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Volume 18, Number 2 February 2008 Home | IBW Index

Table of Contents

Reviewer's Choice Military Shelf Needlecraft Shelf
Cookbook Shelf Antiques/Collectibles Shelf Pets/Wildlife Shelf
Architecture Shelf Gaming Shelf Automotive Shelf
Art Shelf Civil War Shelf Education Shelf
Money/Finance Shelf Jobs/Careers Shelf Literary Shelf
Buddhist Studies Shelf Psychology Shelf Fantasy/SciFi Shelf
Travel Shelf Genealogy Shelf Hunting/Fishing Shelf
Environmental Studies Shelf Antiques/Collectibles Shelf Woodworking Shelf
Judaic Studies Shelf Biography Shelf Metaphysical Studies Shelf
Mystery/Suspense Shelf American History Shelf Judicial Studies Shelf
Parenting Shelf Self-Help Shelf Religion/Spirituality Shelf
Wine Shelf Music Shelf Railroading Shelf
Political Science Shelf Christian Studies Shelf Social Issues Shelf
Fiction Shelf World History Shelf Science Shelf
Poetry Shelf Library Science Shelf Library DVD Shelf
Writing/Publishing Shelf Library CD Shelf Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf
Audiobook Shelf Economics Shelf Health/Medicine Shelf
Business Shelf International Studies Shelf Computer Shelf
Photography Shelf    


Reviewer's Choice

The Pantry: Its History and Modern Uses
Catherine Seiberling Pond
Gibbs Smith, Publisher
Box 667, Layton, UT 84041
1423600045 $16.95 www.gibbs-smith.com

Most books on pantries focus on their contents: how to build up pantry stock and cook with it - but this is different, covering the physical evolution and development of the pantry and providing a blend of history and period references following its various structures. Homeowners interested in re-doing an existing pantry, adding one, or incorporating a pantry into a new design finally have a book devoted entirely to the topic, filled with color photos and pantry patterns. Collections catering to homeowners and home builders will find it a popular pick.

Eleanor of Aquitaine: Queen of the Troubadours
Jean Markale
Inner Traditions
One Park Street, Rochester, VT 05767
1594771952, $16.95 www.innertraditions.com

Eleanor of Aquitaine has been noted for her political achievements - yet here the focus is on her spiritual influence, nature and side, which considers her as a figure restoring a feminine face to medieval religious life, representing female power and leadership. Collections strong in medieval studies, both at the high school and college level, will find this a different kind of biographical coverage which examines the spiritual representation of Eleanor of Aquitaine.

50 Reasons to Hate the French
Jules Eden and Alex Clarke
Ivan R. Dee
1332 North Halsted Street, Chicago IL 60622
1566637627 $24.95 www.ivanrdee.com

The authors are two Londeners who here offer up fifty researched vignettes on why the French are so hated, from the Tour de France to their secrets of being stylish and hip, and more. From dogs to fashion, 50 Reasons to Hate the French surveys French culture and oddities and is a top pick for any public lending library strong in French history or culture.

70s Fashion Fiascos
Maureen Valdes Marsh
Collector's Press
Box 230986, Portland, OR 97281
1933112263 $16.95 www.collectorspress.com

The 70s were a decade of flamboyant styles and fashion statements influenced by the hippie era, and 70S FASHION FIASCOS captures them all, with full-page color photos capturing styles accompanied by notes on designers, objectives, and culture. Any collection interested in contemporary fashion trends will love the attention to flashy detail of the 70s, offering plenty of whimsical, fun moments.

The Year of the Goat
Margaret Hathaway
Lyons Press
Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437
9781599210216 $22.95 www.LyonsPress.com

The authors perceived something missing from their city lives and began to dream of living closer to the land. Llama farmers and gardeners have routinely followed this path: what makes this different is their determination to raise goats - even though they knew little about either goats or farming. A hilarious, insightful survey of not only goat farming but producing the perfect goat cheese makes for a lively survey perfect for rural collections and culinary holdings alike.

South to Alaska
Nancy Owens Barnes
New Leaf Publishing Group
PO Box 726, Green Forest, AR 72638
9781930076068, $15.95 www.newleafpress.net 1-800-999-3777

South to Alaska: From the Heartland of America to the Heart of a Dream is the true life travelogue and biographical excerpt of one man's voyage by sea from Arkansas to Alaska. Melvin Owens single-handedly constructed the 47-foot "Red Dog" in his backyard, and launched it on the Arkansas River in 1971. He traveled the Arkansas River and Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico; in 1973 he began a solitary expedition along the Caribbean coasts of Mexico and Central America, through the Panama Canal, into the Pacific Ocean and finally to Alaska. To achieve his dream he battled mechanical problems, nature's ill will, sickness, thievery, and loneliness. An amazing and inspirational tale of one man's solo 10,000 mile expedition, as told his daughter Nancy Owens Barnes.

Badger Brain Twisters
Kelly Whitt
Trails Books
c/o Big Earth Publishing
145 North Commercial Street, Suite 100, Neenah, WI 54956
9781931599979, $12.95 www.bigearthpublishing.com 1-800-258-5830

Created and compiled by Kelly Whit (who creates puzzles of 'Country Woman' magazines, and newspapers throughout Wisconsin) "Badger Brain Twisters: Wisconsin Trivia, Games, Puzzles, and More!" is a compendium of crosswords, sudoku, cryptoquotes, trivia quizzes, trivia quizzes, word finds, and other puzzles with a Wisconsin theme. In addition to providing hours and hours of cerebral fun, "Badger Brain Twisters" offers a wealth of information about the Badger State's history, natural wonders, sports, celebrities, and folklore. Of special note is that all the answers to all the puzzles are faithfully recorded at the back of the book. "Badger Brain Twisters is perfect for road trips, rainy days, or simply killing time.

Green Bay Packers: Titletown Trivia Teasers
Don Davenport
Prairie Oak Press
c/o Big Earth Publishing
145 North Commercial Street, Suite 100, Neenah, WI 54956
1879483939, $12.95 www.bigearthpublishing.com 1-800-258-5830

Simply stated, the Packers are Wisconsin's pride and joy. From the gold age of the legendary coach Vince Lombardi and memorable players like Brett Farve, down to the present day team, Wisconsin's premier professional football team continues to enjoy the support of the Badger state's Green-and-Gold faithful. Now Wisconsin historian and Packer fan Don Davenport has compiled more than 450 questions and answers in "Green Bay Packers: Titletown Trivia Teasers" that will prove to be an essential reference for all dedicated Packer fans -- as well as settling many a bar bet with such minutiae as who holds the Super Bowl record for the longest kickoff return?; who as the Packer's first Turkey Day opponent?; which Packer quarterback was sacked the most times in a single game? and so very much more. A fabulous little compendium of information, Don Davenport's "Green Bay Packers: Titletown Trivia Teasers" should be a part of every Wisconsin highschool, college, and community library Sports & Athletics reference collection.

Souled Out
Michael S. Orban
Silver Rings Press
PO Box 1031, West Bend, WI 53095
9780976758112, $17.00 www.michaelorban.com

Michael Orban served as a 20-year-old infantry soldier in Vietnam and in his superbly written autobiography "Souled Out: A Memoir Of War And Inner Peace" takes the reader along on his journey through a disastrous war and into his experiences of loneliness, emptiness, spiritual scarring and psychological destruction. Michael writes candidly of his time in the remote jungles of Africa and a world where humanity is mired in superstitions, omens, black magic, witchcraft, sickness, disease, and every present death. Yet it is also a story of the simplistic beauty in people who are intimately connected to all of life and reverently dependent for purpose on their spirit world and their ancestor worship. Here presented are the oral historians reciting the history of their people, their suffering at the hands of the European colonists. "Souled Out" is also the story of Michael's recovering of spirit and peach through using native resources to build schools, reading the works of Albert Schweitzer while being hospitalized in Gabon, and laughing at Mark Twain's observations and stories. The underlying message of "Souled Out" is that the psychological wounds of war are as serious as the physical ones and can be remedied and recovered from, and that there is relief for and from them. Informed and informative, thoughtful and thought-provoking, "Souled Out" is highly recommended reading and an especially appropriate addition to community library American Biography collections.


The Military Shelf

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

P-51 MUSTANG VS. FW 190 EUROPE 1943-45 by Martin Bowman (9781846031892, $17.95) tells of the history of a classic duel as American and German pilots fought each other over Europe, offering the first in a new series to describe the design and deployment of these fighters. Any collection strong in military aircraft history will welcome the specifics on combat training, strengths and weaknesses of different fighters, and key elements of plane design. David Fletcher's SHERMAN CRAB FLAIL TANK (9781846030840, $15.95) follows the design and history of the Sherman tank, considering its development and deployment. Colorful artwork and vintage photos supplement a collection recommended for any in-depth military library focusing on equipment history. Pier Paolo Battistelli's PANZER DIVISIONS: THE BLITZKRIEG YEARS 1939-40 (9781846031465, $23.95) follows a German division relatively late to armored warfare, but which formed a formidable 'lightning war' contribution to its side. This focus on the tactics, weaponry and strategies of the Panzer Divisions is an excellent choice for any in-depth World War II military library. Stephen Turnbull's JAPANESE CASTLES IN KOREA 1592-98 (9781846031045, $16.95) is a pick not just for military libraries but for any specializing in early Asian history. The focus on Japanese-built castles and Korean fortifications follows the design and use of key fortresses and joins the publishers' 'Fortress' history series. Military modelers will relish Stan Spooner's MODELLING THE P-51 MUSTANG (9781841769417, $18.95), an in-depth survey of how to model World War II's famous fighter craft. From the history of the Mustang to five building projects of varying complexity, military and hobbyist holdings will find this an excellent pick. Trevor Bryce's HITTITE WARRIOR (9781846030819, $17.95) is written by an expert on the topic and follows the history of a warrior people famed for their ferocity. Their early empire stretched from Mesopotamia to Syria and Palestine: this book examines not only their history and culture, but specifically their battle tactics and strategies. Robert Kirchubel's OPERATION BARBAROSSA 1941 (3): ARMY GROUP CENTER (9781846031076, $18.95) outlines the command strategies, tactics and battle experiences of the Barbarossa campaign of 1941 and represents the concluding volume in the trilogy on the subject. Military libraries that already have the other volumes will find it an essential probe of the causes behind the German failure. All are fine picks for military collections.

One Came Home
Vincent A. Krepps
American Literary Press
8019 Belair Road, Suite 10, Baltimore, MD 21236
9781561679881, $26.95 www.americanliterarypress.com 1-800-873-2003

At the age of 18, Vincent Krepps and his twin brother Richard joined the army and were sent overseas to fight in the Korean War. Vincent returned alive. His brother did not. "One Came Home" is a very personal and candid account of the Korean War that includes the emotion, confusion, heroism, and brutality of Vincent's war time experiences. Deftly described is Vincent's anguish at losing his brother in the war and his personal crusade to have his fallen and missing comrades honored and remembered. Having earned a Silver Star for bravery, Vincent writes with a very special authority of his efforts to recover American POW's and MIA's from the Korean War (including his brother Richard). Very nicely illustrated throughout, "One Came Home" is a valued and valuable contribution to the growing library of Korean War biographies and memoirs, and a welcome addition to personal, academic, and community library Military History & Biography collections.

Voices of My Comrades
Carol Adele Kelly, editor
Fordham University Press
2546 Belmont Avenue,
University Box L, Bronx, NY 10458-5172
9780823228232, $39.95 www.fordhampress.com 1-800-247-6553

Compiled and edited by Carol Adele Kelly (Project Officer and Copy Editor of 'The Officer' magazine), "Voices of My Comrades: America's Reserve Officers Remember World War II" is a collection of written experiences by members of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States (the nation's oldest such professional military organization) in a special project undertaken over a five year period. This remarkable 547-page anthology of anecdotal stories contributed by 240 veterans track the four years of World War II month by month, representing all the war-time theaters, and come from men of all ranks and from all services - including personal accounts by Women Airforce Service Pilots. Enhanced with the inclusion of photographs, a chronology, and an informative historical introduction, "Voices of My Comrades" is a seminal work that ranges from personal accounts of survival, Nazi extermination camps, and the bombing of unmarked Japanese ships transporting American POWs from the Philippines near the war's end. Simply stated, "Voices of My Comrades" is a superbly informative addition to any personal, academic, or community library World War II military reference collection.

German S-Boats In Action In The Second World War
Hans Frank
Naval Institute Press
291 Wood Road, Annapolis, MD 21402
9781591143093, $39.95 www.navalinstitute.org 1-800-233-8764

Hans Frank served in the Federal German navy from 1961 to 1999, ultimately rising to hold the position of Commanding Officer of the S-Boat Flotilla. He is also the founder of the S-Boat Flotilla Veterans' Association whose archive contains personal histories submitted by former S-Boat men. The author of several studies respecting S-Boat operations, Frank draws upon his many years of experience and expertise in "German S-Boats In Action In The Second World War" to provide the first comprehensive English-language study of the S-Boat 'schnellboot') actions during World War II in all the theatres where they were deployed. The S-Boat (in English they were called E-Boats) was the German 40-knot motor torpedo boat that had a history of controversy going back to the pre-war period of German naval rearmament. When war broke out, the S-Boat proved to be an effective naval weapon and was put into action in all areas of operations from the North Cape, to the Mediterranean, to the English Channel, to the Baltic and Black Sea theatres. "German S-Boats In Action In The Second World War" is a profusely illustrated history of this particularly effective German naval craft that will have particular appeal for World War II military history buffs, as well as an invaluable addition to academic library 20th Century Naval Military History reference collections.


The Needlecraft Shelf

American Folk Art Quilts
Maggi McCormick Gordon
Trafalgar Square Books
Box 257, North Pomfret, VT 05053
9781570764004 $26.95 www.trafalgarbooks.com

Thirty examples of American folk art quilts are offered in a catalog which uses sample blocks for six categories of designs and styles, illustrating these with step-by-step techniques and pairing them with additional photos to show historical settings. The templates lend to pattern use, the descriptions provide plenty of background history, and the lavish result will prove appealing to any collection strong in quilting history or construction.

Martingale & Company
20205 - 144th Ave. NE, Woodinville, WA 98072-9478
www.martingale-pub.com

Easy machine techniques and projects for needle felting make Margo Duke's Needle-Felting Magic (9781564778123 $16.95) an excellent guide for beginners new to the ideas. Beginning projects teach newcomers about the materials and methods using plenty of color photos and very easy project ideas. Sidebars of 'inside secrets' also guarantee successful results without surprises, making this a top pick for any needlework library. Jean Leinhauser and Rita Weiss' 365 CROCHET STITCHES A YEAR PERPETUAL CALENDAR (9781564777348, $24.95) arrived too late for more timely Fall gift-giving mention but if you can still get it, it deserves a place on any crocheter's shelf for the year. It offers a year-long calendar format in a book form which packs in hundreds of crochet stitches and step-by-step instructions from beginning to advanced. The calendar format includes a closeup photo each day, with spiral binding for lasting year-long durability.

Sew What! Fleece
Carol Jessop and Chaila Sekora
Storey Publishing
210 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA 01247
9781580176262 $18.95 www.storey.com 1-800-827-8673

Feeling hemmed in by fabrics that are hard to work with and complicated patterns that go beyond the usual skillset? SEW WHAT! FLEECE offers easy tips on projects which move beyond hard seam finishes and linings to encourage the creation of a personal style. Over thirty projects for all kinds of fleece clothing from skirts and tops to pants provide beginners with easy yet contemporary clothing construction projects. A highly recommended pick for any collection catering to beginning sewers looking for forgiving fabric and easy projects.

The Complete Idiot's Guide To Crochet Projects Illustrated
Marcy Smith
AlphaBooks
c/o Penguin Group
375 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10014-3658
9781592576180, $22.95 www.penguin.com 1-800-847-5515

Writer of the crafts column 'Notions' for the Raleigh, North Carolina publication 'News & Observer', Marcy Smith is a veteran needlecrafter who began crocheting at the age of 8. In "The Complete Idiot's Guide To Crochet Projects Illustrated" Marcy lays out illustrated step-by-step instructions for sixty crocheting projects that will enable even the most novice of needlecraft enthusiasts to turn out truly remarkable and fun crochet projects ranging from hair scrunchies, bookmarks, and backpacks, to pillows, hats, finger puppets and Kitty Bonbons! Offering a quick refresher on hooks, fibers, stitches, reading patterns, and seaming techniques, "The Complete Idiot's Guide To Crochet Projects Illustrated" also provides detailed lists of the yarns, notions, and everything else each project requires. Of special note are Marcy's insider tips on such things as adding crochet embellishments and edgings, to picking up dropped stitches. "The Complete Idiot's Guide To Crochet Projects Illustrated" is the perfect beginners guide and a highly recommended addition to personal and community library Needlecraft instructional reference collections.

Making Mathematics With Needlework
Sarah-Marie Belcastro & Carolyn Yackel
A K Peters, Ltd.
888 Worcester Street, Suite 230, Wellesley, MA 02482
9781568813318, $30.00 www.akpeters.com

Knowledgeably compiled and deftly co-edited by Sarah-Marie Belcastro (Co-Director, Hamshire College Summer Studies in mathematics and Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Smith College) and Carolyn Yackel (Mathematics Instructor, Mercer University), "Making Mathematics With Needlework: Ten Papers And Ten Projects" is unique in that it combines mathematics papers with fiber arts project instructions. Each chapter showcases a particular project and that project features sections on mathematics and mathematics education along with detailed instructions for completing the needlecraft project. The featured projects include a Quilted Mobius Band (making a mobius quilt); Diphantine Equations (making a bi-directional hat); Sierpinski Variatins (making a Sierpinski shawl); a Two Knit Stiches Tours; Symmetry Patterns in Cross-Stitch; Algebraic Structure (making algebraic socks); Fortunatus's Purse; (K)Not Cables and Braids (making a pillow of Braid Equivalence); The Graph Theory of Blackwork Embroidery (embroidering a Holbeinian Graph); and making Hyperbolic Pants. Profusely illustrated, the text is fully accessible to non-specialist general readers with an interest in needlecraft, in the mathematics underlying needlecraft, as well as having a very special attraction for math students and fiber art enthusiasts alike.


The Cookbook Shelf

My Love for Naples
Anna Teresa Callen
Hippocrene Books
171 Madison Avenue, New York NY 10016
0781812054 $35.00 www.hippocrenebooks.com

Anna Callen journeys to Naples to explore Neapolitan cuisine in a cookbook packed with details on traditional and regional dishes. The author's background as a cooking instructor lends to easy dishes which pepper color photos with dishes ranging from Polenta Casserole with Sausage to Spicy Vesuvius Chicken and Noodle Soup with Meatballs. Any general-interest library selecting international dishes will find this packed with appealing regional fare reflecting the author's love for Naples, and spiced with lovely color photographs.

5 Spices, 50 Dishes
Ruta Kahate
Chronicle Books
680 Second Street, San Francisco CA 94107
9780811853422 $19.95 www.chroniclebooks.com

How can gourmet dishes be produced from only five spices? The five featured here are coriander seeds, cumin, mustard seeds, ground cayenne and turmeric: the dishes which evolve are spicy and delicious Indian fare. From Creamed Farmer Greens to Steamed Cauliflower with Spicy Sauce, this simplifies Indian cooking to the degree that any public lending library will find it a popular, easy pick, complete with the color photos needed to make it an eye-appealing pick any library strong in easy ethnic cookbooks will relish.

The Lost Ravioli Recipes of Hoboken
Laura Schenone
W.W. Norton & Company
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
9780393061468 $26.95 www.wwnorton.com

Lending libraries strong in culinary history, particularly American regional dishes, will delight in THE LOST RAVIOLI RECIPES OF HOBOKEN, based on the author's quest for a great grandmother's recipe for ravioli. Her journey takes her to family history and archives, surveys conflicting ideas of culinary history, and journeys from New Jersey's suburbs to her Italian ancestors' home. The result's a lively food history not to be missed.

Picture Yourself Decorating Cakes
Linda Shonk & Sandy Doell
Thomson Course Technology
c/o Cengage Learning, Gale
27500 Drake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48331-3535
9781598634402, $24.99 www.courseptr.com www.cengage.com

Simply stated, "Picture Yourself Decorating Cakes" by professional pastry chef Linda Shonk and freelance writer and book editor Sandy Doell is the ideal instruction guide and manual that will enable even the most novice kitchen cook to turn out superbly and imaginatively decorated cakes of all kinds for any and all events. Enhanced with an accompanying instructional DVD, "Picture Yourself Decorating Cakes" leads off with chapters dealing with 'Pantry Basics' and 'Tools of the Trade'. This is followed by 'Baking the Cakes', a comprehensive chapter offering a culinary wealth of easy-to-make frostings and fillings. Then aspiring chefs are instructed with chapters focusing on 'Simple Decorating Techniques' and 'Decorating Cakes using Fondant and Royal Icing'. Of special note are the appendices 'Things That Are Good To Know' covering various aspects of measuring, and 'The Fondant Class on DVD'. Profusely illustrated on every page, "Picture Yourself Decorating Cakes" is truly exceptional and enthusiastically recommended for personal, professional, highschool and community library collections.

The Farmer's Wife Comfort Food Cookbook
Lela Nargi
Voyageur Press
an imprint of Quayside Publishing Group
400 1st Avenue North, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55401
9780760329245, $14.95 www.mbipublishing.com 1-800-458-0454

Comfort foods are those simple, unsophisticated dishes that are a staple of family dining because of their ease of preparation, appetite satisfaction, nutritious components, and great taste. 'The Farmer's Wife' was a successful 46 year run as a popular publication devoted to bringing its readers (especially rural farm women) a compendium of advice on household issues, concerns, and menus. More than three hundred of the best of those magazine recipes have been compiled by Lela Nargi into "The Farmer's Wife Comfort Food Cookbook" and with some adaptation have been made appropriate for preparation in modern family kitchens. Beginning with chapters on how to use this book it its best advantage and a few kitchen basics, the recipes are arranged into collections of sandwiches and snacks, soups, egg dishes, cheese dishes, noodles and rice, stews and casseroles, meat and fish, vegetables, sweets, and drinks. From Cream of Potato Soup; Cheese Pudding; Baked Creole Rice; and Tamale Pie; to Swedish Meat Balls; Baked Squaw Corn; Tomatoes in batter; and Coconut Macaroons, "The Farmer's Wife Comfort Food Cookbook" offers a wealth of culinary delights suitable for any and every family dining occasion. Designed so it can lay out flat on a kitchen counter or table, "The Farmer's Wife Comfort Food Cookbook" is enhanced with black-and-white photos, period menus, and publication dates for each featured recipes, making it a welcome and enthusiastically recommended addition to family and community library cookbook collections.

Lunch
Jody Vassallo
Thunder Bay Press
c/o Advantage Publishers Group
5880 Oberlin Drive, Suite 400, San Diego, CA 92121-0653
9781592238132, $12.95 www.thunderbaybooks.com 1-800-788-3123

Compiled by recipe writer and food stylist Jody Vassallo, "Lunch" is the latest addition to the Marie Claire cookbook series from Thunder Bay Press. Showcasing ninety-five lunch recipes, each of which is illustrated by a full-page color photograph of the finished dish, "Lunch" offers a culinary wealth of mouth-watering, appetite pleasing, gourmet quality recipes organized into chapters devoted to soups; pasta, noodles, and rice; seafood; poultry; meat; vegetables, and desserts. Of special note is the beginning section dedicated to 'Quick Ideas', a gallery of lovely photographs of quick and easy offerings that range from thickly sliced Turkish pide bread with olive tapenade and springs of thyme, to crunch grissini served with guava juice and soda., to a scoop of ice cream in a chocolate waffle cone pressed with gold leaf. An elegant yet thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly' compendium of wonderful dishes that would grace any luncheon table or special occasion, "Lunch" is an enthusiastically recommended and inexpensive addition to personal, family, and community library cookbook collections.

Acadian Plantation Country Cookbook
Anne Butler
Pelican Publishing Company
1000 Burmaster Street, Gretna, LA 70053-2246
9781589804623, $25.00 www.pelicanpub.com 1-800-843-1724

Inspired by the culinary traditions of southern Louisiana's beautiful plantations along the Atchafalaya Basin country, the "Acadian Plantation Country Cookbook" is a compilation of superbly presented recipes selected and compiled by bed and breakfast operator Anne Butler whose B&B is located on her family homestead in the historic Butler Greenwood Plantation -- which has been in her family since the 1790s. Therefore Anne brings to bear a very special expertise with recipes ranging from Smothering Beef -- Cajun Style; Louisiana Grits Bread; Crawfish Gumbo; and Jim Bowie's Hush Puppies; to Fried Alligator; Chretien Point Plantation Praline French Toast; Cajun Classic Boudin; and Richard's Smoked Sausage Jambalaya. The recipes are organized according to the plantation they are associated with and interspersed in an informative text and historic photographs illustrating each particular plantation whose cuisine is being showcased. An elegant tribute to Louisiana's culinary traditions, Anne Bulter's "Acadian Plantation Country Cookbook" is a highly prized and recommended addition to family and community library cookbook collections.

Publications International
7373 North Cicero Avenue, Lincolnwood, IL 60712
www.amazon.com 1-847-676-3470

Publications International has published an impressive series of 'brand name cookbooks'. A brand-name cookbook is a cookbook that takes as its theme a particular corporate brand name and the recipes it contains incorporate or feature that company's particular line of products. This new series of distinctive cookbooks includes "Campbell's Casseroles" (9781412725873) featuring recipes using as their base the Campbell soup company's various products. "Jell-O Favorite Deserts" (9781412725897); "Ortega Mexican Fiesta" (9781412725774); and "Land O Lakes Recipe Collection" (9781412726221) likewise are compilations of recipes showcasing these brand name food companies various products as ingredients for their respective recipe collections. "Rival Crock Pot Slow Cooker Recipes" (9781412721837) and "Reynolds Cooking With Foil" offer recipes that are prepared using a Rival brand crockpot or Reynolds Wrap aluminum foil respectively. The last two titles in this outstanding and novel series are the "Cookie Cookbook" and "The Pizza Cookbook" where recipes calling for a brand name ingredient are identified by a colorful picture of the brand name bottle or package of that particular ingredient. Each of these highly recommended additions to any family cookbook collection are printed on stiff paper and resemble grown-up versions of a preschooler's board book. Every dish is illustrated in full color and virtually all the step-by-step recipes are thoroughly 'kitchen cook friendly', resulting in dishes that will please any palate and satisfy any appetite.

Cajun And Creole Cooking With Miss Edie And The Colonel
Edie Hand & Col. William G. Paul
Cumberland House Publishing
431 Harding Industrial Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37211
9781581826173, $22.95 www.cumberlandhouse.com 1-888-439-2665

Louisiana's culinary traditions are rooted in ethnic influences provided by the French, Spanish, Italian, African, and Native American elements of its history. The result are the very special culinary categories of Cajun and Creole cuisines. Edie Hand, in collaboration with William G. Paul, have compiled 150 authentic regional recipes, as well as an historical survey of significant events in Louisiana culinary history and the unique cultural food customs of the region in "Cajun And Creole Cooking With Miss Edie And The Colonel". the recipes include classic sauces, breakfast dishes, appetizers, dips, soups and gumbos, entrees, vegetables, and desserts ranging from Cajun/Creole Seafood Dip; Creole Mayonnaise; Cajun Sauce Piquant; and New Orleans Creole Jambalaya; to Creole Zucchini and Tomatoes; Cajun Fried Chicken; Creole Shrimp and Crab Meat Quiche; and Cajun Syrup Cake. Of special note is the appendices featuring Cajun/Creole Resources; Cajun and Creole Restaurants, Nightclubs, and Dance Halls; Famous Festivals of Louisiana; Tables, Measurements, and Equivalents; a Selected Bibliography; Historical Louisiana Cookbook References, an Index, and 'Colonel Paul's Seasoning Blend'. "Cajun And Creole Cooking With Miss Edie And The Colonel" is a welcome and recommended addition to personal, family, and community library cookbook collections.


The Antiques/Collectibles Shelf

Mego 8" Super-Heroes: World's Greatest Toys
Benjamin Holcomb
TwoMorrows Publishing
10407 Bedfordtown Drive, Raleigh, NC 27614
9781893905825, $49.95 www.twomorrows.com 1-919-449-0344

"Mego 8" Super-Heroes: World's Greatest Toys" is a detailed, 256-page survey of the Mego toy company and their extraordinary line of super-hero action figures that dominated the toy industry in the 1970s. Profusely illustrated with thousands of charts, checklists and color photographs, "Mego 8" Super-Heroes: World's Greatest Toys" offers a chronological history of Mego, interviews with former employees and Mego vendors, and comprises a definitive guide to Mego that will prove to be indispensable for dealers and collectors of Mego super-hero action figures, and is a highly recommended addition to academic and community library 20th Century American Popular Culture reference collections.

Collector Books
Box 3009, Paducah, KY 42002-3009
www.collectorbooks.com

THE OFFICIAL PRECIOUS MOMENTS COLLECTORS' GUIDE TO FIGURINES, 3rd EDITION (9781574325690, $19.95) by John & Malinda Bomm pairs small color photos of figurines with prices, notes on retirement dates, and offers small areas where notes can be made by collectors as they acquire figurines. While these spaces may not lend to library circulation, they do make it a snap for individual collectors to organize notes easily in one place for at-a-glance information. David Longest's COLLECTING DISNEYANA: IDENTIFICATION & VALUE GUIDE (9781574325607, $29.95) will prove an exciting, popular pick for any library catering to Disney collectors. Color photos pack a survey of early to later Disney items, from films and books to figurines, packing in notes on collectible items and their prices. J. Michael Augustyniak's COLLECTOR'S ENCYCLOPEDIA OF BARBIE DOLL COLLECTOR'S EDITIONS 2008 (9781574325584, $29.95) is a 'must' for any Barbie collector or any collection catering to doll collectors. It packs its pages with the latest values and updated color photos, including descriptions, notes on special collections and Barbie attributes, and more. If only one Barbie doll collector's comprehensive reference were acquired for a general lending library, it should be this one.

Asian Ivory
Jeffrey B. Snyder
Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310
9780764327285, $79.95 www.schifferbooks.com

Carved ivory from Asia, particular from China and Japan, has long been highly prized by European and American collectors and are a staple of regional and national art museums around the world. "Asian Ivory" by antiques expert Jeffrey B. Snyder concentrates on nineteenth and early twentieth century ivory carvings, along with brush holders and wrist rests for scholars, cricket cages, card cases, match holders, sword hilts, and sword scabbards. Enhanced with more than six hundred full color photographs showcasing magnificent examples, the informed and informative text provides an historical overview and history of the ivory trade, laced with quotations of nineteenth century European travelers and their encounters with Japanese ivory carvers and merchants. The inclusion of folk tales provides fascinating insights into the figural characters carved in ivory and the beliefs they personified for their carvers. A superb reference work of impeccable scholarship, "Asian Ivory" will be of immense interest to collectors and dealers of Asian ivory, and is highly recommended for non-specialist general readers with an interest in Asian culture in general, and ivory carvings in particular.

Warman's Sporting Collectibles
Russell E. Lewis
Krause Publications
c/o F&W Publications
700 East State Street, Iola, WI 54990-0001
9780896895638, $24.99 www.fwpublications.com 1-800-726-9966

Warman's is a very respected name in the field of antique and collectibles identification and price guides. "Warman's Sporting Collectibles" focuses upon hunting and fishing-related collectibles from duck decoys to fishing lures, from rods and reels to shot shell boxes, from advertising materials to postage stamps. Enhanced with more than one thousand color photos, "Warman's Sporting Collectibles" also features alerts for possible fakes for each type of collectible, includes essential identification and pricing details, and offers invaluable, practical collecting advice that will be of particular interest for the novice collector. A very highly recommended reference for collectors and dealers in sporting memorabilia and antiques, "Warman's Sporting Collectibles" is an essential, core addition to personal, professional, and community library Antiques/Collectibles reference collections.


The Pets/Wildlife Shelf

National Geographic Birding Essentials
Jonathan Alderfer and Jon L. Dunn
National Geographic
1145 - 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036-4688
9781426201356 $15.95 www.nationalgeographic.com

Beginners new to birding who want a simple overview of identification techniques and observation plans will find BIRDING ESSENTIALS the perfect starting place. It offers both beginners and elementary-level birders the tools to better their observations, and pairs fine color photos of common birds with tips such as understanding variations in bird color, key identification factors, parts of a bird, and much more. General-interest collections will find it a popular lend.

Bats in Forests
Michael J. Lacki, John P. Hayes and Allen Kurta, Editors
Johns Hopkins University Press
2715 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21218
0801884993 $85.00 www.press.jhu.edu

BATS IN FORESTS: CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT is a pick for any college-level library strong in natural history and conservation issues and offers a narrowed environmental focus on forest bats. Bats in caves are the common focus, but more than half of bat species in North America depend upon and uses forests for roosting, so forest health is essential to bat conservation, and this in-depth coverage of both will prove a key reference for any collection strong in ecology issues in general and bat conservation in particular.

Seasons Of The Horse
Jackie Budd
T.F.H. Publications
1 TFH Plaza, 3rd & Union Avenue, Neptune City, NJ 07753
9780793806119, $29.95 www.tfh.com 1-800-631-2188

Beautifully illustrated throughout with color photography, "Seasons Of The Horse: A Practical Guide To Year-Round Equine Care" by horse owner, trainer, and professional competitor Jackie Budd is a 272-page compendium of basic information pertaining to all aspects of proper care and management for both staple-kept and field-kept horses throughout every season of the year. "Seasons Of The Horse" will reveal to novice horse enthusiasts how horses think, how their natural behavior is affected by the way they are cared for, and how their performance and their relationship with their rider can be enhanced for the benefit of both. Beginning with an opening section of four chapters dealing with lifestyle options, the principles of feeding, routine health care, and year-round health conditions, "Seasons Of The Horse" goes on to cover carrying for the horse in the conditions of Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. All aspects of caring for the horse at all given points of the year are addressed including pasture management, summer riding, the cost involved, grooming the field-kept horse, and so much more. If you own a horse, or if you are contemplating horse ownership, "Seasons Of The Horse" should be considered mandatory reading and a core addition to personal and community library Pet & Wildlife reference collections in general, and Horse Care reference collections in particular. Also very highly recommended from TFH Publications (a premier publisher of animal care books) are two other titles for horse owners and riders: Elizabeth Iliff's "Good Horsekeeping: A Comprehensive Guide To All Things Equine" and Sharon Foley's Getting To Yes: Clicker Training for Improved Horsemanship".

Unleashed
Lisa Wogan
Skipstone
c/o The Mountaineers Books
1001 SW Klickitat Way, Suite 201, Seattle, WA 98134-1161
www.mountaineersbooks.org 1-800-553-4453
9781594850363, $16.95 www.skipstonepress.org

Illustrated throughout with gorgeous color photography, Unleashed: Climbing Canines, Hiking Hounds, Fishing Fidos, and Other Daring Dogs is a book for dog lovers ages seven to seventy (in human years, that is!). From a floppy-eared German shepherd who accompanies his owner snowshoe hiking or on cross-country ski tours, to a golden retriever who loves windsurfing, to a boulder-climbing pug, the cross-range of passionate active canines is sure to surprise and delight. Every two pages features a brief description of the individual man's (or woman's) best friend and stunning photographic imagery. A real treat for pet lovers and a source of ideas for anyone considering new ways to enjoy physical activity with their pet dogs.


The Architecture Shelf

The Buildings Of Frank Lloyd Wright At Florida Southern College
Randall M. MacDonald, et al.
Arcadia Publishing
420 Wando Park Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
9780738552798, $19.99 www.arcadiapublishing.com

The collaborative work of Randall M. MacDonald (Interim Director of Roux Library at Florida Southern College), Nora E. Galbraith (Florida Southern College librarian), and James G. Rogers Jr. (Professor of Art and Art History at Florida Southern College and an expert in Wright-designed buildings, "The Buildings Of Frank Lloyd Wright At Florida Southern College" focuses on what is the largest single-site collection of the famed (and controversial) American architect's unique structures. Profusely illustrated with black-and-white photography throughout, "The Buildings Of Frank Lloyd Wright At Florida Southern College" displays Wright's geographic and other thematic elements which he combined and recombined in ongoing visually harmonic three-dimensional iterations. Featuring vintage images of Wright's building construction that was to span more than twenty years of his career, "The Buildings Of Frank Lloyd Wright At Florida Southern College" is a unique and highly prized contribution to professional, and academic Architectural Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists for non-specialist general readers with an interest in the life and work of Frank Lloyd Wright. Also very highly recommended from Arcadia Publishing is "Postcards Of America: The Buildings Of Frank Lloyd Wright At Florida Southern College" (9780738525112, $9.99) which is a compendium of fifteen historic picture postcards, each of which showcases a black-and-white image and can be detached and used as a postcard through the U.S. mails.

Renovating & Restyling Vintage Homes
Lawrence Dworin
Craftsman Book Company
6058 Corte del Cedro , Carlsbad, CA 92009
1572180293, $33.50 www.craftsman-book.com 1-800-829-8123

Simply stated, the key to profitable renovation of old homes is knowing what to restore and what to replace. "Renovating & Restyling Vintage Homes" by remodeling and house renovation expert Lawrence Dworin (who draws upon his more than thirty years of experience and expertise in the field) provides professionals (as well as do-it-yourself enthusiasts) with a compendium of tips, tricks and techniques for restoring or fabricating interior and exterior design elements that make Victorian and Craftsman houses truly exceptional works of architectural style and interior design excellence. Readers will learn the technique of maximum value remodeling, the enormous potential available in the older home market (even in the real estate slump as is currently underway), how to profit through a vintage home rehabilitation, enhance the profit margin for a successful renovation, and create a sustained business reputation for competence and excellence within the vintage home remodeling marketplace. Anyone seeking to establishing themselves as career a vintage home restorer should have a copy of Lawrence Dworin's instructively informative "Renovating & Restyling Vintage Homes" on their professional reference shelf.

The Great Country Houses Of Poland
Lord Michael Pratt & Gerhard Trumler
Abbeville Press
137 Varick Street, Suite 504, New York, NY 10019-1105
9780789208903, $39.95 www.abbeville.com 1-800-343-4499

Part of the outstanding Abbeville Press 'Great Country Houses' series, "The Great Country House Of Poland" combines the informed and informative text by Lord Michael Pratt with the stunningly beautiful photography of Gerhard Trumler to showcase some of Poland's magnificent estates located in picturesque valleys and alongside river systems. Included are representative examples of the manor houses and medieval castles that were built, occupied, and remodeled by the Polish aristocracy. Of special note and interest are the full color photography of architectural details. "The Great Country Houses Of Poland" concludes with a house-by-house survey describing and commenting on restorations (or the lack thereof) of the featured estates as they exist today. Also very highly recommended for both academic and community library Architectural Studies reference collections are the two other titles in this impressive series by Lord Michael Pratt and Gerhard Trumler: "The Great Country Houses Of Hungary" (9780789208934, $39.95) and "The Great Country Houses Of The Czech Republic And Slovakia" (9780789208934, $39.95).

Ultramodern Samuel Marx
Liz O'Brien
Pointed Leaf Press
1100 Madison Avenue, Suite 3A, New York, NY 10028
0977787524, $95.00 www.pointedleafpress.com

Samuel Abraham Marx was an architect, furniture designer, connoisseur, and collector who worked during the early decades of the 20th century. Profusely illustrated with more than 200 images, "Ultramodern Samuel Marx: Architect, Designer, Art Collector" by Liz O'Brien (a decorative arts dealer specializing in modern design) is the first monograph of a once relatively obscure by nowadays increasingly influential American designer. "Ultramodern Samuel Marx" is the product of ten years of research and includes many of his undiscovered projects, including houses that he designed but which have been razed (despite preservationist protest) as well as his unique furniture designs. Properly providing context to his place in the history of twentieth century architecture and design, "Ultramodern Samuel Marx" is an informed and informative showcase of a remarkable talent whose hallmark was to so skillfully combine architecture and furniture designs so that they complemented and supported each other both esthetically and functionally. A superb and insightful introduction, "Ultramodern Samuel Marx" is a very strongly recommended addition to personal, professional, academic, and community library American Architecture reference collections and supplemental reading lists.


The Gaming Shelf

Starting Out: Classical Sicilian
Alexander Raetsky & Maxim Chetverik
Everyman Chess
c/o The Globe Pequot Press
PO Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437
9781857445374, $24.95 www.everymanchess.com 1-800-243-0495

In the game of chess, the opening move is always with White. The Classical Sicilian is one of the most popular Black opening responses to White and has been the preferred opening for such luminary players as Vladimir Kramnik, Alexei Shirov and Vishy Anand. White has a variety of defensive moves to the Classical Sicilian opening that range from Bobby Fischer's Sozin Attack to the often utilized Richter-Rauzer Attack. In "Starting Out: Classical Sicilian", chess masters Alexander Raetsky and Maxim Chetverik collaborate to provide novice players with an instructive survey and tutorial in its uses by elaborating on critically important early moves and plans for Black when employing it and White when defending against it. All the main lines are thoroughly covered and provide clear, step-by-step explanations of the fundamentals of Classical Sicilian, along with copious notes, tips and warnings with respect to the ideas and concepts that underlay it. A thoroughly 'user friendly' how-to manual, "Starting Out: Classical Sicilian" is a core addition to all personal or community library chess reference collections..

Vertical, Inc.
1185 Avenue Of The Americas, 32nd floor, NY, NY 10036
www.vertical-inc.com 1-212-730-5047

Sudoku is a Japanese polymath logic game that has become enormously popular with Americans. Laid out in squares similar to crossword puzzles, the object is to determine numerical sequences that fit the patterns presented. Vertical is a premier publisher of Sudoku puzzle collections that will provide hours (even days) of fun and challenge for both the novice Sudoku player as well as the more experienced Sudoku enthusiast. Three of their outstanding and highly recommended collections are Sudoku expert and world champion Tetsuya Nishio's "Higher Sudoku: New Variations From Japan" (9781932234305, $9.95) and "Even Higher Sudoku: More Challenges From The Master" (9781932234770, $9.95). Also highly recommended for logic puzzle fans are their impressive collections "More O'Ekaki: Paint By Numbers From Its Inventor" (9781932234763, $9.95) and Kenji Onishi's "O'Ekaki: Pain by Sudoku (9781932234312, $9.95) where the completion of the puzzle results in a distinctive image. Dedicated Sudoku and O'Ekaki players would be well advised to visit the Vertical Inc. website at www.vertical-inc.com for a complete listing of their available and forthcoming puzzle books.


The Automotive Shelf

Westwood: Everyone's Favorite Racing Circuit
Tom Johnston
Granville Island Publishing
212-1656 Duranleau, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6H 3S4
189469449X $54.95 www.granvilleislandpublishing.com

There have been over 600 automobile roadracing tracks in North America since racing began 100 years ago: Westwood was different from the rest, having been built, owned and operated by the racers themselves, who formed a club to acquire a site in the BC mountains on a limited budget - and evolved one of the four best tracks in the world. Color photos supplement vintage illustrations throughout in a captivating history perfect for any library specializing in race car history.

VW Beetle: Specifications Guide 1949-1967
James Richardson
The Crowood Press/Motorbooks
an imprint of Quayside Publishing Group
400 1st Avenue North, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55401
9781861269409, $34.95 www.mbipublishing.com 1-800-458-0454

The German compact care took the American automotive marketplace by storm and for almost two decades took increasing marketplace shares from the American automotive companies including GM, Ford and Chrysler who were slow to realize the demand for simple, fuel-efficient cars. VW's (affectionately referred to as Beetles by their owners and the general public) had as one of the main selling points the continuity of their basic design from year to year. Yet there were subtle changes in their make-up. James Richardson's "VW Beetle: Specifications Guide 1949-1967" is a comprehensive and informative guide to VW paint and trim colors, covers all the 6-volt cars, model-year by model-year specifications changes, details of Beetle export and cars built outside of Germany, explanations of vehicle codes, Beetle history, Beetle production details, documentation of Beetle-based conversions, and a full listing of factory-fitted optional equipment. Very nicely enhanced with the inclusion of more than 350 full-color photographs, a bibliography, and an index, the "VW Beetle: Specifications Guide 1949-1967" is a core addition to professional and academic library Automotive History reference collections and informative reading for the legions of VW Beetle fans and enthusiasts!


The Art Shelf

The Fine Art of Anthony M. Alonso
Eclipse Press
c/o Blood-Horse Publications
PO Box 919003, Lexington, KY 40591-9003
9781581501728 $50.00 www.eclipsepress.com 1-800-582-5604

Anthony Alonso has been painting thoroughbred racing horses since the 1970s, documenting their racetrack battles, so any collection strong in horse books or horse racing titles needs THE FINE ART OF ANTHONY M. ALONSO, which profiles his work and packs in over 150 paintings. It's the first to compile his work, and provides his paintings in a full-page, oversized presentation complete with gilt edging worthy of gift-giving.

Licensing Art 101, 3rd Edition
Michael Woodward
Art Network
Box 1360, Nevada City, CA 95959-1360
9780940899841 $19.95 www.artmarketing.com

This guide to the licensing and publishing industry is essential not only to practicing artists but any serious collection catering to them. It covers all the basics of the licensing and publishing industry, from reproduction rights to manufacturers and publishers of calendars, posters and all kinds of art, offering the special knowledge on fees, marketing and exhibiting in trade shows, and accompanying this with 300 contacts for agents and all kinds of art publishers. It's a 'must' for any serious artist!

Seduced: Art & Sex From Antiquity to Now
Marina Wallace, Martin Kem and Joanne Bernstein
Merrell Publishers Limited
740 Broadway, Suite 1202, New York, NY 10003
9781858944166, $49.95 www.merrellpublishers.com

This survey of sex in art spans some 2000 years and considers the boundaries between art and pornography as it probes sexually explicit works and accompanies a London gallery exhibition on the subject. College-level art libraries will relish this stand-alone catalog, which holds works and discussions of over 70 artists and historical figures and examines history, culture and artistic considerations alike. Color and black and white illustrations abound.

Hudson Hills Press
3556 Main Street, Manchester, VT 05254
www.hudsonhills.com

Charles M. Carrillo, Ph.D. and Thomas J. Steele, SJ's A CENTURY OF RETABLOS: THE JANIS AND DENNIS LYON COLLECTION OF NEW MEXICAN SANTOS, 1780-1880 (1555952739, $60.00) provides an excellent tradition of fine religious painting, documenting a movement which flourished in New Mexico during its years before statehood. The collection of Janis and Dennis Lyon here receive public inspection for the first time under one cover, providing an excellent catalog of one of the finest collections of retablos in the world, and making for a top recommendation not only for art libraries, but for religious holdings as well. EARTHSCAPTURE: THE ART OF SETSUO ITO (155595281X, $65.00) is also a strong pick for Southwest library collections: it blends this with his Japanese culture to create a new form of autobiographical art, Earthscapture, which provides sculpture blending materials from plastic resin to mortar and seashells, effectively blending earth and art together. Full-page color photos catalog this achievement in a fine recommendation for any art library. Cecile Giorire and Daniel Roger's ROMAN ART FROM THE LOUVRE (1555952836, $65.00) covers the Roman art works at the Louvre, a huge collection of objects, and accompanies a traveling exhibition organized by the Louvre. Any in-depth art library specializing in antiquities will appreciate the detail, which blends photos of each piece with extensive background history covering both artistic focus and developments and general historical background. The scholarship is exquisite: any college-level collection strong in Roman history or art will relish it.

Italian Frescoes: The Baroque Era, 1600-1800
Steffi Roettgen
Abbeville Press
137 Varick Street, Suite 504, New York, NY 10019-1105
9780789209436, $135.00 www.abbeville.com 1-800-343-4499

Currently associated with the Art History Institute in Florence, Italy, Steffi Roettgen brings to bear an impressive level of expertise to this compendium of informed commentary and stunning examples of Italian art masterpieces in "Italian Frescoes: The Baroque Era, 1600-1800". Beautifully enhanced with the photography of Antonio Quattrone and Ghigo Roli, this 440-page coffee-table book features 330 illustrations of which 260 are in full color -- including lavish full- and double-page color plates, many of which feature recently restored frescoes. "Italian Frescoes: Baroque Era, 1600-1800" celebrates and provides historical context for twenty-five fresco cycles, each of which represents a notable achievement in the history of Italian art. Represented are masterworks by such luminaries as Domenichino, Sabastiano Ricci, Guercino, and Tiepolo. Their works of art still visible today on the walls and ceilings of palaces and churches from Venice to Naples to Rome. The concluding volume of the simply outstanding five volume series on Italian fresco art published by the Abbeville Press, "Italian Frescoes: The Baroque Era, 1600-1800" is an impressive, important and very strongly recommended addition to personal, academic, and community library Art History reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

Charles M. Russell
B. Byron Price, editor
University of Oklahoma Press
2800 Venture Drive, Norman, OK 73069
9780806138367, $125.00 www.oupress.com 1-800-627-7377

Deftly compiled and edited by B. Byron Price (Director of the University of Oklahoma Press, as well as Director of the Charles M. Russell Center and Charles Marion Russell Chair of Art History, University of Oklahoma), "Charles M. Russell: A Catalogue Raisonne" is a superb collection of paintings, sketches, sculptures, illustrated letters, and stories by one of the finest artists ever to record images of the American West. Featuring more than 200 color and black-and-white reproductions of Russell's most famous works, "Charles M. Russell: A Catalogue Raisonne" includes informed and informative essays by Brian W. Dippie (Professor of History, University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada); Peter H. Hassrick (Director o the Institute of Western American Art, Denver Museum of Art); Rick Stewart (Senior Curator of Western Paintings and Sculpture, The Amon Carter Museum, Forth Worth, Texas); historian and actor Raphael J. Cristy; collector and Russell authority Ginger K. Renner; and B. Byron Price. A core addition to personal, academic, and community library American Art History reference collections, "Charles M. Russell: A Catalogue Raisonne" is especially recommended to the attention of scholars, collectors, curators, art dealers, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the life and work of Charles M. Russell.


The Civil War Shelf

The Civil War's First Blood
James Denny & John Bradbury
University of Missouri Press
2910 LeMone Boulevard, Columbia, MO 65201
9780974934129, $29.95 www.umsystem.edu/upress 1-800-828-1894

James Denny is a historian with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. John Bradbury is Senior Manuscript Specialist at the Western Historical Manuscript Collection in Rolla, Missouri. Together these two experts have collaborative to write "The Civil War's First Blood: Missouri 1854-1861". Missouri was a border state that saw increasing conflict over the issues of states' rights and slavery during the 1850s that would result in divided loyalties between the North and the South among families, friends and neighbors resulting in confrontation and violence that would eventually erupt into open civil war. This is the story of a slave state surrounded by adjoining free states, of Governor Claiborne Jackson's advocacy of secessionism that failed to find support among a majority of Missouri's citizenry and lead to his being chased by U.S. forces directed by general Nathaniel Lyon and U.S. Representative Frank Blair -- men determined to secure Missouri for the Union. This is also the story of Kansas Jayhawkers raiding Missouri towns along the length of the Kansas-Missouri border, and of Confederate forces coming up from Arkansas but failing to establish a permanent influence in favor of the Southern cause. Profusely illustrated, "The Civil War's First Blood" is a fascinating and informative read, as well as a valued and recommended addition to personal, academic, and community library American Civil War reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

Hated Ideas And the American Civil War Press
Hazel Dicken-Garcia & Giovanna Dell'Orto
Marquette Books LLC
5915 South Regal Street, Suite B-118, Spokane, WA 99223
978092293888, $39.95 www.marquettebooks.com

Co-authored by Hazel Dicken-Garcia (Professor of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Minnesota) and journalism/free speech researcher Giovanna Dell'Orto, "Hated Ideas And the American Civil War Press" presents a detailed and comprehensive analysis of newspaper coverage of such controversial subjects as abolitionism and slavery during the period of the American Civil War. The basic findings are that the Civil War conflict strengthened the idea of journalism's responsibility to the public, that newspaper editors often held eloquent free speech discussion, and that even opposition presses were sometimes defended under the ideals of free speech. Nevertheless, it was often the case that the principles of free speech and the tolerance for opposing ideas was not adhered to in the heat of events arising under wartime conditions. "Hated Ideas And the American Civil War Press" is a fascinating read that is an informed and informative as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking. A work of impressive and seminal scholarship that is especially commended reading for journalism students, free speech advocates, and Civil War buffs. Also available in a hardcover edition (9780922993895, $79.95), "Hated Ideas And the American Civil War Press" is a unique and highly recommended edition to personal, academic, and community library Civil War Studies reference collections and supplemental reading lists.

Women In The American Civil War
Lisa Tendrich Frank, editor
ABC-CLIO
PO Box 1911, Santa Barbara, CA 93116-1911
9781851096008, $195.00 www.abc-clio.com 1-800-368-6868

Compiled, organized and edited by Lisa Tendrich Frank, "Women In The American Civil War" is a two volume compendium focusing specifically on the women who played vital roles from the home front to the battlefield during the four years of the American civil war. Largely unknown, these women and their contributions are now showcased and presented for the benefit of scholars and civil war buffs with an interest in civil war history more than 300 alphabetically organized entries identify the individual women, their organizations, battles, and women's roles that are associated with all aspects of the civil war conflict. Featuring fourteen contextual essays covering the lives and experiences of women in both the North and the South, both slave and free, immediately prior to the outbreak of war, during the years of conflict, as well as after the Confederate defeat, "Women In The American Civil War" is further enhanced with contributions by more than one hundred experts in the field of civil war historical research, original documents (including letters and diary entries) that personalize the historical data; a detailed chronology of Civil war events while highlighting those particularly affecting women; and an extensive bibliography of primary and secondary sources. Thoroughly 'user friendly', "Women In The American Civil War" is a seminal and important contribution to the growing library of Civil War reference literature and an important, core addition to personal, professional, academic, and community library collections.


The Education Shelf

Building an Intentional School Culture
Charles F. Elbot and David Fulton
Corwin Press
2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320
9781412953788, $27.95 www.corwinpress.com

BUILDING AN INTENTIONAL SCHOOL CULTURE: EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMICS AND CHARACTER is based not on theory but on lessons learned from the authors' work in improving over sixty schools across the country: it blends case studies, strategies, and implementation plans for organizing and building such schools through teacher training programs, principal workshops, and more. From explorations of decision-making processes to school character, chapters provide plenty of practical, applied ideas especially useful for college-level education collections.

Tests that Teach
Karen Tankersley
ASCD
1703 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311-1714
9781416605799, $23.95 www.ascd.org 1-800-933-2723

Written in full awareness of the requirements imposed upon public schools by the No Child Left Behind Act, Tests that Teach: Using Standardized Tests to Improve Instruction is a resource designed to help educators enable students to perform to their fullest potential. Chapters discuss the types of questions that routinely appear upon standardized tests, sample multiple-choice and constructed-response questions, recommendations for creating daily lessons that encourage students to practice the skills and knowledge they will need for high-stakes tests, suggested world-lists and educational games, recommendations for a learning community that fosters collaboration among teachers and high performance in students, and much more. Author Karen Tankersley is a twenty-eight year veteran of public school service, who presents her extensive experience in reader-friendly plain terms. Highly recommended.

Math At Their Own Pace
Greg Nelson
Redleaf Press
10 Yorkton Court, St. Paul, MN 55117-1065
9781933653297, $29.95 www.redleafpress.org 1-800-423-8309

"Math At Their Own Pace: Child-Directed Activities For Developing Early Number Sens" by Greg Nelson (Professor of Early Childhood Education, Bridgewater State College, Bridgewater, Massachusetts) offers classroom teachers and home-schooling parents with a series of pre-designed, inexpensive activities to use with young children that will provide them with a broad range of fun and informative hands-on math experiences enabling them to learn how to solve problems creatively. The children will achieve an awareness of stable quantities and acquire counting skills to 10 and beyond, become able to recognize and write the numerals 0 through 9, and obtain a whole-part mathematical awareness. Enhanced with recommended ways to present these learning activities to children, and offering guidance on reacting to various student responses, plus customizing variations that tailor the activities to children's specific abilities and interest levels, "Math At Their Own Pace" will prove to be an invaluable and thoroughly 'user friendly' resource ideal for preschool and elementary school curriculums.

Supreme Court Decisions
Jeffrey D. Stocks
Prufrock Press
PO Box 8813, Waco, TX 76714-8813
9781593632977, $18.95 www.prufrock.com 1-800-998-2208

Specifically designed for use by students in grades 7 through 12, "Supreme Court Decisions: Scenarios, Simulations, and Activities for Understanding and Evaluating 14 Landmark Court Cases" by academician and curriculum developer Jeffrey D. Stocks introduces the United States Supreme Court and how it makes landmark decisions that has influenced and shaped American public life and government. Through the illustrative use of fourteen actual court cases ranging from Dred Scott v. Sanford that dealt with slavery, to Brown v. Board of Education that dealt with race-based discrimination in education, to Miranda v. Arizona that dealt with the rights of persons accused of crimes, "Supreme Court Decisions" will enable students to gain perspectives of Americans living during historical periods of time, how the United States Constitution has been interpreted to resolve matters in diverse and often complex social issues, how to make predictions and judge a case for themselves through the use of critical and creative thinking. "Supreme Court Decisions" is very strongly recommended for both classroom and home-schooling curriculums.

Social Studies for Social Justice
Rahima C. Wade
Teachers College Press
1234 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10027
9780807747629, $22.95 www.tcpress.com

Written by professor of elementary social studies Rahima C. Wade, Social Studies for Social Justice: Teaching Strategies for the Elementary Classroom is a guide to using social action and social justice activities in the elementary school classroom, the better to teach children about the value of getting involved. Chapters discuss practical undertakings as well as theories and ideals, covering how to create a socially just classroom community, valuable teaching strategies, the role of activism and community connections, and much more. "When community members enter the classroom to talk about their life experiences, students get a window into time periods and perspectives they might not have encountered otherwise. The mission of social studies education is to develop informed and active citizens and the practice of social justice work is one of the best means for reaching that goal." Highly recommended.

High School Students' Competing Social Worlds
Richard W. Beach, Amanda Haertling Thein, & Daryl Parks
Lawrence Erlbaum Associates
c/o Taylor & Francis Group
6000 Broken Sound Parkway NW, Suite 300, Boca Raton, FL 33487
0805858555, $29.95 www.taylorandfrancisgroup.com 1-800-272-7737

The collaborative work of academicians Richard W. Beach, Amanda Haertling Thein, and Daryl Parks, "High School Students' Competing Social Worlds: Negotiating Identities And Allegiances In Response To Multicultural Literature" focuses upon how working-class high school students identity construction is influenced, shaped and affected by discourses and cultural practices experienced in their classroom, school, family, sports, community, and workplaces. Of particular value for pre-service and in-services classroom teachers engaged in developing their own literature curriculum and instructional methods, "High School Students' Competing Social Worlds" shows how responding to the cultural differences in these diverse settings presents a set of challenges to teenage allegiances to 'status quo discourses and cultural models'. Also covered are means by where classroom teachers can motivate their students to clarify and alter their value stances with respect to issues of race, gender, and class, as well as providing support for (and validation of) their self-interrogation. Based on current theory and research, and utilizing case-study profiles and analysis of classroom discussion, "High School Students' Competing Social Worlds" is especially recommended and instructive reading for understanding the role of institutions in shaping adolescent identities and lives, as well as identifying the needs that must be addressed to improve those institutions.

MBA Admissions Strategy
A. V. Gordon, MBA
The McGraw Hill Companies
Two Penn Plaza, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10121-2298
9780335218905, $31.95 www.books.mcgraw-hill.com 1-877-833-5524

Business coach and Director of the MBA Admissions Studio (www.mbastudio.net) A.V. Gordon presents MBA Admissions Strategy: From Profile Building To Essay Writing, a step-by-step guide to creating a successful MBA application with particular emphasis on essay writing. Chapters cover how to present one's personal profile in an optimum light, what MBA admissions personnel are looking for in applicants, principles of better writing and much more. "Expect your readers to constantly be asking the pointed question, 'So what?' If you give them a fact, a story, an observation or any other piece of information, they will want to know: Why is this relevant? Why am I reading this about you? What understanding about you do I get form it? What am I learning about your growth, transition, development, experience or insight? Why does this advance your candidacy? It is your job to answer these 'so what's' by showing how each piece of your essay connects to you and your argument for an admissions ticket, and framing this, at least in part, in human resources and organizational behaviour terms." Highly recommended.


The Money/Finance Shelf

Your Complete Guide to Early Retirement
Sandy Baker
Atlantic Publishing Inc.
1405 SW 6th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471
9780910627931 $24.95 www.atlantic-pub.com

This step-by-step plan for early retirement offers in-depth advice on three key tips to early retirement: managing expenses and eliminating debt, accumulating capital, and investing it wisely. Chapters cover all the basics, from building a portfolio geared to these goals to handling inflation and considering income payments from social security and other sources. It's a 'must' for any general-interest lending library.

Paying for College
Trent Anderson and Seppy Basili
Kaplan Publishing
1 Liberty Plaza, 24th floor, New York, NY 10006
9781427796523, $18.00 www.kaplan.com 1-800-621-9621

Paying for College: Lowering the Cost of Higher Education is a book that literally pays for itself and then some. Guiding readers through the basics of college financial aid, making the most of one's money, navigating the process of applying for assistance, calculating one's need, evaluating aid packages, and much more, Paying for College uses easy-to-follow language and step-by-step how-to instructions to simply a complex process. A wealth of additional resources, including a website reference list, EFC worksheets, and sample appeal letters round out this "must-have" for every college applicant who isn't independently wealthy!


The Jobs/Careers Shelf

How to Start and Operate Your Own Design Firm
Albert W. Rubeling Jr.
Allworth Press
10 East 23rd Street, New York NY 10010
1581154747 $24.95 www.allworth.com

Any interior designer or architect who has dreamed of operating a design firm needs the second updated edition of this classic which covers all the basics of establishing such a business, from developing a plan and financing an office to setting fees, locating clients and marketing design services. Both general and design firm-specific tips are blended together making this an invaluable guide for any collection catering to businesspeople or designers alike.

The Graphic Designer's Guide to Better Business Writing
Barbara Janoff and Ruth Cash-Smith
Allworth Press
10 East 23rd Street, Suite 510, New York NY 10010
1581154720 $19.95 www.allworth.com

The Graphic Designer's Guide to Better Business Writing could've been featured in our Business Books section, but is reviewed here for its importance to art libraries with graphic designer clients. Authors experienced in the business here provide tools to excel as business communicators, a key element to the successful graphic designer's business. From the basics of writing a resume or cover letter to landing accounts and conducting client research, The Graphic Designer's Guide to Better Business Writing offers an excellent set of tips for designers at all levels of their career.

30 Day Job Promotion
Susan Britton Whitcomb
JIST Publishing
8902 Otis Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46216-1033
9781593574475, $8.95 1-800-648-5478

Certified Career Management Coach and Nationally Certified Resume Writer Susan Britton Whitcomb presents 30 Day Job Promotion: Build a Powerful Promotion Plan in a Month, a no-nonsense guide to earning a promotion. From choosing the optimal time to begin one's promotion campaign, to learning how to respectfully demonstrate one's value to one's employer with proof of performance, to proven scripts for asking for a raise, to negotiating the best salary possible, and much more, 30 Day Job Promotion is packed cover to cover with useful tips, tricks, and techniques. 30 Day Job Promotion is also a consumable book, with blank lines for the reader to write down how he or she is doing. An excellent, user-friendly tool to improving one's career station. "It's all about value. To effectively negotiate an increase in salary, you must first understand your value... If necessary, speak in generalities, such as, 'I'm confident if you check the numbers you will find that significant progress was achieved.'"

150 Best Jobs Through Military Training
The Editors at JIST and Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D.
JIST Publishing
8902 Otis Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46216-1033
9781593574628, $19.95 www.jist.com 1-800-648-5478

Part of JIST's "Best Jobs" series, 150 Best Jobs Through Military Training is a no-nonsense listing of 150 and 75 military job descriptions. Sorting the "best jobs" into best pay, fastest growth, and most openings, and grounding its recommendations firmly in the latest government data, 150 Best Jobs Through Military Training devotes roughly a page or more to each job entry, with a wealth of additional, more general information concerning possible career paths. Figures tell the reader at a glance the average annual earnings, growth rate, annual job openings, percent of self-employed workers, and percent of part-time workers for each job. An easy-to-use guide enthusiastically recommended for anyone serving in the military.


The Literary Shelf

Kindred Specters
Christopher Peterson
University of Minnesota Press
111 Third Avenue South, Suite 290, Minneapolis, MN 55401-2520
9780816649846, $22.50 www.upress.umn.edu

Christopher Peterson (Visiting Assistant Professor of Literature, Claremont McKenna College, California) presents Kindred Specters: Death, Mourning, and American Affinity, an in-depth exploration of the themes of death, mourning, and violence as well as how they affect kinship relations in literary works such as Charles Chesnutt's "The Conjure Woman" and William Faulkner's "Absalom, Absalom!" Focusing specifically on American culture, Kindred Specters observes how non-normative forms of kinship (including interracial relationships and the fairly recent issue of gay marriage) have been relentlessly condemned to the extent that the abstract concept of death is projected upon and associated with them. Calling for the need to become aware of the mortality and mourning that form a cornerstone of all kinship relations, rather than unconsciously deny, extrude, and project fear and death upon "others" at every opportunity, Kindred Specters is a thought-provoking and rewarding philosophical discussion.


The Buddhist Studies Shelf

The Legend of Mahaduta
Buddhist Text Translation Society
1777 Murchison Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010-4504
9780881397628, $9.95 www.drba.org

Despite its brightly colored, cartoon-like illustrations, The Legend of Mahaduta is not a children's picturebook; it is the faithful translation of an ancient Buddhist cautionary tale by the Buddhist Text Translation Society. Each two-page spread consists of storytelling text on the left, and a vibrant, aesthetically pleasing illustration on the right. Suitable for readers age eight to eighty and beyond, The Legend of Mahaduta follows the central theme that karma is inescapable - bad deeds bring about suffering to the doer as well as to the unfortunate recipient, and that suffering haunts the doer from lifetime to lifetime. Yet it is possible to break the chain of suffering perpetuated by bad deeds through enlightening one's thoughts and performing good deeds, as the Buddha himself showed. The bilingual Spanish and English text is straightforward and readily accessible to readers of all backgrounds; though the story speaks of serious topics such as cruelty, violence, death, and even suffering in hell, The Legend of Mahaduta is not gruesome in its verbal or visual descriptions - the focus is upon the moral of the story, not graphic shock value. Highly recommended as an easy-to-follow rendition of timeless classic spiritual wisdom.


The Psychology Shelf

The Mindful Brain
Daniel J. Siegel
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
039370470X $26.95 www.wwnorton.com

THE MINDFUL BRAIN: REFLECTION AND ATTUNEMENT IN THE CULTIVATION OF WELL-BEING comes from a scientist, psychiatrist, educator and leader in mental health who explores here what it means to be 'mindfully aware'. While mindfulness has often been a term associated with spirituality, it here is considered from a psychology viewpoint, making THE MINDFUL BRAIN an excellent pick for college-level psychology collections. The blend of science and practice surveys brain function and how empathy and understanding are fostered.

Handbook Of Motivational Science
James Y. Shah & Wendi L. Gardner
Guilford Publications, Inc.
72 Spring Street , New York, NY 10012
9781593855680, $85.00 www.guilford.com 1-800-365-7006

Expertly compiled and deftly co-edited by James A. Shah (Associate Professor of Psychology and Marketing, Duke University) and Wendi L. Gardner (Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, Northwestern University), "Handbook Of Motivational Science" is a 638-page compendium featuring thirty-nine articles covering diverse aspects of motivational psychology contributed by expert and experienced academicians, researchers and practitioners in the field. Beginning an historical perspective in the form of Susan T. Fiske's 'Core Social Motivations: View from the Couch, Consciousness, Classroom, Computers, and Collectibles", this outstanding and seminal contribution continues with essays and articles on the many forms and systems of motivation including 'Belongingness Motivation: A Mainspring of Social Action" by Mark R. Leary and Cody B. Cos; motivational systems including 'The Neuroevolution of Motivation' by Gary G. Berntson and John t. Cacioppo; as well as critical contributions to motivational processes and differences, as well as applications of motivational research. A seminal contribution to the growing library of information and data on motivational research, "Handbook Of Motivational Science" is an impressive body of scholarship and a core addition to any substantive academic library reference collection and Psychological Studies supplemental reading list.


The Fantasy/SciFi Shelf

Dzur
Steven Brust
Forge
c/o Tor Books
1403 Flatiron Building, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010
9780765341549, $6.99 www.tor.com 1-888-330-8477

Now in an affordable paperback edition, Dzur is the latest in the Vlad Taltos fantasy series following the renegade assassin Vlad and his wisecracking reptilian familiar Loiosh. In Dzur, Vlad has returned home after battling virtual gods, only to find his wife in trouble with an all-female organized crime cartel! The Left Hand of the Jhereg are women who specialize in illegal sorcery, and they've set their sights on controlling the portion of the Empire's capital city where the Easterners (human beings) live. Vlad already has the (mostly) male Right Hand of the Jhereg out to literally destroy his soul; even armed with a legendary Great Weapon, Vlad has no chance of taking on both Jhereg organizations without help. Fortunately, Vlad has friends. His newest acquaintance belongs to the House Dzur, known for ferocity, heroism, and charging recklessly into deadly situations! Part intrigue, part action-adventure, Dzur is a worthy addition to the series yet equally enjoyable as a stand-alone title. Highly recommended especially for fantasy action/adventure enthusiasts.

Darwin's Paradox
Nina Munteanu
Edge Publishing
Box 1714, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2L7, Canada
9781896944685, $19.95 www.edgewebsite.com

An intelligent virus and an intelligent machine conspire to sieve North America's largest city, then spread world chaos - and the only woman who can save humanity is the one who began the virus. Her return to the city she once fled will lead to a different kind of revolution in this involving story of change, perfect for any collection appealing to avid science fiction readers.

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

Eric Flint and Virginia DeMarce's 1634: THE BAVARIAN CRISIS (1416542531, $26.00) tells of a 30 years war which continues to ravage 17th century Europe, and of transplants from the 20th century's West Virginia who, led by Mike Stearns, participate in a battle which can be won by 20th century technology - if modern materials can be found to build the inventions to rescue their forces. Military confrontation abounds in an exciting story. Andre Norton's STAR FLIGHT (1416555064, $24.00) tells of a hunted man whose brother is murdered for covert activities as a scientist in a world where scientists are blamed for the global war that destroyed mankind. It's a part of THE STARS ARE OURS and STAR BORN and represents their first combined publication under one cover. Travis S. Taylor's ONE DAY ON MARS (1416555056, $23.00) tells of one day which will change history not only for Martian citizen bent on breaking the Sol System government but for the entire solar system as a whole. Swift action and confrontations mark a military and political adventure.


The Travel Shelf

Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2008
Douglas Ward
Berlitz Publishing
c/o Langenscheidt Publishing Group
PO Box 979, Spring House, PA 19477
www.langenscheidt.com 1-888-773-7979
9789812682406 $24.95 www.berlitzpublishing.com

Lending libraries catering to travelers in general and the elderly who appreciate cruises in particular won't want to miss Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising & Cruise Ships 2008, a survey packed with independent reviews of cruise companies based on personal experience, not advertising or hearsay. Chapters do more than offer reviews of nearly three hundred cruise ships: they discuss what to look for in a ship and crew, how to compare the major lines for pros and cons, and where to find the best among different types of cruises. Simply packed with essential 'know before you go' detail.

The Lincoln Highway: The Great American Road Trip
Michael Wallis and Michael S. Williamson
W.W. Norton
500 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10110
9780059380 $39.95 www.wwnorton.com

American culture used to be a roadside culture, and the Lincoln Highway represented America's first transcontinental highway when it embraced 13 states and began in 1913 with much promise. Despite this history Route 66 has achieved far more fame, and THE LINCOLN HIGHWAY thus provides an excellent reminder of its importance as a rural link - and provides travel readers both armchair and destination-bound with plenty of vintage color photos and comments on sights along the way. Any general travel collection will find it an attractive, appealing lend.

The Luxury Guide To Walt Disney World Resort
Cara Goldsbury
Insiders' Guide
c/o The Globe Pequot Press
PO Box 480, Guilford, CT 06437
9780762745579, $18.95 www.globepequot.com 1-800-243-0495

Now in an updated second edition, The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World Resort: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer lives up to its title and then some. Chapters discuss one's options for luxury accommodations, stylish dining opportunities, attractions beyond the theme parks, how to take advantage of the "FASTPASS" system to bypass lines and other recommendations for avoiding long waits, the Disney cruise line, and much more. Presented in plain terms with an index for quick and easy cross-referencing, The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World Resort is a "must-have" for all potential visitors of this multifaceted vacation destination.

Peter Pauper Press, Inc.
202 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY 10601
www.peterpauper.com

Peter Pauper Press is the publisher of a fascinating series of compact, 'pocket-sized' travel guides. 'The Little Black Book' series are thoroughly 'user friendly', portable, and superbly organized. Each volume in this outstanding series begins with an introduction on how to use the guide, and with respect to the particular city being featured by a particular title, provide invaluable information on money, public transportation, making phone calls, shopping, etiquette, general tourist information, and so much more. The major portion of each title is then dedicated to providing information and recommendation for places to go, sights to see, things to do, where to eat, where to stay, where to shop. The individual titles comprising this outstanding series include "The Little Black Book Of London: The Quintessential Guide To The Royal Capital" (9781593598860, $12.95, 11 foldout maps); "The Little Black Book Of Rome: The Timeless Guide To The Eternal City" (9781593598594, $10.95, 9 foldout maps); "The Little Black Book Of Paris: The Essential Guide To The City Of Light" (9781593598501, $10.95, 10 foldout maps); "The Little Black Book Of New York: The Essential Guide To The Quintessential City" (9781593598907, $12.95, 9 foldout maps); "The Little Black Book Of Washington DC: The Essential Guide To America's Capital" (9781593598686, $10.95, 9 foldout maps); "The Little Black Book Of Boston: The Essential Guide to The Heart Of New England" (9781593598976, $12.95); "The Little Black Book Of San Francisco: The Essential Guide To The Golden Gate City" (9781593598679, $12.95, 10 foldout maps); and "The Little Black Book Of Walt Disney World". The spiral binding allows for these compact guide books to lay out flat, and a built in elastic stretch band permits the 'book marking' of an given page for quick, easy, and continued referencing during an excursion. If you are bound to any of these cities for either business or pleasure, then begin your itinerary planning with a copy of the appropriate "Little Black Book" from Peter Pauper Press!

Hawaii
Jeff Campbell, et al.
Lonely Planet Publications
150 Linden Street, Oakland CA 94607
9781741045772, $21.99 www.lonelyplanet.com 1-800-275-8555

Now in a newly revised and expanded eighth edition, "Hawaii" is the collaborative effort experienced travel writers Jeff Campbell, Glenda Bendure, Ned Friary, Molly Green, China Williams, and Luci Yamamoto. Adhering to the usual high standards for which have made Lonely Planet Publications the 'Gold Standard" of travel guides, "Hawaii" is profusely illustrated and showcases Hawaii's highlights, outdoor activities, and local sights. There is expansive surfing coverage along with all of the various island's top sports. From shopping, to dining, to lodgings, to entertainment, to sight-seeing adventures, "Hawaii" is enthusiastically recommended for its portability, comprehensiveness, and 'user friendly' organization.


The Genealogy Shelf

Family History In The Wars
William Spencer
The National Archives
c/o International Publishers Marketing
22841 Quicksilver Drive, Dulles, VA 20166
9781903365953, $12.95 www.internationalpubmarket.com 1-800-758-3756

Researched, compiled and organized by experienced and expert military information researcher William Spencer, "Family History In The Wars: How Your Ancestors Served Their Country" is a very specialized guide for genealogists and non-specialist general readers wanting to discover how their family members in previous generations served within any of the branches of the military. In addition to the general Army, Navy, and Air Force archival resources, this highly portable pocket-sized instructional reference also includes women's auxiliary and nursing units, merchant seamen, prisoner-of-war files, civil defense, casualty lists, medals and gallantry awards. A superbly organized compendium of tips and techniques, "Family History In The Wars" is confidently recommended for inclusion into personal, professional, and academic library Genealogical Studies and Military Studies reference collections.


The Hunting/Fishing Shelf

Hooked on Baja
Tom Gatch
The Countryman Press
PO Box 478, Woodstock, VT 05091
9780881507263, $21.95 www.countrymanpress.com 1-800-245-4151

Author Tom Gatch's insights into fishing have been published in columns and articles for issues of "The Log, Southern California's #1 Boating & Fishing Newspaper" and "Baja Times". Hooked on Baja: Where & How To Fish Mexico's Legendary Waters distills Gatch's lifetime of experience into a handy and readily accessible guide for would-be Baja fishermen of all backgrounds. Chapters extend beyond the limits of a typical fishing handbook, discussing tips on how to purchase and legally secure real estate property on the Baja California peninsula, authentic south-of-the-border recipes, and true-life tales from Baja's well-known outdoors personalities as well as the basics about a wide variety of Baja fish species, Baja fishing maps, terminal tackle and fishing suggestions, and more. Black-and-white illustrations plus a handful of color photographs enhance this premier "must-have" for anyone seeking to enjoy catching fish south of the Mexican border.


The Environmental Studies Shelf

The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada
John Muir Laws, author and illustrator
Heyday Books
PO Box 9145, Berkeley, CA 94709
9781597140522, $24.95 www.heydaybooks.com 1-510-549-3564

Written and packed with over 2700 full-color illustrations by naturalist and educator John Muir Laws, The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada is a pinpoint-accurate (through rigorous field testing) guidebook to the wide variety of Sierra natural life, including trees, wildflowers, ferns, fungi, lichens, fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals, insects, and other small animals. Over 1700 species are described with indications of their behavior, adaptations, and interactions with other species. Additional information not found in other wildlife guides includes notes on animal tracks, seasonal star charts, weather patterns, cloud formations and much more. Highly recommended; if you bring only one flora and fauna identification guide to the Sierra Nevada, it should definitely be The Laws Field Guide!

The Vermont Life Guide to Fall Foliage
Charles W. Johnson & Gale Lawrence, authors
Adelaide Murphy Tyrol, illustrator
Alan C. Hood & Company
PO Box 775, Chambersburg, PA 17201
0936896787, $14.95 www.hoodbooks.com 1-888-844-9433

The Vermont Life Guide to Fall Foliage: The Leaves and Landscape of a Northern Autumn is a guide for nature lovers to getting the most out of experiencing autumn in Vermont. Written for casual travelers and amateur naturalists alike, The Vermont Life Guide to Fall Foliage includes statewide walking, driving and bicycling tours; maps of tour routes; a handful of color photographs of natural communities and species; extensive black-and-white illustrations to facilitate tree and shrub identification; a list of extensive references and resources for further reading; and more. From an overview of the turn of the seasons in Vermont, to a tree-by-tree list of the most commonly found species, to discussions of the advantages and disadvantages of each walking tour available, The Vermont Life Guide to Fall Foliage solidly lives up to its title.


The Antiques/Collectibles Shelf

The Official Vintage Guitar Magazine Price Guide 2008
Alan Greenwood & Gil Hembres
Vintage Guitar Books
c/o Hal Leonard Corporation
19 West 21st Street, Suite 201, New York, NY 10010
9781884883194, $27.95 www.halleonard.com 1-800-637-2852

Authoritative, comprehensive, up-to-date, and 'user friendly', "The Official Vintage Guitar Magazine Price Guide 2008" is the collaborative effort of vintage guitar experts Alan Greenwood and Gil Hembres. Providing guitar enthusiasts, collectors, dealers, and owners with reliable and accurate pricing information laid out in an alphabetical order, "The Official Vintage Guitar Magazine Price Guide 2008" is illustrated with more than 1000 photos and provides summary information on more than 1500 brands. The premier single volume source of vintage guitar pricing, "The Official Vintage Guitar Magazine Price Guide 2008" covers electric and acoustic guitars, amplifiers, basses, effects, lap steels, ukuleles, mandolins, and banjos, so therefore it should also be considered a core addition to academic and community library Antiques & Collectibles reference collections.

Art Of Collecting
Frederic A. Sharf
MFA Publications
c/o Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
465 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
9780878467235, $24.95 www.mfa-publications.org 1-800-338-2665

William S. Spaulding and John t. Spaulding were prominent Bostonians who are best known today as art collectors who assembled their collections during the early decades of the twentieth century and to whom Boston's Museum of Fine Arts owes its gratitude for having such masterpieces as major European paintings by Gauguin, Cezanne, Van Gogh, Matisse, and others; as well as oils, watercolors, and drawings by such American masters as Hopper, Ken, and Home. The Spaulding's were also the major source of the archive of World War I propaganda posters and a world-renowned collection of Japanese prints held by the museum. In "Art Of Collecting: The Spaulding Brothers And Their Legacy", art historian and collector Frederic A. Sharf draws upon family papers and archival documents to tell the story of the Spauldings as members of Boston society, as architectural patrons, and as 'collectors of genius'. Superbly enhanced with a profusion of full color images revealing an illustrative spectrum of the Spaulding's collections, along with some period photographs, "Art Of Collecting" is not only a fascinating and enthusiastically recommended testament to the museum's holdings from the Spaulding's life-time collections, but an informed and informative revelation of the critically important role that collectors play in shaping what museums have to share with their visitors.


The Woodworking Shelf

Puzzle Projects For Woodworkers
Allan J. Boardman
Linden Publishing
2006 South Mary, Fresno, CA 93721-9875
9781933502113, $19.95 www.lindenpub.com 1-800-345-4447

Profusely illustrated on every page, "Puzzle Projects For Woodworkers" by life-long woodworker Allan J. Boardman showcases fourteen original wooden puzzle projects designed by expert members of the international puzzle community. Each project contains images of the finished pieces, line drawings, and thoroughly 'user friendly' construction suggestions. Each project also includes step-by-step details on building and exploiting special purpose jigs to improve precision, as well as professional tips for producing professional quality results. With a strong focus on woodworking methods, procedures and techniques, "Puzzle Projects For Woodworkers" will enable even the most novice of weekend woodworkers to create fun puzzle projects of the highest standard -- and acquire skill sets that will enable them to create larger projects beyond the making of wooden puzzles. "Puzzle Projects For Woodworkers" is an ideal and highly recommended addition to both personal and community library Woodworking reference collections.


The Judaic Studies Shelf

Celebrating The Jewish Year
Paul Steinberg
Jewish Publication Society
2100 Arch Street, 2nd floor, Philadelphia PA 19103-1399
9780827608498, $22.00 www.jewishpub.org 1-800-234-3151

Deftly edited by Janet Greenstein Potter, "Celebrating The Jewish Year: The Winter Holidays" by Rabbi Paul Steinberg (Director of Jewish Studies and Hebrew at the Levine Academy: A Solomon Schechter School in Dallas, Texas) focuses upon three Jewish sacred events: Hanukkah, Tu b'Shevat, and Purim. Drawing from an impressive roster of original sources ranging from Maimonides, to Nachman of Bratzlav, to Theodor Herzle, Rabbi Steinberg provides readers with histories and insights into these Judaic celebrations including the prayers, rituals, and stories associated with each of them. A superb addition to personal, family, school and community library Judaic Studies reference collections, "Celebrating The Jewish Year" is very highly recommended and informative reading that will help the reader to crate a memorable holiday experience for themselves and their loved ones that will be enhanced in both meaning and spirit.

The Way Into Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World)
Elliot N. Dorff
Jewish Lights Publishing
PO Box 237, Woodstock, VT 05091
9781580232692, $24.99 www.jewishlights.com 1-800-962-4544

Dr. Ellot N. Dorff, Rector and Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at the University of Judaism, presents The Way Into Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World), an in-depth introduction to the fundamental building blocks of belief and regulation grounding the Jewish commitment to improve the world. From the motivations offered by sacred texts, to the social and family relationships celebrated by Jewish tradition, to the definition of "tikkun olam" (identified as a wide range of moral and humanitarian duties), to the concept of an ideal world as illuminated by Judaism's understanding. "Many, many medieval and early modern rabbis were also physicians, involved in both clinical care and research. This vision of a world free of diseases imposes a duty on us to work toward that end as individuals. Some of us will work in health care directly, as doctors, nurses, medical social workers, chaplains, and volunteers. All of us have the duty to visit the sick, however distasteful we may find it... the Jewish tradition even provides some advice about how to overcome that discomfort and make your visit effective for both the patient and the visitor." A deserving finalist of the Jewish Book Council's National Jewish Book Awards, The Way Into Tikkun Olam is a respectful treatise that evenhandedly joins ancient spiritual wisdom with the needs of the modern-day world, and is highly recommended.


The Biography Shelf

Mamie Doud
Marilyn Irvin Holt
University Press of Kansas
2501 West 15th Street, Lawrence, KS 66049
9780700615391, $29.95 www.kansaspress.ku.edu 1-785-864-4154

"Mamie Doud: The General's First Lady" by Marilyn Irvin Holt (an independent historian and PBS documentary consultant) is a 208-page biography of the wife of Dwight David Eisenhower, the supreme commander of the allied forces in Europe during World War II, who then went on to become president of the United States during the opening years of what was to be known as the Cold War. Enhanced with thirty black-and-white photographs, Holt draws upon original source material in the Eisenhower Library to provide the reader with an informed and informative description of Mamie Doud Eisenhower within the context of her time as an ideal First Lady, a stylish grandmother devoted to her family, and a key influence on her husband's success throughout their marriage. A work of seminal scholarship, informed and informative, "Mamie Doud" is an excellent and highly recommended biography showcasing a most remarkable woman who was considered by her peers to be the perfect example of what a President's wife should be.

A Hard Journey
James J. Lorence
University of Illinois Press
1325 South Oak Street, Champaign, IL 61820-6975
9780252032318, $39.95 www.press.uillinois.edu 1-800-545-4703

James J. Lorence (professor emeritus of history, University of Wisconsin-Marathon County) presents A Hard Journey: The Life of Don West is the biography of poet, ordained Congregationalist minister, labor organizer, educator, leftist activist, and political figure Don West, a twentieth-century American advocate for traditional religious values who dedicated himself to building a nonracist, egalitarian south. Chapters meticulously scrutinize West's adolescence, the passion with which he threw himself into his life's work, the ethical and religious roots of his dogged antifascism, and his lifelong determination to defend mountain culture and his advocacy for the rural poor. Extensive notes, a bibliography and an index round out this heavily researched account of a life well and dutifully lived.


The Metaphysical Studies Shelf

Goth Craft
Raven Digitalis
Llewellyn Publications
2143 Woodside Drive, Woodbury, MA 55125-2989
9780738711041 $16.95 www.llewellyn.com

When Paganism and Goth cultures come head to head there's much possibility for a blend of magickal change - and GOTH CRAFT: THE MAGICKAL SIDE OF DARK CULTURE provides the nuts and bolts of how to anticipate, channel and direct this change. New age and Wiccan libraries must have it: it tells how to channel darkness, use dark arts of clothing, makeup and body modifications, and even chose appropriate Goth ritual music. An excellent link between Goth and magic evolves.

The Orb Project
Miceal Ledwith, DD, LLD & Klaus Heinemann, Ph.D,
Atria Books
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 100020
1582701822 $18.95 www.simonsays.com

Spherical objects sometimes appear in photos and are akin to the crop circles observed in nature: new breakthroughs in science offer new ideas on orbs, and THE ORB PROJECT comes from two leading experts in the field of orb observation who provide photos of different types of orbs, the latest analysis and ideas on their science and meaning, and more. Spirituality blends with science in a survey recommended for any new age collection.

The Spiritual Science of the Stars
Pete Stewart
Inner Traditions
Box 388, Rochester, VT 05767
1594771960 $16.95 www.innertraditions.com

Thousands of years before the first written records humans were using the night sky as a source of meaning for existence, drawing conclusions from observations which became stories around the world. These Creation Myths were designed to create harmony in the lives of humans by connecting human perception to the patterns they saw in the skies: this reexamination of creation myths in this new light today offers insights on how new ideas of the cosmos can be gained from modern astronomy, and deserves a place in any New Age lending library.

Biography of the Universe
David Williamson
Two Moons Publishing
15445 Dallas Parkway, Suite 600, Dallas, TX 75001
Oannes' Endeavors, LLC
9780979126321, $18.99

Biography of the Universe: The First Pulse of Time to the Present is not a repository of traditional hard science. Written by spiritualist David Williamson, Biography of the Universe is a unique narrative told in first person from the perspective of beings from alternate dimension, who chose to create a new reality to explore while simultaneously forgetting who they are, thus becoming transfixed in a state of amnesia within a singularity. Biography of the Universe brings the reader on a singularly epic journey, which offers parallels to the knowledge of earthbound minds in its rich repository of secrets to be discovered in the birth and growth of a universe. An influx of light, love, and higher consciousness permeate this captivating revelation.


The Mystery/Suspense Shelf

Murder on Rouse Hill
Alan Terry Wright
Southeast Missouri State University
MS 2650, One University Plaza, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
9780976041399, $19.00 www.semo.edu/universitypress

Based on the true story of the 1915 slaying of Jasper Jacob "Jap" Francis near the Ozark railroad town of Stoutland, Missouri, Murder on Rouse Hill is a dramatic tale of greed, fraud, political clout, and death-dealing of the cruelest kind. Jasper's accused killer was nearly lynched by the townsfolk, yet ultimately lived to the age of ninety-one. Murder on Rouse Hill tells of a young girl who unwittingly visited the murder site in 1928, then returned decades later as a spirited 84-year-old woman in the middle of bizarre events that could almost be described as supernatural. A handful of black-and-white photographs illustrate this engaging historical novel.


The American History Shelf

The Deadliest Indian War In The West
Gregory Michno
Caxton Press
312 Main Street, Caldwell, ID 83605-3299
9780870044601, $18.95 www.caxtonpress.com 1-800-657-6465

The history of the American West is a history of conflict between encroaching whites and defending Native Americans. One of the least known of these violent and bloody wars was a four year confrontation known as the Snake Conflict and took place between 1864 and 1868. Now western historian Gregory Michno has written a definitive history of a lethal and extended fight led by the Winnemucca tribe against the overwhelming forces of the Union Army. Enhanced with maps, an appendix, and a bibliography, Gregory Michno's "The Deadliest Indian War In The West: The Snake Conflict, 1864-1868" is a model of informative research and an impressively seminal work that is especially recommended reading, as well as an essential, core addition to academic and community library Native American Studies and 19th Century American History reference collections.


The Judicial Studies Shelf

Bench Press
Keith J. Bybee, editor
Stanford University Press
1450 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, CA 94304-1124
9780804756778, $29.95 www.sup.org

Expertly compiled and deftly edited by Keith J. Bybee (Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and the Michael O. Sawyer Chair of Constitutional Law and Politics at Syracuse university's Maxwell School of citizenship and Public Affairs), "Bench Press: The Collision Of Courts, Politics, And The Media" is a collection of nine informed and informative essays ranging from Charles Gardner Geyh's 'Preserving Public Confidence in the Courts in an Age of Individual Rights and Public Skepticism'; to Joanne F. Alper's 'Selecting the Judiciary: Who Should Be the Judge?'; to Dahlia's Litwick's 'The Internet and the Judiciary: We Are All Experts Now'. Articulate, erudite, focused, thoughtful and thought-provoking, each of the nine essays is expertly written and together form a fascinating body of keen observation and scholarly commentary that make "Bench Press" an important, timely, and strongly recommended addition to academic and community library Judicial Studies and Journalism Studies reference collections, as well as the supplemental reading lists for law school and journalism school students..


The Parenting Shelf

Sleeping With Your Baby
James J. McKenna, Ph.D.
Platypus Media LLC
627 A Street, NE, Washington DC 20002
1930775342, $14.95 www.PlatypusMedia.com

SLEEPING WITH YOUR BABY: A PARENT'S GUIDE TO CO-SLEEPING provides an excellent guide to parents who are interested in sleeping with a baby - a practice often treated with angst and suspicion in modern times. A PARENT'S GUIDE TO CO-SLEEPING comes from an authority who considers the real benefits of co-sleeping and refutes arguments against it, and is backed by pediatrician recommendations. From sharing a bed to sleeping nearby, parents receive an excellent set of tips, making this a pick for any library catering to parents.

Positive Parenting
Alvin N. Eden, M.D.
Hatherleigh Press
5-22 46th Avenue, Suite 200, Long Island City, NY 11101
9781578262526, $15.95 www.hatherleighpress.com 1-800-528-2550

"Positive Parenting: Raising Healthy Children From Birth To Three Years" by Dr. Alvin N. Eden (Chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at the Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York and Clinical Professor of Pediatrics at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University) provides parents with a compendium of superbly presented advice with respect to the growth and development of a child at every stage during the first 36 months of life. A very highly recommended collection of insights, instructions, observations and commentary, Dr. Eden deals with a wide variety of issues ranging from building a baby's self-esteem, IQ and self-confidence, to preventing obesity or SIDS, and much more. Of special note is an exploration of the controversy regarding vaccines and the misuse of antibiotics and how iron intake combats lead poisoning. Dispelling common myths about child-rearing, "Positive Parenting" is highly recommended reading and an invaluable addition to family and community library Parenting Skills & Improvement reference collections and reading lists.


The Self-Help Shelf

Notes from the Universe
Mike Dooley
Beyond Words
c/o Atria Books
1230 Avenue of Americas, New York NY 10020
1582701768 $17.95 www.beyondwords.com

NOTES FROM THE UNIVERSE: NEW PERSPECTIVES FROM AN OLD FRIEND offers a host of admonitions and reminders on how to have the life you desire and how to handle coincidences and serendipities. Chapters survey challenges in life, self-image and more in a set of admonitions and mental challenges perfect for collections strong in new age or self-help guides.

The 10 Distinctions Between Millionaires and the Middle Class
Keith Cameron Smith
Ballantine Books
c/o The Random House Publishing Group
1745 Broadway, 17th floor, New York, NY 10019
9780345500229, $14.95 www.randomhouse.com 1-800-726-0600

Entrepreneur and speaker Keith Cameron Smith presents The 10 Distinctions Between Millionaires and the Middle Class, a concise self-help guide to the positive qualities that distinguish the financially successful from everyone else. From "Millionaires think long-term. The middle class thinks short-term," to "Millionaires continually learn and grow. The middle class thinks learning ended with school," to "Millionaires focus on increasing their net worth. The middle class focuses on increasing its paychecks," each observation is discussed at length along with tips, tricks, and techniques for putting oneself in the proper frame of mind to achieve one's dream of wealth. The 10 Distinctions Between Millionaires and the Middle Class is also careful to warn against the self-destructive trap of obsessing over money to the exclusion of all else: "If you love money more than your family or yourself, you have been deceived by it and will never achieve true success."

Gifts From The Mountain
Eileen McDargh & Roderick MacIver
Berrett-Koehler Publishers Inc.
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 650, San Francisco, CA 94104-2916
9781576754696, $19.95 www.bkconnection.com 1-800-929-2929

Enhanced with full color illustrations by Roderick MacIver, "Gifts From The Mountain: Simple Truths For Life's Complexities" by Eileen McDargh is a remarkable 114-page compendium of advisory truths for daily living that would be applicable to every man and woman regardless of their situation or circumstance in life. MacIver writes with a kind of lyrical metaphor when dealing with life's demands. The result is a collection of individual wisdoms that are universally applicable and enthusiastically recommended. 'Every Ounce Counts': Hike enough and you trim the weight/of what you carry. You learn that pita bread/weighs less than squaw bread; dried apples weight less than/trail mix; ramen and dried vegetables weigh even less/than some freeze-dried entrees. you discover/you can share a tube of toothpaste. Ditto deodorant,/sunscreen, and bug repellent.//How often do we encumber our civilized life with things/we WANT instead of things we truly need?//Choose what you carry carefully./I never saw a hearse with a U-haul behind.


The Religion/Spirituality Shelf

Like Catching Water in a Net
Val Webb
Continuum
80 Maiden Lane, New York NY 10038
9780826428912 $24.95 www.continuumbooks.com

Val Webb isn't out to prove the existence of a god, but to point out imitations of the Divine nature from the literature on the world's religions. Thus her survey includes a range of world beliefs, from Buddhism and Hindu mystics to early Mesopotamians and the Aboriginals of Australia. The result is a critical challenge to the thinking processes of traditional Christianity and a challenge to readers to broaden their view of what constitutes spiritual thinking. Spirituality collections will find it invaluable.

Religion on the Healing Edge
Frank Stetzer
Baha'i Publishing
2427 Bond Street, University Park, IL 60466-3101
9781931847445, $12.00 www.BahaiBooksUSA.com 1-800-705-4925

Author and Baha'i faithful Frank Stetzer presents Religion on the Healing Edge: What Baha'is Believe, a thoughtful introduction to the Baha'i faith and its practices. Chapters discuss the Baha'i covenant, the Baha'i concept of self-governance (clergy and ritual are not considered necessary), the principle of being loyal to one's government yet not involved in politics (a concept that is not complete withdrawal - Baha'i are permitted to vote, talk to elected representatives, or run for political office, as long as they do not identify with a political party), the Baha'i condemnation of gossip and slander, and much more. A readily accessible primer to Baha'i tenets enthusiastically recommended to anyone seeking to learn more about the faith, whether for personal or scholarly reasons.

Beyond Yahweh and Jesus
Robert Langs, M.D.
Jason Aronson Publishers
c/o Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
4501 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 200, Lanham, MD 20706
9780765705327, $24.95 www.aronson.com 1-800-462-6420

Beyond Yahweh and Jesus: Bringing Death's Wisdom to Faith, Spirituality, and Psychoanalysis is an extensive psychoanalytic study of the Old and New Testaments. Central to the discussion is God's role in helping humans cope with fear of death. Author and practicing psychoanalyst Robert Langs suggests that Western religion carries a fundamental flaw in that it does not fully understand human psychology, with the logical conclusion that psychological wisdom is needed as a supplement to the spiritual wisdom of religion. "The inability of Christ's model life on earth and his teachings to calm the world has at least four basic sources: a failure to appreciate the fundamental problems inherent in human nature; a related failure to recognize the pervasive impact of the three forms of death anxiety on human thinking and behavior; the advent of inexplicable natural catastrophes that harm seemingly innocent people and the related failure of God to answer the prayers of seemingly deserving souls in need of help; and gaps and limitations in Christ's teachings." Psychoanalysis has failed religion, Langs claims, yet it is not too late to restore and empower religion with a more fully attuned understanding of the very humans it serves - or build secular forms of spirituality and morality. A thoughtful and meticulously reasoned discussion of where religion and psychology most need to intersect.

The Popular Encyclopedia Of World Religions
Richard Wolff
Harvest House Publishers
990 Owen Loop North, Eugene, Oregon 97402-9173
9780736920070, $16.99 www.harvesthousepublishers.com 1-800-547-8979

"The Popular Encyclopedia Of World Religions" by Richard Wolf provides non-specialist general readers with informed and informative descriptions of all of the world's major faiths. Thoroughly accurate and 'reader friendly', "The Popular Encyclopedia Of World Religions" explains the origins of each major world religion; provides an overview of the key beliefs and practices associated with those religions; and introduces the key leaders and teachers within those religions. Of special note for Christian readers is the provision of strategic 'contact points' to help build bridges with each of the non-Christian faiths -- and between the primary groups comprising contemporary Christianity. Informed and informative, "The Popular Encyclopedia Of World Religions" is very highly recommended for personal, church, seminary, and community library Religion & Spirituality reference collections.


The Wine Shelf

Icewine
Donald Ziraldo & Karl Kaiser
Key Porter Books
Six Adelaide Street East, 10th floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5C 1H6
9781552639269, $50.00 www.keyporter.com

"Icewine: Extreme Winemaking" by Donald Ziraldo and Karl Kaiser (co-founders of Inniskillin Wines) is an impressively illustrated introduction and explanation of the methods and skills required to successful produce Canada's renowned delicacy called Icewine. "Icewine" provides the reader with a fascinating tour through cool-climate viticulture and Icewine-making. All the complex factors that determine this luxury wine (soil, grape varieties, pressing, cork quality, and climate temperature). Beautiful illustrated Icewine recipes showcasing the velvety smoothness of Icewine created by the resident chef Izabela Kalabis-Sacco round out this amazing tribute and range from Icewine and Thyme Grilled Fig Salad with Gorgonzola and Sherry Vinaigrette, to Vanilla-Infused Icewine Frenched Toast, to Summer Berries with Chilled Icewine Cream. A 'must read' for all connoisseurs of fine wines, "Icewine" is an especially recommended addition to personal and community library Food & Wine reference collections.

Rogov's Guide To Israeli Wines 2008
Daniel Rogov
The Toby Press
PO Box 8531, New Milford, CT 06776-8531
9781592642106, $19.95 www.tobypress.com

Its been within the last decade that Israel has achieved a justified fame and recognition for the quality of its wines. Now in a newly revised and updated fourth edition, "Rogov's Guide To Israeli Wines 2008" continues to bring addition to the wines of Israel by showcasing not only the more than 2,000 vintages (tasted, rated and described), but also more than 150 Israeli wineries. Enhanced for the wine connoisseur with a tasting chart, a detailed map of Israel's wine regions, and 500 new releases along with their critiques. "Rogov's Guide To Israeli Wines 2008" is enthusiastically recommended for all wine enthusiasts, and is a reliable reference guide for restauranteurs and retail wine sellers.


The Music Shelf

Long and Winding Roads
Kenneth Womack
Continuum
80 Maiden Lane, New York NY 10038
0826417469, $21.95 www.continuumbooks.com

Any music library strong in Beatles surveys and references will welcome LONG AND WINDING ROADS: THE EVOLVING ARTISTRY OF THE BEATLES, which takes quite a different approach than most biographical focuses. This one maps the group's evolutionary trends from their first recordings to the height - and then fall - of their career. The Beatles' body of songs - not their lives - are considered in an analysis which does include some biography, but doesn't make this the focal point. The result is more well-rounded than most Beatles coverages with an emphasis on music over inspirational influences.

The Official Vintage Guitar Magazine Price Guide 2008
Alan Greenwood and Gil Hembree
Vintage Guitar Books
c/o Hal Leonard
P.O. Box 13818, Milwaukee, WI 53219
1884883192 $27.95 www.halleonard.com

Both collectors of vintage musical instruments and musicians will appreciate this fine guide to collectible guitars and gear which backs in over 1,000 photos and information on over 1500 brands. Any interested in pricing, whether it be a musician, collector, buyer or seller, will find this is packed with authoritative details on the vintage market, making for an outstanding reference perfect for either specialty library or general-interest collection.

100 Albums That Changed Popular Music
Chris Smith
Greenwood Press
88 Post West Road, Westport, CT 06881
0313338256 $65.00 www.greenwood.com

Plenty of Billboard-type guides provide chart lists of hit albums and many a music book discusses key albums; but this is the first to select 100 albums with lasting influence on popular music trends, and should be considered an essential reference for any collection strong in popular music history. Analysis includes notes from critics, insights on music history, release dates and notes, and clear surveys of why the albums are to be considered groundbreakers.

2008 Songwriter's Market
Writer's Digest Press
c/o F&W Publications, Inc.
700 East State Street, Iola, WI 54990
9781582975023, $26.99 www.fwpublications.com 1-800-726-9966

Now in a substantially revised and completed updated thirty-first edition, the Writer's Digest Press edition of the "2008 Songwriter's Market: Where & How To Market Your Songs" continues to be the premier resource for aspiring and practicing songwriters and musicians to have their music recorded and published. This compilation of information and instruction is enhanced with hundreds of listings for music publishers, record companies, record and music producers, booking agents, interviews with successful professional in the industry, and so much more. Cover market place resources for all genres of music from hip-hop to rock, from classical to country, from pop to kids, the "2008 Songwriter's Market" will prove to be an invaluable, information packed, and thoroughly 'user friendly' resource. Enhanced with listings for songwriter support organizations, conferences, thematically appropriate websites and online communities, "2008 Songwriter's Market" should be considered an essential, core addition to personal, professional, music school, and community library reference collections.


The Railroading Shelf

Interurban Trains To Chicago
John Kelly
Iconografix
PO Box 446, Hudson, WI 54016
9781583881996, $29.95 www.iconografixinc.com

A compilation of superbly reproduced black-and-white period photographs, John Kelly's "Interurban Trains To Chicago" (after an informative introduction) is organized into three distinct and distinctive chapters: Chicago North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad -- Skokie Valley Route; Chicago Aurora and Elgin Railroad -- Sunset Lines; Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad -- South Shore Lines. These legendary electrically powered interurban train lines carried passengers to and from downtown Chicago from the north, west, and southwest areas of the famed Windy City. Offering a visual wealth of vintage photographs, as well as timetables and poster advertising, "Interurban Trains To Chicago" is an especially recommended addition to personal, academic, and community library American Railroading reference collections. Dedicated railroading enthusiasts and librarians seeking to strengthen and expand their railroading history collections would be well advised to visit the Iconografix website for a complete listing of their many railroad and railroading oriented publications.

Pentrex
2652 East Walnut Street, Pasadena, CA 91107
#TNWPDVD, $29.95 www.pentrex.com 1-800-950-9333

Pentrex is the leading producer of railroading DVDs and an always reliable resource for building up personal and community Railroading collections of continuing interest for dedicated railroad buffs. Three highly recommended examples currently available for acquisition are "Today's Northwestern Pacific" (TNWPDVD, $29.95) which was recorded to showcase the Northwestern Pacific (a Southern Pacific subsidiary) which is still very much active along its 156-mile line. "Beaumount Hill" (VRBEAU, $29.95) which features both the Beaumont Hill and a Beaumont Hill Cab Ride in a full color, 2 hour 30 minute visual experience enhanced with stereo sound and narration. "Cajon II" (VRCAJON2, $29.95) is another 2 1/2 hour full color 'combo DVD' focusing on one of the world's great railroading landmarks -- Cajon Pass. All three of these outstanding and highly recommended railroading DVD titles from Pentrex feature Chapter Menus. Railroading enthusiasts and librarians building up their railroading collections would be well advice to obtain a free Pentrex catalog for a complete listing of their railroading videos.


The Political Science Shelf

America Alone
Mark Steyn
Regnery Publishing, Inc.
One Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001
9780895260789, $27.95 www.regnery.com 1-800-338-4550

Political columnist Mark Steyn, whose work has appeared in "National Review", "New Criterion", the "Washington Times", and many other publications, presents America Alone: The End of the World as We Know It, a scathing forecast of a bleak future for America and the civilized world. Steyn seizes upon solid demographical and statistical evidence revealing a population decline among non-Muslims in America and Europe and a population surge among Muslims, with stark implications should present trends continue unabated. "An IRA man blows up a pub in defiance of democratic reality - because he knows that at the ballot box the Ulster Loyalists win the elections and the Irish Republicans lose. When a European jihadist blows something up, that's not in defiance of democratic reality but merely a portent of democratic reality to come. He's jumping the gun, but in every respect things are moving his way." A sharp-tongued, bluntly honest commentary that embraces the positive aspects of American culture (women's rights, tolerance of religion) and stresses why these aspects need to be spread across the globe. Islam is in dire need of reform, Steyn warns, but those on the outside cannot reform it directly; they can only facilitate change as much as possible. Though written in a witty, bantering tone, America Alone ultimately comes to grips with one of the most serious issues of the twenty-first century.


The Christian Studies Shelf

Justice in the Burbs
Will & Lisa Samson
Baker Books
Box 6287, Grand Rapids, MI 49516-6287
0801068096 $14.99 www.bakerbooks.com

In the suburban world of nice homes, lawns and new cars it's easy to forget about social justice and brotherly love, but Justice in the Burbs: Being in the Hands of Jesus Wherever You Live shows it is in the suburbs as well as in urban areas, using plenty of case history examples to portray the places God is discovered in the habits of man. Meditations from various authors point to the methods God uses to provide spiritual guidance in all walks of life, making this a fine pick for any general Christian spiritual collection.

Teilhard de Chardin: The Divine Milieu Explained
Louis M. Savary
Paulist Press
997 Macarthur Boulevard, Mahwah, NJ 07430
0809144840, $19.95 www.paulistpress.com

During the 20th century Jesuit priest/scientist Teilhard de Chardin devised an integrative concept of spirituality and science, melding scientific concepts into Christian beliefs. While many books since his time have attempted to explain his ideas, this is a spiritual guide for the everyday, applied use of his ideas - and offers a set of spiritual practices and exercise blending science and faith. From handling dying and death to understanding the underlying meaning of the Cross, THE DIVINE MILIEU EXPLAINED comes packed with insights for daily life.

Eusebius
Paul L. Maier
Kregel Publications
PO Box 2607, Grand Rapids, MI 49501
9780825433078, $15.99 www.kregelpublications.com 1-800-733-2607

Eusebius: The Church History is an English translation with extensive commentary by Paul L. Maier (Professor of Ancient History, Western Michigan University) of the classic texts by Eusebius (260 - 339 A.D.), recognized as the first man to trace the rise of Christianity during its first three centuries, from Jesus Christ to Constantine. Dubbed the "Father of Church History", Eusebius wrote of apostles, church fathers, emperors, bishops, heretics, confessors, martyrs, and paragons of faith. A handful of black-and-white photographs of ancient sculpture or other images illustrate this historical source, made readily accessible to the reading public through Maier's illuminating insights. An invaluable addition to private and public library Religious History shelves.

The Tradition of Catholic Prayer
The Monks of Saint Meinrad
The Liturgical Press
St. John's Abbey, PO Box 7500, Collegeville, MN 56321-7500
9780814631843, $24.95 www.litpress.org 1-800-858-5450

Written by the monks of Saint Meinrad, The Tradition of Catholic Prayer examines all aspects of Catholic prayer chronologically, from Old Testament psalms to New Testament models and early Church theologies, to the Counter-Reformation period. Particular attention is paid to communal prayer occasions such as Mass, the Liturgical Year, and the Liturgy of Hours. Miscellaneous additional topics include St. Augustine's words on prayer, praying with Mary and the Saints, and the connection between prayer and conversion. A deeply spiritual as well as a meticulously analytical history.

I Want To Believe
Mel Lawrenz
Regal Books
1957 Eastman Avenue, Ventura, CA 93003
DeChant Houses & Associates (publicity)
1440 North Kingsbury, Chicago, IL 60622
9780830744527, $16.99 www.regalbooks.com 1-800-235-3415

Specifically written for a Christian readership, "I Want To Believe: Finding Your Way In An Age Of Many Faiths" by Mel Lawrenz (Senior Pastor of Elmbrook Church, Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is an informed and informative survey of the ideas about God which are held in common by many of the major religions in the form of spiritual truths present in diverse cultures around the world. Pastor Lawrenz examines the belief systems of Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism, the Earth religions, and Atheism. He compare's their answers to the gospel-based Christian approach to the meaning of life and other spiritual issues. Of special note is the chapter on 'The Challenge of Atheism'. Articulate, inspired and inspiring, "I Want To Believe" is especially recommended reading forth Christians wanting to engage with people of other faiths and belief systems, as well as non-specialist Christian readers of all denominations and backgrounds who are struggling to maintain their own faith in an increasingly complex and multi-faith environment.

Connected
Peggy Kendall
Judson Press
PO Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851
9780817015169, $12.00 www.judsonpress.com 1-800-458-3766

Associate professor of communication Peggy Kendall presents Connected: Christian Parenting in an Age of IM and MySpace, a plain-terms introduction to the myriad of online social options that teens and tweens use today. Though addressed to Christian parents, Connected is not dogmatic; its straightforward presentation is thoroughly accessible to parents of all religious faiths. "In addition to failing to comprehend the giving nature of friendships, it is also possible that by building and maintaining your friendships in this very stark, fast-paced, self-based medium, young people are losing many of the relational skills necessary for getting along with people... Unfortunately, using the computer to enhance friendships may be making this problem even more serious as teens learn to multitask their friendships, surfing in and out of conversations, conflicts, and commitments." Though a cautionary tale of the hazards of online communication tools, from letting them overtake real life friendships to the risk of encountering sexual predators, Connected is not a unilateral attack on MySpace and the like. Connected recognizes that instant messaging, blogs, and other online communications are here to stay; the key is not to ban one's children from using them, but to teach children how to use them responsibly, while protecting themselves both physically and emotionally. Highly recommended for parents everywhere.

Finding God In The Shadows
Marsha Hansen and Peter A. Huchthausen
Augsburg Fortress Publishers
100 Fifth Street, Suite 600, Minneapolis, MN 55402-1210
9780806653266, $15.99 www.augsburgbooks.com 1-800-328-4648

Former naval officer Marsha Hansen and former naval captain Peter A. Huchthausen present Finding God in the Shadows: Stories from the Battlefield of Life, tales of the largely unknown and unsung men and women serving in the military. All the stories are true; some speak of severe situations and moments of desperation on the battlefield, yet their purpose is neither to shock nor to promote a specific theology, but rather to explore issues of faith and ethics through the life experiences of people who have been changed by moments of crisis. The stories' settings range from World War II, to the Vietnam War, to the Cold War. Each story is followed by a biblical reflection that contrasts the characters and the tale against biblical events. Finding God in the Shadows is a profoundly moving introspection about the light that faith can bring to life's darkest moments, and is highly recommended.

Future Israel
Barry E. Horner
B&H Publishing Group
127 Ninth Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37234-0143
9780805446272, $19.99 www.bhpublishinggroup.com 1-800-251-3225

Written by Barry E. Horner (M.Div., Western Conservative Baptist Theological Seminary), Future Israel: Why Christian Anti-Judaism Must Be Challenged is a sharp criticism of "supercessionist theology" - the viewpoint that the Christian church has replaced or superseded Israel in God's redemptive plan. Taking a stand against Christian Anti-Judaic hermeneutics throughout history and those used in the modern day, Horner reveals that anti-Judaism has a negative effect on both the church and on Jewish evangelism. At the same time, Horner advocates the biblical prophecy of a restored nation of Israel under the acknowledged messiah of Jesus Christ, and examines a Judeo-centric eschatology as a unifying connection. "It may not sit well with those who staunchly identify themselves as Protestants, nevertheless it remains true at the present that for all of its departure from the essential truth of the Bible, the Roman Catholic Church has more recently evidenced certain changes with regard to appreciation of the Jews and Judaism, however imperfectly and of debatable motivation, than those who glory in a Reformed heritage." Future Israel is the third volume in the New American Commentary Studies in Bible & Theology series, and worthy of the pedigree. A sober and welcome addition to theology shelves.

Intelligent Design
William A. Dembski and Michael Ruse, dialogue
Robert B. Stewart, editor
Fortress Press
c/o Augsburg Fortress Publishers
100 Fifth Street, Suite 600, Minneapolis, MN 55402-1210
9780800662189, $22.00 www.augsburgbooks.com 1-800-328-4648

Editor Robert B. Stewart gathers the insights of leading intellectuals William A. Dembski, Michael Ruse, and others in Intelligent Design, an examination of the hotly contested debate between proponents and deniers of the Intelligent Design theory. Intelligent Design strives to be as objective as humanly possible; essays address the tasks of finding a precise definition for ID, ID's history as an idea and body of thought, the most common objections to and defenses of ID, and much more. All of the diverse essays are respectful in tone and pay meticulous attention to detail. A bibliography and index round out this measured assessment of the standoff between evolution, creationism, and perspectives in between.


The Social Issues Shelf

A Moral Climate
Michael s. Northcott
Orbis Books
Box 302, Maryknoll, NY 10545-0302
9781570757112 $20.00 www.orbisbooks.com

A MORAL CLIMATE: THE ETHICS OF GLOBAL WARMING offers a challenging, different look at global warming trends from a spiritual and ethical perspective, and comes from a leading international ethicist who has written other definitive works on the topic of Christian ethics and environmental thinking. From the failings in dominant economic models to the politics of oil around the world and religious perspectives and insights, this blend of Christian thought and social issues is a pick for both spirituality and social issues collections.

Unplugged
William H. Colby
Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York NY 10019
0814401600 $17.95 www.amacombooks.org

UNPLUGGED: RECLAIMING OUR RIGHT TO DIE IN AMERICA is based on court records, personal interviews and firsthand experience and comes from a lawyer who represented the family of Nancy Cruzan in the first right-to-die case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court. Chapters survey legal and medical influences on end-of-life decisions, surveying how we die in America today and the social and ethical struggles surrounding medical care. Going beyond the health shelf we usually feature medical books under, UNPLUGGED is a top pick for a range of collections, from health and legal libraries to the general-interest lending library.

The Unaffordable Nation
Jeffrey D. Jones
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
9781591025153 $17.95 www.prometheusbooks.com

THE UNAFFORDABLE NATION: SEARCHING FOR A DECENT LIFE IN AMERICA addresses concerns over the affordability of a decent life in America, and should be a part of any high school to college-level library strong in American social issues. In an era where even two incomes often isn't enough to make ends meet, the country is fast becoming an unaffordable nation by those who struggle in the middle and see their families falling to the poorer end of the economic sale - and THE UNAFFORDABLE NATION addresses these problems, offering plenty of opportunity for debate.

The Age of Fallibility: Consequences of the War on Terror
George Soros
Public Affairs
250 West 57th Street, Suite 1321, New York NY 10107
9781586484941 $14.95 www.publicaffairsbooks.com

George Soros made billions anticipating financial market trends and issues and has used his money to foster world change: here he addresses the war on terror, considering how counter-terrorist methods and approaches are changing world processes and resulting in an increasingly unstable world. Public libraries as well as schools strong in current events will find this a passionate, involving survey of the consequences of America's war on terror - and its impact on freedom's processes.

Energy Victory
Robert Zubrin
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
9781591025917, $25.95 www.prometheusbooks.com

ENERGY VICTORY: WINNING THE WAR ON TERROR BY BREAKING FREE OF OIL argues for a new direction in US energy policies, providing the author's plan for breaking the stronghold oil has on this country and providing evidence that such dependency has resulted in corruption and, more recently, the funding and protection of terrorist movements. His plan suggests if Congress passed a law requiring all new cars be flex-fueled, this would be a major step towards breaking the oil cartel's monopoly on world energy resources. It's a fascinating survey college-level collections interested in energy resources needs to fuel classroom debates and energy studies.

More Unequal
Michael D. Yates
Monthly Review Press
146 W. 29th Street, Suite 6W, New York, NY 10001
9781583671597, $14.95 www.monthlyreview.org 1-800-670-9499

Edited by Michael D. Yates (associate editor of "Monthly Review"), More Unequal: Aspects of Class in the United States is an anthology of essays by educated authors concerning issues of class, income, home ownership, access to health care, and power stratification in current American society and its recent history. Individual essays discuss race and class in New Orleans both before and after Hurricane Katrina; the history, composition, and modern-day role of the black middle class; what has changed drastically and what has stayed the same for women of varying social classes in the past forty years; and much more. Drawing upon economic theory, sociological data, events in history, and even personal experiences, these down-to-earth writings are sure to resonate with anyone concerned about the dynamics of wealth and class in America, not just economics and sociology professionals. Highly recommended.

On Private Property
Eric T. Freyfogle
Beacon Press
25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108-2892
9780807044162, $24.95 www.beacon.org

Written by published author and Professor of Law Eric T. Freyfogle, On Private Property: Finding Common Ground in the Ownership of Land is a thoughtful look at the recurring dilemma of the private property debate. When is eminent domain justified, and when is urban sprawl too much? When should land be put in public trust to preserve natural life, and when should private property owners' rights prevail? Though Freyfogle acknowledges the concerns of the property-rights movement, he warns that the movement is at risk of distorting the institution of private ownership itself, by completely severing its connections to responsible community welfare. Criticizing the land conservation movement for its excessive and indiscriminate payments to landowners, allegedly to use their lands well, and stressing that the landowner's responsibility not to alter lands in ways that bring ecological decline should not be overlooked, Freyfogle suggests a Landowner Bill of Rights that is vastly different from current property-rights measures being debated. Packed cover to cover with well-reasoned arguments that take both public and private needs into account, On Private Party is a welcome contribution to an ongoing dispute.

The Great Risk Shift
Jacob S. Hacker
Oxford University Press
198 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10016-4314
9780195335347, $15.95 www.oup.com/us 1-800-451-7556

Now in a newly revised and expanded edition, The Great Risk Shift: The New Economic Insecurity and the American Dream is a no-nonsense deconstruction of how current American policy has been systematically shifting economic risk from government and businesses onto the backs of individual people. Health coverage has become increasingly expensive and difficult to obtain; social security is relentlessly under attack; job security is a thing of the past; and some of the greatest risks and investments - such as years of expensive college training to prepare for a specific career - can be thoroughly upended with a shift in the labor market. The overused mantra of 'personal responsibility' is all too easily twisted into 'tough cookies for you if your child gets sick and needs expensive hospitalization.' Personal anecdotes are sprinkled throughout, yet the core of The Great Risk Shift is a big-picture analysis supported by the latest statistical trends. From the need to return insurance to its original purpose - protecting the individuals who most need it against catastrophic loss - to the pitfalls of a so-called 'ownership society', The Great Risk Shift is both a cautious analysis of the present and a red flag warning of what needs to be done in the immediate future to fight back against specific policies that are demonstrably harmful to society as a whole. Highly recommended.

Managing Diversity: Practices of Citizenship
Nicholas Brown and Linda Cardinal, editors
University of Ottawa Press
542 King Edward, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1N 6N5
9780776606545, $28.00 www.uporess.uottawa.ca 1-800-565-9523

Managing Diversity: Practices of Citizenship is an anthology of essays written by intellectual authors discussing how Canada, Ireland, and Australia deal with issues of diversity within their own societies amid winds of economic, political, and technological change, as well as the increased population mobility associated with globalization. What is the role of the nation-state in today's "borderless" world? Individual topics include "Bounded Citizenship and the Meaning of Citizenship Laws: Ireland's Citizenship Referendum", "Howard's Way or Deane's Way: Culture Wars in Contemporary Australia", "Citizenship, Statehood, and Allegiance", and much more. "It is all very well to claim a right, but such a claim will not go far unless there are legal mechanisms to support it, and the law recognizes only certain sorts of claims and thus certain sorts of rights. Many people are surprised to learn that, although rights are often granted to persons who are legal citizens, the grant of rights does not automatically follow from the fact of citizenship." A scholarly and welcome addition to longstanding debates and problem-solving efforts in the rapidly evolving twenty-first century.

Healthy Voices, Unhealthy Silence
Colleen M. Grogan and Michael K. Gusmano
Georgetown University Press
3240 Prospect Street, NW, Washington, DC 20007
9781589011823, $24.95 www.press.georgetown.edu 1-800-246-9606

Colleen M. Grogan (Associate Professor in the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago) and Michael K. Gusmano (Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Management, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University) Healthy Voices, Unhealthy Silence: Advocacy and Health Policy for the Poor is a serious-minded scrutiny of state-level health care advocacy for the poor, particularly with regard to Medicaid, and how public silence can have a devastating effect. When advocates for a disadvantaged or a disempowered group do not speak out, the weight of their argument is lessened, and the consensus of the more powerful interests gains ground, a process that is ultimately harmful to deliberative democracy itself. Examining the principles of deliberative democracy, agenda setting, and nonprofit advocacy, Healthy Voices, Unhealthy Silence reveal instances where the silence threatens to become deafening, offers advice to restore balance to the participatory process, examines how capable nonprofit organizations are at influencing policy debate, and much more. Highly recommended.

Fundamentalism
Rebecca Joyce Frey
Facts On File, Inc.
c/o Infobase Publishing
132 West 31st Street, 17th Floor, New York, NY 10001
9780816067671, $45.00 www.factsonfile.infobasepublishing.com 1-800-322-8755

Part of the "Global Issues" series by Facts on File, Fundamentalism is a comprehensive resource accessible to readers of all background concerning the nature of fundamentalism and fundamentalist religions worldwide. Seeking to authoritatively define fundamentalism and what precisely constitutes a fundamentalist group, Fundamentalism discusses various efforts to categorize fundamentalist groups, and offers an evenhanded appraisal of the disagreements concerning how prone various fundamentalist groups are to violence. Greater focus is placed upon fundamentalist movements in the United States and four other regions: Europe (ultratraditional Roman Catholicism), Israel (fundamentalist Judaism), the Middle East (the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas), and India (fundamentalist Hinduism). Meticulously researched and presented, Fundamentalism is highly recommended for general readers seeking to enlighten themselves about a commonly misused term, an absolute "must-have" for modern public library collections. "The immediate cause of the split between the [Protestant] evangelicals and the fundamentalists was Graham's decision in 1955 to accept the sponsorship of the New York City Council of Churches for his crusade in the city, scheduled for 1957. The separatist fundamentalists regarded Graham's openness to mainline Protestants as the first step toward modernism, and they withdrew their support of his crusades. Both sides agree that the split has not healed as of the early 2000s."


The Fiction Shelf

My Mother's Lovers
Christopher Hope
Grove/Atlantic, Inc.
841 Broadway, New York, NY 10003-4793
9780802118509, $24.00 www.groveatlantic.com 1-800-788-3122

Award-winning author Christopher Hope presents My Mother's Lovers, a novel about the connection between mother and son set in twentieth-century sub-Saharan Africa. Told from the son's point of view, My Mother's Lovers chronicles the vivacious life of Kathleen Healy, aviator, big-game hunter, knitter, and connoisseur of all things African. Her loves were many and carefree; when illness brought her to her deathbed, she instructed her son to carry out her final wishes. The tasks he was entrusted with included delivering firearms to a former apartheid enforcer, a wig to a Liberian boy soldier, and knitting needles to the Rain Queen. Yet when he meets Cindy September, he must confront once and for all what it means to love another human being. Bold, dramatic, and colorful, My Mother's Lovers is a high-spirited, adventurous and emotionally moving read.

A Game of Bones
David Donachie
McBooks Press, Inc.
520 N. Meadow Street, Ithaca, NY 14850
9781590130322, $15.95 www.mcbooks.com 1-888-266-5711

Set in the Age of Fighting Sail, right at the close of the 18th century, A Game of Bones is a seagoing adventure novel with seasonings of whodunit. Part of author and sea lover David Donachie's "Privateersman Mysteries" series, A Game of Bones follows seaman Harry Ludlow and his exhausted crew as their search for an easy prize lands them amid a desperate fight for survival. His Majesty's Navy has erupted in mutiny; sea froth with be mixed with blood before all is said and done, in this salty historical adventure.

Broken Colors
Michele Zackheim
Europa Editions
116 East 16th Street, 12th floor, New York, NY 10003
9781933372372, $14.95 www.europaeditions.com 1-800-283-3572

Broken Colors is the novel of a talented female artist who must come to grips with the difficult realities of life. Born in England during the first world war and raised by her bohemian grandparents, Sophie Marks learns how to pour her soul into works of art; yet creativity alone cannot bring her fulfillment. After the terrible devastation of the second world war, she flees to Paris and tries to start over. She forms a relationship with a talented Italian sculptor; yet after years pass, what they had gradually crumbles away. She takes flight again, this time to the American Southwest. Brilliant yet isolated, it takes the arrival of someone from her former life to spur her to confront memories of her childhood in England and seek love renewed amid her maturity. Emotional, passionate, and introspective, Broken Colors is the one-of-a-kind tale of a shining life's multifaceted journey.

A Peculiar Grace
Jeffrey Lent
Atlantic Monthly Press
841 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
9780871139658, $25.00 www.groveatlantic.com

Author, husband, and father Jeffrey Lent presents A Peculiar Grace, novel about coming to terms with life. Set in the art scene of postwar New York, a commune of the early seventies, and modern-day small-town New England, A Peculiar Grace follows Hewitt Pearce, a blacksmith of forty-three years of age, who lives alone in his family home and overlooks a collection of art remaining from his late father. When a troubled young homeless girl named Jessica suddenly shows up on his property, his hermit-like existence begins to change. Furthermore, he learns that Emily, the love of his life from twenty years ago, has been widowed. As he gradually seeks to earn Emily's trust and discover the secrets of Jessica's past, he must confront the soul-burdening loss that scarred his own history and reexamine his desire for human connection. A deeply insightful portrait that explores the role that faith and art can have in healing the human heart.


The World History Shelf

The Prairie West As Promised Land
R. Douglas Francis and Chris Kitzan, editors
University of Calgary Press
2500 University Drive, N.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2N 1N4
9781552382301, $54.95 www.uofcpress.com 1-800-565-3770

The Prairie West as Promised Land is an anthology of scholarly essays by expert historians discussing the Canadian prairie west, from the mid-1800's to the modern day. Individual writings explore a wide variety of historical and cultural themes; among them are "Canada's Rocky Mountain Parks: Rationality, Romanticism, and a Modern Canada", "'We Must Farm to Enable Us to Live': The Plains Cree and Agriculture to 1900", "From Farm to Community: Co-operatives in Alberta and Saskatchewan, 1905-2005" and many more. A carefully researched and welcome addition to Canadian history shelves, especially recommended for college libraries.

Terrible Victory
Mark Zuehlke
Douglas & McIntyre
2323 Quebeck Street, Suite 201, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V5T 4S7
9781553652274, $30.00 www.douglas-mcintyre.com 1-800-367-9692

Prize-winning author and military historian Mark Zuehlke presents Terrible Victory: First Canadian Army and the Scheldt Estuary Campaign: September 13 - November 6, 1944, the grim true story of the First Canadian Army's deadliest battle of World War II. Set in the muddy Belgian and Dutch lowland country, Terrible Victory tells of the First Canadian Army's drive to gain access to the West Scheldt estuary near Antwerp, and with it the ability to send supplies to the Allied armies' advance toward Germany, at any cost. They were pitted against entrenched German forces ordered to die defending their ground. The result was a brutal close quarters conflict fought in miserably cold and wet conditions. A fascinating recreation of the a forgotten yet hard-won campaign crucial to the war effort, and a highly recommended supplement to World War II history shelves.

Delhi Ancient History
Upinder Singh, editor
Social Science Press
c/o Berghahn Books
150 Broadway, Suite 812, New York, NY 10038
9788187358299, $89.95 www.berghahnbooks.com 1-800-540-8663

Delhi Ancient History is an anthology of scholarly essays by learned authors discussing the rich historic legacy of the Indian capital city of Delhi. Individual essays contemplate stone age sites in the Delhi area, protohistoric settlements and their excavations, the intersection of archaeology and legend, sites from the early historic period, and more, up through evidence of medieval and modern history. Of particular interest is the observation of the need to preserve evidence of Delhi's past, which must necessarily be balanced with the pressures of modernization in the present. An emphatically welcome addition to world history and archaeology collections, especially recommended for college libraries.


The Science Shelf

She's Such a Greek!
Annalee Newitz & Charlie Anders
Seal Press
1400 - 65th Street Suite 250, Emeryville, CA 94608
1580051901 $14.95 www.sealpress.com

Science and technology are typically the realm of males but there are women who love genomics, blogging, video games and technology - and SHE'S SUCH A GEEK! WOMEN WRITE ABOUT SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND OTHER NERDY STUFF is the perfect book for this audience. Chapters survey the passions and interests of these female 'science geeks' from their experiences interacting with males in the field to their special interests and how they were developed. Any science library or collection catering to women's studies programs will find this a lively, involving read.

Many Worlds in One
Alex Vilenkin
Hill & Wang
c/o Farrar, Straus & Giroux
19 Union Square West, New York NY 10003
0809067226 $15.00 www.fsgbooks.com

Among his peers Alex Vilenkin is one of the most imaginative of cosmologists, offering ideas relating to the possibilities of multiple universes. MANY WORLDS IN ONE explains to lay readers these potentials, offering insights into physics advancements and developments and the possible coexistence of other universes. Collections appealing to lay readers in physics and astronomy will find it an exciting, accessible guide.

Chasing Hubble's Shadows
Jeff Kanipe
Hill & Wang
c/o Farrar, Straus & Giroux
19 Union Square West, New York NY 10003
9780809034079 $15.00 www.fsgbooks.com

Readers interested in Hubble's promise and achievements will be fascinated to learn more about telescope searches in CHASING HUBBLE'S SHADOWS: THE SEARCH FOR GALAXIES AT THE EDGE OF TIME. History and science blend in a lively dialogue that is a perfect pick for collections catering to lay readers already interested in basic astronomy and Hubble achievements in particular.

Field Notes from a Catastrophe
Elizabeth Kolbert
Bloomsbury
175 - 5th Avenue, New York NY 10010
1596911301 $13.95 www.bloomsburyusa.com

FIELD NOTES FROM A CATASTROPHE: MAN, NATURE, AND CLIMATE CHANGE offers a broad examination of the science and dangers of global warming, comes from a three-part series for New Yorker, and deserves a place on every lending library's bookshelf, from public libraries to high school and into college collections. Its appearance in paperwork allows for its acquisition by budget-minded libraries, who will find it an excellent reference.

The Microbiological Safety of Food In Healthcare Settings
Barbara M. Lund & Paul R. Hunter, editors
Blackwell Publishing Professional
2121 State Avenue, Ames, IA 50014-8300
9781405122207, $184.99 www.blackwellpublishing.com 1-800-216-2522

Edited by food science and health experts Barbara M. Lund and Paul R. Hunter, The Microbiological Safety of Food in Healthcare Settings is a scholarly textbook useful to students and professionals in all aspects of the food industry, yet especially invaluable to physicians, doctors, and nurses responsible for controlling the effects of food-borne pathogens and protecting those patients who are most vulnerable. A variety of experts in the field present in-depth information concerning properties of microorganisms that cause foodborne disease, issues concerning provision of food and water in healthcare settings, practical implementation of food safety management systems in healthcare settings, and much more. Black-and-white charts, graphs, and illustrations enhance the instructive, in-depth text. "Considerable caution must be used if reheating is carried out using microwave ovens. Only ovens designed for commercial use must be used and these only according to the manufacturer's instructions (NHS, 1996), and it is essential that a temperature of at least 70 degrees Celsius for 2 minutes should be achieved in all parts of the food. A commercial microwave oven must have a suitable defrost programmed if it is to be used for thawing frozen food." Highly recommended for intermediate to advanced food science students, and a lifesaving "must-have" for healthcare professionals.


The Poetry Shelf

The Crooked Good
Louise Bernice Halfe
Coteau Books
2517 Victoria Avenue, Regina, SK, Canada, S4P 0T2
9781550503722, $14.95 www.coteaubooks.com 1-800-440-4471

Award-winning Native Canadian poet Louise Bernice Halfe presents The Crooked Good, a journey through elements of personhood, history, and myth. Drawing upon both aboriginal themes and the author's life experience as a mediator between cultures, the free-verse poetry of The Crooked Good evokes the feel of a mystic experience in which the words of one's ancestors reverberate through generations. A trans-cultural experience of the search for identity, highly recommended. "Pandora": Today I opened a box. / I wanted to know what I'm made of. // Stones. Feathers. Bones. Skins. / I don't understand this. / I greet each one as they caress / my face, my fingers, my eyes- / lay them tenderly in order, size, family.


The Library Science Shelf

Introduction To The Library And Information Professions
Roger C. Greer, Robert J. Grover, Susan G. Fowler
Libraries Unlimited
88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881
9781591584865, $60.00 www.greenwood.com www.lu.com

The collaborative work of Roger C. Greer (Dean Emeritus of the School of Library and Information Management, University of Southern California), Robert J. Grover (former Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at Emporia State University), and information consultant Susan G. Fowler, "Introduction To The Library And Information Professions" is a comprehensive introduction to the functions of information professionals based on models of communication theory who have the responsibility of diagnosing the information needs of their clients and patrons using information transfer theory. Of special note are the divers issues focusing on the role of an information technology professional and the services they offer. Enhanced with the inclusion of three appendices (Codes of Ethics; Professional Organizations; Professional Journals), "Introduction To The Library And Information Professions" is an ideal and highly recommended addition to academic and community library staff development reference collections, and for college/university Library Science curriculums and supplemental reading lists.

Best Books for Young Adults, third edition
Holly Koelling
ALA Editions
c/o American Library Association
50 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611
9780838935699, $42.00 www.alastore.ala.org 1-866-746-7252

Now in a newly updated third edition, Best Books for Young Adults is a guide especially for public and school library service professionals to selecting a quality literature collection for young adults. Offering annotated lists of the best YA books from 1966 to the present (indexed by author and title), background on the history and procedures of the BBYA committee, a recounting of current trends in teen literature, twenty-seven themed and annotated reproducible booklists ideal for readers' advisory with teens, parents, and teachers, Best Books for Young Adults lives up to its title and then some. An extremely user-friendly guide, and certainly the next best thing to having personally read every book on the list for selecting a suitable YA collection.


The Library DVD Shelf

Confessions Of A Montessori Teacher & In-Home Childcare Provider
Learning ZoneXPress
PO Box 1022, Owatonna, MN 55060
1571755632, $49.95 www.learningzoneexpress.com 1-888-455-7003

Confessions of a Montessori Teacher & In-Home Childcare Provider is a DVD introduction to the day-to-day world of Montessori teachers and in-home childcare providers. Presenting an overview of the education, training, and personal qualities needed to thrive in these professions, as well as standard salary ranges, long-term career outlook, and the pluses and minuses of the job, Confessions of a Montessori Teacher & In-Home Childcare Provider is ideal for showing to people in grades six and up who are contemplating their life's career. Highly recommended, especially for classroom viewing. 15 minutes, color.

Oliver's Travels
Acorn Media Group
801 Roeder Road, Suite 700, Silver Spring, MD 20910
AMP-7486, $39.99 www.acornmedia.com 1-800-949-8670

Superbly combining romance, mystery, humor and wit against an impressive series of landscapes and countrysides from South Wales to the Orkney Islands, "Oliver's Travels" is the story of a redundant (British for downsized) professor of Comparative Religions (who has studies so many religions that he has ended up agnostic) and a policewoman who because of the professor has gotten herself suspended from the police force because of raising questions about the role of a superior office in a local murder. These two unlikely companions set out on a quest to find 'Arisotle', a legendary master of the art of creating crossword puzzles. Along the way they meet a memorable cast of characters, are the targets of a helicopter attack, and ultimate uncover a cabal of influential criminals whose identities would scandalize all of England. Written by Alan Plater, and starring Alan Bates and Sinead Cusack, this skillfully written script is absolutely riveting from beginning to end, the production values are flawless, and the ending is a complete but completely satisfying surprise. With a total running time of 245 minutes, and featuring a stereo soundtrack, the DVD format allows for the addition of cast filmographies and a scene index. "Oliver's Travel's" is pure entertainment and enthusiastically recommended for personal and community library collections.

Revamped
MTI Home Video
c/o Ed Baran Publicity
www.mtivideo.com ed@edbaran.com
039414581737, $24.95 www.revampedthemovie.com

"Revamped" is the story of successful businessman Richard Clark who is bitten by a beautiful vampire and plunged into the dark world of the undead. Richard finds himself fighting for his very existence when he is targeted by a militaristic team of vampire hunters called the S.T.A.K.E. Team. Barely surviving Ricahrd also finds himself the focus of attention by a savage underground gang of vampires called The BLEEDERS. It's a war for survival as Richard is caught between two opposing and ruthless forces -- neither of which intend him any good! Written, directed and produced by Jeff Rector, "Revamped" stars and illustrious cast of gifted actors that includes Christa Campbell, Martin Kove, Fred Williamson, Tane mcClure, Victor Lundin, Sam Jones, Carel Struycken; Billy Drago, Alana Curry, Mickey Jones, Ann Lockhart, Deron McBee, Vernon Wells, Jason Carter, Paul Michael Robinson, David 'Shark' Fralick, Reggie Bannister, Spice Williams-Crosby, Raye Hollitt, Kato Kaelin, R.A. Mihailoff, Dennis hayden, and Dennis Haskins. With a total running time of 90 minutes, "Revamped" is reminiscent of those great old "B" movies that were the basic fodder of drive-in theaters, a comedic action horror film that is terrific good fun and highly recommended for both personal and community library DVD collections.

Koch Entertainment
22 Harbor Park Drive, Port Washington, NY 11050
VideoSales@kochent.com

Koch Vision offers several DVDs for some of Britain's very best television productions and make them available (often for the first time) to an appreciative American audience. Among their newest releases are a two-season set of "Grafters" which relates the adventures of Trevor and Joe Purvis, two dysfunctional brothers, and their friends as they renovate a London town house (Season 1, KOC-DV-6470, $39.98, 3 DVDs) and a Brighton school house (Season 2, KOC-DV-6462, $29.98, 2 DVDs). Grafters is British slang for worker or laborer, and "Grafters" is a storytelling treat for the viewers who made is 'must see' television in Britain two years in a row. "Hitler: The Rise Of Evil" (KOC-DV-6453, $29.98, 2DVDs) stars an award-winning cast that includes Robert Carlyle, Stockard Channing, Jena Malone, Peter O'Toole, Julianna Margulies, and Liev Schrimber in the mini-series story of Adolph Hitler's ruthless rise to ultimate power. Included as bonus features are the documentaries 'Hitler and I: Reflections of Evil' and 'Hitler: A Career'. "Beyond The Golden Compass: The Magic Of Philip Pullman" (KOC-DV-6507, $19.98) is a 70 minute documentary on Philip Pullman's fantasy novel which is soon to be released as a major motion picture epic. Utilizing computer graphic animation, rare film footage, and interviews with historians and experts, and more than an hour of DVD extras, this is one documentary that qualifies as a 'must see' for Pullman's legions of fans. "New Street Law" (KOC-DV-6466, $39.98, 3 DVDs, 466 minutes) introduces American viewers to one of the best British courtroom drama series in recent years. All eight episodes as originally aired on BBC1 are compiled into this 3 disc boxed set and present the entire first season. All of these DVDs from Koch Vision are enthusiastically recommended for personal and community library DVD collections.

Advanced Soccer Drills
Marty Schupak, producer
Youth Sports Club
9 Florence Court, Valley Cottage, NY 10989
9780978945145, $24.95 www.YouthSportsClub.com 1-800-511-2101

Expert physical educator and youth athletics coach Marty Schupak presents Advanced Soccer Drills, a DVD guide to training oneself or one's team in the sport of soccer. Packed with exercises used by competitive players worldwide, Advanced Soccer Drills covers means to improve footwork, crosses, heading, shooting, juggling, volleys, and conditioning, with a sprinkling of fun games thrown in. Hands-on (or rather, feet-on) demonstrations make Advanced Soccer Drills easy to follow and imitate. Enthusiastically recommended for soccer players and especially for coaches. 38 minutes, color.

Raised To Be Heroes
Jack Silberman, director
The National Film Board of Canada
c/o Bullfrog Films, Inc.
PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547
0772212163, $250.00 www.bullfrogfilms.com 1-800-543-3764

Raised To Be Heroes is a documentary about Israeli soldiers who question and selectively object to the military operations undertaken by their country. More than 1,600 "Refuseniks" in Israel today consider their country's military actions inhumane and call for the end of the occupation of Palestinian territory. Condemned by some Israelis for failing their nation, yet daring to stand up for their own beliefs, they exemplify a dilemma of conscience. A powerful accounting, intended for adults as well as viewers in grade 10 and above. 54 minutes, color, closed captioned (decoder required).

The Stress-Buster Collection: Laugh Through Life
Loretta LaRoche
WGBH Boston Video
c/o SSA Public Relations (publicity)
16027 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 206, Encino, CA 91436
9781593757977, $39.95 www.ssapr.com

International stress management and humor consultant Loretta LaRoche presents The Stress-Buster Collection: Laugh Through Life, a self-help DVD set in which comedienne Loretta LaRoche teaches how to use humor to break through negative, irrational, stress-producing thought patterns. From learning to find humor in everyday situations, to discovering unexpected blessings amid daily messes, The Stress-Buster Collection offers insights to improving quality of life as well as a quick hearty chuckle. Of especial interest are Loretta's acting out the exaggerated thinking patterns that can drive one to the breaking point unchecked: the Awfulizer, the Catastrophizer, and the Mind Reader, not to mention the Baggage Handler. 3 DVDs, 191 minutes, color.

Prevention: Drop It With Dance
Tabitha D'umo
Rodale Press, Inc.
400 South Tenth Street, Emmaus, PA 18098-0099
9780766234000, $14.98 www.rodale.com www.prevention.com 1-800-527-8200

Featuring choreographer Tabitha D'umo, Prevention: Drop It With Dance is a high-energy workout on DVD designed to for users of all levels of experience on the dance floor. Easy-to-follow moves set to energetic music make for a workout that's pure fun, with an assortment of 10-minute routines involving elements of jazz-funk, hip-hop, and 90's jam. Step-by-step salsa and balance/coordination training bonus segments round out this rousing, enthusiastically recommended addition to fitness DVD libraries. 51 minutes, color.

48 Angels
MTI Video
14216 SW 136th Street, Miami, Florida 33186
DVD, $24.95 www.mtivideo.com

Independent film studio MTI Video presents 48 Angels, a widescreen DVD movie following Seamus, a nine-year-old boy diagnosed with a serious illness. Inspired by Saint Columcille, Seamus embarks on a journey to seek God before God comes to him. He joins forces with two unlikely companions, James and Darry; together they set out on a journey that will redefine the way they see the world. A heartwarming story about healing inner wounds while discovering wonder and miracles in the world at large. 90 minutes, color, rated PG-13.

Senator Obama Goes to Africa
Bob Hercules & Keith Walker, producers
First Run Features
630 Ninth Avenue, Suite 1213, New York, NY 10036
DVD, $19.95 www.firstrunfeatures.com 1-800-229-8575

Senator Obama Goes to Africa is a timely documentary on DVD following Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama during a visit to Africa, the land of his ancestry. He visits the prison where Nelson Mandela was jailed for 21 years, a Darfur refugee camp in Chad, and Kenya, the home of his father. He bears witness to political strife, and the horrific effects of genocide, seeking to infuse a call for diplomacy and optimism amid hardship and tragedy. Biographies, an African journey in pictures, and a visit to the Masai Mara Game Preserve with the Obama family round out this profound look at both a complex continent and the soul of a man who would become America's President, highly recommended. 60 minutes, color.

Get Ripped & Chiseled
Jari Love
Razor Fitness
947 Hamilton Ave., Menlo Park, CA 94025
1595523251, $14.95 www.razordigitalent.com www.jarilove.com

Get Ripped & Chiseled with Jari Love is a DVD workout for men and women led by certified personal fitness trainer and fitness club owner Jari Love. Offering two to three consecutive exercises targeting each major muscle group, Get Ripped & Chiseled uses one's own body weight to burn carbohydrates and work toward a lean look. A routine that makes muscles work and keeps the heart rate elevated, the better to burn fat and strengthen muscle tone, Get Ripped & Chiseled lives up to its title. Bonus features include an abs workout and tips on basic nutrition, including healthy recipes. A worthy and recommended addition to personal fitness libraries. 60 minutes, color.

Dance Workout for Dummies
Michelle LeMay
Anchor Bay Entertainment
1699 Stutz Drive, Troy, MI 48084
DVD, $14.98 www.anchorbayentertainment.com

Dance Workout for Dummies is a DVD offering two different 20-minute dance workouts, featuring easy-to-follow foot patterns and arm movements. User-friendly tutorials worthy of the "for Dummies" brand name characterize this straightforward introduction to dancing for improved fitness and overall health. World-renowned choreographer Michelle LeMay leads the way in this fun addition to fitness libraries for novice and experienced dance enthusiasts alike. 44 minutes, color.

Respect Yo' Mama
Larry Lee
Garbage In... Films & Moving Pictures
c/o 411 Video Information
PO Box 1223, Pebble Beach, CA 93953
DVD, $14.95 www.respectyomama.com 1-800-673-0310

Respect Yo' Mama is an educational DVD about recycling, intended for viewers of all ages - from 7 to 97! Discrediting the modern "throw away society", Respect Yo' Mama especially extols the value of recycling paper products, being aware of the things one buys and uses, and introduces the viewer to men and women working hard to make the planet safer and cleaner. Packaged in 100% recycled paper with soy-based inks, Respect Yo' Mama is an enjoyable and enlightening conservation video especially recommended for classroom viewing. 35 minutes, color.

Dance Lessons 101
Shawn Trautman
Privately Published
411 Video Information (publicity)
PO Box 1223, Pebble Beach, CA 93953
DVD, $19.99 www.shawntrautman.com

Shawn Trautman (a coach of World Champion dancers) presents Dance Lessons 101, a DVD introduction to eight of the most popular social dances: Slow Dance, Waltz, Swing, Salsa, Two-Step, Cha-Cha, Hustle, and West Coast Swing. Enabling viewers of all backgrounds and experience levels to learn dance basics with or without a partner, Dance Lessons 101 is ideal for preparing for weddings or cruises, or simply trying out something new to stay fit. The infectiously upbeat attitude and user-friendly instructions effectively make Dance Lessons 101 a top-of-the-line private classroom. Highly recommended. 2 hours, color.

IntenSati: Great Body, Great Life
Patricia Moreno
IntenSati
c/o 411 Video Information (publicity)
PO Box 1223, Pebble Beach, CA 93953
DVD, $14.99 www.intensati.com

IntenSati: Great Body, Great Life is the latest DVD workout in the fitness program created by award-winning instructor Patricia Moreno. Promoting both bodily health and thinking power, IntenSati is an easy-to-follow, high-energy cardio workout combining elements of martial arts, yoga, and spoken meditation for a rejuvenating experience of the mind, body, and soul. A welcome addition to personal fitness DVD libraries, highly recommended. 62 minutes, color.


The Writing/Publishing Shelf

The Art Of The Poetic Line
James Longenbach
Publicity Department
Graywolf Press
2402 University Avenue, Suite 203, Saint Paul, MN 55114
9781555974886, $12.00 www.graywolfpress.org 1-651-641-0077

Poet and literary critic James Longenbach presents The Art Of The Poetic Line, a discussion of the function of the line in metered, rhymed, syllabic, and free-verse poetry. Drawing upon classic examples ranging from Shakespeare and Milton to Ashbery and Gluck, The Art of the Poetic Line demystifies ambiguous elements in creating poetry to evoke mood and experience. "Poems are poems because we want to listen to them. Some poems have a prominent argument; some poems don't. But all poems live or die on their capacity to lure us from their beginning to their ends by a pattern of sounds. This is why a poem we don't understand may seem wonderfully satisfying, and this is why a poem we understand all too well may also seem wonderfully satisfying. A poem may harness the power of meter, rhyme, syntax, and line to establish and disrupt a pattern of sounds, and a poem may with equal integrity reject the power of meter, rhyme, syntax, and line. But the poet needs to understand what she is rejecting as well as what she is harnessing." Highly recommended for poetry connoisseurs, and an absolute must-read for poets and would-be poets of all walks of life.

How To Publish Your Poetry
Helene Ciaravino
SquareOne Publishers
115 Herricks Road, Garden City Park, NY, 11040
0757000010, $15.95 www.squareonepublishers.com

Poetry is an especially difficult field in which to be published. An ideal instruction manual for aspiring poets seeking to have their poetry published, "How To Publish Your Poetry: A Complete Guide To Finding The Right Publishers For Your Work" by book editor, freelance writer, and published poet Helene Ciaravino has compiled a step-by-step 'how to' instruction manual that will materially assist the complete novice to publishing to have their poetry put into print and made available to as large a readership as possible. Writers of poetry seeking publication will be able to maximize their chances for becoming published; will learn how to create an effective submission package; avoid common mistakes in their attempt to become published; learn how to craft a cover letter for their manuscript that will attract the attention of acquisition editors; utilize a simple but practical seven-step system for becoming published; minimize the time, effort, and financial costs of becoming published; take advantage of available resources for the aspiring poet; learn about a diversity of outlets for poetry; and benefit from honing their skills at the craft of writing poetry. Of special note is what Helene Ciarvaino has to say about self-publishing with respect to poetry. Especially recommended for academic and community library Writing & Publishing reference collections, anyone contemplating becoming a published poet should give "How To Publish Your Poetry" a very careful reading. It is a veritable gold mine of practical, useful, time-tested information, ideas, and instructions.

Bylines: 2008 Writer's Desk Calendar
Sylvia Forbes
Sylvia Snowflake Press
PO box 522, Fayette, MO 65248
9781933509044, $13.95 www.bylinescalendar.com

I first became aware of Sylvia Forbes desk calendars for writers last year when I reviewed the 2007 edition of "Bylines". Now aspiring and practicing writers and authors have available to them the new "Bylines: 2008 Writer's Desk Calendar" as an indispensable and invaluable work-a-day reference that will provide useful daily structure for achieving their writing goals and ambitions. Enhanced with the inclusion of literary holidays to celebrate, goal planning suggestions, monthly task lists, pages for conference notes, listings of author birthdays, and extra pages for note taking such as marketing tips and email addresses, this new 2008 edition has been expanded to include a reproducible submission tracker form specifically designed for novice authors and professional freelancers seeking to keep track of manuscript and book proposal submissions to publishers; pages for phone numbers and for tracking writing expenses, plus fifty-three new inspirational and thoughtful essays by successful writers. Simply stated, the "Bylines: 2008 Writer's Desk Calendar" is enthusiastically recommended as the single most practical, utilitarian, and motivational resource any aspiring or practicing writer could have.

Webster's Business Writing Basics
Editors of Merriam-Webster
Federal Street Press
25-13 Old Kings Highway North, #277, Darien, CT 06820
1892859270, $9.98 www.federalstreetpress.com 1-877-886-2830

Webster's Business Writing Basics is a no-nonsense, easy-to-use handbook, self-improvement guide, quick reference, and all-around practical resource for business writers of all venues. From fifty different sample professional letters, to a straightforward handbook of grammar, style, and punctuation guidelines, tips on how to effectively use email in business, "netiquette" fundamentals, and much more, Webster's Business Writing Basics is enthusiastically recommended for anyone in or aspiring to join today's modern workforce. An especially invaluable reference for businesspeople who just graduated from college (the scholarly tone of most college writings differs from the brevity necessary to business writing), and businesspeople who may have learned English as a second language.

The Writer's Journey
Christopher Vogler
Michael Wiese Productions
3940 Laurel Canyon Boulevard, #1111, Studio City, CA 91604
9781932907360, $26.95 www.mwp.com 1-800-833-5738

Originally published in October 1998, "The Writer's Journey: Mythic Structure For Writers by Christopher Vogler is now available in an updated and expanded third edition and continues to justifiably lay claim to being one of the most relied upon and influential instructional reference works for aspiring writers -- especially screenwriters. Drawing from the late Joseph Campbell's groundbreaking work, Vogler explores the historic and fundamental relationship between modern storytelling and classical mythology, and in the process reveals a set of useful myth-inspired storytelling paradigms, as well as step-by-step guidelines to plot and character development. This newest edition of a writer's reference classic includes a revised chapter that looks back on the 'Star Wars' phenomenon and an analysis of all six of the feature films as an epic on the theme of father-son relationships. There are new illustrations and diagrams providing additional perspectives to mythic principles. Of special note is the final chapter 'Trust the Path', an inspiring call to adventure for those aspiring writers seeking to discover themselves through their writing. A basic component of any personal, professional, academic, or community library basic writing reference collection, "The Writer's Journey" will now be of benefit to a whole new generation of movie executives, screenwriters, playwrights, literary critics, academic scholars, writers of fiction and non-fiction, students of pop culture, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the adaptation of ancient myth to contemporary storytelling.

The Complete Guide To Writing Science Fiction
Dave A. Law & Darin Park, editors
Dragon Moon Press
c/o Hades Publications Inc.
PO Box 1714, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2P 2L7
www.completeguidetowriting.com
9781896944395, $24.95 www.dragonmoonpress.com

A comprehensive, deftly edited, 311-page 'how to' instruction guide for writing in the science fiction genre and any of its many subgenres, "The Complete Guide To Writing Science Fiction: Volume One" is a collection of superbly presented essays and articles by knowledgeable and successful writers ranging from Piers Anthony, to Orson Scott Card, to Tina Morgan. Beginning with Darin Park's 'Timeline: A History of Science Fiction', there are specific chapters dealing with the science and technology in science fiction, world building, the creating of aliens, the use of humor and drama, writing graphic novels in the genre, and even what to do with your science fiction short story or novel once it is written. Whether an aspiring writer yearning to break into science fiction, or even an experienced author with some publication credits in the genre, "The Complete Guide To Writing Science Fiction" will prove to be invaluable reading and instructive reference.

Beyond The Internet
Barbara A. Chernow
Bernan Press
4611-F Assembly Drive, Lanham, MD 20706-4391
9781598881738, $19.95 www.bernanpress.com 1-800-865-3457

"Beyond The Internet: Successful Research Strategies" by Barbara A. Chernow (a career encyclopedist, researcher and reference book editor who founded Chernow Editorial Services, Inc. specializing in producing professional books for a variety of publishers) is a critically important instructional reference book for aspiring authors, as well as anyone else engaged in a research project of any kind. Relying solely on the internet for acquiring information will prove to be inadequate because while the internet is a valuable research tool, the majority of documents and resources in the collections of libraries and archives have not been digitalized and made for internet access. Therefore writers and authors who must research their material need to be able to utilize all available resources at their disposal. "Beyond The Internet" was written for just that purpose and covers all the elements and factors relevant to the research process for best results. Thoroughly 'user friendly' itself, "Beyond The Internet" should be considered essential reading for all aspiring authors and is a core addition to any professional, academic, and community library Research Reference collection.

The Writer Within You
Charles Jacobs
Caros Books
16 Pinecrest Drive, Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677
Atlas Book Distributors
30 Amberwood Parkway, Ashland, OH 44805
9780979363603, $19.95 carosbooks@gmail.com 1-800-537-6727

Specifically written to be of value to retirees and other senior citizens, "The Writer Within You: A Step-By-Step Guide To Writing And Publishing In Your Retirement Years" by author, editor, and publishing consultant Charles Jacobs provides the aspiring author with practical, detailed, useful and relevant information and guidance on how to write books and articles in six different genres, select the best publisher for a specific book and market, and how to promote their finished work. All of these principles and procedures are relevant for writers of any age, but are of specific utility to those ages 55 and older who have a wealth of life and career experiences to draw from in what they choose to write. While "The Writer Within You" is a stand-alone, single-volume, comprehensive instruction manual whose chapters cover becoming a writer, writing your book, publishing your book, marketing your book, marketing your book, writing and placing your articles, writing and promoting on the internet, and commercial writing. It should also be noted that Jacobs has created a retirement writing website at http://www.retirement-writing.com; plus a Retirement Writing Blog at http://www.retirement-writing.com/blog. You can even download a free sample chapter from the book at http://www.retirement-writing.com/press_room. If you are a senior who wants to try your hand at writing books and/or articles, the begin with a careful reading of Charles Jacobs' "The Writer Within You".

A Book Is Born
Nancy C. Cleary, et al.
Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing, Inc.
15115 Highway 36, Deadwood, OR, 97430
9781932279504, $24.00 www.wymacpublishing.com

The collaborative effort of Nancy C. Cleary and twenty-four published authors, "A Book Is Born" reveals what it is really like to earn a living as a writer. A after a brief foreword and introduction, "A Book Is Born" is divided into two main sections: Part One - '24 Mom Authors Tell All' in which the contributing authors provided informative examples of going through pre-publication work, author platform-building, pitching manuscripts and story ideas to prospective publishers, post-publication publicity and marketing demands upon the author, and even the 'post-partum'-like depression that afflicts many authors after their book is finished, in print, and available to the reading public. Part Two - 'The Secret to Publishing' is actually a writing/publishing curriculum of instruction complete with visual examples for every step of the publishing (and getting published) process. Of special note in this do-it-yourself curriculum for aspiring authors are the Four Principles every writer should understand and apply; the Universal Laws which are essential to a book being written; and Insider Secrets on the four publishing options available to writers -- and determining which particular one is best suited for them. "A Book Is Born" is especially 'user friendly' reading and an invaluable addition to every aspiring writer's reference collection and professional reading list.


The Library CD Shelf

Mehr
Pouya Mahmoodi
Faryaad Records
216 West Allen Street, Suite 137, Bloomington, IN 47403
Rock Paper Scissors (publicity)
511 West 4th Street, Suite 2, Bloomington, IN 47404
CD, $16.98 www.myspace.com/faryaad www.rockpaperscissors.biz

Mehr is the debut solo album of Tehran-born guitarist Pouya Mahmoodi, also featuring the drum track work of jazz and rock drummer Billy Cobham on two songs. A flourishing showcase of Iranian underground music, Mehr blends elements of East and West into an original guitar synthesis, delving into Persian tradition and touching upon melodies played on wind instruments as well as other lesser-known aspects of Iranian culture. Two songs on Mehr have their roots in zaar, a complex musical rite with origins in Ethiopia and Somalia that is still practiced today in southeastern Iran. The songs of Mehr embrace love in all its forms, from romantic to intimate to abiding spiritual love. An enriching, soulful compilation enthusiastically recommended for connoisseurs of international music.


The Comix/Graphic Novel Shelf

Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnaped
Alan Grant, adaptor
Cam Kennedy, illustrator
Tundra Books
PO Box 1030, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
9780887768439, $14.99 www.tundrabooks.com

Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnaped is a full-color, graphic novel adaptation of the immortal classic adventure written by Robert Louis Stevenson. Set in 1751, when Scotland is suffering in the wake of rebellion against the king, Kidnapped follows the staunchly principled, seventeen-year-old David Balfour, whose parents have recently passed on. Alone and destitute, he seeks is wealthy uncle, unaware that he is about to experience the adventure of his life. Abducted and forced aboard a seedy ship, he unexpectedly befriends master swordsman and fugitive Alan Breck Stewart. Together, the two must fight for their lives, and with Alan's help David can finally make a case for his rightful inheritance. Cam Kennedy's realistic and period-accurate illustrative style brings this dramatic narrative to life. Highly recommended for public library collections and readers age eight to eighty.

Checker Book Publishing Group
2044-A South Alex Road, West Carrollton, OH 45449
www.checkerbpg.com info@checkerbpg.com

The Checker Book Publishing Group has developed a well earned and appreciated reputation for putting out graphic novels of the finest quality and caliber. While some are 'one-shots', others represent titles in a series. Among their latest releases are the third volume in the "Negation Hounded" (1933160632, $17.95) series, a science fiction thriller featuring the talents of author Tony Bedard, penciler Paul Pelletier, colorist James Rochelle, letterer Troy Peteri, and several other contributors. The result is a volume collecting what were previously released single issues (#13, January 2003 through #18, June 2003) of a successful and popular comic. "Sojourn: The Berzerker's Tale: Volume 6 - Edginton Land" (1933160721, $17.l95) that encompasses five previously published issues (#31, February 2004 through #34, May 2004, as well as the 'Prequel' issue of July 2001). The artwork is museum quality and the storyline simply spellbinding. "Sigal: Planetary Union #6" (1933160675, $17.95) comprises issues 33, March 2003 through issues 38, August 2003 of a dramatically illustrated and action packed science fiction adventure series. Alan Moore is legendary is science fiction and fantasy circles. "Supreme: The Return" (0971024960, $24.95) teams up this gifted writer with a supporting of gifted artists, inkers, colorists and letters to provide readers with an 'old school' superhero series presented with a freshly vigor and an enormous entertainment appeal by anthologizing individual issues of the popular 'Supreme' comic book series. "Alien Legion: Footsloggers" (0975380877, $19.95) brings back under one cover the first six issues of an epic science fiction comic that was the combined (and successful) collaboration of Carl Potts, Alan Zelenetz, Frank Cirocco, and Terry Austin. All of these highly recommended titles will be of particular interest to science fiction fans and graphic novel enthusiasts. Those not previously acquainted with the Checker Book Publishing Group are encouraged to visit their website at www.checkerbpg.com for a complete list of their available titles -- including the earlier volumes of these particularly cited and recommended series.

Tales Of Tralodren: The Beginning
Chad Corrie & Lee Oaks
Aspirations Media, Inc.
7755 Lakeview Lane, Spring Lake Park, MN 55432
9780977604388, $16.95 www.aspirationsmediainc.com

Written by Chad Corrie, illustrated by Lee Oaks, and featuring cover art by Ed Waysek, "Tales Of Tralodren: The Beginning" is a superbly presented, full-color graphic novel set in the fantasy world setting of Chad Corrie's 'Divine Gambit' trilogy and is the story of events that took place before recorded time. Depicted is a world of magic and mayhem, creation and conflict, tragedy and triumph. Of special note is the choice of a cursive-style font for the text which conjures up an appropriate story-telling atmosphere for a truly engaging saga. "Tales Of Tralodren: The Beginning" is very highly recommended and entertaining reading -- and will lead graphic novel enthusiasts and science fiction fans looking forward to more graphic novel adaptations and original stories set in Chad Corrie's Tralodren universe.

I Am Legend
Richard Matheson
IDW Publishing
4411 Morena Boulevard, Suite 106, San Diego, CA 02117
978-193323921-7, $19.99 www.idwpublishing.com

In 1954 Richard Matheson penned a holocaust survivor novel that was unique in the genre. A devastating epidemic breaks out all over the world. The infected transform into vampire like creatures that must sleep during the day and roam the earth. One lone human survivor, Robert Neville, must live a life of stark loneliness during the day, and absolute peril at night. A powerful science fiction epic, "I Am Legend" first came to the movie screen in a 1964 adaptation was titled 'The Last Man On Earth' that starred veteran horror film actor Vincent Price. It's next film version, 'The Omega man' debuted in 1971 and starred Charlton Heston. Now a new remake, and one whose title uses the original Richard Matheson title, "I Am Legend" and stars Will Smith. The graphic novel just released from IDW Publishing is faithful to this latest film featuring an excellent adaptation by Steve Niles, and features superbly black-and-white illustration by Elman Brown. As superbly crafted a graphic novel as it was originally a ground-breaking science fiction novel, "I Am Legend" is confidently recommended to the attention of graphic novel enthusiasts, as well as science fiction fans.

Ral & Grad, volume 1
Tsuneo Takano, author
Takeshi Obata, artist
Viz Communications Inc.
295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
9781421518909, $7.99 www.viz.com 1-800-394-3042

Drawn by the artist of the cult hit manga "Death Note", the debut volume of Ral & Grad (actually written using the "omega" symbol instead of an ampersand - search for it by writer's name Tsuneo Takano if a title search doesn't produce results) is an action-packed, netherworldly Japanese manga in the same gung-ho vein as "Bastard!" and other titles with antiheroes whose main redeeming feature is that they're nowhere near as dastardly as their vile enemies. In a medieval world besieged by "shadows", beings that live in the shadows of flesh-and-blood mortals and who frequently consume them body and soul, Ral and Grad are an anomaly - a human-shadow team who support and work with each other as friends do, rather than existing as host and parasite or worse. The diabolical shadow queen has forsaken the world of shadow to exterminate the human race; Grad the shadow dragon wants to depose the queen and restore the two-dimensional world of shadow, where all shadows who have not contaminated themselves by devouring humans can return; and Ral is a teenage boy who has just discovered the pleasure of squeezing women's breasts! Ral and Grad are a team - Grad provides the raw power, while Ral provides human wisdom and cunning, such as they are. Aided by Ral's female teacher, who (often unsuccessfully) strives to keep his lecherous ways in check, as well as a young girl bonded to a shadow scout, the two set out overthrow the queen once and for all! Ral & Grad is most assuredly for older teens and adults due to violence and rampant boob-squeezing, yet balancing the moments of guilty pleasure is an action-packed, intelligently presented story.

Inside the World of Comic Books
Jeffery Klaehn, editor
Black Rose Books
2250 Military Road, Tonawanda, NY 14225
9781551642963, $24.99 www.blackrosebooks.net

Edited by Culture Studies and Sociology teacher Jeffery Klaehn, Inside the World of Comic Books is a gathering of interviews and essays by learned authors discussing all aspects of the print media form known as "comic books". It should be noted that the primary focus is upon American comics (especially superhero comics) and comic readers, not European comics or Japanese manga. The interviewees consist of comic writers, comic artists, and award-winning editors and publishers, including Victor Lucas, Tommy Tallarico, Joe Quesada, and many others. The essays cover a diversity of topics ranging from the role of comics in reflecting the mood of popular culture, to educational comics in the 1950's, tales of the creation of comics, the origin and evolution of the Batman mythology, fan interaction in comic book letter pages, choices for the greatest comic stories ever told, and more. Enthusiastically recommended reading for superhero comic fans.


The Audiobook Shelf

Eternity in Death
J.D. Robb
Brilliance Audio
c/o Brilliance Corporation
PO Box 887, Grand Haven, MI 49417
1423351703, $19.95 www.brillianceaudio.com 1-800-854-7859

Veteran audio narrator Susan Ericksen lends a smooth and dramatic voice to this mystery involving a futuristic lieutenant who is on a collision course with a criminal vampire. Her struggles to find and subdue the unusual perp lend to a riveting mystery perfect for any collection strong in audio mysteries or vampire stories in general; especially for those seeking something different.

Lord John And The Brotherhood Of The Blade
Diana Gabaldon
Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
C4207, $123.75 www.recordedbooks.com 1-800-638-1304

Europe's infamous Seven Year War was fully in progress in 1758. Lord John and his brother Hal must deal with their responsibilities as British officers, a troubled family history involving their father's seeming suicide. A series of events lead them to the conclusion that their father was never a Jacobite agent, and was murdered. Author Diana Gabaldon's superbly crafted historical novel, "Lord John And The Brotherhood Of The Blade" is brought vividly to life through the narrative skills of Jeff Woodman in this complete and unabridged recording, comprised of 13 compact disks and with a total running time of 15.75 hours. Against a background of war, family secrets, and even a forbidden love, "Lord John And The Brotherhood Of The Blade" is a riveting 'theatre of the mind' experience, and an enthusiastically recommended addition to personal and community library audiobook collections.

Hachette Book Group
237 Park Avenue, New York NY 10017
www.hachetteaudio.com

Three books in James Patterson's 'Women's Murder Club' set (1800242413 $49.99), each narrated by excellent, different readers, spice a collected box set audio which is the perfect listen for any who want the complete stories under one box. Suzanne Toren narrates FIRST TO DIE, about newlyweds being murdered in San Francisco, Melissa Leo and Jeremy Piven provide a gripping dual narration with SECOND CHANCE, revolving around a killer who is not choosy about his victims, and THIRD DEGREE receives a fine, lively review by Carolyn McCormick who brings to life this story of a burning town house, three bodies, and a mysterious message. All are fine picks under one box set which audio listeners will relish. Patterson's DOUBLE CROSS (1600240593, $39.98) is also a winner, pairing a dual narration by Peter Jay Fernandesz, a New York based actor, with Micahel Stuhlbarg, a Julliard attendee, who together provide a hard-hitting drama. A psychotic killer craves an audience for his acts, while a competitor is a brilliant killer who works alone. The two are after the same detective - Alex Cross. Can he survive a double web of two very different approaches to murder? David Baldacci's SPLIT SECOND (1600241344, $29.98) is an excellent thriller pairing a fine reading by Scott Brick with a moving thriller revolving around one Michelle, who has blown her future with the Secret Service and when she lets her charge vanish. She joins forces with the unlikely Sean King who has a similar problem - and the two delve into a world of secrets and deadly coincidences. Both are high-powered thrillers. Joyce Meyer's STARTING YOUR DAY RIGHT, ENDING YOUR DAY RIGHT BOX SET: DEVOTIONS TO BEGIN AND END EACH DAY (1600240959, $24.98) is on 4 CDs narrated by Andra McCollom, whose smooth voice lends quiet inspiration to a wonderful set. This will make either a fine lending library addition or a perfect gift for any seeking inspiration.

You: Staying Young
Mehmet C. Oz, M.D. and Michael F. Roizen, M.D., authors
Johnny Heller, narrator
Recorded Books, LLC
270 Skip Jack Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678
9781428176720, $123.75 www.recordedbooks.com 1-800-638-1304

Written by medical doctors Mehmet C. Oz and Michael F. Roizen, and performed by successful television actor Johnny Heller, You: Staying Young is an audiobook owner's manual for the human body. Written with wit and charm, You: Staying Young give diet, exercise, and other healthful advice for readers of all ages, with the goal of slowing the aging process and reducing the risk of such age-related ills as chronic pain and senility. Formulated into a 14-day self-improvement plan, You: Staying Young is enthusiastically recommended for improving one's overall quality of life, as is the other volume in the series, You: On a Diet. 9 CDs, 10 3/4 hours.

The FAST Technique for Stress Relief
Dr. Ronald Nathan
Upward Press
CD, $34.95 www.upwardpress.com www.lulu.com

The FAST Technique for Stress Relief is an audiobook on 2 CDs offering a simple, straightforward method for relaxation and stress relief. Nationally known psychologist and award-winning educator Dr. Ronald Nathan walks the reader through basic techniques on the first CD in a calm, soothing voice, accompanied by sounds of the ocean surf with seagulls and an acoustic guitar. The second CD branches into more advanced techniques. The FAST Technique for Stress Relief guides the listener to incorporated brief, relaxing moments into the hectic bustle of daily life, when interludes of peace are most needed. Relaxation is also presented as a drug-free sleep aide, along with peaceful affirmations to develop healthier thought patterns. The overall experience is not simply a temporary instance of relaxation, but a methodology to incorporating relaxation in order to improve the overall quality of one's life. Highly recommended.


The Economics Shelf

Building Inclusive Financial Systems
Michael S. Barr, Anjali Kumar, and Robert E. Litan, editors
Brookings Institution Press
1775 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20036-2188
9780815708391, $39.95 www.brookings.edu 1-800-275-1447

Building Inclusive Financial Systems is an anthology of scholarly essays by a wide variety of educated authors discussing how broad-based, inclusive financial systems can effectively reduce poverty and expand opportunity in developing countries. With an especial eye toward the field of microfinance, Building Inclusive Financial Systems offers solid grounding and recommendations for responsibly increasing access to financial systems, sure to benefit governments and the private sector alike. Individual essays discuss government policies to expand financial access, how to measure financial access, why financial access has the impact it does upon growth and poverty, and much more. A handful of graphs and an index round out this welcome contribution of ideas, methodologies, and means to remove common barriers to financial access.

The Economics Of Global Environment Change
Mario Cogoy & Karl W. Steininger
Edward Elgar Publishing
9 Dewey Court, Northampton, MA 01060-3815
9781847200099, $120.00 www.e-elgar.com 1-800-390-3149

The latest edition to the Edward Elgar Publishing series 'New Horizons In Environmental Economics', "The Economics Of Global Environment Change" is co-edited by Mario Cogoy (Professor of international Economics, University of Trieste, Italy) and Karl W. Steininger (Professor of Economics, Wegener Center for Climate and Global Change, University of Graz, Austria). Benefitting from the contributions of acknowledged experts in their fields, this informed and informed compendium of information is organized into three main sections beginning with an introduction and overview of the subject of global climate change and its economic implications. Four major papers comprise the section on 'The Economics Dimensions of Global Environmental Change"; three contributions comprise the third section addresses issues related to 'International Cooperation in Global Environmental Change'. The contributors address the issues of distributions conflicts, unresolved equity issues, asymmetric distribution of the coasts and benefits of environmental policy, the d4evelopment of an international institutional framework, long-run international aspects of global environmental change; international trade, land-use change, biodiversity preservation, management of water resources and conflicts, as well as global warming and strategic aspects of international environmental agreements. An impressive and seminal body of work in compliance with the highest standards of research and scholarship making it an essential addition to academic, corporate, governmental, and environmental organization reference collections, "The Economics Of Global Environment Change" will prove to be of immense and timely interest to economists, environmentalists, academicians, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the economic impact of global warming.


The Health/Medicine Shelf

Blind Spots
Madeleine L. Van Hecke, Ph.D.
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
9781591025092 www.prometheusbooks.com

BLIND SPOTS: WHY SMART PEOPLE DO DUMB THINGS packs in examples, tactics and tips on how to understand the underlying meaning of simple blunders. Psychological probing reveals the underlying nature of jumping to conclusions and failing to think through challenges and issues, documenting exactly how smart people fail and offering scientific research on critical thinking which is actually fun to read, making it a pick for both college-level psychological libraries and general-interest collections.

The Alexander Technique Manual
Richard Brennan
Connections Publishing
148 King's Cross Road, London WC1X 9DH, UK
9781859061633 www.amazon.com www.connections-publishing.com

Any who struggle with posture issues will find THE ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE MANUAL: TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR POSTURE AND YOUR LIFE goes beyond the usual admonitions and shows how to release muscular tension, learn new ways of sitting, standing and moving, and relieve common aches. Large color photos show how individuals can achieve their own chiropractic-type adjustments, increase sensitivity to movement choices, and learn new techniques. Both health libraries and general-interest collections will find this invaluable.


The Business Shelf

How To Run A Dog Business
Veronica Boutelle
Dogwise Publishing
PO Box 2778, Wenatchee, WA 98807-2778
9781929242474, $19.95 www.dogwisepublishing.com 1-800-776-2665

A professional dog-trainer, Veronica Boutelle is also the former Director of Behavior and Training at the San Francisco SPCA. In "How To Run A Dog Business: Putting Your Career Where Your Heart Is", she draws upon her many years of experience and expertise to show aspiring dog trainers wanting to start their own business how to analyze their market, set prices, and advertise their services; determine what licenses, insurance, and professional affiliations are needed; create systems that profitably streamline the business; and how to balance work demands with having a personal life. Exceptionally well written and superbly organized, "How To Run A Dog Business" is very highly recommended for aspiring professionals, as well as non-specialized general readers who enjoy the company and training of their canine companions.

Amacom
1601 Broadway, New York NY 10019
www.amacombooks.org

Until recently the most important stakeholders in any company were employees who worked with loyalty and passion, giving the job their all. With the advent of a global economy such commitment has faded, and Judith M. Bardwick, Ph.D.'s ONE FOOT OUT THE DOOR: HOW TO COMBAT THE PSYCHOLOGICAL RECESSION THAT'S ALIENATING EMPLOYEES AND HURTING AMERICAN BUSINESS (0814480586, $24.95) charts this tendency of modern employees to 'sleepwalk' through jobs without any commitment. Chapters do more than document the trend: they provide managers and collections catering to administrators with the tools for combating this tendency. David Reed's MORTGAGE CONFIDENTIAL: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW THAT YOUR LENDER WON'T TELL YOU (0814473695, $16.95) tells everything a lender won't about what they really look for in an application before approving a loan, and is a pick for any solid real estate collection and for any who would understand the loan process. From qualifications for different size loans to avoiding scams and maximizing chances for loan approval, MORTGAGE CONFIDENTIAL is an invaluable guide.


The International Studies Shelf

Encounters with the Middle East
Nesreen Khashan and Jim Bowman
Solas House
853 Alma Street, Palo Alto, CA 94301
1932361480 $17.95 www.besttravelwriting.com

ENCOUNTERS WITH THE MIDDLE EAST: TRUE STORIES OF PEOPLE AND CULTURE THAT HELP YOU UNDERSTAND THE REGION focuses on the encounters and stories of ordinary people, surveying interactions with 30 writers who go beyond a social report to consider how life is lived in the region. Their experiences bring to life the daily trials and promises of the Middle East and makes for a strong survey for any collection strong in contemporary Middle East culture and issues, from high school and college libraries to the general-interest lending collection.


The Computer Shelf

iPhone: The Missing Manual
David Pogue
Pogue Press
c/o O'Reilly Associates
1005 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
0596513747 $19.99 www.oreilly.com

Consumers who have just purchased an iPhone will want to include iPhone: The Missing Manual in their shopping cart: it packs in details on the phone's basic and sophisticated features alike, showing how to sync it with a music file, how to get online using one of several ways, how to customize it for optimal performance and personal needs, and more. Both computer libraries and general-interest collections will especially appreciate the color tip bars, many sample screen shots throughout, and an easy format that lends to quick browsing and immediate understanding.

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

Steven Feuerstein, Bill Pribyl and Chip Dawes' ORACLE PL/SQL LANGUAGE POCKET REFERENCE (0596514042, $14.99) provides the fourth edition of a popular pocket guide which will serve as a quick reference in take-along tote format. PL/SQL's information covers records, functions, language elements and more, in a new edition that includes Oracle Database 11g elements from function results to compound triggers. New sections on Oracle's built-in functions rounds out the update. Steven Feuerstein's ORACLE PL/SQL BEST PRACTICES, 2ND EDITION (0596514107, $29.99) provides the author's years of programming, teaching and writing experiences in a set of 'best practices' for developing applications. The latest release of Oracle is covered in chapters which cover nine categories in chapters which are quick and easy to consult, arranged in a problem/solution format to reflect real-world programming examples and challenges.

Adobe Creative Suite 3 Bible
Ted Padova and Kelly L. Murdock
Wiley Publishing
10475 Crosspoint Boulevard, Indianapolis, IN 46256
9780470130674 $44.99 www.wiley.com

Any collection strong in Adobe CS3 needs Adobe Creative Suite 3 Bible: at over 1,200 pages of information it literally is a 'bible' of information, packing in details on all the toolbox offerings from the latest Adobe creation. From setting up workflows for teams or studios to exporting Web designs, working with older versions of files, adding animation and sound slips, and more, this offers up black and white screen shots paired with important information essential to Adobe users, making it a top pick not just for computer libraries, but for general-interest holdings.


The Photography Shelf

Bruno Gmunder Verlag
Kleiststr 23-26, D-10787, Berlin Germany
www.amazon.com www.brunogmuender.com

Bruno Gmunder Verlag's titles focus on explicit male pictures and photo books: while these won't be appropriate for the general-interest lending library, they will be key specialty items for any library including sections on gay men or explicit photos of male models. Two new highly recommended publications include Jeff Palmer's TOUCH (9783861874652, $49.95), with its focus on American models in sensual and intimate togetherness, and Henning Von Berg's ALPHA MALES (9783861874683). TOUCH's male nudes are excellent black and white, artistic renditions also recommended for art libraries seeking alternative books on portraiture, while ALPHA MALES focuses on bodybuilders and the male body set in often provocative or eye-opening displays. Both are top picks for any library not afraid of sexually explicit yet artistic productions.


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


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