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Library Bookwatch

Volume 3, Number 8 August 2008 Home | LBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Writing/Publishing Shelf Library CD Music Shelf
Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf Literary Shelf Metaphysical Studies Shelf
Judaic Studies Shelf Military Shelf American History Shelf
Music Shelf Native American Shelf Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Christian Studies Shelf Economics Shelf Travel Shelf
Parenting Shelf Health/Medicine Shelf Religion/Spirituality Shelf
Fiction Shelf Education Shelf Jobs/Careers Shelf
Business Shelf Political Science Shelf Poetry Shelf
Automotive Shelf Judicial Studies Shelf Woodworking Shelf
Photography Shelf Library Reference Shelf Biography Shelf
Nautical Shelf Theatre/Cinema Shelf Women's Studies Shelf
Audiobook Shelf World History Shelf Interior Design Shelf
Art Shelf Cookbook Shelf  


Reviewer's Choice

Afterimages
Carol Ascher
Holmes & Meier Publishers
PO Box 943, Teaneck, NJ 07666
9780841914490, $24.00, www.holmesandsandmeier.com

A story of growing up in refuge from one of the most brutal dictators of the 20th century, "Afterimages: A Family Memoir" is the collective memories of a family who grew up in Topeka, Kansas after their parents fled Hitler's Germany in fear. Author Carol Ascher reflects on her bright-eyed to a fault mother, who always told her about better days back in the old country, and the dark sense of humor of her father, whose work in psychology only made it darker. "Afterimages" is a unique story, shedding light on those Germans who did not agree with Hitler's policies and left the country to escape his tyranny.

Analyzing Intelligence
Roger Z. George & James B. Bruce, editors
Georgetown University Press
3240 Prospect Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
1589012011, $29.95, www.press.georgetown.edu, 1-800-246-9606

Expertly compiled and deftly co-edited by Roger Z. George (a career analyst serving in the CIA, State Department, and Defense Department) and James B. Bruce (a retired career CIA intelligence analyst who served with the National Intelligence council, in the Directorates of Intelligence and Operations, as well as other intelligence community organizations), "Analyzing Intelligence: Origins, Obstacles, And Innovations" is a compilation of informed and informative essays and articles on the subject of intelligence analysis providing academia, professionals, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject with a comprehensive overview of the issues, tools, and resources that American intelligence services and departments have with respect to obtaining and understanding the information that they collect. Beginning with a basic introduction to intelligence analysis by James B. Bruce and Roger Z. George, the knowledgeable contributors cover analytic tradition and history, the role of the analyst, the challenges endemic to intelligence analysis, common problems and concerns associated with intelligence analysis, as well as trends and changes within the field of intelligence analysis. An impressively articulate and scholarly body of work, "Analyzing Intelligence" is especially recommended for academic, governmental, and community library reference collections, and the supplemental reading lists of students, journalists, and interested general readers with an interest in the subject.


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper
SARK
Three Rivers Press
c/o The Crown Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, 17th floor, New York, NY 10019
9780307341709, $18.95, www.crownpublishing.com, 1-888-523-9292

Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy is a personal growth teacher, an artist, an inspiration speaker, a bestselling author, and under the pen name SARK has written and compiled "Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper: Gifting The World With Your Words And Stories And Creating The Time And Energy To Actually Do It", a compendium of creative games and techniques that aspiring writers will find to be invaluable in the practice of their chosen craft. There are any number of excellent 'how to' books on how to write better, more effectively, and even more profitably. The unique focus of "Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper" is an emphasis of practical 'how to' exercises to generate ideas, become inspired by people and things, make time to write within the context of a busy schedule, deal with writer's block and 'bad writing blues', -- even tips on getting published. Enhanced with personal anecdotes, uplifting quotes, interviews with artists, and more, "Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper" is a welcome and recommended read for all novice authors and holds a great deal of benefit for experienced writers as well.

The Half-Known World
Robert Boswell
Graywolf Press
2402 University Avenue, Suite 203, Saint Paul, MN 55114
9781555975043, $15.00, www.graywolfpress.org

Writing fiction requires a combination of expertise, talent, experience, and imagination. In "The Half-Known World: On Writing Fiction", Robert Boswell (the published author of five novels and an instructor in creative writing at the New Mexico State University, the University of Houston, and in the Warren Wilson MFA program) draws upon his more than twenty years of personal experience and earned expertise to compile nine compelling informed and informative essays on the craft issues facing every literary writer and author. Comprising this extraordinary compendium of observation, insights and advice are Process and Paradigm; Narrative Spandrels; On Omniscience; Urban Legends, Pornography, and Literary Fiction; The Alternate Universe; Politics and Art in the Novel; Private eye Point of View; You Must Change Your Life; and the title piece, The Half-Known World. Enhanced with a two and a half page listing of referenced works at the end, "The Half-Known World" will prove to be a fascinating and educative read for anyone who aspires to literary success as a writer of deftly crafted fiction.

The Power of the Darkside
Pamela Jaye Smith
Michael Wiese Producations
3940 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Suite 1111
9781932907438, $22.95, www.mwp.com

A world where everything goes according to plan isn't terribly interesting at all; a good antagonist is essential to a great story. "The Power of the Darkside" is a guide for screenwriters who want to craft a truly memorable and believable villain, someone viewers will talk about as much as they talk about the hero. And a good hero, of course, needs an excellent villain. Sound and wise in its advice on the shadier side of the script, "The Power of the Darkside" is a must for aspiring writers and for community library collections.


The Library CD Music Shelf

Jah is Real
Burning Spear
Burning Music
c/o Rock Paper Scissors
511 West 4th Street, Suite 2, Bloomington, IN 47404
CD, $16.98 www.rockpaperscissors.biz www.burningspear.net

Reggae artist Burning Spear, who chose his music name in honor of Kenyan freedom fighter and first president Jomo Kenyatta, presents his latest album in a decades-long career promoting peace, unity, and love. Burning Spear has traveled to violence-torn Nairobi at the behest of the United Nations to offer the positive influence of his music; now listeners across the globe can feel his strong, positive message of self-reliance, African unity, and respect for one's fellow man in Jah is Real. After bitter disputes with record labels and distributors, Burning Spear has learned the hard way that the best way to ensure he receives proper compensation for his music is to release it himself; fans of the music and the man can rest assured that buying this CD fully supports the artist. Bass guitar and keyboard music form the rhythmic, captivating background for roughly half of the tracks, in this album conveying a much-needed message not for just Africa, but also the world at large. The tracks are "The Cruise", "Step It", "You Were Wrong", "Run for Your Life", "Jah Is Real", "People in High Places", "One Africa", "Grandfather", "Wickedness", "Stick to the Plan", "No Compromise", "700 Strong", "Grassroot", and "Step It Remix".


The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf

Shonen Jump Fifth Anniversary Collector's Edition
Viz Communications Inc.
295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
9781421526188, $24.99 www.viz.com 1-800-394-3042

Shonen Jump Fifth Anniversary Collector's Edition is a hardcover anthology of shonen manga (Japanese comics generally aimed toward young men, but sure to delight action fans of any ages or gender), reprinted especially for collectors and fans. Consisting of the first issue of Shonen Jump plus a wide selection of the best interviews and articles found in issues 1-60, Shonen Jump Fifth Anniversary Collector's Edition presents the very first chapters of the popular black-and-white comic series "Dragonball Z", "One Piece", "Yu-Gi-Oh!", "Yu Yu Hakusho", "Naruto", and "Sand Land" (another manga by "Dragonball Z" creator Akira Toriyama). Shonen Jump Fifth Anniversary Collector's Edition reads right-to-left; its manga are "unflipped", representing the artwork exactly as it was in the original Japanese publications. The perfect introduction to the fast-paced, action-packed world of shonen manga, and an absolute "must-have" for collectors!


The Literary Shelf

Reading with Oprah
Kathleen Rooney
The University of Arkansas Press
201 Ozark Ave., Fayetteville, AR 72701
1557288739, $15.95, www.uapress.com

Oprah's Book Club has inspired many people to read in the past several years. "Reading with Oprah: The Book Club That Changed America" is an examination of the book club and those who participate within it. Topics covered include the criticisms lobbied at Oprah's book club, the club's effects on the books it features, and Oprah's turn to contemporary fiction in recent years. The new second edition includes an expanded analysis of the James Frey scandal. "Reading with Oprah" is a must for anyone interested in how the club has affected the reading habits of America as a whole.

Deserts
Wayne Grady, editor
Greystone
1094 Flex Drive, Jackson, TN 38301
9781553653264, $22.95, www.greystonebooks.com

They're far more than harsh, heat-ridden wastelands; deserts have been important throughout the history of mankind. "Deserts: A Literary Companion" is a compilation of various writings on the second most biologically diverse ecosystem in the world, right behind rainforests. The essays span history, offering a cross-cultural, in depth look at subject, and call attention to the marvels and wonders of the desert. Highly recommended to any who seek to learn more about the sandy lands of the planet.

Baghdad Mon Amour
Salah Al Hamdani, author
Sonia Alland, translator
Curbstone Press
321 Jackson Street, Willimantic, CT 06226
9781931896443, $15.00, www.curbstone.org

Imprisoned and forced away from his home, author Salah Al Hamdani savors what Americans take for granted. "Baghdad Mon Amour" is an anthology of his writings, offering readers a unique perspective on the people of Iraq from one of their own. Impoverished as a youth, imprisoned as an adult, and exiled afterwards to France, Salah Al Hamdani will open his readers' eyes with writings that span the gamut from poetry to fiction to other mediums. Skillfully translated from the original French by Sonia Alland, "Baghdad Mon Amour" is highly recommended to any who wants to understand an Iraqi's love for his homeland.

Philip Roth
Ross Miller, editor
The Library of America
14 East 60th Street, New York, NY 10022
9781598530308, $35.00, www.loa.org

Philip Roth emerged as one of the most influential American writers of the 20th century and a man whose talents were to stretch the boundaries of western literature and bring new life into American fiction. Capably edited by Ross Miller (Professor of English and Comparative Literature, University of Connecticut), "Philip Roth: Novels and Other Narratives 1986-1991" is the fifth and latest volume in the outstanding Library of America series showcasing the work of this American literary giant. These writings are taking from the author's mid-career and include 'The Counterlife', a ground-breaking novel which was published in 1986; 'The Facts: A Novelist's Autobiography' published in 1988 and represents Roth's professional memoir; 'Deception', a candid noel of adultery published in 1990; and 'Patrimony: A True Story' which, published in 1991, received the National Book Critics Circle Award and is the story of the author observing his 86-year-old father Herman Roth unrelenting struggle against a fatal brain tumor. Published on acid-free paper, "Philip Roth: Novels and Other Narratives 1986-1991" is a critically essential addition to academic and community library American Literature reference collections and 20th Century American Literature supplemental student reading lists.

The Monster Loves His Labyrinth
Charles Simic
Ausable Press
1026 Hurricane Road, Keene, NY 12942
9781931337403, $14.00 www.ausablepress.org 1-800-283-3572

Yugoslavia-born U.S. Poet Laureate Charles Simic presents The Monster Loves His Labyrinth: Notebooks, an amalgamation of his notebook entries over the course of many years. The observations, insights, and inspirational gleanings are not themselves poetry per se, but rather the stuff from which great poetry (or great prose) can be wrought - or perhaps a simple source of thoughtful contemplation, ideal for whenever one has a few minutes to spare. "We call 'street wise' someone who knows how to look, listen, and interpret the teeming life around him. To walk down a busy city block is a critical act. Literature, aesthetics, and psychology all come into play."


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

"Things" and More "Things"
Ivan T. Sanderson
Adventures Unlimited Press
PO Box 74, Kempton, IL 60946
9781931882781, www.adventuresunlimitedpress.com 1-815-253-6390

"Things" and More "Things" reprints two books originally published in the late 1960s by world-famous explorer and naturalist Ivan T. Sanderson. In "Things" and "More Things", Sanderson recounts fantastic phenomena which remain scientifically inexplicable to this day, from telepathic ants to mechanical dowsing, flying saucers and UFO nests, water monsters, giant skulls, the Toonijuk, and much more. Divided into chapters on "Live Things", "Dead Things", "Man Things", "Funny Things", and "Nasty Things", "Things" and More "Things" is a singularly fascinating delve into matters weird and mysterious, enthusiastically recommended for metaphysical studies collections.

Ghost Hunter's Guide to Seattle and Puget Sound
Jeff Dwyer
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster Street, Gretna, LA 70053-2246
9781589805170, $15.95 www.pelicanpub.com 1-800-843-1724

Ghost Hunter's Guide to Seattle and Puget Sound is an in-depth look at supernatural sightings in the geographic area surrounding Seattle and Puget Sound. Spotlighting dozens of sites and recounting the ghost stories and lore of each, Ghost Hunter's Guide to Seattle and Puget Sound is enhanced with black-and-white photographs, a suggested further reading list, a list of local historical societies and museums, recommended internet resources, and index, and more. A highly accessible and definitive guide for Seattle-area ghost hunters!


The Judaic Studies Shelf

Festival of Lights
Penny Harow
Urim Publications
c/o Lambda Publishers
3709 13th Avenue Brooklyn, New York, 11218
9789655240092, $24.95, www.urimpublications.com

The Festival of Lights is an annual Jewish community celebrating Chanukah. "Festival of Lights: A Delightful Collection of Handmade Chanukiot" is a collection of images depicting dozens of creative methods for celebrating this tradition with unique lights, from action figures to pool balls fashioned into candles. A wonderful look at creative ways to cherish the holiday, "Festival of Lights" is a must-have for any celebrator who wants to do something different.

Jews in Nevada: A History
John P. Marschall
University of Nevada Press
Mail Stop 0166, Reno, NV, 89557-0166
9780874177374, $34.95 www.unpress.nevada.edu 1-877-682-6657

John P. Marschall (Emeritus Professor of History, University of Nevada, Reno) presents Jews in Nevada: A History, a scholarly volume that indubitably lives up to its title. Chapters cover 1850 to the modern day, evaluating the history of Nevada's Jews more or less chronologically; especial interest is paid to "Antisemitism in the Twentieth Century" and "Civil Rights and Uncommon Causes". "Nevada has a chance to shape a revival of Jewish culture and religion in the West at a time when prophets of doom point only to national decline. Las Vegas's recent growth and expansion of a Jewish infrastructure and its ability to exert a supportive influence to northern Nevada will be the tipping points of success or failure. Proponents of a more robust Jewry in Nevada may be comforted or perplexed knowing that Las Vegas once had a Jewish major who prayed as well as he cursed and who, on the feast of purim, may not have known the difference between the villain Haman and Mordechai the hero." A welcome addition to Judaic studies shelves, as well as Nevada state history shelves.

Modern Jews Engage the New Testament
Michael J. Cook
Jewish Lights Publishing
PO Box 237, Sunset Farm Offices, Rt. 4, Woodstock, VT 05091
9781580233132, $29.99, www.jewishlights.com

The Jewish and Christian faiths share a common origin, and have been bound closely through the ages. "Modern Jews Engage the New Testament: Enhancing Jewish Well-Being in a Christian Environment" shows how several rabbis and other Jewish leaders view the Holy Bible's New Testament. Touching on New Testament topics that are critically important to the Jewish people, such as how Jewish traditions are entwined within Christianity, and how the New Testament regards the Jewish people, "Modern Jews Engage the New Testament" is a thoroughly accessible work of scholarship. "Modern Jews Engage the New Testament" is highly recommended for anyone interested in a look at the New Testament from another perspective.


The Military Shelf

The Rescue of Streetcar 304
Kenny Wayne Fields
Naval Institute Press
291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402
9781591142713, $19.95 www.navalinstitute.org 1-800-233-8764

Author and Navy veteran Kenny Wayne Fields flew 139 combat missions during two combat tours in Vietnam, and served for years as a flight instructor. The Rescue of Streetcar 304: A Navy Pilot's Forty Hours on the Run in Laos is Fields' true-life story of his first combat mission in his A-7 Corsair II. At the time, his target was Laos, even though it was "officially" off-limits for U.S. attacks. He destroyed his target, but was shot down with enemy troops in pursuit. This began his brutal, 40-hour struggle for survival while the U.S. Air Force embarked on one of its largest air rescue missions of the war. In the process, 189 sorties were flown, four pilots were forced to eject, seven planes were lost or severely damaged, and one pilot became a prisoner of war for five years. The Rescue of Streetcar 304 is a captivating true tale of duty, brotherhood, and confronting the very real possibility of an early death. Highly recommended.


The American History Shelf

Jiffy: A Family Tradition
Cynthia Furlong Reynolds
University of Michigan Press
839 Greene Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-3209
9780980232608, $24.95, www.press.umich.edu

The "Jiffy" brand is a familiar brand to every housewife in America. What began almost 80 years ago in the kitchen of Mabel Holmes as she set about creating a biscuit mix so easy that even 'a man could do it', grew into a multi-million dollar commercial enterprise based on America's first packaged and prepared baking mix. "Jiffy: A Family Tradition - Mixing Business and Old-Fashioned Values" is the story of this American success story, as well as how the Holmes family went on to survive two World Wars, the Great Depression, personal tragedies, and the rapidly changing food industry. All this while maintaining their private and public integrity while engaged in enormous marketplace competition with food industry giants. Superbly researched and written by journalist Cynthia Furlong Reynolds and an inherently fascinating read, "Jiffy: A Family Tradition" is an informed and informative history of an American family and an American company that could well serve as a real-life example and inspiration for the entrepreneurs of today -- and tomorrow!

Life of the Marlows
Robert K. DeArment, editor and annotator
William Rathmell, revisor
University of North Texas Press
PO Box 311336, Denton, TX 76203-1336
9781574412536, $14.95 www.tamu.edu/upress 1-800-826-8911

Life of the Marlows: A True Story of Frontier Life of Early Days is a true tale of the American West, now back in print and featuring expert annotation by historian Robert K. DeArment, chronicling the lives of the five Marlow brothers and their downfall in Young County, Texas. After one Marlow brother killed a well-liked sheriff and was subsequently slaughtered by bounty hunters, the other four brothers were arrested as accessories and jailed. When a mob of furious citizens ambushed the Marlows during a transfer to another town, two of the brothers were shot and killed, the other two were badly wounded, and three of the mob members died. The debacle would eventually inspire the classic John Wayne movie, "The Sons of Katie Elder". A riveting account of crime and law, love and hate, justice and injustice in the late 1800's, Life of the Marlows captivates the reader from first page to last and is a worthy addition to any western history collection.


The Music Shelf

Choral Music in the Nineteenth Century
Nick Strimple
Amadeus Press
c/o Hal Leonard Performing Arts Publishing Group
19 West 21st Street, Suite 201, New York, NY 10010
9781574671544, $24.95 www.halleonard.com 1-800-637-2852

Written by music director and faculty member of the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music Nick Strimple, Choral Music in the Nineteenth Century is a scholarly and exhaustively thorough discussion of its subject, covering both sacred and secular music for vocal ensembles. Chapters discuss nineteenth-century choral music in Austria and Germany, France, Switzerland, The British Isles, Czech lands, Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, Russia, Scandinavia, the Baltics, the Americas, and more. Written music samples, letters, drawings, and black-and-white photographs, and quick reference lists round out this seminal work, indispensable to choral artists and scholars seeking an in-depth historical grounding. Also highly recommended is the companion volume "Choral Music in the Twentieth Century".

Positively Main Street
Toby Thompson
University of Minnesota Press
111 Third Avenue South, Suite 290, Minneapolis, MN 55401-2520
9780816654451, $15.95, www.upress.umn.edu

Bob Dylan is one of the most creative songwriters of the twentieth century. "Positively Main Street: Bob Dylan's Minnesota" tells of Toby Thompson's travels to learn more about Bobby Zimmerman, the man behind the legend. Thompson talks with the people who knew Zimmerman as a boy to further understand the mind behind the music. With interviews conducted by the author and never before released photographs, "Positively Main Street" is a must for any Dylan fan.

Bluegrass Mandolin for the Complete Ignoramus
Wayne Erbsen
Native Ground
109 Bell Ground, Asheville, NC, 28805
9781883206550, $19.95, www.nativeground.com

The bluegrass mandolin can be a very fulfilling and fun instrument to play for old fashioned blue grass lovers. "Bluegrass Mandolin for the Complete Ignoramus" is a complete and comprehensive guide for those who seek to master this instrument. Covering everything from tuning the bluegrass mandolin to reading sheet music, playing as part of a band, and more, "Bluegrass Mandolin for the Complete Idiot" is an excellent introductory guide.


The Native American Shelf

Edward Sheriff Curtis
Joanna Cohan Scherer
Phaidon
180 Varick Street, Fourteenth Floor, New York, NY 10014
9780714841762, $39.95, www.phaidon.com

A race destined to fade from the earth - many assumed this of the Native Americans at the beginning of the twentieth century. "Edward Sheriff Curtis" displays one man's photographs of these people as they held on to their millennia-old traditions. A powerful collection of imagery, capturing the spirit and ideals of a culture faced with possible extinction, "Edward Sheriff Curtis" is a highly recommended coffee table book.

Native American Resistance
John P. Bowes, et al.
NHD/National History Day
c/o ABC-CLIO
PO Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
9781598841831, $39.00, www.abc-clio.com, 1-800-368-6868

In the last few decades, academia has brought renewed attention to the impact of white conquest on Native American cultures, resulting in a new and more appreciative understanding of how various Native American tribes and nations tried to ward off the advancing white domination and protect their aboriginal cultures. The newest addition to the outstanding ABC-CLIO 'The Individual in History' series which focuses on defining moments and movements in American history, "Native American Resistance" is the collaborative effort of John P. Bowes (Eastern Kentucky University); Chris Mullin (Santa Ynez Valley Union High School); and Brett Piersma (Santa Ynez Valley Union High School). Beginning with a succinct introduction 'Reconsidering Resistance', this compilation of informed and informative lessons provide students and non-specialist general readers with an historical overview of Native American attempts to retain and protect their cultures, their lands, and their way of life from the colonizing efforts of the white man from Colonia America down to the present day. Two chapters focus on 'Defining Moments', the first is "king Philip and New England Colonial Expansion in the 1670s', the second is 'Tecumseh and the Westward Movement'. Each of these sections is complete with classroom activities, primary and secondary sources, as well as background material. Making them ideal for classroom lesson plans. Of special note is the concluding sections of 'Additional Resources' that include 'Integration into National History Day'; 'Using ABC-CLIO Web Sites for Researching Native American Resistance'; and 'Additional Native American Resistance Topic Ideas'. "Native American Resistance" is especially recommended for school and community library Native American reference collections.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Alone Within The Pack
Sandra Lynch-Bakken
Ecopress
c/o Finney Company
8075 - 215th Street West, Lakeville, Minnesota 55044
9781893272118, $17.95, www.finneyco.com 1-800-846-7027

"Alone Within The Pack" is the fascinating and informative memoir of Sandra Lynch-Bakken who has photographed and studied captive wolves for some twenty years as a zookeeper for the Heritage Zoo located in Grand Island, Nebraska. There she was responsible for a pack of gray wolves, each of whom had distinctive personalities. Laced throughout her engaging account are color photographs as the reader becomes immersed into Sandra's accounts of individual and wolf pack behavior. Written with a genuine flair for narrative, "Alone Within The Pack" is an amazing account that will grasp the reader's total attention from beginning to end. Of special note is Sandra's 'Epilogue' that provides the perfect ending for this personal account of a dedicated and appreciative observer of wolves. Enhanced with a succinct bibliography of reference works, "Alone Within The Pack" is strongly recommended as an addition to both academic and community library Wildlife reference collections, and a "must" for non-specialist general readers with an interest in wolves and wolf behavior.

The Cat Owner's Problem Solver
Margaret H. Bonham
TFH Publications
1 TFH Plaza, Third Union Avenues, Neptune City, NJ 07753
9780793806508, $15.95, www.tfh.com

Understanding is the first step to solving countless problems. "The Cat Owner's Problem Solver: How to Manage Common Behavior Problems by Thinking Like Your Cat" is a guide for cat owners who want to better know their feline companions. Covering common problems such as scratching, territoriality, aggression, cat fights, and more, "The Cat Owner's Problem Solver" offers customized solutions for each. A thorough guide that every cat owner should read.

Experiences Along the Way
Joe Andrews
Alpine Publications
38262 Linman Rd, Crawford, CO 81415
9781577790440, $9.95, www.alpinepub.com

A horse can be man's best friend as much as any dog. "Experiences Along the Way" is part memoir, part guide for anyone who wants to better understand humankind's equine friend, and how the relationship between horse and human can help the human become more than just a good horse handler. The stories contained within "Experiences Along the Way" will help readers learn about horses as author Joe Andrews reflects on his lifetime of working with them. Highly recommended to horse lovers everywhere.


The Christian Studies Shelf

Jesus and First Century Christianity in Jerusalem
Elizabeth McNamer & Bargil Pixner
Paulist Press
997 Macarthur Boulevard, Mahwah, NJ 07430
9780809145232, $19.95, www.paulistpress.com

The origins of Christianity is a compelling subject of interest for every new generation of scholars and believers. Advances in archaeology has made tremendous and on-going contributions to our understanding of how the Christian movement has evolved over its first few decades and centuries of existence. "Jesus and First Century Christianity in Jerusalem" is a close examination of early Christianity. In the beginning, Christianity was considered a fringe sect of Judaism; some even considered it no more than a mad cult. Comprehensive in its coverage, "Jesus and First Century Christianity in Jerusalem" is enthusiastically recommended to anyone curious how one of the most powerful forces in the western world got its start.

The Preacher
Austin B. Tucker
B&H Publishing Group
127 Ninth Avenue, North, Nashville, TN 37234
9780805447088, $24.99, www.BHpublishinggroup.com

Storytelling was developed thousands of years ago as an effective way to deliver a message. "The Preacher: As Storyteller" offers suggestions to all the pastors and preachers out there to improve the power of their sermons by increasing their storytelling abilities. Delivering the message of the Holy Bible and telling a great story are one in the same, claims author and Southern Baptist pastor of thirty years Austin Tucker. "The Preacher" deserves a major consideration for any church leader who wants deliver God's word more effectively.

What Women Wish You Knew About Dating
Stephen W. Simpson
Baker Books
6030 E. Fulton, Ada, MI 49301
9780801068409, $12.99, www.bakerbooks.com

What do women really want? "What Women Wish You Knew About Dating: A Single Guy's Guide to Romantic Relationships" is a guide for guys who want to cut through the bull and find the right girl to settle down with - and how to be the right guy. Presenting a Christian perspective on dating, author Stephen Simpson emphasizes that women are looking for men who are men, not boys. A guide to maturity, and maintaining a healthy balance in relationships, "What Women Wish You Knew About Dating" is a top pick for any Christian man in need of advice to find the one.

Creation and the Patriarchal Histories
Patrick Henry Reardon
Conciliar Press Ministries
PO Box 76, Ben Lomond, CA, 95005
9781888212969, $13.95, www.conciliarpress.com

The Book of Genesis is a story all Christians know. "Creation and Patriarchal Histories" is a closer examination of the first book of the Holy Bible, and how it reflects onto Christianity as a whole. Drawing upon the scholarship of Orthodox Christian leaders to discuss and educate readers on the history of creation, "Creation and the Patriarchal Histories" breaks down the story into segments. Covering the earliest creation, and the stories of Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and other legendary biblical patriarchs, "Creation and the Patriarchal Histories" is a must for anyone who wants to truly understand the early Old Testament.


The Economics Shelf

The Economics of Keynes
M.G. Hayes
Edward Elgar Publishing
William Pratt House, 9 Dewey Court, Northampton, MA 01060
9781848440562, $45.00, www.e-elgar.com

Keynes was one of the most influential economic thinkers in modern history. "The Economics of Keynes: A New Guide to a General Theory" is a scholarly examination that looks at how Keynes' work can be applied to today's world. Designed to be read along with Keynes "The General Theory", "The Economics of Keynes" is an ideal companion to enhance one's understanding of that classic work. A must for anyone who truly wants to call themselves an expert on economics.

Teen Safety: When You Are Alone
Learning ZoneXPress
PO Box 1022, Owatonna, MN 55060
1571755586, $79.95 www.learningzoneexpress.com 1-888-455-7003

The world can be a dangerous place for the unwary and complacent. Intended for viewers ranging from sixth grade students to high school seniors, college students, and adults, Teen Safety: When You Are Alone is an instructional DVD ideal for classroom use. Presenting the basic facts every teen should know to reduce the risk of abuse, sexual violence, or abduction, Teen Safety: When You Are Alone demonstrates realistic scenarios and features interviews with experts. From safety strategies teens should use when home alone or walking alone, to tips for responsible use of the Internet, to advice for teens in charge of babysitting younger children (who are potentially at even greater risk for violence or abduction) and more, Teen Safety: When You Are Alone deserves the absolute highest recommendation for its practical treatment of basic facts every teen (and adult) must know. 17 minutes.

The Dead Sea Scrolls
Lawrence H. Schiffman
The Modern Scholar
c/o Recorded Books
270 Skip Jack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
UC102, $98.75, www.recordedbooks.com 1-800-638-1304

When a collection of ancient scrolls were first discovered in cliff side caves above the long abandoned settlement of Qumran in Israel in 1947, they were dubbed the 'Dead Sea Scrolls' and were justifiably acclaimed as on of the most important archaeological findings of the 20th Century. A fabulous collection they provide some of the oldest Jewish sacred texts we have. They also provided a wealth of new documents and information about a Jewish religious movement that was contemporary with the emergence of Christianity. Now in fourteen informed and informative lectures compiled in "The Dead Sea Scrolls: The Truth Behind The Mystique", Lawrence H. Schiffman (Chairman, New York University Skirball Department of Hebrew and Judaic Studies, and the Ethel and Irvin A. Edelman Professor of Hebrew and Judaic Studies) shares his years of studies and internationally acclaimed expertise about what these scrolls have provided scholarship with respect to our understanding of Judaism and the natal development of religious thought that would be the genesis of Christianity. The lectures begin with a description of 'The Library of Qumran'; and continue with sessions devoted to 'Scandal and Publication'; 'Sects of the Second Temple Period'; 'The Halakhic Letter and the Founding of the Sect'; 'The Qumran Sect'; Women and th eDead Sea Scrolls Sect'; 'Theology and Beliefs of the Dead Sea Sect'; 'Biblical Interpretation'; 'The Hebrew Bible in Second Temple Times'; 'The Messiah and the End of Days'; 'The Temple Scroll'; 'The Scrolls, Judaism, and Christianity'; 'Controversial Messianic Texts'; and then concludes with 'The Scrolls in Public Culture'. A college-level course of instruction, 'The Dead Sea Scrolls' is a superbly presented and enthusiastically recommended boxed set of seven flawless recorded compact discs.

The Dick Francis Thriller: The Racing Game
Acorn Media Group
8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 620, Silver Spring, MD 20910-3403
AMP-8096, $39.99, www.acornmedia.com

A superbly produced production, "The Dick Francis Thriller: The Racing Game" is a six episode, two volume boxed set that originally aired in the U.S. on the PBS award winning series 'Mystery!' in its 1980 inaugural season. Sid Halley is a star steeple chase rider who suffers a career-ending injury that ends his riding career and launches him into life as a private detective who specializes in all manner of race track mischief from bookies, to blackmailers, to murder. From top-notch acting, to spot on set designs, to a meticulous attention to Dick Francis' original story, "The Dick Francis Thriller: The Racing Game" provides a bit more than five hours of riveting entertainment and is especially recommended to Dick Francis fans, mystery buffs, and community library DVD collections!

America's Test Kitchen Season Eight
Christopher Kimball, host
WGBH Boston Video
c/o SSA Public Relations (publicity)
16027 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 206, Encino, CA 91436
9781593758400, $39.95, www.ssapr.com

America's Test Kitchen Season Eight is a DVD collection of all twenty-six episodes of the popular, public television cooking extravaganza show. Host Christopher Kimball and his fellow cast members walk the viewer through the basics of quality home cooking and great recipes. Episodes include Rainy Day BBQ Pork Chops to French Classics, Asian Take-Out at Home, Pasta and Tomatoes Reimagined, Fish on the Grill, Easy Skillit Suppers, Favorite Slow-Cooker Classics, and much more. Rounding out the step-by-step recipe instructions include no-nonsense taste tests of supermarket ingredients, ratings of the most important pieces of kitchen equipment, and useful kitchen science tips. In today's era of rising prices, inexpensive and healthful cooking at home has become a more attractive option than ever before; to that end, the America's Test Kitchen series is highly recommended both for private use and public library collections. 4 DVDs, 26 episodes.

Ape Genius
WGBH Boston Video
c/o SSA Public Relations (publicity)
16027 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 206, Encino, CA 91436
9781593758219, $19.95 shop.wgbh.org www.ssapr.com

Ape Genius is an episode of the scientific public television series NOVA on DVD that seeks to answer the questions: just how smart are the great apes (chimpanzees, bonobos, orangutans, and gorillas), and what exactly is it that differentiates their thought processes from those of humans? Apes have been seen to use tools, and controlled experiments have shown them to possess shared culture, even the ability to perform simple math. Yet the latest research has revealed subtle, crucial limitations ape brains have that prevent them from dominating the world like humans have. An utterly absorbing and educational presentation, enthusiastically recommended for public library collections and anyone curious about what makes humans unique among the animal kingdom. 54 minutes, color, with the options of closed-captioned and described video for the hearing impaired.

Up Close & Toxic
Bullfrog Films, Inc.
PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547
1594581150, $250.00 www.bullfrogfilms.com 1-800-543-3764

With today's headlines steadily proclaiming contaminated foods, toys, household products and more, the current health crisis is one of the most important issues facing every American. Up Close & Toxic is a wake-up call to indoor air pollutants, the concentration of which can often exceed what is found in the most polluted cities outdoors! From cleaning products to pesticides, paint dust, lead particles in the carpet, or even plastic toys, Up Close & Toxic reveals numerous sources of potential biohazards and recommends alternatives to promote healthier breathing indoors. A singularly invaluable addition to public library shelves and classroom viewing schedules, particularly in today's modern era of rising health care costs. 45 minutes.

World Class Restaurant Service
World Class Productions, LLC
423 Kanekapolei Ste. 9, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815
DVD, $59.95, www.worldclassproductionz.com

World Class Restaurant Service is a training film on DVD created especially to guide entry-level employees entering the time-honored profession of restaurant service. Filmed in beautiful Hawaii, World Class Restaurant Service covers on-the-job basics of proper teamwork, how to greet customers, winning confidence, wine service nuances, how to make a good impression, and much more. In addition to demonstrating what to do, World Class Restaurant Service also features a comic relief waiter who gives a contrasting demonstrations of what not to do! A thoroughly accessible, easy-to-follow resource, World Class Restaurant Service is an absolute must-have for any sit-down restaurant, whether owned by a small family or a large corporation - and also a useful study-at-home tool for anyone considering a career in restaurant service. 27 minutes, color.

Bill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass Music
MVD Entertainment Group
PO Box 280, Oaks, PA 19456
DVD, $19.99, www.MVDb2b.com 1-800-888-0486

Bill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass Music is the DVD documentary of legendary musician Bill Monroe, credited with creating bluegrass from a fusion of fiddle tunes, Scotch-Irish ballads he learned from his mother and uncle, and "old Southern blues" taught to him by black blues guitarist Arnold Schultz. Bill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass Music pays tribute to this one-of-a-kind composer with interviews, archival footage including rare 1990s performances that Monroe gave in his final years, backstage glimpses of Monroe at the Grand Ole Opry, and much more. An absolute "must-see" for bluegrass fans and players everywhere. 90 minutes.

Rune Soldier Complete Collection
ADV Films
5750 Bintliff Drive, Suite 210, Houston, TX 77036
DVD, $39.99, www.advfilms.com

Rune Soldier Complete Collection brings together the complete 24-episode "Rune Soldier" fantasy-comedy anime television series in one affordable thinpack box set! Created by Ryo Mizuno (known for his work in the more serious fantasy anime "Record of Lodoss War"), Rune Soldier is about a trio of female adventurers - Genie the deadly fighter, Merrill the sly thief, and Melissa the effeminate yet potent cleric - in search of a powerful magician to shore up their ranks. But instead of a mighty veteran adventurer magician, the best they can find is the lecherous, klutzy, and incompetent novice Louie! A fun and fantastic adventure that never dares to take itself too seriously, Rune Soldier Complete Collection is enthusiastically recommended to fans of the genre.

Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel
Viz Communications Inc.
295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
1421522705 $29.98 www.viz.com 1-800-394-3042

Naruto the Movie: Legend of the Stone of Gelel is the second feature-length animated film starring the popular manga character Naruto, a brash, headstrong, passionate youth determined to prove himself the best ninja in the world. Sent on a seemingly run-of-the-mill mission to return a lost ferret to its owner along with his teacher Shikamaru and female classmate Sakura, Naruto becomes entangled in the machinations of a ruthless invading force and its loyal front-lines warrior Temujin. Though the attackers claim to be founding a utopia that will spread peace to the world, their merciless quest for the stone of Gelel has already brought them into fierce conflict with Sand Ninja Kankuro and Gaara! It's an all-out battle not only to survive, but to separate truth from lies in this action-packed epic adventure. A two-disc set, Legend of the Stone of Gelel is in 16:9 anamorphic widescreen and includes director's audio commentary, as well as over sixty minutes of extra content and a colorful collector's booklet. A must-see for fans of shonen anime! 95 minutes plus special features, color.


The Travel Shelf

Understanding Bolivia
Vivien Lougheed
Harbour Publishing
PO Box 219, Madeira Park, BC V0N 2H0 Canada
9781550174441, $24.95, www.harbourpublishing.com

Want a grand dose of culture? One doesn't have to go much further than Bolivia. "Understanding Bolivia: A Traveler's History" explores Bolivia's rich history of cowboys, religion, carnivals, silver mines, ancient American history, and that's just the beginning. With a special look at adventurers who have traveled through Bolivia through the years, "Understanding Bolivia" is a must for anyone interested in the country or planning a visit.

The Adventurous Traveler's Guide to Health
Christopher Sanford
University of Washington Press
PO Box 50096, Seattle, WA 98145-5096
9780295988085, $14.95, www.washington.edu/uwpress

While vacationing in other countries can be a fresh and exciting experience, a sudden injury can make one miss the skill of American doctors. "The Adventurous Traveler's Guide to Health" is a must-have for travelers who want to experience the world as a whole and not be held back by fears of health concerns. Also containing valuable information on traveling when one suffers from chronic illness or other similar ailments, "The Adventurous Traveler's Guide to Health" is a must for any health conscious traveler.

Ride Guide: New Jersey Mountain Biking
Joshua M. Pierce
Ecopress
c/o Finney Company
8075 - 215th Street West, Lakeville, MN 55044
9780933855250, $15.95, www.finney-hobar.com

Biking has become an increasingly popular hobby -- even more so these days with the astronomical prices of gas. Now in a newly updated third edition, "Ride Guide: New Jersey Mountain Biking" by mountain biking expert Joshua M. Pierce is a comprehensive guidebook to mountain biking rails throughout the Garden State. The twenty-six rides include both low-impact and hard-core trails that take the rider through the varied and occasionally spectacular terrain that New Jersey offers. "Ride Guide: New Jersey Mountain Biking" is enhanced with the inclusion of practical information as to levels of trail difficulty, turn-by-turn cue sheets and maps, as well as accurate and succinct descriptions of topography, trail conditions, and points of interest. Also very highly recommended for regional bike enthusiasts is Joel D. Sendek's "Ride Guide: Mountain Biking in The New York Metro Area, third edition" (9780933855267, $15.95).

The Little Black Book Of Las Vegas
Lark Ellen Gould
Peter Pauper Press, Inc.
202 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601
9781593598259, $12.95, www.peterpauper.com

Although best known world wide as a gaming mecca, Las Vegas offers so much more for its more than 40,000,000 visitors that has made it one of American's top vacation destinations. This famous Nevada desert city is laid out into four major sections: Downtown; the North Strip; the Central Strip; and the South Strip. Enhanced with maps by David Lindroth Inc. and illustrations by Kerren Barbas Steckler, "The Little Black Book Of Las Vegas" is specifically written and designed by Lark Ellen Gould to be a pocket-sized compendium of practical, guidebook information for visitors to use as a planning guide and on-site reference to what Las Vegas has to offer within each of its four major sections including Casinos, Shows, Seasonal Events; Museums, Public Gardens; Hoover Dam, Shops, Restaurants; and Lodging. Compact and comprehensive, as informed and informative as it is user-friendly, anyone planning a trip to Las Vegas for pleasure or business would be well advised to consult their very own copy of "The Little Black Book Of Las Vegas" to ensure they get the most from their visit, be it a day trip, a weekend, or an extended stay.


The Parenting Shelf

A Mother Apart
Sarah Hart
Crown House Publishing Limited
6 Trowbridge Drive, Suite 5, Bethel, CT 06801
9781845900946, $24.95, www.chpus.com

The instincts nature imbues in parents call for them to nurture their children, but what if distance disallows this? "A Mother Apart: How to Let Go of Guilt and Find Happiness Living Apart from Your Child" is a guide for mothers who, by any number of circumstances, have been forced to live apart from their children. Offering advice on coping with not being able to always be there, how to keep one's child in one's thoughts without obsessing, and how to make the most of the limited time one has with one's child, "A Mother Apart" is highly recommended to any mother in these trying circumstances.

Family Activism
Roberto Vargas
Berrett-Koehler Publishers
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 650, San Francisco, CA 94104-2916
9781576754801, $17.95, www.bkcurrents.com

The world leaders of tomorrow first gain their morals and beliefs in their homes. "Family Activism: Empowering Your Community, Beginning With Family and Friends" is a guide for creating a better world through a better environment at home. Focusing not only on the values and virtue of the home, but also on the invaluable abilities that people pick up at home such as communication skills and more, "Family Activism" is a solid manual for parents who want their children to become positive beacons for the future.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Headaches
Robert S. Kunkel
Cleveland Clinic
9500 Euclid Avenue, NA32, Cleveland, OH 44195
9781596240193, $9.95, www.clevelandclinicpress.org

Nothing can ruin one's day like a bad headache, or worse, a chronic headache. "Headaches: A Cleveland Clinic Handbook" looks at why headaches sometimes go past annoyance to the point of being a serious affliction. Chapters differentiate between the many types of headaches, revealing truths and common myths about headache treatment. Packed with virtually everything one needs to know on the subject. "Headaches" is a complete and comprehensive medical manual, and a must for anyone who is a chronic sufferer.

One Man's Take on Beating Alcoholism
Tyrone Patrick Fahey
Llumina Press
PO Box 772246, Coral Springs, FL 33077-2246
9781595267863, $12.95, www.llumina.com

"You have a problem" are the words spoken to many in denial, but their ears go deaf to it. "One Man's Take on Beating Alcoholism" is author Tyrone Patrick Fahey's journey to overcome his addiction. Written to encourage others faced with the terrible reality of chronic addiction, Fahey claims he failed over one hundred times before finally triumphing. "One Man's Take on Beating Alcoholism" is the strength some may need to beat the booze.

The FDA Worldwide Quality System Requirements Guidebook for Medical Devices
Amiram Daniel & Ed Kimmelman
ASQ Quality Press
600 N. Plankinton Avenue, Milwaukee, WI 53203
9780873897402, $95.00, www.asq.org

Now published in a newly expanded and updated second edition, "The FDA Worldwide Quality System Requirements Guidebook for Medical Devices" is a complete and comprehensive reference for Quality System Regulation standards governing the use of medical devices. Now in a new and improved second edition, "The FDA Worldwide Quality System Requirements Guidebook for Medical Devices" addresses many newer topics such as risk management, efficiency, and compliance issues, and much more. Covering both American and international health standards, "The FDA Worldwide Quality System Requirements Guidebook for Medical Devices" is a must for medical device manufacturers, and anyone who must comply with these regulations.


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

Timeless Wisdom
Eknath Easwaran
Nilgiri Press
PO Box 256, Tomales, CA 94971
9781586380274, $14.95, www.easwaran.org

The majority of religions have a positive message for their followers. "Timeless Wisdom: Passages for Meditation form the World's Saints and Sages" is an extensive anthology of inspirational religious passages and writings from the world's leading spiritual leaders throughout history. A compilation meant to be enjoyed by readers of all religious and spiritual backgrounds, "Timeless Wisdom" is a must for anyone literally in search of sage advice.

An Introduction to Islam for Jews
Reuven Firestone
Jewish Publication Society
PO Box 960 Herndon, VA 20172-0960
9780827608641, $18.00, www.jewishpub.org

The relationship of Islam and Judaism has long been a turbulent one. "An Introduction to Islam for Jews" is a scholarly examination of the Islamic faith and how it relates to the Jewish people. Examining Islam and Muslims as a whole, "An Introduction to Islam for Jews" spans the history of Islam from its origins to recent calls for Jihad from extremists. Despite its title, "An Introduction to Islam for Jews" is not exclusively for Jews, but rather a recommended pick for readers of all faiths who seek to better understand Islam.


The Fiction Shelf

Taking the Stairs
John Stiles
Nightwood Editions
PO Box 1779, Gibsons, BC Canada V0N 1V0
9780889712218, $16.95, www.nightwoodeditions.com

Getting started as an author in Toronto isn't easy. "Taking the Stairs" is a novel about struggling writer Jarod Palmer, who earns the money he needs to stay alive doing whatever it takes from telemarketing to gofering, while trying to make the most of his writing career. He sees success in his grasp, but characters from his overprotective mother to seedy film producers strew obstacles along his path. "Taking the Stairs" is a gripping tale with everyday problems that readers will relate to – such as paying the rent!

The Waitress Was New
Dominique Fabre, author
Jordan Stump, translator
Archipelago Books
252 Third Street, #A111 Brooklyn, NY 11215
9780977857692, $15.00, www.archipelagobooks.org

Losing one's livelihood is never easy. "The Waitress Was New" follows Pierre as the cafe that employed him as a bartender for most of his life suddenly closes. Over the next three days he much acclimate himself to the shock and figure out what to do. A deft examination of the human psyche, excellently translated from the original French by Jordan Stump, "The Waitress Was New" is a great pick for any seeking foreign fiction.

The Cold Edge
Trevor Scott
Salvo Press
PO Box 7396, Beaverton, OR 97007
9781930486775, $25.95, www.salvopress.com

Travel through the frozen wastes of the world to retrieve the remains of a murdered agent – not an easy task to begin with. "The Cold Edge" follows Jake and Anna, two Interpol officers as they try to accomplish this mission through the harsh and brutal environment. That wasn't enough, as Cold War tensions still remain in the world as and old nemeses take the opportunity to come after them. A riveting thriller all the way through, "The Cold Edge" is a top pick for community library thriller collections.

The Misremembered Man
Christina McKenna
Toby Press
PO Box 8531, New Milford, CT 06776-8531
9781592642199, $24.95, www.tobypress.com

Though he was resigned to a life of miserable loneliness, some hope still remained for Jamie McCloone. "The Misremembered Man" is the story of two opposites. One is the rugged Jamie, with his cruel history of orphanhood and a sad life; the other is Lydia, a cleanliness next to godliness type, who lives under an oppressive mother. They meet through the newspaper and an intriguing romance begins to bud, in this touching story of companionship set in rural Ireland's darker times. A top pick for readers seeking a well-written period piece.

God is an Atheist
N. Nosirrah
Sentient Publications
1133 Spruce Street, Boulder, CO 80302
9781591810728, $9.95, www.sentientpublications.com

If we believe in God, then what does God believe in? "God is an Atheist: A Novella for Those who Have Run out of Time" is a unique and offbeat story of a homosexual affair between Richard Dawkins and the pope, Islamic extremists hunting down the Christian deity, the family issues of Buddha, and other bizarre events. Sure to enthrall (and possibly perplex) readers, "God is an Atheist" is a must for anyone looking for a novel on religion with a twist.


The Education Shelf

The ABCs of Learning Disabilities
Bernice Y. L. Wong & Collaborators
Academic Press
c/o Elsevier Academic Press
525 B Street, Suite 1900, San Diego, CA 92101-4495
9780123725530, $59.95, www.books.elsevier.com

Packed with brand new material in this updated and expanded second edition, "The ABCs of Learning Disabilities" is now available in a second edition that improves upon the first in every way. Covering the history of disabilities by academic subject, the new edition sports an informative introduction to learning disabilities, how to diagnose them in students, a new chapter on self-regulation, and much more. "The ABCs of Learning Disabilities" is a must for every educational professional who and wants to educate learning disabled students in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Peer Buddy Programs
Carolyn Hughes & Erik W. Carter
Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.
PO Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
9781557669803, $29.95, www.brookespublishing.com

No one really wants to be a loner. "Peer Buddy Programs for Successful Secondary School Inclusion" is a guide for educators trying to blend special education and normal education classes, and to encourage peer relationships between students of both. Chapters cover how to set up peer buddy programs, the roles of those involved in these programs, procedures for these groups, and encouraging social inclusion outside of the program, as well as other valuable advice and tips. "Peer Buddy Programs for Successful Secondary School Inclusion" is a strong choice for any secondary school administrator.

Teaching Math to People with Down Syndrome
DeAnna Horstmeier
Woodbine House
6510 Bells Mill Rd., Bethesda, MD 20817
9781890627669, $24.95, www.woodbinehouse.com

The mark of an excellent educator is to be able to teach students the subject, regardless of any learning disabilities. "Teaching Math to People with Down Syndrome and Other Hands-On Learners: Advanced Survival Skills" is book two in a series meant to help educators deal with differently abled students and teach them what they need to know to deal with the world. Book two focuses on advanced topics such as multiplication, fractions, decimals, percentages, and other vital math skills. "Teaching Math to People with Down Syndrome" is an absolutely indispensable book on the subject.

Are You Listening?
Lisa Burman
Redleaf Press
10 Yorkton Court, St. Paul, MN 55117
9781933653464, $27.95, www.redleafpress.org

Conversation is a powerful tool; young children first learn to speak from listening to the conversations of their parents. "Are You Listening? Fostering Conversations That Help Young Children Learn" examines the art of conversation in the avenue of children's education. Packed with information concerning how to listen to one's children, how to converse about subjects that will interest one's child, and other techniques to foster a children's skills in both listening and speaking, "Are You Listening?" is a expertly crafted manual. A great resource especially recommended for parents and educators of small children.

More Math Logic Mysteries
Marilynn L. Rapp Buxton
Prufrock Press
PO Box 8813, Waco, TX 76714-8813
9781593633134, $16.95, www.prufrock.com

The best way to encourage learning is to entertain as one educates. "More Math Logic Mysteries: Mathematical Problem Solving with Deductive Reasoning" is a guide for educators who want to inspire their students to learn through real-world influenced logic puzzles. Covering countless essential math skills for students, from basic operations to fractions to algebra, "More Math Logic Mysteries" is a great guide for teachers who want to make learning fun for their students. An essential addition to any library catering to arithmetic teachers.


The Jobs/Careers Shelf

How to Master Psychometric Tests
Mark Parkinson
Kogan Page
525 South 4th Street, #241, Philadelphia, PA 19147
9780749451653, $17.95, www.koganpage.com

A psychometric test can be the difference between getting a job or not. Now in a newly expanded and updated fourth edition, "How to Master Psychometric Tests: Expert Advice on Test Preparation with Practice Questions from Leading Test Providers" is a guide for acing these tests issued by employers. With tips on preparation and several practice tests throughout, and enhanced with a free online test with a feedback report, "How to Master Psychometric Tests" is a must-have for anyone facing this hurdle.

Picture Yourself Creating Video Games
Jason Darby
Course Technology Cengage Learning
25 Thomson Place, Boston, MA 02210
9781598635515, $34.99, www.courseptr.com

In the eighties and nineties, millions of children were captivated by the art form of video games. "Picture Yourself Creating Video Games" is a career manual for those who work in this field. A guide to understanding the requisite science and computer skills, "Picture Yourself Creating Video Games" walks readers step by step through the process of crafting a video game of their own. Enhanced with a CD-ROM complete with a demo version of Games Factory 2, sample artwork to use in creating the game, web browser plug ins, and a sample game, "Picture Yourself Creating Video Games" is especially recommended for anyone trying to figure out whether a career in making video games is for them.


The Business Shelf

Leadership Chronicles of a Corporate Sage
Susan J. Bethanis
Dearborn Trade Publishing
30 South Wacker Drive, Suite 2500, Chicago, IL 60606-7481
079318603X, $18.95, www.dearborntrade.com

No one becomes a magnificent manager out of pure natural skill. "Leadership Chronicles of a Corporate Sage: Five Keys to Becoming a More Effective Leader" is a leadership manual in the form of fictionalized conversations between a corporate leader and his executive coach. Laying out five key facts that separate mediocre business leaders from great ones, "Leadership Chronicles of a Corporate Sage" is a strong choice for businesses striving to push their managers to the next level.

Background Screening and Investigations
W. Barry Nixon, Kim M. Kerr
Butterworth-Heinemann
30 Corporate Drive, Suite 400, Burlington, MA 01803
9780750682565, $49.95, www.books.elvier.com/security

To employ someone is to trust them to some degree, so how does one know whom to trust? "Background Screening and Investigations: Managing Hiring Risk from the HR and Security Perspectives" is a guide to screening employees before they potentially become a problem for the company. The strengths of a person with an excellent record who appears to be brilliant may be far outweighed by a serious attitude problem or worse. How does a Human Resources official decide when is it safe to hire a convicted felon, or a sexual predator? How far can a company go before breaking the fair opportunity laws? All of these topics are tackled expertly in "Background Screening and Investigations", a must read for any employer who wants to assure a harmonious work environment.


The Political Science Shelf

The Politics of Presidential Appointment
Sheldon Hackney
NewSouth Books
PO Box 1588, Montgomery, AL 36102
1588380688, $25.95, www.newsouthbooks.com

Presidential appointment can be used effectively or ineffectively. Author Sheldon Hackney reflects on his time as a presidential appointee in "The Politics of Presidential Appointment: A Memoir of the Culture War", his memoir of being an unwilling combatant in a major conflict between the left and right during the time the National Endowment for the Humanities was formed. Hackney seeks to dispel lies and misperceptions about his tenure in this inside look enhanced with a foreword by Vernon Jordan. "The Politics of Presidential Appointment" is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the dark side of letting the president choose his co-workers in charge of the country.

The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Middle East
Martin Sieff
Regnery Publishing
1 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001
9781596980518, $19.95, www.regnery.com

People just don't want to hear what they have to face in reality. "The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Middle East" is an examination of this tumultuous region and the facts about what is going on there, presented without the fog of political correctness – a fog that has cost lives in that region. Pulling no punches against Islam, Judaism, Israel, America, or democracy, "The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Middle East" is a blunt and necessary read for any realist who truly seeks to understand the Middle East. "The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Middle East" especially deserves to be read by anyone responsible for dealing with such conflicts.


The Poetry Shelf

Freshly Rooted
Emily Wall
Salmon Poetry
Dufour Editions (publicity)
PO Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781903392720, $21.95, www.salmonpoetry.com

Most Americans don't realize that living in Alaska is a completely different experience from living in any other state. "Freshly Rooted" is Emily Wall's reflections through poetry about adapting to the whole new world that is the coldest state of the Union. Her narrative reflects on how every aspect of her life changed, and how she learned to love it. "Freshly Rooted" is a must for any poetry fan curious about Alaska. "Poem After Bathing": That full flesh moon -/can you see her?-/some soft abdomen,/that spoon of cream/coming out/brimming tonight/able to pray, belly/bared to the black coffee/night, delicious because she/believes it, makes it so,/swallows her sky full.

Letters of Transit
Theodore Worozbyt
University of Massachusetts Press
East Experiment Station, 671 North Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01003
9781558496552, $14.95, www.umass.edu/umpress

The 33rd recipient of the Juniper Prize for poetry, "Letters of Transit" is an anthology of poetry from grant winner Theodore Worozbyt. Focusing on the value of the middle ground, "Letters of Transit" is a unique set of verse touching on the many subjects of our world, both pleasant and unpleasant. The result is a collection spanning matters from the strange to the mundane, to the magnificent. "Letters of Transit" is a must for poetry fans.

A Metaphorical God
Kimberly Johnson
Persea Books
853 Broadway, New York, 10003
9780892553426, $14.00, www.perseabooks.com

Fans of "Leviathan with a Hook" can now rejoice, as Kimberly Johnson has released her second anthology, "A Metaphorical God". Seeking to combine the divine with the sensual, Johnson's verse is as thought provoking as it is sexually titillating, creating a strange and delightful blend indeed. "A Metaphorical God" is a great choice for poetry lovers. "On Divination by Fire" : Or rather, the turnings of fire: first sea/and of sea, half is earth, half firewind –// Heraclitus knew fire's a showy number//near-burlesque in colored scarves, turning/firewood to ash and heat. One hot Mojave/day, summer wind blasting from the east.

A Time in Xanadu
Lars Gustafsson
Copper Canyon Press
PO Box 271, Port Townsend, Washington 98368
9781556592751, $16.00, www.coppercanyonpress.org

Unusual and appealing poetry sometimes makes its way here from Europe. "A Time in Xanadu" is an intriguing anthology of poetry by Lars Gustafsson, translated from the original Swedish by John Irons. Gustafsson's poem-stories take figures from countless avenues such as entertainment, history, mythology, and even modern comics, and use them as actors in his uniquely philosophical narratives. "A Time in Xanadu" is an appealing treat for poetry lovers. "December": December was always the month/when one rather stopped living./One became a hiatus in the dark,/little else./Light were lit, lamps and candles./But they were so clearly insufficient/against the rising tide of darkness./It is easy to understand/the message of some/more heathen Yule:/To regain sunlight at any price/with the aid of flares and torches//whose return was never self-evident.


The Automotive Shelf

The Model T
Robert Casey
The John Hopkins University Press
2175 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
9780801888502, $24.95, www.press.jhu.edu

Eight hundred fifty dollars for a car seems cheap now, but it was only just within the grasp of the everyday man in 1908. "The Model T: A Centennial History" is a celebration of the hundredth birthday of the first affordable automobile, marking an era when America would gain mobility like never before. An in-depth history of the vehicle describing why the science of its design worked for America, "The Model T" is enhanced with countless black and white photos, some of which have never before been published. A must for true car lovers.


The Judicial Studies Shelf

Courtroom Modifications for Child Witnesses
Susan R. Hall & Bruce D. Sales
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
9781433803543, $79.95, www.apa.org

The bravery to confront one's tormentor is not an innate quality of many children. "Courtroom Modifications for Child Witnesses: Law & Science in Forensic Evaluations" states that children require special treatment when being used as witnesses in the court of law, especially in cases of child abuse and neglect. Several mental health and legal experts speak out on what must be done to help a child confront their nightmares; "Courtroom Modifications for Child Witnesses" gives advice on how to deal with a child's trauma, distress, and common disorders, as well as giving suggestions for alleviating the simple fears that all children face. "Courtroom Modifications for Child Witnesses" is a must-have for anyone who has to deal with a child in a courtroom situation, especially recommended for college library law and psychology collections.


The Woodworking Shelf

Emotions in Wood
Ann Brouwers
Linden Publishing
2006 S. Mary, Fresno, CA 93721
9781933502168, $21.95, www.lindenpub.com

There's nothing wooden at all about the emotions on these faces. "Emotions in Wood: Carving the Expressive Face" is a guide for those who partake in the craft of carving wood. Step by step instructions guide the reader to create enthralling wooden sculptures that invoke emotion. Ideal for woodworkers who are just getting started or have a little practice already, "Emotions in Wood" is a must for anyone who wants to master the expressive human face in the art of woodcarving.


The Photography Shelf

Crash Burn Love
Bill Lowenburg
Backstreet Books
PO Box 367, Revere, PA 18953
9780976653509, $69.95, www.backstreetbooks.com

Demolition derbies are an enigma to much of America. What makes demolition derby drivers willingly get into mindless wrecks? "Crash Burn Love" is a collection of photographs and essays by author Bill Lowenburg, exploring this sport. The photos, although black and white, capture both the smash action of the demolition derby and the faces of the fans who look on in amazement, cheering the supposed madness on. A deep look into the sport, "Crash Burn Love" is an ideal coffee table book for anyone intrigued by demolition derbies.


The Library Reference Shelf

Natural Disasters
Lee Davis
Facts on File
c/o Infobase Publishing
132 West 31st Street, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10001
9780816070008, $75.00, www.factsonfile.com

Nature is seemingly out to get humanity. Now in a fully updated and expanded new edition, "Natural Disasters" is a complete and comprehensive guide to this, covering everything from the black death to hurricanes to earthquakes to tsunamis. In this newly revised and expanded edition, "Natural Disasters" discusses the tragedies of Hurricane Katrina, the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, SARS, and other recent developments. Enhanced with over eighty photos, "Natural Disasters" is an ideal addition to community library reference collections.

Dictionary Of Herpetology
Harvey B. Lillywhite
Krieger Publishing Company
PO Box 9542, Melbourne, FL 32902-9542
1575240238, $112.50, www.krieger-publishing.com, 1-800-724-0025

Herpetology is defined as the scientific study of amphibians and reptiles. As with all other disciplines of scientific inquiry, herpetology has its own technical terms and conceptual terminology that must be mastered by its students and practitioners. New from the Krieger Publishing Company, "Dictionary Of Herpetology" is an updated, alphabetically arranged, 384-page guide by Harvey B. Lillywhite (Professor of Zoology, University of Florida). This authoritative, comprehensive, single-volume dictionary features selected cross-referenced entries clarifying technical terms and concepts associated with herpetology. The "Dictionary Of Herpetology" provides a complete, concise, 'user friendly' compilation of 11,358 entries and emphasizes terminology related to anatomy, physiology, systematics, evolution, and other thematically appropriate aspects of herpetology -- including newly emerged fields of the sciences relevant to the study of amphibians and reptiles. A core addition to academic library reference collections, the "Dictionary Of Herpetology" is an essential reference for students and anyone else involved with the study of amphibians and reptiles, as well as community library reference shelves for non-specialist general readers seeking clarification of associated terminologies and concepts.

International Poisonous Plants Checklist
D. Jesse Wagstaff
CRC Press
c/o Taylor & Francis Group
6000 NW Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300
Boca Raton, FL 33487
9781420062526, $149.95, www.crcpress.com, 1-800-272-7737

Poisonous plants are both detrimental and beneficial to human health. They are present (or potentially present) in every horticultural climate. Plant toxicology has been a field of study for centuries and while our knowledge of them in immense, every year brings new scientific discoveries. "International Poisonous Plants Checklist: An Evidence-Based Reference" by plant toxicologist D. Jess Wagstaff is an impressive and up-to-date encyclopedic compendium that defines toxic vascular plants of the world using accepted botanic names; provides support toxicity information for each plant from references to primary literature; and cross-references selected toxic plant synonyms and common names. Included are all known animal feed plants, human food plants, and many plants that are sources of herbal products and dietary supplements, tonics, and therapeutic agents along with verification of known data on toxic vascular plants from around the world. The "International Poisonous Plants Checklist" should be considered as a core and mandatory addition to professional and academic library Biological Sciences, Horticultural, and Pharmaceutical reference collections.


The Biography Shelf

Kate Field
Gary Scharnhorst
Syracuse University Press
1600 Jamesville Avenue, Syracuse, NY, 13244-5160
0815608748, $27.95, www.syracuseuniversitypress.syr.edu

She was a trailblazer in more than one way. "Kate Field: The Many Lives of a Nineteenth-Century American Journalist" describes the life of one of the first journalists to gain celebrity status in her own right, in addition to being a pioneer female journalist and an advocate for black rights. She was friends with authors such as Charles Dickens and Mark Twain, and even became the inspiration for certain classic fictional characters. The extraordinary life of an extraordinary woman, "Kate Field" is a must-read for biography lovers.

Gift of the White Life
James N. Frey
Quill Driver Books
1254 Commerce Way, Sanger, CA 93657
9781884956799, $25.00, www.quilldriverbooks.com

What goes on inside the mind of a psychic? "Gift of the White Life: The Strange and Wonderful Story of Annette Martin, Psychic" is the story of the first psychic ever to testify as an expert witness in a murder case, and her life and times going through life being a psychic. For nearly forty years she has made a career out of her gift, making this a book for anyone intrigued by the concept and wanting to learn more. "Gift of the White Life: The Strange and Wonderful Story of Annette Martin, Psychic" is highly recommended to community library biography collections.


The Nautical Shelf

Bonnie Dahl's Superior Way
Bonnie Dahl
Lake Superior Port Cities
PO Box 16417, Duluth, MN 55816-0417
9780942235920, $49.95, www.lakesuperior.com

Now in a completely revised and newly updated edition, "Bonnie Dahl's Superior Way" is a complete and comprehensive guide to sailing on Lake Superior and enjoying all it has to offer. Packed with everything one needs to know about boating on the lakes, "Bonnie Dahl's Superior Way" features over 300 diagrams to help sailors, 350 GPS waypoints, marina and anchorage information, additional advice for the Sault Ste. Marie and St. Mary's rivers, and more. Spiral-bound especially for readability at the helm of a ship, "Bonnie Dahl's Superior Way" is a must for boaters of all skill and experience levels.

Weather Wise
Alan Watts
Sheridan House
145 Palisade Street, Dobbs Ferry, New York, 10522
9781574092660, $22.95, www.sheridanhouse.com

"Weather Wise: Reading Weather Signs" is a excellently crafted introduction to the world of meteorology, explaining in plain terms how the world's atmosphere works, in each of its regions. Filled with practical advice for novice meteorologists who want to better understand the sky above, "Weather Wise" is essential for any outdoor lover whose hobby depends on the condition of the skies, but most particularly anyone sailing the upon the rivers, lakes, seas, and oceans of the world. Highly recommended for personal, professional, and community library instructional reference collections.


The Theatre/Cinema Shelf

Crowdscenes
Michael Tratner
Fordham University Press
University Box L, 2546 Belmont Ave, Bronx, NY 10458
9780823229024, $28.00, www.fordhampress.com

Did the power of the masses increase with the introduction of the movie theater? "Crowdscenes: Movies and Mass Politics" looks at how movies may have influenced the masses. Examining the crowd scenes in many classic films and drawing comparisons to scenes in Nazi and Soviet propaganda films, "Crowdscenes" is a deft examination of something many viewers don't notice in the motivations of these films – the political messages behind them. A deftly crafted and highly recommended source of insight, "Crowdscenes" is a top pick for community library collections on films and politics.


The Women's Studies Shelf

The Maternal is Political
Shari MacDonald Strong , editor
Seal Press
1700 Fourth Street, Berkeley CA 94710
9781580052436, $15.95, www.sealpress.com

The most powerful women in the world are also the most powerful people in their own home. "The Maternal is Political: Women Writers at the Intersection of Motherhood & Social Change" is a look at the women who change American lives every day with their politics and writings, and how they bring up their children. With writings from figures such as Nancy Pelosi, Anna Quindlen, Gayle Brandeis, and others, "The Maternal is Political" reveals how raising a family and raising a country are not entirely different things. "The Maternal is Political" is an ideal piece for discussion among feminists and other politically oriented groups.


The Audiobook Shelf

Secrets of a Shoe Addict
Beth Harbison, author
Orlagh Cassidy, narrator
Macmillan Audio
175 Fifth Avenue, Suite 315, New York, NY 10010
9781427204233, $29.95 www.macmillanaudio.com 1-800-221-7945

Secrets of a Shoe Addict (7 CDs, 9 hours) is an beautifully recorded unabridged audiobook by Beth Harbison about three female friends who become bosom buddies when tragicomic (well, mostly comic) events threaten their formerly stable lives. One accidentally hired a male prostitute; another, a minister's wife, is being blackmailed; the third is a wife and mother teetering on the edge of a bottomless pit of credit card debt. A lighthearted novel of romance, friendship, struggling to raise kids, revenge, and the many dimensions of love that is superbly narrated by Orlagh Cassidy, Secrets of a Shoe Addict is a wonderfully engaging audiobook experience, especially recommended to fans of the popular television series and movie "Sex and the City" as a spiritual offshoot of the genre. Also highly recommended is author Beth Harbison's previous audio book novel, "Shoe Addicts Anonymous".

The Broken Window
Jeffery Deaver, author
George Guidall, narrator
Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
9781436118576, $123.75 www.recordedbooks.com 1-800-638-1304

Part of the "Lincoln Rhyme" series of crime fiction novels by author Jeffery Deaver, The Broken Window is an flawlessly recorded unabridged audiobook rendition a shocking, modern murder mystery by Jeffery Deaver. Aggregated consumer data is being manipulated to serve the whims of a psychopathic killer. When Lincoln's cousin is charged with a brutal crime, and a preponderance of evidence suggests his guilt despite his claims of innocence, Lincoln's investigation uncovers the machinations of an evil man who plucks the system's strings to frame others for his rapes and murders. The murderer has apparently already framed other innocent victims using the worst possible type of identity theft, and Lincoln himself could be next! Chillingly read by narrator George Guidall, and enhanced with tracks every three minutes for easy bookmarking, The Broken Window is sure to appeal to crime fiction connoisseurs. 12 CDs, 14 hours.


The World History Shelf

Encyclopedia Of World History
Marsha E. Ackermann, et al.
Facts On File, Inc.
c/o Infobase Publishing
132 West 31st Street, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10001
www.factsonfile.infobasepublishing.com
9780816063864, $650.00, 1-800-322-8755

Even in this age of online databases, print editions of encyclopedias have their necessary place within personal, professional, academic, and community library reference collections. This is especially true of the new Facts On File seven volume "Encyclopedia Of World History". The collaborative editorial work of Marsha E. Ackermann, Michael J. Schroeder, Janice J. Terry, Jiu-Hwa Lo Upshur, and Mark F. Whitters, the "Encyclopedia Of World History" provides an informed and informative, balanced and globally oriented perspective on human history in full accordance with academic standards for history. Enhanced with thematic essays designed to assist students in making comparisons and connections across different regions and time periods; primary source documents representative of six distinct world eras; cross-referenced entries; a chronology for each individual volume; more than 600 illustrations (including a 32-page insert of full color maps) for each volume in order to convey the importance of geography within the context of world history; recommended reading sections for further study; individual volume indexes and a comprehensive set index, "Encyclopedia Of World History" is an essential and core addition that is as praiseworthy for its 'user friendly' layout as it is for its breadth and comprehensive coverage of recorded history.


The Interior Design Shelf

Guy Spaces
Wayne Kalyn
Creative Homeowner
PO Box 38, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458-0038
9781580113991, $19.95, www.creativehomeowner.com

Whether it's genetic or cultural (and probably a mix of both), there are distinctive and easily recognizable differences between the kinds of interior designs favored by women as distinguished from those favored by men. "Guy Spaces: A Guide To Defining A Man's Personal Space" by Wayne Kalyn is a profusely illustrated compendium of examples of what especially appeals to male sensibilities when it comes to the interior designs, layouts, furnishings, and color choices for garages, workshops, media and game rooms, game courts and home gyms; grilling spaces (clearly the most male of domestic male domains!); sheds; bedrooms, bathrooms and storage. Enhanced with the inclusion of a Resources section, a Glossary, and an Index, "Guy Spaces is not only informed and informative, but occasionally inspired as it provides showcased examples of interior design concepts and ideas. "Guy Spaces" is an exceptional and specialized addition recommended for personal, professional, academic, and community library Interior Design reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

Simple Style
Julia Bird
Quadrille Publishing
525 South Fourth Street, #241, Philadelphia, PA 19147
9781844005246, $39.95, www.quadrilleusa.com

Just as in fashion, music, art and architecture, there are trends and fads in the field of interior design. Currently the emphasis in interior design for homes is toward simplicity and the absence of clutter, the importance of comfort and a non-minimalist subtlety. The collaborative work of freelance stylist and interior designer Julia Bird, freelance writer and illustrator Bridget Bodoano, and lifestyle, interiors photographer Hotze Eisma, "Simple Style: Creating Relaxed interiors In The Contemporary Home" is an instructive and illustrative compendium of ideas and concepts for creating calm, comfortable home environments whose hallmark is one of simplicity but not the minimalism of an earlier era. All aspects are covered including space, color, materials, furnishings, storage, and detail. Informed and informative, "Simple Style" provides a thoroughly 'reader friendly' approach that is illustrated with twelve case studies showcasing how simply stylish interiors can be created. A superbly practical and inspiring reference, "Simply Style" is recommended for academic library Interior Design reference collections, as well as the working library collections for professional interior designers, as well as community library collections for the benefit of non-specialist general readers with an interest in the principles and concepts of interior design.


The Art Shelf

Defining Landscape
Oh Chi Gyun
Hudson Hills Press
PO Box 205
3556 Main Street, Manchester, VT 05254
National Book Network (distributor)
4270 Boston Way, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
9781934435045, $50.00 www.hudsonhills.com www.nbnbooks.com 1-800-462-6420

An artist trained in Seoul, Korea and in New York City, Oh Chi Gyun is best known to the art world for his Impressionist style of thickly textured landscape and streetscape paintings, using as his subject scenes of a Korean country village, the streets of new York City, or views from the American Southwest. Oh Chi Gyun's three decade career as an artist is now on view at the Chelsea Art Museum of New York and "Defining Landscapes", one of the newest titles from the premiere art book publishing firm of Hudson Hills Press, compiles more than 80 color plates showcasing the best of this artist's distinctive work. Enhanced with a brief but informative Foreword, a Chronology of the artists life, and succinct essays by Richard Vine, Phoebe Hoban; Raul Zamudio; Kim Boggi, and concluding with a List of Works, "Defining Landscape" is a welcome addition to personal, professional, academic, and community library 20th Century Art History collections.


The Cookbook Shelf

The Cape Malay Illustrated Cookbook
Faldela Williams
Struik Publishers
c/o International Publishers Marketing
22841 Quicksilver Drive, Dulles, VA 20166
9781770074057, $15.95, www.internationalpubmarket.com

There is a growing appreciation for authentic regional and ethnic cuisines prepared in American kitchens for the culinary adventurous. A very highly recommended addition to personal, professional, and community library multi-cultural cookbook collections is "The Cape Malay Illustrated Cookbook" featuring a series of recipes from Cape Malay's Muslim populace. Assembled by Faldela Williams from her exhaustive and intimate expertise with Malay cooking traditions and nicely illustrated with the watercolor artwork of Liz Mills, the thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' recipes are presented with metric measurements that can easily be converted to American measurements with included 'Conversion Tables'. These authentic and palate pleasing dishes range from Spicy Kebabs; Tuna Biryani; Tomato Bredie; and Masala Steak; to Orange Baked Pumpkin; Easy Pineapple Cheesecake; Cornflake Biscuits; and Aniseed Raisin Loaf. "The Cape Malay Illustrated Cookbook" is especially appropriate for anyone seeking menu selections for a Cape Malay themed dinner party -- and for extraordinary family dining.

Our Favorite Recipes
Lexi Petronis, editor
Rio Grande Books
925 Salamanca NW
Los Ranchos de ABQ, NM 87107-5647
9781890689377, $15.95, www.nmsantos.com

One of the most popular of the New Mexico regional publications is the 'Albuquerque' magazine. Housewives and homemakers particularly appreciated the recipes that were featured within its pages. Now Lexi Petronis (the magazine's editor-in-chief) has compiled a 96-page compendium of the best of those recipes and illustrated them with 142 color plates of the finished dishes and the chefs that prepared them. One especially nice feature is that each showcased recipe also features a miniature replica of the particular issue in which it appeared. The recipes themselves range from a Chipotle-Maple Marinated Pork Tenderloin; to a Child-Seared Salmon on Mango Salsa; to a Grilled Rosemary Chicken Breast Over Arugula with Roasted Red Peppers, Capers and Fresh Mozzarella; to a Betty Rancho Burger on French Bread. This impressive collection of gourmet quality, kitchen cook friendly, palate pleasing and appetite satisfying dishes would make an elegant and popular edition to any personal, professional, and community library cookbook collection!


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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