 |
Book
Reviews,
Book Lover Resources, Advice for Writers and Publishers |
| Home / Library Bookwatch |
Library Bookwatch
Table of Contents
Reviewer's Choice
Threads of Identity
Widad Kamel Kawar
Rimal Publications
c/o International Publishers Marketing
22841 Quicksilver Drive, Dulles, VA 20166
9789963610419 $50.00 www.internationalpubmarket.com 1-800-758-3756
Threads of Identity: Preserving Palestinian Costume and Heritage is the culmination of years of
research and documentation of Arab costumes, textiles, and artifacts that impact Palestinian
women's daily lives. Costumes, jewelry, other such artifacts reflect a vital yet rapidly diminishing
factor of traditional culture; Threads of Identity examines not only the traditional dresses,
textiles, and weavings but also the rural and urban customs, cuisines, and celebrations. Color
photographs of textile artifacts on virtually every page and interviews with women who
witnessed key events (and terrible traumas) of the twentieth century distinguish this immense,
deep, and thought-provoking history. Highly recommended.
Secrets And Practices of The Freemasons
Jean-Louis De Biasi
Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD.
2143 Wooddale Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125
www.llewellyn.com
9780738723402, $19.95, www.amazon.com
Freemason symbols and rituals have impacted American culture in an impressive variety of ways
ranging from the dollar bill to Mormon temple ceremonies. Writer, lecturer, philosopher, and
member of several Masonic Grand Lodges in North America, Jean-Louis De Biasi is also a
member of the 32nd degree of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry for the Southern Jurisdiction of
the United States. Therefore he brings to his 312-page compendium, "Secrets and Practices of the
Freemasons: Sacred Mysteries, Rituals and Symbols Revealed" an authenticity, authority, and
expertise that is as impressive as it is informed and informative. De Biasi begins with an
overview of the masonic tradition, the focuses on ritual symbolisms and practices in a manner
that makes them fully accessible and understandable to the non-specialist general reader.
Enhanced with appendices that include the Masonic Decalogue, Marcus Vitruvius, The Hermetic
Tree of Life, Symbol for the Practice: Knights of the Sun, and Masonic Ciphers, as well as an
extensive glossary and a comprehensive index, "Secrets And Practices of The Freemasons" is an
ideal and strongly recommended addition to personal, community, and academic library
reference collections.
The Native American Shelf
Great Sioux War Orders Of Battle
Paul L. Hedren
The Arthur H. Clark Company
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
www.ahclark.com
9780870623974, $39.95, www.amazon.com
The Lakota Sioux and the Northern Cheyenne were some of the finest light mounted calvary
fighters of their day. For almost two years (1876-1877) they fought off one third of the United
States army in combat scenarios that took place on twenty-seven battlefields that ranged across
five western states comprising America's northern plains. By the end of the conflict there were
hundreds of casualties, millions of dollars in expenses and destroyed properties, tremendous
social upheavals, and a pervasive public view that the army was chronically inept. "Great Sioux
War Orders Of Battle: How The United States Army Waged War On The Northern Plains,
1876-1877" by award-winning historian Paul L. Hedren is a 240-page compendium of
meticulous and painstaking historical research documenting how the army quickly adapted to
fighting what amounted to an unconventional guerrilla style war of hit and run. That the army,
while experiencing horrific defeats at Powder River and Little Big Horn, were able to go on and
win what was aptly termed the 'Great Sioux War'. The latest addition to the Arthur H. Clark
Company's outstanding 'Frontier Military Series', Hedren's informed and informative "Great
Sioux War Orders Of Battle" is enhanced with a number of pertinent appendices, an extensive
bibliography, and a comprehensive index, making it and exceptional and highly recommended
addition to personal, academic, and community library Western History, 19th Century American
Military History, and Native American History reference collections and supplemental reading
lists.
The Sitting Bull Surrender Census
Ephriam D. Dickson III
South Dakota State Historical Society Press
900 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501
9780982274972, $49.95, www.sdshspress.com
The wars were over, and the thousands of native Americans now faced something far worse than
warfare-bureaucracy. "The Sitting Bull Surrender Census: The Lakotas at Standing Rock
Agency, 1881" serves as a historical document looking at the thousands of native Americans of
several tribes who submitted to the census for American records. With a bit of history, it sits
mostly as an excellent resource for anyone researching their own past, with names of many
families, their relatives, their possessions, ages, and more. A fine addition to any genealogical or
history resource collection, "The Sitting Bull Surrender Census" is very highly
recommended.
The Health/Medicine Shelf
Winning Health Promotion Strategies
Anne Marie Ludovici-Connolly
Human Kinetics
PO Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61825-5076
9780736079655, $29.00, www.humankinetics.com
Health is something the whole community can get behind. "Winning Health Promotion
Strategies" is a guide for government officials at the local level of government promote better
health through their people and fight the epidemic of obesity that is washing over our land and
causing problems on many levels of our lives. With plenty of advice on staging events and
promoting health with creative programs, "Winning Health Promotion Strategies" is a thoughtful
guide for anyone who wants to take charge of the health problems the world faces.
Combating Micronutrient Deficiencies
Brian Thompson & Leslie Amoroso
Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
c/o Stylus Publishing, Inc.
22883 Quicksilver Drive, Sterling, VA 20166-2012
www.styluspub.com www.cobi.org
9781845937140, $180.00, www.amazon.com
More than two billion people suffer from a micronutrient deficiency of trace minerals and
vitamins that has debilitating effects on their physical health, mental acuity, learning ability, and
economic productivity. The 'cure' for a micronutrient deficiency is to be found in food
production, dietary diversification, and food fortification. The global problem of micronutrient
deficiencies is of serious concern to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations. Two of their staff, Brian Thompson and Leslie Amoroso, have collaborated to compile
"Combating Micronutrient Deficiencies: Food-Based Approaches", a 256-page compendium of
nineteen articles by experts in their fields, that has as its focus thematically appropriate,
applicable, sustainable techniques, strategies, and practices to insure the production of safe,
good-quality food as a means of successfully ameliorating micronutrient deficiencies anywhere
in the world. Enhanced with bibliographic references and a comprehensive and exhaustive index,
"Combating Micronutrient Deficiencies" is a significant and invaluable addition to professional
and academic library Nutritional Studies reference collections.
The Computer Shelf
Using JRuby
Charles O. Nutter, Nick Sieger, Thomas Enebo, Ola Bini, and Ian Dees, authors
Jacquelyn Carter, editor
Pragmatic Programmers
P.O. Box 293325, Lewisville, TX 75029-3325
9781934356654 $34.95 www.pragprog.com
Using JRuby: Brining Ruby to Java is a structured tutorial and reference to using the Ruby
language with Java; JRuby allows for one to run the user-friendly Ruby language on platforms
such as Google App Engine and Android. Chapters cover the basics of installing JRuby and
driving Java from it, building relational databases and software for deployment with JRuby,
testing one's code, and much more. A solid quick reference section allows for those who have
gained a working familiarity with JRuby to swiftly identify command-line options, parameter
types, return values, etc. with a final reference segment focusing especially on JRuby for
sysadmins. A wealth of examples and sample code round out this absolute "must-have" for any
programmer with an interest in JRuby.
PKI Uncovered
Andre Karamanian, Srinivas Tenneti, and Francois Dessart
Cisco Press
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
9781587059162 $65.00 www.mcp.com
Three experts in Cisco's systems present PKI Uncovered: Certificate-Based Security Solutions
for Next-Generation Networks, a guidebook to help networking professionals plan, design,
operate, and troubleshoot a PKI-based identity management security system. In today's modern
world where identity theft is one of the fastest-growing forms of crime, the PKI (Public Key
Infrastructure) system allows both security and scalability - it not only effective, but adaptable in
the long term. PKI Uncovered includes a summary of core PKI concepts and building blocks,
design suggestions, handling integration in large-scale site to site as well as remote access VPN
solutions, and detailed, illustrative case studies. PKI Uncovered is intended especially for
enterprise network security designers, planners, architects, operators, and support personnel, and
presupposes basic familiarity with principles of computer science, but its subject material is
layered and modular, the better to guide the learning process for advanced issues. A "must-have"
reference, resource, and educational for any professional or aspiring worker in the field.
Adobe Acrobat X Classroom in a Book
Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
9780321751256, $54.99, www.adobepress.com
Adobe Acrobat has become one of the most used formats in modern education and industry.
"Adobe Acrobat X Classroom in a Book: The Official Training Workbook from Adobe Systems"
is a guide to using Adobe Acrobat X to its maximum potential. Arranged as 13 lessons, the
people at Adobe will guide readers through to maximize their value and increase efficiency and
productivity. Lessons elaborate on the many tools, how to work with PDF files, and elaborating
further on how to use the versatile format. Along with a CD-ROM to enhance lessons and much
more, "Adobe Acrobat X Classroom in a Book" is a vital addition to any library collection
focusing on technology and education.
The Business Shelf
Government Contracting
William Sims Curry
CRC Press
270 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016
9781420085655, $69.95, www.crcpress.com
Private businesses are needed to do much of what the government seeks, but it is a minefield of
finding the right people for the job. "Government Contracting: Promises and Perils" is a guide for
government officials who want to make sure that the deals they seek to secure with private
businesses aren't ones that lead to poor decisions and corruption. On the government side,
contracts should always defend public interest and avoid wasteful spending while maintaining a
level of quality, and William Sims Curry writes on how to avoid the worst of decisions with
simple principles and how to avoid being exploited by private industry. "Government
Contracting" is a must for any government official.
International Handbook of Maritime Business
Kevin Cullinane
Edward Elgar
William Pratt House, 9 Dewy Court, Northampton, MA 01060
9781847209344, $215.00, www.e-elgar.com
Although air has become the preferred way to move many goods, the ocean is still a billion dollar
business. "International Handbook of Maritime Business" is a brain trust of many of today's best
economists, scholars, and business people as they converge to discuss what it takes to succeed
and succeed well in the maritime industry. Chapters discuss topics such as business models,
using ports, analyzing trade routes throughout the world, long distance trade, international law,
and countless other topics. Enhanced with indexes other useful tools, "International Handbook of
Maritime Business" is a complete and comprehensive guide that should be at hand for any
individual or business trying to succeed on the oceans for profit.
Lean Office And Service Simplified
Drew Locher
CRC Press
6000 NW Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL 33487
www.crcpress.com
9781439820315, $39.95, www.amazon.com
In today's fiercely competitive and highly volatile business climate, keeping operational overhead
expenses to a productive minimum is essential to both short term profitability and long-term
viability. That's why Drew Locher's thoroughly 'user friendly' 194-page compendium, "Lean
Office And Service Simplified: The Definitive How-to Guide" is such a valuable and
enthusiastically recommended instructional reference for anyone faced with the responsibility of
managing a business to its effective maximum performance in both its physical plant and its
human resources. "Lean Office And Service Simplified" begins by explaining the key concepts of
'Value Stream', 'Standard Work', 'Flow', 'Level Pull', and 'Visual Management'. Every aspect of a
functioning office is covered in accessible detail including sales, marketing, purchasing,
accounting, customer service, mentoring, performance measurement, and more. Of special note is
the chapters devoted to 'Lean Tools for Office and Services' and 'The Quality Toolbox'. Enhanced
with a section of thematically appropriate Forms and a comprehensive Index, "Lean Office And
Service Simplified" is informed and informative reading making it highly recommended for
personal, professional, academic, and community library Business Management reference
collections and supplemental reading lists.
The Architecture Shelf
Fifty State Capitals
Jim Stembridge
Coho Publishing
5429 Ballyntyne Cree Lane South, Salem, OR 97302
www.fiftystatecapitols.com
9780983029205, $27.95, www.amazon.com
Every state has one -- a capital building housing the state legislature and serving as the focal
point and principle headquarters for state law making. The building's external and internal shape
and structure have as their architectural goals both the semblance of authoritative majesty and the
facilitation of deliberation and decision-making on the political issues of the day founded on
legislative debate, political deliberation, citizen input, and lobbyist argument. Capital buildings
serve as icons of American political liberty based upon the classical ideals of democracy and
elected representative government. "Fifty State Capitals: The Architecture Of Representative
Government by Jim Stembridge is a 128 page descriptive compendium showcasing 276 color
photographs covering every state capital in the Union. Enhanced with a glossary, references, and
an index, "Fifty State Capitals" is an especially recommended addition to school and community
library American History and Architectural Studies instructional reference collections and
supplemental reading lists.
New Natural Home
Dominic Bradbury
Thames & Hudson, Inc.
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110-0017
www.thamesandhudsonusa.com
9780500515617, $35.00, www.amazon.com
Beginning with its physical placement and environmental orientation, the architecture of a house
is the most critically important aspect of both its aesthetic and practical value. Drawing from
illustrated examples from around the world, "New Natural Home: Designs For Sustainable
Living" by architectural expert Dominic Bradbury is a 256-page superbly organized and readily
accessible publication illustrated with the architectural photography of Richard Powers. Cogently
addresses the four principle issues of where and when to create a modern natural home;
manipulation of the elements impacting on the building; the use of natural products in
construction and ornamentation; and reductions in domestic energy usage through architectural
design elements, "New Natural Home" offers a wealth of ideas and 'real world' examples that can
be adapted and applied to any architectural home design project. Enhanced with the inclusion of
a Director of Architects and a comprehensive Index, "New Natural Homes" is thoroughly 'reader
friendly' and a highly recommended addition to personal, professional, academic, and community
library Architectural Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.
The Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Structure In Action
Pat Hastings, et al.
Dogwise Publishing
403 South Mission Street, Wenatchee WA 98801
www.dogwisepublishing.com
9780967841441, $29.95, www.amazon.com
In "Structure In Action: The Making Of A Durable Dog", canine judge and evaluator Pat
Hastings, with the assistance of veterinarian Wendy E. Wallace and author Erin Ann Rouse, has
compiled a profusely illustrated, 162-page compendium of information focused specifically on
how a dog's physical structure can enhance or inhibit its performance and explains in cogent
detail the importance of the animal's physiological design. Dog owners and breeders will learn
how to analyze their observations of dogs for the prevention of problems and the improvement of
canine behavior; the susceptibility to injury of 'bulging eyes' in lap dogs; that an extreme
downward slope of a dog's back can be prone to breakdowns of the front quarters resulting in
eroding an ability to run and jump; and so much more. Thoroughly reader friendly, informed and
informative, "Structure In Action" is a core addition to professional, personal, academic, and
community library instructional reference collections on canine development and health.
The Cookbook Shelf
Comfort Food
Rick Rodgers
Oxmoor House
PO Box 11095, Des Moines, Iowa 50336-1095
9780848733049 $34.95 www.oxmoorhouse.com 1-888-859-8056
Award-winning cookbook author Rick Rodgers presents Comfort Food: Warm and Homey, Rich
and Hearty, a Williams-Sonoma title that lives up to its claim with detailed, step-by-step recipes
for some of America's most widely beloved, sumptuous dishes that evoke the pleasure of hearth
and home. Full-color photographs illustrate delicacies ranging from Lobster Rolls to
Cheesesteaks, Maple Baked Beans, Devil's Food Layer Cake, and even the occasional healthy
main course such as Fish Tacos. Cooking tips, tricks, and techniques pepper this beautiful
collection of recipes perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, and holiday celebration.
Highly recommended.
Ma Baseema
The Chaldean American Ladies of Charity
Huron River Press
PO Box 7797, Ann Arbor, MI 48107-7797
9781932399257 $35.00 www.huronriverpress.com
The culmination of a concerted effort by the Chaldean American Ladies of Charity to preserve
and promote Chaldean culture and heritage, Ma Baseema: Middle Eastern Cooking with
Chaldean Flair collects the favored gems of the most extraordinary cooks in the Chaldean
community. Dishes reflect a way of life in which hospitality is of paramount value and spices add
especial zest; recipes range from Eggplant Dip to Stuffed Grape Leaves, Fried Curry Fish,
Vegetarian Spiced Rice, Tahini Sesame Candy and much more. Full color photographs illustrate
this sumptuous and welcome addition to any international cookbook collection.
Everyday Raw Desserts
Matthew Kenney
Gibbs Smith, Publisher
PO Box 667, Layton UT 84041
www.gibbs-smith.com
9781423605997, $19.99, www.amazon.com
The best of all desserts care not only delicious but nutritious as well! In "Everyday Raw
Desserts", Matthew Kenney draws upon his years of experience and expertise as a professional
chef, caterer and food writer, to compile a superbly illustrated, 144-page compendium of
innovative dessert recipes that showcase both traditional favorites and creatively innovative new
ones suited to the palate of raw food enthusiasts. Seventy-five recipes cover all manner of treats
ranging from cakes, pies, cookies and puddings, to flans, brownies, candies, and ice cream. Each
recipe is thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly', making "Everyday Raw Desserts" a unique and
highly prized addition to personal and community library cookbook collections.
The Photography Shelf
Serial Photography
Harald Mante with Eva Witter-Mante
Rocky Nook
26 West Mission Street, Suite 3, Santa Barbara, CA 93102
9781933952734 $39.95 www.rockynook.com
Freelance photo designer Harald Mante presents Serial Photography: Using Themed Images to
Improve Your Photographic Skills lives up to its title with innumerable tips, tricks, and
techniques that photographers of all skill and experience levels can use to improve the quality of
their work. Full-color photographs on every page illustrate the points, suggestions, and
recommendations given by the descriptive and user-friendly text. "The automatic flash units built
into many of today's cameras often spoil the atmosphere in a photo by producing 'hard' shadows,
so a tripod and long shutter speeds are preferable for shooting at dusk. When street lamps are
already lit but the remaining daylight still produces silhouettes, you can use these mixed light
sources to produce interesting color images." Highly recommended as a supplementary tool for
professional and amateur photographers alike.
The Art of Flower Photography
Lucian Niemeyer
Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
9780764336331 $34.99 www.schifferbooks.com
While The Art of Flower Photography is specifically written for photographers of all skill and
experience levels, its dazzlingly beautiful color images of flowers in bloom on virtually every
page make it a worthy addition to the bookshelf of anyone who truly enjoys striking nature
photography. Chapters discuss lighting, adjustments in approach for palette, film and digital
photography, the care and effective usage of equipment, and more. A truly extraordinary display
of 215 color photographs demonstrates visual principles in fine detail, in this user-friendly
photography guide that combines straightforward, methodical instructions with heartrending
natural beauty.
Bush Of Ghosts
John Liebenberg & Patricia Hayes
Umuzi
c/o International Publishers Marketing
22841 Quicksilver Drive, Dulles, VA 20166
www.internationalpubmarket.com
9781415201008, $33.00, www.amazon.com
"Bush Of Ghosts: Life And War In Namibia 1986-90" is a 304 page compendium of
black-and-white photography taken by professional new photographer John Liebenberg during
the Namibian conflict that raged between 1986 and 1990 on the African continent. With the
assistance of Patricia Hayes (Professor of History at the University of the Western Cape, South
Africa), "Bush Of Ghosts" is more than just another book of historical photos, it is an informed
and informative collection of images that brings to life the people and places that were involved
and struggled to live through a time of brutal conflict. "Bush Of Ghosts" is a highly
recommended addition to academic and community library collections, as well as the
supplemental reading lists for non-specialist general readers with an interest in 20th Century
African history.
The Art Shelf
Ikebana Style
Keiko Kubo
Trumpeter
c/o Shambhala Publications, Inc.
300 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115-4544
9781590306734 $19.95 www.shambhala.com 1-800-733-3000
Ikebana Style: 20 Portable Flower Arrangements Perfect for Gift Giving lives up to its title with
an assortment of superbly beautiful flower stylings worthy of the ancient Japanese artistic
practice. Each arrangement is illustrated with stunningly beautiful full-color photographs, and
offers step-by-step instructions that any reader can perform after obtaining the requisite flowers
and simple containers. A gorgeous introduction to Ikebana, Ikebana Style is enthusiastically
recommended for creating centerpieces that visitors or dinner guests are sure to remember.
The Strange Life of Objects
Lelia Amalfitano & Judith Hoos Fox
University of Washington Press
PO box 50096, Seattle, WA 98145-5096
9781883015459, $49.00
Art can be expressed in the subtlest of ways. "The Strange Life of Objects: The Art of Annette
Lemieux" looks at the work of this unique artist who chose not canvas or sculpting as her
medium, but things. Her original approach turned heads for years on the art scene, telling her
stories in many creative ways, commonly without words, but simple expressions. Packed cover to
cover with photos of her work with color where applicable, as well as insight from Lelia
Amalfitano and Judith Hoos Fox into the subtle aspects of the work, "The Strange Life of
Objects" is a thoughtful retrospective, very highly recommended.
All About Techniques in Calligraphy
Barron's
250 Wireless Boulevard, Happauge, NY 11788
9780764163883, $29.99, www.barronseduc.com
There's more to calligraphy than just fanciful writing. "All About Techniques in Calligraphy: An
Indispensable Manual for Artists and Hobbyists" is a guide for those who want to get into the art
of calligraphy and better understand how to turn simple words into quite the fantastic art form.
Detailing the practice and granting readers a new understanding of it, the guide outlines
everything from history to the materials needed, the value of certain inks, paper, and much more.
"All About Techniques in Calligraphy" is a top pick for those with an interest in the art.
Jewelry By Artists
Kelly H. L'Ecuyer
MFA Publications
c/o Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
www.mfa-publications.org
9780878467501, $55.00, www.amazon.com
The Daphne Farago Collection, housed in Boston's Museum of Fine Arts, is one of the finest in
the world. In "Jewelry By Artists: In The Studio 1940-2000" the focus is on studio jewelers work
by a variety of independent artists in small workshops producing unique, one-of-a-kind pieces
that are decorative objects and fine sculpture in their own right over a period of six decades.
Showcasing more than 150 bracelets, brooches, necklaces, and rings by some of the best
artist-jewelers, including Alexander Calder, Art Smith, Margaret De Patta, Robert Ebendorf, and
Gijs Bakker, "Jewelry By Artists" is a superbly illustrated, 312 page compendium that includes
informed and informative presentations on the relationship between jewelry and the body, the use
of non-traditional materials, and the diverse cultural meanings associated with the creation of
these elegant works of decorative art. Enhanced with extensive notes, a chronology of selected
jewelry exhibitions, a bibliography, selected jewelry making manuals, and an index of featured
artists, "Jewelry By Artists" will prove to be a highly prized addition to professional, academic,
community, and personal 20th Century Art History instructional reference collections.
The Islamic Studies Shelf
Islam in Europe
Nilufer Gole
Markus Wiener
231 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
9781558765269, $26.95, www.markuswiener.com
Islam is growing faster in Europe than anywhere else in the world. "Islam in Europe: The Lure of
Fundamentalism and the Allure of Cosmopolitanism" looks at the conflicts that have erupted as
the Christian-inspired Western culture of Europe has been struck with a rise of Islam throughout
the continent. Comparing two worlds, one where Islam faces persecution and where Islam
radically lashes back at slights, to one where Muslims embrace their new home in peace and
without fear of those around them. The two worlds exist in the same region, and Nilufer Gole's
research and study makes "Islam in Europe" a very enticing read that should prove hard to put
down.
The Genealogy Shelf
Genealogy, the Internet, and Your Genealogy Computer Program
Karen Clifford
Genealogical Publishing Company
3600 Clipper Mill Rd., Suite 260, Baltimore, MD 21211-1953
9780806318752, $39.95, www.genealogical.com
The Internet and technology has brought a whole new way to find out one's roots. "The Complete
Beginner's Guide to Genealogy, the Internet, and Your Genealogy Computer Program" is a guide
to those who want to create their own family tree and history to better understand their past and
how the latest technological developments of the internet have made piecing together family
history easier than ever. "The Complete Beginner's Guide to Genealogy, the Internet, and Your
Genealogy Computer Program" is a fine pick and very highly recommended.
The Psychology Shelf
The Psychology of Prejudice
Lynne M. Jackson
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
9781433809200, $69.95, www.apa.org
Why does humanity hate itself so quickly? "The Psychology of Prejudice: From Attitudes to
Social Action" is a scholarly study on the thought behind prejudice throughout history. Lynne M.
Jackson provides an educated thesis on the concept, defining prejudice and what seems to fuel it.
Staring through history to gain context on why we discriminate and the reality of trying to change
it for the future. Chapters discuss differences and how they might trigger prejudice, ideology,
children's beliefs, and the politics behind it. Complete with indexes and plenty of useful
resources, "The Psychology of Prejudice" is a fascinating and strongly recommended resource for
community and college library collections.
The Library Science Shelf
Defusing the Angry Patron
Rhea Joyce Rubin
Neal Schuman
100 William Street, Suite 2004, New York, NY 10038
9781555707316, $65.00, www.neal-schuman.com
When the people you serve as dissatisfied, something has to be done and quick. "Defusing the
Angry Patron" is a guide for librarians who are faced with negativity aimed at their library which
can cause untold damage to the library's reputation and hurt its standing in the community.
Author Rhea Joyce Rubin draws on her own experience on the topic and applies her thirty years
of expertise to help librarians to understand anger, stopping hostile behavior by avoiding things
that could invoke it, dealing with this anger in a positive way, avoiding backlash, and making
your library better in the face of crisis. Sage and wise, "Defusing the Angry Patron" is a guide
that should very much be considered for any library science collection that wants to improve their
crisis prevention catalog.
Comic Book Collections for Libraries
Bryan D. Fagan & Jody Condit Fagan
Libraries Unlimited
c/o ABC Clio
130 Cremona Drive, PO Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
9781598845112, $45.00, www.abc-clio.com
Comics have become a solid part of modern culture, perhaps even more than the novel. "Comic
Book Collections for Libraries" is a guide for librarians who are considering adding comic books
to their library and how to go about doing it effectively and efficiently. From finding the right
comic books to phase into your collections, working it with other media featured at one's library,
and much more, "Comic Book Collections for Libraries" is a highly useful and highly
recommended read for any librarian who wants to create greater interest in their facility.
Children's Core Collection, twentieth edition
Anne Price, editor
H.W. Wilson
950 University Avenue, Bronx, NY 10452
9780824211066 $150.00 www.hwwilson.com 1-800-367-6770
Part of publisher H.W. Wilson's Core Collection Series, the updated twentieth edition of
Children's Core Collection continues to serve as a premier listing of quality fiction and nonfiction
books for children in preschool through grade six, along with professional materials for children's
libraries. More than 11,000 titles are presented in the twentieth edition, to be updated with annual
supplements featuring more recently published materials. Each entry includes a one-paragraph
summary of the book, as well as a brief and relevant review excerpt. An exhaustive author, title,
and subject index allows for quick and easy cross-referencing. As a reference and resource,
Children's Core Collection is an indispensable advisory to children's library collection
development, worthy of the highest recommendation.
The Education Shelf
Understanding the Social and Emotional Lives of Gifted Students
Thomas P. Hebert
Prufrock Press
5926 Balcones Drive, Suite 220, Austin, TX 78731
9781593635022, $95.00, www.prufrock.com
When you are told you're smart, and are gifted, there is a certain amount of pressure placed on
you to succeed. "Understanding the Social and Emotional Lives of Gifted Students" explores the
challenges that these students often face. Thomas P. Hebert, Ph.D, has been studying educational
psychology for years and states that gifted and talented students run the risk of their talents
leading them wrong, and in such, he offers teachers of these students advice to help them live up
to their potential without crushing their spirit. With chapters on helping underachievers, cultural
challenges that often come with such talents, and the extra challenge that comes with dealing
with the gifted among the gifted, "Understanding the Social and Emotional Lives of Gifted
Students" is a wise read for any educator who understands education is not all about getting an
A.
101 School Success Tools for Smart Kids with Learning Difficulties
Betty Roffman Shevitz, Marisa Stemple, Linda Barnes-Robinson, and Sue Jeweler
Prufrock Press
PO Box 8813, Waco, TX 76714-8813
9781593635336 $19.95 www.prufrock.com 1-800-998-2208
101 School Success Tools for Smart Kids with Learning Difficulties lives up to its title with a
wide assortment of useful strategies for parents and teachers to use to improve the instruction of
intelligent children with learning disabilities. Reproducibles, checklists, worksheets, and charts
enhance this creative and forward-thinking guide. Ideas and suggestions range from encouraging
students to engage in journaling, to overseeing an accommodations checklist that ensure's the
educational environment is optimal for students with disabilities, to a guide plan to developing
higher critical thinking. Opening a lesson with something as simple as the exhortation "This is
going to be really hard, but it's going to be really fun!" can potentially help students bolster
energy and get in the right mindset to enthusiastically tackle challenging problems. 101 School
Success Tools for Smart Kids with Learning Difficulties is an excellent, easy-to-use resource,
and even though it is designed especially to benefit a select group of students, its wide-ranging
positive strategies will prove useful to instructors of students of all types and backgrounds.
How to Plan Rigorous Instruction
Robyn R. Jackson
ASCD
1703 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311-1714
9781416610939 $22.95 www.ascd.org 1-800-933-2723
Part of the "Mastering the Principles of Great Teaching" series, How to Plan Rigorous Instruction
is a guide for teachers of all backgrounds to planning and executing lessons that help students go
beyond basic educational standards. The concept of "rigor" in education is defined as "a quality
of instruction that requires students to construct meaning and impose structure on situations
rather than expect to find them already apparent". The goal of "rigorous instruction" to do more
than simply expand students' knowledge and ability; it is also to improve students' understanding
and the ways in which they are able to think. Chapters outline strategies for assessing rigor in the
classroom; selecting rigorous course material; choosing rigorous instruction strategies; and much
more. An excellent educational supplement enhanced with a handful of photocopiable templates,
How to Plan Rigorous Instruction is highly recommended.
The Buddhist Studies Shelf
Introduction to Kalachakra Initiation
Alexander Berzin
Snow Lion
PO Box 6483, Ithaca, NY 14851
9781559393737, $18.95, www.snowlionpub.com
The Buddha is not a person, but instead a state of being. "Introduction to the Kalachakra
Initiation" is a guide to this specific discipline of Buddhism, focusing on breaking the bonds life
has put on the self to find their own way to enlightenment. Spiritual, thoughtful and with a lot to
think about for Buddhists and Non-Buddhists alike, "Introduction to Kalachakra Initiation" is a
fine addition to any Buddhist studies collection.
The American History Shelf
Slavery on Trial
James M. Campbell
University Press of Florida
University of Florida, 15 Northwest 15th Street, Gainesville, FL 32611-2079
9780813035666 $27.95 www.upf.com 1-800-226-3822
Slavery on Trial: Race, Class and Criminal Justice in Antebellum Richmond, Virginia draws
upon more than 7,000 criminal cases recorded between 1830 and 1860 in Virginia before the
American Civil War to give a chilling picture of how racism and the institution of slavery had an
overwhelming effect on the justice system. Contradictions in the law as applied to slaves, free
blacks, poor whites, immigrants, and women are scrutinized at length. Chapters explore how the
stigma of being black stymied most hope or opportunity for justice, the logistics of policing a
city, the common trends of slave trials, and much more. A handful of black-and-white
photographs and a wealth of notes enhance this somber, thoughtful, heavily researched and deftly
presented examination of historical injustice.
The Epidemic
David DeKok
The Lyons Press
246 Goose Lane, Guilford, CT 06437
9780762760084 $22.95 www.lyonspress.com 1-800-836-0510
Former award-winning investigative reporter David DeKok presents The Epidemic: A Collision
of Power, Privilege, and Public Health, the true story of how a greedy and careless businessman,
William T. Morris, who ignored known engineering principles designed to prevent water
contamination in his reckless pursuit of profits. The result was an epidemic of typhoid that struck
522 homes in Ithaca, and was especially notorious for killing students of Cornell University. Yet
those most responsible for the devastation were never punished, and Morris' legacy - the
corporation that started as Associated Gas & Electric Co., and later became known as General
Public Utilities Corp. - committed one injustice against the public interest after another, the most
notorious of which would be the Three Mile Island nuclear accident in 1979. A haunting and
disturbing cautionary tale of unchecked corporate power and incompetence, and the horrifically
tragic results, The Epidemic is highly recommended especially for public and college library
collections.
The Theatre/Cinema Shelf
At This Theatre
Robert Viagas & Louis Botto
Hal Leonard
7777 West Bluemound Road, Milwaukee, Wi 53213
9781557837646, $38.99, www.applausepub.com
Broadway in America is synonymous with theatre. "At This Theatre: 110 Years of Broadway
Shows, Stories, and Stars" looks at the long history that the Publication 'Playbill' has had in
crafting programs for many of the greatest show in the past century and then some. With an
assortment of color photos showing the many important shows of the major theaters from across
the country. With plenty of history and discussion of these productions, "At This Theatre" is an
ideal pick for any collection focusing on theatre history or for one searching for a coffee table for
one who can't get enough of Broadway.
The Library CD Shelf
The Natural World of Pelle Gudmundsen-Holmgreen
Composed by Pelle Gudmundsen-Holmgreen
Performed by Ars Nova Copenhagen and conductor Paul Hillier
Dacapo
c/o Naxos Audio Books
416 Mary Lindsay Polk Drive, Suite 509, Franklin, TN 37067
$16.99 www.naxosaudiobooks.com 1-877-629-6723
The Natural World of Pelle Gudmundsen-Holmgreen offers six of the greatest choral musical
works from the professional career of Pelle Gudmundsen-Holmgreen (b. 1932), as performed by
Nova Copenhagen and their expert conductor Paul Hillier (who happens to be a longtime
personal friend of Gudmundsen-Holmgreen). This production is a "hybrid multichannel" audio
CD that can play on all SACD and CD players. The Natural World of Pelle
Gudmundsen-Holmgreen evokes emotion and wonder, reflecting and lingering upon the listener's
soul with its measured, soulful passages. A profound and worthy addition to international music
collections, The Natural World of Pelle Gudmundsen-Holmgreen is highly recommended. The
tracks are "Examples" [1970] (9:08), "Again" [2006] (17:32), "6 Simple Danish Songs" [2002]
(9:05), "Statements" [1969] (6:05), "Three Stages" [2003] (13:04), and "Four Madrigals from the
Natural World" [2001] (16:03).
Crush
Telepath
Telepath Music
c/o Flipswitch (publicity)
PO Box 2207, Bloomington, IN 47404-2207
$14.63 www.flipswitchPR.com
Crush is a globe-spanning music album by American producer Michael Christie (recording under
the name "Telepath") and featuring a variety of vocalists (each performing different songs),
including Elliot Martin and Monsoon, Becky Ribeiro, Pervez Khan, Stephanie Morgan, Sarabjit
Kaur Babbu, Kevin Meyame, Maitrayee Patel, and Williamtell. The music ranges from elements
of classic East Indian and Arabic themes to an undercoursing of Afrobeat, and even dub-style
elements that add a unique flair. The result is an eclectic mix of word-spanning songs that inspire
the listener to broaden his or her musical understanding of the world at large. An album that
reflects the modern age of exploration, cooperation, harmony, and globalization, Crush is an
exceptional listening experience and highly recommended. The tracks are "Intro", "Justify", "In
This Time", "Dust", "Crush", "Rohi", "Mama", "Lacuna", "Carry The One", "Down The Block",
"Freedom", "The Ancient Ones", "Critical Mass", "Connection X", and "Mirrors".
Room of Wonders
Jayme Stone
c/o Rock Paper Scissors
511 West 4th Street, Suite 2, Bloomington, IN 47404
$21.93 www.rockpaperscissors.biz www.jaymestone.com
Room of Wonders is a music album created by banjo player Jayme Stone and inspired by the
urge to dance - specifically, the overwhelming yearning to dance that Stone felt when listening to
Bach's French Suites. Stone tapped into that primal power as revealed within international folk
and acoustic rhythms, to craft an extraordinary vision of energy and vibrancy. Musicians on the
banjo fiddle, guitar, bass, nyckelharpa, trumpet, trombone, drums, and accordion blend their
talents into this moving, memorable, and lively expression of the joy of life. The tracks are
Krasavaska Ruchenitsa; The Reels; Vinicius, Planinsko Horo; Moresca Nuzirle; Andrea Beget;
Bach: Allemande from the French Suite No. 6; In Other Rooms, Other Wonders; and Troll
Kingdom Polska.
The Library DVD Shelf
Extraordinary Birds
Questar, Inc.
307 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60601
9781594646249 $49.99 DVD / $34.99 Blu-ray www.questarentertainment.com
Available as a 6-DVD thinpack set ($49.99) or Blu-ray ($34.99), Extraordinary Birds is an
amazing collection of episodes from the long-running public television documentary series
"Nature", focusing especially on the glories, trials, and tribulations of birds undergoing their daily
struggle to survive. The hour-long episodes range from a feature about hummingbirds -
extraordinary, tiny creatures who feed on nectar and insects, and are capable of incredible
migratory feats; raptors, predatory birds whose amazing talents for thermal soaring (vultures),
high-speed diving (peregrine falcons), or silent flying (owls) have been studied for inspiration to
create military aircraft; parrots, the social birds of extraordinary intelligence who can bond with
their owners as closely as a dog (but as equals, rather than as the subordinate-master relationship
a dog has with its owner) ; and much more. Eight incredible episodes on 6 DVDs make up this
enlightening and extraordinary collection, worthy of the highest recommendation especially for
public library collections, and also as the perfect gift for bird lovers everywhere. Over 7
hours.
God in America
PBS
c/o SSA Public Relations
15260 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1730, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
9781608832910 $34.99 www.ssapr.com
God in America: How Religious Liberty Shaped America is a DVD collection of a series from
the award-winning producers of "American Experience" and "Frontline", about the role religion
has played in American history and public life. From the complex interplay between religion and
democracy, to political arguments about religion, to religious influence in social reform
movements, to how America's commitment to religious freedom has allowed a vast diversity of
faiths and movements to flourish, God in America is an eye-opening, and informative discourse.
Featured historical figures rage from the Pueblo leader Po'pay to abolitionist Frederick Douglass,
Presidents Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln, evangelist Billy Graham, civil rights leader
Martin Luther King Jr. and many more.
Easy Yoga for Arthritis with Peggy Cappy
Peggy Cappy
PBS
c/o SSA Public Relations
15260 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1730, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
9781608832804 $19.99 www.ssapr.com
Easy Yoga for Arthritis with Peggy Cappy is a user-friendly fitness DVD that teaches basic yoga
movements and poses meant to strengthen muscles and increase mobility especially for people
who are challenged by arthritis, recovering from injury, or coping with the stiffness of advancing
age. Instructor Peggy Cappy leads the viewer with three offered modifications for each pose:
standing, seated, or using a chair for support. Meditation is also an important part of this
stress-relieving workout. A user-friendly workout guide designed to help viewers of all fitness
and experience levels look and feel better, Easy Yoga for Arthritis with Peggy Cappy is
especially recommended for fitness libraries catering to senior citizens and others with mobility
challenges. 110 min.
Upstairs Downstairs Complete Series, 40th anniversary edition
Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
9781598285116 $199.99 www.acornonline.com
Now available in a 40th anniversary edition with over 25 hours of new bonus material, Upstairs
Downstairs Complete Series gathers all 68 episodes of the widely beloved British drama series
following the wealthy, blue-blooded Bellamys (the "upstairs") and their loyal, energetic, and
quirky servants (the "downstairs"). The foibles of daily life, the tumultuous impact of social
change across the decades, and the pursuit of star-crossed (or star-blessed?) love lend a satisfying
richness to this enduring, heartwarming, and memorable series. The great wealth of bonus
material includes 24 episode commentaries, interviews with the stars, composer and editor, an
alternate pilot episode, an essay by star and cocreator Jean Marsh, and much more. Upstairs
Downstairs Complete Series is an absolute "must-have" for British drama fans, and highly
recommended for public library collections. 21 discs, 57 hours plus bonus material, SDH
subtitles.
Murphy's Law, series 3
Starring James Nesbitt
Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
$39.99 www.acornonline.com
As originally seen on BBC, Murphy's Law, series 3 is a two-DVD thinpack boxed set containing
all six episodes of the third season of the gripping saga of undercover London cop Murphy. A
tense, multifaceted crime drama, Murphy's Law delves deeper into the dark heart of human
nature with each episode, as the unfolding story follows Murphy in his assumed identity of a hit
man, seeking to bring down a London crime boss and cop killer. Murphy has lost friends, lovers,
and his own daughter; now his own identity is in jeopardy in this viciously chilling and
suspenseful saga. 352 min., widescreen, SDH subtitles.
Tai Chi & Qi Gong Basics with Matthew Cohen
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 650, Silver Spring, MD 20910
9781598286120 $19.99 www.acacialifestyle.com
Tai Chi & Qi Gong Basics with Matthew Cohen is a fitness DVD that taps into ancient Chinese
martial art of Tai Chi and the centuries old health practice of Qi Gong to provide a fitness
regimen that promotes both physical strength and mental calm. Martial arts master of thirty years'
experience Matthew Cohen guides the viewer through a Tai Chi program and a Qi Gong
program. The Tai Chi program teaches core poses of the art, and demonstrates how to link the
postures in a harmonious manner that promotes flexibility and endurance. The Qi Gong program
involves slow, repetitive movements intended to foster healing in the body, immune system, and
mind. A bonus question and answer session with Matthew Cohen about the positive aspects of
Tai Chi and Qi Gong round out this user-friendly DVD. Tai Chi & Qi Gong Basics is a welcome
supplement to any DVD health, fitness, and activity library. 70 min, widescreen.
Play Again
Bullfrog Films, Inc.
PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547
$295.00 www.bullfrogfilms.com
Play Again is a documentary that questions the consequences of human society's increasing
alienation from the natural world. The documentary focuses on six teenagers who, as is common
in America, spend five to fifteen hours a day viewing technological screens in one form or
another. Each of these young people is brought on a wilderness adventure - no electricity, cell
phone coverage, video games or virtual reality. The result is a journey to discover just what is
missing in our modern, technology saturated life; how can it be reacquired, and how can an
appreciable, healthy balance between natural and digital worlds be found? Play Again is an
excellent and thought-provoking evaluation of how to promote a biologically and spiritually
sustainable future for the next generation. 80 min., SDH captioned.
Adventures Unlimited Press
PO Box 74, Kempton, IL 60946
www.adventuresunlimitedpress.com 1-815-253-6390
Three exciting DVDs from Adventures Unlimited Press take the viewer on an extraordinary tour
through unexplained mysteries and metaphysical wonders. "Ancient Technology in Egypt with
David Hatcher Childress and Christopher Dunn" (98 min., $19.95) evaluates British engineer
Dunn's theory that there could have been a Giza Power Plant - perhaps the ancient Egyptians
could have used power tools such as electric saws and drills. Dunn and Childress travel to the
Great Pyramid, Abu Garab, the Serapeum and more places in search of answers to enduring
riddles. In "Ancient Technology in Mexico & the Southwest with David Hatcher Childress" (85
min., $19.95) Childress explores northern Mexico and the American Southwest in search of
advanced technology hidden within the remains of the distant past. From former cities near the
Grand Canyon to concrete canals in central Arizona to the megaliths of the once-great Toltec
capital Tula and the interior of the Great Pyramid of Cholula, Ancient Technology in Mexico &
the Southwest will leave the viewer with an astounding new impression of bygone civilizations.
"Atlantis, Megaliths, Tesla and ET Archaeology: The Incredible Worldwide System of Wireless
Power" (108 min., $19.95) explores a broad, interconnected panoply of ancient wonders -
opening with the megalithic structures in Peru and Bolivia, then moving on to the
accomplishments of the Vimanas and the Hindu Rama Empire, Nikola Tesla's wireless
transmissions, the secret inventions of Guglielmo Marconi, the origin of flying saucer and flying
wing technology in the 1930s and 40s, and much more. A wondrous survey of astonishing
ancient achievements, "Atlantis, Megaliths, Tesla & ET Archaeology" will stun, amaze and
delight from beginning to end.
The Booty Barre: Total New Body
Tracey Mallett
ATP Fitness Productions Inc.
c/o 411 Video Information
PO Box 1223, Pebble Beach, CA 93953
$19.95 www.411videoinfo.com
International fitness expert Tracey Mallett presents The Booty Barre: Total New Body, a fitness DVD workout that blends techniques from pilates, dance, calisthenics and yoga. Structured around fat-burning interval training, deep toning isometric conditioning, and elongating techniques of pilates and dance, The Booty Barre is an all-around flexibility and body-strengthening workout requiring only a sturdy chair (or ballet barre) and a set of 3-5 pound dumbbells for equipment. Modifications to tune the workout to properly challenge viewers of all fitness levels are included in this energetic DVD. 60 min.
Dance a Gogo: Sexy Nightclub Workout Ultimate Edition
Andrea Lin
Walking Shadows
9595 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 900, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
$29.95 www.walking-shadows.com
Dance a Gogo: Sexy Nightclub Workout Ultimate Edition is a fitness DVD that makes getting in shape fun and sexy with moves from nightclubs. Choreographer Andrea Lin shows viewers how to exercise their sex appeal as well as their bodies with hip-hop, ballroom, salsa, and Asian dance moves to invigorate and titillate. The program consists of "Music Video Dance Workout" (7 min.), "Latin Groove Dance Workout" (7 min.), "Nightclub Fun" (7 min.), "Back View Dance Along" (20 min.), "Movement Breakdown" (20 min.) and a 10 minute bonus. Dance a Gogo lives up to its title and then some; it's an invigorating workout ultimately about the rush of simply being alive.
The Audiobook Shelf
Titus Groan
Mervyn Peake, author
Rupert Degas, narrator
Naxos Audio Books
416 Mary Lindsay Polk Drive, Suite 509, Franklin, TN 37067
9781843795407 $28.98 www.naxosaudiobooks.com 1-877-629-6723
Titus Groan is the abridged audiobook adaptation of volume one of the popular Gormenghast
trilogy of novels. A dark yet vibrantly charged narrative, Titus Groan tells of Titus, who is born
the 77th Earl of Groan and heir to the mysterious rituals that govern the lives and actions of
nearly everyone around him. But the wicked and deceitful Steerpike threatens the social order
with the willingness to lie, cheat, and even commit premeditated murder. Classical music
enhances the reading by veteran audio performer Rupert Degas, who lends his dulcet talents to
this captivating saga of intrigue, betrayal, and terrible responsibility. Highly recommended
especially for audiobook aficionados and public library collections. 4 CDs, 5 hours 9 min.
What Alice Forgot
Liane Moriarty, author
Caroline Lee, narrator
Bolinda Publishing
186 S Long Swamp Rd, Jackson, ME 04921
9781742146775 $113.95 www.bolinda.com
What Alice Forgot is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of Liane Moriarty's haunting novel of
lost memories and surfacing troubles. Ten years have disappeared from Alice Love's recollection
of her life. She has three children she doesn't remember giving birth to, and her husband has
turned hostile and is in the process of divorcing her. As she searches for what she has lost, she
gradually discovers increasingly shocking and difficult truths. Performed by award-winning
actress and narrator Caroline Lee, What Alice Forgot is a thoughtful and involving drama, highly
recommended especially for public library collections. 13 CDs, 15 hours 43 min.
The Shadow Thief
Alexandra Adornetto
Bolinda Publishing
186 S Long Swamp Rd, Jackson, ME 04921
9781742850023 $63.95 www.bolinda.com
Read by author Alexandra Adornetto, The Shadow Thief: Book One is the unabridged audiobook
adaptation of an engaging fantasy adventure set in the all too ordinary town of Drabville. Milli
Klompet yearns for adventure, and unexpectedly gains the opportunity when she and others are
taken prisoner by the offbeat Mr and Mrs Mayor and a sinister gathering of magicians, led by the
ruthless Aldor. Aldor plans to swallow the shadows of every citizen in Drabville, assimilating
their skills and talents to make himself into the ultimate power. Milli and her best friend, amateur
geologist Ernest Perriclof, must work together to escape the Shadow Keepers and match their
wits against the wicked Aldor before Drabville is doomed. The Shadow Thief is a striking,
high-spirited quest, especially recommended for public library collections. 5 CDs, 5 hours 31
min.
A Raisin in the Sun
Lorraine Hansberry
L.A. Theatre Works
681 Venice Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291
1580818005 $25.95 www.latw.org 1-800-708-8863
Brought to life with a full cast performance, A Raisin in the Sun is a highly recommended
audiobook following a blue-collar African-American family struggling to survive during difficult
times. Widow and matriarch Mama Lena has collected insurance money from the untimely loss
of her beloved husband; she dreams of using it to move to a better home. But her son wants to
buy a liquor store, while her daughter yearns to go to medical school. When resources are strictly
limited, can there be any compromise between drastically different family aspirations - and will
the family tear itself apart over money? A deeply involving dramatic saga unfolds. 2 CDs 140
min.
The George Bernard Shaw Collection
George Bernard Shaw
L.A. Theatre Works
681 Venice Boulevard, Venice, CA 90291
1580817912 $99.95 www.latw.org 1-800-708-8863
The George Bernard Shaw Collection gathers the full-cast performances of eight of George
Bernard Shaw's classic short plays into a single compendium. The featured works are "Mrs.
Warren's Profession", "Arms and the Man", "Candida", "The Devil's Disciple", "Major Barbara",
"The Doctor's Dilemma", "Misalliance", and "Pygmalion". All are stirringly brought to life with
emphatic, passionate strength and heart, making The George Bernard Shaw Collection worthy of
the highest recommendation for both personal and public library audiobook collections. 16 CDs,
8 hours 20 min.
Etiquette Scholar: Dining Etiquette
Read by Katherine Valentine King
Yellowstone Publishing, LLC
5335 South Grant Street, Littleton, Colorado 80121
9780980195118 $14.95 www.etiquettescholar.com
Etiquette Scholar: Dining Etiquette is a brief tutorial audiobook discussing the basic social graces
of attending a meal, particularly at a restaurant, but also brimming with solid advice for attending
a dinner party or respectfully sharing a meal at a friend's house. The six sections are
"Introduction", "The Table", "Enjoying the Meal", "Handling the Check", "Special Topics", and
"Dining Etiquette Essentials". A concise yet absolutely invaluable resource for learning how to
look and act one's best in any social or business interaction based around a meal, Etiquette
Scholar: Dining Etiquette is worthy of the highest recommendation. 1 CD, 42 min.
Galaxy Press
7051 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 200, Hollywood, CA 90028
www.galaxypress.com
Two unabridged, multicast-performance audiobook adaptations (with music and sound effects) bring L. Ron Hubbard's classic pulp action-adventure stories to vivid life. Originally published in the May 1940 issue of Five Novels Monthly, "On Blazing Wings" (9781592122325, $9.95, 2 CDs, 2 hours) follows David Duane, a mercenary ace fighter pilot with the soul of an artist. Duane takes a mission that pits him against Russian Communists in Finland, When Duane's plane is shot down, Duane discovers a bizarre, mysterious city distinguished by luxury and ornamented with golden minarets. As Duane struggles to remember his true inner purpose, he finds himself at a perilous crossroads, for he years desperately to save the woman he loves... a woman who serves as a Russian officer. Bob Caso is the lead performer of this thrilling adventure. "The Carnival of Death" (9781592122684, $9.95, 2 CDs, 2 hours) was originally published in the November 1934 issue of Popular Detective; the story centers upon undercover US narcotics agent Bob Clark, who stumbles across the horrific work of a decapitating killer. Are the murders being committed by four tribal headhunters working for Shreve's Mammoth Carnival? Or is someone else wreaking havoc behind the scenes? When Clark becomes the captive of the tribal headhunters, he had better pray that they are not the ones responsible! Jim Meskimen is the lead performer of this suspenseful murder mystery. Both audiobooks are highly recommended especially for fans of the Golden Age.
The Civil War Shelf
A Civil War Gunboat in Pacific Waters
Hans Konrad Van Tilburg
University Press of Florida
University of Florida, 15 Northwest 15th Street, Gainesville, FL 32611-2079
9780813035161 $69.95 www.upf.com 1-800-226-3822
A Civil War Gunboat in Pacific Waters: Life on Board USS Saginaw is the dramatic true story of
the civil war gunboat the USS Saginaw, and her crew. The boat served in Pacific and Asian
waters between 1860 and 1870, and sank in one of the word's most remote coral reefs, Kure
Atoll. Miraculously, the crew survived a sixty-eight day open-boat voyage and was rescued; the
shipwreck itself would not be rediscovered until 130 years later. A classic story of naval disaster
brought to vivid life, A Civil War Gunboat in Pacific Waters is painstakingly researched and
strikingly retold. Highly recommended especially for military and nautical history shelves.
The Biography Shelf
Sojourner Truth: A Biography
Larry G. Murphy
Greenwood Press
c/o ABC-CLIO
PO Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
9780313357282 $35.00 www.abc-clio.com
Sojourner Truth: A Biography is the life story of a remarkable woman, born an illiterate slave,
who escaped to freedom, adopted the name Sojourner Truth, and dedicates herself to a lifetime of
advocacy for abolition and human dignity. She was a skilled orator who moved hearts and minds
across America as she traveled. Sojourner Truth: A Biography is based upon her public
pronouncements, her personal correspondence, journalistic accounts of principal historical actors,
and frames the events of her life amid the larger happenings of American social and political
history. A handful of vintage black-and-white photograph illustrate this exceptional portrait,
highly recommended for both public and college biography collections.
The Military Shelf
The US Army's First, Last, and Only All-Black Rangers
Edward L. Posey
Savas Beatie
PO Box 4527, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
9781611210774 $18.95 www.savasbeatie.com
Master Sergeant (Ret.) Edward L. Posey presents The US Army's First, Last, and Only All-Black
Rangers, a military history chronicling the elite, all-volunteer 2D Ranger Infantry Company
(Airborne) during the Korean War from 1950-1951. This unit, which existed for ten months
(three months of training and seven months of combat deployment) before being deactivated, is
notable in that it was the only all-black Ranger unit in the history of the American army.
Chapters chronicle the unit's grueling training regimen, the men's struggles with segregation and
racism, and the combat actions in Korea that earned accolades and medals. An inset section of
vintage black-and-white photographs enhances this methodical, respectful, and invaluable
contribution to American military history shelves, particularly those with a focus on
African-American issues or the Korean War.
Women in Combat
Rosemarie Skaine
ABC-CLIO
PO Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
9781598844597 $55.00 www.abc-clio.com
Part of ABC-CLIO's "Contemporary World Issues" series, Women in Combat is a solid, unbiased
reference handbook concerning a vital modern-day issue - that of women serving in military
combat. Chapters trace the history of women in the military, controversies about their service
such as their effects on unit cohesion and readiness, some proposed solutions ranging from
all-female platoons to establishing gender-neutral performance-based requirements, the
worldwide perspective of women in combat from military roles to female participation in guerilla
military and even as suicide bombers, biographical sketches, data and documents, and much
more. A sober, clearly and thoughtfully written reference, Women in Combat is highly
recommended especially for public and college library military shelves.
"Recce"
P. Matthysen, M. Kalkwarf & M. Huxtable
30 Degrees South Publishers
www.30degreessouth.co.za
c/o International Publishers Marketing
22841 Quicksilver Drive, Dulles, VA 20166
9781920143411 $80.00 www.internationalpubmarket.com 1-800-758-3756
"Recce": A Collector's Guide to the History of the South African Special Forces is a superbly
researched and presented close study of the South African Special Forces, who are primarily used
in intelligence gathering but sometimes applied to offensive action. Roughly 2,500 color
photographs illustrate this in-depth examination of these elite troops' selection and training
processes, insignia/kit/equipment, awards, memorabilia, and a thorough history of their uses and
actions. A foreword by the late Lt. General F. W. Loots rounds out this absolute "must-have" for
any reader interested in learning more about this extraordinary military organization.
The Crafts Shelf
Toymaking with Children
Freya Jaffke
Floris Books
15 Harrison Gardins, Edinburgh
c/o Myrick Marketing & Media (publicity)
PMB 248, 455 Sam Ridley Parkway West, Smyrna, TN 37167
9780863157691 $25.00 www.florisbooks.co.uk
Toymaking with Children is a guide to undertaking simple handcrafts to make toys for young
children. Many of the suggested crafts can be assembled by a parent and child working together.
Black-and-white diagrams and color photographs illustrate the step-by-step instructions for
creating playthings from inexpensive materials, such as a flopsy doll, a wooden horse and wagon,
knitted kittens, or simple marionettes. All projects are simple enough that parents of all crafting
skill and experience levels can learn to do them, though anyone with skills in needlework,
knitting, or woodworking will have a slight edge. An introductory essay on the natural stages of
play children go through as they mature, and suggestions for how adults can help children play,
rounds out this excellent, hands-on how-to guide.
The Homeowner's Shelf
The Visual Handbook of Building and Remodeling, third edition
Charlie Wing
The Taunton Press
63 South Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470
c/o Craftsman Book Company
6058 Corte del Cedro, Carlsbad, CA 92009
9781600852466 $29.95 www.taunton.com www.craftsman-book.com
Now in an updated third edition, The Visual Handbook of Building and Remodeling: A
Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Materials and Systems for Every Part of Your
Home is a massive and thorough reference manual that will prove useful to homeowners of all
backgrounds. Masonry, sheathing, siding, roofing, plumbing, wiring, heating, cooling,
incorporating passive solar power, sustainable building and taking advantage of renewable
energies, and much more are covered in this all-encompassing guide featuring a wealth of
diagrams and color photographs to illuminate its meticulous guidelines. Those who have no
familiarity with the tricks of the home improvement trade can quickly look up the mechanics of
what a project entails, and those who have been in the business for years will still find tips,
tricks, and techniques galore for every aspect of almost any process. A truly outstanding
guidebook, worthy of the highest recommendation to any homeowner or home maintenance
professional.
The Fashion Shelf
Power Dressing
Robb Young
Merrell Publishers
38 High Avenue, 4th floor, Nyack, New York 10960
9781858945156 $29.95 www.merrellpublishers.com
Power Dressing: First Ladies, Women Politicians & Fashion lives up to its title with a panoply of
brief, fashion-conscious portraits of more than 50 first ladies and female politicians from over 30
countries around the world. Most of the extraordinary modern women featured have one to four
pages to summarize their public career and - the book's focus - describe how they chose to wear
what they did, and who their fashion designers were. Full color photographs on every page
illustrate this compelling collection, brimming with unspoken rules of the fashion social game at
the highest levels of political power.
The Needlecraft Shelf
Knitting Over the Edge
Nicky Epstein
Sixth&Spring Books
c/o SoHo Publishing Company
101 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 1301, New York, NY 10013
9781936096022 $19.95 www.sohopublishing.com
The sequel to "Knitting On the Edge", Knitting Over the Edge: Unique Ribs, Cords, Appliques,
Colors, Nouveau is Nicky Epstein's second collection of edgings, now available in paperback.
More than 350 new and distinctive edge combinations like ribs, cords, appliques, and more offer
an immense variety of stylish designs. A number of signature fashion creations are also included,
such as a full-length coat, and a rose-ornamented capelet, but the primary focus is on crafting
knitting borders that can add an especially distinctive and delightful touch to any creation.
Full-color, close-up photographs and step-by-step instructions make Knitting Over the Edge a
user-friendly guide for any knitter eager to take their craft to the next level.
Fearless Fair Isle Knitting
Kathleen Taylor
The Taunton Press
63 South Main Street, Newtown, CT 06470
9781600853272 $24.95 www.taunton.com 1-800-477-8727
Fearless Fair Isle Knitting: 30 Gorgeous Original Sweaters, Socks, Mittens, and More lives up to
its title with knitting projects for sweaters, socks, dresses, vests, mittens, hats, bags, and more.
Each pattern has an estimated difficulty, an extensive and highly specific list of required
materials, step-by-step instructions, and meticulous charts that use colored squares to vividly
indicate which color of yarn to use for each stitch. Full-color photographs round out this solid,
hands-on guide to making beautiful and memorable handcrafted gifts. A highly recommended addition to
any knitter's library.
The Martial Arts Shelf
Hidden Hands
Phillip Starr
Blue Snake Books
c/o North Atlantic Books (distribution)
2526 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94704-2607
9781583942437 $17.95 www.northatlanticbooks.com 1-800-788-3123
Hidden Hands: Unlocking the Secrets of Traditional Martial Arts Forms is a guide for martial
arts practitioners of all styles and experience levels on how to learn more from forms training.
Author and multidisciplinary master Phillip Starr has trained in the martial arts of xingyiquan,
baguazhang, taijiquan, northern Shaolin kung fu, Kyokushinkai karate, and Filipino arnis, and
even developed his own art, yiliquan (One Principle Boxing), which blinds three of China's
classical internal systems with a form of northern kung fu. His diverse and extensive background
has taught him how to examine the principles, exercises, and underlying concepts at work behind
traditional forms. Black-and-white photographs illustrate the general techniques, observations,
insights, and reinforced training that can be gleaned from the classical forms, in this superb
supplement highly recommended for martial arts practitioners of all backgrounds. "Are retreating
movements defensive? Movements that involve withdrawing from the aggressor's attack don't
necessarily imply that you are retreating, although they do imply that you are employing
defensive movements. These movements often allow you to control distance while you continue
to engage the enemy."
James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
278 Orchard Drive
Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
Copyright ©2001
Site design by Williams Writing, Editing &
Design