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Library Bookwatch

Volume 9, Number 1 January 2014 Home | LBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Economic Studies Shelf Psychology Shelf
Biography Shelf Literary Studies Shelf Cookbook Shelf
African-American Studies Shelf Writing/Publishing Shelf Military Shelf
Pets/Wildlife Shelf Nautical Shelf Gardening Shelf
Language Studies Shelf Environmental Studies Shelf Political Science Shelf
Health/Medicine Shelf Art Shelf Journalism Shelf
Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf Audiobook Shelf Library CD Shelf
Library DVD Shelf Native American Studies Shelf American History Shelf
Civil War Shelf Religion/Spirituality Shelf Fiction Shelf
Memoir Shelf Education Shelf  


Reviewer's Choice

The Guide to Greening Cities
Sadhu Aufochs Johnston, Steven S. Nicholas and Julia Parzen
Island Press
2000 M St NW Suite 650
Washington, DC 20036
9781610913799 $30.00 www.islandpress.org

Sadhu Aufochs Johnston (Deputy City Manager of Vancouver, Canada) Steven S. Nicholas (VP for US Programs at the Institute for Sustainable Communities) and Julia Parzen (founding Network Executive Director of the Urban Sustainability Directors Network) present The Guide to Greening Cities, a practical-minded guide to promoting urban sustainability and greenery. The Guide to Greening Cities particularly speaks to municipal leaders with the goal of creating realistic, cost-effective, green-friendly infrastructure. Chapters discuss "Leading in the Community: Using City Assets, Policy, Partnerships, and Persuasion", "Getting Down to Business: Budgeting, Financing, and Green Economic Development", "Driving Green Progress Using Indicators" and much more. An excellent addition to public and college library environmental and sustainability shelves, The Guide to Greening Cities should be mandatory reading for mayors, city planners, community organizers, and urban leaders everywhere.

The Power of Latino Leadership
Juana Bordas
Berrett-Koehler Publishers Inc.
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 650
San Francisco, CA 94104-2916
www.bkconnection.com
9781609948870, $19.95, www.amazon.com

The Latino community is the fastest growing minority in America today and is now a genuine political power, not only in national politics but increasingly dominate in such states as Florida, Texas, and California. By 2050, if population projects hold true, Latinos will form one in three Americans. "The Power of Latino Leadership: Culture, Inclusion, and Contribution" by Juana Bordas (President of Mestiza Leadership International) is a 240 page compendium that has a special focus on offering a Latino perspective on a variety of issues ranging from Latino impacts on the broader American culture, leadership characteristics and perspectives, social action and mobilization, and more. Of special note is the chapter on 'Building a Diverse and Humanistic Society'. Enhanced with ten pages of notes, a glossary, and an index, "The Power of Latino Leadership: Culture, Inclusion, and Contribution" is exceptionally well written and highly recommended for personal reading lists, as well as both community and academic library collections. It should be noted that "The Power of Latino Leadership: Culture, Inclusion, and Contribution" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).


The Economic Studies Shelf

Globalizing Central Asia
Marlene Laruelle and Sebastien Peyrouse
M.E. Sharpe, Inc.
80 Business Park Drive
Armonk, NY 10504
9780765635044 hc, $104.95
9780765635051 pbk, $32.95 www.mesharpe.com

Globalizing Central Asia: Geopolitics and the Challenges of Economic Development is a scholarly analysis of the global and regional economic forces at work in central Asia. Chapters discuss how Russia, China, the U.S. ("The Too Distant, but Unavoidable Partner"), the European Union, and Middle Eastern and Gulf countries affect the political and economic dynamics of central Asia. From the challenges facing central Asia's agricultural sector, to the difficulties of transportation when landlocked, to structural weaknesses in central Asia's industrial base and the future of its service sector, Globalizing Central Asia is a learned, critical, and thorough exploration of crucial issues affection central Asia's present and future. Highly recommended, especially for college library economic studies shelves.


The Psychology Shelf

The Nature of Work
J. Kevin Ford, John R. Hollenbeck, and Ann Marie Ryan, editors
American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
9781433815379 $69.95 www.apa.org/books

The Nature of Work: Advances in Psychological Theory, Methods, and Practice is an anthology of essays by learned contributors about work psychology, the origins of work behavior, and how these affect both the individual workers and the organizations that employ them. Writings include "Work Team Motivation: Progress and Perils", "Turmoil or Opportunity? Retirement and Identity-Related Coping", "Two Practitioners' Reflections on the Scientist-Practitioner Divide", "Promoting Productive Collaborations to Advance the Psychology of Work" and much more. A scholarly cross-examination of the latest understandings about work psychology from both a practical and scientific point of view, The Nature of Work is a welcome addition to college and library collections and professional psychology shelves.


The Biography Shelf

Andrew Jackson, Southerner
Mark R. Cheathem
Louisiana State University Press
3990 W. Lakeshore Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
http://lsupress.org
978080715086-6, $39.95, www.amazon.com

Andrew Jackson (March 15, 1767 - June 8, 1845) was the seventh President of the United States (1829 - 1837). Based in frontier Tennessee, Jackson was a politician and army general who defeated the Creek Indians at the Battle of Horseshoe Bend (1814), and the British at the Battle of New Orleans (1815). A polarizing figure who dominated the Second Party System in the 1820s and 1830s, as president he dismantled the Second Bank of the United States and initiated forced relocation and resettlement of Native American tribes from the Southeast to west of the Mississippi River. His enthusiastic followers created the modern Democratic Party. The 1830 - 1850 period later became known as the era of Jacksonian democracy. The newest edition to the outstanding Louisiana State University Press 'Southern Biography' series, "Andrew Jackson, Southerner" by Mark R. Cheathem (Associate Professor of History, Cumberland University, Lebanon, Tennessee) is a superbly researched and deftly written 306 page scholarly biography that sheds new light on long held impressions of a remarkable man who impacted the lives of those around him and the future of a fledgling democracy. Informed and informative, "Andrew Jackson, Southerner" is enhanced with extensive notations, an impressive bibliography, and a comprehensive index. Very highly recommended for Jacksonian Studies reading lists and community library American Biography collections, it should also be noted that "Andrew Jackson, Southerner" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).

Tennyson: To Strive, To Seek, To Find
John Batchelor
Pegasus Books
80 Broad Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10004
www.pegasusbooks.us
9781605984902, $35.00, www.amazon.com

Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson, FRS (6 August 1809 - 6 October 1892) was Poet Laureate of Great Britain and Ireland during much of Queen Victoria's reign and remains one of the most popular British poets. Tennyson excelled at penning short lyrics, such as "Break, Break, Break", "The Charge of the Light Brigade", "Tears, Idle Tears" and "Crossing the Bar". Much of his verse was based on classical mythological themes, such as Ulysses, although In Memoriam A.H.H. was written to commemorate his best friend Arthur Hallam, a fellow poet and fellow student at Trinity College, Cambridge, who was engaged to Tennyson's sister, but died from a brain haemorrhage before they could marry. Tennyson also wrote some notable blank verse including Idylls of the King, "Ulysses", and "Tithonus". During his career, Tennyson attempted drama, but his plays enjoyed little success. A number of phrases from Tennyson's work have become commonplaces of the English language, including "Nature, red in tooth and claw", "'Tis better to have loved and lost / Than never to have loved at all", "Theirs not to reason why, / Theirs but to do and die", "My strength is as the strength of ten, / Because my heart is pure", "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield", "Knowledge comes, but Wisdom lingers", and "The old order changeth, yielding place to new". He is the ninth most frequently quoted writer in The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations. "Tennyson: To Strive, To Seek, To Find" by academician John Batchelor (Emeritus Professor, University of Newcastle) is a 448 page biography that is informed, informative, and will admirable serve students of Tennyson's work, as well as non-specialist general readers with an interest in Tennyson's colorful life and impressive accomplishments. Enhanced with 41 illustrations, an Epilogue (The poety and the pageant, 1892), an extensive bibliography, extensive notes, and a comprehensive index, "Tennyson: To Strive, To Seek, To Find" is highly recommended for personal, community, and academic library 19th Century Biography collections. It should be noted that "Tennyson: To Strive, To Seek, To Find" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).

Carol and John Steinbeck: Portrait of a Marriage
Susan Shillinglaw
University of Nevada Press
Mail Stop 0166, Reno, NV, 89557-0166
www.unpress.nevada.edu
9780874179309, $34.95, www.amazon.com

John Ernst Steinbeck, Jr. (February 27, 1902 - December 20, 1968) was an American writer. He is widely known for the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Grapes of Wrath (1939), East of Eden (1952) and the novella Of Mice and Men (1937). As the author of twenty-seven books, including sixteen novels, six non-fiction books, and five collections of short stories, Steinbeck received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962. Carol Janella Henning Steinbeck was his first wife. Their time together during the 1930s saw the launch of what would be his award winning literary career. "Carol and John Steinbeck: Portrait of a Marriage" is essentially a biography of their time together from their first meeting in 1929, to their marrying in 1931, until their divorce in 1941. Informed and informative, "Carol and John Steinbeck: Portrait of a Marriage" is a masterpiece of biographical research by an author whose is clearly a seasoned expert in John Steinbeck's life and work. Enhanced with the inclusion of illustrations, notes, a selected bibliography, and an index, "Carol and John Steinbeck: Portrait of a Marriage" is a strongly recommended addition to community and academic library collections.

The Last Monk Of Tibhirine
Freddy Derwahl
Paraclete Press
PO Box 1568, Orleans, MA 02653
www.paracletepress.com
9781612613741, $21.99, www.amazon.com

"The Last Monk of Tibhirine: A True Story of Martyrdom, Faith, and Survival" by German journalist and author Freddy Derwahl is the true story of the Cirstercian monk Jean-Pierre Schumacher, the last surviving member of a Trappist monastic community, which was kidnapped and killed in Algeria in March of 1996. An impressively informative, 224 page biography, "The Last Monk of Tibhirine: A True Story of Martyrdom, Faith, and Survival" is a compelling read and very strongly recommended reading for Christians of all denominational affiliations. Of special note are the sections of full color photography and the brief two page addendum 'About the Trappists'. It should be noted that "The Last Monk of Tibhirine: A True Story of Martyrdom, Faith, and Survival" is also available in a Kindle edition ($14.95).


The Literary Studies Shelf

Milton And The Poetics Of Freedom
Susanne Woods
Duquesne University Press
600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282
www.dupress.duq.edu
9780820704661, $58.00, www.amazon.com

John Milton (9 December 1608 - 8 November 1674) was an English poet, polemicist, man of letters, and a civil servant for the Commonwealth of England under Oliver Cromwell. He wrote at a time of religious flux and political upheaval, and is best known for his epic poem Paradise Lost (1667), written in blank verse. Milton's poetry and prose reflect deep personal convictions, a passion for freedom and self-determination, and the urgent issues and political turbulence of his day. Writing in English, Latin, and Italian, he achieved international renown within his lifetime, and his celebrated Areopagitica (1644) - written in condemnation of pre-publication censorship - is among history's most influential and impassioned defenses of free speech and freedom of the press. "Milton and the Poetics of Freedom" by Susanne Woods (Emerita Professor of English, Wheaton College, Massachusetts) is a 289 page compendium comprising a comprehensive critique of Milton's works with respect the philosophical concept of freedom as framed within his legendary poetry and prose. Enhanced with extensive notes, and extended bibliography, and a comprehensive index, "Milton and the Poetics of Freedom" is a work of seminal scholarship and a highly recommended addition to academic library Milton Studies and Medieval/Renaissance Literary Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.


The Cookbook Shelf

Soup Night
Maggie Stuckey
Storey Publishing
210 Mass MoCA Way
North Adams, MA 01247
9781612120997 $19.95 www.storey.com

Illustrated with full-color photography throughout, Soup Night: Recipes for Creating Community Around a Pot of Soup is a soup cookbook that encourages families and communities to connect through Soup Night. The idea behind Soup Night is that, once a month, one family makes soup for supper and everyone on the block is invited. The sharing promotes a sense of community, inclusion, and belonging. Of course, the host of Soup Night needs to create a large quantity of a delicious, meal-worthy soup - that's where the Soup Night cookbook comes in! Anyone who has ever enjoyed high-quality soup will appreciate the detailed, user-friendly recipes for classic favorite soups as well as the more adventurous creations of Pumpkin Chicken Chowder, Albondigas (Mexican Meatball Soup with Rice), Edamame (young soybeans) Corn Chowder, Red Pozole, and much more. Whether one wishes to start a new local soup-sharing tradition, or just create delectible soups for personal and family enjoyment, Soup Night is highly recommended.

Extraordinary Vegan
Alan Roettinger
The Book Publishing Company
PO Box 99, Summertown, TN 38483
www.BookPubCo.com
9781570672965, $19.95, www.amazon.com

In "Extraordinary Vegan", professional chef Alan Roettinger draws upon his more than thirty years of experience and expertise to compile a 192 page compendium superbly showcasing extraordinary recipes for those enjoying a vegan lifestyle. Each recipe is provided with a brief introduction, a complete list of ingredients, and thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' instructions. The recipes themselves range from Miso Broth with Ginger; Fig Jam with Port; Spicy Minted Slaw; and Arabesque Garbanzo Beans; to Polenta with Peppers; Mustard Greens with Daikon and Golden Beets; Pears in Pomegranate Juice; and Warmed Apricots with Cacao Nbs and Apricot Kernels. The recipes are nicely organized into dedicated sections for Breakfast; Sauces, Dips, and Condiments; Snacks; Soups; Salads; Beans and Lentils; Pasta and Grains; Vegetables; and Desserts. Enhanced with opening chapters on 'Extraordinary Ingredients for Your Everyday Kitchen' and 'Extraordinary Fundamentals', Alan Roettinger's very nicely illustrated "Extraordinary Vegan" will prove to be a highly prized addition for personal and community library Vegan/Vegetarian cookbook collections. It should be noted that "Extraordinary Vegan" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99). Also highly recommended from The Book Publishing Company is Brenda Davis and Vesanto Melina's introduction to culinary veganism "Becoming Vegan: Express Edition" (9781570672958, PB $19.95).

The Secrets of Gluten-Free Baking
Jillayne Clements
Cedar Fort, Inc.
2373 West 700 South, Springville, Utah 84663
www.cedarfort.com
9781462112669, $18.99, www.amazon.com

With so many people today experiencing allergies that demand gluten-free dishes, even the most novice of kitchen cooks can prepare elegant gluten-free baked goods that will satisfy any appetite and please any palate with the step-by-step recipes comprising "The Secrets of Gluten-Free Baking: Delicious Whole Food Recipes". This 192 page compendium from Jillayne Clements showcases recipes organized into categories that include Yeast Breads; Non-Yeast Breads & Wraps; Pancakes & Cereals; Sweet Breads & Muffins; Cookies; and Crackers; Cakes & Desserts. Of special note are the recipes comprising Crusts & Things. "The Secrets of Gluten-Free Baking: Delicious Whole Food Recipes" concludes with Bonus Recipes. But the recipes are only part of the value in this outstanding cookbook and reference. An informative introduction into what gave rise to the author's interest in gluten-free diets, 'Secrets of Making Gluten-Free products That Taste Like Wheat'; and what the author has (and doesn't have) in her gluten-free pantry will prove to be immensely informative. Not to be missed is the author's 'Tips to Avoid Accidentally Making Bread Crumbs'! Nicely illustrated throughout in full color, "The Secrets of Gluten-Free Baking: Delicious Whole Food Recipes" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to personal and community library specialty cookbook collections and should be considered a 'must have' for anyone requiring a gluten-free approach to their meals.

Cooking For Crowds, 40th Anniversary Edition
Merry White, author
Edward Koren, illustrator
Princeton University Press
41 William Street, Princeton, NJ 08540
www.pupress.princeton.edu
9780691160368, $29.95, www.amazon.com

Brought back into print for a new generation of appreciative cooks and chefs, Merry White's "Cooking For Crowds" was originally published in 1974 and with this 40th Anniversary Edition is once again available to grace personal, professional, family, and community library cookbook collections. Each featured recipe is presented with instructions on ingredient amounts for making that particular dish for 6, 12, 20, and 50 people. Thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly', "Cooking For Crowds" will prove to be an immensely useful culinary reference and menu planner for participating in providing dishes for such events as Church Pot Lucks, fund raising dinners, annual family clan gatherings, and any manner of celebratory events all while using ordinary home kitchen equipment and resources to prepare these 'super sized' dining occasions. Simply stated, no community library cookbook collection can be considered complete without the inclusion of a copy of Merry White's "Cooking For Crowds". It should be noted that "Cooking For Crowds" is also available in a Kindle edition ($16.17).

Power Vegan
Rea Frey
Surrey Books
c/o Agate Publishing
1328 Greenleaf Street, Evanston, IL 60202
www.agatepublishing.com www.surreybooks.com
9781572841413, $15.95, www.amazon.com

More than just another vegan cookbook (although there are plenty of wonderful vegan recipes), "Power Vegan: Plant-Fueled Nutrition for Maximum Health and Fitness" by nutrition expert, professional sports trainer, and experienced vegan Rea Frey is a 296 page compendium providing a complete instructional guide to a healthy vegan lifestyle. Informed and informative, "Power Vegan: Plant-Fueled Nutrition for Maximum Health and Fitness" also addresses how foods affect the human body, as well as photo illustrated workout ideas for specifically designed programs for thriving on plant-based nutrition. The recipes themselves range from Pineapple Almond Poppers and Pumpkin Pie Smoothies, to Banana-Walnut-Chocolate Bread and Veggie Pizza! Especially recommended reading for anyone considering or newly attempting to live a vegan lifestyle, "Power Vegan: Plant-Fueled Nutrition for Maximum Health and Fitness" will prove to be an enduringly popular addition to community library collections as well. It should be noted that "Power Vegan: Plant-Fueled Nutrition for Maximum Health and Fitness" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).


The African-American Studies Shelf

Handy African-American History Answer Book
Jessie Carney Smith
Visible Ink Press
4331 Joy Road, #414, Canton, MI 48187-2075
www.visibleinkpress.com
9781578594528, $12.95, www.amazon.com

Informed and informative, the "Handy African-American History Answer Book" by Jessie Carney Smith is a 400 page encyclopedic compilation of historical facts showcasing African American contributions and achievements in the arts, entertainment, business, civil rights, education, government, military, journalism, religion, science, sports, music, popular culture, politics, and more. From the Ringling Brother's first black woman clown, to the impact of Joe Louis on boxing, to the importance of barbecue in African-American communities, "Handy African-American History Answer Book" will prove a fascinating browse for non-specialist general readers, as well as an ideal reference for student research. Very highly recommended for school and community library Black Studies and American History collections, it should be noted that "Handy African-American History Answer Book" is also available in a Kindle edition ($9.99).


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

The Insider's Guide To Book Publishing Success
Eric Kampmann & Margot Atwell
Beaufort Books
27 West 20th Street, Suite 1102, NY, NY 10011
www.beaufortbooks.com
9780825306877, $12.95, www.amazon.com

Every author, once their manuscript is finished, must address the question of how to go about getting published. Drawing upon their many years of experience and expertise in the publishing industry, Eric Kampmann and Margot Atwell have effectively collaborated to produce "The Insider's Guide To Book Publishing Success", a succinct, 160 page instruction manual covering critical issues ranging from selecting a publishing strategy, the editorial process, designing and printing, to the fundamentals of book sales and distribution. Of special note is the commentary on marketing and publicity. Offering four illustrative success stories, "The Insider's Guide To Book Publishing Success" is informed, informative, thoroughly 'user friendly', and especially recommended as an practical, experience-based guide for novice authors seeking a successful (and profitable!) publication of their work. It should be noted that "The Insider's Guide To Book Publishing Success" is also available in a Kindle edition ($1.99).

Nonfiction Notebooks
Aimee Buckner
Stenhouse Publishers
477 Congress Street, Suite 4B
Portland, ME 04101-3451
www.stenhouse.com
9781571109521, $18.50, www.amazon.com

"Nonfiction Notebooks: Strategies for Informational Writing" by educator and author Aimee Buckner is a 128 page instruction guide specifically designed for aspiring writers of non-fiction. This thoroughly 'user friendly' manual is organized into six succinct chapters; Writers Notebooks: An Informational Twist; Strategies to Explore Topics; Strategies to Gather Information; Predrafting Strategies; Strategies to Craft Informational Pieces; and Assessment. Informed, informative, exceptionally well organized and presented, "Nonfiction Notebooks: Strategies for Informational Writing" is an ideal reference for students tasked with writing papers, as well as novice authors wanting to write non-fiction pieces and books for publication. Highly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library Writing/Publishing instructional reference collections, it should also be noted that "Nonfiction Notebooks: Strategies for Informational Writing" is available in a Kindle edition ($10.49) as well.


The Military Shelf

Asian Maritime Strategies
Capt. Bernard D. Cole, USN (Ret.)
Naval Institute Press
291 Wood Road
Annapolis, MD 21402
9781591141624 $34.95 www.nip.org

Retired US Navy Captain and instructor at the National War College (Washington, D.C.) presents Asian Maritime Strategies: Navigating Troubled Waters, a critical study of the modern- day maritime strengths and strategies of all nations with a significant presence in the Indo-Pacific region. Although the United States, Japan, China, and India are discussed the most, Canada, Russia, North Korea, South Korea, the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Iran, and other, smaller Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf states are also covered. Extensive notes, a bibliography, and an index round out this acute examination of geopolitical naval power, highly recommended especially for military studies and naval strategy shelves.

A Civilian in Lawton's 1899 Philippine Campaign
Michael E. Shay, editor
University Press of Mississippi
3825 Ridgewood Road
Jackson, MS 39211
9780826220080 $40.00 www.upress.state.ms.us

Part of "The American Military Experience Series" dedicated to preserving past and present records and analyses, of American military life, A Civilian in Lawton's 1899 Philippine Campaign: The Letters of Robert D. Carter gathers the correspondence of twenty-two-year-old Robert Dexter Carter, who served in Manila as a civilian quartermaster clerk during the Philippine-American War. Carter was a frequent guest of Major General Henry W. Lawton, a close friend of Carter's father, and often mentions news or rumors about the commander. Editor Michael E. Shay offers notes and commentary to place the correspondence in full context, and does not alter Carter's words in any way - even when they sometimes turn to foul language, or express his personal racism. An invaluable glimpse into the bureaucratic side of a foreign war, A Civilian in Lawton's 1899 Philippine Campaign is a fascinating primary testimony, recommended for military history shelves.

Intelligence And Surprise Attack
Erik J. Dahl
Georgetown University Press
3240 Prospect Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
www.press.georgetown.edu
9781589019980, $29.95, www.amazon.com

Of curious note is that most surprise attacks against the United States from the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 7, 1942 to the Islamic terrorist attack against the Pentagon and New York's twin towers on September 11, 2001 took place despite the United States government having advanced notice of such attack possibilities through various intelligence agencies. Why then were so many of these attacks so successful? That is the subject of "Intelligence and Surprise Attack: Failure and Success from Pearl Harbor to 9/11 and Beyond" by Erik J. Dahl (Assistant Professor of national Security Affairs and a faculty member of the Center for homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California). After an informed introduction and an informative first chapter (Why Does Intelligence Fail, and How Can It Succeed?), "Intelligence and Surprise Attack: Failure and Success from Pearl Harbor to 9/11 and Beyond" is organized into two major sections: 'The Problem of Conventional Attack', and 'The Problem of Terrorist Attack'. Of special note is the appendix entry 'Unsuccessful Plots and Attacks against American Targets, 1987-2012'. Enhanced with extensive Notes, and extended Bibliography, and a comprehensive Index, "Intelligence and Surprise Attack: Failure and Success from Pearl Harbor to 9/11 and Beyond" is a seminal work of original scholarship and should be a part of every community and academic library Security Studies & Intelligence collection. It should also be noted that "Intelligence and Surprise Attack: Failure and Success from Pearl Harbor to 9/11 and Beyond" is also available in a Kindle edition ($16.17).

The Ultimate Chief Petty Officer Guidebook
James C. Glass
Savas Beatie
PO Box 4527, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
www.savasbeatie.com
9781611211245, $18.95, www.amazon.com

Chief petty officer is the seventh enlisted rate in the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard, just above petty officer first class and below senior chief petty officer, and is a senior non-commissioned officer. The grade of chief petty officer was established on April 1, 1893 for the Navy. The United States Congress first authorized the Coast Guard to use the promotion to chief petty officer on 18 May 1920. Unlike petty officer first class and lower rates, advancement to chief petty officer not only carries requirements of time in service, superior evaluation scores, and speciality examinations, but also carries an added requirement of peer review. A chief petty officer can only advance after review by a selection board of serving master chief petty officers, in effect "choosing their own" and conversely not choosing others. In "The Ultimate Chief Petty Officer Guidebook", former Master Chief Petty Officer James Glass draws upon his twenty-two years of experience and expertise to write a 192 page instruction manual for the benefit of any sailor who aspires to the position or who has been newly promoted to it. Enhanced with eleven photos, thirty-three tables and graphs, five appendices, and an index, "The Ultimate Chief Petty Officer Guidebook" is thoroughly 'reader friendly' and very highly recommended. It should be noted that "The Ultimate Chief Petty Officer Guidebook" is also available in a Kindle edition ($7.99).


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

The Cougar
Paula Wild
Douglas & McIntyre
2323 Quebec Street, Suite 201
Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5T 4S7
9781771620024 $34.95 www.douglas-mcintyre.com

Accessible to readers of all backgrounds, The Cougar: Beautiful, Wild and Dangerous is a fascinating, fact-filled book about cougars, big cats also known as "pumas" or "mountain lions". From myths about cougars, to cougars in captivity, to the natural role of the cougar in wild ecology, and perhaps most crucial of all, how to defend oneself in case of a cougar attack, The Cougar is a "must-read" for anyone who wants to know about this captivating yet potentially deadly beasts - or for anyone who plans to visit, work, or live in cougar country! "...never turn your back on a cougar, even if it appears not to see you. Make eye contact immediately and don't break it; if you're wearing sunglasses, remove them. Staring at an animal is a powerful form of aggression that informs it you are the dominant one. It's also important to remember that eye contact between people and bears is totally different than eye contact between people and cougars. Most bear attacks are defensive and eye contact should be avoided; the majority of cougar attacks are predatory and eye contact is vital." Extensive cougar safety tips distinguish this in-depth portrait of these fascinating animals, illustrated with a handful of vivid color photographs. Highly recommended!

The Dog Trainer's Resource 3
Adrienne Hovey, editor
Dogwise Publishing
403 South Mission Street, Wenatchee WA 98801
www.dogwisepublishing.com
9781617811326, $24.95, www.amazon.com

Compiled and edited by Adrienne Hovey (owner of Fresh Start Dog Training, Philadelphia, PA) is a 351 page compendium comprised of informed and informative articles drawn from the award winning publication - 'The APDT Chronicle of the Dog'. The expert articles cover a variety of pertinent issues ranging from canine emotions, running a dog training business, dealing with aggressive dogs, evaluating statistical data on dog behavior, the use of professional dog training protocols, and so much more. Informed, informative, practical, comprehensive, and thoroughly 'user friendly', "The Dog Trainer's Resource 3" is highly recommended for personal, professional, community, and academic library instructional reference collections in canine care.

Complete Guide to Dog Grooming
Eve Adamson & Sandy Roth
T.F.H. Publications
1 TFH Plaza, Third & Union Avenue
Neptune City, NJ 07753
www.tfh.com
9780793837144, $24.95, www.amazon.com

Grooming is to clean and maintain the appearance of an animal. "Complete Guide to Dog Grooming: Skills, Techniques, and Instructions for the Home Groomer" by dog care expert Eve Adamson, and with the assistance of dog grooming shop owner Sandy Roth, is a profusely illustrated, 255 page compendium covering every aspect of grooming dogs whatever their breed may be. Organized into five distinctive sections (The Importance of Good Grooming; Grooming Basics; Coat-Specific Grooming Guide; Grooming for Special Needs; and Getting Started in Professional Grooming), "Complete Guide to Dog Grooming: Skills" is thoroughly 'user friendly' and perfect for the non-specialist general reader wanting to learn how to take care of their pet canine grooming themselves as well as anyone considering starting up their own dog grooming service. Enhanced with the inclusion of a glossary, a list of resources, and an index, "Complete Guide to Dog Grooming: Skills" is very strongly recommended for dog owners and community library Pets/Wildlife instructional resource collections. It should be noted that "Complete Guide to Dog Grooming" is also available in a Kindle edition ($10.09).


The Nautical Shelf

British Ship Building 1500-2010
Anthony Slaven
Crucible Books
c/o International Publishers Marketing
PO Box 605, Herndon, VA 20172-0605
9781905472161, $31.95, www.amazon.com

England is a seafaring nation and depended upon her naval forces to fend off hostile European powers. "British Shipbuilding, 1500 - 2010: A History" by academician Anthony Slaven (formerly a Professor of Business History at the University of Glasgow) is a 352 page compendium that provides a comprehensive and documented five hundred year historical overview of both the construction of wooden ships and then their metal successors. Chronologically organized and presented, "British Ship Building 1500-2010" is a work of seminal scholarship that is enhanced with the inclusion of an appendix (Measures of Ships Tonnage), extensive notes and references, a select bibliography, and a comprehensive index. Unique, informed and informative, "British Ship Building 1500-2010" is strongly recommended for academic library Naval History and British History reference collections and supplemental reading lists.


The Gardening Shelf

Western Garden Book
Kathleen Norris Brenzel, editor
Sunset Publishing
c/o Oxmoor House
3000 University Center Drive
Tampa, Florida 33612-6408
www.oxmoorhouse.com www.sunset.com
9780376030061, $24.95, www.amazon.com

Wonderfully illustrated in full color throughout, "Western Garden Book: The 20-Minute Gardener: Projects, Plants and Designs for Quick & Easy Gardening" is an ideal instruction manual for homeowners with limited time for pursuing gardening projects to beautify their property. But with this thoroughly 'user friendly', 288 page manual, anyone can learn how to successfully garden in just twenty minutes a day by breaking down gardening activities into manageable portions. Exceptionally well written and presented, "The 20-Minute Gardener" offers quick fixes for turning ordinary gardens into outdoor showrooms; turn problem areas into superbly fashioned gardening projects; profiles 160 outstanding plants for family gardens; offers step-by-step instructions for amending soil, making compost, planting, and watering. Of special note is being able to identify a particular region in the 16-page Regional Gardening Calendars and the practical advice for what to do in a garden within a given month of that calendar. "The 20-Minute Gardener" is an extraordinary gardening guide and manual that is very highly recommended for the novice gardening and has much of enduring value for even the more experienced gardener.


The Language Studies Shelf

Reading the Gospel of St. Matthew in Greek: A Beginning
Norbert H. O. Duckwitz
Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers
1570 Baskin Road, Mundelein, IL 60060
www.bolchazy.com
9780865168176, 19.00, www.amazon.colm

One of the principle benefits of being able to read New Testament scriptures in their original Greek is the avoidance of the interpretative errors that are present in past English translations such as the King James editions. "Reading the Gospel of St. Matthew in Greek: A Beginning" by Norbert H. O. Duckwitz (Professor Emeritus of Classics, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah) is a 517 page compendium that presents the entire Greek text of St. Matthew's Gospel; features text, vocabulary, and notes on each page; includes a Greek to English glossary; provides an introduction to the Greek alphabet, pronunciation, tenses, and moods; and is enhanced with a grammatical appendix. An impressive work of impeccable scholarship, "Reading the Gospel of St. Matthew in Greek: A Beginning" is very strongly recommended for personal and academic library Greek Language Studies and Christian Studies instructional reference collections.


The Environmental Studies Shelf

Environmental Anthropology Engaging Ecotopia
Joshua Lockyer & James R. Veteto, editors
Berghahn Books
20 Jay Street, Suite 512, Brooklyn, NY 11201
www.berghahnbooks.com
9780857458797, $110.00, www.amazon.com

Environmental anthropology is a sub-specialty within the field of anthropology that takes an active role in examining the relationships between humans and their environment across space and time. 'Ecotopia' is a society in which humans live in full environmental harmony. Knowledgeably compiled and deftly edited by the team of Joshua Lockyer (Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Arkansas Tech university) and James R. Veteto (Assistant Professor of Anthropology, University of North Texas), "Environmental Anthropology Engaging Ecotopia: Bioregionalism, Permaculture, and Ecovillages" is a 320 page compendium comprising sixteen thematically erudite and scholarly articles. Of special note are the list of 'Further Readers' at the end of the three major sections: Bioregionalism; Permaclture; and Ecovillages. Enhanced with an informative introduction by the editors, "Environmental Anthropology Engaging Ecotopia" is enhanced with occasional illustrations, tables, and maps, as well as a comprehensive index. A major and seminal contribution, "Environmental Anthropology Engaging Ecotopia" is a very strongly recommended addition to academic library Environmental, Anthropology, and Ethnobiology reference collections and supplemental reading lists.


The Political Science Shelf

Evolving Iran
Barbara Ann Rieffer-Flanagan
Georgetown University Press
3240 Prospect Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
9781589019782 $26.95 pbk.
9781589019799 $26.95 ebook www.press.georgetown.edu

Also available as an ebook, Evolving Iran: An Introduction to Politics and Problems in the Islamic Republic is a detailed, thoughtful, and thorough scrutiny of politics in Iran. A scholarly and well-researched work that is nonetheless accessible to readers of all backgrounds, Evolving Iran discusses elections in Iran, economic policies amid ideological infighting, pressures on the Islamic Republic to improve human rights, and much more. Notes and an index round out this "must-read" to better understand Iran today, highly recommended especially for public library Political Science or International Studies shelves.

Democracy And Political Ignorance
Ilya Somin
Stanford University Press
1450 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1124
www.sup.org
9780804786614, $27.95, www.amazon.com

The core necessity for a healthy representative democracy is that the people comprising that democracy have accurate and informative information on which to base their political decisions. Otherwise people can and will fall prey to demagogs, charlatans, the corrupt, the incompetent, and worse -- resulting the ultimate loss of democracy to autocracy, theocracy, and other varieties of dictatorship. "Democracy and Political Ignorance: Why Smaller Government Is Smarter" by Ilya Somin (Professor Law, George Mason University School of Law) is a 280 page compendium aptly presenting the argument that by decentralizing and limiting government, people will be less prone to lapse into the kind of apathy and ignorance that fosters the political manipulation of the masses by a privileged and corrupt minority seeking domination and control over the population. Informed and informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking, "Democracy and Political Ignorance: Why Smaller Government Is Smarter" is a timely treatise as we enter a new age of Robber Baron Capitalism with its financially-based political corruption and an ever expanding federal intrusion into the non-federal affairs of private citizens under the cloak of serving social and national defense needs. Enhanced with an appendix, notes, and an index, "Democracy and Political Ignorance: Why Smaller Government Is Smarter" is a highly recommended addition to community and academic library Political Science reference collections. It should be noted that "Democracy And Political Ignorance" is also available in hardcover (9780804786089, $90.00) and Kindle ($15.37) editions.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Hepatitis C Treatment One Step at a Time
Lucinda K. Porter, RN
Demos Health
11 West 42nd Street, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10036
9781936303526 $16.95 www.demoshealth.com

Hepatitis C (HCV) is currently the most common blood-borne infection in the United States; over 3.2 million Americans live with it, most of them unaware that they have it. This ignorance has led to more American deaths from HCV than from HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Registered nurse Lucinda K. Porter, herself a Hepatitis C patient who has undergone three rounds of HCV antiviral therapy, shares her experience and knowledge in Hepatitis C Treatment One Step at a Time: Inspirational and Practical Tips for Successful Treatment. Speaking especially to fellow HCV patients, Porter provides invaluable advice, tips grounded in personal experience, and readings to help cope with each day of treatment. "HCV treatment is dehydrating. Certain side effects such as fatigue and dryness are easier to manage with adequate water intake. The Institute of Medicine advises that men drink about 13 cups and women consume about 9 cups of liquid daily. If your urine is dark yellow, drink more. It is possible to drink too much water, so don't overdo it. If you can't leave the house because you need to be near a bathroom, then you may be drinking too much." A "must-have" for anyone embarking on an HCV treatment regimen, Hepatitis C Treatment One Step at a Time is also highly recommended for public library health and medicine shelves.

Memory & Communication Aids For People With Dementia
Michelle S. Bourgeois
Health Professions Press
PO Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
www.healthpropress.com
9781938870064, $38.95, www.amazon.com

Dementia is a serious loss of global cognitive ability in a previously unimpaired person, beyond what might be expected from normal aging. It may be static, the result of a unique global brain injury, or progressive, resulting in long-term decline due to damage or disease in the body. Although dementia is far more common in the geriatric population (about 5% of those over 65 are said to be involved), it can occur before the age of 65, in which case it is termed "early onset dementia". Impaired memory is a key symptom of dementia and the subject of "Memory and Communication Aids for People With Dementia", a 224 page compendium by Professor Michelle S. Bourgeois (Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, University of South Florida) offering exercises and information on utilizing memory aids with respect to treating dementia impaired abilities ranging from conversation, orientation, communication, social interaction, assisted living skills, home care, and/or assisted living facility based care. Informed and informative, "Memory and Communication Aids for People With Dementia" is highly recommended for both professional and non-specialist general readers dealing with anyone with dementia based memory and communication needs. Also very highly recommended from Health Professions Press is "The End-Of-Life Namaste Care program For People With Dementia" (9781938870026, $34.95) by Joyce Simard.


The Art Shelf

The Art Deco Poster
William W. Crouse
The Vendome Press
1334 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
www.vendomepress.com
Harry N. Abrams, Inc. (dist.)
115 West 18th Street, New York, NY 10011
www.abramsbooks.com
9780865653085, $65,00, www.amazon.com

Art Deco is an influential visual arts design style which first appeared in France after World War I, flourishing internationally in the 1930s and 1940s before its popularity waned after World War II. It is an eclectic style that combines traditional craft motifs with Machine Age imagery and materials. The style is often characterized by rich colors, bold geometric shapes, and lavish ornamentation. Art Deco emerged from the Interwar period when rapid industrialization was transforming culture. One of its major attributes is an embrace of technology. This distinguishes Deco from the organic motifs favored by its predecessor Art Nouveau. Compiled with commentary by 20th Century Poster expert William W. Crouse "The Art Deco Posters: Rare and Iconic" is a beautifully illustrated, 296 page compendium showcasing art deco wall posters. With an informative introduction by Alastair Duncan (an expert consultant on the decorative arts of the 19th and 20th centuries), the poster art comprising "The Art Deco Posters: Rare and Iconic" is nicely organized into alphabetically themed sections: Aviation; Automobiles & Motorcycles; Consumer & Industrial Products; Leisure; Motor Racing; Food, Beverage & Tobacco; Ocean Liners; Railways; Travel & Tourism. Enhanced with a useful bibliography and index, "The Art Deco Posters: Rare and Iconic" is especially recommended for academic library 20th Century Popular Art reference collections and would make an enduringly popular selection as a community library Memorial Fund acquisition.


The Journalism Shelf

The Best American Magazine Writing 2013
Sid Holt, editor
Columbia University Press
61 West 62nd Street
New York, NY 10023-7015
9780231162258 $17.95 http://cup.columbia.edu

The Best American Magazine Writing 2013 is an anthology of the most critical and relevant magazine pieces of 2013, including public interest, reporting, feature writing, fiction. These National Magazine Award-winning works touch on topics including the arrest of Kim Dotcom for alleged money laundering and copyright infringement in his gigantic file-sharing website megaupload.com, modern combat in the war zone of Afghanistan, reflections on Barrack Obama's efforts and the legacy of Mitt Romney's candidacy. An award-winning short-story from Stephen King, "Batman and Robin Have an Altercation", rounds out this eclectic and insightful collection, highly recommended especially for public library collections and anyone seeking to educate themselves about critical contemporary events.


The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf

Squared Away
G. B. Trudeau
Andrews & McMeel
1130 Walnut Street
Kansas City, MO 64106-2109
9781449430580 $25.00 www.andrewsmcmeel.com

Squared Away: A Doonesbury Book by G.B. Trudeau is the latest anthology of political satire and slice-of-life comic strips from the decades old newspaper comic series. All strips are presented in full color, even the many weekday strips, and they touch upon mundane to bizarre to all-too-unfortunately-real modern events. Trudeau is especially mindful of the ongoing sacrifice of America's soldiers in Afghanistan, as exemplified by one strip featuring the questionably ethical Roland Hedley, working as a Fox News reporter in a war zone: "'Not getting what I need... Think, man! What would Geraldo do?' 'Hey... are you that reporter who was tweeting on patrol?' 'Why, yes. Yes, I am, son.' 'What were you thinking, dude? A cell gives away position! You could have gotten the whole team blown up! You're like freakin' Geraldo, man!' 'Oh... thanks.'" Other topics covered mentioned include a disturbing breakdown of the harrowing statistics about sexual harassment and assault of female military members, the dismally low graduation rates of for-profit colleges, the return of "Jimmy Crow" (a disturbingly anthropomorphic crow who symbolizes the resurgence of laws reminiscent of the racist Jim Crow era) in the form of voter registration laws projected to depress African-American turnout at the polls, and more. The centerpiece of the "soap opera" side of the comic story is the marriage of Alex Doonesbury to war veteran Leo "Toggle" DeLuca. Squared Away can be sentimental when it's not delivering hard-hitting insights into the dark sides of war and politics, yet always maintains Trudeau's characteristic wry twist when chronicling the most serious of issues. Highly recommended for both personal and public library collections!


The Audiobook Shelf

Great Men and Women in the History of Medicine
David Angus, author
Benjamin Soames, narrator
Naxos of America, Inc.
1810 Columbia Avenue, Suite 28
Franklin, TN 37064
9781843796909 $17.98 www.naxosaudiobooks.com

Part of Naxos' "Junior Classics" series of unabridged audiobooks accessible to listeners of all ages, Great Men and Women in the History of Medicine tells the eye-opening true stories of trailblazers who advanced the science of healing the sick and injured. From Hippocrates of Ancient Greece, whose principled oath remains an integral part of medical practice to this day, to medieval abbess Hildegard of Bingen, Arabs Ibn Sina and Al-Razi, Renaissance scholar of anatomy Andreas Vesalius, Edward Jenner (known as "the father of immunology" for his inventions of inoculation and the smallpox vaccine) and many more, Great Men and Women in the History of Medicine examines a wide array of dedicated individuals whose work has saved countless lives through the centuries. Highly recommended, especially for public library audiobook collections. 2 CDs, 2 hours 38 min.

The Butler: A Witness to History
Wil Haygood, author
Read by David Oyelowo, Forest Whitaker & Oprah Winfrey
Audioworks
c/o Simon & Schuster Audio
1230 Avenue of the Americas, 12th floor
New York, NY 10020
9781442368958 $14.99 http://audio.simonandschuster.com

A true story that has inspired a major motion picture (one can learn more at ButlerMovie.com), The Butler: A Witness to History is an unabridged, nonfiction audiobook about Eugene Allen, a butler who has dutifully served eight presidents from Harry Truman to Ronald Reagan. Washington Post writer Wil Haygood deliberately tracked Allen down and interviewed him on the cusp of President Obama's electoral victory in 2008. Twenty-first century America has changed so dramatically that the election of a black president, once unthinkable, has become reality; only a few generations ago, widespread segregation and discrimination would have made Obama's historic victory impossible. The Butler explores the insights of a man who lived and worked near the center of power for decades, and watched history in the making even as he served tea and supervised buffets. A foreword by Academy Award-nominated director Lee Daniels and an essay by Wil Haygood about the history of black people in film and Hollywood, read by David Oyelowo and Oprah Winfrey, round out this highly recommended selection for for public and college library audiobook shelves. 2 CDs, 2 1/2 hours.

Japan 1941: Countdown to Infamy
Eri Hotta, author
Laural Merlington, narrator
Tantor Media, Inc.
2 Business Park Road, Unit 2
Old Saybrook, CT 06475
9781452616773 $39.99 www.tantor.com

Japan 1941: Countdown to Infamy is the unabridged audiobook rendition of international relations expert Eri Hotta's heavily researched and detailed answer to a critical World War II question. Why did Japan bomb Pearl Harbor, knowing that it would rouse the American "sleeping dragon", and start a war that Japan lacked the manpower and resources to win? Japan 1941 is more about Japan's internal politics than its military campaigns, as it reveals a culture in which those preferred peace - in fact, those who were rightfully convinced that war with America would bring disaster - could not or would not speak up, whether out of fear of reprisal, social pressures to save face, or nationalistic pride. Incompetence and a vacuum of political will fed into a situation where the most zealous of deluded war hawks had the final say. Extensive notes round out this heavily researched, throughly fascinating, and highly recommended look into how a nation's own military and political polices can ultimately turn self-destructive. 11 CDs, 13.5 hours.

18 Hours
Sandra Lee, author
Michael Carmen, narrator
Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887
Grand Haven, MI 49417
9781743180839 $54.97 www.brillianceaudio.com

18 Hours is the unabridged audiobook adaptation of SAS war hero Jock Wallace's true-life struggle to survive in Afghanistan. At the beginning of the American-led Operation Anaconda, a US-led military outing to drive al Qaeda and the Taliban from the Shahi Kot Valley in Afghanistan, Jock and his company drew far heavier fire than intelligence reports led them to believe the enemy capable of. For eighteen hours, Jock and his men stretched every resource they had to survive - fighting off the enemy, rescuing the wounded, calling in air support, and keeping their base informed no matter how dire the situation. A gripping tale of bravery, will, and duty, 18 hours is highly recommended especially for public library audiobook collections. 9 CDs, 9 hours 35 min.


The Library CD Shelf

Mearra - Selkie from the Sea
Linda Marie Smith
Privately Published
c/o Waldmania!
130 Maywood Drive
San Francisco, CA 94127
$15.00 www.lindamsmith.com

Mearra - Selkie from the Sea is an original music album with a powerful underlying story. The chronicle follows Mearra, a young Selkie maiden who falls in love with a lonely human fisherman. They marry, start a family, and enjoy a happy life together - but a Selkie can only remain on land for seven years. When time is up, the sea calls Mearra back to its watery embrace. Haunting and heartrending, Mearra - Selkie from the Sea is highly recommended. The tracks are "Ian's Song", "Mearra", "All This and More", "Water Green ~ Blue Sky", "Heaven Knows", "Seals of Silver and Gold", "Surrender to the Sea", "I Would Lose You", "One More Kiss", "Come with Me", and "To Be With You".

Gipsy Manifesto
Boban & Marko Markovic Orchestra
www.boban-and-marko-markovic.com
Piranha Musik Berlin
www.piranha.de
c/o Rock Paper Scissors (publicity)
511 West 4th Street, Suite 2
Bloomington, IN 47404
www.rockpaperscissors.biz
$9.99 CD / $8.99 MP3 www.amazon.com

Globally recognized, award-winning father-and-son trumpet duo Boban and Marko Markovic present Gipsy Manifesto, their latest studio album of Balkan brass music. In addition to horns and marching drums, Gipsy Manifesto draws upon guitar, accordion, piano, and drum kit to enrich its already enthusiastic, march-to-the-beat music. An absolute "must-hear" for anyone with an interest in Balkan brass! The tracks are "Beautiful Girl", "Turbo Diesel", "Balkan Caravan", "Boom Bang", "Disco Mayhem", "Chocolate", "Gipsy Life", "Wild Horse", "Trumpet and Man", "Gipsy House", "Whistle", "From Han to Cannes", "Funky Girl", "African Pepper", "Boban's Fairytale" and "Remix (Radio Edit)".

Portal
Akasa
www.akasasound.com
Sky Children Media, LLC
c/o The Creative Service Company
4360 Emerald Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
www.thecreativeservicecompany.com
$8.99 MP3 www.amazon.com

New age/world fusion singer and songwriter Akasa (with contributions from Morris Hayes, Nick Michaels, Aaron Stern & Shenkar) presents Portal, a music album of far-reaching beauty, performed with nigh-mystic gentleness. Lyrics range from English to Native American to Arabic and Latin; translations are provided on the inner CD case. Forgiveness, healing, and love permeate this uplifting collection, highly recommended for connoisseurs of the genre. The tracks are "Return to Our Innocence" (4:25), "Ameno Amen" (4:23), "Sahara Rising" (4:33), "Diamond Core" (4:29), "Hero's Journey" (3:57), "Sky Children" (4:56), "Alba Rosa" (5:52), "Paradise Reborn" (4:11), "Let Us Be" (4:13), "Memory of My Star" (4:28), "Ave Maria" (5:24), and "Magic of Your Love" (4:37).

Spark: A Burning Man Story Day + Night
Produced by Catherine Enny
Privately Published
c/o Magnum PR
7 E. 35th Street, Suite 2G
New York, NY 10016
SparkPictures.com
$18.98 www.amazon.com

Created by a broad diversity of performers, Spark: A Burning Man Story Day + Night is a 2-CD album of music from and inspired by the film "Spark", about the week-long Burning Man annual event in the Nevada desert. Named after its symbolic fiery effigy, the Burning Man event celebrates art, community, self-expression, and self-reliance, and passion for life. Spark: A Burning Man Story embodies the essence of this extraordinary gathering in its bold, striking songs that inspire the listener to reach out, create, and communicate. Highly recommended! The tracks are "Feel The Love" (3:40), "Heroes" (3:53), "Coastal Brake" (5:34), "The Event" (2:08), "Dubstep Dark" (2:24), "Let It Go", (3:42), "We Ride" (3:09), "Man On Fire" (4:16), "Wave" (3:31), "Going To The Desert" (8:09), "In My Mind" (4:14), and "Quietly Happy" (1:40) on disc 1, Day; "Flutes (Sasha Remix)" (9:34), "Running" (9:01), "Let It Go (Stanton Warriors Remix)" (5:00), "Time" (8:10), "Summit" (7:45), "Express Yourself" (4:40), "One Type Of Dark (Ta-Ku Remix)" (3:03), "Man On Fire (Adam Freeland Remix)" (8:04), "Principles" (6:58), "Scorpion Frog" (7:59), "Clubbing" (5:50), and "Promised Land" (3:38) on disc 2, Night.


The Library DVD Shelf

Life Apps
Bullfrog Films, Inc.
PO Box 149
Oley, PA 19547
$595.00 (5-DVD set), www.bullfrogfilms.com

Life Apps is a five-DVD set about young adults who work to make the world a better place - by creating smartphone apps that can quickly share timely information that will help the poorest and most vulnerable populations. In "Silicon Savannah", a Life App can potentially improve the yields of Kenyan farmers; in "Favela Farm" a Life App shares information to aid urban farms and gardens in Rio's shanty towns; in "Mobile Harvest" a Life App can deliver East India farmers (who have lately been plagued by debt and rising suicide rates) critical information about weather patterns, forthcoming rainfall, or seed and fertilizer prices; in "Once a Nomad" a Life App can warn the Himba population of Namibia about elephants, or help track their cattle; and in "World of Apps" mobile phones can give information to aid reproductive health care in South Africa, or help London's minority young adults, who are subject to "stop and search". Eye-opening, educational, and encouraging viewers to think of ways to make the world a better place, Life Apps is highly recommended for public and school library DVD collections, as well as homeroom viewing. 27 min. each.

The Suzuki Diaries: Future City
Bullfrog Films, Inc.
PO Box 149
Oley, PA 19547
1937772780 $250.00 www.bullfrogfilms.com

Licensed for public performance, The Suzuki Diaries: Future City is a documentary suitable for high school and adult viewers, which explores how city living can become more efficient without sacrificing quality of life. As an increasing global human population puts greater pressures on the needs for food, land, and energy, how can cities best adapt? David Suzuki and his daughter Sarika journey across Canada in an "off the grid" Airstream trailor to explore possible solutions. From pending revolutions in the production and distribution of urban food in Montreal, to efforts to include the "natural world" in the growing city of Toronto, to the world-leader efforts of the Edmonton Waste Management Centre to transform waste into biofuel, The Suzuki Diaries is an eye-opening glimpse into dedicated efforts to rise to the challenges of the twenty-first century. Highly recommended. 45 minutes, closed captioned.

Men At Lunch
First Run Features
630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213
New York, NY 10036
$24.95 www.firstrunfeatures.com

Men At Lunch is a documentary about an iconic black-and-white photograph of eleven workmen taking their lunch break on a steel girder, 850 feet above the Rockefeller Plaza sidewalk. In 1932 New York City, the Great Depression caused widespread suffering - but there was still need to construct new buildings, a job that could be difficult and dangerous. This photographs reveals workmen accepting the risk of fall in their day-to-day job (they doubtless considered themselves lucky to have any job) with casual aplomb, and also captures their spirit of relaxed, mutual camaraderie. For eighty years, the identities of the eleven men and their photographer has been a mystery, that is only now beginning to be revealed! Highly recommended, especially for public library documentary collections. 67 min., color.

Corrie ten Boom: A Faith Undefeated
Vision Video
P.O. Box 540
Worcester, PA 19490
$14.99 www.visionvideo.com

Corrie ten Boom: A Faith Undefeated is a documentary about Corrie ten Boom and her family in Holland, who risked their lives to save others. When the Nazis invaded Holland in 1940 Corrie, her sister Betsie, and their elderly father built a secret, hidden room in their home to hide Jews from the Holocaust death squads. A Gestapo raid sent Corrie and Betsie to the Ravensbruck concentration camp. Betsie died in the camp, but Corrie was released due to clerical error. She spent the rest of her life caring for other death camp survivors and sharing her story; in the seventies she published a book, "The Hiding Place", in which she spoke of the importance of maintaining faith and forgiveness even when confronting implacable evil. Scenes filmed in the ten Boom house in Holland, as well as interview with Pam Rosewell More (Corrie's former assistant) enhance this excellent, informative, and accessible true story of incredible courage. 55 min., English & Spanish language & subtitles.

Here's Edie
Starring Edie Adams
MVD Entertainment Group
203 Windsor Road
Pottstown, PA 19464
$49.95 mvdb2b.com

Here's Edie is a DVD collection of all 21, black-and-white episodes of Edie Adams' 1962-1964 variety show. Now available to the public for the first time since their initial broadcast, these comedy trailblazers showcase Edie's award-winning talents in music, mirth, and pure style. Live performances from legendary notables such as Duke Ellington, Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Hope, Peter Falk and more pepper individual episodes. Bonus material includes extra footage of Edie's music plus a sixteen-page booklet with rare photographs and program notes. A treasury for connoisseurs of classic television, Here's Edie is enthusiastically recommended for memorable gift-giving, as well as public library DVD collections. 4 DVDs, 720 min.


The Native American Studies Shelf

Taos: A Topical History
Corina A. Santistevan and Julia Moore, editors
Museum of New Mexico Press
PO Box 2087
Santa Fe, NM 87504-2087
9780890135822 $34.95 www.mnmpress.org

Taos: A Topical History is a thoughtful anthology of essays by diverse authors about the history of the Taos Valley region of New Mexico, a land where the legacy of three settler cultures (Tiwa, Spanish, and Anglo) remains. Individual writings include "Taos' Early Trade Economy", "Taos Pueblo, Past and Recent", "Taos Art Colony and the Taos Arts Community", and much more. Extensive notes and an index round out this fascinating collection insights, chronicles, and revelations about a land, its peoples, and the conflicts that embroiled them. Highly recommended, especially for American history or Native American Studies shelves.


The American History Shelf

American Spies
Michael J. Sulick
Georgetown University Press
3240 Prospect Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
9781626160088 $26.95 hc
9781626160095 $26.95 ebook www.press.georgetown.edu

American Spies: Espionage Against the United States from the Cold War to the Present is a methodical, well-researched, and utterly fascinating analysis of spies who discovered and sold American secrets to foreign powers, from 1950 onward. Notable spy cases are spotlighted, including famous spies for the Soviets such as John Walker and Edward Lee Howard; the spy for China, Larry Wu-tai Chin; the spy for Israel, Jonathan Pollard; and many more. "[Pollard's] espionage was a fatal cocktail of every major motive that has impelled human beings to spy for centuries. He was in financial straits. He was fascinated with the thrill of spying. He was a mediocre man with a grossly inflated ego and yearning for praise and acceptance. He was ideologically sympathetic to a foreign, and this sympathy provided the final motive that would drive him into espionage: revenge." Thoroughly accessible to readers of all backgrounds, American Spies makes real-life spy history come alive, and is highly recommended especially for public and college library American History shelves.

The Ozarks in Missouri History
Lynn Morrow, editor
University of Missouri Press
2910 LeMone Boulevard
Columbia, MO 65201
9780826220066 $25.00 www.umsystem.edu/upress

The Ozarks in Missouri History: Discoveries in an American Region is an anthology of scholarly essays by a diversity learned authors about the unique history, culture, and geography of the beautiful Ozarks region of Missouri. Writings include "Slave Labor at the Maramec Iron Works, 1828-1850", "The Ozark Short Line Railroad: A Failed Dream", "Agricultural Change in the Western Ozarks", "The Origin and Development of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways Project", and more. A handful of black-and-white photographs and an index round out this enlightening collection, especially recommended for college library and Missouri state history shelves.


The Civil War Shelf

Stuart's Finest Hour
John J. Fox III
Angle Valley Press
PO Box 4098
Winchester, VA 22604
9780971195059 $31.95 www.AngleValleyPress.com

Stuart's Finest Hour: The Ride Around McClellan June 1862 is an in-depth study about Brigadier General Jeb Stuart's Great Chickahominy Raid, during the American Civil War. At the time, Union General McClellan's army was on the verge of seizing the Confederate capital of Richmond, Virginia. Newly appointed Confederate army leader Robert E. Lee had a plan to go on offense, but he needed military intelligence. It was Stuart who dared to stage a 110-mile, three-day cavalry reaid around the entire Army of the Potomac, a mission he pulled off with consummate skill (and the mistakes of the Union Army didn't help). The information Stuart brough Lee aided a counteroffensive that would push the McClellan's army away from Richmond; it would be another three years before the Union would have another opportunity. A handful of black-and-white photographs illustrate this heavily researched, vivaciously presented chronicle, which brings Stuart's death-defying tactical raid to vivid life. Highly recommended, especially for public and college library Civil War shelves.


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

Church History: Apostolic Times to Today
Gloria Shahin with Joanna Dailey
Saint Mary's Press
702 Terrace Heights
Winona, MN 55987-1318
9781599821481 $25.95 www.smp.org

Church History: Apostolic Times to Today is an overview of the history of the Christian church, with emphasis on the Catholic church. Equally suitable for classroom use or self-study, Church History is detailed yet thoroughly accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Color illustrations every few pages, review questions, a glossary, and an index round out excellent educational resource, ideal for high school, college, public or church library collections. "After [WW II] a movement called Pax Christi ('Peace of Christ') was established in Europe. Its first goal was to reconcile European Christians who had supported opposite sides during the war. It still exists today, having spread to over fifty countries and five continents, and is a voice of prayer and action for peace and reconciliation all over the world."


The Fiction Shelf

Sunland
Don Waters
University of Nevada Press
Mail Stop 0166
Reno, NV, 89557-0166
9780874179217 $25.95 www.unpress.nevada.edu

The debut novel of Iowa Short Fiction Award winning author Don Waters, Sunland follows the adventures of a working class man on the margins. Sid Dulaney is struggling between jobs, and looks after his beloved grandmother in Tucson. Her prescriptions are so expensive that to make ends meet, he smuggles medicine over the Mexican border. One haphazard problem spirals into another, as he runs into trouble with an attractive former babysitter, receives midnight voice mails from his frazzles ex-girlfriends, and even attracts the deadly attention of a Mexican gang (as well as a significantly less deadly giraffe). Solid characterization drives this slice-of-life turned rollicking adventure of quirky characters and unforgettable moments. Highly recommended.


The Memoir Shelf

The Crusade Years 1933-1955
Herbert Hoover, author
George H. Nash, editor
Hoover Press
c/o Hoover Institution
434 Galvez Mall, Stanford, CA 94305
9780817916749 $39.95 www.stanford.edu

Herbert Hoover is the American president most famous for his efforts to cope with the Great Depression. By the end of his office in 1933, the American public was furious with him for not doing enough to alleviate the widespread suffering, and turned to FDR's New Deal - even though Hoover had gone further in his efforts to bring economic relief than any previous president. Hoover never abandoned his conservative or ideological distrust of excessive government intervention, and remained a vocal call for restraint during the next thirty-plus years. The Crusade Years 1933-1955: Herbert Hoover's Lost Memoir of the New Deal Era and Its Aftermath gathers Hoover's copious writings about political philosophy, his visions of America's potential as a haven for liberty, and perhaps most intriguing, his private life after his presidency, from his enthusiasm for fishing to his membership in the Bohemian Club. Historian, Hoover biographer, and prize-winning scholar George H. Nash has edited this extraordinarily insightful volume with notes and an index. Highly recommended, especially for public and college library memoir or American History shelves.


The Education Shelf

Playful Writing
Rebecca Olien and Laura Woodside
Gryphon House
6848 Leon's Way
Lewisville, NC 27023
9780876594698 $19.95 www.ghbooks.com

Created in full support of Common Core Standards for statewide American instruction, Playful Writing: 150 Open-Ended Explorations in Emergent Literacy is a supplementary resource for instructors of children ages three to eight, filled with ideas to encourage young students to write creatively. Some activities involve inexpensive materials for playtime (such as sidewalk chalk or a basket of simple toy vehicles) to get little ones thinking about something before writing and drawing. Suggestions for "early writers" and "ready writers" refine each activity. For example, after taking children for a walk on a windy day and using provided "Talk About It" questions (such as "What motion do the trees make in the wind?") to get them thinking, children can be encouraged to write messages on streamers that fly in the wind. "...ask Early Writers what kind of messages they might like to send out on a windy day... Encourage the children to write and draw special messages or wishes with markers across the lengths of their streamers... Ready Writers will be able to create longer sentences and experiment with word choice when writing their messages. Messages can also be tied together to form longer messages or streamer poetry." As the ability to effectively read, write, and communicate becomes ever more critical to thriving in the modern, interconnected world, instructional wellsprings such as Playful Writing are absolutely invaluable for today's teachers. Highly recommended.

Teaching Young Children with Disabilities in Natural Environments, second edition
Mary Jo Noonan and Linda McCormick
Paul H. Brookes Publishing Company
PO Box 10624
Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
9781598572568 $59.95 www.brookespublishing.com

Now in an extensively updated second edition incorporating a decade of new developments and research, Teaching Young Children with Disabilities in Natural Environments is an educator's guide for instructing children from birth to age 5. Chapters discuss "Specialized Instructional Strategies", "Teaching Children with Autism", "Challenging Behavior", "Interventions to Promote Peer Interactions", "Environmental Arrangements, Adaptations, and Assistive Technologies", and much more. "Infants and children with severe disabilities... will not always be ready to learn the same activities as their age peers with mild or no disabilities... however, curricular activities should be age appropriate, even when the activities do not correspond to readiness levels... Specific objectives and the way in which children with disabilities participate in activities are individualized to address unique needs. For example, a preschool child with a disability selects a puzzle during morning free play and hands the pieces one at a time to a peer who puts the puzzle together. She has chosen an age-appropriate activity that is also of interest to her friend who does not have a disability." Preschool and kindergarten instructors will find Teaching Young Children with Disabilities in Natural Environments invaluable, and worthy of the highest recommendation.

Eye Movements and the Fundamental Reading Process
Stanford E. Taylor, M.A.
Charles C. Thomas, Publisher
2600 South First Street
Springfield, IL 62704
9780398087531 $33.95 www.ccthomas.com

Eye Movements and the Fundamental Reading Process: How to Evaluate Silent Reading Efficiency explores how professional educators can gauge students' skill level of silent reading. Chapters cover the significance of eye movements during silent reading, how to use the Visagraph (R) Eye Movement Recording System to gather data on individual eye movements, use of the Visagraph in schools or clinics, uses of eye movement recording and reading appraisals, and more. "Words fed into short-term memory are first stored as letter configurations, hopefully instantly recognized as words. Then after one, two, or more fixations, recognition is confirmed as words are fused into phrases and later realized in terms of meaning. Kliegl, Nuthmann, and Engbert (2006) depicted this process as "eye-movement lag." An assortment of black-and-white charts and screenshots as well as an index round out this excellent supplementary resource for educators seeking to refine silent reading ability in their students, especially those who would make use of a Visagraph.


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Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
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Oregon, WI 53575-1129
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