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Library Bookwatch

Volume 6, Number 9 September 2011 Home | LBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Health/Medicine Shelf Theatre/Cinema Shelf
Fantasy/SciFi Shelf Library Science Shelf Writing/Publishing Shelf
Political Science Shelf Relationship Shelf Islamic Studies Shelf
Poetry Shelf Education Shelf Civil War Shelf
American History Shelf World History Shelf Biography Shelf
Photography Shelf Social Issues Shelf Law/Justice Shelf
Religion/Spirituality Shelf Dance Shelf Military Shelf
Art Shelf Audiobook Shelf Library CD Shelf
Library DVD Shelf Music Shelf Business Shelf
Cookbook Shelf Fiction Shelf Large Print Shelf
Needlecraft Shelf Journalism Shelf Gardening Shelf
Criminology Shelf Mystery/Suspense Shelf Buddhist Studies Shelf
Christian Studies Shelf Judaic Studies Shelf Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Environmental Studies Shelf Graphic Novel Shelf Homeowner's Shelf
International Studies Shelf Psychology Shelf Literary Studies Shelf


Reviewer's Choice

Signing Their Rights Away
Denise Kiernan and Joseph D'Agnese
Quirk Books
215 Church Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106
9781594745201 $19.95 quirkbooks.com

Flaunting a dust jacket that can be unfolded into a replica of the U.S. Constitution, Signing Their Rights Away: The Fame and Misfortune of the Men Who Signed the United States Constitution is an extraordinary compilation of 39 compact biographies of the men who signed the Constitution. What is truly impressive is that these men were flawed mortals, beset with conflicting goals, quirks, and personal problems - Hugh Williamson believed in aliens; Robert Morris was incarcerated; alcohol addiction destroyed Thomas Mifflin; and Jonathan Dayton stole $18,000 from Congress (a staggering fortune at the time)! Yet for all their imperfections, they were able to set aside their differences, compromise, and create a living document that served as the foundation for a strong and enduring nation. An extraordinarily fascinating study of America's lesser-known founding fathers alongside the more well-known ones, Signing Their Rights Today is a welcome and enthusiastically recommended contribution to public and college library shelves.

Between the Two Rivers, second edition
Aida Kouyoumjian
Coffee Town Press
PO Box 70515, Seattle, WA 98127
9781603811118, $18.95, www.coffeetownpress.com

To escape death, one will go to any length. "Between the Two Rivers: A Story of the Armenian Genocide" is an updated biography of two Armenian sisters as they try to escape genocide in Iraq. Selling dung and working as servants, they struggle to find their place in the world and may find it in working with other survivors to remember their legacy. The updated edition includes more photographs and a relevant map, "Between the Two Rivers" is an excellent addition to any collection with a focus on the Armenian genocide.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Challenging and Emerging Conditions in Emergency Medicine
Arvind Vankat, editor
Wiley-Blackwell
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030
9780470655009, $84.95, www.wiley.com

When every second matters, bureaucracy needs to be shoved aside. "Challenging and Emerging Conditions in Emergency Medicine" discusses the important issues that emerge in serious issues that have life and death connotations on the line for it all. As the population ages, and new techniques emerge in medical science, and conditions lead to multiple emergency treatments as people live with heart disease, obesity, and other long term conditions. Discussing evaluation and diagnosis with essays from many long term emergency physicians and more, "Challenging and Emerging Conditions in Emergency Medicine" is a vital discussion of this very important aspect of modern medicine and the high complexity in this incredibly vital situations.

The Natural Medicine Guide to Bipolar Disorder
Stephanie Marohn
Hampton Roads Publishing Company
65 Parker Street, Suite 7, Newburyport, MA 01950
9781571746566, $16.95, www.redwheelweiser.com

Bipolar disorder can be controlled, but it can prove quite difficult. "The Natural Medicine Guide to Bipolar Disorder" is a guide to living with bipolar disorder. Stephanie Marohn encourages readers to learn what triggers episodes and how to learn to avoid them, gain a balance of mind and avoiding situations that would escalate one into a situation. "The Natural Medicine Guide to Bipolar Disorder" is a thoughtful read, and a great gift to anyone who has been recently diagnosed or is searching for new ways to combat it.

Addiction Essentials
Carlton K. Erickson
W. W. Norton
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
9780393706154, $19.95, www.wwnorton.com

Fighting addiction is the first step in finding health and happiness for many people. "Addiction Essentials: The Go-To Guide for Clinicians and Patients" discusses the first steps to battle addiction, a process that needs the help of doctors, patients, and their families. Discussing the many addictions, focusing primarily on drugs both narcotic and prescription, "Addiction Essentials" is a fine assortment that should be considered for anyone fighting their own addictions or seeking to be a bastion of support in another's fight.

Facing the Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis
Jeffrey N. Gingold
Demos Health
11 W. 42nd Street, 15th Floor, New York, NY 10036
9781936303205, $19.95, www.demoshealth.com

When the mind is under fire, people are at their most vulnerable. "Facing the Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis" is a study from Jeffrey N. Gingold, who presents an updated study on the cognitive difficulties that come with multiple sclerosis. An updated second edition, he discusses many principles and challenges that surround those with such ailments. "Facing with Cognitive Challenges of Multiple Sclerosis" is a scholarly and powerful read that presents the very human face of the disease, how it can be fought, and ultimately finding something of a cure.


The Theatre/Cinema Shelf

Film and The American Moral Vision of Nature
Ronald B. Tobias
Michigan State University Press
1405 S. Harrison Rd., Ste. 24
East Lansing, MI 48823-5245
9781611860016, $39.95, www.msupress.msu.edu

Where has film shaped the American opinion of nature? "Film and the American Moral Vision of Nature: Theodore Roosevelt to Walt Disney" discusses the portrayal of nature and American attitudes towards it though the ages. Tracing American conservation back to Theodore Roosevelt and the impact he made that still resounds today, which has become America's quest to conquer nature. An intriguing analysis and the underlying roots and subtexts of it all, "Film and the American Moral Vision of Nature" proves an excellent study of man, nature, and America, highly recommended to any community library collection focused on studying any of those subjects.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

Henry VIII: Wolfman
A. E. Moorat
Pegasus Books
80 Broad Street, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10004
9781605981987, $15.95, www.pegasusbooks.us

Henry the VIII was a man larger than life, and no mere human existence is enough. "Henry VIII: Wolfman" is a unique spin of the man's life, adding a bit of beast to the man who already had the bloodlust to be so. A. E. Moorat previously wrote 'Queen Victoria: Demon Hunter' and now brings a paranormal touch to royalty once more with Tudor England. "Henry VIII" is a fast paced and fun read that should prove hard to put down.

Dangerous Waters
Juliet E. McKenna
Solaris
1525 Hulse Road, Unit 1
Pt. Pleasant, NJ 08742
9781907519963, $7.99, www.solarisbooks.com

The rule of profit trumps all other rule. "Dangerous Waters" is a story of intrigue. The Caladhrian Coast is besieged by corsairs, in a land where they are ruled by a wizard yet magic is banned for warfare. When one of the wizards is plying his trade against the ban in the name of gold, the corsair's assault is relentless and lives are being destroyed. It will take a few dedicated individuals to save the land from plunder, but time is ticking. "Dangerous Waters" is an excellent spin of fantasy and intrigue, highly recommended.


The Library Science Shelf

Zotero
Jason Puckett
ACRL
c/o American Library Association
50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611
9780838985892, $36.00, www.ala.org

New technology can make your job easier, but only if you can understand it. "Zotero: A Guide for Librarians, Researchers and Educators" is a guide to the Zotero tool for bibliography management. An open source project, the Zotero project contains much of what librarians need to do to keep on top of a business that all too easily gets out of hand due to sheer volume. A perfect introductory for the librarian hoping to use the program, "Zotero" is a resource that shouldn't be overlooked.

Libraries and Society
David Baker & Wendy Evans
Chandos Publishing
c/o Neal Schuman
100 William Street, Suite 2004, New York, NY 10038
9781843341314, $80.00, www.chandospublishing.com

With the rise of the internet and the information age, the place of the library in changes. "Libraries and Society: Role, Responsibility, and Future in an Age of Change" discusses the role of the library in a time where books aren't as valuable as they once were. From changing reading habits for youths, changing research habits, and much more. The librarian too, has changed, from mere tender of books to active player of education. Compiled by experts of libraries and their use in professional librarian David Baker and Head of Library at the University Colleges of Plymouth, St. Mark, and St. John Wendy Evans. "Libraries and Society" has plenty of sage wisdom and makes for a very much recommended read.


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

How to Write & Publish a Scientific Paper, seventh edition
Robert A. Day & Barbara Gastel
ABC-CLIO
130 Cremona Drive, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
9780313931972, $29.95, www.abc-clio.com

You may have the best science, but there are hoops to jump through to get your work known. "How to Write & Publish a Scientific Paper" follows Robert A. Day & Barbara Gastel as they walks readers through the ins and outs of scientific paper publishing. A crucial step in a scientific career, Day & Gastel offer much wisdom in cutting through the red tape to avoid missteps, ethics, presenting your work, and the accepted scientific writing style. "How to Write & Publish a Scientific Paper" is a strongly recommended addition to any novice and aspiring person of science's personal library collection.


The Political Science Shelf

The Podium, The Pulpit, And The Republicans
Frederick Stecker
Praeger Publishers
c/o ABC-CLIO
Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
Gulotta Communications (publicity)
341 Lexington Street, Newton, MA 02466
www.abc-clio.com
9780313382505, $44.95, www.amazon.com

Despite the concept of a separation between church and state, religion continues to be an integral aspect of American politics whether referenced as a 'moral majority' or a 'tea party movement'. Christian evangelical identification has been (and continues to be) a particular staple within the Republican party. That's why "The Podium, the Pulpit, and the Republicans: How Presidential Candidates Use Religious Language in American Political Debate" by Episcopal minister Frederick Stecker is so timely and such a valued contribution to the growing body of literature concerning the impact and influence of religion upon American politics, politicians, and political movements. This 275-page compendium has an especial focus on politicians competing for their party's presidential nomination for the presidency -- and then in the general election campaigning. "The Podium, The Pulpit, And The Republicans" covers the rise and influence of the new 'Religious Right', the use of fear arising from religious issues (anti-gay, anti-abortion, anti-Muslim, etc), and the party conventions. Of special note is the chapter on the 2008 presidential debates and the presidential election. Enhanced with extensive notes, a bibliography, and an index, "The Podium, The Pulpit, And The Republicans" is informed, informative, thoughtful, thought-provoking, and directly relevant to today's national presidential politics, making it a highly recommended addition for academic and community library reference collections, as well as supplemental reading lists for American Political Science curriculums.

The Congressional Budget Office
Philip G. Joyce
Georgetown University Press
3240 Prospect Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
9781589017573, $29.95, www.press.georgetown.edu

The national budget has entered hard into the current political debate. "The Congressional Budget Office: Honest Numbers, Power, and Policymaking" discusses the role of the U. S. Congressional Budget Office and its role in National Policymaking since 1974. The CBO, as it's termed, has strived to become a non-partisan office, something that has been highly difficult to maintain in recent years. "The Congressional Budget Office" is a detailed history of this important and vital institution in this chaotic financial time, highly recommended.

Church, State, and the Crisis in American Secularism
Bruce Ledewitz
Indiana University Press
601 North Morton Street
Bloomington, IN 47404-3797
9780253356345, $29.95, www.iupress.indiana.edu

The state's stance at religion can be described as schizophrenic at best. "Church, State, and the Crisis in American Secularism" discusses the separation of church and state in today's society. While there is a prevalence of a majority Christian population, mottos and strong reverence for Christian ideals, at the same time secularization may be fighting some things a bit too hard. Author Bruce Ledewitz advocates a more balanced approach to religion in America, one that seeks to honor the religious pluralism that truly stands behind freedom of religion. "Church, State, and the Crisis in American Secularism" is a fascinating and scholarly read, highly recommended.


The Relationship Shelf

The ADHD Effect on Marriage
Melissa Orlov
Specialty Press
300 N. W. 70th Ave., Suite 102
Plantation, FL 33317
9781886941977, $19.95, www.addwarehouse.com

Marriage can be hard to make last when the attention wanders. "The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Understand and Rebuild Your Relationship in Six Steps" is a guide from Melissa Orlov on sustaining that marriage in the long term when one or both partners has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and how to remember the joy that both parties strive for. Looking at the effects the disorder can have on matrimony, Orlov speaks well on a subject not often mentioned. "The ADHD Effect on Marriage" is a powerful and very much recommended read.


The Islamic Studies Shelf

Velvet Jihad
Faegheh Shirazi
University Press of Florida
15 Northwest Street, Gainesville, FL 32611-2079
9780813037301, $29.95, www.upf.com

Discontent can stand strong, even when it isn't vocal. "Velvet Jihad: Muslim Women's Quiet Resistance to Islamic Fundamentalism" analyzes how Muslim women have been fighting in their own way against the wave of Islamic fundamentalism that has taken strongly in much of the Arabic World. She states that women battle their own oppression strongly and for quite some time, and that their struggles are not to be ignored. "Velvet Jihad" is an intriguing dual study of women's and Islamic studies, highly recommended.

On the Other: A Muslim View
Rusmir Mahmutcehajic
Fordham University Press
University Box L, 2546 Belmont Ave, Bronx
New York, NY 10458
9780823231119, $45.00, www.fordhampress.com

Islam is on the rise throughout Europe. "On the Other: A Muslim View" discusses Islam in modern Europe. Examining the Qur'an's views on people of other faith, how it is practiced in the modern world, and its place in today's religious debate. Stating that its bigotry and racism towards Judaism and other faiths is grossly exaggerated, he argues against the reactionary politics in it all, and presents solid study and evidence backing up his position. "On the Other" is a strongly recommended read for any community and college library Islamic studies and social issues collections.


The Poetry Shelf

Sparrow Tree
Gwyneth Lewis
Bloodaxe Books
c/o DuFour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781852248994, $21.95, www.dufoureditions.com

Nature inspires wonder in us, and we turn that wonder on its head all too often. "Sparrow Tree" is a collection of nature poetry from Gwyneth Lewis. Speaking on her love of birds and spinning it into something unique, "Sparrow Tree" speaks profoundly to any bird watcher, highly recommended for poetry collections. "Splinter": In years to come, they will lodge in his heart./I won't be me/with a sterilized pin/dislodging dashes of wooden rain/Aslant in his sole./He says it doesn't hurt,/I don't believe him. One fragment's stubborn./Dig deeper. If I were a mosquito/I'd anesthetize his novice skin/Before each stab. And then I'd suck/with more conviction and no less zeal/Than Helen, mother Constantine,/Who scoured the length and breadth of Christendom/For a piece of the real cross./Got It! Kiss his reliquary skin.

New and Selected Poems
Michael Foley
The Black Staff Press
c/o DuFour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9780856408625, $29.95, www.blackstaffpress.com

Wit, wisdom, and a little rhythm are all you need to embrace poetry. "New and Selected Poems" is a wide reaching collection of poetry from acclaimed Irish poet Michael Foley. A compilation of some of his best over three decades of work and providing a wide ranging assortment of history and culture of the modern son of Ireland, "New and Selected Poems" is a must for any international poetry collection. "Disturbances of Autumn": Are the trains heavier... or the house jumpier?/At night floors tremble, panes rattle, bookcases quake./Again now. To the window. Too late.//Above the track, crushed cans and thickets of weeds,/Pale imperfect growth framed by involuntary loss-/A gibbous moon among the half-bare trees.

The Blood from my Roots
Alafuele M. Kalala
Dorrance Publishing
701 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
9781434909268, $10.00, www.dorrancebookstore.com

The plague of war grows ever stronger in Africa. "The Blood from my Roots" is a call from Congo native Alafuele M. Kalala as he looks into the tragedy of Africa, a land tearing itself apart with war and corruption. In the format of a long poem, he goes with spirituality and passion for his native lands to rebuild their society together. "The Blood from my Roots" is a work of love and hope, recommended reading.


The Education Shelf

The American Public School Teacher
Darrel Drury & Justin Baer
Harvard Education Press
8 Story Street, 1st Floor, Cambridge, MA 02138
9781934742914, $34.95, www.harvardeducationpress.com

Education isn't what it used to be. "The American Public School Teacher: Past, Present, and Future" analyzes the role of the public school teacher in modern times. Many thinkers come together and discuss the modern role of the teacher and where our society is going with them, the wishes of the parents, the wishes of the teachers, unions, and much more. Scholarly and insightful, "The American Public School Teacher" addresses many of today's educational problems and offers much to ponder for the future of our schools.

Multicultured Gifted Education, second edition
Donna Y. Ford
Prufrock Press
5926 Balcones Drive, Suite 220
Austin, TX 78731
9781593636999, $45.00, www.prufrock.com

Multiculturalism is becoming a major reality in today's world. "Multicultured Gifted Education" is a guide to facing the cultural aspects of education and the changing demographics in today's education. In higher education for gifted and talented students, there are certain barriers of culture that may put minority students at a disadvantage, and conquering them can lead to a more harmonious class experience. Donna Y. Ford is a professor of Education and human development, and uses her expertise to tackle many issues that come in today's diverse classrooms. "Multicultured Gifted Education" is a strongly recommended pick for any educational leader, highly recommended.

Battling Boredom
Bryan Harris
Eye on Education
6 Depot Way West, Larchmont, NY 10538
9781596671669, $29.95, www.eyeoneducation.com

You aren't in a classroom to be bored, you're there to be educated. "Battling Boredom: 99 Strategies to Spark Student Engagement" is an educational guide from Bryan Harris as he encourages teachers and educators to drag their students to care about their lesson and making it more fun for everyone involved. From music to thought exercises to games to building into the web, "Battling Boredom" is a strongly recommended pick for any educator who doesn't want to delve into boredom.


The Civil War Shelf

A Little Short of Boats, revised edition
James A. Morgan, III
Savas Beatie
PO Box 4527
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
9781611210668 $29.95 www.savasbeatie.com

Military historian James A. Morgan III presents A Little Short of Boats: The Battles of Ball's Bluff & Edwards Ferry, October 22-22, 1861, now in a newly revised and expanded hardcover edition. A Little Short of Boats tells the true story of a tremendous disaster that befell four federal regiments at Ball's Bluff and Edwards Ferry. The Northern troops were caught on largely open ground, poorly organized, and with their backs to the river as the Southern infantry attacked; after twelve hours of fighting the North suffered one of its greatest defeats in the war, and sitting United States senator Col. Edward D. Baker (one of Abraham Lincoln's good friends) was killed. A Little Short of Boats examines the entire military engagement in meticulous, heavily researched detail, and is an excellent addition to Civil War military history shelves and college library collections.

Stuart's Tarheels
Chris J. Hartley
McFarland
PO Box 611, Jefferson, NC 28640
9780786463640, $55.00, www.mcfarlandpub.com

Through the American Civil War, the Calvary charge was something very much to be feared. "Stuart's Tarheels: James B. Gordon and His North Carolina Cavalry in the Civil War, second edition" speaks of the cavalry of Brigadier General James Byron Gordon. A landowner, politician, and businessman, he rose through the ranks of the confederacy and become a legend of the fight in himself, but was not without controversy. A comprehensive and scholarly coverage of his life and career, "Stuart's Tarheels" is a core addition to any community or college American Civil War history collection, enthusiastically recommended.


The American History Shelf

The Fall and Recapture of Detroit in the War of 1812
Anthony J. Yanik
Wayne State University Press
The Leonard N. Simons Building
4809 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48201-1309
9780814335987 $24.95 http://wsupress.wayne.edu

The Fall and Recapture of Detroit in the War of 1812: In Defense of William Hull is a meticulously researched account of Brigadier General William Hull's doomed 1812 campaign, which ultimately caused the surrender of Detroit and the British Army's triumph over the North Western Army. Hull was court-martialed for cowardice and sentenced to death for his failure; he is the only commanding general given such a harsh punishment in American military history, and his name is disparaged to this day. Author Anthony J. Yanik (winner of the Michigan Historical Society's State History Award) examines Hull's surrender and his claim that the choice was made on humanitarian grounds, starting with a snapshot of the causes of the War of 1812 as well as daily life in the frontier settlement of Detroit. Studying Hull's service closely, especially the failed invasion of Canada that led to his predicament, Yanik reconstructs the evidence surrounding Hull's defense and offers strong reason to question the validity of the verdict. A chronology of Hull's Detroit campaign and appendices of historical writings and speeches round out this excellent contribution to American military history shelves.

A Young Dutchman Views Post-Civil War America
Claude August Crommelin, author
Augustus J. Veenendaal, Jr., translator
Indiana University Press
601 North Morton Street
Bloomington, IN 47404-3797
9780253356093 $29.95 www.iupress.indiana.edu

Now available in English for the first time, A Young Dutchman Views Post-Civil War America is the personal journal of a Claude Augustus Crommelin, whose travels in the post-Civil War United States spanned New York, the Middle Atlantic States, the Upper Mississippi Valley, and the battered South. His sharp eye for detail and influential family connections lead to an impressive level of insight and observation, in this excellent outsider's viewpoint of American people, politics, culture, and society. Highly recommended as a valuable primary source for public and college library American History collections.

Battle Weapons on the American Revolution
George C. Neumann
Mowbray
54 E. School Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895
1931464499, $39.99, www.gunandswordcollector.com

America has had the technological edge in many of its wars, but not its first war. "Battle Weapons of the American Revolution" looks at the weapons used on both sides of America's first war. A time where a soldier could not rely on their rifle alone, George C. Neumann presents pictures of rifles, pistols, swords, and even pole arms used by all sides of the conflict, including the French, Hessian mercenaries, among others. "Battle Weapons of the American Revolution" is an intriguing study of the weapons of America's struggle for independence.


The World History Shelf

The Benedictines In The Middle Ages
James G. Clark
Boydell Press
c/o Boydell & Brewer Inc
668 Mount Hope Avenue
Rochester, NY 14620-2731
www.boydellandbrewer.com
9781843836230, $50.00, www.amazon.com

The monastic orders during the period of Europe's 'Dark Ages' were pretty much the sole repositories of literacy as well as bastions of Christianity and social order. One of the most popular, numerous, widespread, and influential of these monastic orders were the Benedictines, a religious movement based on 6th Century rules originally laid down by Benedict of Nursia (c.480-c.547). "The Benedictines In The Middle Ages" is a 352-page compendium researched and written by academician James G. Clark (Department of History, University of Bristol, England) that provides an historical overview of the history over the past eleven centuries. Enhanced with the inclusion of illustrations and maps, an impressive bibliography, and a comprehensive index, "The Benedictines In The Middle Ages" is a work of impeccable and original scholarship with special attention to the organization, economy, environment, and cultural/political influence of this iconic religious order. "The Benedictines In The Middle Ages" is an especially recommended and seminal contribution to academic library World History, European History, Catholic History, and Medieval Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

Happyland
Curtis R. McManus
University of Calgary Press
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AL Canada T2N 1N4
9781552385241, $34.95, www.uofcpress.com

With failing crops, a great many people are in peril. "Happyland: A History of the "Dirty Thirties" in Saskatchewan 1914-1937" discusses the crisis faced by Saskatchewan from 1914 to 1937 where devastating droughts caused untold agricultural damage, shifting people from their farms in search of something to survive with. An important study of this very important period of Canadian history and how it hold a major impact on the Canadian peoples. "Happyland" is a vital addition to any Canadian or World History collection, highly recommended.

The Portuguese
Barry Hatton
Interlink Books
46 Crosby Street, Northampton, MA 01060-1804
9781566568449, $15.00, www.interlinkbooks.com

Portugal is often forgotten when talking about Europe's great powers. "The Portuguese: A Modern History" speaks on the history of this strip of land to the west of Spain and its impact on the modern world. With a language that is widely spoken around the world, the small country has had an eventful history tells the unique history of the country which has included coups, an unusual relationship with its only neighbor in Spain, and its role in the cold war. "The Portuguese" is a fascinating study of a major yet relatively quiet in international affairs, highly recommended.

Elvis Romero and Fiesta de Santa Fe
Andrew Leo Lovato
Museum of New Mexico
1312 Basehart Road SE
Albuquerque NM 87106-4363
9780890135327, $22.50, www.state.nm.us

People embrace the festival, even if they are not entirely sure of its history. "Elvis Romero and Fiesta de Santa Fe featuring Zozobra's Great Escape" is a study of history from Andrew Leo Lovato about this annual festival that has been celebrated for three hundred years, commemorating the reconquest of New Mexico by Don Diego de Vargas. Although this concept in root likely means little to the now American state, the Fiesta lives on as a unique festival of Hispanic heritage. Also contained is the culturally influenced tale of 'Zozobra's Great Escape' following the adventures of Elvis Romero and his cousin Pepa as they embark on a great rescue. "Elvis Romero and Fiesta de Santa Fe" is an excellent study of culture and history, highly recommended for community library collections.


The Biography Shelf

My Work is That of Conservation
Mark D. Hersey
University of Georgia Press
330 Research Drive
Athens, GA, 30602-4901
9780820338705 $24.95 www.ugapress.org

My Work is That of Conservation: An Environmental Biography of George Washington Carver is an in-depth study of the oft-misunderstood African-American scientist and environmentalist, who dedicated his life to improving the lot of impoverished farmers in the Black Belt, among others. Covering the life of Carver (1864-1943) from his Missouri and Kansas childhood to his education at Iowa Agricultural College, to his dismay at how poor conservation methods had stripped the soil of its ability to yield. The institutionalized racism of the era was yet another barrier Carter had to deal with in his mission to help his fellow human beings become better stewards of the earth; his work would force him to reconsider his own view of scientific agriculture even as his strived to teach a more balanced and long-term view to others. My Work is That of Conservation is a quintessential addition to college and public library American biography collections, and worthy of the highest recommendation.

Shooting from the Lip
Donald Loren Hardy
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive
Norman, OK 73069
9780806142111 $26.95 www.oupress.com

Shooting from the Lip: The Life of Senator Al Simpson is a biography that draws directly from the extensive, nineteen-volume journal that Senator Alan K. Simpson of Wyoming elected to keep shortly before he was elected to the post of majority whip. Colorful anecdotes and testimony of those who knew the senator best supports this excellent reconstruction of a strong-willed leader. Al Simpson himself gave Donald Loren Hardy full editorial control and a mandate to tell the complete, unvarnished truth. Shooting from the Lip especially scrutinizes Simpson's role in critical events such as the Iran-Contra scandal. Al Simpson's charisma, expertise, and talent for using humor as well as reason to drive home a point distinguish his political career. Shooting from the Lip is an excellent and engaging true story and a welcome addition to college and public library political biography shelves.

Dennis Brain
Stephen Gamble & William Lynch
University of North Texas Press
1155 Union Circle #311336
Denton, TX 76203-5017
9781574413076, $29.95, www.unt.edu

When you find your calling, you can do great things with it. "Dennis Brain: A Life in Music" tells the life story of Dennis Brain. Born in 1921, in his short four decades of life he served in the military and was quite known for revolutionizing the horn in ways not before seen. Stephen Gamble and William Lynch write of his work and his time in the National Symphony Orchestra. "Dennis Brain: A Life in Music" is a strongly recommended pick for any biographical and music collection, highly recommended.

The Real Luther
Franz Posset
Concordia Publishing House
3558 South Jefferson Ave
St. Louis, MO 63118-3968
9780758626851, $39.99, www.cph.org

Martin Luther is known for pinning his grievances with the Catholic church to a door, but what else is behind the man? "The Real Luther: A Friar at Erfurt & Wittenberg" seeks to explain this Catholic turned into father of the Reformation. A man who turned to religion later in life, his story is one of an outsider coming in, immersing themselves in faith, and seeing the corruption within. "The Real Luther" is an intriguing study of perhaps one of the most important friars in history.


The Photography Shelf

Pinhole Cameras
Chris Keeny
Princeton Architectural Press
37 East Seventh Street, New York, NY 10003
9781568989891, $18.95, www.papress.com

With time and ingenuity, you can create a camera out of almost anything. "Pinhole Cameras: A Do-It-Yourself Guide" is a guide to making a camera out of almost anything and capturing images with them. A guide to fun home made projects that can become almost an art form all in itself, he encourages readers to embrace doing things the wrong way and to create art from those mistakes. "Pinhole Cameras" is an excellent pick for anyone with a do-it-yourself spirit looking for something different.


The Social Issues Shelf

Homeland Security
Giorgio Franceschetti & Marina Grossi
Artech House
685 Canton Street, Norwood, MA 02062
9781608071067, $89.00, www.artechhouse.com

The balance of liberty and security is one that will be stressing thinkers for many decades to come. "Homeland Security: Threats, Countermeasures, and Privacy Issues" discusses this debate by presenting a breakdown of the topics at hand. Within, full chapters are dedicated to the importance of privacy issues, health crises, tracking dangerous materials, and to what extent urban surveillance should truly go. Many security thinkers come together in this compilation and discussion, broken down into the many serious issues of international security, including the blurry line that lies between the role of the police and the role of the military. "Homeland Security" is a very much recommended volume for any international issues collection, not to be missed.

Child Welfare, second edition
Kathleen Kufeldt & Brad McKenzie
Wilfrid Laurier University Press
Wilfrid Laurier University
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2L 3C5
9781554583300, $54.95, www.wlupress.wlu,ca

To leave a child without aid is cruel. "Child Welfare: Connecting Research, Policy, and Practice" is the second edition that discusses children who are involved in Child welfare services and their families who are in need. Written by professors of sociology and social work in New Brunswick and Manitoba in Kathleen Kufeldt & Brad McKenzie, the target subject matter is Canada, but many of the principles apply well in international discussions of child welfare. Included in the second edition are concerns of Indigenous children in Canada, and what has been done to help families in greater need. "Child Welfare" is a must for any collection discussing Canada's social welfare programs in the present and their future.

On Rabbits, Morality, Etc.
Walter Murdoch
International Specialized Book Services
920 NE 58th Ave., Suite 300
Portland, OR 97213-3786
9781742582757, $29.95, www.isbs.com

Thought is our way of filtering through life's questions and challenges. "On Rabbits, Morality, Etc" is a collection of essays from Walter Murdoch as he speaks clearly and frankly of life and its many challenges. Encouraging greater social discourse of life and providing many ideas, the Professor of English at the University of Western Australia provides a profound and thoughtful read that shouldn't be missed. For social issues collections and collections of essays, "On Rabbits, Morality, Etc." is a core addition.


The Law/Justice Shelf

The People's Lawyer
Albert Ruben
Monthly Review Press
146 W 29th St, Suite 6W, New York, NY 10001
9781583672372, $17.95, www.monthlyreview.org

The Constitution can prove to be quite a nuisance, so there are those who would simply ignore it. "The People's Lawyer: The Center for Constitutional Rights and the Fight for Social Justice, From Civil Rights to Guantanamo" focuses on the progressive organization and how they have been faced off against the Justice Department and White House in regards to the abuses of the government towards its prisoners. Albert Ruben states this uphill struggle is a battle must be fought as a reminder that there are no situations where the document's provisions for due process and civil rights are to be ignored. "The People's Lawyer" is an important read about how there are still those who would fight for the bill of rights.


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

The Wisdom Teachings Of Harish Johari On The Mahabharata
Wil Geraets
Destiny Books
c/o Inner Traditions International, Ltd.
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
www.innertraditions.com
9781594773792, $16.95, www.amazon.com

The late Harish Johari (1934-1999) dedicated his life to the scholarly study of India's 'Mahabharata' and its insights over a wide range of topics ranging from Hindu philosophy to cosmic consciousness. In "The Wisdom Teachings Of Harish Johari On The Mahabharata", Will Geraets draws upon his many years as a student of Harish Johari to ably compile and deftly edited his teacher and mentor's teachings, interpretations, commentaries, and insights into the Mahabharata, its universal wisdom well adapted for contemporary readers. Informed and informative, this 256-page, thoroughly 'reader friendly' compendium is enhanced with the inclusion of an "Epilogue: Mahabharata and the Game of Life", a comprehensive index, a succinct two-page biographical sketch of Harish Johari, and a biographical listing of published works by Harish Johari. "The Wisdom Teachings Of Harish Johari On The Mahabharata" is a very strongly recommended, core addition to personal and academic library collections on Hinduism and Indian Philosophy in general, and the works of Harish Johari in particular.

Spiritual Writings
John Howard Yoder
Orbis Books
Price Bldg, Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 10545
9781570759352, $20.00, www.orbisbooks.com

Violence is the failure of negotiation. "Spiritual Writings" is a collection of spiritual writings from John Howard Yoder, a Mennonite theologian whose work is revered over a decade past his death. Paul Martens & Jenny Howell select some of his most important writings and add their own introductions to his work to give readers a better understanding of the man's work. A core read of Mennonite faith and philosophy, "Spiritual Writings" is a strong addition to any religious collection.

The Heron Dance Book of Love and Gratitude
Roderick MacIver
North Atlantic Books
PO Box 12327, Berkeley, CA 94712
9781556439551, $16.95, www.northatlanticbooks.com

Knowledge is eternal. "The Heron Dance Book of Love and Gratitude" is an assortment of writings compiled and illustrated to by Roderick MacIver. Presented in full color, he uses art to accentuate the works of everyone from Helen Keller, Walt Whitman, to Albert Einstein. Sure to appeal to the mind and soul, "The Heron Dance Book of Love and Gratitude" is an excellent addition to any art or spirituality collection.


The Dance Shelf

Dance Medicine
Judith R. Peterson
Princeton Book Company
514 Route 130, Highstown, NJ 08520
9780871273536, $29.95, www.dancehorizons.com

Dancing can turn more sour than you know. "Dance Medicine: Head to Toe" is a guide to keeping health through dancing while avoiding the injuries that unknowingly may come with it. Muscle health, bone health, sores, and much more, Judith R. Peterson gives advice that can keep one dancing for a long time to come. "Dance Medicine" is a strongly recommended pick for any dancer who doesn't want to be one wrong move away from an injury.


The Military Shelf

In a Strange Land
Alexander Barnes
Schiffer Military History
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
9780764337611, $79.99, www.schifferbooks.com

Ensuring peace can often be a difficult and arduous process. "In a Strange Land: The American Occupation of Germany - 1918-1923" traces the American occupation of Germany after World War I. World War I served as America's first foray into the conflicts of Europe, and this proved to be a culture shock of sorts for many American soldiers who would later take the knowledge they gained to become famed leaders in World War II. Chapters present a comprehensive coverage of the period with heavy usage of photographs covering the men, the machines, the architecture of the period. Additionally, many scans of historical documents add in to combine a vivid picture of the occupation through the eyes of the soldier and the German people. "In a Strange Land" is a fine read that should very much be considered for coffee table books selections or American military history collections.


The Art Shelf

Artful Adornments
Yvonne J. Markowitz
MFA Boston
465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
9780878467686, $55.00, www.mfa.org

Jewelry is just another canvas for expression. "Artful Adornments: Jewelry from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston" traces some of the most magnificent works of jewelry based art throughout history. From the art of the ancient Egyptians uncovered to twentieth century styles and everything in between, it also speaks on the culture behind them, on how that many designs were not strictly for aesthetic purposes, but instead have the superstition of magic behind them. "Artful Adornments" is a fine pick for any fan of historic jewelry, packed cover to cover with full color photographs.


The Audiobook Shelf

The Prince
Niccolo Machiavelli, author
Nigel Carrington, narrator
Naxos of America, Inc.
1810 Columbia Avenue, Suite 28
Franklin, TN 37064
9781843794592 $22.98 www.naxosaudiobooks.com

Smoothly narrated by actor and former BBC Radio Drama Company member Nigel Carrington, The Prince is a classic treatise of power and rulership originally penned in 1532. Author Niccolo Machiavelli lived in an era when Italy was under the control of rulers vying for power, and answering to the control of the Medici family; Machiavelli wrote a practical and realist-centric approach to governing well and holding on to monarchical power. The Prince advocates judicious, but not wanton use of both benevolent and ruthless means - including cruelty, trickery, or even state-sponsored terrorism - with the implicit assumption that the skilled use of such methods is preferable to the human suffering brought by rebellion, civil war, invasion, or incompetent rulership. The Prince has been such an influential compendium for the past five centuries that the author's last name has become synonymous with evil ("Machiavellian"), though such a condemnation may well be unfair given the war-prone era in which he lived. This audiobook rendition of The Prince is an invaluable classic, highly recommended especially for public library collections. 3 CDs, 3 hours 12 min.

Three Sisters
Anton Chekhov
L.A. Theatre Works
681 Venice Boulevard
Venice, CA 90291
9781580818223 $25.95 www.latw.org

Three Sisters is the full-cast audio CD rendition of Anton Chekhov's classic play, first performed in 1901. Expert actors and actresses bring this saga of three cultured sisters who grew up amid the excitement of Moscow, but were then forced to live in the rural backwater country of Russia. Their father's passing kindles a keen yearning for each of them to return to the city and the hustle of a fast-paced, exciting life. A superb and vivid production of a timeless parable of desire, Three Sisters is highly recommended. 2 CDs, 122 min.

Victory and Honor
W.E.B. Griffin and William E. Butterworth IV, authors
Scott Brick, narrator
Penguin Audio
c/o The Penguin Publishing Group
375 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
9781611760309 $39.95 http://us.penguingroup.com

The unabridged audiobook adaptation of one of W.E.B. Griffin's immensely popular "Honor Bound" series of World War II historical spy novels, Victory and Honor opens shortly after Hitler's suicide - which is only the beginning of new trials and tribulations for Cletus Frade and his associates in the OSS. Now they are at the crossroads, as the FBI seeks to appropriate OSS agents and assets, and the shadow of Joe Stalin threatens to spark a new world war. Frade's latest mission puts everyone's lives on the line, in this tautly written and expertly performed work of suspense. 8 CDs, 10 hours.

Only Time Will Tell
Jeffrey Archer, author
Roger Allam and Emelia Fox, narrators
Macmillan Audio
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315
New York, NY 10010
9781427211460 $39.99 www.macmillanaudio.com

The audiobook rendition of the first novel in "The Clifton Chronicles" series, Only Time Will Tell follows a resolute family across the span of generations and the breadth of oceans. Opening in the 1920's, Only Time Will Tell begins with Harry Clifton, a young man on the threshold of adulthood, who never knew his deceased father but has just learned that everything he knew about the man may no longer be what it seems. As the narrative continues to the outbreak of the Second World War, Harry must decide whether to go to Oxford or serve in the navy opposing Hitler's Germany. An extraordinary, sweeping saga, Only Time Will Tell is an excellent addition to audiobook fiction collections.

Luka and the Fire of Life
Salman Rushdie, author
Lyndam Gregory, narrator
Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
9781440752315 $77.75 www.recordedbooks.com

The sequel to "Haroun and the Sea of Stories", Luka and the Fire of Life is the audiobook rendition of Salman Rushdie's novel following Haroun's young brother Luka, who is striving to save his father against all odds. Luka's father, the legendary storyteller, has fallen into a deep sleep; the only way to wake him puts Luka on a mystic journey to the Magic World to seize the eternally burning Fire of Life. Luka and his companions face one terrible trial after another, and cross the perilous land of the Badly Behaved Gods, all to reach the Fire that will decide their destinies. An extraordinary, fantastic adventure of love and tests of character, Luka and the Fire of Life is highly recommended. 7 CDs, 7 3/4 hours.

The Graduate
Adapted & originally directed by Terry Johnson
Based on the novel by Charles Webb
and the screenplay by Calder Willingham & Buck Henry
L.A. Theatre Works
681 Venice Boulevard
Venice, CA 90291
158081820X $25.95 www.latw.org

Based on the novel by Charles Webb and the screenplay by Calder Willingham and Buck Henry, The Graduate is a full-cast audiobook presentation of the Broadway stage adaptation of a classic. When a college graduate returns home with his diploma in hand, he flounders in search of a career and falls prey to the seductive Mrs. Robinson, wife of his father's business partner. But it is Mrs. Robinson's daughter that captures his heart, in this wry story of love, lust, and wrestling with difficult choices for one's future.


The Library CD Shelf

Further Definitions of the Days of Awe
The Afro-Semitic Experience
With cantors Jack Mendelson, Erik Contzius, Lisa Arbisser, & Daniel Mendelson
Reckless DC Music
c/o Rock Paper Scissors (publicity)
511 West 4th Street, Suite 2
Bloomington, IN 47404
$13.07 www.rockpaperscissors.biz

Old-school cantor group The Afro-Semitic Experience lives up to their name in their new album, Further Definitions of the Days of Awe, a celebration of cantorial music highlighted with elements of jazz, Latin, Afrobeat and soul. An exciting, cathartic intermingling of rhythms and cultures, Further Definitions of the Days of Awe is spiritual music that calls the heart to dance, and express joy in life and love. Faith, worship, and zeal make Further Definitions of the Days of Awe and unforgettable listening experience that invigorates the soul. Highly recommended.

Grannen
Frigg
Privately Published
c/o Rock Paper Scissors (publicity)
511 West 4th Street, Suite 2
Bloomington, IN 47404
$TBA www.rockpaperscissors.biz

Grannen is an album of by the band Frigg that dares to defy modern stereotypes of Finnish music as slow-paced, moody and melancholy. Tapping into the spirit of upbeat Finish songs from before World War II, Grannen is a music CD of the joy and merriment to be found amid Nordic traditions. Energetic and creative throughout, Grannen is a welcome contribution to international music CD collections. The tracks are "Potatisvals" (2:05), "Rajrajraj" (3:23), "Maple Cake Farm" (4:34), "Verna" (3:54), "Grannen" (5:24), "Bussen" (4:05), "Amurin Tiikeri" (4:49), "Patana Sunset / Holokyn Kolokyn" (7:43), and "Jepuan Marssi" (3:55).


The Library DVD Shelf

The Flaw
Directed by David Sington
Bullfrog Films, Inc.
PO Box 149
Oley, PA 19547
1594588708 $295.00 www.bullfrogfilms.com

The Flaw is a sobering documentary about the roots of the recent economic crisis that has wracked America, and through a ripple effect, the world. The bursting of the housing bubble - which popped when subprime mortgage-backed securities collapsed - is of course scrutinized in fine detail. But an underlying and less-considered root of the problem is: what happens when the rich get richer, while the middle class and the poor stagnate? Since the 1970's American wages have, on average, barely kept pace with inflation, leading to an ever-increasing concentration of wealth among the very top percentile. But wealthy individuals don't fuel economic demand by buying goods - they only need to spend a small percentage of their income on food, shelter, and similar items (even if the goods they buy for this purpose are luxurious). The bulk of the income of the wealthiest members of society is spent on assets - items intended for resale such as real estate, stocks, or precious metals. Assets are resistant to the standard laws of supply and demand; unlike ordinary consumable items such as food or video games, when the price of an asset goes up, demand for it sharply increases (everyone wants to get in on the "hot" property and make money), and when the price of an asset goes down, demand for it sharply decreases (everyone wants to get out of the market immediately when there's blood in the water). Thus, increased concentration of wealth among a very few leads to greater volatility in asset-driven markets, while supply and demand-driven consumer markets enter a recession because the people who buy ordinary goods have less money to spend on them. No special economic background is needed to fully absorb the stark picture painted by The Flaw, a thoughtful and absolutely invaluable documentary worthy of the highest recommendation, that deserves to be on the DVD shelves of every public and college library in the nation. 82 minutes, SDH captions.

Truck Farm
Ian Cheney
Wicked Delicate Films
c/o Bullfrog Films, Inc.
PO Box 149
Oley, PA 19547
159458821X $250.00 www.bullfrogfilms.com

Truck Farm is an eye-opening documentary about modern-day urban farmers. With green roof technology and heirloom seeds, filmmaker Ian Cheney plants a vegetable garden in the back of his grandfather's old pickup truck! Riding the most unusual vehicle across New York, Cheney introduces viewers to some of the most unique and original urban farms, on a quest to learn whether New York might have the potential to feed itself. An amazing tour of positive efforts toward sustainability, Truck Farm is as fun to watch as it is educational and highly recommended. 48 min., SDH captions.

When China Met Africa
A film by Marc Francis and Nick Francis
Bullfrog Films, Inc.
PO Box 149
Oley, PA 19547
1594588236 $295.00 www.bullfrogfilms.com

Licensed for public performance, When China Met Africa is an extraordinary, educational documentary about how modern globalization changing the future of the world's most populous nation and an entire continent. Following Mr. Liu and Mr. Li, two of thousands of Chinese entrepreneurs who have settled across Africa to create prosperous business enterprises, as well as the efforts of Zambia's trade minister to secure millions of dollars in Chinese investments, When China Met Africa is an extraordinary picture of how commerce and trade has the potential to positively influence people's lives. Highly recommended. 75 min. and 60 min. versions are present on one DVD, with SDH captions.

Lost Empires
Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
9781598285338 $49.99 www.acornonline.com

Based on J.B. Priestley's novel, Lost Empires is a British series on DVD starring Oscar winning actor Colin Firth (known for his work in "The King's Speech") in the role of Richard Herncastle. In order to see the world, Herncastle becomes part of a traveling stage act run by his uncle Nick. Enthralled by the female performers, Herncastle becomes absorbed in one love affair after another as the group performs across Britain. Nominated for six BAFTA awards, Lost Empires is a passionate and emotionally moving human drama set against the ominous threat of conflict about to tear apart Europe, highly recommended. 7 episodes on 3 DVDs, 410 min., SDH subtitles.

Changing Hearts
Questar, Inc.
307 North Michigan Ave., Suite 500, Chicago, IL 60601
9781594646621 $19.95 www.questarentertainment.com

Based on the award-winning play "Colored Eggs" by Daniel Wright, is Changing Hearts is a movie starring Lauren Holly and Academy Award winner Faye Dunaway as two unlikely friends who support one another in the fight against cancer. Aiding each other with conundrums ranging from daily illness to disentangling their love lives, they share the priceless value of friendship despite having strikingly different personalities - one is an upbeat optimist, while the other is a glowering curmudgeon. Changing Hearts is an uplifting film and highly recommended especially for public library DVD collections. 96 min.

The Wisdom of Faith with Huston Smith
Bill Moyers
Athena
c/o Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
9781598285970 $49.99 www.acornonline.com

As originally broadcast on PBS, The Wisdom of Faith with Huston Smith is a two-DVD, five-episode documentary examining evidence for Professor of Comparative Religion Huston Smith's claim that all religions are the same at their innermost core. Examining the connections between Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, The Wisdom of Faith is a fresh revisiting of Huston Smith's classic treatise "The World's Religions" (first published in 1958), offers an extraordinary level of insight. Award-winning broadcast journalist Bill Moyers hosts this uplifting, insightful, and educational documentary enhanced with a twelve-page viewer's guide. Highly recommended, especially for public library DVD documentary collections. 2 DVDs, 276 min., full screen, SDH subtitles.

Terry Pratchett's Going Postal
Jon Jones, director
Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
9781598286403 $39.99 DVD or Blu-ray www.acornonline.com

Available in both DVD and Blu-ray format, Terry Pratchett's Going Postal is the faithful, fabulous, live-action movie adaptation of a witty novel set in Terry Pratchett's wildly popular Discworld fantasy universe. Richard Coyle (known for his performance in "Lorna Doone") plays the Moist von Lipwig, a hustler's hustler who has (almost?) perfected the art of the con - until he is caught. The Machiavellian Patrician of Ankh-Morpork offers him a choice: turn around the city's dysfunctional post office, or die in a most messy or painful manner. Von Lipwig not only has to cope with the gaggle of misfits (at best) under his new employ, but also sort through mountains of undelivered letters, and devise a more efficient way for the postal system pay for itself - could tiny squares drawn by the amazing hand of a withdrawn master artist be of any help? Worse still, Von Lipwig has earned the ire of the ruthless "businessman" who has taken over the post office's primary competition (the "clacks", a burgeoning telegraph industry). It will take every last drop of guile, charm, and smooth-talking skill in Von Lipwig's body to not only resurrect the post office, but also defeat the "clacks" in a grand competition, and win the love of the frigid Adora Dearheart - a shrewd woman who shows more compassion to golems than to greedy, selfish, and stupid human beings (perhaps rightfully so). An extensive wealth of bonus features enhance this absolute "must-have" for fans of Pratchett's work, and will prove an immensely popular lend in public library DVD shelves! Highly recommended. 2 DVDs (or 1 Blu-ray disc), 185 min. plus 62 min. bonus, widescreen, SDH subtitles.


The Music Shelf

Beyond and Before
Paul Hegarty & Martin Halliwell
Continuum
80 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038
9780826423320, $24.95, www.continuumbooks.com

To forge toward something greater is the idea behind the term progressive, and progressive rock has taken that definition and ran with it. "Beyond and Before: Progressive Rock Since the 1960s" follows the history of progressive music and its roots. Blending the emerging genre of rock and roll with its parental concepts, Paul Hegarty & Martin Halliwell do well in breaking down these roots and how it keeps marching forward, even as modern groups like Radiohead and the Mars Volta dare to push out something different than standard popular music fare. "Beyond and Before" is a fine study on the advancement of music, highly recommended.

Lindsay's Elements of Flute-Playing
Thomas Lindsay
Pendragon Press
PO Box 190
Hillsdale, NY 12529
9781576471814, $48.00, www.pendragonpress.com

The flute is a more versatile instrument than many let on. "Lindsay's Elements of Flute-Playing: A Study in Performance Practice" is a reprinting of Thomas Lindsay's written works on the flute in the early nineteenth century. A historical reproduction, Richard Wilson offers a contemporary commentary on the work, its lessons for flutists, and what has evolved in the nearly two hundred years since. For anyone with a strong interest in the history of music and the flute in particular, "Lindsay's Elements of Flute-Playing" proves an excellent historical reference, highly recommended for community library musical history collections.


The Business Shelf

The American Marketplace
New Strategist Publications Editors
New Strategist Publications
PO Box 242, Ithaca, NY 14851
www.newstrategist.com
9781935775270, $120.00, www.amazon.com

Now in a fully updated and significantly expanded tenth edition, "The American Marketplace: Demographic and Spending Patterns" a 642-page compendium compiled by the editorial staff of New Strategist Publications and draws from a wealth of governmental studies, surveys, and source materials (included the mandated national 2010 census) providing a contemporary population profile of the country. Enhanced with a profusion of charts, tables, and graphs, "The Market Place" is accessible organized into eleven distinctive trends ranging from attitudes, education, health, and housing, to income, labor force, living arrangements, and time use. Enriched with the addition of an extensive glossary, an impressive bibliography, and a comprehensive index, "The American Marketplace" is strongly recommended as a core addition to personal, professional, corporate, academic, and community library Business Studies reference collections.

The Secrets of Word-of-Mouth Marketing, second edition
George Silverman
Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
9780814416686, $17.95, www.amacombooks.org

Even in today's world of high technology, a friend's recommendation is an advertisement that cannot be beat. "The Secrets of Word-Of-Mouth Marketing: How to Trigger Exponential Sales Through Runaway Word of Mouth" is a guide to spreading good word through the world for your business. The presence of the internet and social media has spread and increased its power, actually making this ancient marketing techniques' power even greater. With advice on making a truly worthy word-of-mouth experience, "The Secrets of Word-of-Mouth Marketing" is an excellent and very much recommended read, a top pick for any business leader.

Wired and Dangerous
Chip R. Bell & John R. Patterson
Berrett-Koehler Publishers
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 650
San Francisco, CA 94104-2916
9781605099750, $19.95, www.bkconnection.com

The power of the consumer is vastly more different than it has ever been. "Wired and Dangerous: How Your Customers Have Changed and What to do About It" is about dealing with a well informed and smart customer who is adept at knowing everything and anything to get the best deal, and will make your blunders well known to the rest of the world. More than ever, customer service is important to deal with expertly. "Wired and Dangerous" is a guide to handling this volatile customers well and efficiently, highly recommended.

The Best Digital Marketing Campaigns in the World
Damian Ryan and Calvin Jones
Kogan Page
1518 Walnut Street, Suite 1100
Philadelphia, PA 19102
9780749460624, $29.95, www.koganpage.com

The power of the internet for marketing is unrivaled. "The Best Digital Marketing Campaigns in the World" is a guide to marketing on the internet by analyzing the best for their example. Through their success, we can deduct what is necessary to create an exceptional marketing campaign themselves. Focuses include beverage and restaurant juggernauts to presidential campaigns and much more, all add important understanding to the bigger picture of success and the internet. For anyone crafting their own internet based marketing campaign, "The Best Digital Marketing Campaigns in the World" is an excellent study in sales, a core addition to business study collections.


The Cookbook Shelf

The First Real Kitchen Cookbook
Megan & Jill Cable
Chronicle Books
680 Second Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
9780811878104, $22.95, www.chroniclesbooks.com

One look at a spice rack can quickly scare anyone off from cooking. "The First Real Kitchen Cookbook" is an introductory guide to cooking. The recipes within present easy to follow instructions, suggestions for substitutions, all in a full color manual. Indexed well by category, within there is plenty to understand and embrace about cooking for any taste, for the herbivore, carnivore, or anything else. "The First Real Kitchen Cookbook" is a strong pick for those who want to step into the kitchen and not run away screaming when the first difficulty appears.

Vegan for Life
Jack Norris & Virginia Messina
Da Capo Press
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
9780738214931, $17.00, www.dacapopress.com

No meat doesn't mean your options are as limited as you think. "Vegan for Life: Everything You Need to Know To Be Healthy and Fit on a Plant-Based Diet" is a guide to delving into a vegan diet which abandons animal products for strictly an animal based diet. Blending recipes with health knowledge on how to understand what needs to be done to adapt such a diet, concerns about health, children, and much more. "Vegan for Life" is filled with everything one needs to know to embrace the Vegan diet wholly and effectively.

Recipe Hall of Fame
Gwn McKee, Teresa Ray, & Barba Moseley
Quail Ridge Press
PO Box 123, Brandon, MS 39043
9781934193716, $24.95, www.quailridge.com

Fresh ingredients bring a vivid flavor that can't be beat. "Fresh from the Farmers Market Cookbook: Recipe Hall of Fame" is full of recipes focused on making the most out of fresh fruits and vegetables in the best ways. From cobblers to meat dishes to deserts, salads, jams, and so much more, this is a simple and to the point cookbook for those who want good old fashioned cooking that embraces the power of freshness. "Fresh from the Farmers Market Cookbook" is an excellent pick for anyone looking for a general purpose cookbook with great and delicious variety.


The Fiction Shelf

My Two Worlds
Sergio Chejfec
Open Letter Books
University of Rochester, Lattimore Hall Room #411
Box 270082, Rochester, NY 14627
9781934824283, $12.95, www.openletterbooks.org

A good long walk can have grand effects. "My Two Worlds" is a novel from Sergio Chejfec, translated deftly from the original Spanish by Margaret B. Carson. A wandering fifty year old contemplates the failure of his most recent novel by willingly getting lost in Brazil to consider the world around him. Through his journey in a park, he gains a different understanding of the world as a whole. "My Two Worlds" is an excellent addition to any world literature collection.

Beyond All Measure
Dorothy Love
Thomas Nelson
PO Box 141000, Nasville, TN 37214
9781595549006, $15.99, www.thomasnelson.com

Self-reliance is something that we can't underrate. "Beyond All Measure" follows young Ada Wentworth as she learns of her own path in life and tries to make it go her own way. Hired as a companion to a lady, she makes her way through the post-Civil War south during the waning days of the classical American nobility. Unwilling to easily love, Ada's path becomes more and more unclear. "Beyond All Measure" is a fine pick that is very much worth considering, highly recommended for historical fiction collections.


The Large Print Shelf

Spanish Range
Lee. E. Wells
Sagebrush
PO Box 1230, West Seneca, NY 14224-1230
9780753187487, $29.99, www.amazon.com

With a decade passing, it can be hard to make a heroic return. "Spanish Range" follows Blaise Randell as he returns home after being falsely imprisoned for ten years. Aiming to regain his property, he finds a town very different than what he left behind. With plenty of action and adventure set in the old west with easy to read large print, "Spanish Range" is very much recommended reading.


The Needlecraft Shelf

Classic Collection
Sasha Kagan
Taunton
63 South Main Street, PO Box 5506
Newtown, CT 06470-5506
9781600854118, $24.95, www.taunton.com

Some things never truly go out of style. "Classic Collection" is a needlework guide from Sasha Kagan as she walks readers through the weaving of many classical designs. Kagan is known for her fashion work for the past four decades, and she now offers knitters plenty of classic ideas to apply themselves or modify to their own thought and design with today's processes and styles. For those who want a timeless appeal that will be good for years to come, "Classic Collection" is a top pick for knitting enthusiasts with a flair for good style.


The Journalism Shelf

Literary Journalism Across the Globe
John S. Bak & Bill Reynolds
University of Massachusetts Press
PO Box 429, Amherst, MA 01004
9781558498778, $28.95, www.umass.edu

Feedback is all important in the creative process. "Literary Journalism Across the Globe: Journalistic Traditions and Transnational Influences" discusses journalism as it applies to literature worldwide in today's world. Journalism was once viewed as something that must be objective, making it difficult to apply to artistic endeavors, but that has faded in recent decades. Literary journalism is a unique and difficult to define concept, as many writers come together to provide an intellectual breakdown of what it means and where it is going in the future. "Literary Journalism Across the Globe" is an excellent and scholarly addition to any literary criticism collection.


The Gardening Shelf

How to Grow Food in Your Polytunnel
Mark Gatter & Andy McKee
Chelsea Green
PO Box 428, White River Junction, VT 05001-0428
9781900322720, $19.95, www.greenbooks.co.uk

Gardening doesn't have to be a one time thing. "How to Grow Food in Your Polytunnel: All Year Round" is a guide to year round polytunnel use, on how to get the most of growing year round to enjoy fresh vegetables and the like all year. Mark Gatter & Andy McKee advise readers on how to make the most of it and maximize the technology. "How to Grow Food in Your Polytunnel" is an excellent pick for anyone who wants to go further in their gardening endeavors.


The Criminology Shelf

Unruly Women, new edition
Karlene Faith
Seven Stories Press
140 Watts Street, New York, NY 10013
9781609801373, $19.95, www.sevenstories.com

Why do we hold those who are of no threat to society? "Unruly Women: The Politics of Confinement & Resistance" discusses women in prison and the rapid rise of imprisoned women in the past four decades. Karlene Faith argues that many women have not committed offenses worthy of imprisonment and that our patriarchal society and blind greed encourages the law to throw women behind bars, leaving them open to much abuse and things that change their lives forever. "Unruly Women" is an intriguing spin of this vital part of history, highly recommended.

Dark Rose
Robert C. Donnelly
University of Washington Press
PO Box 50096
Seattle, WA 98145-5096
9780295991115, $22.50, www.washington.edu/uwpress

Corruption and mob ties were not solely concentrated in Vegas as America spread west. "Dark Rose: Organized Crime and Corruption in Portland" delves into the history surrounding Portland, Oregon after World War II. The corruption ran deep into the law enforcement, into the Teamsters unions, and into politics. With new evidence discovered in recent years, "Dark Rose" proves to be an intriguing and very highly recommended read for American history collections.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

Kage
John Donohue
YMAA Fiction
PO Box 480, Wolfeboro, NH 03894
9781594392108, $12.95, www.ymaa.com

To keep thought suppressed, killing is nothing. "Kage: The Shadow" is a martial arts adventure following Connor Burke as he investigates the death of a mystic in the American Southwest. Finding the plot running deep, author John Donohue blends the martial arts tale with plenty of mysterious intrigue for a fine and riveting read, making "Kage: The Shadow" an excellent pick for community library general fiction collections looking for a very fun read.

A Crack in Everything
Angela Gerst
Poisoned Pen Press
6962 E. First Ave., Ste. 103, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
9781590589441, $24.95, www.poisonedpenpress.com

When you seek adventure, more adventure than you can handle may find you. "A Crack in Everything" follows Susan Callisto as she tries to find a new path in her career trying to pace enjoying herself with success. Becoming a political consultant, she finds herself drawn into the secrets of a small Massachusetts town. With old flames re-emerging, the truth will prove hard to find and may prove ultimately deadly. "A Crack in Everything" is a riveting work of mystery, highly recommended.


The Buddhist Studies Shelf

Freeing the Heart & Mind
Sakya Trizin
Wisdom Publications
199 Elm Street, Somerville, MA 02144
9780861716388, $15.95, www.wisdompubs.org

For nearly a thousand years, the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism has been teaching its own interpretation. "Freeing the Heart & Mind: Introduction to the Buddhist Path" is the first part of the Buddhist philosophy and spirituality from forty-first throne holder of the Sakya school, Sakya Trizin. Discussing the four noble truths, universal compassion, and the right ideals for a Buddhist, "Freeing the Heart & Mind" is very much worth considering for any student of Tibetan Buddhism.


The Christian Studies Shelf

Celtic Christian Spirituality
Mary C. Earle
Skylight Paths Publishing
PO Box 237, Sunset Farm Offices, Rt.4, Woodstock, VT 05091
9781594733024, $16.99, www.skylightpaths.com

When Christianity came to Ireland, they embraced the faith with incredible vigor. "Celtic Christian Spirituality: Essential Writings -- Annotated & Explained" discusses the faith of the Celtic Christians and how their fervency played well into their everyday life and spirituality. Drawing from many of their writings studied well by Mary Earle, "Celtic Christian Spirituality" is a very much recommended read for anyone who wants to better understand the spirituality of the Celts and their haste in embracing Christianity.

Great Christian Thinkers
Pope Benedict XVI
Fortress Press
PO Box 1209, Minneapolis, MN 55440
9780800698515, $16.99, www.fortresspress.com

Thought is needed to keep the faith ever advancing forward. "Great Christian Thinkers from the Early Church Through the Middle Ages" is a delve into the history of Christian thought as current Pope Benedict XVI offers a unique perspective on the great thinkers in the past millennium and a half of the established Christian doctrine. From students of the Apostles, teachers, monks, and scholars all throughout the period, "Great Christian Thinkers from the Early Church Through the Middle Ages" is a fine study from the reigning pope, a man viewed to be quite the great thinker of theology himself.


The Judaic Studies Shelf

The Passover Haggadah
Rabbi Yosef Marcus, compiler
Kehot Publication Society
770 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11213
9780826601391 $29.95

Superbly translated with original commentary by Rabbi Yosef Marcus, "The Passover Haggadah" is ideal for family use to enhance the experience of a traditional Passover Sedare. Of special note are the passages in the original Hebrew that accompany the English text revealing the relevancy and timeless value of the Sedar Table. An especially beautiful edition, "The Passover Haggadah" offers an impressive volume of citations and quotations from hundreds of commentators ranging from antiquity to the present, from the obscure to the famous. Enhanced with original artwork and thoroughly 'user friendly, Rabbi Yosef Marcus' "The Passover Haggadah" is confidently recommended for personal, family, and academic library Judaic Studies reference collections in general, and Passover celebrations in particular.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

It's a Dog Not a Toaster
Diana Kerew-Shaw
Dogwise
403 South Mission Street, Wenatchee, WA 98801
9781617810374, $14.95, www.dogwise.com

Competitive Obedience sounds odd, but there can be much fun for both dog and master. "It's a Dog, Not a Toaster: Finding Your Fun in Competitive Obedience" is a guide to this unusual nature of competition, and how to embrace the fun even if you never have a chance. Guiding readers through everything they need to know about the 'sport' and how to have fun with your dog doing it, "It's a Dog, Not a Toaster" is a fine read for any pet lover looking for new fun to be had with their beloved pet.


The Environmental Studies Shelf

The Economics Of Pollution Control
Kathleen Segerson
Edward Elgar Publishing
9 Dewey Court
Northampton, MA 01060-3815
www.e-elgar.com
9781848440739, $345.00, www.amazon.com

When it comes to the environment, no reform is truly free. There is always an economic aspect that must be considered. The latest addition to the Edward Elgar Publishing's outstanding 'International Library of Critical Writings in Economics' series, "The Economics of Pollution Control" ably compiled by Kathleen Segerson (Philip E. Austin Professor of Economics, University of Connecticut) is a 614-page compendium that focuses specifically on the impact of economic aspects on pollution control legislation and efforts. Organized into three main sections of scholarly articles (Overview; The Economic Theory of Pollution Control; From Theory to Practice: Empirical Evidence), "The Economics Of Pollution Control" is a seminal contribution that is strongly recommended as a core addition to professional, governmental, and academic library "Environmental Studies" reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

One Man's Planet
Stephen M. Testa
American Geological Institute
4220 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302
9780922152858, $24.95, www.agiweb.org

The environment can only take so much more of our abuse. "One Man's Planet: Earth in Today's Political Culture" is an offbeat yet important discussion of the importance of environmental science from Stephen M. Testa, who comes at readers with geology about the dangers of our every day life and the threats we do to the earth and earth's threats to us. Intelligent, "One Man's Planet" is an excellent and very much recommended read that shouldn't be overlooked.


The Graphic Novel Shelf

The Lives of Sacco & Vanzetti
Rick Geary
NBM
40 Exchange Pl., Ste. 1308, New York, NY 10005
9781561636051, $15.99, www.nbmpublishing.com

In a time of rapidly changing ideas, anarchy was one least understood. "The Lives of Sacco & Vanzetti" traces the story of these accused murderers to try to capture their story and how they became the scapegoats of fear against socialism and anarchy. Rick Geary uses a graphic novel format to tell their story, and of the evidence in favor of the accused. "The Lives of Sacco & Vanzetti" does justice to this very important part of twentieth century history.


The Homeowner's Shelf

Home Repair and Improvement
Creative Homeowner
PO Box 38
Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458-0038
9781580115285, $29.95, www.creativehomeowner.com

Homes are expensive, so it's often best to simply do with the one you got. "Home Repair and Improvement: Ultimate Guide" is a useful compilation of thought and knowledge from Creative Homeowner as they advise readers with everything they need to know with plenty of direct do it yourself wisdom on how to make the most of their home. Also included is a comprehensive guide on dealing with contractors for when a job is too far out of your skill. Packed with full color photos cover to cover, "Home Repair and Improvement" is highly useful and very much highly recommended.


The International Studies Shelf

Contemporary Galician Cultural Studies
Kirsty Hooper & Manuel Puga Moruxa
Modern Language Association
26 Broadway, Third Floor, New York, NY 1004-1789
9781603290883, $25.00, www.mla.org

Although territorially part of Spain, Galicia is autonomously its own country. "Contemporary Galician Cultural Studies" discusses the culture and people of this region that finds itself between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean with strong influences from its father Spain and neighbor Portugal. Contributing unique style to the world's arts, Kirsty Hooper and Manuel Puga Moruxa compile as editors an intriguing and quite recommended break down of culture, as many writers let their voice be heard. "Contemporary Galician Cultural Studies" is a strongly recommended read for anyone who wants to know what Galicia is and understand it well.


The Psychology Shelf

Musical Cognition
Henkjan Honing
Transaction
300 McGaw Drive, Edison, NJ 08837
141284228X, $34.95, www.transactionpub.com

What distinguishes music from a meaningless jumble of sound? "Musical Cognition: A Science of Listening" discussing the psychology of music and how our cognitive nature plays into what music means to us as a people and why we are drawn to certain types of music. Stating that music may be a subconscious game that we play with listening and how the many elements can play into this theory. An intriguing study of consciousness and the things that we listen to every day of our lives, "Musical Cognition" is a fascinating read, an excellent addition to music or psychology community and college library collections.

Ordeal Therapy
Jay Haley
Crown House Publishing
6 Trowbridge Drive, Ste. 5, Bethel, CT 06801
9781935810056, $34.95, www.crownhousepublishing.com

The challenge of life does well in empowering people to find their way through their lives. "Ordeal Therapy: Unusual Ways to Change Behavior" is a reprinting of the psychotherapy classic from Jay Haley, a late professor of psychology. His wisdom as presented in this book offers a different way of empowering people to face their challenges in life. "Ordeal Therapy" is filled with simple yet wise wisdom for any psychotherapist or non-specialist general reader to strongly consider, highly recommended.


The Literary Studies Shelf

Why Jane Austen?
Rachel M. Brownstein
Columbia University Press
61 West 62nd Street
New York, NY 10023-7015
9780231153904, $29.50, www.cup.columbia.edu

Why Jane Austen over other writers of high society in the nineteenth century? "Why Jane Austen?" discusses the following of Austen in contemporary society which has produced movies, literary discussions, even parodies. Rachel Brownstein seeks to explain the genius behind Austen's work, how it served as a blue print of feminism while at the same time speaking clearly about her time, and how such topics still sound true today. "Why Jane Austen?" is an intriguing discussion of one of history's literary giantesses.


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