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Internet Bookwatch

Volume 20, Number 4 April 2010 Home | IBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Needlecraft Shelf Art Shelf
Christian Studies Shelf Architecture Shelf Cookbook Shelf
Photography Shelf Writing/Publishing Shelf Biography Shelf
Psychology Shelf Science Shelf Military Shelf
Music Shelf Library Science Shelf International Studies Shelf
Health/Medicine Shelf Woodworking Shelf Gardening Shelf
Antiques/Collectibles Shelf Metaphysical Studies Shelf Fiction Shelf
World History Shelf Civil War Shelf Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf
Audiobook Shelf Library DVD Shelf Mathematics Shelf
Automotive Shelf Language Studies Shelf Religion/Spirituality Shelf
American History Shelf Folktale/Folklore Shelf Buddhist Studies Shelf
Library Music CD Shelf Poetry Shelf Gaming Shelf
Judaic Studies Shelf Parenting Shelf Self-Help Shelf
Travel Shelf Philosophy Shelf Literary Shelf
Native American Shelf Political Science Shelf Sports Shelf
Education Shelf Business Shelf Hobby Shelf
Mystery/Suspense Shelf Fantasy/SciFi Shelf Money/Finance Shelf
Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf Jobs/Careers Shelf Economics Shelf
Environmental Studies Shelf Computer Shelf Martial Arts Shelf
Pets/Wildlife Shelf Social Issues Shelf  


Reviewer's Choice

A Book of Silence
Sara Maitland
Counterpoint Press
2117 - 4th St Suite D, Berkeley, CA 94710
9781582435176, $25.00 www.counterpointpress.com

A BOOK OF SILENCE comes from a feminist, mother, and author who found herself living alone in the country after a lifetime of noisy family - and who came to love it. Here Maitland describes how she decided to expand her newfound love of silence, from experiencing silence in the Sinai desert to Scotland and a remote cottage on the Isle of Skye. Her journey brings her a deeper understanding of the meaning of silence and self-discovery in a fine survey counteracting the noise of daily life and promoting an appreciation for silence in the world. Any general lending library will welcome this.

Gemstones of the World, fourth edition
Walter Schumann
Sterling Publishing
387 Park Avenue South, New York NY 10016-8810
9781402768293, $24.95 www.sterlingpublishing.com

GEMSTONES OF THE WORLD has been newly revised and expanded in this updated fourth edition, which packs in nearly two thousand photos of gems along with complete physical properties and tips on finding and cutting them. Even more gemstones are covered here than in previous editions, making for an outstanding reference and a 'must' for any gemstone collector or library catering to them.

How to Get Divorced by 30
Sascha Rothchild
Plume
c/o Penguin Publishing Group
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
9780452295995, $15.00 www.penguin.com

Humor blends with insights on relationships in a hilarious memoir about the ending of a 'forever' marriage - an unusual combination of approaches. When the author realized the one person she didn't want at her thirtieth birthday party was her husband, she entered the world of divorce, bad decisions - and good ones. HOW TO GET DIVORCED BY 30: MY MISGUIDED ATTEMPT AT A STARTER MARRIAGE is a fine pick for any general lending library.

How to Survive Identity Theft
David H. Holtzman
Adams Media
57 Littlefield Street, Avon, MA 02322
9781605501482, $10.95, www.adamsmedia.com

It can be more frightening than a breaking and entering burglary. "How to Survive Identity Theft: Regain Your Money, Credit, and Reputation" is a guide to recovering from the hideous cyber crime of identity theft, something that has become the new black market craze in recent years. With tips and tricks to spotting the pitfalls before you fall into them, reporting fraudulent credit reports, and protecting your investments and valuable information for those who would do you wrong. For those who have experienced it or simply fear it, "How to Survive Identity Theft" is a must read.

United States on the Road
Insight Guides
Langenscheidt Publishers, Inc.
36-36 33rd Street 4th Floor, Long Island City, NY 11106
9789812820754, $23.99

Thousands of miles wide, thousands of miles long, seeing America is not an easy thing to do. "United States on the Road" is a guide for those who want to fully embrace all of what America has to offer with its wide open roads and many sights and sounds. With information on being prepared for America's unique regional cultures, planning a path through the country, and creating an itinerary and sticking to it, "United States on the Road" is a top pick not to be missed for readers who want to see everything the country has to offer.

Fisherman's Wife
Josephine Lehman Thomas, author
Julie Goldstein, woodcuts
Down the Shore Publishing
PO Box 100, West Creek, NJ 08092
9781593220402 $15.95 www.down-the-shore.com

First published in "Scribner's" magazine during the Great Depression, Fisherman's Wife is the fictionalized memoir of the author's life experience, as tough economic times force her and her husband to give up their urban lifestyle for life on a beach. She must cope with the difficulties of pregnancy while her husband strives to earn enough for his family as a commercial fisherman. Despite the hardship of their life together, they learn to appreciate the benefits of a life defined by strong values, respect the power of nature, and experience the bond of true love tested by trial. Moving black-and-white woodcut illustrations add an emotional touch to this profound story, highly recommended.

Family Meals
Michael Tucker
Atlantic Monthly Press
841 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
9780802119216, $24.00, www.groveatlantic.com

Elder care is not a job for one person alone. "Family Meals: Coming Together to Care for an Aging Parent" is the memoir of a family taking care of its aging matriarch as Lora, a widowed late in life woman coping with the death of her husband with the help of her children Michael Tucker and Jill Eikenberry. Their story is taking care of an aging woman as she fights the diseases of age such as dementia and the stories and wisdom that is drawn from these relationships. "Family Meals" is a choice and very highly recommended read for those who have elderly relatives of their own to care for.

The Animal Manifesto
Marc Bekoff
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
9781577316497, $14.95, www.newworldlibrary.com

Empathy is a trait shared by all animals, human or otherwise. "The Animal Manifesto: Six Reasons for Expanding Our Compassion Footprint" is a discussion of how humanity can treat its neighbors in the animal kingdom better than we do today. Stating that humanity needs to expand its compassion footprint towards animals of all sorts be they wild, domesticated, or farmed, Marc Bekoff states that this compassion will do wonders for both humanity and its fellow animals. "The Animal Manifesto" is well worth considering for animal lovers and those who want them treated better.

Game Engine Gems 1
Eric Lengyel
Jones and Bartlett Publishers
40 Tall Pine Drive, Sudbury, MA 01776
9780763778880, $69.95, www.jbpub.com

An engine is simply a set of tools to create one's art in video games. "Game Engine Gems 1" is a collection of tips and tricks from countless software experts who have figured out how to make their desired game engine do what they want to create what they want and reach for that hit game or make that breakthrough technological innovation. Wisely using one's art assets, smarter artificial intelligence, creative uses for a physics engine, more vivid environments, all are discussed with plenty of ideas to make them work. With lots of example code and plenty of diagrams, "Game Engine Gems 1" is a reference that should be on hand for any game developer, professional or amateur.

Exotic Gems
Renee Newman
International Jewelry Publications
560 W. Main St., Suite C-200, Alhambra, CA 91801
9780929975429, $19.95, www.reneenewman.com

The rarest gems can be the most beautiful. "Exotic Gems" is a guide to the many rare gems around the world that have their own attraction. With tips on identifying these rare gems, where they come from and how did they form, the mythology behind them, and how to buy them without getting burned, Renee Newman gives reads a complete and comprehensive guide to these gems, making "Exotic Gems" a choice and very highly recommended pick.

Webster's New Explorer Student Dictionary, third edition
Merriam-Webster Editors
Federal Street Press
25-13 Old Kings Highway North, #277, Darien, CT 06820
www.federalstreetpress.com
9781596950863, $12.98, www.amazon.com

Now in a fully updated and significantly expanded third edition, "Webster's New Explorer Student Dictionary" is an 816-page compendium comprising some 37,000 definitions; 346 highlighted Synonym and Word History paragraphs; 19,000 word use examples; and 400 detailed illustrations. Of special note are the 'homework' help sections that include Basic English Grammar, Guide to Punctuation, and Geographical Names. Featuring hundreds of new definitions of words commonly in current use by young people, the "Webster's New Explorer Student Dictionary" is an ideal addition for personal, school, and community library reference collections. Also very highly recommended are four other Federal Street Press titles: "Webster's Dictionary for Students: 3rd Edition" (9781596950931, $3.99); "Webster's Thesaurus for Students: 3rd Edition" (9781596950948, $3.99); and "Webster's Dictionary for Students: Special Encyclopedic Edition, 3rd Edition" (9781596950955, $4.49).


The Needlecraft Shelf

Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch
Nicky Epstein
Sixth&Spring Books
233 Spring St., 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10013
9781933027869 $19.95 www.sixthandspringbooks.com

Award-winning knitwear designer Nicky Epstein presents Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch: Creating Gifts for the People You Love, which lives up to its title with 35 unique knitting projects that make excellent gifts for friends and family members. From a reversible baby hoodie to a carry-all, a patchwork afghan, a bride's bag, and more, these creations are practical as well as beautiful. Full color photographs illustrate the minutely detailed instructions, in this superb compendium for intermediate to advanced knitters interested in creating thoughtful delights. Black-and-white block diagrams further clarify the steps that one follows, making Knitting a Kiss in Every Stitch as explicit, detailed, and easy-to-follow as a knitting project guide can be. A treat especially recommended to any knitters interested in showing their love through their skills.

Vintage Knits
Kim Hargreaves, et al.
Trafalgar Square Publishing
PO Box 257, Howe Hill Road, North Pomfret, VT 05033
Independent Publishers Group (distributor)
814 North Franklin Street, Chicago, IL 60610
www.trafalgarbooks.com
9781570764585, $24.95, www.amazon.com

Showcasing the contributions of eight expert knitters, "Vintage Knits: 30 Knitting Designs from Rowan for Women and Men" offers aspiring needlecrafters with a series of beautifully illustrated knitting projects for jackets, sweaters and wraps. Complete with charts and diagrams, each project is thoroughly 'user friendly', offering step-by-step instructions that will enable even the novice beginner to produce quality garment. These classic designs draw their inspiration from the fashions of the 1940s through the 1960s and cover garments for both men and women, adapted for modern physiques and life-styles. An outstanding, 138-page compilation of knitting projects, "Vintage Knits" is wholeheartedly recommended for personal and community library needlecraft instructional reference collections.

Watson Guptill Publications
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
www.watsonguptill.com

Trond Anfinnsen's HATHEADS (9780823092369, $22.95) tells how to make the world a warmer place through 50 knit hat designs easy for beginners to make. Men, women and children alike are included in tips for creating unique hats for all, with chapters pairing color photos of each hat with patterns and instructions. A fine addition to any needlework library. Tanya Alpert's HAIKU KNITS (9780823098071, $29.99) provides lovely photos and designs from a knitwear designer and fiber artist who provides twenty accessories inspired by Japanese designs. These stylish and different creations will appeal to knitters who want more fashion in their options, and offers photos and keys to original creations. Any knitting library needs this.

Martingale & Company
20205 - 144th Ave NE, Woodinville, WA 98072-8478
www.martingale-pub.com

Pat Durbin's FABRIC + PAINT + THREAD = FABULOUS (9781564779373, $22.99) is for quilters who have the basics down but want to take their skills to the next level. It shows how to expand quilting skills to make quilt art, teaching how to paint landscapes on fabric, then how to use thread to 'paint' realistic trees, leaves and more. Five projects demonstrate techniques and pack in ideas for any quilter. Ilene Bartos' SPECTACULAR RECTANGLES; 12 QUILTS FROM A SIMPLE SHAPE (9781564779359, $24.99) provides a fine selection of quilts made from a simple shape with a twist. These build upon common quilt patterns but offer differences that set them apart from old patterns, focusing on rectangular blocks for a different quilting experience. Quilting collections will welcome this! Needlework libraries will relish Sheryl Thies' NATURE'S WRAPTURE: CONTEMPORARY KNITTED SHAWLS (9781564779441, $24.99). Knitters receive gorgeous unique shawls made from delicate yarns and embellished with bright colors in a series of projects pairing color photos of stylish finishes with excellent step-by-step directions. The shawls are replete with bright colors and influences from nature, from flowers to dragonflies.

Crochet: 200 Q&A
Rita Taylor
Barron's
250 Wireless Road, Hauppauge, NY 11788
0764162586, $18.99 www.barronseduc.com

Crochet: 200 Q&A offers a range of crochet insights, using questions designed for beginners and experienced crocheters alike. 200 questions on a range of crochet topics offer detailed explanations of specific techniques and effects, covering basic stitches, shaping, cables, joining and more. Any basic crochet or needlework collection needs this.

Rule-Breaking Quilts
Kathryn Schmidt
American Quilters Society
Box 3290, Paducah, KY 42002-3290
9781574326567, $24.95 www.americanquilter.com

Rule-Breaking Quilts offers tips on how to use pattern-free, template-free and pin-free techniques and just 6 fat quarters to achieve superior quilt results. From ten sample quilt projects to using the author's stack-slash-and-move sewing techniques, this provides a revolutionary, different approach to quilt making and will find a fine home in any quilter's library.


The Art Shelf

Watercolour Flowers
Wendy Tait
Search Press USA
1338 Ross Street, Petaluma, CA 94954-1117
9781844482849, $17.95 www.searchpress.com

Watercolour Flowers offers paintings in the form of tracings in center pages which can be pulled out and used to learn how to paint lovely flowers. Step-by-step photos, directions, and five easy demonstrations accompany nine reusable tracings which may not lend to library circulation but which are perfect for aspiring artists.

The Complete Book of Polymer Clay
Lisa Pavelka
Taunton Press
Box 5506, Newtown, CT 06470-5506
9781600851285, $24.95 www.taunton.com

Become a clay artist with The Complete Book of Polymer Clay, a survey of more than 70 techniques and 400 color photos illustrating the steps needed to become a fine clay crafter. Art by top designers from around the world accompanies tips on using clay to make jewelry, foils, embellishments and more. A fine survey for any crafts collection.

Collage Lab: Experiments, Investigations and Exploration Projects
Bee Shay
Quarry Books
100 Cummings Center, Suite 406-L, Beverly, MA 01915-6101
1592535658, $22.99 www.quarrybooks.com

Collage Lab: Experiments, Investigations and Exploration Projects offers artists and crafters a fun approach to making art. Some 52 different labs that can be explored on a weekly basis and worked in any order provide new techniques and inspirations for themes, showing how artists can learn through play and experiments. Full color images offer a visual key to learning art techniques making this a pick for any crafter's collection.

The Shores We Call Home
Carol Evans
Harbour Publishing
PO Box 219, Madeira Park, BC, Canada, V0N 2H0
9781550174656 $18.95 www.harbourpublishing.com

The Shores We Call Home: The Art of Carol Evans is an inexpensive, softcover artbook featuring over eighty of Carol Evans' sweeping artworks reproduced in full color. These landscapes portray the shores of coastal British Columbia in all its beauty and majesty, from ocean scenes to coastlines, waterfalls, and even a moving portrait of a young girl feeding swans. A joy to page through, The Shores We Call Home is particularly recommended for armchair travelers, or anyone who has visited British Columbia's shorelines and desires a souvenir encapsulating a little bit of the coast's inspirational magic.

Monday Hearts for Madalene
Page Hodel
Abrams
115 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011
9781584797784, $16.95, www.abramsbooks.com

Love is expressed in countless ways, and everyone thinks of their way to do it differently. "Monday Hearts for Madalene" is a collection of Page Hodel's devotions to the love of her life, Madalene Rodriguez, through a series of crafted hearts she left for her in her final year of life, every Monday morning. From everything she crafted these hearts, and through her art as displayed in full color, she hopes to inspire others to take their love and use it as inspiration. "Monday Hearts for Madalene" is a top pick and solidly recommended read for art collections and for connoisseurs collectors with a creative bend.

Byzantine Art
Colum Hourihane, editor
Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies
PO Box 874402, Tempe, AZ 85287-4402
9780866984263, $60.00

The eastern half of the greatest empire the world has ever known, The Byzantine Empire was a cultural gold mine. "Byzantine Art: Recent Studies" is a collection of studies into the art of the Byzantine empire. Countless scholars of art and history converge as they delve into a world long past but a major impact on the world of art as we know it today. The art of the Byzantine speaks of the empire itself, a merging of Europe and Asia, a merging of Christianity and Islam, and can tell so much about the world of one to two millennia ago. "Byzantine Art" is a must have for any art collection focusing on history, or vice versa.

Imaginative Realism
James Gurney
Andrews & McMeel
1130 Walnut Street, Kansas City, MO 64106-2109
www.andrewsmcmeel.com
9780740785504, $24.99, www.amazon.com

In "Imaginative Realism: How to Paint What Doesn't Exist", James Gurney (author and illustrator of 'Dinotopia: A Land Apart from Time') draws upon his many years of experience and expertise to teach aspiring fantasy artists how to bring to their work an element of believability, drama, and practical imagination regardless of whether the subject for the artistic endeavor is a dinosaur, a lost kingdom, an extraterrestrial world, or fairyland fantasy. The focus in on techniques and begins with an informative survey of imaginative paintings beginning with the Renaissance and going on through to the Golden Age of American illustration. With an emphasis on the necessity for attention to such details as architecture and anatomy, "Imaginative Realism" is an invaluable and highly recommended instruction guide for anyone wanting to create images suitable for books, magazines, calendars, video games, films, toys, and gallery quality wall art.

Masters: Earthenware
Matthias Ostermann, curator
Lark Books
c/o Sterling Publishing Company
387 Park Avenue South, NY, NY 10016-8810
www.sterlingpublishing.com
9781600592935, $24.95, www.amazon.com

Earthernware is the oldest known form of ceramic. Showcasing the work of thirty-eight master level potters, "Masters: Earthenware" compiled by late ceramist Matthias Osterman is newest addition to the impressive Lark Books 'Masters' series and features simply outstanding examples of functional, sculptural, and figurative pieces of earthenware art. Each artist is represented by twelve to fourteen examples of their best work enhanced with commentary from the artists on their own development and artistic philosophy. The artists themselves range from Mariono Moretti; to Terry Siebert; to Patti Warashina; to Woody Hughes. An informative and informative, superbly illustrated, 318-page compendium, "Masters: Earthenware" is a core addition to personal, professional, academic, and community library reference collections.

Art Of The Middle East
Saeb Egner
Merrell Publishers
38 High Ave., 4th fl, Nyack, NY 10960
60 Cycle Media (publicity)
38 High Avenue, #1, Nyack, NY 10960
www.merrellpublishers.com
9781858945002, $69.95, www.amazon.com

Showcasing the work of more than two hundred contemporary artists, "Art of the Middle East: Modern and Contemporary Art of the Arab World and Iran" is a superbly illustrated, 384-page compendium expertly compiled by Saeb Egner who provides an informative introduction and afterword to this coffee-table style art book that impressively covers diverse areas of Middle Eastern artistic contributions organized into chapters dedicated to Scared Scripture; Literature, Music and Performance; Politics, Conflict and War; History and Identity; Portraiture and the Body; Nature and the Land. Enhanced with succinct biographies of the featured artists, a bibliography of suggested additional readings, notes and an index, "Art Of The Middle East" is a seminal work, the product of exhaustive and meticulous research, and a strongly recommended acquisition for both academic and community library reference collections, as well as the supplemental reading lists of non-specialist general readers with an interest in contemporary Middle Eastern arts and artists.

The Dono Code
Wouter Welling & Helena Spanjaard
KIT Publishers
c/o Stylus Publishing, Inc.
22883 Quicksilver Drive, Sterling, VA 20166-2012
www.styluspub.com
9789460220524, $29.95, www.amazon.com

Heri Dono is an Indonesian arts whose paintings and sculptures are known for their commentary on the politics, culture, and social issues of his homeland. In "The Dono Code: Installations, Sculptures, Paintings", Wouter Welling (Curator of Contemporary Art, Africa Museum, Berg en Dal) and Indonesian history and art expert Helena Spanjaard, expertly collaborate to present two informed and informative interpretive essays on Dona's art within the context of contemporary Indonesian society. This superbly illustrated biography of the artist and his work is enhanced with an insightful discussion with him. A seminal contribution, "The Dono Code: Installations, Sculptures, Paintings" is very highly recommended for personal and academic library Contemporary International Art History reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

Gardens In Perpetual Bloom
Nancy Keeler
MFA Publications
c/o Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
www.mfa-publications.org
9780878467495, $24.95, www.amazon.com

In 1735, Carl Linnaeus was the first to classify plants and arrange them within a descriptive framework. Books of annotated flower drawings were developed primarily for the purposes of aiding herbalists in their identification and uses. By the 1800s, botanical publications effectively transitions from the province of the amateur hobbyist to the arena of botanical science. Comprised of 136 pages of superb, full color illustrations accompanied by an informed and informative text, "Gardens In Perpetual Bloom: Botanical Illustration in Europe and American 1600-1850" provides a historical survey of the subject. Impressively showcasing 110 prints and drawings, "Gardens in Perpetual Blooms" is an elegant and very highly recommended addition to personal, professional, academic, and community library Botanical Reference collections and supplemental reading lists.


The Christian Studies Shelf

An Amish Paradox
Charles E. Hurst and David L. McConnell
The Johns Hopkins University Press
2715 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218-4363
9780801893995 $30.00 www.press.jhu.edu 1-800-537-5487

Emeritus professor of sociology Charles E. Hurst and professor of anthropology David L. McConnell present Amish Paradox: Diversity and Change in the World's Largest Amish Community, an extraordinary study of the largest and most diverse Amish community in the world, located in Holmes County, Ohio. Today, the Holmes County Amish are more involved than ever in the changing world at large, forcing them to reconsider their religious tenets, family practices, educational options, occupations, and health care opportunities. In an era where cell phones, school buses, and other modern implements are practically required for the functioning of a large community, modernity is gradually transforming the distinctly Amish way of life. Individual chapters address "Coping with Church Schism", "The Changing Landscape of Learning", "Work Within and Outside Tradition", "Health along the Life Cycle", and much more. A welcome addition to religious studies, sociology, and American History shelves, especially recommended for college libraries.

The Physics of Genesis
Jim Thompson
Pleasant Word
c/o WinePress Publishing
PO Box 428, Enumclaw, WA 98022
9781414111605, $17.99

Evolution and creation are not opposed to one another. "The Physics of Genesis" takes a Christian approach to the foundation of the universe and the impact of modern science. Reverend Jim Thompson presents his own interpretation of the six days of creation and the foundation of the universe, viewing God as a great architect who set his plans into motion. "The Physics of Genesis" is a fascinating and insightful read, well worth considering in the creation-evolution debate for Christians.

Jesus Freak
Sara Miles
Jossey-Bass
c/o John Wiley
989 Market Street, Fifth Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103-1741
9780470481660, $21.95, www.josseybass.com

It's one thing to have Jesus in your heart; it's another to live as he did. "Jesus Freak" is a spiritual memoir from Sara Miles who decided to embrace her faith by taking it a step farther. She decided to follow the life of Christ by interpreting his actions in today's world by trying to feed the hungry, heal the wounded, and her own take on raising the dead. A work of love and devotion to her faith, Sara Miles' stories makes "Jesus Freak" a top pick for readers looking for an uplifting tale of faith.

From God to You: Absolute Truth
Elliott Eli Jackson
Schiffer Publishing
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
9780764334696, $16.99, www.schifferbooks.com

God works in mysterious ways, and sends his messages in even stranger. "From God to You: Absolute Truth" is a Christian book from Elliot Eli Jackson who states that God himself is speaking through him through a series of episodes where he and his wife experienced this unique event. Stating that he wants to share the knowledge he gained through these encounters, Christian readers looking for new reinforcements of faith should consider "From God to You: Absolute Truth".

The Power of Praying Through the Bible
Stormie Omartian
Harvest House
990 Owen Loop North, Eugene, Oregon 97402-9173
9780736927840, $9.99, www.harvesthousepublishers.com

Words mean nothing if you don't extract the meaning from them. "The Power of Prayer Through the Bible" is a prayer companion from Stormie Omartian, designed so that Christians can read over their Bible passage of choice and record their thoughts and feelings on the subject, helping them form a more personal connection with the Bible. With quotes scattered throughout to provide greater inspiration, "The Power of Prayer Through the Bible" is a powerful tool for Christians who highly value prayer.

Patched Together
Brennan Manning
David C. Cook
c/o Cook Communications
4050 Lee Vance View, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
9781434700032, $16.99, www.davidccook.com

An author leaves a piece of himself with every story. "Patched Together: A Story of My Story" is a semi-autobiographical tale from Brennan Manning, using the character of Willie Juan to tell a moving story that countless readers with empathize with and relate to, inspiring them with the faith and Christian determination that Manning leaves throughout the tale. "Patched Together" is a fine piece of Christian fiction, highly recommended.

Reboot
Peggy Kendall
Judson Press
PO Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851
9780817015657, $14.00, www.judsonpress.com

With technology becoming so prominent, it becomes easier to lose touch with one's faith. "Reboot: Refreshing Your Faith in a High-Tech World" is a guide for those who want to keep their faith and soul in a soulless world with less and less respect for the individual. With ideas for personal reflection, sermons to stay relevant in today's world, as well as using technology with faith, "Reboot" is a choice pick and highly recommended read for the pastor who wants to stay with the times.

What is the Mission of the Church?
Roger P. Schroeder
Orbis Books
PO Box 308, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0308
9781570758102, $16.00

The church is more than a building and place of worship. "What is the Mission of the Church?: A Guide for Catholics" looks at the Catholic Church, its goals, and what its followers should strive to do in the name of Christ. Hoping to state the mission of the Catholic Church, Roger Schroeder does well in inspiring Catholics to go above and beyond what a Catholic should be. "What is the Mission of the Church?" is a top pick and highly recommended read.

Good Game
Shirl James Hoffman
Baylor University
One Bear Place, #97363, Waco, TX 76798-7363
B&B Media Group, Inc.
109 South Main Street, Corsicana, TX 75110
9781932792102, $24.95, www.baylorpress.com

There's more to faith in sports than a pre-game prayer. "Good Game: Christianity and the Culture of Sports" looks into the relationship of Christianity and the sports that so many Christians love and embrace, often thanking God for their successes or the very least hoping for it. Stating that much of the religion in modern sports is empty and soulless, Shirl James Hoffman provides many stories of genuine faith in sports. "Good Game" is a worthy read for Christian athletes.

Church
Paul Lakeland
Michael Glazer books
c/o Liturgical Books
PO Box 7500, Collegeville, MN 56321-7500
9780814659939, $19.95, www.litpress.com

In the modern world, failure to change with the times results in things being left behind. "Church: Engaging Theology: Catholic Perspectives" discusses the major aspects of the church and how the next generation of church learn must learn to apply the pinnacles of faith to the future. Six volumes are presented, and six topics are discussed thoroughly, from scripture to anthropology to simply the modern role of the church. "Church" is an engaging and enlightening read that should not be missed for would be Church leaders.

Blessed Art Thou
Michael O'Neill McGrath
Richard N. Fragomeni
World Library Publications
3708 River Road, Suite 400, Franklin Park, IL 60131-2158
www.wlpmusic.com
1584591773, $39.95, www.amazon.com

Combining Michael McGrath's ethereal and lovely acrylic paint on watercolor paper artworks with Richard Fragomeni's beautiful prayers, "Blessed Art Thou: Mother, Lady, Mystic, Queen" is a superlative celebration of the loving and reverent names for Mary, the mother of Christ. The twenty memorably impressive images comprising this coffee-table style book make it an inspired and inspiring assist for readers seeking contemplation and reflection. Highly recommended, " "Blessed Art Thou: Mother, Lady, Mystic, Queen" will prove to be a welcome addition to personal reading lists and church library collections.

The Development of the Liturgical Reform
Nicola Giampietro
Roman Catholic Books
PO Box 2286, Fort Collins, CO 80522
9781934888124, $33.75, www.booksforcatholics.com

Reform is something that must happen ever so often to keep something relevant. "The Development of the Liturgical Reform: As Seen By Cardinal Ferdinando Antonelli" Is one Cardinal's reflection of the recent reform in the middle of the twentieth century as much changes in the church occurred over this period, providing much insight to the men of the church during this time. Insightful and educational, anyone intrigued by the inner workings of the Roman Catholic Church should consider "The Development of Liturgical Reform", a solid addition to any Catholicism collection.

The New Outreach
Sandra S. Swan
Church Publishing Incorporated
445 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016
www.churchpublishing.org
9780898696448, $24.00, www.amazon.com

Recruiting congregational support for church programs and projects is a core responsibility for the leadership of any Christian community -- and those charged with the responsibility for the success of any and all such advocacy and charitable enterprises. That's why "The NEW Outreach: Doing Good the Better Way: An ABC Planning Guide" is such a valuable instructional reference and manual. Drawing from her many years of experience as a senior-level executive in the field of international relief, economic and social development, and management (and the retired president of Episcopal Relief and Development), Sandra S. Swan has created a workbook that covers every aspect form initial approaches, through the basics of conducting, documentation, and evaluation. Of special note is the provision of a thematically appropriate bibliography. Thoroughly 'user friendly' and 'real-world practical' in all respects, "The New Outreach" is very highly recommended for personal and congregational library reference collections.


The Architecture Shelf

Compact Cabins
Gerald Rowan
Storey Publishing
210 MassMoca Way, North Adams, MA 01247
9781603424622, $19.95 www.storey.com

COMPACT CABINS shows readers how to build a getaway dream cabin, offering over sixty designs outlining the cabin and using affordable, energy-efficient styles. Cabins range from 100 to 1,000 feet but are high in low-maintenance building materials, utility choices, and alternative energy. Any cabin builder will relish the design specifics and insights.

Understanding Green Building Guidelines for Students and Young Professionals
Traci Rose Rider
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393732634, $19.95 www.wwnorton.com

Understanding Green Building Guidelines for Students and Young Professionals is a pick for home, garden and college-level architecture libraries alike, blending topics of sustainability with green building and offering guidelines, rating systems, and national and local programs alike for selecting the best system for a project. From homeowners and realtors to contractors and site designers, this comes packed with important details.

Negotiated Terrains
Edited by Nina Rappaport with Heather Kilmer
W.W. Norton, Distributor
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393733235, $35.00 www.wwnorton.com

College-level architecture libraries will relish NEGOTIATED TERRAINS, the second book to feature the work of the Louis I. Kahn Visiting Assistant Professors, which brings young architectural inventors to the Yale School of Architecture. This book features the studio research of Jeanne Gang, Sunil Bald and Marc Tsurumaki and includes interviews, essays about their works, and color photos of their installations. Highly recommended!

Barn Again
E. Ashley Rooney
Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
9780764334313 $34.99 www.schifferbooks.com

Featuring over 240 gorgeous, full-color photographs on almost every page, Barn Again is a survey of barns across the United States. In the modern era of factory farms, the barns once used by family farms are disappearing - some are destroyed, some are slowly falling prey to the elements. Yet some are being transformed into residences, retail establishments, offices, or nonprofit centers - it is this group of re-imagined barns that is the primary focus of Barn Again. The brief text and captions elaborate on the creative ways in which barn architecture can be and has been repurposed to serve the needs of a changing modern community. Barn Again is extraordinary, inspirational, and a particularly welcome addition to architectural studies shelves, especially those with a focus on American architecture.

Urbanisms
Steven Holl
Princeton Architectural Press
37 East 7th Street, New York, NY 10003
9781568986791 $55.00 www.papress.com 1-800-722-6657

Award-winning architect Steven Holl presents Urbanisms: Working With Doubt, an illustrated compendium of architectural projects from his thirty years in the field. Black-and-white and color diagrams and photographs on practically every single page bring to life not only his creations, but an expression of the impulses behind their design - from the will to preserve natural landscapes to adapting to complicated urban situations. Text captions for the photographs and diagrams elucidate the creative problem-solving intent inherent in original architecture. Highly recommended as a resource for architectural inspiration, particularly with regard to the complex issue of effective urban planning.

The Architecture Of Bart Prince, revised edition
Christopher Curtis Mead
W. W. Norton & Company
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
www.wwnorton.com
9780393733129, $39.95, www.amazon.com

Now in a newly revised and expanded edition, "The Architecture of Bart Prince: A Pragmatics of Place" knowledgeably compiled and deftly written by Christopher Mead (Professor of Architecture and Art History, University of new Mexico) showcases the architectural career, contributions, and achievements to modern architecture by Bart Prince. The illustrated focus is on fifteen houses designed by Prince. A seminal contribution, "The Architecture of Bart Prince: A Pragmatics of Place" is strongly recommended for personal, professional, and academic library Contemporary American Architectural Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.


The Cookbook Shelf

The Cocktail Primer
Eben Klemm and B.R. Guest Restaurants
Andrews & McMeel Publishing
1130 Walnut St, Kansas City, MO 64106-2109
0740778161, $19.99 www.andrewsmcmeel.com

The Cocktail Primer: All You Need to Know to Make the Perfect Drink comes from a master drink mixer who creates original cocktails in the course of his restaurant work. So unlike competing cocktail books, this is packed with innovative classics and twists upon them, teaching people who to make these drinks at home without memorizing cocktail recipes. A few basics form the foundation of many drinks in a title perfect for any general food and drink collection.

The Bubbly Bar
Maria C. Hunt
John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
9780307406477, $16.99 www.wiley.com

THE BUBBLY BAR: CHAMPAGNE AND SPARKLING WINE COCKTAILS FOR EVERY OCCASION offers a fine blend of cocktail recipes and specific creations gained by mixing sparkling wines with rum, gin, fruit, and more. Intense flavors with minimal effort are the emphasis of this fine collection of creative and affordable champagne recipes.

Double Take
A.J. Rathbun
Harvard Common Press
535 Albany St., Boston MA 02118
9781558324244, $16.95 www.harvardcommonpress.com

DOUBLE TAKE: FEEDING VEGETARIANS AND OMNIVORES TOGETHER offers an outstanding survey of how to feed both at the same table. These recipes create two versions - one vegetarian, one not - out of one dish. It ranges from Gumbo and Meat-and-Not-Meat Loaf to A Bridging BLT made from vegetarian bacon. Fine ideas for any household where vegetarians co-live with omnivores, and for libraries looking for something different.

New York Cooks: 100 Recipes from the City's Best Chefs
Joan Krellenstein and Barbara Winkler
Sixth&Spring Books
233 Spring St., 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10013
9781933027784 $29.95 www.sixthandspringbooks.com

New York Cooks: 100 Recipes from the City's Best Chefs is a cookbook compendium of recipes from Manhattan's best of the best restaurants and chefs. In addition to the recipes, photographs, and meticulous instructions, New York Cooks features interviews with elite chefs peppered with motes of inspiration and helpful tricks of the trade for cooks of all walks of life. A wonderful way to experience top-quality cuisine without literally flying across the country, New York Cooks is a jewel in the crown of any cookbook collection. Highly recommended.

Nature's Garden
Samuel Thayer
Forager's Harvest Press
N 8757 Breakneck Rd., Birchwood, WI 54817
9780976626619 $24.95 www.foragersharvest.com

Award-winning expert in wild foods Samuel Thayer presents his latest, up-to-date expert work in Nature's Garden: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants. Nature's Garden lives up to its title with extensive information on harvest seasons for wild plants, and detailed instructions for preparing gathered foodstuffs. More than 400 color photographs on high-quality paper illustrate this compendium, helping the viewer see the difference more acutely in look-alike plants. From black oak acorns to ligonberries to cow parsnip and more, Nature's Garden covers an immense diversity of edible plants - including some that require extensive preparation according to step-by-step instructions. A professional-quality reference, and an absolute "must-have" for anyone seriously contemplating "living off the land" for an extended period of time.

Walnut Wine & Truffle Groves
Kimberley Lovato, author
Laura Schmalhorst, recipes
Lou Lesko, photographs
Running Press
2300 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-4371
9780762437993 $29.95 www.runningpress.com

A combination travelogue, culinary adventure, and cookbook, Walnut Wine & Truffle Groves: Culinary Adventures in the Dordogne is the next best thing to experiencing the sights, smells, and flavors of the Dordogne region of France firsthand. Sumptuous full-color photography illustrates the reminiscences of meeting the people who call the land home, and create delicacies that bring joy to the most cultured palate. Armchair travelers and foodies who anticipate (or want to revel in the memory of) experiencing fine French cuisine are sure to enjoy this wondrous treasury, rounded out with delicious recipes such as "Seared Foie Gras with Fresh Raspberries and Cognac", "Virginie's Walnut Gateau with Mocha Glaze", "Perigourdine Garlic Soup" and more. Highly recommended.

The Great Big Cheese Cookbook
Michael Symon, et. al.
Running Press
2300 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103-4371
9780762434978 $22.95 www.runningpress.com

The Great Big Cheese Cookbook is a compendium of recipes from over 60 world-class chefs, featuring more than 300 classic and modern cheesy delights. From Asiago Cheese Puffs to Wisconsin Cheese Straws, Spiced Apple Grilled Havarti Sandwiches, Greek Shrimp with Feta and Tomatoes, Gorgonzola and Caramelized Onion Pizza, and more, these creations are sure to whet any cheese-lover's appetite. (Some of the recipes call expressly for Wisconsin cheeses - although cheese substitutions can be made). Step-by-step instructions and beautiful, full-color photography enhance The Great Big Cheese Cookbook. An absolute winner for the cookbook collections of anyone who enjoys the many distinctive tastes of cheese.

Justin Wilson's Easy Cookin'
Justin Wilson
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster Street, Gretna, LA 70053-2246
www.pelicanpub.com
9781589807907, $25.00, www.amazon.com

Louisiana cooking offers one of our country's most distinctive and popular regional cuisines. Perfectly capturing this culinary treasure of mouth-watering dishes, "Justin Wilson's Easy Cookin'" is a 244-page compendium of truly 'kitchen cook friendly' recipes ranging from breakfast to dinner, appetizers to deserts. Of special note is the use of flavored salts and powders, avoiding the time consuming necessity of peeling and chopping onions, celery, and garlic. From an Eggplant Appetizer, to Chicken a la Creole, to a Broccoli and Ham Casserole, to Hominy and Mushrooms, to a Peanut Butter-Blueberry Cobbler, these are gourmet quality, 'down home style', palate pleasing, appetite satisfying dishes that would grace any table for any occasion. Of special note is the chapter dedicated to sauces and featuring two different tartar sauces, three barbecue sauces (including one for diabetics), and basting sauces. Truly living up to its title, "Justin Wilson's Easy Cookin'" will prove to be a welcome and popular addition to personal and community cookbook collections alike!

The Frugal Foodie Cookbook
Lara Starr & Lynette Shirk
Viva Editions
c/o Cleis Press
PO Box 14697, San Francisco, CA 94114
www.cleispress.com
9781573443630, $15.95, www.amazon.com

Being on a tight budget does not preclude eating well. Not when you have access to Lara Starr and Lynette Shirk's "The Frugal Foodie Cookbook: Waste-Not Recipes for the Wise Cook", a 216-page compendium of information and recipes covering inexpensive meals including appetizers, snacks, entrees, desserts, and beverages. Thoroughly 'user friendly' and highly portable, anyone on a restricted financial income will want to pay special attention to the recipes comprised in such iconic chapters as Bankable Breakfasts; Lunch for Less, and Dinner on a Dime,. With recipes ranging from Scampi without Skimping; Peanut Butter Picassos; and Lentil Burgers; to Kaleidoscope Popcorn; Ice Cream Sandwiches; and a Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pizza, "The Frugal Foodie Cookbook: Waste-Not Recipes for the Wise Cook" will enable anyone to prepare gourmet quality meals on a working class budget.

Ancient Wisdom, Modern Kitchen
Yan Wang, et al.
Da Capo Press
c/o Perseus Books Group
Eleven Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
www.perseusbooksgroup.com
9780738213255, $19.95, www.amazon.com

The use of foods and herbs to prevent and cure human ailments has a more than three thousand year history in Eastern healing arts. "Ancient Wisdom, Modern Kitchen: Recipes from the East for Health, Healing, and Long Life" is the collaborative work of Yuan Wang (Pacific College of Oriental Medicine); Warren Sheir (licensed acupuncturist and herbalist); and writer/editor Mika Ono. This 352-page compendium of basic information on the use of 'superfoods' such as goji berries, also includes an overview of traditional Chinese medicine, herbs, and food therapy; details on one hundred specifically Asian ingredients; and healing recipes for everything from fatigue and menopause, to high cholesterol and diabetes. Of special note is the section of colored photographs of Asian plants. With thoroughly 'user friendly' recipes ranging from Black Sesame Asparagus; Steadying Spinach Egg Drop Soup; Silver-Wrapped Fish with Tangerine Sauce; and Five-Spice Lamb Skewers; to Healing Lily Bulb Congee; Ginger Black Tea; Shiitake-Astragalus Vegetable Stock; and Creamy Umeboshi Dressing, "Ancient Wisdom, Modern Kitchen: Recipes from the East for Health, Healing, and Long Life" is a highly recommended and core reference addition to personal, professional, academic, and community library Cookbook and Alternative Medicine collections.

Cakes To Celebrate Love And Life
Callie Maritz & Mari-Louis Guy
Struik Lifestyle
c/o International Publishers Marketing
22841 Quicksilver Drive, Dulles, VA 20166
www.internationalpubmarket.com
9781770077836, $23.95, www.amazon.com

International in is scope, "Cakes To Celebrate Love And Life" by the brother and sister team of Callie Maritz and Mari-Louis Guy showcases superbly illustrated and thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' recipes for spectacular pastries the include cake classics and 'new wave' creations, to cupcakes and wedding cakes. Now any home kitchen can be made into a do-it-yourself boutique bakery with truly elegant desserts ranging from a Boston Cream Pie; Pomegranate Glaze Cake; Summer Berry Cake; and Coconut Ice; to Peppermint Chocolate Cupcakes; Pavlova Roulade; Beetroot and Blueberry Cake; and a White Wedding Cake. Clearly living up to its title, "Cakes To Celebrate Love And Life" will prove a popular addition to personal, professional, family, and community library cookbook collections!

The Louisiana Seafood Bible: Crawfish
Jerald Horst & Glenda Horst
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster Street, Gretna, LA 70053-2246
www.pelicanpub.com
9781589807693, $25.00, www.amazon.com

Cajun country has always enjoyed a well deserved reputation when it comes to seafood in general, and crawfish-based dishes in particular. In "The Louisiana Seafood Bible: Crawfish", a 224-page, superbly illustrated compendium of 'kitchen cook friendly' recipes compiled by the husband and wife team of Jerald and Glenda Horst, also provides readers with an informed and informative essay on the history of the Louisiana seafood industry from its origins in the 1800s down to the problems and conditions confronting commercial fishing in the opening decades of the twenty-first century. Of special note is the wealth of information specific to crawfish as a species and the basic instructions concerning their handling and preparation. The recipes themselves range from Marinated Crawfish with Ginger; Corkern's Crawfish Cornbread; Crawfish Steak Sauce; and Crawfish Ragout; to Crawfish Medallions; Chinese Crawfish; Crawfish-Squash Dressing; and Microwave Crawfish Scampi. "The Louisiana Seafood Bible: Crawfish" is an ideal and highly commended addition to personal, professional, and community library cookbook collections -- and an absolute must for any and all crawfishing cuisine enthusiasts!


The Photography Shelf

Captured By The Light
David A. Ziser
New Riders
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
www.mcp.com
9780321646873, $54.99, www.amazon.com

The art and science of taking the perfect wedding photo is the focus of wedding photography expert David A. Ziser's 312-page, superbly illustrated instructional manual "Captured by the Light: The Essential Guide to Creating Extraordinary Wedding". The aspiring photographer will learn how to make every member of the wedding party, but especially the bride and groom, look their best. "Captured by the Light" covers ever aspect of the process from exposure methods, to every aspect of lighting, to the use of a flash, to framing, and more! Entire chapters are devoted to the cameras, the photographing the consecutive stages of the wedding, to the final presentation. Informed and informative, "Captured by the Light" is thoroughly 'user friendly' and strongly recommended for personal, professional, and community library Photography reference and resource collections.

Pilgrim Eye
David Halpern
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
www.oupress.com
9780978816506, $50.00, www.amazon.com

From the use of Kodachrome film in 1936 down to the digital photography of today, David Halpern has been an avid and talented photographer using a camera the way a painter uses his brush and canvas to create memorable and enduring images. Now 128 of those images, some in black-and-white, others in full color, along with an accompanying commentary comprise "Pilgrim Eye", a 168-page tribute to his photographic work and legacy. Enhanced with an informed and informative Foreword by journalist, photographer, and freelance writer Bill Sontag, "Pilgrim Eye" is an especially recommended addition to personal, professional, academic, and community library American Photography reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

Mongolia: Land Of The Deer Stone
Elaine Ling
Lodima Press
PO Box 367, Revere, PA 18953
9781888899573, $98.00, www.lodimapress.com

It was during the 13th Century that the Mongol hordes under Genghis Khan carved out one of the largest empires the world has ever known. Now in the opening decades of the 21st Century, Mongols are not only nomadic herdsmen following in the traditions of their ancestors, they are to be found in villages and cities, particularly the capital of Ulaanbaatar. "Mongolia: Land Of The Deer Stone" is a 180-page, coffee-table book of black-and-white photographs taken by Elaine Ling during her extensive travels in Mongolia from 2002 through 2008. Her goal during five expeditions was to photography the 'ovoos', shamanist stone markers found scattered across the vast Mongolian deserts. Of special note is the informed and informative introduction by Alison Devine Nordstrom to this volume of immensely impressive images. Enhanced with scholarly essays with respect to the Mongolian nomads and their stone markers by William W. Fitzhugh, and an essay on the role of Buddhism in Mongol culture by Thurbten Konchog Norbu, "Mongolia: Land Of The Deer Stone" is a seminal and highly recommended addition to academic library reference collections.

Fictions
Anthony Goicolea
Twin Palms Publishers
PO Box 10229, Santa Fe, NM 87504
www.twinpalms.com
9781931885737, $75.00, www.amazon.com

Anthony Goicolea's third volume of photographs, "Fictions" is a 188-page coffee-table book of distinctive images drawn from boys engaged in a variety of often obscure activities and rituals. A fascinating browse, these are full color images that are as engaging as they are intriguing, provoking the reader to thoughtful speculation and imaginative reflection. A 'must' for Anthony Goicolea fans, "Fictions" is a highly recommended addition to personal, professional, and academic library Photography & Art collections. Also highly recommended for those new to Anthony Goicolea's work is "Drawings" (9781931885409, $50.00) featuring his early work and published in 2005 and "Anthony Goicolea" (9781931885119, $60.00) published in 2003.

Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 Maximum Performance
Mark Galer
Focal Press
30 Corporate Drive #400, Burlington, MA 01803
9780240521831, $44.95 www.focalpress.com

A blend of step-by-step projects, movie tutorials and sample images lends to a photo editing coverage of Elements for any library strong in digital photography. The 7 hours of movie tutorials and over a hundred sample images offer keys to the full color screen-shot loaded tutorial book and make this a 'must' for any library strong in Photoshop Elements coverage.

Course Technology
20 Channel Center Street, Boston, MA 02210
www.courseptr.com

Matthew Bamberg's 101 QUICK AND EASY IDEAS TAKEN FROM THE MASTER PHOTOGRAPHERS (1435454367, $29.99) of the 20th Century offers a survey for any who would recognize and use the techniques of some of the great photographers of the last century. Each chapter focuses on one photographer and includes a biography highlighting a life experience and its influence, analyzing descriptions of their classic images and approaches and showing how different elements can be re-created with strong effects. Ansel Adams, Dorothea Lange, Mapplethorpe and others are featured in this powerful guide. Photographers seeking to emulate the 'greats' need this. David D. Busch's SONY DSLR A380/A330/A230 DIGITAL SLR PHOTOGRAPHY (1435455096, $29.99) is a pick to Sony's new advanced entry-level DSLR cameras. Owners of the new Sony alpha series will find this packs in details on how to use its many features, from selecting the best autofocus mode to using Live View to preview images on the camera's LCD monitor. A top pick for any owner of the Sony series.


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

The Power of Memoir
Linda Joy Myers, Ph.D.
Jossey-Bass
989 Market St., 5th Floor, San Francisco CA 94103-1741
9780470508367, $16.95 www.josseybass.com

THE POWER OF MEMOIR: HOW TO WRITE YOUR HEALING STORY offers a fine step-by-step program on how to use memoir writing to aid in emotional and physical healing. From how to tell truths and shape a narrative to tools for healing pain. From preserving memories to exploring motivations, this is a pick for any would-be memoir writer.

Writing About Dance
Wendy R. Oliver
Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc.
PO Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61820-5076
www.HumanKinetics.com
9780736076104, $29.95, www.amazon.com

From classical ballet to street corner brake dancing, the art of the dance comes in a seemingly endless variety with new forms being invented (or rediscovered) by each new generation. Writing about dance is a specialized field with its own particular demands. That's why "Writing About Dance" by Wendy Oliver (Professor of Dance and Women's Studies at Providence College) is such an invaluable instructional guide and reference, especially for the novice in the field. Professor Oliver draws upon her many years of experience and expertise to offer practical strategies for developing critical thinking skills when it comes to assessing, understanding, interpreting, and communicating about any form, type, or category of dance. Providing fourteen writing assignments; approaches to creating effective dance critiques, essays, and research papers, "Writing About Dance" is an ideal textbook for formal academic curriculums, as well as a thoroughly 'user friendly' guide for the non-specialist general reader with an interest in writing coherently with respect to dance appreciation. Of special note are the many checklists that will aid in writers organizing their writings on and about dance. Enhanced with an appendix that will provide 'real world' assistance with crafting dance critiques, "Writing About Dance" is a very highly recommended addition to personal, professional, academic, and community library collections.

Scientific Publishing
Hans E. Roosendaal, et al.
Chandos Publishing
c/o Neal-Schuman Publishers
100 William Street, Suite 2004, New York, NY 10038-4512
9781843344902, $95.00, www.neal-schuman.com

"Scientific Publishing: From Vanity To Strategy" is an informed and informative examination of diverse business models associated with scientific publishing, and how they relate to the processes of scientific research and development. "Scientific Publishing" assesses how these models advance or impede the growth of human knowledge. Of special note is the impact of the computer and web-driven digital information environment upon access to scientific data and analysis with respect to publishing. Enhanced throughout with tables and figures, and featuring extensive references and a comprehensive index, "Scientific Publishing" is especially commended to the attention of the publishing community, as well as an invaluable addition to personal, professional, academic, and community library reference collections.

How To Write About The Media Today
Raul Damacio Tovares & Alla V. Tovares
Greenwood Press
c/o ABC-CLIO
Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
www.abc-clio.com
9780313375194, $35.00, www.amazon.com

Mass media has become every more complex and fragmented with the advent of technological innovations, so that where once radio and television news were the main sources of information for the general public, now there is everything from cable news and social networks, to blogs and instant messaging. The latest addition to the outstanding 'Writing Today' series from Greenwood Press, "How To Write About The Media Today", the collaborative project of Raul D. Tovares (Associate Professor, Department of Communications, Trinity University, Washington, DC) and Alla V. Tovares (Assistant Professor, Department of English, Howard University, Washington, DC), is a comprehensive instructional manual and guide for aspiring writers for all of these media forms and formats and includes doing research, preparing reports and papers, making presentations, and more. From a step-by-step process for selecting topics to securing and utilizing information resources, "How To Write About The Media Today" is an ideal introduction for novice journalists, very highly recommended as a textbook for Journalism curriculums, and an invaluable reference for non-specialist general readers wanting to utilize internet opportunities for expressing their opinions and research on the social, cultural, political, and economic issues of the day.


The Biography Shelf

Yenko: The Man, The Machines, The Legend
Bob McClurg
CarTech
39966 Grand Avenue, North Branch, MN 55056
9781932494853, $39.95 www.cartechbooks.com

Yenko: The Man, The Machines, The Legend tells of a man who brought high-horsepower cars to Chevy showroom floors cross the country, building special-edition Chevrolets. This authorized collection includes rare family photos and personal recollections along with hundreds of photos showcasing the details of all legendary Yenko cars. Auto buffs and auto history libraries must have this rare coverage.

The Gesualdo Hex
Glenn Watkins
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780393071023, $39.95 www.wwnorton.com

THE GESUALDO HEX: MUSIC, MYTH AND MEMORY explores the life and times of Renaissance composer Carlo Gesualdo, an isolated prince who led an eccentric, isolating life and composed Renaissance music. How composers shape and create a legacy of their music and how music and history change over generations of exposure are only a few of the insights in this consideration of Gesualdo's life and times, a pick recommended for any college-level music or Renaissance history collection.

Small-Town Russia
Anton Weiss-Wendt
Florida Academic Press, Inc.
PO Box 540, Gainesville, FL 32606-0540
9781890357269, $27.95

The power of the Soviet Union was waning, and capitalism began to re-emerge. "Small-Town Russia: Childhood Memories of the Final Soviet Decade" is Anton Weiss-Wendt's reflection on life growing up in the 1980s, as the Soviet Union's power began to wane and dissolve. A unique perspective on the Russian people and the personal events leading up to the collapse of the USSR, "Small-Town Russia" is a top pick for international memoir collections.

Not Quite Paradise
Adele Barker
Beacon Press
25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108-2892
9780807000618, $24.95, www.beacon.org

Some places keep their own culture, standing against the constant bombardments of others. "Not Quite Paradise: An American Sojourn in Sri Lanka" is a memoir from Adele Barker as she reflects on her time on the small island formerly known as Ceylon, just off the Indian coast. A blend of faiths and cultures, she describes the land of Sri Lanka, giving readers a vivid snapshot of life on the isle, and providing much insight. "Not Quite Paradise" is a top pick for any travel memoir collection.

Signing in Puerto Rican
Andres Torres
Gallaudet University
800 Florida Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002-3695
9781563684173, $34.95, www.gupress.galladet.edu

Every country treats the deaf differently. "Signing in Puerto Rican: A hearing Son and his Deaf Family" takes a new spin on the American sign language as Andres Torres, a hearing capable individual hopes to give readers a walk into his culture as he is a member of a predominantly deaf Hispanic family. Stating that Deaf Latinos have their own take on deaf culture and his unique upbringing, "Signing in Puerto Rican" is a worthy addition to any memoir collection dedicated to the deaf.

The Side-Yard Superhero
Rick D. Niece
Synergy Books
PO Box 80107, Austin, TX 78758
Smith Publicity (publicity)
1930 E. Marlton Pike Suite I-46, Chery Hill, NJ 08003
9780981546209, $17.95

It was truly a time like none other. "The Side-Yard Superhero" is Rick D. Niece providing a snapshot of a lost time - the time of childhood. Through his writings, his text hopes readers will look back and reflect on their own childhoods and remember to embrace them even in their adult life. A vivid picture of small town America, "The Side-Yard Superhero" is a treasure that shouldn't be missed.

The Last Goodnights
John West
Counterpoint
2117 Fourth Street, Suite D, Berkeley, CA 94710
9781582434483, $25.00, www.counterpointpress.com

A suicide is usually regarded as a tragedy, but John West has had differing experiences. "The Last Goodnights: Assisting My Parents with their Suicides" is a truly unique story of John West and his parents. His parents, both gravely ill and doctors in their own right, decide than rather linger in the agony of their own deaths, they turn to their son to help them end their lives in dignity. A tale of a tough time that few will ever face, "The Last Goodnights" is a riveting, inspirational, and tragic at the same time read of familial love and the extent it goes.

At Home in Japan
Rebecca Otowa
Tuttle Publishing
364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759-9436
9784805310786, $21.95, www.tuttlepublishing.com

The traditions of another country take much for an outsider to understand. "At Home in Japan: A Foreign Woman's Journey of Discovery" tells the tale of Rebecca Otowa, a woman who married into a traditional Japanese rural family. Originally a Californian woman in origin, Otowa came to Japan, leaving her old family and learning the ways of traditional life in rural Japan. Poignant and riveting reading that is sure to open the eyes of many readers, "At Home in Japan" is a top pick for memoir collections focusing on international travel.

Nobody Called Me Charlie
Charles Preston
Monthly Review Press
146 West 29th Street, Suite 6W, New York, NY 10001
9781583672020 $21.95 www.monthlyreview.org 1-800-670-9499

Nobody Called Me Charlie: The Story of a Radical White Journalist Writing for a Black Newspaper in the Civil Rights Era is the autobiographical chronicle of author Charles Preston (1911-1983) with emphasis on his days serving as the only white worker (who happened to be a Communist) at a black newspaper. His job involved openly portraying the pervasive racism of the 1950's as he wrote about work, local politics, the civil rights struggle, travel, sports, business, and more. Preston ultimately presents a challenge to white readers, claiming that in order to support racial justice, they must abandon their whiteness as he did. The chronicle of an extraordinary, unabashed, and determined man and his commitment to socialism and racial solidarity, Nobody Called Me Charlie is captivating reading from first page to last.

Che Guevara
Nick Caistor
Interlink Books
46 Crosby Street, Northampton, MA 01060
9781566567596, $15.00, www.interlinkbooks.com

One of the most iconic figures of the Cuban Revolution, Che Guevara wasn't even born there. "Che Guevara: A Life" is a biography of the legendary Cuban revolutionary, telling his life story, of how the Argentinean came to Cuban and made his biggest impact there, and how he went throughout South America fighting various guerrilla movements against imperialism in South America. Looking at the man who lived by his word and the controversy that surrounds him, "Che Guevara" is a choice pick for biography collections.

Bright Triumphs From Dark Hours
David Heenan
University of Hawai'i Press
6840 Kolowalu Street, Honolulu, HI 96822-1888
9780824834302, $25.00, www.uhpress.hawaii.edu

Anyone can prosper when anything is going well, it takes the truly exceptional to succeed when everything is going against you. "Bright Triumphs From Dark Hours: Turning Adversity into Success" tells the story of ten exceptional individuals who flourished under Pressure and against all expectations and odds. From pulling a school system out of the pits of worthlessness to military men reshaping their lives after disasters change the course of their lives, David Heenan shows 10 inspirational individuals that will reiterate the wisdom to never give up. "Bright Triumphs from Dark Hours" is a choice and very highly recommended read that should not be overlooked.

John Milton: A Hero of Our Time
David Hawkes
Counterpoint Press
2117 Fourth Street, Suite D, Berkeley, CA 94710
9781582434377 $28.00 www.counterpointpress.com 1-800-788-3123

Published to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Milton's birth, John Milton: A Hero of Our Time is a thoughtful biography of poet, polemicist, public servant, and legendary author John Milton, perhaps best known for his classic "Paradise Lost". A man driven by his conscience and his understanding of logic, Milton stood firm in his beliefs during a time of tremendous religious and political turmoil in England. From Milton's participation in the English civil war to his ideas about capitalism, love, and marriage that were surprisingly ahead of their time, to his views on political violence and religious terrorism, John Milton: A Hero of Our Time encapsulates the greatness of a visionary thinker and the morals of a humanitarian. Highly recommended, especially for public and college library collections.

At Home Abroad
Nancy Henderson-James
Plain View Press
PO Box 42255, Austin, TX 78704
9780911051674, $18.95, www.amazon.com

When war and massive civil unrest broke out in Angola, Africa, fifteen-year old Nancy Henderson-James was uprooted from her home, her friends, and the culture she had grown to love. Her life was complicated by abusive father who served as a Protestant missionary, a man who was as incompetent at parenting as he was gifted professionally. "At Home Abroad: An American Girl in Africa" is an engagingly written 244-page autobiography that provides insights into an unusual childhood, a personal memoir that is inspired and inspiring, while showcasing a culture, a people, and a time that will be unfamiliar to a great many readers. A compelling and complex story on so many levels, "At Home Abroad" will prove a popular addition to community library collections, and is especially recommended for personal reading lists.

Jack Bruce
Harry Shapiro
Jawbone
1700 Fourth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710
9781906002268, $19.95, www.jawbonepress.com

It isn't all about fame. "Jack Bruce: Composing Himself" tells the tale of one of the less commercially successful members of Cream, but artistically successful none the less, Jack Bruce. His career has remained strong as he has continued to push the envelope, living for the music and not the fame. The hits and misses of his life lead to a truly unique rock and roll, and Harry Shapiro does well in telling his tale. "Jack Bruce" is a treasure trove of rock and roll legend, highly recommended.

The Mormon Passage Of George D. Watt
Ronald G. Watt
Utah State University Press
7800 Old Main Hill, Logan, Utah 84322
www.USUPress.org
9780874217568, $39.95, www.amazon.com

Under its founder, Joseph Smith, and continuing through his immediate successors Brigham Young and John Taylor, the Mormon Church was a culture that provided opportunity for upward mobility for its adherents, especially new converts from Northern Europe. This was made possible by the diversity of social origins comprising the first generation; its members ranged from frontiersmen and farmers, to craftsmen and merchants, to preachers and social engineers. This phenomena is particularly well showcased in the superbly written biography of George D. Watt, a British convert who taught himself the then newly created Pitman shorthand and became an able and sought after chronicler. He was also the creator of Deseret Alphabet, and the chief recorder of the sermons of the Mormon leaders that became the content of the "Journal of Discourses", an invaluable historical resource for subsequent generations of scholars and historians. Additionally, Watt authored significant works ranging from horticulture to spiritualism. A parting of the ways with Brigham Young was to inflict social isolation and poverty, but Watt continued to exert his own independence of thought in his writings and personal philosophy. "Mormon Passage of George D. Watt: First British Convert, Scribe for Zion" by biographer Ronald G. Watt is both a fascinating and detailed personal story, but also a seminal contribution to 19th century American History and a highly recommended addition for academic and community library collections.

Talk Thai
Ira Sukrungruang
Missouri University Press
2910 LeMone Blvd., Columbia, MO 65202
9780826218896, $24.95, www.press.umsystem.edu

The melting pot can sometimes take its time melting things. "Talk Thai: The Adventures of Buddhist Boy" tells the story of Ira Sukrungruang, a Thai-American who grew up to Thai immigrants in America. His home was very Thai, and he brings forth a story of trying to balance his home culture and the very different culture that surrounded it. "Talk Thai" is a fascinating read, well worth adding to any memoir collection.


The Psychology Shelf

AP Psychology, fourth edition
Allyson Weseley, Ed.D and Robert McEntarffer
Barron's
250 Wireless Blvd, Hauppauge, NY 11788
0764140531, $16.99 www.barronseduc.com

The fourth updated edition of AP PSYCHOLOGY provides the latest practice tests and reviews available, offering two full-length practice exams with all questions answered and a full-length diagnostic test to help target areas needing more study. A comprehensive review of all test topics and analysis of free-response questions and answers makes for a powerful presentation recommended for any studying for the AP Psychology test.

A Non-Violent Resistance Approach with Children in Distress
Carmelite Avraham-Krehwinkel & David Aldridge
Jessica-Kingsley Publishers
400 Market Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
9781843104841, $29.95, www.jkp.com

Violence answered with more violence only begets even more violence. "A Non-Violent Resistance Approach with Children in Distress: A Guide for Parents and Professionals" is a guide to dealing with disruptive and aggressive behavior from children and how to discourage this behavior in a way that will leave to a more harmonious household. Aimed at both parents and child psychologists, the information whatever is expertly researched with plenty of thoughts and theories to help curb this inappropriate behavior. "A Non-Violent Resistance Approach with Children Distress" is a solid addition to any parenting or child psychotherapy collection.

Public Speaking for Psychologists
David B. Feldman & Paul J. Silvia
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
9781433807305, $29.95, www.apa.org

The most brilliant person in the world can still flub his lines in front of millions. "Public Speaking for Psychologists: A Lighthearted Guide to Research Presentations, Job Talks, and Other Opportunities to embarrass Yourself" looks into what many psychologists may struggle to do despite having a good idea how the human mind works - speaking in front of a crowd of them. David Feldman and Paul Silvia give plenty of tips to do that report or presentation with flying colors. "Public Speaking for Psychologists" is worth to have on hand for any psychological library collection.

Talking About Sexual Assault
Sarah E. Ullman
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242
www.apa.org/books
9781433807411, $69.95, www.amazon.com

Often compounding the physical and psychological trauma of a sexual assault is the subsequent reaction towards the victim by law enforcement authorities, spouses, friends, and even family. That's why "Talking About Sexual Assault: Society's Response to Survivors" by Sarah E. Ullman (Professor of Criminology, Law and Justice, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois) is such a critically important contribution. Informed and informative, "Talking About Sexual Assault" addresses how assaulted women reveal their experience, how people respond when informed by these women, the factors influences those responses, and the effect these responses have on the assaulted women. Of special note is that "Talking About Sexual Assault" includes the social context of rape and the implications for response drawn from broader social norms and attitudes about sexual assaults. Perspectives are drawn from survivors of sexual assaults, as well as their family, friends and intimate partners, as well as providers of support including therapists, advocates, and others. Concluding with recommendations for further research, treatment options, and interventions, "Talking About Sexual Assault" is very strongly recommended for professional, academic, and community library reference collections, and should be considered mandatory reading and study for anyone charged with the responsibility of working with a victim of sexual assault, including social workers, counselors, police, health care workers, advocates, policy makers, and researchers in the field.


The Science Shelf

A First Course In Computational Physics, second edition
Paul L. DeVries & Javier E. Hasbun
Jones & Bartlett Publishers
40 Tall Pine Drive, Sudbury, MA 01776
www.jbpub.com
9780763773144, $105.95, www.amazon.com

Basic physics is essential in the rapidly advancing fields of computer-based computations and engineering. Understanding how numerical methods are to be employed as problem solving techniques in physics is the underlying goal of "A First Course In Computational Physics", a 448-page textbook specifically designed for students by Paul L. DeVries (Miami University) and Javier E. Hasbun (University of West Georgia). After a deftly presented introduction, individual chapters focus on Functions and Roots; Interpolation and Approximation; Numerical Integration; Ordinary Differential Equations; Fourier Analysis; and Partial Differential Equations. Now in a newly updated and expanded second edition, and enhanced for the student with an accompanying CD, an appendix, and an index, "A First Course In Computational Physics" is an ideal and highly recommended curriculum textbook.

The Great Pheromone Myth
Richard L. Doty
John Hopkins University Press
2715 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
9780801893476, $65.00, www.press.jhu.edu

Scent is a very powerful sense for mammals, but how powerful is it really? "The Great Pheromone Myth" discusses pheromones and how science has no real argument for their place and power in mammalian behavior. Defining pheromones, stating how their different from other animal types, the release of pheromones for animals and humanity, Richard L. Doty creates a complete and comprehensive study of the subject and states much on the subject and how they affect society on many different levels. "The Great Pheromone Myth" is an ideal addition to any community or college library science collection.


The Military Shelf

The Diary of Prisoner 17326
John K. Stutterheim
Fordham University Press
University Box L, Bronx, NY 10458-5172
9780823231508, $35.00 www.fordhampress.com

Author John Stutterheim spent hours exploring his exotic surroundings growing up on Java - until the Japanese invaded. John's father was taken prisoner during the war and soon after he and his siblings were imprisoned themselves. John kept a secret diary hidden during his experiences, offering memories on his experiences: this diary comes to light here and is a 'must' for any collection strong in World War II experiences.

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

Kari Stenman and Andrew Thomas' BREWSTER F2A BUFFALO ACES OF WORLD WAR 2 (9781846034817, $22.95) joins others in Osprey's 'Aircraft of the Aces' series I offering a comprehensive survey of the pilots and missions of the F2A aircraft. The Finns flew 'The Brewster' against invading Russians and achieved ace status flying it - and it became the Finnish fighter of choice until it was replaced in 1943. Military libraries strong in equipment history will find this a welcome addition. P. Crociani and P.O. Battistelli's ITALIAN BLACKSHIRT 1935-45 (9781846035050, $18.95) joins other 'Warrior' histories and provides a new history of the Blackshirts: famous paramilitaries who operated from the peak of Mussolini's power to the close of World War II. Italian history and general military collections alike will relish this in-depth survey.

The American Revolution: A Grand Mistake
Leland G. Stauber
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781591027638, $27.00 www.prometheusbooks.com

The American Revolution: A Grand Mistake comes from a political scientist who here offers a strong college-level reinterpretation of the birth and development of the U.S., challenging the prevailing American national saga and arguing that our independence from Britain was premature. Positive and negative results from the American Revolution are provided in a strong, highly recommended survey key for any serious American history or military library.

Little-Known Wars of Great and Lasting Impact
Alan Axelrod
Fair Winds
c/o Quayside Publishing Group
400 First Avenue North, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55401-1721
9781592333752, $19.99 www.fairwindspress.com

Little-Known Wars of Great and Lasting Impact: The Turning Points in Our History We Should Know More About surveys the influence of eighteen wars that are seldom discussed in usual histories. From the Afghan Civil War that led to the rise of the Taliban to King Philip's War 1675, this covers the wars and their lasting consequences and is a pick for any military library.

The United States Army: A Chronology, 1775 to the Present
John C. Fredriksen
ABC-CLIO
Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
www.abc-clio.com
9781598843446, $85.00, www.amazon.com

It took an American army to create the United States of America, and in every decade that followed, it took the American Army to secure the continued our national existence and expansion. Expansion in both territory and political influence. Now the history of the American army has been succinctly laid out in "The United States Army: A Chronology, 1775 to the Present" from its very beginnings down to the present day by historian and author John C. Fredriksen. Of special note is the late 20th century transition of the Army from a combination of career soldiers and draftees, to a completely volunteer force. Presented in a detailed chronological format, "The United States Army" covers the highlights of the army's wartime and peacetime performance. Included in this superbly compiled and written history are such issues as the army's military schools, pay scales, creation of a general staff, and the development of its auxiliaries, including the National Guard and Army Reserve systems, Special Forces, Army Aviation, and more. Informed and informative, "The United States Army" is a highly recommended addition to both academic and community library American Military History reference collections, and ideal for the non-specialist general reader with an interest in the history and development of the American army.

Tin Can Man
E. J. Jernigan
Naval Institute Press
291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402
www.navalinstitute.org
9781591144243, $18.95, www.amazon.com

It was with their introduction in World War II that destroyer class ships were originally referred to by the men who manned them as 'tin cans'. "Tin Can Man" by E. J. Jernigan is the personal story of an enlisted man who served aboard the USS Saufley during the war. It provides readers with insights into what it was like to live, work, fight, and die aboard these ships. A superbly written 206-page memoir, "Tin Can Man" is especially informative and recommended reading for military history buffs in general, and academic library 20th Century Naval History reference collections in particular.


The Music Shelf

A Deeper Blue
Roberrt Earl Hardy
University of North Texas Press
1155 Union Circle #311336, Denton, TX 76203-5017
9781574412857, $14.95, www.unt.edu

Musicians embrace music to carry them through their troubled times. "A Deeper Blue: The Life and Music of Townes Van Zandt" tells the life story of the singer song writer, embracing folk music as a clutch for his life that carried him through his days when it looked as if his demons would finally consume him. Love, loss, and the things that drove Van Zandt will help readers earn a deeper knowledge and respect for the man, and Robert Earl Hardy transmits his soul well. "A Deeper Blue" is a must for any music collection with a focus on folk.

The Music Of Luigi Dallapiccola
Raymond Fearn
University of Rochester Press
668 Mt. Hope Ave., Rochester, NY 14472
www.urpress.com
9781580463478, $34.95, www.amazon.com

The late Italian composer Luigi Dallapiccola (1904-1975), wrote several operas and a substantial number of works for the human voice both solo and in choral productions. The newest addition to the outstanding 'Eastman Studies in Music' series from the University of Rochester Press, "The Music of Luigi Dallapiccola" is the first English language biography of the man, his music, and his compositional contributions to reintroducing past traditions of Italian music to contemporary audiences. Superbly written, this 324-page compendium reveals an impressive attention to detail and the highest standards of academic scholarship in presenting and documenting the contributions and accomplishments of Luigi Dallapiccolla. "The Music of Luigi Dallapiccola" is a core addition to academic library 20th Century Music History reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

Course Technology
20 Channel Center St., Boston, MA 02210
www.courseptr.com

Gary Gottlieb's HOW DOES IT SOUND NOW?: LEGENDARY ENGINEERS AND VINTAGE GEAR (1598638521, $24.99) offers interviews with over thirty famous audio engineers on how they utilized classic analog recording hardware to make high quality recordings. Each reviews audio and music history and shows how some favorite recordings were made, discussing gear, differences between common and quality recordings, and engineering goals. Libraries strong in music production will relish this. Such collections also will relish Robert Safir's MAKE YOUR MUSIC VIDEO AND PUT IT ONLINE (1598639978, $29.99). It tells how to make a video and get it seen, and offers keys to marketing your music or band through producing a high-quality, low-budget music video. A 'must' for any musician or band member wanting to apply PR tactics to cutting-edge technology.


The Library Science Shelf

Librarians Serving Diverse Populations
Lori Mestre
Association of College & Research Libraries
50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611
9780838985120, $54.00, www.ala.org

Different people want different things out of their libraries. "Librarians Serving Diverse Populations: Challenges and Opportunities" looks into what a librarian in a racially diverse area must face in order to make an all accommodating library for all possible patrons. Defining what a multicultural librarian is, how one can choose their employees to better serve, training one's staff against these challenges, curriculum, and more, Lori Mestre and her staff provide an intellectual and highly fulfilling guide to make an understanding and useful library. "Libraries Serving Diverse Populations" is a must for any librarian in these increasingly common conditions.

The Complete Library Trustee Handbook
Sally Gardner Reed and Jillian Kalonick
Neal-Schuman Publishers
100 William Street, Suite 2004, New York, NY 10038-4512
9781555706876 $55.00 www.neal-schuman.com 1-866-672-6657

Sally Gardner Reed (executive director of the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends and Foundations) and former public library director Jillian Kalonick present The Complete Library Trustee Handbook, a solid guide to help library trustees in their efforts to procure resources that the library most needs to serve its community. From a clear discussion of fiduciary responsibilities, to examples of conflict of interest and ethics statements, to templates for developing board bylaws, recommendations for fundraising and advocacy, the relationship between trustee and library director, important distinctions between the board's role and the library director's role, how to create and implement realistic plans and goal-setting, and much more, The Complete Library Trustee Handbook lives up to its title. An absolute "must-have" for library trustees; even those who have served for years will encounter a wealth of valuable ideas, insights, and recommendations in this highly accessible and serviceable guide.

Booktalking With Teens
Kristine Mahood
Libraries Unlimited
c/o ABC-CLIO
Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
www.abc-clio.com
9781591587149, $45.00, www.amazon.com

One of the primary responsibilities of librarians, whether the setting be a school or a community library, is to talk knowledgeable and encouragingly about books to their adolescent students and teenage patrons. The newest addition to the Libraries Unlimited outstanding 'Libraries Unlimited Professional Guides for Young Adult Librarians Series', "Booktalking with Teens" by Kristine Mahood (Teen Services Librarian, Timberland Regional Library District, Washington state) is a 200-page instructional manual and guide that will enable librarians to ably communicate with teens about books by evoking information from them concerning the reading habits and experiences; create effective booktalk programs for teens; coaching booktalk performances; and a great deal more. Enhanced with an appendix, a listing of selected resources, and a comprehensive index, "Booktalking With Teens" should be considered mandatory reading for any librarian charged with responsibilities for involving adolescent readers with school or community library resources, as well as a core addition to an academic library's Library Science curriculum reference collection.


The International Studies Shelf

Shifting Superpowers
Martin Sieff
Cato Institute
1000 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington DC 20001
9781935308218, $26.00 www.cato.org

SHIFTING SUPERPOWERS: THE NEW AND EMERGING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES, CHINA AND INDIA comes from a journalist who challenges the assumption that America can retain global dominance with the rise of these two nations. From common myths politicians have about India and China to their historic relationship and dangers, this is a 'must' for any college-level political science collection.

China's Megatrends
John & Doris Naisbitt
Harper Business
10 E. 53rd St., New York NY 10022
9780061859441, $27.99 www.harpercollins.com

CHINA'S MEGATRENDS: THE 8 PILLARS OF A NEW SOCIETY come from longtime China observers who here provide an in-depth study of China's revolutionary social, political and economic life and how this in turn affects the West. The authors traveled the country interviewing journalists, students, business people, artists and more, monitored local newspapers in all of China's provinces to identify deep forces affecting the nation's transformation, and here provides their identification of 8 foundations of the emerging new society. Both business and social interest libraries and of course any collection strong in Chinese history and culture must have this!

Stitching Identities in a Free Trade Zone
Sandya Hewamanne
University of Pennsylvania Press
3905 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4112
9780812221121 $24.95 www.upenn.edu/pennpress 1-800-537-5487

Anthropology instructor Sandya Hewamanne presents Stitching Identities in a Free Trade Zone: Gender and Politics in Sri Lanka, an anthropological study of the impact that the garment work opportunities in the Sri Lankan free trade zone (FTZ) has had upon the women who undertake it. Most of these women are from impoverished rural backgrounds, but unlike women who seek to earn money through domestic work for wealthy families in other nations, they are capable of banding together for mutual protection and looking out for one another's best interests. Hewamanne challenges common perceptions of how women at the bottom of a globalized economy fare, particularly in the epilogue which notes the financial difficulties some former FTZ workers have after they leave their jobs and get married. Stitching Identities in a Free Trade Zone personalizes its research with anecdotes about the lives of female workers, who must negotiate fluidly changing expectations of gender, class, and sexuality. A thought-provoking account that strives to bypass positive and negative preconceptions alike in its quest to uncover the truth of modern-day reality for these women, Stitching Identities in a Free Trade Zone is a welcome addition to anthropology shelves and highly recommended.

Border Culture
Ilan Stavans, editor
Greenwood Press
c/o ABC-CLIO
PO Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
www.abc-clio.com
9780313358203, $55.00, www.amazon.com

Historically speaking, the border separating Mexico from the United States has been fluid, permeable, and a source of contention that has ranged from mile annoyance to overt hostility over the past two centuries. It has also been the setting for cultural, political, and socio-economic conditions that are unique to the area as two distinct cultures (including language) and conflicted, merged, and evolved. "Border Culture" (the newest addition to the impressive Greenwood Press series 'The Ilan Stavans Library of Latino Civilization', deftly compiled and knowledgeably edited by Illan Stavans focuses on the border region and is organized into two major sections. The first being a collection of informed and informative essays dealing with life on the border, the second providing a series a historic and literary accounts on living in 'La Frontera'. A sturdily bound, 168-page work of seminal scholarship and highly recommended for academic and community library American History and International Studies reference collections, "Border Culture" is enhanced with a selected bibliography, and a comprehensive index. Obviously suitable as a curriculum supplement text book, "Border Culture" is also very appropriate for the non-specialist general reader with an interest in contemporary Mexican/American border issues.

Normalizing Japan
Andrew L. Oros
Stanford University Press
1450 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1124
www.sup.org
9780804770668, $24.95, www.amazon.com

Their defeat at the hands of allied forces at the end of World War II brought dramatic changes in the politics and culture of Japan. One of the biggest changes was the abandonment of militarism as a driving social philosophy and a national security that was to be based upon cooperation with the American missile defense strategies of the Cold War era. The newest addition to the Stanford University Press 'Studies in Asian Security' series, "Normalizing Japan: Politics, Identity, and the Evolution of Security Practice" by Andrew L. Oros (Associate Professor of Political Science and International Studies, Washington College, Chestertown, Maryland) is a 304-page study that focuses upon the contemporary misgivings that Japan might be considering further national defense policy changes such as those already established such as their recent establishment of a Ministry of Defense and deployment of Japanese military elements to Iraq. A model of academic research, "Normalizing Japan" is enhanced with seven major appendices, extensive notes, a 29-page bibliography, and a comprehensive index, making it an invaluable and strongly recommended addition to academic library Contemporary International Studies reference collections in general, and Japanese Governmental Studies reading lists in particular.

The Pen and the Sword
David Barsamian
Haymarket Books
PO Box 180165, Chicago, IL 60618
9781931859950 $15.00 www.haymarketbooks.org

The Pen and the Sword: Conversations with Edward Said collects five interviews with Palestinian author and critic Edward Said (1935-2003), conducted by David Barsamian, director of Alternative Radio. Ranging in subject from Said's literary scholarship, to "Orientalism", to music and popular culture, to the crimes of the Israeli occupation and the troubling direction in which PLO leadership took the Palestinian liberation movement during 1987-94 (as well as the pivotal need for greater understanding of the conflict today), The Pen and the Sword is insightful and invaluable reading. Highly recommended, especially for international literary scholarship collections and anyone searching for testimonies about the big picture of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Dentistry 101
David W. Longworth
Beaver's Pond Press
7104 Ohms Lane, Suite 101, Edina, MN 55439-2129
9781592983124, $14.95, www.beaverspondpress.com

All too often, good dental health is prioritized beneath already neglected body health. "Dentistry 101" discusses the importance of good dental health, something ignored by many Americans. Telling the facts of dentistry, such stopping cavities before they start, good teeth can last forever, and that dental care is something affordable for everyone, "Dentistry 101" is a must for anyone who underestimates the importance and value of white teeth.

Multiple Sclerosis Manifesto
Julie Stachowiak, Ph.D.
Demos
11 W. 42nd St., 15th Floor, New York NY 10036
9781932603446, $19.95 www.demoshealth.com

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS MANIFESTO: ACTION TO TAKE, PRINCIPLES TO LIVE BY offers a basic resource for people with MS, using the author's own experiences with MS to provide a resource addressing common challenges, barriers and opportunities. From participating in studies to becoming pro-active in treatment and understanding how dysfunctions feel and affect life, MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS MANIFESTO is an action-oriented guide that goes well beyond simple definitions. Health and general collections need this approach.

Ultra Fat to Ultra Fit
Noah Walton, Ph.D.
Sentient
1113 Spruce St., Boulder, CO 80302
9781591810902, $15.95 www.sentientpublications.com

Noah Walton decided to transform himself from a 340-pound blimp to an elite athlete - and tested his limits during the process. Five years later he completed the U.S. National Triathlon Championship. His insights on how he achieved extreme fitness make for an inspirational survey recommended for any who would transform themselves.

Arthritis Sourcebook, third edition
Amy L. Sutton, Editor
Omnigraphics
Box 625, Holmes, PA 19043
9780780810778, $93.00 www.omnigraphics.com

The third updated edition of ARTHRITIS SOURCEBOOK is a winner, offering the latest details on diagnosing, treating and managing all kinds of arthritis. The symptoms and treatments of related diseases accompany tips on reducing pain and inflammation and managing arthritis-related disability.

Slow Death By Rubber Duck
Rick Smith & Bruce Lourie
Counterpoint
2117 - 4th St, Suite D, Berkeley, CA 94710
9781582435671, $25.00 www.counterpointpress.com

Slow Death By Rubber Duck: The Secret Danger of Everyday Things examines the pollution of everyday living - population coming from common items in our homes and workplaces, from shampoos and carpets to toys. The authors conducted their own research by ingesting and inhaling a host of everyday items: their survey exposes daily household dangers and offers important keys to decontaminating a home.

Living with Someone Who's Living with Bipolar Disorder
Chelsea Lowe and Bruce M. Cohen, MD, PhD
Jossey-Bass, Inc.
989 Market Street, 5th floor, San Francisco, CA 94103-1741
9780470475669, $18.95 www.josseybass.com

Living with Someone Who's Living with Bipolar Disorder: A Practical Guide for Family, Friends and Coworkers provides a warm book on how to handle changing moods, ups and downs, and other behaviors. It's designed as a non-technical, everyday coping guide and offers case histories and stories of how others developed effective coping strategies. General and health libraries will find this important considering the increasing diagnosis of bipolar with all its management implications.

Telling Tales About Dementia
Lucy Whitman, Editor
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
400 Market St. #400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
9781843109419, $19.95, www.jkp.com

Telling Tales About Dementia: Experiences of Caring offers experiences from some thirty care givers from different backgrounds and circumstances who describe their experiences caring for a partner, parent or friend with dementia. Any affected by dementia in either a professional or personal realm will find this collection eye-opening, engaging, and educational. A pick for health and aging collections alike.

The Encyclopedia Of Energy Medicine
Linnie Thoms & Carrie Obry
Fairview Press
2450 Riverside Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55454
www.fairviewpress.org
9781577492375, $24.95, www.amazon.com

Alternative medicine is increasingly part of a traditional medical paradigm. "The Encyclopedia Of Energy Medicine", written and compiled by certified Healing touch practitioner and instructor Linnie Thomas, and expertly edited by Llewellyn Worldwide editor Carrie Obry, is an impressive 568-page compendium providing readers with the history and utilization of a variety of energies utilized as complementary medicines with respect to illnesses and injuries. Presented in an encyclopedic format organized into four major sections (Eastern, Western, Spiritual, and Shamanic), "The Encyclopedia Of Energy Medicine" covers an impressive and comprehensive roster of treatments ranging from Acupressure; Thought Field Therapy; CranioSacral Therapy; and Advanced Integrative Therapy; to Attunement Therapy; Noetic Field Therapy; Healing Sounds; and Melody Crystal Healing. Informed, informative, comprehensive, and thoroughly 'reader friendly', "The Encyclopedia Of Energy Medicine" is very highly recommended for personal, professional, academic, and community library Health & Medicine reference collections.

Bringing Down High Blood Pressure
Chad Rhoden
Rowman & Littlefield
4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20766
9781590771594, $22.95, www.rlpgtrade.com

A high blood pressure is a sign of many things, but most importantly, ill health. "Bringing Down High Blood Pressure" is a complete and comprehensive health guide for those who are dealing with high blood pressure and want to bring down its many ill effects. A very common disease in America, the expertise of Chad Rhoden and Sarah Wiley Schien, both masters of their fields, provide much to help readers do what they can so that they can manage their own disease instead of it managing them. "Bringing Down High Blood Pressure" is a choice pick for general health collections.

Tyler's Herbs Of Choice, third edition
Dennis V. C. Awang
CRC Press
Suite 300, 6000 NW Broken Sound Parkway NW, Boca Raton, FL 33487
www.crcpress.com
9780789028099, $89.95, www.amazon.com

From paleolithic times down to the modern age, herbs have been the fundamental basis for balms, salves, and internal medications for human ills, aliments, physical injuries, and mental traumas. Now in a thoroughly updated and expanded third edition, "Tyler's Herbs of Choice: The Therapeutic Use of Phytomedicinals" by Canadian author, academician and medical researcher Dr. Dennis V. C. Awang, is a 296-page guide to the medical properties and usages of herbs. Beginning with a thorough overview of the basic principles involved, "Tyler's Herbs Of Choice" is superbly organized and presented with chapters focused thematically appropriate herbs with respect to problems involving the digestive system problems; the kidney, urinary tract, and prostate; respiratory tract; cardiovascular system; nervous system; endocrine and metabolic issues; arthritic and musculoskeletal disorders; skin, mucous membranes, and gingiva; performance and immune deficiencies. Of special note are the subsections on herbs and cancer (including the unproven anticancer herbs including apricot pits, Pau d'Arco, and Mistletoe). enhanced with extensive references, and appendix on 'The herbal regulatory system.', and a comprehensive index, "Tyler's Herbs Of Choice" is a core addition to any and all professional and academic library medical and herbal reference collection.


The Woodworking Shelf

How To Choose & Use Bench Planes and Scrapers
John English
Linden Publishing
2006 South Mary, Fresno, CA 93721-9875
www.woodworkerslibrary.com
9781933502298, $24.95, www.amazon.com

The latest woodworking instructional reference from Linden Publishing, "How To Choose & Use Bench Planes and Scrapers" by professional cabinet maker John English is a 120-page compendium focused on the proper selection and maintenance of those indispensable woodworking tools, the plane and the scraper. With superbly illustrated, step-by-step instructions, "How To Choose & use Bench Planes and Scrapers" is ideal for the novice woodworker and an invaluable refresher for the experienced craftsman. From grinding a primary bevel, to honing a secondary bevel, to testing for sharpness, "How To Choose & use Bench Planes and Scrapers" is as practical as it is 'user friendly, and an invaluable addition to personal, professional, academic, and community library woodworking reference collections.


The Gardening Shelf

Complete Idiot's Guide to Year-Round Gardening
Delilah Smittle and Sheri Ann Richardson
Alpha
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
9781592579709, $19.95 www.idiotsguides.com

Complete Idiot's Guide to Year-Round Gardening offers clear information and expert advice for novice and seasoned gardeners alike. From tips to get plants started indoors or outdoors to common plants that can be grown under cover and techniques for greenhouse and root-cellar gardening alike, this packs in tips for successful year-round results.

Garden Wisdom & Know-How
Rodale Gardening Book Editors
Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers
151 West 19th Street, New York, NY 10011
www.workman.com
9781579128371, $19.95, www.amazon.com

Compiled by freelance book editor Judy Pray, "Garden Wisdom and Know-How: Everything You Need to Know to Plant, Grow, and Harvest" is a large, 480-page, coffee-table reference book that covers every aspect of gardening from soil preparation, to plant selection, to insect and pest control, to flower arranging, to cooking with herbs. Enhanced throughout with a profusion of charts, lists, diagrams, and illustrations, "Garden Wisdom & Know-How" is an amazing and practical compendium of special projects ranging from creating outdoor rooms and making a barrel composter, to building a moth trap, to making a portable trellis. Densely packed from cover to cover with information, ideas, examples, and gardening resources, "Garden Wisdom & Know-How" is an ideal instructional reference guide for novice gardeners and experienced professionals alike. No community library gardening reference collections can be considered complete without the addition of "Garden Wisdom and Know-How: Everything You Need to Know to Plant, Grow, and Harvest"!


The Antiques/Collectibles Shelf

Standard Catalog of World Coins 1801-1900, sixth edition
George S. Cuhaj, Editor
Krause Publications
700 East State St., Iola, WI 54990-0001
0896899403, $70.00 www.shopnumismaster.com

Any library catering to avid coin collectors will relish the sixth updated edition of Standard Catalog of World Coins 1801-1900. It lists coins by date and grade and provides updates to their latest values, includes detailed descriptions of all designs, and covers coins struck in gold, platinum, silver and more. A user's guide to the catalog, International Numeral Systems chart, and current foreign exchange rates are exceptional features in this edition.

Red Wing Stoneware Encyclopedia
Dan DePasquale & Larry Peterson
Collector Books
Box 3009, Paducah, KY 42002-30009
9781574326314, $29.95 www.collectorbooks.com

Red Wing Stoneware Encyclopedia is a 'must' for any serious collector of this stoneware. It is arranged by type of ware and includes good-sized color photos and descriptions along with the latest values for kitchen ware, jugs, churns, and more. Red Wing stoneware has a distinctive look: this encyclopedia packs in the latest values and descriptions and is invaluable for stoneware collectors!

Flea Market Trader, seventeenth edition
Collector Books
PO Box 3009, Paducah, KY 42002-3009
www.collectorbooks.com
9781574325829, $15.95, www.amazon.com

Now in a newly updated and expanded seventeenth edition enhanced with full color illustrations, the "Flea Market Trader" continues to be an invaluable, practical, 'user friendly', and highly portable reference for flea market and garage sale buyers and sellers. Listing literally thousands of items along with their current estimated values, the "Flea Market Trader" is an indispensable guide for amateurs and professionals alike. Whether assessing the value of miscellaneous items retrieved from attics and basements, or doing 'on-the-spot' evaluations and price comparisons while wandering the marketplace or yard sale, the "Flea Market Trader" is a reliable, comprehensive, and highly recommended resource.


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

Lost Cities & Ancient Mysteries of the Southwest
David Hatcher Childress
Adventures Unlimited Press
1 Adventure Place, Kempton, IL 60946
9781931882941, $19.95, www.adventuresunlimitedpress.com

The Native American Indians had their own culture and customs, and our ancestors weren't enlightened enough to preserve this culture. "Lost Cities & Ancient Mysteries of the Southwest" is a metaphysical journey into the American Southwest looking for lost mysteries and superstitions throughout this region. From lost Native American civilizations, to Western ghost towns, and ancient American mummies, "Lost Cities & Ancient Mysteries of the Southwest" is a must for those who relish the legends and ancient history of America.

Lowcountry Voodoo
Terrance Zepke
Pineapple Press
PO Box 3889, Sarasota, FL 34230-3889
9781561644551, $9.95, www.pineapplepress.com

Voodoo is something that has to be studied to be truly understood. "Lowcountry Voodoo: Beginner's Guide to Tales, Spells, and Boo Hags" looks into this folk magic, still sporadically practiced in the Southern United States, in particular South Carolina's lowcountry. Terrance Zepke brings readers into the myths and legends of voodoo, exploring its superstitions and how some of it can be applied to even those who don't place their faith in the voodoo. "Lowcountry Voodoo" shouldn't be missed by those with an interest in the American occult.

The Weiser Field Guide To Cryptozoology
Deena West Budd
Weiser Books
c/o Red Wheel/Weiser/Conari
65 Parker Street, Suite 7, Newburyport, MA 01950-4600
www.redwheelweiser.com
9781578634507, $14.95, www.amazon.com

Cryptozoology is the study of mythic and legendary creatures. The term was originated by French zoologist Bernard Heuvelman in the 1950s. "The Weiser Field Guide to Cryptozoology: Werewolves, Dragons, Skyfish, Lizard Men, and Other Fascinating Creatures Real and Mysterious" is a 192-page compendium providing a brief history of cryptozoology and a wealth of descriptive information on creatures ranging from Mongolian Death Worms; Frogmen of Loveland; and Shadow People; to Dragons; the New Jersey Devil; and Werewolves. Informed and informative, "The Weiser Field Guide to Cryptozoology: Werewolves, Dragons, Skyfish, Lizard Men, and Other Fascinating Creatures Real and Mysterious" is a highly recommended addition to personal, academic, and community library Metaphysical Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.


The Fiction Shelf

Chocolate Soup
Del Staecker
Cable Publishing
14090 E. Keinenen Rd., Brule, WI 54820
Litrides Associates (publicity)
532 North President Ave, Lancaster PA 17603-2602
9781934980576, $23.95, www.cablepublishing.com

"Chocolate Soup" by mastery mystery writer Del Staecker is the newest adventure of Ledge Trabue who now finds himself residing in a New Orleans hotel and part of the life of a city that is struggling to recover from Hurricane Katrina. Unfortunately for Ledge and the city, there is worse than flood water aftermath to deal with as he finds himself enmeshed in a new storm of greed, deceit, and murder. As with his previous 'Ledge Trabue' mystery novels, "Chocolate Soup" is a deftly written masterpiece that rivets the reader's total attention and engagement from first page to last. Although available in a softcover edition (9781934980583, $14.95), community libraries would be well advised to acquire the hardcover edition for an extended shelf life and continued accessibility to the growing legions of Del Staecker's fans.

My So-Called Death
Stacey Jay
Flux
2143 Wooddale Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125-2989
9780738715438, $9.95, www.fluxnow.com

That craving for brains is an instinct that must be overcome in polite zombie society. "My So-Called Death" is a morbid and humorous take on high school life as Karen Vera copes with her recent death and induction into zombie society, and her new best friend in death has her brain stolen. Determined to find the thief, Stacey Jay crafts an exciting world of zombies and makes a story that will appeal to countless young readers with a bit of black humor. "My So-Called Death" is a top pick and highly original reading.

The Logic of the World
Robert Kelly
McPherson & Company
PO Box 1126, Kingston, NY 12402
9780929701899, $24.00, www.mcphersonco.com

Highly prolific and highly experienced writer Robert Kelly brings his fans another treat with "The Logic of the World: And Other Fictions" as he brings a collection of short stories touching on countless themes of the world and countless settings ranging from the metaphysical to the fantastic to the realistic. With something for everyone and much in the way of originality, "The Logic of the World" is a fine anthology to add to any community library short fiction collection.

As If We Were Prey
Michael Delp
Made in Michigan Writers Series
c/o Wayne State University Press
4809 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Michigan, 48201-1309
9780814334775, $15.95, www.wsupress.wayne.edu

Society places pressure on everyone and no one understands it as a universal plight. "As If We Were Prey" tells the stories of several men who under the pressures of life are taken to their limit as they try to make their way through life and all of its tiresome and stressful ways. His stories focus on the mindset we all face, and how we all handle differently. A read countless readers will relate to, "As If We Were Prey" is a fine short fiction collection that would do well in any library catering to the genre.

Devil's Food Cake
Josi S. Kilpack
Deseret Book
PO Box 30178, Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0178
9781606412329, $17.99, www.joiskilpack.com

She brought cake, and all she was given for her troubles was a murder mystery. "Devil's Food Cake" tells the story of helpful community woman Sadie Hoffmiller, as she finds herself ignored by the authorities and driven to crack the case herself, despite her leading involvement to a murder was bringing a cake to the event. But this cake maker may find that she's the best for the job, making "Devil's Food Cake" a fun mystery that's offbeat and a highly recommended read.

Mean Town Blues
Sam Reaves
Pegasus Books
45 Wall Street, Suite 1021, New York, NY 10005
9781605980034, $25.00, www.pegasusbooks.us

You can go from having nothing to having everything on the line very quick. "Mean Town Blues" tells of Kentucky Boy Sam Tommy McLain as he rolls into Chicago and finds himself driven into a Chi-Town gang war where his life, and the life of his newest interest Lisa DiPietro may be on the line, as he tries to make sense of it all, trying to escape with his life and his freedom. An exciting crime thriller with heavy noir inspiration, "Mean Town Blues" is a choice pick for mystery fans.

Katy's New World
Kim Vogel Sawyer
Zondervan
c/o Harper Collins
5300 Patterson Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49530
9780310719243, $9.99, www.zondervan.com

The Mennonites have always been a secluded people, but are not against their own connecting with outsiders. "Katy's New World" tells the story of a teenager who was given the opportunity to attend public high school despite being brought up in a traditional Mennonite society. Through her new life in high school she finds herself between a rift of her new modern school life and her traditional life back home. "Katy's New World" is an intriguing read that many young readers will relish.

Heartbreak Tango
Manuel Puig
Dalkey Archive
1805 S. Wright Street, MC-011, Champaign, IL 61820
9781564785534, $13.95, www.dalkeyarchive.com

Classy has nothing to do with any of life. "Heartbreak Tango" is a novel from Argentinean Author Manuel Puig, as he provides a vivid picture of life of in Argentina as his protagonist Juan Carlos Etchepare faces life, and grants a story looking to the highest highs of culture to the lowest of lows. Poignant and hilarious simultaneously, "Heartbreak Tango" is a solid addition to any world fiction collection.

The Hidden Dance, large print edition
Susan Wooldridge
ISIS Large Print
c/o Ulverscroft Large Print (USA), Inc.
PO Box 1230, West Seneca, NY 14224-1230
www.ulverscroftusa.com
9780753184943, $32.50, www.amazon.com

In 1933, aboard the luxury liner SS Etoile, Lily Sutton seeks to leave behind a failed marriage and start her life over again in America. Of limited financial means (and to avoid attracting unwanted attention), Lilly is in steerage. A new friend helps, especially when an old enemy appears. Now Lilly finds that she must protect herself and those she loves while journeying on to that hoped for 'new beginning'. "The Hidden Dance" is a skillfully written, thoroughly engaging, and ultimately satisfying novel by a talented writer. This large print edition is particularly appropriate for, and recommended to, community library LP fiction collections.

Prisoners
Burt Zollo
Academy Chicago Publishers
363 West Erie Street, Chicago, IL 60654
0897335155, $16.95, www.academychicago.com

Rough conditions make for strange bedfellows. "Prisoners" tells of Sergeant Sandy Delman, an American Jew faced with guarding a POW camp in rural France. Finding guarding anti-Semitic Germans difficult, he ends up in conflicts with the powers that be. But when supplies run low for all the people at the camp, both soldier and prisoner, a unique and strange plan is hatched. "Prisoners" is a unique take on World War II novels and a fascinating read.

The Children of Mother Glory
CM Harris
Spinsters Ink
PO Box 242, Midway, FL 32343
9781935226109, $14.95, www.spinstersink.com

Traditional religion has always found itself at odds with the flows of progress. "The Children of Mother Glory" tells of Glory Potter, a matriarch in the town of Gulliver where her sons and daughters face their inner conflicts that put them against the other people of their town and themselves. A woman who was brought up in traditional small town America and has her own splintered religious sect, the matriarch faces the many LGBT issues that enter her life, as well as her own deep seated attractions. "The Children of Mother Glory" is a riveting tale that sends its message well.

Lift
Kelly Corrigan
Voice
c/o Hyperion
114 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10011
9781401341244, $16.99, www.everywomansvoice.com

There's no such thing as an easy way through life. "Lift" is a collection of true and inspirational stories from Kelly Corrigan, who encourages readers to use these stories to help them through their tough times in life, and reminds readers no one is invulnerable and no one is perfect. Simple and uplifting tales, "Lift" is a choice pick for anyone who wants to understand love and that it's always there for them.

From Away
David Carkeet
The Overlook Press
141 Wooster Street, New York, NY 10012
9781590203040, $25.95, www.overlookpress.com

Cleverness is something more dangerous than most let on. "From Away" tells the story of Denny Braintree, a man who finds himself in Vermont. Mistaken for a missing person, he takes the identity, and soon finds that his real persona is wanted as a murder suspect. Denny, faced with maintaining his facade to keep his freedom, finds that solving a mystery as someone else isn't the easiest thing in the world. "From Away" is an original and riveting tale, and a choice pick for fiction collections.

Francis: The Saint of Assisi
Joan Mueller
New City Press
202 Cardinal Rd., Hyde Park, NY 12538
9781565483323, $19.95, www.newcitypress.com

The story of Saint Francis Assisi is a key piece of Catholic history. "Francis: The Saint of Assisi" is Joan Mueller taking the pen of dramatic fiction to tell the story of Saint Francis of Assisi, to bring his story into her interpretation of his life. The story of Francis and Clare rings true and proves an enlightening and informative, as well as entertaining read throughout. "Francis: the Saint of Assisi" is a top pick for historical fiction readers.


The World History Shelf

Amarna Sunset
Aidan Dodson
The American University in Cairo Press
c/o International Publishers Marketing
22841 Quicksilver Drive, Dulles, VA 20166
9789774163043 $24.95 www.aucpress.com 1-800-758-3756

Amarna Sunset: Nefertiti,Tutankhamun, Ay, Horemheb, and the Egyptian Counter-Reformation is a historical study emerging from the latest research into the evidence of the pharaohs who governed Egypt in the fourteenth century B.C.E. A dramatic chronicle of political intrigue, Amarna Sunset explores the decline and end of Akhenaten's religious revolution - from the demise of the king's loved ones to efforts to place a foreigner on Egypt's throne to the rise of army officers, and presenting a theory that Nefertiti was the mother of Tutankhamun. A wealth of black-and-white photographs, appendices, and an index around out this intriguing and involving historical study and extrapolation. Amarna Sunset is an absolute "must" for college library Egyptology collections.

Daily Life in the Roman City
Gregory S. Aldrete
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
9780806140278 $19.95 www.oupress.com 1-800-627-7377

Gregory S. Aldrete (Professor of History and Humanistic Studies, University of Wisconsin at Green Bay) presents Daily Life in the Roman City: Rome Pompeii, and Ostia, a scholarly examination of the similarities and differences of ancient Rome's cities - their infrastructure, government, economy, dangers, highlights, entertainment, religion, and more. The final two chapters invoke particular focus upon Ostia, an industrial port city, and Pompeii, the city that would become a virtual time capsule preserving a snapshot of Roman daily life. Black-and-white photographs, a wealth of appendices, and an index round out this absorbing, informative and extraordinary study, highly recommended especially for public and college library world history shelves.

Lenin's Brother
Philip Pomper
WW Norton
500 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10110
9780393070798, $24.95, www.wwnorton.com

Family has more bearing on history than one would believe. "Lenin's Brother: The Origins of the October Revolution" delves into the relationship of Vladimir Lenin and his older brother Alexander Ulyanov. Alexander lead a revolution against the Russian tsar, and was hanged for it. These events fueled much of Lenin's desire to eventually succeed where his brother failed. "Lenin's Brother" is captivating insight into one of the events that spurred one of the great stories of the twentieth century.

The Other Middle Kingdom
Chiara Betta
University of Indianapolis Press
1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227-3697
0880938536, $19.95, www.uindy.edu

Islam has always been an aggressive religion as far as preaching goes, and its early pilgrims traveled all over the known world. "The Other Middle Kingdom: A Brief History of Muslims in China" covers the history of how Islam gained a small cultural subset of China, adding another bit of diversity to an already diverse people. Traders traveled to China brought their religions, and through this, Islamic Chinese remain even to this day. Presented in both English and Chinese, "The Other Middle Kingdom" is a fascinating read for history lovers.

Contested Territory
Heidi V. Scot
University of Notre Dame Press
310 Flanner Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556
9780268041311, $35.00, www.undpress.nd.edu

When the Europeans arrived, every part of America was due for a major conflict of history. "Contested Territory: Mapping Peru in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Century" delves into the colonial history of Peru as the Spanish conquistadors butt heads with the natives for control on the region and the lasting impression through history that these conflicts left. A fascinating piece of South American history, "Contested Territory" should have a spot in every world history collection.

Calendar of the Letter of Pierre De Cros
Daniel Williman
Medieval & Renaissance Texts & Studies
Arizona State University
PO Box 872508, Tempe, AZ 85287-2508
www.asu.edu/clas/acmrs/publications
9780866984041, $59.00, www.amazon.com

Deftly and knowledgeably edited by Daniel Williman (Professor Emeritus of Latin and History, Binghamton University), "Calendar of the Letter of Pierre De Cros, Chamberlain to Pope Gregory XI (1371-1378)" is a seminal correspondence collection providing invaluable insights into the Pope most credited with the Church of Rome's acquisition of wealth. Now ably translated into English, and enhanced with genealogy charts, an extensive bibliography, a comprehensive index, and an accompanying CD-ROM, "Calendar of the Letter of Pierre De Cros" is a strongly recommended addition to academic library European Medieval Studies and Roman Catholic Papal History reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

The Last Crusaders
Barnaby Rogerson
The Overlook Press
141 Wooster Street, New York, NY 10012
9781590202869, $35.00, www.overlookpress.com

A central city for many religions, Jerusalem and its surrounding land drove many wars. "The Last Crusaders: The Hundred-Year Battle for the Center of the World" discusses the era where Europe led itself into the Islamic world on multiple occasions to try to reclaim the Holy Land. Battles through North Africa, battles through the Mediterranean Sea, Barnaby Rogerson presents an utterly fascinating history of the era stating how the Crusades bridged feudal Europe with modern history and still have strong implications on today's world. "The Last Crusader" is a choice pick and solidly recommended read, not to be missed for history collections.


The Civil War Shelf

So You Think You Know Gettysburg?
James and Suzanne Gindlesperger
John F. Blair, Publisher
1406 Plaza Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27103
9780895873743 $18.95 www.blairpub.com 1-800-222-9796

Co-written by members of the Friends of Gettysburg Foundation, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Civil War Preservation Trust, So You Think You Know Gettysburg? The Stories Behind the Monuments and the Men Who Fought One of America's Most Epic Battles lives up to its title with a wealth of detailed, historically accurate information about the great battle that was the turning point of the American Civil War. Full color photographs on almost every page illustrate these amazing true tales of carnage, bravery, corruption, and even screw-ups (such as the ten Confederates buried by accident in the Gettysburg National Cemetery). The complete stories behind Gettysburg's different moments form the heart of the fascinating and worthy contribution to Civil War history shelves, especially recommended for armchair travelers as the next best thing to visiting the historic sites of Gettysburg in person.

Consigned Indifference
Ron V. Killian
Heritage Books
100 Railroad Ave, Suite 104, Westminster, Maryland 21157-4826
www.heritagebooks.com
9780788445163, $35.00, www.amazon.com

There were almost one thousands men who achieved the rank of general during the American Civil War. Six of the more obscure but still quite significant of those men are showcased in "Consigned Indifference: The Military Careers of Six Civil War Generals with Tenuous Fame", a 428-page historical compendium focused upon Union generals Charles P. Stone; Charles Smith Hamilton; George Stoneman; Charles Garrison Harker; and Confederate generals Lloyd Tilghman and Evander McIvor Law. The informed and informative text is nicely enhanced with a number of historical illustrations. Of special note is the opening chapter presentation on Civil War era generalship as perceived and conducted by both the North and the South. A seminal work of enduring value for Civil War Studies, "Consigned Indifference" is very highly recommended for personal, academic, and community library collections.


The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf

Anne Steelyard: The Garden of Emptiness
Barbara Hambly, et al.
Penny Farthing Press
2000 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. South, Suite 550, Houston, TX 77042
9780984214303, $14.95, www.amazon.com

"Anne Steelyard and The Garden of Emptiness, Act II: The Gate of Dreams and Starlight" is the second volume of adventures starring Anne Steelyard, a very independent minded young woman whose is determined to break away from the social strictures of a dominating father and British society to live life on her own terms. An amateur archaeologist in the years just preceding World War I, Anne is caught up in Middle Eastern intrigue as she helps the British intelligence service in finding out what the Turks and the Germans are up to, as well as trying to locate a long lost city of antiquity. A kind of female 'Lawrence of Arabia' combined with the feminine equivalent of an 'Indiana Jones', Anne's action/adventure saga is spiced with the mystical and magical. "Anne Steelyard and The Garden of Emptiness, Act II: The Gate of Dreams and Starlight" is a thoroughly entertaining graphic novel read that will leave Barbara Hambly's fans looking eagerly toward the next thrilling installment!


The Audiobook Shelf

Monty Moudlyn
Birke R. Duncan
Northwest Folklore
PO Box 253, Poulsbo, WA 98370
0971058253, $11.50, www.amazon.com

Monty Moudlyn is a man with a mission. He means to bring peace to the world by the simple human gesture of the hug and founding a universal peace organization called 'The Hug Brigade'. Now his 'autobiography' is presented in a vivid dramatization in Birke Duncan's "Monty Moudlyn, Founder of the Hug Brigade", a superbly written and acted CD audio theatre production. The character and story are based upon short stories Ducan has written and which were published in such obscure periodicals as 'A Very Small Magazine' and 'The Ecphorizer: A Mensa Magazine of Literature & Ideas'. This audio production is a thoroughly engaging 'theater of the mind' experience and highly recommended for personal leisure time listening and community library audio book collections.

Third Girl
Agatha Christie, author
Hugh Fraser, narrator
BBC Audiobooks America
42 Whitecap Drive, North Kingstown, RI 02852-7445
9781602839113 $29.95 www.BBCAudiobooksAmerica.com

Third Girl: A Hercule Poirot Mystery is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of one of Agatha Christie's classic mystery novels. Three single girls are roommates in London; one is a secretary, one is an artist, and the third - who seeks help from Poirot - disappears, convinced that she is a murderer. Poirot finds and ocean of malign rumors, but uncovering hard evidence to determine whether the third girl is truthful, false, or deluded will take all his skill and determination. A gripping story of intrigue all the way through, skillfully narrated by Hugh Fraser (who played Captain Hastings, Poirot's assistant in the television adaptation of Poirot's mysteries broadcasted by A&E and PBS), Third Girl is an absolute must-have for Agatha Christie's many devotees. 6 CDs, 7 hours.

Scriptural Meditations For the Divine Mercy Chaplet
ACTA Publications
5559 West Howard Street, Skokie, IL 60077
9780879464219 $14.95 www.actapublications.com 1-800-397-2282

Based on the booklet "Scriptural Meditations" by Lucas J. Amato S.F.O., Scriptural Meditations For the Divine Mercy Chaplet is an audio CD of some of the most widely embraced Catholic devotions, voiced by both male and female narrators, and accompanied by brief passages from Scripture meant to inspire meditation on divine mysteries. A brief history of each devotion as well as basic instructions concerning how to pray it are included. Original music by Sheldon Cohen adds a beautiful touch to this audio CD, highly recommended to practicing Catholics everywhere. 1 CD, 23 minutes.

Death at Victoria Dock
Kerry Greenwood, author
Stephanie Daniel, narrator
Bolinda Publishing
186 S Long Swamp Rd, Jackson, ME 04921
9781921415814 $63.95 www.bolinda.com

Death at Victoria Dock is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of the fourth mystery following the brilliant and seductive Phryne Fisher. When a young man with a pierced ear and blue tattoo dies in front of her, she vows to uncover who killed him and why - a search that will take her to tattoo parlours, pubs, spiritualist halls, meetings with Anarchists, and more. A tangled web of intrigue unfolds in this extraordinary mystery. Smoothly narrated by expert actress Stephanie Daniel, Death at Victoria Dock is a treat for fans of the genre, and highly recommended. 5 CDs, 6 hours 30 minutes, tracks every 3 minutes for easy bookmarking.

Brilliance Corporation
Grand Rapids, MI 49417
www.brillianceaudio.com

Stephen Coonts's DEEP BLACK: SEA OF TERROR (1423344146, $36.99) enjoys a seasoned, dramatic performance by Phil Gigante as it tells of two massive ships bent on destruction. Two factions of terrorists have joined to infiltrate the ships and target them towards the U.S. in this espionage thriller, brought to vivid life in a dramatic audio listen. Mira Kirshenbaum's TOO GOOD TO LEAVE, TOO BAD TO STAY (1441824286, $29.99) receives a fine performance by therapist Adriane McNeeley, offering a practical, wise book on relationships that run the middle ground between good and bad. From forgivable sins and unpardonable ones to self-doubts and relationship struggles, this will attract many a patron. Steve Hamilton's THE LOCK ARTIST (1441815449, $29.99) receives a fine performance by MacLeod Andrews, who has performed in numerous stage productions in New York City, and tells of Michael, traumatized at eight, now eighteen, and a wizard at opening locks. The story is dramatic and revealing. George A. Akerlof and Robert J. Shiller's ANIMAL SPIRITS: HOW HUMAN PSYCHOLOGY DRIVES THE ECONOMY, AND WHY IT MATTERS FOR GLOBAL CAPITALISM (1441816623, $29.99) receives a fine performance by Marc Vietor and provides an excellent 'road map' for reserving financial issues. The push is for a more active government role in economic policy making - and this discusses the idea of 'animal spirits' and the psychic gloom that leads to depressions. Any business collection will relish this.

Penguin Audio
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
www.penguin.com

Laurell K. Hamilton's BLOODY BONES (9780143144052, $39.95) is spiced with Kimberly Alexis' moving voice and offers a fast-paced vampire thriller novel returning Anita Blake to the center of attention. Here two jobs involve raising an entire graveyard of corpses and finding out what happened to three teens brutally murdered. Her dual jobs tax her best skills in this fine thriller. Hamilton's THE KILLING DANCE (9780143144069, $39.95) provides a fine Anita Blake vampire novel with Alexis again spicing the presentation and lending uniformity to the results. Here Anita's become a wanted woman with a price on her head - and is forced to choose between a vampire and a werewolf in a complicated dual love life. An outstanding story evolves. Marian Keyes' THE BRIGHTEST STAR IN THE SKY (9780143145530, $39.95) receives Caitrona Keyes' lilting voice and strong presentation as it tells of mismatched tenants at a Dublin house and a PR rep who has just turned forty and wants something new in her life. Family ties, an elderly psychic, and more make for a novel that blends humor with insights. Elizabeth Gilbert's STERN MEN (9780143143345, $39.95) enjoys Allison Ryan's stage experience and smooth voice as it provides a fine first novel about life, love and lobster fishing set in Maine. Listeners will enjoy the story of a woman determined to join the 'stern men' and work aboard lobster boats in this delightful tale. Alex Berenson's THE MIDNIGHT HOUSE (9780143145394, $39.95) receives a fine reading by George Guidall, a top audio narrator, as it tells of a CIA agent's return to investigate the murder of retired operatives and Army personnel. The victims were part of a ten-member interrogation team - and Wells is charged with finding the killer in this tense audio thriller. Sarah Blake's THE POSTMISTRESS (9780143145448, $39.95) pairs Orlagh Cassidy's extensive film background and smooth dramatic voice with the story of 1940 France during World War II after the fall, and an American radio gal whose dispatches about the war's progression are unwelcome. Romance, war and fear collide in this vivid, engrossing story.

Hachette Audio
www.hachetteaudio.com

Ozzy Osbourne's I AM OZZY (9781607885207, $24.98) receives a fine reading by Frank Skinner and includes an exclusive audio interview with Ozzy as it follows the rock singer's life and times. Published to coincide with his book of the same name, I AM OZZY is a winning audio selection for any library where rock music star biographies in audio are of interest. Elizabeth Kostova's THE SWAN THIEVES (9781600247453, $39.98) enjoys a full-cast narration by Treat Williams, Anne Heche and a full cast as it tells of a love story surrounding a painter who attacks a canvas at the National Gallery of Art. What would compel an artist to destroy his most precious love? A psychiatrist investigates and his pursuit of answers leads to some amazing insights in this fine rich love story. Joshua Ferris' THE UNNAMED (9781600248771, $34.98) is narrated by the author who does a fine job of telling of one Tim, a healthy man who loves his wife, work and home - but who one day walks out on everything. A powerful story evolves about mid-life crisis and values.


The Library DVD Shelf

The Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries
Dorothy L. Sayers
Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
$49.99 www.acornmedia.com www.amazon.com

A British aristocrat with a penchant for deductive reasoning, Lord Peter Wimsey was the creation of master mystery writer Dorothy L. Sayers. Now the Acorn Media Group has compiled two feature-length BBC adaptions of her novels in "The Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries: Set 1". 'Clouds of Witness' finds Lord Peter confronted with the murder of his future brother-in-law and the man accused of it is his Lord Peter's brother, Gerald Wimsey. 'The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club' has Lord Peter being called upon to determine 'whodunnit' and why when a member of the exclusive Bellona Club dies on the same day as his sister meets her own death. Featuring the usual impeccable levels of production values, these BBC productions have been superbly packaged as a 3-disc DVD boxed set with total running time of 398 minutes, and include extras such as interviews with Ian Carmichael, production notes, SDH subtitles, and a biography of Dorothy L. Sayers. "The Lord Peter Wimsey Mysteries" will prove to be a welcome and popular addition to community library DVD collections, and an absolute 'must' for the legions of Dorothy L. Sayers' mystery loving fans.

Building Alaska
PBS
c/o SSA Public Relations (publicity)
15260 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1730, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
9781608831630 $24.99 www.ssapr.com

"Building Alaska" (87 min., widescreen, closed captioned) is an extraordinary DVD documentary about the grand engineering projects that shaped the state of Alaska. From the great railroads and highways constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, to the invasion of Alaska by the Japanese during World War II, to the repercussions of the biggest earthquake ever to hit North America, "Building Alaska" reveals how monumental events of history transformed the state forever. Educational as well as entertaining, Building Alaska is a worthy addition to public and school library DVD shelves. Also highly recommended is the PBS documentary "Benjamin Latrobe: America's First Architect" (9781608831937, $24.99, widescreen, closed captioned).

Secrets: Landing and Keeping a Job
Learning ZoneXPress
PO Box 1022, Owatonna, MN 55060
$49.95 www.learningzoneexpress.com 1-888-455-7003

"Secrets: Landing and Keeping a Job" (24 min. grades 9-adult, closed captioned) is a brief, educational DVD about the value of "transferable skills" in today's ever-changing economic market. These are lifelong skills that can be used at any job, and include communication skills, problem solving skills, and the capacity for teamwork. An invaluable and instructive resource enhanced by included teaching materials, Secrets Landing and Keeping a Job is very strongly recommended especially for school and public library collections, particularly given current tough economic times. Another excellent choice from Learning ZoneXpress is "Sew Green: Recycle Repurpose ReStyle" (38 min., grades 7-adult, English subtitles), a wonderful DVD guide to using unconventional materials to create practical and delightful handicrafts such as a fused plastic messenger bag or a cell phone/MP3 player from old jeans.

Kundalini Yoga Meditation for Beginners & Beyond
Ana Brett & Ravi Singh
411 Video Information
PO Box 1223, Pebble Beach, CA 93953
188694296X $15.95 www.411videoinfo.com www.raviana.com

"A List" fitness teachers Ana Brett and Ravi Singh, whose clients have included Olympic athletes and celebrities such as Madonna, present "Kundalini Yoga Meditation for Beginners & Beyond" (2 hours), a guide offering twelve meditation segments as a relaxing and invigorating complement to their more active fitness DVDs. Simple, step-by-step instructions for calming one's mind, controlling one's breathing, and exploring the benefits of tranquility and respite from information overload that meditation can bring. A great introduction to the benefits of meditation, Kundalini Yoga Meditation for Beginners & Beyond is a top pick for viewers of all backgrounds. Also highly recommended are Ana & Ravi's new exercise DVDs focusing on the physical benefits of Kundalini Yoga: "Kundalini Yoga Solar Power All-In-One Workout" (1886942943, $15.95, 80 min.) and "Kundalini Yoga Transformer All-In-One Workout" (1886942951, $15.95, 90 min.).

Crystal Productions
PO Box 2159, Glenview, IL 60025-6159
www.crystalproductions.com 1-800-255-8629

The multi-talented (to the extent of deserving to be called a Renaissance woman) artist Peggy Flores and Crystal Productions present four new instructional crafts DVDs offering recommendations for creative, hands-on projects accessible to viewers of all skill and experience levels. "Making Books" (9781562906191, $29.95, 25 min.) offers techniques for creating books with simple stitch binding, accordion books, and even pop up books for everything from note taking and diaries to sketches. "Printmaking: Basic Techniques" (9781562906061, $29.95, 26 min.) gives a demonstration of relief printing with flat cardboard, Styrofoam, and string which can be glued onto cardboard, painted, and inked. Another simple printing method revealed involves creating images through carving on vinyl blocks, instructing viewers in the use of tools such as brayers, bench hooks, and carving tools. "Junk Sculpture" (9781562906177, $29.95, 23 min.) shows how one can use anything from discarded boxes and paper tubes to plastic containers, egg cartons, and more to create art - animals, figurines, and other delightful objects. A simple how-to instructional, "Junk Sculpture" is especially ideal for kids. "Creating Cultural Art" (9781562906085, $29.95, 27 min.) demonstrates a wide variety of art forms involving indigenous materials - and how these unique styles can be re-imagined using readily accessible materials such as crayons, paint, markers, and pencil. Creations inspired by traditional bark painting, tapa cloths, Celtic knots and designs, and much more make for an enlightening and enriching experience. All four DVDs are very highly recommended especially for school library collections and hands-on art education shelves.

Thunderheads: A Daredevil Quest into the Eye of the Storm
Smithsonian Networks & Infinity Entertainment Group
Greenleaf & Associates (publicity)
vicki@greenleafandassociates.com
$9.98 www.smithsonianchannel.com

Thunderheads: A Daredevil Quest into the Eye of the Storm is an exciting DVD following a bold group of scientists, researchers, and best-of-the-best pilots, equipped with state-of-the-art devices, in their quest to understand the role thunderstorms play in worldwide climate change and global warming. 250 experts put together I.C.E. (the International Cloud Experiment) and ventured to Darwin, Australia to study "Hector", one of Earth's largest thunderstorms. Their search for knowledge put them at odds with grapefruit-sized hail, microbursts, mechanical troubles, and the enigma of "gravity waves". An inexpensive yet extraordinary documentary, highly recommended especially for public library DVD collections. 47 minutes.

Vision Video
PO Box 540, Worcester, PA 19490-0540
www.visionvideo.com 1-800-523-0226

Vision Video is a premiere providers of inexpensive but flawlessly produced DVDs that are particularly appropriate for personal, congregational, and community library collections. Four of their newest titles are especially recommended for Christian viewers. "The Call To Business" (501355D, $19.99, 105 minutes) is a documentary that focuses on how businesses can and should be conducted in accordance with sound biblical principles and consists of eleven 'stand alone' secessions addressing key issues ranging from 'Can church and business combine?' to 'Is there real Biblical evidence for God's interest in business?'. "Saving Face: Matt Kern's Journey from Indictment to Redemption" (501352D, $19.99, 80 minutes) is that story of a young man who, along with two friends, stole a care and in the process, one of them shot and killed the driver. For his part in the crime Matt was sentenced to 60 years in prison. It was while in Florida's DeSoto Correctional Institute that Matt (the youngest male among 1,100 men) suffered brutally, and during it all, was able to experience a spiritual awakening that would change his life. "Long Run Back" (501356D, $24.99, 52 minutes) is the story of a young woman reentering society after serving 11 years in prison and facing the difficulties and prejudices that commonly confront ex-offenders. Also documented is how mental illness often complicates coming to terms with the outside world for someone released from institutional care. "In Spite of Darkness: A Spiritual Encounter with Auschwitz" (501358D, $19.99, 74 minutes) was filmed throughout seven days documenting an interfaith retreat held at the infamous Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau where more than one million people were systematically murdered. The focus in on five members of the retreat including a Rabbi, an atheist, and a Catholic priest, as they address their own responsibilities with respect to the legacy of the Holocaust and how it should be regarded by current and future generations. The production values of these documentaries is uniformly excellent, the subject matter deftly handled and presented, making each of them an inspired and inspiring experience that will be truly memorable in the minds and hearts of the viewers.

Bulletproof Salesman
Petra Epperlein and Michael Tucker
First Run Features
630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213, New York, NY 10036
$24.95 www.firstrunfeatures.com

Bulletproof Salesman is a wryly dark documentary about the work of Fidelis Cloer, a self-described war profiteer, who has supplied kings, presidents, and dictators with top-of-the-line armored vehicles. When the US invaded Iraq, he pounced on the business opportunity brought about by chaos and violence, yet as the war ran on, Improved Explosive Devices (IEDs) became more widely used against his creations. Fidelis became involved in an arms race against insurgents who matched more powerful and sophisticated explosives against his stronger and more expensive armored vehicles. Bulletproof Salesman is ultimately an utterly striking narrative, absolutely unforgettable and highly recommended. 70 minutes.

Belly Beautiful Workout, Volume 1
Patricia Friberg
411 Video Information (publicity)
PO Box 1223, Pebble Beach, CA 93953
$19.95 www.411videoinfo.com www.bellybeautifulworkout.com

Belly Beautiful Workout, Volume 1: Prenatal Fitness for a Beautiful Pregnancy is a fitness DVD offering an exercise program designed to be safe and healthy for women of all fitness levels, and in all trimesters of pregnancy - the program's benefits are sure to invigorize women before and after pregnancy, as well. Combining Pilates, sculpting, stretches, and relaxation techniques, Belly Beautiful Workout does not requires expensive equipment, although a simple stability ball and a foot resistance band are recommended. Professional fitness instructor Patricia Friberg hosts this user-friendly guide to personal fitness, perfect for strengthening one's endurance, reduce stress, and improve mood prior to the big due day. Highly recommended, especially as a baby shower gift! 67 minutes.

Killer Subs in Pearl Harbor
PBS Home Video
c/o SSA Public Relations
15260 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1730, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
9781608831845 $24.99 www.shopPBS.org

Killer Subs in Pearl Harbor is an episode of the award-winning educational documentary series NOVA, re-examining what science and history have to tell us about critical attack on Pearl Harbor that prompted America's involvement in World War II. When the USS Arizona sank, more than 1,000 crew members lost their lives; it was the greatest single loss in American naval history. But the recent discovery of a group of Japanese midget subs in and around Pearl Harbor raises questions about what really happened that fateful day. NOVA follows a team of experts to the sea's floor in search of clues - could a mini-sub with a two-person crew have managed to enter Pearl Harbor and fire torpedoes at the USS Arizona? Other evidence gathered includes aerial photos taking by Japanese aircraft, and testimonials from U.S. and Japanese veterans. An enthralling look into the critical role these tiny yet deadly mini-subs might have played in world history, highly recommended. 56 minutes, widescreen. Also commended to history buffs and public library collections are the PBS documentaries "The Bombing of Germany" (9781608831838, $24.99, 60 minutes, widescreen), and "Building Pharaoh's Ship" (9781608831876, $24.99, 56 minutes, widescreen).

Ezra Jack Keats: His Life and Art
Weston Woods Studios
143 Main Street, Norwalk, CT 06851
054521758X $39.95 www.scholastic.com/westonwoods 1-800-290-7531

Intended for viewers ages 8 to adult, Ezra Jack Keats: His Life and Art is a documentary presenting an interview with the acclaimed author and illustrator of beloved children's books. An additional segment titled "The Art of People and Place" gathers children's book scholars from around the world discussing the value of Keats' work, and messages that transcend their immediate era. An absorbing and illuminating portrait of this talented children's book creator, Ezra Jack Keats: His Life and Art is an excellent choice for anyone nostalgic about Keats' stories and curious to learn more about the man who wrote them. 22 minutes, live action.

Travel with Kids: Ireland
Equator Creative Media
c/o Janson Media
88 Semmens Road, Harrington Park, NJ 07640
9781568393512 $17.98 www.janson.com

Travel with Kids: Ireland is a great DVD both for those seriously contemplating a family visit to Ireland and for armchair families who just want to vicariously enjoy a savory taste of the experience. Following the Roberts family as they explore the storied history and culture of Ireland, Travel with Kids: Ireland includes scenes of climbing Blarney Castle, dancing to traditional Irish music, viewing the world's tallest sea cliffs, and much more. Travel hints and tips include suggestions for great accommodations (even staying in a real castle!), transportation, and activities. A bonus "Ireland At Home" section with language, crafts and recipe suggestions rounds out this useful travel prep guide and loving tribute to all things Irish. Highly recommended.

This Emotional Life
PBS Home Video
c/o SSA Public Relations
15260 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1730, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
9781608831661 $34.99 www.shopPBS.org

How can human beings improve the quality and fulfillment of their lives? "This Emotional Life: In Search of Ourselves... and Happiness" is a 3-DVD set revealing the latest scientific research alongside perspectives of ordinary people and even the wisdom of celebrities such as Chevy Chase, Larry David, Katie Couric and more. Disc 1, "Family, Friends & Lovers" reveals why social relationships are so important to our emotional well-being, and how they can best be maintained; disc 2, "Facing our Fears" explores the important role that negative emotions play and how they can be kept in check; and disc 3, "Rethinking Happiness", explores what really makes us happy, and how we can better focus on what is truly important to us. An amazingly insightful documentary, highly recommended especially for public library DVD shelves. Other excellent and educational recent releases from PBS Home Video include "The Antarctica Challenge: A Global Warning" ($24.99, 52 minutes) and "Wyatt Earp" ($24.99, 60 minutes).

Let's Make Money
Erwin Wagenhofer
Bullfrog Films, Inc.
PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547
1594589224 $295.00 www.bullfrogfilms.com

Nominated for the Grand Jury Prize of the Sundance Film Festival and licensed for public performance, Let's Make Money is an educational DVD that questions the social justice of the current world financial system. The World Bank influences an economic system in which the developed and Western world consumes a massive proportion of the undeveloped world's resources. What does it mean to truly be an ethical investor, and how can compassion for one's fellow human beings be effectively incorporated into the desire to make one's money work? A thought-provoking portrayal of the hands-on hard work that ordinary people do worldwide with a strong message to think twice when choosing which investments to fund, Let's Make Money is an excellent choice for showing to viewers in grades 10 and up, as well as for college library DVD shelves. 107 minutes, SDH captions.

10 Minute Solution Ultimate Boot Camp
Jessica Smith
Anchor Bay Entertainment
2401 West Big Beaver road, Suite 200, Troy, MI 48084-3304
$14.98 www.anchorbayentertainment.com www.jessicasmith.tv

Hosted by certified wellness coach and fitness expert Jessica Smith, 10 Minute Solution Ultimate Boot Camp is an excellent workout DVD for anyone with variable schedules or very little free time. Featuring different five boot camp routines, each of which is just ten minutes long, 10 Minute Solution Ultimate Boot Camp allows the viewer to mix and match individual workouts to their taste. A set of dumbbells and a mat or towel are the only equipment recommended for use with the segments, which consist of the cardio-intense "Fat Fighting Skills & Drills", "Ultimate Upper Body Training", "Ultimate Lower Body Training", "Ultimate Total Body Training", and "Six Pack Ab Attack". An excellent and easy-to-use contribution to fitness DVD libraries everywhere. 57 minutes.


The Mathematics Shelf

International Press of Boston
PO Box 43502, Sommerville, MA 02143
www.intlpress.com www.amazon.com

The need for 'student friendly' instructional texts in the field of mathematics is essential to the continued advancement of science in general, and the technologies upon which our 21st century are based. Now a joint publishing project of the International Press of Boston in cooperation with the Higher Education press of China, undergraduate and graduate level curriculums have access to a simply outstanding series of eight such instructional texts focused on updating the cutting edge of advances in mathematics entitled the 'Advanced Lectures in Mathematics' (ALM). The series consists of "Superstring Theory" (9781571461315, $45.00) comprised of lectures given by leading researchers (including Stephen Hawking and Edward Witten) on the subject; "Asymptotic Theory in Probability and Statistics with Applications" (9781571461698, $9.95) presenting eighteen papers organized into three major sections - limit theorems, statistics and applications, mathematical finance and insurance; "Computational Conformal Geometry" (9781571461711, $89.00) presenting succinct introductions to both its theoretical foundations and the practical applications; "Variational Principles for Discrete Surfaces" (9781571461728, $42.00); surveying among other thematically appropriate subjects, current research in the geometry of polyhedral surfaces with applications to computer graphics; "Fourth International Congress of Chinese Mathematicians" (publication pending); "Geometry, Analysis and Topology of Discrete Groups" (9781571461261, $8.95) featuring fifteen papers focusing on helping graduate students and researchers with the structures and applications of discrete subgroups of Lie groups and locally symmetric spaces; "Handbook of Geometric Analysis No. 1" (9781571461308, $97.00) presenting papers on various aspects of geometric analysis; "Recent Developments in Algebra and Related Areas" (9781571461353, $58.00) comprised of fifteen papers delivered at the International conference on Algebra and Related Areas held at Tsinghua University, Beijing, China in August 2007. Although each volume is available individually, academic library reference collections should acquire the set in its entirety as seminal contributions to the field of higher mathematics for the benefit of the faculties and students they serve.


The Automotive Shelf

Yenko
Bob McClurg
CarTech
39966 Grand Avenue, North Branch, MN 55056
www.cartechbooks.com
9781932494853, $39.95, www.amazon.com

Iconic machines from a time when American automotive manufactures were dominate, 'muscle cars' continue to be extraordinarily popular, and none more so than those sporting distinctive Yenko stripes and badges. An impressive roster of Chevrolet cars, beginning with Stinger Corvairs and continuing through to the turbocharged Camaro and Vega, received the Yenko treatment that was created and fostered by Don Yenko. Car enthusiasts Bob McClurg has compiled and written an informed and informative 207-page compendium of superbly illustrated information on the life and work of Don Yenko in "Yenko: The Man, the Machines, the Legend" based on interviews with Yenko family members, former employees, friends and associates. The result is an impressive biography that will appeal to all muscle car enthusiasts in general, and Yenko fans in particular.


The Language Studies Shelf

The Key To Kanji
Noriko Kurosawa Williams
Cheng & Tsui Company
25 West St., Boston, MA 02111-1213
www.cheng-tsui.com
9780887277368, $29.99, www.amazon.com

Specifically designed to be a 'user friendly' reference for students of Kanji from novice beginners to graduate school students, "The Key to Kanji: A Visual History of 1100 Characters" by Noriko Kurosawa Williams is founded on her etymological research. The result is an impressive compendium of eleven hundred essential kanji, each with an illustrated entry accompanied by a succinct summary in English explaining the evolution of its written form and meaning from ancient to modern times. It should also be noted that these kanji images are also provided with on- and kun- pronunciations, a section header in a traditional kanji dictionary, a clear stroke order illustration, and sample words that are useful for learners. An essential instructional reference, "The Key To Kanji" is a core addition to academic library and curriculum language studies reference collections, and ideal for personal use by anyone seeking to master kanji.


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

Jesus Freak
Sara Miles
Jossey-Bass
989 Market St., 5th Floor, San Francisco CA 94103-1741
9780470481660, $21.95 www.jossey-bass.com

JESUS FREAK: FEEDING HEALING RAISING THE DEAD offers moving stories of those who respond to Jesus' call to feed the hungry, heal the sick, and cast out demons. Author Sara Miles experienced a midlife conversion that changed her from an atheist to a Jesus-loving activist feeding thousands of hungry people weekly: JESUS FREAK tells how belief changes lives, and is a pick for any spirituality collection.

Warrior Princess
Princess Kasune Zulu with Belinda Collins
InterVarsity Press
Box 1400, Downers Grove, IL 60515-1426
9780830837250, $22.00 www.ivpress.com

WARRIOR PRINCESS provides a lively autobiography following Princess Zulu on her journey from a poor Zambian village to becoming a global force in the world. Her infection with HIV led to a fiery AIDS activism and an unusual perspective on health, disease and life in this moving, inspirational saga perfect for spirituality collections.

The Voice That Calls You Home
Andrea Raynor
Atria Books
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
9781416596110, $24.00 www.simonandschuster.com

The Voice That Calls You Home: Inspiration for Life's Journeys comes from Reverend Andrea Raynor, whose years as a hospice chaplain allowed her to observe the human spirit and spirituality in the face of death. This collection shares personal stories and offers essays on bringing piece to those crossing over, making for a vivid, inspirational read.

Decoding the Language of God
George C. Cunningham, MD, MPH
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781591027669, $18.00 www.prometheusbooks.com

DECODING THE LANGUAGE OF GOD: CAN A SCIENTIST REALLY BE A BELIEVER? A GENETICIST RESPONDS TO FRANCIS COLLINS comes a geneticist who presents a point-by-point rebuttal of THE LANGUAGE OF GOD by Francis Collins, and is a pick for any library where Francis Collins' work is studied. Here Cunningham argues that there is no scientifically acceptable evidence to support a belief in a personal god - and much that discredits it. This inspirational survey offers plenty for debate and dialogue.

The Secret Legacy of Jesus
Jeffrey J. Butz
Inner Traditions International, Ltd.
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
9781594773075, $19.95 www.innertraditions.com

The Secret Legacy of Jesus: The Judaic Teachings That Passed from James the Just to the Founding Fathers is a pick for any spirituality collection including secret societies and Christian history. It tells of an underground Jewish strain of Christianity able to resist incorporation into its powerful rival, and it reveals the theological link that connects various secret societies with Christ's original teachings.

Starving Souls
Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser
KTAV Publishing
930 Newark Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07306
9781602801424, $18.95 www.ktav.com

STARVING SOULS: A SPIRITUAL GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING EATING DISORDERS isn't just another health coverage, but a spiritual examination of such disorders pairing real-life stories with models of interventions that have proven successful. Based on Jewish doctrine, all religions will benefit from and relate to the spiritual focus that blends overall analysis with practical techniques.

Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha
Translated by Marzieh Gail & committee
Baha'i Publishing
415 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091-2844
9781931847742 $14.00 www.BahaiBooksUSA.com 1-800-705-4925

Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha is a compilation of correspondence and written works by one of the major figures of the Baha'i faith. Abdu'l-Baha (meaning "Servant of the Glory") is the title adopted by 'Abbas Effendi (1844-1921), the eldest son and designated successor of Baha'u'llah, the prophet and founder of the faith. Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha includes works about physical and spiritual health, death, the afterlife, spiritual reality, and how to combat and overcome prejudice. Skillfully translated into English and presented in a pocket-sized paperback form, Selections from the Writings of Abdu'l-Baha is an absolutely indispensable resource not only for Baha'i practitioners and scholars, but also for anyone seeking to learn more about the Baha'i faith and its wisdom, directly from the mouth of one of its most influential leaders. Highly recommended.

The Rewards of Simplicity
Pam & Chuck D. Pierce
Chosen
c/o Baker Publishing Group
11400 Hampshire Ave. S., Bloomington, MN 55438
9780800794774, $13.99, www.chosenbooks.com

Complexity tends to only introduce stress in one's life. "The Rewards of Simplicity: A Practical and Spiritual Approach" is a Christian self-help guide encouraging readers to keep it simple. Ending pack rat tendencies, the pitfalls of technology, the other benefits that Lord reverence to keeping the Sabbath holy, and the corruption of materialism. Filled cover to cover with plenty of advice to make one's life simpler and more easily lived. "The Rewards of Simplicity" is not a read to be missed for Christians.

Toying With God
Nikki Bado-Fralick & Rebecca Sachs Norris
Baylor University Press
One Bear Place, #97363, Waco, TX 76798-7363
www.baylorpress.com
9781602581814, $24.95, www.amazon.com

Every world religion is impacted by popular culture and the economic advantages as well as theological instructional values of games, dolls, and toys based on them. Now this previously overlooked subject is the focus on "Toying with God: The World of Religious Games and Dolls", the collaborative work of Nikki Bado-Fralick (Associate Professor and Director of the Religious Studies Program, Iowa State University) and Rebecca Sachs Norris (Associate Professor and Chair of Religious and Theological Studies, Merrimack College). A work of original and seminal scholarship, "Toying With God" is a 210-page, informed and informative compendium providing a historical and analytical survey of the role games, toys, and dolls play within the context of a religious culture, including the underlying commercial implications for those that produce them. Enhanced with a profusion of notes, an extensive bibliography, and a comprehensive index, "Toying With God" is a unique and recommended addition for academic and community library Religious Studies and Popular Culture reference collections and personal reading lists.


The American History Shelf

John F. Kennedy: World Leader
Stephen G. Rabe
Potomac Books, Inc.
22841 Quicksilver Drive, Dulles, VA 20166-2012
9781597971485 $22.50 www.potomacbooksinc.com 1-800-775-2518

Stephen G. Rabe (Arts and Humanities Chair, University of Texas at Dallas) presents John F. Kennedy: World Leader, an extraordinary study of Kennedy's efforts to literally change the world. Kennedy not only prevented the horrifying specter of nuclear war; he launched major economic development programs for Latin America, India, and Egypt; dispatched Peace Corps volunteers worldwide; attempted to mediate the Arab-Israeli dispute; and began (for the first time in America's history) to develop a policy for Africa. Kennedy literally considered himself a foreign policy president, and it was his task to maintain the delicate balance of threat of force, good diplomacy, and solid judgment in his elected task. Of particular interest is the speculation of whether Kennedy might have been able to usher detente with the Soviet Union years before it happened, had he not been assassinated. A fascinating analysis and a worthy contribution to American History and presidential studies shelves, highly recommended.

Not In My Neighborhood
Antero Pietila
Ivan R. Dee, Inc. Publisher
1332 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60622-2632
9781566638432 $28.95 www.ivanrdee.com 1-800-462-6420

Not In My Neighborhood: How Bigotry Shaped a Great American City is a revealing expose about how bigotry and residential segregation impacted Baltimore's development - as well as that of America at large, using Baltimore as a mirror to reflect national trends. From how public discrimination shifted to focus especially upon African-Americans and Jews in the late nineteenth century onward, to the racially biased housing policies enacted by the Federal Housing Administration up to the 1960s, to the consequences of white flight after World War II, and much more, Not In My Neighborhood examines the overall paradigm of human behavior and its deleterious consequences resounding up to the present day and beyond. A sharply critical, exhaustively researched, and absolutely invaluable analysis, Not In My Neighborhood is the most important kind of history book - the history that must be studied so that its mistakes are not repeated (and that so solutions to difficult problems can be worked upon for the future)! Highly recommended.


The Folktale/Folklore Shelf

The Secret History of Vampires
Claude Lecouteux
Inner Traditions International, Ltd.
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
9781594773259 $16.95 www.innertraditions.com

The Secret History of Vampires: Their Multiple Forms and Hidden Purposes is an insightful look into the origins of vampire folklore and mythology, examining a diversity of inspirational incidents, records, and myths that may have contributed to the modern concept of the vampire - well before Bram Stoker's classic horror novel "Dracula". Incidents recorded as fact in newspaper and judicial archives long past piece together a variety of different predecessors to the modern-day vampire: shroud eaters, appesarts, nightmares, and even the stafia, which supposedly arose from masons secretly interring the shadow of a living human being into the wall of a building under construction. Anyone curious into the origins of myths in general and the public perception of vampires in particular absolutely must read The Secret History of Vampires! Highly recommended, especially for public library folklore shelves.

Georgia Through Its Folktales
Michael Berman and Ketevan Kalandadze
O-Books
c/o National Book Network
4270 Boston Way, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
9781846942792 $24.95 www.nbnbooks.com 1-800-462-6420

Georgia Through Its Folktales gathers a smorgasbord of classic folktales from the Republic of Georgia, many of which have never been translated into English before. A handful of black-and-white illustrations enhance this treasury of classic, fantastic stories which reveal a glimpse into the minds of the men and women who call Georgia home - such as the reworking of Genesis into a story that suggests the Georgians were last in line when God gave them land, so God gave them his garden - the small yet fertile and heavenly patch of land that is Georgia. A wondrous collection, deserving of the highest recommendation especially for library folktale shelves.


The Buddhist Studies Shelf

A Complete Guide to the Buddhist Path
Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen, author
Khenmo Trinlay Chodron
Snow Lion Publications
PO Box 6483, Ithaca, NY 14851
9781559393423 $25.95 www.SnowLionPub.com 1-800-950-0313

A Complete Guide to the Buddhist Path lives up to its title by presenting the methods that Buddhism offers for improving the quality of one's life in plain terms accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Constructed around the core of "The Jewel Treasury of Advice", a classic Buddhist text created by Drikung Bhande Dharmaradza (1704-1754), A Complete History of the Buddhist path is invaluable to any seeking to better follow, understand, and practice the Buddha's teachings in everyday life. Highly recommended.


The Library Music CD Shelf

Al Doblar La Esquina
Tito Gonzalez y Su Son De Cuba
FlipSwitch (publicity)
PO Box 2207, Bloomington, IN 47404-2207
$19.99 www.flipswitchPR.com

Al Doblar La Esquina is the music CD album of Cuban-American musician Tito Gonzalez and an all-cabbie son band, whose determination and talent reflect their lifelong love of music despite (or perhaps because of?) the long hours each member had to put into working for a living. Poetic lyrics, tremendous skill with the tres (a guitar-like Cuban instrument), and more fill this wonderful contribution to international music shelves. An immersed parable within the original songs hearkens to the importance of committing to and following one's dream. Highly recommended, especially to anyone who loves stylings of traditional Cuban music. The tracks are "Busco a alguien" (4:35), "Para componer un son" (4:11), "Aquel viejo amor" (5:31), "Al doblar la esquina" (4:44), "Cancion para Bonnie" (2:25), "Fiesta en el barrio" (2:56), "Cuando tu te fuistes" (3:10), "Cana tabaco y ron" (6:16), "La despidida" (2:43), "Quiero gozar" (3:40), and "Evocacion" (3:39).

Riverboat Soul
Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three
Free Dirt Records
c/o Trade Root Music Group, LLC
PO Box 11451, Takoma Park, MD 20913
$16.99 www.freedirtrecords.com www.traderootmusic.com www.pokeylafarge.net

Riverboat Soul is a music CD tribute to the ragtime and jug bands of the Mississippi River and Missouri culture. Performed on instruments ranging from the guitar, gitjo, kazoo and harmonica to upright bass, slide guitar, fiddle, and more, Riverboat Souls' performers capture the plucky spirit of bands in the days of yore and is sure to delight anyone who enjoys catchy brewed-from-scratch songs. A pure treat for fans of the genre, Riverboat Soul is highly recommended. The tracks are "La La Blues", "Claude Jones", "Won't Make Love at All", "Hard Times Come and Go", "Two-Faced Tom", "You Don't Want Me", "Sweet Potato Blues", "Bag of Bones", "In the Graveyard Now", "Migraines and Heartpains", "Old Black Dog", and "Daffodil Blues".

My Name is Khan
Sony Music
c/o FlipSwitch (publicity)
PO Box 2207, Bloomington, IN 47404-2207
$9.98 www.mynameiskhanthefilm.com www.flipswitchPR.com

My Name is Khan is the music CD soundtrack of the genre-defying Bollywood (India's Hollywood) movie of the same title. Unlike most Bollywood movies, the movie "My Name is Khan" is drama that forgoes the usual elaborate dance numbers of the Bollywood industry in order to use its music to illustrate its at times tragic, at times inspirational story of a loving Muslim couple in America. After the catastrophe of the September 11th attacks, the love of the hero's life is so devastated that she leaves him; to win her back, he goes on a journey across America. The soundtrack reflects the perseverance and dedication of true love, as well as the desire to educate, uplift, and transform human understanding. An emotionally moving background score that perfectly complements a soulful drama about sparking transformations, My Name is Khan is highly recommended especially for fans of the movie, and features a wealth of bonus tracks (plus a video theatric trailer playable on one's PC)!

Music of Miles Davis 1967-1975
Gerry Gibbs and the Electric Thrasher Orchestra
Whaling City Sound
c/o Mixed Media
20 Lockmere Road, Cranston, RI 02910
$18.98 www.mixedmediapromo.com www.whalingcitysound.com

Music of Miles Davis 1967-1975 is an instrumental compendium of 26 selections from 16 classic songs by the legendary Miles Davis, as performed by Gerry Gibbs and the Electric Thrasher Orchestra - pianists Andy Langham and Rob Hardt, bassists Brandon Rivas and Essiet Okon, guitarist Mike Hoffman, and many more contributors. The result is an extraordinary and passionate tribute, encapsulating the grandeur of music that a team of dedicated and talented performers have made their own. A lively and grandiose CD, sure to bring an upbeat tone to any music library, Music of Miles Davis 1967-1975 is highly recommended. The tracks are "Nefertiti", "Sorcerer", "In a Silent Way", "Bitches Brew" (the name of Gibbs' original orchestra), "The Complete Bitches Brew Sessions", "Live Evil", "Miles Davis at Fillmore", "Black Beauty - Live at Fillmore West", "Big Fun", "In Concert: Live at Philharmonic Hall", "A Tribute to Jack Johnson", "Get Up With It", "Dark Magus", "Circle in the Round" and "The Cellar Door Sessons".

Aurora
Avishai Cohen
EMI
c/o Rock Paper Scissors (publicity)
511 West 4th Street, Suite 2, Bloomington, IN 47404
$27.98 www.rockpaperscissors.biz

Aurora is an album by Israeli bassist Avishai Cohen, whose recordings blend his instrumental talent with his powerful voice singing in Hebrew and Ladino (the Spanish-based language of the Sephardic Jewish tradition). Though Aurora is jazz at its heart, it reaches out to other musical genres and traditions. The result is an uplifting, visionary fusion worthy of the highest recommendation for music lovers intrigued by new experiences. Aurora is an enhanced CD; it also contains interviews, photos, and video of Avishai, accessible by inserting the CD in one's computer. The tracks are "Morenika" (4:33), "Interlude in C# Minor" (0:59), "El Hatzipor" (6:04), "Leolam" (3:30), "Winter Song" (4:59), "It's Been So Long" (5:17), "Alon Basela" (4:05), "Still" (3:35), "Shir Preda" (4:02), "Aurora" (4:23), "Alfonsina y el Mar" (4:29), "Noches Noches / La Luz" (7:20).

Relentless
Thunder Hill
Canyon Records Productions
3131 West Clarendon Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85017
$15.98 www.canyonrecords.com 1-800-268-1141

Relentless is the latest music CD album from Thunder Hill bringing the drum and song legacies of the Southern Plains Native American Pow-Wow tradition to listeners of all walks of life. Recorded live in Thunder Hill's home state of Oklahoma, Relentless is the next best thing to experiencing a Pow-Wow in person, and encapsulates the legendary and enduring spirit of traditional Southern Plains culture. The tracks are "Grand Entry" (6:29), "Victory Song" (4:45), "Round Dance" (3:21), "Round Dance" (3:07), "Honor Song" (7:00), "Song for Mahpiya to 'Bubba' Campos" (7:18), "Intertribal" (3:39), "Intertribal" (7:30), "Intertribal" (4:43), "Contest Song" (3:39), "Honor Song" (6:33), and "Contest Song" (4:59). Also highly recommended from Canyon Records Productions are "Zephyr: Peyote Songs of the Native American Church" by Chillon Paddock and "Hope: Harmonized Peyote Songs of the Native American Church" by Kevin Yazzie.

Neotropical Nocturnes
Jorge Strunz
Selva, Inc.
c/o FlipSwitch (publicity)
PO Box 2207, Bloomington, IN 47404-2207
$17.99 www.strunzandfarah.com

Neotropical Nocturnes is a music CD chiefly inspired by tropical Latin America. Master of the Spanish guitar Jorge Strunz (who happens to be one half of the acclaimed guitar duo Strunz & Farah) brings together a tribute to the music of his roots, crafted with minimal accompaniment. The result is a treat for anyone who loves acoustic guitar, evoking Latin American tradition performed with Strunz's uniquely magical touch. Highly recommended. The tracks are "Tocar la Noche" (4:43), "Velvet Midnight" (5:45), "De Alicia" (5:15), "Idilios" (5:54), "Teatro del Tiempo" (4:35), "La Finca" (3:51), "Zambriya" (4:29), "Cielo Playero" (4:20), "Los Temporales" (4:36), and "Cadenitas" (3:41).

Radiant Sky
Scott August
Cedar Mesa Music
PO Box 691522, West Hollywood, CA 90069
c/o The Creative Service Company
4360 Emerald Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80918
$15.99 www.cedarmesa.com

Award-winning musician Scott August, best known for his skill and talent in playing the Native American wood flute, presents Radiant Sky, a beautifully relaxing album promoting contemplation and reverence of the sacred spirit within us all. Traditional flutes combined with gentle pianos, soft guitar playing, and a medley of exotic instruments crafting delicate harmony make for a wondrous experience. The perfect choice for listening to while meditating, or simply unwinding after a long day, Radiant Sky is highly recommended, particularly to fans of new age music. The tracks are "Calling the Sun" (3:33), "New Horizons" (6:25), "Arc of Dreams" (6:41), "River of Stars" (7:37), "Santa Fe" (6:34), "Since the Stars Fell" (4:11), "Rising from the Plateau" (3:36), "Journey of Solace" (6:52), "A Pale Radiance" (8:09), and "Searching Beyond" (5:31).


The Poetry Shelf

Cherma
Jacqueline West
Parallel Press
372 Memorial Library, 728 State Street, Madison, WI 53575
9781934795118 $10.00 http://parallelpress.library.wisc.edu 1-800-636-0071

Two-time Pushcart Prize nominee Jacqueline West presents Cherma, a poetry chapbook collecting free-verse reminiscences each taken from the names, lives, and family stories of a group of Bohemian immigrants who settled in Wisconsin's Pierce County during the late 1800s. The Cherma Catholic parish once included several farming families, yet today all that remains of it is its cemetery. (It should be noted that although the inspiration for these chapbook poems spring from real-life people or events, the poems themselves are not intended to be historically accurate - this chapbook is a work of fiction). An engrossing speculation into the ordinary lives of rural Americans, highly recommended to anyone who loves fine poetry.

The Follower's Tale
Stephen Roger Powers
Salmon Poetry
c/o DuFour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781907056208, $21.95, www.salmonpoetry.com

Just because you aren't leading the way doesn't mean you don't have your own story. "The Follower's Tale" is a collection of poetry from Stephen Roger Powers in his first anthology of poetry. Aiming to tell an offbeat and original story, he brings readers a unique brand of poetry that hasn't been seen much before. "The Follower's Tale" is a choice pick for poetry lovers, highly recommended. "The Night Before Dolly's Parade": I watched an old man watch his son on stage/in Master Harold. I ignored the play/and traced his laughs, his lips, his nose, the way/his eyebrows flew up when his son engaged/the audience in something humorous./After the show I drove all night through states/too flat for companionship. No complaints,/no one to make me feel ridiculous/when I cranked up Dolly's dulcimers down/through cincy on my way to Dollywood./I named my future son, sang along, looked/behind while I drove up hills south of town./My eyes coffeed open to watch for deer/as the rhinestone skyline sank out of my mirror.

The Wake Forest Series of Irish Poetry
Sean Lysaught & Collaborators
Wake Forest University Press
PO BOx 7333, Winston-Salem, NC 27109
9781930630475, $17.95, www.wfu.edu/wfupress

Every country has its poets and its voice. "The Wake Forest Series of Irish Poetry" is a collection of work from five fine Irish poets reflecting on what it means to be Irish in the modern world and the challenges they face in today's rapidly changing and revolutionized world. "The Wake Forest Series of Irish Poetry" is a core addition to any world poetry collection, a grade-A pick. "Oar" by Moya Cannon: Walk inland and inland/with your oar,/until someone asks you/what it is.//Then you build your house./For only then will you need to tell and know/that the sea is immense and unfathomable,/that the oar pulls/against the wave/and with the wave/is everything.

Picasso, I Want My Face Back
Grace Nichols
Bloodaxe
c/o Dufour Editions
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781852248505, $18.95, www.dufoureditions.com

Picasso's work meant more than being just weird. "Picasso, I Want My Face Back" is a collection of poetry from Grace Nichols as she speaks through the voice of Dora Maar, Pablo Picasso's lover and inspiration. The intriguing angle to Picasso makes for unique poems well worth reading, making "Picasso, I Want My Face Back" a top poetry pick. "Seven Sisters": Seven sisters standing/shoulder to chalky shoulder --/Seven sisters huddling to Sussex mist/open-armed to sun's expansive kiss/yet straight and firm as Victorian maidens/all kin to Dover - the green-shawled/grandmother of all cliffs.

The Rising of the Ashes
Tahar Ben Jelloun
City Lights Books
261 Columbus Avenue, San Franscisco, CA 94133
9780872865266, $16.95, www.citylights.com

The violence in the middle east has touched countless people throughout the world. "The Rising of the Ashes" is a pack of two epic poems from Tahar Ben Jelloun as he presents two narratives that he hopes will convey the emotions and pain he feels from his perspective in the endless chaos of the region. Riveting, heartfelt, and a bit sobering, "The Rising of the Ashes" is masterfully translated by Tahar Ben Jelloun and makes for a strong choice for readers.

Having Cut the Sparrow's Heart
Malinda Markham
New Issues
c/o Western Michigan University
1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008
9781930974890, $15.00, www.wmich.edu

Learned woman in two languages, Malinda Markham brings readers "Having Cut the Sparrow's Heart", another book of poetry from the prolific woman writer. Drawing on her own experiences residing in two countries, she creates deft verse, making "Having Cut the Sparrow's Heart" a true treat. "Famous Sights of the Eastern Capital": In the painting A mystic Lion hurls its cub from the cliff, the cub/cradles either a mirror or harp. Its eyes show no fear. The man asked/her what it meant. She said the cliff looked familiar, the body splayed/like laughter and curved. "What carnal knowledge," he asked,/"makes you old?"


The Gaming Shelf

Beginning Bridge
Barbara Seagrams
Master Point Press
331 Douglas Ave., Toronto, ON Canada M5M 1H2
9781897106334, $19.95, www.masterpointpress.com

Bridge is a game widely played by many, and just getting started is easier than one would think. "Beginning Bridge" is an introductory guide to those who want to learn how to play the popular card game, discussing the game in depth element by element. Barbara Seagram & Linda Lee provide their own expertise from championship level play, they prove to be adept teachers. "Beginning Bridge" is a choice pick that shouldn't be ignored for those just starting Bridge.


The Judaic Studies Shelf

Facing Illness Finding God
Joseph B. Meszler
Jewish Lights Publishing
Sunset Farm Offices, Route 4, PO Box 237, Woodstock, VT, 05091
9781580234238, $16.99, www.jewishlights.com

Hope through faith is not an entirely Christian concept. "Facing Illness Finding God: How Judaism Can Help You and Caregivers Cope When Body or Spirit Fails" is a guide for Jews who want to embrace their faith in facing life's many challenges when disease begins to take one's body. Drawing on real stories of Jews using their faith to empower their soul, any Jew faced with the despair of their condition will be able to find "Facing Illness Finding God" a truly uplifting read.

Judaism: Embracing the Seeker
Harold M. Schulweis
KTAV Publishing House
930 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306
9781602801417, $18.95, www.ktav.com

Judaism is more than a religion and faith; it's the essence of many people. "Judaism: Embracing the Seeker" is Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis's plea to his readers to fully embrace Judaism as more than a faith and hopes to fully explain what Judaism is. Addressed to both Jews and gentiles, he hopes readers will take this work and embrace it to truly understand Judaism and the Jewish people. "Judaism: Embracing the Seeker" is a choice pick for those looking for answers about one of the oldest faiths in the world.


The Parenting Shelf

The Favorite Child
Ellen Weber Libby
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781591027621, $18.00, www.prometheusbooks.com

No one likes being second best. "The Favorite Child: How a Favorite Impacts Every Family Member for Life" looks into a commonly occurring phenomena in families and how it can have untold effects on the psyches of all involved. Stating how favoritism starts, how it affects the favorite, those who aren't the favorite, and those who are flat out shunned. "The Favorite Child" is a riveting look into the relationships between parents, their children, and the sibling rivalry.


The Self-Help Shelf

59 Seconds: Think a Little, Change a Lot
Richard Wiseman
Knopf
9780307273406, $24.00 www.aaknopf.com

59 Seconds: Think a Little, Change a Lot is a top pick for psychology and general lending libraries alike, offering a powerful self-help guide to how to improve one's life without using exercises that destroy motivation and damage relationships. Scientific advice blends with keys to becoming more decisive, more imaginative, and more engaged. Very highly recommended!

The Generosity Factor
Ken Blanchard and S. Truett Cathy
Zondervan Publishing House
5300 Patterson Avenue, S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49530
9780310246602, $19.99 www.zondervan.com 1-800-727-1309

The Generosity Factor is a pick for both spirituality and self-help collections, offering insights into generosity and how it's a visionary parable for any seeking more to life than they already have. Using the parable of several self-made people, they provide five key principles to using generosity to achieve a more meaningful life.

Run With the Horses
Eugene H. Peterson
InterVarsity Press
PO Box 1400, Downers Grove, Illinois, 60515-1426
9780830837069, $15.00, www.ivpress.com

Life is best when unconstrained. "Run with the Horses" is a guide to breaking free of the routine, claiming that the routine taken to an extent can cause untold misery and pain. With a simple philosophy encouraging freedom in one's life and to not live life planned down to the very minute, and channels encouraging scripture for readers stating that man was never meant to be a machine, "Run with the Horses" is a motivating read that would do well in self-help collections.

Promises to Myself
Maryanne Radmacher
Red Wheel, Weiser, Conari
65 Parker Street, Suite 7, Newburyport, MA 01950
9781573244022, $15.95, www.maryanneradmacher.com

A promise is an oath, something one should strive not to break. "Promises to Myself" is an inspirational book designed to encourage the power of promises for readers to help them remember what's important in life and to stay true to those concepts. Written with an artistic flair and designed to be digested in short bursts broken into categories, "Promises to Myself" is a top pick for those who want to understand just how important a promise can be.

The Body Language Handbook
Gregory Harley & Maryann Karinch
Career Press
3 Tice Road, PO Box 687, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417
9781601630766, $15.99, www.careerpress.com

The mouth can say one thing but the body can say another. "The Body Language Handbook: How to Read Everyone's Hidden Thoughts and Intentions" is a guide to the body language that everyone gives off, whether they know it or not. With passages on cultural differences in body language, how body language can change the meaning of words entirely, and how to use one's own body language to project the right message, "The Body Language Handbook" is a fascinating and enlightening read into human nature.

Troubled Childhood, Triumphant Life
James P. Krehbiel
New Horizon Press
PO Box 669, Far Hills, NH 07931
9780882823188, $14.95, www.newhorizonpressbooks.com

No childhood is escaped scot-free. "Troubled Childhood, Triumphant Life: Healing from the Battle Scars of Youth" discusses tough childhoods as James P. Krehbiel presents many stories of people succeeding and failing against their upbringing and all of its tumultuous nature. Drawing heavily on his decade and some change of experience, he presents why some people rise above their upbringing and some are crippled under it. "Troubled Childhood, Triumphant Life" is an enlightening and intriguing read, not to be missed.


The Travel Shelf

America's Best Zoos
Allen W. Nyhuis & John Wassner
The Intrepid Traveler
PO Box 531, Branford, CT 06405
9781887140768, $15.95, www.intrepidtraveler.com

The Zoo is perhaps the best way to experience the animals of the world without thousands of dollars in airfare. "America's Best Zoos: A Travel Guide for Fans and Families" delves into sixty of the best zoos one can find in America, stating their specific attractions, their cost, facilities, and other sights and attractions around the zoos. With plenty of useful references and indexes, any zoo aficionado needs to get "America' Best Zoos".

Dubai Dreams
Raymond Barrett
Nicholas Brealey Publishing
20 Park Plaza, Boston, MA 02116
9781857885279, $19.95, www.nicholasbrealey.com

Dubai has become synonymous with Vegas as an international attraction. "Dubai Dreams: Inside the Kingdom of Bling" tells many stories of this new international hot sport, drawing tourists from all over the globe and serving as one of the most unrestricted areas of the middle east, becoming a true success story, making Dubai one of the most successful spots in the middle east. "Dubai Dreams" is a choice and recommended read for anyone who wants to understand Dubai.

Into Africa
Yale Richmond & Phyllis Gestrim
Intercultural Press
20 Park Plaza, Suite 115A, Boston, MA 02116
9781931930918, $24.95, www.interculturalpress.com

No region of the world is exactly the same country to country. "Into Africa: A Guide to Sub-Saharan Culture and Diversity" discusses Sub-Saharan Africa and acts as a travel guide to the many different nations that pepper this region, inhabited by vastly different people despite being neighbors. Eye opening to the western world, much attention is paid to the culture and plight of the people, making for an intriguing, informative, and enlightening presentation for readers. For real travelers and armchair travelers alike, "Into Africa" is a top pick for any travel collection.

Don't Mention the Wars
Tony Connelly
New Island
c/o International Specialized Book Services
920 NE 58th Ave. Suite 300, Portland, OR 97213-3786
9781848400269, $27.00, www.newisland.ie

'The French are cowards', 'the Swiss are neutral', it's all said over and over again, but where lies the truth? "Don't Mention the Wars: A Journey Through European Stereotypes" is a memoir of Tony Connelly traveling through Europe and recording his own experiences and studies of the people. From Spain warring against itself, the pursuit of American women, and Germany's love of conflict, Tony Connelly presents a good deal of insight through his writing and how while globalization has brought the world together, the French will always remain the French. "Don't Mention the Wars" is a grand pick for anyone who wants to truly understand the people of modern Europe.

Boston's French Secrets
Rhea Hollis Atwood
Images from the Past
PO Box 137, Bennington, VT 05201
1884592414, $19.95, www.imagesfromthepast.com

Boston is usually associated with Irish heritage, but there are other influences in the city as well. "Boston's French Secrets: Guided Walks That Reveal Boston's French Heritage" discusses the French side of Boston, looking at how French immigrants had just as strong a hand in crafting the city as it is today as the Irish. For anyone looking for French heritage in America, "Boston's French Secrets" is a choice and very highly recommended read which shouldn't be overlooked.

Karen Brown's Mexico
Karen Brown
Karen Brown's Guides
PO Box 70, San Mateo, CA 94401
National Book Network (distributor)
15200 NBN Way, Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17214
9781933810843, $19.95, www.karenbrown.com

Mexico is a land that blends the European and the Native America, making a unique trip that can't be replicated elsewhere. "Karen Brown's Mexico" is her guide to Mexico giving travelers a solid travel guide that outlines lodging, attractions both tourist oriented, historical, and modern culture related, and how to make one's own itinerary to make the most of one's time in Mexico. "Karen Brown's Mexico" is a choice pick that shouldn't be missed by anyone planning a Mexican vacation.


The Philosophy Shelf

Words of Life
Brucel Ellis Benson & Norman Wirzba
Fordham University Press
University Box L, 2546 Belmont Ave, Bronx, NY 10458
9780823230730, $24.00, www.fordhampress.com

The thoughts and mindsets of France have always had their impact around the world. "Words of Life: New Theological Turns in French Phenomenology" discusses the evolution of modern French philosophy, or its current form, phenomenology. Blending religious thought with the modern psyche, many scholars and contributors converge to provide an intellectual read that philosophy thinkers will be further enlightened and informed by to form their own ideas. "Words of Life" is a vital addition to any philosophy collection.

Eurocentrism
Samir Amin
Monthly Review Press
146 W 29th Street, Suite 6W, New York, NY 10001
9781583672075, $17.95, www.monthlyreview.com

Europe has long had a tradition of treating itself as the most important continent on the planet. "Eurocentrism" discusses the dominant Eurocentric view of the world and how it has formed over the centuries and the problems it has reaped. Samir Amin argues that the flow of history from classical Greece and Rome to medieval Europe is an inaccurate scope of world history, diminishing the history of the rest of the world. Aiming for a much wider view of the world, "Eurocentrism" is an excellent and highly intriguing read that shouldn't be missed.

An Innovative Introduction Philosophy
Michael Boylan and Charles Johnson
Westview Press
2465 Central Avenue, Boulder, CO 80301
9780813344485, $50.00, www.westviewpress.com

Philosophy is an art of the mind and the thought. "An Innovative Introduction Philosophy: Fictive Narrative, Primary Texts, and Responsive Writing" is a guide for teachers who want to teach their students philosophy with a new method constructed by two doctors of philosophy in Michael Boylan and Charles Johnson, emphasizing the value of indirect argument through fictional allusions, the favored process of Plato, and through presentation, as used by Martin Luther King, Jr. A complete and comprehensive guide to Boylan and Johnson's method, "An Innovative Introduction Philosophy" is not a guide to be missed for community and college library philosophical education collections.


The Literary Shelf

Our Bodies, Ourselves, and the Work of Writing
Susan Wells
Stanford University Press
1450 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1124
9780804763097, $22.00, www.sup.org

Some books inspire few; a few books inspire millions. "Our Bodies, Ourselves and the Work of Writing" looks how the 1973 book has shaped much of feminist writing since its publication, originally intended as a primer on women's health. Since then, countless women have wielded their pens in pursuit of improving the status of women in the world and the book's place itself in female liberation. "Our Bodies, Ourselves, and the Work of Writing" is a fascinating and insightful read for anyone who wants to best understand the value of this important text.


The Native American Shelf

Dammed Indians Revisited
Michael L. Lawson
South Dakota State Historical Society Press
900 Governors Drive, Pierre, SC 57501-2217
9780979894015 $18.95 www.sdshspress.com

Dammed Indians Revisited: The Continuing History of the Pick-Sloan Plan and the Missouri River Sioux examined the negative repercussions of the 1944 Pick-Sloan plan, which created economic opportunities but also flooded more than two hundred thousand acres of bottomlands that sustained the Sioux, requiring entire communities to relocate. Drawing upon new information to revise and revamp his original work, author Michael L. Lawson reveals the lasting impact of the plan upon tribal-federal relations. A thoughtful, heavily researched and soberly presented scholarly accounting, Dammed Indians Revisited is a welcome addition to Native American studies shelves.

Spirits of Earth
Robert A. Birmingham
University of Wisconsin Press
1930 Monroe Street, Third Floor, Madison, WI 53711-2059
9780299232641 $24.95 www.wisc.edu/wisconsinpress 1-800-621-2736

A wealth of black-and-white maps, drawings, and photographs grace Spirits of Earth: The Effigy Mound Landscape of Madison and the Four Lakes, a combination history and visitor's guide to the effigy mounds of the Madison, Wisconsin area. Author and archaeologist Robert Birmingham carefully documents these ancient effigy earthworks, built in the shape of birds, bears, spirit beings, and other figures. A highly accessible guide ideal for tourists, students, and historians alike, Spirits of Earth is a welcome contribution to Wisconsin history and Native American studies shelves.


The Political Science Shelf

The Dance of the Comedians
Peter M. Robinson
University of Massachusetts Press
PO Box 429, Amherst, MA 01004
9781558497337 $34.95 www.umass.edu/umpress 1-800-537-5487

The Dance of the Comedians: The People, the President, and the Performance of Political Standup Comedy in America is studies the history of American political humor as used to celebrate democracy, express political protest, or create personal profit, with particular emphasis on American presidents of the mid-twentieth century from Calvin Coolidge to Ronald Regan. An engaging survey of the delicate balance between respect and ridicule for the presidential office that ultimately seeks to answer questions such as "Why did Barack Obama pay attention to the Daily Show and Steven Colbert during the presidential election of 2008, and why did Sarah Palin choose to appear on Saturday Night Live but not on Sunday talk shows?" A scholarly examination of the role humor has played and continues to play in modern American presidential politics, especially recommended for college library collections.


The Sports Shelf

Racing While Black
Leonard T. Miller with Andrew Simon
Seven Stories Press
140 Watts Street, New York, NY 10013
9781583228968 $24.95 www.sevenstories.com 1-800-596-7437

Racing While Black: How an African-American Stock Car Team Made Its Mark on NASCAR is testimony of author Leonard T. Miller, owner of Miller Racing for fifteen years, who found his niche in creating opportunities for black drivers amid one of the most heavily white-dominated sports in the America. From working with paper-thin budgets to selling marketing plans to skeptics, to the thrill of victory and working to transform how NASCAR fans view skin color, Racing While Black is an amazing look at a popular sport from a unique industry insider's perspective. Highly recommended, especially for NASCAR fans curious to learn more behind the scenes about their favorite sport.

The Bill James Gold Mine
Chase Utley
Acta Sports
5559 W. Howard Street, Skokie, IL 60077
9780879464110, $23.95, www.actasports.com

Numbers are science, and science can give a glimpse of things to come. "The Bill James Gold Mine" delves into the finer points of statistics and how analyzing them gives a greater understanding of the game of baseball. Every aspect of the game is analyzed as Bill James gives readers much in depth thoughts and theories to who shined and who sunk this year. "The Bill James Gold Mine" is an absolute must for any baseball fanatic who enjoys the deeper, scientific aspects of the game.

The Red Sox and Philosophy
Michael Macomber, editor
Open Court
70 East Lake Street, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60601
9780812696776, $19.95, www.opencourtbooks.com

Much of the world has something to teach people, and legendary sports teams are no different. "The Red Sox and Philosophy: Green Monster Meditations" tells the story of the heroes and Fenway park and how the people, the players, and their relationship tells people about humanity and the human spirit. The Boston Red Sox are an institution of Major League Baseball, and this entry in the Popular Culture and philosophy series offers much insight into just why they are so revered. "The Red Sox and Philosophy" is a choice pick for sports fans and armchair philosophers.

Human Kinetics
Box 5076, Champaign, IL 61825-5076
www.humankinetics.com

Ron Woods, Chris Jordan and Human Performance Institute's ENERGY EVERY DAY (0736082085, $19.95) is the result of decades of research into the lifestyles of busy people, and provides a personal energy plan that can be tailored to meet individual goals. From how to increase personal energy and blend physical activity into a busy schedule to adjusting eating habits for high daily energy, this is a strong pick for any general collection. Laura Stamm's POWER SKATING (0736076204, $19.95) tells how to develop speed and agility through a skating system used by thousands of top players expert in ice skating. From starts and stops to turns, this covers the basics of ice skating, from balance and acceleration to increasing speed and using agility to create better hockey scoring chances. Stephen J. McGregor, PhD & Matt Fitzgerald's THE RUNNER'S EDGE (0736081151, $18.95) is written by a coach and scientist trainer who provides new keys to understanding technology-based training. From determine pace targets for workouts to identifying strengths and weaknesses and plateaus to hone progressive training programs, this is packed with tips runners will appreciate.

Phil Hill: A Driving Life
Phil Hill
David Bull, Publishers
4250 E Camelback Rd Suite 150K, Phoenix, AZ 85018-9692
9781935007074 $75.00 www.bullpublishing.com

Phil Hill: A Driving Life packs in photos by John Lamm and tells of Phil Hill, who won multiple sports-car victories and was qualified to evaluate nearly any kind of vehicle. 26 articles originally appeared in Road & Track Magazine and offer his descriptions of what it was like to drive some of the most amazing cars ever built. Auto history blends with experience in a powerful coverage any auto buff must have.


The Education Shelf

Hands-On Geometry: Constructions with a Straightedge and Compass
Christopher M. Freeman
Prufrock Press
PO Box 8813, Waco, TX 76714-8813
9781593634186 $14.95 www.prufrock.com 1-800-998-2208

Hands-On Geometry: Constructions with a Straightedge and Compass is an educational resource for math teachers with students in grades 4-6, featuring challenging drawing projects meant to be completed with a simple straightedge and compass. From equilateral triangles to squares, regular hexagons, octagons, dodecagons, parallelograms, regular pentagons, golden rectangles, and more, geometry students will get a hands-on appreciation for the laws that govern these shapes and the opportunity to internalize basic mathematical principles in more than one way. The ready-to-use, reproducible activities are an excellent supplement to any geometry teacher's course work, making "Hands-On Geometry" highly recommended for grade school mathematics classrooms everywhere.

Assessment in Technical and Professional Communication
Margaret N. Hundleby and Jo Allen, editors
Baywood Publishing Company, Inc.
26 Austin Avenue, PO Box 337, Amityville, NY 11701
9780895033796 $56.96 http://baywood.com

Assessment in Technical and Professional Communication is a compendium of essays by professional authors discussing the role proper assessment plays in the challenges of effective technical and professional communication, whether in a discussion between engineers, instruction between teachers and students, or even efforts to educate the public. A scholarly compilation meant for teachers, researchers, students, accreditation bodies, engineers, and more, Assessment in Technical and Professional Communication includes analysis of issues ranging from the ethical role of the technical communicator to the practice of effective self-assessment to accurately evaluating the work of graduate students or professional writing programs, and much more. A welcome addition to college library collections, particularly those of technical and professional colleges.

Teaching English Language Learners
Judie Haynes & Debbie Zacarian
ASCD Books
1703 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311-1714
9781416609124, $23.95, www.ascd.org

It's one thing to teach a child to speak English. It's another to teach them history while they're still learning English. "Teaching English Language Learners: Across the Content Areas" is a guide for teachers who have English as a Second Language students in their class rooms and how to cope with the language barrier of a child who is trying to grasp a language that they won't learn over night. The stages of language mastery, working these children with their peers, and talking to the parents and guardians, "Teaching English Language Learners" is a vital resource for any educator who will be faced with such a child.

It's Only the Janitor
Roderic B. Park
Rockpile Press
c/o Cypress House
18450 Rockpile Road, Geyserville, CA 95441
9780982193389, $29.95, www.cypresshouse.com

A good leader doesn't do all the leading himself. "It's Only the Janitor: A Handbook for New Academic Administrators" is a guide for new leaders who have the burden of leading their school of any level to the best it can be. All faculty needs leadership, from the principals down to the janitor dispensing the sawdust. Cleaning up the messes of others is the metaphor used, and it holds up well through Roderic B. Park's sage wisdom, making "It's Only the Janitor" an ideal starter handbook for educational administrators.

On Excellence in Teaching
Robert Marzano
Solution Tree
555 North Morton Street, Bloomington, IN 47404
9781934009581, $34.95, www.solution-tree.com

It's one thing to teach; it's another to teach well. "On Excellence in Teaching" is a collection of essays from countless professionals on the subject as they weigh in their thoughts and ideas on the matter and give the teachers who read plenty to inspire and push them to treat their students as something greater. Broken into topics of theories, the system of teaching as it is today and how to improve it, and how everyday classroom actions can be invaluable learning experience. "On Excellence in Teaching" is an absolute must for any teacher who wants to aspire for greater for their career and their students.

Supporting Research Students
Barbara Allan
Facet Publishing
c/o Neal Schuman Publishing
100 William Street, Suite 2004, New York, NY 10038
9781856046855, $105.00, www.facetpublishing.co.uk

At some level, teaching is no longer enough. "Supporting Research Students" delves into education of post graduate students and how educational professionals can assist this doctoral seeking students and scholars as they continue their studies past the usefulness of a traditional professor. Research learning is the normal at this level, and Barbara Allan works many ideas on how LIS professionals can assist these researching students through the many stages of the process. Useful for libraries, communities, and professional development, "Supporting Research Students" is a must for any LIS professional who wants to cater the best they can to these driven individuals.

Brain-Based Early Learning Activities
Nikki Darling-Kuria
Redleaf Press
10 Yorkton Court, St. Paul, MN 55117-1065
9781933653860 $29.95 www.redleafpress.org 1-800-423-8309

Family child care professional and adjunct college professor Nikki Darling-Kuria presents Brain-Based Early Learning Activities, a collection of educational activities designed to stimulate interest and development in language, mathematics, science, art, motor skills, social skills, music, the environment, and more in children from birth to age 8. Each activity lists the brain connections that the activity supports, multisensory variations, diversity adaptations, and extension activities. Some examples of language-based activities include "Rhyming Scavenger Hunt" (for age 4 years and up) in which children are challenged to talk in rhymes (begin with classic nursery rhymes then have children go on a scavenger hunt to find items that rhyme), and "Flannel Fantasy" (for age 2 years and up) in which children are provided with a flannel surface to use felt pieces on to represent objects and events in a story. A superb supplement to classroom, home schooling, and even parent's and babysitter's collections, Brain-Based Early Learning Activities is highly recommended.

Surrounded By Science
Marilyn Fenichel and Heidi A. Schweingruber
The National Academies Press
500 Fifth Street, N.W., Lockbox 285, Washington, DC 20055
9780309136747 $24.95 www.national-academies.org

Surrounded By Science: Learning Science in Informal Environments is a handy guide for anyone who works in informal science settings (museums, after-school programs, science and technology centers, media enterprises, libraries, aquariums, zoos, botanical gardens, and more) and wants to find more ways to spread and enrich learning among visitors of all ages and backgrounds. Chapters include case studies, useful examples, thoughtful discussions, and a wealth of invaluable research. The result is a blend of scholarly insight and hands-on practical ideas, with the goal of ultimately engaging and challenging visitors, encouraging them to develop their sense of inquiry, their confidence, and their willingness to learn. An excellent resource and reference, especially recommended for consultation before adding or changing an exhibit in one's museum, zoo, planetarium, or other informal science setting.

Bilingual By Choice
Virginie Raguenaud
Nicholas Brealey
20 Park Plaza #1115A, Boston, MA 02116
9781857885262, $19.95 www.nicholasbrealey.com

Bilingual By Choice tells how to teach kids to be bilingual for life and covers all the obstacles to sustaining a second language, from unsupportive relatives and school issues to frequent relocations and discrimination. The result is a powerful survey perfect for any education or parental library covering all the basics of encouraging bilingual development in kids.

Using Skilled Dialogue to Transform Challenging Interactions
Isaura Barrera & Lucinda Kramer
Brookes Publishing
Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
1557669554, $34.95, www.brookespublishing.com

Using Skilled Dialogue to Transform Challenging Interactions offers early childhood collection an outstanding survey of behavior, cultural roots, and the impact of early childhood diversity on experiences, values and beliefs. From understanding and applying the three critical qualities of Skilled Dialogue to making the most of differences and learning to interact better with support systems for young children, this offers insights into integrated communication processes and is perfect for any college-level education library.

SAT, 24th edition
Barron's
250 Wireless Blvd., Hauppauge, NY 11788
0764193988, $29.99 www.barronseduc.com

The 24th edition of SAT provides the latest review and practice tests available, pairing a detailed review of the SAT with study advice, five full-length practice tests that reflect the latest SATs in length and question types, and comprehensive reviews of all test topics. A CD-ROM comes with two more practice tests, making this a 'must' for any college-prep student.

Jessica Kingsley Publishers
P.O. Box 960, Herndon, VA 20172-0960
www.jkp.com

Linda Miller's PRACTICAL BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS WITH AUTISM (9781849050388, $39.95) offers a review of the '5P Approach' to behavior management, discussing challenges to children and young people with autism and similar disorders. Working solutions to common issues are based on real-life problems and offer a framework for behavior intervention founded on prevention and good practice, making this a fine survey for teachers and parents. Fiona Brownlee and Lindsay Munro's FUZZY BUZZY GROUPS FOR CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL AND SENSORY PROCESSING DIFFICULTIES: A STEP-BY-STEP RESOURCE (9781843109662, $34.95) is accompanied by a sing-along CD and offers professionals a resource for engaging young kinds in a fun, sensory-based way. From choosing sensory food and drink to involving parents in the group, this offers step-by-step keys to carrying out a session and includes photocopiable forms and checklists. Simone Griffin and Dianne Sandler's MOTIVATE TO COMMUNICATE! 300 GAMES AND ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR CHILD WITH AUTISM (9781849050418, $18.95) offers a fine resource packed with ideas and guidance for motivating children with autism and other communication issues. From everyday toys used in new ways to extensions of activities, this is packed with creative ideas developed over 40 years of clinical and educational practices. Both are ideal for educator's libraries.

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

Prevention, assessment and intervention is the emphasis of Barbara C. Trolley and Constance Hanel's CYBER KIDS, CYBER BULLYING, CYBER BALANCE (9781412972925, $31.95), an educator's guide for helping tech-savvy students make choices about using technology in positive ways. From charts that identifying cyber bullying warning signs to legal guidelines, use policies, definitions of harassment vs. cyber stalking and more, this is a powerful survey contemporary educators must have. Louise A. Chickie-Wolfe's LUCKY TO BE A TEACHER: LIFE-CHANGING AFFIRMATIONS FOR POSITIVE CLASSROOMS (9781412972628, $22.95) appears in its second updated edition to provide a set of positive classroom keys. Learn how to use core motivating affirmations to maintain a positive perspective and reinforce teaching commitment with a guide of over thirty updated affirmations of encouragement. Virginia Gonzalez's YOUNG LEARNERS DIVERSE CHILDREN: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD (9781412968140, $30.95) offers a research-based instructional model that blends cognition, language and culture and uses the author's own experience in establishing a successful laboratory school for diverse preschoolers. From using storytelling to improve literacy skills to collaborating with parents, this offers a fine practical handbook. Ronald Mah's GETTING BEYOND BULLYING AND EXCLUSION PRE-K-5: EMPOWERING CHILDREN IN INCLUSIVE CLASSROOMS (9781412957236, $26.95) tells how students with special needs can develop skills for meeting bullies head-on. An analysis of bullying styles for males and females accompanies teacher tips on how to prevent bullying, how to intervene early before patterns develop, and how to involve parents. Highly recommended for any educator's collection. June Trop Zuckerman's FROM LESSON PLANS TO POWER STRUGGLES GRADES 6-12 (9781412968782, $30.95) offers new teachers classroom management keys, presenting stories from novice middle and secondary school teachers in urban, suburban and rural environments. Each chapter offers a case history paired with instructional and disciplinary cases and results.


The Business Shelf

Career GPS
Ella L.J. Edmondson Bell, Ph.D. with Linda Villarosa
Amistad
c/o HarperCollins
10 E. 53rd St., New York NY 10022-5299
9780061714382, $25.99 www.amistadbooks.com

Career GPS: Strategies for Women Navigating the New Corporate Landscape comes from one of the nation's most respected experts in women's career advancement and retention and offers managers and women a survey of how to succeed at every level in a dynamic corporate marketplace. Her tactics for success tells how to foster meaningful connections that lead to advancement, offering fine strategies for any aspiring businesswoman and for managers who would blend their skills into a corporate structure.

Berrett-Koehler Publishers
235 Montgomery St., Suite 650, San Francisco CA 94104-2916
www.bkconnection.com

Stewart Levine's GETTING TO RESOLUTION: TURNING CONFLICT INTO COLLABORATION (9781576757710, $19.95) offers a fine, powerful book on using ten guiding principles to stop anger and enable conflicting sides to return to productive, positive relationships. His conversational process optimizes resources and allows resolution to come to the foreground, and appears in a second edition thoroughly revised with new examples, tools, and new materials on communication processes. Business libraries need this! They also need the revised, updated and expanded new edition of the international best-seller by Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller, THE SECRET (9781605092683, $19.95). This appears in its second edition to provide an expanded story-telling survey based on fictional character Debbie and how she discovers how to lead through service. From why great leaders seem preoccupied with the future to the components of leadership success, THE SECRET is a fine, winning title for any business library. Ira Chaleff's THE COURAGEOUS FOLLOWER: STANDING UP TO & FOR OUR LEADERS (9781605092737, $22.95) provides an updated, expanded survey covering the new power dynamics between leaders and followers. Chapters cover responsibility, serving, understanding knowledge or its lack, and participating effectively in change, and make for a fine guide for any business leader's collection. Arbinger Institute's LEADERSHIP AND SELF-DECEPTION: GETTING OUT OF THE BOX (9781576759776, $16.95) offers an expanded second edition of a transformative book on leadership, revising throughout all the approaches and offering important keys to how we sabotage relationships at work and home - and how to stop. A story about an executive facing challenges at work and home offers keys to these psychological barriers in a powerful survey all business collections should have. Adam Kahane's POWER AND LOVE: A THEORY AND PRACTICE OF SOCIAL CHANGE (9781605093048, $16.95) considers the typical ways people try to solve their toughest group and social problems - and why these methods are flawed. The desire for power and love motivate very different approaches - but it's when these approaches are combined, that social change happens. Business practices and social insights alike accompany details on the different sides of love and how to fall - and succeed - through both.

Velocity
Dee Jacob, et.al.
Free Press
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
9781439158920, $26.00 www.simonandschuster.com

VELOCITY: A BUSINESS NOVEL comes from the AGI-Goldratt Institute, offering a blend of business novel and insights in VELOCITY: COMBINING LEAN, SIX SIGMA AND THE THEORY OF CONSTRAINTS TO ACHIEVE BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE. It's written in the same engaging style of THE GOAL and tells of a fictional company and how it solves its major business problems, from product development to production and sales. Any interested in business concepts will find the novel approach much easier to digest than an instructional textbook or manual.

Training and Collaboration with Virtual Worlds
Alex Heiphetz, PhD and Gary Woodill, Ed.D
McGraw-Hill
c/o The McGraw Hill Companies
Two Penn Plaza, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10121-2298
www.books.mcgraw-hill.com
0071628029, $29.95 www.mhprofessional.com

Training and Collaboration with Virtual Worlds tells how to use the internet and virtual worlds within it to keep a company competitive and productive. Virtual worlds can help create training and recruitment programs that build superior teams - and this discusses all available technologies and how to use these technologies in a business setting. 3-D virtual worlds are a key to the future - and this tells how they operate.

Motion Leadership
Michael Fullan
Corwin Press
2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
9781412981316, $19.95 www.corwin.com

MOTION LEADERSHIP: THE SKINNY ON BECOMING CHANGE SAVVY tells how leaders can set large-scale change in motion using some simple, easy rules. From connecting peers and being assertive to understanding the politics of emotions, MOTION LEADERSHIP provides keys to growth at any organizational level.

John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5774
www.wiley.com

David Meerman Scott's THE NEW RULES OF MARKETING & PR (9780470547816, $19.95) provide a fine new edition of the best-selling title - a revised, updated survey offering the latest insider tips on the latest tools and techniques to market any product or service. Learn how to reach buyers directly on the internet, market well, and understand the rules of business in a Web-based environment with this exceptional guide to changing environments and options, perfect for any business or general library. Also recommended is Willie Jolley's TURN SETBACKS INTO GREENBACKS: 7 SECRETS FOR GOING UP IN DOWN TIMES (9780470554722, $21.95). This comes from a motivational speaker who helped Ford avert bankruptcy and bail-outs: here he shares a new vision for viewing setbacks as opportunities for future growth, offering tested suggestions and solutions to achieving professional growth through all kinds of conditions.

Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting & Running a Thrift Store
Ravel Buckley with Carol Costa
Alpha
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
9781592579525, $18.95 www.idiotsguides.com

Complete Idiot's Guide to Starting & Running a Thrift Store is the perfect pick for any who would set up a thrift store and open a successful profit or nonprofit shop. From acquiring donations of superior, saleable items and setting prices for managing volunteer staff and promoting the store, this is packed with specifics perfect for would-be retail thrift shop owners and business libraries catering to them.

S-Corporation Small Business Start-up Kit, fourth edition
Daniel Sitarz, attorney-at-law
Nova Publishing Company
1103 W. College St., Carbondale, IL 62901
c/o National Book Network (distributor)
4501 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, MD 20706
9781892949530 $29.95

Attorney-at-law Daniel Sitarz presents the newly updated fourth edition of S-Corporation Small Business Start-up Kit, an easy-to-use guide to beginning an American business as an S-Corporation, and now in a completely updated fourth edition, S-Corporation Small Business Start-up Kit is valid in all fifty states and Washington D.C., and includes not only detailed text instructions and recommendations, but also a host of easy-to-use forms and checklists - from payroll forms and federal tax forms to account summaries for recording sales and expenses, employment documents, even state-specific forms. An accompanying Windows and Mac-compatible CD includes all the forms in both text and PDF formats (Adobe Acrobat Reader included). An absolute must-have for anyone launching a small business as an S-Corporation due to its ease of use, S-Corporation Small Business Start-up Kit is also an extraordinarily practical resource for anyone running the day-to-day operations of an S-Corporation - even longtime managers are sure to find a wealth of useful tips, tricks, techniques, and advice. Highly recommended.

Analytics at Work
Thomas H. Davenport, Jeanne G. Harris, & Robert Morison
Harvard Business
60 Harvard Way, Boston, MA 02163
9781422177693, $29.95, www.harvardbusiness.org

It's one thing to have all the knowledge in the world, and it's another to know how to use it. "Analytics at Work: Smarter Decisions, Better Results" is a reference to maximizing data use at one's place of business for the many goals of business. Saying that educated approaches to pricing, inventory management, employment policies, and so much more are vital parts of a successful business, Thomas Davenport and his fellow collaborators give readers and business leaders a complete and comprehensive guide to using the data they have on hand to its fullest. "Analytics at Work" is a manual to keep at hand for any manager.

Leadership and Self-Deception, second edition
The Arbinger Institute
Berrett-Koehler Publishers
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 650, San Francisco, CA 94104-2916
9781576759776, $16.95, www.bk-life.com

If you're not honest with yourself, you can't be honest with others. "Leadership and Self-Deception - Getting Out of the Box" is an expanded second edition of the business best seller that speaks on the extreme importance of being honest with oneself about one's own motivations, and understanding what one's own goals are. This honesty translates well in dealing with others throughout their business and professional lives. "Leadership and Self-Deception" is a top pick for business collections focusing on leadership.

Leading High Performers
Eric Snow
Morgan James
1225 Franklin Ave., STE 325, Garden City, NY 11530-1693
Planned Television Arts (publicity)
110 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10022
9781600377181, $17.95, www.morganamespublishing.com

People who do well can do better with the right person in front of them. "Leading High Performers: The Ultimate Guide to Being a Fast, Fluid, and Flexible Leader" is a leadership guide from NBA star of over fourteen years Eric Snow as he explains how he took his leadership skills from the basketball court to the business world. Knowing what your people can do and assisting that is Snow's message, and "Leading High Performers" is a fine pick for those who want to make their good people great.


The Hobby Shelf

DCC Projects & Applications, Volume 2
Mike Polsgrove with David Popp
Kalmbach Publishing Company
21027 Crossroads Circle, Waukesha, WI 53186
9780890247747 $19.95 www.kalmbachbooks.com

DCC Projects & Applications, volume 2 is a solid, hands-on guide for model train hobbyists to using Digital Command Control (DCC) in order to independently control multiple trains anywhere on their layout. From choosing a DCC system that suits one's needs, to converting a DC layout to DCC, to building a layout with DCC in mind, troubleshooting wiring problems, converting older brass and plastic models to DCC and more, DCC Projects & Applications, volume 2 is an excellent reference and resource, illustrating its descriptive text with full-color photographs and diagrams on almost every page. An excellent supplementary resource especially commended to the attention of intermediate to advanced model train hobbyists.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

The Pallbearers
Stephen J. Cannell
St. Martin's Press
175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
9780312557294 $25.99 www.stmartins.com 1-888-330-8477

TV producer and veteran crime fiction writer Stephen J. Cannell presents The Pallbearers, his latest suspenseful novel featuring the grizzled detective Shane Scully. When the director of the orphanage where Shane lived in between stays with foster families - a man whose kindness was one of the only bright spots in Shane's young life - is found dead of an alleged suicide, Shane is instantly suspicious. Shane is one of six specific people that the dead man chose to be his pallbearers. All six are convinced that the man they will lay to rest never would have chosen to kill himself. But who could have murdered him, and why? Uncovering the insidious secret behind the death proves to be a dangerous task, in this utterly riveting novel. Highly recommended.

Assassins of Athens
Jeffrey Siger
Poisoned Pen Press
6962 E. 1st Ave #103, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
9781590586891, $24.95 www.poisonedpenpress.com

ASSASSINS OF ATHENS offers a fine Chief Inspector Kaldis novel telling of the body of a boy from one of Greece's most prominent families found in a dumpster in a terrible neighborhood, involving Andreas Kaldis in more than murder. His search for answers takes him to the seedy side of Athens nightlife and high society alike in search of answers in this gripping Greek mystery.

Berkeley Prime Crime
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
www.penguin.com

Kate Carlisle's IF BOOKS COULD KILL (9780451228918, $6.99) tells of a haunted city and a book restorer who faces scandal with a text that could change history and humiliate the British Monarchy - until murder hides it, Julie Hyzy's EGGSECUTIVE ORDERS (9780425232033, $7.99) provides a fun White House Chef mystery revolving around a murder at an Easter celebration, J.M.C. Blair's THE PENDRAGON MURDERS (9780425233122, $7.99) tells of death stalking the English countryside and a struggle by Merlin and Arthur for the throne, Penny Warner's HOW TO HOT A KILLER PARTY (9780451229304, $6.99) tells of a professional kids' party thrower who gains a big political gig, only to find a dead bride and more thwart her business, Melinda Wells' THE PROOF IS IN THE PUDDING (9780425233115, $7.99) includes recipes as it tells of a cooking school owner and cooking show host who finds celebrities being murdered, Krista Davis' THE DIVA PAINTS THE TOWN (9780425233443, $6.99) tells of a reclusive neighbor's death and a decoration job that uncovers a murder, Kate Collins' SLEEPING WITH ANEMONE (9780451228901, $6.99) provides a funny and fun mystery read in a heroine who faces a would-be kidnapper and danger, and Kaye Morgan's GHOST SUDOKU (9780425232620, $6.99) adds to her Sudoku mysteries in telling of a dirty political scandal and murder. Mystery libraries will relish the variety and differing, contemporary approaches.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

The Wheel of Nuldoid
Russ Woody
Pointless Ink Publishers
11684 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 479, Studio City, CA 91604-3808
9781427634801, $15.95, www.nuldoid.com

A rescue mission can take you to the center of the Earth and back again. "The Wheel of Nuldoid" tells the tale of Warren Worst as he follows a kidnapped friend into the bowels of the Earth. Only in sixth grade, he seems ill-equipped for all the strange creatures and adventures he finds in the city of Nuldoid, found at the center of the Earth. An entertaining and charming fantasy for young readers, "The Wheel of Nuldoid" is a very highly recommended pick.

The Hunt for the Eye of Ogin
Patrick Doud
North Atlantic Books
2526 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94704-2607
www.winnitoktales.com
9781556438226 $16.95 www.northatlanticbooks.com

Debut novelist Patrick Doud presents The Hunt for the Eye of Ogin, the first fantasy novel in the Winnitok Tales series. Although The Hunt for the Eye of Ogin is written especially for young adults, the accessible saga of a young man's epic quest will appeal to fantasy lovers of all ages. Thirteen-year-old Elwood Pitch has been spirited away to the land of Winnitok in the otherworld of Ehm; in his search to find the way home, he must track down the legendary Eye of Ogin to reveal the location of the land's lost protector. With the aid of his dog Slukee and his two companions Drallah Wehr of Winnitok and her talking raven Booj, his journey to decide the fate of Winnitok as well as his own destiny begins. A thoroughly enjoyable adventure from first page to last, The Hunt for the Eye of Ogin is especially recommended for public library collections (as something to appeal to patrons when all the Harry Potter books have been checked out)!


The Money/Finance Shelf

Wealth Watchers
Alice Wood
The Free Press
1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020
9781439158197 $19.95 www.simonsays.com 1-800-223-2336

Wealth Watchers: A Simple Program to Help You Spend Less and Save More is a financial self-discipline program inspired to help people gain control of their monetary expenditures in much the same way that the Weight Watcher program helps people control their diet in order to lose weight and keep it off. Two-thirds of Wealth Watchers is the author's story of learning how to balance quality of life with the need to conserve one's money; the remaining third is a consumable daily journal that the reader can use to try out the program on their own. "Wealth Watchers is never meant to be judgmental. We're just here to help you think before you spend." To being aware of the expenses of eating out (which can be 50% more than cooking at home - though one can save money by simply drinking water at restaurants instead of alcohol or soft drinks) to the rigors of finding affordable insurance, Wealth Watchers is an invaluable resource for maintaining financial independence, especially in today's challenging economic times. "...if you are self-employed... join a local business organization - most states have them - which will make you eligible for health insurance at a group rate rather than at an individual rate. You must pay an annual membership fee but this will be small potatoes compared to your monthly savings. In fact your monthly dues are tax deductible."

Living Well with Bad Credit
Chris Balish & Geoff Williams
Health Communications, Inc.
32-1 S. W. 15th Street, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442-8190
9780757313585, $12.95, www.hcibooks.com

A low credit rating isn't the end of the world. "Living Well with bad Credit: Buy a House, Start a Business, and Even Take a Vacation No Matter How Low Your Credit Score" is a guide to overcoming the dilemma of a poor credit score. With plenty of tips and tricks for conquering one's poor credit and still getting what you want and need done in spite of it, "Living Well with Bad Credit" is a strong pick for readers who have bad credit but still want to live life.

The New Commonsense Guide to Your 401(k)
Mary Rowland
Bloomberg Press
731 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10022
9781576603277, $14.95, www.bloomberg.com

One's 401(k) is one's key to retirement. "The New Commonsense Guide to Your 401(k): Rebuilding Your Portfolio From the Bottom Up" is a guide to the 401(k) and its many changing details from Mary Rowland as she hopes to advise and encourage readers to keep their 401(k) safe and protected so it can do what it's there to do. With sound investment strategies and tax advice, "The New Commonsense Guide to Your 401(k)" is not a read to be ignored.


The Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf

The Girl in Alfred Hitchcock's Shower
Robert Graysmith
Berkeley
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
9780425232316, $25.95 www.penguin.com

The Girl in Alfred Hitchcock's Shower: A Murder That Became a Real-Life Mystery offers insights into what really happened to Janet Leigh's body double in Psycho, exploring the psychology of a killer and revealing a classic Hollywood murder mystery. From insights into a then-dangerous Los Angeles to a killer inspired by Hitchcock's film, The Girl in Alfred Hitchcock's Shower is a riveting true-time Hollywood story suitable for any true crime or film library.

Roger Ebert's Movie Yearbook 2010
Roger Ebert
Andrews McMeel
1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106
0740785362, $29.99 www.andrewsmcmeel.com

Roger Ebert's Movie Yearbook 2010 deserves ongoing recommendation for any general or film library strong in movie reviews from experts. Roger Ebert has been critiquing films with and since his TV show with Gene Siskel, and his annual collection includes over five hundred reviews along with interviews, essays, tributes, journal entries and more. An outstanding reference is the result.

Keeping Score
Tom Hoover
Course Technology
20 Channel Center St., Boston MA 02210
1435454774, $34.99 www.courseptr.com

KEEPING SCORE: INTERVIEWS WITH TODAY'S TOP FILM, TELEVISION AND GAME MUSIC COMPOSERS features interviews from the top composers of Hollywood, offering conversations that go behind the scenes of film scoring and reveal details about best films and how they are made. From handling film critiques to how music is chosen and paired with movies, this is a powerful and important survey key to any film collection.

The Best 10-Minute Plays for 2 or More Actors
Lawrence Harbison
Smith and Kraus
177 Lyme Road, Hanover, NH 03755
9781575257594, $24.95, www.smithandkraus.com

A good performance does not require length. "The Best 10 Minute Plays for 2 or More Actors" is a collection of short skits and tales that can be performed on a small and brief scale, perfect for taking a unique approach to theatre or for acting and theatre classes. Many playwrights and writers provide a wide array of plays sure to give plenty of fuel for the actor. "The Best 10 Minute Plays for 2 or More Actors" is a top pick for any theatre collection.

From Word to Image
Marcie Begleiter
Michael Wiese Productions
3940 Laurel Canyon Blvd., #1111, Studio City, CA 91604
9781932907674, $29.95, www.mwp.com

It takes many steps for a handwritten story to become a full fledged motion picture. "From Word to Image: Storyboarding and the Filmmaking Process" is a guide to those who are trying to embrace the storyboard step of the filming process to truly start to give their ideas and plots life, and how the details of these plots can mean the world in creating a truly vivid story. Elaborating on details, the changes of recent years and perspectives and the power of color, "From Word to Image" gives a lot of insight to this important step of the film making process, and is not to be missed by the rookie director.

Some Like It Wilder
Gene D. Phillips
The University Press of Kentucky
663 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY 40508-4008
9780813125701, $39.95

When a new media takes from, there are those who seek to embrace it for their creativity. "Some Like It Wilder: The Life and Controversial Films of Billy Wilder" looks into the work of Billy Wilder, a man who lived nearly a century and spent more than half of that creating films working with legendary actors of film such as Marilyn Monroe, and has been the mind behind countless truly classic films that have shaped film as an artistic medium. "Some Like It Wilder" is an absolute must for any fan of film history or for film history collections in general.


The Jobs/Careers Shelf

Wiley CPA Exam Review Regulation
O. Ray Whittington, CPA, PhD and Patrick R. Delaney, CPA, PhD
Wiley-Blackwell
10475 Crosspoint Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46256
9780470453520, $55.00, www.wiley.com/cpa

Wiley CPA Exam Review Regulation includes over 1,000 questions and some 40 full-scale simulations in a study guide for any planning to take the CPA exam. The latest coverage for the computerized exam offers all the latest AICPA content requirements in regulation, with comprehensive questions - over 3,800 multiple-choice - accompanying detailed outlines, study guides, and more. A 'must' for any would-be CPA.

How to Use the Internet to Get Your Next Job
Janet Nagle
Atlantic Publishing Group
1405 SW 6th Ave, Ocala, FL 34471-0640
9781601382399, $21.95, www.atlantic-pub.com

The internet is a massively powerful resource, if you know how to use it. "How to Use the Internet to Get Your Next Job" is a guide to effectively using the internet to hunt down the job one desires. Monster, Hot Jobs, Career Builder are just the tip of the iceberg in one's job pursuit as going deeper into the internet to pursue that better job that you've been striving for from the start. With plenty of time saving tips to land that ideal job, "How to Use the Internet to Get Your Next Job" is a pick that should not be ignored for the job seeker who doesn't want to settle for less.


The Economics Shelf

Factor Five
Ernst Von Weizsacker & Collaborators
Earthscan
22883 Quicksilver Drive, Sterling, VA 20166-2012
Stylus Publishing (distributor)
PO Box 605, Herndon, VA 20172-0605
9781844075911, $39.95, www.earthscan.co.uk

It's a crossroads, and something will have to give. "Factor Five" is a followup to Ernst von Weizsacker's previous volume, Factor Four. Stating that the interactions between humanity and the planet cannot continue as they are uninterrupted, many thinkers converge and state how industries are going to rapidly change in coming decades in reaction to the environment or in preparational measures for the collapse of the environment. With plenty of full color charts, indexes, and other appendixes to support its research, "Factor Five" is a fine collaboration of many scholars and thinkers, making for an enthusiastically recommended read for economic and environmental collections.

Marketing Metrics, second edition
Paul W. Farris, Neil T. Bendle, Philip E. Pfeifer, & David J. Reibstein
Wharton School Publishing
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96h Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
9780137058297, $39.99, www.whartonsp.com

Objectivity is something hard to find, even in numbers. "Marketing Metrics: The Definitive Guide to Measuring Marketing Performance" is a guide to understanding the many measures of success in today's world and how to cut through spins and other word plays to best understand the real facts and numbers of business. It covers how to use these numbers to revise one's business strategy to meet these numbers, and the new and updated edition offers more facts and references to use in formulating one's own marketing plan. "Marketing Metrics" is a reference any marketer should have on hand.

The Collected Papers of Anthony de Jasay
Anthony De Jasay
Liberty Fund
8335 Allison Pointe Trail, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46250-1684
9780865977785, $14.50, www.libertyfund.org

A good grasp of market politics is a vital tool to fully understanding and evaluating it. "The Collected Papers of Anthony de Jasay: Political Economy, Concisely Essays on Policy That Does Not Work and Markets That Do" is a collection of essays from noted economic theorist Anthony De Jasay, an active economic thinker in today's world. He thoughts and ideas, drawing from many economies throughout the world are sound and provide many ideas and make for highly intellectual reading. "The Collected Papers of Anthony de Jasay" is a top and very highly recommended pick that should be in every economic studies collection.

WTO
Debra P. Steger
Wilfrid Laurier University Press
PO Box 8500, Ottawa, ON K1G 3H9, Canada
9781554581566, $44.95, www.wlupress.wlu.ca

Times change, and the rules of economics change with them. "WTO: Redesigning the World Trade Organization for the Twenty-First Century" discusses the World Trade Organization and its successes and failures in the modern day and how it can be revised and improved to stand the test of time and serve the world as the law on the necessary international trade. Many brilliant minds converge on the topic and offer much in the way of solutions and ideas for a more effective WTO of the future. Debra P. Steger serves as editor and presents a recommended read for anyone trying to understand the present and future of the WTO, making "WTO" a top pick for community and college library economics collections.

Trading From Your Gut
Curtis Faith
FT Press
1330 Avenue of the Americans, 35th floor, New York, NY 10019
9780137047680, $24.99, www.ftpress.com

The stock market isn't a product of the primal instincts, but they can be useful in realizing the best way to act. "Trading From Your Gut: How to Use the Right Brain Instinct & Left Brain Smarts to Become a Master Trader" is a guide to combining logic and gut impulse to make wise trading decisions that can help a trader rise up and become a master trader. With chapters on reading other traders, learning from their mistake, using logic and intuition, "Trading From Your Gut" is a top pick for those who don't think ignoring their gut makes for the wisest trades.


The Environmental Studies Shelf

Environmental Communication and the Public Sphere, second edition
Robert Cox
Sage Publications
2455 Teller Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
9781412972116, $49.95, www.sagepublications.com

No one will ever know there's a problem unless they're kept in the light. Now in an updated and expanded second edition, "Environmental Communication and the Public Sphere" discusses the public's views of the world's environmental problems and the elements that come into play trying to deal with these problems. Author Robert Cox, multiple time president of the Sierra Club, discusses the topic in depth as it extends to congress, public opinion and the forces that can get things done and save the world's environment. The second edition discusses public opinion and the rise of the internet in informing the world of its many environmental problems and climate change. "Environmental Communication and the Public Sphere" is a must for community and college library environmental studies collections.

A Spring Without Bees
Michael Schacker
The Lyons Press
246 Goose Lane, Guilford, CT 06437
9781599214320, $24.95 www.LyonsPress.com

A Spring Without Bees: How Colony Collapse Disorder Has Endangered Our Food Supply identifies a new chemical devastating our environment: IMD, a new but widely used insecticide in the U.S. that is the prime suspect for raising the die-off rate of honey bees to 30% of all beehives in the U.S. Science and politics blend in a survey of this chemical and how the demise of bees could lead to food supply devastation and world-wide disaster in a wake-up call akin to Rachel Carson - and recommended for any general science or environmental library.


The Computer Shelf

Addison Wesley
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
www.informit.com

The second edition of Erica Sadun's THE IPHONE DEVELOPER'S COOKBOOK: BUILDING APPLICATIONS WITH THE IPHONE 3.0 SDK (0321659570, $44.99) has been completely revised and expanded to cover the iPhone 3.0 SDK and offers an invaluable reference for any iPhone and iPod developer. From using touches and other sophisticated iPhone interfaces to using ne Push Notifications to send alerts and working with flexible maps and multiplayer games, this advanced cookbook offers many keys to iPhone development that programmers must know. Marcus Zarra and Matt Long's CORE ANIMATION (0321617754, $44.99) offers an in-depth programmer's discussion for Mac OS X/iPhone developers and covers Core Animation's layers, views, and effects. Learn how to leverage Core Image's filters, play Quicktime movies using the program's movie module, and how to use helper layers to draw gradients and composite shapes. Color screen shots throughout make for an invaluable discussion. Craig Larman and Bas Vodde's PRACTICES FOR SCALING LEAN & AGILE DEVELOPMENT (0321636406, $49.99) is for any software engineering collection strong in Agile development. It covers frameworks for large-scale Scrum, testing and quality control, Agile architecture, offshore development and more and provides insights on how low-quality code and products develop and how to stop them. William C. Wake and Kevin Rutherford's REFACTORING IN RUBY (0321545044, $44.99) is for any programmer's library strong in Ruby. It tells how to refactor Ruby code quickly, using several applications to discuss the process and offering a workbook using several applications to help reinforce refactoring ideas by linking concepts to real-world scenarios. Any collection strong in programming languages in general and Ruby in particular needs this.

Course Technology
20 Channel Center St., Boston, MA 02210
www.courseptr.com

Charles R. Hardnett's VIRTUAL WORLD DESIGN AND CREATION FOR TEENS (1598638505, $34.99) shows teens how to develop virtual 3D worlds using the easy visual programming language Alice. It offers step-by-step insights into setting up such worlds using content appropriate for tees ages 12-18, hands-on project examples, and including a CD-ROM that includes Alice version 2.2 and solutions to each chapter's projects. While geared for teen programmers, any interested in designing and creating virtual worlds for teens will find this an invaluable introduction. Ruth Maran's MARAN ILLUSTRATED GUIDED TOUR: WINDOWS 7 (1435454316, $24.99) is the perfect pick for any Windows user who wants a visual approach rather than wading through lengthy text. It packs in hundreds of color screen shots and covers all the new Windows 7 features, making it a 'must' for any general Windows reference collection.

How to Cheat in Motion
Patrick Sheffield
Focal Press
30 Corporate Drive #400, Burlington, MA 01803
9780240810973, $39.95 www.focalpress.com

How to Cheat in Motion is a top pick for any multimedia or digital video programming collection and provides a powerful set of creative solutions to enhancing titles, visual effects and more using Apple's Motion program. Step-by-step directions accompany keys to film and video production customization and accompany a companion CD showing these techniques at work. Paul Sheffield has some 20 years of film and video experience behind him and provides a rare expertise, here.

A Practical Guide to Linux Commands, Editors and Shell Programming, second edition
Mark G. Sobell
Prentice Hall Professional
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
0131367366, $49.99 www.informit.com/ph

A Practical Guide to Linux Commands, Editors and Shell Programming appears in its second updated edition to provide a tutorial to the latest Linux commands and references. It's the only book to offer a primer on Perl for all system administrators, in-depth coverage of basic and advanced Linux shell programming, and tips and tricks for customizing the shell. If only one advanced Linux command reference were to be chosen, this is among the top contenders for the job.

Security on Rails
Ben Poweski and David Raphael
Pragmatic Programmers
Box 293325, Lewisville, TX 75029-3325
9781934356487, $34.95 www.pragprog.com

SECURITY ON RAILS tells how to design security into an application, providing the tools and techniques for Rails programmers that are key to survival against hackers. Chapters cover typical hacker methodology and show how to secure Rails applications against threats. Rails programmers need these specific insights.


The Martial Arts Shelf

Mixed Martial Arts
Daniel J. Brush, David Horne, Marc CB Maxwell, & Zac Robinson
Savas Beatie
PO Box 4527, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
9781932714678, $15.95, www.savasbeatie.com

The Ultimate Fighting Championship has become the sport of choice for many young adults, but where did it come from? "Mixed Martial Arts: An Interactive Guide to the World of Sports" is a Sports by the Numbers guide discussing one thousand facts and elaborating on them to give readers a health dose of MMA trivia to chew on, offering interesting notes about strike happy fights, successful comebacks, and more. For any lover of MMA, "Mixed Martial Arts" is a worthy gift or reading choice.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Storey's Guide to Racing Horses
Heather Smith Thomas
Storey Publishing
210 MASS MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
9781603424714, $19.95, www.storey.com

A horse is a beautiful creature, but it needs it own special sort of care. "Storey's Guide to Raising Horses: Breeding, Care, Facilities" is a care guide from Heather Smith Thomas, who has over five decades of experience in her field. In this manual, she discusses the nuances of horse care, such as hoof care, day to day life, foals, fencing, and even discusses greener horse raising in regards to the environment. "Storey's Guide to Raising Horses" is a solid reference any who want to raise horses should embrace.

Wiley-Blackwell
10475 Crosspoint Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46256
www.wiley.com

Given that so many domestic pets have hair loss issues, it's surprising to note that Lars Mecklenburg, Monika Linek, and Desmond J. Tobin's HAIR LOSS DISORDERS IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS (9780813810829, $169.99) is the first vet text devoted solely to this problem. An international team of editors and contributors offer key essays and surveys of hair follicle biology and clinical approaches to skin diseases, providing the latest physiology and pathology of diseases and treatments. Over 300 color images accompany a 'must' text for practicing vets and vet students alike in a key title every college-level vet sciences library needs. Jan Bellows' FELINE DENTISTRY: ORAL ASSESSMENT, TREATMENT, AND PREVENTATIVE CARE (9780813816135, $99.99) is a fine overview covering feline dental issues unique to the species. It's the only current reference entirely focused on feline dental issues and offers details on anatomy, pathology, dental equipment, treatment options and more.


The Social Issues Shelf

Personal Responsibility
Alexander Brown
Continuum
80 Maiden Lane, Suite 704, New York, NY 10038
9781847063991, $19.95, www.continuumbooks.com

Too often it seems easier to shove off fault on others. "Personal Responsibility: Why It Matters" discusses personal responsibility in the current political debate and in philosophy. How much weight should the individual answer to in his or her actions, or the actions of their children, their family, and their friends? Alexander Brown comes to readers with an intriguing and fascinating discussion of human nature and the community, making "Personal Responsibility" an intriguing and very highly recommended read.

Understanding Interracial Relationships
Toyin Okitikpi
Russel House Publishing
International Specialized Book Services
920 NE 58th Avenue, Suite 300, Portland, OR 97213-3786
9781905541539, $34.50, www.russellhouse.co.uk

London wasn't a city with a great interracial population, and for the longest time, there were only British people. "Understanding Interracial Relationships" discusses race relations and mixing in the United Kingdom in the modern day. A sign of changing times, Toyin Okitikpi discusses these changes with researches and interviews into these relationships giving another dimension to the topic. "Understanding Interracial Relationships" is a must for any social issues collection focusing on the United Kingdom.


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


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