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The Bookwatch

Volume 2, Number 7 July 2007 Home | BW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Health/Medicine Shelf Business Shelf
Cookbook Shelf Homeowner's Shelf Woodworking Shelf
Computer Shelf Military Shelf Architecture Shelf
Needlecraft Shelf Education Shelf Library Science Shelf
Religion/Spirituality Shelf Judaic Studies Shelf Biography Shelf
Metaphysical Studies Shelf Self-Help Shelf Sports Shelf
Music Shelf Fantasy/SciFi Shelf Audiobook Shelf


Reviewer's Choice

Apocalypse 2012
Lawrence E. Joseph
Morgan Road Books
1745 Broadway, 22-2, New York NY 10019
9780767924474, $23.95 www.morganroadbooks.com

From earthquakes and tsunamis to an increase in category 5 hurricanes, the indications are there to support predictions of how the world will end – and that the end could be near. APOCALYPSE 2012: A SCIENTIFIC INVESTIGATION INTO CIVILIZATION'S END comes from a journalist who pinpoints 2012 as the year of ultimate doom for the human race – based on a blend of ancient records, including a Mayan calendar which ceases its forecasts in 2012, and Eastern and Western religions which point to this year as the end of time. Add scientific insights into the data, including NASA data which shows 2012 as marking a maximum in cyclic sunspot activity – and you have a survey hard to ignore.

'The World's Greatest' Poster Book titles
Voyageur Press
Galtier Plaza,, Suite 300, St. Paul, MN 55101-3885
$9.95 Each www.voyageurpress.com

All ages will appreciate these poster books, which offer a blend of full-page color photos and a back page of facts. HORSE POSTER BOOK (0760330158) covers over forty horses, from Arabians and Morgans to Appaloosas. JOHN DEERE TRACTOR POSTER BOOK (0760330166) features over forty posters of various models from early to modern. All are bright and pull out easily: while these won't be recommended for the rigors of library lending, they will make perfect gift choices for any specialty enthusiast of either horses of tractors.

The Thriving Library
Marylaine Block
Information Today Inc.
143 Old Marlton Pike, Medford, NJ 08055
9781573872775, $39.50 www.infotoday.com

Public librarians seeking a tried-and-tested guide to strategies used to gain community support and funding will find THE THRIVING LIBRARY: SUCCESSFUL STRATEGIES FOR CHALLENGING TIMES an important pick. Any collection catering to library administrators will find plenty of rich detail here, from strategies for promoting youth services and community partnership projects to marketing approaches, web blogs and sites, and more. Projects are described in the practitioners' own words and use examples from annual reports, programs, and more. Any collection catering to librarians will want this – as will the libraries considering it for both lending and institutional reference.

Merrell Publishers Limited
49 West 24th Street, 8th floor, New York, NY 10010
www.merrellpublishers.com

Susan Davidson edits ART IN AMERICA: 300 YEARS OF INNOVATION (1858943949, $69.95), a fine survey of the major movements in America art which will be a top pick not just for college-level art libraries, but for any collection strong in American art history, even down to the high school range. From pop art to expressionism and landscape artists, here are works – some 250 – reproduced in full color by a range of artists. The historical division into six major periods from colonial times to modern times offers a far wider range than most American art titles, and makes for a fine, definitive catalog. Robert Elwall's EVOCATIONS OF PLACE: THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF EDWIN SMITH (1858943736, $75.00) surveys one of Britain's finest photographers: while his name is lesser known here, it's the first major study of Smith's work in over twenty years, making it a recommendation for any specialty college-level art library strong in world photographers. Smith emphasized historic architecture, landscapes and gardens and died in 1971: nearly two hundred illustrations here include rarely seen images plus previously unpublished correspondence, making for a fitting tribute to the photographer's talents.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Cerebrum 2007
The Dana Foundation
Dana Press
900 – 15th Street N.W., Washington DC 20005
9781932594249, $14.95 www.dana.org

Both science and health collections at the college level will benefit highly from The Dana Foundation's CEREBRUM: EMERGING IDEAS IN BRAIN SCIENCE, a compendium of brain research in a yearly anthology representing how prominent neuroscientists and others react to new discoveries about the brain. It's drawn from Cerebrum's Web edition and brings together experts who use lay language to discuss biology, ethics, science, and contemporary issues ranging from hidden memories to issues of understanding 'sin'. An excellent survey, CEREBRUM 2007 will find a place on the shelves of any serious college-level health or science collection.

Ethical Issues in Dementia Care
Julian C. Hughes and Clive Baldwin
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
400 Market Street, #400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
1843103575, $29.95 www.jkp.com

ETHICAL ISSUES IN DEMENTIA CARE: MAKING DIFFICULT DECISIONS is a recommendation for any college-level collection specializing in nursing or health care. It considers the various decisions that are common to caretakers and family members, telling how to handle different perspectives and situations and covering both conscience and patterns of professional ethics and practices. An excellent survey which uses real-life scenarios to analyze the heart of ethical issues in dementia care.

The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome
Tony Attwood
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Box 960, Herndon, VA 20172-0960
1843104954, $35.00 www.jkp.com

Usually books on Asperger's Syndrome address the diagnosis and options for children: The Complete Guide to Asperger's Syndrome broadens the field, using case studies and personal accounts from the author's own clinical experience to cover both adults and children, and all symptoms of the syndrome. From causes and diagnosis to differences in social interactions, perception, and mental health issues, The Complete Guide goes far beyond the usual Asperger's approach and is a 'must' for any serious health reference collection.

The New Rules of Posture
Mary Bond
Healing Arts Press
c/o Inner Traditions
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
1594771243, $18.95 www.healingartspress.com

THE NEW RULES OF POSTURE: HOW TO SIT, STAND, AND MOVE IN THE MODERN WORLD addresses a common health problem: poor posture. New to Mary Bond's approach is a focus on postural changes combined with attitude realization: it comes from her background as a dancer and a Structural Integration practitioner who teaches movement, and it draws on over thirty years of experience to show how habit and emotional factors contribute to unhealthy posture. Both new age and general-interest public lending libraries will find the focus on health, exercise and ergonomics to be a fine coverage.

The Sun Farmer
Michael McCarthy
Ivan R. Dee
1332 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60622-2694
1566637007, $24.95 www.ivanrdee.com

THE SUN FARMER: THE TORY OF A SHOCKING ACCIDENT, A MEDICAL MIRACLE, AND A FAMILY'S LIFE-AND-DEATH DECISION tells of an Illinois farmer so badly burned in a tractor accident that only his feet were untouched – a tragedy which brought his wife a difficult decision: to allow him to die, or allow doctors to enshroud him in a cocoon of artificial skin. Included in this memoir are insights on the world's first artificial skin, its applications in trauma cases, and the short- and long-term consequences of the accident. THE SUN FARMER charts one family's decisions, course of action, and efforts to survive disaster and is a moving survey any general-interest lending library will want.

Sugar Shock
Connie Bennett, CHHC, with Stephen T. Sinatra, MD
Berkeley Books
375 Hudson, New York NY 10014
9780425213575, $14.95 www.penguin.com

Eating sugars and carbs can bring on obesity and diabetes – but these are only two problems associated with sugars and carbs: others include heart disease, fatigue, and even mood swings. Author Connie Bennett is a former sugar addict who learned of sugar's other dangers the hard way – and who has been free of her addiction to sweets and simple carbs since 1998. Her journalist background blends with a doctor'' insights to chart all the dangers in SUGAR SHOCK! HOW SWEETS AND SIMPLE CARBS CAN DERAIL YOUR LIFE – AND HOW YOU CAN GET BACK ON TRACK. A fine addition not just for health libraries, but for any general-interest collection.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Gareth J. Parry, MB, CHB, FRACP and Joel Steinberg, MD, PhD
Demos
386 Park Avenue South, Suite 301, New York NY 10016
1932603565, $19.95 www.demosmedpub.com

Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks part of the nervous system, resulting in symptoms ranging from tingling and weakness to paralysis. GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME: FROM DIAGNOSIS TO RECOVERY is co-authored by a survivor of the condition and covers everything from early symptoms and treatment options to diagnostic methods and prognosis. From rehabilitation to acute care and coming home again, GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME is a 'must' for any serious health library.

Cause of Death
Stephen D. Cohle, MD and Tobin T. Buhk
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
9781591024477, $26.00 www.prometheusbooks.com

CAUSE OF DEATH: FORENSIC FILES OF A MEDICAL EXAMINER isn't just for college-level students of forensic medicine: it's a pick for any interested in forensic investigations, which will include many a legal reference collection as well as public library patrons. Chapters from a veteran medical examiner and forensic pathologist document the case histories and real-life challenges of autopsies, pairing detailed autopsy notes with insights on victims, murder methods and more. Perfect not only for health libraries but for law libraries and general-interest collections.


The Business Shelf

Fun Works
Leslie Yerkes
Berrett-Koehler Publishers
235 Montgomery St,, Suite 650, San Francisco CA 94104-2916
1576754081, $19.95 www.bkconnection.com

FUN WORKS: CREATING PLACES WERE PEOPLE LOVE TO WORK appears in its second updated, expanded edition to explore connections between work and fun. The original book detailed how eleven different companies blended fun into the course of business for improved results: this revised second edition includes follow-up interviews with all the companies in the first edition to see how they have maintained a fun environment in the face of recession, 911, and natural disaster alike. All the original eleven companies featured have continued to thrive – largely because of their 'fun and work' atmosphere – and business libraries will appreciate a book which documents a series of real-life success stories.

Your Gut is Still Not Smarter Than Your Head
Kevin Clancy and Peter Krieg
John Wiley Publishers
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
9780471979937, $29.95 www.wiley.com

YOUR GUT IS STILL NOT SMARTER THAN YOUR HEAD: HOW DISCIPLINED, FACT-BASED MARKETING CAN DRIVE EXTRAORDINARY GROWTH AND PROFITS considers and refutes one of the basics of marketing: the idea of the 'gut instinct' driving innovation. Marketing consultants Kevin Clancy and Peter Krieg here explain how to consider more disciplined, accountable marketing approaches that quantify the 'gut instinct' with measurable facts and analytical tools. Case studies and real-world data blend in a survey of how disciplined marketing beats gut-only thinking and planning, making this a pick for any collection catering to managers.

The Myths of Innovation
Scott Berkun
O'Reilly
1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
0596527055, $24.99 www.oreilly.com

How do you know whether a hot new technology will succeed or fail? How does a new technology or commodity enter the mainstream? These and other questions essential to producing thoughtful marketing decisions and approaches are considered in The Myths of Innovation, a history of innovations and how they became successful. Examples come from the history of technology, business and the arts and tell how knowledge converts to commodities. Business managers will find this an important key to understanding and business libraries will find it a popular contemporary approach and pick.

Creative Careers in Photography
Michael Heron
Allworth Press
10 East 23rd Street, Suite 510, New York NY 10010
1581154690, $19.95 www.allworth.com

From fine art photographer to stock agent, architectural photography and more, here's a guide for any photographer who would make a career out of their pleasure. From teaching to becoming a technician or even an equipment retailers, chapters in Creative Careers in Photography: Making a Living With or Without a Camera discuss all the pros and cons of career choices within and alongside the photography industry. Photo tips are also included for further hands-on detail, making this a reference pick for any collection strong in photography and careers choices.

Bullying Bosses: A Survivor's Guide
Robert Mueller, JD
Bullying Bosses.Com
Box 410238, San Francisco CA 94141-0238
9780976829300, $17.50 www.bullyingbosses.com

Plenty of books offer up analysis of managers' bullying behavior and a few include tips on overcoming such individuals – but BULLYING BOSSES: A SURVIVOR'S GUIDE goes step further, discussing underlying politics, political strategy and actions which can help protect against bullying bosses who challenge employees. From building a case to make management see the problem to gathering forces and eliminating isolationist tactics at work, BULLYING BOSSES tells how to overcome a bad situation and is a recommended pick for any serious business book collection.

Lower Your Taxes – Big Time!
Sandy Botkin, CPA, Esq.
McGraw-Hill
2 Penn Plaza, New York NY 10121
007147868X, $18.95 www.mhprofessional.com

The 2007-08 edition of LOWER YOUR TAXES-BIG TIME! Has been named one of the best tax guides for small businesses, so any library catering to small business owners seeking only a few select guides must have this reference. It comes from a CPA and former IRS attorney, has been updated to include the latest tax laws and changes, and covers everything from travel and home business expenses to taking advantage of fringe benefits and 'IRS bulletproofing' them to survive any auditor's eye. From income shifting and car expenses to considering the best corporate structure for a business, LOWER YOUR TAXES-BIG TIME is easy to understand and structured to take full, legal advantage of deductions often missed by small business owners.

Coolhunting
Peter Gloor & Scott Cooper
Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York NY 10019
0814473865, $24.95 www.amacombooks.org

COOLHUNTING: CHASING DOWN THE NEXT BIG THING is a key to identifying and capitalizing on trends, and is a reference any serious business library will find contemporary and important in its topic and approach. What is cool? Businesses receives tips on identifying what is presently cool and what desires will evolve from present trends. Chapters show how to identify new ideas which will spark new trends, from identifying people responsible for such ideas to anticipating and building a business model around it. Businesses seeking to capitalize on 'cool' ideas will want this.

Make Your Contacts Count
Anne Baber and Lynne Wayman
Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York NY 10019
0814474020, $14.95 www.amacombooks.org

Meeting and keeping a network of contacts to further a career is a basic tip for any upward-bound businessperson – but few titles spell out exactly how to achieve this goal. MAKE YOUR CONTACTS COUNT: NETWORKING KNOW-HOW FOR BUSINESS AND CAREER SUCCESS offers business libraries and upward-bound career seekers step-by-step tips for creating, cultivating and using networking opportunities. From professional memberships and networking events to checklists and questionnaires for fine tuning, this updated edition offers new case studies and expanded advice on how to use business networks. A 'must' for any library catering to business readers.

122 Ways to Build Teams, 2nd Edition
Carol Searce
Corwin Press
2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
9781412944595, $29.95 www.corwinpress.com

While the second updated edition of 122 Ways to Build Teams is written with schools in mind, it's reviewed here in our 'Business Books' area for its wealth of information suitable for any team-building endeavor. From designing an initial agenda and creating productive team-building conferencing to codes of conduct, unearthing leaders within teams, and using processes in classroom and teaching settings, 122 WAYS TO BUILD TEAMS is a 'must' for not just schools, but for any serious business pursuit.

The Complete Guide to Securing Your Own U.S. Patent
Jamaine Burrell
Atlantic Publishing Group
1405 SW 6th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34474-7014
9780910627054, $29.95 www.atlantic-pub.com

Any law or business library needs The Complete Guide to Securing Your Own U.S. Patent: A Step-by-Step Road Map to Protect Your Ideas and Inventions. It comes with a companion cd-rom and packs in details on patenting inventions, translates law to layman's terms, and is written for inventors who want to save on legal fees by following the process themselves. From establishing copyright and doing a search of records to applying for the patent and protecting it, this is a top, easy reference which public, law and business libraries alike will find important.

Don't Take the Last Donut
Judith Bowman
Career Press
Box 687, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
1564149293, $19.99 www.careerpress.com

DON'T TAKE THE LAST DONUT: NEW RULES OF BUSINESS ETIQUETTE is an important pick for any who would understand the protocols of business, from making a proper business introduction and creating a good first impression to handling small talk, conferences, and email. It's an important pick for any business library and also for any college-level library where students are entering the work world for the first time, covering all the latest basics of business etiquette and standards.


The Cookbook Shelf

New Grilling Book
Better Homes & Gardens
Meredith Books
1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-3023
0696228866, $19.95 www.meredithbooks.com

Plastic spiral binding with spine lettering lends to both lay-flat handy use and easy location in a cookbook collection, enhancing the appeal of a new 2nd, updated edition packing in over 800 recipes and well over a hundred color photos to support them. This combination makes NEW GRILLING BOOK exceptional – as does the attention to different types of grills and methods, from charcoal and gas to smokers and indoor grills. From Lamb with Spinach Pesto or Gingered Tuna Kebabs to Raspberry-Sesame TriTip Roast, NEW GRILLING BOOK is a top pick any home griller must have – especially audiences seeking new recipes and innovative ideas.

Black Forest Cuisine
Walter Staib with Jennifer Lindner McGlinn
Running Press
125 South 22nd Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-4399
0762421355, $35.00 www.runningpress.com

BLACK FOREST CUISINE: THE CLASSIC BLENDING OF EUROPEAN FLAVORS offers something different to cookbook fans: a focus on German regional traditions and customs, pairing full-page color photos with recipes. From Apple-Walnut Cakes to Meatballs in Caper Sauce, these are appealing, different dishes which blend especially well with the author's own familiarity of German regional cuisine. Any cookbook collection strong in modern European innovations will welcome this.


The Homeowner's Shelf

52 Weekend Makeovers
Taunton Press Editors
Taunton Press
Box 5506, Newton, CT 06470-5506
9781561588633, $24.95 www.taunton.com

Home makeovers are increasingly seen as 'DYI' projects, and allowing handy homeowners to achieve much in a weekend is 52 WEEKEND MAKEOVERS: EASY PROJECTS TO TRANSFORM YOUR HOME INSIDE AND OUT. From installing organizing shelving and upgrading sinks and faucets to handling an old floor or building a mantelpiece, homeowners who have a basic workshop will find 52 WEEKEND MAKEOVERS perfect for inspiration, packing in step-by-step color photos to make the process easy – and any library catering to homeowners will find it a welcomed reference.

Sunset Books
c/o Leisure Arts Inc.
5701 Ranch Drive, Little Rock, AR 72223-9633
www.sunsetbooks.com 1-800-643-8030

Joanne Liebeler's DO IT HERSELF: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO FIX, MAINTAIN, AND IMPROVE YOUR HOME (0376018089, $24.95) is written by women for women and offers step-by-step directions for a range of easy fixes, from tightening loose hinges and stopping a running toilet to unclogging sink drains and installing a GFCI receptacle. Each tip comes with good-sized color step-by-step photos and accompanying directions for installations and repairs, including a 'time and talent' sidebar defining job complexity. Perfect for women who want to develop basic home repair skills. BIG IDEAS FOR SMALL GARDENS features Dave Egbert's Garden Notebook and tells how to create a small garden to showcase plants and setting alike. From easy design basics to make the most of a small space to picking the right, small plants for such a venture, color photos with arrowed notes accompany design and landscape insights perfect for small garden growers. Both titles promise to be popular library lending choices.


The Woodworking Shelf

Jigs & Fixtures For the Table Saw & Router
Woodworker's Journal editors
Fox Chapel Publishing
1970 Broad Street, East Petersburg, PA 17520
9781565233256, $17.95 www.foxchapelpublishing.com

Nearly thirty projects and instructions on how to make jigs and fixtures for safer and faster woodworking are packed into Jigs & Fixtures For the Table Saw & Router, a guide which uses the experience of the editors of Woodworker's Journal for a range of innovative projects. From technical drawings and easy step-by-step instructions complete with materials lists to color photos throughout, homeowners who have a woodshop will find this an excellent – and essential – guide, as will libraries catering to home crafters and do-it-yourself patrons.

Chairmaking & Design, 2nd Edition
Jeff Miller
Linden Publishing
2006 S. Mary, Fresno, CA 93721
19333502061, $22.95 www.lindenpub.com

Chairmaking is considered to be one of the more difficult home crafter's arts, but by relying on expert patterns and easy tips, seven elegant chair projects are used to clearly demonstrate all the foundation keys to making chairs. This new, revised edition of a winning guide is a pick for home decor crafters who want to use their existing skills to build well-crafted chairs. Chapters are packed with black and white step-by-step construction photos and build on fundamental basics to explore chairmaking choices. Any library catering to home handy people will find it a fine addition.


The Computer Shelf

Designing BSD Rootkits
Joseph Kong
No Starch Press
555 DeHaro #250, San Francisco, CA 94107
9781593271428, $29.95 www.nostarch.com

Collections strong in web design and programmer's guides know that rootkits have a negative image – but DESIGNING BSD ROOTKITS provides all the information on how to overcome any bad image and problems to develop effective rootkits under the FreeBSD operating system. This instructional is actually a tutorial, so it may also be used in programming classes: it explains how to maintain root access and how to hack Free BSD, using many examples which assume no prior kernel-hacking knowledge. Code is described, analyzed, and linked to real-world scenarios for maximum understanding, making for a perfect programmer's guide.

SOA Using Java Web Servers
Mark D. Hansen
Prentice Hall
One Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
0130449687, $49.99 www.prenhallprofessional.com

College-level and professional collections strong in Java web programming will find SOA Using Java Web Servers an important reference: it's for advanced users and offers a hands-on guide to complementing web services and Service Oriented Architecture. Chapters cover best-practice design ideas and the latest code samples, explaining mapping strategies and SOA integration processes, surveying packaging and deploying web services components, and including code solutions for common development issues. No SOA collection should be without it!

Addison Wesley
75 Arlington Street, Suite 300, Boston, MA 02116
www.awprofessional.com 1-800-428-5331

Tim Boudreau, Jaroslav Tulach, and Geertjan Wielenga's RICH CLIENT PROGRAMMING: PLUGGING INTO THE NETBEANS PLATFORM (0132354802, $49.99 )covers the open-source NetBeans Platform, which can be used to build rich client applications – and it's the first guide for NetBeans IDE 5.0, so no serious Java programming collection should be without it. Java developers receive a guide to advanced NetBeans module development, using proven real-world ideas for building reliable desktop software. From how to create complete rich client applications using the platform to handling plugins, no serious developer's library should be without RICH CLIENT PROGRAMMING. Paul C. Brown's SUCCEEDING WITH SOA: REALIZING BUSINESS VALUE THROUGH TOTAL ARCHITECTURE (0321508912, $32.50) is for any information technology library beyond the beginner's level. Both business and computer collections receive a definitive guide to service-oriented architectures and how they may be understood and implemented. With an emphasis on reasons for common failures, the author draws important connections business managers and IT architects need to know for optimum results. Perfect for setting realistic goals in the business/IT environment.

O'Reilly
1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
www.oreilly.com

XML programmers and database users will find Priscilla Walmsley's XQUERY (0596006349, $49.99 ) a specific, valuable reference which is based on the Xquery 1.0 standards and which offers a basic tutorial on specifications and programming with the query language base. Query writers should have some knowledge of XML basics to use this, and can quickly progress into the 'advanced' category using an overview and tour of Xquery which includes guidelines for working with different types of data and an A-Z reference to the program's functions. Sasha Pachev's UNDERSTANDING MYSQL INTERNALS: DISCOVERING AND IMPROVING A GREAT DATABASE (0596009577, $49.99) provides clear insights into one of the most popular open source codes on the market. It comes from a former member of the MySQL development team, so offers the author's own insights into the program's creation and use, covering everything from communication protocols between client and server to the parser and optimizer that execute SQL commands, advantages and disadvantages of using threads, and more technical insights. Chris Grover, Matthew MacDonald and E.A. Vander Veer's Office 2007: The Missing Manual (0596514220, $34.99) covers the latest, extensive upgrade to the Microsoft Office, Suite: an extensive revamp which makes this 0FFICE 2007: THE MISSING MANUAL a 'must' even for owners of previous Office editions. The basics of Word, Exel, PowerPoint and Access are covered, from the beginnings of navigation using new tools to the basics of working with Word document layouts, Excel spreadsheets, presentations using PowerPoint, and Access' enhanced database capabilities. Serious computer libraries will find these valuable references.

Illustrated Windows Vista Guided Tour
Maran Graphics
Thomson Course Technology
25 Thomson Place, Boston, MA 02210
1598633201, $24.99 www.courseptr.com

From learning how to use Vista's basic programs such as Photo Gallery and Media Player to working on a network and customizing components, Illustrated Windows Vista Guided Tour offers up an intensely visual style to simplify instructions. This means full color on every page, plenty of screen shots and examples, and a step-by-step tutorial which can't be beat. Any general computer library seeking solid, eye-catching Vista references needs this.

Jboss Seam: Simplicity and Power Beyond Java EE
Michael Yuan and Thomas Heute
Prentice Hall
One Lake Street, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
0131347969, $39.99 www.prenhallprofessional.com

Jboss Seam blends EJB 3.0 and JSF components under one framework: for Java developers this means an easier tool for taking full advantage of Java EE web development routines – and for libraries catering to professional Java programmers, it means a top pick which goes further than the Java EE platform itself. From integrating web and data components and pages to creating AJAX and custom UI components and optimizing Jboss Seam, Jboss Seam: Simplicity and Power Beyond Java EE is the item of choice for any serious Java EE programmer.


The Military Shelf

The General and His Daughter
Barbara Gavin Fauntleroy
Fordham University Press
2546 Belmont Avenue, University Box L, Bronx, NY 10458-5172
9780823226870, $27.95 www.fordhampress.com 1-800-247-6553

THE GENERAL AND HIS DAUGHTER: THE WARTIME LETTERS OF GENERAL JAMES M. GAVIN TO HIS DAUGHTER BARBARA provides an excellent portrait of the American experience in World War II, telling of a commander who at the age of 37 became the 82nd Parachute Infantry's commanding general, and the youngest to become a major general since the Civil War. His letters were written from the field to his nine-year-old daughter Barbara and provide plenty of 'you are there' insights into the realities of combat. It's a 'must' for any serious, in-depth World War II collection, especially libraries specializing in memoirs and writings from participants.

Sinking the Rising Sun
William E. Davis
Zenith Press
c/o MBI Publishing Company
380 Jackson Street, St. Paul, MN 55101-3885
076032946X, $25.95 www.mbipublishing.com 1-800-458-0454

SINKING THE RISING SUN: DOG FIGHTING AND DIVE BOMBING IN WORLD WAR II comes from a Navy fighter pilot and is a pick recommended for any World War II specialty library specializing in memoirs and first-person experiences. Bombing experiences over the Pacific are recounted by one whose squadron shot down nearly two hundred enemy planes while losing only two of their on in aerial combat. A gripping memoir.

The Day of Islam
Paul L. Williams
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, New York NY 14228-2197
9781591025085, $25.00 www.prometheusbooks.com

THE DAY OF ISLAM: THE ANNIHILATION OF AMERICA AND THE WESTERN WORLD comes from an investigative reporter whose prior books on Bin Laden and Al Qaeda have probed the foundations of terrorism. This broader, wider-ranging survey reveals the potential for nuclear terrorism on US soil and connections between Al Qaeda and organized crime and illegal immigrants, providing new insights on terrorism in Pakistan and other countries and probing the radical Muslim dream of seeing the Western world collapse as part of Allah's plan. An eye-opening, frightening survey evolves which is a recommended pick for any library strong in terrorist investigations.

Gatekeeper: Memoirs of a CIA Polygraph Examiner
John F. Sullivan
Potomac Books Inc.
22841 Quicksilver Drive, Dulles, VA 20166-2012
9781597970457, $27.95 www.potomacbooksinc.com 1-800-775-2518

Author John Sullivan was a polygraph examiner for over thirty years, conducting more such tests than anyone in the history of the CIA's program. What makes his story exceptional is his explanations of how lie detectors are used to identify unsuitable applicants, possible foreign agents, and others guilty of misconduct from harming the Agency. His methods, the psychology behind polygraph testing and results, and the tests which enabled Sullivan to uncover double agents, applicants with criminal backgrounds, and more makes for exciting case histories and also offers military libraries insights into the CIA's internal workings and quality control measures. An intriguing, unusual survey which moves beyond 'memoir' status to examine the foundations of CIA quality and strengths.

Amongst Immortals Raging: Gettysburg's Third Day Begins
Marshall Conyers
Pelican Publishing
1000 Burmaster Street, Gretna, LA 70053
9781589804685, $19.95 www.pelicanpub.com

AMONGST IMMORTALS isn't your usual military history, but a collection of prose poems written to capture the third day of Gettysburg. All poems are written in the first person in the midst of battle, using impressions of the minds of leaders and soldiers to bring the Gettysburg experience home. A unique approach and recommendation for any Civil War library.

Combating Proliferation
Jason D. Ellis & Geoffrey D. Kiefer
Johns Hopkins University Press
2715 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4363
0801886260, $25.00 www.press.jhu.edu 1-800-537-5487

Many social and political challenges are involved in combating proliferation of weapons, from analyzing intelligence data for accuracy to understanding how technology transfers and how security policies are directed and implemented. COMBATING PROLIFERATION: STRATEGIC INTELLIGENCE & SECURITY POLICY comes from two specialists who analyze trends in the collection and applications of intelligence data, providing hard-hitting chapters questioning the accuracy of both data and methods used to compile and scrutinize it. Both college-level military and political science holdings will find this a key addition promoting understanding, debate, and classroom discussions.

Osprey Publishing
443 Park Avenue South, Suite 806, New York NY 10016
www.ospreypublishing.com

Gordon L. Rottman's SOVIET FIELD FORTIFICATIONS 1941-45 (9781846031168, $16.95) tells of one of the largest Soviet defensive operations in history, which embraced fortifications in forests, swamps and cities alike. From trenches and bunkers to weaponry positions, SOVIET FIELD FORTIFICATIONS is a pick for any serious, in depth military collection. David Fletcher's BRITISH MARK IV TANK (9781846030826, $15.95) tells of the Mark IV tank which worked against the Germans from 1917 to the end of World War I. It charts the first tank-versus-tank actions against the Germans, British technology, and displays rare footage of the Mark IVs used against the Allies. An excellent addition to any serious, in-depth World War I collection. Gregory Foremont-Barnes' THE INDIAN MUTINY 1857-58 (9781846032097, $14.95) adds to the 'Essential Histories' multi-volume history of war which focuses on war as seen from political, cultural and individual perspectives alike. In the mid-19th century India was the focus of Britain's international and commercial power – its most important colony – but in 1857 there was open rebellion. First-hand source material and the latest research explains why the armies rose up against Britain, strategies used on both sides, and more. D. Nicolle, J. Haldon and S. Turnbull's THE FALL OF CONSTANTINOPLE: THE OTTOMAN CONQUEST OF BYZANTIUM (9781846032004, $24.95) is a pick for any collection strong in early history, particular of the Roman Empire era. It follows the fall of the Roman Empire in general and Byzantium's eight-century struggle for survival. Constantine's powerful central city and its amazing wall system fell to the Turks during a massive siege train against the city, which held out for four months until Turkish artillery succeeded in destroying it. It's a powerful survey not to be missed. SHERMAN'S MARCH TO THE SEA 1864: ATLANTIC TO SAVANNAH by David Smith (9781846030352, $18.95) tells of a grueling march – nearly three hundred miles – in which the army lived off the land and destroyed all war-making capabilities of the enemy. Photos, maps, and art examines the major participants, strategies, and campaigns of the last months of the Civil War, making for a top pick for any military collection strong in Civil War history.

Field Marshal Von Manstein: The Janus Head/A Portrait
Marcel Stein
Helion & Company Ltd.
26 Willow Road, Solihull, West Midlands B91 1UE
1906033021, $59.95 www.helion.co.uk www.amazon.com

Military libraries strong in World War II history, particularly in profiling German military personalities, probably already have casual coverage and mention of von Manstein, largely considered the most outstanding German high commander of the war – but no complete biography of him has appeared in print until now, making Field Marshal Von Manstein: The Janus Head/A Portrait an unparalleled 'must' for any serious military holding. From his political and military achievements to his inhumane policies in Russia and active participation in Jewish slaughters, this book outlines the contradictions in Manstein's psyche and analyzes both his military and philosophical might. A 'must' for any collection going beyond casual World War II analysis.

Navy: An Illustrated History
Chester G. Hearn
Zenith Press
c/o MBI Publishing Company
380 Jackson Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101-3885
0760329729, $29.95 www.mbipublishing.com

In 1775 a new Congress formed what would evolve into one of the world's greatest military organizations: the US Navy – and NAVY: AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY celebrates this, using paintings, photos, and maps to trace the evolution of the Navy during the wars it fought. Both black and white and color illustrations, from photos to artistic representations, make NAVY an excellent survey – and it comes from a military historian who has already written several Navy history books. It's an excellent choice for any military library and for any general-interest collection seeking an accessible, lively format documenting Navy strengths and evolution.


The Architecture Shelf

International Beach Houses
Louisa Wattson
Harry Abrams
115 West 18th Street, New York NY 10011
9780810992962, $35.00 www.abramsbooks.com

The contemporary beach house designs featured in International Beach Houses comes from top architectural structures around the world – a little over twenty – and includes structures from the U.S., Europe, Asia, South Africa and South America. Books which focus on style often focus on interiors, but this shows floor plans, views and interiors alike, discussing local terrain, culture, and describing the unique architectural approaches of each creation. Art libraries strong in contemporary architecture will find it a fine survey of options and creative responses to differing coastal environments.


The Needlecraft Shelf

Mosaic Applique
Lorraine Carthew
American Quilter's Society
Box 3290, Paducah, KY 42002-3290
9781574329155, $22.95 www.americanquilter.com

Ten patterns for mosaics ranging from a cat to a dragonfly or a flower come with three pull-out pattern sheets, fabric tips, and details on applique techniques, fused borders and more. MOSAIC APPLIQUE is a fine choice for quilters who want to add applique designs to quilting projects: it comes from an Australian quilters who has designed her own fashions and who here provides easy steps to unique creations. Quilters seeking an introduction to mosaic techniques will find this an easy, eye-catching pick.

Quilting a Patchwork Garden
Lynette Jensen
Landauer Books
3100 NW 101st Street, Urbandale, IA 50322
9781890621629, $27.95 www.landauercorp.com

Sixteen quilts, pillows and interior embellishments presented in the project guide QUILTING A PATCHWORK GARDEN are inspired by garden settings and provide all levels of quilters with easy step-by-step instructions, color photos, and inspiring new ideas designed by the author for Thimbleberries. From full-sized patterns and familiar blocks to innovations on seasonal themes, QUILTING A PATCHWORK GARDEN is a top pick.

Martingale & Company
20205 - 144th Avenue, NE, Woodinville, WA 98072-8478
www.martingale.com 1-800-426-3126

Jenny Wilding Cardon's The Little Box of Baby Quilts (9781564776990, $22.95 ) is a set of project cards that can be used to produce inspirational and quick designs for boys and girls. These are portable cards in a box, each holding step-by-step directions, a color photo and templates, and even an introduction to basic techniques for beginners. The quilts use a blend of quick piecing and easy applique techniques. While not appropriate for library lending, they are perfect for the quilter who wants a quick, take-along inspirational project card. Knitters seeking to move to the next level of experience will welcome Rebecca Lennox's KNITTING BEYOND THE BASICS (9781564777416, $27.95), a set of skill-building lessons linked to contemporary projects. Some seventeen projects build upon foundation knowledge and pair patterns and color photos with step-by-step directions for quick and easy learning. Cheryl Potter's SPECIAL LITTLE KNITS FROM JUST ONE SKEIN (9781564777195, $29.95) holds a range of ideas which can be made with just one skein of yarn – from scarves to shrugs, cover-ups, ponchettes and more. Color photos accompany step-by-step instructions and with the focus on temporary styling, knitters will find a range of ideas perfect for not just gift-giving, but for using up leftovers and small stashes of yarn.


The Education Shelf

Corwin Press
2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
www.corwinpress.com

Elaine K. McGwan's 40 WAYS TO SUPPORT STRUGGLING READERS IN CONTENT CLASSROOMS, GRADES 6-12 (9781412952064, $30.95) is a key ingredient for success for any teacher who would help students using tested classroom techniques. From quotes and definitions to capture attention to descriptions of methods and how they may be integrated into a mixed classroom, chapters teach 'chunking', how to assign oral-assisted repeated reading, cooperative games and activities, and more. Diane Hodges' LOOKING FORWARD TO MORE MONDAY MORNINGS: HOW TO DRIVE YOUR COLLEAGUES HAPPY! (9781412942195, $32.95) provides a sequel to the popular LOOKING FORWARD TO MONDAY MORNING and comes from a former human resources director and school administrator who shares here low-cost staff appreciation and recognition activities. School leaders will welcome a range of options and tips for year-round, from starters and year-end treats to recognition for both groups and individuals, volunteers, and more. Ann Maccagnano's IDENTIFYING & ENHANCING THE STRENGTHS OF GIFTED LEARNERS K-8 (9781412942539, $27.95) provides teachers and student teachers with easy activities and lesson plans to be integrated into any school curriculum. From word play and interpersonal analysis to techniques to help students with cognitive thinking, these exercises are accompanied by sidebars of case history examples for further emphasis and are especially recommended for student teachers. Toby J. Karten's MORE INCLUSION STRATEGIES THAT WORK! ALIGNING STUDENT STRENGTHS WITH STANDARDS (9781412941167, $39.95) provides a sequel and expansion to the first INCLUSION STRATEGIES THAT WORK book, showing how to supplement content-specific curriculum with teaching strategies which take the entire classroom's need into account. The focus is on meeting the requirements of Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 in a general classroom setting: from lessons organized by age an ability to diagnosis and testing methods, MORE INCLUSION STRATEGIES THAT WORK is packed with practical, applied recommendations and ideas. These titles are picks for any educator's library and for college-level collections specializing in education.


The Library Science Shelf

Library 2.0: A Guide to Participatory Library Service
Michael E. Casey and Laura C. Savastinuk
Information Today Inc.
145 Old Marlton Pike, Medford, NJ 08055-8750
9781573872973, $29.50 www.infotoday.com

Strategies and projects which have helped over a hundred public libraries gain community support and funding are outlined in a reference highly recommended for both libraries at all levels, from school to community, to educators who want to gain insights into what makes up a set of winning programs and services reaching out to the community. From building youth services and interest to making marketing and economic partnerships, LIBRARY 2.0 is a key to developing lasting libraries and collections which reach out to community needs.


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

Finding Grace When You Can't Even Find Clean Underwear
Lisa Earle McLeod
Jefferson Press
790 Thompson Road, Saluda, NC 28773
9780977808632, $22.95, www.forgetperfect.com

If divine laughter paired with spiritual insights is needed for a collection strong in spirituality, then Finding Grace When You Can't Even Find Clean Underwear is the perfect item of choice. It discusses what's important and what's not in the scheme of realizing spirituality in everyday living, and it chapters are as zany as 'Are Corporate Witches Getting a Bum Rap?' to 'Can you Blackberry Your Way to Happiness?' For a blend of everyday living advice, humor, and spiritual insights, this can't be beat and its title alone will have any general-interest public library lending collection excited.

Integrity at Work
Norman L. Geisler and Randy Douglass
Baker Books
Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
0801067715, $15.99 www.bakerbooks.com

INTEGRITY AT WORK: FINDING YOUR ETHICAL COMPASS IN A POST-ENRON WORLD is a top pick for any business library interested in ethical decision-making processes. It comes from a dean of Southern Evangelical Seminary and a founder of Workplace PEACE and provides a spiritual emphasis and focus – which will make this a top choice for Christian business college holdings, but also accessible to business collections as a whole.

Noah's Other Son
Brian Arthur Brown
Continuum International Publishing
80 Maiden Lane, New York NY 10038
0826427979, $21.95 www.continuumbooks.com

NOAH'S OTHER SON: BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN THE BIBLE AND THE QUR'AN examines over twenty figures who plan major roles in both the Old and New Bible Testaments and the Qur'an. Author Brian Brown is a Canadian minister ministering in communities where Christian majorities interact with Muslim and Jewish minorities: his purpose in NOAH'S OTHER SON is to bridge gaps between Islam and the West through considering common religious experiences and images. Even readers well versed in Christianity may be surprised to learn that women who are nameless in the Bible have their records in the Qur'an, and that Noah had a rebellious other son who refused to get on board the ark and thus drowned. A top pick for any serious spirituality collection.

An Emergent Manifesto of Hope
Doug Pagitt and Tony Jones, Editors
Baker Books
Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
080106807X, $19.99 www.bakerbooks.com

The idea of the 'emerging church' has received many labels – as a movement, a conversation, and even perhaps a scandal – but AN EMERGENT MANIFESTO OF HOPE assembles a range of voices and writings on the topic under one cover, providing the insights of over twenty contributors who reflect on everything from social justice to the church's involvement in sex and evangelism. Christians receive a survey of major church issues of modern times, the latest thinking on faith and leadership, and will find thought-provoking and insightful the insights on an 'emergent church' tied into major community changes.


The Judaic Studies Shelf

Spies of the Bible
Rose Mary Sheldon
Greenhill Books
c/o MBI, Distributors
380 Jackson Street #200, St. Paul, MN 55101-3885
9781853676369, $39.95 www.greenhillbooks.com www.mbipublishing.com

The Near East has been contested by various parties for thousands of years, but much fighting has been conducted with smaller guerrilla operations: the Jews fought as guerrillas when in the desert, and they fought three wars of liberation against the Greeks and Romans. SPIES OF THE BIBLE comes from an intelligence expert who considers the role of espionage and intelligence in these early guerrilla efforts, draws on Biblical passages and references to highlight the importance of espionage and intelligence, and is a recommended item of choice for any college-level spirituality holding, particularly those strong in Biblical and Jewish history.

Faith and Doubt: Studies in Traditional Jewish Thought, 3rd Edition
Norman Lamm
KTAV Publishing House Inc.
930 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
0881259527, $35.00 www.ktav.com

FAITH AND DOUBT discusses religious faith and comes from a former President of Yeshiva University identified with modern Orthodox Judaism – but this book shouldn't be limited to such an audience. It discusses everything from comparative law and metaphysics to natural science and updates all topics discussed in the prior edition. For college-level in-depth Judaic philosophy and spirituality holdings, it is a top pick.


The Biography Shelf

William Randolph Hearst
Ben Protecter
Oxford University Press
198 Madison Avenue, New York NY 10016-4314
9780195325348, $30.00 www.oup.com

WILLIAM RANDOLPH HEARST: THE LATER YEARS, 1911-1951 presents the second volume in a biography series which follows Hearst's life, and is a pick for college-level holdings which already have the first volume, as well as for college-level collections strong in media or journalism history. It surveys how Hearst built an empire of newspapers in nineteen of the largest cities in the U.S., and how his final forty years strengthened his hold. Previously unavailable letters and manuscripts, along with Hearst's own powerful political editorials, make for a powerful testimony not just to Hearst's life, but to the evolution of the newspaper as a whole, and its political impact on American lives.


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

Spagyrics
Manfred M. Junius
Healing Arts Press
c/o Inner Traditions
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
1594771790, $18.95 www.HealingArtsPress.com

SPAGYRICS: THE ALCHEMICAL PREPARATION OF MEDIEVAL ESSENCES, TINCTURES ND ELIXIRS discusses the practice and applications of spagyrics, a method which 'opens' medicinal plants completely to draw on their more powerful healing properties. Ancient source materials and images compliment discussions which describe step-by-step methods for preparing plant remedies alchemically, blending history and science with new age beliefs and methods in a classic resource perfect for any new age collection strong in hermetic art or natural healing.

Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
www.schifferbooks.com

Fans of ghost stories in general and particularly 'true hauntings' accounts, as well as libraries in the East Coast region, will want to include four fine new lively titles in their collections. Renee Mallett's MANCHESTER GHOSTS: NEW HAMPSHIRE'S HAUNTED CITY (9780654326509, $14.95) is a wide-ranging survey of everything ghostly about New Hampshire, from legends of early Native Americans to settler experiences and accounts of current Manchester hauntings. From an interview with a modern-day ghost hunter to accounts of modern haunted buildings, any with an interest in Manchester, New Hampshire will be pleased by the lively survey here. Thomas D'Agostino's HAUNTED NEW HAMPSHIRE (0764325736, $14.95), in contrast, covers the entire state, surveying small towns and haunted establishments from restaurants and taverns to even a dead pirate or an island banshee. Tourists hoping to catch a ghostly glimpse are treated to clear directions to each place, while small black and white photos accompany each description of a ghostly experience. Both ghost enthusiasts in general and New Hampshire local history collections will relish these. Thomas D'Agostino's HAUNTED MASSACHUSETTS (9780764326622, $12.95) investigates haunted mansions and taverns, ghost towns and even a haunted quarry, offering up some forty towns and cities where ghosts are said to walk. D.P. Roseberry's GHOSTS OF VALLEY FORGE AND PHOENIXVILLE (9780764326332, $14.95) covers two areas which hold ghostly visitations in unlikely places, from a bed and breakfast to a public library. These will all delight fans of the ghost story – and all are culled from real circumstances.


The Self-Help Shelf

Life on Purpose
Dr. Brad Swift
Elite Books
1600700233, $24.95 www.elitebooksonline.com

LIFE ON PURPOSE; SIX PASSAGES TO AN INSPIRED LIFE is the first how-to book on how to clarify life's questions to life an inspired, fulfilling life. While this could've been featured in our Spirituality Shelf area, it's reviewed here for its overall visionary qualities and attention to generally living and perceiving a more enlightened lifestyle. Perfect for the general lending, new age or spirituality collection alike.

Fusion of the Five Elements
Mantak Chia
Bear & Company
c/o Inner Traditions
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
1594771030, $14.95 www.destinybooks.com

FUSION OF THE FIVE ELEMENTS: MEDITATIONS FOR TRANSFORMING NEGATIVE EMOTIONS offers the first step in Taoist practice of Inner Alchemy, which involves controlling the flow of emotional and mental energies in the body to rid it of negative energy. From understanding the five elements and the major organs of the body to using advanced Fusion exercises to channel energies in positive directions, new age and self-help collections will find this a powerful resource.


The Sports Shelf

Sid!
Sid Hartman with Patrick Reusse
Voyageur Press
380 Jackson Street #200, Saint Paul MN 55101
0760331901, $16.95 www.voyageurpress.com

SID! THE SPORTS LEGENDS, THE INSIDE SCOOPS, AND THE CLOSE PERSONAL FRIENDS surveys one who has seen many changes to Minnesota sports for over sixty years. His memoir originally appeared in 1997: this newly update edition includes a new epilogue about the past 10 years in Minnesota sports and presents new audiences with sports commentary and insights which are a 'must' for any fan of Minnesota sports history and any collection catering to sports enthusiasts.


The Music Shelf

Inside the Music of Brian Wilson
Philip Lambert
Continuum
80 Maiden Lane, New York NY 10038
0826418775, $26.95 www.continuumbooks.com

INSIDE THE MUSIC OF BRIAN WILSON: THE SONGS, SOUNDS, AND INFLUENCES OF THE BEACH BOYS' FOUNDING GENIUS is a pick any Beach Boys fan needs: while Brian Wilson's life has received extensive documentation in other biographies, here the focus is solely on his music, not his life – and what a welcome change that is, for fans of his sound. New stories cover the birth and evolution of Wilson's musical ideas using the history of his songwriting and production to explore his evolution. Rock music collections will find it an invaluable exploration.

Faking It: The Quest for Authenticity in Popular Music
Hugh Barker and Yuval Taylor
W.W. Norton
500 – 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
0393060780, $25.95 www.wwnorton.com

FAKING IT comes from two music critics who here examine a range of genres, from blues to rock, in the quest to answer issues of authenticity and cultural reality in music. Popular music's impact is wide-ranging and its ability to effect cultural and social changes has been documented – but is music's authenticity another pop image, born of marketing – or does it reflect real change and underground sentiment? FAKING IT offers a blend of history and cultural criticism and is a pick for any collection strong in popular music history and culture.

Lennon and McCartney: Together Alone
John Blaney
Jawbone Press
1700 – Fourth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
9781906002022, $27.95 www.jawbonepress.com

The songwriting partnership of Lennon/McCartney is one of the most popular of all time and formed the foundation of the Beatles' sound and evolution: but this focus is on their independent songwriting after they broke up, and offers important assessments of their work both within and outside the Beatles. Collectors will appreciate the facts on release dates, catalogue numbers, composer credits and technical recording information, while Blaney's critical analysis and lively style peppers quotes from the songwriters along with insights. Sidebars of information accompany in-depth analysis of songs and the individual artists. A 'must' for any collection serious about a full representation of the Beatles' works.

Grand Illusion
Chuck Panozzo with Michele Skettino
Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York NY 10019
0814409164, $24.95 www.amacombooks.org

Fans of the rock group Styx won't want to miss GRAND ILLUSION: LOVE, LIES, AND MY LIFE WITH STYX. It can't get more authoritative than this: author Church Panozzo is also one of the group's founding members and provides a full view of the birth of the band in Chicago, their growth as a huge rock group, their experiences on the road, and more. All the highs and lows of the group are charted in a blend of memoir and rock chronicle essential for any fan of the group. Perfect for any library catering to rock music readers.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

Stargate SG-1: The Ultimate Visual Guide
Kathleen Ritter
DK Publishing
375 Hudson Street, New York NY 10014-3658
0756623618, $24.99 www.dk.com

A 'visual guide' DVD is included with a fine survey of Stargate SG-1's popular television science fiction world, from discussions of characters, technologies, and stories to 600 color images from the series. This would make the perfect gift for any avid Stargate SG-1 fan: it packs in trivia and information about the series and the bonus DVD includes interviews, a gallery of original artwork by James C.D. Robbins, and even a trivia game.


The Audiobook Shelf

Brilliance Audio
PO Box 887, Grand Haven, MI 49417
www.brillianceaudio.com 1-800-854-7859

Nora Roberts' BORN IN SHAME (1423332741, $29.95) and BORN IN ICE (1423332725, $29.95) are powerful components of the 'Born in' trilogy: both receive the fine voice of Irish narrator Faicre Douglas. BORN IN ICE is the second book, telling of one Brianna Concannon who runs a bed and breakfast and hides her heart from the world – until mystery writer Grayson Thane form America arrives to break her self-imposed isolation. BORN IN SHAME tells of Shannon Bodine, a graphic artist whose live revolves around a prestigious New York City job. She, too, has no time for romance – but when she learns the identity of her real father, she journeys back to Ireland, there to meet both a new family and a possible romance. These are fine romance novels perfect for any audio collection where patrons choose romances. Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus' DEDICATION (142334023X, $34.95) receives Ashley West's fine background as a New York actress starring in off-Broadway fame, with a voice which lends passion and excitement to this story of Kate, whose ex-boyfriend is a famous musician – famous for his songs about Kate. Their reunion will lead Kate to confront her past at last. Paula Wall's THE WILDE WOMEN (1596000848, $34.95) receives veteran Susan Ericksen's smooth voice and stage and screen background as it tells of sisters who have a taste for mischief and bad men. When one sister cheats with another's man, trouble begins which will lead to changes and danger. Eric Jerome's DICKEY (1596000139, $36.95) receives veteran actor Dion Graham's experienced and lively voice as it tells of one Gideon, part of a jet-setter world dominated by women, money and danger. Revenge and contract killing are part of a world motivated by women – until two mysterious strangers lead him to face his destiny. Steven Callahan's ADRIFT: 76 DAYS LOST AT SEA (1423336429, $29.95) is narrated in the author's own voice which lends a gripping high drama to the true story of a shipwreck and survival at sea. ADRIFT was an astonishing memoir in book form: in audio it brings to life every chilling moment of experience in a harrowing, gripping tale.


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
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