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The Bookwatch

Volume 5, Number 2 February 2010 Home | BW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Poetry Shelf Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf
Art Shelf Architecture Shelf Biography Shelf
Music Shelf Photography Shelf Audiobook Shelf
Self-Help Shelf Pets/Wildlife Shelf Money/Finance Shelf
American History Shelf Criminology Shelf Cookbook Shelf
Gardening Shelf Buddhist Studies Shelf Metaphysical Studies Shelf
Computer Shelf Hobby/Crafts Shelf Education Shelf
Psychology Shelf Needlecraft Shelf Health/Medicine Shelf
Business Shelf Economics Shelf Martial Arts Shelf
Fantasy/SciFi Shelf Military Shelf Travel Shelf
Christian Studies Shelf Fiction Shelf Social Issues Shelf
Mystery/Suspense Shelf Library DVD Shelf Literary Shelf


Reviewer's Choice

The Raw Milk Revolution
David E. Gumpert
Chelsea Green Publishing
Box 428, White River Junction, VT 05001
9781603582193, $19.95 www.chelseagreen.com

THE RAW MILK REVOLUTION: BEHIND AMERICA'S EMERGING BATTLE OVER FOOD RIGHTS goes behind the scenes of the government's health claims to consider how its campaign to protect the public was based on suspect laboratory findings and illnesses that could have been attributed to causes other than raw milk. Chapters also point to dairy conglomerate influences and special interests and consider how the government's anti-raw-milk campaign fits into a pattern of expanding government efforts to sanitize the food supply - with deadly results. Health collections need this.

Little Gregory
Melissa Bradex, author
Eddie Crane, illustrator
AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Drive, Bloomington, In 47403
www.authorhouse.com 1-800-839-8640
9781449035495, $14.99, www.amazon.com

"Little Gregory" is a poignant true story of a brother and older sister who share many experiences growing up in foster care homes. Through all the living situations both with foster parents and family members, Gregory is comforted by the protective presence of his big sister Missy, whose daily care and supervision and bedtime stories and song helps him go to sleep at night. Despite problems, Gregory finally grows up and one day has a daughter of his own, and he always returns to keep in touch with his big sister, and to have her sing his special song to him and his daughter: "Rock a bye babies, close your sweet eyes/ Dreams are coming by angels tonight/ Angels are here, but they're out of sight/ Sweet dreams to my babies/ Love you, good night." On May 10 of a sad year, Gregory dies in a car accident and Missy sings him one last special goodbye. "Little Gregory" is a tribute both to the author's brother and to the enduring love she shared with him. It can help children understand that families and individuals can work together to piece out a precious life even when experiences are hurtful and chaotic.

Live, Laugh and Celebrate
Ferdinand Protzman
National Geographic Books
1145 - 17th sat. NW, Washington DC 20036-4688
9781426205064, $29.95 www.ngs.org

Live, Laugh and Celebrate provides a fine collection of celebrations personal and public from around the world, offering a fine blend of photos and essays profiling over 150 images - some never published, others form National Geographic's archives, to celebrate rituals from around the world. The result is a lavish display suitable for any coffee table or general-interest lending library.

The Perfect Game, Jim Naismith Invents Basketball
Book, music and lyrics by John Grissmer
AuthorHouse
1663 Liberty Drive, Suite 200, Bloomington, IN 47403
www.authorhouse.com 1-800-839-8640
9781438905730, $13.90, www.amazon.com

"The Perfect Game" is the script for a musical theatre production in two acts that presents two approaches to the game of basketball, historic and modern. There are songs, a love story, adventure, suspense, history and action! "The Perfect Game" has been performed at Xavier University under the direction of Cathy Springfield and music director Jim Hart, and also at the Catholic University of America, directed by Carrie Klewin with musical direction by Dominic Traino. A cast of 22 (or less with creative doubling, which is recommended) performs "The Perfect Game," with no fewer than 17 separate musical numbers, lyrics included only. Fans of "The Perfect Game" who wish to audition the music can listen on the website at perfectgamemusical.com. Companies interested in producing or directing "The Perfect Game" should contact P.J. Productions, PO Box 3152, Danbury, CT 06813, 203-438-7536. "The Perfect Game" reads like a great musical comedy. It deserves wide exposure!

Michael Jackson: Before He Was King
Todd Gray
Chronicle Books
680 - 2nd St., San Francisco CA 94107
9780811875066, $29.95 www.chroniclebooks.com

MICHAEL JACKSON: BEFORE HE WAS KING packs in some 100 images, most never seen before, taken by photography author Todd Gray, who was Jackson's personal photographer during the period between 1974 and 1983 before he became an international star. Gray was granted personal access to Michael and his family: his candid images are a 'must' for any Michael Jackson enthusiast.

Divorce Decisions
Marjorie Just
Capital Books
22841 Quicksilver Drive, Sterling, VA 20166
9781933102849, $16.95, www.capital-books.com

It's a tragic thing, but it happens. "Divorce Decisions: Practical Ways to Protect Yourself, Your Children, and Your Wallet" is a legal resource for those facing divorce and want to approach it so that they come out as least injured, both monetarily and emotionally, as possible. With questions and answers to many conflicts such as custody battles, alimony, and more, "Divorce Decisions" is a complete and comprehensive resource that should not be overlooked for those facing these rough times.

The Snark Handbook
Lawrence Dorfman
Skyhorse Publishing
555 - 8th Avenue #903, New York NY 10018
1602397600, $12.95 www.skyhorsepublishing.com

THE SNARK HANDBOOK: A REFERENCE GUIDE TO VERBAL SPARRING is for 'enhancing one's inner snark' to combat bureaucratic failings. The snark state can actually be a powerful tool for argument and conversation, and this reference - broken down into fourteen key topics - teach how the snark operates in everyday life. Any general library will find this both humorous and pointed.

Knives at Dawn
Andrew Friedman
Free Press
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
9781439153079, $26.00 www.simonandschuster.com

KNIVES AT DAWN: AMERICA'S QUEST FOR CULINARY GLORY AT THE LEGENDARY BOCUSE D'OR COMPETITION comes from a journalist and author who follows the American team and other contestants through intense months of physical and psychological training as they prepare for five and a half hours of marathon cooking. This is the only book written with the full consent and cooperation of chefs Daniel Boulud and Thomas Keller and the Bocuse d'Or USA committee: its insights are powerful and perfect for any library strong in culinary history, chefs and their evolution.


The Poetry Shelf

Boomerang
Brenda Cardenas
Bilingual Press
PO Box 875303, Tempe, AZ 85287-5303
9781931010535, $12.00, www.asu.edu

Language is a musical instrument, and for Brenda Cardenas, blending musical instruments makes for better music. "Boomerang" is a collection of poetry from Cardenas, emphasizing her unique style of blending English and Spanish to create a truly unique style that those who can appreciate both language's better qualities will certainly enjoy. "Boomerang" is a fine bit of bilingual poetry, and should not be missed. "Sonnet for Thunder Lovers and Primary Colors": You're more than soda fizz, than sparklers lit/for kids at play, than fireflies' flit in sky./You spin around my heart and up my thigh/with the whistle and boom of a bottle rocket./Baby, those other jugglers' gigolo tricks --/magician's spell and mime's unspoken sigh --/don't turn my head, don't catch my ear of eye,/but your mercury rolls in my hip pocket.


The Theatre/Cinema/TV Shelf

175 Theatre Games: Warm-Up Exercises for Actors
Nancy Hurley
Meriwether Publishing
Box 7710, Colorado Springs, CO 80933-7710
9781566081641, $17.95 www.meriwether.com

175 Theatre Games: Warm-Up Exercises for Actors offers nearly 200 games divided into 12 categories for performers of all ages, covering everything from improvisation and clowning to pantomime, name games, stage movement and more. These very short warm-ups are powerful tools for any would-be actor and are quick and simple for all kinds of stages and performances.


The Art Shelf

Uprising! Woody Crumbo's Indian Art
Robert Perry
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
9780979785856, $29.95 www.oupress.com

Uprising! Woody Crumbo's Indian Art follows the life of an accomplished Native dancer, flutist, silversmith and poet who is best known for his oil paintings and revolutionary art works that helped move Indian art into museums and mainstream American attention. His life story blends with fine color and black and white illustrations throughout as it follows his years as an Indian dancer, his position as an art director in Oklahoma, and more. Highly recommended for serious Native American and arts libraries alike.

Counterpoint
Robert & Shana ParkeHarrison
Twin Palms Publishers
Box 10229, Santa Fe, NM 87504
9781931885775, $65.00 www.twinpalms.com

From butterflies on a wall to bees on hives tied to an arm, COUNTERPOINT provides an oversized format and full-page color images to point out striking contrasts between man and nature around him. Panoramic skies with diminutive people, a blooming vine winding a bare stark wall - these are lessons in nature and human interactions and make for a powerful presentation any college-level art library will relish.

Edwin Howland Blashfield: Master American Muralist
Mina Rieur Weiner, Editor
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10011
9780393732818, $49.95 www.wwnorton.com

Edwin Howland Blashfield: Master American Muralist tells of a celebrated painter and theorist of mural painting who produced works at a time when murals were a major elements of important structures from 1893 to the outbreak of World War I. His works appear on a range of public buildings, state capitals, churches, banks and residences and reflects the golden era of mural production, offering his works from four different perspectives and providing new research and over a hundred photos of the murals. No arts library should be without this survey.

Sketch Book for the Artist
Sarah Simblet
DK Publishing
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
9780756651411, $19.95 www.dk.com

Sketch Book for the Artist offers a complete guide to drawing using step-by-step demonstrations showing how to discover and refine one's inner talents. The idea is to create and fill a personal sketchbook, learning from the masters in a series of drawings that show different approaches to a range of subjects. Beginning artists will find this user-friendly covering everything from basic materials to techniques.

Hudson Hills Press
Box 205, Manchester, VT 05354
www.hudsonhills.com

Willem Elias' ASPECTS OF BELGIAN ART AFTER 1945 PART I AND II (9789053495827 and 9789053497234, $59.94 each) are top recommendations for any college-level arts library, offering a survey of the Belgian art scene using an international focus on art movements. Every chapter discusses one or more Belgian artists and offers commentaries that interpret their works within the larger context of Belgian society. Jerry Saltz's SEEING OUT LOUDER: ART CRITICISM 2003-2009 (9781555953188, $40.00) offers a sequel to his collection SEEING OUT LOUD and provides more essays, reviews and ideas on contemporary art. It comes from the Senior Art Critic for New York Magazine and a Pulitzer Prize finalist in criticism and provides college-level audiences with essays considering the changes in the art world, mismanaged museums and auction houses, art gossip, culture, and more.

Earthlings
Susan Hallsten McGarry
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
9781934397053, $45.00 www.oupress.com

EARTHLINGS: THE PAINTINGS OF TOM PALMORE deserves repeated and ongoing recommendation for any college-level arts library strong in the Photorealist movement. Maverick Palmore's career involved exploring his passion for animals - his portraits of birds and animals are striking documents that look like paintings and capture animals in their glory. Arts as well as nature libraries will find his approach fascinating.

John Rombola: Eclectic Eccentric
Veronique Vienne
Chronicle Books
680 - 2nd St., San Francisco CA 94107
9780811869041, $50.00 www.chroniclebooks.com

John Rombola: Eclectic Eccentric considers Rombola's career through selections from his New York works and beyond, from gouache to ink drawings from his travels. Black and white and color representations of his drawings offer a complete portrait of the artist in a monograph covering Rombola's career. Any art library needs this.


The Architecture Shelf

The Future of the Past
Steven W. Semes
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10011
9780393732443, $60.00 www.wwnorton.com

The Future of the Past: A Conservation Ethic for Architecture, Urbanism and Historic Preservation offers a fine re-examination of modern historic preservation theory and practice in light of developments in the field - including new traditional design practice among modern architects and urban designers. Here a comprehensive, well-written argument for 'new traditional' architecture that continues the design of historic buildings provides college-level collections strong in architectural theory with a powerful discussion.

The Complete Guide to Building Your Own Home
Corie Richter
Atlantic Publishing
1405 SW 6th Ave, Ocala, FL 34474-7014
9781601382436, $24.95 www.atlantic-pub.com

The Complete Guide to Building Your Own Home and Saving Thousands on Your New House covers everything from basic planning to construction methods and walks the reader through all the steps of building one's own home. From choosing and assessing a site to financing, insurance, developing plans and negotiating with subcontractors, this provides a top pick for any general lending library or collections catering to homeowner/builders.


The Biography Shelf

Inklings
Jeffrey Koterba
Houghton Mifflin
222 Berkeley St., Boston, Ma 02116
9780151014927, $25.00 www.hmhpub.com

INKLINGS: A MEMOIR comes from a nationally syndicated political cartoonist and musician who offers insights into his difficult childhood and its influence on this eventual success. His struggle to escape his background and follow his art makes for a powerful memoir blending family and art worlds in a pick for any general lending library.

I Slept with Joey Ramone: A Family Memoir
Mickey Leigh with Legs McNeil
Touchstone Books
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
9780743252164, $26.00 www.simonandschuster.com

I Slept with Joey Ramone: A Family Memoir offers a powerful memoir by punk rocker Joey Ramone's brother Mickey Leigh and fellow punk rocker Legs McNeil. His story of growing up with a rock star in New York provides insights into how the star developed, his crippling psychological disorder, and the fighting and issues that affected The Ramones and kept them from reaching as high as they might have in the rock music world. A highly charged, fascinating survey.


The Music Shelf

The Beatles: A Diary
Barry Miles
Omnibus Press
c/o Music Sales Corp
257 Park Avenue S., New York NY 10010
9781847720825, $24.95 www.omnibuspress.com

The Beatles existed for just ten years - this diary is written by a close member of the Beatles' inner circle and offers an in-depth chronology of gigs, quotes and memorable dates as well as stories of the four band members. Presented in an oversized, illustrated edition, it's a 30-year diary 'must' for any general lending library.


The Photography Shelf

Bear Portraits
Jill Greenberg
Little, Brown
237 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
9780316031882, $26.99 www.hachettebookgroup.com

BEAR PORTRAITS comes from a celebrity portrait photographer who works for such clients as Dreamworks and Sony Pictures, and who here provides a collection of outstanding photos used in Animal Planet's ad campaign, billboards, and more. Striking full-page color photos of bear close-ups capture amazing expressions and offer poses and facial expressions both striking and unique. Photography and natural history libraries will find this a popular patron leisure browse.

New Riders
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
www.newriders.com

David duChemin's VISIONMONGERS: MAKING A LIFE AND A LIVING IN PHOTOGRAPHY (0321670205, $44.99) is for any who want to make the move into vocational photography, discussing where to begin, lessons photographer David duChemin learned, and sharing ideas and inspiration to help readers create their own path to prosperity. Unlike books that provide a 'one step for all' program, VISIONMONGERS encourages readers to develop their own unique vision and style. Ralph A. Clevenger's PHOTOGRAPHING NATURE (0321637542, $44.99) packs in over two decades of nature photography instruction in a course for any who would learn from a professional. From themes and techniques key to mastering nature photos to four-color spreads used as examples for achieving professional goals, this is packed with colorful, revealing works. Photography libraries will find both these books exceptional picks.

Rocky Nook
26 W. Mission St. #3, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
www.rockynook.com

Harald Woeste's MASTERING DIGITAL PANORAMIC PHOTOGRAPHY (9781933952451, $34.95) offers new possibilities for creative photographers including 3D spaces using the new panorama software to streamline processes. From capturing panoramas to stitching them together, editing and printing them, descriptions of hardware and software tools alike provide all the basics. Photography libraries will also relish Harald Mante's PHOTOGRAPHY UNPLUGGED (1933952474, $49.95) comes from a prestigious modern German photographer who began as a travel photographer and later applied photography to the Bauhaus design tradition. This catalog represents his works and offers a purer approach to photography, untouched by digital editing tools. Mante's photos on Kodachrome slide films offers ideas for beginners to advanced photographers and makes for a fine pick for any photography library. Also recommended is Michael E. Stern's BUILD A BETTER PHOTOGRAPH: A DISCIPLINED APPROACH TO CREATIVITY (9781933952185, $34.95), a survey of the steps involved in the initial development of a picture idea. Michael Stern examines his own process and how it has improved 3D scanning, compositing, and more. How do photographers get their ideas and how do they blend ideas into polished results? Actual assignments reinforce these discussions.

Professional Commercial Photography
Lou Jacobs Jr.
Amherst Media
Box 586, Buffalo, NY 14226
9781584282693, $34.95 www.AmherstMedia.com

Professional Commercial Photography provides a guide for commercial photographers who would master images in a range of disciplines, from fashion to architecture. From insights on product and advertising photography to running a more profitable commercial photo business, this offers techniques and images from a range of top photographers, making for an outstanding and diverse presentation.

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

Steve Weinrebe's IRREVERENT PHOTO TOOLS FOR DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHERS (1598639951, $29.99) shows amateur and professional photographers how to use inexpensive, readily available tools to shoot and edit pictures. From tools for use in the field and studio to locating inexpensive equipment and using professional tricks to create fine results, this is packed with fine color photo examples throughout. Also key to any photography library or general collection is David Busch and Dan Simon's QUICK SNAP GUIDE TO PHOTO GEAR (1598634542, $29.99) offers coverage of gadgets and accessories needed to explore new options in photography. These gadgets have been arranged into chapters that lend to browsing and cover everything from tripods to flashes and memory cards - with information on recommended buys and uses. Color photos throughout enhance the book's usefulness.

Inside Lightroom 2
Richard Earney
Focal Press
30 Corporate Dr #400, Burlington, MA 01803
9780240811420, $34.95 www.focalpress.com

Any photographer or library catering to them will find essential this new book on Lightroom, telling how to reach new levels in Lightroom applications. Images pack in details on how to modify and calibrate images and how to use the most advanced features of Lightroom, from presets and customization techniques to file management and development workflows. Libraries will find this a winner, packed with explicit details.


The Audiobook Shelf

The Ultimate Happiness Prescription
Deepak Chopra
Random House Audio
c/o The Random House Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, 8th floor, New York, NY 10019
9780307704559, $20.00 www.randomhouseaudio.com

The Ultimate Happiness Prescription is read by Chopra himself and provides a fine set of seven keys to uncover true joy even in hard times. The goal of life is the expansion of happiness - but often that goal seems impossible, with society maintaining other values such as wealth and good relationships supersede this one. Chopra indicates all life success is due the by-product of basic happiness, not the cause - and his steps can unfold this. New age and general collections will find his an ongoing, popular pick.

Random House Audio
1745 Broadway, New York NY 10019
www.randomhouseaudio.com

John Grisham narrates his own audio in FORD COUNTRY: STORIES (9780307702104, $35.00), his first collection of his short stories, centered around Ford Country Mississippi - the setting of his first novel A TIME TO KILL. From family ties to a miracle phone call and an ambitious career, this varied collection provides a diverse cast of characters with a satisfyingly realistic Southern flavor to each tale. Laurell K. Hamilton's DIVINE MISDEMEANORS (9780739370483, $45.00) receives a fine reading by Laural Merlington in an unabridged production telling of Meredith Nic Essus, princess of Faerie who is also a L.A. private eye operating in two realms. Magic and mortals alike struggle in this satisfying blend of P.I. and fantasy.

Brilliance Audio
www.brillianceaudio.com

Roger Fisher and Scott Brown's GETTING TOGETHER: BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AS WE NEGOTIATE (142339979X, $24.99) is the sequel to the best-selling GETTING TO YES and pairs Jim Bond's avid and smooth reading style with an approach to creating relationships that can handle problems. From negotiating to sustaining lasting relationships in personal and private life, this offers a series of steps on how to be reliable, communicate well, and deal with those who are different. Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman's DRAGONS OF THE HOURGLASS MAGE (1423316304, $39.99) receives a fine performance by veteran narrator Sandra Burr as it tells of Raistlin Majere, who has become a wizard and travels to the lord city of the Dark Queen to work for her. When he finds that one Takhsis means to take control of all wizardly magic, forces of light and darkness line up in a desperate struggle. Any fantasy audio library will welcome this. Diana Palmer's FEARLESS (142338248X, $34.99) offers a fine professional narration by Phil Gigante and tells of trouble in a small Texas town when DEA agent Rodrigo is sent undercover to a stepbrother's farm in Texas to bust a drug cartel. Romance and a double life collide in this moving account. Joe R. Lansdale's THE TWO-BEAR MAMBO (1423384326, $29.99) also enjoys professional reader Phil Gigante's smooth voice as it packs suspense and humor into the story of two who search for Florida Grange, a gorgeous lawyer and former lover who has vanished in Texas as she was investigating a mysterious jailhouse death. Tension and intrigue mount in a satisfying audio story. David Weber's THE SHORT VICTORIOUS WAR (1423395239, $29.99) receives Allyson Johnson's smooth reading and presents Book Three in the Honor Harrington series, telling of families who rule the People's Republic of Haven. A powerful ruling class and political enemies that spread across star kingdoms makes for an engrossing science fiction story especially recommended for prior enthusiasts of the Honor Harrington stories.

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

Andy Williams' MOON RIVER AND ME (9780143145004, $34.95) is narrated by the author and provides a fine autobiography of Andy Williams, telling of the rise of his long career. From his childhood raised by a father who was determined to see him become a performer to his solo career's evolution, Andy Williams shares his career's triumphs and setbacks. Very highly recommended for any general audio collection. Also recommended is Anthony Beevor's D-DAY: THE BATTLE FOR NORMANDY (9780143144915, $39.95), narrated by actor Cameron Stewart who lends a lively voice to this first major account in over twenty years to cover the invasion in its entirety, describing not only the American and British experience but those of Canadian and German soldiers.


The Self-Help Shelf

Yes I Can
Con Hurley
Dufour Editions Inc.
Box 7, Chester Springs, PA 19425
9781848890008, $25.95 www.dufoureditions.com

YES I CAN ACHIEVE PERSONAL SUCCESS WITH THE LIFE PLANNING TOOLKIT provides powerful self-help tools for any striving for personal success. In 1996 the author faced work burnout - but instead of falling apart, he decided to re-evaluate his life and define what personal success meant for him. His tools to rebuild a happy, balanced life are powerful keys for any involved in personal transformation and change.

The Checklist Manifesto
Atul Gawande
Metropolitan Books
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
9780805091748, $24.50 www.hholt.com

THE CHECKLIST MANIFESTO: HOW TO GET THINGS RIGHT examines how the author, in his work as a surgeon and public-health researcher, used a simple checklist to master levels of complexity in the world. From avoidable failures and predicting them to using checklists for everything from surgery and health care to business, this is packed with medical writing and larger life issues.

Hell Yes!
Elizabeth Cogswell Baskin
Andrews McMeel
1130 Walnut St, Kansas City, MO 64106-2109
0740779192, $9.99 www.amiuniversal.com

Hell Yes! Two Little Words for a Simpler, Happier Life offers a simple philosophy and approach to life that helps readers define what is important and how to embrace it. Inspirational drawings by James Yang accompany a fun wake-up call.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

Beyond the Homestretch
Lynn Reardon
New World Library
14 Pamaron Way, Novato, CA 94949
9781577316473, $23.95 www.newworldlibrary.com

Beyond the Homestretch: What I've Learned form Saving Racehorses tells of the author's experiences when she decides to leave her Washington, D.C.-based office job to launch an ex-racehorse rescue in Texas. While it's a story of establishing a racehorse rescue business, it's also a story of passion and lessons learned from life. General-interest collections will find it will appeal to animal lovers, business entrepreneurs, and self-help readers alike.

Johns Hopkins University Press
2715 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218
www.press.jhu.edu

Whit Gibbons and Judy Greene's TURTLES: THE ANIMAL ANSWER GUIDE (9780801893490, $24.95) comes from two internationally known turtle biologists and answers over 100 of the most frequently asked questions about over 300 turtles and terrapin species. Color photos and a question/answer format offer keys to turtle biology and management in a pick that's perfect for any pet collection. Thomas H. Kunz and Stuart Parsons edit ECOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIORAL METHODS FOR THE STUDY OF BATS (9780801891472, $100.00), appearing in its updated second edition for any college-level collection strong in in-depth scientific surveys of bats. First published in 1988, it's the primary reference for amateur and professional bat researchers alike, and this edition packs in many new, commonly used field and lab techniques used to advance the study of bats. Quite simply, a 'must'.

Wiley-Blackwell
www.wiley.com

From the basics of diagnostic tools used daily to treat dogs and cats to over 275 procedures and tests and the latest information on applying procedures to cases, Shelly L. Vaden, et.al.'s BLACKWELL'S FIVE-MINUTE VETERINARY CONSULT: LABORATORY TESTS AND DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES CANINE & FELINE (9780813817484, $99.99) provides physicians and vet students with a quick reference offering fast access in a clinical setting. Practicing vets and reference libraries will find this invaluable. Also invaluable is Margaret V. Root Kustritz's CLINICAL CANINE AND FELINE REPRODUCTION: EVIDENCE-BASED ANSWERS (9780813815848, $79.99), designed to provide quick answers to the most common questions in animal practice using a question-and-answer format for fast reference. The best references are listed for further information while questions come from the author's years of experience answering questions on reproduction and pediatrics. Practicing vets will find this an important reference. Alexander F. Voevodin and Preston A. Marx Jr.'s SIMIAN VIROLOGY (9780813824321, $199.99) is the first text to comprehensively cover all currently known simian viruses, offering a review of nonhuman primate models of viral diseases and natural inflections alike. From primate taxonomy to the history, classification and structure of simian viruses, this is key to any comprehensive vet collection where simians are of concern. General veterinary collections from libraries to practicing vet references will find Liz Welsh does an excellent editing job in ANAESTHESIA FOR VETERINARY NURSES (9781405186735, $67.99), a survey written specifically for veterinary nurses by veterinary nurses and surgeons. Coverage of the range of physiological and pharmacological aspects of anesthesia have been fully updated and reflect the latest changes to veterinary nursing. Deborah Reeder, et.al. edit AAEVT'S EQUINE MANUAL FOR VETERINARY TECHNICIANS (9780813829715, $59.99), a gathering of details on the care and treatment of horses recommended for equine vet technicians. The basics of equine care are offered in a complete reference that includes resources, discussions of nutrition and reproduction, biopsy procedures, commonly used antibiotics, and more. Mary C. Smith and David M. Sherman's GOAT MEDICINE (9780781796439, $174.99) appears in a fully revised second edition offering a definitive, updated reference on goat diseases, diagnosis, management and prevention. It's been fully revised to discuss new diseases and provides keys to understanding both common and unusual goat conditions, covering the basics of goat practice and health. Antony S. Moore and Angela E. Frimberger's ONCOLOGY FOR VETERINARY TECHNICIANS AND NURSES (9780813812762, $69.99) provides a fine handbook of cancer care for technicians, covering stages, causes, treatments, and the nursing role throughout. From the technician's role throughout the process to treatment strategies and emergency care, this is a fine survey any veterinary library needs. Veterinary collections strong in equine references need EQUINE BACK PATHOLOGY: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT (9781405154925, $139.99), edited by Frances M.D. Henson. It's the first to explore conditions and problems of the horse's back and pelvis, especially challenging to treat and diagnose, and offers insights into specific conditions and both therapy and rehabilitation. A powerful technical survey, it's a top pick for any equine vet's collection. Vet and animal libraries also need Helen E. Roberts' FUNDAMENTALS OF ORNAMENTAL FISH HEALTH (9780813814018, $69.99), a complete guide to the health of ornamental aquatic animals. Fish medical care is covered in a fine survey of nonlethal aquatic medicine covering clinical applications of fish medicine and summarizing the latest diagnostics and even surgery techniques. Fish health technical guides are rare, making this a 'must' addition for any serious college-level vet collection.


The Money/Finance Shelf

10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget
Writers of Wise Bread
Skyhorse Publishing
555 - 8th Ave #903, New York NY 10018
9781602397040, $14.95 www.skyhorsepublishing.com

10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget offers insight of financial consultants, homemakers, journalists, career counselors and more who contribute to WiseBread.com, a community of bloggers committed to helping readers live large on small budgets. From frugal ways to care for allergies to wrapping gifts using everyday household materials, this packs in many keys to success and is a pick any general lending library needs.


The American History Shelf

Gilded: How Newport Became America's Richest Resort
Deborah Davis
Wiley
111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030-5744
9780470124130, $25.95 www.wiley.com

Gilded: How Newport Became America's Richest Resort offers a fine survey of Newport, Rhode Island history and is a pick for any library strong in regional Americana. Newport has been legendary for its appeal to the super-rich, and Rhode Island native Deborah Davis provides research into the elite's playground in a lively, fun social history of personalities and events.

The Inevitable Battle
Juan Carlos Rodriguez
Editorial Capitan San Luis
Pathfinder Press (distributor)
PO Box 162767, Atlanta, GA 30321-2767
9789592113374, $20.00

The failure of the United States gave Castro the power he's had for half a century. "The Inevitable Battle: From the Bay of Pigs to Playa Giron" tells the story of the Bay of Pigs invasion and the vents around it, told by Juan Carlos Rodriguez, taking a creative nonfiction approach to telling the story of the invasion with some of his personal perspective of the time. "The Inevitable Battle" is a fascinating look and perspective of the Bay of Pigs invasion.


The Criminology Shelf

Smart on Crime
Kamla D. Harris with Joan O'C. Hamilton
Chronicle Books
680 - 2nd St., San Francisco CA 94107
9780811865289, $24.95 www.chroniclebooks.com

SMART ON CRIME: A CAREER PROSECUTOR'S PLAN TO MAKE US SAFER makes a case for changes in crime prevention and justice - changes that will ultimately make the world safer. She argues that partisan cliches on being tough on crime perpetuate a failed system - and she presents the basics of innovative programs she instituted as D.A. of San Francisco. Any library strong in justice and crime prevention needs this.


The Cookbook Shelf

DamGoodSweet
David Guas & Raquel Pelzel
Taunton Press
Box 5506, Newtown, CT 06470-5506
9781600851186, $25.00 www.taunton.com

New Orleans dessert traditions are explored in DAMGOODSWEET, a dessert cookbook devoted to New Orleans sweets and written by a local pastry chef who blends a travelogue and memoir with 50 recipes. From Vanilla Bean Pudding and Red Velvet Cake to Lemon Poppers, this is packed with outstanding fare perfect for any dessert cookbook collection.

Cherries in Winter
Suzan Colon
Doubleday & Company
c/o Random House
1745 Broadway, New York, NY 10019
9780385532525, $21.95 www.doubleday.com

CHERRIES IN WINTER: MY FAMILY'S RECIPE FOR HOPE IN HARD TIMES offers a fine memoir about three generations of women who find solace in their kitchen during hard economic times. Author Suzan Colon found inspiration in her grandmother's long-lost recipe folder -and realized cooking was her family's key to survival through hard times. Her re-creation of 'sturdy food' recipes shares both dishes and observations of a new life.

Cookie Swap
Julia M. Usher
Gibbs Smith
Box 667, Layton, UT 84041
1423603788, $19.99 www.gibbs-smith.com

COOKIE SWAP: CREATIVE TREATS TO SHARE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR offers not just cookie recipes but invitation and exchange ideas on how to host a cookie swap. Over 100 color photos on 160 pages captures the spirit of the swap and how to orchestrate year-round cookie swaps. Any library that finds cookie cookbooks popular will find this takes the extra step of using baking to arrange social get-togethers.


The Gardening Shelf

Right Rose Right Place
Peter Schneider
Story Publishing
210 MassMoca Way, North Adams, MA 01247
9781603424387, $29.95 www.storey.com

RIGHT ROSE RIGHT PLACE: 359 PERFECT CHOICES comes from a rose expert who understands what roses like and do not like and what makes them successful. From roses that thrive in specific regional conditions to how best to adapt garden designs to suit them, RIGHT ROSE RIGHT PLACE is packed with photos and practical advice that takes the guesswork out of selecting the right variety.


The Buddhist Studies Shelf

You Don't Have to be Buddhist to Know Nothing
Joan Konner, Editor
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781591027577, $17.00 www.prometheusbooks.com

You Don't Have to be Buddhist to Know Nothing: An Illustrious Collection of Thoughts on Naught packs in an intriguing collection of thoughts on the nature of . Nothing. The idea of nothing is explored by some of the finest minds in a collection of reflections on the spirit and nature of nothing new age collections especially will relish this Buddhist approach.


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

Contactees
Nick Redfern
New Page Books
3 Tice Road, PO Box 687, Franklin Lakes, NH 07417
9781601630964, $15.99, www.newpagebooks.com

With an infinite universe, there is bound to be other intelligent life out there. "Contactees: A History of Alien-Human Interaction" is a compendium of stories of those who claim to have made contact with sapient aliens to our world. These people relay their tales of their encounter and the stories that have branched out from it, dealing with the government and other agencies looking to investigate their story or squelch it. "Contactees" is enticing reading for UFO believers, and a very highly recommended read in general.

The Street Smart Psychic's Guide to Getting a Good Reading
Lisa Barretta
Llewellyn
2143 Wooddale Dr., Woodbury, MN 55125
9780738718507, $16.95 www.llewellyn.com

The Street Smart Psychic's Guide to Getting a Good Reading will appeal to new age and general-interest libraries alike, surveying the secrets to getting the most from a psychic reading. The author's been a professional psychic for thirty years and has an international client base: her candid guidance offers tips on how to choose the psychic that's right for you.


The Computer Shelf

Multisite Commerce
Lev Mirlas
IBM Press
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
www.mcp.com
0137148879, $44.99 www.ibmpressbooks.com

MULTISITE COMMERCE: PROVEN PRINCIPLES FOR OVERCOMING THE BUSINESS, ORGANIZATIONAL, AND TECHNICAL CHALLENGES packs in details on internet website management and marketing using multiple sites, identifying scenarios in which multiple sites are necessary and showing how to reduce the cost and management challenges of establishing multiple e-commerce sites. From identifying common issues to managing politics and priorities, this is a 'must' for computer and business collections alike.

WebSphere Application Server Administration Using Jython
Robert A. Gibson, et.al.
IBM Press
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
www.mcp.com
0137009526, $54.99 www.ibmpressbooks.com

WebSphere Application Server Administration Using Jython is a pick for any advanced library offering analysis of web services in general and Jython scripting in particular. From mastering Jython rules to using scripting to list, view, and install AppServer applications, this is a pick for any working in any WebSphere environment.

Agile Coaching
Rachel Davies and Liz Sedley
Pragmatic Programmers
P.O. Box 293325, Lewisville, TX 75029-3325
9781934356432, $34.95 www.pragprog.com

AGILE COACHING tells how to work with people to create Agile teams to build software, showing how to grow a team that is self-sufficient and skillful. From Test-Driven Development design to real-world experiences with real teams, this offers chapters applying agile techniques to everyday objectives. Computer and business collections alike will relish this.

Learning Autodesk Maya 2009
Autodesk
Sybex, Inc.
c/o John Wiley & Sons
989 Market St., San Francisco, CA 94103
9781897177525, $69.99 www.sybex.com

Learn how to model with polygons and how to work with inverse kinematics using LEARNING AUTODESK MAYA 2009: THE MODELING & ANIMATION HANDBOOK. Step-by-step tutorials cover the entire process, from animation and modeling stages to using artwork and building models with polygons. The accompanying DVD offers a blend of free 3D models and Maya reference guides in a powerful guide that's a 'must' for any Maya collection.

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

SAMS TEACH YOURSELF PHP, MYSQL AND APACHE by Julie C. Meloni (067233089X, $49.99) packs in a video starter kit pairing a video and book together. A CD-ROM includes a complete starter kit for Windows, Linux or Mac OS X and pairs well with a self-paced lesson plan that juxtaposes video lessons explaining key concepts with interactive learning tabs and small lessons that lend to browsing and quick learning. The same format lends to Phil Ballard and Michael Moncur's TEACH YOURSELF AJAX, JAVASCRIPT AND PHP (9672330903, $49.95), pairing short videos of ten minutes or less with key lesson plans and concepts. The box holds 24 one-hour lessons, the video lessons pack in four hours of easy learning. Jesse Fuller's TEACH YOURELF DRUPAL IN 24 HOURS (0672331268, $34.99) also offers step-by-step directions and covers the most common Drupal tasks, showing how to use Drupal to build both business and personal websites. From customizing to adding images and links, this tells how to blend all types of content and how to manage users, permissions and more. The value of these packages are outstanding.

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

The two-volume slipcased by Dave Shreiner, Randi Rost, Bill Licea-Kane, OPEN GL LIBRARY, 5TH EDITION (032163764X, $99.99), offers a fine survey packing the third edition of OPEN GL SHADING LANGUAGE and the 7th updated edition of OPEN GL PROGRAMMING GUIDE under one cover. Any computer collection strong in Open GL must have this presentation: it's packed with coverage of the latest releases of Open GL and offers outstanding, specific survey of usage techniques. No serious computer collection should be without this. Also recommended is Mary and Tom Poppendieck's LEADING LEAN SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT: RESULTS ARE NOT THE POINT (0321620704, $49.99), a software engineering title for any library strong in agile software development. It builds upon their prior best-selling books on lean software and shows how to make change throughout a software organization - lasting change. Alan Shalloway, Guy Beaver and James R. Trott's LEAN-AGILE SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT: ACHIEVING ENTERPRISE AGILITY (0321532899, $39.99) is also a top pick for such software engineering libraries, showing how to extend Scrum processes to improve developer productivity and software business value. Three experts use their experience to provide a range of insights and skills. Jason Ouellette's DEVELOPMENT WITH THE FORCE.COM PLATFORM: BUILDING BUSINESS APPLICATIONS IN THE CLOUD (0321647734, $44.99) tells how to build quick cloud-based applications using Force.com, from creating custom applications in days or weeks to using Visualforce to construct custom interfaces, implementing Ajax without writing JavaScript code, and displaying reports as dashboards for at-a-glance information. John Maver and Cappy Popp's ESSENTIAL FACEBOOK DEVELOPMENT (0321637984, $39.99) is a pick for nay web programming collection, offering the basics of using the Facework social networking platform. From why some Facebook applications are successful to how to create an effective application, this is packed with powerful insights key to any social network developer. Chris Cole, Chad Russell and Jessica Whyte's BUILDING OPENSOCIAL APPS: A FIELD GUIDE TO WORKING WITH THE MYSPACE PLATFORM (0321619064, $44.99) belongs in any developer's library and tells how to install and work with the MySpace Developer Platform. From displaying user data and photos to sending invitations, notices, and building a user base, this packs in tips on building apps, mashups, and everything from simple designs for minimal user interfaces to those that can scale thousands of users on more than fifty social network systems. Andrew Whitaker, Keatron Evans and Jack B. Voth's CHAINED EXPLOITS: ADVANCED HACKING ATTACKS FROM START TO FINISH (032149881X, $49.99) provides a fine guide to chained attacks and is a pick any network security library must have. Chapters cover new phishing attacks, how IT security can be vulnerable to wireless networks, how competitors' web sites are disrupted, and more. Each attack is analyzed one step at a time with the latest countermeasures - technical and human - covered. All are outstanding presentations.

The Internet At Your Fingertips
Michael Miller
Alpha
c/o Penguin Publishing Group
375 Hudson Ave., New York NY 10014
9781592579273, $18.95 www.penguin.com

The Internet At Your Fingertips covers everything from getting connected and surfing the Net to banking, email management, shopping, videos, cookies and blocking pop-ups. Sections are well organized and written with at-a-glance browsing in mind, making this a top reference for beginning users who want quick answers to common questions.

O'Reilly
1005 Gravenstein Hwy North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
www.oreilly.com

Chris Smith's PROGRAMMING F# (9780596153649, $44.99) provides all the basics of functional programming with F#, and how to use it to simplify code and learn the language's syntax and styles. From learning the basics to advanced F# concepts such as computation expressions, this packs in clear explanations and is recommended for intermediate users and computer libraries catering to them. John I. Jerkovic's SEO WARRIOR (9780596157074, $44.99) is for any library strong in web design, teaching about web search engine marketing practices such as Google AdWords, and how to use social networking to increase visibility. From creating sites with SEO to using keyword research to find terms to reach an audience, this is a top pick. Also highly recommended is Dave H. Hoover & Adewale Oshineye's APPRENTICESHIP PATTERNS; GUIDANCE FOR THE ASPIRING SOFTWARE CRAFTSMAN (9780596518387, $29.99), a software engineering book that discusses how to further a career as a software developer to blend technical expertise with effective learning techniques. Years of research, interviews, and feedback from O'Reilly's own online forum offer insights on difficult situations programmers and designers face daily, and consider the wider question of software development as a path to personal fulfillment.

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

Jean Andrews, Ph.D.'s CompTIA A+2009 In Depth (1435454898, $44.99) covers all of CompTIA's latest 2009 A+ certification exams and provides key terms, review questions, and a companion CD-ROM and web site with video tutorials to cover everything needed to troubleshoot computer hardware and software. The latest technologies are included in this in-depth tutorial which covers all the basics of PC repair, from older technology still being used to the latest cutting-edge computer equipment. This new edition also focuses on Windows Vista and XP in this top pick for any advanced computer library catering to the exam students. Chimborazo Publishing Inc.'s COMPTIA A+ 2009 Q & A (1435454901, $19.99) is also a winner, offering a set of 800 questions and answers for the new A+ exams. Everything you might encounter on the two exams is covered in comprehensive questions covering both software and every operating system, PC repair, networking issues, and more. Andrews also produces THE ULTIMATE COMPTIA A+ 2009 RESOURCE KIT (143545491X, $74.99), a professional's technical reference to preparing for CompTIA's latest certification exams. From sample exams and study and certification questions to real world instruction on every everything needed to support and troubleshoot computer hardware and software, this packs a bonus CD with 13 appendices, sample reports, and more with video clips and a book key to testing knowledge of basic repair concepts. Flashcards include source chapters and exam-specific instructions offer insights into key exam objectives.

Designing Web Accessibility for a Beautiful Web
Andy Clarke
New Riders
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
0321680154, $39.99 www.newriders.com

The DVD guide Designing Web Accessibility for a Beautiful Web provides a fine survey of accessibility and comes form a visual web designer and author who has designed for all kinds of businesses. His focus on both design and code offers a DVD demonstrating his concepts in action, using examples from his fictional social networking web site and including its files on the DVD. Computer collections will find this a fine addition.

Eyetracking Web Usability
Jakob Nielsen and Kara Pernice
New Riders
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
0321498364, $59.99 www.newriders.com

Eyetracking Web Usability is based on one of the largest studies of eyetracking usability and employs usability methodology and eye-tracking technology to analyze 1.45 million user fixations on web sites. Designers and software developers - and libraries catering to them - will find this packed with examples of eye movements and design potentials.

Practical Virtualization Solutions
Kenneth Hess and Amy Newman
Prentice Hall Professional
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
9780137142972, $39.99 www.informit.com/ph

Practical Virtualization Solutions: Virtualization From the Trenches offers a guide to networking that helps make virtualization work in real enterprises. Examples and case studies offer detailed costs, schedules and deployments that show how to transition from physical to virtual worlds and how to choose which services to virtualize. IT professionals and business libraries as well as computer collections will find this essential.


The Hobby/Crafts Shelf

Flowers in Acrylics
Wendy Jelbert
Search Press
Wellwood, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, TN2 3DR
www.searchpress.com
9781844484256, $17.95 www.amazon.com

FLOWERS IN ACRYLICS is a fine choice for any who want to learn to paint without relying on their drawing skills. Here are not only clear instructions on how to paint lovely flowers - but outlines provided as pull-out tracings for filling in colors of choice. Photos, five easy projects, and polished results make this a fine item of choice for any would-be painter who lacks drawing skills.

Kalmbach Publishing Co.
P.O. Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187-1612
www.kalmbachbooks.com

Gail Ritchey's ARTFUL POLYMER CLAY: TECHNIQUES FOR STYLISH JEWELRY AND DECOR (9780871162823, $19.95) is a fine survey for home clay crafters and profiles over twenty projects for beginners and experienced clay crafters alike. Colorful, detailed photos and step-by-step instructions make this an easily-followed guide with chapters divided by technique and packed with projects and insights. General crafts libraries will find this a fine pick. Recommended for collections strong in toy trails is Dennis Brennan's REALISTIC MODELING FOR TOY TRAINS: A HI-RAIL GUIDE (9780890247457, $19.95). It tells how to build realistic modeling that elevates the toy train experience to a different level with layouts that are easily constructed. From using common materials to planning an interesting hi-rail model railroad, this is packed with fine step-by-step techniques. Railroaders will also find important Pelle K. Soeborg's ESSENTIAL MODEL RAILROAD SCENERY TECHNIQUES (9780890247365, $21.95), a survey of techniques for creating mountain, desert, city and country scenery. Photos accompany step-by-step instructions perfect for a range of landscapes from deserts to rural Midwest scenes and mountains. Pat Hawkey's BUILDING AND DETAILING MODEL AIRCRAFT (9780890247235, $21.95) provides a fine key to building more realistic-looking model aircraft, using close-up photos to modify inaccurate kits and covering the extra after market details that improve designs. From detailing with paint to creating improved stylings, this offers a fine guide for any home hobbyist. Beaders will appreciate Beth Stone's MORE SEED BEAD STITCHING: CREATIVE VARIATIONS ON TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES (9780871162908, $19.95). It explores creative variations on traditional seed bead stitching techniques, offers some new combinations of standard approaches, and mixes stitches and bead sizes for new results.


The Education Shelf

Choosing a School for a Child with Special Needs
Ruth Birnbaum
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
400 Market Street, Suite 400, Philedelphia, PA 19106
9781843109877, $24.95, www.jkp.com

With any child, a new school is a concern. "Choosing a School for a Child with Special Needs" is a comprehensive guide for parents who want to be prepared when preparing their special needs child for a new school. Author Ruth Birnbaum lists the concerns parents need to understand about new schools and searching for if they have the abilities and facilities needed to deal with the problems one's child often faces. Choosing a school for one's special child is a difficult task, and Birnbaum gives parents everything they need with "Choosing a School for a Child with Special Needs", recommended.

Curriculum Development for Medical Education, second edition
David E. Kern, MD, MPH, et.al.
Johns Hopkins University Press
2175 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218
0801893674, $40.00 www.press.jhu.edu

Curriculum Development for Medical Education: A Six-Step Approach appears in its second updated edition to provide curriculum developers with a short, practical overview. Each chapter covers one of the six steps and considers everything from targeted assessment to curriculum maintenance and specific applications to different medical specialties. A pick for medical and education reference collections alike.

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

Allan R. Odden's 10 STRATEGIES FOR DOUBLING STUDENT PERFORMANCE (9781412971485, $28.95) offers a fine set of insights for school improvement in a companion guide to DOUBLING STUDENT PERFORMANCE. From focusing on issues schools have control over to case studies outlining steps and tools for putting strategies into action, this is a 'must' for any teaching library. Jack Singer's THE TEACHER'S ULTIMATE STRESS MASTERY GUIDE (9781412970938, $31.95) provides a fine survey of teacher stress and how to handle it and should be a 'must' for any education collection. From preventing stress to boosting psychological immunity, this offers action plans from real-world scenarios and from teachers who have conquered their own stress. Kathleen Kryz, Alicia Duncan and S. Joy Stephens' DIFFERENTIATION FOR REAL CLASSROOMS: MAKING IT SIMPLE, MAKING IT WORK (9781412972475, $28.95) uses easy techniques based on the authors' popular C U KAN and Chunk, Chew and Check frameworks. Using these guidelines teachers can implement effective instruction with a resource based on real-world applications and real classroom practices. Stand-alone lessons and lesson units alike make for an outstanding survey. Thomas R. Guskey and Jane M. Bailey's DEVELOPING STANDARDS-BASED REPORT CARDS (9781412940870, $33.95) offers breakdowns of each subject area into specific learning elements to offer parents and educators a description of how to measure a child's proficiency. From keys to linking standards guidelines to report cards to explaining how to achieve grading consistency without violating teacher autonomy or impacting workload, this is packed with examples of standards-based report cards that can be adapted to any school's requirements. Connie R. Hebert's CATCH A FALLING WRITER (9781412968669, $20.95) offers a fine companion to her CATCH A FALLING READER resource for teachers. It stands alone, as well, offering teachers tips on how to 'catch' falling K-3 writers before low confidence develops. From working with language challenges to closing the gap between reading and writing abilities, this offers specifics based on researched strategies that can be used as curriculum supplements. The second edition of Eric Jensen's DIFFERENT BRAINS, DIFFERENT LEARNERS (9781412965026, $31.95) packs in a survey updated to reflect new tools and strategies based on further research into brain function and learning. The color guide provides an outline for identifying prevalent impairments and teaches how to handle each. Libraries will find this a top pick. Also tops is Alan November's EMPOWERING STUDENTS WITH TECHNOLOGY, 2ND EDITION (9781412974257, $25.95). This tells how to expand classroom experiences with learning adventures powered by the latest technologies and provides educators with strategies for using technology to prepare students for a digital world. Lesley Roessing's THE WRITE TO READ (9781412974264, $33.95) offers keys to using reader respond journals to improve reading comprehension. Based on research and the author's own classroom experience, these writing exercises encourage kids to ask questions and participate in class - here are examples of journal formats, strategies for using reader response to guide classroom discussions, and more. Shirley M. Hord, et.al.'s GUIDING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES: INSPIRATION, CHALLENGE, SURPRISE AND MEANING (9781412972710, $33.95) provides a how-to guide to developing a PLC, demonstrating a form of leadership and learning that involves examining teaching practices and considering over 30 structured opportunities to help busy educators put visions and environments into practice. PLCs bring different talents to the table: this tells how to integrate them. Dominic Belmonte's TEACHING FROM THE DEEP END: SUCCEEDING WITH TODAY'S CLASSROOM ADVANTAGES (9781412965620, $25.95) appears in its second updated edition and uses the author's extensive teaching experiences to encourage new teachers to reflect on why they chose teaching and how to develop a teaching philosophy. From working with parents and colleagues to considering still moments in the classroom, this is packed with insights. Susan Conklin Thompson and Kayenta Williams' TELLING STORIES WITH PHOTO ESSAYS; A GUIDE FOR PRE K-5 TEACHERS (9781412964593, $22.95) offers a fine guide to giving children new ways to express their thoughts and ideas. With photo essays teachers can help children comment on their lives, document events and even become advocates for what they perceive and believe in the world. Highly recommended!

Paul Brookes Publishing
Box 10624, Baltimore, MD 21285-0624
www.brookespublishing.com

Benita A. Blachman and Darlene M. Tangel's ROAD TO READING (155766904X, $79.95) includes a CD-ROM with over 200 pages of classroom materials, weekly and daily lesson plans, and more in a program that's been extensively tested and validated by leaders in the field, and which meets all criteria for Reading First. Small groups can use this in as little as 30-40 minutes a day and follows up to the bestselling ROAD TO THE CODE, offering an innovative literacy program that is a top pick for any school interested in bringing students up to grade level. Benita Blachman works with others in ROAD TO THE CODE: A PHONOLOGICAL AWARENESS PROGRAM FOR YOUNG CHILDREN (9781557664389, $54.95). Spiral binding lends to lay-flat usage in a successful, 11-week program for teaching phonemic awareness and letter/sound correspondence. Reproducible materials make this an easy program for teachers to use, and the format lends easily to their reproduction. Patton O. Tabors' ONE CHILD, TWO LANGUAGES: A GUIDE FOR EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS OF CHILDREN LEARNING ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (155766921X, $29.95) appears in its updated second edition to address issues of ESL and bilingualism for early childhood educators. New reproducible tools on CD-ROM help track a child's progress while the latest research covers assessment techniques for a child's first and second languages and ways to improve literacy for all kids.

Jessica Kingley Publishers
400 Market St., Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
www.jkp.com

The world can be isolated and lonely for people with dementia, and music has become key in bringing people together. Robin Rio's CONNECTING THROUGH MUSIC WITH PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA: A GUIDE FOR CAREGIVERS (9781843109051, $22.95) shows how simple sounds and movement can engage such people, promote relaxation and enjoyment, and break down barriers. After reviewing these connections, caregivers are given a series of music exercises to follow. A fine pick for any library covering dementia care. Stephen K. Levine's TRAUMA, TRAGEDY, THERAPY: THE ARTS AND HUMAN SUFFERING (9781843105121, $29.95) provides a powerful exploration of the nature of trauma and how the arts and arts therapies can help. By re-imagining painful experiences through art-making, help, may be achieved - but the danger is in the assumption of stock methods of understanding for the depths of human experience. His challenges popular psychological perspectives on trauma and provides a different framework for arts therapists and psychologists to understand its course and effectiveness. Health libraries strong in psychology will find this a fine pick.


The Psychology Shelf

The Imprinted Brain
Christopher Badcock
Jessica Kingley Publishers
400 Market St., Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19106
9781849050234, $22.95 www.jkp.com

THE IMPRINTED BRAIN: HOW GENES SET THE BALANCE BETWEEN AUTISM AND PSYCHOSIS examines what causes conditions like autism and schizophrenia and offers one of the most exciting contributions to modern psychiatric thinking since Freud. It blends science with psychology to offer insights on the genetic basis of mental disorders - and it proposes a theory for evolution that offers new light on spirituality, homosexuality, and more. Any library catering to psychiatrists must have this!

ACT Made Simple
Russ Harris, MD
New Harbinger Publishers
5674 Shattuck Ave., Oakland, CA 94609
9781572247055, $39.95 www.newharbinger.com

ACT Made Simple belongs in any psychology library where self-help techniques are strong, offering a new way to view acceptance and commitment therapy techniques. ACT is a proven effective treatment for everything from anxiety and depression to personality disorders and eating disorders, and offers a different way to view the human condition. This book packs in scripts, exercises and worksheets psychologists can use with clients, includes transcripts from therapy sessions, and is an important key to overcoming common therapy roadblocks. A powerful pick.


The Needlecraft Shelf

Embroidery on Paper: Alphabet & Festive Motifs
Joke & Adriaan de Vette
Search Press
Wellwood, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England TN2 3DR
www.searchpress.com
9781844484614, $13.95 www.amazon.com

Embroidery on Paper: Alphabet & Festive Motifs comes from authors who have used traditional embroidery on paper techniques to produce a fine collection of alphabet letters and motifs that can be used to create personalized greeting cards and more. Templates for all the designs are included in a fine presentation for any needlework collection.

Small Quilts, Big Events
Julia LaBauve & Tammy Silvers
American Quilters Society
Box 3290, Paducah, KY 42002-3290
9781574326505, $24.95 www.AmericanQuilter.com

Small Quilts, Big Events offers pieced and fused 15" x 16" projects centered on a theme of thankfulness, blending 12 different quilt blocks with instructions on how to make heartfelt gifts. The blocks may be produced by machine or hand and offer busy quilters easy mix and match patterns and guides to quick finishing.

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

Cindy Lammon's FLOWER POTS (9781564779458, $12.99) is a fun pick for block-of-the-month clubs or for individual projects and offers a fun quilt project based on garden flower designs. Close-ups of blocks based on flowers and flower pots make for clear instructions any quilter will appreciate. Also appealing is Jaynette Huff's STASH MAGIC: 13 QUILTS THAT MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR FABRIC COLLECTION (9781564779236, $26.99), a survey of scrap quilts offering new designs and a range of techniques in 13 sample projects. Odd-shaped fabric bits and strips go to good use in this outstanding sampler project guide. Jane Townswick's ARTFUL APPLIQUE II (9781564779212, $29.99) introduces scraplique and 12 new floral designs that demonstrate how to create applique shapes from scraps. A gallery of quilt art results accompanies step-by-step instructions for piecing a range of flowers and accents any quilter will find an excellent embellishment add-on. Andrea Knight-Bowman's EASY CABLE KNITS FOR ALL SEASONS (9781564779328, $24.99) provides 16 classic designs for all skill levels and tells how to use cable knits in a variety of new, different projects. Color photos accompany easy step-by-step knitting design ideas in a title perfect for any who want to expand on the cable knit idea.

Noro: Knit 40 Fabulous Designs
Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton
Sixth & Spring Books
233 Spring St., New York NY 10013
1933027878, $24.95 www.sixthandspringbooks.com

Noro: Knit 40 Fabulous Designs offers an inside guide on how Noro yarns are made and comes from a designer who has been working with Noro yarns for several decades, creating knitwear designs that take advantage of the unique properties of Noro yarns. From vests and cardigans to wrap tops and a patchwork sweater, projects are varied, accompanied by color photos, and provide stunning ideas not to be found elsewhere.

Carefree Clothes for Girls
Junko Okawa
Trumpeter
c/o Shambhala Publications
300 Massachusetts Ave, Boston MA 02115
9781590307175, $19.95 www.shambhala.com

Carefree Clothes for Girls: 20 Patterns for Outdoor Frocks, Playdate Dresses and More offers sewers some twenty patterns ranging from easy dresses with ruffles to blouses with crocheted lace and even a black linen hat. The focus on patterns and easy projects makes for a fine gathering of modern creations for girls.

C&T Publishing
Box 1456, Lafayette, CA 94569
www.ctpub.com

Joen Wolfrom's COLOR PLAY (157120105X, $27.95) tells quilters how to use 24 colors and combinations to accent any quilt design. From variations of color, tints and shades to rearranging fabrics for better color coordination, this uses easy steps to create eye-popping color in quilting design choices. Beth Wheeler's NEXT STEPS IN ALTERED PHOTO ARTISTRY (9781571206589, $25.95) offers new ways to transform images for fabric and quilt art, exploring visual effects that can be added with your own photos and Adobe Photoshop Elements software. A bonus CD with 20 free photos and over thirty custom graphics add-ons plus a free trial version of Photoshop Elements for PC accompanies techniques for printing on fabric introduced in ALTERED PHOTO ARTISTRY in this outstanding, recommended survey.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Taking Charge of Your Own Health
Lisa Hall
Harvest House
990 Owen Loop North, Eugene, Oregon 97402-9173
9780736924795, $12.99, www.harvesthousepublishers.com

A clean bill of health is not something to ever take lightly. "Taking Charge of Your Own Health: Navigating Your Way Through: Diagnosis, Treatment, & Insurance" is a guide to dealing with the modern world of healthcare, ripe with mistakes, bureaucracy, and misdiagnosis. With a slew of tips and tricks, Lisa Hall hopes to equip readers with the techniques they need to get the medical care they want and deserve. "Taking Charge of Your Own Health" is a resource that shouldn't be missed.

In A Single Bound
Sarah Reinersten with Alan Goldsher
Globe Pequot Press
9780762751433, $24.95 www.globepequot.com

IN A SINGLE BOUND: LOSING MY LEG, FINDING MYSELF, AND TRAINING FOR LIFE is not your usual amputee's story: it tells of how the author became one of the world's most famous disabled sports figures and considers Sarah Reinersten's life and development of inner strength. Born with a genetic deficiency, Sarah Reinersten's childhood was complicated not just by physical challenges but by an abusive father - the same father who also opened doors of opportunity for her. An engrossing story evolves, suitable for general lending libraries, sports and health collections alike.


The Business Shelf

The Creative Business Guide to Running a Graphic Design Business, new edition
Cameron S. Foote
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Ave, New York NY 10010
9780393732993, $35.00 www.wwnorton.com

The Creative Business Guide to Running a Graphic Design Business is a pick for graphic design and business libraries alike, offering the first in-depth management guide for the industry. This new edition has been revised and updated to reflect recent industry trends and to include the latest best practices for firms of all sizes. Highly recommended.

The Communication Problem Solver
Nannette Rundle Carroll
Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York NY 10019-7420
0814413080, $18.95 www.amacombooks.org

The Communication Problem Solver offers a fine survey of management communication issues and how to handle them, offering quick and easy techniques to resolve common people problems at work. Managers receive tips for sharpening listening skills, providing more effective feedback, and more. Highly recommended.

Luxury World
Mark Tungate
Kogan Page
525 S. 4th St., #241, Philadelphia, PA 19147
9780749452636, $29.95 www.koganpage.com

LUXURY WORLD: THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF LUXURY BRANDS offers a key to understanding luxury brands and their market appeal, surveying strategies, customers, and how the brands handle change. Business histories and functions are analyzed in a fine survey packed with interviews with industry insiders, perfect for business libraries.

Corporate Architecture: Building a Brand
Alejandro Bahamon, Ana Canizares, Antonio Corcuera, Editors
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10011
9780393733051, $100.00 www.wwnorton.com

Corporate Architecture: Building a Brand is a pick for architecture and business libraries alike, appealing to college-level students and providing an analysis of architecture as a marketing tool to build a corporate image. Analysis of this growing trend explores buildings and histories of each firm and its involvement in design concepts, using projects from around the world to illustrate business and architecture unions in fashion, banking, telecommunications and other industries.

Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Government Contracts
John C. Lauderdale III
Alpha
c/o Penguin Publishing Group
375 Hudson, New York NY 10014
9781592579440, $19.95 www.idiotsguides.com

Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Government Contracts offers a basic guide to how government contracts work, telling how to craft proposals using strategies based on this knowledge and providing a step-by-step review of the government procurement process. From identifying customers perfect for business to starting a project after a contract is won, this is a basic for any business collection.


The Economics Shelf

The Genius of the Beast
Howard Bloom
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2119
9781591027546, $29.00 www.prometheusbooks.com

The Genius of the Beast: A Radical Re-Vision of Capitalism tells of how global society has just begin to realize its full potential, arguing that there's a hidden mandate beneath capitalism - one that can lead to a better next-generation economy and more effective individual leadership and power. More than eighty short, fast chapters offer bursts of insights as they survey human history and a new way to view Western civilization and economic growth alike. College-level collections in particular will relish this.

The Backchannel
Cliff Atkinson
New Riders
c/o Pearson Technology Group
801 East 96th Street, #300, Indianapolis, IN 46240-3759
0321659511, $34.99 www.newriders.com

The Backchannel: How Audiences Are Using Twitter and Social Media and Changing Presentations Forever comes from a communications consultant who shows how to embrace new communications methods - and how to recognize common pitfalls that frustrate audiences in the process. Presenters must learn to manage the 'backchannel' and blend this into their business communications: THE BACKCHANNEL tells how, covering the basics of social communications using new media.

Friends with Benefits
Darren Barefoot and Julie Szabo
No Starch Press
555 Deharo St. #250, San Francisco CA 94107
9781593271992, $24.95 www.nostarch.com

FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS: A SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING BOOK provides a powerful survey packed with tips and real-world case studies, explaining how to connect with potential customers and how to use a website to support a social media marketing campaign. From tracking marketing campaigns to using viral videos and Twitter, this packs in smart keys to online marketing strategies.


The Martial Arts Shelf

The Ultimate Mixed Martial Arts Training Guide
Danny Plyler and Chad Seibert
Betterway
4700 E. Galbraith Road, Cincinnati, OH 45236
1558708839, $19.99 www.fwmedia.com

The Ultimate Mixed Martial Arts Training Guide: Techniques for Fitness, Self Defense & Competition offers cardio and strength training exercises, striking and defense postures, wrestling techniques and drills to improve punching, kicking and more. From mental exercises to physical strength, this is for any warrior fighter or library catering to them and is packed with specifics suitable for at-home use.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

Baen Books
Box 1403, Riverdale, NY 10471
www.baen.com

Virginia DeMarce's 1635: THE TANGLED WEB TELLS OF THE THIRTY YEARS WAR (9781439133088, $16.00) that continues to ravage 17th century Europe, in an alternate universe where an alliance between Adolphus, King of Sweden, and the West Virginians from the 20th century is changing a world affected by a cosmic time accident known as the Ring of Fire. Prior fans of the 1635 series will relish this added saga. Timothy Zahn's COBRA ALLIANCE (9781439133064, $24.00) provides Book 1 in the Cobra War series and tells of a guerrilla force whose weapons were surgically implanted and deadly. Jasmine Jin is worried about the current attitudes of the Cobra worlds and their leaders - for dangers threaten the alliance. Swift military action evolves in a fine thriller. Also excellent for its military science fiction is Travis S. Taylor's ONE GOOD SOLDIER (9781439133163, $23.00), which takes place six years after the events of THE TAU CETI AGENDA and offers a narrowed focus on a single critical day in the history of the U.S. of the Sol System, when Ross 128 secedes from the union and action must be taken to prevent an interstellar civil war. Both titles are top picks for libraries where patrons like military science fiction action.

Liberating Atlantis
Harry Turtledove
ROC Books
375 Hudson St., New York NY 10014
9780451462961, $25.95 www.penguin.com

The author of THE UNITED STATES OF ATLANTIS here explores the discovery of an eighth continent and its evolution in an ongoing saga. Frederick Radcliff is a descendant of the family that founded Atlantis' first settlement, and is a black slave forced into labor. His search for freedom leads him to become the leader of a revolutionary army in this powerful sequel, recommended for prior fans of THE UNITED STATES OF ATLANTIS.

Nine Black Doves - V. 5
Roger Zelazny
NESFA Press
Box 809, Framingham, MA 01701
1886778809, $29.00 www.nesfa.org/press

NINE BLACK DOVES is the 5th volume of the collected short fiction of Roger Zelazny which includes every poem and short story written by Zelazny, including all of his Hugo and Nebula nominated and winning stories. This volume focuses on writings from the 1980s and includes his first two Wild Cards stories about Croyd Crenson, and will enhance any library obtaining the entire series.


The Military Shelf

Operation Phantom Fury
Dick Camp
Zenith Press
c/o Quayside Publishing Group
400 First Avenue North, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55401
9780760336984, $30.00 www.zenithpress.com

In November 2004 a joint US-Iraqi force of thousands moved against insurgents in Fallujah to eliminate some of the area's most 'hardcore' insurgents and restore peace. Code-named Operation Phantom Fury, this offensive turned out to be lethal urban combat - and its history and processes are chartered here in Operation Phantom Fury: The Assault and Capture of Fallujah, Iraq, for any military library strong in modern combat.

Loose Cannons
Graeme Donald
Osprey
400 Hahn Road, Westminster, MD 21157
9781846033773, $16.95 www.ospreypublishing.com

LOOSE CANNONS: 101 MYTHS, MISHAPS AND MISADVENTURES OF MILITARY HISTORY exposes many long-held myths about military leaders and operations, from the idea that Hitler was a vegetarian obsessed by the occult to the invention of the 'Mau-Mau' organization and the fact that the Japanese were trying to complete their own nuclear warhead when the Americans beat them. An outstanding trivia fact book for any military library.

Vanished Armies
A.E. Haswell Miller, Edited by John Mollo
Shire Publications
44-02 - 23rd St, Suite 219, Long Island City NY 11101
9780747807391, $35.00 www.shirebooks.co.uk

VANISHED ARMIES: A RECORD OF MILITARY UNIFORM OBSERVED AND DRAWN IN VARIOUS EUROPEAN COUNTRIES DURING THE YEARS 1907 TO 1914 offers a collection painted in the early 1900s by author A.E. Haswell Miller, a Scottish artist and army officer fascinated by military dress. It appears in print for the first time and provides a collection of watercolors and notes key to any military history collection.


The Travel Shelf

1001 Escapes to Experience Before You Die
Helen Arnold, Editor
Barron's
250 Wireless Road, Hauppauge, NY 11788
0764161784, $35.00 www.barronseduc.com

1001 Escapes to Experience Before You Die offers a set of inspirational, different travel options that are extraordinary, from cruising the Nile on a 19th century cabin cruiser to renting a fort or experiencing the Blue Hole in the Sinai in Egypt. Websites, locations and prices supplement fine color photos in a top pick for any library where travel is a strong attraction.


The Christian Studies Shelf

Introverts in the Church
Adam S. McHugh
IVP Books
Box 1400, Downers Grove, IL 60515-1426
9780830837021, $17.00 www.ivpress.com

Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in An Introverted Culture tells how many introverts are called and gifted by God - but churches tend to not realize or use their skills. This book is dedicated to showing such Church goers and ministers how introverts can minister in ways fitting to their personalities. Chapters explain how introverts can practice Christian spirituality in ways that fit them better, making this a top pick for any Christian collection.

The Historical Jesus: Five Views
James K. Beilby and Paul Rhodes Eddy, Editors
IVP Books
Box 1400, Downers Grove, IL 60515-1426
9780830838684, $26.00 www.ivpress.com

The Historical Jesus: Five Views offers a scholarly survey of Jesus and is a pick for readers who want to have detailed insights on the history of Jesus. Here figures in the Jesus research quest provide their views and respond to fellow scholars in a dialogue suitable for advanced spirituality collections.

Great Events in American History
Rebecca Price Janney
God and Country Press
c/o AMG Publishers
6815 Shallowford Rd., Chattanooga, TN 37421
9780899570266, $14.99, www.greateventsinamericanhistory.com

There have been many major breakthroughs in American history, and Rebecca Price Janney believes God had a hand in each of them. "Great Events in American History" discusses the role Christianity has played in making America what it is today. From Columbus stumbling onto the Americas to the foundation of the country, its growth, and its rise to meet challenges throughout history, Janney states that God has always been behind America. An uplifting read for the Christian patriot, "Great Events in American History" is a treasure trove of inspiration.


The Fiction Shelf

Legend of a Suicide
David Vann
University of Massachusetts Press
671 North Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01003
9781558496729, $24.95, www.umass.edu/umpress

When it all falls apart, people look for where the first crack emerged. "Legend of a Suicide" is a series of stories by David Vann, focusing on the collapse of paradise, following its protagonists as they deal with the life around them spiraling out of control and their relationships with the ones responsible. "Legend of a Suicide" is thought provoking and will give readers much to relate to, making it a gripping read that won't be put down.

The Familiar Stranger
Christina Berry
Moody Publishers
820 N. Lasalle Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60610
9780802447319, $13.99, www.moodypublishers.com

The need to apologize and make amends often comes all too late. "The Familiar Stranger" is the story of Craig and Denise. Struggling with their married life but both wanting to make it work, they square off against one another, until an accident leaves Craig incapacitated and without memory of Denise and his family. Denise finds that a fresh start may not be what she needs, but love knows no memory and there's always a chance for happiness. "The Familiar Stranger" is a charming novel with characters many readers will love.


The Social Issues Shelf

A Little Bit Married
Hannah Seligson
Lifelong Books
c/o Da Capo Press
11 Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142
9780738213163, $15.95, www.dacapopress.com

The test drive analogy for marriage is more than just a euphemism for premarital sex. "A Little Bit Married: How to Know When It's Time to Walk Down the Aisle or Out the Door" discusses marriage from both sides, as Hannah Seligson draws on her own experience. Seligson offers her thoughts on when's the right time to commit for the long haul, the dangers of commitment and why people fear it, and why testing the waters can prevent one from becoming a hasty divorcee. "A Little Bit Married" is a resource for those looking for that lifetime commitment should look into.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

In the Absence of Iles
Bill James
The Countryman Press
PO Box 748, 1206 VT Route 12, Woodstock, VT 05091
9780881508833, $23.95, www.countrymanpress.com

Undercover, your only friend is your wits. "In the Absence of Iles" is an English mystery as Assistant Chief Constable Esther Davidson worries about fellow ACC and fellow undercover officer Desmond Iles, who has failed to appear for scheduled appearances. An entertaining novel of undercover police and the hazards of not knowing who to trust, "In the Absence of Iles" is a fascinating read that will keep the reader guessing.

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

Kate Kingsbury's DECKED WITH FOLLY (9780425230015, $14.00) may have been intended as holiday mystery but deserves mention for year-round enjoyment, introducing the Pennyfoot Hotel, decked in holiday wonder when the season begins with disaster. Petty thievery is one thing, but when an employee is found dead in the duck pond, real trouble begins. Elaine Viets' THE FASHION HOUND MURDERS (9780451228420, $6.99) tells of a mystery shopper, mother and sleuth who finds danger in the world of canine fashion puppies when she's hired to check out a pet store's involvement with puppy mills. Danger evolves from a seemingly simple investigation. Laura Childs' EGGS BENEDICT ARNOLD (9780425231555, $7.99) provides a fine mystery revolving around breakfast and women who support each other in their own business. Three friends find their skills as sleuths come to life in this fine survey. Diana Killian's DIAL OM FOR MURDER (9780425227053, $6.99) tells of yoga students that stress teacher A.J., who is juggling numerous tensions between vicious rivals when murder enters the picture and involves her in a dangerous search for truth in rivalry. Lorna Barrett's BOOKPLATE SPECIAL (9780425231197, $7.99) tells of a mystery bookstore owner in a small New Hampshire town who finds her skills tested when an uninvited college roommate is found dead after eviction. Her roommate's mysterious death involves Tricia in a dangerous investigation. Linda O. Johnston's HOWL DEADLY (9780425231593, $7.99) tells of Kendra's weekend fling with a gorgeous millionaire that turns dangerous when a missing wolf from his wild animal sanctuary and a dead caretaker leads Kendra on another murder investigation. Judi McCoy's HEIR OF THE DOG (9780451228475, $6.99) presents another 'dog walker' mystery revolving around a professional dog walker who can also read dog minds, and who uses their talents to help track down a fellow dog lover's killer. Kathryn Lilley's MAKEOVERS CAN BE MURDER (9780451228260, $6.99) is set in North Carolina and tells of a plus-sized reporter who has to stick with her diet for an upcoming assignment about weight-loss scams - and who finds a friend's murder arouses her suspicions about a deadly dieter's attacks. Merline Lovelace's ALL THE WRONG MOVES (9780425231180, $6.99) tells of a lieutenant and her team who test gadgets for the military. Two dead bodies turn up - and when Sam's high-tech lab is torched she realizes murder may be the least of her problems. Miranda Bliss' MURDER HAS A SWEET TOOTH (9780425231609, $6.99) includes recipes and provides a cooking class mystery revolving around a former cooking instructor turned boss. Annie's efforts to keep her wedding plans in check are complicated when a lovely American becomes a murder victim. Wendy Roberts' DEAD AND KICKING (9780451228628, $6.99) tells of Sadie, who cleans up crime scenes for a living and finds herself face-to-face with the dead. Her gift of second sight can't always help her as she investigates an angry ghost and secrets that even the dead will kill to keep. Hannah Dennison's EXPOSE! (9780425231586, $6.99) is set in snail-racing season in the small town of Gipping-on-Plym and tells of an obituary writer, Vicki, who races to solve a mysterious death and uncovers a secret funeral mystery in the process. History comes to life in Maureen Ash's MURDER FOR CHRIST'S MASS (9780425231579, $7.99), a Templar Knight mystery contributing to a series. After eight years of captivity in the Holy Hand Templar Bascot de Marins finally escapes and is coming home for the holidays - only to find a mystery awaits his attention. Margaret Frazer's A PLAY OF TREACHERY (9780425223338, $7.99) also brings history to life as it surveys Joliffe, who is sent along to France in the middle of war in the winter of 1436. He's to be a servant to a duchess - but his real mission is to train as a spy, where he finds murder and dangerous awaits. All are top picks for any mystery library's paperback section.

The Recipe Club: A Tale of Food & Friendship
Andrea Israel & Nancy Garfinkel
Harper
c/o Harper Collins
10 East 53rd St., New York NY 10022-5299
9780061992193, $24.99 www.harpercollins.com

The Recipe Club: A Tale of Food & Friendship is a novel of loyalty, loss and more that blends a 'novel cookbook' format with the story of friendship. Over 80 recipes are included in this story of lifelong friends who write intimate letters sharing their dreams, hopes and favorite dishes alike. Cooks who like novels will love this.

Winter of Secrets
Vicki Delany
Poisoned Pen Press
6962 E. 1st Ave. #103, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
9781590586761, $24.95 www.poisonedpenpress.com

WINTER OF SECRETS provides a satisfying constable Molly Smith novel as it tells of siblings and friends enjoying a two-week vacation of skiing, drinking, drugs and sex when tragedy strikes. Two constables summoned to the scene of a car accident find what seems simple turns into a murder case - and involves them in circumstances far beyond their usual small-town experiences. Fine intrigue evolves.


The Library DVD Shelf

America's Living Constitution
MicroWerks
2042-A Amacost Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025
No ISBN, $9.98 www.greenleafandassociates.com

AMERICA'S LIVING CONSTITUTION is a fine choice for any education collection: it is presented in full screen with each section individually indexed with bonus slideshows of selected national monuments, and covers the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights in detail. High school collections in particular will find this a fine pick.


The Literary Shelf

Aeschylus: Eumenides
Robin Mitchell-Boyask
Duckworth
c/o International Publishers Marketing
PO Box 605, Herndon, VA 20172-0604
9780715636428, $24.00, www.ducknet.co.uk

Drama has always had a deeper meaning than simply entertainment. "Aeschylus: Eumenides" is a companion guide from Duckworth discussing Eumides, the final volume of the Oresteia, a Greek tragedy that for its time caused controversy for discussing the topic of the place of women in Athenian society and the theatre. One of the most important pieces of classical literature, "Aeschylus" is a worthwhile study guide for the work.

Titan Books
144 Southwark St., London SR1 0UP, England
www.titanbooks.com www.amazon.com

These new 'Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' titles are top picks for libraries finding Sherlock Holmes a popular lend. David Start Davies' THE SCROLL OF THE DEAD (9781848564930, $9.95) tells of a seance that unmasks a dangerous medium impostor and the potential of immortality, Daniel Stashower's ECTOPLASMIC MAN (9781848564923, $9.95) tells of a man framed and jailed for espionage with Sherlock Holmes determined to arrive at the truth, and WAR OF THE WORLDS by Manley W. Wellman and Wade Wellman (9781848564916, $9.95) tells of a world under attack from Martian invaders.


James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
Midwest Book Review
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Oregon, WI 53575-1129
phone: 1-608-835-7937
e-mail: mbr@execpc.com
e-mail: mwbookrevw@aol.com
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