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Wisconsin Bookwatch

Volume 10, Number 9 September 2015 Home | WBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Writing/Publishing Shelf Business Shelf
Mystery/Suspense Shelf Activity Shelf Graphic Novel Shelf
Audiobook Shelf Music CD Shelf DVD Shelf
Fiction Shelf Woodworking Shelf Military Shelf
Automotive Shelf Photography Shelf Cookbook Shelf
Economic Studies Shelf Metaphysical Studies Shelf Political Science Shelf
Beer Shelf Computer Shelf Art Shelf
Needlecraft Shelf American History Shelf Judaic Studies Shelf
Islamic Studies Shelf Self-Help Shelf Biography Shelf
Health/Medicine Shelf Travel Shelf Education Shelf
LGBT Studies Shelf Dance Shelf  


Reviewer's Choice

Every Tenant's Legal Guide, eighth edition
Attorney Janet Portman and Marcia Stewart
Nolo Press
950 Parker Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
9781413321364 $34.99 www.nolo.com

Now in an updated eighth edition, Every Tenant's Legal Guide is an absolute "must-have" for every renter, especially students and others who are new to the art of finding a good place to live. Written in plain terms for readers of all backgrounds, Every Tenant's Legal Guide covers tenant's rights with regard to pets, how to fight back against improper rent increases and late fees, how to persuade a landlord to make repairs quickly, under what circumstances one can withhold rent without legal trouble, how to protect one's privacy, how to combat illegal discrimination, dealing with problem roommates, getting a security deposit returned on time, and much more. "If you receive notice that the property in which you live has been foreclosed (that is, a 'trustee's sale' has been held), you should stop paying rent to the new-former owner and pay it to the new owner. If you don't know who that is, set aside your rent payment each month (to be extra careful, set up an escrow account and deposit it there), so that you can pay it to the new owner once you find out who that is. If you receive a three-day notice to pay rent or quit from the new owner, you might want to confirm with your county's Recorder's Office - usually located at the county seat - that the person or entity giving you the notice is truly the new owner." Every Tenant's Legal Guide comes with access to a unique web page on nolo.com where owners can download the forms in the book, stay current with the latest legal updates, and gain access to more resources. Highly recommended!

The Prepper's Water Survival Guide
Daisy Luther
Ulysses Press
PO Box 3440, Berkeley CA 94703-3440
9781612434483 $14.95 www.ulyssespress.com

The ongoing drought in California is evidence that yes, a water crisis can happen here. The Prepper's Water Survival Guide is a do-it-yourself guide to gathering and storing water. Chapters cover how to store fresh water, collect rainwater, purify water from lakes and rivers, dig a well from groundwater, and more. Extreme emphasis is placed on water safety, and keeping one's drinking water free from diseases. A first-class resource for preparing against disaster (death by water-borne illnesses is especially common after floods), sustaining personal hygiene in off-the-grid situations (including how to maintain an outhouse), or simply conserve water at home for a smaller water bill, The Prepper's Water Survival Guide is recommended for both personal and public library collections.


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

Business and Legal Forms for Authors and Self-Publishers, fourth edition
Tad Crawford
Allworth Press
c/o Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.
307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018
www.skyhorsepublishing.com
www.allworth.com
9781621534648, $24.99, www.amazon.com

It's always a pleasant surprise when authors discover that when it comes to "turning pro" they really don't have to reinvent the wheel. Not with Ted Crawford's "Business and Legal Forms for Authors and Self-Publishers". This 176 page compendium of 32 forms for custom use compiled by Crawford (who has served as General Counsel for the Graphic Artists Guild and legislative counsel for creator's groups fighting for greater rights, and is himself a publisher, an attorney, and the author of more than a dozen books for creative professionals -- including "The Writer's Legal Guide") is simply a "must" for the instructional reference collections for all aspiring authors and anyone who is self-published and therefore carries the entire burden of the publishing process upon themselves -- including marketing, publicity, and promotion. Enhanced with the copious inclusion of ready-to-use with negotiation checklists, "Business and Legal Forms for Authors and Self-Publishers" should also be a part of every community and academic library's Writing/Publishing instructional resource collections. It should be noted that "Business and Legal Forms for Authors and Self-Publishers" is also available in a Kindle edition ($16.99).

Captivate Your Readers
Jodie Renner
Cobalt Books
9780993700415 $11.99 pbk / $3.49 ebook www.CobaltBooks.net

Award-winning author Jodie Renner (also known for her popular "The Kill Zone" blog) presents Captivate Your Readers, a guide to crafting memorable fiction. Chapters discuss the importance of seizing the reader's attention with the first few pages, how to avoid "author intrusions" that annoy the reader, the value of using subtlety rather than "overwriting", how to show character reactions for maximum effect, 33 "must-do's" for creating a standout short story, and much more. Captivate Your Readers is an excellent resource of tips, tricks, and techniques for writers of all skill and experience levels! Also highly recommended are Renner's previous books about improving one's writing, "Fire Up Your Fiction" and "Writing a Killer Thriller".

Writer's Digest Books
c/o F+W Media
10151 Carver Road, Suite 200, Blue Ash, OH 45242
WritersDigest.com

Four titles from Writer's Digest Books are superb resources for aspiring authors. Nina Amir's "How to Blog a Book" (9781599638904, $15.99) is now in a revised and expanded edition, with up-to-date information on tools for optimizing and driving traffic to one's blog, among other enhancements. Bloggers of all skill and experience levels will find this a unique and invaluable resource for creating a saleable book based on one's blog. Richard Campbell's and Cheryl Svensson's "Writing Your Legacy" (9781599638775, $16.99) is a user-friendly guide to crafting one's autobiography, offering 35 guided themes, supplementary exercises, suggestions for sharing one's milestones/relationships/career paths, and much more. Jeff Gerke's "The Irresistible Novel" (9781599638256, $16.99) encourages authors to break from restrictive "rules" in pursuit of the true goal - to engage one's readers from beginning to end. Chapters explore different points of view on everything from nuances of grammar (and why their paralyzing rules should not always be strictly obeyed) to mapping a story path with respect to engaging the reader's brain chemistry. Benjamin Sobieck's "The Writer's Guide to Weapons" (9781599638157, $19.99) is a "must-have" for fiction and fantasy writers, from novelists to screenwriters, comic writers, video game storyboarders, and more. "The Writer's Guide to Weapons" debunks common weapon myths in popular media and walks readers through authentic details about the possession and usage of an immense variety of weapons; the result is an extremely fascinating, accurate, and practical resource. All four guides are highly recommended.


The Business Shelf

Star Brands
Carolina Rogoll
Allworth Press
c/o Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.
307 West 36th Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10018
www.skyhorsepublishing.com
www.allworth.com
9781621534631, $24.99, www.amazon.com

Skilled brand manager Carolina Rogoll (who has worked for Procter & Gamble, the world's largest consumer goods company, for over a decade) presents Star Brands: A Brand Manager's Guide to Build, Manage & Market Brands, a structured, reader-friendly guide with a unique model. Chapters discuss how to define brand equity, marketing strategy, brand target selection, how to build a marketing plan, and much more. Case studies of famous brands and interviews with experts in business and advertising round out this "must-read" for marketing professionals. "With blogs granting individuals instant follower communities, online bloggers have become a new kind of influencers. As a result, via bloggers, a new channel has emerged to 'influence' consumers' brand and product choices. Many marketers in the beauty and tech industries for example, rely on relationships with bloggers to gain positive coverage of their products so that the articles and reviews written are positive and distributed through these blogger communities."


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

Stabbing in the Senate
Colleen J. Shogan
www.colleenshogan.com
Camel Press
PO Box 70515, Seattle, WA 98127
9781603813310 $13.95 www.camelpress.com

Book 1 in the Washington Whodunnit series, Stabbing in the Senate is a fast-paced blend of murder mystery and political intrigue. D.C. staffer Kit Marshall's life is turned upside-down when she finds her employer, Senator Langsford, impaled in his office. Kit is deemed the prime suspect (in part because she foolishly pulled the weapon out of his chest and got her fingerprints on it). The well-to-do family of Kit's boyfriend is horrified by her notoriety, but even more disturbing is the possibility of why Senator Langsford was killed - he just recently had begun to vote his conscience, an act of rebellion that outraged the hardliners of his party. Kit and her strong-willed friend Meg search for the real killer, but the real killer just might be hunting them as well! Stabbing in the Senate is a page-turner that will keep the reader's rapt attention to the very end.

Elmore Leonard: Four Novels Of The 1980s
The Library of America
14 East 60th Street, New York, NY 10022
www.loa.org
9781598534122, $37.50, 1024pp, www.amazon.com

The late Elmore John Leonard, Jr. (October 11, 1925 - August 20, 2013) was an American novelist, short story writer, and screenwriter. His earliest novels, published in the 1950s, were Westerns, but Leonard went on to specialize in crime fiction and suspense thrillers, many of which have been adapted into motion pictures. Published in a sturdy, acid-free paper, hardcover library edition by The Library of America, "Elmore Leonard: Four Novels Of The 1980s" brings back into print four complete and unabridged Leonard crime novels: City Primeval; LaBrava; Glizt; and Freaky Deaky. "Elmore Leonard: Four Novels Of The 1980s" is a 'must read' for all Elmore Leonard fans and will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to community and academic library 20th Century American Popular Literature collections.


The Activity Shelf

Coloring Book Treasury series
Design Originals
www.d-originals.com
c/o Fox Chapel Publishing Company
1970 Broad Street N., East Petersburg, PA 17520
$19.99 each www.FoxChapelPublishing.com

Thoroughly engaging for adults and children alike, four "Coloring Book Treasury" volumes are wonderful resources for relieving stress and engaging in creativity. The intricate black-and-white designs on high-quality, extra-thick paper lends themselves well to colored pencils, markers, watercolors, or gel pens, and the spiral bindings of each book allows them to lay flat for ease of use in one's lap or on the go. Pages are also detachable, and opposite each design is an inspirational quote. The volumes are Valentina Harper's "Mandalas and More: Beautiful Designs for Relaxation and Focus" (9781497200234), Thaneeya McArdle's "Fun & Funky: Designs to Energize & Inspire" (9781497200210), McArdle's "Don't Worry Be Happy: Color Your Way To A Calm, Positive Mood" (9781497200227), and Harper's and McArdle's "Ultimate Coloring Book Treasury" (9781497200241).


The Graphic Novel Shelf

Witchcraft Works 6
Ryu Mizunagi
Vertical, Inc.
451 Park Avenue South, 7th floor
New York, NY 10016
9781941220207 $12.95 www.vertical-inc.com

Witchcraft Works 6 continues the fantasy black-and-white manga (Japanese graphic novel) series about Takamiya, a (mostly) ordinary young man connected to magical, powerful, and extraordinary women, especially the iron-willed witch Kagari. In volume 6, the ruthless witch Weekend's villainous plans threaten the lives of an entire city, including Takamiya's mother. With Takamiya incapacitated, Kagari chooses to battle Weekend on her own - a decision that dramatically limits her power. Can Kagari gain the upper hand against an enemy with Machiavellian plans and no sense of remorse? Or will Weekend succeed in unleashing the supremely powerful entity sealed within Takamiya? High-flying magical adventure abounds!

Bacchus Volume One
Eddie Campbell
Top Shelf Productions
PO Box 5885, Astoria, NY 11105-5885
9781603090261 $39.99 www.topshelfcomix.com

Bacchus Volume One collects the first half of an omnibus black-and-white comic saga by author Eddie Campbell (known for his visionary "From Hell" comics with Alan Moore). Created over the course of a decade, Bacchus follows cutthroat machinations of immortal Greek gods, especially the crafty Bacchus, God of Wine. Weaving Greek mythology with a modern-day setting, is a gritty, multi-layered epic about gang wars, business tycoons, Olympian murders, Machiavellian machinations, and an odyssey of adventure. Raw, real, and gritty, bacchus speaks to the human condition as much as that of the divine! Also highly recommended for connoisseurs of edgy, independent comics are Julian Hanshaw's "Tim Ginger" (9781603093507, $19.99) and Chris Sheridan's "The Motorcycle Samurai Volume One: A Fiery Demise" (9781603093705, $19.99), a full-color action-adventure featuring a deadly serious female protagonist.


The Audiobook Shelf

Prison Of Hope
Steve McHugh
Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887, Grand Haven, MI 49417
www.brillianceaudio.com
97815012368436, $14.99, www.amazon.com

Long ago, Olympian gods imprisoned the demon Pandora in a human called Hope and thereby created a creature whose only purpose was chaos and death. Remorseful, the gods locked Pandora away in Tartarus, ruled by Hades. Now, centuries later, Pandora escapes. Nate Garrett, a 1,600-year-old sorcerer, is sent to recapture her and discovers her plan to disrupt the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, killing thousands in a misplaced quest for vengeance. Fast forward to modern-day Berlin, where Nate has agreed to act as guardian on a school trip to Germany to visit Hades at the entrance to Tartarus. When Titan King Cronus becomes the second ever to escape Tartarus, Nate is forced to track him down and bring him back, to avert a civil war between those who would use his escape to gain power. "Prison of Hope" is the fourth book in the highly acclaimed and action-packed dark urban fantasy series, the Hellequin Chronicles. Superbly produced, and deftly narrated by James Langton, this complete and unabridged audio book edition is very highly recommended for personal and community library Science Fiction & Fantasy audio book collections. 10 CDs; 12 hours, 53 minutes.

The Egg and I
Betty MacDonald
Post Hypnotic Press
http://www.posthypnoticpress.com
9781772560169, $14.95, www.amazon.com

When Betty MacDonald married a marine and moved to a small chicken farm on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State, she was largely unprepared for the rigors of life in the wild. With no running water, no electricity, a house in need of constant repair, and days that ran from four in the morning to nine at night, the MacDonalds had barely a moment to put their feet up and relax. And then came the children. Yet through every trial and pitfall - through chaos and catastrophe - this indomitable family somehow, mercifully, never lost its sense of humor. A beloved literary treasure for more than half a century, Betty MacDonald's The Egg and I is a heartwarming and uproarious account of adventure and survival on the American frontier. With flawless production values, this complete and unabridged audio book edition is superbly narrated by Heather Henderson and enthusiastically recommended for community library audio book collections where it is certain to be an enduringly popular addition. 9 CDs; 9 Hours.

Straight Shooter
Marcus Galloway
Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
www.recordedbooks.com
CW0282, $59.60, www.recordedbooks.com

Outlaw Wes Cavanaugh knows that crime doesn't always pay -- at least not much. That's why he and his partner, Mose, are willing to pay Jimmy Stock for information on a job that's guaranteed to pay off big. Jimmy's made a career of selling tips to bandits, but the job he sells Wes (a payroll train about to leave Omaha) requires more than information. It requires a straight shooter who can hit targets from a long distance away -- and in the outlaw business, even a straight shooter can't be trusted. Meanwhile, two other men who make their living selling and repairing guns, as well as having troubles of their own that will include shootouts, a long lost love in trouble, and a set up to a downfall, are destined to be the ultimate bane of Wes and Mose. "Straight Shooter" is a deftly constructive and extraordinary western novel by a master of the genre is brought to life in a true theatre-of-the-mind experience by the impressive narrative skills of Lee Arron Rosen, making it highly recommended for personal and community library Western Fiction audio book collections. (Complete & Unabridged Library Edition, 7 CDs, 7.75 Hours).

The Nature of the Beast
Louise Penny, author
Read by Robert Bathurst
Macmillan Audio
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315
New York, NY 10010
9781427263865 $39.99 www.macmillanaudio.com

Eleventh in the series of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache mysteries by multiple award-winning author Louise Penny, The Nature of the Beast is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of the what may be the Gamache's most harrowing case yet. Gamache, former head of homicide for the Surete du Quebec, now resides with Reine-Marie Gamache in the cozy Quebec village of Three Pines. A local boy is well-known for spinning tall tales, but when the boy goes missing, Gamache and the villagers must consider the possibility that one of his most horrifying tales was true. A monster has visited Three Pines before, and comes again; as murder and betrayal escalate, Gamache must track down a killer - and live with the guilt that he might have prevented these depredations if he had taken a young boy seriously. Tense and chilling, The Nature of the Beast is recommended to fans of the genre. 10 CDs, 13 hours.


The Music CD Shelf

Bright Shadow
Ana Egge
Privately Published
$15.00 CD / $9.99 download www.anaegge.com

Folk singer-songwriter Ana Egge presents Bright Shadow, a self-produced album showcasing her worldly vocals and guitar talent, complemented by The Stray Birds' support with the fiddle, banjo, mandolin, slide guitar, and vocals. A life-affirming music journey, Bright Shadow will resonate with connoisseurs of original American folk music stylings. The tracks are "Dreamer" (2:30), "Flat Top Guitar" (2:48), "Jenny Run Away" (2:21), "Bright Shadow" (2:52), "Rock Me (Divine Mother)" (3:20), "Wildflowers" (3:05), "Fifth of July" (2:34), "Maps of the Moon" (3:03), "Turning Away" (2:39), and "The Ballad of Jean Genet" (3:14).

Femme Fractale: An Opera of Reflection
Mem Nahadr
Mem Nahadr Music
$12.99 CD / $9.99 download www.memnahadr.com

Femme Fractale: An Opera of Reflection is the original jazz orchestra creation of Mem Nahadr, also known as "M", a multitalented vocalist, composer, and performer. A uniquely postmodern symphony, Femme Fractale transcends genres to balance ambience with alluring rhythm, inspiring listener to open their minds to the mysteries of creation. Highly recommended. The tracks are "Forge in Dreams Interstitial", "Forge in Dreams", "Grey Aria", "Underground", "On My Merry Way", "Baby Know Interstitial", "Baby Know", "Gone Interstitial", "Gone", "Panacea Interstitial", "Panacea", "Crystal Trail", "Black Whole Interstitial", "Black Whole", "M Theory Interstitial", "M Theory", "Passage", and "Passage Outro".

Up to Something Good
Sunshine Collective
Privately Published
$14.95 www.sunshinecollective.com

Up to Something Good is an inventive, all-ages music album fusing pop and retro music styles, re-imagining the vintage sounds of the 60's and 70's in fresh, original songs. Individual songs draw inspiration from classic arrangements, quintessential Americana, even the cinematic spy genre. As refreshing as an ocean breeze, Up to Something Good is a treasure to cherish! The tracks are "Up to Something Good", "I Love You", "Love is the Way", "Take Me Away", "Misplaced Love", "The Ride", "Run for the Sunshine", "Waiting to Say Hello Again", "Pumblechook", "Somebody Somewhere", and "The Open". 38 min.

Carnival Caravan
Nation Beat, featuring Cha Wa
Nation Beat Music
$9.99 CD / $9.99 download nationbeat.com

Carnival Caravan is an EP album by Nation Beat and New Orleans' Indian/funk group Cha Wa, embodying the vivacious celebration of Mardi Gras through music. The spirit of unabashed revelry courses through the pulse-pounding rhythms and joyous vocals. Carnival Caravan is a "must-have" for anyone longing to re-experience a taste of Mardi Gras! The tracks are "Casa Diamante - Sew Sew Sew" (4:25), "Vou Cantar Esse Coco (Featuring Silverio Pessoa)" (3:40), "Golden Crown" (4:04), "Canto da Ema - All on a Mardi Gras Day" (4:38), and "Liza Jane" (4:25).


The DVD Shelf

Murdoch Mysteries, Season 8
Based on the novels by Maureen Jennings
Acorn Media
c/o RLJ Entertainment
9781621724063 $59.99 www.acornonline.com

Available in both DVD and Blu-ray formats, Murdoch Mysteries, Season 8 is the latest collection of procedural police dramas based on the novels by Maureen Jennings, featuring the insightful Detective William Murdoch and his friends in turn-of-the-century Toronto. As Inspector Brackenreid gradually recovers from a savage beating by a dockyard gang, Constable Crabtree unexpectedly falls in love, and Dr. Emily Grace joins the women's suffrage movement. Season 8 also notably includes the 100th episode of the series, in which Murdoch and Julia finally join together in matrimony. Connoisseurs of period pieces and forensic sleuthing will find Murdoch Mysteries, Season 8 a "must-see"! Recommended for mature viewers due to some disturbing images; the work of a homicide detective is not pretty. 18 episodes on 5 DVDs, 792 min., widescreen, SDH subtitles.

Calvinism and the Christian Life
Ian Hamilton
Ligonier Ministries
421 Ligonier Court, Sanford, FL, 32771-8608
$32.00 DVD / $12.00 download www.ligonier.org

Pastor Ian Hamilton presents Calvinism and the Christian Life, an instructional Christian DVD (also available as an audio CD or an audio/visual download) about the fundamental principles of Calvinism, and how they are directly relevant to living a life shaped by faith in God and Jesus Christ. Divided into six 23-minute segments, Calivinism and the Christian Life is does not require an extensive background in formal theology to comprehend; Hamilton's God-centered messages are universally accessible to all Christians. Highly recommended especially for church library DVD collections. The segments are "What Is Calvinism?", "Calvinism's Foundational Experience", "God's Sovereignty", "A Life of Holiness", "Godly Catholicity", and "Communion with God".

Intersect: Where Your Story and God's Story Converge
Produced by Rob Peabody and Cris Rogers
Kregel Publications
2450 Oak Industrial Drive, NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505
www.kregelpublications.com
c/o Litfuse Publicity Group
www.awakenmovement.com/intersect
9780825443978 $15.99

Commissioned by the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention in partnership with the Church of England, Intersect: Where Your Story and God's Story Converge is a five-week short film on DVD, created especially as a missional tool, to aid in initiating spiritual conversations about Jesus Christ. The true-life stories of five individuals, each of whom encountered circumstances that prompted them to re-evaluate how God fit into their lives, provides an inspirational journey and a prompt to reflect upon key turning points. Each of the five stories is accompanied by discussion questions designed to evoke careful thought about the world one lives in, the life one chooses to pursue, and how connecting with Jesus intersects with matters at hand. Intersect is an invaluable resource not just for church DVD libraries, but also public showing and deliberation.


The Fiction Shelf

The Goodbye House
Lawrence Coates
University of Nevada Press
Mail Stop 0166, Reno, NV, 89557-0166
9780874179811 $26.00 www.unpress.nevada.edu

The Goodbye House is a multigenerational novel about a California family's efforts to live day to day. In the wake of the early 2000's dot-com bust, Katherine Watson, a forty-seven year old event planner and mother of two, finds herself suddenly on her own. Her husband abruptly vanishes after his "investments" fail and they lose their home. Forced to move in with her sickly father, Katherine contemplates divorce, while her teenage son Carter struggles to fit in at a new school, among hostile classmates. A poignant interplay with complex, three-dimensional characters, The Goodbye Home is highly recommended.

Creation of a Family
Len Brass
Dorrance Publishing Company
585 Alpha Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15238
9781480919310 $13.00 www.dorrancebookstore.com

The debut novel of author Len Brass, Creation of a Family is about an elite soldier's attempts to change his life. As a member of a military squad that did not officially exist, Steve Daly is essentially a professional killer. He seeks to change his life, but knows few skills other than military combat. It is only through his family that he begins to grow and find his true calling in life. Emotional and poignant, Creation of a Family is about learning how to embrace love as a way of life, and is highly recommended.


The Woodworking Shelf

Basic Marquetry and Beyond
Ken Horner
Linden Publishing
2006 South Mary, Fresno, CA 93721-9875
www.woodworkerslibrary.com
9781610352499, $24.95, 176pp, www.amazon.com

Marquetry is the art and craft of applying pieces of veneer to a structure to form decorative patterns, designs or pictures. "Basic Marquetry and Beyond: Expert Techniques for Crafting Beautiful Images with Veneer and Inlay" by Ken Horner (President of the American Marquetry Society, a marquetry expert since 1961, and still active in the craft teaching classes to beginners at his home shop in Morgan Hill, California) is a profusely and beautifully illustrated instructional guide and manual that is thoroughly 'user friendly' in composition, organization, and presentation. "Basic Marquetry and Beyond" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to personal, professional, and community library woodworking instructional resource collections.


The Military Shelf

Convair Deltas
Bill Yenne
Specialty Press
99 Spring Street, 3rd floor, New York, NY 10012
www.specialtypress.com
9781580072311, $32.95, www.amazon.com

The Convair F2Y Sea Dart was a unique American seaplane fighter aircraft that rode on twin hydro-skis for takeoff. It flew only as a prototype, and never entered production. It is the only seaplane so far to have exceeded the speed of sound. The Convair B-58 Hustler was the first operational supersonic jet bomber capable of Mach 2 flight. "Convair Deltas: From Sea Dart To Hustler" by aviation expert Bill Yenne is a profusely illustrated, 216 page compendium comprising a detailed history of America's aerospace industry in its prime. Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, "Convair Deltas" is an invaluable contribution to personal, community, and academic library military aviation history collections.


The Automotive Shelf

Hemi: A History of Chrysler's Iconic V-8 In Competition
Geoff Stunkard
CarTech Inc.
39966 Grand Avenue, North Branch, MN 55056
www.cartechbooks.com
9781613251881, $35.95, www.amazon.com

"Hemi: A History of Chrysler's Iconic V-8 In Competition" by car enthusiast and historian Geoff Stunkard is a profusely illustrated and comprehensive 192 page history of the Hemi -- a hemispherical combustion chamber is a type of combustion chamber with a domed cylinder head. The hemispherical shape provides some advantages in an internal combustion engine. An engine featuring this type of chamber is known as a hemi engine, as with the Chrysler Hemi engine. Whether the Hemi was installed in a Charger, Super Bee, Barracuda, Superbird, or any number of other cars, the engine dominated the competition in NHRA, NASCAR, and other forms of racing -- making it a valued contribution to racing history. No personal, professional, community, or academic library American Automotive History reference collection can be considered complete without the inclusion of "Hemi: A History of Chrysler's Iconic V-8 In Competition".


The Photography Shelf

Chesapeake Country, second edition
Photographs by Lucian Niemeyer
Text by Eugene L. Meyer
Abbeville Press
137 Varick Street, New York, NY 10013
9780789212146 $34.95 www.abbeville.com

Chesapeake Country is an astoundingly beautiful book of photography of the Chesapeake Bay, America's largest estuary, reaching 185 miles from the Susquehanna River to the Virginia capes, and covering over 8,000 miles of shoreline. More than 200 full-color images (each with brief, descriptive captions) reveal the bay's waterscape, wildlife, ecology, history, and present day, as well as its inhabitants: declining numbers of watermen who live by crabbing and oystering, and wealthy inlanders seeking escape from the stresses of urban life. The second edition of Chesapeake Country features a new introduction discussing the future of Chesapeake Bay amid the modern era of climate change, as well as other updates. An index rounds out this captivating treasury, especially ideal as a souvenir for Chesapeake Bay visitors. Also highly recommended for connoisseurs of fine photography is Jeffrey L. Rotman's and Yair Harel's "The Last Fisherman: Witness to the Endangered Oceans" (9780789211910, $49.95), a visual treasury and textual documentation of the extinction crisis befalling the oceans today, causing both sea life and hardworking fisherman to suffer.

Yellowstone & Grand Teton Splendor
Dennis William Linneham
Farcountry Press
PO Box 5630, Helena, MT 59604
www.farcountrypress.com
9781591521525, $29.95, 176pp, www.amazon.com

"Yellowstone & Grand Teton Splendor" beautifully showcases the simple beauty of two of our nation's most beloved national parks, Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Accomplished photographer Dennis William Linnehan successfully captures the parks' diversity in dramatic Grand Teton vistas, the delicate patterns of a Yellowstone thermal feature, and even a tender moment between a bison cow and calf. Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons' most incredible views make this a special keepsake. Breathtaking full color photographic images comprise this superbly presented study and are especially ideal for the armchair traveler who might never be able to personal visit these vistas. "Yellowstone & Grand Teton Splendor" is enthusiastically recommended and certain to be an enduringly popular addition to personal, community, and academic library Photography collections.

Masters of Craft
Portraits by Paul J. Smith
Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
9780764349294 $50.00 www.schifferbooks.com

Masters of Craft collects 240 black-and-white photographic portraits, depicting 224 notable twentieth-century studio craft artists and designers known for their work in the mediums of fiber, clay, glass, metal, and wood. There is very little text; the photographs have no captions other than the names of the artists. These portraits, taken over a thirty-year period, speak for themselves as a display of the history and the diverse people of the studio craft movement. Each picture truly is worth a thousand words.


The Cookbook Shelf

Pure Pork Awesomeness
Kevin Gillespie with David Joachim
Andrews McMeel Publishing
1130 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO 64106-2109
9781449447076 $29.99 www.andrewsmcmeel.com

Lavishly illustrated with full-color photography, Pure Pork Awesomeness showcases pork recipes from around the globe. An introductory section briefly teaches readers about heritage pig breeds, what various buzzwords on pork labels mean, and encourages them to go the extra mile to secure pork from pigs that have been permitted access to pasture. Most of Pure Pork Awesomeness is devoted to recipes such as Coca-Cola Glazed Pork Shoulder, Grilled Pork Kabobs with Pineapple and Soy, Bacon-Molasses Chipwiches, Sheboygan-Style Beer Brats, Crispy Pork Meatballs with Sweet and Smoky Sauce, and much more. An index rounds out this sumptuous, "must-have" specialty cookbook for pork lovers!

Thai Food Made Easy
June Williamson
Cedar Fort, Inc.
2373 West 700 South, Springville, Utah 84663
www.cedarfort.com
9781462116621, $16.99, 160pp, www.amazon.com

Compiled by June Williamson, "Thai Food Made Easy" is comprised of a tantalizing variety of curries, pad thai, and other Thai culinary favorites to try. Beautifully illustrated throughout, "Thai Food Made Easy" takes the mystery out of this specialized Asian cuisine and enables even the most novice of kitchen cooks to prepare authentic dishes and enjoy fresh and exotic flavors any day of the week. The recipes themselves range from Fresh Spring Rolls; Tom Yum Goong (a spicy shrimp soup); Pad Thai Chicken; and Pineapple Fried Rice; to Ginger Beef; Sweet coconut Cream and Fruit; Fried Bananas; and Spicy Thai Ramen Noodles. As much fun to browse through as it is easy to plan menus with, "Thai Food Made Easy" is very highly recommended for personal, family, professional, and community library Ethnic Cookbook collections. It should be noted that "Thai Food Made Easy" is also available in a Kindle edition ($6.99).

Main Squeeze
Iris McCarthy
Cedar Fort, Inc.
2373 West 700 South, Springville, Utah 84663
www.cedarfort.com
9781462115600, $19.99, 160pp, www.amazon.com

For anyone seeking an alternative to carbonated sodas and expensive energy drinks, there is now "Main Squeeze: Juicing Recipes for Your Healthiest Self", a cornucopia of do-it-yourself delicious, healthy juices you can make in your own home! Perfect for anyone looking to boost their energy level and/or shed a few pounds at the same time, these simple and satisfying recipes comprising "Main Squeeze" are ideal for the home. The recipes range from a Kickstarter Cooler; Peachy Keen; Tropical Tummy Tamer; and Sweet Tea-Lief; to a Carotene Cleanser; Zucchini Bikini Juice; The Peppy Pineapple; and an Orange Crush. Each recipe is complete with a list of ingredients and a simple preparation instruction. Very highly recommended for personal, family, and community library cookbook collections, it should be noted that "Main Squeeze: Juicing Recipes for Your Healthiest Self" is also available in a Kindle edition ($7.99).


The Economic Studies Shelf

American Mojo Lost and Found
Peter D. Kiernan
Turner Publishing Company
200 - 4th Avenue North, Suite 950
Nashville, TN 37219
9781630269234 $34.95 www.turnerpublishing.com

Award-winning author Peter D. Kiernan presents American Mojo Lost and Found: Restoring Our Middle Class Before the World Blows By, an accessible portrait of the economic troubles confronting America today (particularly with regard to poverty and pressure on the middle class), and recommendations to foster a more prosperous future for everyone. Individual vignettes illuminate Kiernan's salient points, as he discusses how the American middle class have fared through the Nixon, Reagan, and modern eras (not that great), ongoing trends among demographics in the middle class, underemployment as a threat to economic stability, and most importantly, recommendations to turn around economic stagnation and improve upward mobility for all Americans. Particular importance is placed on seizing the global middle class opportunity - by providing for the rising middle class of nations abroad, America can recapture its mojo at home. For example, one suggestion is "Use American brand power... Take brands - not everyday local products, but the platinum brands and killer and misdemeanor apps found in many categories. With them we can both build and drive the worldwide consumer boom." Thoughtful and thought-provoking, American Mojo Lost and Found is ultimately an optimistic resource of practical and proactive macroeconomic strategies for the twenty-first century, highly recommended.


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

Angel Wings
Toni Carmine Salerno
www.tonicarminesalerno.com
Blue Angel Publishing
www.blueangelonline.com
c/o Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD.
2143 Wooddale Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125
9780738747330 $15.95 www.llewellyn.com

Angel Wings: An Oracle Book of Love, Light & Healing is an anthology of over 60 striking, full-color illustrations of angels (most of which have never before been published), paired with simple text passages about transcendental powers of love, and hope. "Paint a beautiful picture for your life. Be clear about it. You are the life you dream." An uplifting, spiritual resource ideal for daily inspiration, Angel Wings inspires joy and wonder with every turn of the page. Highly recommended.

Animal Messengers
Regula Meyer
Bear & Company
c/o Inner Traditions International, Ltd.
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
9781591431619 $18.00 pbk / $11.61 Kindle www.innertraditions.com

Animal Messengers: An A-Z Guide to Signs and Omens in the Natural World explories the meanings behind animal encounters. Animals are highly sensitive to human energies, and the outer world often reflects inner states; witnessing an animal's behavior can be a meaningful and revealing experience. Animal Messengers explores the possible spiritual communications and symbolism embodied by a wide diversity of animals and birds. "If the wolverine prowls across your path, it is touching the primal energy in you. It reminds you that you must be entirely open to yourself in order to stand up decisively for yourself with your own strength." A black-and-white photograph of each animal enhances this welcome addition to metaphysical studies shelves.


The Political Science Shelf

The Silencing
Kirsten Powers
Regnery Publishing, Inc.
300 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001
9781621573708 $27.99 hc / $9.80 Kindle www.regnery.com

Fox News contributor Kirsten Powers considers herself a liberal, but from the Jeffersonian tradition. She decries how the modern liberal wing of American politics seeks to quiet all other points of view in The Silencing: How the Left is Killing Free Speech, a barbed outcry against the proliferation of "thought policing". The Silencing speaks out against efforts to delegitimize Fox News, how pundits and so-called "feminists" level misogynist attacks against female opponents, how "illiberal" colleges strictly limit freedom of expression, and much more. Even if the reader does not agree with all of Kirsten Powers' political positions, her evidence of efforts to stifle open discussion is quite sobering, problematic, and worthy of careful contemplation.


The Beer Shelf

Uncle John's Beer-Topia
The Bathroom Readers' Institute
PO Box 1117, Ashland, OR 97520
9781626863590 $14.95 www.bathroomreader.com

Uncle John's Beer-Topia is a wry compendium of history, trivia, and flavorful facts about beer. From the science of how beer is made, to a diversity of brews dating back to Sumerian civilization, to a match-up quiz of fictional beers and much more, Uncle John's Beer-Topia is just plain fun to browse or read through. Uncle John's Beer-Topia makes a first-rate gift for beer-loving friends with a sense of humor!


The Computer Shelf

Murach's Beginning Java with Netbeans
Joel Murach and Michael Urban
Mike Murach & Associates
4340 North Knoll Avenue, Fresno, CA 93722
9781890774844 $57.50 www.murach.com

Part of the Murach series of computer science reference books written by programmers, for programmers, Murach's Beginning Java with Netbeans is a user-friendly guide accessible to Java neophytes and veterans alike. Including complete pedagogical applications that have been double-checked for accuracy, Murach's Beginning Java with Netbeans covers core skills, time-saving features of the NetBeans IDE for developing and debugging Java applications, object-oriented programming techniques, guidelines for building professional-quality applications, and much more. A superb self-teaching reference and resource, Murach's Beginning Java with Netbeans is a "must-have" for anyone who programs in Java, whether recreationally or professionally. Highly recommended!


The Art Shelf

The Art of Rocksteady's Batman
Text by Daniel Wallace
Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
115 West 18th Street, 6th floor, New York, NY 10011
9781419713859 $40.00 www.abramsbooks.com

The Art of Rocksteady's Batman: Arkham Asylum, Arkham City & Arkham Knight is an artbook created especially to commemorate the popular trilogy of Batman: Arkham video games (showcasing the iconic comic book superhero and his enemies) by Rocksteady Studios and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. Featuring lavish, full-color illustrations on almost every page, The Art of Rocksteady's Batman includes concept art, detailed in-game models, immersive settings, and a flair that brings the vigilante Batman, his criminally insane foes, and the brooding city of Gotham to life. The text offers insights into each stage of the creative process behind the games. A vibrant, unforgettable re-imagination of the Batman mythos, The Art of Rocksteady's Batman is a treasury for comic book and video game connoisseurs alike.

Brand-New and Terrific: Alex Katz in the 1950s
DianeTuite, et al.
Prestel Publishing
900 Broadway, Suite 603, New York, NY 10003
www.prestel.com
9783791354354, $60.00, www.amazon.com

Alex Katz (born July 24, 1927) is an American figurative artist. In particular, he is known for his paintings, sculptures, and prints and is represented by numerous galleries internationally. The collaborative work of Diana Tuite (the Katz Curator at the Colby Museum of Art), Katy Siegel (Professor of Art History at Hunter College where she is Chief Curator of the College Galleries), Richard Shiff (Effie Marie Cain Regents Chair in Art at The University of Texas at Austin, where he directs the Center for the Study of Modernism), and Eva Diaz (Assistant Professor in the History of Art and Design Department at Pratt Institute), "Brand-New and Terrific: Alex Katz in the 1950s" is a 208 page compendium showcasing the work of Alex Katz. The combination of informed and informative commentaries, and flawless full color, full-page reproductions of Katz's artwork make "Brand-New and Terrific: Alex Katz in the 1950s" an impressive and highly recommended addition to personal, community, and academic library 20th Century Art & Artists reference collections and supplemental studies reading lists.


The Needlecraft Shelf

Knitting Fabric Rugs
Karen Tiede
Storey Publishing
210 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
9781612124483 $18.95 www.storey.com

Illustrated with full-color diagrams and photography throughout, Knitting Fabric Rugs: 28 Colorful Designs for Crafters of Every Level is an innovative resource that offers innovative techniques for creating vibrant rugs with large knitting needles and recycled fabrics, such as T-shirts and other garments. Included are step-by-step instructions for 28 different rugs, enhanced with inspiration from traditional quilt patterns like tessellations or log cabin designs, color blending, spiral patterns, freeform designs and more. Extensive tips, tricks, and techniques for amassing a quality fabric stash, working with colors, incorporating a wide range of shapes and more enhance this superb resource for creating distinctive handmade gifts. A "must-have" for knitting enthusiasts!

Free Range Triangle Quilts
Gwen Marston and Cathy Jones
American Quilter's Society
PO Box 3290, Paducah, KY 42002-3290
9781604602111 $24.95 www.americanquilter.com

Featuring full-color photography and easy-to-follow diagrams throughout, Free Range Triangle Quilts offers a wealth of stylish, hands-on projects for making distinctive quilting patterns with triangles. Not all designs are perfectly symmetrical; needlecrafters are encouraged to invent and experiment with different techniques. "Free Range" implies quilts that do not depend on preset patterns, but rather the quilter's own artistry and ingenuity. A superb resource for intermediate to advanced quilters, Free Range Triangle Quilts is bold, distinctive, and uniquely modern.


The American History Shelf

The National Joker
Todd Nathan Thompson
Southern Illinois University Press
1915 University Press Drive, SIUC Mail Code 6806
Carbondale, IL 62901
9780809334223 $29.50 www.siupress.com

The National Joker: Abraham Lincoln and the Politics of Satire focuses on an unusual bordering on unique aspect of Abraham Lincoln's presidency - how he used his legendary sense of humor and gift for telling jokes to political ends. In Lincoln's day, critics dubbed him "the National Joker"; yet Lincoln masterfully fashioned a folksy, fallible persona that enabled him to use satire as a weapon without harmful blowback. The National Joker explores Lincoln's use of humor and satire throughout his political career; his satirical attacks from a position of modesty in his writings and speeches; the limits of his pre-emptive self-satire; popular media's depictions of his physical appearance; and much more. An extraordinary portrayal of a lesser-studied side of the President who saved the Union, The National Joker is a welcome addition to public and college library American History collections.

Carnival in the Countryside
Chris Rasmussen
University of Iowa Press
100 Kuhl House, 119 West Park Road
Iowa City, IA 52242-1000
9781609383572 $27.50 www.uiowapress.org

Accessible to readers of all backgrounds, Carnival in the Countryside: The History of the Iowa State Fair is a survey of the Iowa State Fair, an entertainment and agricultural event founded over 150 years ago. Since the fair's creation, its founder's ideals for improving agriculture and promoting a democratic civilization have clashed with widespread popular desires to have fun and make money. Of course, the fair had to pay for itself, but the issues of whether to allow horse racing or gambling were also major concerns. Chapters also examine how the fair has evolved as agriculture became increasingly centralized and farm families drifted to the cities, and the fair's representation in fiction, film, and cinema. Carnival in the Countryside is engaging and a worthy recommendation for American History and Iowa state history shelves.


The Judaic Studies Shelf

Secularism in Question
Edited by Ari Joskowicz and Ethan B. Katz
University of Pennsylvania Press
3905 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4112
9780812247275 $65.00 www.upenn.edu/pennpress

Secularism in Question: Jews and Judaism in Modern Times is an anthology of scholarly essays by an assortment of learned authors examining the issues of secularism in Jewish communities, particularly in the United States and Israel. As the twentieth century drew to a close, scholars worldwide have noted a global resurgence of religion, evidence that a constant march toward secularism could no longer be considered inevitable. Secularism in Question examines history, religion, philosophy, and literature to reveal that the categories of "religious" and "secular" are more fluid than they may appear at first glance. Individual writings include "The Secular and Its Dissonances in Modern Jewish Literature", "Secularism and Neo-Orthodoxy: Conflicting Strategies in Modern Orthodox Fiction", "Secularism, the Christian Ambivalence Toward the Jews, and the Notion of Exile", and much more. Extensive notes and an index round out this thoughtful and thought-provoking compilation.


The Islamic Studies Shelf

Reforming Islam
Edited by Stephen Ulph & Patrick Sookhdeo
Almuslih Publications
Ingleside Avenue, McLean, Virginia 22010
9780990970903 $25.00 www.almuslih.org

Reforming Islam: Progressive Voices from the Arab Muslim World is an anthology of essays from a wide array of Arab Muslim intellectuals disturbed by anti-democratic, xenophobic, and dehumanizing aspects expressed all too often in modern-day Islam. These essays, originally published on the website www.almuslih.org, debate better path. They do not mince around the problems of the Arab Muslim world; they champion progressive thinking, religious tolerance and pluralism, and defy doctrines of rigid, unconditional acceptance of immutable foundational sources. Written for Muslims and non-Muslims alike, Reforming Islam speaks of how Islam can become a faith that supports the inalienable rights of all human beings. Highly recommended.


The Self-Help Shelf

Ultimate IQ Tests, third edition
Philip Carter and Ken Russell
Kogan Page USA
1518 Walnut Street, Suite 1100
Philadelphia, PA 19102
9780749474300 $19.95 www.koganpageusa.com

Ultimate IQ Tests can be used as a "brain exercise" tool, or as a means to prepare oneself to take an IQ test. Despite disputes about their relevance, IQ tests are an increasingly common challenge placed before seekers of jobs in government agencies, the armed forces, education, or business. The best way to prepare is through experience; Ultimate IQ Tests offers 1,000 practice questions organized in 25 separate tests, with a straightforward guide for assessing individual performance. The questions cover verbal, numerical, diagrammatic, and logical reasoning, as well as lateral thinking. This updated third edition also offers a more advanced test created to help readers check their progress as they work through practice questions. Ultimate IQ Tests is a "must-have" for anyone who expects to take an IQ test, as well as a fun way to keep one's mind active and sharp!


The Biography Shelf

A Butterfly Journey
Boris Friedewald
Prestel Publishing
900 Broadway, Suite 603, New York, NY 10003
9783791381497 $18.95 www.prestel.com

A Butterfly Journey is the biography of explorer, naturalist, scholar, and artist Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717). Illustrated throughout with color reproductions of Merian's beautiful engravings and watercolors of butterflies, A Butterfly Journey tells of Merian's life in Germany and the Netherlands, her trip to the Dutch colony of Surinam, her work as an advocate for Surinam's slave laborers, and her studies of the anatomy and life cycle of the butterfly. A Butterfly Journey is exquisite and inspirational, highly recommended for public library biography collections, and also is also ideal for gift-giving.

Grant's Last Battle
Chris Mackowski
Savas Beatie
PO Box 4527, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
9781611211603 $14.95 www.savasbeatie.com

Part of the "Emerging Civil War" series, Grant's Last Battle: The Story Behind the Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant is the true-life story of how former Union Civil War General and American Present Ulysses S. Grant (1822-1885) spent his final years struggling to provide for his family. Afflicted with terminal throat cancer, and facing financial ruin in the wake of being swindled by his business partners, Grant struggled to write his memoirs, attempting to secure his family's financial well-being before his own death. Black-and-white photography on almost every two-page spread enhances this fascinating account of one man's race against his own dwindling time.

Harnessing the Sky
Frederick M. Trapnell Jr. and Dana Trapnell Tibbitts
Naval Institute Press
291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402
9781612518480 $29.95 www.nip.org

Also available as an ebook, Harnessing the Sky: Frederick "Trap" Trapnell, the U.S. Navy's Aviation Pioneer, 1923-52 is a biography of a man who has been dubbed "the godfather of current naval aviation." In 1940, Vice Adm. Frederick M. "Trap" Trapnell was appointed to lead the Flight Test Section, directing the development of all new Navy airplanes. He played a key role in the refinement of two aircraft that would prove crucial in the naval air war against Japan - the Corsair and the Hellcat. He was the first U.S. Navy pilot to fly a jet, and he defined the operation requirements for carrier-based, jet-propelled aircraft. A handful of black-and-white photographs, notes, and an index round out this fascinating true-life story of a keen-minded leader whose insights played a crucial role in World War II and beyond. Highly recommended!


The Health/Medicine Shelf

The Paleo Vegetarian Diet
Dena Harris
Ulysses Press
PO Box 3440, Berkeley CA 94703-3440
9781612434438 $15.95 www.ulyssespress.com

Although The Paleo Vegetarian Diet: A Guide for Weight Loss and Healthy Living has a few recipies, it is primarily a health dietary guidebook. A vegetarian diet excludes meat; a paleo diet emphasizes eating foods that humans once ate before agriculture became widespread, let alone the rise of industrialized and processed foods. Paleo diets exclude a number of vegetarian staples, including beans (although green beans are allowed), grains (including whole grains and quinoa), peanut butter (any nut butter is at most considered a rare treat), soy, and many oils (coconut oil is OK). The Paleo Vegetarian Diet explains why the Paleo lifestyle considers these foods to be harmful, and mandates that they be excluded or minimized. Chapters describe healthy substitutes, suggested dietary guidelines, weight loss tips, how using "cheat days" and the 80/20 principle can keep one on track overall, determining whether the Paleo-vegetarian lifestyle is right for one's needs, and more. An excellent resource for vegetarians considering the Paleo way - or Paleo followers considering the vegetarian way!

Bar Stool Yoga
Miriam Austin, author
Stephen Hunter, photographer
Imagine Publishing
c/o Charlesbridge Publishing
85 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472
9781623540470 $14.95 www.imaginebks.com

Featuring full-color photography on virtually every page, Bar Stool Yoga: The Fun Way of Being Fit and Flexible at the Bar and Beyond lives up to its title as a guide to simple yoga poses and exercises one can perform on a common bar stool, whether at home or in an actual bar. A fun way to stay fit and flexible, Bar Stool Yoga is easy-to-use and packed with tips for those new to yoga. "...most importantly, I sincerely do not want you to hurt yourself by combining your yoga with alcohol. Have fun with the yoga poses on the bar stool, and then have your beer, wine, or cocktails. Always, always, always be safe."


The Travel Shelf

Roadside New Mexico, revised and expanded edition
David Pike
University of New Mexico Press
MSC05 3185, 1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131-0001
9780826355690 $29.95 www.unmpress.com

Now in a revised and expanded edition structured alphabetically for ease of use, Roadside New Mexico: A Guide to Historic Markers lists 494 distinctive markers that share information about New Mexico's geological features, history, and notable people. Information about each marker is paired with a brief essay to further enlighten readers; there are even entries on "Ghost Markers", sites missing from the road that nevertheless carry important historical lessons. A bibliography is also included. Roadside New Mexico is a joy for armchair travelers to page through, and a treasure for anyone (roadbound or not!) interested in learning more about the rich history of the Land of Enchantment.


The Education Shelf

The Best 380 Colleges 2016 Edition
Robert Franek with Kristen O'Toole and David Soto
The Princeton Review
c/o Random House Inc.
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
9780804126304 $23.99 www.princetonreview.com

The Best 380 Colleges 2016 Edition is a massive compendium of everything a prospective college student needs to choose the right campus. Surveys, rankings, and candid testimonies drawn from the feedback of 136,000 college students fill this detailed guide, which lists its results for each campus in alphabetical order. Extensive introductory sections are packed with tips, tricks, and techniques for getting into a college, and choosing a college that is optimal for one's preferred field of study. 62 "top 20" lists covering everything from campus food to how friendly a campus is to LGBTQ students round out this easy-to-use, all-in-one reference and resource. A "must-have" for high school seniors with college plans!


The LGBT Studies Shelf

Marie Equi: Radical Politics and Outlaw Passions
Michael Helquist
Oregon State University Press
121 The Valley Library, Corvallis, OR 97331
9780870715952 $24.95 http://osupress.oregonstate.edu

Marie Equi: Radical Politics and Outlaw Passions is the biography of Marie Equi (1872-1952), an incredibly determined and passionate social activist. She was also a lesbian, who raised an adopted daughter with a long-term partner; a doctor, who provided birth control and abortion in an era when both were illegal (she once spent a night in jail with Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger); and she campaigned tirelessly for the exploited workers and the poor. Accused of sedition during World War I (though she initially opposed America's involvement in the war, her real "crime" was simply being an outspoken activist for social change), she served ten months in San Quentin prison. This did not deter her efforts for social justice. Enhanced with extensive notes and an index, Marie Equi: Radical Politics and Outlaw Passions vividly portrays the adventurous life an extraordinary woman. Highly recommended, especially for public and college library Biography and LGBT Studies shelves.


The Dance Shelf

Misty Copeland Power and Grace
Misty Copeland, author
Richard Corman, photographer
Cindy Bradley, introduction
Graphic Arts Books
P.O. Box 3225, Durango, CO 81302
www.facebook.com/MistyCopelandPowerandGrace
9780692493250 $12.99 www.amazon.colm

"Misty Copeland Power and Grace" is a stunning photographic essay and testament of the outstanding achievements of Misty Copeland, first African American ballerina to be promoted to principal dancer at New York's American Ballet Theatre. The black and white photographs of incredible beauty show Misty Copeland in vibrant dance poses against a background of a drowned, beached, baby grand piano, washed ashore beneath the Brooklyn Bridge. An inspirational metamorphosis, the dance contributions of Misty Copeland are the stuff of legend, but even more impactful, she is committed to encouraging young African American dancers to follow their dreams. Diversity in the world of classical ballet has been slow to blossom, but with the breakthrough of Misty Copeland, it is truly established that today all things are possible to those who devote themselves to the highest performance of their art. In her words, "At this point in my career, having the platform that I have to speak about diversity, I'm motivated by all of those young dancers who can see themselves through me. It's about creating a new dream and possibility for them, and that's what drives me to keep dancing." The arresting, polished portraits of the young dance soloist reveal her incredible artistry, skill, and lyrical physical expression. But even more telling is the comment, in the introduction, by her first ballet teacher, with whom she began her ballet training at the age of 13: "Misty's journey should inspire all of us - not only that we have tremendous inner potential to achieve our dreams, but that whatever we feel passionate about, we can find a voice to change the world."


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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