but he goes along with the exchange out of curiosity more than anything. That and Kyle Shannon. Turns out that the real jewels are a cache of nude photos of Miss Shannon, who is now being blackmailed. Soon Glines finds himself in a dead woman's room who's been shot with his own gun and the police are jumping to conclusions. It's beginning to look like whoever's behind the blackmail wants to make sure that Glines is the fall guy. Unless Glines can find him first! Originally writing under the pen name of Thomas Wills, Stark House Press has now brought back into print a classic mystery novel by William Ard is a simply riveting read and a 'must' for all dedicated mystery buffs.


The American History Shelf

Pacing Dakota
Thomas D. Isern
North Dakota State University Press
North Dakota State University
Dept. 2360, PO Box 6050, Fargo, ND 58108-6050
https://ndsupress.org
9781946163066, $29.77, HC, 264pp, www.amazon.com

Pacing Dakota is a collection of essays by Thomas D. Isern (Professor of History & University Distinguished Professor, North Dakota State University) reflecting on the history and culture of the Great Plains of North America. Professor Isern, with more than forty years as a working historian and regional author, transitions from the close confines of historical archives into the prairie landscapes of the northern plains. "Pacing Dakota" speaks with the mingled voices of scholarly historian, outdoor sportsman, culinary enthusiast, lifelong Lutheran, and prairie farmboy. In these erudite commentaries Professor Isern prowls prairie churches, finds forgotten artifacts, and gathers cherished stories from Williston to Wahpeton and points beyond. He situates his encounters along the way into the canon of literary and historical writing on the prairies. In the end, Professor Isern articulately speaks for a generation committed to making a good life in this place. As informed and informative as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking, "Pacing Dakota" is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal reading list, as well as community, college, and university library American History collections.

The Plains Political Tradition
Jon K. Lauck, John E. Miller, & Paula M.Nelson, editors
South Dakota Historical Society Press
900 Governors Drive, Pierre, SC 57501-2217
www.sdshspress.com
9784294604854, $24.95, PB, 284pp, www.amazon.com

Not all politics is party politics. Nowhere is this fact more apparent than within the boundaries of South Dakota. Although the state is known for its agrarian conservatism, political tradition in the land of infinite variety is more than simply Republican or Democrat. An awareness of the influence of culture lies at the core of understanding the decisions of political leaders and voters alike. In this capstone volume of The Plains Political Tradition series from the South Dakota Historical Society Press, and collaboratively compiled and co-edited by Jon K. Lauck, John E. Miller, and Paula M. Nelson presents a series of essays from historians and other scholars who identify major influences on the political culture of South Dakota. Against a backdrop of agricultural ups and downs, varied religious beliefs, worldwide conflict, and powerful personalities, "The Plains Political Tradition" deftly examines ingredients critical to the success and failure of civic movements, legislation, and political campaigns and careers. Exceptionally well organized and presented, "The Plains Political Tradition" is unreservedly recommended for community, college, and university library Political Science collections and South Dakota History supplemental studies reading lists.


The Self-Help Shelf

Resilience
Linda Graham, MFT
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
www.newworldlibrary.com
9781608685363, $17.95, PB, 304pp, www.amazon.com

Whether it's a critical comment from the boss or a full-blown natural catastrophe, life continually dishes out challenges. Resilience is the learned capacity to cope with any level of adversity, from the small annoyances of daily life to the struggles and sorrows that break our hearts. Resilience is essential for surviving and thriving in a world full of troubles and tragedies, and it is completely trainable and recoverable -- when we know how. In "Resilience: Powerful Practices for Bouncing Back from Disappointment, Difficulty, and Even Disaster", Linda Graham (who is a licensed marriage and family therapist and mindful self-compassion teacher in the San Francisco Bay Area, and who integrates neuroscience, mindfulness, and relational psychology in her international training groups, conferences, workshops, and webinars) offers clear guidance to help the reader develop somatic, emotional, relational, and reflective intelligence -- the very skills needed to confidently and effectively cope with life's inevitable challenges and crises. Thoroughly 'user friendly' in tone, commentary, organization and presentation, "Resilience" is very highly recommended for community and academic library Self-Help/Self-Improvement instructional reference collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Resilience" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.36).

Untwisted
Ted Anders
Square One Publishers
115 Herricks Road, Garden City Park, NY 11040
www.squareonepublishers.com
9780757004537, $16.95, PB, 112pp, www.amazon.com

The emotional pain that comes with being human is often met with sadness, depression, loneliness, anger, or even rage. These reactions lead to more pain, and so a cycle of negativity is created. These days there is no shortage of pharmaceuticals being recommended to alleviate this type of suffering, but most of these drugs have potential side effects that could be worse than the problems themselves. And what's more, they address only the symptoms of emotional pain, not the pain itself. In the pages of "Untwisted: How to Use the Power of Love to Heal Your Emotional Pain", psychologist Ted Anders (who created the LifeLift Experience seminars to help others let go of painful, self-limiting beliefs and achieve sustainable inner peace and joyful creative freedom) offers a different perspective on the subject and presents a unique step-by-step approach to breaking this cycle for good. "Untwisted" proposes a proven drug-free technique you can use to eliminate the root cause of your emotional wounds and transform your life for the better. Thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, following the simple but powerful practices described in "Untwisted", is an ideal start to untangling from persistent sadness, loneliness, depression, and anger. While unreservedly recommended for community library Self-Help/Self-Improvement instructional reference collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Untwisted" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $16.10).


The Poetry Shelf

So Far So Good
Ursula K. Le Guin
Copper Canyon Press
PO Box 271, Port Townsend, WA 98368
www.coppercanyonpress.org
9781556595387, $23.00, HC, 100pp, www.amazon.com

Ursula K. Le Guin (October 21, 1929 - January 22, 2018) is best known for her ground- breaking science fiction novels, but she began her literary career as a poet, and wrote across genres for the rest of her life. "So Far So Good" is clarifying and sublime collection of her poetry from 2014 to 1018 and was completed shortly before her death. Le Guin is unflinching in the face of mor- tality, and full of wonder for the mysteries beyond. Redolent of the lush natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, with rich sounds playfully echoing myth and nursery rhyme, and certain to be an enduringly popular addition to community and academic library poetry collections, "So Far So Good" is especially and unreservedly recommended to the attention of all Ursula LeGuin fans. The Combat: On the farthest margin of old age / in thickets and quicksands of half-sleep / the fat grey serpent of despair / wrestles with the thin tiger of my rage. // The tiger's teeth meet in the snake / Break writhing backbone, break!


The Education Shelf

Project Based Teaching
Suzie Boss & John Larmer
ASCD
1703 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311-1714
www.ascd.org
9781416626732, $28.95, PB, 205pp, www.amazon.com

"Project Based Teachers: How to Create Rigorous and Engaging Learning Experiences" is specially written for the purpose of encouraging active questioning, curiosity, and peer learning; create learning environments in which every student has a voice; and have a mastery of content but are also comfortable responding to students' questions by saying, "I don't know. Let's find out together." Educational consultants Suzie Boss and John Larmer build on the framework for Gold Standard PBL originally presented in Setting the Standard for Project Based Learning and explore the seven practices integral to Project Based Teaching: Build the Culture; Design and Plan; Align to Standards; Manage Activities; Assess Student Learning; Scaffold Student Learning; Engage and Coach. For each practice, "Project Based Teaching" present a wide range of practical strategies and include teachers' reflections about and suggestions from their classroom experiences. Exceptionally accessible in organization and presentation, "Project Based Teaching" is unreservedly recommended for school district, college, and university library Teacher Education instructional reference collections and supplemental studies lists.

Choral Counting & Counting Collections
Megan L. Franke, Elham Kazemi, & Angela Chan Turrou, editors
Stenhouse Publishers
282 Corporate Drive, Suite I, Portsmouth, NH 03801.
www.stenhouse.com
9781625311092, $38.67, PB, 210pp, www.amazon.com

Basic mathematics is a critically important component of elementary school education from preschool through fifth grade. Collaboratively compiled and co-edited by Megan L. Franke, (Professor of education at UCLA), Elham Kazemi (Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Washington), and Angela Chan Turrou, (who is a senior researcher at UCLA, works to support preservice and inservice teachers across preschool and elementary settings to deepen teaching with children's mathematical thinking at its center), "Choral Counting & Counting Collections: Transforming the PreK-5 Math Classroom" presents the collective wisdom of mathematics teachers and researchers across the country who explore activities that are at once playful and intentional, simple and sophisticated. "Choral Counting & Counting Collections" covers such issues as: How to facilitate open-ended counting activities to deepen children's number sense; How counting activities can produce both social and academic benefits; How teachers can engage with families to build on students' mathematical thinking; How to facilitate collaborative activities with multiple entry points and multiple ways to be successful. Impressively well organized and presented, "Choral Counting & Counting Collections" is unreservedly recommended for school district, college, and university library Teacher Education collections and supplemental studies lists.


The Biography Shelf

Susie
Ray Rhodes Jr.
Moody Publishers
820 N. LaSalle Blvd., Chicago, IL 60610
www.moodypublishers.com
9780802418340, $19.99, HC, 320pp, www.amazon.com

While many Christians recognize the name of Charles H. Spurgeon, the beloved preacher and writer, few are familiar with the life and legacy of his wife, Susie. Yet Susannah Spurgeon was an accomplished and devout woman of God who had a tremendous ministry in her own right, as well as in support of her husband. Even while dealing with serious health issues, she administered a book fund for poor pastors, edited and published her husband's sermons and other writings, led a pastor's aid ministry, wrote five books, made her home a hub of hospitality, and was instrumental in planting a church. And as her own writing attests, she was also a warm, charming, and fascinating woman. Now, for the first time, "Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon, wife of Charles H. Spurgeon" by Ray Rhodes Jr.( founding pastor of Grace Community Church of Dawsonville, GA) brings this vibrant woman's story to modern readers in a detailed and informative examination of Susannah's life, showing that she was not only the wife of London's most famous preacher, but also a woman who gave all she had in grateful service to the Lord. While very highly recommended for church, community, and academic library American Biography collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Susie" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.59).


The Sports Shelf

The New Power Eating
Susan M. Kleiner, et al.
Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
PO Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61820-5076
www.HumanKinetics.com
9781492567264, $24.95, PB, 432pp, www.amazon.com

Written especially for athletes, "The New Power Eating: More Muscle, More Energy, Less Fat" brings together the latest scientific research on nutrition planning and explains not just what to eat but also when and how to adjust eating plans for your body and specific energy needs. Whether it's a heavy or light training day, in peak season or off-season, you'll learn how to achieve your physique and performance goals safely, legally, and effectively. New recipes pack a nutritional punch into every meal or snack, and sample meal plans for each meal of the day help you easily put it all together. Of special not is the inclusion of a food group template to help you customize your own menus. Plus, updated details on safe supplements guide you through the maze of marketing claims to help you select the best options in view of the scientific evidence. Products and brands based on testing for purity, potency, digestibility, and absorption. Fascinating facts explain how your relationship with food and the gut-to-brain axis can affect your physical and emotional health and performance. Both males and females will discover gender-specific guidance and strategies to help you take advantage of your body's benefits and overcome unhealthy triggers or habits to create and maintain an effective power eating program. Exceptionally informative and thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "The New Power Eating" is an extraordinary and highly recommended addition to personal, community, academic library, and professional sports team collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated athletes that "The New Power Eating" is also available in a digital book format (eTextbook, $13.99).


The Audiobook Shelf

Stygian: A Dark-Hunter Novel
Sherrilyn Kenyon
Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887, Grand Haven, MI 49417
www.brillianceaudio.com
9781511363297, $29.99, MP3 CD, www.amazon.com

Born the grandson of the Greek god Apollo and through an act of extreme violence by the last surviving Atlantean goddess, "Stygian" is the story of the 11,000 year life span of a struggling demigod that reveals the origins of vampires called 'Daimons', the origin and purpose of Dark Hunters, and the repeated conflicts between pantheons, as well as individual clashes between the gods. A part of author Sherrilyn Kenyon's acclaimed Dark Hunter series, this complete and unabridged audio book edition of "Stygian" is able narrated Holter Graham and is very highly recommended for both personal and community library Science Fiction & Fantasy audio book collections. (MP3 CD, 2 Discs, 26 hours, 6 minutes).


The Graphic Novel Shelf

The Mental Load
Emma
Translated by Una Dimitrijevic
Seven Stories Press
140 Watts Street, New York, NY 10013
www.sevenstories.com
9781609809188 $18.95 www.amazon.com

Flawlessly translated into English by Una Dimitrijevic, The Mental Load: A Feminist Comic a social commentary in color graphic novel format by outspoken French blogger Emma. Although Emma characterizes herself as a feminist and primarily speaks of social injustice against women, she openly criticizes aspects of society that harm men as well - such as police violence that disproportionately takes the lives of young men of color. Topics addressed include "the mental load" (that women are expected to plan and keep track of all household tasks, in addition to doing the housekeeping); how doctors and hospitals all too frequently perform an unnecessary episiotomy (a surgical incision in the vaginal wall) to speed up childbirth and vacate hospital beds, despite the lasting harm that can result to women's bodies; how lack of parental leave for fathers results in an unfair burden on mothers and newborn children; how society consistently rewards men for aggression while stigmatizing women for any remotely aggressive act (including but not limiting to standing up for themselves when men make sexist or derogatory comments), and much more. The Mental Load is thought-provoking, enlightening, and highly recommended.

One Dirty Tree
Noah Van Sciver
Uncivilized Books
PO Box 6534, Minneapolis, MN 55406
uncivilizedbooks.com
9781941250273 $19.95 amazon.com

One Dirty Tree is a hardcover graphic novel memoir by author Noah Van Sciver, who grew up in a large Mormon family in an utterly dilapidated New Jersey house with an address number of 133, or "One Dirty Tree". His parents were devoutly religious; they had nine children, whom his mother stayed at home to raise... but his father struggled and ultimately failed to earn enough money to provide for such a large family. Noah's impoverished childhood in that house, surrounded by bathtubs full of dirty dishes, a hardwood floor full of painful splinters, a front yard full of mud, and countless other troubles left a lasting impression on his psyche, affecting his midlife friendships and relationships. Thoughtful, reflective, and sympathetic to his parents even while describing a difficult childhood, One Dirty Tree is highly recommended.


The Music CD Shelf

Come See About Me
The Mountain Home Family
Mountain Home Music Company
mountainhomemusiccompany.com
$TBA CD / $9.49 MP3 amazon.com

Come See About Me is a bluegrass music album created especially to benefit the IBMA Trust Fund, which was created especially to aid musicians who encounter sudden illness, vehicle accidents, or other catastrophic hardships, in order to help them get back to creating the music they love as soon as possible. Songs by a wide medley of contributors make Come See About Me a smorgasbord of passionate, emotional music with a strong positive message of trust, support, and helping those in need. Highly recommended! The tracks are "Their Hands Made the Music", "A Little Trust", "All the Good Things "We Could Do", "If I Needed You", "We're All in This Together", "You've Got a Friend in Me", "We'll Never Walk Alone", "Those Tears", "Glimpse of the Kingdom", "Help!", and "Come See About Me".

Glassellland
Jordie Lane
www.jordielane.com
Privately Published
$11.98 CD / $11.49 download amazon.com

Glassellland is an original music album inspired by the Glassell Park neighborhood (and its titular sign, an ironic rendition of Los Angeles' original Hollywoodland sign), as well as the simple notion of searching for one's dreams amid day-to-day life. The Glassell Park is a working- class neighborhood, and these songs celebrate the drive to devote oneself to labors of blood, sweat, tears, and love. Highly recommended. The tracks are "Symmetry", "Black Diamond", "Out of State", "A Piece of Land", "America, Won't You Make My Dreams Come True?", "Better Not Go Outside", "Time Just Flew", "Interlude 31", "Frederick Steele McNeil Ferguson", "Act Like This", "Dreamin' the Life", "In Dreams of War", and "Rambling Mind".

Deva
Deva Premal
www.DevaPremalMiten.com
Privately Published
$11.99 CD / $9.49 MP3 amazon.com

Deva is the self-titled debut album of world-class chant singer Deva Premal. Her mellifluous, soothing voice promotes inspiration, meditation, and spiritual exploration. ("Buddham Sharanam" in particular pays respect to the teachings of the Buddha.) Deva is a beautiful, harmonious album, highly recommended. The tracks are "Seven Chakra Gayatri Mantra", "Sarva Mangala", "Prabhujee (feat. Anoushka Shankar)", "Buddham Sharanam", "Mahamantra", "Vakratunda Mahakaya", and "Seven Chakra Gayatri Mantra".

A New Awareness: Music of the Twelve Rays
Richard Shulman
Privately Published
RealityofYourGreatness.com
$TBA CD / $11.88 MP3 amazon.com

A New Awareness: Music of the Twelve Rays is a spiritual music album, crafted in collaboration with author Michael G. Love and inspired by his book "The Reality of Your Greatness: A Personal Journey Through the Twelve Rays" (9781943070343, $19.95 pbk / $12.99 Kindle). The twelve meditative songs promote reflection, inspiration, hope, and healing. Highly recommended, especially for new age connoisseurs! The tracks are "Divine Will", "Love and Wisdom", "Active Intelligence", "Harmony through Conflict", "Concrete Knowledge", "Devotion and Idealism", "Gateway into Awareness", "The Cleansing Ray", "Contact with the Soul Level", "The Body of Light", "The Bridge to the New Awareness", and "The New Awareness".

Still Happy
Danny Bacher
www.dannybachermusic.com
Whaling City Sound
www.whalingcitysound.com
c/o Naxos of America (dist.)
www.naxosusa.com
$16.99 CD / $8.99 MP3 amazon.com

Still Happy is a jazz album by Danny Bacher, featuring time-honored treasures of the genre and classic takes on the Great American Songbook, all performed with his unique, vibrant flair. A treat for connoisseurs of the genre, Still Happy is a treasure for personal music lists and holiday gift-giving. The tracks are "Getting Some Fun Out of Life", "Laughing at Life", "In Spite of All This, I'm Still Happy", "Shakin' The Blues Away", "Hooray for Hollywood", "Lucky To Be Me", "Joie De Vivre", "This Happy Madness", "Joy Spring", "Lazy Afternoon", "Get Happy", and "Cloudy/Nuages".


The DVD Shelf

East West 101, Series 3
Acorn Media
c/o RLJ Entertainment
www.us.RLJEntertainment.com
$39.99 www.acornonline.com

East West 101, Series 3 is the third and final season of the award-winning crime series set in the city of Sydney, Australia. Based on the stories of real life detectives, East West 101 deals with cultural rifts, schisms in socio-economic status, and religious tensions in Australia. In the final season, Detective Zane Malik decided to resign, in search of a less dangerous life with his family. But when his wife and son become involved in a hit-and-run accident, Malik searches for the perpetrator, a hunt that puts him on the trail of the robbery of an armored vehicle that left four people dead. A former army officer who blames Muslim extremists for the attack, but Malik suspects that there is far more to the case. An intense, edge-of-seat gripping drama, East West 101 is highly recommended, especially for connoisseurs of the genre. Bonus materials include a 20 min. behind-the-scenes featurette and 7 min. of deleted scenes. 7 episodes on 2 DVDs, 377 min. plus bonus, SDH subtitles.

Tinplate Legends in Action 5-DVD Boxed Set
A McComas/Stachler Production
TM Books & Video
PO Box 9228, Michigan City, IN 46361
9781936890934 $29.99 www.tmbv.com

Tinplate Legends in Action 5-DVD Boxed Set features a total of over five hours of programming featuring tinplate model trains, filmed in widescreen and HD. These toy trains were crafted before World War II, and share a vintage appeal. Beautifully preserved and running just as they would have when they were created decades ago, Tinplate Legends in Action is a "must-have" for model rail enthusiasts eager to experience a slice of history. Highly recommended.

World Class HiRail Layouts Parts 1, 2, 3 & 4
A McComas/Stachler Production
TM Books & Video
PO Box 9228, Michigan City, IN 46361
9781936890972 $29.99 www.tmbv.com

World Class HiRail Layouts Parts 1, 2, 3 & 4 is a DVD collection featuring extraordinary scale scenery, beautifully crafted model structures, and captivatingly realistic model trains. Some layouts were assembled by dedicated individuals, others by model railroad clubs or societies. All are sure to amaze and astound model rail enthusiasts, and feature film footage so vivid it's difficult to discern from real life trains. Highly recommended! 4 hours, 30 min.

Toy Train Revue 5-DVD Boxed Set
A McComas/Stachler Production
TM Books & Video
PO Box 9228, Michigan City, IN 46361
9781936890378 $29.99 www.tmbv.com

Toy Train Revue 5 DVD Boxed Set collects five delightful 90-minute DVDs about model trains into one convenient carrying case. The compilation features model trains and layouts big and small, as well as operating tips, cherished collections, information on how to use toy train control systems, rare trains, fix-up projects and more. Each 90-minute program includes 60 minutes of new HD video footage in widescreen, plus 30 minutes of digitally re-mastered archival footage from the original "Toy Train Revue" series. The result is a treasury for model rail enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds. The fourth and fifth programs contain special Christmas celebrations from 2014 and 2015 respectively, making Toy Train Revue 5-DVD Boxed Set the perfect holiday gift for hobbyists! Highly recommended. 7 hours, 30 min.

Holden Qigong series
Lee Holden
www.holdenqigong.com
YMAA Publications
PO Box 480, Wolfeboro, NH 03894-0480
$29.95 each www.ymaa.com

Two DVDs from Qi Gong master Lee Holden demonstrate how routines grounded in an ancient Chinese system of "moving meditation" can promote health in body and mind. "Qi Gong: Mindfulness in Motion" (45 min.) teaches Qi Gong movements in a viewer-friendly manner, emphasizing how to lead the Qi (or "life-force energy") with focus, and how to quiet one's mind for deeper relaxation, as well as promote mindfulness in daily life. "Qi Gong: Five Elements Energy Balance" demonstrates the five-element cycle as a means to foster harmony with nature in one's everyday life, and harness one's energy and emotions to their full potential. Both DVDs are excellent supplements to fitness DVD collections, and highly recommended especially for anyone interested in partaking in the benefits of Qi Gong.


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

Chinese Astrology: Forecast Your Future
Man-Ho Kwok & Martin Palmer
Red Feather
c/o Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
www.schifferbooks.com
978 0764355943, $24.99, PB, 128pp, www.amazon.com

How does your Chinese zodiac sign influence your life? How does your lunar date of birth affect your fortune? Find out the answers to these questions and more, in "Chinese Astrology: Forecast Your Future", an easy-to-follow guide to the fascinating ancient art of Chinese astrology by the team of Man-Ho Kwok (who trained for twenty years in the Taoist tradition and was one of the first people to bring knowledge of the Chinese calendar to the West) and Martin Palmer (who is a world-renowned authority on Chinese culture, and the author of a range of titles on international traditions and beliefs). "Chinese Astrology" shows how to make accurate readings about every aspect of your life based on your date and time of birth according to the Chinese calendar. From your love life to your career, and from your own personality to your compatibility with others, "Chinese Astrology" offers a wealth of advice giving invaluable insight into almost any situation. Now you can discover what your future holds! Thoroughly 'reader friendly' in organization and presentation, "Chinese Astrology" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library Metaphysical Studies collections in general, and Chinese Astrology supplemental studies lists in particular.

The Mirror of Magic
Kurt Seligmann
Inner Traditions International, Ltd.
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
www.innertraditions.com
9781620557907, $50.00, HC, 512pp, www.amazon.com

Kurt Seligmann (1900-1962) was a Swiss-American Surrealist painter and expert on magic, known for his extensive collection of rare books and his monumental role in the popularization of Surrealism in the United States. In what has become an occult classic, Seligmann's "The Mirror of Magic," draws from his encyclopedic practitioner's knowledge and extensive antiquarian collection to offer a comprehensive, illustrated history of magic and the occult from Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt through the 18th century. He explores the gods and divinatory arts of the legendary Sumerians and the star-wise Babylonians, including the birth of astrology. He examines the afterlife beliefs of the ancient Egyptians and the dream interpretation practices and oracles of ancient Greece, including the mysteries of Eleusis and the magical philosophy of Plato, Socrates, and other Greeks. He uncovers the origins of Gnosticism and the suppression and banishment of magic by the post-pagan, Christian emperors of Rome. First published in 1948, this comprehensive history of magic and the occult seeks to "mirror" the magical worldview throughout the ages. Beautifully illustrated with images from Seligmann's rare library, this new collector's edition from Inner Traditions International features all of the artwork (more than 250 images) from the original 1948 edition. While very highly recommended for personal, professional, community, college, and university library Metaphysical Studies collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists of students, practitioners, and academia, that "The Mirror of Magic" is also available in a digital book format (eTextbook, $33.99).

New Era Elements Tarot
Eleonore F. Pieper
U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
www.usgamesinc.com
9781572819214, $21.95, Cards, 196pp, www.amazon.com

Uniquely relevant and fully accessible, the "New Era Elements Tarot" deck replaces the esoteric symbolism of traditional tarot with intriguing images of 21st century global life. Eleonore F. Pieper's four tarot suits are explicitly connected to the four elements (Fire, Water, Air and Earth), and the court cards represent four distinct world cultures. This simply outstanding "New Era Elements Tarot" includes 80 cards and 116-page guidebook and is unreservedly recommended for personal and professional Tarot collections.

Messages from the Light Meditation Deck
Joyce Huntington
U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
www.usgamesinc.com
9781572819238, $29.95, Cards, 76pp, www.amazon.com

"Messages from the Light Meditation Deck" by Joyce Huntington is visionary deck delivers inspirational messages from the light that help illuminate ordinary things in life with fresh, new insights. The cards invite you to look inward as you focus on a spiritual image, allowing subconscious connections to surface. This unique deck can help you develop gratitude and intention as it guides you toward centering, abundance and transformation. Very highly recommended for personal and professional collections, The "Messages from the Light Meditation Deck" includes 52 cards and a 24-page instructional booklet.


The Fashion Shelf

Contemporary Muslim Fashions
Jill d'Allesandro & Reina Lewis
Prestel Publishing
900 Broadway, Suite 603, New York, NY 10003
www.prestel.com
9783791357829, $75.00, HC, 320pp, www.amazon.com

The collaborative work of Jill d'Allesandro & Reina Lewis and nine erudite and informative contributors, "Contemporary Muslim Fashions" is dazzling visual exploration of contemporary Muslim modest dress, ranging from historic styles to present-day examples, and accompanied by a major exhibition and revealing the enormous range of self-expression through fashion achieved by Muslim men and women. Filled with from cover to cover with documentary and full color fashion photography, as well as stills from runway shows and the media, "Contemporary Muslim Fashions" deftly explores the ways Muslim style cultures are shaped by global trends and religious beliefs. From high-end couture to streetwear, "Contemporary Muslim Fashions" shows how established and diaspora regions, such as Dubai, Jakarta, London, and New York, are homes to thriving industries that create classic and cutting-edge looks. Accompanying these images are essays and personal narratives by leading voices that touch on everything from the history of modest dress to social media. A fascinating examination of a major segment of the fashion industry, "Contemporary Muslim Fashions" successfully highlights the ingenuity and creativity of Muslim designers and wearers as they deftly navigate the fashion industry while maintaining their religious and cultural identities. Impressively informative, visually stunning, a unique and unreservedly recommended, "Contemporary Muslim Fashions" will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library Contemporary Fashions collections and supplemental studies lists.


The Business Shelf

Reinventing Jobs
Ravin Jesuthasan & John W. Boudreau
Harvard Business Review Press
60 Harvard Way, Boston, MA 02163
http://hbr.org/books
9781633694071, $32.00, HC, 224pp, www.amazon.com

In the pages of "Reinventing Jobs: A 4-Step Approach for Applying Automation to Work", Ravin Jesuthasan (Managing Director at Willis Towers Watson and a recognized global thought leader on the future of work. He is a member of the World Economic Forum's Steering Committee on Work and Employment) and John Boudreau (Professor of Management Organization at the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business and Research Director at the university's Center for Effective Organizations) present business leaders with a new set of tools to answer the daunting questions of how, when, and where should they apply automation in their organization. "Reinventing Jobs" shows how smart corporate leaders are optimizing human-automation combinations that are not only more efficient but also generate higher returns on improved performance. Based on groundbreaking primary research, Reinventing Jobs provides an original, structured approach of four distinct steps (deconstruct, optimize, automate, and reconfigure) to help leaders reinvent how work gets bundled into jobs and create optimal human-machine combinations. With numerous examples and practical advice for applying the four-step process, "Reinventing Jobs" gives corporate leaders and entrepreneurs a more precise, and actionable way to decide how, when, and where to apply and optimize work automation. Thoroughly accessible in tone, commentary, organization and presentation, "Reinventing Jobs" should be a part of every corporate, community, college, and university library Business Management collection and supplemental studies list. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of corporate executives, union executives, MBA students, academia, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Reinventing Jobs" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $19.66).


The Needlecraft Shelf

Weaving Patterned Bands
Susan J. Foulkes
Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
www.schifferbooks.com
9780764355509, $26.99, HC, 152pp, www.amazon.com

Narrow bands woven in colorful patterns are a centuries-old part of Baltic craft tradition. The double slotted heddle makes patterned band weaving quicker to learn and easier to do. Susan J. Foulkes is a widely experienced designer/weaver and focuses her research on the woven patterned bands from around the Baltic region. In the illustrated pages of "Weaving Patterned Bands: How to Create and Design with 5, 7, and 9 Pattern Threads" she draws upon her years of experience and expertise to present the first comprehensive instructional reference book that teaches beginners the needlecraft arts of how to create patterned bands. The craft doesn't involve bulky equipment. Everything needed can be stored in a shoe box! Aspiring needlecrafters will learn how to weave these beautiful bands step by step, from the simple 5 pattern threads to the more complex 7 and 9 patterns. Color photographs illustrate the instructions for learning to weave. More than 140 patterns are included, along with principles for planning your own unique designs for contemporary uses such as straps, belts, bracelets, and even handfasting bands. The breathtaking range of colorful bands woven in Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Norway are explored and offer additional inspiration. Thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "Weaving Patterned Bands" is unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, and community library Needlecraft instructional reference collections.

Sleigh Bells
Jan Patek
The Patchwork Place
c/o Martingale & Company
19021 - 120th Avenue NE, Suite 102, Bothell, WA 98011
www.shopmartingale.com
9781604689471, $18.99, PB, 24pp, www.amazon.com

Now quilting enthusiasts can celebrate the season making a quilt chock-full of winter's charms! "Sleigh Bells: Stitch a Folk-Art Quilt Full of Winter Fun" offers a dozen cute quilt-block designs featuring whimsical snowmen, quaint cottages, towering trees, wonky stars, and joyful angels, plus kids bundled up for wintertime fun. Need some cold-weather comfort? At queen size, this cozy quilt can be showcased anywhere -- and cuddled under anytime you need to warm up! Even the most novice quilting enthusiasts can use Jan's needle-turn technique, or any favorite applique method, to make each block. For quick coordinating projects, turn single blocks into pillows, wall quilts, table toppers, and more! Full-size patterns included. While "Sleigh Bells" is highly recommended for personal and community library Needlecraft instructional reference collections, it should be noted that it is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.99).

Cat Lady Embroidery
Applemints
Creative Publishing International
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1722
www.quartoknows.com
9781589239647, $19.99, PB, 120pp, www.amazon.com

Applemints is publisher in Japan, well known for their craft titles. Fat, striped, cheshire, or grumpy, Applemints' "Cat Lady Embroidery: 380 Ways to Stitch a Cat" offers more than 300 embroidery stitch patterns for cat lovers. Each set of patterns offers a range of ideas in different styles, shapes, genres from simple to more complex. A ideal instruction manual for embroidery beginners, as well as anyone looking for fun and simple patterns, the original designs and clear instructions comprising "Cat Lady Embroidery" is a 'must have' for any embroidery enthusiasts library and is unreservedly recommended for personal and community library needlecraft instructional reference collections.

Creating Art Quilts with Panels
Joyce Hughes
Landauer Publishing
c/o Fox Chapel Publishing
1970 Broad Street, East Petersburg, PA 17520
www.landauercorp.com
9781947163164, $24.99, PB, 128pp, www.amazon.com

In "Creating Art Quilts with Panels", quilter and fiber artist Joyce Hughes reveals her creative methods for creating stunning pictorial quilts. Quilt makers will discover how to make a quilt pop and explore endless options for creativity with free-motion quilting, thread painting, trapunto, overlay, three-dimensional effects, machine techniques, raw edge applique, and a variety of embellishments. Profusely illustrated, "Creating Art Quilts with Panels" shows how to take an ordinary fabric panel and turn it into a beautiful work of art, thereby creating gorgeous seasonal panels, beautiful florals, and magnificent panel replicas. From simple beading to more advanced three-dimensional pieces, "Creating Art Quilts with Panels" presents techniques clearly and concisely with detailed photographs in a step-by-step format. Of special note is that "Creating Art Quilts with Panels" features a photographic gallery of inspirational art quilt masterpieces. Thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "Creating Art Quilts with Panels" will prove to an immediate and enduringly popular addition to personal, professional, and community library quilting/needlecraft instructional reference collections.


The Travel Shelf

Waterfalls of Nova Scotia: A Guide
Benoit Lalonde
Goose Lane Editions
www.gooselane.com
9781773100227, $24.95, PB, 312pp, www.amazon.com

Nova Scotia is blessed with numerous must-see waterfalls, and "Waterfalls of Nova Scotia: A Guide" from self-described "waterfall addict" Benoit Lalonde brings together under one cover 100 of the province's very best waterfalls. Conveniently categorized by the government of Nova Scotia scenic route system, "Waterfalls of Nova Scotia: A Guide" is a rich and informative compendium that includes famous waterfalls such as Garden of Eden Fall, Wentworth Falls, Cuties Hollow, Annandale Falls and Butcher Hill Falls, as well as lesser-known but easy to locate gems. In addition to providing useful information on the height, type, and hiking distance of each waterfall, their degree of difficulty to reach is also assessed for the convenience of both novice and advanced hikers alike, "Waterfalls of Nova Scotia: A Guide" features gorgeous color photographs and individual maps of each location. "Waterfalls of Nova Scotia: A Guide" offers an invaluable reference as well as a tribute to the beauty of the falls and the natural splendor waiting to be discovered, making it an ideal and unreservedly recommended addition to personal and community library Canadian Travel Guide collections.


The Cookbook Shelf

The Venison Cookbook
Kate Fiduccia
Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.
www.skyhorsepublishing.com
9781510737259 $15.99 pbk / $9.99 Kindle amazon.com

The Venison Cookbook: Venison Dishes from Fast to Fancy is a cookbook filled with color photography and more than 125 recipes for venison meat, which is increasing in popularity even among people who don't hunt deer. Venison is a health, low-fat alternative to traditional meats such as beef, lamb, pork, and veal, and can be obtained domestically raised or imported via mail- order. No matter how one acquires venison, here are easy-to-follow, healthy recipes to prepare it in a wide variety of dishes, such as "Sweet Cherry Peppers with Venison Stuffing", "Venison Filet Wellington", "Quickie Venison Chili", and much more. Highly recommended!

Chili Madness
Jane Butel
Turner Publishing Company
200 - 4th Avenue North, Suite 950, Nashville, TN 37219
www.turnerpublishing.com
9781681624839, $34.99, HC, 208pp, www.amazon.com

Jane Butel is the leading international authority on the cuisine of the American Southwest and Regional Mexican cooking. This revised edition of her "Chili Madness" cookbook includes more than 160 recipes to feed the irresistible passion and teach the methods to chili madness. These recipes are not only for chili, but for all kinds of delicious dishes that use chilies in some creative and unexpected ways. Included throughout are bits of legendary origins and spiritual beginnings, a chili rating scale, and cook-off lore. In addition, Jane guides you through parching and peeling your own dried pods and fresh peppers, the 10-Step Chili Fitness Plan, the controversy of beans vs no beans, and beef vs. pork. Of special note is her Preface (Chili in the Twenty-First Centry) and her Introduction (Chili, the Irresistible Passion). Along with a wealth of thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' recipes, "Chili Madness" is enhanced with the inclusion of a list of Sources, Conversion Tales, a Chili chart, and an Index. While highly recommended as a popular addition to community library cookbook collections, it should be noted that "Chili Madness" is also available in a paperback edition (9781681624822, $15.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $15.19).

Best of Bridge Weekday Suppers
Emily Richards & Sylvia Kong
Robert Rose Inc.
www.robertrose.ca
9780778806103, $29.95, Spiral Bound, 288pp, www.amazon.com

"Best of Bridge Weekday Suppers" showcases some 175 recipes ranging from delectable weekday recipes for Smoky Tomato Chickpea Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons; Shrimp and Bacon Spinach Salad; Pineapple Pulled Pork Buns; Stovetop Gnocchi and Beef Stew, and Rosemary Lamb; Feta Meatballs on Lemon Garlic Potatoes, and Curried Turkey Pot Pie. A hardcover, spiral bound cookbook that will lay conveniently flat on a kitchen table or counter, "Best of Bridge Weekday Suppers" is beautifully illustrated with full color photography throughout. Of special note is the one page listing of 'Measuring Tips'. Simply stated, as a source of thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' recipes that are unfailingly palate pleasing and appetite satisfying, "Best of Bridge Weekday Suppers" will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to personal, family, and community library cookbook collections.

Fresh Alaska Cookbook
Rob Kinneen
University of Alaska Press
PO Box 756240, Fairbanks, AK 99775-6240
www.alaska.edu/uapress
9781602233591, $40.00, HC, 144pp, www.amazon.com

Rob Kinneen is an Alaska Native chef who has been working in restaurants since he was fifteen years old. He has worked and staged in Louisiana, North Carolina, New York, and Illinois. He is a chef at The Boot in Durham, North Carolina, and also runs a catering company specializing in Alaska cuisine. Kinneen made it his mission to bring the flavors of his home state to the lower 48, combining contemporary cooking with Alaska's native plants and animals. Going beyond smoked salmon and crab chowder, in the pages of his "Fresh Alaska Cookbook", Kinneen introduces us to Arctic Polenta and Razor Clam Fritters with Smoked Mustard Aioli. While salmon, crab, and moose do figure prominently in this culinary compendium, so do updates of foods like agudak and bannock. Along with the recipes, Kinneen describes the culinary culture of the many regions and peoples of Alaska and argues for the importance of a local food movement. "Fresh Alaska Cookbook" also offers tips for non-Alaskan cooks who want to taste more of the flavors unique to the state. Beautifully illustrated throughout with the full color photography of Ash Adams and Brian Adams, the "Fresh Alaska Cookbook" is a unique and very highly recommended addition to personal, family, professional, and community library cookbook collections.

Dump Cake Magic
Anne Schaeffer
Fox Chapel Publishing Company
1970 Broad Street N., East Petersburg, PA 17520
www.FoxChapelPublishing.com
9781565238763, $14.99, PB, 128pp, www.amazon.com

Colleen Dorsey is a writer specializing in the craft and hobby industry, and an editor at Design Originals and Fox Chapel Publishing. In "Dump Cake Magic: The No-Bowl, No-Mess Method of Fuss-Free Baking" she showcases more than 75 easy stir-and-bake recipes enhanced with the inclusion of full-color photos accompanying simple kitchen cook friendly instructions for making desserts a 'piece of cake'! With recipes ranging from Pina Colada Angel Food Cake; French Pear Tart; Strawberry Cake; and Deep Dish Pumpkin Snack Cake; to Peachy Butter Pecan Cake; Cherry Cola Cake; Peppermint Patty Brownies; and Skillet Sugar Cookies, "Dump Cake Magic" will prove to be an extraordinarily and singularly popular addition to family, personal, professional, and community library cookbook collections!

Taste of Home Cast Iron
Taste of Home, editor
Reader's Digest Trade Publishing
44 South Broadway, White Plains, NY 10601
www.rdtradepublishing.com
9781617657405, $12.99, HC, Spiral Binding, 208pp, www.amazon.com

Taste of Home is the leading multi-platform producer of information on food, cooking and entertaining, serving home cooks engaging media that capture the joy and comfort received from food made with love. "Taste of Home Cast Iron" beautifully illustrates and showcases 100 recipes using a cast iron skillet for their creation. The recipes are deftly organized into five major sections: Snacks & Starters; Rise & Shine; Ring the Dinner Bell; Breads & Sides; Crisps, Cobblers & More. With thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' dishes ranging from Hot Sausage & Bean Dip; Mediterranean Broccoli & Cheese Omelet; German Apple Pancake; Camper's Breakfast Hash; and Seasoned Crab Cakes; to Oven Barbecued Pork Chops; Oven Swiss Steak; Wonderful English Muffins; Golden Sweet Onion Bread; and Potato Pan Rolls, "Taste of Home Cast Iron" will prove to be an immensely popular addition to personal, family, and community library cookbook collections.

Taste of Home Happy Hour
Taste of Home, editor
Reader's Digest Trade Publishing
44 South Broadway, White Plains, NY 10601
www.rdtradepublishing.com
9781617657382, $12.99, HC, Spiral Binding, 208pp, www.amazon.com

The leading multi-platform producer of information on food, cooking and entertaining, serving home cooks engaging media that capture the joy and comfort received from food made with love, Taste of Home has created an impressively illustrated and thoroughly 'user friendly' spiral bound volume showcasing more than 100 cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks, appetizers and liquor desserts. Suitable for all occasions, the drink recipes range from the Mimosa; a Bubbly Champagne Punch; a Cranberry-Jalapeno Martini; and a Spring Strawberry Sangria; to Rosemary Lemonade; A Pineapple Colada Shake; a Holiday peppermint Mocha; a Hot Apple Pie Drink, and so many more delicious drinks for both formal and informal gatherings. Of special note for the novice drink mixer and maker are the occasional 'Helpful Hint' entries. Whether planning for a simple get together or an elaborately elegant celebration, "Taste of Home Happy Hour" is an ideal and highly recommended addition to personal, professional, family, and community library cookbook collections.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

Sheepfarmer's Daughter
Elizabeth Moon
Baen Books
PO Box 1188, Wake Forest NC 27588
www.baen.com
9781481483469, $16.00, PB, 416pp, www.amazon.com

Paksenarrion Dorthansdotter may be the daughter of a humble sheep farmer in the far north end of the kingdom, but she dreams of so much more. After refusing her father's orders to do the sensible thing and marry the pig farmer down the road, Paks, runs away to join a band of mercenaries, dreaming of daring deeds and military glory. But life in the army is different than she imagined, and her daydreams at first seem to be turning to nightmares. But Paks refuses to let her dreams die -- and does her duty with honor and integrity. Her path is an arduous one, but it will transform her into a hero remembered in songs, chosen by the gods to restore a lost ruler to his throne. The Compton Crook Award-winning first novel from Nebula-winning author Elizabeth Moon, and the first volume in her 'Paksenarrion Trilogy', this trade paperback edition features and all new introduction by the author. A deftly crafted and simply riveting read from beginning to end, "Sheepfamer's Daughter" will leave the reader looking eagerly toward the next to installments of this simply outstanding series!


The Science Shelf

Space Craft
Giuseppe De Chiara & Michael H. Gorn
Voyageur Press
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1722
www.quartoknows.com
9780760354186, $30.00, HC, 224pp, www.amazon.com

A federal historian of nearly 30 years, Michael H. Gorn spent 13 of those years at NASA. Giuseppe De Chiara is an accomplished aerospace professional who began his career as a designer of Parabolic Flights facilities. He later was assigned to the ISS program as a training expert and operations leader. In 2003 De Chiara began a second career as a professional aerospace illustrator. Together they have effectively collaborated in "Space Craft: 100 Iconic Rockets, Shuttles, and Satellites That Put Us in Space" to profile and depict spacecraft ranging from Sputnik 1, through the International Space Station, and everything in between, including concepts that have yet to actually venture outside the Earth's atmosphere. "Space Craft" depicts and describes the design, development, and deployment of these manned and unmanned spacecraft. The showcased satellites, capsules, space planes, rockets, and space stations are illustrated in multiple-view, sometimes cross-section, and in many cases shown in archival period photography to provide further historical context. Dividing the book by era, De Chiara and Gorn feature spacecraft not only from the United States and Soviet Union/Russia, but also from the European Space Agency and China. The marvels examined in this volume include the rockets Energia, Falcon 9, and VEGA; the Hubble Space Telescope; the Cassini space probe; and the Mars rovers, Opportunity and Curiosity. While very highly recommended for personal, community, and academic library Aerospace History collections and supplemental studies lists, it should be noted that "Space Craft" is also available in a digital book format (eTextbook, $14.99).


The Art Shelf

Folk Art Fusion
Heather Galler
Walter Foster Publishing
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1722
www.quartoknows.com
9781633221987, $21.95, PB, 160pp, www.amazon.com

In "Folk Art Fusion" folk artist Heather Galler shows how to blend classic subjects with new techniques to create unique works of art. "Folk Art Fusion" explores a colorful combination of art styles and presents them step by step in her modern folk art paintings. Aspiring folk artists can learn how traditional folk art continues to influence today's painters as you learn to create your own contemporary folk-art paintings. Even if for the utter novice new to creating art, "Folk Art Fusion" will enable the beginner to easily engage with step-by-step projects that are as varied as they are colorful. The do-it-yourself projects include flowers, animals, architecture, sugar skulls, portraits, and more. Some of the vibrant folk art pieces that can be replicated are Frida Kahlo, Day of the Dead, Maneki Neko, and Russian Nesting Dolls. Colorful, contemporary, and inspirational, "Folk Art Fusion" allows artists of all skill levels to quickly discover the joy of creating modern, globally inspired art in this time-treasured genre. While very highly recommended for personal, community, and academic library Folk Art instructional reference collections, it should be noted that "Folk Art Fusion" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Numinosity: Photographs, Paintings & Text
Richard Louis Perri
Regent Press
2747 Regent St., Berkeley, CA 94705
www.regentpress.net
9781587904332, $29.97, HC, 44pp, www.amazon.com

In the pages of "Numinosity: Photographs, Paintings & Text", Richard Louis Perri (aka Luckey) artistically presents of memorable images of urban San Francisco. Featured are neighborhood joints like Red's Java House, Carmen's, Wolfe's Lunch, The Whiz, and other iconic diners. For each showcased building there is a full color photograph juxtaposed with a painting and accompanied by a succinct descriptive commentary. The result is a fascinating browse and an appreciation for the art and artistry of Richard Louis Perri and his visual tour of a San Francisco not often celebrated.


The Crafts Shelf

Paint and Frame: Botanical Painting
Sara Boccaccini Meadows, author/illustrator
Race Point Publishing
c/o Quarto Publishing Group USA
400 First Avenue North, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1722
www.quartoknows.com
9781631064982, $19.99, PB, 96pp, www.amazon.com

Paint and Frame: Botanical Painting features 20 charming modern watercolor projects including florals, nature scenes, and more. With step-by-step instructions and watercolor paper included, you can try your hand at these "mini" projects, and then you can instantly display your painting in one of the enclosed frames. Aspiring artists can add their own patterns or colors to their frame, then simply fold it to an upright position, and their brand new watercolor painting can be displayed inside it. These handcrafted frames are ideal for displaying artwork around the house, at your desk, or to mail as a lovely handmade gift. "Paint and Frame: Botanical Painting" includes an instruction book, 20 step-by-step watercolor projects to try, an assortment of watercolor paper, and 5 fantastic frames to decorate and personalize the project. The perfect gift for the beginner artist looking to display their work in an elegant way without paying for expensive frames, "Paint and Frame: Botanical Painting" is unique, extraordinary, user friendly, and highly recommended!


The Automotive Shelf

Jeep TJ 1997-2006: How to Build & Modify
Michael Hanssen
CarTech Inc.
838 Lake Street South, Forest Lake, MN 55025
www.cartechbooks.com
9781613254288, $29.95, PB, 144pp, www.amazon.com

In "Jeep TJ 1997-2006: How to Build & Modify", Jeep enthusiast and expert Michael Hanssen presents everything you need to know about how to modify your TJ for off-road use is covered. Beginning with why you should choose a TJ for modification, Jeep expert Michael Hanssen takes you through all the different systems needing modification, including engine modifications and swaps, transmission swaps, transfer case and driveshafts modifications, axles and traction systems, suspensions and lifts, wheels, tires, brakes, chassis protection, electrical, and winches. Profusely illustrated with 397 color photos and charts, included in every chapter are step-by-step modification instructions to help walk you through the process. If you want to build a TJ for serious off-road trail use, or you just want a capable and great-looking Jeep for around town, "Jeep TJ 1997-2006: How to Build & Modify" from CarTech Inc. is the most comprehensive and 'user friendly' instruction manual available today.

Jaguar XK: A Celebration of Jaguar's 1950s Classic
Nigel Thorley
Veloce Publishing Ltd.
www.veloce.co.uk
9781787113022, $60.00, HC, 152pp, www.amazon.com

Nigel Thorley has been involved with Jaguars all his life, having owned 68 at the time of writing. His first Jaguar came at the age of 18, and he has owned most models over the years, currently owning a 5.0 litre XK Portfolio convertible and an XJ saloon. Nigel has written more than twenty titles on the Jaguar marque, including several of the Essential Buyer's Guides for Veloce Publishing. He is a founder member and director of the Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club and has edited its magazine, Jaguar Enthusiast, since 1984. In the pages of "Jaguar XK: A Celebration of Jaguar's 1950s Classic" he focuses on the Jaguar XK 120, 140 and 150 model ranges. The XK120 established Jaguar as a world-renowned marque, providing a remarkable combination of style, world-beating performance and innovative engineering, and the subsequent XK-40 and XK150 maintained Jaguar's position as a leading sports car manufacturer. With the aid of archive images and stunning studio photography, "Jaguar XK: A Celebration of Jaguar's 1950s Classic" is an impressively informative and inherently fascinating read. Simply stated, "Jaguar XK: A Celebration of Jaguar's 1950s Classic" will prove to be an immediate and enduringly popular addition to community and academic library Automotive History collections - - and is a 'must read' for all Jaguar automotive fans!

Volkswagen Beetle
Richard Copping
Veloce Publishing Ltd.
www.veloce.co.uk
9781844259663, $60.00, HC, 160pp, www.amazon.com

A former editor of VW Motoring magazine, Richard Copping is a lifelong Volkswagen enthusiast and has written many books and magazine articles on the marque, including Volkswagen Transporter: The first 60 years for Haynes. Now in "Volkswagen Beetle: A Celebration of the World's Most Popular Car" he draws upon his experience and expertise to provide a profusely illustrated study of one of the most iconic cars in the world. With more than 21 million built between 1945 and 2003, the Volkswagen Beetle was and remains the world's most popular car. A part of the simply outstanding Haynes Great Cars Series, where stunning studio photography combines with archive material and a narrative covering all the key elements in the history of perhaps the humblest of motoring icons, "Volkswagen Beetle" is unreserved recommended for personal, community, and academic library Automotive History collections and supplemental studies reading lists.


The Technology Shelf

FMCW Radar Design
M. Jankiraman
Artech House
685 Canton Street, Norwood, MA 02062
www.artechhouse.com
9781630815677, $179.00, HC, 420pp, www.amazon.com

Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radars are a fast expanding area in radar technology due to their stealth features, extremely high resolutions, and relatively clutter free displays. "FMCW Radar Design" by M. Jankiraman (who is a senior radar advisor to Larson and Toubro, Ltd, a holder of 4 patents in the field, has decades of industry experience, and holds a Masters of Technology in radar design from The Delft University of Technology, as well as a Ph.D. in wireless communications from Aalborg University) is groundbreaking resource offers engineers expert guidance in designing narrowband FMCW radars for surveillance, navigation, and missile seeking. It also provides professionals with a thorough understanding of underpinnings of this burgeoning technology. Moreover, "FMCW Radar Design" provides detailed coverage of the RF components that form the basis of radar construction. Featuring clear examples, "FMCW Radar Design" presents critical discussions on key applications and will prove to be an essential, cored addition to corporate, college, and university library Contemporary Technology collections in general, and FMCW radar supplemental studies reading lists in particular.


The Humor Shelf

Humorists vs. Religion
Iain Ellis
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
https://mcfarlandbooks.com
9781476675602, $39.95, PB, 267pp, www.amazon.com

Critical humorists and religion are steeped in a long-standing cultural antagonism. "Humorists vs. Religion: Critical Voices from Mark Twain to Neil DeGrasse Tyson" by Iain Ellis (who is a Senior Lecturer in the English Department at the University of Kansas) recounts the dramatic skirmishes between religion (its dogma and edicts, political manifestations, and the nature of faith) and the satire, parody, jokes and hyperbole of popular wits. The writings of Twain, Vonnegut, Mencken and Hitchens are included, along with the films of Monty Python, the cartoons of Charlie Hebdo, the animated television series The Simpsons and South Park, the comedy of George Carlin and Bill Maher, the music of Randy Newman and Pussy Riot, the performance monologue of Julia Sweeney and the magic of Penn Jillette. A simply fascinating, thoughtful and thought-provoking read from cover to cover, "Humorists vs. Religion" is a critically important and highly recommended addition for community and academic library collections. It should be noted for the personal reading lists of students, academia, and non- specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "Humorists vs. Religion" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $19.99).


The Martial Arts Shelf

Martial Structure
Phillip Starr
Blue Snake Books
North Atlantic Books
2526 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94704-2607
www.northatlanticbooks.com
9781623172268, $14.95, PB, 136pp, www.amazon.com

In all martial disciplines (including karate, judo, taekwondo, and gong-fu) real martial skill does not require the development of large muscles or great strength but rather correct posture. In the pages of "Martial Structure: How to Maximize Your Martial Arts Skills through Body Alignment, Movement, and Breathing", and drawing on decades of experience as both a martial arts student and a teacher, Phillip Starr focuses on how physical posture affects not only physical abilities but also the mental condition and emphasizes the importance of developing power without exerting unnecessary muscular force. Starr's thorough and accessible explanation of the principles of physical structure as they pertain to the human body and how these affect martial arts performance shows how anyone, regardless of size or strength, can learn to generate uncanny power with very little muscular effort through the enhanced stability achieved by maintaining correct alignment and proper structure. Abundantly illustrated throughout with photographs that provide step-by-step instructions, "Martial Structure" is essential for anyone wanting to understand how the laws of physics and biomechanics can be harnessed to make them faster, more powerful, and more effective in actual combat. While unreservedly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library Martial Arts instructional reference collections, it should be noted that "Martial Structure" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).


The Gardening Shelf

Stylish Succulents
Tokiiro
Tuttle Publishing
364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759-9436
www.tuttlepublishing.com
9780804850957, $16.99, HC, 96pp, www.amazon.com

Yoshinobu and Tomomi Kondo, collectively known as TOKIIRO, are garden and green interior designers, authors, exhibitors, holders of workshops and purveyors of beautiful gardening containers. Their atelier in Tokyo offers a wealth of ideas for adding succulents to your living space. In "Stylish Succulents: Japanese Inspired Container Gardens for Small Spaces" they draw upon their years of experience and expertise to provide the American hobby gardener with a complete and profusely illustrated course of step-by-step instructions for their own container gardening projects suitable for any home or apartment. Of special note is the inclusion of the two-page article 'Q&A: How to Grow Succulent Successfully'. Thoroughly 'user friendly' in organization and presentation, "Stylish Succulents" is very highly recommended, especially for community library DYI Gardening instructional reference collections. It should also be noted for the personal reading lists of gardening enthusiasts that "Stylish Succulents" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $11.13).


The Military Shelf

Doing My Bit Over There
Everard J. Bullis, author
David J. Bullis, editor
McFarland & Company
PO Box 611, Jefferson NC 28640
https://mcfarlandbooks.com
9781476674292, $35.00, PB, 248pp, www.amazon.com

Motivated by patriotism, 21-year old Everard Bullis of St. Paul, Minnesota (the only boy of five siblings from a middle-class family) enlisted in the U.S. Marines in 1917 and went to the Western Front. His clear-eyed memoir describes in detail the Fifth Marine Regiment's desperate stand against repeated German assaults at Belleau Wood, along with actions at Soissons, St. Mihiel and Blanc Mont Ridge. Historical figures appear in this candid memoir, including Captain Frank Whitehead, George W. Hamilton ("America's Greatest World War I Hero") and General John J. Pershing. Capably edited by David J. Bullis, "Doing My Bit Over There: A U.S. Marine's Memoir of the Western Front in World War I" is an inherently fascinating and impressively informative account that will prove to be an enduringly valued contribution to the growing library of World War I literature. While very highly recommended for both community and academic library World War I collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Doing My Bit Over There" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $18.99).


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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